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Explore every episode of the podcast Out of the Main

Dive into the complete episode list for Out of the Main. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.

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1–50 of 253

TitlePub. DateDuration
S5.E30: Album Focus: Toto29 Aug 202400:50:58

At long last and by persistent listener request, John and Tom run down the debut Toto album (aka “Toto I” to some) and bask in the genius that started it all. Tune in for John and Tom’s analysis of the first in the legendary group’s deep catalogue, and follow along the track-by-track dissection and discussion. As always, leave us your own thoughts on this record on Facebook when/where we post the episode announcement! 


Interested in "Forward Momentum? in music? Follow Mike O'Cull on X (Twitter).


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“Born at Sea. Raised on Radio.”

S5.E29: Ranking Journey: The Steve Perry Years22 Aug 202400:46:05

Mark Donnelly returns to the podcast last week to finish off our in-depth coverage of the history of Journey. This week, he and the guys rank all of the studio albums during the Steve Perry years to jointly determine which of this section of the catalogue reigns supreme. As we did with our Prince ratings earlier in the season, we invite you to play along and offer your own personal scorings.


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“Born at Sea. Raised on Radio.”

S5.E20: Who Is Nile Rodgers?20 Jun 202400:40:24

How much do you know about Nile Rodgers? Some may not even know the name. Some may know him as accomplished rhythm guitarist. But how much do you really know about his prolific catalogue as a producer and first-call session cat? There’s a lot we didn’t know about this six-time-Grammy-winning hall-of-famer, and maybe much for you to discover as well. 


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“Born at Sea. Raised on Radio.”

Episode 22.34: Still Alright, with Kenny Loggins08 Sep 202200:45:19

Fresh off the release of his autobiography, “Still Alright: A Memoir,” Kenny Loggins joins the podcast to discuss his life story, along with contributing writer Jason Turbow. John and Tom, over the course of two episodes, examine Kenny’s career, the personal life he so generously shares in his memoir, and of course, the music that transcends both time and genre. The book is fantastic, so pick it up today!

Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Still-Alright-Memoir-Kenny-Loggins/dp/0306925362/ref=asc_df_0306925362/

Lightning Round:

  • Does It Float Your Boat?
  • Buried Treasures
  • Off the Map

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Episode 22.33: Wire Choir01 Sep 202200:37:47

Tom and John analyze and celebrate their newest favorite term of art, “wire choir.” What seems to be a fixture in the vocabulary of yacht rock legends keeps popping up more and more, the moment you first acknowledge it and hear it.

  • What is “wire choir?”
  • How is it done?
  • Guest insights: What are Peter Friestedt’s three favorite examples of wire choir?
  • Who were the masters of the art?
  • Let’s go the tape! Bountiful audio clips that represent our favorite applications of the technique.

Lightning Round:

  • Does It Float Your Boat?
  • Buried Treasures
  • Off the Map

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Episode 22.32: Bermuda Triangle (First Flight)25 Aug 202200:56:58

John and Tom go off sonar. Where will they end up? Nobody knows!

Until of course, you tune in to find out...

The guys debut a recurring episode format. We hope you like it, because we can never be sure if it’ll ever come back! Welcome...to the Bermuda Triangle...

Lightning Round:

  • Does It Float Your Boat?
  • Buried Treasures
  • Off the Map

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Episode 22.31: The Making of a Pages Tribute, with Mikael Engström18 Aug 202200:48:08

Perhaps the world’s biggest Pages fan, Mikael Engström joins Tom and John to recall the events that led to a major tribute to the legendary yacht rock band Pages. From the initial germination of the idea, all the way through to the live show, which included Richard Page and Steve George, among other connections to the original group, it was one stroke of luck (and hard work!) after another. Tune in to hear how it happened, what went into it, and the amazing chain of events that ensued!

