** VARIOUS ARTISTS “Stoned Immaculate: The Music of the Doors” Elektra

How many Jim Morrison imitations can fit on one CD? In the case of this long-in-the-making tribute/concept album, too many. Those who love the Doors and modern rock may dig this collection, which mostly features such current hit-makers as Creed (“Riders on the Storm”), Stone Temple Pilots (“Break on Through”) and Smash Mouth (“Peace Frog”). But it’s not strictly a homage to one of rock’s most distinctive and enduring groups, since surviving members Robby Krieger, Ray Manzarek and John Densmore appear in various configurations on all tracks except Train’s heartland-funky version of “Light My Fire.”

This demonstrates the Doors’ continuing influence, and further historical context comes in selections by such progenitors as William S. Burroughs and John Lee Hooker, who performs “Roadhouse Blues” along with Morrison’s recorded vocals and the living Doors. Yet the picture is incomplete without contributions from first-wave punks such as Iggy Pop, and there’s no consolation in goth-metal vets the Cult’s overwrought “Wild Child” or Cult singer Ian Astbury’s kitschy “Touch Me.”

These acts get the grand drama of the Doors but don’t convey the songs’ creepy, disturbing beauty. Besides, who wants to hear Days of the New do both “L.A. Woman” and the sprawling horror that is “The End”? Thankfully, Perry Farrell and Exene Cervenka do get it, offering a techno-touched take on “Children of Night” that’s both demented and innocent.

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