The Doobie Brothers - 'Listen to the Music' Reaction! Certified Classic from some Hall of Famers!

[@petedepledge519]

No auto tune in those days . just pure talent.

[@mikemiller3069]

@@Michael-Philip That's not distortion, it's a flanger. By the time this was produced, flangers were an electronic effect but the original "flanging" was done by Les Paul back in the 50s (I think). Reel to reel recorders had a record head and a separate playback head so it produced a slight delay as the tape went over the two heads. They found that if they put a little pressure with their thumb on the flange of the tape, it would slow down and the pitch would drop slightly. Then, when they released it, the pitch would go up again. They would press and release the flange to produce the effect which is what you heard in that short section (although electronically produced, not with a reel to reel).

[@DM-hk4cw]

What they were hearing was a phaser pedal.

[@DM-hk4cw]

@@mikemiller3069 It also sounds like they used a phaser pedal on the guitars throughout the song.

[@mikemiller3069]

@@DM-hk4cw More likely rack mounted, not a pedal.

[@lifeby2044]

Indeed when signers did sing

[@Cosmo-Kramer]

For a different, yet just as iconic, sound from The Doobies in this pre-Michael era, you should react to their hit song, *"Black Water",* it's one of the chillest vibes you'll ever hear in a song.

[@loisrogers9042]

YES!

[@Abri412]

Black Water is awesome.

[@ccchhhrrriiisss100]

Fun story: I live in Palo Alto, California. My neighbor was one of the founders of the band "Crazy Horse" (i.e., Neil Young & Crazy Horse). I would often talk to him when I went to my mailbox. One day, I went to check the mail and my neighbor was talking to someone. He introduced him as "Tom Johnston." I had no idea who that guy was. So, he said that he is the lead singer of the Doobie Brothers. Again, I had no idea who that is (as it was well before my time). Then, Mr. Johnston starts singing "Listen to the Music." My eyes widened. Oh...those DOOBIE Brothers. He laughed too.

[@ccchhhrrriiisss100]

(This was during the pandemic. He was going to work with his daughter or something to record a rendition of this song and release it online or something like that).

[@Another_User_Name_]

One of their huge pre-Michael McDonald hits, along with China Grove and Long Train Runnin'. Another great review fellas!

[@RonaldCanfield-m2r]

As others have mentioned, another huge hit with a similar vibe is "Long Train Runnin'." Their first #1 single, "Black Water," had a totally different vibe, penned and sung by Patrick Simmons, the guy who sang the bridge on this tune.

[@susanmurray7654]

Love that one!!!

[@judywelch1044]

No auto tune just pure talent like most bands of the 50's 60's & 70's. Not so much with todays "artists"

[@denisetowe895]

No auto tune in the 70’s! Just real musicians with real talent making great music that we’re still listening to now!

[@detroitrocker4098]

Auto tune wasn't invented to help crappy singers sound better. Pure talent in the 70's.

[@39thala]

Hey guys that's not autotune. That was a phaser effect that they put on his vocal that you heard, (That was popular back then). Remember, this is before digital technology in music so everything was analog. No autotune existed back then. You either sang it right or you did it over and over again til you got a good take. Great reaction by the way!

[@CheysMama15]

I remember when they guest starred on What's Happening 😊!

[@polyprinz]

That is Tommy Johnston at lead vocals....here. I love this song and is takes me back when I was a kid, hearing this played on the radio.

[@daledodson1279]

That bass line by Tiran Porter was killer!! There was no auto tune back then.

[@KelM56]

You MUST react to "Long Train Running" from the double brothers - it's pure funk & disco. A master piece! You'll LOVE IT!! ❤️

[@sharonchaput9705]

Definitely no auto tune. Just pure talent.

[@TheDivayenta]

Before Mike, there was Tom Johnston. He was kind of a tough guy- but he wrote that song. I love all the Doobies’ stuff. There’s a recent vid of them now in their 60’s and 70’s doing this from Pat’s house. In concert now it’s the full band with Tom and Mike! Takin It to the Streets is my favorite from Mike and the boys. It’s Mike’s Civil Rights anthem. He’s a Ferguson, MO boy. Watch it live!!!!!

[@dickcnormis1444]

They just put his voice through a phaser for that verse, no auto tune, all the guys could sing in this band.

[@alansmith7626]

ya'll should do Jesus is Just Alright ! They have major talent and like I said, they go places....and they can play Wayyyy upbeat and they can chill you out...

