Southbound – Doobies Brothers The brand new project by Doobie Brothers shifts directly into the Country Music arena. It never occurred to me the Doobies were country in any respect. They are not, but it’s more country adapting to pop and rock arrangements.
I’ve been a Doobie fan from day one and they are at the top of all my music lists.
So when I heard about this ‘country’ diversion for the Doob’s, I gave out a big ol groan with disappointment. I didn’t know if the music was going to be new or do-over like a lot of bands are doing. To me the do-over signals the band has run out of energy. Also don’t mess with the classics.
I’m here to tell you I’ve given the project a spin and absolutely love it. This album completely surprised me at every track. Maybe because I was expecting the worst? This project is reimagining some of Doobies major hits supported by some of the biggest names in country music. What the Doobies did was just ever so slightly rearrange the song with the guest artist helming the sound. Tom Johnston, John McFee, Pat Simmons, and yes, Michael McDonald start the singing, letting the country artist tackle most of the singing remainder. The sound is full and tight. What I feared most with fiddling with a classic, instead gives the song a fresh and exciting sound. Who’d thunk that possible. It’s a win-win. If you like the Doobies, if you like rock, if you like country, if you like the featured country artist… any one of these… I think you will like this collection.
If this does as well as I hope, I can definitely see a follow up with more songs and country artists and God willing a concert DVD.