Soft Parade [Import]

The Doors | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 27, 2007)
• Original Release Date: 1969
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: Rhino
• ASIN: B000MG1ZFQ
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (31 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,921 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #9 in Music > Alternative Rock > Hardcore & Punk > Proto Punk
  • #66 in Music > Classic Rock > Psychedelic Rock

Track Listings

1. Tell All The People

2. Touch Me

3. Shaman's Blues

4. Do It

5. Easy Ride

6. Wild Child

7. Runnin' Blue

8. Wishful Sinful

9. The Soft Parade

10. Who Scared You (Bonus)

11. Whiskey, Mystics And Men (Version 1) (Bonus)

12. Whiskey, Mystics And Men (Version 2) (Bonus)

13. Push Push (Bonus)

14. Touch Me (Dialogue) (Bonus)

15. Touch Me (Take 3) (Bonus)

Editorial Reviews

THE SOFT PARADE, first released in 1969, climbed to #6 and featured the #3 hit "Touch Me," "Shaman's Blues," "Wild Child," and more. Boasts in-depth liner notes by Rolling Stone writer David Fricke. Six bonus tracks include a previously unissued version of "Touch Me," the previously unheard "Push, Push," and two unreleased takes of "Whiskey, Mystics And Men."

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good and Bad, April 24, 2007

By 

D. Allen "Mr. Mojorisin" (North Texas) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Soft Parade (Audio CD)

I don't quite know what to think about this remix/remaster. On one hand, there is greater clarity and detail, the recording breathes, and the instruments are well defined in their own space. On the other hand, it lacks fullness and warmth due to being lower-midrange deficient, and it is slightly bass-shy. How many times are they going to sell this to me before they finally get it right?

The remix is another issue: I have nothing against remixing classic titles when they try to duplicate the original mix in an effort to improve the overall sound quality. I also don't have a problem when they remix to deliberately alter the music, but I'm not sure if they don't belong in a box set or as bonus tracks. In this case, the only significant alteration occurs on the title track, and I don't care for it. Unfortunately it's not presented as a bonus track, but as a part of the original album.

This smells like another attempt to simply sell us the same title again. All I want is an identical remix, remastered to sound as good as possible - but if they did that, I wouldn't have to buy it again!

Edit 9-26-10: Audio Fidelity recently released an audiophile version of this, and it sounds quite good. There have been problems with their releases, and this one is no exception, but overall, it is definitely the one to buy.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Worth the money for extra material, May 29, 2007

By 

Dennis L. Hughes "Windows Programmer/Architect" (Austin, TX USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Soft Parade (Audio CD)

I don't have much of an opinion about the remastering, other than to note that it sounds clear and I really enjoy the music. I consider the original a 3-star album. If you like The Doors, you'll like the original. My particular favorites include Shaman's Blues, Wild Child and the title track.

The Rhino remix includes several additional tracks including Who Scared You and 2 versions of Whisky, Mystics and Men. These tracks are hard to find elsewhere, very strong, and bump this version of the CD up to 4 stars.

17 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I can say this without hesitation- it's a classic album, November 29, 2007

By 

B. E Jackson (Pennsylvania) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Soft Parade (Audio CD)

It's always been a BIG mystery to me why so many people are convinced the Soft Parade is the weakest of the six classic Jim Morrison Doors albums. To me, the songwriting is *just* as good as it has always been. I can't figure out what the problem is with all the negative opinions. A very solid and enjoyable Doors album.

"Tell All the People" has a melody very similar to "Touch Me", and it boggles the mind why "Touch Me" continues to receive all the classic rock radio play when it's not even the best song on the album. Sure, the horns are great, and the vocal melody is really beautiful, but it's NOT the best song on the album.

"Shaman's Blues" might be the very best song on the album. It's a blues song with a special mystical-like atmosphere. Plus it's just an exciting song. I love it. "Do It" has a chorus for a vocal melody and a guitar riff repeating for only a couple minutes. "Wild Child" has a chugging blues riff. It's a highly memorable track as well. You know, the whole album feels really good because it's so exciting and electric and mystical. Great stuff.

What would a Doors album be without a spooky chilling Jim Morrison vocal melody? That's what "Wishful Sinful" is for!

You won't hear rock music like this anymore. Oh, and the title song is over eight minutes of jamming, and not much atmosphere (which is what separates it from stuff like "The End" and "When the Music's Over"). It's more musically focused in comparison. Overall, a very solid effort.