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23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Johnston's Swansong, March 19, 2001
At the time of its release, the British music press was somewhat harsh on this album: "Doobies' Habits are now Vices" was the typical 1975 headline from reviewers who were still hoping for another CAPTAIN & ME. But posterity has been fair to the Doobies. Listening to this 26 years on, it sounds almost as fresh as the day it was cut. The trouble is that I know this album too well -- over the years, I have worked too often with it in the background -- so it's impossible to give it an objective review. There is clearly a group sense that the band is going through some trauma -- 'Slat Key Soquel Rag' and 'Precis' are two gorgeous solo guitar pieces respectively by Simmons and Baxter which probably wouldn't have made it onto earlier albums. But this was Johnston's farewell to Doobies Phase 1 -- he needed to fight his personal demons away from the group context -- and this enabled other members of the band to flourish. For once, the piano of Little Feat's Bill Payne gets a lead role. It even opens the album. I have always felt that Pat Simmons' beautiful composition 'I Cheat the Hangman' was the finest song on the album and certainly one of the Doobies best five songs, period. Pat Simmons is one of the most unacknowledged composers in the rock world, and he provided the bulk of the continuity needed for the invasion of Michael McDonald.
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11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
One of the tops for your desert island collection!!!!!!!!!!!, September 25, 2004
As I always say, I have a list of albums that I would have to have with me on a desert island should I become abandoned [not that *Survivor* will ever enlist me--I am from the Gilligan's Island Generation!]--this is one of the ones at the top of the list.
I have always loved the Doobs, but this album is one of their best. I am of the personal opinion that Michael McDonald, although he has a great voice, ruined the Doobs. It brought them into the *beebop* era....a place that is not theirs.
They have always been one of those bands that has it all and can play it all. You'll find it here in this album, pre Michael McDonald. They are adept at stirring up the country, latin, rock and blues side of music. They have an uncanny ability to tap into every classical area of music. STAMPEDE won't disappoint you. It is one of those albums that will remain in your CD player for years [off and on] as it has for me.
Another absolutely fantastic album is *The Captain & Me* [also pre Michael McDonald]. Talk about a wide range of music strains! Wonderful!
Anyway, Stampede is an album that is one of life's simple pleasures. Do yourself a favor, listen and enjoy it!
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12 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Feel The Charge, April 16, 2002
Stampede is a semi-concept album from The Doobie Brothers. There isn't a running theme to the album, but most of the songs conjure up the feeling of life on the open range. The album also marks the first appearance of the indominantable Jeff "Skunk" Baxter as a full-time member and the band's founder, Tom Johnston's last full effort. Although he would appear on the follow-up, Takin' It To The Streets, Stampede was Mr. Johnston's finest effort with the band. The songs on the album are all first rate including a rollicking version of the Motown standard, "Take Me In Your Arms". "Slat Key Soquel Rag" and "Precis" are strong instrumentals while "I Cheat The Hangman" has a tense, jittering sound. "Sweet Maxine", "Texas Lullaby", "Music Man" and "Neal's Fandango" are all excellent cuts. Despite no big hits from the album, it became the band's highest charting album to date, peaking at number 4 in 1975.
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