Signed by Mercury, Manzarek's 1975 debut "The Golden Scarab" found him sounding considerably more relaxed than on the final two post-Morrison Doors albums ("Full Circle'' and '"Other Voices"). With longtime Doors producer Bruce Botnick handling the boards and with support from Doors sessions bassist Jerry Scheff, guitarist Larry Carlton and drummer Tony Williams (the latter two aptly displaying some of their classy jazz moves throughout the album), the collection highlighted Manzarek's passable voice on a musically diverse set which curiously downplayed his unique organ runs. Apparently intended as a concept piece, at least to my simplistic ears the plotline was vague, though it seemed to have something to do with Egyptology - witness material like the pseudo-funky title track, 'Solar Boat' and the instrumental 'The Moorish Idol'. Bouncing between tuneful, straightforward rock and more experimental endeavors like 'Oh, Thou Precious Nectar Filled Form (or) a Little Fart', it wasn't the year's most consistent release, nor was it likely to change your life one way or the other, but still had it's share of minor pleasures. Carlton turned in several noteworthy guitar solos including a killer performance on 'Solar Boat. Other highlights included the bossa nova styled 'He Can't Come Today' and the three songs that came the closest to recalling The Doors' rock catalog - 'Downbound Train', the bluesy 'Purpose of Existence Is?, and 'Choose Up and Choose Off''. For some reason Manzarek's voice sounded way better on these three rockers ... Mercury also tapped the album for a pair of singles: - 1974's 'Solar Boat' b/w '' (Mercury catalog number 73477) - 1974's 'Downbound Train' b/w 'Choose Up and Choose Off ' (Mercury catalog number 73601) This was a set that's grown on me over the years and may be the best post-Doors release by any of the band members. Nice Goldfinger-styled makeup there guy ... "The Golden Scarab" track listing: (side 1) 1.) He Can't Come Tomorrow - 4:35 2.) Solar Boat - 5:15 3.) Downbound Train - 5:27 4.) Golden Scarab - 6:42 (side 2) 1.) Purpose of Existence Is? - 6:42 2.) The Moorish Idol (instrumental) - 5:40 3.) Choose Up and Choose Off - 4:42 4.) Oh, Thou Precious Nectar Filled Form (or) a Little Fart - 4:58
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