@@Michael-Philip That's not distortion, it's a flanger. By the time this was produced, flangers were an electronic effect but the original "flanging" was done by Les Paul back in the 50s (I think). Reel to reel recorders had a record head and a separate playback head so it produced a slight delay as the tape went over the two heads. They found that if they put a little pressure with their thumb on the flange of the tape, it would slow down and the pitch would drop slightly. Then, when they released it, the pitch would go up again. They would press and release the flange to produce the effect which is what you heard in that short section (although electronically produced, not with a reel to reel).
For a different, yet just as iconic, sound from The Doobies in this pre-Michael era, you should react to their hit song, *"Black Water",* it's one of the chillest vibes you'll ever hear in a song.
As others have mentioned, another huge hit with a similar vibe is "Long Train Runnin'." Their first #1 single, "Black Water," had a totally different vibe, penned and sung by Patrick Simmons, the guy who sang the bridge on this tune.
Hey guys that's not autotune. That was a phaser effect that they put on his vocal that you heard, (That was popular back then). Remember, this is before digital technology in music so everything was analog. No autotune existed back then. You either sang it right or you did it over and over again til you got a good take. Great reaction by the way!
Before Mike, there was Tom Johnston. He was kind of a tough guy- but he wrote that song. I love all the Doobies’ stuff. There’s a recent vid of them now in their 60’s and 70’s doing this from Pat’s house. In concert now it’s the full band with Tom and Mike! Takin It to the Streets is my favorite from Mike and the boys. It’s Mike’s Civil Rights anthem. He’s a Ferguson, MO boy. Watch it live!!!!!
Tom Johnston got sick around 1975 and went to the Hospital. In the meanwhile, Michael Macdonald was singing backup for Steely Dan. They Brought Michael in, and the rest is history with Michael. Another guy who has sung lead is Patrick Simmons before Michael. One of his more famous songs was Black Water.The band has been around since the late 60's!♥️✌️
ya'll should do Jesus is Just Alright ! They have major talent and like I said, they go places....and they can play Wayyyy upbeat and they can chill you out...
No auto tune. Might have been a little echo but mostly just really good vocal ability and some of the best harmonies for ppl not related to each other 🎶🎵
Yep, this the original Doobies, The Tom Johnston years back before Michael McDonald took over. Tom Johnston (The lead singer and co-founder of the band) Doobies is my favorite! These guys started out playing live gigs for the Hells Angels before they became famous. A few of other hits by this original lineup you should check out, "Jesus is Just Alright", "China Grove", "Rockin' Down The Highway", "Black Water", "Long Train Runnin'", "South City Midnight Lady"
One of the great things about bands of the 60’s & 70’s that many of them had several lead singers. The Doobie Brothers have a great catalog to choose from and they had several different styles. Keep listening. No auto tune crap, but honest talent.
THIS is their anthem!! Just seen them in Hawaii recently and damn it brought ne chills and tears after 50 years of their great music!! The 70s sure brought the BEST music of all genre'. It is great to see today's generation learning and loving these music!! So many hits...I rank them up there with Chicago, Earth Wind and Fire, Led Zeplin, Eagles...
Just saw the Doobies a few weeks ago, unfortunately lead singer Tom Johnston is out with injury, but this song was the lead song of the night. After over 50 years these guys put on a 2 hour show and sounded amazing. Michael Mc Donald is touring with them to packed crowds
I graduated high school in 1973, This song and this album was new! I used to wash my first car and listen to this...and The Doobies have been with me ever since, in a lot of parts of the world, I actually got to see them live on Guam! Trippy! A lot of their best tunes never got to radio, you could do a deep dive on them for a while! And Skunk Baxter!?!?! Plays bass in most of their tunes, he also is some kinda rocket scientist dude for the US Govt! One of my fav bands of all time....they will take you places, and to me, Ted Templeman is an Awesome producer!
Great feel good song! Long Train Running, Black Water, and China Grove are also from that era (Pre M.M.) Also, Home Free did an AWESOME cover of this song.
