Let's Talk About The Doobie Brothers!

Rick is a national treasure. What he's doing to help preserve this music on a whole other level is invaluable.

Tom Johnston's "Another Park Another Sunday" is one of my favourites. A much under recognised song but "China Grove" would probably get my vote as my overall top DB's song.

Bassist Tiran Porter is their vocal harmony secret weapon. Porter was fronting his own band when he joined the Doobies. He's a killer bassist and a monster vocalist as well.

What's amazing to me is that everyone in these comments has a different opinion about who makes that band. Really reveals the depth and talent of the whole crew. Love that music so much.

Rick. I am so glad you finally examined the Doobie Brothers for us. I have always been in awe of them and you are so right about their awesome sound, panning, left/right and reverb, melodies and harmonies. They like you are our National Treasure. You need to come to Santa Cruz. That is where Ted is. Go to him. Doobies one of the finest bands on the planet in perpetuity. Don’t Stop to Watch the Wheels-best. Also, simple best under played is Eyes of Silver.

Early Doobie Brothers and CCR are so embedded into my childhood it's impossible to know what life's like without it.

Without exception, Tiran Porter's bass lines were always fascinating. He was NEVER a guy to just ride the root notes.

The amazing quality of 70s music, the collection of talent, the vocals, instruments used, how it was all performed and produced so magnificently and brilliantly. And why is it missing in most all of today’s music….

The Tom Johnston era was my fav, especially with the '72-'74 releases of "Toulouse Street", "The Captain and Me" and "What Were Once Vices Are Now Habits". When someone says Doobie Brothers, that's what comes to my mind. But no denying what McDonald brought to the table- arguably one of THE most instantly recognizable voices ever to grace vinyl. Great job Rick, as usual.

Tiran Porter's punchy walking bass lines were just incredible. They really drove the groove. I stole so many of his licks and used them touring all over the world. Just the best!

Michael McDonald's vocal range is incredible. Great band takes me back to my younger days

During Covid, they put out the best home music of any band, with John Fogarty coming in second. I appreciated everything that both groups did for the fans !😀

My dad was an audio engineer for the Doobie Brothers for years, he worked on the Cycles/Brotherhood albums. They were one of my first concert experiences for sure.

Black Water is my favorite Doobie Brothers song. Seriously awesome playing and seriously awesome vocals. You should do a video like this about Chicago as well.

Thank you for covering them! The great music of the 70s is why Boomers hate pop today - we were spoiled coming of age in an era of so much great music made by such awesomely talented folks! It's rough to wade through the soulless basic electronified dreck being churned out lately. It is analogous to growing up feasting on delicious choice food, expertly prepared by great chefs, and decades later being invited to a table laid out with mechanically separated potted meats, soylent, and tinny canned veggies and jello salads, and being told "mangia!" - ugh.

We saw The Doobies this summer when they toured with Michael McDonald. They are still so unbelievably tight and make complex rhythms and melodies look effortless.

Had been to a number of concerts with geriatric R&R-ers, and couldn't wait to leave after about 10 minutes. Heard the DBs in concert for the first time about 2009. Fell in love with rock and roll music at that event. Why? Because this enormous band was filled with people who knew their musical space, could fill up their space without overrunning into another member's space. These guys still sounded like they liked each other after all these years. They worked every facet of the music, did not overdo one single thing, surprised and delighted us every song. I went out and bought my first rock and roll album ever.

Banjo on Listen to the Music is one of those great parts that doesn't get a lot of recognition.

The genuine joy in Rick's face as he listens, plays, explains, and expresses his astonishment, is enough to brighten my DAY. Thank you, Rick!

I know everyone knows the Doobies but they are seldom given the credit they deserve. Huge catalog of hits that are not only just fun to listen to but also so good musically. Top notch musicians, vocalists, song writers … the whole package!!

Absolutely one of the best bands ever. Favorites are “Taking it to the Streets”, “It keeps you running “ and “Minute by Minute” freaking the best music.

Another park, Another Sunday is one of my favorites. Love the Doobie Brothers and I appreciate you taking the time to talk about the music of the 70's. I believe some of the best music was made at the time. Thank you Rick!

The Captain and Me plays out like a greatest hits album. Simply their best!

Mr. Porter is one of top 10 favorite bassist ever!

Only Rick take a song that you’ve heard hundreds of times and make it sound new to you. Thank you Rick!

As a drummer,... I LOVED the drums in the DB. Especially the sound of the kit. Very crisp, tight snare. Melodic toms. Perfect.

