Absolutely Live
A raw, double-album immersion into the electric shamanism of The Doors' legendary live performances.
Released in 1970, Absolutely Live delivers the raw, electric power of The Doors at their peak. This double album captures sets from Fillmore West and the Whisky a Go-Go, highlighting the intense chemistry between Jim Morrison's shamanistic vocals and Ray Manzarek's haunting organ work. It remains an essential document for fans wanting to see how the band transformed studio recordings into visceral, improvisational stage experiences.
Quick Facts
- Artist
- the Doors
- Released
- 20 July 1970
- Recorded
- July 21, 1969
- January 17 or 18, 1970
- May 1, 1970
- May 2, 1970
- May 8, 1970
- Genre
- Rock
- Length
- 77:02
- Label
- Elektra
- Producer
- Paul A. Rothchild
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The album's significance lies in its ability to preserve the volatile dynamic between the band members at their peak. It highlights how Ray Manzarek and Robby Krieger wove complex musical tapestries that allowed Morrison to roam freely, sometimes dangerously close to the edge of control.
Reader's Guide
Recorded in early 1970 at two iconic Los Angeles venues, this double album was compiled from various shows to capture the band's most dynamic performances. The tracklist features extended versions of fan favorites, including a sprawling rendition of 'The End' that showcases the group's improvisational depth and Morrison's theatrical delivery. Critically, the release was praised for its fidelity and energy, offering listeners an unfiltered look at the band's stagecraft without studio overdubs. It debuted strongly on the charts, becoming one of their most successful live records and proving to audiences that their live show was superior to any studio simulation. Culturally, the album remains a definitive reference point for the '70s rock era, influencing countless bands with its blend of blues, psychedelia, and poetry. It solidified The Doors' legacy as masters of the live environment, ensuring their reputation endured long after their final tour.
Track listing
Side one
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Who Do You Love? | Ellas McDaniel | 8:42 |
| 2 | Medley": / "Alabama Song (Whiskey Bar)" / "Back Door Man" / "Love Hides" / "Five to One | Kurt Weill, Bertolt Brecht, Willie Dixon, Jim Morrison, Morrison, the Doors | 10:35 |
| Total length | 19:17 | ||
Side two
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Build Me a Woman | Morrison, the Doors | 3:33 |
| 2 | When the Music's Over | Morrison, the Doors | 14:49 |
| Total length | 18:33 | ||
Side three
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Close to You | Dixon | 5:27 |
| 2 | Universal Mind | Morrison, Robby Krieger | 4:54 |
| 3 | Break On Thru, #2 | Morrison, the Doors | 7:26 |
| Total length | 18:00 | ||
Track listing from the source article.
Did You Know?
- The album features performances from two different venues to showcase the band's versatility across different stage setups.
- Extended instrumental jams on this record often exceeded the length of the original studio versions by several minutes.
- This release was one of the first major rock albums to be marketed specifically as a high-fidelity live experience.
- Many tracks include audience interaction and spoken word segments that were not present in their studio counterparts.
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