R.I.P. RAY MANZAREK - A QUICK TRIBUTE

Artist: THE DOORS; Title: LIGHT MY FIRE (Short Mono Version); Label: ELEKTRA; Format:7"; Cat. No.: EKSN 45014; Year: 1967; Country:UK.

Seeing as the man responsible to a large of extent of what made this seminal track from The Doors so distinctive died yesterday.  Here's a quick appreciation of what for many is their most recognizable track - namely "Light My Fire" released in 1967 and carried by the distinctive Vox organ sound of Ray Manzarek - which was borrowed from a certain Johann Sebastian Bach.  I'm discusssing the UK issued version of the 7" - which is the short version which doesn't have the showcase solos of Robby Krieger's flamenco inspired stylings (which was supposed to be feature of the track) or Ray Manzarek's  extended solo.  However unlike the US short version and subsequent UK reissues of the early and mid 70's there's no audible edit and it sounds like the groups playing the shorter cut all the way through - plus there's a bit of different in sound and playing - so I'm thinking towards this being the mono single mix.  The flip side is the sublime "The Crystal Ship" - which shows that Jim Morrison could do subtle after all!