The whole idea of feeling happy while the lyrics are sad reflect someone who feels happy although reality is sad, hence you deny reality and feel happy like a fool. It's just genius!
This is pretty much how they sounded live back then. No autotune. No crazy delay. No jacked up compression. A little enhancement on the chorus. Talent. Pure and simple.
I feel sorry for this younger generation you never experienced real great music and musicians because everything from the 1995 to now has been just trash.
@@TheDownbeatruler that's false. I'm 52 and I have heard both older stuff like this while I'm growing, and other stuff from the 80s and 90s, and later, there are still plenty of good bands. You just haven't heard them, and I feel sorry for you.
It's obvious how much she enjoys the sound of her own voice, for 10 minutes she never mentioned the lyrics! I did enjoy the change of attitude when she took the time to actually listen to the music over the sound of our own voice!
its easier to get someone to believe a lie than it is to convince them they were lied to.. frank zappa said (or repeated) in an interview...youll never change someones mind...thats why you want the first word not the last word lol .its why pot stirrers put so much effort into giving "the scoop" to people they just met..what a fool believes..but oh (oh ..oh oh oh) black water...what that song achieeeeeved
@@chrisross-fd3foWhen you act first you take control of the narrative and influence how people think and feel toward you according to your own devices.
there's a whole youtube series called Yacht Rock that's a fictional chronicle of Michael McDonald and Kenny Loggins' friendly rivalry as they tear up the vocals of the smooth music wave. each episode is about how a different song was created: What a Fool Believes, Footloose, Rosanna by Toto, etc
It’s odd she took the McDonald era that was off the minute by minute album. I would have went more .rock this was z1979 when they had start doing more pop hits on this album!
@@garmisra7841 Every young man experiences that same situation on a smaller scale with time compressed. This is a story of a young man who never learned his lesson and grew in years but stayed the same, clueless person he was half his life ago. I’ve known some really callous men who went through women like people go through paper towels in the kitchen. Almost sociopaths. Maybe they were. But this is a dynamic that women are really skilled at. 8-)
What A Fool Believes won the Grammy Awards in 1980 for the Song of the Year (lyrics and music) and the Record of the Year (the actual recording). This masterpiece was written by Michael McDonald and Kenny Loggins. They also collaborated on the hit jams "This Is It" and "Heart To Heart". Also, this song is a great example that soul has no color and showcases why Michael McDonald is such a great singer, you know his voice the minute you hear it. One of the greatest singer of all times.
@@philippesauvie639Michael stepped up when Tom Johnson was going through his worst years. Same transition window where Skunk joined. Certainly changed the Doobies from guitar (and Ton Johnson) centric rock.
Tom Johnston isn't in the recording. He was replaced by Michael McDonald. Pat Simmons is with the long hair standing, and Skunk Baxter is the other long haired fellow playing guitar sitting down. This is truly an amazing song. Every guy can probably honestly tell you that he's been in this situation once in his life. This song helped me realize a woman I was interested in, didn't feel the same way. Ever since I don't try so hard anymore. This was almost twenty years ago. I love your work! Thank you!
Michael McDonald is all over 70’s and 80’s music. He did background vocals for steely Dan, lead vocals for the doobie brothers, and background vocals Toto, Christopher cross and a crap ton of other records. Also, he’s from my hometown of St. Louis😊
Rumor has it his vocal chords are still recovering from singing every part of the harmony in Peg for Steely Dan -- the wonders of multi-track recording. It still took hours according to Donald Fagen.
The one sequence almost looks like Walter Becker playing guitar. I wonder what Elizabeth would think of Steely Dan, Deacon Blues, My Old School or Hey 19. Donald Fagan has an interesting voice.
Michael wrote this one with Kenny Loggins. The two worked together, again, on Kenny's song "This Is It," as well as several others. Basically, if you needed "that sound," you rang up Michael.
I'm an older guy and she needs to change. Her constant pausing and ramblings about food and raindrops is the most annoying reaction I've ever heard! She'd be awesome if she'd stop analyzing ever 15 seconds,
@@bobbyverne9714 Some of us (us -- that includes me) are so, so into the story and feel and meaning of this particular song that the vocal technicalities -- in which Elizabeth is so versed, and explains endlessly -- are almost besides the point, in this instance. So we have to take this for what it is, and for what Elizabeth means it to be, even if that is something other than our own immediate interests. She does her, we do us, can't we all just get along?
My very first thought when you said you picked this song because its a "happy" song was "No! It's horrific!" I'm glad you figured that out. Its actually a guy who is in complete denial when he comes across an old crush who he has pined for and loved for years, only to see that she has never even thought of him in all that time. A soul-crushing song, but of a guy who's just bopping along in denial.
@@jeffwestcott6902 What? I watched the entire thing. I didn't say she didn't figure it out. If you read the comment to which I responded, you might see that I was agreeing with the sentiment "My very first thought when you said ..." That was also my very first thought when she said she was expecting a happy song. The big surprise is that anyone recommended it as a happy song. Do better, yourself.
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!
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.
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.
I was a junior in high school in 1987, and was in my second year as the bassist for the jazz ensemble. Towards the end of the school year, we played a lunch hour gig in a downtown square and after the show, a skinny white guy with long hair and round sunglasses and a big black guy with dreads approached us told us our rendition of Watermelon Man was the best they’d heard. They then explained that they were in town with the Doobie Brothers and asked if we’d be interested in seeing the show. Several of us said yes, and so they set up tickets for us at will call. They turned out to be Skunk Baxter and Cornelius Bumpus. This was their first tour since they had broken up a few years prior and it was a great show. I was never a huge fan, growing up, they were my parents’ music, but I never hated them and came away from the show a more proper fan, plus I got a fun story out of it. I doubted our version of Watermelon Man was really the best either had heard, but I really appreciated their generosity and eagerness to support the next generation of players.
