The Doors- Back Door Man (First Listen)

[@Rhiannon011]

Love my Jim Morrison! Right when the first doors songs was becoming a hit "Light my Fire" on the radio, the doors played at my high school in Los Angeles county. Their were two "lunch concerts. I was at the second one. They used our gym class as a dressing room and the two girls that knew them in my class introduced Jim to me, he took my hand and kissed it!! These two girls in my "posture" gym class who were friends with Jim, so they had this album a year before "their fame" and we used to work out, dance and such to it during our class. Our gym teacher was young and rarely showed up half the time, so these two girls shared with me all about Jim. They knew I had a crush on him and as an artist did a portrait of him for them. So, sorry I digress. So, many in my H.S. classes knew I had a crush on this guy from the doors but they didn't know much of anything about them, so when the doors played in our big gym (it was EPIC) many booed and hissed and they all told me "Oh Barbara they will NEVER amount to anything they are horrible what is wrong with you to love this Jim guy and the group"? Well I went to the second lunch concert and it was great, Jim laid on the floor and rolled around while he sang. Next thing I know the police arrived and as Jim lay there on the floor very very passively they "dragged" him away. Everyone talked about it for days, telling me "you are disgusting to like Jim and this group the doors they will never make it to fame". Well I won't boast, but what do I know right? I loved many groups and artist and was told time and time again "I didn't know anything and they would never amount to anything". But they all did.😎👍

[@jameswarner5809]

The Soft Parade is the most varied track they did, it's effectively a medley. Well worth checking out.

[@craigfazekas3923]

My 2nd fave Doors album...

[@shyshift]

THE CELEBRATION OF THE LIZARD ON ABSOLUTELY LIVE!

[@justinscrivner5457]

Yes. It was recorded. Look up celebration of the lizard studio version.

[@Rhiannon011]

Jim is "the Lizard king he can do anything".👍😎

[@AriadneJC]

Yeah, rather simple 12-bar blues chord pattern, but sometimes simplicity (or familiarity, perhaps) is what you want. Add in Morrison's voice, though, and... extra what-you-want!

[@sidecardog5244]

Classic blues with great keys providing the rhythm. Ps, I tried to be a back door man. but ..the door was always locked.

[@vincentbrightling1686]

The rhythm is completely Doors. That primal, tribal beat. Morrison lays his animalistic, carnal roar over the top of it. A bit surprised you think it's average. I would have thought it was a standout track from this album - despite being a cover. Anyway, each to their own.

[@richardedenfield5167]

This isn't in the same universe as average. It's a legendary cover. His voice is so amazing it is almost magical.

[@johncampbell756]

Willie Dixon is a blues legend, amazing writer, stand up bassist and leader of the Chess studios house band. Ad such, not only did he write and play a ton of blues standards, he played bass on the majority of Chuck Berry's music. So, he was also involved in the foundations of rock.

[@jimd7260]

Willie Dixon is, by far, the most underappreciated songwriters in history.

[@baphometfathom5348]

Willie Is the unsung hero of rock n roll penned many of the great blues standards and like you said very instrumental in the development of rock with Chuck and other blues and early rock musicians

[@spazimdam]

The Doors are always cool. I recommend you listen to Texas Radio and the Big Beat next. Not many people react to it or have even heard of it, but it's a great song. Good groove, bizarre lyrics.

[@MissAstorDancer]

One of their best songs, IMO!

[@jameswilson8433]

W. A. S. P.

[@spazimdam]

@@jameswilson8433 Oh yeah that's right- it was called The WASP (Texas Radio and the Big Beat). Great song.

[@jameswilson8433]

I've had a back door man; I've been a back door man. Neither is an ideal situation.

[@Rhiannon011]

Did you eat pork and beans and fried chicken?😎

[@jameswilson8433]

@@Rhiannon011 Now that I think about it, yes! Sometimes together.

[@Rhiannon011]

@@jameswilson8433 👍😎

[@stevesleg]

Most people think Jim Morrison is the vocalist, it’s really an entity known as The Lizard King. R.I.P. Jim

[@johnstorton]

Willie Dixon's lyrics: I-I-I am the, the backdoor man I-I-I am, the backdoor man Well, the men don't know But the little girls they understand When ev'rybody is-a tryin' to sleep I'm-a somewhere makin' my midnight creep An ev'ry mo'nin when the rooster crows He's tellin' me that it's the time to go I am, the backdo' man I am, the backdo' man Well, the men don't know But the little girls they understand Well, they took me to the doctor Shot full of holes The nurse she cried, 'Save his soul!' I was 'cussed of murder in first degree The judge wife cried, 'Let the man go free!' I am, the backdo' man I am, the backdo' man Well, the men don't know But the little girls they understand, mmm I was accused a-murder in the first degree The judge wife cried, 'Let the man go free!' The cop's wife cried, 'Don't take him down I'd-a rather be in six feet of ground!' I am, the backdo' man I am, the backdo' man Well, the men don't know But the little girls they understand I am, the backdo' man I am, the backdo' man Well, the men don't know But the little girls they understand 'Ooh!' I am, the backdo' man I am, the backdo' man Well, the men don't know But the little girls they understand 'Ooh!' I am I am I-I-I am The backdo' man.

