The Doobie Brothers, Listen To The Music - A Classical Musician’s First Listen and Reaction
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- Опубликовано: 21 авг 2024
- #virginrock #thedoobiebrothers
I love the spirit and uplifting quality of this song. And I like that the vocal quality hits just the right balance to keep it from feeling sappy.
Here’s the link to the original song:
• Listen to the Music
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Amy Shafer, LRSM, FRSM, RYC, is a classical harpist, pianist, and music teacher, Director of Piano Studies and Assistant Director of Harp Studies for The Harp School, Inc., holds multiple degrees in harp and piano performance and teaching, and is active as a solo and collaborative performer. With nearly two decades of teaching experience, she teaches privately, presents masterclasses and coaching sessions, and has performed and taught in Europe and USA.
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Credits: Music written and performed by The Doobie Brothers
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I was really excited for you to hear this one (or any of their other similar big hits). You need not worry Amy. The Doobs didn't have just one great hit, they had several great hits. Most of which will convey a similar vibe to what you enjoyed here. I really look forward to you hearing more of them. Stick with their early 70s first for this vibe. By the late 70s they took on more of a commercial vibe, although still had some great songs. I agree, this is happy feel good music, as is much of their music. I'm very happy you enjoyed this so much. Great reaction!
It is so fun to hear Amy's guess that 'the voice is black'. Americans have a fair number of soulful voices that cross the race barrier in both directions and fool many when seen. I am sure The Doobie Bros. would consider her thinking they were black as a vast compliment.
I wonder what Amy would make of their cover of "Jesus is Just Alright" It is one of my favorite Dobbie Brothers early songs.
…and my favourite “as clear as the driven snow”
I saw these guys live in the Hulman Center in Terre Haute Indiana in 1975. My festival seating ticket was 5.50(floor seating, no chairs)
@@ecclesrice9789Awesome!!
They certainly aren't a one hit wonder - Long Train Runnin', Black Water, Taking It To The Streets, Minute By Minute, What A Fool Believes
I almost think What A Fool Believes is a different band, at least a different era. Much like Manfred Mann, with the Paul Jones era, the Mike D'Abo era and then the Earth Band era.
We need to let her know that it's Michael singing on taking it to the streets and on.
The Doobie Brothers are an American classic
@@garymaidman625 Don't forget "Jesus is Just Alright" !
@@marysweeney7370indeed
Black water. A musical delight. 😊
A group of friends having fun sitting around playing guitars in a living room describes exactly how the Doobie Brothers created their music. Spot on analysis.
I remember when it was a hit on the radio and I was just learning how to drive and cranked it up with my mother in the car and she liked it too!
The Doobs are a national treasure.
I saw the Doobie Brothers in concert on November 10, 1973 at the Broome County Veterans Memorial Arena in Binghamton, New York. I’ll never forget it.
So hard to believe someone never heard of the Doobie Brothers.
It makes me feel very old.
I’m enjoying her pov on the songs she’s choosing to preview.
They still tour and are as good or better than ever.
Loved "Black Water", that is probably my fave Doobie Bros song, just loved that vibe in that song, the mix of blues, country and rock influences in it.
Ditto
My favorite as well.
Great one, but China Grove is my favorite.
Pat Simmons said he wrote it while he was going from downtown to uptown on a street car in my home town of New Orleans. I know exactly where he was going too. Just outside of Tulane's campus where there were some bars.
And if it's vocal harmonies you're looking for, that's the one!
One of the rare bands with two drummers
I think it's amazing to hear a reaction from a first time listener. She breaks the band down right on target. I've seen the Doobie Brothers on their 50th Anniversary tour. Incidentally I'm seeing them again this Saturday August 3rd in Camden NJ again. The Doobies live is a whole different experience. I started listening to the band in middle school. Some people said I'm to young for the Doobies. I'll be 50 in December. Your never too young or old to rock.