It’s about time Rick! The best west coast band, including Huey Lewis and the news, of the 70s and 80s. Glad you came to your senses.

Blackwater was so popular after a while people left it alone because of over exposure. It is atmospheric and beautiful.

I LOVE China Grove. Great riff, great song, incredible vocal

I think a big part of all these records that gets overlooked is the percussion, it makes the grooves even deeper and makes everything swing!

Tom Johnston is a national treasure for his songwriting and playing with Doobie Brothers. Highly under mentioned.

Fantastic! I also grew up loving the Doobies and it was terrific to hear their music broken down and to see Rick's genuine exuberance in particular moments. So human, so "One of us." Even more memorably, the characterization of the 1970's as "Headphone music" because of the way they used stereo is something I never realized was so decade-specific but do absolutely love.

Clear as the Driven Snow, Ukiah, Losin End, I Cheat the Hangman, etc…are some of my Doobie faves…

Saw them live in early 70s when I'd only heard 'Listen To The Music' and Jesus is Just Alright. Great spot about 50' from center stage. Needless to say, I was completely blown away and became a huge fan. Broke my heart when Tom Johnson left. I think Don't Stop to Watch the Wheels sounds a lot like Van Halen. Another one of my favorites was Clear as the Driven Snow on the Captain and Me.

Yes Rick, "It keeps you running", "Sweet Freedom", "What a fool believes", "Takin it to the streets", "Listen to the music" would all be great additions to the "What makes this song great" series!!

I've always loved China Grove. The first time I heard it I was really young and my teenaged brother was listening to it in the living room, combing his very long hair, and he said "I'm going to hear this concert tonight". I didn't even know that was a thing.

Tiran Porter’s bass playing in the pocket is the secret sauce that makes those classic Doobie Bros songs great!

I saw them in concert around 1980 in Dallas. One thing that really made them great was bass player, Tiran Porter. That guy was phenomenal and played his own "song within a song" on bass. Super creative. Anyway, Huey Lewis was the opening show and and they were relatively unknown. They blew everyone way. Simply fantastic. Reunion Arena went wild.

Listen To The Music is my favorite song, and the first song I think of when they are mentioned. I was only about 8 years old when it came out and bought the 45. It basically put them on the map, and the hits just kept coming after that.

The Doobie Bros. had such a gift for melody, harmony and hooks. They were even featured in a two-episode set of the 70's TV show "What's Happening!!" Classic!

Blackwater is my all time favorite ,I was 11 years old when it came out and to this day its in my top 10 great songs

Minute by Minute is an all in album. The title song among others is mind boggling. The Doobies were a jazz progressive pop band at this point . Sophisticated to the tenth power …

"What a Fool Believes" is one of the finest songs ever conceived of. Timeless.

Jeff Baxter could be extremely complicated or unbelievably simple yet still find the perfect part. There's a break in the song Sweet Maxine off the Stampede album where he simply takes a slide and runs away up the scale. The effect is wonderful!

Anyone remember when The Doobie Bros. were on tv show What's Happening and one of the cast members asks the band "which Doobie you be?" One of my all time favorite moments in sitcom history!!! Life rules!

Loved the Doobies with Michael MacDonald. Minute by Minute is an incredible album . Skunk is a Renaissance man . Pat Simmons is as constant as the Northern Star etc.etc.

Long Train Running....all the way! When my band would hit those first few chords the dance floor would be swamped! You could see the whole crowd jump up from their tables.

What always baffles me is that so many groups are YT blockers. After Rick gets thru with one of his infamous "What makes this song great", it reveals what brilliant musicians they were to write this stuff, and why. Ive gone and purchased music after watching Ricks stuff. They owe him royalties.

Tom Johnston is one of the most underrated voculists in rock history - he could really belt them out.

Love me some Doobies! And in my opinion Black Water is an epitome of sound perfection, and it was recorded almost 50 years ago!

"Another Park Another Sunday", why does that song slay me??? My friends have a great keyboard trio, keys, sax, and the awesome Todd Walker on drums and they play it so well. Btw, that's Bobby and the Blisters, appearing at Sailor's Return, Stuart, FL. This was a fun video, Cheers!!!

The Doobie Brothers music reminds me of those carefree days as a kid, especially the summers on the lake. The Captain And Me, is my favorite album. It should be in every record collection, in my opinion.

I loved it, Rick, when you stated that you "love to turn people on to this tune"! Now this is something you are VERY good at - to make us start loving songs we already knew but weren't much into by making us notice precious details we'd been overlooking all along. For me at least this is the most striking kind of experience I have when watching these spectacular videos in your channel.

