en passant ... a quick cheer for ...

[neveronfriday]

While sorting out sky-high piles of paper and bills of the past century or so, I threw on the Soundstage Michael McDonald DVD for the umpteenth time.

Michael McDonald is one of my heroes from way back when, and he remains one of my heroes today.

I've always loved the stuff he's done - mediocre stuff is far between. He's had one or two albums which didn't really make it into constant rotation here, but I have so much respect for the guy that I'm very forgiving regarding some minor recordings.

The guy is sincere, he does what he wants to do, more often than not removed from commercial considerations, and his music always gets me into a good mood (even some of those great (sad) ballads he's recorded).

Michael McDonald reminds me of my youth and has had more staying power in my collection than most others.

I've never had the fortune of seeing the Doobies live and it is one of my biggest regrets. If Michael McDonald ever comes to Europe these next years, I'll travel to wherever for any amount of money to see him.

Hell, maybe I'll even stick an old Doobies or McDonald poster up on the wall.

It would be the only one.

Cheers!

P.S.: The Soundstage DVD is a collaborative effort. It's got a number of songs from his wonderful Motown CD (featuring Ashford & Simpson on two (three) numbers), a set of Doobies numbers (Black Water is just a blast on this one ... one of my all-time fave Doobies recordings), it's got Patrick Simmons (what a voice, still today) and Tom Johnston (who doesn't get all that much space on this recording) ... you can't go wrong with this DVD ... and it's got good sound to boot.

P.S.S.: I think I'll put on the Lyle Lovett next ... including a masterfully incomprehensible/nasal Randy Newman ...

Edited September 14, 2004 by deus62

[chris olivarez]

Definitely one of the unique voices out there.

[Shawn]

I was fortunate enough to see The Doobie Brothers twice. The first time was pre-McDonald (and I was barely old enough to remember the show), the second time he was onboard and it was a fantastic concert. The main things I remember about that gig were his voice...how long the guitarists hair was...and that they did Black Water as the encore which was my favorite song to sing when I was 4 years old (I was about 8 at this concert). The other interesting sidenote...the opening act was UFO!

I've never really been a fan of his music since he left the Doobies, I totally admire & love his voice....but his solo material has never really done it for me. But I've got no complaints with him as an artist.

He did some good backing vocal stuff with Steely Dan as well....

[JSngry]

One of the all-time great "blue-eyed soul" artists of all time, afaic. Possibly THE greatest. Any white guy who can duet with Patti LaBelle and not sound jive has NOTHING to prove.

Don't care much for that Motown thing he just did, but it could have been a lot worse. It's time that we all move on from that, but it seems to be hard to do, for some reason.