The Guy Who Sang ‘That One Night’ on the ‘Dinner Party’ Episode of ‘The Office’ Does, Indeed, (Yacht) Rock
variety.comJonathan Cohen Todd Fancey’s vocals have been heard by millions, as the multi-instrumentalist for the New Pornographers and as the balladeer behind “That One Night,” the song that’s central to what is arguably the most cringe episode of “The Office,” 2008’s “Dinner Party.” The hilarious, earnestly yearning delivery isn’t all that true to Fancey’s artistry, though his new album, “Star Dreams” (out today), nods to the year 1980, which also saw the release of Benny Mardones’ “Into the Night,” a Yacht Rock classic not dissimilar in sentiment.
The 10-track album under the banner Fancey was co-produced by Vancouver music veteran Allan Rodger and sports contributions from vocalist Micae and New Pornographers drummer Joe Seiders, who traded his sticks for the Yamaha DX-7 electric piano/synthesizer.
That instrument’s preset sounds found their way into some of the ‘80s biggest songs by Whitney Houston, Kenny Loggins and Luther Vandross, a vibe enhanced on “Star Dreams” by the use of the Korg Poly synth and the Oberheim drum machine.“This album probably still sounds ‘70s-ish because I can’t really help myself,” Fancey confesses to Variety. “I was thinking about that golden year of 1980.
It’s fascinating to me, the changeover from the ‘70s to the ‘80s. It was so fast, in a way. Like, good luck finding Adidas’ Roms in 1980.
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