Latest news with #Doobie
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
50 years on, the Doobie Brothers are more harmony than testosterone
These days, the Doobie Brothers are much more relaxed and open when heading to the recording than in the band's heyday in the 1970s and early 1980s. "Anything goes, we don't really have any presuppositions entrenched," singer and keyboardist Michael McDonald tells dpa in London. "We might have done that more like in the old days when we all suffered from more testosterone than we do now," he says with grin. A milestone in the band's long history "Walk This Road" is the name of the new Doobie Brothers album, a work marking a milestone in their history. After more than 50 years of music making, it is namely the first record which has been jointly recorded as a band by Tom Johnston (76), Pat Simmons (76), John McFee (74) and Michael McDonald (73). There were the occasional guest appearances and tours, but never - until now - were the four Doobie veterans together in a studio as full-fledged band members. Amid the differing musical ideas of guitarist and singer Johnston and the later band member McDonald, the two men never worked together for any length of time. Johnston stood for classic rock'n'roll, blues and boogie and for such hits as "Long Train Runnin'." Later, McDonald helped the band achieve megahits such as "What A Fool Believes" with his style of soulful pop and R&B sounds. The many musical sides of the Doobie Brothers The Doobie Brothers now agree that their versatility is one of their strengths. This was in evidence during the recently concluded tour marking the band's 50th anniversary, during which Michael McDonald returned as a firm member. "We can present all eras of the band. That's pretty cool. Because it gives you a variety," a jubilant Johnston said. "There's really no downside to any of this." The same thing can be said about the new album, although the members mostly wrote the songs separately with successful producer John Shanks (Bon Jovi, Take That). "We're shooting for the songs that work best for the band and that we think the band can express and represent as the Doobie Brothers," said McDonald. The method worked perfectly for the new LP. Highlights include the rousing Southern rocker "Angels & Mercy" sung by Simmons and the soulful "Learn To Let Go" featuring McDonald's uniquely unmistakable voice which still sounds powerful and warm at the age of 73. A stroke of fate as source of inspiration McDonald had written some of the songs years before in an attempt to come to terms with a stroke of fate, the death of his friend and Doobies drummer Keith Knudsen in 2005. "It rattled the hell out of me," the singer recalled. "It was a big loss for me, the family, and the whole band." And so he began to write. The best example for the harmony that today defines the Doobie Brothers is, by the way, the good-natured title song with soul legend Mavis Staples - with Tom Johnston, Pat Simmons and Michael McDonald all singing along, together. The different styles harmonise as well with each other as do the band members. "Walk This Road" combines the qualities of such different album classics as "The Captain And Me" and "Minute By Minute" seemingly effortlessly. A wonderful late work by the Doobie Brothers.
New York Post
24-05-2025
- Business
- New York Post
Casinos? Marijuana? Why NY should stop trying to legalize vices
It's bad enough when government acquiesces in societal degradation by winking at 'broken windows,' the 'minor' crimes that precede murder, rape, assault and overall civic breakdown. But it's immeasurably worse when elected officials and their functionaries themselves wield the bats and throw the stones. This is the lamentable state of things in New York City, a hapless creature of the state government in Albany that wields far too much sway over Big Apple affairs. Our elected governors and legislators actively abet activities once widely and properly understood to be serious vices, but are today regarded in many elite minds as harmless habits and mere 'lifestyle' choices.' 5 A rendering of the casino proposed by Wynn at Hudson Yards. Wynn recently withdrew their casino plan citing unviability, a move other casino operators vying for a spot in Gotham should also consider. Related Companies and Wynn Resorts Casino gambling, like lotteries and sports betting, effectively imposes a regressive tax on those least able to afford it. It facilitates organized crime and rarely, if ever, delivers the economic and employment benefits claimed for it by well-paid lobbyists. Albany legislators in 2022 voted to authorize up to three new casino licenses downstate, including in the Big Apple. Real estate companies teamed up with casino operators and rushed in with proposals. One prominent partnership, Related Companies and Wynn Resorts, yanked its scheme for a complex at Hudson Yards from consideration this week, leaving eight proposals still in contention. Today, the city's economy is on an upswing from COVID-era doldrums. The COVID-hobbled real estate market is surging anew. Nearly all the jobs lost to the pandemic have been regained. Tourism hit a near-record high in 2024. What purposes, then, would casinos serve at, for example, the Coney Island Boardwalk or next to Citi Field? Only to further impoverish lower-income residents lured by the false promise of riches. And, of course, to fatten the wallets of developers, casino moguls, and politicians, to whom will redound incalculable largesse from the beneficiaries of their support. 5 New York has a dubious history in its efforts to legalize vice. The state legalized marijuana in 2021, which led to hundreds of illegal pot shops, along with a handful of fancy cannabis dispensaries like Doobie. Emmy Park Next up: marijuana. The risks of unchecked consumption are no secret, including the weed's addictive properties that can lead to mental illness and to abuse of stronger drugs, legal and illegal. New York decriminalized marijuana in 2019. But, as one socially conscious Mafia don thundered in 'The Godfather,' the trade would be 'controlled.' There would be strict licensing agreements! Big fines for ignoring them! Ahem — removing criminal penalties sparked a whole new industry of thousands of unlicensed vendors in the five boroughs. 