Gotta agree , I listen to it all the time. Back in high school a bunch of us pooled some money together, bought tickets and went from Vancouver Island BC to Vancouver BC. If I remember it was in 1976 or 1977 at the Pacific Coliseum. The Doobie Brothers Concert and that was when they were promoting their Taking it to the Streets Album and Pablo Cruise was their back up band. They played all their old stuff etc. Best concert I've ever seen. Then back to Vancouver Island on the way home everyone from the concert took the late cargo ferry back , we called it the boose cruise at the time. Like 80% of the passengers were from the concert. That was a fun trip.
This is one of the greatest American albums! I put it way above Hotel California! There are NO bad songs on that album. Part of my soundtrack of the seventies. Wonderful. Never been without a copy after wearing several out!
I started delving into the Doobie Brothers this last summer after sparking the interest in the revival of yacht rock, as well as inheriting a portion of my father's record collection with three of their albums in it, with this being one. This is such a fantastic album that, as you say, is just so joyous.
Hi Phil. I have it in my collection. You have inspired me to shop for the Original Master Recording of this album. You., are very much like The Doobie Brothers; Uplifting, and a joy to listen to. I Love your channel, passion, and enthusiasm. Cheers from the Bay Area California, hometown of the Doobie Brothers👍❤️.
Thanks Phil and yes I do have it and play regularly. First came across the Doobies a couple of albums later with Stampede. They have a great catalogue. Kind regards
"Natural Thing" is a great opening track. Every HS garage band back then covered "Long Train Running" & "China Grove". Our guitarist was one of those guys with perfect pitch. He nailed the solos on "China Grove"...and later "Another Park, Another Sunday".
The Captain & Me is one of my desert island disques.....I discovered it in early 1974 a few months after it had been released. The whole album flows so well from one song to the next. Highlights for me: Long Train Runnin', Without You, Clear as The Driven Snow and Ukiah.
I’ve been spinning this disc quite a bit in the car for the past month. It’s an album that I listen to from beginning to end every time. Every track is perfect.
Pulled it out from my vinyl collection just now but it was already in my car cd rotation before you posted this video. Paid $2.99 usd for my vinyl copy. Love this album and agree with your descriptions. Keep up the great posts… thanks!
Yes, this is a great album Phil. One that I never get tired of revisiting. Similar to yourself, I like all the Doobie Brothers albums. Back when it was released I remember getting flack from some friends because of how much I liked the 'Minute by Minute' album. My favourite Doobie's album after this one.
I was in high school when this came out and it was my introduction to the Doobie Bros. Loved it and still do. Lots of good songs. I like Ukiah the best. Another "joyous" tune, as you say.
Funny you should comment as you did on the title track, cause that's the track that always comes to my mind when I think of this album. I always anticipated the end of the album, and to me it was the perfect way to close out the record. Sadly, I drifted away from the band during the McDonald years, and ultimately the Doobies vanished from my personal playlist, but Phil, you once again have got me thinking about a band I haven't listened to in years (not to mention your reference to the film Field Of Dreams, which I will reacquire). So, simply, I have a feeling The Doobies will return to my CD player during 2025. Thanks, Phil.
