…Sourced from the original master tapes, Mobile Fidelity’s numbered-edition hybrid SACD presents the 1978 effort on what is the definitive-sounding digital version of the Rock & Roll Hall of Famers’ biggest-selling record.
With Tom Johnston gone from the lineup because of health problems, this is where the “new” Doobie Brothers really make their debut, with a richly soulful sound throughout and emphasis on horns and Michael McDonald’s piano more than on Patrick Simmons’ or Jeff Baxter’s guitars. Not that they were absent entirely, or weren’t sometimes right up front in the mix, as the rocking, slashing “Don’t Stop to Watch the Wheels” and the bluegrass-influenced “Steamer Lane Breakdown” demonstrate. But given the keyboards,…
Tag Archive: The Doobie Brothers
There aren’t many bands that can boast of touring and releasing new music on their 54th anniversary. But The Doobie Brothers are not like most other outfits. It has been a long and often confusing journey for these West Coast guys whose decades-long run includes some extended breaks.
From releasing 1971s mediocre debut that few heard, to initially striking gold with a combination of co-founder Tom Johnston’s “Rockin’ Down the Highway” boogie and Pat Simmons’ finger-picking folk rock, then substantially rejiggering to feature frontman Michael McDonald’s throaty soul pop, this has been an eclectic ride. Disbanding and reforming a few times, the Doobie’s ultimately returned to their earlier approach. McDonald rejoined for a 50th anniversary tour in 2021,…