First Time Hearing The Doobie Brothers! Vocal ANALYSIS of "What A Fool Believes"

I'm always looking for uplifting songs, between The Beach Boys, Jackson 5, and now Electric Light Orchestra. So when y'all were prompted to find me songs that were just uplifting and fun, and "What A Fool Believes" by The Doobie Brothers does not disappoint! I'm not sure the lyrics make me think "Super Happy" but the groove is undeniable!
Join professional opera singer Elizabeth Zharoff, as she listens to The Doobie Brothers for the first time, performing "What A Fool Believes”.
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Performed by The Doobie Brothers - Words and Music by Michael McDonald, Kenny Loggins
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I definitely recommend watching the original video without interruptions. Here's the link: • The Doobie Brothers - ...
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Elizabeth Zharoff is an international opera singer and voice coach, with 3 degrees in voice, opera, and music production. She's performed in 18 languages throughout major venues in Europe, America, and Asia. Currently based somewhere between Los Angeles and Tucson, Arizona, Elizabeth spends her days researching voice, singing, teaching, writing music, and recording TONS. She also plays Diablo and Dungeons & Dragons.
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We have a sister channel: THE SINGING HOLE. Join us there to examine how ordinary creatures create extraordinary sounds. / @thesinginghole
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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.
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#thedoobiebrothers #Reaction #TheCharismaticVoice
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[@jts2398]

As a San Jose resident, I am unabashedly proud of this band! I had the good fortune to work at a legendary guitar store (Guitar Showcase) for many years and became friends with Tiran, the bass player/vocalist. He lives in the nearby Santa Cruz mountains and would come into town almost every Tuesday, which quickly became the high point of my week.

[@DanielByers-qf9qi]

I remember my first exposure to The Doobie Brothers: local television advertisements for Plateau Seven, on top of the Pruneyard Tower, with "Listen to the Music" playing in the background. Their producer had a music shop nearby, off the south loop; I went in there years later, unknowing and on unrelated business, and saw gold records hanging on his back wall. I prefer their pre-McDonald music; the album with San Jose's Overpass to Nowhere is one of my all-time favorites.

[@jonnuanez7183]

Tiran Porter is one of my favorite bass players of all time and severely overlooked IMO.

[@SongySan]

Tiran Porter is one of my favorite bassists. Feel the same about the Doobies, I lived in Santa Cruz for 5 years and in the Santa Cruz Mountains for 8 years.

[@dthorne4602]

The bouncy song is the fool's perspective, the lyrics are the reality he ignores. It is a masterpiece of a pop song.

[@jamesfarina5764]

@@jackw467 Everything annoys women

[@the_Kurgan]

It's not "the fool" it's the "wise man" who has the power to reason away reality.

[@lisakaz35]

​@@the_Kurgan Fools often believe they're wise, though. The lyric is "no wise man has the power to reason away..."

[@dclaet1135]

You hit it on the head! I never could put it into words. Well done.

[@the_Kurgan]

@dclaet1135 No he didn't. He's got it backwards.

[@laceydez]

Girl, you have to give “Peg” by Steely Dan a whirl. A sonically perfect track. It has Michael McDonald on some VERY tight harmonic chorus backing vocals, the Man and icon himself for bass players like myself.. Chuck Rainey defying orders to “not” slap on his bass line. You’ll love it. ❤

[@youbertu]

@laceydez Absolutely! The whole Aja album is a masterpiece, with Michael Omartian's production chops on full display.

[@0okamino]

Fagen and Becker ultimately had to admit what any sensible bassist would already know about this song: the slap is just better for it.

[@laceydez]

@@0okamino Well of course! He gave it that tightness and that "pop", while knowing just the right amount of classy slap to apply and when to apply it. ;)

[@alicehb1606]

I think 10 different recording layers of just MM singing word "Peg" I think. Check out Rick Beato's interview with Michael Omartian on "Peg." It's great.

[@kenmcwise1776]

Girl, this is the creator at his best. This is the soul behind the the genre known as yacht rock. Michael is self taught on the piano and his explosion onto the music scene created a whole new sound. From studio musician to rock star. He was working on everyone’s albums. C Cross, Doobie Brothers when their lead vocalist got sick and the tour was about to be cancelled. His influence on the Doobie Brothers completely changed their direction. Michael was on everyone’s albums. Background, he didn’t care he just wanted to work.