Listen and Watch:

“Future Street” from the Pages Tribute January 24th 2020

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FZ88Sx-V4A

  • Lead vocals_ Lars Säfsund (Work Of Art)
  • Guitar solo: Robert Säll (Work Of Art)

“Who's Right , Who's Wrong” from the same night

https://youtu.be/ThP5fdBkpYs

"Two People" from Pages Tribute January 24th , 2020

https://youtu.be/XUoLHexV5mg

  • Lead vocals: Oskar Nilsson

"Room At The Top" Pages Tribute January 24th, 2020

https://youtu.be/16J8WG9-BXQ

  • Lead vocals Lars Säfsund

"Sesatia & Clearly Kim" from May 25 2019

https://youtu.be/bJh3fXmt60Q

  • Lead vocals: Oskar Nilsson

"If I Saw You Again" Pages Tribute January 24th, 2020

https://youtu.be/sv2u5wfv1WI

  • Lead vocals :Quint Starkie

The Sailor¨s Song" Pages Tribute January 24th, 2020

https://youtu.be/g0TOb-Igf6Y

  • Lead vocals: Stefan Nykvist

Lightning Round:

  • Does It Float Your Boat?
  • Buried Treasures
  • Off the Map

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Episode 22.30: Paying Tribute, with the Docksiders11 Aug 202200:52:30

John and Tom go “in the trenches” with the founder and producer of “America’s Favorite Yacht Rock Band,” The Docksiders, Kevin Sucher and his bandmate and life-mate Erin. From three Grammys and multiple gigs and sessions with yacht rock royalty, culminating in a 40-week run in Las Vegas, the Docksiders got and brought the goods! Listen in to hear what caught the approving ear of our co-hosts as they attended a live performance on a gorgeous summer night in Michigan...with yachts looking on, no less!

Lightning Round:

  • Does It Float Your Boat?
  • Buried Treasures
  • Off the Map

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Episode 22.29: Trapped in Isolation: “Rosanna”04 Aug 202200:50:18

In an all-new “Song Focus” episode, John and Tom examine and analyze Toto’s “Rosanna” using isolated recordings of each instrument, track by glorious track. Starting with the Porcaro Shuffle, through the P-bass stylings of David Hungate, onto the Steve Lukather masterclass, and finally the lush, smooth sounds of the masterful vocals. They don’t make ‘em like this anymore, so let’s take the time to appreciate how and when they did!

Lightning Round:

  • Does It Float Your Boat?
  • Buried Treasures
  • Off the Map

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Episode 22.28: The Vocal Stylings of Yacht Rock (and more)28 Jul 202200:45:25

As requested by a listener, Tom and John provide their analysis on how vocals were recorded, arranged, performed and mixed during the era we commonly associate as the yacht rock years, including that of artists off of the boat as well. Lush harmonies were a staple of music making during the golden age, and we couldn’t have a podcast about yacht rock without diving in to melody and harmony!

Lightning Round:

  • Does It Float Your Boat?
  • Buried Treasures
  • Off the Map

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Episode 22.27: Perfect 10s21 Jul 202200:40:49

We asked the people, and the people responded! “What are your ‘Perfect 10’ yacht rock albums? Does this mean perfectly yachty or yachty albums that are perfect top-to-bottom? You decide! Tune in to hear what we heard from the #yachtrock community!

Lightning Round:

  • Does It Float Your Boat?
  • Buried Treasures
  • Off the Map

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Episode 22.26: Lance Hoppen of Orleans14 Jul 202200:42:51

Taking a quick breather from Orleans’s current national tour, current frontman and long-time bassist Lance Hoppen joins Tom and John to talk past, present and future of an iconic fixture of West Coast AOR. Fun facts abound!

Things discussed:

  • Touring with fellow legends of yacht rock in the modern era
  • The bass lines of Orleans, especially “Dance with Me”
  • The personnel shuffle
  • The amazing turn of events that led to “Love Takes Time”
  • Still the ones recording and touring after all these years

Lightning Round WITH Lance Hoppen:

  • Does It Float Your Boat? - “Spring Fever”
  • Buried Treasures - “Dance with Me” (Early Klugh cover)
  • Off the Map - “Dancing in the Moonlight”

References and Related:

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Episode 22.25: Viewer Mail07 Jul 202200:43:14

Tom and John reach into the Viewer Mailbag to field questions from the listening audience. Thanks for sending us your suggestions for this #AskUsAnything episode, and keep the mail coming!

Listen in to see if they manage to avoid some potentially dangerous naval mines!

Of Note:

Listener Jono's and Listener Richard's collaborative playlists:

- One-Bar Wonder Cruise

- Joint Cumulative Playlist

Lightning Round:

  • Does It Float Your Boat?
  • Buried Treasures
  • Off the Map

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S5.E19: The Road to the Vinyl Four13 Jun 202400:46:40

Tom and John kick off a multi-episode tournament that will conclude in March 2025: The Vinyl Four!