Fun fact: Skunk Baxter's second career is as a missile defense, cybersecurity, and anti-terrorism expert. He has testified before Congress several times.
While I'm sure they were trying to support you guys and all that- I highly doubt they told you that if it wasn't true- musicians know better. We may just keep our mouth shut and not say anything- but we never offer false praise just to support someone- that's cruel. Musicians know that the polite thing to do, the right thing- is be honest- tell the truth. You don't have to be insensitive about it- you can even offer to try and help them out with it- but you have to be honest or you're setting this person up to make a fool of themself on stage. These family members that put their kids or cousin or whatever up to going on the "America 's Got Talent" shows- when they know they sound horrible- are cruel. They should be ashamed of themselves. I play guitar- I wanted to sing- but luckily, the ppl around me were honest and told me I sounded awful. They were quick to follow that with "Accept when you play guitar- you're really good on guitar." They helped me find my way of expressing my self without having to torture everyone around me.
Michael McDonald playing a melody line on the piano, harmony on the organ, and singing with emotion, and precision. I still struggle to play bass and melody lines together on the guitar. WOW The song "I Keep Forgetting" is like a companion song to this one. Love is an Action Verb.
The quote I love about the Doobie Brothers is in Romancing the Stone. Michael Douglas is reading an old magazine and exclaims “oh no! The Doobie Brothers broke up!!!”
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!
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.
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. ❤
@@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. ;)
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.
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.
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.
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.
@@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.
One of the best days of my life was a late July Saturday in 1993 when I attended an open air show at the Utah State Fair Park. The lineup included Iron Butterfly, Rare Earth, Blue Oyster Cult, The Guess Who and The Doobie Brothers. The Doobie Brothers took the stage at sunset. The crowd was facing west, over the Great Salt Lake while a thunderstorm brewed up at sunset. It was spectacular with mother nature providing the special effects like that. The music was pretty good too.
This song has one of the best opening lines ever. It just perfectly sums up the rest of the lyrics and what the songs going to be about: "He came from somewhere back in her long ago". Just amazing.
Not Doobie Brothers, but I like "I can see her lying back in a satin dress, in a room where you do what you don't confess". I think that might be the very best ever.
The Doobie Brothers went through some personnel changes through the years. The one constant was that you could never go wrong listening to the Doobie Brothers.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Absolutely, the contrast between the music and the lyrics That's the crux for me, it's a very dark song with an upbeat feel, genius to me. I mean "I believe she's never gone away" is one of the most heartbreaking phrases I've ever heard
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! ❤
Tom Johnston was The Doobie Brothers original main singer, who had left the band due to poor health, so he's not in this video. Michael McDonald filled his position and brought the band into this new blue-eyed soul, yacht rock style of music. It's almost like they are two different bands. Patrick Simmons also sings many of their songs and was there for both eras of the band.
I was looking to see if anyone pointed this out. Tom is not with the band here. It's guitarist Pat Simmons and bassist Tiran Porter (and drummer Keith Knudsen on the album) providing the harmonies.
Original idea for a keyboard/piano player was Daryl Dragon (AKA Captain Keyboard). Instead he decided to work with his wife, Toni Tennille on their own career.
These days, both Michael McDonald AND Tom Johnston are both with the Doobies. I had the privilege of seeing them in Raleigh, NC a few years back. Fantastic show!
I love this vocal analyst. She is so right on with her analysis of Michael and the rest of the band's voices. But then I love how at 17:45 she gets struck and distracted by the lyrics. She spends the rest of the video analysing the pitiful sadness of the song. I love it. Great job.
A greater group of musicians you will never hear. Skunk Baxter Michael Mc Donald and the rest of the Doobie brothers. I am almost to tears listening to this. I am 66 years old and it brings back a flood of memories. To me this is uplifting. It reminds me of a much less cluttered worrysome time in my life. I have loved Michael McDonalds voice since the first time I heard him.
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.
The Doobie Brother were known for their amazing vocal harmonies. Thank you for showing them some love. I would suggest China Grove, Long Train Running or Taking it to the streets for more excellence from them.
I've loved this song since it was released, and watching you get so much excitement from Michael's voice & the song enables me revisit my original feelings.
"Happy songs that are actually sad" nails this one! I love the Doobie Brothers music! This was a great song choice! "What A Fool Believes" is actually part of the sound track of my life. During my very early 20's I was dating a young lady I was "head Over Heals" in love with. She had made the first moves and it wasn't long before she had me "hook, line and sinker" as we say in fishing terms. We were both going through changes in our lives that are typical for young adults. I was in no way mature enough to be ready to settle down and get marreid, although I didn't see it at the time. I asked her to marry me, but she didn't see me as being able to be a good provider in the future as I was so absorbed with creating photography and music .. I was and still am very much a creative artist who has never made a lot of money from my work. She moved on leaving me broken hearted, as she married a dentist who could be a good "provider" .. this all happened in the early 80's after this song had won Grammies and was played all over the air waves. I relate to and understand "What A Fool Believes" so much .. even more so now. "Tis better to have loved and lost, than never to have loved at all.." - Alfred Tennyson While the World seems to be a "Ball Of Confusion" with differences often regarding poltiics and religion, the love of music unites so many of us in friendship, and sometimes more. Elizabeth, what you are doing with your broadcasts spreading the joy of music is simply wonderful! I'm a singer too, and have learned much from listening to your analysis of songs. I also appreciate your reactions to many of the songs that I remember from my youth. I think everyone of us has experienced being "fools" in love. Best wishes always to you and your wonderful family!
