The Doors - Self-Titled Debut LP Review And Comparison What Version Is The Best

[@bab1627]

This is your best stuff. Can’t get enough of these. Please, please, please provide one for every iconic album.

[@tomwebb7091]

You want him to basically give up his business and work entirely!?

[@orlandodominguezfm7634]

@@tomwebb7091 I mean. It´s only fair. Obviously

[@ubnubmaster]

I know these are some of your toughest videos to make Mike, but they’re absolutely your best work. Few people have the collection to do this and the knowledge it provides the community is invaluable

[@chaky1978]

Great Mike , in my opinion, there’s only a few personalities in the VC that have enough pressings, exposure, equipment, and seasoned ears to properly carry out a shootout, clearly you are one of them and I value your opinions.

[@jimmay6786]

i Feel the same. Well said chaky78 ]

[@audiotomb]

Amen - and Mike has been doing this for years - in great detail - unlike other reviewers I always find his calls relevant

[@LordVoldemort31]

Love these comparison videos. They’re my absolute favorite from your channel, please do more. Would love to see a King Crimson - In the Court of the Crimson King comparison

[@tonynewman1694]

I have the DCC and AP 45 rpm and love them both for different reasons but this sounds like I am never going to better this in the UK . Was hoping for a uhqr of this album but little point 😁. Mike great video , missed these shoot outs 👍

[@astracax]

I'm in exactly the same boat. I do not own the DCC or AP 45 though. I have an 80s German pressing I bought years ago on the cheap. I have been after a definitive copy of this for ages. Doing a lot of research, I knew people had reservations about the AP 45, and also, the US first pressing Monarch was the one to get. Being from the UK, these are incredibly difficult to find in the UK or even in good condition from the US. If they are in great condition, people demand an obscene amount of money for them. And of course, me being from the UK, there is zero chance of finding one in the wild.

[@chillepalmerz]

found a nice copy (probably low vg+) of a gold label monarch for $60. Listening to it now and it was definitely worth it!

[@mrmojorisin2595]

Love these informative videos, thanks Mike! And yes, we need one for each of The Doors studio albums! =)

[@audiophileman7047]

Yes, I'd like to see that too.

[@mikep8683]

For those wondering, The Doors S/T was cut at Madison Sound Studios in NYC by Ray Haggerty. You can see Rays' SUPER tiny initials (lower case 'rh' in cursive) in the run-out groove.

[@JWD1992]

I heard a Haggerty cut of the Clear Light album, also on Elektra. It was visually G+, but sounded phenomenal. There was some surface noise, but the music itself remained very detailed. It was pressed by the Allentown plant. I can't imagine what even a VG+ copy sounds like.

[@mlblue5355]

Question: Mike, should Chad attempt a UHQR for this album or don’t even try? He has hinted at it a few times, I know it’s on his list. Great review of the different pressings! Viva La Doors!

[@audiotomb]

I am happy with the AP 45 stereo. The other doors 45s sound even better as they had broke through and had the best studios at their fingertips Buy these before they are gone

[@false_binary]

Excellent shootout and loved the constant reminders this was not a well recorded album to begin with. Ty for your subject matter expertise, it is truly fun to know an album in and out!

[@realmackle]

I watched this video today, packed up some old records to trade in, and went to my local. First stack I look in there's a 67 monarch (the gold record award one they pressed in september of 67) for a great price. Almost straight up laughed out loud. Everything mike said is totally true. All the things he said about the first press also apply, this version sounds fantastic.

[@NathanForrest-f7j]

I don't think that's the one he is referring to but it could also sound great. I think the one with the award seal hype sticker is a repress... someone plz correct me if I'm wrong. thanks

[@JustFortheRecord66]

I’ve always considered the stereo mix to be a great sounding recording, especially the Monarch pressing. The Doors subsequent albums lake some of the warmth and air that the first album had.

[@Matasky2010]

The first album is miles better (musically speaking) than the 2 that came after, plain and simple.

[@junkyardvinyl4811]

Welp, cat’s out of the bag on the Monarch pressings. Curious, does the 67 Monarch stereo repress have the same dynamics?

[@R3TR0R4V3]

I think it's _been_ out of the bag for some time now, unfortunately. ;) I'm also curious about the represses..could be a cheaper alternative? Hmm.. 🤔

[@oscar542241]

Nope

[@dusanradojevic9442]

Oscar, which repress are you specifically talking about?