5 Rather than mitigate the damage done by pot, the posh new shops merely camouflage it in high design. Emmy Park City Hall and the NYPD cracked down, shuttering many hundreds of creepy establishments (the Times Square Alliance points out that all but two of 13 unlicensed merchants working out of storefronts on Seventh and Eighth avenues have been padlocked since last summer). But while the closings of dope shops full of visibly sinister activities came as a relief, the Legislature's zeal to flaunt its Woke credentials didn't spare us from the scourge of legal pot peddlers, whose numbers have multiplied. The motto of Charlie Fox, a three-story emporium at Seventh Avenue and West 49th Street that looks more like a supper club, is 'cannabis presented through a luxury lens.' 5 There are now rumblings that New York may consider decriminalizing prostitution. NYPJ The proliferation of nicely designed, state-sanctioned 'dispensaries' might have a worse effect on public perception than their creepy predecessors. Surely, products sold in a 'curated' environment by 'knowledgeable budtenders,' as the inaptly named Travel Agency on Fifth Avenue boasts, can't be bad for you, right? Prostitution is the next frontier for those who would decriminalize everything short of first-degree murder. The state has chipped away at laws governing 'sex workers' since 2013. Women arrested for flesh-peddling were diverted to 'Human Trafficking Intervention Courts,' where arrested perpetrators often had charges reduced or thrown out. As noted by City Journal's Seth Barron, the result was that New York City prostitution-related arrests fell from tens of thousands in the 1980s to barely 100 in 2022 (also due to less aggressive policing and to 'bail reform'). 5 It took months before Queens' prostitution problem was tackled, which only further compromised the safety of the women impacted by the sex trade, critics claim. NYPJ Perceptions that the law was going easy on prostitutes yielded sidewalk concentrations of hustling, body-selling women for the first time in decades. The scourge on Roosevelt Avenue in Jackson Heights went unchecked until this newspaper recently called attention to it, prompting the NYPD to finally crack down. However, radical legislators including state Senate members Julia Salazar and Jessica Ramos, whose districts include parts of Queens and Brooklyn, advocate for total decriminalization. But who are the victims of casinos, dope stores and 'sex work'? Those who can least afford them, the disadvantaged and poor for whom lefty legislators pretend to advocate — never mind the miserable consequences for them of what we once called vice. scuozzo@
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The Doobie Brothers in 2025: A tour, a new album and a date with Songwriters Hall of Fame
NEW YORK (AP) — Just cue up the first song from the new album by The Doobie Brothers and you'll hear something unusual: harmony, in a new way. It's not just that soulful blast from Michael McDonald, marking his first time recording with the band in 45 years. Listen and you'll also hear founding member Pat Simmons and original vocalist Tom Johnston. 'Walk This Road' — with the always-welcome addition of Mavis Staples — is a horn-and-slide-guitar slice of bluesy, wailing rock that's also a celebration of a band that has endured changes and re-formed with members now in their 70s. 'Somehow, here we are,' says McDonald. 'We've been friends throughout the years. Our kids have all grown up together and our kids have kind of kept us in contact even at times when we might have dropped off the radar for each other.' Lots of Doobie activity The Doobie Brothers, who formed in 1970 and initially broke up in 1982, have a packed 2025 planned: A European tour that leads to a North American one, the strong new album and inclusion in the Songwriters Hall of Fame. 'I don't think any of us ever even really thought we'd still be on stage at this age doing this, much less together,' says McDonald. 'That we're still able to express ourselves artistically is something that's not lost on us.' The North American tour kicks off in Detroit on Aug. 4 and heads to such cities as New York, Boston, Chicago, Milwaukee, Cincinnati, St. Louis, Minneapolis and Toronto. The opening act will be The Coral Reefer Band. 'Walk This Road' features 10 new songs sung by McDonald, Simmons and Johnston, who collaborated on writing the tracks and play on each other's tunes. Longtime collaborator John McFee also returned for the project. The album, out June 6, has something for everyone — honky-tonk, driving country, flirty Southern pop, moody folk and melodic rock. There are songs about New Orleans and Hawaii. Angels make the lyrics on two songs. 'One of the strengths of our live show was the fact that you couldn't get bored with any one style of music because everything was kind of a different bag,' says McDonald, who officially reunited with the band on tour in 2019. 'We like to do that. You know, I think this album is hopefully no different in that respect.' John Shanks, who produced the band's 2021 album 'Liberté,' returned for 'Walk This Road,' lending them his Los Angeles studio, with a writing room upstairs and a recording booth downstairs where each songwriter took turns cutting tracks. 'The band, I think, presents all of us with an opportunity to do things that we might not do just as individual songwriters,' says McDonald. Inside the album While the Doobies have never been a concept band, the album explores seizing the moments, reflects on paths taken and coming to grips with the past. 