Jim Morrison was crooning in that part Jay was talking about. Jim liked Frank Sinatra and now that you’re familiar with crooners you can recognize the influence they had on singers.
I heard in those days,Sinatra was asking who'd that kid that sings like me. I guess it's the intervals between lines? Although I never heard that Frank was accused of exposure.
Per Songfacts Doors guitarist Robby Krieger wrote this song as "Hit Me," based on fights he had with his girlfriend. The lyric was, "C'mon, hit me, I'm not afraid." In a rare show of restraint, Jim Morrison insisted on changing it to "Touch Me." At the end of the song, Morrison chants "Stronger than dirt!" The line is from an Ajax commercial popular at the time where a white knight rides around destroying dirt. The last four chords of the song were also lifted from the commercial.
After the song, I literally said "STRONGER THAN DIRT" out loud. I figured no one else was that old! It's amazing the things you remember after so many years.
This is a great song and one that really does let Jim's vocals shine. I think of this song as his version of a crooner, his lounge lizard king persona, with horns and strings and a great, memorable beat. Love it!
The Doors are one of the best rock groups ever. Lead singer/songwriter Jim Morrison is the definitive front man: good looks, sex appeal, voice... Their massive collection of hits include: "L.A. Woman", Break In Thru", " Peace Frog", Hello, I Love You ", " Riders On The Storm", Not To Touch The Earth", The End " and one of the best songs ever written "Light My Fire".
If you haven't yet done so, here are some great Doors songs: "Love Her Madly" and "Riders On the Storm." Very different. Props to Ray Manserak, keyboardist for the Doors. He really made this song go. And he's front and center on keyboards on "Riders On the Storm." By the way, if you listen real closely to those last four notes of the song, you can make out the lyrics "Stronger than Dirt." I've never quite understood what that has to do with the song, but those four notes ARE the notes to a famous commercial jingle that aired on radio and TV selling AJAX Laundry Detergent, and the lyrics to that jingle that were sung to those four notes were, "Stronger than Dirt." It's always been plain as day to my ears. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-EFZK5VkQes4.html. And see, I'm not crazy. This guy noticed it, too, and he even did some research on it. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Y0RSoIef7Ak.html
I remember hearing the 'stronger than dirt' notes the first time I ever heard the song, and thinking, seriously? That's the Ajax commercial! Thanks for clarifying.
@@bowlersgazette9449 - Nice. I just watched one of yours. Left a comment. I'm no longer in Atlanta; now in the greater KC area. About to launch Season 7 of PRODIGY BOWLERS TOUR on my channel. Taping two new episodes next weekend. Our first episode of the new season should drop about 10 days after that.
I wasn't born till the early 70's but luckily for me my parents have taste and I was introduced to The Doors at an early age. I remember when I was in highschool late 80's early 90's my friends thought I was strange for listening to this. I'm still listening to it today and thankful to my parents for giving so many beautiful options in life. Great choice for a video, love it!
@@jeanine6328 sounds like we're all "moon children". I'm born aug. 75 & i was the REALLY weird kid cause I was Jamming To This Stuff In Grade School In The Early 80s.
I was born in 82. I love The Doors due to my parents. Luckily enough my parents were hippies and loved all this amazing music and so do I. This is actually one of my favorite Doors songs, and one I sing at karaoke. 😁
I'm way older than you and the first time I heard "about" The Doors was when I saw their billboard ad in Los Angeles. It was the first Rock n Roll billboard ever put up, and it caused quite a reaction. I heard them for the first time on my transistor radio, with its single bud ear piece (High-tech stuff for the time).
I know I'm old but I remember seeing The Doors perform this song on the Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour - with live strings and horns! In the last 3 notes you can hear someone singing "stronger than dirt!" That had to be a shout-out to a well known TV commercial of the time for a household cleaner that used that as its slogan.
The story goes that the studio next door was recording the jingle for a "Mr. Clean" commercial and Morrison could hear it in the hallway and that "Stronger than dirt" part got stuck in his mind, and the only way to get it out, was to put it the record. No guarantee thats correct, but I have seen the same story from two different sources with almost no variation.
This was actually their last top 10 hit in early ‘69. It sounds older since many of the sixties bands were paying homage to the big band era 20 or so years prior. I’ve always loved this song, and you were able to find one of the clearest versions. It sounds fantastic! I want to say the cut you showcased is digitally remastered.
Can you elaborate? This is the first time I've heard that there was a trend of 60s bands playing big band style of the 20s. I'm an 80s kid and grew up on the older music from my parents. I know the Doors very well but never knew about this.
