VH1 Storytellers - The Doors (A Celebration)

Rating:
Summary: Vibrant Tribute.
Review: The Doors return thanks to the VH1 concert series Storytellers and they sound better than ever and the treat here is that we not only see the original band members perform, we also get some top names from the rock world such as Scott Stapp of Creed, Scott Weiland of Stone Temple Pilots and Ian Astbury of The Cult to stand-in for late legendary frontman Jim Morrison. A performer like Jim Morrison can never be replaced, this is true and so hardcore fans should sit back and simply enjoy watching these talented performers do their best to pay due homage to the Lizard King and his lyircs. After an intro featuring Jane's Addiction frontman Perry Farrell delivering an energetic finale to "L.A. Woman," Train's Pat Monahan steps to the mike and belts out a cool, bluesy "Love Me Two Times." Guitarist Robby Krieger explains how he wrote the song thinking about the soldiers leaving for Vietnam and saying goodbye to their girlfriends. Next comes Ian Astbury of the British metal band The Cult with a rendition of "Whiskey Bar," a song taken from a German opera and "Backdoor Man," a roaring blues number from the Willie Dixon catalogue. Astbury shows here a great range in his voice and he truly brings-up the Morrison vibe with his all leahter outfit. The dark, hypnotic atmosphere of The Doors is evoked next when Travis Meeks of Days Of The New performs "The End," here we get a new treatment with Middle Eastern flourishes in the drumming (eventhough the original still remains the best with it's own Eastern flavor). Meeks delivers the lyrics in a fashion that pays due homage to this William Blake-like odyssey of Oedipal murder. Scott Weiland of Stone Temple Pilots arrives next to deliver a scorching "Break On Through" and dangerous "Five To One." Weiland, a wild man of rock in his own right, is another stand-out performer, not delivering an imitation so much as a good performance. Another big name, Scott Stapp of Creed appears to perform The Doors' staple classic, "Light My Fire," Stapp starts off really good and the band burns through the piece, the only disappointment is that at the end Stapp doesn't have the force to deliver that final, scorching "fire!" His next performance, "Roadhouse Blues" is much better and is full of energy. There are two extra tracks included in the DVD, a stylish, atmospheric "Riders On The Storm" with Stapp and Astbury is joined by Cult guitarist Billy Duffy for a roaring "Wild Child." This is a great homage to the spirit of The Doors and it is also now historically important because it was this reunion that inspired organist Ray Manzarek and guitarist Krieger to re-form the group with Astbury as vocalist and start touring again. A must for rock fans.

Rating:
Summary: All Star Karaoke!
Review: This DVD is nothing but a bunch of "musicians" (and I use the word cautiously) who got dressed up and decided to karaoke in front of an audience. The "musicians" included on this "Tribute" are a strange choice, and the remaining "Doors" seem like an act. They don't belong together anymore. And don't even get me started on Ray Manzarek. What a character! He's the one who started the whole "Morrison Mystique" junk and now he's basically saying that all Jim was was a frontman. (Read "Light My Fire" by Ray)
All I'm saying is that whoever made the decision to do this, and with the people who did it, are not people interested in the music. The "guest musicians" are currently unpopular "stars" longing to make themselves cool again, or they're youngsters (like "Creed", shudder) who need some good PR and want to align themselves with something greater. Too late kiddies. The Doors died with Morrison.

Rating:
Summary: A Celebration?
Review: This DVD is simply the broadcast of the VH1 Storytellers episode that was aired early in 2001 with two bonus performances. Creed's Scott Stapp performs "Light My Fire," "Roadhouse Blues," and now "Riders on the Storm" with the remaining Doors. Both songs are incredibly well-done. The Travis Meeks version of "The End" is also quite impressive. Fans of Stone Temple Pilots will love Scott Weiland helping out on "Break On Through" and "Five to One." Patrick Monahan doesn't dissapoint on "Love Me Two Times," although this song is one of the more manipulated versions of the original. However, I felt that the version of "Whiskey Bar/Backdoor Man" performed by Ian Astbury of the Cult was more than dissapointing. It was annoying. I am an avid fan of the Cult, but this was the wrong song for them to help with. The song, which is very repetitive, does not go well with a vocalist with a limited vocal range. This was another of the songs that appeared on VH1. The song "Wild Child" did not appear, but should have in my opinion. It is much better performed by both the band and the guest singer (Astbury again). So, in conclusion, if you liked the VH1 show, you'll love this DVD. The video and audio are both better than the TV quality. If you're a fan of the Doors, you might not love this disc entirely if you feel that it is disrespectful to Jim Morrison (everyone is entitled to their own opinions), but if you're a fan of the Stoned Immaculate compilation CD, you will probably want this DVD. So enjoy!

Rating:
Summary: A Celebration?
Review: This DVD is simply the broadcast of the VH1 Storytellers episode that was aired early in 2001 with two bonus performances. Creed's Scott Stapp performs "Light My Fire," "Roadhouse Blues," and now "Riders on the Storm" with the remaining Doors. Both songs are incredibly well-done. The Travis Meeks version of "The End" is also quite impressive. Fans of Stone Temple Pilots will love Scott Weiland helping out on "Break On Through" and "Five to One." Patrick Monahan doesn't dissapoint on "Love Me Two Times," although this song is one of the more manipulated versions of the original. However, I felt that the version of "Whiskey Bar/Backdoor Man" performed by Ian Astbury of the Cult was more than dissapointing. It was annoying. I am an avid fan of the Cult, but this was the wrong song for them to help with. The song, which is very repetitive, does not go well with a vocalist with a limited vocal range. This was another of the songs that appeared on VH1. The song "Wild Child" did not appear, but should have in my opinion. It is much better performed by both the band and the guest singer (Astbury again). So, in conclusion, if you liked the VH1 show, you'll love this DVD. The video and audio are both better than the TV quality. If you're a fan of the Doors, you might not love this disc entirely if you feel that it is disrespectful to Jim Morrison (everyone is entitled to their own opinions), but if you're a fan of the Stoned Immaculate compilation CD, you will probably want this DVD. So enjoy!

Rating:
Summary: Scott Stapp, your adorable.....
Review: This is so worth buying. I love the Doors music & seeing Mr. Stapp sing their songs is just so wonderful.... Truely a must have.

Rating:
Summary: Good.
Review: Well this was not what i expected from my first dvd of the doors.
If i could buy another that includes Jim without any doubt.

Rating:
Summary: Good.
Review: Well this was not what i expected from my first dvd of the doors.
If i could buy another that includes Jim without any doubt.

Rating:
Summary: The Doors prove they were merely a back-up band to Morrison!
Review: What a great DVD! Yes, they miss Jim Morrison terribly but some of these singers come close. The two great things about this DVD is the first-hand stories about the legendary band and how great a band they were to back-up Morrison's vocals. No one can replace Jim Morrison but the band is so tight and the performances so interesting that it almost makes up for it.