[@banjammy4116]

I got a doors quad album l bought back then ,played once, l didn't have quad set up , is it worth anything?

[@user-zx1ir7jt4c]

​@@oscar542241nope they won't be cheaper or nope they don't sound the same?

[@adolphhernandez7615]

Hi Mike, another great shoot out! A comment on the sound quality of this video, I was getting distortion throughout. Maybe that's something to look out for on your next video.

[@pbthal]

Hey Mike, great analysis, I waffle between my DCC and Monarch first pressing, I believe there are 2 Gold label cuts with the earliest having the (M) in the deadwax and a little bit later having the (MON) in the deadwax. Subsequent cuts have the (MON-1)

[@Jamko1970]

I really enjoy listening to my 7 1/2 ips R2R. It sounds excellent.

[@TheInGroove]

It does. I almost mentioned it in the video.

[@michaeledwards7668]

​@TheInGroove Mike just curios what is the best sounding version of Elvis first record? Is there a good sounding or "audiophile " type pressing ? I noticed you have a first pressing for sale on Discogs, is that the best version? Thx

[@atrainradio929]

A life-long massive Doors fan. Thanks for covering this one, Mike.

[@flamingroove]

I had to listen to my 2 copies, 1967 Monarch and 1967 Santa Maria stereo pressings. They both sound great, my Monarch is a little bit noisier but does sound better. Since I don’t have the mono, I used my mono switch and it sounded good.

[@love2spinvinyl]

I have the AP45. And the VMP mono on its way to me from someone on the VMP Discord. As I recently got myself a dedicated Mono table and getting different Monos where I can to enjoy it. Thanks for this video I do realize they are a big commitment to make, but would love more. I have bought specific pressings because of your shoutout results.

[@oscar542241]

Condition is key funding that monarch stereo, I've had about 5 copies and only one has sounded superior because of less surface noise

[@CurtisBond]

First version I ever got was back in 2020. It was a mono repress that I got off of Amazon. I was FAR from an audiophile at the time but remember thinking “man, this sounds terrible”. Lol. Little did I know how right I was even with an untrained ear. I ended up getting the AP 45 RPM stereo earlier this year and the difference was night and day. Glad to get some validation on what my ears were hearing on both occasions.

[@TheTigersfan20]

So it could be said that the gold label Monarch first press is the RL of The Doors albums. I had a red label copy and no matter how I tweaked my EQ, I couldn’t get it to sound good. Having since acquired the stereo Monarch - before this video, Lol - and HOLY WOW!!! It’s night and day. You hear the difference as soon as John starts riding the cymbals: they shimmer and shine only on this pressing. Same with the bass and dynamics: full and well defined. The gold Monarch is worth seeking out.

[@analoguecity3454]

Dude, those speakers are awesome! The size of Stonehenge! Looks like the setup for a Metallica concert! I absolutely love it!😊

[@user-zx1ir7jt4c]

Damn Mike, AMAZING review of this album. The way you describe the sonics and instrumentation is just perfect 👌

[@tomdemaline8869]

My all time favorite band as well Mike ! ! ! I just ordered the box vinyl set Live at the Matrix today, cant wait ti get it. Thanks man keep up the good work

[@TripleE76]

I have all the AP45 Doors, good enough for my system.

[@christopher.cordova]

The thing with the MFSL and DCC, they really need to be cranked since they’re cut so low.

[@Stickermania2853]

Mike, I think the Monarch Records vinyl pressings are the best sounding because the pressing plant in Los Angeles was only a few blocks from the record label executives who would visit the plant & make sure the pressings were the best ever. I know Peter Grant manager of LED Zeppelin did this. I personally know that the MO pressing of ‘Led Zeppelin II’ RL cut & the artisan cut with MO on the record label of ‘Exile On Main Street’ are definitely the original pressings to find with the best possible audiophile sound. MR Stickermania (Frank)

[@mcl2462]

Great review I learned alot about my favorite all time record! Thank you! 🙏

[@dano5876]

How about the "Gold Record Award" pressings , they were pressed at Monarch are they the same?

[@juliensullerot1111]

ough !! what a shootout ! thanks for sharing. You are the only guy able to do such a wide informative and cool video !

[@jasonsmith9845]

Thanks for the shootout! My main thought watching this was to tell you to enjoy your eyesight while you have it - being able to read deadwax without a lot of help is a thing of the past for me!

