Classical Composer Reacts to THE DOORS: RIDERS ON THE STORM | The Daily Doug (Episode 702)

[@stevecanfield8089]

One of the (many) things that makes The Doors great - The Doors don't sound like anyone else, and no one else sounds like The Doors.

[@vickiconley3638]

So true. Very unique, and the storm sounds were great as well to set the visual. Good pre-discussion Doug.

[@haydenmcanally2254]

While I agree that they certainly made a unique stamp on music, I’d argue that some are able to capture the essence of their sound

[@panoseddie9975]

Exactly my friend , that is unique in rock history. Every other huge band has many copies

[@kelvinkloud]

I will say they were an inconsistent band. its cost them some too. its why they dont get the same stature love as the beatles, zep, floyd etc.... but to your point, its also why they're underrated.... when the doors were on their A game as here, they elevated to a rarified level. At their best, they may have been america's most creative band ever. certainly in the conversation regardless of what the snobs or haters say. this song is timeless & thats very hard to say or do in rock. that genre ages quickly, yet this stands out as hallmark & still relevant today. no one could mix mood & draw you in like the doors when they tapped into a creative current. the sound was iconic, influential & its own singular idiom. a band who really understood how to listen to each other & make the whole stronger.

[@markzelepugas6046]

@@haydenmcanally2254 Nobody sounds like the doors…

[@keithwright1621]

When Jim sings "Into the world we're thrown" he's quoting philosopher Emmanuel Kant. They were educated chaps.

[@madlove1581]

......... great stuff

[@keithwright1621]

My bad! It's Karl Heidegger who's philosophy Jim quotes.

[@thedoors4m79]

@@keithwright1621 😉 Martin Heidegger! (German philosopher and arguably one of the greatest in Western philosophy) Heidegger speaks of "Geworfenheit" ("thrownness"). Greetings from Germany / Grüße aus Deutschland Michael

[@progger53]

Cool.

[@tacituskilgore8747]

Remember kids: "The future's uncertain and the end is always near." - Roadhouse Blues by The Doors

[@billschulze4311]

Great song

[@AntonyFleck]

Yeah indeed 'Woke up this morning and I got myself a beer!".....

[@szqsk8]

And the longer you live the more you realize how true that statement is.

[@darreleddings5901]

I say it again: The greatest "last song on their last record" from any band ever

[@reca2489]

Added to the fact their "first song on their first album" is also a timeless anthem, what a sandwich they made.

[@MrMiniTako]

@@reca2489 and everything in between

[@lesliespeck8717]

I love that they actually recorded a real thunderstorm for the background. No one like them before or since. Great reaction.

[@anamericanprayer1967]

There is an anniversary addition of Riders, that has them in studio talking. Jim says “let’s send out for some good Arizona thunder. I like listening to the process & how Jim speaks.

[@Frantixj]

It's my favorite song by The Doors. First time I heard it was in 2005, I was walking home from an afterschool class, enjoying my new 1GB Samsung mp3 player. I transferred whatever my dad had on his PC and gave it a listen. Almost 20 years later I can specifically recall when I first heard that song, walking home, it was a misty October evening, steers lit by that yellow streetlamp light, avoiding puddles, bag on my arm. Such a fitting atmosphere for this masterpiece.

[@vcstaff]

Great story. Mine is similar and really speaks to how The Doors music has carried through generations. I received my first turntable record player at the age of 9 or 10 around 1980. Of course I wanted to play everything I could get my hands on, so I was flipping through my dad’s vinyl one day - and the cellophane window over the yellow inner sleeve of the LA Woman album jacket really caught my attention. I remember being floored by the sound…especially Texas Radio and the Big Beat… But then Riders came on and made me instantly realize this band was special.

[@neile2001]

I love Robbie Krieger's guitar vamping underneath Ray's solo. It's subtle and great playing.

[@davidpeters3857]

💯

[@RideAcrossTheRiver]

Yup, back off rear pickup a bit along with tone controls.