Such a wonderful band (all eras) ... still doing it ... both live and in the studio (last album was superb) ... saw them supporting Foreigner in 1993 or thereby (superb bill, both bands magic) ... then again at O2 Academy in Glasgow pre covid ... just a stellar live show ... Pat, Tom, Jon on guitar / vocals and Little Feat keyboard guy ... awesome band .... a must see live act and fantastic catalogue (including MMcD era) ... CMcG Aberdeen Scotland
,Phil, being a Ted Templeman fan as you stated, and the impact he has had on producing bands such the Doobie Bros, Montrose etc it's interesting to go down his rabbit hole to see what influenced his talent for producing these bands. Being a member of Harpers Bizarre ( singing and guitar-hits "59th Street Bridge Song") Their Albums "Feelin Groovy-1967", "anything Goes-1967" "The Secret Life of Harpers Bizarre-1968- the album where he began composing and producing with Lenny Waronker, perhaps a big influence on Ted. El Records has a box set available of all the albums and outtakes well worth seeking out. Sunshine pop with great melodies. Cheers
Thanks for this Phil. Heard 'Evil woman' on Alan Freeman's Saturday 3pm rock show in 1973/4 aged 16/17 and began a lifelong love of their music - all their line - ups. Got all vinyl albums up to Cycles. Got others including World Gone Crazy but its the early one's I love. Remember hearing The Doctor on the radio in 1989 and knowing immediately it was the Doobies because of the Tom Johnston vocals. Saw them in 1996 on tour with Foreigner - although the venue was a bit bingo hall very good to see them live even if they did only play the usual suspects. Favourite tracks - Without you, Road Angel, Cheat the Hangman, Don't stop to watch the wheels, Takin' it to the streets and Pursuit on 53rd Street even though TJ is a bit dismissive of the track. Love the contrast between the writing of TJ and Pat Simmons.
This is my favorite Doobie's album, too. Being lucky enough to live in Northern California, it is not too far (2 hours) away to visit the winery that their manager, Bruce Cohn, owned (B R Cohn, Sonoma County, California). The tasting room was rather unique as a long with the wines that the winery produces, the walls were covered with gold and platinum album awards from the Doobies and the other bands that he managed back in the 1970's, 80's, etc. It's like going wine tasting in a rock n' roll museum! By the way, the Captain and Me is fantastic in Quad and the new Rhino QUADIO is really FANTASTIC!!!
Ah....the glorious 70's!!!!! I love that album....I remember my mate playing it to me down here in Devon.....Vices, the foliw up, came very close.....still have my CD's which I dig out several times a year.
Don’t you miss quality gatefold sleeves. Like you, I still have my original vinyl. I seem to remember Fluff Freeman used an excerpt from Without You in the opening of his Saturday show on the BBC. UKIAH is my favourite Doobies Track from this era. I like all their iterations and Mc Donald’s voice is exceptional and the reason he appears on so many wonderful albums across the 70s.
I love all the Doobie Brothers Albums but i have to agree with you Phil, this album has fantastic tracks from beginning to end the opening riff of China Grove, the rocking Without you and the laid back South City Midnight Lady. Just brilliant.
OMG! I still have the Songbook like you!!! The bass lines are pretty well-notated. One last comment - Tiran Porter is an exceptional bassist/musician. I cut my teeth trying to learn his stuff. He is melodic, rhythmic, and thought-provoking. Under-appreciated, maybe?
Tiran Porter is seriously overlooked for his bass playing, vocals and musicianship. His bass on the track “Wheels Of Fortune” which opens “Takin’ It To The Streets” hooked me in. And then his own composition where he sings lead vocal “For Someone Special” is just exceptional. Apparently Tiran wrote that song for Tom Johnston - whose health issues and road weariness took him out of the band for some years.
It is indeed a masterpiece. My favorite song is not on this album though, it is on Stampede: "I Cheat the Hangman". The whole production on that track is absolutely marvellous. And then they included Michael McDonald and I still can't understand why.
Hi Phil, recently picked up a copy of Toulouse Street (1972) and have been enjoying it. Looks like The Captain and Me will be the next one to get. Cheers and Merry Christmas
I also have the DVD-A and the surround mix is amazing. Waiting for the Quadio version to arrive. I might invest in the Atlantic 75th Anniversary version in vinyl even though I have my original, well worn, vinyl version. This and Toulouse St are legendary 70s rock.
Hi Phil, that album, vices and taking it to the streets are for me the greatest Doobie’s albums of all time, I have all their albums and everyone a classic was lucky to see them support Steely Dan some years ago what a gig that was great band still rocking today, top review Phil as always 👍
Oh...FIELDS OF DREAMS. In the day, read the book (Shoeless Joe), then saw the movie. It was OK. Lost my dad in 1999...cannot watch that movie now without getting very emotional.
