Was time for some more Steely Dan!! We’re lovin’ them so far!! What’s the next track we gotta check out by them?!?! Deacon Blues??! Cheers friends!! 🔥🤟🏻
One of the best lines ever written! "You've been telling me your a genius since you were 17, in all the time I've known you I still don't know what you mean." 🤣🤣
greatest music, coolest bands and the best cars and coolest cars best time to be a teen ager - if you were white I guess if you were black not quite so much great black music but again life in general not so much I am BTW am an old white guy.
Elliott Randall came into the studio and played that solo in one take, all the way through, no editing, after all the other tracks were layed down. Incredible how professional studio musicians can come in and capture lightning in a bottle on the first take. A special gift indeed.
@@jamesfetherston1190The only amp available was a bass amp. So, that's what he used. He said, "It wouldn't have been my first choice, or even my fifth choice..." I don't remember the rest of the quote but it went along the lines of, things worked out rather well, eh?
I’m a 66 year old woman. I absolutely love watching your channel! I grew up with music on at our house. We would listen to our parents music, and they’d listen to ours. It was a mutual respect, regarding each other’s music. My kids grew up the same way. It’s so refreshing to see a whole new generation loving these songs! Keep it up. I send these to my children, and to friends. Love it, love it! I would love to add some listening suggestions. I’ll find some that you haven’t already done. Thank you, deb Enger
Wow. My house. At 57 I Still listen to the Righteous Bros and the Supremes. And my Mom "acquired" my REO, Billy Joel, and Eagles Albums when I moved out. How cool.
Wow, I'm a 66 year old woman too and could have said the very same thing. Do you listen to Donald Fagans later albums now bc you would like them too? Morph the Cat is a Christmas song for me. It's fun to watch these young guys digging our music , eh? Oh and Mary shut the garden gate. Too cool.
Same for me. I was the youngest child in my family and my parents were older when they had me. They listened to Tommy Dorsey on their old stereo, played the old 78's and would tear it up dancing the jitterbug. Actually, that Tommy Dorsey Boogie Woogie song is one of my favorites, and I learned to love the clarinet playing of Artie Shaw. I don't listen to it much, but I appreciate it when I do.
The drummer on this tune was a guy named Jim Hodder. This was back when Steely Dan was a functioning, touring band. Hodder played on the first three albums.
M.. Gideon Hoyle: Hodder also sang lead (up front) while touring. I saw SD opening for The Kinks in '73 or ' 74 (Houston Music Hall), and distinctly remember a light brown, long, curly-headed lead singer!
@@bradsmack1 That was actually a guy named David Palmer. He's the lead singer on "Dirty Work" on their first album. He used to sing live in place of Fagen (or sometimes with him) in the early days.
@@m.gideonhoyle409 Wow, you are so right!! You win the prize! You just cleared up several decades of personal "urban legend" in my head!! Was Hodder on stage at all, then? If youi think about the passing of time since then, the players had generally little pub except in the rock press for many years. Decade after decade, when I would recount stories of that show, I somehow picked up the name of Hodder (still in the pre-Google days!), and thought HE was the guy. Anyway, thanks again!
Being put “on the map” is no guarantee of future success. It was simply a break-out single, from which they started an incredible journey. Genius, which they did achieve, takes a bunch more time and effort.
Yup...LC's solo is right at the top of my list of great guitar solos. Check out what Rick Beato has to say about that song in one of his "What Makes This Song Great" segments.
"My Old School" is such a tasty track. A salad of sound. Great horn section, delectable guitar riffs sprinkled with subtle keyboards and topped off with smooth creamy vocals.
@Col70 That isn't picky at all. Saying that the song is the best song ever written or saying that it is the best guitar solo are pretty fucking drastically different statements
For the record, Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin has said that this is his favorite guitar solo of all time. [Edited to add] And the drummer on this track was Jim Hodder.
I wonder why? I mean, it was good, but with all the mind-blowing guitar solos by top guitarists over the past decades, ( like Jeff Beck, SRV, and Jimmy himself for crying out loud) to pick a rather short one from a commercially friendly song
@@w.geoffreyspaulding6588 Right? I was surprised. I mean, it's a fine little solo with lots of noodly little jazz flourishes, but Page of all people singles it out?
LOVE FM! Came from a movie called ‘FM’ about radio business in the ‘70s. Amazing soundtrack included Boston, the Doobie Brothers, Eagles, Bob Seger, Linda Ronstadt, and Steely Dan, among others.
@@adriennepender673 It's also the album/cassette/CD I've had to rebuy most often because it was swiped from me at a party or some other social gathering. Actually it's a tie between FM and the soundtrack to the movie Heavy Metal. Folks don't know the albums, but when they hear them, they have to get them. I just wish they'd get their own. Thankfully, I no longer have to take them to parties - lol
They need to do the hybrid version with the sax and guitar solos. The sax is so tasty, reminiscent of the sax solos in Pink Floyd's "Money, "Shine on you Crazy Diamond", and Danny Gatton's "Pretty Blue".
Seriously, how have you never heard this?! It is literally almost 50 years old. It is amazing how well it holds up. A true classic. So fun watching you guys discover Steely Dan. They are legendary, a true musician’s band. This is from their first record. You should preview a song from each album to observe the progression. Here are my suggestions... Can’t Buy a Thrill - Reelin’ in the Years Pretzel Logic - Rikki Don’t Lose that Number Countdown to Ecstasy - My Old School Katy Lied - Black Friday The Royal Scam - Don’t Take Me Alive Aja - Deacon Blues (but seriously, every song is great) Gaucho - Babylon Sisters Two Against Nature - West of Hollywood Everything Must Go - Things I Miss the Most You probably know by now that Steely Dan is the name of the band, not one of the guys. The band is Donald Fagan and Walter Becker. They started as a regular band with regular, steady members, but by Aja had turned into a studio band, with Donald and Walter writing all the tunes and playing some of the tracks. Donald is keyboards and vocals, and Walter is the original bass player, but seemed to play less and less as time went on. For everything else they brought in the best session musicians available, sometimes using dozens of players on each record and a totally different mix of players for each song. They were obsessive, perfectionists, but it was a real honor to get called in for one of their sessions. You have stumbled onto one of the most uniquely awesome bands in history. Enjoy!
