FIRST TIME HEARING The Doobie Brothers- "China Grove" & "I Cheat The Hangman" (Reaction)

FIRST TIME HEARING The Doobie Brothers- "China Grove" & "I Cheat The Hangman" (Reaction) | Was prepared for song 1, could NEVER have been prepared for what came next...
Thank you for checking out this video and my channel. Don't forget to subscribe, like and comment to help the channel grow. I look forward to an amazing journey into the countless musical gems that came out of the 70s, 80s and 90s! Music is power, healing, joy, sadness, wonder and LIFE! The timeless songs from these 3 decades will live on forever...
#reaction #musicreactions #firsttimereaction #firsttimehearing #thedoobiebrothers #chinagrove #icheatthehangman
Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use. No copyright infringement intended. ALL RIGHTS BELONG TO THEIR RESPECTIVE OWNERS.

[@retroreactions....]

Was prepared for song 1, could NEVER have been prepared for what came next...ah the power of music discovery...thanks for watching!! 🥰

[@pattyg8464]

In my opinion, think some of their better/more interesting songs are written and performed by Patrick Simmons. Most popular is probably Black Water, but Another Park, Another Sunday; Toulouse Street; and South City Midnight Lady are my favorites.

[@ljw5768]

@@pattyg8464me too

[@ljw5768]

@@pattyg8464Clear as the Driven Snow is my favourite.

[@pattyg8464]

@@ljw5768 oooo - I will have to check that one out.

[@JohnLRice]

Wow, "I Cheat The Hangman" was awesome, thanks for the recommendation! Like you I never knew The Doobie Brothers ever did something like this! 1973 and several years before and after was such an amazingly magical and creative time for music, especially for prog rock bands but not limited to them as it seemed that heightened creativity was "in the water" or something?! 😄 I will have to pick up the Stampede album now! 👍👍 Something about the style and singer's voice at the beginning of "I Cheat The Hangman" made me think of the band Shearwater and their 2008 album Rook. It's a very slight similarity that others might not hear, and obviously it's not something for your channel since it not from the right decade, but you and others who read this might give it a listen, I really love the album! It would be best just to reserve a less than 40 minute chunk of time an listen to it start to finish, alone in the middle of the night or while watching a sunset, but a couple songs to preview might be "On The Death Of The Waters", "Home Life", and "The Snow Leopard". 👌🥰 One description/review said: "Rook meditates on man's intersection with the natural world; the world after human beings are gone. A dark fairy tale encased in a cycle of songs. Jonathan Meiburg's bold, soaring voice still anchors the songs, which broaden his pastoral prog-folk chaotic celestial mindfuckery into new realms. Beyond the continuing touchstones of late Talk Talk, Nico, and John Cale, there are now allusions to Van Morrison and hints of Joni Mitchell. All set in a newly lush sonic gorgeousness of harp, strings, and woodwinds atop the magnificent rhythm section."

[@redzone77p]

My favorite, and in my opinion their best ....I CHEAT THE HANGMAN.

[@anahatatutu]

I Cheat the Hangman is a really great song! Always one of my favorites.

[@retroreactions....]

One of my new faves too (clearly haha). Thanks for watching!

[@stevecowder4774]

Nothing like old school Doobies. Especially anything from the fabulous album “ The Captain and Me. “ It’s one of the best albums from ‘73, in a year filled with great releases. And China Grove was a rocker that ultimately helped to cement the legacy of that great band. And thanks for reviewing “ Cheat. “ It’s definitely a gorgeous but overlooked gem from these guys.

[@l-bird]

A feast for the ears and emotions. I never would have guessed the 2nd song was The Doobie Brother's. One of their best. Certainly never got much, if any, air play.

[@retroreactions....]

Agree with all you said. Thanks for watching!

[@scotto.4832]

BY FAR the Doobies' best effort -- The jazz trumpeters they used at the end of this tune were age 40s & 50s WAY back when this was recorded in 1974-5. I always thought that was amazing.

[@retroreactions....]

Yes, I was blown away by Hangman. I should look up more info on the trumpeters. I assume they were brothers? Thanks for watching Scott!

[@bobduerwald9805]

Back in the old days we had parties at our fraternity house, Zeta Psi, at Lehigh University in Pennsylvania. China Grove was one of the best and grooviest songs for the dance parties! But, even though I know many Doobie Brothers songs, I have never heard of the Hangman song. I learned something new today. Great reaction as usual!

