"I f you are not a fan of the Michael McDonald-era Doobies (and I am included in that category), then this is the sound for you. That distictive voice coupled with the trademark guitar sound and Ted Templeman production kept me going when the "other band" wasn't happening. Listen to "Small Time Talk" for that characteristic sound. It will put a smile on your face-it does to mine."
An absolute masterpiece
M. Weber | Aloha, OR USA | 12/22/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I bought this on LP long ago and thought this hit a bull's eye for Tom Johnston! I could not believe how great these songs were and how much they will make a bad day feel a little bit better. The only weakness I see on this cd is "Outlaw," which doesn't seem like it took to much time to write and sounds like a throw in. However, all the other tracks have a soulful feel that is just wonderful. I am so glad Wounded Bird released this on cd....it's about time somebody did!"
Doobies Out-takes
S. M. Engel | Amsterdam Netherlands | 11/03/2004
(2 out of 5 stars)
"This is a nice little album from Tom Johnston; it sounds very much like a Doobies album but without I'm sorry to say very good songs. It is even produced by Ted Templeman!! Standout track for me is 'Savannah Nights'. The rest of the very short album (29 minutes) just flows away.
Why did Wounded Bird not release this album together with "Still Feels Good" (33 minutes) on 1 CD ?
"
First solo effort post Doobie Brothers
C. tota | Connecticut | 07/19/2005
(1 out of 5 stars)
"Johnston's first solo outing contained what could have been a step beyong his Doobie's material. It has the same producer, loads of great sessionmen including Michael McDonald, Nicolette Larson, Bill Payne (Little Feat) Jim Keltner, the Tower of Power Horns and the Memphis Horns. There was one MAJOR problem with this album. The SONGS ARE NOT THERE. Plain and simple, you can add lush production and good musicianship, but if the songs aren't there, the songs aren't there. Johnston was trying for a more "current" sound. It failed. It was more like bad disco. For a better Johnston solo effort go to his next album Still Feels Good. Better songs, more "doobie-ish" material.