Hi Phil, totally agree with you about The Captain and Me. I too have it on Vinyl, CD and the music book. I got into the Doobies via What Were Once Vices, then worked my way backwards. Toulouse Street was also a fine album.
Hi Phil, I love the early Doobies, especially this album, it is just stunning. I bought it because Bob Harris said it was great. I also love What once were Vices are now Habits. After that they went off the boil when they went commercial and "disco" I know it made them rich but in my opinion it spoiled them.
I have 2 copies and the book as well. Such an amazing records. I believe that Ted Templeman wrote the template of how to record hard rock with first Montrose album
Hi Phil, I'm a huge Doobies fan and yes I have this and every other album they have done and agree it's probably their best album along with Stampede. I agree, they are a band I listen to if I am feeling a bit down, perfect music for that sort of thing.
Great group. Can't remember who it was but one panelist on SoT a while back really panned the band (as in 'I don't know why anyone would like this'). Honestly at first it was some sort of tongue-in-cheek comment or joke...This is a wonderful album. I think I also 'discovered' the band via their Best Of set (and pretty heavy FM radio airplay) & didn't know much if anything about their individual albums for a while - or that they were really two quite different-sounding bands. Which is 'better'? Really depends on whether you prefer that smoother/jazzy/r&b McDonald sound or the straight-up rock sound. For me no contest: the original band pre-McDonald (and again picking up with 1989's really good Cycles), Tom Johnston just belongs in this band! This album is superb, not a single even mediocre track on it. Fave tracks here are probably "Dark Eyed Cajun Woman" & "Ukiah" (possibly my fave DB tune ever), but there are many outstanding songs on this album. The title track really shows off their songwriting skills nicely, drawing on different musical elements & features some great vocal harmonies (also gets funky at the end). TBH I probably like Vices just as much, or maybe even a slight bit more but it's a virtual tie really. Toulouse Street & Stampede are also excellent, what an album run from 1972-75! And that's not even counting the very good '71 s/t debut. I also like Takin' It to the Streets, Livin' On The Fault Line & Minute By Minute but not at that same level. I think One Step Closer is their worst-ever album. Then a HUGE return to form with Cycles & I've liked all 5 albums that followed up through 2021's Liberte. I always considered Tiran Porter as their 'secret weapon', it's a shame that he got tired of playing in the band (left in 1991 after Brotherhood but did play on a couple of later live albums). Some other good Doobies albums (some are boots) including live stuff, and some solo albums: Still Smokin - these are pre-debut 1970 recordings, not bad Live At The Greek Theatre 1982 Farewell Tour (1983) Rockin’ Down The Highway: The Wildlife Concert (1996) Long Train Runnin' - 4 disk box covering 1970-2000, some tracks not on any other album & demos Live At Wolf Trap (2004) Live From The Beacon Theatre (2019) Patrick Simmons/Arcade (1983) & Take Me To The Highway (1998) Tom Johnston/Everything You've Heard Is True (1979) & Still Feels Good (1981) Tiran Porter/ Playing To An Empty House (1995) - a mix of styles including some fusion ("Seven Shuffle")
Hi Wolf, I believe it might have been Martin P. who made that comment. I recall an episode of SoT wherein he stated something to the effect that he just couldn't quite figure out what the Doobies were all about.....some odd mix of rock and "bluegrass". Meanwhile....I had the privilege of seeing the Doobies perform the Captain & Me album in its entirety, along with the Toulouse Street album in its entirety, at the Beacon Theater in NYC in Nov. 2018. Wonderful playing, wonderful show.
@@garyh.238 Nice! Sounds like a great show. You might be correct about Martin, I thought it was him but didn't want to say without being sure. He's also the 'obvious' pick given his punk/metal leanings, the Doobies are kinda the anti-poster child...