A warm cup of tea with honey and lemon. I went to a concert in the 70s in Sioux City, Iowa that featured the Doobie Brothers, Kansas, and Rush. It was soooo good. After Rush I think my hearing was damaged.
I was at that concert. My ears hurt and I went out to the concession area for Rush to protect my ears. I do wear hearing aids now but I believe it is because I worked 25 years in a loud manufacturing area, even though I wore hearing protection. I remember the Doobies music and the doobies passing around for pleasure. Great concert. I came from Sioux Falls, SD.
19:00: You could have saved yourself a lot of grief if you had just led off this channel with this song. And you should definitely consider changing your introduction video to this clip as the other one is old and shows you before having a child robbed you of a lot of why those fools believed you'd leave your husband for them.
Shout out to Skunk Baxter's Barco Lounger guitar rig and the iconic Sennheiser MD409-N microphone...this was a live recording on a soundstage, not lip-synced to the studio version! The Takin' It To The Streets version of this recording is also outstanding, and Pat Simmons leading Black Water is a gem. ALL LIVE, ALL REAL, ALL DOOBIES!
This is what I always think of when people think a concert has to have a bunch of naked people running around wild on stage with a 100 lasers. These guys were great live
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 😊😞
During the 70's into the 80s (Especially the 70s) there were a lot of songs that had an upbeat tone, but were actually about breakups or love gone wrong.
A great example of upbeat music and heartbreaking lyrics. One of my favorite pop songs, it's been on my Long, Dark, Night of the Soul Playlist for 40+years.
I have followed the Doobies since the 80s and got to see them finally, at Dodger stadium then saw Michael do a solo show. Best voice in the business, a true gift from god.
These vocal breakdowns are a really refreshing perspective on a lot of music that I already love. As a guitar and bass player, I hear all these songs completely differently. This is a wonderful, nerdy deep dive into the vocal side, and im 100% here for it.
One of the absolutely timeless classics that makes me glad I am old enough to have enjoyed it from new. For all the up and peppy tunefulness, it's such a bittersweet lyric.
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".
@@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
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..
@@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.
@@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
I had always loved this song for its vocals particularly. I had a "What a Fool Believes" moment not too long ago in real life, and I have to say this video's analysis hit home!
The older generation always thinks its music was best. But, no apologies, if you grew up in the 60's thru to now, you've experienced some of history's best musicians and their music. There are some brilliant new singers and songs today, but I miss the driving, continual, innovative buzz of exploding musical change and talent that surrounded the 60's, 70's and 80's.
Something that can't really be argued is that there was an explosion of instrumentation and recording technology in the 50s - 70s. The production techniques, also. And so much of what was written and recorded was entirely new in human history. Now, you can make really good music, but it's gonna sound like something that's already been done. The playing field was so open back then. ( The recording technologies of the digital age have given artists the ability to break away from the monopoly of the record companies, but doesn't really broaden the horizons. Yeah, I have digital emulations of 50 different classic keyboards and dozens of realistic pianos in my studio, not to mention a full orchestra, but it's what I might do with them that really counts.)
@@midi510 Valid comment. But I see the technology only as an (incredibly important) enabling medium. For me the magic ingredient was the sheer volume of innovative creative musicians who not only wrote unique music and verse, but also performed it in new ways, often making it a part of their own personality, or creating whole new genres of 'sound'. e.g. Joe Cocker, Janis Joplin, Kate Bush, Elton John, The Beatles, Tracy Chapman, Beach Boys, ELO, Joni Mitchell, ABBA, The Band, Falco, Muddy Waters, T. Rex, all the Tamla Motown artists, Bob Dylan, and hundreds or thousands more.
I can only speak for myself, but, being a kid of the 60's my emotional connections to music were stronger then. That may be why I am not as moved by present day music.
@@alankott3129 You are probably right. I believe we all experience music more intensely when young, and often have less time or attention for it as life priorities take over. But I've considered that, and still stand by my observation. However, it's possible that my basic premise for good music - it's format, tone and rhythm - is excluding some modern genres that just don't click with me. E.g. I never liked modern jazz, wallpaper noise, most scat/rap or balkan/arabic music. But I can respect the skill that goes into modern jazz, while I struggle to find much musical skill in rap or manele. I'm more into Django Rheinhardt or Satchmo. Zaz or popular opera. But there is still some incredibly good music being made today.
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!
his voice is like a chocolate fountain. The top layer of the fountain is thin but you see the ease and push to get that soft chocolate over the edge, and sometimes there's breaks, the second layer is strong, it's comfortable with the chocolate amount it receives and easily and smoothly flows over the edge, the bottom layer is a little thicker and fuller and has a lot with it as the smooth silky chocolate rolls over the edge and at every layer you still get enough chocolate to cover the strawberry!
Went in 2017 to Classic East. Saw The Doobie Brothers, Steely Dan, Fleetwood Mac, Journey, Earth wind and Fire and the Eagles. Two Nights before Saw Kansas. Best weekend of my life so far.
That was sweet to hear you talk about your 2 guys. I remember my wife saying stuff like that, which was quickly followed by "but the kitchen is not going to paint itself!!" What a fool believes.
