And it's a genre that's never died. See this new track by Thundercat, featuring both Loggins and McDonald.
Well, if it makes you feel any better, I saw the Flaming Lips open for Candlebox. Poor, poor Candlebox.
An excellent trade indeed, my friend. I thought about picking up one of their BYR shirt to support the podcast, but $30+ is ridiculous.
I was listening to "The Bridge" channel on SiriusXM today and on comes Stephen Bishop's "On and On" and I thought "wow. Is this the ultimate Yacht Rock" song or what?
…or what? I can totally see why that would seem like a great yacht song, and thematically the escape to an exotic locale only to have your heart broken lyrics are spot on. That said, the sound isn't quite there. It's too meandering, too much acoustic guitar, what sounds like a bit of western steel—it's basically a country song. One of the misconception is that yacht rock has to be mellow and soft, which isn't the case. It has to be smooth, but some of it is quite upbeat. If you listen to Airplay's s/t album—which may be the yachtest album of all time—it's actually really in your face. Smooth as heck, but quite energetic.
When I hear the term, I think smooth. And I also seem to think of the light rock - especially from acts that, whether they are or not, from Southern California - of the late '70s/early '80s. I know a lot of folks mention Michael McDonald and Kenny Loggins, but I think of Christopher Cross as the iconic yacht rock artist if for no other reason than his debut album which, to me, is the most perfect yacht rock album of all time.
"Yacht Rock" is something that needs to be in that "Words and Phrases People Need to Stop Using" thread. I'd like to hang the person who created that term by their feet, and jab searing hot razor blades under their toenails. Now, with that outta the way: I love soft rock, or Southern California rock. Laurel Canyon rock, if you will. I include bands/artists like Pablo Cruise, Fleetwood Mac, Boz Scaggs, Linda Ronstadt,, James Taylor, Little River Band, England Dan & John Ford Coley, Firefall...you get the point.
Pablo Cruise (of whom I'm a big fan) probably define it more than anyone just because of their name and songs like "I Go To Rio". Don't be offended by the term "Yacht Rock" though just because it was probably intended as a perjorative. Own it!
The dissertation forgot the most important distinction. Yacht rock is not rock. Does the CSN album with them on a yacht qualify?
Yet Bad Sneakers, Dr. Wu, Deacon Blues, Boston Rag, Your Gold Teeth, Any Major Dude Will Tell You, Peg, Hey Nineteen... I mean, come on. They're the admirals of the genre.
Whatever. They are as far away from "feel good smooth" as you can get IF you're actually paying attention! But obviously most of you are not, and I get it. Have fun!
I think you're too easily offended by the term. But clearly you're a closet Yachter. Embrace your inner moorings. Take your shirt off for an album cover or two and indulge!
Steely Dan is what the Yachters listen to after a few too many Mai Tais. Suddenly all those young girls look so much more accessible..