[@retroreactions....]

Great memories! Nice that song 2 was new for you as well. Thanks so much as always bob!

[@lynnhoffman247]

The Doobie Brothers was my first concert! Was still in high school 😂 I remember “Cheat the Hangman” because my best friend and I would ride around after school in the countryside listening to tapes and smoking a little sumpthin sumpthin 🙃

[@retroreactions....]

Nice!! So your experience almost matched that TV show I mentioned! The characters from the show were still in high school, in fact The Doobie Brothers came to play at their school!

[@lynnhoffman247]

@@retroreactions.... I guess, LOL…I remember the show, but didn’t watch it much. 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@DonDixit]

"Hangman", brilliant piece by Pat, is based on Ambrose Bierce' short story "An Occurence at Owl Creek Bridge". Fine read. Mr Bierce, Civil War veteran & novelist, is THE most 'famous' missing person in American literature.

[@thedocofrock1890]

china grove - one of the greatest and most recognizable riffs ever. some songs you need more than one listen to get it. not this tune - slaps you hard on the first listen. i was 20 when this came out in '73 and is still one of my favorite rock songs ever.

[@retroreactions....]

Spot on about everything you said! Thanks so much for tuning in Doc of Rock!

[@helenespaulding7562]

Is Cheat the Hangman even the same band??? The harmonies at the beginning remind me of CSNY. I never knew the Doobies had this in their wheel house. Thanks to whomever suggested it!

[@retroreactions....]

Yes, that would be Robert Cartier and LilyBee!

[@toddhooks9813]

Love your reaction to the Hangman. Been my favorite Doobies song for decades now. (that's why I searched for its reaction here). Blew me away when I first heard it and like you, will have that reaction for the rest of my life. Thanks for doing it!

[@marytreder8095]

I've always loved China Grove, but never heard the second song before - what a production! And what a back story! I loved Patrick's voice.

[@retroreactions....]

Hi Mary! Glad song 2 was new for you too and that you enjoyed it! Love his voice too- I think it reminds me of Dewey Bunnell from America's voice. Thanks so much for watching!

[@DonDixit]

Many moons before China Grove became a classic, a very young Bill Payne (Little Feat frontman) came up with the pianopart. Years later Tom Johnston called Bill years and simply announced he would use the part. Bill played the keys on the record. Not a dime was wired ... ;))

[@ljw5768]

It’s clear the Doobs are talented writers and performers but where I think they excelled and what made them stand out from the crowd, was the choices they made in the studio. Every song is expertly crafted, this song being a prime example. The more you listen, the more you hear.

[@retroreactions....]

Well said! Never thought the Doobs could blow my mind like this! Thanks for watching!

[@ljw5768]

@@retroreactions.... thanks for doing the Doobs. Maybe Eruption by Focus would be a future mind-blower.

[@retroreactions....]

Wow 23 minutes! Must be great!

[@ljw5768]

@@retroreactions.... every reactor on youtube has reacted to their novelty hit, Hocus Pocus, but I can only find one who has reacted to the real Focus (JustJP). They were incredible musicians and giants of the prog-rock era. Also, they had one of the best guitarists on the planet, Jan Akkerman. They had several 'epic' tracks aside from Eruption, such as Hamburger Concerto, Answers Questions Questions Answers and Anonymous 2.

[@stevedahlberg8680]

Haven't heard this in ages! Great reaction.

[@retroreactions....]

Thanks!

[@flubblert]

China Grove such a classic Doobie song, shocked you never heard it being familiar with other Doobie Brothers songs. And that guitar riff, downright iconic! This one never gets old. Classic American rock! 🎸🤘

[@retroreactions....]

Yea, I see it's huge...guess the radio I listened to never played that one..Excited to hear more of their work at this caliber! Thank you.

[@midnightfury9001]

Both tunes from The Captain & Me album which I wore the crap out of when I was a kid. I kind of wish the Doobies would have done more music like "I Cheat the Hangman" it was such a great vibe.

[@retroreactions....]

Oh yes, I'll take a full album in that style!! Thanks for watching!