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)
When the album Minute by Minute was recorded, McDonald told a freind he hated it. His friend, after he listened to it, asked McDonald if he had lost his mind.
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.
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!
"What A Fool Believes " is one of the happiest sounding sad songs ever!
For a truly sad sounding sad song listen to David Clayton-Thomas with Blood, Sweat and Tears version of Lonesome Suzie.
The whole idea of feeling happy while the lyrics are sad reflect someone who feels happy although reality is sad, hence you deny reality and feel happy like a fool. It's just genius!
That’s what yacht rock is all about
I'll add King of Wishful Thinking by Go West or Don't Shed A Tear by Paul Carrack for happy sounding sad songs.
I see you and raise you Outkast - Hey Ya
The bouncy song is the fool's perspective, the lyrics are the reality he ignores. It is a masterpiece of a pop song.
@@JackW467 Everything annoys women
It's not "the fool" it's the "wise man" who has the power to reason away reality.
@@the_Kurgan Fools often believe they're wise, though. The lyric is "no wise man has the power to reason away..."
You hit it on the head! I never could put it into words. Well done.
@dclaet1135
No he didn't. He's got it backwards.
Can't wait for the Black Water reaction, my absolute favorite Doobie brothers song
I completely agree. And I think Elizabeth will enjoy the acapella section...
@@jeffc8965and it will be in my head for 8 hours and I’m not even mad
Jesus Is Just Alright, Listen To The Music and China Grove are mine, along with this song.
It's not my fave of theirs, but I think Elizabeth would love it.
That and Listen to the Music
This is pretty much how they sounded live back then. No autotune. No crazy delay. No jacked up compression. A little enhancement on the chorus. Talent. Pure and simple.
Yes, absolutely.
@@joshuawaldran72 Oh No Yes Seems to be The Power that Let's Us Be The Wise Man To Reason Away - LOVE
I feel sorry for this younger generation you never experienced real great music and musicians because everything from the 1995 to now has been just trash.
@@TheDownbeatruler that's false. I'm 52 and I have heard both older stuff like this while I'm growing, and other stuff from the 80s and 90s, and later, there are still plenty of good bands. You just haven't heard them, and I feel sorry for you.
It's obvious how much she enjoys the sound of her own voice, for 10 minutes she never mentioned the lyrics! I did enjoy the change of attitude when she took the time to actually listen to the music over the sound of our own voice!
What a fool believes, he sees, no wise man has the power to reason away. Incredible lyrics
its easier to get someone to believe a lie than it is to convince them they were lied to.. frank zappa said (or repeated) in an interview...youll never change someones mind...thats why you want the first word not the last word lol .its why pot stirrers put so much effort into giving "the scoop" to people they just met..what a fool believes..but oh (oh ..oh oh oh) black water...what that song achieeeeeved
Whoa! You mastered politics, friend.
@@chrisross-fd3foWhen you act first you take control of the narrative and influence how people think and feel toward you according to your own devices.
Tryin' hard to recreate what had yet to be created. Great lyric song.
To follow that up immediately with 'what seems to be, is always better than nothing' just makes those lyrics even better
Michael is one of the most recorded vocalists ever. Doobies, Steely Dan, Toto, etc, etc. Incredible.
Yeah he was doing backup for everyone for decades, amazing voice. SCTV did a hilarious bit (or was it SNL?) about him
there's a whole youtube series called Yacht Rock that's a fictional chronicle of Michael McDonald and Kenny Loggins' friendly rivalry as they tear up the vocals of the smooth music wave. each episode is about how a different song was created: What a Fool Believes, Footloose, Rosanna by Toto, etc
It's a very upbeat and happy way of hammering home the message "She's not that into you, dude"
It’s odd she took the McDonald era that was off the minute by minute album. I would have went more .rock this was z1979 when they had start doing more pop hits on this album!
Oh, she wasn’t into him at all. Never thought twice.
@@rogueandvagabondrabbit5837 yeah I feel that
@@garmisra7841 Every young man experiences that same situation on a smaller scale with time compressed. This is a story of a young man who never learned his lesson and grew in years but stayed the same, clueless person he was half his life ago.
I’ve known some really callous men who went through women like people go through paper towels in the kitchen. Almost sociopaths. Maybe they were. But this is a dynamic that women are really skilled at. 8-)
Just like his song, I Keep Forgetting.
Michael and Kenny Loggins singing this song live from the Redwoods is absolutely amazing.
My mom went to school with Micheal McDonald, these guys were playing in our house my whole life growing up. Still sounds great every time I hear it.
Awww..lucky your house! More stories please?
Michael McDonald is the only person to successfully sing high and low at the same time.
What A Fool Believes won the Grammy Awards in 1980 for the Song of the Year (lyrics and music) and the Record of the Year (the actual recording). This masterpiece was written by Michael McDonald and Kenny Loggins. They also collaborated on the hit jams "This Is It" and "Heart To Heart".
Also, this song is a great example that soul has no color and showcases why Michael McDonald is such a great singer, you know his voice the minute you hear it. One of the greatest singer of all times.
Strange… I never liked this song but I love the real Doobie Brothers early music from the 70s without McDonald.
Some real horrible faux rock u picked there.
@@bishlap at no point did OP suggest this was rock, but it IS yacht rock
@@philippesauvie639Michael stepped up when Tom Johnson was going through his worst years. Same transition window where Skunk joined. Certainly changed the Doobies from guitar (and Ton Johnson) centric rock.
