The Doobie Brothers - Minute by Minute

Emasculated Doobies

Here, Michael McDonald continues the emasculation of the Doobie Brothers. Apart from What a Fool Believes (and possibly the instrumental Steamer Lane Breakdown, which sounds like the Marshall Tucker Band), there's precious little here. Hard to believe this is the same group that recorded Toulouse Street, The Captain and Me, and What Were Once Vices Are Now Habits. November 24, 2007

It's So Smooth!

Months ago, I wouldn't be caught dead listening to the Michael McDonald-era Doobies. I had a certain apprehension for their brand of music. It was so smooth; how could I ever reconcile it with my rock and roll ways?

Then, Yacht Rock showed me the way. By brilliantly explaining how the gem was produced by the same man who gaves us Van Halen's debut, I could see how the production might yet give us a great piece of music. Also, by watching the first episode, I learned about how the McDonald and Loggins partnership was what gave us the beautiful and oh-so-smooth "What A Fool Believes."

Listening to this entire album was a treat. "You Never Change" was a pleasant surprise, since it was briefly used in the first Yacht Rock episode as well. The rest of the tracks share an insanely smooth production that serves as a testament to Ted Templeman's abilities. The band is in top notch shape and manages to deliver some fantastic ditties.

Anyone who can appreciate the breezy sound of smooth music should invest in this album. November 21, 2006

GREAT ALBUM, BUT YOU'RE BUYING THE WRONG VERSION!

The Japanese imports of the Doobie catalog are remastered.

Warner Brothers here in the U.S. is still selling the old LP-EQ'd, terrible-sounding masters they released on CD in 1990.

If you love these albums, get a set of the Japanese editions. They cost more, but they're worth it.

Here is the link to the Japanese remaster of Minute By Minute. July 16, 2006

Superb CD

I have a personal list of essential CD's - must haves, and this is at the very top of the list. Ten songs in total and six of them are treasures. The 3rd album release since the acquisition of stylish Michaal McDonald and the Doobies were really hitting their stride and becoming very sophisticated. The album elevated McDonald into legendary status, and feels almost perfect at times - Here To Love You is a real funky, soulful song that brings out the best of McDonald's writing and earthy vocals. Always one of my favorite tunes. What A Fool Believes deserved it's Grammy status - wonderful song with it's screaming, desperate vocals that seem to appeal especially to women. Minute by Minute was an interesting style, low-keyed electric piano twists and turns in 12/8 tune with very nice crescendos and McDonald's masterful voice. Don't take anything away from Patrick Simmon's talents - Depending On You showcases his writing and vocal abilities and the song is very clean, solid and driving. How Do The Fools Survive is yet another great tune. All in all, this one helluva production -I could go on and on about this one. June 24, 2006

The Doobie's pop stardom album

Being a huge Doobies fan and owning all of their albums, I think that this is one of their best. It is definitely Michael McDonald's best DB album. This is also the last album with all the post Tom Johnston members intact (MM, Patrick Simmons, Jeff Baxter, Tiran Porter, John Hartman and Keith Knudsen). 'What A Fool Believes' won a Grammy for song of the year putting The Doobs on the pop charts. The album is a fantastic blend of rock/pop/r&b/country and jazz. Other highlights include 'Here To Love You', 'Minute By Minute', 'Dependin' On You', 'Don't Stop To Watch The Wheels'(a rocker), 'Steamer Lane Breakdown'(country flavor) and 'How Do The Fools Survive?'(may be my favorite). March 9, 2006

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