Fans of older classic music generally can be surprised by re-recordings of those songs by the original artists. They either work, are over-indulgent, or so far off the mark, they lose all relevancy. But when they work, they do so quite well, often going down in history as a viable attachment to the original. And sometimes they surpass the original. Case in point: Joni Mitchell’s re-recording of “Both Sides Now” in 2000 took on a more somber, worldly approach based on age instead of the distraught original version recorded in 1968. Nevertheless, both versions are classic.
On November 4, The Doobie Brothers will re-record their classic tracks that include “Listen to the Music”, “Long Train Runnin'”, “China Grove”, “Black Water”, “Jesus Is Just Alright”. “What A Fool Believes”, and more (see track-list below). But they will re-record these great songs with a twist. They will be working with great country singers like Vince Gill, and Toby Keith, as well as some of the best session men in the business. As well, many of the original players in the band, including Michael McDonald, returned to offer their partnership with the tunes they associated with.
The new album is being called Southbound, and will feature twelve of the songs that set The Doobie Brothers apart on the charts and the radio airwaves back in the ’70s and ’80s. The album is being released by Arista Nashville.
I’m anxious to give it a listen to see if the results are good.
Track-List
Black Water (w Zac Brown Band)
China Grove (w/Chris Young)
Jesus Is Just Alright (w/Casey James)
Listen to the Music (w/Blake Shelton, featuring Hunter Hayes on guitar)
Long Train Runnin’ (w/Toby Keith)
Nobody (w/Charlie Worsham)
Rockin’ Down the Highway )w/Brad Paisley)
South City Midnight Lady (w/Jerrod Niemann)
Take Me in Your Arms (w/Tyler Farr)
Takin’ It to the Streets (w/Love and Theft)
What a Fool Believes (w/Sara Evans)
You Belong to Me (w/Amanda Sudano Ramirez, featuring Vince Gill on guitar)
The Doobies must have had a great response to their “Crossroads” broadcast. I love their music but not these kinds of projects. Rarely, if ever, do they match the quality of the original material.
Normally, I would agree with you. And it may be that this is a disaster. But there have been great re-recordings of originals that oftentimes hold up well next to the classic. And while, some of these may never get there, I am curious. Especially for “Listen to the Music”.
I have had the luck of hearing an advance of this album and it kicks butt!!! I think people are going to be seriously blown away and surprised by how good it is.