Doobies go "Crazy" on first album in 10 years

DETROIT  - The Doobie Brothers have reunited with '70s producer Ted Templeman for their first new album in a decade, "World Gone Crazy," which is due out on September 28.

Singer-guitarist Tom Johnston tells Billboard.com that the group and Templeman -- who produced the group's first 10 albums, including "Toulouse Street" and "Takin' It to the Streets" -- have been working on the disc for the past three years "off and on, between touring and everything."

The title track, inspired by New Orleans post-Katrina, incorporates Crescent City rhythms and horn charts. Bandmate Patrick Simmons, according to Johnston, contributed "some pickin' stuff" including "We Won," which features a guest appearance by Willie Nelson.

At Templeman's suggestion the Doobies also re-recorded "Nobody," the lead-off track from the group's self-titled 1971 debut album, which will be the new album's first single. The set will be released by the new House of Rock label.

A headlining tour is planned to follow the album's release.