We have created a bracket of 64 albums that represent, in our view, the most influential albums, not of ALL time, but of OUR time: essentially 1975 to 1985, sticking mostly within AOR pop rock. Throughout this season and the beginning of next, we’ll invite guest judges on to help us arrive at the biggest album of the era, as selected by lovers of music from the 70s and 80s. Who will emerge as The Vinyl Four? Follow the vinyl-brick road to find out!


Lightning Round References:


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“Born at Sea. Raised on Radio.”

Episode 22.24: Distant Cousin City Pop, with Van Paugam30 Jun 202200:44:41

John and Tom are joined by DJ Van Paugam, a subject matter expert on yacht rock’s distant cousin known as City Pop. Contemporary to our favorite genre, City Pop was born in Japan in the mid-70s, with a heyday that lasted about as long as yacht rock did. We learn about the genre’s origin, the crossover with yacht rock artists, and why the soundscape of City Pop is so close to that of the L.A. sound in the golden era of music production.

Connect with Van and learn more:

Lightning Round:

  • Does It Float Your Boat?
  • Buried Treasures
  • Off the Map

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Episode 22.23: What is Proto-Yacht?23 Jun 202200:44:12

An in-depth look at the origin, history and definition of what has come to be known as “proto-yacht” in the yacht rock circles, as originally defined by the creators of Yacht Rock. John and Tom try to identify the “Big Bang” that launched it all, dating all the way back to the prehistoric times prior to 1976.

Lightning Round:

  • Does It Float Your Boat?
  • Buried Treasures
  • Off the Map

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Episode 22.22: What Was I Thinking?!16 Jun 202200:44:54

Nearly three years after embarking on a journey to explore, discover and celebrate yacht rock, John and Tom pause to reflect on what they’ve learned, how they’ve grown, and where they currently stand on “Yacht Rock”...as well as on, er...yacht rock. A look back in time produces some cringe-worthy moments, but if you can’t laugh at yourself...somebody else will!

Lightning Round:

  • Does It Float Your Boat?
  • Buried Treasures
  • Off the Map

References and Related:

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Episode 22.21: Inside MusiCast’s Rick Such and Eddy Cabello09 Jun 202200:58:10

Alternatively dubbed “Brothers from Others’ Mothers,” this week’s episode welcomes fellow lovers of Westcoast music (and more!) to the podcast to hear the fascinating history behind Inside MusiCast. If you love music (whether yacht rock or not) as much as we do, you owe it to yourself to discover Inside MusiCast’s multimedia, omni-channel approach to celebrating the golden era of musical production. Please welcome founders Rick Such and Eddy Cabello to “Out of the Main!”

It’s one part history lesson, one part coffee talk, one part game show!

Learn more at www.insidemusicast.com and follow them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/inside.musicast.

PRE-Lightning Round:

  • What’s your favorite Toto deep cut?
  • What’s your favorite Steely Dan deep cut?
  • Which guitarist has the best clean tone?
  • What’s one artist we’re not listening to, but should?

Lightning Round:

  • Does It Float Your Boat?
  • Buried Treasures
  • Off the Map

References and Related:

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Episode 22.20: The Game Show’s Dramatic Conclusion02 Jun 202200:39:49

Tune in for the dramatic conclusion of the Out of the Main Game Show with Part 2! Tom and John battle it out for maritime supremacy...who will be left standing? Play along and test your knowledge of #yachtrock, the yachtski scale and more, and see who will take the helm in the captain’s deck! All new games will be premiered, so don’t miss it!

...all to see who gets to play in the...

The Lightning Round:

  • Does It Float Your Boat?
  • Buried Treasures
  • Off the Map

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Episode 22.19: Return of the Out of the Main Game Show!26 May 202200:39:12

The “Out of the Main” Game Show returns for a second season! John and Tom return to their late-70s-themed game show concept, complete with guessing games and yachtski scale face-offs, with the winner earning the right to play in the Lightning Round. Come on down, and play along with your version of the home game...without going over(board)!

