NEAL'S
FANDANGO
THE DOOBIE BROTHERS
SONGWRITER: PATRICK SIMMONS
HOW: LIVE IN 1996
COUNTRY: U. S. A.
ALBUM: STAMPEDE
LABEL: WARNER BROS RECORDS
GENRE: CLASSIC ROCK
YEAR: 1975
Stampede is the fifth studio album by American rock band The Doobie
Brothers. The album was released on April 25, 1975, by Warner Bros. Records. It
was the final album by the band before Michael McDonald replaced Tom Johnston as
lead vocalist and primary songwriter. The album has been certified gold by the RIAA.
Stampede showed the band diversifying elements of their sound more than
ever before, combining elements of their old sound as well as country-rock,
funk and folk music. Many guest musicians contributed on the album including Maria
Muldaur, Ry Cooder and Curtis Mayfield.
The first and most successful single released from this album was "Take
Me in Your Arms (Rock Me a Little While)" on April 23, 1975, a classic Motown
tune written by the legendary songwriting trio of Holland-Dozier-Holland. Tom
Johnston had wanted to record the song for several years. "I thought that
would be a killer track to cover," he said. "It's probably one of my
favorite songs of all time. I thought our version came out great."
The Doobie Brothers are an American rock band from San Jose, California.
The group has sold more than 40 million albums worldwide. It has been active
for five decades, with its greatest success in the 1970s.
The band's history can
be roughly divided into three eras. From 1970 to 1975 it featured lead vocalist Tom Johnston and a
mainstream rock and roll sound with elements of folk, country and R&B.
Johnston quit the group in 1975, and was replaced by Michael McDonald, whose
interest in soul music changed the band's sound until it broke up in 1982. The
Doobie Brothers reformed in 1987 with Johnston back in the fold and are still
active, with occasional contributions from McDonald. Every incarnation of the group emphasized vocal
harmonies. The Doobie Brothers were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in
2004.
Well, a travelin' man's affliction
makes it hard to settle down
But I'm stuck here in the flatlands while my heart is homeward bound
Goin' back, I'm too tired to roam, Loma Prieta my mountain home
On the hills above Santa Cruz, in the place where I spent my youth
Well it was Neal Cassady that started me to travelin'
All the stories that were told, I believed them every one
And it's a windin' road I'm on you understand
And no time to worry 'bout tomorrow when you're followin' the sun
Papa don't you worry now and mama don't you cry
Sweet woman don't forsake me, I'll be comin' by and by
Goin' back, I'm too tired to roam, Loma Prieta my mountain home
On the hills above Santa Cruz, in the place where I spent my youth.