@@wolf1977 Yes, a lot apparently! There is an SoT episode from about 3 years ago in which he and Pete discuss Feat's albums (Ranking the Studio Albums: Little Feat (Top 5 w Martin Popoff).
Nice review, The Captain & Me is on my B&O 4002 turntable for the last 3 days.I didn't like the Doobies until I got a few albums buying up collections out here , I really like 'em now & have a collection of their albums .
This one of my 10 albums i would to a desert island. Strangely i find the opening cut the weakest but the remainder are solid gold gems. An album of such quality that this band, i feel, could never surpass. I have the Speakers Corner version and sounds superb and at a very good price (approx £28). I remember playing Long Train Running so much at my locals pub's juke box the landlord, with exasperation, eventually gave me the single to save the sanity of the patrons. Come to think of it maybe a video based on the hit radio show Desert Island Disc? Maybe alter it to 10 albums you would take.
They say "good things come in threes" and such was the case for Ted Templeman-produced albums - this one plus the Montrose and Van Halen debut albums. Yes, I know he did a lot of other good albums too, but those three stand out in my personal preferences.
@@NowSpinningMagazine By the way, I am in a good mood - a 5 litre barrel of Lushington's arrived in the post today as a Christmas present from my sister and brother-in-law in Truro. That's my Christmas sorted!
Alright Mate, Well I know nothing about this band. I have heard of them of course. So I have just streamed a couple of tracks from this opus and the 2nd track is very familiar , not sure why though. I will investigate further over xmas along with the Climax Blues Band who I have never played. You have a lot to answer for Matey. Doobie is another word for ' joint ' I am reliably informed , we better keep away from that as this is a family show. Looking forward to your review of 2024. I send you salutations from The Black Country. Take Care.
@@NowSpinningMagazine Huge early Doobs fan. I do love TAKING IT TO THE STREETS...more jazzy/R&B & funky. I didn't spin LIVING ON THE FAULT LINE a lot back in the day...playing it much more recently because it's fresher.
Then you might want to dip back in with 1989's Cycles & the next 5 albums after that. The band (largely) reverts to the pre-McDonald lineup with Johnston back in. I really like those 6 albums. They're not Captain/Vices/Toulouse/Stampede-level but still very good
The Doobie Brothers at their absolute peak. Anytime you need a music fix, you cannot go wrong with this album.
This is one of the many albums I hear mentioned every now and then and think, "Man, I really should listen to this more often!"
I think that the Captain and Me was the best Doobie Brothers album
from the early days thanks for revisiting the classic album Phil.
🎶🎤🎸🎸🎹🥁🎶
Gotta agree , I listen to it all the time. Back in high school a bunch of us pooled some money together, bought tickets and went from Vancouver Island BC to Vancouver BC. If I remember it was in 1976 or 1977 at the Pacific Coliseum. The Doobie Brothers Concert and that was when they were promoting their Taking it to the Streets Album and Pablo Cruise was their back up band. They played all their old stuff etc. Best concert I've ever seen. Then back to Vancouver Island on the way home everyone from the concert took the late cargo ferry back , we called it the boose cruise at the time. Like 80% of the passengers were from the concert. That was a fun trip.
This is one of the greatest American albums! I put it way above Hotel California! There are NO bad songs on that album. Part of my soundtrack of the seventies. Wonderful. Never been without a copy after wearing several out!
I have a video of the band on stage playing all the songs from Toulouse St and The Captain and me, what a video that is.
I started delving into the Doobie Brothers this last summer after sparking the interest in the revival of yacht rock, as well as inheriting a portion of my father's record collection with three of their albums in it, with this being one. This is such a fantastic album that, as you say, is just so joyous.
Hi Phil. I have it in my collection.
You have inspired me to shop for
the Original Master Recording of
this album. You., are very much like
The Doobie Brothers; Uplifting,
and a joy to listen to. I Love your channel, passion, and enthusiasm. Cheers from the Bay Area California, hometown of the Doobie Brothers👍❤️.
