Artist: The Doors

Title: Live at the Matrix, 1967 (Rhino)

You might like if you enjoy: The Doors, Robby Krieger, classic rock

Tell me more: Anytime fans get treated to a new release featuring The Doors there is reason for celebration. The release of the Live at the Matrix, 1967 is truly one of the great audio titles of 2023; the limited edition 3CD box set features the complete and original recordings captured during the band's five-night engagement in March 1967 at the small San Francisco nightclub known as The Matrix.

The recordings featured on Live at the Matrix, 1967 were taken from the first-generation 7-inch reels that captured singer Jim Morrison, guitarist Robby Krieger, keyboardist Ray Manzarek and drummer John Densmore just prior to their explosive emergence as one of the most successful and important rock bands of the late 1960s.

Standout performances abound across the sets recorded by Peter Abram between March 7-11, 1967 that are featured on the box set. The band's first set on March 7, 1967 features a freewheeling and dynamic version of "Back Door Man," a previously unreleased take on the psychedelic rocker "My Eyes Have Seen You," a mesmerizing run through the Miles Davis-penned instrumental "All Blues" and potent 12-minute take on the classic "When The Music's Over."

There are so many incredible moments to be heard across the three discs; a blues-drenched take on Willie Dixon's "Close To You," fiery version of the John Lee Hooker classic "Crawling King Snake" enhanced by Krieger's signature guitar work, the wistful "I Can't See Your Face In My Mind," Baroque pop-meets-blues ballad "The Crystal Ship," several powerful versions of "Break On Through (To The Other Side)" and a otherworldly performance of "Light My Fire" are just a few of the stellar cuts to be heard.

Detailed liner notes written by Joel Selvin provide a comprehensive look at the inspired performances and what led The Doors to journey to San Francisco to appear at The Matrix just prior to their impending stardom. Production of the audio CD version is limited to only 21,000 copies worldwide.

Information: thedoors.com.