The Doobie Brothers- I Cheat the Hangman (First Listen)

[@johnhoerl7326]

So many people only know the Doobies from their greatest hits. They are such a talented and eclectic band, with a ton of amazing songs that never got any airplay. Check out Clear as the Driven Snow for another Pat Simmons classic

[@majorgruber5925]

The Doobie brothers greatest hits are what made me want to NOT LIKE their music. It's a good thing I could skip over these on my turntable, otherwise I think it's a band I really would have neglected. All my favorites of their were the ones that didn't get radio time.

[@stephenadamsmusicalinterpr4203]

John and Major are on the same sheet of music😎

[@DavidTully]

Here's a quote from Simmons about the meaning of the song "It's about a ghost returning to his home after the Civil War and not realizing he's dead." He was inspired by An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge by Ambrose Bierce.

[@-davidolivares]

Ahhhh... case closed, kerrrrchhuuunnng. Too much Law and Order.

[@67Svenski]

"An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" is also one of my favorite Twilight Zone episodes.

[@-davidolivares]

@@67Svenski Nice. I’ll look for that. kzbin.info/www/bejne/joe2g6BuZbytkM0

[@JustJP]

Ahhhh makes sense

[@majorgruber5925]

Yup, resonated like a well tuned bell when I read this. Totally makes sense.

[@carty43]

My favorite deep on all the Doobies' stuff. This was on the last album before Michael McDonald came aboard. To me, this was the direction the band was heading before Tom Johnston got sick and McDonald came on board.

[@redx1708]

Actually DB made 5 albums before McDonald joined and turned their sound more into some RnB thing. This is the real Doobie sound. This is Simmons on lead vocals. And while I liked the McDonald albums, the 4 albums preceding them will always be my favorites. Their 1st album just named the Doobie Brothers is kinda folksy and acoustic, but the next 4 is pure west coast sound in a nutshell. "Toulouse Street", "The Captain and Me", "What were once vices are now habits" and "Stampede", are all great and worth checking out if you want to get a feeling for what the Doobies were all about.

[@keithjones6023]

Early albums so much better than later Mcdonald albums, no comparison!

[@bradsmack1]

One of several bands whose careers, over the decades, have evolved into a bio that can be split into two disparate (and easy to debate and argue about which of the two aggregations is "best," etc!) sections, all due to adding or subtracting specific personnel! Doobies, Genesis, Steely Dan, Fleetwood Mac, and I'm sure there are more!

[@mrnobody3161]

Yup. Tom's back. Looking and sounding strong.

[@peddler38501]

Those first five albums established the Doobies as the ultimate bar band of all time. I used to resent Michael McDonald changing their direction so dramatically, but hell, at least we got those first five albums. And thanks JP for some truly good commentary. Some people, I just have to tap out, but you kept it interesting. Worthwhile sub.

[@ckstaff]

@@peddler38501 No doubt the change in sound was a bit hard for the original Doobie's core of fans to accept, myself included but eventually found it was also a good sound but I still wanted my originals back and doing original Doobie music. I remember when "Stampede" was released, I was feeling the Doobies were overdue for a new album and "take me in your arms" just hit the spot. Bought the album and heard "cheat the hangman" for the first time and my girlfriend and I were blown away at how good that song was. Blows me away that all these years later of the long overdue attention this song is finally getting.

[@stephenadamsmusicalinterpr4203]

The first time I ever heard the Doobie Brothers I knew right off the bat, my new favorite band. What I didn’t know was I would become a lifelong fan because of their deep cuts, not just the hits. That was almost 50 years ago.

[@actorJSB]

Patrick Simmons is the heart of the Doobies and their sole constant member (when he chose to leave in the early 80s the band decided to split up rather than replace him, they reunited in the late 80s and have been together ever since) but, to the general public at least, was always overshadowed first by Tom Johnston and then Michael McDonald. Even the one big hit he wrote (Black Water) wasn't thought to be hit material and was originally a b-side of an earlier single. Always loved his contributions with this and Clear as the Driven Snow standing out as his masterpieces.