'This is a snapshot in time of where the band is and where the writers are,' says Johnston. 'We didn't consciously sit down and say, 'Well, we're going to try and do this.'' One track, "Learn to Let Go," is an unrequited love song that's about letting go of things that hold you back, while 'Speed of Pain' is about how the worst things in life can become the best. 'In many cases, it's just a situation where you have to lose it all. I can't tell you how many people I've met over the years who have told me that going to jail was the best thing that ever happened to them,' says McDonald. 'I think total defeat in this world is the great teacher.' The Doobie Brothers are already members of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame — with tracks like 'Takin' It To the Streets,' 'What a Fool Believes' and 'Minute By Minute' — but shortly after the album comes out, they'll be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. 'I think it's really great for this band," says Johnston. "I think it's great for us as individual writers, but I think it's also great for the group, and it kind of carries on the name, if you will.' McDonald and Johnston both expressed a little surprise that they're still making music with the folks they worked with in their 20s and are still a draw on the road. 'It's just fun to visit all these places musically. It's fun to put that out in front of the crowd live. And to do an album now — I didn't picture doing this, but I'm all for it,' Johnston says.
The Independent
19-03-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
The Doobie Brothers in 2025: A tour, a new album and a date with Songwriters Hall of Fame
Just cue up the first song from the new album by The Doobie Brothers and you'll hear something unusual: harmony, in a new way. It's not just that soulful blast from Michael McDonald, marking his first time recording with the band in 45 years. Listen and you'll also hear founding member Pat Simmons and original vocalist Tom Johnston. 'Walk This Road' — with the always-welcome addition of Mavis Staples — is a horn-and-slide-guitar slice of bluesy, wailing rock that's also a celebration of a band that has endured changes and re-formed with members now in their 70s. 'Somehow, here we are,' says McDonald. 'We've been friends throughout the years. Our kids have all grown up together and our kids have kind of kept us in contact even at times when we might have dropped off the radar for each other.' Lots of Doobie activity The Doobie Brothers, who formed in 1970 and initially broke up in 1982, have a packed 2025 planned: A European tour that leads to a North American one, the strong new album and inclusion in the Songwriters Hall of Fame. 'I don't think any of us ever even really thought we'd still be on stage at this age doing this, much less together,' says McDonald. 'That we're still able to express ourselves artistically is something that's not lost on us.' The North American tour kicks off in Detroit on Aug. 4 and heads to such cities as New York, Boston, Chicago, Milwaukee, Cincinnati, St. Louis, Minneapolis and Toronto. The opening act will be The Coral Reefer Band. 'Walk This Road' features 10 new songs sung by McDonald, Simmons and Johnston, who collaborated on writing the tracks and play on each other's tunes. Longtime collaborator John McFee also returned for the project. The album, out June 6, has something for everyone — honky-tonk, driving country, flirty Southern pop, moody folk and melodic rock. There are songs about New Orleans and Hawaii. Angels make the lyrics on two songs. 'One of the strengths of our live show was the fact that you couldn't get bored with any one style of music because everything was kind of a different bag,' says McDonald, who officially reunited with the band on tour in 2019. 'We like to do that. You know, I think this album is hopefully no different in that respect.' John Shanks, who produced the band's 2021 album 'Liberté,' returned for 'Walk This Road,' lending them his Los Angeles studio, with a writing room upstairs and a recording booth downstairs where each songwriter took turns cutting tracks. 'The band, I think, presents all of us with an opportunity to do things that we might not do just as individual songwriters,' says McDonald. Inside the album While the Doobies have never been a concept band, the album explores seizing the moments, reflects on paths taken and coming to grips with the past. 'This is a snapshot in time of where the band is and where the writers are,' says Johnston. 'We didn't consciously sit down and say, 'Well, we're going to try and do this.'' One track, "Learn to Let Go," is an unrequited love song that's about letting go of things that hold you back, while 'Speed of Pain' is about how the worst things in life can become the best. 'In many cases, it's just a situation where you have to lose it all. I can't tell you how many people I've met over the years who have told me that going to jail was the best thing that ever happened to them,' says McDonald. 'I think total defeat in this world is the great teacher.' The Doobie Brothers are already members of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame — with tracks like 'Takin' It To the Streets,' 'What a Fool Believes' and 'Minute By Minute' — but shortly after the album comes out, they'll be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. 'I think it's really great for this band," says Johnston. "I think it's great for us as individual writers, but I think it's also great for the group, and it kind of carries on the name, if you will.' McDonald and Johnston both expressed a little surprise that they're still making music with the folks they worked with in their 20s and are still a draw on the road. 'It's just fun to visit all these places musically. It's fun to put that out in front of the crowd live. And to do an album now — I didn't picture doing this, but I'm all for it,' Johnston says.
