The Doobie Brothers - Takin' It to the Streets (LP)
- LP
- 1 piece(s)
- 1976
- 9 tracks
- 38 min
- classic rock
Takin' It to the StreetsCheapest atamazon.co.uk
Whether you're just starting your vinyl collection or have been spinning for years, the right turntable makes all the difference. We've selected the best options for every budget.
Discover our selection of turntables
4.5
Average of 12 reviews
9
1
1
0
1
Whether a review is positive, negative, or neutral, we always publish it. However, we screen every review to ensure it is authentic and free of profanity. These checks happen automatically, though a human occasionally steps in. We never pay for reviews.
It might take a couple of listens to fully appreciate some of the tracks here, but that didn't bother me. If you're like me and prioritize music above all, you'll adore this album. The songwriting is excellent, and the Doobie's signature sound makes this a five-star record. The sea blue disc is noise-free and wrap-free, with impressive dynamics throughout – highly recommended. Music quality: 5* Sound quality: 4.5* Mastering/pressing: 4.5* Turntable: Rega P3/Neo psu Tonearm: Audiomods Series 6 Cartridge: Denon 103 boron canti/shibata tip/metal cap body Phono Stage: Whest TWO.2 Class a Pre/Pwr: Musical Fidelity Speakers: Tannoy
Among my first buys. Plenty of spins on this record, many on our old tube amp portable player, then on a console, and it still holds up. I'd wager a well-preserved, clean copy of this would sound fantastic.
Introducing Michael McDonald…Fans of Michael McDonald's era with the Doobie Brothers often argue that the band never sounded better than on Takin’ It To The Streets, while purists who favored the original lineup swear by their earlier, rootsier style. Regardless of which side you're on, one thing's for certain: by the time McDonald joined, the Doobies were on their way out, especially considering the poor reception of Stampede. Not that Stampede didn't have its high points—it's just that those moments could be boiled down to a song or two, like the brilliant, emotional classic with its ringing guitar enlightenment, where “Take Me In Your Arms,” the Motown hit, stands as one of their all-time best tracks, and still does. That said, their only other charting song from Stampede was “Sweet Maxine,” which peaked at #40, leaving fans wondering where this hit-making machine had disappeared to so quickly.It was clear that McDonald had taken over from Tom Johnston as the lead vocalist, at a time when nearly everything in the band was duplicated, and as the primary songwriter, with many seeing McDonald as stepping in just to make a name for himself and boost his solo career. As for the album being a vehicle for McDonald’s solo career, some argue that all the lyrics were written before he joined the band, and that any credits should be as a co-writer. As good as some of the songs are, the album is a mix of rhythms and styles, coming off, apart from the singles, as if the band is just treading water. That said, it's important to note that this album nearly single-handedly shifted rock music away from the harder, blues-heavy sound to a more popular, all-inclusive rock format, paving the way for artists like Christopher Cross and Toto to dominate the airwaves in the late 70’s and into the 80’s. So yes, much was lost for many, and little was gained by most.What was obvious is that Michael McDonald was a completely different vocalist—here, all of his songs were interpretations; he didn’t own any of them, so all of his success was based on how he envisioned a number and presented it. That in itself took the heart out of the original Doobie Brothers, as Tom Johnston was featured on only two tracks, where Michael’s version of blue-eyed soul was lightyears from the band’s initial concept. The album did well, reaching number eight on the charts, yet longtime Doobie fans were quickly falling away, dismayed by the band’s more mainstream sound. Of course, this leaves all fans who took the album into the top ten bracket just before the summer of 1976, where the Doobies music was just there, completely minus any air-guitar manifestations, rolling joints on Frisbees, mile-wide smiles, and all stoner pretenses.Takin’ It To The Streets has its moments, but no honest rock virtue.*** The Fun Facts: The photo was taken in San Francisco’s China Town, the cheap green shades on the album jacket are said to have been worn by drummer Keith Knudsen.
Is there anyone with this version who can share some pics and update the info? Much appreciated!
Gorgeous press, it's flat and super quiet. The seperation and clarity are top-notch. Friday truly delivers on reissues. Mikey Mac all the way!
See exactly which retailer has this album in stock and where you'll get the best deal. Compare prices below and order your LP directly.
| Date | Lowest price | Average price |
|---|---|---|
| 14 May 2025 | £26.99 | €26.99 |
| 26 Jul 2025 | £101.00 | €101.00 |
| 30 Aug 2025 | £24.99 | €24.99 |
| 30 Sept 2025 | £44.99 | €44.99 |
| 31 Oct 2025 | £44.99 | €44.99 |
| 30 Nov 2025 | £44.99 | €44.99 |
| 31 Dec 2025 | £44.99 | €44.99 |
| 31 Jan 2026 | €27.01 | €27.01 |
| 28 Feb 2026 | €27.01 | €27.01 |
| 7 Mar 2026 | €27.01 | €36.00 |