[@twofarg0ne763]

He has one of the most unique voices in rock. As soon as I hear him sing a few notes I know it's him.

[@chrisbenson6683]

Yes... And I know it's time to change the station. 😅 I love his taste in music and he seems like a good dude. Just hate the sound of his voice. 🤷

[@twofarg0ne763]

@@chrisbenson6683 LOL I'll let him know that everyone is not a fan :-). He lives 4 houses down the street from me. His daughter Scarlett and my daughter are the same age and were good friends in school.

[@chrisbenson6683]

@@twofarg0ne763 nice. He really seems cool. 👍

[@aozoratenshu]

I got heartbroken at a young age and it took me years to truly get over it. I had heard this song long before then, but it wasn't until I really listened to the lyrics that I realized I was the fool described. It truly helped me get past it and into a successful marriage.

[@paulwooton4390]

Good for you man.

[@catherineo8689]

that is awesome

[@firedoc5]

Love the Doobie Bros. "Black Water" is what I consider their most diverse song with all its changes in it and is my all-time favorite DB song. Jeff "Skunk" Baxter is probably the most recognizable member of the band, but you'll also see him playing with several other groups.

[@garmisra7841]

No way, it's Tom Johnston and Pat Simmons man! Their formative era is the one that put them on the map even if they had bigger chart hits with Skunk and Michael.

[@EverydayEvan]

This song is very near and dear to my heart. When I was a kid in the late 70s, my uncle introduced me to the Doobies. He was a huge fan. This song was played at his funeral during the slide show. I always think of him whenever I hear this, or any DB song for that matter. Love it! ❤

[@RonLynne]

Fun fact about Jeff “Skunk” Baxter, in addition to being an amazing guitarist, and having a monster mustache, he later became an independent advisor to the DOD and US Senate on missile defense. Also I used to deliver Italian food to him when I did that job years ago.

[@seanpaula8924]

Iwas trying to remember his name, thanks. Skunk, just seems to fit 😂

[@gregscanlon4278]

He was also the inspiration for Floyd, in the muppets.

[@TheHPD71]

I remember him having some dialogue when they guest starred on What's Happening?

[@jen_alanfromchicago53]

​@@TheHPD71which Doobie you be?

[@rappmasterdugg6825]

Haha, you beat me to it!

[@ronaldscott197]

Michael and Kenny Loggins singing this song live from the Redwoods is absolutely amazing.

[@guyfalcurious762]

Black water and China Grove should be next if we are listening to The Doobie Brothers

[@buzzbomb67]

Those, and Long Train Running

[@444dkm]

Yes!

[@DrkKnght523]

I'd rather have her listen to the studio versions of these tho.

[@ericmohler5461]

Black water or Listen to the Music

[@MsOwl22]

His voice is like cheesecake, creamy smooth and lusciously sweet!

[@neil2444]

Too much sweetness can be nauseating. When Liz called it like caramel, my mind immediately went to salted caramel. The saltiness counterbalances. (Love the food discourse fyi)

[@barryhall5125]

​@@neil2444Pretty good take!

[@DaveStDave]

Dulce de leche

[@Robert_Douglass]

A plain New York cheesecake with a glass of white wine

[@leekarr4909]

I've seen The Doobie Brothers live a half dozen times and when I saw them in 2022 for their 50th anniversary tour they were the best they'd ever sounded! They blew me away with their harmonies, right up their with The Eagles and Crosby, Stills and Nash. They are still touring and if you have the chance to catch them, do so, you won't regret it. Looking forward to you reacting to more from them. Black Water is so good, perhaps that one next. Thank you for brightening our days with your ❤ of music!

[@michaelharrison3483]

Finally getting to the Doobies! This man's voice brings voice to millions.

[@McM-u2u]

DOOBIE BROTHERS , to me was a super group, every member was super talented, and in my opinion, one of the best harmonizing groups ever 👍🍀

[@erco9167]

I LOVE how McDonald crams all the words into his songs, and his biggest charting moment was a 6 word phrase on a Christopher Cross song

[@frankmcbride7051]

Such a long way to gooooooooo

[@hughdalton7622]

And every person I know tries to do an impression of michael mcdonald at that part of the song.

