The Doors album tracks series - #2: Waiting for the Sun

[fange]

'Waiting for the Sun' (Morrison Hotel, 1970)



I've often wondered, but never found out, whether this song was born around the time that the band were making the album of the same name, but for some reason didn't make it onto the record. The recording dates were certainly done over several years beforehand, I remember that much.

What do you think of this one?

[naughty boy]

Meh

[fange]

Oh, forgot the poll!


It's not really great Doors for me, but there is some nice playing from the band, who could always sound very quiet or powerful when they wanted to.
An 'ok' here.

[Belle Lettre]

I love the way everything is slightly drawn out . Far more than ok.

[The Modernist]

I like it. It's maybe a bit 'Doors by Numbers' and the song doesn't lift like their best stuff. But it's a good enough song for me to enjoy.

[Moleskin]

I think if it had been around for the earlier album session it would have made the album.

I like it anyway.

[Bent Fabric]

It isn't necessarily my all time favorite, but there's something there. Their sort of "mid tempo moody melodic mode" has its own virtues when it works - Robby is good here. I feel like they are careening towards something a bit less delicate and more blustery by this point in their career ("Roadhouse Blues", etc.), so songs like this one and "Blue Sunday" seem all the more special in context.

[joels344]

I voted great, even though I consider the album to be very good and in my top 4 Doors albums (maybe top 3). It certainly deserves more appreciation within their discography.

[Ranking Ted]

It’s not prime Doors but it’s certainly better than mere “ok”. As time goes by, even the lesser parts of their small catalogue are amplifed. So, great by default.

[Charlie O.]

I agree with what seems to be the consensus, and would suggest that it's a better performance/recording than song.

[Matt Wilson]

I've often wondered, but never found out, whether this song was born around the time that the band were making the album of the same name, but for some reason didn't make it onto the record. The recording dates were certainly done over several years beforehand, I remember that much.

You are correct. "Waiting for the Sun" was recorded in '68 during sessions for the third album. It's not even the oldest recording on the album either.

[Zombeels]

My second favourite Doors song.

[fange]

You are correct. "Waiting for the Sun" was recorded in '68 during sessions for the third album.

Cheers, thought that might be the case.

[toomanyhatz]

It isn't necessarily my all time favorite, but there's something there. Their sort of "mid tempo moody melodic mode" has its own virtues when it works - Robby is good here. I feel like they are careening towards something a bit less delicate and more blustery by this point in their career ("Roadhouse Blues", etc.), so songs like this one and "Blue Sunday" seem all the more special in context.

I agree with this, though this is nowhere near as good as "Blue Sunday," which I absolutely adore, "pitchy" vocals and all.

[fange]

Did you vote 'great', hatzy? I'm a little surprised to see so many 'great' votes - although from the comments it seems like I probably should have put in a choice between 'great' and 'ok'. It certainly has some lovely parts for me, but overall doesn't reach some of the colossal heights the group were capable of. And within just a few short years too.

[toomanyhatz]

Were there a choice between 'great' and 'OK' that would have been my choice. I voted 'OK,' but only because I think it falls short of 'great.'

[Bent Fabric]

And I voted 'great' because 'OK' seemed insufficient.

[pcqgod]

I like the fuzzy riff on it, but the song itself if a bit meh except for the part where Morrison sings "this is the strangest life I've ever...known."

[The Modernist]

And I voted 'great' because 'OK' seemed insufficient.

Same here.

[Quaco]

I think it's great. One of my favorites. The way the different sections contrast with each other. The middle "Waiting for you toooo" part is unexpected and powerful, with harmonies even!