Never forget, music transcends race, nationality, ethnicity, culture, religion, language and age.
Music is a universe within itself.
Music is Love.
Thanks Amy!😊
@@isheetfromaswhole3657 I think you are confusing Music with the Music Business. In the same way, the Food Business has absolutely nothing to do with Food.
@@rodneygriffin7666 everyone and their mother set out to try their hand at creating a hit song for the chance at MONEY.
@@isheetfromaswhole3657 I say this as a musician and Songwriter myself, unfortunately, it is extremely difficult to make a living playing music without playing the game. That's life. I had to find that out myself. Those who don't are nieve and should probably find a second job.
No one would've known who the Doobie Brothers were if they didn't have a hit song.
And the banjo. Do more Doobie Brothers, your views and subscribers will surely go up. They have probably thirty great hits. Talent and hard work out the wazoo. They sold out stadiums during the 70s, 80s and beyond. They are a supergroup on par with The Eagles and Fleetwood Mac.
I really dig the strumming simplicity of "Another Park, Another Sunday", one I find I go back to more often than the others, for some reason.
In 1970 I went to a concert in San Antonio Texas They were the last band on the billing. The bands that played before them were to say the least were terrible. I was beginning to think I had wasted my money buying the ticket. Then the Doobie Brothers came on stage. It was a surprise never hearing of them before. It was worth the price of the ticket if they had been the only band to play. Needless to say, I was blown away by their performance. This was before their first album released.
It's just so catchy, Amy. Just can't help listening to the music, feeling the beat, being joyous and being together. What's better than that?
Perhaps you should listen to Barry White sing ' Let the music play'. That'll get you.
The Doobie’s are just great Rock N Roll
This was fun to watch Amy's reaction, she seemed so happy and joyful listening to this song.
The Doobies are definitely feel good 70's freedom music. Beautifully described for everyone thanks
The part you're talking about around 8:30-8:51 has always been one of the best most skillful uses of a phaser that I've ever heard
Lead singer not black. Tom Johnston left the band in the late 70s, and Micheal Mcdonald took over lead vocal duties. If you thought Tom sounded black, wait until you hear Micheal. He's got one of the most soulful voices in music.
He was single-handedly responsible for almost destroying the band and turning it into an off- the- strip lounge act.
Luckily, he left.
Though Johnston did leave the band in 1977, he rejoined them when they reunited about 10 years later, and still remains a member.
@@0okamino well aware
@@diverdown631 Just making sure. You made it sound very final, so I was clarifying.
@@hunterhendee4325 I preferred Tom's voice by far.
Just a reminder that The Doobie Brothers were musicians with great voices. They were “percussion” Gods. Music stores had difficulty placing their albums in any one genre. The album “The Captain and Me” alone contained the rock & roll hit “China Grove”, the blues great “Dark-Eyed Cajun Woman” and the funk and R&B flavored “Long Train Runnin’”. It wasn’t until Michael McDonald’s entry that changed them to pop-rock. They were massively appealing in all of their forms.
Was that Amy almost dancing in her chair? lol Great breakdown, as usual. A simple little ditty with an amazing groove, and a message any lover of music can get behind.
Your observations are so very interesting and typically spot on.
Long Train Running is another classic Doobie Bros tune, and I'm gonna say that a spectacular deep cut by them is Pure As The Driven Snow, truly a stunning arrangement and execution on that last one
That is such a great suggestion! Pure.. is spectacular!
The track is actually called "Clear as the Driven Snow". Easy mistake to make, I've confused the name myself on occasion. And yes it's a fantastic song with a longer run time and deeper, darker message than are typical for the Doobie Brothers. Lyrically it takes the listener on a journey that begins with a drug addict's assertion that he's learned to control his habit, followed by a relapse that takes him into a downward spiral and then ends with his fight to regain sobriety. Musically... well, let's just say I love many Doobie Brothers songs but this one takes things to another level.