One of the best things about music in this period through the 70's...bands did what they wanted. No feeling limited in what their "sound" should be. The tried a little of this, a bit of that, and whatever made them feel good was what they played. I personally love the way the moods from the same band could change from song to song, never were quite sure what was next and that was worth waiting for.
Yes it’s different, and I feel that some people don’t like it so much for that reason. I personally really like this song, it’s one of my favorites. I love the use of brass and string instruments (with a sax solo from Curtis Amy). I love Jim’s singing in this one. I think the reason why this lyrically sounds lighter is because it was written by Robby Krieger (the guitarist).
@The Vinyl Music Life You hit the nail on the head. It’s so different than what the doors ever did before or after and the whole lounge feel of it is just magical for some reason. Only Morrison could pull something like this off.
You have to listen to their song “The End” first then watch the powerful movie “Apocalypse Now” (1979) that is in this drama/war film. Won many awards.
Us Baby boomers had the greatest music without a doubt, we were teenagers during the 60s and 70s, the pinnacle of rock and roll, we saw it all and were age perfect for it. Going to concerts, buying the records, having the posters etc. Hell we even experienced the golden age of rhythm and blues/Soul of the 50s-70s. GenX and millennials will never know what they missed, relying on your parents doesn't give you the same experience.
I entered High School to Led Zeppelin 1 and finished my senior year with Dark Side of the Moon. As good a stretch of tunes than anyone could want for your teenage years. Still listen to it and will forever.
So many concerts back then living near Cleveland .... just during the summer of '72 we saw The Stones, Black Sabbath, Yes, Alice Cooper, Humble Pie, Edgar Winter, Deep Purple, James Gang, Mountain, Grateful Dead and more.... plus joints were usually available for .50 cents ....
Yes. Born 1960. Cofounded a Progressive Rock Band by 1980. It was an incredibly exciting time to be a musician. Although I never caught a big break, getting famous or wealthy I took music lessons on multiple instruments for 12 years, fell in love with Progressive rock and got to fulfill a dream, with special moments and memories. No regrets. ✌🇨🇦
Graduated High School in 71. The music was non stop and ALL good. Almost everything that was on the radio we bought on LP. Vinyl records. Huge stereo speakers were a must. Yes, we heard it all and I’m so glad we did.
Do not include Gen Xers with Millennials. I think you meant Gen Y. I am Gen X, born in 1968, and even as a young child, because of my older brother, I listened to and fell in love with this era of music, The Doors, Led Zeppelin, Janis Joplin, Black Sabbath, Peter Frampton, and so on. Also, my parents listened to the crooners, classical, jazz, and blues, so I appreciate many different genres. One of my favorite things to do when I was around four years old was stand on the ottoman in the family room, with a hairbrush as my microphone, and I would sing to Elvis from the album “Aloha from Hawaii.” I agree that music from the 1960s and the 70s had meaning, charisma, and beauty, which are lost in today's music. Most everything today is pop music with auto tunes and lip-syncing.
This was from their fourth album, Soft Parade, not an earlier song. My two favorite songs for you are Moonlight Drive and Crystal Ship. Love The Doors!
This is from the group's fourth album ("The Soft Parade") and producer Paul Rothchild wanted to change up the sound a bit, so they incorporated more brass and strings. The saxophone here is by Curtis Amy, who was the musical director for Ray Charles and later played with Carole King. The band had come off of a long hard tour, so Jim didn't do as much of the songwriting. Thus there were more straight-ahead rockers written by guitarist Robbie Krieger. This is not the album where the group hired Elvis Presley's bassist, Jerry Scheff (remember, the Doors did not have a regular bass player), but I could totally see this as an Elvis song. How have you not done "Light My Fire" as yet? Or did it get blocked? For more Doors, consider "Tell All the People" from this album, as well as a my ongoing requests for "When the Music's Over", "Soul Kitchen" or "Five to One". I know, I know, "When the Music's Over" is too long for the channel, but I have to keep putting it out there. Someday…
STRONGER THAN DIRT!!! Love you guys… you want to know the Doors? Listen to “5 to 1” or “The Unknown Solider” but 5 to 1 first. I love you guys keep up the great work!
Buying this 45 when it was new the bass line was so strong the needle would jump on the record player - had to tape a nickel or quarter on top of the tone arm to play it - dam what an odd memory from 55 years ago - you guys rock !
May be my favorite Doors song. Great bass line, horns , etc and of course JM. Oh yeah strings too. Nice horn solo coming. Love seeing you guys having fun. "Stronger than dirt" was a reference to a commercial of the time for a detergent. Nice. Thanks.