[@MissAstorDancer]

Patrick was always my favorite Doobie Brother! I liked his voice, and songs, the best. And I loved his hair!!!!

[@stevenwaters1850]

... not forgetting South City Midnight Lady

[@richpayton7162]

Pat was the strongest musical talent, but I think he valued the results of the outstanding synergy that he and Johnston enjoyed and wasn't out to be a "shadowing" musical element in the group. As you mentioned, the FM Rock listeners may have been more aware of Johnston's part, but there were at the time may televised concerts such as "In Concert", Don Kirshner's (what was it?), the Midnight Special and such, and anyone seeing the Doobies perform live and paying attention had to have noticed the special musicianship of Simmons. I was the same way, but Pat really jumped off the screen at me when I first saw him performing in concert. More great DB songs were Red Sun Sky, Dark Eyed Cajun Woman, South City Midnight Lady, and (?) Snake Man Blues. For me, two greats from the you-know-who era were "For Someone Special" sung by Bassist Tyran Porter, and "Rio" with I'm pretty sure Skunk Baxter masterfully burning the Jazz Guitar Solo.

[@nancymjohnson]

My God! I forgot about this, and it’s one of their BEST!!

[@kellydelay18]

Great song very deep track

[@j.jennings1722]

What a wonderful song. It reminds me of another song sung by Patrick, the title song from their 2nd album Toulouse Street. It's gorgeous. But, if you want rock, please react to Tom singing "Long Train Runnin'," or the swampy "Black Water." "China Grove" is also awesome! Great reaction!

[@mtrimm1]

"Black Water" was another Simmons song, not Tom's.

[@steveobrien9937]

I too was surprised by this...I thought it would just be a standard classic rock tune but this was awesome.Oddly enough it reminds me of Zeppelin's "Gallows Pole" a tad. Again, great tune by the Doobies. Cheers from Canada!

[@-davidolivares]

Exactly. Did ya bring some silver, did ya bring some gold? That’s another way of cheating that hangman, perhaps.

[@sgt.blkdog3840]

This was one of few songs I remember where I was when I first heard it. Playing pool in a friend’s basement. He knew the band and I was trying to guess. Took me until on of the “ I cheated him many times before“ harmonies. Then the light bulb came on.

[@-davidolivares]

@@sgt.blkdog3840 I have many pool playing songs like that, at the youth center YMCA, many an A and B-side was heard and remembered. Cool.

[@richpayton7162]

The second half, with the haunting vocals and the instrumental parts' powerful application of dynamics, reminds me of "A Day in the Life", only deeper, more refined, and overall more enjoyable with its less deathcentric, bizarre acid stumbling weirdness. Not that the latter was not an iconic period piece...

[@-davidolivares]

PS5... Patrick Simmons 5 for you sir, Merry Christmas. Great surprise choice today, wow. So, enjoyable. Yes, to the Phil Collins comparison. Skunk Baxter was in Steely Dan also, later. (edit: turns out, before, thx, commenters) Warmed up a cold morning for sure. By pulling up the information earlier, you already know more than I do, did, whatever. You give a lot of history to songs I’ve/ we’ve heard and loved forever. So cool. Gotta read the comments and learn even more. This is the definition of “banger “ in my book. Glad you dug it. Started a new painting, need coffee, maybe more sleep, gonna be a great day. Good good good, I’ll shut up now... Peace and Stampede Music

[@cazgerald9471]

"Stampede" is the Doobie's 5th album, their next is "Takin' It to the Streets", the first with Michael McDonald. There was a change of direction and sound at that time, although "I Cheat the Hangman" may be a bit more "progy" than most of their earlier tracks. They definitely deserve some exploration. Interestingly both Michael McDonald and Skunk Baxter have played with Steely Dan.

[@keithjones6023]

A change in direction and sound, a change in the wrong direction! 😏

[@jkopacetick]

Totally unexpected, I'm slightly blown away. My expectations were the DB radio sounds, maybe folksy given the album cover and title. Excellent pick, I'm enjoying the hidden gems..

