If for some odd reason you only discovered the existence of the Internet today, let your friendly Vulture editors take a few moments to point you in the direction of one of the greatest viral videos of all time. Back in 2005, a couple of enterprising young Californians named J. D. Ryznar and Hunter D. Stair wrote and shot a series of videos for Channel 101 that took a hilarious (and fictionalized) look at the lives of late seventies/early eighties soft-rock stars, like Christopher Cross and Michael McDonald, as part of a series they dubbed “Yacht Rock.” Along the way, they created a mini-revival of the soft-rock genre, one whose niche popularity among hipster types continues to this very day. Well, on last night’s episode of Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, the music booker pulled off a minor coup by convincing Christopher Cross to perform a version of his très smooth 1981 hit “Ride Like The Wind” — with none other than Michael McDonald himself singing backup and playing the keys. So, if you happen to have the ingredients for a boat drink handy, we highly suggest you whip yourself up a piña colada, kick your Docksiders up on your desk, and live the next five minutes of your life like you’re sailing on the seven seas so blue.
Christopher Cross + The Roots Perform “Ride Like The Wind” with Surprise Guest Michael McDonald [Late Night with Jimmy Fallon]