Associated Press
19-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
The Doobie Brothers in 2025: A tour, a new album and a date with Songwriters Hall of Fame
NEW YORK (AP) — Just cue up the first song from the new album by The Doobie Brothers and you'll hear something unusual: harmony, in a new way. It's not just that soulful blast from Michael McDonald, marking his first time recording with the band in 45 years. Listen and you'll also hear founding member Pat Simmons and original vocalist Tom Johnston. 'Walk This Road' — with the always-welcome addition of Mavis Staples — is a horn-and-slide-guitar slice of bluesy, wailing rock that's also a celebration of a band that has endured changes and re-formed with members now in their 70s. 'Somehow, here we are,' says McDonald. 'We've been friends throughout the years. Our kids have all grown up together and our kids have kind of kept us in contact even at times when we might have dropped off the radar for each other.' Lots of Doobie activity The Doobie Brothers, who formed in 1970 and initially broke up in 1982, have a packed 2025 planned: A European tour that leads to a North American one, the strong new album and inclusion in the Songwriters Hall of Fame. 'I don't think any of us ever even really thought we'd still be on stage at this age doing this, much less together,' says McDonald. 'That we're still able to express ourselves artistically is something that's not lost on us.' The North American tour kicks off in Detroit on Aug. 4 and heads to such cities as New York, Boston, Chicago, Milwaukee, Cincinnati, St. Louis, Minneapolis and Toronto. The opening act will be The Coral Reefer Band. 'Walk This Road' features 10 new songs sung by McDonald, Simmons and Johnston, who collaborated on writing the tracks and play on each other's tunes. Longtime collaborator John McFee also returned for the project. The album, out June 6, has something for everyone — honky-tonk, driving country, flirty Southern pop, moody folk and melodic rock. There are songs about New Orleans and Hawaii. Angels make the lyrics on two songs. 'One of the strengths of our live show was the fact that you couldn't get bored with any one style of music because everything was kind of a different bag,' says McDonald, who officially reunited with the band on tour in 2019. 'We like to do that. You know, I think this album is hopefully no different in that respect.' John Shanks, who produced the band's 2021 album 'Liberté,' returned for 'Walk This Road,' lending them his Los Angeles studio, with a writing room upstairs and a recording booth downstairs where each songwriter took turns cutting tracks. 'The band, I think, presents all of us with an opportunity to do things that we might not do just as individual songwriters,' says McDonald. Inside the album While the Doobies have never been a concept band, the album explores seizing the moments, reflects on paths taken and coming to grips with the past. 'This is a snapshot in time of where the band is and where the writers are,' says Johnston. 'We didn't consciously sit down and say, 'Well, we're going to try and do this.'' One track, 'Learn to Let Go,' is an unrequited love song that's about letting go of things that hold you back, while 'Speed of Pain' is about how the worst things in life can become the best. 'In many cases, it's just a situation where you have to lose it all. I can't tell you how many people I've met over the years who have told me that going to jail was the best thing that ever happened to them,' says McDonald. 'I think total defeat in this world is the great teacher.' The Doobie Brothers are already members of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame — with tracks like 'Takin' It To the Streets,' 'What a Fool Believes' and 'Minute By Minute' — but shortly after the album comes out, they'll be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. 'I think it's really great for this band,' says Johnston. 'I think it's great for us as individual writers, but I think it's also great for the group, and it kind of carries on the name, if you will.' McDonald and Johnston both expressed a little surprise that they're still making music with the folks they worked with in their 20s and are still a draw on the road. 'It's just fun to visit all these places musically. It's fun to put that out in front of the crowd live. And to do an album now — I didn't picture doing this, but I'm all for it,' Johnston says.