Amy - I can tell you that me and my high school buddies would very much play this, smile...tap our foot...nod our heads to the music (in addition to "listening" to it 🙂). My friend, Don (RIP) introduced me to the Doobie Brothers so it always brings back great memories of those days and growing up in far more care free times. Thank you!
I feel like I'm levitating when I listen to this song.
The Doobies are literally in my musical DNA
Their “What a Fool Believes” (killer harmonies) , Lead Vocals by Michael McDonald) went to #1 on the charts. Won them “Best Song of the Year” and 3 Grammy’s, their “Minute by Minute” was #1 for three weeks and won a Grammy for “Best Performance by a group”. The co-founders Tom Johnston & Pat Simmons met @ San José Sate University. and still Touring today as of 7/‘24. Their Band put out 14 albums including 6 “Live” and several “ Best of”. 1976 Album “Best of the Doobies” went Certified Diamond by selling 40 Million copies....SanJoséBob
Got to see them many times in the 70's & 80's. Some of the best feel good music ever.
So glad I found this review. It's been far too long since I've heard them.
Often overlooked for religious reasons, the song Jesus is just alright is a must hear too.
Well finally Amy returns to some good music. Doobies beat the hell out of the negative doom of Pantera :)
I think Vlad wanted to give Amy a break. 😁
Growing up in the 70s and 80s, I always heard their music on the radio. A lot of great songs.
Black Water has always been my favorite.
The "Playing for Change " version of this song is even more fun!
Music is universal and good for the soul! ❤
Classical musician first time hearing the Doobie Brothers? OK 🤔 You're in for a treat.
While a classic song, I definitely wouldn't say it's their best! Also, one thing to remember about bands prior to the 90's. Many times their "first hit", even on a first record, happened well into their careers. Musical artists were more often "discovered" rather than created by a music producer. They were out performing!!!!
The banjo on the chorus amplifies the happy tone--banjo being one of the happiest sounding instruments. Note the E (12th fret on the high E string, or is it a mandolin or a banjo?) that drones on all the way through the 2nd verse, bright and happy.
Yes, that is one thing I really miss on their live performances.
Try "What a Fool Believes". Few men have not had the experience it describes. Tears your heart out
The Doobs are simply excellent musicians. Try I Cheat The Hangman, then follow that with Blackwater then Another Park, Another Sunday to get a sense of the range of songwriting and musicianship. They didn't repeat formulas much.
Classic rock song! In my list of top 100 songs of all time for sure, all 100 from the 70's.. great decade for rock music and many other things. 😊
The Best of the Doobie Brothers is the perfect album for a long drive. See a superb live studio cover of the song by the HSCC, the world's best cover band, out of Adelaide, Australia. They also do killer covers of China Grove, Jesus is Just Alright , and Long Train Runnin'. "Better than the original" is a common comment on HSCC covers, some of which have over 30 million views. Their Sultans of Swing cover is perfect.
Jesus is Just Alright was actually a cover of the Doobies written by gospel writer Art Reynolds. The Byrds also did a cover it in 1970 but the Doobies had the best with the slow part and guitar solo by Pat Simmons, the most underrated guitar player. Yes, I agree, some bands can really do it. Check out the band "Leftoverature" on YT. It seems like they formed their band just for Kanas' songs only. A band called Zebra from my hometown of New Orleans got some popularity in the US and did Zep songs in the 70's before they did their own music in 1980.
@@nolaserv Yep was aware it was a cover but I had forgotten the details. Thanks.
The "opening" sound at the end of the second chorus is a flanging effect. It can be done electronically with a flanger effect unit using bucket brigade chips for modulating a very short delay - or before those flanger units existed, the sound engineers achieved this effect by using two synchronized tape machines with the same recorded material. Then one of the tape machines was slowed down a tiny bit manually by pushing slightly with the thumb onto the reel. That causes phase cancellation and the "flange" effect.
also used often as a musical metaphor for those alrered states which were beginning to be expressed through music. The voices in the beginning were rising upward to euphoria, and there is just a faint touch of the flanger there for a second before it comes back later.