[@erco9167]

@@hughdalton7622 guilty

[@gsquat]

Michael McDonald is the only person to successfully sing high and low at the same time.

[@Ocrilat]

One word that describes his voice: Soulful

[@chrisbarlow2131]

Am I alone in thinking that The Charismatic Voice after discovering Michael McDonald, is slowly but surely drifting towards the wonderful Steely Dan?

[@jfjsjr]

Hopefully Peg!

[@TheRyanUnser]

I hope so 😎

[@chrisbarlow2131]

Good choice!

[@billyconn3]

Please E?!?!

[@cheyennehunt9954]

That would be awesome!

[@Captain_Kremmen]

Michael McDonald's 'Sweet Freedom' is great too. The most 80s of 80s songs, and absolutely belongs on any happy list.

[@mrqs1549]

Growing up, songs like “what a fool believes” made me fall in love with American music. Years later I got into punk/pos punk, but I never stopped loving the “soft rock” from late 70’s early 80’s. Yearly 80’s Mr McDonald was everywhere: duets with Patty LaBelle, Carly Simon, backing vocal for Christopher Cross (another great musician) and much more. Thank you for this great video!

[@okeefe757]

You are right. Michael's voice is VERY SMOOTH. This is smooth music.

[@theplanetruth]

Wouldn’t have said this was an uplifting, happy song.

[@TheChristafershawn]

The vibe of the music and melodies is what she was referring to, in contrast to the lyrical content.

[@msoileau83]

Lyrically no

[@RubyWings]

Throwing in a vote to do Black Water, absolutely one of my favorite melodies ever

[@mundanemorselsmundanemorse7028]

Ol’ Mississippi, she’s calling my name.

[@MissingMars]

Liver version too! This band was studio perfect even on the stage. No auto tune, studio trickery here. The band Chicago also comes to mind! Thanks Liz

[@astewart4881]

yeah interesting she didn't make any note of that, it is a phenomenal performance - can't think of anyone performing today who comes close to matching this!

[@tvtoms]

They were my first rock concert headliner and we stood right at the foot of the stage. Fun times and a memorable show even though I was a pre-teen still then.

[@johnnylingo4686]

Iconic voice, he is a legend.😊

[@walterwhitejr.445]

Deceptively upbeat. I've LIVED this song. Always depresses me. Shared it once on Facebook, only to have the girl in question "like" it. It's about someone reconnecting with someone from their past they felt for, imagining a relationship and reciprocation existed, hoping to rekindle it when it actually didn't exist, it was in his mind. He realizes it during the conversation. She apologizes, he's already watching her go even before she leaves. Everyone has regrets, and we learn to move on, but songs like this twist the knife. Amazingly good song, regardless. For upbeat Michael Mcdonald, try "Sweet Freedom".

[@paulwooton4390]

Bad break, Walt.

[@chrisross-fd3fo]

@@paulwooton4390oretty subtle. pretty good icebreaker..i also think in this scenario walt is ted...and if hes ted he dodged a bullet(unless ted got shot i don't remember) cause skylars big boobs didnt make up for a bad attitude and a questionable ass

[@chrisross-fd3fo]

dude,with a much higher percentage of women than people would believe ,you will be out of sight out of mind..also their phone always works...IT ALWAYS WORKS repeat after me..the phone always works..if she doesn't answer the phone verbally (not 100% of the time but if walt here is actually your dude ya gonna pickup) then youre not the guy...if she looks at the phone and oddly goes into the bathroom..thats her guy..and before people get on my left nert.. guys... oddly look at your phone and head into the bathroom...the next time you do it all hell will break loose...so were not talking about creepy control freak..also texting is convenient but its also convenient for weasels..

[@walterwhitejr.445]

@@chrisross-fd3fo To be clear, we'd already gone through the scenario of the song, we reconnected, I was open with her in person, she made her apologies, which I accepted and bothered her no further. I'm no stalker, just a fool who believed. That part about watching her go while the conversation is still taking place, the realization of what is happening and already being resigned t it... that's a real thing, for me at least. Her response to my sharing the video came later, hence "twisting the knife." I did have the experience long ago of a girl breaking up with me in a "Dear John" email - that act made me consider I'd dodged a bullet with that one.