Not a con. It is not inconceivable that A & A have not heard these songs. The best, for me it’s like I’M hearing the songs for the first time, again. Thanks for that guys.
Remember. These guys are in their EARLY 20's... W/out someone to point the music out, why would they know about them? All I can say is it's fun to see people being exposed to music that means something to me. Great avenue to travel down for these guys!
Saying this song has a really good guitar solo is like saying Sinatra had a couple hits. Hell no dudes this is one of the all time greatest solos ever written.
These cats absolutely rule! I'm amazed that a younger generation is being exposed to this awesome structure. They did it before any other folks had the stones to try it.
Oh man, I forgot about Bodhisattva! And "Rikki Don't Lose That Number" is a really great one as well -- I would still put "Josie" and "Do It Again" at the top though. It sounds like "Deacon Blues" is getting the most votes though...
Do it again is already the runaway leader here for the next one. Sign in stranger would be the pick after that-once again. Steely Dan was Donald Fagan(piano/ keyboards lead vocals), Walter Becker, who just passed away recently) guitar, backing vocals. Just 2 guys that brought in others to help them record.
So happy to see ya' trying out Steely Dan again. Earlier songs like "Reelin In the Years" tend to be a bit different as the "band" evolved into Aja and Gaucho albums which are "near perfection" in terms of studio production and use of mucho excellent studio musicians.
Even the earlier albums had top studio musicians. It is just that the albums you mention had even more studio musicians, which is incredible. That era of 60s-70s top flight studio musicians will never happen again.
Yeah, it is kind of a hidden classic. I think they will love the guitar, the storytelling and the growing coolness of this band. Don't know about you guys but watching these guys honestly react to the music makes me react with fresh ears.
Jeff “Skunk” Baxter is the accompanying guitarist. He was also with The Doobie Brothers. After he retired from the music business, he became and still is a missile defense expert with the Pentagon. Jeff is a great American Patriot protecting our nation. 🎸❤️🇺🇸
My absolute favorite is when he says "you've been telling me you were a genius since you were seventeen, and all that time I've known you I don't know what you mean" that's just clever writing haha
Yes you can. Dirty Work is barely Steely Dan. Fagen is not even singing. It does not fit in the Dan canon. Not a bad tune but it is not considered true Steely Dan.
"Do It Again" next. It's a straight up cool groove with one of the most iconic guitar solos ever. I'm glad you noticed that SD's lyrics are just as high caliber as their music. Steely Dan's music is as satisfying as music ever gets.
I was thinking about "Do It Again" because it's not a jam band type song like this one. I saw Steely Dan on American Bandstand doing "My Old School" and I became a huge fan at age 13. I would be happy to hear your reactions to most any of their music. My fave LP is Pretzel Logic and my husband's (who turned me on to your channel) is Aja. He's itching for you to do "Aja".
That's the GREAT Jim Hodder on drums, the original Steely Dan drummer. Saw them live at the Allen Theater, Cleveland, Ohio in 1974. I was in the 9th row w/ several of my crew, side of center orchestra, and we smoked pot the entire time. Ronnie Montrose was opener and his guitar work blew us away. Special moments in my life, man.
Sorry that's the ONLY SD tune I cannot stand. Just doesn't make any sense it's not their style so I don't know why/how it happened. I'll give them a slide on that b/c Fagen and Becker are my heroes. Nobody's perfect.
@@Rigoletta53 I've been a SD fan since their first album and have all of them except the hits one. The reason I like Bodhisatva is the tempo. They kill it and that's not an easy thing to do. Still has their sound to me. Pretzel Logic is a cool blues song. Their songs don't all sound the same but still recognizable. I listened to the Pretzel Logic album again and prefer Can't Buy A Thrill.
"You've been tellin' me you're a genius since you were seventeen, in all the time I've known you I still don't know what you mean..." One of my favorite lyrics ever and from Andy's chuckle he's got one of those friends too! Cheer guys!
You will be middle aged when you finish listening to all their great songs. They are phenomenal musicians, writers, producers, and their choice of musical arranging is totally blurry. Background musicians were and are the best ever at their craft. Bad sneakers, Black Cow, Hey 19, royal scam, Aja, Home at last, My old school, show biz kids, and on and on. They will drag you through a jazz rock musical. Sit back and enjoy. 😎
I have been listening to them since the 70s. Never get tired of listening to their music. I can think of only one song I'd pick up the needle on. Everything else masterful.
You’re right! I am a runner and I go from one album to the next while working out. It takes days and days to get through everything. And all is great! Fusion at its best!!
Randall Shaw man I wish I had of. God you must have awesome memories of the music. My parents made sure I listened to good music young. That way I didn’t listen to... well... whatever they are playing now lol
@@trentfry4180 I do indeed! It's so cool and gratifying to see/hear younger folks getting into the music that make up the soundtracks of some of the great memories of my life.
I always thought the sound of Steely Dan was Los Angeles on the outside and New York on the inside. Kinda like The Eagles wrapped around Velvet Underground, but jazzy.
I remember being in College in the late 1970's when a dorm mate who loved Steely Dan, and who shouldn't, was berated by another doom mate, who criticized Steely Dan for being a half-ass Jazz wannabe group. The things is Steely Dan employed a revolving door of virtuoso session artists, with the legendary Larry Carlton often playing on guitar. Regardless of their genre of music, they sounded real good to me.
I heard about SD from a fraternity brother in the mid-late 70's also ( U of North Dakota (yes, it does exist)). Forget with whom I was enamored before but SD stung me with such complex sound. My Old School remains a favorite but there are so many that bring a smile to this old face.
Typical rock bands were blues-based or played simple boogie rhythms. They used three or four chords. Or they were prog and they had some sophistication but totally European. Steely Dan, with its jazz elements, was a unique alternative.
Dick C Normous what do you mean? I do get having a fondness for old music but every era has amazing music. Their are some truly groundbreaking artists in modern music
Also, don’t know if others have mentioned it, but the Eagles and Steely Dan name check each other in each other’s songs-In Hotel California, the Eagles sing, “They stab them with their steely knives but they just can’t kill the beast”and Steely Dan sings, in Everything You Did, “Turn up the Eagles the neighbors are listening”
The Eagles took a line from Pretzel Logic to title their song Those Shoes. Frey and Henley worshipped Becker and Fagan. Google this phrase: Steely Dan Eagles joke sculpture.
