The Doors’ storied studio outtake “Paris Blues” was recorded for either The Gentle Parade or LA woman (the band never seemed to remember) was considered lost. The only tape of the tune was given to Doors keyboardist Ray Manzarek, but was subsequently damaged by his young son Pablo (who recorded some brief parts). Resurrected through creative editing, the jog Parisian blues stands as the title and opening song of a collection of nine songs.
We also get two previously unreleased live recordings of singer Jim Morrison and guitarist Robbie Krieger performing as a duo at a 1969 Norman Mailer mayoral campaign fundraiser. The original “I Will Never Be Untrue” and a cover of Robert Johnson’s “Me And The Devil Blues.” Both are raw, but priceless rarities for Doors lovers. It’s especially fun to hear the false start on “Me And The Devil Blues” as Morrison and Krieger try to find their footing.
Also included here are two outtakes, “(You Need Meat) Don’t Go No Further” and “I’m Your Doctor”, both featuring Manzarek on vocals. In 2019, Stone Temple Pilots bassist Robert DeLeo added his bass lines to these two.
There is also a trio of tunes by the band Live in Vancouver in 1970 concert album. We first get Morrison’s introduction of legendary bluesman Albert King to the stage at Pacific Coliseum Vancouver, where the band played and recorded on June 6, 1970. King joins the Doors with a perfectly loud “Little Red Rooster,” featuring a sexy voice from Morrison. There’s also “Rock Me Baby” and the band throwing in Densmore’s simple yet effective drum groove on “Who Do You Love?”. Unfortunately, the Lizard King is not in his best vocal form on the latter. Still, it’s a hot tune when the band yelps behind him.
Certainly one can be suspicious of collections like this one that pops up suddenly and promises new found recordings and outtakes. Happily, Parisian blues is a solid set that offers fans and admirers something they may or may not have heard before. In the end, as a Record Store Day exclusively on vinyl or digital, everything fits together beautifully.
~ Ralph Greco Jr.