Rounds:

  • Guess My Top Five
  • Higher or Lower
  • Who Scored Higher?
  • Guess the Yachtski Scale Rating
  • ALL NEW! “Name that _______”

...all to see who gets to play in the...

The Lightning Round:

  • Does It Float Your Boat?
  • Buried Treasures
  • Off the Map

References and Related:

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Episode 22.18: Ambrosia’s Burleigh Drummond19 May 202200:55:23

Tom and John welcome founding member and all-time drummer of one our favorite bands, Ambrosia, Burleigh Drummond to the podcast! They’re out on the road this summer and throughout 2022, which his where we start. Then, the guys hop in the wayback machine to the early 70s and the formation of the group, all the way through to present day...and into the near future!

Lightning Round:

  • Does It Float Your Boat?
  • Buried Treasures
  • Off the Map

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Episode 22.17: Unsung Heroes: Jerry Hey12 May 202200:51:57

A session cat’s session cat, Jerry Hey’s imprint and impact on yacht rock is undeniable. John and Tom guide you on a pleasure tour through the era-relevant history and vast catalogue of one of the most talented and prolific horn-section arrangers of all time. We take an ear to some of the tastiest horn stingers and singable brass melodies in all of music.

Stay tuned to hear Jerry Hey go Beastmode!

For your viewing AND listening pleasure, the video compilation you’ll never tire of: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OzrA7sCPaq0

A HIGHLY Unorthodox Lightning Round:

  • Does It Float Your Boat?
  • Buried Treasures
  • Off the Map

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Episode 22.16: Song Focus: Ambrosia’s “Biggest Part of Me”05 May 202200:44:07

In what will be the first of a new series, Tom and John launch their first-ever “Song Focus” episode, dissecting and discussing Ambrosia’s masterpiece “Biggest Part of Me.” We take a high-level look at the song contextually, then go through it measure-by-measure, from stem to stern. Pure bliss.

But first: A quick examination of the Richard Marx catalogue? On a yacht rock podcast? You’d better believe it...personnel for days!

The Lightning Round

  • Does It Float Your Boat?
  • Buried Treasures
  • Off the Map

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Episode 22.15: All Over the Map: “We Are the World”28 Apr 202200:51:13

John and Tom were so taken with the making of “We Are the World” documentary, they just had to cover it on the podcast. Though the song itself is not yachty, there are a surprising amount of tie-ins to yacht rock, which makes it sea-worthy of exploration.

Things Discussed:

  • Yachty personnel (naturally)
  • The history, the context and how it all came together
  • The amazing writing, arranging and recording process
  • Clever techniques, in and out of the booth
  • Things you never knew about “We Are the World,” such as Where were Prince and Madonna?
  • The solo sessions play-by-play: some came together...some didn’t!
  • What happened next?

Be sure to watch it for yourself. You won’t regret it. https://youtu.be/HVg_nG4RV_k

A Way-Off-the-Map Lightning Round

  • Does It Float Your Boat?
  • Buried Treasures
  • Off the Map

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S5.E18: Out of the Main Comes Alive at Budokan06 Jun 202400:40:44

Just in time for outdoor live concert season, Tom surprised John with a fun question to ponder: What songs are more famous for their live versions than the original studio version?


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“Born at Sea. Raised on Radio.”

Episode 22.14: Starbuck’s Bruce Blackman21 Apr 202200:48:04

Meet the man behind the yacht rock classic “Moonlight Feels Right” (amongst MANY buried treasures!), Bruce Blackman, who lead and founded the band Starbuck with marimba player Bo Wagner. Tom and John got an earful of interesting yacht rock lore, as they examine the stories behind Bruce’s book The Road to Moonlight Feels Right. We cover everything from the days before Starbuck hit it big, all the way through to modern day, discovering Bruce’s gift for lyrics and song writing is still very much alive and well!

Things to Do and See:

An All-Bruce-Blackman Lightning Round!

  • Does It Float Your Boat?
  • Buried Treasures
  • Off the Map

References and Related:

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Episode 22.13: Bill and Tamara Champlin, Part 214 Apr 202200:53:59

Part 2 of our interview with Bill Champlin and Tamara Champlin picks back up on location before a yacht rock tribute live show in Dayton Ohio — “We Will Yacht You.” We start with some Chicago history then move forward all the way to present day...literally! Listen in to clips from our continuing conversation with the always entertaining and informative Bill and Tamara westcoast power couple. We covered a lot and learned a lot, and you will two. It’s not just The Champ...it’s The Co-Champs!