A couple of recommendations would be from the album Everything Must Go. Something a bit twisted "Godwhacker" and the other would be "Slang of Ages". Which is I believe the only song where Walter Becker sings lead vocals. It is pretty much Donald Fagen doing lead. There to me is not one bad song from these gentleman.
I just can't believe these react channels saying it's their 'FIRST TIME' ever hearing something. Steely Dan hits have been repeated on classic rock radio stations for 30 years now. Regardless.. Welcome to the club, gentleman; Glad you're here :)
Yes, I just listened to it and that guitar sings that whole song. The solos are so good but the fills during the vocals just tell the story. The songwriting is exceptional. It paints the scene brilliantly.
This is one of my all time favorite Steely Dan songs...really touches a place in my heart. Not sure it fits the stuff these two guys are liking, but a great song regardless
You mean Peter Green's BMW don't you? Easy mistake. Anything by Peter Green's original Fleetwood Mac; my fave version of the band had Peter in it. Best blues singer/guitarist by far; I believe even Muddy Waters said so. Someone correct me if I'm wrong. DUDES, YO ALEX ANDY give Peter Green a listen and be awestruck.
"Black Cow" from The Aja album. THIS is the hidden gem from that session. Make sure your socks are pulled waaay up... All my old school buds dig your channel. I was 16 when this one dropped.
Deacon Blues is a favorite: Drink Scotch whiskey all night long And die behind the wheel They got a name for the winners in the world I want a name when I lose
If you think he sounds like Phil Lynott, i'll have a pint of whatever you're drinking...Having said that they could also try as bit of Thin Lizzy...Don't believe a word.
I've seen a few of the "React To" CZcams videos and I must say at least you guys are articulate and seem to know music. if you have researched Steely Dan you'll understand that they were a band light years ahead of typical rock bands. Very slick...spotlessly produced...and they enlisted some of the top session musos of the time.
Hey guys, when comparing this Album ‘Can’t buy a thrill” and “Aja”, remember, this was their Debut album! To be that mature and polished right out of the gate is amazing. Aja, with the song Peg, was their 6th album. Great stuff.
As to next, Decon Blues is a great song and very reminiscent (in my opinion) of Peg from the same Album. Try “Dirty Work” from this album. Different singer and different feel.
After "Deacon Blues" consider their track "Kid Charlemagne." The guitar solo by Larry Carlton is among the best. He uses and bunces off of the chords with impeccable fusion phrasing. Having mentioned Fleetwood Mac in the video, I would suggest "Gold Dust Woman." It's masterful in painting a mysterious and slightly foreboding mood. The guitar work by Lindsey Buckingham is super tasteful.
Steely Dan is serious musician's music, they always had the best session players they could find. Dirty work is BEAUTIFUL, Kid Charlemaine has one of the best solos ever, and My Old School kicks ass. Great to see your generation, I'm 70, discovering the music I grew up with, and played in bands at that time...............
If they are going to do "Green Manalishi" it should be by Judas Priest, they just completely took that song. Not that Fleetwood Mac's wasn't good, it was their song.
As a teenager I would hear this song on the radio driving down the road in my 65 convertible Mustang with my friends heading to Tuesday dollar night at the drive-in. That was the life. Loved the song then and still do today!
Love that you guys did, "Reelin' In the Years"! My favourite quote of the song is "You been tellin' me you're a genius since you were seventeen. In all the time I've known you , I still don't know what you mean". Anyway, my choice for a next song to do is, "Do It Again". Cheers! 🥃
I'm 71 years old and I could so hang out with these guys. Check out, "The Boston Rag" and "Katie Lied". Steely Dan are the kings of melody, harmony, soul and hooks.
Time to shift gears a bit and hit up some Police. Start with "When the World is Running Down" or "So Lonely" or "Can't Stand Losing You." Yes, Sting is an insufferable fist magnet, but early to mid-career Police is some golden stuff.
Was time for some more Steely Dan!! We’re lovin’ them so far!! What’s the next track we gotta check out by them?!?! Deacon Blues??! Cheers friends!! 🔥🤟🏻
My Old School!
This is their first..Radio Hit.❤️💥
Do "Josie" or "Deacon Blues"...Next. But they are All UNIQUE🎶🎶🎶 I WOULD SAY THIS IS MY NUMBER ONE FAVORITE.BAND!!
Do It Again
Do it again & Dr Wu
Aja
One of the best lines ever written! "You've been telling me your a genius since you were 17, in all the time I've known you I still don't know what you mean." 🤣🤣
🤣
Their ability to turn a phrase...
Saw this comment as I was hearing the lyric!
And Andy’s single (genuine) “Hah!” Perfect
Amazing lyrics!
Since listening to Steely Dan fellas,you have become approximately 25% cooler.
I'm dying!!
And it can only go up from here..
@@maryannanderson1744 dont look at me,i'm just a luckless pedestrian.
At least. 😉
This song is literally 50 years old and it still sounds PHENOMENAL.
Damn right it does! 😉
Back in the day, just another album for us - my God, we were so blessed in the 60s and 70s.
greatest music, coolest bands and the best cars and coolest cars best time to be a teen ager - if you were white I guess if you were black not quite so much great black music but again life in general not so much I am BTW am an old white guy.
yeah that has crossed my mind over and over stupid luck all that talent exploding in a 15 year period give or take.
Elliott Randall came into the studio and played that solo in one take, all the way through, no editing, after all the other tracks were layed down. Incredible how professional studio musicians can come in and capture lightning in a bottle on the first take. A special gift indeed.
Pretty sure he plugged right into the mixing desk too. No amp.
Actually this was his second take only because the sound engineer incredibly forgot to hit record on the first one!
Jimmy Page said it was his favorite guitar solo of all time.
@@jamesfetherston1190The only amp available was a bass amp. So, that's what he used. He said, "It wouldn't have been my first choice, or even my fifth choice..." I don't remember the rest of the quote but it went along the lines of, things worked out rather well, eh?