[@avantprog6902]

Wow! This should have been in a Sergio Leon film. I've heard their hits, but( what? The mucus?😂) This is why it's worth listening to entire albums. MANY hidden treasures.

[@mrnobody3161]

Yeah. I'm a Prog guy too. I just go with the feel. Always loved and respected the Doobies Creativity and Versatility.

[@jfergs.3302]

A fantastic band, TDB. Shades of rock, country, soul, and they can also get seriously funky too. Great musicians, and their harmonies, second to none. This a really strong track. Not what i'd call typical, quite mournful for the most part, but great none the less. Need to refresh my memory re this album. I do know, that the previous two albums, Captain, and Habits, would be in my top 50 albums ever. Top, top band.

[@keithjones6023]

Top Top band, no question!

[@DougKercher]

Jeff the Skunk played on Steely Dan's early albums too. (Can't Buy a Thrill and maybe Countdown to Ecstasy)

[@ComeOnIsSuchAJoy]

First 3, when they were still a functioning band and not just Fagen & Becker backed by a bunch of session men (though one of them, Denny Dias, continued to play with them on at least one track per album).

[@1nelsondj]

@@FURDOG1961 Templeman produced both those greatest hits albums. I listened to the 2nd one today, hadn't heard it in at least a decade; I'm good for another 10 years.

[@robertjewell9727]

I've known a lot of Doobies music, but this took me by surprise. There are actually 2 Doobie Brothers bands, before and after MM. Distinctly different. I prefer the previous incarnation, but I've only really known their hits so this orchestra backed acoustic ballad is a wholly different sound and even the vocals are elegaic CSN leaning rather than the later Pop 40 sound of MacDonald. Oh, and I think he's a ghost.

[@fpanpurrzachariah6290]

Love the Doobies .. heard them play this tune. Seen them 23 times and met them

[@genecase9464]

"Another Park, Another Sunday" is another one of their minor hits should gotten more airtime. Their earlier stuff was much more eclectic. And it wasn't a single change, they changed throughout there existence with quite a few personnel changes and additions.

[@richpayton7162]

Toulouse Street, the song, could be the best "I've got the Bordello blues" song ever. From the second album. What stunning harmony vocals they were able to put in a song and take it all the way over the top. "What was that, Michael Who?"

[@MilosDaddy]

I highly recommend "South City Midnight Lady". It's another of their earlier songs that is underrated. IMHO

[@4tuneagent]

Great song!

[@cherylwoodward]

I was coming on here to recommend this song. Such a beautiful song.

[@orangetabby3229]

YES!

[@murdockreviews]

I know a few Doobie tracks outside their hits, but this was also unexpected for me. Very noteworthy track!!

[@TmRnBn]

Toulouse Street and The Captain and Me...Brilliant LPs of the Johnston era.

[@keithjones6023]

Fantastic!

[@sgt.blkdog3840]

I think What Were Once Vices stacks up with those two as well... in addition to the hits, Down in the Track, Pursuit on 53rd Street, You Just Can’t Stop it, and Road Angel. I mean C’mon!

[@sgt.blkdog3840]

Yes, McDonald changed the direction. I love Pat Simmons, but you need to hear Tom Johnston on lead Vocal. One of greatest.

[@keithjones6023]

@@sgt.blkdog3840 You're right it is a fantastic album, my favourites are Daughters of the Sea and Black Water, wonderful!

[@1nelsondj]

I had the same reaction, I was expecting some riff-rock radio-friendly tune. The only albums I have by them are greatest hits 1 & 2 so this was a surprise. At first I thought it was like Crosby, Stills & Nash and then it got progressive. Very impressed and I'm wondering what else they have similar to this.

[@steveobrien9937]

same here...surprised...and impressed....

[@jaybird4093]

Ditto. I never paid attention to the DB’s growing up. Like you, I only knew the greatest hits.

[@johnhoerl7326]

They have a ton of amazing songs that never got any airplay. Pat Simmons in particular is a master of atmospherics; check out Toulouse Street (the song), Clear as the Driven Snow, Daughters of the Sea/Flying Cloud (which was written by Tiran Porter), Chinatown, Living on the Fault Line (the song). And those are just a sampler of Doobie deep cuts

[@albertoramirez6388]

Listening to the first few minutes I thought "This isn't C, S & Y?"