[@maryannturton9830]

Jesus is just alright is awesome!

[@deegomez2089]

No auto tune. Might have been a little echo but mostly just really good vocal ability and some of the best harmonies for ppl not related to each other 🎶🎵

[@ChristopherCircelli]

I know I am two months late but they were on an episode of Whats Happening back in the day. Raj, Rerun, & Dwayne were caught trying to record their concert in the episode.

[@thisisitreactions]

Yep! Rerun was dancing and the recorder fell out. Hilarity!

[@michaelsmith5021]

They had Tom Johnston, Pat Simmons and Their Bassist did some lead. The whole band harmonized.

[@tracyjohnson8057]

This really represents the music of the 70's so well. I still shake the whole car dancing if it comes on the radio lol. Music is life, live well

[@George-ko5bg]

Tom did a worldwide zoom of this with musicians from everywhere playing their cultural instruments

[@brenthowell6148]

Tom Johnston got sick around 1975 and went to the Hospital. In the meanwhile, Michael Macdonald was singing backup for Steely Dan. They Brought Michael in, and the rest is history with Michael. Another guy who has sung lead is Patrick Simmons before Michael. One of his more famous songs was Black Water.The band has been around since the late 60's!♥️✌️

[@timmistorey5989]

Doobie brothers are awesome ❤

[@IAMCAVE]

One of the great things about bands of the 60’s & 70’s that many of them had several lead singers. The Doobie Brothers have a great catalog to choose from and they had several different styles. Keep listening. No auto tune crap, but honest talent.

[@kimberlyloscar610]

Great reaction. Fabulous band way before Michael. Long train running!

[@39thala]

Yep, this the original Doobies, The Tom Johnston years back before Michael McDonald took over. Tom Johnston (The lead singer and co-founder of the band) Doobies is my favorite! These guys started out playing live gigs for the Hells Angels before they became famous. A few of other hits by this original lineup you should check out, "Jesus is Just Alright", "China Grove", "Rockin' Down The Highway", "Black Water", "Long Train Runnin'", "South City Midnight Lady"

[@larryhunter7368]

Ole Boys Mic Stand was Rock’n Out-! lol

[@denisetowe895]

Gotta listen to Long Train Running! Love me some Doobies!! ❤❤

[@robertrosello1964]

Just saw the Doobies a few weeks ago, unfortunately lead singer Tom Johnston is out with injury, but this song was the lead song of the night. After over 50 years these guys put on a 2 hour show and sounded amazing. Michael Mc Donald is touring with them to packed crowds

[@MrSmartAlec]

Early Doobies are the best by far. No autotune. Dont think it existed when this was recorded which btw is the studio version.

[@stephenhuber1219]

South City Midnight Lady

[@russelbarnes7235]

I'm glad you reacted to pre MM Doobie Bros. Now, keep it going with China Grove. Black Water and Long Train Runnin'. Nice reaction guys, as usual! Keepin' it 💯!!

[@rockybailey3125]

All four guys harmonized on the chorus always sounds great.

[@alansmith7626]

I graduated high school in 1973, This song and this album was new! I used to wash my first car and listen to this...and The Doobies have been with me ever since, in a lot of parts of the world, I actually got to see them live on Guam! Trippy! A lot of their best tunes never got to radio, you could do a deep dive on them for a while! And Skunk Baxter!?!?! Plays bass in most of their tunes, he also is some kinda rocket scientist dude for the US Govt! One of my fav bands of all time....they will take you places, and to me, Ted Templeman is an Awesome producer!

[@loganpierce9244]

The song is so beautiful that even the microphone is dancing…!!!!!🥹

[@dianawhite637]

Have to hear, LONG TRAIN RUNNIN! OMG!

[@desertdee1]

No such thing as auto tune in those days, just talent and skill. This was when I loved the Doobie Brothers.

[@coopm3087]

Another awesome song is Long train running you definitely won't be disappointed in it

[@abevillanueva1974]

THIS is their anthem!! Just seen them in Hawaii recently and damn it brought ne chills and tears after 50 years of their great music!! The 70s sure brought the BEST music of all genre'. It is great to see today's generation learning and loving these music!! So many hits...I rank them up there with Chicago, Earth Wind and Fire, Led Zeplin, Eagles...

[@toddhutchins2492]

Great feel good song! Long Train Running, Black Water, and China Grove are also from that era (Pre M.M.) Also, Home Free did an AWESOME cover of this song.

