THE DOORS 13 Vinyl Album Rare 1970 German Pressing with Jim Morrison

"13" Album Description

The Doors, titans of 1960s psychedelic rock, were not only prolific but consistently impactful throughout their brief but brilliant career. Their compilation album, "13," offers a potent encapsulation of their early magic, making it a must-have for both dedicated fans and those discovering the band.

Compilation in the Age of Experimentation

Released in 1970, "13" came at a time when compilation albums were relatively uncommon. However, The Doors had already amassed an impressive catalog of hits and deep cuts. This collection served as a perfect introduction for new fans while offering die-hards a well-curated selection of iconic tracks.

Track Selection

"13" features a thrilling mix of The Doors' greatest songs, showcasing their uncanny ability to fuse blues, psychedelia, and Morrison's haunting, poetic vocals. While gems abound, the undeniable standout is their extended epic, "Light My Fire." This track ignites the album and serves as a landmark in rock history. From there, it journeys through other essentials including "People Are Strange," "Roadhouse Blues," and the hypnotic "The Crystal Ship."

Morrison's Presence

The title "13 with JIM MORRISON" is noteworthy. Released while Jim Morrison was still alive, this became the only compilation to earn his direct involvement. Morrison's enigmatic charisma permeates the album, his voice and persona an essential ingredient in the potent sonic cocktail that was The Doors.

Featured Song: Light My Fire

The Doors' "Light My Fire" is a psychedelic rock masterpiece known for its innovative structure and suggestive lyrics. The song explodes with an extended keyboard intro before launching into Jim Morrison's hypnotic vocals. Though seemingly about igniting a flame, interpretations differ. It could be a call to passion, a plea for deeper connection, or a metaphor for breaking societal boundaries, fueled by the psychedelic experimentation of the 1960s. The famous line "try to set the night on fire" exemplifies this ambiguity, urging an intense and transformative experience. The song's extended improvisational section further heightens the psychedelic atmosphere, making "Light My Fire" an enduring anthem of liberation and exploration.

"Light My Fire" Live:

Music Genre:

Psychedelic rock, acid rock, blues-rock, hard rock

Album Production Information:

The album: "THE DOORS - 13 (Jim Morrison)" was produced by: Paul A. Rothchild, Jac Holzman

Sound/Recording Engineer(s): Bruce Botnick

Album art direction and design: Robert L. Heimall

Album front cover photo: William S. Harvey

Album back cover photo: Edmund Teske

Record Label & Catalognr:

Elektra 42 062 (EKS 74 079)

Media Format:

12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record

Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram

Year & Country:

1970 Made in Germany

Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: THE DOORS - 13 (Jim Morrison)

Jim Morrison - Vocals
Robbie Krieger - Guitar
Ray Manzarek - Piano, organ
John Densmore - Drums

Complete Track-listing of the album "THE DOORS - 13 (Jim Morrison)"

The detailed tracklist of this record "THE DOORS - 13 (Jim Morrison)" is:

"Light My Fire"
"People Are Strange"
"Back Door Man" (Dixon)
"Moonlight Drive"
"The Crystal Ship"
"Roadhouse Blues"

"Touch Me" (Krieger)
"Love Me Two Times"
"You're Lost Little Girl"
"Hello, I Love You"
"Land Ho!"
"Wild Child"
"The Unknown Soldier"

Front Cover Photo Of THE DOORS 13 with Jim Morrison 12" LP Vinyl Album

Front cover artwork of The Doors' compilation album "13". The main focus is a head-and-shoulders portrait of lead singer Jim Morrison, rendered in dramatic blue tones that create a ghostly, ethereal effect. Morrison's expression is serious, with intense eyes staring directly at the viewer, conveying both charisma and mystery. His tousled hair blends into the dark background, enhancing the dreamlike atmosphere.

Positioned to Morrison’s left and slightly below are smaller monochromatic images of the other band members — Robby Krieger, Ray Manzarek, and John Densmore — each captured mid-performance or candidly. These images are aligned vertically and tinted in a contrasting blue-gray shade, giving them a faded, memory-like quality compared to Morrison’s dominant central image.

The band's name, The Doors, appears boldly across the upper section of the cover in large, blocky yellow lettering, outlined in black. The album title, "13", is similarly styled and placed prominently to the right of Morrison’s face. The yellow font pops vividly against the nearly black background, creating a stark visual impact.

The overall mood of the cover is moody, introspective, and slightly surreal, perfectly matching the band's psychedelic rock identity and the timeless appeal of Jim Morrison's enigmatic persona.