Perception [Box] (CD - 2006)

Additional personnel: Marc Benno (guitar); G. Puglese (harmonica); Jerry Scheff (bass instrument); Lonnie Mack, Ray Neopolitan (bass guitar).

Released during late 2006 in honor of the Doors' 40th anniversary, PERCEPTION is a six-CD/six-DVD box set that not only features all of the legendary Los Angeles rock band's classic albums, but includes rare recordings and video footage on companion bonus discs. Boasting newly remastered sound, the compilation traces the arc of the group's years fronted by the brooding, mercurial Jim Morrison, an undeniably charismatic and compelling performer who boldly announced the arrival of the band on its thrilling first single "Break On Through (To The Other Side)," and later heralded the act's demise on the haunting "Riders on the Storm." In between, the set features other outstanding Doors tracks such as the macabre "People Are Strange," the trippy "Hello, I Love You," the glitter-and-velvet pop tune "Touch Me," and the raucous "Roadhouse Blues," which all showcase Morrison's deep, resonant voice and the rest of the ensemble's tight playing and moody, inventive arrangements. Although many of the rarities will mainly be of interest to Doors diehards (see the unformed "Push Push"), PERCEPTION is an impressively thorough anthology with appeal for anyone intrigued by the proudly rebellious band. minimize