[@johncagnettajr344]

Love this song , crank it up loud!

[@lynnsmith3976]

Oh my Justin, Hooray more of The Doors!!!!!! Please try Moonlight Drive.

[@blanewilliams5960]

Good song and one that was lost to me since I don't listen to LP's anymore. Back in the day we always listened to whole albums. Thanks for doing this and reminding me of this one JP. Have a great weekend.

[@gog583]

My favorites off this album are "The End" (a version appeared in the movie "Apocalypse Now"), "the Crystal Shop" (which you've done), and "Break on Through" ( the opener off the album, and most intense song on the album....and most intense Doors song ever in my eyes....or is that ears? lol).

[@robertlear2735]

This is a cover of the Howlin' Wolf song which was written by Willie Dixon and released in 1960

[@ZalMoxis]

Sometimes simple blues are great to listen to as well... looking back we're spoilt for choice these days ... so we tend to turn our noses up at the simplicity of the music and the sounds of the time.

[@pleasantvalleypickerca7681]

Classic, Blues Rock!

[@linusfotograf]

Can’t wait til you get to their other albums. They found their own style after this one I think

[@jasontharp699]

Same. It serves a purpose on the album, I think. Displays their blues influence, gives Jim a chance to show off his growl. But not essential.

[@-davidolivares]

Ferocious blues...

[@jimtatro6550]

Great song!!! I’m sure you have heard it, but The End is a classic

[@jamespaivapaiva4460]

Beginning of the video, I could hear the wind! Did you leave the back door open?

[@nomisnestral6956]

We're never getting 1967 back, and that's the worst of it all.

[@Cleve_Crudgington]

I've never listened to a live version of this song but it really feels like a song that would be a good jumping off point for some extended jam sessions. That solid groove could just go on forever while all the musicians take turns doing their thing.

[@Nobody-br1rq]

Listen to the live version in new York City at the felt forum he has a crazy good yell. So good and hard to replicate not even Val kilmer could try to copy it.

[@Nobody-br1rq]

I believe that version of back door man is like 2 minutes and a few seconds

[@bobholtzmann]

The Oliver Stone bio-drama film suggests it was recorded after Jim got beat up by a bouncer in the alley behind a tour venue - possibly a fictional event.

[@shane7073]

A song originally sung by Howlin Wolf back in 1960

[@johnhouse9983]

So many tracks one could bang on about but although some slate it...... have a few very large stiff drinks and listen to Jims' American prayer 'solo' album..... it'll kinda put everything into perspective .......... then listen to it again cuz once aint enough.

[@bobbyg7102]

If you want a song that just continues to accelerate by the Doors, then check out The Soft Parade. If you don't enjoy it, you can publicly trash me after the listen 😆

[@MissAstorDancer]

**accelerate**

[@bobbyg7102]

@@MissAstorDancer thank you

[@billhawkins1236]

First album I ever bought. I love it. Their sophomore effort should be next on your list, "Strange Days" production values go up on that one, more stretching out musically.

[@daveking9393]

This whole first album by them is really tight nicely done. I like your take on this. I still enjoy it for simplicity kind of a party background tune It was on a lot when I was a teenager that keg parties the whole album...

[@dvbeattie]

Check out Roadhouse Blues from Morrison hotel

[@jimhardiman3836]

Cool review Justin. Always gain some more insights with your observations. Eat that chicken!

[@JustJP]

Haha ty Jim!

[@DonII1980]

Ah, MOJO RISIN's VOICE!!!

[@rubbersole79]

Nobody else sings like that. Change my mind.

[@JustJP]

Why change your mind, seems reasonable to me😃

[@MissAstorDancer]

That guitar riff is nasty! "Chick chick chick chick chick chick Chicken"...... Uh-huh! "The men don't know, but the little girls understand!" This song has its place, especially in the context of the album. Heh heh heh!!!

[@thishappybreed6505]

I think there is a lot more atmosphere and expression in the version on 'Absolutely Live' (same goes for many other of the studio tracks). Others may disagree; but keep up the Doors reactions in whatever iteration!

