The Doobie Brothers - What Were Once Vices Are Now Habits

Limited Edition European pressing of this album comes house in a miniature LP sleeve. WEA. 2006. Album Description

Impressive follow up....

to the perfect "Captain and Me" album. The Doobies were on a roll during this period, cranking out great tunes with regularity. While this one isn't quite as strong as "Captain..." it is still a very close second for me. The song everyone remembers from this album is of course the overplayed(but a great song nonetheless) "Black Water". My favorites here are "Another Park, Another Sunday", "Eyes of Silver" and the opening track "Song To See You Through". The Doobies were undergoing a transition around this time, adding personnel in the form of the great Jeff "Skunk" Baxter of Steely Dan fame (although I don't believe he is in evidence on this album). This album is a must have for Doobies fans.Four and a half stars. May 16, 2008

Terrific Doobies album in replica of the original packaging sounds extremely good

Repackaged in a miniature replica of the original album artwork (right down to a mini-replica of the poster that came with the first edition and the insert that held the original vinyl album advertising the WB compilations), this is a nice package for those of us who grew up on the vinyl.

First up I don't know if this was remastered or someone just futzed with the EQ a bit but this new edition of "What Were Once Vices Are Now Habits" sounds extremely good. It sounds like this might be a bit more compressed than the U.S. original CD release but other than that minor flaw "Habits" might be habit forming--you'll want to go out and get the other albums in this set.

One of their finest overlooked albums, "Habits" has two hits "Another Park, Another Sunday" and "Black Water" but the album has more depth than these two hits. The Stax-like horn arrangement on "Song to See You Through" gives the song an additional soulfulness that compliments Tom Johnston's bluesy growl.

There's really not a weak track on the album. I've often felt that this album, along with "Stampede", represents the Johnston led version of the band at their peak as songwriters and performers. Really, though, there isn't a bad album among the Doobies first five albums--all have their merits and the songwriting is exceptionally strong on all of them. The addition of third guitarist Jeff Baxter (who also plays on this album but wasn't a full time member yet)to the line up added complexity to the twin guitar attack of Johnston and Simmons giving the band additional depth.

Johnston would be a spent force as main songwriter for the Doobies by "Takin' It To the Streets" with the band shifting into a more jazzy, R&B vein with new vocalist Michael McDonald. While I'm a fan of that version of the band as well, the original line up has always been critically underrated with their mix of R&B, country-rock, blues and rock.

Highly recommended.
March 14, 2008

doobies

It has been my experience all my life that the Doobies are really a great band. I learned to play guitar by their tunes and played many in bands I've been in over the years. If its a beautiful day and you're cruisin' in the car the strains of the doobies in the background seem to make an excellent travel companion. On this album..."Eyes of Silver, Tell Me What You Want and Another Park" are favorites. I have seen the doobs in concert 3 times and will go again if given the chance. I've met them in person and they are great. Don't miss this album. Its one of their best. Thanks to Amazon for such great service..... February 29, 2008

Absolute finest body of work created by the Doobie Brothers

Although some might disagree, I contend this is the absolute finest body of work ever created by the Doobie Brothers. What Were Once Vices contains a mix of musical styles from the softer, harmonious hits Black Water and Another Park, Another Sunday (my all-time Doobie Brothers favorite), to hard-driving Tom Johnston-led classics Pursuit on 53rd Street, You Just Can't Stop It, and Down In The Track. Daughters of the Sea will keep your foot tapping, as will Eyes of Silver and Spirit. There is not a bad selection on this album. In my vast collection of music, this is without question my favorite. It is a must-have for every lover of Johnston-Simmons Doobie Brothers music. February 14, 2008

Quick, Quality, Great Price

Received product within 10 days of order (10 days earlier than expected). Product was new, wrapped and enjoying the Doobies again. Will purchase from vendor again. Thank you. September 26, 2007

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