Music videos that feature Thunderbirds

[westen44]

I know very little about Smokie.  I did encounter this song on You Tube some time ago.  This, of course, is pop and so was the original Randy VanWarmer version.  But this Smokie singer, whoever he is, really pulls off the song in a convincing way, IMO.   If you've ever been dumped, this song captures the mood, needless to say. 

[Basvarken]

I don't think that is the "real" Smokie from the seventies with Chris Norman on lead vocal.
Probably a new version with the one of the former Smokie members who is now touring the golden oldie circuit under that name, with a new singer.

[uwe]

Not Chris Norman, they've had at least two further lead vocalists since Chris Norman left (one of them died tragically in a car crash).

Chris Norman's voice is always a bit on the nasal side. He said in an interview once that he had initially a clear voice but following a severe bout of  flu "my voice sounded like this und it never changed back"

I think the only original member of Smokie today is the drummer. Chris Norman has a solo career and the former lead guitarist played/plays with a T. Rex  tribute that at one point featured Marc Bolan's son Rolan (Bolan).

[westen44]

Like I said, I know very little about Smokie.  I do think, though, they did a good job on that cover.  The original with Randy VanWarmer was also good (for a pop song) especially the lyrics.  VanWarmer said it was successful because of John Sebastian's contribution.  But I think he was just being modest in saying that.  I don't know who Chris Norman is or anyone else who has been in Smokie.  But I noticed that singer on that song also has a voice which sounds a little gravelly at times.  I thought that added to the performance--at least in this particular instance.  Needless to say, it's supposed to be an emotional song pulling at the heartstrings. 

Edit:
I was able to look it up.  I think this is probably the singer on that video. 

https://smokie.co.uk/the-band/mike/

[uwe]

Yeah, the dark-haired one (the other two were blond), no doubt a fine singer and he's been with them for ages.

[Pilgrim]

A couple of years ago one of my daughters gave me the gift of a pair of tickets to the "Yacht Rock Revue" and went with me. We were quite surprised at what a solid presentation it was, with outstanding musicians who really captured the style and sound of the originals. After the event, I explained yacht rock to my wife as "the music you really enjoyed but wouldn't admit it to your friends."  Lots of stuff like Christopher Cross, and one of the highlights was Baker Street with a sax player who blew the audience away with an outstanding solo.

Back when I was spinning 45s and after Jerry Vale dropped off the map, we simply called that music MOR format, for Middle of the Road. Now it's probably categorized as 10 splinter genres.

At any rate, it was a fun evening and both I and my daughter really enjoyed the music.

[4stringer77]

Yacht rock is basically easy listening or soft rock but shouldn't the subject matter have something to do with yachting or sailing? Captain and Tennille didn't really have many songs about being on the ocean even though the guy Captain had the silly hat. Larry Graham used to wear one of those hats but he's hardly considered a yacht rocker for it. Gordon Lightfoot gets a pass (wreck of the edmund fitzgerald) but I'm not so sure about the Eagles or Kenny Loggins.

[Pilgrim]

They're all fair game for the touring Yacht Rock Revue.

I don't think it's too much of a stretch to realize that Yacht Rock refers to a stereotyped lifestyle and the taste that goes with it, not the ownership of an actual yacht.

[4stringer77]

They're all fair game for the touring Yacht Rock Revue.

I don't think it's too much of a stretch to realize that Yacht Rock refers to a stereotyped lifestyle and the taste that does with it, not the ownership of an actual yacht.

Ha ha, true. If owning a yacht was a prerequisite, then the Rolling Stones would be yacht rock.

[uwe]

To give credit to Comrade Chris Norman (who is still very popular in Russia), his voice is still golden:

[uwe]

Does this here qualify as marine music?



Little known fact: Looking Glass, who "never got over" this particular hit, because it was untypical for them and they couldn't replicate it, later on took on a new singer and changed their name ...

[4stringer77]

According to this, no.

http://www.yachtrock.com/captains-blog/2016/8/31/4sbtohjkixv5pjlvv4wg64w1ntucma

I'd have to agree. As much as it has ocean fairing themes, I'd say Nantucket Sleighride wouldn't be considered yacht rock either.
So are there any yacht rock videos featuring Thunderbirds to steer us back on course?

[Basvarken]

no yacht. no rock.

[Pilgrim]

Here's the Yacht Rock Revue setlist from Denver in Feb.2020:

Greatest American Hero (Believe It or Not)
(Joey Scarbury cover)

What a Fool Believes
(Kenny Loggins cover)

Somebody's Baby
(Jackson Browne cover)

Hey Nineteen
(Steely Dan cover)

Step

Lido Shuffle
(Boz Scaggs cover)

Love Will Find a Way
(Pablo Cruise cover)

Heart to Heart
(Kenny Loggins cover)

Sister Golden Hair
(America cover)

Lady
(Little River Band cover)

Rich Girl
(Daryl Hall & John Oates cover)

Steal Away
(Robbie Dupree cover)

Bad Tequila

Africa
(Toto cover)

Running With the Night
(Lionel Richie cover)

How Long
(Ace cover)

Don't Stop
(Fleetwood Mac cover)

Biggest Part of Me
(Ambrosia cover)

Late in the Evening
(Paul Simon cover)

Turn Your Love Around
(George Benson cover)

She's Gone
(Daryl Hall & John Oates cover)

Reelin' in the Years
(Steely Dan cover)

Escape (The Piña Colada Song)
(Rupert Holmes cover)

Baker Street
(Gerry Rafferty cover)

Ride Like the Wind
(Christopher Cross cover)

Encore:
You Can Call Me Al
(Paul Simon cover)

More Than a Feeling
(Boston cover)

[Rob]

would fill the tip jar in the right room.