Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab releases a vibrant re-mastered vinyl of The Doobie Brothers’ best-selling album.
The Doobie Brothers – Minute By Minute – Warner Brothers Records (1978)/Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab MFSL 2-601 (2025) Limited Edition 180-gram 45 r.p.m. double stereo vinyl, 36:16 *****:
(Patrick Simmons – guitars, vocals; Michael McDonald – piano, electric piano, organ, synthesizers, vocals; Jeff “Skunk” Baxter – guitars; Tiran Porter – bass, vocals; John Hartman – drums, percussion; Keith Knudson – drums, percussion, vocals; Ton Johnston – vocals; Bobby LaKind – congas, vocals; Nicolette Larson – vocals; Rosemary Butler – vocals; Bill Payne – synthesizer; Norton Buffalo – harmonica; Byron Berline – fiddle; plus others)
When The Doobie Brothers (co-founders Tom Johnston and Patrick Simmons) entered the California music scene in the early 1970’s, their style encompassed straight-ahead rock and roll with some folk/country influences. Their breakthrough started with the sophomore album, Toulouse Street which yielded two hit singles, “Listen To The Music” and “Jesus Is Just Alright”. Successful tours and additional songs like “China Grove” and “Long Train Runnin’” kept the momentum going. In 1975, “Black Water” topped the charts. But around this time, Johnston was unable to continue with the band for health reasons. Session keyboardist and vocalist Michael McDonald joined the group and the group continued to record and tour. in 1978, The Doobie Brothers became a household name with the release of the multiple Grammy-winning album, Minute By Minute. McDonald expanded on the band’s affinity for r &b creating a more polished sound. The album elevated their success considerably.
Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab has released a limited edition 180-gram 45 r.p.m. double vinyl of Minute By Minute. Side One opens with McDonald’s rollicking “Here To Love You”. Muscular piano riffs, driving percussion, saxophone and concise backup harmonies frame the smoky vocals. Perhaps the biggest hit of The Doobie Brothers is “What A Fool Believes”. This is a magnetic pop/rock arrangement with synthesizers, jaunty rhtyhm (two percussionists) and timeless reflections on love. It represents a distinctive move away from the classic feel of the South Bay band. The title track is classic 70’s high-end production with electric piano, synthesizers and soulful resonance. Patrick Simmons takes his first vocal lead with “Dependin’ On You”. His hard rocking performance blends seamlessly with the smooth instrumentation. There are jagged guitar solos and he and McDonald harmonize eloquently. Blues rock aesthetics permeate “Don’t Stop To Watch The Wheels”. It is raw and features traditional guitar-based jamming and a relentless coda.
McDonald’s tapestry of soul/pop returns with “Open Your Eyes”. Falsetto-infused vocals, synthesizers and punctuated tempo integrate with the overall musical vision. “Sweet Feelin’” revisits trademark Doobies in a more laid-back performance. Simmons and Nicolette Larson deliver glowing harmonies. In a change of pace, the country instrumental, “Streamer Lane Breakdown” features banjo, fiddle and impressive finger picking. Side Four carries on the new group identity. “You Never Change” has chord-shifting grooves, showcasing a dynamic vocal collaboration between McDonald and Simmons. The finale, “How Do The Fools Survive?” feels like gospel testimony and McDonald’s earthy vocals exude urgency and passion, Horn accents and crisp guitar accents are a nice touch.
When Minute By Minute was first released, there was critical acclaim for the lustrous sound mix. This re-mastered recording (Gain 2: sourced from 1/4”/15 IPS-Dolby A analog master-DSD 256-analog console-lathe) has a stellar mix. The stereo separation is excellent and the detailed instrumental and vocal tonalities are pristine. Volume, bass and treble levels are consistent. The packaging, including Stoughton gatefold and protected album sleeves is top-notch.
Highest recommendation!
—Robbie Gerson
The Doobie Brothers – Minute By Minute
TrackList:
Side One: Here To Love You; What A Fool Believes; Minute By Minute
Side Two: Dependin’ On You; Don’t Stop To Watch The Wheels
Side Three: Open Your Eyes; Sweet Feelin’; Steamer Lane Breakdown
Side Four: You Never Change; How Do The Fools Survive?