[@dundee12]

Thank you Mike! I've been awaiting this Pressing Shoot-Out ever since the ERC release. Not just the Doors, but all Monarch pressings from this era have a special "punch" to them. And yes, good luck finding one not chewed up = these were party records.

[@goodknight37]

Man I’ve been waiting for this one. Great stuff👍

[@Michael69]

Great review and comparison video as always, Mike. I first found your channel when you had just started out and made your L.A. Woman review and comparison video. The Doors are also my favourite band (in a tie with Led Zeppelin), so it was cool to see you talk about their music with such knowledge and passion. All these years later, and here's the video for the debut. Thanks for mentioning that the scene in The Doors movie was exaggerated - far too many people take that movie and its many lies as gospel. I love your work and dedication. Thank you from Australia

[@R3TR0R4V3]

Thanks for the video Mike. The Doors are one of my all time favs as well! Might have to track down a Monarch for shits & giggles, but I'm pretty happy with what I have so far.. a NM Allentown 1st pressing, AP45 & the VMP Mono. 🍻

[@murilohumbertocmcb]

I LOOOVE YOUR COMPARISSONS

[@LPS-R-US]

Excellent. Sounds like the monarch is the LZ 2 RL version of The DOORS. Thought I had one...may have sold it. Have a later Red label and an og gold MONO. PHIL SPECTOR said "BACK TO MONO", but not in this case. Ty ...now I must play my copies.

[@jasonarsenault3791]

Great stuff Mike. Thanks for putting in the hours for us 😉🤘🏼

[@freightdawg6762]

Excellent Mike Thanks for doing these, your system looks amazing

[@audiophileman7047]

Thank you, Mike for doing this excellent shootout on my second favorite rock album of all time! 👍👍👍👍👍 I have been waiting for this The Doors debut album shootout from you for a long time and was just riveted to your video. ❤ I have several pressings of this album, including the treasured Monarch pressing. I agree that the Stereo mix sounds the best. Among all of my versions, I like the Monarch original; the AP/QRP 45 rpm; and the MoFi reissue. My Monarch pressing is about VG+, maybe a bit better. As you said, even in this condition it sounds great. Mood often determines how I want to hear an album. If I'm feeling punchy, I'll go to the Monarch. If I'm feeling more mellow, I can go to the MoFi. The AP/QRP 45 rpm has enough to offer that it ranks in my top three versions of this album. By the way, anyone who tells me that The Doors is their favorite rock band has excellent taste in music. 😎

[@alehernandezangeles]

Jajaja, good, because The Dors has been my favorite band since I was like 9, no kidding.

[@youwhohear]

thanks for your time in creating these shoot-outs! it's helpful information. does the monoarch repress with the gold RIAA award sticker sound as strong?

[@robbiedetroitstigermanviny8883]

I don't know, I have an Abbey Pressing that's sounds pretty amazing also. Great Video!

[@merv5488]

Awesome video Mike! Please do more of these comparisons. This is great stuff!!!

[@boogiewoogie9770]

In the UK I always look out for the 70's to 80's Butterfly label pressings as they are cheap, sound fine and pressings are high quality.

[@johncalvo8420]

To me, my mono OG of the debut sounds the best. I don’t get distortion from that pressing, but I agree it’s a hot one. But, it is super clear sounding and raw, the drums are super loud, I really enjoy the sound of the snare during Soul Kitchen, it only sounds like this in this mono pressing. My monarch stereo OG is not even close to the mono. I also own all the AS 45rpm pressings and find them ok, not spectacular compared to my OG’s, and the 45rpm format is boring, you lose the flow of the album. The same applies to the mono OG of Strange Days, it is the best sounding copy I own. To me the OG’s are the best, no reissue can top them. BTW not all the monarch OG pressings of the debut are great, some may be, mine isn’t.

[@frankvanhelvert6231]

which one do you have of the debut monarch? i have a CP[colombia pitman]

[@jimmyhawke]

I really like how you break all these down.