I’m a 66 year old woman. I absolutely love watching your channel! I grew up with music on at our house. We would listen to our parents music, and they’d listen to ours. It was a mutual respect, regarding each other’s music. My kids grew up the same way. It’s so refreshing to see a whole new generation loving these songs! Keep it up. I send these to my children, and to friends. Love it, love it! I would love to add some listening suggestions. I’ll find some that you haven’t already done. Thank you, deb Enger
Wow. My house. At 57 I Still listen to the Righteous Bros and the Supremes. And my Mom "acquired" my REO, Billy Joel, and Eagles Albums when I moved out. How cool.
Exactly the same for me....
Wow, I'm a 66 year old woman too and could have said the very same thing. Do you listen to Donald Fagans later albums now bc you would like them too? Morph the Cat is a Christmas song for me. It's fun to watch these young guys digging our music , eh? Oh and Mary shut the garden gate. Too cool.
I'm 65 and may be 20 gray hairs, I'm not kidding!
Same for me. I was the youngest child in my family and my parents were older when they had me. They listened to Tommy Dorsey on their old stereo, played the old 78's and would tear it up dancing the jitterbug. Actually, that Tommy Dorsey Boogie Woogie song is one of my favorites, and I learned to love the clarinet playing of Artie Shaw. I don't listen to it much, but I appreciate it when I do.
"Rikki Don't Lose That Number" should be in the pipeline as well. They have so many great songs, but that is one of my favorites.
Absolutely. They do have so many great songs to choose.
I certainly agree with you.
That's one of their best known songs, wouldn't you say?
@@AngelaSealana Yep
Good song but too commercial
The drummer on this tune was a guy named Jim Hodder. This was back when Steely Dan was a functioning, touring band. Hodder played on the first three albums.
M.. Gideon Hoyle: Hodder also sang lead (up front) while touring. I saw SD opening for The Kinks in '73 or ' 74 (Houston Music Hall), and distinctly remember a light brown, long, curly-headed lead singer!
@@bradsmack1 That was actually a guy named David Palmer. He's the lead singer on "Dirty Work" on their first album. He used to sing live in place of Fagen (or sometimes with him) in the early days.
@@m.gideonhoyle409 Wow, you are so right!! You win the prize! You just cleared up several decades of personal "urban legend" in my head!! Was Hodder on stage at all, then? If youi think about the passing of time since then, the players had generally little pub except in the rock press for many years. Decade after decade, when I would recount stories of that show, I somehow picked up the name of Hodder (still in the pre-Google days!), and thought HE was the guy. Anyway, thanks again!
@@bradsmack1 You're welcome... I'm assuming Hodder was on the drum kit.
@@m.gideonhoyle409 Then it was just a confusion of the names for me, but I'm glad I accurately remembered a lead singer with BIG reddish-brown hair!
Elliot Randall did the guitar. Was paid like $98 for two hours, produced pure genius, and put Steely Dan on the map.
You're right. For some reason people think skunk Baxter played that riff. Denny diaz copied it for appearances with the band.
Being put “on the map” is no guarantee of future success. It was simply a break-out single, from which they started an incredible journey. Genius, which they did achieve, takes a bunch more time and effort.
Yeah, I also thought it was Skunk Baxter. Thanks for the heads-up, guys!
Well, this song put them on the radio map, for sure.
Hey 19 is a kicker too
Oh yeah
One of my favs! That's Retha Franklin...
@@carlgibbons5777 But "she don't remember the queen of soul"!
No love for Babylon Sisters?
FM. Trust me.
Kid Charlemagne. Is a must, Larry Carlton’s guitar solo is insane!!
But the live version with Ricky Lawson on drums is just as smooth as a springtime breeze.
Yup...LC's solo is right at the top of my list of great guitar solos. Check out what Rick Beato has to say about that song in one of his "What Makes This Song Great" segments.
or Don't Take Me Alive - another insane Larry Carlton solo. It's the rare song that begins with the solo.
Tom Scharf I did, pretty cool!
Catherine sing it girl.
Fun fact: This is Jimmy Page’s favorite guitar solo of all time.
Mine also.😀
"Do It Again" as in "go back Jack do it again." by Steely Dan
That song is THE BOMB. I remember hearing it on my radio when I was in 5th grade and being mesmerized by it. Still am. 😁
Killer groove.
There are so many mesmerizing songs that it's going to be hard for them to choose
Great memories singing Do It Again karaoke in Alexandria, Virginia in the early 90s.
That's a good "Polka" dance rhythm!
"Kid Charlemagne." is da shit. There is soooo many great songs by this band.I envy you hearing all these songs for the first time.
Dave Gawel Hell yea!!!👍👍👍👍
Well said
Yep, Dave nailed it! ;o)
That song got tremendous airplay in 1971-72. Steely threw down the gauntlet, and didn’t let up
I remember it getting major air time too. My reaction was to turn up the volume !
That's truly amazing. Considering it was only recorded in August '72 and first released in March '73.
‘Do It Again’ is the S Tier song you’re looking for!
This is a S-tier song. To get better musicianship you've got to go to Jazz, Muscle Shoals, or the Wrecking Crew. It doesn't get much better than this.
"My Old School" is such a tasty track. A salad of sound. Great horn section, delectable guitar riffs sprinkled with subtle keyboards and topped off with smooth creamy vocals.
I know they would dig that. Such a great tune and lyrics.
Jim Snyder after that description, I have the munchies :-)
One of the best SD tunes. Every time I purchased a new car this was the song I played first. Jeff "Skunk" Baxter tears upon the guitar licks.
Jimmy Page said that this was the best song ever written. High praise.
Not to be argumentative, but legend is he said it was his favorite guitar solo, not song.
@@andrewtrotter9023, you're correct Andrew. Jimmy Page said it was his favorite guitar solo, not song.
@Col70 accuracy when quoting someone is in no way being "picky".
Didn't hear that.Very cool.
@Col70 That isn't picky at all. Saying that the song is the best song ever written or saying that it is the best guitar solo are pretty fucking drastically different statements
For the record, Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin has said that this is his favorite guitar solo of all time. [Edited to add] And the drummer on this track was Jim Hodder.
