What Were Once Vices Are Now Habits

Mastered from the original master tapes: Best-sounding version of 1974 classic ever made

Doobie Brothers’ most diverse record includes No. 1 smash “Black Water”

What could the Doobie Brothers possibly do to follow-up the excellent The Captain and Me? Plenty. They started by inviting the Memphis Horns to inject more soul into their trademark, Southern-styled boogie rock. Next, they secured the services of Steely Dan virtuoso Jeff “Skunk” Baxter to supply guitar and pedal-steel parts. And for extra spice, the band recruited Arlo Guthrie to play autoharp. The results? What Were Once Vices Are Now Habits, the group’s most diverse album to date. It’s just one reason Mobile Fidelity is proud to include the 1974 effort in its phenomenal Doobie Brothers catalog restoration series.

Of course, no record is worth its salt without sharp songwriting. Fret not. What Were Once Vices Are Now Habits overflows with one memorable tune after another. It’s a true collective effort, with the material reflecting the musical strengths of each of the members. Picking up where the disbanded Creedence Clearwater Revival had left off, Tom Johnston contributes the rousing “Pursuit on 53rd Street” and “Down in the Track.” Patrick Simmons’ “Black Water” advances swamp rock, and gave the band its first No. 1 hit.