[@zundap100]

This is a killer rock album, one of the best ever.👍

[@zweePOP]

I almost always go with mono when given it comes to 60s rock records (especially psych rock) but I agree the distortion on this album’s mono mix is really unfortunate stuff. and that distortion on mono mixes you get sometimes can work really well (Red Krayola’s Parable of Arable Land is a great example) but the one for The Doors is just too murky

[@sinenkaari5477]

Nobody had 8 track in 1966 (thou Les Paul had it about ten years earlier) Doors got it in the autumn of 67 to do Strange Days and it was then the newest thing. The Beatles recorded many songs on White Album still with 4 track in 68

[@animatrollic]

Thanks for another awesome shootout Mike!

[@shineonugrzydieman]

Whoa - great shoot out Very entertaining and informative

[@Matasky2010]

Worth a mention- none of those are the 1st Japan pressings with blue 'frog' Elektra labels. Not sure if it's any better or not, but it was released in 1967.

[@surf01er66]

One of my favorite albums, great shoot out.

[@BlackHoleSun1921]

Man, I really hope that one of these days you do a shootout of Ziggy Stardust or Love's Forever Changes. I'd be curious to hear your advice on which of those albums to own a copy of.

[@jasonsmith9845]

The 2012 Record Store Day release of Forever Changes is really good.

[@dimebagdave77]

Manythnx, these are always very interesting 🤘 edit: girl we couldn't get much HIGHER..😁

[@Razputinov]

Hey Mike, What about the 7.5ips reel to reel tape!? Where's that rank?

[@lorenzbroder4107]

Hello Mike ! Always value your opinion on these shootouts , I have a Doors debut , US pressing , AL in deadeax with a deep groove into label , in your opinion is thus a first or early pressing ?? I also purchased a Analog production , double 45 Guess what ? The 33 has more grit and high end shimmer , the double 45 has more bass , but lacks the high end shimmer , I was a little dissapointed, here in Canada it cost me $172.00 Canadian Can you shed more light on my us 3: pressing 🇨🇦

[@reward813]

I’ve got a stereo Monarch and although it’s VG it does sound fantastic!

[@tomwebb7091]

I have no complaints with my AP45 and even my BG 33rpm rinser copy. I enjoy this album on cd and sacd too. Ive never heard a version i thought was so bad i needed to turn off. I definately am not spending more money on trying to enjoy it even more which i likely wont. Searching for a perfectly envisioned (enheared?) sound is a rabbit hole best avoided!

[@oldskool1979]

I have an original gold label Canadian stereo pressing... thats my Go to ! My Mono Allentown press is ok.

[@marczand1351]

Never cared for the sound on a mid 70’s pressing I purchased back in the day. The AP 45 which I own sounds so much better.

[@WORMW0OD]

Hey Mike! Thank you so much for the videos! I would love to see your review of the new "live at the matrix 1967 the original masters" vinyl. It looks like no one has reviewed it yet, just un-boxings. I highly value your opinion on both doors vinyl and sound quality. Is it way better than previous versions? Thanks again!

[@thebuxtstopshere]

Love the quote about correcting W&F

[@homersoddishe]

I'm glad I have the DCC. I miss those guys.

[@sean74chelsea]

As I’m from Germany sometimes hard to follow !! So which of the monachs is the number one mike ?

[@jessebowman9014]

Great video Mike. I don't know a lot about the Doors or this album, so it was interesting to get your take as a super fan! Would you ever consider doing a shootout for "In the Court of the Crimson King"? I have always wondered what the best pressing of this would be in your opinion.

[@fredthompson1279]

Incredible system. You don't usually see the subs with the big Wilson's .

[@cultvult]

Omg! You look like a giant sitting on a Grateful Dead stage, with those speakers lol. Anyway, that album came out the day I was born. Pretty cool. That’s it.

[@RandyShirley]

I bought the AP 45 box set. My experience is the opposite of what is said here. I kept wondering "Where is the bass?" Mike is saying that the highs were missing! I thought the AP was strident and thin with listeners' fatigue that my originals don't have. Very Strange.

[@MrJasonMeans]

Any thoughts on the 1970 reissue or 1967 repress monarch, or is the first pressing the one to get?

[@TheMrgonzalo05]

Yo, Mike fire that rig up

[@Matasky2010]

Nice surprise for a video! Love it lol

[@user-zx1ir7jt4c]

Man... you weren't lying when you said that you're going to have to work hard to find clean copies of the stereo monarch pressing. It's hard to find them PERIOD. I obtained a decent vg copy and I'm content with it but I'd love to find a NM copy some day.