I wonder why? I mean, it was good, but with all the mind-blowing guitar solos by top guitarists over the past decades, ( like Jeff Beck, SRV, and Jimmy himself for crying out loud) to pick a rather short one from a commercially friendly song
@@w.geoffreyspaulding6588 Right? I was surprised. I mean, it's a fine little solo with lots of noodly little jazz flourishes, but Page of all people singles it out?
Where did you hear this? Hard to believe.
@@Veggamattic Read the Wikipedia article on "Reelin' In The Years". They cite the source.
My Old School is a rocker and roughly the same era. My favorite Steely Dan song is Black Cow, very cool and jazzy.
Yes. My Old School! Best SD song in a catalog of amazing songs!
Yes! Both of those!
So agree... My Old School was on every party tape / playlist of mine for YEARS.
Agreed on both.
California...tumbles into the sea...that will be the day I go back to Annandale...
Not sure if you guys know how happy you are making us oldies...so great to see this music being appreciated.
The 1970s were a golden cornucopia of musical goodness
Like I said, " No matter where you drop the needle, your going to enjoy the song". Steely Dan is that kinda group.
Roy Leggitt so true!
EXACTLY
Exactly👍👍👍
If you like Bernard Purdie, Home at Last is a perfect example of the “Purdie Shuffle”.
Absolutely!!! Fantastic track!!!!!
Also Babylon Sisters
A million times Yes to Home at Last.
Agreed! Home at Last has some great drum and bass work.
This song is number one on my top ten list of best rock and roll songs. It has held that position since 1973. Yes, I am that old.
Check out FM. Now, that's about having a "commercial feel." Take care guys.
Fm..no Static at all. God they've got so many good songs it's just hard to choose
I recemend Do It Again but FM is excellent as well
LOVE FM! Came from a movie called ‘FM’ about radio business in the ‘70s. Amazing soundtrack included Boston, the Doobie Brothers, Eagles, Bob Seger, Linda Ronstadt, and Steely Dan, among others.
@@adriennepender673 It's also the album/cassette/CD I've had to rebuy most often because it was swiped from me at a party or some other social gathering. Actually it's a tie between FM and the soundtrack to the movie Heavy Metal. Folks don't know the albums, but when they hear them, they have to get them. I just wish they'd get their own. Thankfully, I no longer have to take them to parties - lol
They need to do the hybrid version with the sax and guitar solos. The sax is so tasty, reminiscent of the sax solos in Pink Floyd's "Money, "Shine on you Crazy Diamond", and Danny Gatton's "Pretty Blue".
Seriously, how have you never heard this?! It is literally almost 50 years old. It is amazing how well it holds up. A true classic. So fun watching you guys discover Steely Dan. They are legendary, a true musician’s band. This is from their first record. You should preview a song from each album to observe the progression. Here are my suggestions...
Can’t Buy a Thrill - Reelin’ in the Years
Pretzel Logic - Rikki Don’t Lose that Number
Countdown to Ecstasy - My Old School
Katy Lied - Black Friday
The Royal Scam - Don’t Take Me Alive
Aja - Deacon Blues (but seriously, every song is great)
Gaucho - Babylon Sisters
Two Against Nature - West of Hollywood
Everything Must Go - Things I Miss the Most
You probably know by now that Steely Dan is the name of the band, not one of the guys. The band is Donald Fagan and Walter Becker. They started as a regular band with regular, steady members, but by Aja had turned into a studio band, with Donald and Walter writing all the tunes and playing some of the tracks. Donald is keyboards and vocals, and Walter is the original bass player, but seemed to play less and less as time went on. For everything else they brought in the best session musicians available, sometimes using dozens of players on each record and a totally different mix of players for each song. They were obsessive, perfectionists, but it was a real honor to get called in for one of their sessions. You have stumbled onto one of the most uniquely awesome bands in history. Enjoy!
It's a con, that's why...I can't believe they haven't heard this in their lifetime !
Not a con. It is not inconceivable that A & A have not heard these songs. The best, for me it’s like I’M hearing the songs for the first time, again. Thanks for that guys.
Dude, well said!
stonesdurtysox, you’re assuming that people their age listen to classic rock stations.i love watching their reactions!
Remember. These guys are in their EARLY 20's... W/out someone to point the music out, why would they know about them? All I can say is it's fun to see people being exposed to music that means something to me. Great avenue to travel down for these guys!
Every time I hear a Steely Dan song I automatically know it’s them. No matter what style or era, that’s signature.
You HAVE to do MY OLD SCHOOL!
Yes. This. Please.
That's a great song. Great horns!
Yes, finally someone recommended this. Fuck Deacon Blue.
Yep!
ABSOLUTELY! Guitar solo is AWESOME!
My Old School!
YES!
Such a fun romp that
I hope by now you have listened to a lot more of Steely Dan, they are magnificent! RIP Walter Becker.
Either Rikki Don't Lose That Number (a - sort of - mellow classic) or Kid Charlemagne (great lyrics and guitar solo).
Mike Stamp is there gas in the car?
Ivy Grad 91 I think the people down the hall know who you are...
Deacon Blues is a MUST!!! Also, Rikki Don't Lose That Number. Have a great week guys !!
Drummer on Reeling in The years was Jim Hodder, Purdie played on later albums. Love your enthusiasm for the band.
Thanx man never heard of hodder
Jim Hodder is so great on this track. I just recently discovered Jim Hodder's earlier group/album "The Bead Game." I'm enjoying it!
Excellent info. Thank you.
and Steve Gaad played on a lot of their stuff. Aka the greatest drummer alive.
@@bernie4366 They used a lot of different drummers, I think Gadd played on 2, maybe 3 songs.
Fm No Static At All, ext version with guitar and sax solos, very saucy.
Great choice! Next one by Steely Dan, "Do It Again"
This song is so good..."but the hangman isn't hangin' and they put you on the streets..."
Saying this song has a really good guitar solo is like saying Sinatra had a couple hits.
Hell no dudes this is one of the all time greatest solos ever written.
These cats absolutely rule! I'm amazed that a younger generation is being exposed to this awesome structure. They did it before any other folks had the stones to try it.
Rule? Actually, they SUCK.
What does that even mean?
