Ride Like the Wind, Baby!

Christopher Cross is awesome, and he sings an awesome song called "Ride Like the Wind." If I ever need to get pumped up, like before a night out on the town or in my car on the way to a softball game, this is the song of choice.

It is night, my body's weak
I'm on the run, no time to sleep
I've got to ride, ride like the wind
to be free again.

Poetry. Pure poetry. I feel it every time. I feel it in my skin...

Question: What would this song be without the amazing back-up vocals, belted out by Mr. Music Machine, Michael McDonald?

Answer: Not as good. That's for certain.

Here's a little playful send-up, provided for us by the good people at SCTV:

When "Yah Mo B There" is a Good Song

I recently completed an awesome mix CD of 20 great Michael McDonald songs. It includes songs he sang with the Doobie Brothers, solo performances, duets, and even songs that he sang back-up vocals. It's an amazing mix, and I listen to it while driving to and from work. It's a big help as I weave through the rat race of life.

Michael McDonald's music is brilliant, and every song on my CD is a sparkling gem. However, there's one song that I'm having trouble with. It's the duet sung with James Ingram. You know the one -- "Yah Mo B There." The problem wih the song, and I'll say it right out, is James Ingram. Although "Yah Mo B There" is performed as a duet, it is only a good song when Michael McDonald sings it all by himself, like in concerts. I'm looking forward to seeing Michael in concert this summer, and I'm looking forward to Michael singing "Yah Mo B There" WITHOUT James Ingram. I don't think I'm the only one who's annoyed by the whole "Hoooo-HWOOOOO!!!" at the beginning and end of the song, or the "Bup-Bee-Wo!" after every Yah Mo B There. It's just plan annoying, and I don't like it one iota. James Ingram is like the kid at school who does annoying things and gets in trouble or gets beat up because getting some attention by his teacher and the bully at school is better than being ignored by his parents and the dog at home.

So, please, I beg you oh great Music Machine: this summer, do not surprise us with any "special guest" unless it is Christopher Cross, Steely Dan, or Clay Aiken. Thanks in advance!

For those interested, here is the music video for "Yah Mo B There":

Correction!

Oops! It appears we copied the wrong Google link. Should've link-checked! Thanks Gene for pointing out that oversight. Here is the correct link to Michael McDonald's official website.

Michael McDonald: The Official Website

Shine Sweet Freedom is a fanblog. We are not in any way officially connected with Michael McDonald, except spiritually, emotionally, and hyper-physically. Here at Sweet Freedom, we appreciate all of our visitors. You, the ultra-fans, and me -- or us -- are what keep this fanblog riding -- riding like the wind.

In the coming days, weeks, months -- minute by minute, if you will -- we will share Michael McDonald-inspired photos, videos, quilts, fan art, poetry, and much, much, much more. Until then, please feel free to visit Michael McDonald's official webspace. And be sure to keep your speakers on!!!

Top 10 Reasons Michael McDonald Is Awesome

1. He sings duets with Dionne Warwick, Patti LaBelle, and Toni Braxton -- and makes them sound like amateurs.

2. He is the GREATEST singer there ever was.

3. He is the only person in the world that understands what Yah Mo B There means. Not even James Ingram knows.

4. His version of "Mercy, Mercy Me" puts Marvin Gaye's version to shame.

5. He was in 2 episodes of "What's Happening."

6. He shares a birthday with Charles Darwin, Abraham Lincoln, Judy Blume, Josh Brolin, and Arlen Specter. The planets we aligned for greatness.

7. He took "it" to the streets.

8. The surname McDonald means "son of Donald." The name Donald comes from *Dubno-valos*, which means "world-mighty."

9. Although there are many artists against hunger and poverty contributing so much to the cause, he contributes the most. (http://www.worldhungeryear.org/comm_conn/m_mcdonald.asp)

11. He made Mike and the Majestics majestic.

12. Soul -- real, honest, unforced soul.

Tour Dates!

Here is a list of Michael McDonald's upcoming concerts for 2007. The Music Machine is like a tried and true army veteran. You can always count on him for another tour! Shine Sweet Fredom, Michael McDonald!

May 25, 2007 - Field of Dreams Park - Sonoma, CA

May 26, 2007 - Silver Legacy Hotel and Casino - Reno, NV

June 24, 2007 - Humphrey's - San Diego, CA

June 28, 2007 - River Rock - Richmond, British Columbia

September 7, 2007 - The Filene Center - Vienna, VA

September 8, 2007 - Zoellner Arts - Bethlehem, PA

September 11, 2007 - The Turning Stone - Verona, NY

September 12, 2007 - Count Basie Theater - Red Bank, NJ

September 14, 2007 - Botanical Gardens - Memphis, TN

September 18, 2007 - Christopher - Newport, VA

September 19, 2007 - Pier Six Concert - Baltimore, MD

September 21, 2007 - Merill Auditorium - Portland, ME

September 22, 2007 - Bank of America - Boston, MA

September 28, 2007 - Greek Theater - Los Angeles, CA

September 30, 2007 - McCallum Theater - Palm Desert, CA

For a complete list and more information, check out Michael's awesome MySpace page (http://www.myspace.com/michaelmcdonald).

Michael McDonald Is Awesome

Michael McDonald is the greatest singer ever. Anyone who says differently is just plain wrong. And he's not just a singer. He's a songwriter, a writer of songs. Awesome songs.

As everyone knows, Michael McDonald got his start as a back-up singer. He sang back-up for such artists as Steely Dan, Christopher Cross, and Bonnie Raitt. This was a complete waste of his talent, but it did give us songs like "Ride Like The Wind" and "Peg," which are sweet tunes.

When the Doobie Brothers needed a singer to bring them back from suckville, of course they asked Michael McDonald. This catapulted The Music Machine (a.k.a. Michael McDonald) into a real-deal frontman.

Feel free to leave comments, thoughts, or poems about Michael McDonald here. With your help, this will be the greatest blog ever.