The Doobie Brothers - The Doobie Brothers FLAC

This is an odd little album: First it’s the only album that features Dave Shogren on bass on all of the tracks. Second, the first single “Nobody” failed to chart, as did the album, though that single was re-released in 1974 to much fanfare. The number “Nobody” was later re-recorded for the band’s 2010 album World Gone Crazy.Most fans see The Doobie Brothers as being a product of the early 70’s, part of the new influx of music that left behind influences from the heady 60’s, when nothing could be further from the truth. The Doobies for all intent and purposes were a Bay Area band, getting their start back in ’69. John Hartman had come to California in hopes of joining Skip Spence and becoming part of the legendary Moby Grape, and while that never materialized, Spence did bring together Tom Johnston and John Hartman, where the genesis of the Doobies was put in play. Yet it wasn’t until Patrick Simmons and his amazing guitar style was matched with Johnston’s and his R&B influences, that the band found themselves on the verge of something new and exciting.Standing as they did, with one foot in the 60’s and another in the 70’s, the Doobies were peculiarly placed, with their attempt to both redefine their brand of rock, bringing it into the 70’s with some grace and splendor. While that first outing didn’t fare well, it did establish the band as tight and considered, with a style and eye that was looking toward the future and not backwards. This is one of those albums that most people have to discover by walking the cat backwards, where once heard, it’s impossible not hear what the Doobies would become, causing many to scratch their heads, wondering how they’d miss this great achievement. Of course this begs the question, “Does this album now sound so good because of who the Doobie Brothers became, or does it sound so good because it is?” … where I think that the question could easily be answer either way, with the essential point being that at some point, for any reason, one finally discovers it. And what you’re going to discover is a vivid unique blend, if not infusion of laid back rock n’ roll laced with the chugging guitars, tinges of smokey country flavors that were perfectly balanced with their R&B influences that were dancing around the edges, an album filled with great vocals and fresh harmonies. First and foremost, the Doobies were a singles band in an age of album oriented rock, nevertheless, when something this good comes along, it’s certainly tough to ignore.Bands like this seldom get the chance that was given to the Doobies, their label allowed the the opportunity to develop, and that development made the Doobies one of the premier bands hailing from the 1970’s.Review by Jenell Kesler

Jenell your reviews are well written and extremely insightful. I believe I read one or two you wrote on early period Moody Blues albums that where spot on. Nice to see some Discog'ers actually share their listener experiences rather than catalog number misgivings etc.