For more Doobie Brothers, you really should check out "Black Water" and "Long Train Runnin'".
Getting ready to see them again in Tampa. Saw them first time in the 70’s. Going to be very nostalgic.😎
"China Grove" gives similar vibes
I grew up listening to The Doobie Brothers. Also, they are from my home town of San Jose, California, where I grew up. Their songs were a staple on the radio. They had so many great songs. So many wonderful memories. My friend's father drove a limousine for a living and would frequently drive The Doobie Brothers to their gigs and concerts.
They must have loved my home town of New Orleans. Toulouse St. is in the French Quarter. Black Water was written by Pat about taking a street car to the Tulane campus area bars. Yes, killer memories by me too! My first dance was to the groove of Listen to the Music at a girl's sophomore prom. Didn't know what the hell I was doing but neither did anyone else!🤣
@@nolaserv But we still had fun, didn't we? The music, thie times. We didn't realize how good we had it back then until it was gone.
@@bobblowhard8823 We didn't know that over 50 years, the music would still go viral. Back in the day, that meant a bad disease! Yeah, I think all of the years I've lived, I would choose the late 60's or 70's to relive if I could do my life over.
@@bobblowhard8823 Hey Bobblo, I wanted to add, do you remember the foldout picture of the album cover? I LMAO when I saw it in '72.
Lovely song.
I've been watching your reviews for a while now, and I have to tell you how much I enjoy the passion with which you embrace music you've never heard before and are, largely, unfamiliar with. I find myself unaware of just how much I'm grinning (in a good way) at your reactions to a lot of the music I've not only grown up with but performed and played in various "cover" bands I've sung in over the past 50 years (as well as playing "all the hits" on the many radio stations I've presented at). Thank you for such an enjoyable reportage and, as Fleetwood Mac once said (if you ever get to this song), "Don't Stop" 🙂
The reason some bands have a great first album and everything goes down from there is because sometimes it takes 20 years to become an overnight sensation. In those 20 years they have written a lot of songs, but only the 10 best end up on the first album.
I'm glad that this is your introduction to the Doobies. In their later stuff they added a couple of Steely Dan alumni, and their style changed. It was still really good, just a lot mellower.
...you have 20 years to write your first album and you have six months to write your second one. - Elvis Costello
@@archribaldbunker1060 Thank you. That was the quote I was thinking about.
The producers have not destroyed there creativity yet
I’ve seen them a few times in concert, great band !
One of my favorite songs from The Doobie Brothers is a song called Long Train Runnin'. They have a lot of feel good songs. They have Black Water and China Grove. One of their songs with a newer singer is the song What A Fool Believes. Definitely worth listening to these.
Top of my repertoire since 1972! Yay! Dance, kids, it's a thing. Headbanging works as well. Don't hurt yourselves, Imma pro.
"Without You," a nice headbanger.
The end of the first verse always sounds to me like a plane flies over you, while playing the song.
You're a lot of fun to listen to.
Being a baby boomer born in the early sixties I was fortunate to grow up with this music, so many great artists came from that era. I am mainly into metal music but you can't help but enjoy this track cranked up loud. I really got tired of people's reaction videos who don't have a clue about the bands or the music their listening to just to make quick buck and had given up watching them untill I discovered you reacting to Panteras Cemetery Gates. It's a nice change to see a knowledgeable person of a whole different genre give a real interesting view of music like you do.🤘🎶
The first many times being the best is easily explained. The first album/song is created/contemplated for many years before they hit it big. They are then expected to recreate what took many years in a year.
The original is a timeless classic. That being said, Home Free's acapella cover is definitely worth a listen. You won't be disappointed.