[@realbser1956]

I recommend I Cheat The Hangman to every channel I subscribe to. It’s such a fantastic, moody song. This is as proggy as The Doobie Brothers probably ever got. From their 5th album Stampede, the last one before Michael McDonald joined the bar and replaced Tom Johnston as lead vocalist and primary songwriter. Take Me In Your Arms is the most well known song from this album. A great album, really showing another side of the band. Maria Muldaur, who sang back up on the song had a huge hit with her song Midnight At The Oasis. You may have heard that, or maybe not, a nice smooth yacht rock type of song. Very happy to hear someone react to what I think is the most interesting song on Stampede. Glad you loved it Brandon, and another excellent review by you. ✌️🔥

[@retroreactions....]

Hello. Thanks for the 2 suggestions. I have not heard of Maria or her hit song until today. Glad you enjoyed, thank you so much for watching, & for the comment and compliments!! 🙂

[@lilybee2955]

OMG, Maria Muldaur... "Midnight at the Oasis", "Don't You Feel my Leg"... ha ha! She had such a sweet voice. I had never noticed she was on the Stampede album. Thanks for the info 👍

[@davidlai1961]

I Cheat The Hangman is one my favorite Doobie Brothers songs. I love "ethereal" songs. I love all kinds of music and I'm a fan of Tangerine Dream. Their back catalogue is massive but two songs I often go back to are "Valley Of The Sun" & "Vanishing Blue". I love to play those songs to help me get to sleep. And I almost forgot the classic "Love On A Real Train" from the Risky Business soundtrack.

[@retroreactions....]

Strange I can't find VOTS or VB on Spotify for them ?

[@davidlai1961]

@@retroreactions.... i wouldn’t know. I don’t use Spotify. Those songs are on KZbin. Those two songs were only released on a 5 disc compilation set

[@retroreactions....]

Hi!!

[@kellydelay18]

Your the only one that I know of to react to this classic

[@retroreactions....]

Awesome!!

[@steveboyes2090]

good reaction as always. played china grove while in a band, it always got them up and dancin back in late 70s. i havent heard hangman since the 70s, brought back great memories and thoroughly enjoyed.

[@retroreactions....]

Thank you Steve! How cool, I can imagine the fun and energy created while performing that one! Glad you got to enjoy Hangman again after so long!

[@EchoesDaBear]

Great reaction Brandon!! I, like you, knew the 'main' Doobie hits - so this was my first time with I Cheat The Hangman - WOW!! I didn't know they did something like this either. I guarantee this will become part of my Doobie playlist from now on. Cheers.

[@helenespaulding7562]

Wow, I thought I knew the Doobies. I did not.

[@retroreactions....]

Ditto! Unfortunately I hear they don't really have more songs that are this prog, but I'm certain they will be wowing me more in the future here..

[@raybassman7536]

Piano on China Grove is from Bill Payne of "little Feat" band.

[@lilybee2955]

Well, well... you've just reacted to one of my 2 favourite Doobie Brothers songs, “I Cheat the Hangman” (the other being "Without You"). Interesting that you'd choose the Hangman as I've never heard it anywhere except on my turntable. The harmonies are so trippy, so beautiful. I'm sure many progheads would love it. If you ever react to the song “Without You”, count me on board: that song is 4:58 minutes of tightly packed, good ol' Southern Rock. I looove the Tom Johnston era❤

[@retroreactions....]

Well....I will have you know that you can take 50% of the credit for me reacting to Hangman....You and Robert recommended it highly in a comment 4 months ago...so THANK YOU!! As you saw I adore the song and you both were spot on! I have added your vote for W.Y. Thanks a million 🐝

[@reneelyons6836]

The first song brought me back to my child hood. But that second song....OMG!!!!!! Fantastic. I think i like it as much as you, Brandon.

[@retroreactions....]

Awww, great!! 🥰 Such a special one for me....they sure got me good with it!

[@yitzchakscott-thoennes]

such energy, voices and music fitting together so well; especially like the keyboards here and there just pushing it over the top. you are really doing a nice job with diversity. hoping to hear you do Violent Femmes underrated piece Never Tell

[@yitzchakscott-thoennes]

haven't seen the tv appearance you mention, but I have read An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge; haunting story.

[@retroreactions....]

Here are both episodes if interested: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZoqWZJKsdqmBZs0 kzbin.info/www/bejne/p6rLhnupo9tppqs

[@retroreactions....]

Thank you, could be way more diverse, but I will need to wait longer for that. Ah there's a band from the past!