I'm glad you reacted to pre MM Doobie Bros. Now, keep it going with China Grove. Black Water and Long Train Runnin'. Nice reaction guys, as usual! Keepin' it 💯!!
I saw The Doobie Brothers at a concert in the early 70's. 1st concert I ever went to. Pablo Cruz and Little River Band opened for them. Black Water is one of their greatest songs form that era, so I hope you guys give it a spin. China Grove is a banger of a song too. It's about their tour bus breaking down in a town of China Grove, Texas. Peace
I know I am two months late but they were on an episode of Whats Happening back in the day. Raj, Rerun, & Dwayne were caught trying to record their concert in the episode.
This song was recorded before auto-tune. The effect you're hearing on the vocal there is called a flanger. A flanger is a type of audio effect that creates a distinctive “swooshing” or “jet plane” sound. It is created by combining a source audio signal with a slightly delayed, modulated version of itself. The flanger might not appear in every production, but when it does you'll know it.
My favorite band since they came out in 1970...these guys are incredible and they're still rocking. FYI Tom Johnston who wrote and sang this song has many influences but his main influence and idol was James Brown. I believe that is why they have so much groove in their music. Great react gentlemen! peace
Fantastic choice for a song. Always amazed at how great this song sounded back in 1971, and still sounds just as great today-timeless, iconic song of the original lineup of the Doobie Brothers.
Great band from San Jose, CA! This was pre-Michael McDonald days, as this was a hit for them in 1972. McDonald was recruited by the Doobie Brothers in April 1975, initially as a temporary replacement for their lead vocalist Tom Johnston after he became ill during a national tour. McDonald's work with the band proved so successful that they decided to retain him as a full-time member. I have to say, even though it's already been said, there was no auto-tune back then. They had to have talent.
What a great group you guys are in your reactions! Love your interactions and discussions about the songs and the bands. Yes, there is that dichotomy in the Doobie Brothers-this is the pre Michael McDonald lineup, which definitely has a different sonic landscape than the later lineup. I believe that, in this song, Tom Johnston takes the lead with backing vocals from the rest of the band. It's magic. Looking forward to watching you guys do this!!!!
Hey fellas. The Doobies were great with and without Michael McDonald. They had two great singers in Tom Johnston and Pat Simmons before Michael joined and their harmonies were always on point. Check out "China Grove". It is a classic rock song for sure. Peace.
Great great, reaction gentlemen! The Doobie Brothers have a deep catalogue. Let me recommend their - Long Train Runnin'. Also check out some Steely Dan - Black Cow.
Guys, it makes me happy that you are discovering how outstanding the group was originally. McDonald era was good, before was better, there were many great songs that prove it, just off the top of my head - "Jesus Is Just Alright", "Long Train Runnin'", "China Grove", and "Black Water" are all TOP jams. The sad thing is the guy who was lead vocalist got bad sick, had to have emergency hospitalization. Anyway, they were GREAT in every incarnation, as you will find out if you listen to their complete group of works. Good work gentlemen, keep it up.
If you haven't already done so, you MUST check out 2 other Doobie songs: "Black Water", and a beautiful, cool song that is often ignored but is musically soooo sharp: "Another Park Another Sunday"
This is the album version played over a staged presentation. So much more Doobie Brothers to dive into. They definitely are a band to be reckoned with.
Gotta love a dude wearing a feather boa!!! 😆❤❤ this is a great song! I didn't think he looked angry. I check it out again. ❤️✌️. He looked like he was getting down! 😆
You have to listen to Black Water. I love seeing Corey and his big grin when he hears the music I grew up on. Other great songs pre MM; Jesus is just alright, China Grove, Long train runnin...
I saw The Dobbie Brothers in 2021 and 2022 in Las Vegas. They are just as great as when I saw them in the 70s. Black Water or South City Mid Night Lady next, please. All their music is 🔥
The Doobie Brothers were also on a episode of What's Happening, about recoding them without their knowledge. It was a good episode about bootlegging music.
Another soulful singer from this time is Van Morrison. Not sure if you guys ever heard of him, but two good songs to start with would be moondance and into the mystic or tupelo. Honey, I think you'd really like it. He's a great artist with so many heads