[@sithlordkaeyl21]

IMO, this song encapsulates everything that The Doors were. The musical arrangement is beyond amazing, Jim Morrison’s vocals are so beautiful, the storm sound effects make it feel sort of “ethereal”, or “otherworldly” to me. This is my absolute favorite song of theirs, and I can’t ever get tired of hearing it.

[@Canucklehead557]

I recommend "Crystal Ship" if you haven't already done it. Thank you for remembering Jim on his birthday, belated like.

[@stevehartke]

The whole Morrison Hotel record would be great!

[@rwellman238]

"Riders on the Storm" made me realize the use of headphones. Then I found out about Pink Floyd and never was without headphones again.

[@progger53]

I got two powered head phones. Both has a wire hook up to to avoid using the Bluetooth

[@kelvinheron3425]

That whispered voice double-tracked with Jim's normal voice has always intrigued me. I'm glad you heard it Doug - I thought I was imagining it. Adds so much extra eerie menace to this masterpiece.

[@janasrs]

In the day, I had a quadraphonic recording of the album, where tracks were isolated and played through four speakers instead of just two. All you'd hear out of one speaker was that overdubbed "riders on the storm...." (repetitively) in that raspy, haunting tone. Great!

[@cristianovia]

The whole album is one of my all time favorites, all killers no fillers. The Doors had a style for them selves impossible to categorize them. Pure genius 🥰

[@rubicon-oh9km]

The Doors were like the dark thunderheads approaching on a Kansas plain when juxtaposed against the light pop the late 60's. One of the greatest bands ever.

[@Alicatt1]

I can remember when my mate and I were walking down to the railway station in Balloch heading to Glasgow to go to the music shops there and listening to the radio when the news of Jim Morrison's death came over, we were shocked, LA Woman was one of the albums we took home with us. Thanks for the reaction and the improvisation too

[@Dewey666]

Being Jim's birthday and ironically his last recorded piece of music, it's an all around great choice. 👍👍👍

[@scsi_joe]

You're right, wow - He would've been 80 this year!

[@justinscrivner5457]

The phrase "an actor out on loan" can only come up from a person who knows the ups ad downs of the Hollywood business not to mention he was a film student.

[@BobbyHikes928]

The fact that you can jump right in with them is proof of your talent sir. Awesome job.

[@verbo108]

It gives me the feeling that I'm listening to this song with a friend who also likes it. Thanks.

[@EchoesDaBear]

Great reaction to an amazing tune!! Ray Manzarek (RIP) was a brilliant musician!! Jim (RIP) had some real poetic vibes in him! I just love this song - in my top 5 for The Doors. Yes, the 'single' removes so much of the heart of this track. Cheers! Enjoy that whiskey.

[@vickiconley3638]

Yes, Jim had a poetic soul. From my youth as well.

[@kelvinkloud]

for me, its grown to be my favorite. b/c I really think morrison sensed this might be it. it was the end of their 7 album contract & this was the last song on the album. he was leaving for paris & was thinking about exiting music to go hard into film writing & direction. he wanted to go out strong. Ive come to not underestimate his unique genius. he wasnt a musician, but he was a very creative conceptual thinker. he knew how to draw out a theme & structure it. this song may be his best ever at doing that. its more bare lyrically, but denser symbolically. the mood is palpable but more soothing then dangerous or over the top. its meant to be philosophical & reflective of the overall culture. both a good bye but also a ray of hope to his own homeland as he planned an exit. if you breakdown the symbolism, in many ways its a mature bookend to the end.

[@davidputterman2719]

Great job once again Doug. Fun fact about that song. Prior to a recording session, Robbie Krieger was noodling around in the studio on his twang guitar playing "Ghost Riders in the Sky" originally written by Stan Jones circa 1948 and made famous by Vaughn Monroe. Jim Morrison came into the studio and said "I have lyrics for that". Ray Manzarek said that he would have to come up with some new piano lines and started playing his Rhodes. Thus was born Riders on the Storm. And now you know the rest of the story.