[@yitzchakscott-thoennes]

@@retroreactions.... oh wow, I saw that long ago but had no memory of it until seeing it again

[@retroreactions....]

Haha nice!! Glad I could unlock a nice memory of yours 🙂

[@michaelbaucom4019]

Algorithmic engagement comment, don't know much about the Doobies except their hits. Saw them twice, a party both times. One of the few bands that feature two drummers, a bit different. Patrick Simmons writing the 2nd song isn't surprising, his songs were a bit different/adventurous than Tom Johnston's or Michael McDonald's

[@retroreactions....]

Appreciate that Michael! All 3 then have their own style I guess. MUST hear more of Patrick's songs. Appreciate you watching!

[@raybassman7536]

Tom wrote and sings lead on Listen to the music. Pat Simmons wrote and sings lead on Black water. You should listen to "Without You" from the captain and me album,

[@timothyjohnson4890]

"Hangman" is easily on the list of the best songs of the '70's. Just perfectly

[@helenespaulding7562]

Maria Muldaur was on Hangman???

[@retroreactions....]

Yup! I confirmed on her website: Other Music I Am Featured On: Wendy Waldman, Love Has Got Me (1973, Warner Bros.) - Background vocals on "Lee's Traveling Song" Linda Ronstadt, Heart Like a Wheel (1974, Capitol) - Harmony vocals on "Heart Like A Wheel" Wendy Waldman, Gypsy Symphony (1974, Warner Bros.) - Background vocals on "Come On Down" Wendy Linda Ronstadt, Prisoner In Disguise (1975, Elektra) - harmonies/background vocals on "You Tell Me That I'm Falling Down" The Doobie Brothers, Stampede (1975, Warner Bros.) - Vocals on "I Cheat the Hangman" Elvin Bishop, Hog Heaven (1978, Capricorn) - on two songs Terry Robb, Stop This World (1996, Burnside BCD-0025) Johnny's Blues: A Tribute to Johnny Cash (2003, Northern Blues)[17]

[@kevlar_t4echo]

Most of what you're reacting to are in my wheelhouse and stuff i grew up with. A musician myself(drummer), i was always drawn to bands w/ great musicianship and also, the lesser known tunes, which tended to be more composed and fleshed out. If you like I Cheat the Hangman, i suggest "Clear As the Driven Snow" from them as well...another longer epic, w/ prog leanings. One mention from the beginning of the video, Black Water is a Patrick Simmons song, of which he sings lead, not Tom Johnston. Staying w/ the Doobies for a minute, i do like much of their later years w/ Michael McDonald, but 70's Doobies is best. If you stay in the 70's w/ most of these bands, you'll find great tunes...Kansas, Rush, Steely Dan, Jethro Tull, Supertramp, Uriah Heep, Deep Purple, Pink Floyd obviously and even some Styx.

[@retroreactions....]

Hi there...Thanks for sharing and for the suggestion. Going straight on my list! I have also reacted to every band on your list except Jethro and Uriah. I have fallen deeper in love with each, several times over in most cases! Thanks for watching!

[@helenespaulding7562]

Brandon…. What was the last double platinum you gave out?

[@retroreactions....]

I think I have only given 3- this one, Tarkus and 'Unquiet Slumbers For The Sleepers.../...In That Quiet Earth'/Afterglow trio...

[@helenespaulding7562]

@@retroreactions.... ah…Genesis and ELP. Not surprised.

[@w.geoffreyspaulding6588]

@@retroreactions.... yup…you’re definitely a prog dude! 😉

[@Telephonebill51]

About 13:30 in, when the drums start to pick up, WHAT image is in your mind? en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stampede_(The_Doobie_Brothers_album)#/media/File:The_Doobie_Brothers_-_Stampede.jpg

[@dickwilliam3793]

wait till you hear {Daughters Of The Sea ~~ Flying Cloud) ...its even better

[@retroreactions....]

Wow! Are the 2 meant to be listened to together?

[@dickwilliam3793]

@@retroreactions.... on the album they blend together , unfortunately it doesn't work that way on the cd version.

[@retroreactions....]

OK, well I added your vote for both! Thanks

[@helenespaulding7562]

Same album as Hangman? Stampede?

[@retroreactions....]

No, from their 1974 album "What Were Once Vices Are Now Habits"!

