Takin' It To The Streets

The Doobie Brothers turned a real crossroads into one of their strongest records with Takin’ It to the Streets. With Tom Johnston sidelined by health problems, the band brought in Michael McDonald, whose soulful voice and keyboards opened fresh territory without losing the group’s easy chemistry, range, or songwriting strength.

This 1976 set captures that shift beautifully, from the title track and It Keeps You Runnin’ to Carry Me Away, For Someone Special, 8th Avenue Shuffle, and Turn It Loose. Alongside Patrick Simmons, Jeff "Skunk" Baxter, Tiran Porter, Keith Knudsen, Bobby LaKind, and Richie Hayward, the band expands its sound with keyboards, Memphis Horns, and subtle strings.

Mobile Fidelity’s numbered 180g 45RPM 2LP is sourced from the original analog master tapes, mastered by Krieg Wunderlich, pressed at Fidelity Record Pressing in California, and housed in a Stoughton gatefold jacket. Ted Templeman’s production comes through with clarity, warmth, wide dynamics, and beautifully natural separation.