Notes
Personnel: Tom Johnston (vocals, guitar, harmonica); Pat Simmons (vocals, guitar); John Hartman (vocals, drums, percussion); Tiran Porter (vocals); Jeff Baxter (pedal steel guitar); Bill Payne (piano, organ); Michael Hossack (drums, congas, timbales).
Recording information: Warner Bros. Studios, North Hollywood.
Photographers: Michael Maggid; Jill Maggid.
CAPTAIN AND ME found the Doobie Brothers boasting three strong vocalists, two expert guitarists, and a brace of rhythmic drummers, refining a sound that crossed AM pop-rock, soul-tinged R&B, country-folk, jazzy gospel, and strong musicianship. The result burst the band into national prominence. Traces of Moby Grape, whom the group adored, can be heard in their vibrant harmonies and flowing hooklines, but THE CAPTAIN AND ME showed an act of singular purpose.
The effervescent urgency propelling the percolating groover "Long Train Running" and the leaner rock of "China Grove" into the US singles charts is apparent on every selection. In addition to the band's gorgeous layered harmonies and twin guitar arpeggios, THE CAPTAIN AND ME features the band's strongest and most consistent set of songs. Patrick Simmons's mellow, country-rock numbers, such as "South City Midnight Lady" and "Clear As the Driven Snow," abut Tom Johnson's rockers, like the majestic title track. In short, this record defines the classic sound that would make the Doobie Brothers one of the most popular and commercially successful bands of the '70s, and it still stands--arguably--as their finest moment.
Boasting three strong vocalists, two expert guitarists, and a brace of rhythmic drummers, the Doobie Brothers came to national prominence in the 1970s with a sound incorporating AM pop-rock, Southern R&B, and strong musicianship. Traces of Moby Grape, whom the group adored, can be heard in their vibrant harmonies and flowing melodic hook-lines, but THE CAPTAIN & ME showed a singular purpose. The effervescent urgency propelling "Long Train Running" and "China Grove" into the US singles charts is apparent on every selection, where melody combines with twin-guitar arpeggios to create an unquestionable excitement. The unified good-vibes sound emerging from this cross-section imbues this album with its lasting strength.
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