Somewhat sad news to report today, particularly if you’re a fan of classic rock. A keyboardist, producer, solo artist and founding member of The Doors, Ray Manzarek passed away earlier today at the age of 74. The cause of death was complications as a result of bile cancer, for which he was receiving treatment at a medical facility in Germany. Manzarek’s classic keyboard work is probably best remembered in some of the biggest Doors hits, including “Light My Fire” and “Hello I Love You”. Take away his keyboard/organ parts and those songs lose all sense of meaning and quality. Let’s not forget he also had to deal with the incredible ego of Jim Morrison on a regular basis, making him a saint in many ways as well. The good news though is that Manzarek lived about 42 years longer than Morrison did, which resulted in some great creative output including a revival of The Doors in 2002 with guitarist Robbie Krieger, though legally speaking they weren’t allowed to tour under the band’s name. Still, they played Doors songs, and seemed to have some fun with it. Anyways, Manzarek was a rock legend in his own right, and his presence will be missed. Now let’s get to this week-starting edition of Pick Your Poison. Focus tracks today come from Badlands, Bernard et Bianca, Egyptian Sports Network, Le Fever, Smallpools and Stay Positive. In the Soundcloud section after the jump, stream songs from Destruction Unit, Escort, Laura Marling, vacation, and Katie and Allison Crutchfield (Waxahatchee) covering a Grimes classic.
Cosmic Suckerpunch – Glad You’re Here Now
Doctor P – Neon (A Purple Heart Remix)
Egyptian Sports Network – Leo in Cyan
Last Good Tooth – Problems Leave Out of Mouths
Strangeheart – In Another Life (8th Grader Remix)
SOUNDCLOUD
Dead Boots – Gravity
Destruction Unit – Sonic Pearl
Escort – Barbarians
Katie and Allison Crutchfield – Oblivion (Grimes cover)
Laura Marling – Once
Vacation – Candy Waves