A delightful song. No complex arrangements with deep layered lyrical meanings, just some feel good California hippie rock. Happy uplifting songs are harder to write than sad songs imo. Music tends to favor the melancholy and Happiness needs to be tweezed out with great care. I’m glad you got to listen to this song. The romantic and idealized imagery of a music festival is explored in many songs of the period, The Music Never Stopped by Grateful Dead comes to mind. The art is in the feeling it gives. That feeling can be seen as trite but I think it’s very important. I mean we all want to have a good time right? Amy I did enjoy your reaction very much and just like the song you shared a smile with us as we smiled back at you. Thanks Virgin Rock loved it. All the best🏄
Now I eagerly await your first listen to this song covered (reimagined) by acapella group Home Free. It's one of my favourites ❤️🎶
A desert island track for me. That flanging is so cool.
This song always brings a smile to my face no matter how sad I feel. Not everything has to be profound to be great. Take It Easy by the Eagles is another one.
Gald that you are feeling the same way I did when I first heard this song over 50 years ago.
brilliant
South City Midnight Lady.
They are on a tour right now if they are coming to your area go see them they are awesome live still .. i'm going to see them soon in CT
Intro - organic layering, like introducing everybody to the BBQ.
Oh boy , great rabbit hole of good music
On this song you have
Tom Johnston lead vocals/ guitar
Pat Simmons guitar / vocals
Tiran Porter. Bass / vocals
John Hartman. Drums / vocals
Michael Hossack Drums / Congos /percussion
** there’s 2 areas of the Doobie Brothers , the first 5 records with Tom Johnston & Pat Simmons on lead vocals- then after Tom’s mediocre issues they brought in Michael McDonald Lead Vocals/ keys Two very different styles.
The sum is greater than the parts. I've had many evenings like that. They are very special and they don't happen enough.
I’m really enjoying your musical analysis and your general vibe. You have definitely established an interesting schtick, which you need to stand out from the crowd. Thank you for your efforts.
What you called the third verse should imo better be called the bridge. If you don't know already, that is a regular feature of a rock or pop song. It is a part that appears only once, usually after the second chorus. It is musically different from the other parts of the song to reignite the attention of the listener after the verse and the chorus have already been repeated, maybe multiple times. It raises the tension again and usually is followed by another chorus and then the song ends in different ways. A repeating chorus with a fade-out like in this song is a typical format.
This is one of those great driving songs. Roll the windows down and sing along. Something that I think stands out in this song is the bass. The bass line in this song is a little more robust than what would be the average for a song like this. And the rhythmic feel that the bassist puts into the groove keeps it moving. I think the breakdown section is very nice as well. That rising effect you heard is called a flanger. So named because the sound was originally made by pressing on the flange of the recorder. Now it's made electronically by using a modulated delay.
Incidentally, this song is a staple in the pseudo-genre known as "yacht rock". Yacht rock is smooth rock from the late 70s/early 80s that was made up (hence why I call it a "pseudo-genre") in a web series of the same name back in the early days of RUclips. It's the kind of music you listen to while sipping a Gin and Tonic on the deck of your yacht.
Yeah it really just rolls along doesn’t it
Great work! Love It.
I think you would be amused by several of their cover songs and probably enjoy their originals as well, so do check out "Walk off the Earth" and then I would look forward to seeing you having a video or to with their music😊
Yes, Tom Johnston was very influenced by the black blues such as Dobie Gray but his speaking voice is very white. I remember back when the neighborhood bands were playing it my sophomore year in high and by surprise, my BF had set up a date with his friend's sister that I knew nothing about to her school prom and I couldn't find a way to back out of it. It was my first official date and didn't know how to wiggle my feet much less dance. This was my favorite song in 1972, so it was like it came so natural for me to dance when the band played it and she asked me to dance my first time. You can be completely spastic and this song will make you look like John Travolta dancing, lol. Also if anyone does not have the album on vinyl, get it and open to inside the cover. I LMAO when I first saw it in 72!
