Doors: "Live In Philadelphia"
Review by John Benson
www.idafan.com
Over three decades have passed since Jim Morrison last woke up in the morning and had himself a beer. Yet fans - many of whom weren't born when the Lizard King checked out - continue to let it roll, baby, roll with The Doors.

Unlike classic rocker Jimi Hendrix, whose catalog seems to grow every year with a rare concert recording (more than likely an oft bootlegged album) getting an official release, The Doors' library apparently isn't as vast, with very few shows of quality existing.

Miraculously, that all began to change a few years ago with a couple of concerts being released to the public, including a noteworthy 1970 Detroit date.

Now there's the recently discovered "Live In Philadelphia," which was recorded a few days before the Motor City show. What this double-disc 18-track concert may lack in extended setlist, it makes up for in both quality and intimacy, showcasing the magic-in-the moment concert presence Morrison provided. Unfortunately, those shows were few and far between as the often intoxicated and belligerent singer stumbled his way through concerts.

As for the City of Brotherly Love show, which was recorded at The Spectrum, "Back Door Man," "When The Music's Over," "Maggie M'Gill" and "Been Down So Long" are worth the investment. Interestingly, the latter track can be found on the band's last studio album, 1971's "L.A. Woman," which never received a proper tour as Morrison died later that same year.

If for no other reason than rediscovering your love of The Doors, "Live In Philadelphia" is definitely worth cracking a cold one to and, well, letting it roll all night long.

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