More Steely Dan to react to:
- Bodhisattva
- Rikki Don't Lose That Number
- Josie
- FM
- Do It Again
Love "Do it Again!". It's a great song!
Dont' forget Royal Scam album
Oh man, I forgot about Bodhisattva! And "Rikki Don't Lose That Number" is a really great one as well -- I would still put "Josie" and "Do It Again" at the top though. It sounds like "Deacon Blues" is getting the most votes though...
@@shelleylucus9385 I'm with you! I would do Deacon Blues after all those songs you mentioned!
Those are all great songs.👍
This is one of those songs that completely defined the 70's
"FM" is another great song by Steely Dan. It's just as laid back as "Deacon Blues"
Nah fm is a party song bro.. it’s straight cool and funk. Deacon blues is another level
Kind of a late 70’s Pink Floyd sound....
Enton Boothe no static at all👍
Hunter Skowron if you find a bad steely dan tune let me know! ✌️
Love FM (No Static At All)
Do it again is already the runaway leader here for the next one. Sign in stranger would be the pick after that-once again. Steely Dan was Donald Fagan(piano/ keyboards lead vocals), Walter Becker, who just passed away recently) guitar, backing vocals. Just 2 guys that brought in others to help them record.
“Josie” is another gem from the “Aja” album 🎸
Alain Brouillaud 🎶 She prays like a Roman with her eyes on fire uh huh...🎵
So happy to see ya' trying out Steely Dan again. Earlier songs like "Reelin In the Years" tend to be a bit different as the "band" evolved into Aja and Gaucho albums which are "near perfection" in terms of studio production and use of mucho excellent studio musicians.
Even the earlier albums had top studio musicians. It is just that the albums you mention had even more studio musicians, which is incredible. That era of 60s-70s top flight studio musicians will never happen again.
FEAR Delta Gaucho was a mess, their best songs came earlier up to and including AJA with 2 or 3 good tunes on Gaucho!
@@joelliebler5690 You know what they say about opinions, right? Gaucho is my second-favorite Dan album, after Aja. I love EVERY song on it!
MissAstorDancer No weak albums though.
@@5891jonathan - Yes, I agree! Especially when compared to Fleetwood Mac, who had some not-so-great albums. The Dan has never had a stinker, IMO!
You can't go wrong with this band, but you can be really right doing, Don't Take Me Alive'. 😉
Don't Take Me Alive is a great song!
I agree! If you love guitar, its one of the best guitar intros EVER! It's also what I saw when rock guitar meets a bad ass jazz band! Do it!!
At least there exists one other person recommending this cut. If Steely Dan made any “bangers,” then Don’t Take Me Alive” is it.
Yeah, it is kind of a hidden classic. I think they will love the guitar, the storytelling and the growing coolness of this band. Don't know about you guys but watching these guys honestly react to the music makes me react with fresh ears.
Jeff “Skunk” Baxter is the accompanying guitarist. He was also with The Doobie Brothers. After he retired from the music business, he became and still is a missile defense expert with the Pentagon. Jeff is a great American Patriot protecting our nation.
🎸❤️🇺🇸
Wasn't it Eliot Randall on this particular track. I know the Skunk is all over their discography
but I don't think that's him on lead.
Lewis Maddox yes, Randall on lead. Baxter on the harmony parts and fade out solo.
and a top 10 rock and roll mustache....
Lewis Maddox Yes..Elliot Randal..A great iconic guitar solo..
Elliott Randall was the guitarist! Fantastic
"The Cuervo Gold, the fine Columbian, make tonight a wonderful thing"...Hey Nineteen has to be in the pipeline.
The unedited version contains the line "We can chase the dragon" which refers to smoking heroin.
Yeah, slide on down into 19
@@bobriedel3277 You sure? Cheak time out of mind off Gaucho. That line is in there about the dragon
My absolute favorite is when he says "you've been telling me you were a genius since you were seventeen, and all that time I've known you I don't know what you mean" that's just clever writing haha
Elliot Randall! Jimmy Page's favorite guitar solo. He rates it a 12/10. So much fun when I remember listening to this in the spring of '73.
Can't do Steely Dan without some "Dirty Work".
Like the castle in its corner
In a medieval game
I foresee terrible trouble
And I stay here just the same
YES
Pretzel Logic and Bodhisattva ✌️
Dirty Work !!! Can't Buy A Thrill Album !! Lot's of Great Song's
Yes you can. Dirty Work is barely Steely Dan. Fagen is not even singing. It does not fit in the Dan canon. Not a bad tune but it is not considered true Steely Dan.
"Do It Again" next. It's a straight up cool groove with one of the most iconic guitar solos ever.
I'm glad you noticed that SD's lyrics are just as high caliber as their music. Steely Dan's music is as satisfying as music ever gets.
Sitar solo, you mean.
I was thinking about "Do It Again" because it's not a jam band type song like this one. I saw Steely Dan on American Bandstand doing "My Old School" and I became a huge fan at age 13. I would be happy to hear your reactions to most any of their music. My fave LP is Pretzel Logic and my husband's (who turned me on to your channel) is Aja. He's itching for you to do "Aja".
Nadine Pierce Aja is a masterpiece but I love Pretzel Logic too.
@@andrewtrotter9023 agreed. I love Night by Night
So smooth
That's the GREAT Jim Hodder on drums, the original Steely Dan drummer. Saw them live at the Allen Theater, Cleveland, Ohio in 1974. I was in the 9th row w/ several of my crew, side of center orchestra, and we smoked pot the entire time. Ronnie Montrose was opener and his guitar work blew us away. Special moments in my life, man.
You’re breaking my heart. Next Steely Dan cut - “Bodhisattva”. Please.
That one is the one I always go back to. Love if they would check this out.
Heck yeah! Just posted about this song and King Of The World
Sorry that's the ONLY SD tune I cannot stand. Just doesn't make any sense it's not their style so I don't know why/how it happened. I'll give them a slide on that b/c Fagen and Becker are my heroes. Nobody's perfect.
Jane Bragwell that’s my vote too
@@Rigoletta53 I've been a SD fan since their first album and have all of them except the hits one. The reason I like Bodhisatva is the tempo. They kill it and that's not an easy thing to do. Still has their sound to me. Pretzel Logic is a cool blues song. Their songs don't all sound the same but still recognizable. I listened to the Pretzel Logic album again and prefer Can't Buy A Thrill.
