Original Album Series

When I saw the price for this "Original Album Series" edition of the first 5 Doobies albums, I was pre-sold as it were. I had about 6 Doobies tracks that tended to get stuck in my head and that I wanted digital versions of, so this looked like a bargain.Little did I know that buying these gems would get me hooked on deeper cuts from these albums. "The Captain and Me" may have been one of the great rock albums of its day, but all I ever heard from it was the hits, "Long Train Running" and "China Grove." Getting this set allowed me to hear sweet remastered versions of "Clear as the Driven Snow," a great acoustic-electric message rocker about substance abuse; "Ukiah," a jazzy-ish tribute to a great Northern California destination; and some great overall singing and songwriting from Tom Johnston and Pat SImmons. Simmons' "South City Midnight Lady," remastered, was a lot more tender and sweet than I remembered.And that's just one of the five. "Toulouse Street" is distinguished by its folky title track, "What Were Once Vices Are Now Habits" is full of uptempo delights, "Stampede" has a bit more of a country-fried flavor then the earlier albums and "Takin' It To The Streets," with Mike McDonald, marks the "new" Doobies sound, more urban and Steely Dan-ish. Some don't care for that phase of the band's career, but it can't be denied that McDonald's a fine musician and singer.In short, spend the 20 bucks. It's a good investment. The sound sparkles and the songs bring back memories for any younger baby boomer.

As a 10 yr old in '72, I remember getting the 45 of 'Listen to the Music', followed a couple years later with the 'Best of The Doobies' record late in high school. Until now -and to my regret- that was the extent of my DB collecting. Let me tell you, I am blown away with this 5 album set: listening to the music as performed and sequenced on these albums was amazing. Gone is the memory of the choppy 'hits' collection, that had a great set of songs, but outside of album context, 'lost a lot in translation'. I listened to the set backward, even expecting a letdown with the MMcDonald infused 'Takin'/Streets', but was pleasantly -and increasingly- surprised with the quality and artistry of ALL the albums. By the time I finished 'Toulouse Street', I wanted to begin the cycle again. All 5 albums are EXCELLENT, sound quality is great, and having all 5 in a 'box' scant thicker than 1 cd jewel case is a bonus. Yes cardboard sleeve reproductions (no gatefolds), yes one needs a magnifying glass to read album credits, yes the lovely artwork coulda been more refined, but for $21 one cannot sincerely complain. Heck, $4 an 'album': I paid more than that in the 70's!To wrap up this winded review: I had been looking for an expanded 'hits' collection, but am ecstatic with this acquisition. Gone are 'single' edits (didn't know my original single was a minute longer on album!), and favorite 'Without You' is a new experience hearing it not on the end of a hits album, but starting side 2 of 'Captain and Me' (and followed by S/S MN Lady. Wow, sequencing really did matter back in the day . . .).Highest recommendations, obviously; and sorry for such a lengthy read! -(and by the way, I am so thankful hard copies are still available. Streaming can save resources and space, but 'It just ain't the same'. Cheers, and happy listening 'TTM' -)

You get the band's five best albums in one boxed set. Here's a rundown:#5 – STAMPEDE, released in 1975, features the groovy single “Take Me In Your Arms (Rock Me A Little While).” This is a spectacular album and definitely has one of the group’s best album covers. The record opens with the searing “Sweet Maxine” and gets better with the bouncing “Neal's Fandango,” which has a marvelous guitar and piano break. Also, there’s a wonderful slide guitar performance by Ry Cooder on “Rainy Day Crossroad Blues.”#4 – TAKIN' IT TO THE STREETS, from 1976, marked the band’s shift towards a more soulful sound. Michael McDonald sings lead on four songs, including the title track and “It Keeps You Runnin’.” The funky “8th Avenue Shuffle” features delightful percussion performances. Also, we get Tom Johnston and Pat Simmons sharing lead vocals on “Wheels of Fortune.” If you haven’t played this record recently, take another listen. It’s great!#3 – WHAT WERE ONCE VICES ARE NOW HABITS was released in the winter of 1974. The lead single “Another Park, Another Sunday” hit the airwaves in March of '74. That single was followed up with “Eyes of Silver” in June. However, it was the third single entitled “Black Water,” not released until November, that became the band’s first number one song. The success of these three singles helped skyrocket sales of this terrific album.#2 – TOULOUSE STREET, from 1972, features one of the greatest D. B. songs of all time, “Listen To The Music.” The record also includes “Rockin’ Down the Highway” and “Jesus is Just Alright.” With bluesy overtones, the band would earn comparisons to The Allman Brothers. In addition, Michael Hossack joined John Hartman on drums, giving the group its trademark twin-drummer sound. TOULOUSE STREET is a fine example of the Doobies at their very best.#1 - THE CAPTAIN AND ME, from March of 1973, is arguably the band’s finest album. “Long Train Runnin’,” “China Grove” and “Without You” are three of the group's most well-known songs. When you think of old-school Doobie Brothers, you think of these songs. The album also contains classics like “Clear As The Driven Snow” and “South City Midnight Lady.” The title track, clocking in at nearly five minutes, features blazing guitars and dazzling harmonies, soaring ever higher and faster to a triumphant finish. THE CAPTAIN AND ME is an outstanding album.

All 5 CD’s pack a bunch of their greatest hits and deep cuts. The recordings are of high quality and very clean. Shipping was superb and quick in protective package. A great value for this collection.