Keep tabs on Bill and Tamara and check out Bill’s new record, “Livin’ for Love,” at billchamplin.com.

The Lightning Round:

  • Does It Float Your Boat?
  • Buried Treasures
  • Off the Map

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Episode 22.12: The Champ(s)!07 Apr 202200:55:12

Tom and John catch up with Bill Champlin and Tamara Champlin on location before a yacht rock tribute live show in Dayton Ohio — “We Will Yacht You.” Listen in to clips from their conversation: everything from singing technique to songwriting to performing live and working in the studio. We covered a lot and learned a lot, and you will two. It’s not just The Champ...it’s The Co-Champs!

Keep tabs on Bill and Tamara and check out Bill’s new record, “Livin’ for Love,” at billchamplin.com.

The Lightning Round:

  • Does It Float Your Boat?
  • Buried Treasures
  • Off the Map

References and Related:

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Episode 22.11: Buried Treasures, with Chris Christian31 Mar 202200:52:48

Will buried treasures never cease? No, thankfully! Chris Christian has one of the most remarkable career stories you’ll ever hear—one that includes a wonderful foray into yacht rock in 1981. It seems like Chris knows everyone, has done just about everything, and recorded a yachty treasure that features just about every session cat you’ll ever want to hear.

PLUS, Chris Christian himself chooses Tom’s “Off the Map” for the Lightning Round!

The Lightning Round:

  • Does It Float Your Boat?
  • Buried Treasures
  • Off the Map

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Episode 22.10: The Healing Power of Music, with Vernon Porter and TJ George24 Mar 202200:52:18

Treat yourself to an incredible story, an important cause, and an amazing lineup of personnel, collaborating to make a beautifully written and masterfully produced modern Westcoast record to raise money for charity, Demand Impact. Vernon Porter (of Kenny Loggins and more) teams with TJ George to assemble a star-studded cast that includes Bill Champlin, Richard Page, Michael McDonald, Tris Imboden, Lenny Castro, Bill Medley and many more.

This story is both heart-wrenching and heartwarming, and you simply won’t believe how it all came together. Buy the album and support the cause here: https://demand-impact.org/albums/heroes-and-legends/

The Lightning Round:

  • Does It Float Your Boat?
  • Buried Treasures
  • Off the Map

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Episode 22.9: High Adventure, Side B, with Tris Imboden17 Mar 202200:45:47

We flipped the record over and broke down Side B of Kenny Loggins’ High Adventure album with legendary drummer Tris Imboden himself. Who better to dissect a masterpiece with than a member of the band who performed on the record?

Put the needle down, and let’s continue...

The Lightning Round:

  • Does It Float Your Boat?
  • Buried Treasures
  • Off the Map

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Episode 22.8: High Adventure, with Tris Imboden10 Mar 202200:50:52

Legendary drummer Tris Imboden rejoins the podcast to help Tom and John on a special album focus, breaking down Kenny Loggins’ High Adventure album. Who better to dissect a masterpiece with than a member of the band who performed on the record?

  • Back stories and inside scoops
  • Track-by-track analysis
  • Fun facts and interesting trivia
  • An update on Tris Imboden’s Yacht Stars, going out on the road this summer! Check out the sizzle reel here: https://youtu.be/llkpcIIpcDov=llkpcIIpcDo

The Lightning Round:

  • Does It Float Your Boat?
  • Buried Treasures
  • Off the Map

References and Related:

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Episode 22.7: Carrying the Torch, with Peter Friestedt03 Mar 202200:48:25

If you haven’t explored the connection between yacht rock’s past and the current works of Peter Friestedt, you’re in for a treat! Peter is a modern-day artist who serves as the bridge from yesteryear to today, collaborating with the likes of Bill Champlin, Joseph Williams, the long list of yachty session players from back in the day, and many more! It’s more than keeping the fire...it’s carrying the torch!

Learn more about Peter Friestedt and explore his catalogue here at www.peterfriestedt.se.