[@chrisross-fd3fo]

@@walterwhitejr.445 i glad u got an apology thats not very often ...now...with reasons why thats a one in a million long shot..i have plenty of women ask me why i was breaking it off..and i realized i was just as as cowardly to not give the true... not the ...its not u its me reason...the first women who gave me the truth not the polite or "kind".. ive never been so grateful...so ive done that whenever pressed for it(its not always kind if it seems hurtful) ..let me tell you..its incredibly difficult ..to say something along the lines of im not attracted to you enough to continue on..or i feel like id rather be somewhere else...but if anybody ever gives me reasons that seem genuine...i rest easy p.s.i dont think anyone thought u came across as stalkery...maybe a bad dresser but no stalker..i just reread my original text to u and its missing at least 4 lines..after me saying get off my left nert.i literally wrote i" m not talking about creep stalker guys"..i screenshotted it cause i keep getting knocked off and its frustrating to write all this half nonsense half useful stuff just to have it dissappear.sry about that

[@genietillery878]

The wise man has the power to reason away, what seems to be, is always better than nothing. Who can't relate to this.

[@HughDevlin-c8s]

Thanks for this analysis Elizabeth.For your other analyses. They help me a lot through my journey of understanding musical technique. I'm 61 years old and have been playing my whole life, but am still on the journey of getting better musically. You do great work, thanks again.

[@flounder31]

I always took this song in a "Tears Of A Clown" context. Very melancholy message, but in a super upbeat song.

[@stephenm3619]

I love Saturday In The Park by Chicago as a happy song". I grew up with all the Chicago area bands and Ides Of March and Chicago were playing the schools I went to. Styx too!

[@austerityclause]

Chicago is the soundtrack of my early childhood and I didn't really understand that until just recently. They were truly amazing. Such a shame what their manager did to them.

[@yolandawilson3667]

I was introduced to the music of the Doobie Brothers my freshman year of college (1979), this music still rocks. I now associate the music with memories of my twin sister who passed away last year😢. She transferred in 1980 to the college I was attending in Delaware. I smile and recall how much we 💕 this band. It's bittersweet 😊😞

[@bobslate7231]

I was listening to this very song while jogging on a treadmill earlier today. I live in Nashville and have seen Michael McDonald perform live. Such an incredible voice. Love the Doobie Brothers!

[@AdmiralDonkey]

Doobies are great. I think Listen To The Music is one of their best, great upbeat & feel good track. Long Train Runnin’ another excellent one (studio/album version). For Michael though, you’ve got to check out either I Keep Forgettin’ or his duet with Patti LaBelle in On My Own. Incredible voice.

[@joecorzine8057]

The Doobie Brothers are famous and known for their harmonies for sure. Nobody has ever done it better than they have.

[@rappmasterdugg6825]

Beach Boys?

[@joecorzine8057]

@@rappmasterdugg6825 yes them as well

[@gsgpatriot1225]

Eagles and the Bee Gees

[@joecorzine8057]

@@gsgpatriot1225 yes the Eagles and Bee Gees they were another fantastic group. They had great chorus lines.

[@AslanRising]

As a married man for 23 years, praise God for a faithful wife. Well done Ma'am, well done.

[@dennyclosser8456]

The Doobie brothers have consistently been one of the best bands since the 60s. Having seen them many times live yes I was born in the 50s they never fail to impress and just leave you smiling! Good to see you expanding your repertoire of classic rock.

[@nucleargrizzly1776]

When I was a baby in the latte 70's I saw the Doobies and Van Halen open for the Stones. They held their own playing between a new band that shocked the senses and a legend in their prime.

[@distill23]

The Doobies in Van Halen never opened for the stones

[@nucleargrizzly1776]

@@distill23 Jul 13, 1978 New Orleans Superdome.

[@GWiggz]

I was always taught when I was younger and learning to sing to cover my “break” and I never really could. Sometime it was super apparent, so I have always been super self-conscious about it. Thanks for making me feel a little bit better ❤️

[@baddog4176]

Love the reaction. Wonderful song and props to the harmonies without auto tune.

