fange wrote:toomanyhatz wrote:Yeah, there is definitely a 'what constitutes yacht rock?' discussion to be had here.
So what would be your definition, hatzy?
Tough to say, and it's tempting to go with a simple "I know it when I hear it," but I do think there are a few qualities that are not necessarily literally true, but at least kind of suggested:
1) Complete lack of 'down home' rootsy feel.
2) Urban rather than rural origin of the chief players - preferably Californian but could be New York too.
3) Leisure suits rather than denim. Gold chains might also be involved.
4) A light soul feel completely free of any gospel sensibility.
5) Smooth perfection valued more highly than feel or groove.
Something with "Rhiannon"'s spooky feel doesn't fit for me, but Steely Dan probably does. "Thunder Island" seems to fit the bill just about perfectly.