[@nickcherry6134]

I have a question about a promo copy! I found a sealed copy with a promo only red Electra sticker on cover. I've only been able to find a promo copy in the mono pressing online, the one I have is stereo. Does this sound like a legitimate pressing?

[@danaeloucaidou4991]

I think you are a global authority on shootouts

[@LetThereBeSound1]

I rate the original MFSL above the AP 45rpm, but that's just me. My MFSL doesn't has that politeness you talk about in your review. It's a crap shoot between the MFSL & my DCC. Both are outstanding. Must check my original copy to see if it's a Monarch or not. I think it is VERY good but last time I heard it it did not beat the MFSL nor the DCC. So either it's not a Monarch, or if it is, it is not in primo condition. Cheers! Oz LTBS

[@SSSweeper]

I'm with you on that. I have DCC CD and MoFi LP. MoFi is my go to version, and I even compared different needledrops (keeping in mind that I have the original MoFi) - I won't call it polite as well, it has that MFSL-house sound yet sounds a lot cleaner and enjoyable than some earlier pressings.

[@christopherarnicar265]

Keep doing a great job.... thank you !

[@goforthpatrick]

Nice review. Can you do the same thing for Strange Days?

[@michaeledwards7668]

One of the best shootouts to date

[@audiophileman7047]

YES!

[@notmanatee2445]

Here is a record that I desperately want you to cover on which version of this album on vinyl sounds the best,the album I want you to cover on which vinyl version sounds the best is the soundtrack to the 1961 film West side story by Leonard Bernstein. Can you compare that album on vinyl please? I don't have a copy of this album yet,I saw the music on vinyl pressing, original six eye stereo pressing,a 6i mono, soundtrack factory pressing,and the normal store bought pressing,and a Phillips stereo and mono pressing,and that's all I know that I came across on discogs except grey market pressings and Japanese record pressings because of what you said about those when you compared mingus ah um LP.

[@filipp7611]

Please make more of such videos, thanks.

[@brandonburroughs7128]

Mike, are there any versions that you know of that have the uncensored versions of Break on Through and The End?

[@mrbill7653]

Waiting for you input on Eagles 'Hotel California (2Lp/180G/45Rpm Supervinyl Ultradisc One. Step/Or' Vinyl Record LP.

[@lisafan6365]

Those speakers look so cool

[@trevorbartram5473]

Sacre bleu, Mike have you heard the 1999 Botnick/Grundman 96KHz/24bit digital remaster, how does it rank?

[@nikitanikitin8653]

HUH ? My DCC sounds way better than my VG+ Monarch pressing, honestly ! Maybe it also depends on pressing stampers ? You got the hot early stampers ? PLEASE GUYS, could anyone comment on the matrixes you poses ? Because I have spend like 500$ to get the best sounding version of this album. I am not sure why for me DCC > Monarch ..... ( p/s MIKE I LOVE YOU MAN ) Matrix / Runout (Side A Variant 3, etched): EKS-74007 A (M) (MR logo stamped) Δ9991 Matrix / Runout (Side B Variant 3, etched): EKS-74007 B (M) (MR logo stamped) Δ9991-X These ?

[@nelsondesilva3916]

Miss these sessions

[@dusanradojevic9442]

Has anyone compared these versions? EKS-70047A (M) M in a circle ^9991 EKS-70047B (M) M in a circle ^9991-X VS this one EKS-70047A (M) M in a circle ^9991 EKS-70047B-2 (Mon) M in a circle ^9991-X I guess the first side should be the same, right? As for the B side, I read somwhere that it's louder and bassier (better by some opinions) on the latter copy. Any comments? Cheers

[@tomdemaline8869]

Mike is there any chance you would part with one of your gold label Monarch"s? Very interested

[@budsmoker4201120]

What is your thought on the Rino Records version?

[@planetwisconsin9901]

Mastering is everything!

[@christophercowles2553]

Good shootout, thanks. Guess I’ll just have to stick with my stinky AP 45.

[@fts81]

Terrific, Mike!

[@chrisg769]

are the Monarch repress 1967 are as good as the "original?

[@greenalishi222]

Cool vid. Thanks.

[@goforthpatrick]

Please, post some comparative sound samples!

[@shawnogrady7154]

Aren’t all of these from a LEDO tape (whether 1st gen, 2nd gen etc.)?

[@50l12]

You didn't mention the first UK mono, mine sounds in your face and immediate as you say. I also prefer the mono mix but just me 🤷