Thanks Phil and yes I do have it and play regularly. First came across the Doobies a couple of albums later with Stampede. They have a great catalogue. Kind regards
"Natural Thing" is a great opening track.
Every HS garage band back then covered "Long Train Running" & "China Grove". Our guitarist was one of those guys with perfect pitch. He nailed the solos on "China Grove"...and later "Another Park, Another Sunday".
I have got this Album on Speakers Corner Records remastered on 180g vinyl and have been told that it is the best reissue of the vinyl
The Captain & Me is one of my desert island disques.....I discovered it in early 1974 a few months after it had been released. The whole album flows so well from one song to the next. Highlights for me: Long Train Runnin', Without You, Clear as The Driven Snow and Ukiah.
I’ve been spinning this disc quite a bit in the car for the past month. It’s an album that I listen to from beginning to end every time. Every track is perfect.
Pulled it out from my vinyl collection just now but it was already in my car cd rotation before you posted this video. Paid $2.99 usd for my vinyl copy. Love this album and agree with your descriptions. Keep up the great posts… thanks!
Not only do I own this album, but you’ve inspired me to dig it out of the vinyl archives and play it also!
Yes, this is a great album Phil. One that I never get tired of revisiting. Similar to yourself, I like all the Doobie Brothers albums. Back when it was released I remember getting flack from some friends because of how much I liked the 'Minute by Minute' album. My favourite Doobie's album after this one.
The one I can't listen to is One Step Closer (1980) - for me by far their worst. Everything else is at least good
I was in high school when this came out and it was my introduction to the Doobie Bros. Loved it and still do. Lots of good songs. I like Ukiah the best. Another "joyous" tune, as you say.
Don't worry Phil, I do have this album. I have the vinyl AND a Japanese replica CD. All wonderful!!!
Funny you should comment as you did on the title track, cause that's the track that always comes to my mind when I think of this album. I always anticipated the end of the album, and to me it was the perfect way to close out the record. Sadly, I drifted away from the band during the McDonald years, and ultimately the Doobies vanished from my personal playlist, but Phil, you once again have got me thinking about a band I haven't listened to in years (not to mention your reference to the film Field Of Dreams, which I will reacquire). So, simply, I have a feeling The Doobies will return to my CD player during 2025. Thanks, Phil.
I own the relatively new vinyl from the German label „Speaker‘s Corner“, who focuses on on pure analogue production. EXCELLENT!
Such a wonderful band (all eras) ... still doing it ... both live and in the studio (last album was superb) ... saw them supporting Foreigner in 1993 or thereby (superb bill, both bands magic) ... then again at O2 Academy in Glasgow pre covid ... just a stellar live show ... Pat, Tom, Jon on guitar / vocals and Little Feat keyboard guy ... awesome band .... a must see live act and fantastic catalogue (including MMcD era) ... CMcG Aberdeen Scotland
“Little Feat keyboard guy” - Bill Payne.
@@markmiwurdz2248 Played on no less than 9 Doobies albums - listing everyone he played with (even just everyone famous) would take up pages!
,Phil, being a Ted Templeman fan as you stated, and the impact he has had on producing bands such the Doobie Bros, Montrose etc it's interesting to go down his rabbit hole to see what
influenced his talent for producing these bands. Being a member of Harpers Bizarre ( singing and guitar-hits "59th Street Bridge Song") Their Albums "Feelin Groovy-1967", "anything Goes-1967"
"The Secret Life of Harpers Bizarre-1968- the album where he began composing and producing with Lenny Waronker, perhaps a big influence on Ted. El Records has a box set available of all the albums and outtakes well worth seeking out. Sunshine pop with great melodies. Cheers
Thanks for this Phil. Heard 'Evil woman' on Alan Freeman's Saturday 3pm rock show in 1973/4 aged 16/17 and began a lifelong love of their music - all their line - ups. Got all vinyl albums up to Cycles. Got others including World Gone Crazy but its the early one's I love. Remember hearing The Doctor on the radio in 1989 and knowing immediately it was the Doobies because of the Tom Johnston vocals. Saw them in 1996 on tour with Foreigner - although the venue was a bit bingo hall very good to see them live even if they did only play the usual suspects. Favourite tracks - Without you, Road Angel, Cheat the Hangman, Don't stop to watch the wheels, Takin' it to the streets and Pursuit on 53rd Street even though TJ is a bit dismissive of the track. Love the contrast between the writing of TJ and Pat Simmons.