[@JustJP]

Seems like there's dozens of us being surprised 😃

[@mickcapewell6369]

Funny place to start with them 🤔 They were hated by the critics until blue-eyed boy Michael McDonald joined and then the critics loved them. Personally I’m the other way around as i can’t stand McDonald’s strangulated voice. I love the Tom Johnson era and this is one of their best tracks. I’d also recommend Clear As the Driven Snow as another, less heralded Doobie gem 👍

[@IllumeEltanin]

^this^ I despise the Michael McDonald era, even though I worked for his father. The rockers, i.e., China Grove; the anthems, i.e., Jesus is Just Alright with Me (coming from a practicing Jew, that's saying something), their standards, i.e., Black Water, all are better than the McDonald era, IMO.

[@orangetabby3229]

@ Mick Capewell Agree, and I've always called it the Patrick Simmons Era

[@mhansen5646]

Man your right on, could’t agree more

[@freegracetruthembrace7188]

'What Were Once Vices Are Now Habits' ; 'Toulouse Street' ; & 'The Captain And Me' - round out the pre Michael McDonald era . All highly compelling . Saw them twice during that period (pre '76) . The crowds were as delighted as I've been seen .

[@jaybird4093]

I wasn’t expecting THAT. I only know the DB’s from their greatest hits. I liked it. Great review, too!

[@redzone77p]

In my opinion one of their best tracks. Thanks for running that.

[@realbser1956]

Totally forgot about this song. Definite vibes of CSN & Kansas. Really beautiful track with a proggy undertone. Great song and analysis JP.

[@mtrimm1]

Whenever I bought a Doobies album I'd look for the Patrick Simmons songs, because I knew I was in for something special...

[@relayer27]

Great song, haven't heard this in such a long time. Superb vocals and harmony wonderful guitar and brilliant production

[@dixiechatty958]

Pat Simmons also wrote and sang their first number one song "Black Water", one of their best from either era.

[@123dallasstars123]

Always found this song so evocative. With the trumpets and the driving drums at the end, I always envision someone galloping on a horse away from the gallows. I now realize I interpreted the lyrics wrong.. but I still get that visual every time haha!

[@leddygee1896]

My personal favorite album by them. every song is fantastic...

[@ComeOnIsSuchAJoy]

Note: Jeff "Skunk" Baxter was a member of Steely Dan for their first 3 albums, before the rest of them were dismissed by Fagen & Becker and stuck strictly with session men for the remainder of their career. Baxter actually joined the Doobies after he was orphaned by them. Other pre-Michael McDonald Doobies tracks in this vein: "Clear as the Driven Snow" and "Daughters of the Sea/Flying Cloud."

[@-davidolivares]

Wasn’t sure bout Baxter’s entree into the band, thanks.

[@maruad7577]

Once again the commenters unearth a great song from the fossil records. I had no idea this was on a Doobie Bros album. Thank you. The guitar work vaguely reminds me of Cockburn's "If I had a rocket launcher" though I don't know if I ever heard him with strings. The other thing that impresses me is the knowledge of the lineup changes and the effect they had on the sound of the band. It explains a lot. Great review as usual.

[@-davidolivares]

Herrrreeeessss Justin! Tonight Show horns learned about here, today, Is so cool. Love Bruce Cockburn.

[@karlmoles6530]

Holy Fuckballs, I never in my life expected to see anyone react to this! The Doobies are one of my favorite bands, and there's so much more to them than their well known hits. Allow me to heartily recommend from them in this same vein, "Toulouse Street", "Closer Every Day", and "Clear As The Driven Snow" And if you want to hear an all-out barnburning rocker, then "Without You"

[@JustJP]

Haha ty Karl! I've done Driven Snow as well :D

[@brucebrown73]

Another band was like this. You hear some of radio stuff, but don’t realize how good they really are. Loggins and Messina “ Mother Lode “ album. Move On and Keep Me in Mind together are amazing. The saxophone in Move On is used to perfection. “ Be Free” and “Time to Space”are great too. Pathway to Glory and Crazy Eyes off I think Full Sail album great too. They were perfect together, Loggins did a lot on his own but was great with Messina.