I saw them preview this song at the Forum. Wow what a concert ! So much good music. Crystal Ships and that wonderful classic guitar influence in Spanish Caravan
It's different but not so different when you hear a full album of the Door and not just the songs they put that became hits...they have many gems on their album that have many different styles of music that they did not put out to be hits......you guys got to do a whole album of The Doors to really really appreciate this music as artist....and you will discover some songs that you really like. Yeah this one was like a Frank Sinatra style to it where the Sax and horns are coming in and making the song sound interesting, yeah I really like this one!!! 😁
I can share a fact about this song that virtually no-one knows. The final four words and notes of "Touch Me" were taken from a commercial that was played in heavy rotation at the time that they cut the song. "New Ajax laundry detergent is stronger than dirt". The Doors sang those last four words, stronger than dirt.
i'll be damned, thank you! some guy above commented JUST those words, and i had no idea what the hell he meant, so i just kept scrolling, lol. but i DID hear--for the FIRST time ever--must be my new speakers, haha--SOMETHING being said at the end, couldnt tell what--thanks!
Hard to pick a favorite Doors song, but this one comes close for me!! : - ) This really highlighted Jim's voice, and I always thought it sounded like he was on stage in Las Vegas or something..! Thanks for the reaction!
When you're saying that it's an "older" style, you're right. This song as bits that sound like swing and other parts that are jazz, and put together it's like the "pop standards" of the 1940s and 1950s.
L.A. Woman is a must banger that you two would enjoy! Billy Idol also does an an excellent cover. You should check both versions out, but start with The Doors.
So romantic and so many flavors in one recording! Dynamics, layers, what a jam also! ❤️ I agree Amber his voice is so versatile. Underrated? Probably! ✌️
The Doors did make some different sounding songs in the brief time they were together. Offhand, I can't think of another song by the Doors that is like "Touch Me." They're a very listenable band, with even most B side type tunes being surprisingly good. The musicianship is top notch, and of course Morrison adds layers of mystery. Here's a few suggestions: "Alabama Song," "Back Door Man," "The Crystal Ship," "The End," "Five to One," "LA Woman," "Light My Fire," "Love Me Two Times," "Love Street," "Peace Frog," "Soul Kitchen," "Spanish Caravan," "Waiting For the Sun," "The WASP," and "When the Music's Over." You'll want to hear them all, plus a few more. :)
Seems the more " pop" or " radio friendly" etc. tunes were Robbie's. I think he dug the far out stuff Jim came with, but he just wanted to be a rock/blues band guitarist. But... that's what made it what it was, the four of them with really differing music backgrounds at a weird time for music.
@@hardy9429 I did not know that. But, makes a great lyric even greater to know it wasn't just the right meter he needed, but actually has a meaning. No one here gets out alive. An unfair number of my family sure didnt...
I've always loved the Doors for their unique sound and for Jim's voice. His voice is one of my very favorites. I think you have already done Crystal Ship, but if not, definitely react to it. One of my favorites from them.
So much meaning, thought, sole, energy and effort put into the music of this era. Sad to say I don't think we will ever experience this type musical explosion ever again. Hope I am mistaken.
Amber just demonstrated why it's high time for a sax resurgence. As for Jim Morrison, as sensual and intriguing and mysterious he may be, he's expressing the same damn thing about his love interest... one pinnacle of life's beauties.
Morrison's voice in this song reminds me of a combo of a 50's/60's crooner & Elvis. One thing about The Doors is they're not pigeon holed into one sound. Great reaction!
One of my favourite Doors songs. This song is so great. 🔥 It is just revved up from the very start to the end. You want Horns AMBER You Got It, wait for the end. Jim's voice is raw and gravely and just penetrates your inner brain. He's sooo believable. Rock on Jim.🎶🎶🎶 Great reaction. Buckets of Maple Syrup love from Canada ❤️ ❤️ 🇨🇦🇨🇦
You guys have got to listen to Light My Fire by the Doors next. The song is one of Jim's well known songs. I think Amber will dig his climatic primal scream at the end of the song .I know I do. I love Jim's raspy singing voice . To me Jim Morrison and Janis Joplin mirror one another as far as their singing styles are concerned. Love me two Times is another gritty Jim Morrison primal scream singing song as well as Five to One. I feel like I have to send you guys a Jim Morrison An American Poet poster now to make you guys honorary fans of the Doors now. But I don't know where to send it to? I don't know your P.O Box address? In your reply to this if you can send me the P.O Box number, cool and I will see what I can do from my end of getting you guys a Jim Morrison or Doors poster? Hey Jay and Amber, little bit of a fun fact for you guys ? Jim Morrison was a Frank Sinatra fan. So I don't doubt that he wanted the song Touch me to be sung in that Crooning manner. As a way to pay homage to Frank maybe? You guys have to remember that Jim saw himself more as a poet than a rockstar. You guys should react to his poetry album An American Prayer. It's a good album chalk full of just different moods, different sounds. He recites his poetry with a musical background behind his words. The song Touch Me is from the band's fourth studio album The Soft Parade. The concept of that particular album is more a jazz influenced background. Hence Touch Me's feel to you today.