The Lightning Round:

  • Does It Float Your Boat?
  • Buried Treasures
  • Off the Map

References and Related:

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Episode 22.6: Tommy Taylor of Christopher Cross, Part 224 Feb 202200:46:37

John and Tom welcome back Tommy Taylor for part 2 of our interview with, most notably, the drummer for the Christopher Cross band, to the podcast for a two-part conversation that spans Tommy’s career before, during and after Christopher Cross.

Tune in to hear many clarifications and embellishments as triggered by Tommy hearing our Christopher Cross album focus episode from Season 2. You’ll also hear what Tommy’s up to today, including a brand new collaboration with legendary producer Michael Omartian! Plus, some further background on Tommy’s professional relationship with guitar legend Eric Johnson.

The Lightning Round:

  • Does It Float Your Boat?
  • Buried Treasures
  • Off the Map

References and Related:

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Episode 22.5: Guest Tommy Taylor of Christopher Cross17 Feb 202200:44:18

We are thrilled to welcome Tommy Taylor, most notably known to the yacht rock community as the drummer for the Christopher Cross band, to the podcast for a two-part conversation that spans Tommy’s career before, during and after Christopher Cross.

Tune in to hear many clarifications and embellishments as triggered by Tommy hearing our Christopher Cross album focus episode from Season 2. You’ll also hear what Tommy’s up to today, including a brand new collaboration with legendary producer Michael Omartian! Plus, some further background on Tommy’s professional relationship with guitar legend Eric Johnson.

The Lightning Round:

  • Does It Float Your Boat?
  • Buried Treasures
  • Off the Map

References and Related:

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S5.E17: Back to Bass Licks, with Lars-Erik Dahle30 May 202400:54:28

Known to modern yacht rockers as Ole Borud’s bass player, Lars-Erik Dahle joins the podcast to walk listeners through some of the most iconic bass lines in yacht rock and beyond. Lars-Erik brings his axe with him to demonstrate live what some of these licks are and who his favorite bassists are. After spending three weeks focusing on the drums, Tom is more than happy to turn our attention to the rhythm section’s “better half.”


Check out Lars-Erik’s playlist of YouTube videos here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVNo97qwyDm9hpWhzrMeqMz-FNgh1Yo3j


Listen and Subscribe:

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“Born at Sea. Raised on Radio.”

Episode 22.4: The Jay Graydon Grand Finale10 Feb 202200:50:50

The third and final installment of our marathon conversation with yacht rock legend Jay Graydon—more stories, more insights, more laughs, more music...

Highlights from Part 3:

  • The story behind Jay’s album, “The Past to Present—the 70s”
  • Working with (and without) Jeff Porcaro
  • You’ll never guess who Jay says was the best singer he’s ever worked with
  • More tricks of the trade
  • The classic “After the Love Has Gone” story...with some new details from Jay himself.
  • Make sure you check out the JaR project!

All things Jay Graydon:

The Lightning Round:

  • Does It Float Your Boat?
  • Buried Treasures
  • Off the Map (even more so!)

References and Related:

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Episode 22.3: Jay Graydon, Part 203 Feb 202200:50:39

John and Tom continue their conversation with Jay Graydon—composer, producer, session musician, artist...the list goes on and on.

Highlights from Part 2:

All things Jay Graydon:

The Lightning Round:

  • Does It Float Your Boat?
  • Buried Treasures
  • Off the Map (even more so!)

References and Related:

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Episode 22.2: Special Guest, Jay Graydon27 Jan 202200:50:17

John and Tom were absolutely gobsmacked to welcome 12-time Grammy nominated, 2-time Grammy winning, and all around legend of music Jay Graydon to the podcast. Undeniably one of yacht rock’s greatest talents, Jay shares his tales from yesteryear, reveals a few tricks of his trade, and dives deep into what he’s up to today.

Highlights from Part 1:

  • The Grammy he earned but never received
  • His forthcoming YouTube channel and tutorials for budding engineers and guitar players
  • The curse and blessing that is Jay Graydon’s ear
  • That time Marc Jordan gave Jay the finger
  • The fable of the Fender E Rhodes
  • How you can “play” the fabled E Rhodes today
All things Jay Graydon:

The Lightning Round:

  • Does It Float Your Boat?
  • Buried Treasures
  • Off the Map (even more so!)