This is my favorite Doobie's album, too. Being lucky enough to live in Northern California, it is not too far (2 hours) away to visit the winery that their manager, Bruce Cohn, owned (B R Cohn, Sonoma County, California). The tasting room was rather unique as a long with the wines that the winery produces, the walls were covered with gold and platinum album awards from the Doobies and the other bands that he managed back in the 1970's, 80's, etc. It's like going wine tasting in a rock n' roll museum! By the way, the Captain and Me is fantastic in Quad and the new Rhino QUADIO is really FANTASTIC!!!
Dear Phil, this is one of my favourite albums,. It brings back great memories as I learned my (rudimentary) drumming playing to it. Best wishes, Paul
Ah....the glorious 70's!!!!! I love that album....I remember my mate playing it to me down here in Devon.....Vices, the foliw up, came very close.....still have my CD's which I dig out several times a year.
What about Ukiah running into the title track? Fantastic!
My fav Doobie Brothers album.
One of the greatest produced albums in the history of contemporary music. This needs to be released in Blu-ray Audio 7.4.2 in Atmos or DTSX
Don’t you miss quality gatefold sleeves. Like you, I still have my original vinyl. I seem to remember Fluff Freeman used an excerpt from Without You in the opening of his Saturday show on the BBC. UKIAH is my favourite Doobies Track from this era. I like all their iterations and Mc Donald’s voice is exceptional and the reason he appears on so many wonderful albums across the 70s.
I love all the Doobie Brothers Albums but i have to agree with you Phil, this album has fantastic tracks from beginning to end the opening riff of China Grove, the rocking Without you and the laid back South City Midnight Lady. Just brilliant.
Thank you 🙏
OMG! I still have the Songbook like you!!! The bass lines are pretty well-notated. One last comment - Tiran Porter is an exceptional bassist/musician. I cut my teeth trying to learn his stuff. He is melodic, rhythmic, and thought-provoking. Under-appreciated, maybe?
...and the title track kicks ass! 🙂
Tiran Porter is seriously overlooked for his bass playing, vocals and musicianship. His bass on the track “Wheels Of Fortune” which opens “Takin’ It To The Streets” hooked me in. And then his own composition where he sings lead vocal “For Someone Special” is just exceptional. Apparently Tiran wrote that song for Tom Johnston - whose health issues and road weariness took him out of the band for some years.
Yes, for me their 'secret weapon' on all of those 70's records. Too bad he became 'disenchanted' with the DB's music...
It is indeed a masterpiece. My favorite song is not on this album though, it is on Stampede: "I Cheat the Hangman". The whole production on that track is absolutely marvellous. And then they included Michael McDonald and I still can't understand why.
Hi Phil, recently picked up a copy of Toulouse Street (1972) and have been enjoying it. Looks like The Captain and Me will be the next one to get. Cheers and Merry Christmas
What Once Were Vices must then also go on your list - to me it's just as good as Captain
I also have the DVD-A and the surround mix is amazing. Waiting for the Quadio version to arrive. I might invest in the Atlantic 75th Anniversary version in vinyl even though I have my original, well worn, vinyl version. This and Toulouse St are legendary 70s rock.
Hi Phil, that album, vices and taking it to the streets are for me the greatest Doobie’s albums of all time, I have all their albums and everyone a classic was lucky to see them support Steely Dan some years ago what a gig that was great band still rocking today, top review Phil as always 👍
Oh...FIELDS OF DREAMS. In the day, read the book (Shoeless Joe), then saw the movie. It was OK. Lost my dad in 1999...cannot watch that movie now without getting very emotional.
