Soul Kitchen

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with the Zoo Crew as we spin "Soul Kitchen" by The Doors from their self-titled debut album! This track is a funky blues-rock tribute to Olivia’s Place, a soul food restaurant in Venice Beach, California, where Jim Morrison often lingered until the staff had to nudge him out after closing. The lyrics, penned by Morrison in the summer of 1965, capture his love for the diner’s comforting vibe, with lines like “let me sleep all night, in your soul kitchen” reflecting his reluctance to leave. Guitarist Robby Krieger drew inspiration from James Brown, aiming to mimic a horn section with his riff, giving the song its distinctive soulful edge. Music critic Greil Marcus likened "Soul Kitchen" to Van Morrison’s “Gloria,” noting its deliberate, almost physical cadence that makes it a standout on the album. Interestingly, there’s debate over the bassline: engineer Bruce Botnick recalls session musician Larry Knechtel overdubbing it, but Krieger insists he played it himself.

The song’s legacy extends beyond The Doors. In 1980, L.A. punk band X, produced by Doors keyboardist Ray Manzarek, covered “Soul Kitchen” on their debut album, Los Angeles. Manzarek was hooked after seeing X perform it “at a thousand miles an hour” at the Whisky a Go Go, describing the experience as standing behind a jet engine. This cover, infused with punk energy, showcases the song’s versatility. Fans on Reddit often praise “Soul Kitchen” as an underrated gem, with one user on the r/thedoors subreddit noting its place among less commercial tracks like “End of the Night.” A 2016 post from @TheDoors on X highlighted Manzarek’s organ as the driving force, setting the rhythm for the entire three-and-a-half-minute track.

The Doors formed in Los Angeles in 1965, sparked by a chance encounter on Venice Beach. Jim Morrison, a UCLA film student with a passion for poetry, met Ray Manzarek, a keyboardist studying economics. When Morrison shared his lyrics, including early versions of songs like “Moonlight Drive,” Manzarek was sold, declaring, “We’re gonna make a million dollars!” They recruited drummer John Densmore and guitarist Robby Krieger from the local scene, naming the band after Aldous Huxley’s book The Doors of Perception, inspired by a William Blake quote about cleansing perception. Without a bassist, Manzarek’s organ filled the low end, creating their signature sound. Their debut album, released in 1967, featured “Soul Kitchen” alongside hits like “Light My Fire,” launching them to fame.

The band’s provocative lyrics and Morrison’s wild stage presence made them icons of the counterculture, though their career was cut short by Morrison’s death in 1971. They continued as a trio, releasing two more albums, but never recaptured the original magic. Connect with The Doors on their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Fans can dive deeper at The Doors Guide, a comprehensive fan site, or join discussions on the The Doors Fans Facebook group and the r/thedoors subreddit, where Zoo Freaks can share their love for “Soul Kitchen” and more!