Tom Johnston isn't in the recording. He was replaced by Michael McDonald. Pat Simmons is with the long hair standing, and Skunk Baxter is the other long haired fellow playing guitar sitting down. This is truly an amazing song. Every guy can probably honestly tell you that he's been in this situation once in his life. This song helped me realize a woman I was interested in, didn't feel the same way. Ever since I don't try so hard anymore. This was almost twenty years ago. I love your work! Thank you!
Doobies "Takin' it to the streets" is my favorite.
Fun part of that song is near the end when McDonald's voice cracks - and they left it in lol
Yessir!
After I got past the groovy-ness of the song and listened to the words… it became one of my top 10 of all time.
That is a great song.
The Live in Santa Barbara performance of "Takin It to the Streets" would be great to see analyzed .
Michael McDonald is all over 70’s and 80’s music. He did background vocals for steely Dan, lead vocals for the doobie brothers, and background vocals Toto, Christopher cross and a crap ton of other records. Also, he’s from my hometown of St. Louis😊
Rumor has it his vocal chords are still recovering from singing every part of the harmony in Peg for Steely Dan -- the wonders of multi-track recording. It still took hours according to Donald Fagen.
lol the SCTV skit about McDonald zooming from studio job to studio job is fantastic. His voice was everywhere
Ferguson's garage band!
The one sequence almost looks like Walter Becker playing guitar. I wonder what Elizabeth would think of Steely Dan, Deacon Blues, My Old School or Hey 19. Donald Fagan has an interesting voice.
Michael wrote this one with Kenny Loggins. The two worked together, again, on Kenny's song "This Is It," as well as several others. Basically, if you needed "that sound," you rang up Michael.
Elizabeth, as an older guy, I love your reactions and professional insight into songs and artists I grew up listening to. Please never change xx
I'm an older guy and she needs to change. Her constant pausing and ramblings about food and raindrops is the most annoying reaction I've ever heard! She'd be awesome if she'd stop analyzing ever 15 seconds,
@bobbyverne9714 that's the purpose. We love her commentary. Sorry you don't.
@@bobbyverne9714 Some of us (us -- that includes me) are so, so into the story and feel and meaning of this particular song that the vocal technicalities -- in which Elizabeth is so versed, and explains endlessly -- are almost besides the point, in this instance. So we have to take this for what it is, and for what Elizabeth means it to be, even if that is something other than our own immediate interests. She does her, we do us, can't we all just get along?
Ofcourse he has a smooth voice! babies were made to this man's voice...
Lol. Good one.
My very first thought when you said you picked this song because its a "happy" song was "No! It's horrific!" I'm glad you figured that out. Its actually a guy who is in complete denial when he comes across an old crush who he has pined for and loved for years, only to see that she has never even thought of him in all that time. A soul-crushing song, but of a guy who's just bopping along in denial.
Exactly. Exactly, my song of 1980 - 82 after crushing heartbreak 💔 😮
Seriously. Bouncy? Absolutely. Happy? Hardly!
@@ncthom88 so you didn't watch all the way. she figured it out. do better.
@@jeffwestcott6902 What? I watched the entire thing. I didn't say she didn't figure it out. If you read the comment to which I responded, you might see that I was agreeing with the sentiment "My very first thought when you said ..." That was also my very first thought when she said she was expecting a happy song. The big surprise is that anyone recommended it as a happy song. Do better, yourself.
@@jeffwestcott6902 Clearly you didn't read all the way. Do better.
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!
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.
I saw Chicago at a small venue in 92 I think. It was my first concert and their Singles tour. That horn section..... Damn! They were masters.
The Doobies have done some great stuff over the years. Long train runnin' is my personal favourite
I am partial to “Taking It To The Streets”. The seventies were great for music.
@@charliestevenson3500 I'm glad you said streets and not back passage
@charliestevenson3500 that's my favorite song of there's. That or China Grove
Love Long Train Runnin'!
Second this!!
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.
Hearing The Doobie Brothers for the first time is like seeing the ocean for the first time.
I was a junior in high school in 1987, and was in my second year as the bassist for the jazz ensemble. Towards the end of the school year, we played a lunch hour gig in a downtown square and after the show, a skinny white guy with long hair and round sunglasses and a big black guy with dreads approached us told us our rendition of Watermelon Man was the best they’d heard. They then explained that they were in town with the Doobie Brothers and asked if we’d be interested in seeing the show. Several of us said yes, and so they set up tickets for us at will call. They turned out to be Skunk Baxter and Cornelius Bumpus. This was their first tour since they had broken up a few years prior and it was a great show. I was never a huge fan, growing up, they were my parents’ music, but I never hated them and came away from the show a more proper fan, plus I got a fun story out of it.
I doubted our version of Watermelon Man was really the best either had heard, but I really appreciated their generosity and eagerness to support the next generation of players.
They're owning it guys being foolish in love.
Fun fact: Skunk Baxter's second career is as a missile defense, cybersecurity, and anti-terrorism expert. He has testified before Congress several times.
That is a great story - thanks for sharing it!
Awesome!
While I'm sure they were trying to support you guys and all that- I highly doubt they told you that if it wasn't true- musicians know better. We may just keep our mouth shut and not say anything- but we never offer false praise just to support someone- that's cruel. Musicians know that the polite thing to do, the right thing- is be honest- tell the truth. You don't have to be insensitive about it- you can even offer to try and help them out with it- but you have to be honest or you're setting this person up to make a fool of themself on stage. These family members that put their kids or cousin or whatever up to going on the "America 's Got Talent" shows- when they know they sound horrible- are cruel. They should be ashamed of themselves. I play guitar- I wanted to sing- but luckily, the ppl around me were honest and told me I sounded awful. They were quick to follow that with "Accept when you play guitar- you're really good on guitar." They helped me find my way of expressing my self without having to torture everyone around me.
