I watched this last night. I didn't realize the influence members of Toto had on many hits from many artists in that era. As well as Michael McDonald.
Yacht Rock Documentary on Max
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Last: 10 days ago by 62strat
Watched the trailer and will definitely be watching this
Also watched after finding the Yacht Rock Essentials play list on Apple Music earlier this year, having no idea why this set of great late 70s/early 80s music was called that. Well done documentary, but I wish they had given a little time to Baby Come Back…
Yacht Rock radio is a nice change of pace sometimes on Sirius XM. I'm going soft in my old age…
I got my fill of that kind of music as a teenager when my dad would drive me to school in the mornings. He always had it on the "lite rock" station. Of course that helped ensure I would become a metalhead in the 80's.
Now I always have "Hair Nation" and "Ozzy's Boneyard" on when I drive the kids. No telling what they'll become fans of in reaction to being forced to hear never ending AC/DC, Judas Priest, GNR, etc.
Now I always have "Hair Nation" and "Ozzy's Boneyard" on when I drive the kids. No telling what they'll become fans of in reaction to being forced to hear never ending AC/DC, Judas Priest, GNR, etc.
I didn't know Michael McDonald was in the Doobie Brothers.
Jeff Pocaro was the best drummer who ever lived. He could fluidically transition from pop, rock, r&b, etc. in a seamless manner. Gone way, way too soon.
Class of '91 (MEEN)
Indeed. He was a huge influence for many of the drummers who came after him. The "Rosanna Shuffle" has eluded many a drummer.
Does the doc show a clip from the Michael McDonald sketch on SCTV? Classic.
Does the doc show a clip from the Michael McDonald sketch on SCTV? Classic.
I watched this last night and it was pretty well done. I had no idea how intertwined all those musicians were. Michael McDonald and the Toto guys were in everything! Anyway, I thought it was hilarious when Michael McDonald was described as sounding like a funky muppet.
Those who are still offended by the "yacht rock" label need to get over themselves and embrace the second wave of nostalgic popularity (and make some extra $ while they can). The same thing happened 10-15 years ago for Hair Metal. All of the sudden, bands like Poison, Cinderella, Skid Row even Faster ***** Cat were playing shows at the Woodlands Pavilion after being dead for many years. I'll bet a lineup of Yacht Rock all-stars could fill the Woodlands now.
Those who are still offended by the "yacht rock" label need to get over themselves and embrace the second wave of nostalgic popularity (and make some extra $ while they can). The same thing happened 10-15 years ago for Hair Metal. All of the sudden, bands like Poison, Cinderella, Skid Row even Faster ***** Cat were playing shows at the Woodlands Pavilion after being dead for many years. I'll bet a lineup of Yacht Rock all-stars could fill the Woodlands now.
Fun Documentary, the older I get, the more I'm drawn to this style of music. McDonald and Cross seem like good hangs. Glad their talent got recognized and hopefully will live on.
I remember singing along to the audition montage in Sing, and when the snail sang, Ride Like the Wind, I had no idea that was a C Cross song until this documentary. But that's a fun YR jam.
I remember singing along to the audition montage in Sing, and when the snail sang, Ride Like the Wind, I had no idea that was a C Cross song until this documentary. But that's a fun YR jam.
The first time Paul Rudd did Conan O'Brien's podcast, the two of them talked about never really knowing what singers looked like until they saw them on a show like SNL and then being shocked how "not cool" they looked. Rudd used Christopher Cross as an example, with many women apparently falling in love with him until they actually saw what he looked like.
That discussion then spiraled into the two of them realizing that Christopher Cross was still alive and likely very pissed if he was listening to the podcast.
BTW, had no idea Christopher Cross went to Alamo Heights HS
That discussion then spiraled into the two of them realizing that Christopher Cross was still alive and likely very pissed if he was listening to the podcast.
BTW, had no idea Christopher Cross went to Alamo Heights HS
I loved all this music back in the day and still do. Kenny Loggins has always been one of my favorite artists (and not because of soundtrack tunes). Always enjoyed Toto and Michael McDonald.
The biggest issue I have with documentaries like this is the stupid need to fill them with talking heads -- like Questlove -- who have a tenuous connection to the topic, which I guess is done to be more diverse? Questlove gets more screen time than many of the artists who actually made the music, and he was all of seven years old when "What a Fool Believes" was released.