China Grove. One of the greatest of all time guitar intros 👍
One of my top LPs of all time. Not a bad track on it. Such a pity that Mr McDonald showed up and ruined them IMO. Thank you for the extra insights.
Hi Phil, totally agree with you about The Captain and Me. I too have it on Vinyl, CD and the music book. I got into the Doobies via What Were Once Vices, then worked my way backwards. Toulouse Street was also a fine album.
IMO they had an all-time great 4 album run from 1972-75
What Were Once Vices has always been my favorite!
I don't think I could fit a sheet of paper between that album & Captain - both are all time great records!
One of my favorite albums.I have it on dvd audio 5.1 and also on quad and the sound is just so awesome.Very cool presentation Phil love it
You inspired me to listen to Evil Woman, and I’m looking forward to the Montrose video. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Recently picked up Livin' On The Fault Line & loved it!
Judging by the cover & gatefold picture I'll love this too
The only Doobie Brothers album i own ❤
Masterpiece 👍
Hi Phil, I love the early Doobies, especially this album, it is just stunning. I bought it because Bob Harris said it was great. I also love What once were Vices are now Habits. After that they went off the boil when they went commercial and "disco" I know it made them rich but in my opinion it spoiled them.
I have 2 copies and the book as well. Such an amazing records. I believe that Ted Templeman wrote the template of how to record hard rock with first Montrose album
Great album one of my favorite Dobbie brothers album 👌🐸🇨🇦
Hi Phil, I'm a huge Doobies fan and yes I have this and every other album they have done and agree it's probably their best album along with Stampede. I agree, they are a band I listen to if I am feeling a bit down, perfect music for that sort of thing.
Ive had the LP since it was released on green Warner.
I recently bought the Rhino High Fidelity copy, which is excellent by the way
Looking for it now!
Great group. Can't remember who it was but one panelist on SoT a while back really panned the band (as in 'I don't know why anyone would like this'). Honestly at first it was some sort of tongue-in-cheek comment or joke...This is a wonderful album. I think I also 'discovered' the band via their Best Of set (and pretty heavy FM radio airplay) & didn't know much if anything about their individual albums for a while - or that they were really two quite different-sounding bands. Which is 'better'? Really depends on whether you prefer that smoother/jazzy/r&b McDonald sound or the straight-up rock sound. For me no contest: the original band pre-McDonald (and again picking up with 1989's really good Cycles), Tom Johnston just belongs in this band!
This album is superb, not a single even mediocre track on it. Fave tracks here are probably "Dark Eyed Cajun Woman" & "Ukiah" (possibly my fave DB tune ever), but there are many outstanding songs on this album. The title track really shows off their songwriting skills nicely, drawing on different musical elements & features some great vocal harmonies (also gets funky at the end). TBH I probably like Vices just as much, or maybe even a slight bit more but it's a virtual tie really. Toulouse Street & Stampede are also excellent, what an album run from 1972-75! And that's not even counting the very good '71 s/t debut. I also like Takin' It to the Streets, Livin' On The Fault Line & Minute By Minute but not at that same level. I think One Step Closer is their worst-ever album. Then a HUGE return to form with Cycles & I've liked all 5 albums that followed up through 2021's Liberte.
