Michael McDonald reunites with The Doobie Brothers on the Tonight Show:
And the web-exclusive: the performance of "What a Fool Believes".
Karl Pilkington once said that he doesn't understand the point of a medley and I think I see where he's coming from. Why two half songs instead of one whole one? Isn't it selling yourself short to say that people can't get through the whole song? Was it some weird compromise between the "Doobie Brothers" camp and the "Michael McDonald" camp? Well, "What a Fool Believes" is great.
It's coming up on four years since Christopher Cross performed on the finale of the first ever Yacht Rock Party and the online videos of the performances are long gone. But one of them, "Ride Like the Wind", has resurfaced on vimeo.
If, like me, you can't get enough of this, this is exciting news. Here's Christopher Cross, Michael McDonald and The Roots performing "Ride Like the Wind"...
The title is self-explanatory. Three Michael McDonalds sing "Row, Row, Row Your Boat". Not as funny as it is interesting.
In case you're wondering, the one in the middle is Justin Timberlake.
YACHT ROCK IS BACK - AND IN BULK. This Friday, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon will throw its second Yacht Rock party. The special musical guest will be Robbie Dupree who will sing his smooth hit "Steal Away". My first impression is that it's no comparison to Christopher Cross and Michael McDonald but we'll see how it goes.
Epilogue: Johnny Louis never made it to San Francisco. He was hit and killed by a drunk driver.
Adam and Katie were married later that summer but divorced 5 years later. Both have since remarried.
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As a bookend to the Yacht Rock Party, here are some notable Yacht Rock songs that I either love or are just evocative of memories from their era.
Steely Dan - Peg
Knowledgeable music listeners will recognize that this was sampled in the also cool "Eye Know" by De La Soul. This song features Michael McDonald.
The Doobie Brothers - What a Fool Believes
Written by Michael McDonald and Kenny Loggins. Michael Jackson has also claimed to have contributed to at least one backing track but is not credited.
Jefferson Starship - Sara
OK, maybe this one doesn't belong here, I don't know, but I felt it should be included. It's the epitome of "smooth rock" for better or worse in my opinion. Hey, is that Rebecca Demornay?! Yes, it is. I'm no doctor but if you suspect storms are brewin' in your eyes, you should seek medical attention and/or a meteorologist immediately.
Michael McDonald - I Keep Forgettin'
Man, Michael McDonald is dominating this list. Again, sharp music listeners will note that this song was sampled later by Warren G on "Regulate".
Christopher Cross - Never Be the Same
I really wanted to use "Ride Like the Wind" but I thought I would avoid repetition. This song though, REALLY sounds like it was used as a television show theme in the 80s. Perhaps it's just my imagination but I think it's from somewhere. What am I thinking of? It's similar to the "Doogie Howser" theme, but I think there's something else... Anyway, good song.