Same with that woman blogger who looks like she's about 30. And Thundercat is certainly not a household name.
Also, I felt like the filmmaker gave short shift to the influence of '70s smooth jazz and overplayed the significance of R&B. For example, Kenny Loggins' first solo album was produced by jazz pianist Bob James and featured many jazz artists, like Richard Tee, Steve Gadd and Lee Ritenour.
Other than that I enjoyed it!!!
The biggest issue I have with documentaries like this is the stupid need to fill them with talking heads -- like Questlove -- who have a tenuous connection to the topic, which I guess is done to be more diverse? Questlove gets more screen time than many of the artists who actually made the music, and he was all of seven years old when "What a Fool Believes" was released.
Same with that woman blogger who looks like she's about 30. And Thundercat is certainly not a household name.
Also, I felt like the filmmaker gave short shift to the influence of '70s smooth jazz and overplayed the significance of R&B. For example, Kenny Loggins' first solo album was produced by jazz pianist Bob James and featured many jazz artists, like Richard Tee, Steve Gadd and Lee Ritenour.
Other than that I enjoyed it!!!
Or this?Hub `93 said:
Indeed. He was a huge influence for many of the drummers who came after him. The "Rosanna Shuffle" has eluded many a drummer.
Does the doc show a clip from the Michael McDonald sketch on SCTV? Classic.
Yes it does, with McDonald telling the story of how he first saw it while high in a hotel room.Hub `93 said:
Indeed. He was a huge influence for many of the drummers who came after him. The "Rosanna Shuffle" has eluded many a drummer.
Does the doc show a clip from the Michael McDonald sketch on SCTV? Classic.
Yep ... he played on more than 2,000 albums across all genres. He's right up there with Hal Blaine.Danger Mouse said:
Jeff Pocaro was the best drummer who ever lived. He could fluidically transition from pop, rock, r&b, etc. in a seamless manner. Gone way, way too soon.
Lol it actually did. I was a huge SCTV back then.Hub `93 said:
Indeed. He was a huge influence for many of the drummers who came after him. The "Rosanna Shuffle" has eluded many a drummer.
Does the doc show a clip from the Michael McDonald sketch on SCTV? Classic.
Class of '91 (MEEN)
I agree. I am an 80s hip-hop fan, but didn't see a need to incorporate that very tangential aspect into what is otherwise an exceptional doc.EclipseAg said:
I loved all this music back in the day and still do. Kenny Loggins has always been one of my favorite artists (and not because of soundtrack tunes). Always enjoyed Toto and Michael McDonald.
The biggest issue I have with documentaries like this is the stupid need to fill them with talking heads -- like Questlove -- who have a tenuous connection to the topic, which I guess is done to be more diverse? Questlove gets more screen time than many of the artists who actually made the music, and he was all of seven years old when "What a Fool Believes" was released.
Same with that woman blogger who looks like she's about 30. And Thundercat is certainly not a household name.
Also, I felt like the filmmaker gave short shift to the influence of '70s smooth jazz and overplayed the significance of R&B. For example, Kenny Loggins' first solo album was produced by jazz pianist Bob James and featured many jazz artists, like Richard Tee, Steve Gadd and Lee Ritenour.
Other than that I enjoyed it!!!
I listen to a significant amount of music, and this doc touched just about all of my favorite musicians.
Michael McDonald is arguably my favorite male vocalist. Instantly recognizable vocal range that is almost impossible to replicate.
Loggins overall talent (writing, vocals) is hard to top. His longevity of success is remarkable.
SD (Steely Dan) is at the top of my favorite groups (cannot be classified into a single genre).
My first memory of watching the Grammy's was when Christopher Cross won a crapload of them in 80 or 81. That debut album is timeless and always takes me back to a special place in time.
Jeff Pocaro is my favorite drummer, and loved Toto. The doc brought to light what great musicians they were. Most casual fans had no idea (much like with Chicago).
Class of '91 (MEEN)
One thing that wasn't mentioned -- or if it was, it slipped past me -- is that the Porcaro brothers' dad was a highly regarded studio drummer himself who had a strong jazz influence.Danger Mouse said:
Jeff Pocaro is my favorite drummer, and loved Toto. The doc brought to light what great musicians they were. Most casual fans had no idea (much like with Chicago).
