Sensational '70's Tune for Tuesday, June 9th, '09

One of the most delightful Doobie Brothers singles, this classy ballad introduced an element of Cajun music into the band that would soon become a trademark. Built on a simple, seventh-note guitar lick, the folksy melody is driven by some subtle fingerpicking by the writer, Patrick Simmons, and some excellent group vocals. Lyrically, it's a backwoods tale of romance, and it's filled with references to New Orleans and its atmosphere. There is a creative production touch, where the vocals become an a cappella workout in the middle of the song. This was utilized by producer Ted Templeman, and he learned it from Lenny Waronker, who used it on Templeman's own group, Harpers Bizarre, on their hit "Feelin' Groovy."