[@jamesdignanmusic2765]

never knew that but it makes perfect sense - and explains the title!

[@glen1555]

There is a KZbin video where Robbie and Ray discuss how Ghost Riders evolved in a jam session into RotS

[@timothywolfe3891]

Doug, PLEASE react to "LA Woman" - title song from the album! Killer song - great keyboards from the late, great Ray Manzarek.

[@Cathie2209]

Yes, yes please, Doug! Seconded 👍

[@zacharyalan4977]

Oh yes, L.A. Woman and Love Her Madly. Please!

[@mattsdpell5029]

I'm a member of a tribute band of Doors. I love the fact that gems of the past still live thanks to your dedication and your work. Thank you, Doug

[@billhawkins1236]

These guys complemented each other perfectly.

[@tonybaloneys]

Possibly the finest example of a song that can transform reality to a place in the mind. Put on some headphones, close your eyes and take the journey. You will want more.

[@vickiconley3638]

Yes it does transport you. I usually listen when at home as if I'm driving I will become oblivious to the fact that I am driving.

[@SebsBeenHere]

Robby’s nuances during the piano solo are just fkn perfect!

[@christineatkinson2426]

I just happened upon your channel and decided to visit for awhile. I forgot how amazing this song is. You’re a great host Doug and enhanced my listening experience. Thank you.

[@stevehartke]

Dive in, Doug is the best!!

[@stevecowder4774]

Excellent choice Doug ! Jim would have approved of your taste in whiskey 😆. But I was only 13 when I first heard this spooky tune on the radio one night, back in ‘ 74. At the time, I wasn’t very familiar with the Doors. However by the time this song ended, it sent more chills up my spine than anything I’d ever heard prior to. I’d never heard anything like it and in years to come, this ominous song would convert me into an eternal fan. It also got me into Jazz music. And your take on Jim having closed out his career with the Doors and this song is perfect. I’m quite certain that’s exactly how he wanted it.

[@lyric8006]

This is so fun. Watching you critic a beautiful DOORS SONG. I am overwhelmed. There is too much goodness here. 🎉

[@jimgrant4348]

Doug I never took a music theory course but really like your explanation of the different chord progressions. When I was driving from Omaha to Pittsburgh, PA in 1981, this song came on the radio about 3 am as I was going through Ohio during a thunderstorm. Jim and The Doors saved my life. I was starting to doze off, and this song woke me up and I cranked up my radio and sang along. Four hours later, I was at my new home. Jim, God bless you for giving so many people such great memories with your music. Anyone who remembers your music, when they hear it they know where they were, or who they were with, or what they were doing. Gone, but certainly not forgotten.

[@brudershaft4539]

hey man, this is the first time I've seen you use the keys on one of these vids, nearly fell off my seat! really enjoyed hearing you play. Good work man.

[@daveapple205]

If you listen closely, you can hear Morrison's vocals have another vocal track overdubbed on to it. Morrison sings the song in a normal singing voice, and the overdubbed track is the exact same thing but WHISPERED. It gives it a very haunting sound.

[@mattsdpell5029]

I believe Doug says that at 9:20

[@open_water2411]

Check out “Touch Me” live on the Ed Sullivan show for coolest TV performance ever. It’s incredible.

[@splitimage137.]

Hey Doug! You're back with some Classic Rock. Well done, my man! Next up: THE END. It's a psychedelic ride par excellence!

[@CPACK1]

Big fan In the 60s.

[@reneedevry4361]

I remember this album when it came out. Such a great classic song from my youth. Have every note, sound, and lyric memorized.🌹 Thank you❤️ 🥰🥰Greetings from a Dimash fan from Canada🌹🇨🇦🌹

[@Oldhogleg]

Still remember listening to Light my Fire and Riders on the Storm on my little transistor radio back in the late 60's and early 70's after going to bed at night as a child.