As a classical musician, you have a trained ear and eye that knows music. What you do to learn all that entails is mind boggling, But what has amazed me since my youth is the amount of talented folks who just play music because they love it. And if they're lucky enough, they learn to play really well. The Doobie Brothers are in that vein. And it doesn't matter where you go in the world you will find folks of that nature. Please keep up with your reactions, they are joyful. I especially liked where you brought attention to certain elements of music that are practiced in various cultures.
Haven't been to your channel in a while but loved your reaction, I will have to visit you more often!!!
The Doobie Bros is GREAT music to listen to while driving!
I’m going to see this band next month. I can’t wait to see them play this song live. I’ll surely be listening differently.
The Doobs are another one of those 70s bands that not only wrote great songs but great sons with great harmonies. They had the ability to write songs about the area and the environment they lived in and surrounded them. And they definitely had more than one hit song. Anyone listening to this review, if you like the music but don't know anything about the Doobs, do yourself a favour and look them up on RUclips. I will guarantee that you will not be disappointed.
We understand that what Amy is attempting to describe (in so many words) is that the one word that covers that collective, informal activity of multiple playing and singing, and clapping and whatever else is included, we call: JAMMING.
For Someone Special is by far my favorite Doobie's song.
Just saw them in concert last week and they still kill it live.
Indeed, I just saw them last week also, in Houston.
The Doobie Brothers are great! There are so many songs you'll enjoy. Such a recognizable sound, reminiscent of that era but still fantastic now.
You were right in that you heard a man singing from his soul that black singers stylistically do so well and so does he sing from his soul...good ear in my book... who cares what color beautiful music comes from anyway!
this song will put a smile on anyones face it worked on you !
Most people miss the main theme of the song. It's about making love. "Gotta get a MESSAGE, kick it on through, Oh now Mama's got to after while." Of course we all know what Mama's (his lover) going to do after while! LOL! Also Tom changed the lyrics as time went on is instead of "feeling good feeling fine baby let the music play." He sings "feeling good, feeling fine, gonna let myself unwind.
Good one!
One of my all-time old timers.
This is my absolute favorite song of all time bar none. It’s also one of the best rock songs ever recorded period!
I'm surprised Drift Away is not recommended more - definitely one to check out as it speaks about the enjoyment of music. :)
The Doobie Brothers were my favorite band in the early 70's. I sat with my girl, future wife, in the NCO club at Great Lakes Illinois listening to their music as played by almost every cover band of the times. My favorite song is China Grove. Listen to the Music is OK, but not my favorite. The Doobie Brothers has a lot of great songs. The Doobie Brothers have a very distinct sound, in one respect they lack variety. But, when a Doobie Brother song comes on the radio, one immediately knows who it is.
To be fair, The Doobie Brothers have an extensive, long history of hit after hit. FYI! Their last major hit in America was “The Doctor.”
lol. with the black singer. They are TWICE as soulful with the singer Michael Macdonald . Dude has the sweetest voice and harminizes with the others like no other. You keep me running is an exellent example.
In the early to mid 70's, this type of smooth, laid-back track was very much associated with the "California Sound" (not to be confused with the Beach Boys songs from the 60's - whole different genre). Many rock listeners (maybe myself included) looked down on it as middle-of-the-road "Elevator" music (later termed "Yacht Rock"). But over the years, the more I go back and listen to it, the more and more I'm impressed with the depth of quality in the composition and production that I overlooked and underappreciated at the time.
Definitely a “feel good” song! ❤
Coincidentally, I just saw the Doobie Brothers in concert last weekend. This was the show closer, 3rd song of the encore. Good to see Michael MacDonald back in the band.
Now you HAVE to check Playing For Change's cover of this!
My first vision was a group of close musical friends gathered around a campfire at the beach. Subtle ocean waves hitting the beach during the quite parts. At the end, guitars echoing the cries of seagulls. Beautiful.