Which _The Doors_ cds are considered the best?

June 1, 2012 12:33 PM

I am confused about The Doors catalog. There are many versions. I am not sure which is the best. I know "best" is subjective. What I mean is not altered with remixing but simply the best remastered. Or if the original releases are still considered the best. I have the "Perception" set but saw a previous box from 1999 that I've read is better quality. Any input? This may be your opinion but your opinion is appreciated.
posted by snap_dragon to Grab Bag (6 answers total)

My opinions are 1)The vinyl original releases are the best and 2)remastering can be as dramatic as remixing, so don't assume the answer to your question lies in a particular remaster.
posted by Rykey at 12:39 PM on June 1, 2012

Aaaaaaand I just saw the title of your post, which indicates you're looking for CDs, not vinyl. Sorry. Mods, feel free to delete my comment.
posted by Rykey at 12:42 PM on June 1, 2012

Response by poster: @Rykey - No, that is ok. I am now going down the rabbit hole in pursuit of a nice audio experience. Your comment gave me the idea (later when I have more $$) to try some vinyl. Not now, but later.
posted by snap_dragon at 12:49 PM on June 1, 2012

My research also indicated that the 1999 box set sounded the best, so that is what I bought, used from Amazon for $76. Now you can get it for as low as $31 - I wish that deal had been around when I bought it.

Incidentally, it sounds great.
posted by rfs at 1:36 PM on June 1, 2012

Best answer: This may help as a reference point. It's a bit of a slog for a group as old and popular as the doors but the discogs comments should help you sort what's what.

On a quick googling, the 40th anniversary reissues are getting positive comments.
posted by erebora at 1:39 PM on June 1, 2012

Response by poster: @erebora - Wow, that was an a great and interesting (and overwhelming) site. I had no utter idea there were so many versions floating out there. Granted, I could look at US but still. Damn. I just checked the 40th Anniv of LA Woman at the library and it has a second disc of live versions which I don't think are anywhere else (??) and they are awesome.
posted by snap_dragon at 2:03 PM on June 1, 2012