Album of the Day

When stomach ulcers sidelined Doobie Brothers frontman Tom Johnston, the group's guitarist, Jeff "Skunk" Baxter, suggested his former Steely Dan bandmate Michael McDonald. The arrival of the singer-keyboardist would change the Doobies' sound somewhat, but it was clear from TAKIN' IT TO THE STREETS that the NorCal hitmakers had gotten a second wind. Produced by Ted Templeman, the 1976 Warner Bros. collection introduced not just a soulful new vocalist but a talented songwriter; McDonald-penned singles “It Keeps You Runnin'” and the title track both reached the Top 40. Welcoming the new kid into the fold, the rest of the band contribute strong material and terrific performances to TAKIN' IT TO THE STREETS, and we'll give the album another spin to wish McDonald a happy birthday.