Takin' It to the Streets was recorded in 1975 and released in 1976, marking a significant transitional period for the Doobie Brothers as Michael McDonald joined the band and took a prominent creative role. The album was produced by Ted Templeman, who had been the band's longtime producer, and recorded at Warner Bros. Recording Studios in North Hollywood, California, with Donn Landee serving as engineer, a pairing that had defined the band's sound throughout the mid-1970s. The sessions reflected a deliberate shift away from the group's earlier rock and boogie-driven style toward a smoother, more keyboard-driven sound heavily influenced by McDonald's R&B and soul sensibilities. Ted Templeman and Donn Landee were known for their clean, polished production approach, and this album continued that tradition while accommodating the new sonic direction. The title track, written and sung by McDonald, became one of the defining songs of the era and signaled the new creative direction that would carry the band through their commercially successful late-1970s period.
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9 cataloged · sorted by audiophile score
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Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab — MFSL 1-122
The MFSL pressing is highly praised for its expanded dynamics, clarity, and improved bass response, and is considered one of the definitive vinyl versions of the album.
Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab — UDSACD 2043
The MoFi hybrid SACD is widely praised for its detailed, dynamic presentation and is considered one of the best digital versions available.
Warner Bros. Records — BS 2899
The original 1976 US pressing is generally regarded as warm and punchy, with many forum members preferring it over later digital remasters for its analog presence.
Warner Bros. Records — WPCP-3166
The early Japanese CD is favored by some collectors for its uncompressed presentation and natural tonal balance compared to later remasters.
Warner Bros. Records — 2899-2
An early non-remastered CD that some forum members appreciate for its flat transfer and lack of brickwall compression, though it can sound thin compared to vinyl.
Warner Bros. Records — WPCR-12354
A Japanese reissue that is generally well-regarded but not considered essential, with mixed opinions on its mastering relative to earlier Japanese pressings.
Warner Bros. Records — 7599-27300-2
The European target CD is occasionally mentioned as a decent early-digital option, though not widely discussed as a standout pressing.
Friday Music — FRM-02899 · Warner Records — FRM-02899
The Friday Music reissue receives mixed reviews, with some praising the quiet pressing while others criticize the mastering as overly bright or compressed compared to originals.
Rhino — RCV1 2899 · Warner Records — RCV1 2899
A recent Rhino reissue with limited discussion on audiophile forums, generally viewed as a serviceable but not reference-quality pressing.