[@musicferret1829]

The Captain and me was the first album I ever heard from the Doobies blew me away.

[@mrnobody3161]

I remember when this song blew my adolescent mind. I didn't expect this one either. Jeff Skunk Baxter preceded Michael MacDonald from the Band Steely Dan. The end of this song is almost a bit like Alan Parsons.

[@musicferret1829]

Their lockdown vidoes are amazing and worth a watch.

[@brucebrown73]

Omg I haven’t listened to this in 40 years and I’m glad you played it. They were so good back then. Their deep cuts were what I lived on. I was never much a fan of too 40 stuff except on occasion. That’s where their best songs are. Michael McDonald’s era was great, but this is when I loved them. Fleetwood Mac pre-Stevie Nicks will surprise you similarly. Their Mystery to Me album is amazing star to finish.

[@davidlane1169]

'Ole Audiophile here, this album was the Doobie Brothers' fifth studio release, but more importantly, it was part four of their quadrophonic mastery releases. These have been recently faithfully reproduced as the Doobie Brothers Quadio boxed Bluray set mixed down to their actual quadrophonic originals, a superb gem! Albums two through five were ALL originally released as quad albums. If every quad album sounded like theirs did, the medium would have survived the ax. I still own albums two, three & four as CD-4 discrete quad records.

[@peddler38501]

So many reaction videos seem to be variants of "wow, man". But you have commentary interesting enough that I stick around to check it out. AND you don't stop the song. I cringe when people stop the song. You do everything right, man. I have to check out more of your vids. Good stuff.

[@scotstevens5263]

Great band choice again. This is early before McDonald say around the 70’s when Listen to the Music and Rocking down the Highway. We were to see there 50th annual show w/ Micheal McDonald when they got more of that jazzy feel with (Minutes by Minute and What a Fool Believes) last year to be canceled due to the pandemic to return and try again this year in August. Fingers crossed 🤞 Anyway, try a song I found with great visuals called Daughters of the Sea. You’ll love it. Have a great day JP.

[@DonDixit]

As David Tully remarked, song based on "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge by Ambrose Bierce". The band integrated the 05:30 part in their 1975/1976 setlist. After the mayhem faded, the riff of China Grove started and levitated the Arena

[@marksummers1700]

pat simmons sang this song... and, his guitar-picking style is very common in his songs.. listen to "Clear as the Driven Snow," off of The Captain and Me.... AMAZING song...!!!! tom johnston's song, "the captain and me," is also amazing...!!!!!

[@sidecardog5244]

Now this is the Doobies that I know and love. Great song to thaw out to. Recommend the album Whirlwind by Transatlantic (77 minute song...12 separate sections). You can sample the III song On the Prowl for a taste of jazz fusion (with Mike Portnoy on drums).

[@jimgordon5358]

You need to listen to the “earlier” albums....my favourite is “The Captain and me” ...it’s my “go to” Doobies album. There was a fab documentary on the Doobies following their whole career in which Michael McDonald stated that he was never really a true “Doobie” ( can’t remember his exact words). Pat and Tom are the core but don’t overlook Tiran Porter and the contribution he made to the band!!!!

[@rickrobinson672]

The Captain and Me is also my favorite Doobie Brothers album.

[@keithjones6023]

My favourite album was Stampede for years, probably because of I Cheat the Hangman, which is a wonderful track. The Captain and Me has taken that number 1 place though, it's a fantastic album. 👌

[@richpayton7162]

The haunting instrumental/vocal second half makes me think of the power and depth of "A day in the life", but deeper and more refined. A true masterpiece on many levels. Was this Skunk Baxter's last Doobies LP with them? I had all but their (obscure first album, until you know who showed up and overran the great vibe.

