Yacht rock
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Yacht rock is a variation of popular soft rock that peaked between the years of 1976 and 1984. Significant "Yacht Rockers" include Michael McDonald, Kenny Loggins, Christopher Cross, Steely Dan, and Toto.
The term "Yacht Rock" itself is relatively new, coming into circulation as the farcical creation of J.D. Ryznar, through the online comedy series of the same name, written, directed, and produced by Ryznar and co-produced by Hunter Stair and Lane Farnham. The "net" version of "Yacht Rock" can be viewed at Channel 101[1]. This series is a low-budget dramatization of these musicians' lives.
Most specifically, "Yacht Rock" refers to the highly polished brand of soft rock that emanated from Southern California during the late '70s and early '80s. The term is meant to suggest the kind of smooth, mellow music that early yuppies likely enjoyed while sipping champagne and snorting cocaine on their yachts. Additionally, since sailing was such a popular local leisure activity, some "Yacht Rockers" made nautical references in their lyrics and album artwork, particularly the anthemic track "Sailing" by Christopher Cross.
The foundation of the "Yacht Rock" scene was a local pool of versatile session musicians who frequently played on each other's records, as well as those of many other artists. This professionalism often gave "Yacht Rock" recordings a high level of sophistication in purely musical areas such as composition, arrangement, and instrumental skill.
"Yacht Rock" was never a hit with most rock critics, who disliked the music's smooth aesthetic, and dismissed it as bland and sterile. However, the most popular "Yacht Rock" artists enjoyed massive commercial success, and dominated the Grammy Awards during the genre's peak years. Many still enjoy a cult following today, particularly Steely Dan.
"Marina Rock" is a related term, coined by James Carter, meant to evoke a more "working-class" group of artists who hopped on the "Yacht Rock" bandwagon, but enjoyed less commercial, artistic, and historical significance. This term stems from the working class in the late 70's and early 80's when their wages became substantial enough to go out and buy a used Chris Craft and "rock out" at the local marina. These so-called "Marina Rats" often times lived on their boats and spent the sun-soaked days drinking Shlitz and listening to Marina Rock. Oddly enough, it is said that Jimmy Buffett may even be considered Marina Rock as the well-known "ParrotHeads" often dwell in second rate marinas.
― musically (musically), Saturday, 11 March 2006 01:29 (twenty years ago)
xpost = cross-post, douglas. i feel so old-ILM saying stuff like this, even though of-fucking-course I'm not. It means I was responding to a post not directly previous to mine. Look at me, I'm a froofy cool guy.
(sorry, drunk.)
― regular roundups (Dave M), Saturday, 11 March 2006 08:11 (twenty years ago)
one year passes...