That's an interesting sidenote that demonstrates how Jeff, Steve and Mike became so musically sophisticated.
Maybe the producer could have gotten Questlove to say it. LOL
I liked the original
I still use "California vagina sailors" every now and then 15 years later
If you're into this, check out the Dukes of September: McDonald, Donald F a g en, and Boz Scaggs. One of their live shows should still be on YT.
Long before I ever heard the term "Yacht Rock" and its rise in popularity, I started a playlist called "70's Power Soft" with music that was always in the background at my parent's parties in the 70's. I was very specific when it came to additions -- not too hard / standard rock, not too soft (like Air Supply).
Mount Rushmore is McDonald, Loggins and Cross for sure, the last is tougher and may have to be groups or collabs, like:
England Dan and John Ford Coley
Toto
Little River Band
Steely Dan
Ambrosia
Player
Orleans
Supertramp
Firefall
Wings
Mount Rushmore is McDonald, Loggins and Cross for sure, the last is tougher and may have to be groups or collabs, like:
England Dan and John Ford Coley
Toto
Little River Band
Steely Dan
Ambrosia
Player
Orleans
Supertramp
Firefall
Wings
Gonna watch it this weekend...
One of my Fav SD tracks - Michael McDonald on backing vocals, harmonizing with himself, plus a heck of a guitar solo by Jay Graydon. They had multiple guitarists cut solos. Jay said he didn't know his was used until he heard the song on the radio.
One of my Fav SD tracks - Michael McDonald on backing vocals, harmonizing with himself, plus a heck of a guitar solo by Jay Graydon. They had multiple guitarists cut solos. Jay said he didn't know his was used until he heard the song on the radio.
One of the greatest yacht rock songs of all time imo...
Great List Ag92
I'm a 38 yr old - and I get dunked on for my soft rock preferences. I watched the FM Yacht Rock series on YouTube. My old man was a stringent radio hog and I grew up on mostly Golden Oldies and 70s soft rock. I knew a lot of Doobie Brothers, Steely Dan, Toto, etc.
I wasn't an ardent listener to the Yacht Rock podcasts - those guys are pretty pretentious and full of themselves, but I'd venture over the the Yacht or Nyacht site to see how 'smooth' something was. Yes - SiriusXM and Spotify take liberties as defining what is Yacht - as they'd sometimes include bigger bands like The Eagles or Hall & Oates or other 80s folks.
I took a Middle Eastern buddy of mine to a Yacht Rock Revue show at Houston's House of Blues several years back. He grew up overseas and told me "Man, I'm not going to know any of this music" and sure enough - several TAB and Crowns later, he was donning a Sailor's hat and we were taking pictures with the band after the concert.
It's fun music that doesn't rock the boat.
As far as documentary - I appreciated how in-depth they went into F a g en and Becker's vital role into creating this gloriously smooth sound during that 5-6 year time frame. I didn't know how close the MTV / Music video era was to the end of Yacht Rock - and what essentially killed that sound moving forward.
I've heard of Thundercat before and suggest yall check into him if you want some 'Modern' YR sound. Young Gun Silver Fox is another fun modern duo that's putting out some funky tunes. It's entertaining to see how music from different generations blend and influence other artists down the road.
I'm a 38 yr old - and I get dunked on for my soft rock preferences. I watched the FM Yacht Rock series on YouTube. My old man was a stringent radio hog and I grew up on mostly Golden Oldies and 70s soft rock. I knew a lot of Doobie Brothers, Steely Dan, Toto, etc.
I wasn't an ardent listener to the Yacht Rock podcasts - those guys are pretty pretentious and full of themselves, but I'd venture over the the Yacht or Nyacht site to see how 'smooth' something was. Yes - SiriusXM and Spotify take liberties as defining what is Yacht - as they'd sometimes include bigger bands like The Eagles or Hall & Oates or other 80s folks.
I took a Middle Eastern buddy of mine to a Yacht Rock Revue show at Houston's House of Blues several years back. He grew up overseas and told me "Man, I'm not going to know any of this music" and sure enough - several TAB and Crowns later, he was donning a Sailor's hat and we were taking pictures with the band after the concert.
It's fun music that doesn't rock the boat.