[@vincentnigro1496]

Hi JP-stumbled on you when you listened to ELP, my favorite band since 1972. This Doobies song my favorite, the great Conte and Pete Candoli brothers the brass. From Long island,I ended up in Washington St in 1977 and ran into guy who was in house band in Seattle called the Paramount. They opened for all bands coming through Seattle-Ramones,Doobies,Aerosmith,etc. He ended up being my roommate in school apt-he brought all his stuff with him-2 Les Pauls,Marshall amp,Pignose. Party central. I Met Doobies while working security on stage left for their concert at WSU in 1978. Try "America " by the Nice, Keith Emeron's band before ELP. Peace.

[@JustJP]

Ty Vincent!

[@rickrobinson672]

Though awesome, this song isn't a special case. Many Doobie Bro songs have interesting, ominous vibes. Songs such as Toulouse Street, The Captain and Me, Clear as the Driven Snow, and others come to mind.

[@JustJP]

May have to try more then! Ty Rick

[@erichwalrath970]

This will be played at my funeral.

[@delllittle5692]

I never knew DB as a progressive sort. I always loved their vocal harmonies and such with their classics. I mean DB greatest hits was my first venture into rock in my youngest of day. This adds depth indeed.

[@davidgereski7564]

If you want more context to this song, read the short story "The Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge". That story heavily inspires the writing of this song. It's pretty chilling and haunting.

[@gregdavis4978]

The Doobie Brothers made a few solid albums before McDonald dragged them into the yacht club. Two of my personal favorites, both from the Toulouse Street album, are the title track and "White Sun". The intro on this song reminds me more than a little of "White Mountain" from Genesis.

[@midnightfury7267]

Great song and album. Check out "Eye's of Silver" from The Doobies "What Were Once Vices are Now Habits."

[@thomasmcintosh390]

Yay!! Thanks man. I just woke up and saw this. Gonna be a good day!

[@-davidolivares]

Damn, our ploy worked.

[@JustJP]

Yes it is! Have a sunny weekend 🔆

[@jamespaivapaiva4460]

Just got home from 3 day stay in hospital, do you perhaps have E.S.P.? Definitely feel like I cheated the Hangman! Another great group that went pop and changed direction. I have a request, Anathema- 'Untouchable parts 1&2' and 'Internal Landscapes' . These two pieces I listen to everyday,and it brings me Peace and I would like to share that. Peace and Health 2 you and yours from Jim.

[@maruad7577]

I hope all is well with your health now. Take care.

[@-davidolivares]

Glad you’re on the mend friend. Take extra care, blessings.

[@JustJP]

Wishing you the best James! Ive heard those tracks from Anathema...not my favorite tbh😬

[@jamespaivapaiva4460]

That's O.K. Opeth are a good alternative! Because of where I'm at in life those 2 tracks are relevant. We all have our challenge's. I have good days when I can work and play and days I can't. Through it all I have family,ferrets,fretted instruments,and friends. No worries mate! Keep up the great music 🎶.

[@maggie1253]

Woah cool JP!

[@JustJP]

Glad you enjoyed Maggie!

[@brucebrown73]

If you ever delve into F M “Mystery to Me” “ Keep on Going”, Emerald Eyes, and their version of “ For Your Love” which you played the original version a couple weeks ago, is such a level above that original you will be shocked how good it can sound.

[@JeromeDukes]

Knowing mostly their radio hit, I was also surprised by this song. I don't know if it was me staring at the album cover, but I was definitely getting a country western vibe and that drumming outro sounded like a bunch of horses galloping. Nice choice.

[@MrSmartAlec]

I love the Stampede LP. It's definitely among my top 2 or 3 from the DB. It really starts off with bang in Sweet Maxine. I think my favorite track is Neil's Fandango. I love the rapid fire lyrics.

[@keithjones6023]

First Doobies album I bought, it's my second favourite after The Captain and Me.

[@robertcartier5088]

Some of the outro reminds me a little of the end of "Crime of the Century" by Supertramp, which came out the year before. Perhaps they were inspired by it... Being inspired by genius, no crime in that! ;-]

[@mrnobody3161]

Sort of reminded me of the Alan Parsons Project at the end.

