Greetings from Laurel Canyon!
A couple of weeks ago Ray Manzarek passed away. In this new era of “laptop media,” heroes often come and disappear with the touch of the “refresh button” (on Flip-board for me.)
Viewing Ray’s many obituaries, I was in awe, moved for days. When it comes to listening to bands, I stick close to what I call “the classics”…Beatles, Stones, Sabbath, Dylan, Who, Bowie, Stooges, and of course The Doors.
As I’ve moved through the years and aged in this City of Angels, it’s Morrison and the songs of the Doors that have lasted and are still capturing the dark magic of a California sunset, the light of the moon on drive through the canyon, or the hue of a passing headlight on “the strip.”
The Doors’ music pervades this city like an indian summer. Warm, mysterious, rolling.
I’m never been one to discount a key member of an important band and will not do so for Ray Manzarek. Ray’s destiny at times looked to be Jim Morrison’s cheerleader, however cosmicly, the life of this tall, skinny cat and his connection with us and the lizard king Morrison, was deep.
One could only imagine what Ray must have been thinking prior to his death. Will his spirit seek and join Mr. Mojo in the after life? The answer:
Oh tell me where your freedom lies
The streets are fields that never die
Deliver me from reasons why
You’d rather cry, I’d rather fly
So, The Idelic Hour celebrates episode #100 in celebration of Ray and the band that “lit my fire” for rock ‘n roll. Thank you Ray, and thanks to you Jon Meyers and everyone who contributes to The Vinyl District.
And to everyone who takes the time to listen in…rock on!
The Idelic Hit of the Week:
Grim Tower – Soft Seance