References and Related:

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Episode 22.1: The Day the Yacht Sank20 Jan 202200:50:16

Tom and John kick off Season 3 of “Out of the Main” exploring when, why and how yacht rock went the way of the dodo (at least temporarily) in 1985. What was the day our favorite music died, and what killed it? Everything from technology advancements, to kulturkampf, MTV, the second British invasion, and changing tastes in music and pop culture more generally. The boat took on a lot of water, friends.

Plus! New feature: The Supersonic Smash-Up! Try your hand: Can you name these five songs, in order? First one to get it right wins their choice of item from the Out of the Main Gear and Tackle Store. Discover, listen and enter your guesses on our Facebook post: 

The Lightning Round:

  • Does It Float Your Boat?
  • Buried Treasures
  • Off the Map (even more so!)

References and Related:

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Episode 21.51: Holiday Reruns - The Christmas Special!20 Dec 202100:34:06

Our favorite convention from the late 70s and early 80s: Everything had a Christmas Special! And every year, they would rerun the same holiday special specials and we never got tired of them. It was tradition!

Our yacht rock podcast should be no different! John and Tom scour music-dom for the yachtiest yuletide merriment to bring your season glad “tide”-ings, including songs from the era and modern buried treasures from classic yacht rock artists.Who’s on your yachty list?

Tell us tunes, albums and compilations we missed on our Facebook page! facebook.com/yachtrockpodcast

Also, you thought Tom was kidding about the Fat Albert Christmas Special and the Star Wars Holiday Special? Think again!

The Lightning Round (Christmas Edition):
  • Is it Yacht, or Is It Not?
  • Buried Treasures
  • Off the Map
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Episode 21.50: Odds and Ends16 Dec 202100:47:25

To wrap up Season Two of “Out of the Main,” Tom and John clear the decks (ding!) of various notes and conversation topics they’ve been collecting all year but never got to. From interesting anecdotes to factoids learned but never discussed, this episode as a little bit of everything:

Things Discussed:

  • Why would it take 81 takes to record one yacht rock song?
  • Jeff Porcaro’s perfected pursuit of imperfection
  • Chick Corea’s Cheap but Good Advice for Playing Music in a Grouop
  • What is this Laurel Canyon we keep bringing up?
  • Who are the most recorded drummers of all time?
  • What if Bill Champlin had joined Toto? It would sound like this.
  • What if Prince were a session cat from the yacht rock era? It would sound like this.
  • Teaser announcements for Season 3

The Lightning Round:

  • Does It Float Your Boat?
  • Buried Treasures
  • Off the Map

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Episode 21.49: Peter Beckett’s Player, Part 209 Dec 202100:47:24

Part 2 of our interview with Peter Beckett, the voice of yacht rock supergroup Player, is the subject of this week’s podcast, one of our favorites to date! Picking up where we left off last week...

Things Discussed:

  • How Peter came to join Little River Band full time
  • Peter’s solo career, writing career, and even a cameo on General Hospital?!
  • What’s next for Peter, and what we may have missed in the meantime.
  • What in the Sam Hill is “Baby Don’t Come Back?”
  • Yacht Rock Wines, and all the buzz that comes with it
  • The Beatles story that started it all!

The Lightning Round:

  • Does It Float Your Boat?
  • Buried Treasures
  • Off the Map

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Episode 21.48: Peter Beckett, the Voice of Player02 Dec 202100:44:25

John and Tom are thrilled to welcome Peter Beckett, founding member and lead singer of the legendary yacht rock band Player, to the podcast. Back on the road appearing as Peter Beckett’s Player, the composer and singer of the international chart topper “Baby Come Back” covers what’s happening now, how it all began, and how he and others are “keeping the fire” to this day.

Things Discussed:

  • Peter’s own yacht rock origin story
  • A chance meeting in Los Angeles that would lead to the formation of Player
  • Touring and mingling with rock and roll legends of the era
  • Hitting it big with “Baby Come Back”
  • Celebrating the pinnacle of musicianship and studio production artistry
  • Teasers galore for next week’s Part 2!

The Lightning Round:

  • Does It Float Your Boat?
  • Buried Treasures
  • Off the Map

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Episode 21.47: Off the Map (What You’re Missing)24 Nov 202100:50:01

A whole episode devoted to our Lightning Round concept of “Off the Map.” What do you miss when you’re only listening to yacht rock? What bands, genres and styles do you listen to that are way off the map, but maybe—just maybe—actually tie back to yacht rock after all?

