Featuring original guitarists Pat Simmons and Tom Johnston, World Gone Crazy is the band's first release for 10 years. While Simmons has been a constant through the years, Johnston dropped out of the line up between '77 and '82. The 2010 incarnation also features guitarist John McFee (who's featured in various line-ups since '93) and drummer Michael Hossack who was with the band between '71 and '73, and since '91.

Unlike Bachman and Turner who have turned the clock back and come out kickin' ass, The Doobies have mellowed. The set opens with the reggae/gospel infused A Brighter Day and the initial reaction is 'cripes!' But Chateau and Nobody, move the set into more familiar 'rollin' down the highway' territory.

It would be unrealistic to expect anything other than a mellow, easy on the ear ride and on that level World Gone Crazy doesn't disappoint, often having an almost Steely Dan groove. All that the Latin infused Old Juarez is missing is some Santana style guitar work.

Michael McDonald guests on dreamy Don't Say Goodbye, and Willie Nelson on I Know We Won. Certainly you can't complain on the value for money front, with two bonus tracks and an excellent documentary dvd thrown in for good measure.

World Gone Crazy may not exactly roll back the years, but it's a comfortable and pleasant journey. The dvd does however highlight the contrast between the freshness and vitality of the band's formative years and the mellowed professionalism of World Gone Crazy.

***½

Review by Pete Whalley