[@MegaBay101]

I used to see the bass player Tiran Porter a lot when I lived in Los Gatos California.He's super cool.

[@ngairehurunui9055]

Reminds me of my childhood and my dear Dad. RIP Dad ❤ thank you for your gift of great music in the house always!

[@karamelqueen1]

One of my favorites!

[@marthayoung2308]

I saw them live in 1979. They were great. Thank you for reacting to this one.

[@geraldgallimore207]

Caught the 2024 tour in Raleigh, NC on 7/31. Tom Johnston, Pat Simmons, and Michael McDonald were all there, and it was fantastic. Loved it

[@Michael-Philip]

all Doobies songs are good.

[@michaelsmith5021]

Michael Era was a drag! They became a top 40 FM band. So glad he left.

[@angelskunk2206]

Long Train Running , Jesus Is Just Alright & Black Water

[@thomasriccardi9040]

My favorite band since they came out in 1970...these guys are incredible and they're still rocking. FYI Tom Johnston who wrote and sang this song has many influences but his main influence and idol was James Brown. I believe that is why they have so much groove in their music. Great react gentlemen! peace

[@samuelharvey3496]

I saw The Doobie Brothers at a concert in the early 70's. 1st concert I ever went to. Pablo Cruz and Little River Band opened for them. Black Water is one of their greatest songs form that era, so I hope you guys give it a spin. China Grove is a banger of a song too. It's about their tour bus breaking down in a town of China Grove, Texas. Peace

[@tinagriggs1004]

I was 7 years old when this came out. This one even had kids of my age up on their feet dancing. Great music... great times! ❤

[@sherrelwilson7354]

Black Water & Long train runnin'!!

[@kierstenridgway4634]

Gotta love a dude wearing a feather boa!!! 😆❤❤ this is a great song! I didn't think he looked angry. I check it out again. ❤️✌️. He looked like he was getting down! 😆

[@UncleCharlie111x2]

Sounds like studio version over video! Doesn't matter they deliver either way! Great job guys!

[@whohash8312]

Brings back memories of me and fam' going to the river for a BBQ and all day swimmin' when I was a kid. Thank you gentlemen.

[@mikebrock7606]

The complimentary song to this is, "Music is the Doctor"......its awesome

[@DJBilodeau]

Fantastic choice for a song. Always amazed at how great this song sounded back in 1971, and still sounds just as great today-timeless, iconic song of the original lineup of the Doobie Brothers.

[@lorilxn1597]

One of my favorite concerts, 😊

[@Quicksilver51]

Glad you took heed of comments which you should if you want to be taken seriously. I was always taught to think before you put your foot in your mouth. McDonald was just another dimension when Tom had problems.

[@fuzzylogics139]

Driving into the sunset on a summer evening.. ❤️👍

[@paulrt3]

Great band from San Jose, CA! This was pre-Michael McDonald days, as this was a hit for them in 1972. McDonald was recruited by the Doobie Brothers in April 1975, initially as a temporary replacement for their lead vocalist Tom Johnston after he became ill during a national tour. McDonald's work with the band proved so successful that they decided to retain him as a full-time member. I have to say, even though it's already been said, there was no auto-tune back then. They had to have talent.

[@petenrita]

Jesus is Just Alright. Dope.

[@tannonwraith4692]

You guys are firing on all cylinders with these boys!

[@TexasMagnolia]

A time of True Musicianship! Y’all would appreciate: Jesus is Just Alright Black Water China Grove

[@marilyncintron3864]

Haven't you ever seen the show What's Happening? They have a two part show with the Doobies. I have loved them from the beginning, but I'm old.

[@DJBilodeau]

What a great group you guys are in your reactions! Love your interactions and discussions about the songs and the bands. Yes, there is that dichotomy in the Doobie Brothers-this is the pre Michael McDonald lineup, which definitely has a different sonic landscape than the later lineup. I believe that, in this song, Tom Johnston takes the lead with backing vocals from the rest of the band. It's magic. Looking forward to watching you guys do this!!!!

[@DEBBKIRK11171965]

Awesome! Love watching your reactions!

[@Zebred2001]

Great great, reaction gentlemen! The Doobie Brothers have a deep catalogue. Let me recommend their - Long Train Runnin'. Also check out some Steely Dan - Black Cow.