[@MrBuckeyesfan]

Very fitting choice, as today would have been Jim’s 80th birthday 😌🕊️

[@DanielFernandoVargasClavijo]

I remember a Ray Manzarek video explaining how they composed Riders on the Storm, I think that video is from 2010 or later... I mean, that song it's so amazing and mindblowing!

[@billmiller4972]

My older siblings listened to that music when I was a small boy. Immediately transports me back to those days.

[@underwoodvoice9077]

Possibly the Doors' finest moment of many, many fine moments.

[@tiluriso]

6:12, What you describe there;' a classic modal mixture, switch from Dorian to Aeolian, Steely Dan also does that on their very first single , 1972's 'Do It Again', where verses are implied Dorian but the chorus is Aeolian

[@gjhf11]

Wonderful review of such an iconic song from an iconic band there Doug. If you could do one other Doors song, I would plead for 'When the Music's Over', which for me is the finest, mind broadening psychedelic-rock song that's ever been created! You'd have a blast, believe me!

[@billhawkins1236]

I'm " Waiting for the Sun " to go down past the edge of my fence so I can see my phone.😂

[@32a34a]

Rays playing in this is easily in the top 3 or 4 greatest piano solos ever. Hensley's playing on July Morning is right up there too. Lastly Jerry Scheff was Elvis's bassist for quite a few years.

[@rykehuss3435]

8:14 this part is definitely a throwback to some Chopin, that waterfall/droplets run. Of course Chopin would've played it much faster

[@jasonlamar6347]

If you were a one hit wonder and this was the song, it would easily be enough to immortalize you. Thankfully we have a library from these guys and this album is great front to back.

[@spazimdam]

What a great bass line this song has, no? Been digging this for many decades I have, yes. Good that Doug reacts to the original best version. Ray Manzarek's wonderful electric piano work on here is sublime. Love that tinkling down line he does.

[@jima6545]

You speak like Yoda, and I love it

[@spazimdam]

@@jima6545 Gets it he does, yes. Thanking you I am.

[@robfractal6820]

Great song never sounds aged always so cool

[@Mary-had-a-lil-farm]

Love love love your insight into these songs I have listened to and loved for many years. Fascinating.

[@wilderbeast96]

Aah, Doug, when he was in Paris he did a drunken session with a couple of American street musicians in summer 1971. Ray Manzarek describes it as drunken, horrible stuff, but those were the last studio works of the Lizard King. Also, he would sing, "Do the funky chicken" drunk at outdoor cafe's!

[@ScienceTalkwithJimMassa]

This is my favorite Doors song. It is fitting Doug that you post this video on what would have been Jim's 80th birthday.

[@briantooze3415]

This track has to be played through headphones!

[@Jamesharris-lo9nn]

What a masterpiece! Love The Doors. Happy birthday Jim. 🎙️🎸🎶

[@likeakite]

A very well constructed song that carries an eeriness of foreboding....love it

[@metalmark1214]

One of my favorite The Doors songs. I have a Best of The Doors CD in my car right now.

[@jamesdignanmusic2765]

I always love the way that Ray's piano in the intro and ending is imitating raindrops. And that propulsive bass just makes the track. As to their legacy, two of my favourite bands of the 80s and 90s - The Stranglers and Echo & the Bunnymen were both heavily influenced by the Doors - Ray guests on one of E&B's songs (Bedbugs and Ballyhoo), and the keyboards of The Stranglers' music is very reminiscent of his style.

[@wesleifarias8157]

I was in my car yesterday listening to this song while driving and I thought the whispered singing really eerie... Very well mentioned, Doug! Greetings from Brazil!

