The Doors: "Love Street"

A lilting ballad by The Doors that is a little off the beaten track and a hidden gem in their catalog. Dive into two piano solo arrangements of "Love Street" by Jennifer Eklund.

This post is part eight of the Sonic Surprises Sheet Music Series.

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About The Doors:

The Doors, an American rock band formed in 1965 in Los Angeles, consisted of vocalist Jim Morrison, keyboardist Ray Manzarek, guitarist Robby Krieger, and drummer John Densmore. Renowned for Morrison’s charismatic stage presence and poetic lyrics, the band quickly became a symbol of the 1960s counterculture movement. Drawing inspiration from Aldous Huxley’s book “The Doors of Perception,” the group signed with Elektra Records in 1966 and released six studio albums in five years, including highly acclaimed records like their self-titled debut, “Strange Days,” and “L.A. Woman.”

Despite their short-lived career due to Morrison’s death in 1971, The Doors’ impact on rock music was profound. Selling millions of albums worldwide, they were hailed as pioneers of the “acid rock” genre and achieved unprecedented success, becoming the first American band to earn eight consecutive gold LPs. Over the years, the band members reunited in various formations, including “The Doors of the 21st Century” with Ian Astbury on vocals, which led to legal disputes over the band’s name. Ultimately, they settled as Manzarek-Krieger until Manzarek’s passing in 2013. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993, The Doors continue to be recognized as one of the greatest and most influential bands in music history.

About “Love Street”:

“Love Street” is a song by the American rock band The Doors, featured on their album “Waiting for the Sun” released in 1968. Penned by lead singer Jim Morrison, the song serves as a heartfelt tribute to his girlfriend Pamela Courson and is set against the backdrop of Laurel Canyon in Los Angeles. Departing from the band’s typical psychedelic sound, “Love Street” embraces a more conventional ballad style with acoustic instrumentation, infused with elements of baroque pop.

The lyrics of “Love Street” evoke a sense of nostalgia and romance, capturing Morrison’s observations of the vibrant scene on the titular street where he lived with Courson. The song’s spoken narration, delivered by Morrison, adds to its atmospheric charm, offering glimpses into the couple’s daily life and musings. Despite its simplicity, the track resonated with critics and fans alike, with praise directed towards Morrison’s vocal performance and Ray Manzarek’s intricate keyboard solo. “Love Street” remains a standout in The Doors’ repertoire, celebrated for its melodic beauty and enduring appeal, even earning accolades from fellow musicians like David Bowie, who hailed it as one of his favorite songs.