You are spot on, im a 63 yr "Young" percussionist from the 70's classic rock era, self taught by ear, no lessons still jamming today, it all started with spinning 45's and 33's while wearing RCA headphones on my ears ! 🎧🎵🥁

The Doob's have written MANY great songs. Southcity Midnight Lady is one of my favorite songs ever.

One of my most favorite bands of all time! Love the smooth sound! And McDonald's voice...iconic 👍😁

Thank you Rick for not making me feel guilty about loving the Michael McDonald era....there are so many haters of this reinvention era that I feel my life will be threatened for daring to admit it. I LOVE both eras....I wish the haters of MM would lighten up and give it a chance....it's truly amazing to have both available to us....

I play drums on China Grove in a cover band and it's one song where I actually play every fill just like the album. They just fit perfectly and I wouldn't want to play anything else.

Very underappreciated band. Legendary melodies that would lead the soundtrack of an entire generation.

I saw them in the Louisiana Superdome in 1978 with the Rolling Stones and Van Halen, and again at a private event in Houston about 10 years ago (oil company Christmas party). They were so good at the private event, and played with great enthusiasm, even there were only a couple thousand people there. The sound was also very good. The show was in a big tent on a parking lot downtown and I stood just a few rows from the stage for the entire show.

Just saw them in concert with Patrick Simmons, Tom Johnston, Michael McDonald, Mark Russo, John McFee and several other long-time members of the band and they sound as good as ever. If you haven't seen them live, GO NOW. Every aspect of this band that covered so much musical territory is represented. They still have dates left on their current tour. GO. Nobody lives forever.

Real Love by the Doobie Brothers is one of my favorites. Their harmonies are just so good in this song, and that saxophone is so smooth!

So many great ones but my favourites would be "Neal's Fandango" & "Long Train Running" but "Down the Track" is also pretty mind blowing !

One of my favorite groups while growing up in the 70's. "Captain and me" is their best album in my opinion.

Taking it to the streets - one of the greatest songs of all time!

I got to see them 25 yrs ago at the hollywood bowl. This venue at night during the summer was responsible for some truly amazing listening experiences. I dare anynody to not have a great time listening to them. Exceptional musicians..who remembers their cameo on “Good Times”? 🤘

I saw "Skunk" play with Eddie Van Halen during a NAMM convention in Anaheim. Eddie was playing a keyboard. They were sponsored by Peavey Amps. I was setting up the Yamaha drums and keyboards booth in the Marriott Hotel just across the hallway from the stage. I made sure the crew had no issues to inhibit the set-up of their stage. After completing the installation of the Yamaha booth, one of the executives from Yamaha was walking with the decorating crew to sign us out when the stage crew invited us to pizza and soda while we're hanging out next to the stage. The Yamaha exec was totally blown away and was all for it! Absolutely could not believe the timing of us getting clocked-out just as their performance was starting! So, what that means is Yamaha was paying me and my co-workers to eat pizza and drink soda while watching Eddie and Skunk jam together, from the Eddie side of the stage! Yamaha exec was so cool that he added a time tip for all of us! How awesome is that!?!

After listening to the Doobie Brothers for the past 50 yrs, I have to say that South City Midnight Lady is probably my favourite song by the Doobie Brothers however that was a very difficult decision considering they had so many great songs. I think my choice was based on emotion.

The Doobie Brothers are a perfect band. They are in the same camp as AC/DC and The Allman Brothers Band in that they are the definitive example of a style of music and song crafting. There are just too many praises to sing in their regard. They represent a definition of the word “hyperbole” as it relates to popular music. I consider myself to be incredibly fortunate and blessed that I have their music permanently imprinted deeply in my memory to access at will. They are a critical ingredient in the recipe that is “me”. 👍

Long Train Runnin'... When I was young it seems I only paid attention to the vocals and guitars. Now I hear that bass line working with drums and it's legendary!!! What a song!

Black Water is definitely my favorite Doobie Brothers song. I’ll never forget as a senior in high school standing in line for the log ride at King’s Island amusement park outside of Cincinnati on “Seniors Day,” when everyone in line began singing this song. It was magical!

Don't stop to watch the wheels , is one of those great songs that seem( to my ear) to start one way and then resolve to a different groove . You have to be a group of very good musicians to do that .

Doobie Brothers brought a joy to music that was fun, innocent and exuberant and full of hope. You can hear it throughout. Their music to me always sounds like a celebration of being grateful just to be alive! For me, this is real music!

You don't need to apologize 👍. The fact that we're talking about it now still shows so much love we have for the Doobie Brothers!