"You've been tellin' me you're a genius since you were seventeen,
in all the time I've known you I still don't know what you mean..."
One of my favorite lyrics ever and from Andy's chuckle he's got one of those friends too! Cheer guys!
You will be middle aged when you finish listening to all their great songs. They are phenomenal musicians, writers, producers, and their choice of musical arranging is totally blurry. Background musicians were and are the best ever at their craft. Bad sneakers, Black Cow, Hey 19, royal scam, Aja, Home at last, My old school, show biz kids, and on and on. They will drag you through a jazz rock musical. Sit back and enjoy. 😎
Did they DO ANY bad stuff? Boy, I don't remember if they did.
I have been listening to them since the 70s. Never get tired of listening to their music. I can think of only one song I'd pick up the needle on. Everything else masterful.
You’re right! I am a runner and I go from one album to the next while working out. It takes days and days to get through everything. And all is great! Fusion at its best!!
"Do It Again" is top tier. Good job guys.✓
Hey Nineteen is another great one. God I am old. I remember my dad giving me Aja when I was five years old in 1980. Keep up the good work boys!!!!
You think you're old? I graduated high school in '80!
Randall Shaw man I wish I had of. God you must have awesome memories of the music. My parents made sure I listened to good music young. That way I didn’t listen to... well... whatever they are playing now lol
@@trentfry4180 I do indeed! It's so cool and gratifying to see/hear younger folks getting into the music that make up the soundtracks of some of the great memories of my life.
@@randallshaw9609 Me, too!
You’re old? Give me a break! I graduated high school in ‘65. Can anyone beat that, or am I Alex and Andy’s oldest fan? Surely not.....
I always thought the sound of Steely Dan was Los Angeles on the outside and New York on the inside. Kinda like The Eagles wrapped around Velvet Underground, but jazzy.
Or Jazz on the inside and Rock on the outside.
Great analogy!
That's a really good analogy.
Yes!! More Steely Dan. Kid Charlemagne - greatest guitar solo EVER. Infectious groove. Bernard Purdie on drums.
You misspelled "Bodhisattva".
Well...there’s Don’t Take Me Alive
"Deacon Blues" is the premier tune for Steely Dan newbies.
I remember being in College in the late 1970's when a dorm mate who loved Steely Dan, and who shouldn't, was berated by another doom mate, who criticized Steely Dan for being a half-ass Jazz wannabe group. The things is Steely Dan employed a revolving door of virtuoso session artists, with the legendary Larry Carlton often playing on guitar. Regardless of their genre of music, they sounded real good to me.
I heard about SD from a fraternity brother in the mid-late 70's also ( U of North Dakota (yes, it does exist)). Forget with whom I was enamored before but SD stung me with such complex sound. My Old School remains a favorite but there are so many that bring a smile to this old face.
Typical rock bands were blues-based or played simple boogie rhythms. They used three or four chords. Or they were prog and they had some sophistication but totally European. Steely Dan, with its jazz elements, was a unique alternative.
Alex. “The things you think are useless I don’t understand”.
Today it would be, the things that pass for music, I don't understand.
Dick C Normous what do you mean? I do get having a fondness for old music but every era has amazing music. Their are some truly groundbreaking artists in modern music
Alex From Andy And Alex PREACH!!!
He also says, “The things that pass for knowledge I don’t understand “.
@@alexfromandyandalex8032 Then why do you guys focus almost exclusively on the "old music"??
Also, don’t know if others have mentioned it, but the Eagles and Steely Dan name check each other in each other’s songs-In Hotel California, the Eagles sing, “They stab them with their steely knives but they just can’t kill the beast”and Steely Dan sings, in Everything You Did, “Turn up the Eagles the neighbors are listening”
The Eagles took a line from Pretzel Logic to title their song Those Shoes. Frey and Henley worshipped Becker and Fagan. Google this phrase: Steely Dan Eagles joke sculpture.
My dad is 76 now and I'm 57, but we'll always love the classics.
Deacon Blues, then Do It Again, then Kid Charlemagne. Andy will find his S tier in one of these three, I'm sure. Thanks for another great listen!
"Don't Take Me Alive." Probably one of their darkest song lyrically (the title pretty much gives it away), nice guitar solo.
Everyone's Gone To The Movies is maximum creep Steely Dan.
@@peterquinones3522 I'll have to check it out. Note I did say "probably" lol.
Dark Dan? Try "Haitian Divorce"
Cousin Dupree has to be their darkest and creepiest.
A couple of recommendations would be from the album Everything Must Go. Something a bit twisted "Godwhacker" and the other would be "Slang of Ages". Which is I believe the only song where Walter Becker sings lead vocals. It is pretty much Donald Fagen doing lead. There to me is not one bad song from these gentleman.
I just can't believe these react channels saying it's their 'FIRST TIME' ever hearing something. Steely Dan hits have been repeated on classic rock radio stations for 30 years now.
Regardless.. Welcome to the club, gentleman; Glad you're here :)
Do it Again after Deacon Blues
"Don't Take Me Alive" is really good.
This is a must for your reaction. Another Larry Carlton gem.
Yes, I just listened to it and that guitar sings that whole song. The solos are so good but the fills during the vocals just tell the story. The songwriting is exceptional. It paints the scene brilliantly.
AKA "The Mechanized Hum of another World."
"Kid Charlemagne" and "Black Cow". This band never lets you down. America's greatest band.
Do "Any Major Dude Will Tell You" - another genius Steely Dan song.
This is one of my all time favorite Steely Dan songs...really touches a place in my heart. Not sure it fits the stuff these two guys are liking, but a great song regardless
One of my faves.
This might be an absurd question But have you listened to Santana's ... Black Magic Women
VICTOR LUGO great song, even though I prefer the Peter green version
Not an absurd question at all. Odds are extremely high, they haven't...but they will eventually. :)
It’s not absurd because Do it Again by Steely Dan sounds like Evil Ways by Santana
A RollingStone uh, NO.