[@JasmineAlmonte-r4x]

I couldnt wait until you got to the harmonies... I was thinking, giiiiirll just you wait!!!❤

[@JeffOfTheMountains]

Yes! Michael McDonald vocals!

[@TheMarman57]

Michael has one of the most unique voices in popular music, it has a soul feel that is prectically unmatched. Real class.And there's minimal "fuzz" on tht mike. he just just sounds like that.

[@p.goldman1885]

One of my favorite songs of all time. Great reaction! So glad you like this song...like you said, "The harmonies are so great together", The Doobie Brothers was my first concert in 1980 (I was 12 years old). Saw them in Michigan at Pine Knob. Patrick Simmons (Guitarist) came into the audience to our row and played a guitar solo. Dixie Dregs was the opening band (Steve Morse). Still listening to the Doobies---The are a one of a kind band and had FOUR Vocalists. Jesus is Alright is a major jam...They have like 10 + songs that are still played on classic radio. LOVE your reactions. Peace to all.

[@petecogan1]

Smoother than a fresh jar of Skippy!

[@howieduin915]

Janis Joplin is Super Chunk?

[@pdreidenbach]

And if you want happy music, I think nothing is happier than ABBA.

[@markh.7650]

I love ABBA, but I would have to include Chicago and E.L.O. in there as well.

[@michaelstiller2282]

If I place "Mr. Blue Sky" here, might you reconsider?

[@MikeBarnett1776]

The guitarist in the yellow shirt and sunglasses is Jeff "Skunk" Baxter, who played in The Doobie Brothers, Steely Dan, and Spirit, amongst other bands. His study of the mathematics and algorithms of music convolutedly (it's an interesting story, search engines are your friend) led him to the mathematics and algorithms of, interestingly, missile defense systems, and he's now a missile defense strategy consultant to the US military and Congress. This reminds me a lot of my late brother Greg, an excellent guitarist, who was also a satellite launch, orbit, and deployment programmer, and told me more than once it was a lot more similar to music than people would expect.

[@xhaleyxx]

I just saw Doobie Brothers live last October and man, they still sound INCREDIBLE live. They put bands 40 years younger than them to shame. Michael's vocals were mind blowing, as were everyone else's (and I really hope you'll react to some Doobies songs sung but the other vocalists). They still got it 60 years into their career!

[@Stepintoit]

Saw them in 1976. Opening acts were Rush and Heart. Pretty good day.

[@kerrysumners1333]

I met Michael McDonald over 10 years ago when my daughter had her Girl Scout Organ Donor Awareness Day. He brought his own daughter who was a little younger than the other girls and was having a great time hanging out with the Scouts. He and I talked for a long time about his Doobie Brothers days and his solo career. He actually was my witness signee on my Organ Donor Card! He still live nearby in the same county.

[@brucebowling6032]

The 70s had so many amazing bands! Doobies, Eagles, Kansas, Styx, etc. Where a bands of that caliber today??

[@dreamingmusic3299]

They were pushed out and replaced by computer programmers using synthesized computer generated pap and autotune, so as to cut out the actual artists, this way ALL of the profits would go to the record industry executives and companies.

[@brucebowling6032]

@@dreamingmusic3299 Are you replying to me?

[@dreamingmusic3299]

@@brucebowling6032 - Yes. The old bands (who had actual talent and skill) were all pushed out and replaced by computer programmers. So there are no bands of that caliber today.

[@michaelgoodale655]

True, they don't exist!

[@markh.7650]

In our memories, and here on KZbin! Just think, with the "reaction" genre now in full bloom, new generations get to hear what us GenXers grew up on and were spoiled rotten by. Today's music reminds me of that southpark episode where all the music just sounds like someone is having a bad day on the toilet.

[@glenjunk5100]

Smoooooth..

[@thomassicard3733]

He handles his passagio very well. Always connected and gospel-soul. Nice bel canto.

[@frandaniel886]

Collard greens! Soulful ❤

[@zekelucente9702]

I saw the Doobie Bros at the Forum back in the late 70’s.

[@laurieemme1534]

MAMMOTH WVH (Wolf Van Halen) - "I'm Alright". Wolfgang has a band for touring, but I believe he plays ALL instruments in the studio. His vocals are great, too!

