Listen to the Music - The Doobie Brothers (Revisited Drum Cover)

"Listen to the Music" is a song by American rock band the Doobie Brothers, released on their second album, Toulouse Street (1972). The song was their first major hit. It was written by Tom Johnston. In 1994, it received a remix by Steve Rodway a.k.a. Motiv8 in 1994, which eventually peaked at #37 UK.
Writer Tom Johnston described the motivation for the song as a call for world peace:
"The chord structure of it made me think of something positive, so the lyrics that came out of that were based on this utopian idea that if the leaders of the world got together on some grassy hill somewhere and either smoked enough dope or just sat down and just listened to the music and forgot about all this other bullshit, the world would be a much better place. It was very utopian and very unrealistic (laughs). It seemed like a good idea at the time."
The studio recording used both a banjo and a prominent flanging effect, audible from the bridge until the fadeout. When released as a single by Warner Bros. Records, the song peaked at number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 in November 1972.
The commercial success of "Listen to the Music" helped the album Toulouse Street rise on the charts. The song remains a staple of adult contemporary and classic rock radio. The band also uses it as an encore song during live shows. Patrick Simmons, the second guitarist and vocalist in the group, sings the bridge of the song.
Upon the release of the single, Cash Box said that it's "the group's mellowest rockin' mood yet; one that could see them through to chart territory with AM play."
Ultimate Classic Rock critic Michael Gallucci rated "Listen to the Music" as the Doobie Brothers fourth-greatest song, praising the smooth, "soft, shuffling rhythm" and Johnston's vocal performance.[5] The staff of Billboard rated it even higher, considering it the Doobie Brothers' best song, saying that it "ranks high in the pantheon of rock n’ roll feel-good hits" and should "get your foot tapping and bring a bit of a smile to your face."
In June 2020, four members of the band released an acoustic version of the song on KZbin, with each performing from his home during the COVID-19 pandemic; the recording included a more prominent banjo part, but no lead electric guitar or drums. At the end of the recording, lead singer Tom Johnston noted that it was a benefit performance, of sorts, for Feeding America, and gave the organization's URL, encouraging fans to donate.
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[@The-Tired-Drummer]

Good memories, I remember when this song came out, this was a song that our singer could actually sing well. 😊 It was always a big success when we were playing top 40 music 🎵

[@earldrum]

Thanks for the feedback Ken! I had to learn this a few more Dobbie Brothers songs for my first band in high school! 🙏🏻😎👍🏻🤘🏻

[@jameslyons1661]

The exit is always my favorite have a great weekend

[@earldrum]

Is that code Jimmy? Or are you skiing for something? 🙏🏻😎👍🏻🤘🏻

[@bryandrums32]

Earl!!!!!!!! I love your amazing beat!!!!!!!!! Especially on this iconic song!!!!!!! You rock!!!!!!!!! I love listening to that beautiful ride!!!!!!! You rock!!!!!!!! I love ❤️

[@earldrum]

Thanks for the feedback and kind encouragement! I grew up playing this music. I auditioned on this song to get my first band gig! 😁😁😁😁

[@bryandrums32]

@@earldrum that must’ve been a great memory, I’m so happy for you, I miss playing in bands, you’re the greatest Earl

[@earldrum]

@@bryandrums32 so are you Bryan!

[@bryandrums32]

@@earldrum ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🥁🥁🥁🥁🥁🥁🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@jameslyons1661]

Great way to start the day listening watching and enjoying the drum covers you produce love them all. Have a really great day. Life is better with the HAMMER 🔨

[@earldrum]

Have a great day Jimmy! I like your tag line …. “Life is better with the Hammer” it might be a good tee shirt?

[@gregwonhoff7161]

Sometimes there aren’t the right words to describe the good and beauty of something. This is great, and of course there is that Earlism to boot!!!❤️🙏👏❤️🙏👏

[@earldrum]

Thanks for the feedback Greg! Just playing a classic! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻😎👍🏻🤘🏻🥁

[@gregwonhoff7161]

@@earldrum Yep, and you played it so very well.

[@mickeyf3730]

Oh man that was really cool! Excellent performance! Love me some Doobie Brothers!!

[@earldrum]

Thanks for the feedback Mickey … me too! 🙏🏻😎👍🏻🤘🏻🥁

[@Ds_Drums]

Great job Earl. Classic song played very well. Thanks for posting and making that ride sing.

[@earldrum]

Thanks for the feedback D! I love that ride! 🙏🏻😎👍🏻🤘🏻🥁

[@metzilla]

That was awesome Earl, always liked this one! Gave us a little extra after the fadeout! 🥁👍😎🥁👍😎

[@earldrum]

Thanks for the feedback Jeff! Yea, that’s how I knew it was the take! 😂😂 I switched rooms yesterday, this is the first video in Studio B for this kit in six months! I just needed a inspirational change! Thanks for watching my friend! 🙏🏻😎👍🏻🤘🏻

[@metzilla]

@@earldrum ohhh....I didn't notice! You switched back! Sounded great!!😎😎

[@jimflys2]

Great playing on this classic!

[@earldrum]

Thanks Jim! 🙏🏻😎👍🏻🤘🏻🥁

[@aronowaughful]

Excellent!

[@earldrum]

Thanks for the feedback Joel 🙏🏻😎👍🏻🤘🏻

[@amyhernandez7665]

I love it! Thanks so much for this cover, Earl!

[@earldrum]

Glad you like it Amy! Thanks for watching! 🙏🏻😎😎🤘🏻🥁

[@ianleverton]

Great stuff Sir,really really enjoyed every moment,

[@earldrum]

Thanks for the feedback Ian! 🙏🏻👍🏻😎🤘🏻🥁

[@RichRawDawgdrums]

Smooth drumming on this classic! I like how your drumming makes the song bounce! I used to play this live and only was on the ride during the chorus. The way you play it is brilliant!

[@earldrum]

Thanks for the feedback Rich! I tried to cop the Doobie’s unique feel and pocket. I always heard the upbeat 8th notes implied on the hats and ride. I think that’s what gives it that bounce. Thanks for noticing! 🙏👍🥁😁

[@jameslyons1661]

❤️🥁❤️

[@earldrum]

Good morning Jimmy!

[@dennisfurl7412]

I love your clean style and I think you are an awesome drummer!

[@earldrum]

I appreciate that Dennis! Thanks for watching! 🙏🏻👍🏻🤘🏻😎🥁

[@3L3V3NDRUMS]

Cool cover and cool song choice man! Sounds nice🤘🤘🤘

[@earldrum]

Thanks for the feedback Toby! Yes, that song choice was strategic! 🙏🏻😎👍🏻🤘🏻

[@vincegomez1212]

Hey, I'm at Agape Festival at Agape Farm listening to the music! Formally Creation where I think you played at at least once. I'm playing at 430 and it's supposed to be 94 degrees out so not expecting a large crowd. For AEA, how was your entire experience playing here. Did you camp? Who'd you meet? Etc etc. I love to hear you tell stories.

[@earldrum]

Thanks for the question Vince! I’d love to see some photos of your experience! I’ll add it to the AEA question list!

[@JackNiles]

Sounds good. More cowbell?

[@earldrum]

Thanks for the feedback Jack! Next time I’ll add that 😜😜😜😂😂😂🙏😁🥁👍thanks for watching