Yes, the Doors are always a good thing, next try their epic, When the Music's Over, an all time classic and a major workout of their magical, musical skills. Enjoy! 🎵🎹🎤🎸🎶
I did not become familiar with The Doors until about the end of the 70s, or very early 80s. I can remember being at work when Touch Me came on the radio. I was immediately taken with that voice, and the spectacular tone and smoothness that Morrison displays in this song, the chorus particularly. I stated to one of my friends, "Wow, a rock and roll singer who has a legitimate voice!" My friend looked at me funny, as if he couldn't believe I didn't know the band and singer. He told me who it was, and I went on a deep dive and became a huge fan of The Doors. Hard to imagine myself, now, that I had missed them for all those years when I was in my childhood and teens.
Love this song. It does remind me of a Frank Sinatra vocal style. Awesome! Looks like you still haven't reacted to their greatest hit of all time, "Light My Fire".
This is Jim Morrison at his Frank Sinatra best! "Stronger than dirt" are the last three words you hear at the very end, which was a popular slogan for an Ajax Cleanser commercial back then. By the way, you still haven't reacted to the Doors biggest hit, Light My Fire.
In the last four notes of this song you can vaguely hear the words "Stronger than dirt". This was obviously done on purpose in final production and comes from a laundry detergent tv ad at the time. I think it's fun that they use it to end the song the some way they end the commercial. And this from songfacts 'The sax part was played by Curtis Amy, who was a popular session horn and flute player who got his biggest exposure playing on Carole King's famous Tapestry album'.
You know this album that this song was on.. (It was a number 1 song) is considered the worst studio album of theirs by the critics, for me personally, I love it.. especially the long groove of the Title cut.. The Soft Parade.. but what do I know?.. I love the 2 albums after Morrison had died (which I'm sure you will never get into) because it showed the musicianship of the band without Jim even if the songs were not mainstream.. But this power hit rocked the radio at the end of 68 . Glad you loved the ending.. much different for The Doors.. as this album was also... but you should have watched the live TV performance from The Smothers Brothers show.. Super Super reaction!!
Summer of 1980 taking 2 classes at college with lots of free time between studying and working. Decided to listen and learn the lyrics to every doors song. Achieved it. Knew a lot already but took a while with the lest known songs. 40+ years on remember more lyrics than the classes I took.
It’s extremely rare for a cover song to be even better than the original. “light my fire” is the doors greatest hit. But Jose Feliciano did a cover of it that even surpassed the original and it also was a hit record.
Love The Doors. They did so many wonderful songs. Jim Morrison got into trouble more than once for being a bad boy on stage. But the music was great.💜☯️
@@Spo-Dee-O-Dee film from that show proves he did NOT "whip it out", it was the microphone that he stuck into his pants and pulled out from the zipper. He was still arrested and charged with public lewdness and vulgarity.
@@fcorso1313 I've seen Bruce Springsteen do something similar. At the Tacoma Dome in the 80's on the Born in the USA tour. The song was I'm on Fire. He positioned the mic so that the lights threw a shadow very similar. It was not unnoticed by many females in the audience. 🤣
This is off their album "The Soft Parade" which was an amazing album for them. It was almost a concept album the way the songs rolled and the different sound they showed. Check out more from that album, it will surprise you.
"love me two times". "5 to one". "Alabama Song", " Light my Fire", "Break on through", "Back Door Man",'" The End". Just a sample of great Doors songs you need to hear
My favorite Doors song......reminds me of just graduating high school, and a crush I had absolutely loved this song and played it all the time......awesome!
From 1942 to 1996, Cashbox magazine used to track the popularity of songs played on jukeboxes, while Billboard tracks record sales. This song peaked on the Billboard Hot 100 at number three, but made it all the way to number one on the Cashbox chart.
"Riders on the Storm", "LA Woman", "Light My Fire", "Crystal Ship" (awesome) and to really get in touch with Jim's quirky, darker side: "The End". Part of the 27 club member: RIP Jim x