We were all over this as teens in the 70s when these guys were hitting their stride. Saw them in Vancouver BC in around 1974, or 75 I think ....It was the 70s. :) Then there was the early Eagles in the 70s and we never missed an album from them. Straight up honest music.

Probably due to just hearing their hits so many times, my favorite Doobie song is "Losin End". Great McDonald vocal . Mostly keyboard song with great bass. 😎👍

Let's not forget the Kenny Logins influence. Michael and Kenny, arguably two of the best singer songwriters we were blessed to encounter in the 70's and 80's.

Let's talk about 70s Kansas. The best band I ever heard. What a musical genius Kerry Livgren is!!

There was a time when the Doobies made life bearable for me. That is all.

What a Fool Believes has an epic quality as it goes from section and key to key. Sounds like an extended jazz-rock piece with a laid-back California vibe. I remember when it came out in the 1970's and as a classical musician I was like "How is this on the hit parade?" Fantastic.

Doobies are so talented. Just seen them live for the first time this last summer in 2022. They are still great!

After watching this video I realize just how many random Doobie Brothers songs get stuck in my head. Every song of theirs has so much spirit and is so undeniably catchy.

Actually my favourite Doobies tune was one they didn’t write called One Step Closer, a vey catchy jazzy tune with a host of musical surprises and modulations. I’ve been humming that one for 40 years…LOL.

'Another Park Another Sunday' One of the best songs and my favorite song that was shunned by the Radio Stations because of the negative lyric line" against radio stations bringing him down; which they do.😀😄

Tiran Porter was so unique among rock bass players. I always appreciated his interpretation of what a bass line needed to be. "Takin' it to the streets" is chief among many examples.

My favorite all time band, their body of music is incredible...songs, writing, singing, musicianship, lyrics. They have it all, and they still rock!!!

Rick, when you're playing along with skunk Baxter when he's playing you hit it perfectly. Great job!.

Blackwater was our secret weapon in college while making a friendly wager at pool. We put the song on the old jukebox and our opponents couldn't NoT move to the groove and melodies in Blackwater. In fact the entire bar couldn't help but dance to the Doobies. Glad it came to mind and you included it Rick. Well Done

The chords of the start of Takin’ It To The Streets is more common for piano and gospel than guitar. The pre-chorus declining progression is a key emotional setup, necessary to make the chorus hook a religious experience. McDonalds Christian/Gospel roots is so addictive. Picture a church congregation jumping, singing, dancing, elated by the notion of letting the people love life and free their spiritual emotions. It always make me cry 😂

No Mention of my favourite " Wheels of Fortune " on Taking it to the streets Album. The Words and Rhythm portray & emphasise the stop/start, and up/down of Life's journey. The percussion also powers the Lyrics into the Melody.

Up until 2005, when Keith passed away, they had 2 drummers. This created a huge sound. A non-radio hit that always will be one of my fav is 'South City Midnight Lady' off the 'What Once Were Vices Are Now Habits' LP.

Damn...I would have purchased the entire bundle ... I am watching this on the replay...darn it, I thought this was a current video. I have always played piano and bass by ear. It comes very easy to me and always has been since I started playing piano at 3 years old. I picked up my Dad’s accordion when I was 10 and 😊taught myself to play it. As well as my my Mom’s harp. If I listen to music, it is typically the 60,s. 70’s and 80’s channel. So many incredible bands came out during that timeframe and I sing along to each song while doing housework!🌟

Rick, brother, you have made me gain a whole new appreciation for how awesome the music I grew up with really is. Doobies have such a great vibe. Remember how different songs like Black Water felt back in the day. Incredible stuff.

Tiran Porter was one of the bass players I had ever head at that time. Of course along with Willy Weeks Every cover band I ever played in the bass players could not believe how great and how hard the bass parts were. If you ever want to humble a bass player tell him to play Tirans parts A great musician.

There are 3 Doobie songs I played in my band...and you ran them down in order at the start of the video!!! I grew weary of playing some songs, but never these. They are timeless and soooooo much fun to play. Love early Doobies!!

The Doobie Brothers was my favorite band in the 70’s and still is today! China Grove my all-time favorite but you also covered my other favorites too. The 70’s music was the best!

It's amazing how quickly Doobie Bros music gets a hold over you.

One of those songs that will always put a smile on your face. Special, special song.

Nick, from their debut self-titled album "Doobie Brothers" a song called "Nobody" has an amazing acoustical intro, and is one of my favorites of theirs.

For someone special .... atmospherically touched my soul like no other song