The Doobie Brothers are the poster child of a band suddenly changing musical trajectories. But unlike others who either did change directions in search of commercial success or whose complicated group dynamics and/or record company shenanigans caused a marked change of direction (see: Yes, Poco), the Doobies' hand was forced when lead singer and main songwriter Tom Johnston went down with health troubles in 1975. Enter: Michael McDonald, first to finish the Stampede supporting tour, then as a full-time front man. Exit: countrified boogie rock. Enter: soft rock. Exit (after one album of co-existence): Tom Johnston. Enter: Multi platinum success.
Exit: Me, for the longest time. While I was a big fan of the Johnston-led The Doobie Brothers, I had little patience for the McDonald-led yacht rock Doobies. But in the same way that I was eventually able to embrace the Lowell George-less Little Feat, I have grown a much higher tolerance for soft rock. And you can't deny how brilliantly constructed or influential McDonald's stuff really was. The sound of 1980s soft rock starts with the Doobies' Minute By Minute.
Our album of the day, however, mostly reflects my first love in the Doobies, being mainly drawn from the Johnston years. It is essentially a variation of the rarities disc from their Long Train Runnin' box set, with some trimming and a resequencing that was badly needed for a better flow. Tracks 1-12 are from 1970 to 1975 (a.k.a. the Johnston years), with Pat Simmons and Johnston alternating on material, including on early versions of classics such as "Long Train Runnin'". Michael McDonald only comes in on the last three tracks, two outtakes from the late 1970s and the new studio recording attached to the box set.
There's always room for some groovy music. And this is that. So, reach for a doobie, or some Doobies, and get the party started...
Secret Stash
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well said. Neal T
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