[@thelonesomefisherman7425]

One of my favorite songs to mellow out too.😊

[@hundvd_7]

I literally grew up on this song, and it will never stop being one of my absolute favorites We travelled a lot by car, as my mom is Hungarian and my dad is French, and they separated not much after I was born. So I spent a LOT of time going between the two countries. The Doors' Greatest Hits was one of the few tapes we kept in the car. And it was by far the most played one. It might as well have been stuck, and we wouldn't have noticed it cause we never wanted to play anything else. And this was always my favorite song from the album, dating back to when I was like 4, and it's still in my top 5, almost 25 years later

[@large42]

When Ray showed Jerry the bass line on his Fender keyboard bass, Jerry S. said "that's impossible to play on my string bass", and Ray said, "sure you can, you're Jerry Scheff"! 😂 He did it.

[@paulbonge6617]

I've listened to a few reactions and fittingly, the composer got it. That play between the keyboard and the guitar, the mirroring and the counterpoint of the guitar you hear so clearly in the right ear.

[@sledzeppelin]

There are few sounds sweeter than the Fender Rhodes. And Robbie! What a genius, understated, wonderful guitarist. Listen to his solo from 5:43 to 5:57. Just absolute perfection, especially the interplay with Ray from 5:51 to 5:56 -

[@chrisbauder3327]

I was 11 years old when this track was released as a single. I think I may have heard it a half-dozen times before I began begging my parents to take me to the record shop to pick up the 45 rpm. I played, and played, and played it 'til the grooves were worn down. I still have the record to this day. To these ears, it is the pinnacle of what The Doors recorded. Thanks for sharing this terrific memory.

[@leunam2447]

The bass line with the electric piano are so mesmerizing! The guitar remains quiet but still interacting and harmonizing. As a musician, you really want to jam with that, so I did!

[@simonjones8111]

Great choice, Jim’s voice at its most mellow, and Ray Manzarek’s most dramatic keyboard. Gorgeous 🎉❤❤

[@Scaleyback317]

Seems I've been listening to this for decades and it still sends a tingle down my spine.

[@rrrayrrray]

Excellent Doug and thank for pointing out the pitched up version. it has bedeviled me for years!

[@Groovysmokes23]

We love seeing you play along. Keep it goin!

[@simonfearn5944]

Wonderful, and really nice play along too! 👌

[@bigvrocks2480]

Doug love your narrative during the songs and enjoyed your keyboard 'noodling' during the toon as well ... BTW. Great glasses!

[@nancyr9010]

I first heard these songs on my tinny little AM transistor radio! Now I'm listening (like you) with headphones. Thanks for pointing the whisper track! I'd never noticed it before. Ah, everything old is new again!

[@jimmcintyre7754]

Love your style daily Doug. You have good taste in bud, whiskey and music. When I’m down or bored I watch you and I cheer up.

[@kevinwatts661]

Thanks!

[@Doug.Helvering]

Thank you Kevin, truly appreciate your support!

[@chrisb.2178]

Somehow it feels that the Fender Rhodes was made especially for this song

[@morellojeff]

LOVE the DOUG! You're reactions, your perfect pitch, are amazing. I wish I had that talent.

[@antrimlariot2386]

I have memories in Australia 1971 at 11 years old doing gardening with the family on a hot blue sky day listening to Riders on the Storm on our little radio.

[@viewfromthehighchair9391]

Listening to this song always brings me back to my youth on a trip to the White Mountains of New Hampshire (Mt. Washington area specifically) driving among the mountrains on a rainy day close to nightfall. Spooky but I love it. The second memory the song evokes is me on my Mom's enclosed front porch looking out over the street on another rainy day. I must have been younger there as I was a bit frightened by the lyrics. lol

[@herbieschwartz9246]

This song got me hooked on high quality stereo equipment. At a friend's house where he had just purchased a very, very good stereo system, we sat sampling bourbon and herbs and when Riders came on, we could hear Jim's whisper overlay floating around the room separate from his lead voice. Trust me, even the best headphones cannot match what you can hear and feel from a pair of tube amps and a set of vintage Klipschorns.

[@artromano2419]

Fantastic review!! Loved it and all the background info on the song!! Have a great day Doug and I will be picking up a bottle of Red Breast tomorrow!!