Michael McDonald playing a melody line on the piano, harmony on the organ, and singing with emotion, and precision. I still struggle to play bass and melody lines together on the guitar. WOW
The song "I Keep Forgetting" is like a companion song to this one. Love is an Action Verb.
The quote I love about the Doobie Brothers is in Romancing the Stone. Michael Douglas is reading an old magazine and exclaims “oh no! The Doobie Brothers broke up!!!”
And then asked about the year of the magazine
The MOST UPLIFTING song he EVER made & the absolute PERFECT way to start the day,, Bob Marley "Three Little Birds"
...R.I.P. Bob..One Love.🙏❤️ 🇯🇲
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!
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.
Good for you man.
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. ❤
@laceydez Absolutely!
The whole Aja album is a masterpiece, with Michael Omartian's production chops on full display.
Fagen and Becker ultimately had to admit what any sensible bassist would already know about this song: the slap is just better for it.
@@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. ;)
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.
YESSSSS!!!! That little swoop hook at the beginning......
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.
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.
Tiran Porter is one of my favorite bass players of all time and severely overlooked IMO.
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.
You are right. Michael's voice is VERY SMOOTH. This is smooth music.
MM is a legend. Somehow still under appreciated. E - amazing reaction and love - you never fail to appreciate the talent most don’t see. Always.
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.
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. 🤷
@@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.
@@twofarg0ne763 nice. He really seems cool. 👍
This is anything but a happy song.
Exactly. It's a break-up song.
True, but it’s a happy acoustically. She, doesn’t go to much into the lyrics, which is a great thing!
@@STRAKAZulu its worse than that, it was "there wasnt anything in the first place to break up from" song. A real, proper unrequited love song.
It’s happy for the woman who gets away.
@@stevem-h3562What you’re saying is there’s still a chance!😍
"...from a long time ago..." LOL, this is from my time. I remember being at the roller rink and this playing...
Yes, roller rink... I feel old now 😆
Haha😂😂 can't forgot the days of the old Rolla rink even here in New Zealand ✌️🫡👉🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺🇳🇿
One of the best days of my life was a late July Saturday in 1993 when I attended an open air show at the Utah State Fair Park.
The lineup included Iron Butterfly, Rare Earth, Blue Oyster Cult, The Guess Who and The Doobie Brothers.
The Doobie Brothers took the stage at sunset.
The crowd was facing west, over the Great Salt Lake while a thunderstorm brewed up at sunset. It was spectacular with mother nature providing the special effects like that.
The music was pretty good too.
So happy you chose this song. One of my all time favorites
This song has one of the best opening lines ever. It just perfectly sums up the rest of the lyrics and what the songs going to be about: "He came from somewhere back in her long ago". Just amazing.
Not Doobie Brothers, but I like "I can see her lying back in a satin dress, in a room where you do what you don't confess". I think that might be the very best ever.
Love the lyrics to this song. It took me a while to actually understand what the song was about.
@@dstutz9 Gordon Lightfoot stood tall in a decade of songwriting titans
Thanks for flagging the first line. Brilliant!
@@youbertu Couldn't agree more!
The Doobie Brothers went through some personnel changes through the years. The one constant was that you could never go wrong listening to the Doobie Brothers.
Exactly, no matter what incarnation of the band, and there has been many... its all good.
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.
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.
Iconic voice, he is a legend.😊
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.
Black water and China Grove should be next if we are listening to The Doobie Brothers
Those, and Long Train Running
Yes!
I'd rather have her listen to the studio versions of these tho.
Black water or Listen to the Music
One of my favourite songs is this one Christopher Cross & Michael McDonald | Ride Like The Wind.
Omg yes, amazing song.
Amazing that this will be a first time for you to hear the Doobie Brothers. You will love them!
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.
One word that describes his voice: Soulful
Great music will never get old
Michael has one of the most distinctive recorded voices ever. His work with Christopher Cross is excellent.
I just learned Dudley Moore was a world class pianist, and actually played "Arthur's Theme song with Chris live.
@@michaelstiller2282 Have you seen Arthur? He’s plays the piano all through it. He’s known for his piano chops.
Can't say I think of this as a happy, uplifting song.
Absolutely, the contrast between the music and the lyrics That's the crux for me, it's a very dark song with an upbeat feel, genius to me. I mean "I believe she's never gone away" is one of the most heartbreaking phrases I've ever heard
I hear you. Despite the melody, the lyrics and the vocal performance is slowly soul-crushing.
@@calibanjr same juxtaposition is what makes bluegrass music work, jolly and upbeat sounding music, sorrowful subject matter. It's wonderful!
your reaction is exactly how it should be..it hits yu the same way it hits us! pure gold!
As a married man for 23 years, praise God for a faithful wife. Well done Ma'am, well done.
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! ❤
Tom Johnston was The Doobie Brothers original main singer, who had left the band due to poor health, so he's not in this video. Michael McDonald filled his position and brought the band into this new blue-eyed soul, yacht rock style of music. It's almost like they are two different bands. Patrick Simmons also sings many of their songs and was there for both eras of the band.
I was looking to see if anyone pointed this out. Tom is not with the band here. It's guitarist Pat Simmons and bassist Tiran Porter (and drummer Keith Knudsen on the album) providing the harmonies.
