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Roots rockers pair chronological overview with mixed bag of bonus performancesThe Doobie Brothers - "Let The Music Play:The Story Of The Doobie Brothers" DVD Review (Eagle Rock Entertainment) 3 stars (out of 5 stars) December 10, 2012 |
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Review by Andy Argyrakis Blending good old fashioned rock n' roll, roots rock and blue-eyed soul made The Doobie Brothers one of the most popular bands of the '70s, and even today, the group has no trouble selling out shows on the road. As a result, the new Blu-ray/DVD "Let The Music Play: The Story Of The Doobie Brothers" won't have any problem finding an audience as it not only tells the group's story from start through now, but also features several bonus performances from various eras.Though the documentary portion is certainly thorough thanks to interviews with all the key surviving members and their behind the scenes team, it's pretty much a paint by the numbers story of any rock band that thrived in the '70s, had several personnel and sound shifts by the '80s, broke up and eventually reunited. The handful of dramas and instances of drug use aren't over glamorized but are merely touched upon in favor of the group's musical accomplishments, family life and sound business decisions, along with a strategically placed plug of the current studio collection "World Gone Crazy." As for the 48 minutes of bonus performances, they range from a poor quality poolside jam session of "Rainy Day Crossroad Blues" to clearer clips of the Michael McDonald-era's "Takin' It To The Streets" and a more recent take on "China Grove." And while there are certainly a few diamonds to be found within the rough, there's no indication either on the screen or in the liner notes of where or when the footage was filmed, leaving viewers scratching their heads with an unfulfilled curiosity. Even though the story isn't enthralling and the performances vary in quality, "Let The Music Play: The Story Of The Doobie Brothers" accomplishes its basic mission and gives the group's more dedicated followers one more way to "Listen To The Music." |