[@grilledspaghetti]

And knowing how he probably follows the channel. He was stoked when Lost in Vegas did his song.

[@stephencoleman3179]

He’s an amazing musician, plays and sings everything on both of his albums. Well worth a listen for sure. I would also suggest the Winery Dogs. I think she would be blown away by Ritchie Kotzen voice. Saw them live last year and was blown away!

[@stevenblackthorne4790]

As somebody who has loved the Doobies and Steely Dan for 50+ years, it's astonishing to see you listening to them for the first time. I did not see Tom Johnston in the video. Perhaps I missed him. But there was Patrick Simmons, another original member, and Jeff "Skunk" Baxter, who also played for Steely Dan.

[@AScrapOfKindness]

My eyes always tear up at this song, as I think how life just moves on without a second thought of the one who is heartbroken.

[@chuckwhite3176]

The distinctive voice of Michael McDonald, always a pleasure to listen to!

[@gadyariv2456]

In the words of the starchild, can you imagine Doobie in your funk? Make my funk the P funk,!

[@denizen9998]

You absolutely nailed it about what the song is about.

[@sarahlyngerothmann9208]

His voice is like a glass of chilled Bailey’s - smooth, velvety and the warmth stays with you for a little longer ☺️ Another sad happy song will be The Way by Fastball…unfortunately based on a true story… it just gets me every single time…

[@israeljarvis8086]

I'd love to see Queen at Live Aid

[@youbertu]

Break out the Nutella!

[@MrBruinman86]

Michael was a well sought after session singer in the 70's and 80's. You'll hear him singing backing vocals in Steely Dan songs "Peg" and "Kid Charlemagne" just for starters. Dude has some serious pipes.

[@keithrussell6766]

QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE

[@redbirdringer4283]

I can't wait to see them in August.

[@bobv586]

These guys are all in their 70's now and are still touring I'm going to see them in august for the 3rd straight year .. you should go they kick A$$. ...

[@pulamusic]

Here’s a fascinating person. Jeff Baxter is the guitarist who is sitting and not singing. In this tune the bouncy synth-like part is actually Baxter playing a guitar part using only analog effects. Baxter is one of those people who played with nearly everyone - in fact, he was a member of Steely Dan for some years. In addition to his work as a musician, he is also a self-educated expert in satellite communication who has worked as a consultant to the NSA and the Department of Defense for a number of years. Wow. He’s truly fascinating.

[@brianmorrow5350]

As a song that stands on its own, this, in my opinion, is one of the best. The truth is that women have such power when it comes to how men feel inside it is hard to express. It's something that was wired into our brains probably since the beginning of humans. Love your work!!!

[@MrNoneskull]

Michael McDonald's voice is among the most iconic and eternal in modern music, full stop.

[@richardboreiko]

The Doobies have had many band members over the years. I was almost like a revolving door, but they kept churning out the hits!

[@cheyennehunt9954]

Taking it to the streets! Would be another positive vibe song from The Doobie Brothers.

[@jayfriedmann3506]

The Beatles "Because" will start your day on an up note. Many up notes.

[@atimtambaby]

Michael McDonald's exceptionally recognizable voice was the sound (or background sound) of almost two decades. He was The Doobie Brothers, he transformed the sound of Chicago, was "that sound" as a background vocalist of Steely Dan...and lent his accompanyment to countless artists. RIck Moranis did a spoof about how prolific McDonald and his "sound" was everywhere. It is a riot. Moranis dressed up with a huge beard, shows up at a building, chats with someone for a moment, enters the recording studio, places heahphones over his ears then sings what appears to be a single word. He exits the studio, speaks for a moment then repeats the singing a single word process, twice. Finally, he exits with a check in hand, leaves the building and drives off tothe next gig. Moranis, accordingly to McDonald apologized, but McDonald was flattered. Very funny (at least to me)

[@amicandaroom]

It is Pat Simmons (very long hair) and Tiran Porter (black bass player) singing the harmonies. Tom Johnston was out with medical problems at the time. In fact, it was his health issues that brought Michael McDonald into the band. Tom has been back for a while and Mike left to do solo and is also back.

[@bikerwisdom805]

Mandy Patinkin is a master of that transition. The distinction is more pronounced. You just find yourself wherever he sent you. Michael MacDonald is a master as well.

