"The Celebration Of The Lizard" is the lost
album of the Californian group “The Doors”, officially began recording at the
Sunset Sound Studios in november 1967 with the song: "The Unknown
soldier"; followed by "Spanish Caravan" in January 1968.
The sessions continued on February 19 & 20 at the
TTG Sound Studios in Hollywood, Ca. with what should be the main theme of the
album: "The Celebration Of The Lizard". A long piece, about 17
minutes, although it seems that there were versions that far exceeded that
duration, composed of seven poems with musical accompaniment of the band.
The original plan was that this poetic musical piece
to occupy one side of the album: B, while on the other would be the rest of the
tunes, the two previous and others that would be completed until April :
"My Wild Love"; "Five to One" or "Wintertime
Love". After making a acetate, with what the boys wanted, the
producer Paul Rothchild decided that this did not have enough quality and
convinced the group to abandon definitely the idea of "The Celebration Of
The Lizard" song and LP. Note: All songs are MONO versions.
Side A:(17:50)
1- Five To One.(4:28)
2- My Wild Life.(Alt.).(2:35)
3- Spanish Caravan.(2:59)
4- Wintertime Love.(1:54)
5.-We Could Be So Good Together.(2:25)
6- Unknown Soldier.(3:25)
Side B:(17:01)
1- The Celebration Of The Lizard.
a.Lions In The Street.
b.Wake Up!.
c.Little Game.
d.The Hill Dwellers.
e.Not To Touch The Earth.
f.Names Of The Kingdom.
g.The Palace Of Exile.
However, the fact that the original project was
abandoned; brought discontent among the members of “The Doors Bit.ly/68DRS4
Rothchild was becoming ever more perfectionist demanding take after take. Jim
stopped being interested in the process of recording after his masterpiece is
rejected. He retired and revolted and took refuge in alcohol.The sessions were
getting worse and worse. Jim left the others waiting for hours and hours or
wasn´t going to the studio.But the problems not finished here, Electra Records
release a single: "The Unknown Soldier"/"We Could Be So Good
Together",many radio stations avoid playing the song due to its war anthem.
The recording sessions were extended until the end of
May, with a new song: "Waitting for the sun" that would give title to
the new version of the album, although it was not included either; in addition
to the update of two old themes from September 1965: “Hello, I Love You” and
“Summer almost gone”; because there was not enough material to complete the
album.
In June, the single: "Hello I Love You"/
"Love Street" is released, but is seen by many as a cheap way to
reach positions in the “billboard” list,became the band's first hit album in
the UK. Finally, “Waiting For The Sun” is officially released on July 12th,
1968 in stereo and mono mixes. This is the final album in which a complete mono
mix is produced and released in the U.S.
As revenge, The Doors decide from then to include in
the concerts “The Celebration Ofr The Lizard”.
Ok.., until here, this quick story.., the artwork:
photos from three different places: black and white -TTG Studio February 19,
1968 "The Celebration of The Lizard” recording sessions. Booklet, an
outtake "Waiting of the sun" photo sessions; and two more from
Westbury Music Fair 1968, on April 19. The cover design from Bob Mage The
Forum, Inglewood, Ca. Dec 14.68 poster concert.
Enjoy it.