Things Discussed:
  • What else from that same time period lights your fire?
  • New Romantic and sophisti-pop’s surprising ties back to the dock
  • The gifts of genius Jeff Lynne gave to the world during the yacht rock years
  • Does the Minnesota sound tie back to yacht?
  • Tom’s invented genre? Check out the Funkin’ Jams playlist on Spotify.
  • ...which brings us back to Yacht Jazz!
The Lightning Round:
  • Does It Float Your Boat?
  • Buried Treasures
  • Off the Map
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Episode 21.46: Lost in the Shuffle18 Nov 202100:46:42

Let’s break down one of the essential elements of yacht rock: the half-time shuffle. With roots in swing music and early rock and roll, the straight shuffle has been a staple of music for generations. But in the yacht rock era, its kissing cousin, the half-time shuffle, became ubiquitous and essential to the west-coast sound, thanks to masters of the art like Jeff Porcaro, Steve Gadd, Bernard Purdie, Rick Marotta and others.

John breaks down the mechanics, and together, we explore the finer applications of the half-time shuffle throughout the era—even outside of yacht rock! (Led Zeppelin?!). Follow along with this Spotify playlist, or just listen for your own enjoyment: https://open.spotify.com/user/121702868/playlist/06sRQMkPP3FY1HbvbJBcAK?si=eHumZrgORB2mRaz8joQtnw

The Lightning Round:

  • Does It Float Your Boat?
  • Buried Treasures
  • Off the Map

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S5.E16: In Session, with Tris Imboden23 May 202400:59:54

He's back! In what has become an annual tradition, the great session drummer Tris Imboden returns to the podcast, this time to walk Tom and John through a behind-the-scenes look at a typical session from the golden era. From before you even get the call, all the way through to collecting the Grammy, what goes into cutting the tracks that live on in memoriam forever?

Tune in this week to hear the general story, as well as specific memories Tris shares that may shed some new light on old classics we've known our entire lives!


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Episode 21.45: The Finals of the NIT Presented by August Red!11 Nov 202100:46:58

Join us for the finals of Nyacht Invitational Tournament (NIT), presented by August Red. How did your bracket compare? Who was crowned the yachtiest of the nyachtiest? Did the prediction of Tommy the Swami come true? Listen in to find out!

Our guest judge and jurist for the Finals is the fan favorite Kyle Lavelle, our third brother from another mother and the one of the most positive yacht rockers you’ll ever meet.

Celebrity Lightning Round, Listener Kyle:

  • Does It Float Your Boat?
  • Buried Treasures
  • Off the Map

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Episode 21.44: Round 2 of the Nyacht Invitational Tournament Presented by August Red!04 Nov 202100:44:22

Round 2 of Nyacht Invitational Tournament (NIT), brought to you by August Red, marches forward. We’re letting 68 nyacht rock songs—the perennial also-rans of yacht rock-dom—face off in a tournament of attrition to see which tune can earn the right to be reconsidered as potentially sea-worthy. Still standing at the end of today’s episode: The Smooth 16!

Our guest judge and jurist for Round 2 is the “cerebral” Derek Baker, friend of the podcast, yacht rock aficianado, and professor of all things music.

Celebrity Lightning Round, Listener Derek:

  • Does It Float Your Boat?
  • Buried Treasures
  • Off the Map

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Episode 21.43: Round 1, Part 2 of the NIT!28 Oct 202100:41:46

We did our March Yachtness Tournment in the spring, now its time for its lower-card counterpart, the Nyacht Invitational Tournament (NIT), brought to you by August Red. We’re letting 68 nyacht rock songs—the perennial also-rans of yacht rock-dom—face off in a tournament of attrition to see which tune can earn the right to be reconsidered as potentially sea-worthy. Who will end up in Davy Jones’ Locker? Who will be forced to walk the plank? And who will survive and advance?

Our guest judge and jurist for the second half of Round 1 is Meade Kendrick III, friend of the podcast, yacht rock aficianado, and moderator of Facebook’s largest yacht rock group.

Here we go!

Celebrity Lightning Round, Meade Kendrick III:

  • Does It Float Your Boat?
  • Buried Treasures
  • Off the Map (a Rick Roll!)

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