[@robertcartier5088]

@@mrnobody3161 Oh, yeah, 70's Parsons... that can only be a good thing! ;-]

[@toshibautoob]

Last really great album by them IMHO. You really want to blow your mind? Listen to Daughters of the Sea leading into Flying Cloud.

[@stangant3110]

Definitely, awesome song. Always loved the layers of percussion woven into the track

[@nancymjohnson]

Have you done Jesus is Just Alright? You should JP. Thank you again for doing this.

[@JustJP]

Ty Nancy! Haven't heard that one

[@mikeglasgow9618]

Man, THANKS FOR NOT STOPPING THE SONG TO COMMENT.

[@bobholtzmann]

Enjoyed hearing some little known Doobies - very moody dramatic acoustic song. Poco took a similar approach in their music. Poco's "Crazy Eyes" has a similar dramatic build.

[@-davidolivares]

Timothy B. Schmit, oh yeah. Rusty Young, Furay, Messina, great band.

[@bobholtzmann]

​@@-davidolivares Paul Cotton also played on Crazy Eyes - many of their other albums too. I read that George Harrison gave him one of his guitars.

[@craigfazekas3923]

They played part of this track when they appeared on the TV show "What's Happening !!". Too funny....🚬😎

[@-davidolivares]

JJ?

[@craigfazekas3923]

@@-davidolivares No, Raj, Rerun & Dwayne....

[@-davidolivares]

@@craigfazekas3923 Was thinking of Dwayne... oops.

[@oakhillfound847]

I originally had this on a single and the B side was a song called Black Water. I liked this song so much better I ended up buying their greatest hits just for this version.

[@orangetabby3229]

For more like this from the earlier Doobies, please review For Someone Special and Toulouse Street. Both haunting, sophisticated

[@christinerobinson9372]

The Doobies have been listening to CSN,

[@orangetabby3229]

This is pre-Michael McDonald, my favorite Era of the Doobies

[@Telephonebill51]

...AND, right about 5:50, when the drums start finding a rythm, what do you see in your mind? The image on the album cover, the inset.

[@skevich1]

The Doobie Brothers lost their edge when Tom Johnston left and Michael McDonald came in. But, When Michael left and Tom returned, they were the old Doobies.

[@DaddyDuckTown]

A lot of people talking in the comments about Patrick Simmons. Dude definitely is underrated as a composer and singer. But it kind of makes sense because he's just not really frontman material. His solo album Arcade didn't do very well despite the fact there was some pretty decent stuff on it. A song can be great but if you don't really have a well known public image your album probably won't do well.

[@danielthompson6880]

Saw the Doobie Brothers 4 times in concert in the 70's. Great band. I never liked the Michael McDonald direction. Neither did Jeff "skunk" Baxter who left the band when McDonald joined. Their first 5 albums were so unique from anyone else at the time. Such great talent.

[@thomasklempin542]

Check out Wheels of Fortune. A Bass thumping Rocker.

[@toddmcmahan5582]

Masterpeice.curtis Mayfield did the strings and horn arrangements

[@EdMay-cs5yw]

1he end qll instrumental of I cheat the hangman is the best!

[@kuhnhan]

One of my favorite Doobie Brothers tune is China Grove. I never did care much for them after Michael McDonald joined the group. He has a good voice, but they became too soft rock for me. This is nice as well.

[@prozier4378]

On that album, listen to the tracks in this order. Slat key Soquel rag, PreI cheat the hangman, and Precis

[@JamesHowe]

I've always preferred the pre-McDonald Doobies and this song is one of the best from that era in my opinion. I've always liked the story, the singing, and the way the music was produced. I really like the jam at the end, that part could have been longer and I would be even happier.

[@scottohlemeier247]

Michael McDonald did to the Doobies what Steve Perry did to Journey. If you've ever heard Journey's Look Into The Future compared to any of the 80s efforts, you'd know of what I'm referring.

[@ckstaff]

Kind of surprising to here people believe or think the Doobies began with McDonald who didn't come along until years after.

