Ray Manzarek

A brilliant idea that could have gone on to be a benchmark in terms of spoken word histories, this pilot release from the ill-fated Monster Sounds label showcases Doors keyboardist and musical architect Ray Manzarek laying out the band's story with great recall and an entertaining flow. Interviewed and produced by West Coast music journalist/historian Harvey Kubernik, this double CD allows Manzarek a great opportunity to lay out the Doors' story with fabulous detail, and includes some very interesting and little-told stories, particularly about the formation of the band as well as the relationship between Manzarek and Jim Morrison. It's a shame that this format wasn't taken to an even higher level, for despite Kubernik's excellent interview and Manzarek's skill as a speaker, the series was, sadly, short-lived. The CD also contains an excellent new instrumental by Manzarek titled "All Men Are Created Equal." ~ Matthew Greenwald, All Music Guide