As far as documentary - I appreciated how in-depth they went into F a g en and Becker's vital role into creating this gloriously smooth sound during that 5-6 year time frame. I didn't know how close the MTV / Music video era was to the end of Yacht Rock - and what essentially killed that sound moving forward.
I've heard of Thundercat before and suggest yall check into him if you want some 'Modern' YR sound. Young Gun Silver Fox is another fun modern duo that's putting out some funky tunes. It's entertaining to see how music from different generations blend and influence other artists down the road.
Yacht Rock Radio on Sirius XM has gotten really bad. To avoid repetition, they play rando '70s hits rather than deeper cuts that are truly "on the boat."cr0wbar said:
Yes - SiriusXM and Spotify take liberties as defining what is Yacht - as they'd sometimes include bigger bands like The Eagles or Hall & Oates or other 80s folks.
For example, they play "Amie" by Pure Prairie League which is more country than anything on their country stations.
He also has some thoughts about Michael McDonald.The Porkchop Express said:
The first time Paul Rudd did Conan O'Brien's podcast, the two of them talked about never really knowing what singers looked like until they saw them on a show like SNL and then being shocked how "not cool" they looked. Rudd used Christopher Cross as an example, with many women apparently falling in love with him until they actually saw what he looked like.
That discussion then spiraled into the two of them realizing that Christopher Cross was still alive and likely very pissed if he was listening to the podcast.
BTW, had no idea Christopher Cross went to Alamo Heights HS
Used masterfully in the first season of David Fincher's Mindhunter. Not a lot of songs have an incredible sax solo and an incredible guitar solo in the same few minutes.William Foster said:
One of the greatest yacht rock songs of all time imo...
Raphael Ravenscroft on sax
Hugh Burns on guitar
They are also way too fond of Boz Scaggs. I like Boz, but he's not really in my definition of 70's Power Soft.EclipseAg said:Yacht Rock Radio on Sirius XM has gotten really bad. To avoid repetition, they play rando '70s hits rather than deeper cuts that are truly "on the boat."cr0wbar said:
Yes - SiriusXM and Spotify take liberties as defining what is Yacht - as they'd sometimes include bigger bands like The Eagles or Hall & Oates or other 80s folks.
For example, they play "Amie" by Pure Prairie League which is more country than anything on their country stations.
I do say that some Hall & Oates counts, like Sara Smile and She's Gone.
except fallon and timberlake pretty much sound exactly like him lol.Danger Mouse said:EclipseAg said:
I loved all this music back in the day and still do. Kenny Loggins has always been one of my favorite artists (and not because of soundtrack tunes). Always enjoyed Toto and Michael McDonald.
The biggest issue I have with documentaries like this is the stupid need to fill them with talking heads -- like Questlove -- who have a tenuous connection to the topic, which I guess is done to be more diverse? Questlove gets more screen time than many of the artists who actually made the music, and he was all of seven years old when "What a Fool Believes" was released.
Same with that woman blogger who looks like she's about 30. And Thundercat is certainly not a household name.
Also, I felt like the filmmaker gave short shift to the influence of '70s smooth jazz and overplayed the significance of R&B. For example, Kenny Loggins' first solo album was produced by jazz pianist Bob James and featured many jazz artists, like Richard Tee, Steve Gadd and Lee Ritenour.
Other than that I enjoyed it!!!
Instantly recognizable vocal range that is almost impossible to replicate.
Agree on the SXM channel missing the mark a lot. I eventually ventured over to a solid YR playlist curated by the guys. Got PLENTY of deep cuts. I admit that I like those tunes - but they don't fall into the genre!
For those wanting a DEEP dive (almost 50 hours and nearly 700 songs) of pure, unadulterated Yacht Rock magic - check out this playlist that gets updated.
Beyond Yacht Rock
Beyond Yacht Rock
Wow .. that's a great list.cr0wbar said:
For those wanting a DEEP dive (almost 50 hours and nearly 700 songs) of pure, unadulterated Yacht Rock magic - check out this playlist that gets updated.
Beyond Yacht Rock
Noticed Airplay right away. Long-forgotten band with David Foster, Jay Graydon and Bill Champlin.
If you're into Steely Dan and haven't seen this Making of Aja documentary, it's a must watch.
There are six parts - this is the first.
There are six parts - this is the first.
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