Original idea for a keyboard/piano player was Daryl Dragon (AKA Captain Keyboard). Instead he decided to work with his wife, Toni Tennille on their own career.
These days, both Michael McDonald AND Tom Johnston are both with the Doobies. I had the privilege of seeing them in Raleigh, NC a few years back. Fantastic show!
I love that Skunk Baxter is reclining in his Lazy Boy chair smiling and playing. Such a cool vibe.
He had a broken foot around that time. When I saw him live with the band around that time he was wearing a cast onstage.
I love this vocal analyst. She is so right on with her analysis of Michael and the rest of the band's voices. But then I love how at 17:45 she gets struck and distracted by the lyrics. She spends the rest of the video analysing the pitiful sadness of the song. I love it. Great job.
A greater group of musicians you will never hear. Skunk Baxter Michael Mc Donald and the rest of the Doobie brothers. I am almost to tears listening to this. I am 66 years old and it brings back a flood of memories. To me this is uplifting. It reminds me of a much less cluttered worrysome time in my life. I have loved Michael McDonalds voice since the first time I heard him.
Michael McDonald's 'Sweet Freedom' is great too. The most 80s of 80s songs, and absolutely belongs on any happy list.
Throwing in a vote to do Black Water, absolutely one of my favorite melodies ever
Ol’ Mississippi, she’s calling my name.
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.
Iwas trying to remember his name, thanks.
Skunk, just seems to fit 😂
He was also the inspiration for Floyd, in the muppets.
I remember him having some dialogue when they guest starred on What's Happening?
@@TheHPD71which Doobie you be?
Haha, you beat me to it!
“This from a very lllooooooonngg time ago in the 70s.”
Oh geez thank! Haha
This song, Can't Forget, and Echoes of Love are their 3 best songs
The Doobie Brother were known for their amazing vocal harmonies. Thank you for showing them some love. I would suggest China Grove, Long Train Running or Taking it to the streets for more excellence from them.
Am I alone in thinking that The Charismatic Voice after discovering Michael McDonald, is slowly but surely drifting towards the wonderful Steely Dan?
Hopefully Peg!
I hope so 😎
Good choice!
Please E?!?!
That would be awesome!
A cousin of mine was the touring bass guitarist with the doobie brothers for 15 years! Great band, love that you are checking them out
I've loved this song since it was released, and watching you get so much excitement from Michael's voice & the song enables me revisit my original feelings.
This song and band are the epitome of "The Charismatic Voice".
"Happy songs that are actually sad" nails this one! I love the Doobie Brothers music! This was a great song choice! "What A Fool Believes" is actually part of the sound track of my life. During my very early 20's I was dating a young lady I was "head Over Heals" in love with. She had made the first moves and it wasn't long before she had me "hook, line and sinker" as we say in fishing terms. We were both going through changes in our lives that are typical for young adults. I was in no way mature enough to be ready to settle down and get marreid, although I didn't see it at the time. I asked her to marry me, but she didn't see me as being able to be a good provider in the future as I was so absorbed with creating photography and music .. I was and still am very much a creative artist who has never made a lot of money from my work. She moved on leaving me broken hearted, as she married a dentist who could be a good "provider" .. this all happened in the early 80's after this song had won Grammies and was played all over the air waves. I relate to and understand "What A Fool Believes" so much .. even more so now. "Tis better to have loved and lost, than never to have loved at all.." - Alfred Tennyson
While the World seems to be a "Ball Of Confusion" with differences often regarding poltiics and religion, the love of music unites so many of us in friendship, and sometimes more. Elizabeth, what you are doing with your broadcasts spreading the joy of music is simply wonderful! I'm a singer too, and have learned much from listening to your analysis of songs. I also appreciate your reactions to many of the songs that I remember from my youth. I think everyone of us has experienced being "fools" in love. Best wishes always to you and your wonderful family!
A warm cup of tea with honey and lemon. I went to a concert in the 70s in Sioux City, Iowa that featured the Doobie Brothers, Kansas, and Rush. It was soooo good. After Rush I think my hearing was damaged.
I was at that concert. My ears hurt and I went out to the concession area for Rush to protect my ears. I do wear hearing aids now but I believe it is because I worked 25 years in a loud manufacturing area, even though I wore hearing protection. I remember the Doobies music and the doobies passing around for pleasure. Great concert. I came from Sioux Falls, SD.
Smoother than a fresh jar of Skippy!
Janis Joplin is Super Chunk?
19:00: You could have saved yourself a lot of grief if you had just led off this channel with this song. And you should definitely consider changing your introduction video to this clip as the other one is old and shows you before having a child robbed you of a lot of why those fools believed you'd leave your husband for them.
This is an amazing song. Amazing band. Amazing songwriting. Thanks for checking it out!
One of the most soulful voice
Shout out to Skunk Baxter's Barco Lounger guitar rig and the iconic Sennheiser MD409-N microphone...this was a live recording on a soundstage, not lip-synced to the studio version! The Takin' It To The Streets version of this recording is also outstanding, and Pat Simmons leading Black Water is a gem. ALL LIVE, ALL REAL, ALL DOOBIES!
This is what I always think of when people think a concert has to have a bunch of naked people running around wild on stage with a 100 lasers. These guys were great live
Saw them last fall and they are one of the only bands of that era that can still soar. They still LOVE what they do.
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 😊😞
I saw Doobie Brothers last year and they still sound amazing. Michael sounds like he's in his prime
During the 70's into the 80s (Especially the 70s) there were a lot of songs that had an upbeat tone, but were actually about breakups or love gone wrong.