[@jamesdagenais6494]

They are still singing it. On their 50th anniversary

[@colortechsp]

Oh man...if you haven`t hit it yet, jump on Takin' It To The Streets from the Doobie Brothers. I appreciate your program. Thank you.

[@mariannereents2395]

Absolutely NO AUTO TUNE

[@shweetpotato]

Hello Gentlemen, had to come listen to the Doobies.

[@Shoeshineman24]

Get Doobies Toulouse Street. Just pick any song.

[@heyou702pc]

I saw The Dobbie Brothers in 2021 and 2022 in Las Vegas. They are just as great as when I saw them in the 70s. Black Water or South City Mid Night Lady next, please. All their music is 🔥

[@SM-jg6gw]

Pure talent

[@kellypickle]

All that harmony All of those guitars make for a very FAT dynamic sound

[@patrickladucer4118]

Thank you SIRS!! Love your perspective always. Classic rock at its finest. Looking forward to your next VID

[@Ghost915A1]

I've heard this song a million times but I never knew they had two drummers, that's amazing. Why the hell don't more bands do that?

[@jasonmgomez]

i dont know why but the video you watched is pitched up a half step (Root note E is played and sung in F here) from the original song. My ear caught it almost immediately, it makes the song feel even happier.

[@chrisjenkins6120]

The Doobies are on my bucket list ya’ll!!

[@johnfrank3177]

Hey fellas. The Doobies were great with and without Michael McDonald. They had two great singers in Tom Johnston and Pat Simmons before Michael joined and their harmonies were always on point. Check out "China Grove". It is a classic rock song for sure. Peace.

[@tommythompson9565]

This is the album version played over a staged presentation. So much more Doobie Brothers to dive into. They definitely are a band to be reckoned with.

[@MadisonD941]

This was a great dance song in the clubs waaaay back when I was young. We had a good time.

[@TheMikeman1971]

The best Doobie Bros song IMO is Blackwater what a tune !

[@ebenclukey7293]

This song was recorded before auto-tune. The effect you're hearing on the vocal there is called a flanger. A flanger is a type of audio effect that creates a distinctive “swooshing” or “jet plane” sound. It is created by combining a source audio signal with a slightly delayed, modulated version of itself. The flanger might not appear in every production, but when it does you'll know it.

[@christinewaide5249]

This song just makes you happy.

[@jesuspena8415]

The Doobie Brothers were also on a episode of What's Happening, about recoding them without their knowledge. It was a good episode about bootlegging music.

[@geoffsullivan7902]

Rabbit hole- please go down there….. please ❤️🎶❤️

[@DeAnne1233]

Bass player definitely caught that ‘grandpa blowing into the jug in his blue grass band again’ vibe. 😁👂

[@Aries41474]

Always loved the bass line in this song. Great jam.

[@sharokrokni5317]

Imagine a hot sunny day at a festival with great 70s ROCK

[@monicamad1285]

Doobie Brothers remake of Take Me In Your Arms reminds me of summer time 🔥❤🤟

[@lindasalaki9404]

They are 🔥

[@BluegrassMark]

Jesus is Just Alright! Or Black Water! Awesome channel guys! ❤🙏

[@robertkennett4622]

Guys, it makes me happy that you are discovering how outstanding the group was originally. McDonald era was good, before was better, there were many great songs that prove it, just off the top of my head - "Jesus Is Just Alright", "Long Train Runnin'", "China Grove", and "Black Water" are all TOP jams. The sad thing is the guy who was lead vocalist got bad sick, had to have emergency hospitalization. Anyway, they were GREAT in every incarnation, as you will find out if you listen to their complete group of works. Good work gentlemen, keep it up.

[@kathleenarchacki7875]

I saw them when I was in high-school..1970 something 😅

[@lindazee]

If you haven't already done so, you MUST check out 2 other Doobie songs: "Black Water", and a beautiful, cool song that is often ignored but is musically soooo sharp: "Another Park Another Sunday"

[@johnnyd5285]

They had different members over the years. No one group can claim to be the Doobie Brothers.

[@DM-hk4cw]

What you are hearing on the guitars is a phaser pedal. The guy in the sunglasses is Jeff "Skunk" Baxter who played on several Steely Dan albums and is a missile defense expert and advisor especially in nuclear weapons for the United States and has national security clearances. This is the Doobie Brothers I grew up on: not taking away from Michael McDonald.

[@danielkesselring9172]

“Music for All and not just One People!!..”… Beastie Boys!..☮️🥁🎸