[@mikemcf33]

just a great tune from start to finish

[@firstdaywithnewbrain2504]

Smooth as crème brûlée

[@briangahagen2688]

A while back you were looking for songs to add to your Playlist. This group isn't going to wow you with musical notes but I find them really hard to listen to without smiling...Dr. Hook and the Medicine Show. Cover of the Rolling stone never fails to make me smile. It's a great road trip song.

[@Rjhs001]

Michael Macdonald is an absolute master of harmonizing with himself in the studio with the tiniest intervals between the harmonies.

[@gibbopg]

This was my favourite song in 1979. I don't see Tom Johnson there though ... considering MM stood in for him when he wasn't well and couldn't perform. I got to see the Doobies with and without MM. fabulous band live! MM had a one of a kind voice! Could always pick when he was doing backup vocals as well. The closest was Robbie Dupree's "Steal Away" which mimicked McDonald's sound very closely.

[@youbertu]

Since we're talking about harmonies, we could sure use some Player ("Baby Come Back")... And how about some Eagles ("I Can't Tell You Why" or "Hotel California", or "Seven Bridges Road")... Or maybe some Toto ("99", "Rosanna", "Hold The Line", and of course "Africa")?

[@Chr1sWaterous]

And CSN!!

[@alec5004]

And a couple of tracks from Ambrosia while we are suggesting other solid content?

[@davidlewis1038]

The Doobies are known for fantastic harmonies. Check out more of them. Love the analysis.

[@CrazyLegs4001]

Elizabeth, if you enjoyed the DB’s falsetto harmonies, you’d probably enjoy hearing The Bee Gees falsetto harmonies! Nights on Broadway was the first major hit that The Bee Gees had using falsetto. Off of the same album, Fanny (Be Tender With My Love) has wonderful vocals as well!

[@abedanielspictures]

Your first time hearing the Doobie's. Man, I feel old now.

[@esperanzajcreeger6716]

Your uber-facial expressions are just as entertaining as the "perky" song. LOL. Love it!

[@carlosmendes3472]

It is important to know that this song was the inspiration for many others, due to this time signature, the keyboard time between the rythim compass. Theres a lot of "What A Fool Believes" in others songs.

[@katiem6773]

I love the Doobies. This song always makes me want to dance. I love your analysis as always. So interesting and I learn so much.

[@AlanDasher]

This girl is just so fun to watch LOL! The facial expressions and her bouncy attitude are just so intoxicating.. really a lot of fun😂

[@robmcgrath5202]

Michael Mcdonald was absolutely everywhere, working with with just about everyone around that time.

[@robinmoore4994]

The best 70s roller rink tune, everrrr.... Also, I think it was Phoebe Snow that described Michael's (and Anita Baker) voices as "cottonmouth" singing, lol. Whatever it, I love Michael!

[@colettemoolman4410]

This song is ingrained in my mind since my mom had fitness program that came with a long player record. This song was on it and you had to to do leg lifts on it. Lift the knee high and bring to opposite side's elbow over to touch the knee. Omg the song felt never ending the longer you did that movement 🤣🤣🤣

[@liftedcj7on44s]

Crazy to think one of the most recognized voices is music just started out as mostly a backup singer.

[@lightningcat82]

There is a massive collection of "Happy Songs about Death" ranging from traditional songs to quiet modern ones, including Foster The People - Pumped Up Kicks, which I think everyone has heard, but maybe never actually listened to.

[@TheDaikini]

This is an amazing song. Amazing band. Amazing songwriting. Thanks for checking it out!

[@scottjohnston1028]

Michael McDonald sings with Steely Dan, on the song Peg. He also tours with Donald Fagen as well. Many Steely Dan songs are very uplifting in a musical sense. Donald Fagen’s album, Morph the Cat can get stuck in your mind and body which is rare for any music to do.

[@lordscrewtape2897]

Listening to the opening: this is positively peppy....reads lyrics: oh dear...

[@uniseine]

I now know this song is totally incomprehensible without being given the words.

[@lorih2853]

There was a reason MacDonald was the voice of the 70s and into the 80s. His voice was everywhere during my teens, to the point where I could recognize almost instantly. I love that you came up with smooth after hearing one line of lyrics. :)