[@t.a.k.palfrey3882]

This was a ground breaking recording for its time which I remember my flat mate during my final yr at uni playing incessantly. It took me a good 20 yrs before I could enjoy it again. Another innovative band which many later bands said influenced their own sound, is 10CC. The Things We Do For Love, or I'm Not In Love might be good recordings with which to start reviewing this 70s band.

[@WhiteKnightx7]

I was introduced to this song in the PS2 game Need For Speed: Underground 2, always had the song on repeat and there was no play through i had that didn't have this songs on multiple times every gaming session, good times.

[@EnerGeezerSquirrel]

There's a recording by Nigel Kennedy and...the Prague...(?) orchestra which is absolutely brilliant, one of my top positions in my regular rotation of faves. Instrumental only, but so powerful. edit: If I remember rightly, the album was in support of Vietnam vets.

[@gregwhitcoe5411]

OMG now I also want to hear the OTHER version you listened to!!! 😂❤

[@haileene703]

What's the best way to get back to listening to that great band ? With that great host. Thanks for that great moment to end a hard work's week. Take care all

[@securityscorpion8687]

Question Mark & the Mysterians "96 tears".....go for it, DH!

[@large42]

The previous album was Morrison Hotel/Hard Rock Cafe. That was the return to the bluesy jazzy Doors.

[@ChristinePedergnana]

❤Thank you, Daily Doug! Rider on tue Storm is ohne of My favorite Songs by tue Doors . I woud like to suggest to make some other videos about other doors-songs, "The unknown Soldier", "The End" and "Music is over". I enjoy your interpretations. ❤ Christine from Austria

[@user-yf4up2px2u]

their previous album was Morrison Hotel (Soft Parade is their 4th album actually), and was their first step towards a more bluesy style.

[@jurekolar9102]

THE DOORS were literally the doors to psychadelic music, lyrics and music of the late 60's ........Jim paved the way to younger generation of symphathizers of same type of music and i really hope that it remains in our view for a long time

[@Bob-v8b3i]

I might be Biased , but that is One of the Greatest Songs……..Of ALL Time…….a Masterpiece…..RIP Jim and Ray.

[@peggyuser-oq6xz7fg9o]

I ❤ed this song the year I graduated from high school 😮 Did I really tell you that!? Yes, well I still love it. Love the way you do your reaction! I just found you (55.5 million views late) the other day when you reacted to my Dimas!! Very excited to hear more of your thoughts about him.❤️‍🔥

[@tomtomthebear]

Such a special song for me, this is the last song that I listened to with my father and was played at his funeral every time I hear it I’m taken back to being sat chilling with my dad.

[@samirsilveirasaid2905]

I'm from Brazil! Tks For the amazing video!!!!

[@TheCrystalChassis]

Doorsian mode 🫠

[@monkeebun]

As you said, Doug, such a fitting legacy. So memorable. Thanks

[@GolfingStarsFan27]

I subbbbed. This guys reactions is priceless! First video I’ve watched by Dug

[@garajplaz3513]

I am not a Doors Fan, but his is one of 3 in my songbook. I had a great time jamming along on bass as I usually have to play guitar. Thanks for these videos.

[@simonzinc-trumpetharris852]

Always loved that bass line.

[@Antony_Jenner]

Funny thing happened while watching your vid Doug, when the song ended I could still here thunder then realise it's from a storm outside!

[@joedefilippo2521]

Do love street and days of summer, which are lesser known doors gems

[@gordonschenck1672]

Not only was Morrison overdubbing his vocals with a whisper, he overdubbed with yelling as well. That was what really got me into really listening to the different levels on their recordings as well as others who did/do similar things. And the rain recording throughout...

[@kinexkid]

I don't know how I missed this video!!! I've been a fan of Jim Morrison since I was barely in my teens. It wasn't until my college years that I found out that I shared a birthday with the lizard king himself - exactly 50 years later on 12/08/93. I'm posting this before I watch the video itself, but I know you will do this song justice ❤

[@BubbbaZ]

Ahead of their time the doors of perception!