A great example of upbeat music and heartbreaking lyrics. One of my favorite pop songs, it's been on my Long, Dark, Night of the Soul Playlist for 40+years.
Do you include "The Tears Of A Clown"? It's another good example, IMO.
@@Cyndeeta The Miracles or the UB40 version? That is another good example but no, it doesn't quite hit the same way for me.
DOOBIE BROTHERS , to me was a super group, every member was super talented, and in my opinion, one of the best harmonizing groups ever 👍🍀
I have followed the Doobies since the 80s and got to see them finally, at Dodger stadium then saw Michael do a solo show. Best voice in the business, a true gift from god.
These vocal breakdowns are a really refreshing perspective on a lot of music that I already love. As a guitar and bass player, I hear all these songs completely differently. This is a wonderful, nerdy deep dive into the vocal side, and im 100% here for it.
I always took this song in a "Tears Of A Clown" context. Very melancholy message, but in a super upbeat song.
I almost just cried thinking of that song. Perfect example.
One of the absolutely timeless classics that makes me glad I am old enough to have enjoyed it from new. For all the up and peppy tunefulness, it's such a bittersweet lyric.
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".
Bad break, Walt.
@@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
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..
@@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.
@@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
Roller Skating Friday and Saturday nights in the late 70's early 80's, this and so many other excellent tunes. Ahh, the memories.
I had always loved this song for its vocals particularly. I had a "What a Fool Believes" moment not too long ago in real life, and I have to say this video's analysis hit home!
The older generation always thinks its music was best. But, no apologies, if you grew up in the 60's thru to now, you've experienced some of history's best musicians and their music. There are some brilliant new singers and songs today, but I miss the driving, continual, innovative buzz of exploding musical change and talent that surrounded the 60's, 70's and 80's.
Something that can't really be argued is that there was an explosion of instrumentation and recording technology in the 50s - 70s. The production techniques, also. And so much of what was written and recorded was entirely new in human history. Now, you can make really good music, but it's gonna sound like something that's already been done. The playing field was so open back then.
( The recording technologies of the digital age have given artists the ability to break away from the monopoly of the record companies, but doesn't really broaden the horizons. Yeah, I have digital emulations of 50 different classic keyboards and dozens of realistic pianos in my studio, not to mention a full orchestra, but it's what I might do with them that really counts.)
@@midi510 Valid comment. But I see the technology only as an (incredibly important) enabling medium. For me the magic ingredient was the sheer volume of innovative creative musicians who not only wrote unique music and verse, but also performed it in new ways, often making it a part of their own personality, or creating whole new genres of 'sound'. e.g. Joe Cocker, Janis Joplin, Kate Bush, Elton John, The Beatles, Tracy Chapman, Beach Boys, ELO, Joni Mitchell, ABBA, The Band, Falco, Muddy Waters, T. Rex, all the Tamla Motown artists, Bob Dylan, and hundreds or thousands more.
Sorry I didn't think that way I knew it was that way 😂
I can only speak for myself, but, being a kid of the 60's my emotional connections to music were stronger then. That may be why I am not as moved by present day music.
@@alankott3129 You are probably right. I believe we all experience music more intensely when young, and often have less time or attention for it as life priorities take over. But I've considered that, and still stand by my observation. However, it's possible that my basic premise for good music - it's format, tone and rhythm - is excluding some modern genres that just don't click with me. E.g. I never liked modern jazz, wallpaper noise, most scat/rap or balkan/arabic music. But I can respect the skill that goes into modern jazz, while I struggle to find much musical skill in rap or manele. I'm more into Django Rheinhardt or Satchmo. Zaz or popular opera. But there is still some incredibly good music being made today.
You need to listen to “I Keep Forgetting” by Michael McDonald
Absolutely!
Here for this!
Yes
One of the best songs ever!
Just listened to that one. 🔥
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
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!
I have loved this song ever since it came out and I thoroughly enjoyed how you just broke it all down. Thank you. You’re so good at this.
his voice is like a chocolate fountain. The top layer of the fountain is thin but you see the ease and push to get that soft chocolate over the edge, and sometimes there's breaks, the second layer is strong, it's comfortable with the chocolate amount it receives and easily and smoothly flows over the edge, the bottom layer is a little thicker and fuller and has a lot with it as the smooth silky chocolate rolls over the edge and at every layer you still get enough chocolate to cover the strawberry!
Went in 2017 to Classic East. Saw The Doobie Brothers, Steely Dan, Fleetwood Mac, Journey, Earth wind and Fire and the Eagles. Two Nights before Saw Kansas. Best weekend of my life so far.
That was sweet to hear you talk about your 2 guys. I remember my wife saying stuff like that, which was quickly followed by "but the kitchen is not going to paint itself!!" What a fool believes.
Great classic rock band and continuous air play on radio for decades! You’ll love this band!
The chordal change coming out of the first chorus into the second verse is just genius!!! I have always loved that nuance of the song.
I really enjoy seeing and hearing your reactions to the music I grew up with! Always interesting and informative. Thank you!
His voice is like cheesecake, creamy smooth and lusciously sweet!
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)
@@neil2444Pretty good take!
Dulce de leche
A plain New York cheesecake with a glass of white wine
When the album Minute by Minute was recorded, McDonald told a freind he hated it. His friend, after he listened to it, asked McDonald if he had lost his mind.
His voice is ice cream: cool, sweet, and smooth.
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.
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!