From the thunder clap at the start, followed by the rain and then that iconic downward keyboard run, this track is just soaked in a dark and moody atmosphere; it’s the musical equivalent of a psycho thriller film. To add to the spookiness, it was the last song The Doors ever recorded, shortly before Jim Morrison's death in 1971, as well as being his last recording to be released.
Each member of the band demonstrate that they are top notch musicians - Ray Manzerak’s exquisite electric piano playing characterises the sound, behind it pulses the throbbing insistent bass line and the tasteful tremolo-infused jazzy guitar chord work.
Jim Morrison had one of the all time great rock voices (and one of the best screams in the business) - he never gets to let rip with it on this track like he does in ‘When the Music’s Over’ but here his performance is more subtle, restrained and what a rich, and powerful instrument it is. The Doors could occasionally be a bit kitsch and hammy but on this track what The Doors do well all comes together perfectly. What a fitting song for them to bow out on; I recommend it for a long drive.
Desert Island Discs
1 - Midnight At The Oasis
'Heaven’s Holding
a Half Moon’
2 - Drive-In Saturday
‘Jung the Foreman
Prayed at Work...’
3 - Virginia Plain
Make Me a Deal,
and Make it Straight!’
4 - Au Fond du Temple Saint
‘At the Back of
the Holy Temple’
5 - Kid
‘Angry Tears Are Too Dear,
You Won’t Let Them Go’
6 - Burning Down The House
‘Watch Out! You Might
Get What You’re After'
7 - Riders on the Storm
‘There’s a Killer on the Road’
8 - Across the Universe
'Words are Flowing Out
Like Endless Rain
into a Paper Cup'