You mean Peter Green's BMW don't you? Easy mistake. Anything by Peter Green's original Fleetwood Mac; my fave version of the band had Peter in it. Best blues singer/guitarist by far; I believe even Muddy Waters said so. Someone correct me if I'm wrong. DUDES, YO ALEX ANDY give Peter Green a listen and be awestruck.
"Black Cow" from The Aja album. THIS is the hidden gem from that session. Make sure your socks are pulled waaay up... All my old school buds dig your channel. I was 16 when this one dropped.
Indeed
Jimmy Hodder played drums and Jimmy Page called Elliot Randall’s solo his favorite of all time.
“Kid Charlemagne” has an incredible guitar solo. It’s from The Royal Scam album, my 2nd favorite album behind Aja.
You need a full listen of Royal Scam. The guitar work on that album is unparalleled.
Deacon Blues is a favorite:
Drink Scotch whiskey all night long
And die behind the wheel
They got a name for the winners in the world
I want a name when I lose
When the vocals kicks in I think he sounds just like Phil Lynott (Thin Lizzy).
If you think he sounds like Phil Lynott, i'll have a pint of whatever you're drinking...Having said that they could also try as bit of Thin Lizzy...Don't believe a word.
Agreed! It's the vocal delivery!
good one. please cover “Do it Again”next.???? , (Also 515 for The Who please!)
Excellent recommendation. I see many of us are on the same page! :)
Yes to both of these!
I'd add Josie to the list. Your gateway to "funk" and rap samples.
I've seen a few of the "React To" CZcams videos and I must say at least you guys are articulate and seem to know music. if you have researched Steely Dan you'll understand that they were a band light years ahead of typical rock bands. Very slick...spotlessly produced...and they enlisted some of the top session musos of the time.
Hey guys, when comparing this Album ‘Can’t buy a thrill” and “Aja”, remember, this was their Debut album! To be that mature and polished right out of the gate is amazing. Aja, with the song Peg, was their 6th album. Great stuff.
As to next, Decon Blues is a great song and very reminiscent (in my opinion) of Peg from the same Album. Try “Dirty Work” from this album. Different singer and different feel.
No big thing, but AJA was SD's 7th album... out of nine in all.
After "Deacon Blues" consider their track "Kid Charlemagne." The guitar solo by Larry Carlton is among the best. He uses and bunces off of the chords with impeccable fusion phrasing. Having mentioned Fleetwood Mac in the video, I would suggest "Gold Dust Woman." It's masterful in painting a mysterious and slightly foreboding mood. The guitar work by Lindsey Buckingham is super tasteful.
Is there gas in the car?
Ivy Grad 91 Yes there’s gas in the car! (But did you clean that mess up else we’ll all end up in jail!)
Greg USMC 🤩. I think the people down the hall know who you are!
Ya'll just a couple of day-glo freaks who used to paint your face. ;-)
Ivy Grad 91 I’m not sure of your identity, but I think the people down the hall know who you are.
Steely Dan is serious musician's music, they always had the best session players they could find. Dirty work is BEAUTIFUL, Kid Charlemaine has one of the best solos ever, and My Old School kicks ass. Great to see your generation, I'm 70, discovering the music I grew up with, and played in bands at that time...............
I cannot recommend "Haitian Divorce" highly enough. It's such a great sound, with a fantastic story behind it.
That is one of my favs as well, very tasty talkbox guitar too!
Was waiting for someone to say this, else I would have. Great, great groove in Haitian Divorce.
"Now we dolly back, now we fade to Black." Incredible song!
@@gregh7927 My fave SD track, even among the class of this band it stands out.
Some babies grow in a peculiar way...
Don't Take Me Alive! - Steely Dan, The Green Manalishi (With the Two-Pronged Crown) - Fleetwood Mac
Definitely Green Manalishi for their next Fleetwood Mac song.
SupaSoul Productions Cool, a Green Manalishi request! Nice. Old Mac was the best Mac.
"Don't take me alive" is great. I think that would be right up their alley with the killer guitar in it.
If they are going to do "Green Manalishi" it should be by Judas Priest, they just completely took that song. Not that Fleetwood Mac's wasn't good, it was their song.
@@shelleylucus9385 If you think I'll let that go you're mad. You got another thing coming. ✌️😆
Pretzel Logic is "the" Steely Dan album. Title song has brass section and more phenomenal guitar work.
Josie or Deacon Blues
Or. Green Earrings(( super Jazzy) these guys always have the best session musicians out there 🧡🧡😎😎
Finally! You played a song that brought the sauce! Now let’s hear Gimme All your Lovin or La Grange from ZZTOP
Oh yes! ZZ Top should be a priority.
La Grange would be a great start for ZZ Top
Rough Boy for something different from them
Been listening to this song for 50 years and it still gives me goosebumps!!!
Kid charlemagne. Best steely dan guitar solo by Larry Carlton and killer shuffle by Bernard purdie.
As a teenager I would hear this song on the radio driving down the road in my 65 convertible Mustang with my friends heading to Tuesday dollar night at the drive-in. That was the life. Loved the song then and still do today!
Steely Dan is your favorite band’s favorite band.
That’s well said.
One reason to check out "Hey Nineteen": "The Cuervo Gold
, The fine Colombian, Make tonight a wonderful thing."
She don't remember The Queen of Soul.
Love that you guys did, "Reelin' In the Years"! My favourite quote of the song is "You been tellin' me you're a genius
since you were seventeen.
In all the time I've known you
, I still don't know what you mean". Anyway, my choice for a next song to do is, "Do It Again". Cheers! 🥃
"Hey Nineteen" - put that on the list!
I'm 71 years old and I could so hang out with these guys. Check out, "The Boston Rag" and "Katie Lied". Steely Dan are the kings of melody, harmony, soul and hooks.
Steely Dan: "Bodhisattva"
If you play guitar and never heard this... prepare to die (and go to heaven)
Yes, this was several years before the incredible "Aja" (with 'Peg').
"Green Earrings," "Kid Charlamagne" both bangers, especially Green Earrings.
It’s another song where you want it to continue...it fades away just when the best guitar solo is starting!
Time to shift gears a bit and hit up some Police. Start with "When the World is Running Down" or "So Lonely" or "Can't Stand Losing You." Yes, Sting is an insufferable fist magnet, but early to mid-career Police is some golden stuff.