I always considered Tiran Porter as their 'secret weapon', it's a shame that he got tired of playing in the band (left in 1991 after Brotherhood but did play on a couple of later live albums). Some other good Doobies albums (some are boots) including live stuff, and some solo albums:
Still Smokin - these are pre-debut 1970 recordings, not bad
Live At The Greek Theatre 1982
Farewell Tour (1983)
Rockin’ Down The Highway: The Wildlife Concert (1996)
Long Train Runnin' - 4 disk box covering 1970-2000, some tracks not on any other album & demos
Live At Wolf Trap (2004)
Live From The Beacon Theatre (2019)
Patrick Simmons/Arcade (1983) & Take Me To The Highway (1998)
Tom Johnston/Everything You've Heard Is True (1979) & Still Feels Good (1981)
Tiran Porter/ Playing To An Empty House (1995) - a mix of styles including some fusion ("Seven Shuffle")
Hi Wolf, I believe it might have been Martin P. who made that comment. I recall an episode of SoT wherein he stated something to the effect that he just couldn't quite figure out what the Doobies were all about.....some odd mix of rock and "bluegrass". Meanwhile....I had the privilege of seeing the Doobies perform the Captain & Me album in its entirety, along with the Toulouse Street album in its entirety, at the Beacon Theater in NYC in Nov. 2018. Wonderful playing, wonderful show.
@@garyh.238 Nice! Sounds like a great show. You might be correct about Martin, I thought it was him but didn't want to say without being sure. He's also the 'obvious' pick given his punk/metal leanings, the Doobies are kinda the anti-poster child...
@@wolf1977 Yes, but he likes Little Feat which wouldn't be all that big a leap to the Doobies. I guess we all hear this stuff differently.
@@garyh.238 He likes the Feat? Wow I wouldn't have guessed that...
@@wolf1977 Yes, a lot apparently! There is an SoT episode from about 3 years ago in which he and Pete discuss Feat's albums (Ranking the Studio Albums: Little Feat (Top 5 w Martin Popoff).
Nice review, The Captain & Me is on my B&O 4002 turntable for the last 3 days.I didn't like the Doobies until I got a few albums buying up collections out here , I really like 'em now & have a collection of their albums .
This one of my 10 albums i would to a desert island. Strangely i find the opening cut the weakest but the remainder are solid gold gems. An album of such quality that this band, i feel, could never surpass. I have the Speakers Corner version and sounds superb and at a very good price (approx £28). I remember playing Long Train Running so much at my locals pub's juke box the landlord, with exasperation, eventually gave me the single to save the sanity of the patrons. Come to think of it maybe a video based on the hit radio show Desert Island Disc? Maybe alter it to 10 albums you would take.
Great album
Black Eyed Cagy Women my favorite but whole lp is excellent..bought it in the day and it has had many spins
'Cagy' - Haha! Unintended (?) funny!😃
They say "good things come in threes" and such was the case for Ted Templeman-produced albums - this one plus the Montrose and Van Halen debut albums.
Yes, I know he did a lot of other good albums too, but those three stand out in my personal preferences.
Totally agree !
@@NowSpinningMagazine By the way, I am in a good mood - a 5 litre barrel of Lushington's arrived in the post today as a Christmas present from my sister and brother-in-law in Truro.
That's my Christmas sorted!
Likes Ted Templeman's productions,like the Captain Beefheart Clear Spot and that great Montrose album
Alright Mate,
Well I know nothing about this band. I have heard of them of course.
So I have just streamed a couple of tracks from this opus and the 2nd track is very familiar , not sure why though. I will investigate further over xmas along with the Climax Blues Band who I have never played. You have a lot to answer for Matey.
Doobie is another word for ' joint ' I am reliably informed , we better keep away from that as this is a family show.
Looking forward to your review of 2024.
I send you salutations from The Black Country.
Take Care.
Isn't the Cliff song Devil Woman?
No. Different song.
Yeah great album.. Toulouse Street isn't bad either..
I only like the pre Michael Mcdonald Doobies. I can't stand his voice and for me, he ruined the band.
We are all different, I do like all eras
@@NowSpinningMagazine Huge early Doobs fan. I do love TAKING IT TO THE STREETS...more jazzy/R&B & funky.
I didn't spin LIVING ON THE FAULT LINE a lot back in the day...playing it much more recently because it's fresher.
Then you might want to dip back in with 1989's Cycles & the next 5 albums after that. The band (largely) reverts to the pre-McDonald lineup with Johnston back in. I really like those 6 albums. They're not Captain/Vices/Toulouse/Stampede-level but still very good