[@maruad7577]

Back door man, sneaking in the back door when the husband is away. Don't know what you are thinking. This is a great fusion of the blues and the Doors. The blues were still pretty big in rock circles in those days. Willie Dixon and Howling Wolf were both huge in Blues circles. I like this song but I respect your differing opinion. Still a great review (it is the honesty that we need). If you like blues/boogie-woogie I would recommend early King Biscuit Boy. No organ but great harmonica.

[@slimpickins9124]

I take back what I said in the Riders On The Storm reaction.

[@edwardmeradith2419]

Remember, it’s a cover - written by Willie Dixon

[@hongfang2508]

This is an old blues tune that Doors covered? Is that correct?

[@jimd7260]

Written by the great Willie Dixon.

[@johnJohnson-vm7oy]

Try doing a reaction video to the song End Of The Night by the DOORSon this album.

[@elegantirony78]

Please react to Empty Pages by Traffic, then Glad & Freedom Rider together. Love the Doors - Texas Radio, 5 to 1, Wishful Sinful, Soft Parade, Running Blues.

[@lesliespears8918]

Have you heard the live performance by Johnny Winter, Hendrix, & Jim Morrison? I W T F Y I T A H baby. Collectors out there??

[@KingOfNebbishes]

The thing about pork and beans is saying that the ladies he's seeing are giving him the best meals and feeding their men plain food with no meat because he's giving them the good stuff. Also, you shop at Design By Humans? Excellent.

[@zappafan-eu4wp]

Try "Moonlight Drive"

[@lynnarthur-stillalive2025]

Hey JP! Great listening along with you to “The Doors.” The other two albums the got a lot of turntable time are “Waiting For The Sun” and “Strange Days.” And though simpler songs like “Back Door Man” aren’t the strongest tracks in a compilation, it’s a way for the band to showcase the genre(s) they enjoy, and influence their own creativity. 😊

[@JustJP]

Ty Lydia!

[@snowdog87]

Not many changes Not many lyrics But, it rocks out in spite Probably if it came out now i'd hate it Historical context can be everything

[@ilyas9579]

doubt that something like this could come out today

[@RoverT65536]

Not sure if you covered it well or just didn't get the in-your-endo. Put it this way, he's not being a cunning linguist but rather referring to one of the first forms of birth control, I don't recommend looking for the very crude, Morrison and Hendrix lament but it would give a hint why Jim was inclined to this song. Why does Mr Morrison bring out the more extreme in me? Oooh, being bad is titillating. Hey, Prince of Darkness by the Indigo Girls is really good, “I do not feel the romance, I do not catch the spark, of the Prince of Darkness, any longer.”

[@brucster99b2]

Spot on Justin. Really just a sort of filler song. Okay, I guess, but I never understood why bands feel/felt the need to bung a blues number onto their albums.

[@johnJohnson-vm7oy]

End of the night reaction video

[@JustJP]

Here you go :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/r5m6ioR-pNuJbNk

[@slainteron4027]

So I need some help. What am I missing? I have really tried to get into The Doors for a long time but just can't. What is it that other's are hearing that I am not?

[@MissAstorDancer]

It's one of those things that, you either get it, or you don't! Thank goodness, there is something for everyone!

[@slainteron4027]

@@MissAstorDancer I suppose you are correct. But it wasn't from a lack of trying.

[@Yaktahbay]

I don't find the debut album as engaging as other Doors fans do. I think they got more interesting later, in case you're spinning your wheels hoping for an epiphany on this one. With that said, if you don't love The Crystal Ship then it might not ever happen for you.

[@MissAstorDancer]

@@Yaktahbay I never purchased any Doors studio albums. I did purchase the 1980 "Greatest Hits" on LP when it came out, and then the "enhanced" version on CD, which came out in 1995. Although I do love all the songs on both of those compilations, my favorite songs are "L.A. Woman", "Love Her Madly", "WASP/Texas Radio..." and yes, "The Crystal Ship"!! BTW, I find it strange that "The WASP (Texas Radio and the Big Beat)" has no separate entry on Wiki.

[@nj1639]

A groupie call.

[@jeffrichard9338]

#subtext

[@josephabruzzo5245]

Do yourself a favor & listen to the original by Howlin Wolf. You won't be disappointed.

[@mariosandri4010]

Some interesting bits here and there, otherwise a negligible blues by numbers. But we can't expect every track of a debut album to be hype, can we? (unless the name of the band is King Crimson or Led Zeppelin).

[@freddymo3339]

Purposely, NOT invited to Woodstock in '69.

[@MissAstorDancer]

Not true. They were invited, but declined.

[@Thievius333]

Wow, I guess you don't have to bother with their LA Woman album then. Half of that record is the blues.

[@johnhouse9983]

Horse latitudes.