[@sicko_the_ew]

Just in case I forget (it's late), there's a new *Sparks* documentary out. Here's 2 minute or so clip announcing it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mGS9YZJ-adiNmac (Sparks is pop - sort of, but weirder, but also top of the pops pop at times, even so. They might at least amuse you.) Oh and in case I forget the other thing, I like this aspect of The Doobie Brothers. Great band.

[@pamfeinstein8742]

Sparks drummer Harley Feinstein is my cousin. I've seen him perform and he was amazing. Today is his birthday!

[@DonDixit]

07:50 ... good point Justin. Many weren't (eastcoast Rolling Stone snubbed the band for being too poppy) / aren't aware pre-1976 DEEPCUTS by the Doobie Brothers are at least as interesting - no, make that fascinating - as the band's chestnuts Long Train Running, LTTM, etc. In fact, can't think of a band with such quality deepcut catalogue. Clear as the Driven Snow, I Cheat the Hangman are fine examples. Road Angel & Without You mega rockers

[@JustJP]

Ty Don!

[@carty43]

Johnston contracted hepatitis and McDonald joined at the behest of Baxter -- both worked with Steely Dan. Johnston would return and McDonald went solo after four charting albums.

[@TheCornishCockney]

Two era's of this band,the rock n roll tom johnston version,and the blue eyed soul of michael mcdonald. I prefer the captain and me days over the softer white soul but hey,its all good,its the Doobie Brothers!

[@tim9202]

So much more progressive than what i tought ! But i think the build-up was really good buut way too short, gonna check that album ! peace!

[@melissakhalar1842]

❤

[@michaelbochnia5686]

Nice pick. Not a pop Doobie song is a good song. Cheers Justin, keep it rollin'.

[@pamfeinstein8742]

Justin- Listen to For Someone Special by the pre-MM Doobie Brothers

[@thomasklempin542]

Strong song. Lack of airplay make it anonymous.

[@keithbk]

This was good. Personally, I despise Michael McDonald's voice and there is not a single song he signs I can tolerate.

[@kellydelay18]

I know this song good stuff

[@shanna9650]

Yes!!! And great song choice. Tom Jonston is a lead songwriter with Patrick Simmons. Tom had to leave the band due to health and substance abuse issues. Jeff Baxter, guitarist ( Floyd, the muppet is based on him), formerly played with Steely Dan, recommended McDonald shifted the overall sound, and some very nice success. After McDonald left Tom Johnston rejoined the band.

[@saradonnelly8582]

The only Doobie Brothers I know are Long Train Running which has an amazing guitar, I think this may be from the same album, and then What A Fool Believes as you mentioned,when Micheal McDonald came in a very different sound, and the Doobie Brothers was about what they were into, ahem..

[@anthonyblakely399]

LMAO!!!!! Hahahaha....lol...hahahaha.....The Doobie Brother are among the gods of Rock n' Roll...They can make music on any genre....."Come On B" Your Subs know you Bro.....We know what you Like!!!! Hahahaha.....lol.....hahaha....What a Great Reaction from you!!!! I think it's time you heard Blues Part2 from Blood Sweat & Tears......I think so......I think you can handle it!!!!

[@JustJP]

Haha ty Anthony!

[@anthonyblakely399]

@@JustJP And btw...I watch as many do.....your reactions over and over and laugh at your reactions because they are so similar to that of my own many years ago or when I first hear some groups that you listen to now. It's a treat and keeps me sane in an insane world!!! lol

[@spartacusforlife1508]

Any resemblance to Simon and garfunkel are totally incidental 🤣🤣

[@EdMay-cs5yw]

Doobie brothers are actually brothers it must be why their choosen musicians joining them in play are so synced as well

[@markspooner1224]

Old Doobies is good.

[@-davidolivares]

Already on the mix Mark, but you knew that. Happy day.

[@markspooner1224]

@@-davidolivares I don't know how I knew but I did!

[@keithjones6023]

There seems to be a common thread to most comments, Old Doobies best!

[@markspooner1224]

@@keithjones6023 Seems the same (to me) for many great bands, what made them great is what they do best.