Características
The Doobie Brothers found themselves in a serious predicament as they prepared to record “Takin’ It To The Streets,” because the band was facing a potentially serious personnel problem that would have led to the downfall of less resilient groups: By the end of 1974, touring had begun to take its toll on frontman Tom Johnston. During the “Stampede” tour, the situation worsened when he was diagnosed with stomach ulcers. His condition continued to deteriorate, and several concerts had to be canceled. Since Johnston was forced to scale back his involvement with the band, the other members considered breaking up. But while they were in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, guitarist Jeff Baxter suggested calling their friend and former Steely Dan bandmate Michael McDonald. To make a long story short: The Doobie Brothers’ sixth studio album, released in 1976 on Warner Bros., not only marked the debut of singer and keyboardist Michael McDonald but also became the band’s fourth consecutive Top 10 album!
Despite McDonald’s extraordinary talent, he could not, technically speaking, replace Johnston. For one thing, McDonald’s soulful vocal tone bore little resemblance to Johnston’s rougher voice. And for another, McDonald played the keyboard, not the guitar. No wonder producer Ted Templeman initially expressed reservations. But his skepticism began to fade on the very first day of recording. While they were still waiting for the second drummer, Keith Knudsen, the band gathered in the studio with former roadie Bobby LaKind on congas and Little Feat drummer Richie Hayward to run through “Wheels of Fortune” live. The instrumental parts from that session made it onto the album. Johnston even returned to the studio to share vocal duties with Patrick Simmons. These magical moments – and the experience of listening to McDonald rehearse the title track on the piano – turned Templeman into a staunch supporter and advocate. Inspired by this, the Doobie Brothers broke new ground, just as they had after their debut LP and on later albums featuring orchestral and horn arrangements. The latter return on “Takin’ It to the Streets” thanks to the five-piece Memphis Horns. Apart from the viola accompaniment on “Losin’ End,” however, string elements take a back seat in favor of McDonald’s piano, synthesizers, and clavinet. And he took the lead vocals on five tracks. His compositional style is clearly evident on two of the singles: the jazzy blue-eyed soul gem “It Keeps You Runnin’” and the irresistibly melodic title track, which made it into the Top 15 and became one of the Doobie Brothers’ signature songs.
MFSL now presents “Takin’ It To The Streets” for the first time in audiophile reference quality! Mastered from the original tapes by engineer Krieg Wunderlich at MoFi Studio in California and pressed by Fidelity Record Pressing, this numbered double LP (180 grams, 45 RPM) is housed in a luxurious gatefold jacket by Stoughton Printing and offers the best sound quality the album has ever received on vinyl. This collectible reissue sets new standards in terms of spatial depth, transparency, and dynamics. The production by Ted Templeman – who was already an integral part of the Doobie Brothers’ success – shines through with outstanding clarity and precision in this reissue.
Side A1. Wheels Of Fortune2. Takin’ It To The Streets
Side B1. 8th Avenue Shuffle2. Losin’ End
LP 2
Side C1. Rio2. For Someone Special
Side D1. It Keeps You Runnin’2. Turn It Loose3. Carry Me Away