[@doplinger1]

Love these guys especially PRE Michael McDonald (I really dislike his voice). I didn’t think I knew that second song but it does sound familiar. My favorite by far is “Long Train Runnin’”, the ultimate Doobles song. And YES! I didn’t watch What’s Happening often but I do remember that episode! “Rooooggg…”

[@retroreactions....]

Hmm, I'm pretty sure I know Long Train...Great stuff. Oh nice, loved that show, so funny! And it's still available for streaming! I know I watched the whole series again about 2 years ago! Thanks Dave.

[@midnightfury9001]

Wow I was just about to mention the "What's Happening" episode..

[@retroreactions....]

So classic! Both episodes are here on KZbin!

[@sammybeck7794]

Yeah, China Grove is STILL a "sleepy lil' town" east of San Antonio, TX

[@retroreactions....]

Nice...I should look at photos of it...

[@drmagic60]

Great new artist introduction! I love the Doobies. I was first introduced to them from an “As Seen On TV” multi-vinyl set “Superstars of the 70s” that had “Listen to the Music” on it. A few other great tracks I recommend are “Long Train Runnin’”, “Jesus Is Just Alright With Me” and “Takin’ it to the Streets”. There are of course many, many more to cover. Have you bumped into Alice as you’re entering all of these rabbit holes?? Lol 😂

[@retroreactions....]

Thanks! I do know Long Train and Takin It...probably not the other...I haven't seen her yet, but don't be surprised if I unintentionally change my introduction to "Hello my name is Bugs and welcome to Retro Reactions...."! 🐇

[@helenespaulding7562]

Oh WOW, Brandon! I never thought of an Elton John vibe on China Grove, but you’re absolutely right! I can absolutely hear Elton singing this song! Great ear! 😘

[@retroreactions....]

Thanks! Came to my mind right away!

[@richardanderson3322]

Good choices Brandon. You may have heard The Doobies before but their catalogue goes so deep and is truly amazing. Look into The Captain and Me and listen to Dark Eyed Cajun Woman. You'll love the strings.

[@retroreactions....]

Thanks Richard! Added Dark Eyed to the list!! Thanks for stopping by for this one!

[@John-gq7vt]

The lead singer on "Black Water" is Patrick Simmons also.

[@retroreactions....]

Ah ok thanks

[@emiliacanet9960]

Sorry can't listen. But Thanks listen to Marillion or Scorpions. Allman Brothers??

[@lesblatnyak5947]

Jukebox classics in the billiard hall.

[@retroreactions....]

Hi Les, thanks for being first today 🥇 Yes, I can see that...a new rabbit hole for sure!

[@lesblatnyak5947]

@@retroreactions.... I didn't mean to be first and I never liked rabbit meat 😁

[@retroreactions....]

😂

[@lynnhoffman247]

@@lesblatnyak5947 😂😂😂

[@retroreactions....]

Give a HARE a chance! 😁

[@robertcartier5088]

Terribly underrated song! Think of the possibilities if they had done just a little more of that... I love many of their songs, but "I Cheat the Hangman" has been my favorite for a long times... It's nice to be reminded why, every once in a while. Thanks, Brandon! ;-]

[@retroreactions....]

So glad you caught this one!..I should say thank YOU! If it weren't for you and LilyBee recommending this one a long time back, I may have never discovered it!!

[@robertcartier5088]

@@retroreactions.... You are very welcome! I was hoping that was the case! I actually didn't remember.. but I often recommend it and I'm glad you gave it a shot! Very cool knowing I helped, thanks! ;-]

[@retroreactions....]

Yes, thank goodness I can easily search all comments since the start of my channel! 🙂

[@helenespaulding7562]

But China Grove WAS one of their biggest hits! 😏🧐😁

[@retroreactions....]

Ha yea! Well, I haven't heard Freebird yet, so guess this was another hit I missed somehow! I really hope you liked the second song..

[@helenespaulding7562]

@@retroreactions.... LOVED IT

[@helenespaulding7562]

@@retroreactions.... 🤯

[@retroreactions....]

I had a feeling you might 😏

[@raybassman7536]

You can't tell us you never heard China Grove.

[@retroreactions....]

It's true...My adult contemporary stations never played it (listened to radio for about 38 years before giving it up in 2019) and I certainly never sought out DB albums...