Phoenix and 'Yacht Rock'

So who are the first bands you think of when you listen to the ultra smooth sounds of Phoenix?

The Velvet Underground, Iggy Pop, Elvis Costello, Kiss and Daft Punk?

Of course you don’t!

These bands are, however, apparently big influences on the French pop rockers, Phoenix.  During a 2009 MTV interview Phoenix guitarist, Laurent Brancowitz, explains that Velvet Underground were one of their biggest influences and that “if you know how to play Pale Blue Eyes, you know how to play guitar”.

Here at triplew.me, we think that the Phoenix sound draws some pretty strong parallels with “Yacht Rock”. For those who are new to the genre (and hopefully, you are), “Yacht Rock” is a term used to describe the style of highly polished soft rock that was popular in the late 70’s and early 80’s.  Sometimes also referred to as “Marina Rock” or “70’s A.M. Rock”, the term Yacht Rock was developed as the music conjures up images of the stereotyped weekend yachtsman, out for a sail in his gleaming white yacht, while sipping a beverage with his companion of choice.  Think soft focus, blue skies and wind blowing through white sails, lots of white linen and blond hair.

Key figures in the Yacht Rock revolution, include Steely Dan, Toto, the Doobie Brothers and Hall & Oates.  But the ultimate Yacht Rock song is without question the No. 1 US hit 'Sailing', off Christopher Cross’s self titled 1980 masterpiece.

Interestingly, 'Sailing' was awarded the Song of the Year at the Grammy’s in 1980, and at the 2010 Grammy’s, Phoenix’s 'Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix' took out the Best Alternative Rock Album.

Solid proof that the 80’s are cool again?  Or possibly showing that the generation gap is breaking down, with Hall and Oates topping the golden oldies radio station playlists, while Phoenix top the alternative charts all over the world. Coincidence? Probably.

Have a listen and tell us what you think.

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What do you think?  Can you hear some Yacht Rock s(l)eeping through to Phoenix?