The smoothest blend of light rock,instramental and vocals ever brought together. An amazing use of language to blend in. I am 67 years old been listening since high school. Today generation can learn from Becker and Fagan. Rest in peace Walter Becker you left to early but you left a better world THANK YOU
These guys took music to another level. The blending of horns, keyboard, background vocals. They were said to be perfectionists and difficult to work with, so be it. The results are nothing short of phenomenal.
These guys were perfectionists , and never released the album until they felt that it was their best effort . I love the harmonies and of course the backup singers are great .
I cried when I wrote this song, sue me if I play too long. One of the best lines ever and God knows these two had a lot of perfect lines. Insanely talented and still so uniquely them.
From a purely musical standpoint, this has to be the most perfect song I've ever heard. The production and engineering are absolutely top shelf material. It's also a fairly timeless piece, because it really doesn't sound like it came out of the late 1970s with its blend of blues, jazz and rock.
I couldn’t agree more! Machine-tooled perfection but with absolutely no loss of heart and soul - the timeless lament of the man who sees no prospects in life and who comes to realize the fault is in himself….After thousands of listenings the entire first side of Aja never fails to elicit those deep Blues emotions that culminate in the sad brilliance of Deacon Blues - not a single instrument, not a single bar of the music, is out of harmony with that deep mood of loss and regret in the middle of a great big wide world that is moving on without you.
Yes indeed - These guys were perfectionists It's a difficult call - I'd say Steely Dan and Zappa are tied for top place - I'd have to really nitpick to pick one over the other... Comes down to what mood I'm in.
Steely Dan. I have been listening to them since the early 70's. I always knew they were great but it has been only the last few years that I have really understood how brilliant they actually are. The playing is close to perfection and the arrangements are fantastic.
There were so many talented groups putting out their best year after year. We were lucky to have lived through that. But as the saying goes, the cream always rises to the top.
What I failed to mention in my earlier post, was tempo. Much of Steely Dan is about tempo. Two brilliant examples are 'Aja' and 'Third World Man.' I have stopped listening to those two songs since they were released. But it is only in about the last few years that I have come to understand that the tempo in those two songs is what makes them masterpieces.
Deacon Blues. One of the absolute greatest pieces of music from the 70s. I never tire of listening to this song. Thank you SD, you’ve been a huge part of my life and helped me through good and bad times.
Riding on I25 thru all the Pine Trees, Temp is 83 degrees and you're honey has got her arms around you.... No Traffic... What a ride with this music on the radio. Pipe dream of the 80's gone now. I'm just a Old Man with memories now.
Have a similar indelible memory - flew to Washington and drove a top down Mustang rental to present at the Nat Centre for State Courts in Williamsburg. Sunny day, Deacon Blues, Oh Girl,... on the radio - this was America to a young guy from small town Canada.
This is the day of the expanding man That shape is my shade There where I used to stand It seems like only yesterday I gazed through the glass At ramblers, wild gamblers That's all in the past You call me a fool You say it's a crazy scheme This one's for real I already bought the dream So useless to ask me why Throw a kiss and say goodbye I'll make it this time I'm ready to cross that fine line Learn to work the saxophone I play just what I feel 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 They call Alabama the Crimson Tide Call me Deacon Blues My back to the wall A victim of laughing chance This is for me The essence of true romance Sharing the things we know and love With those of…
(From 2nd verse) My back to the wall A victim of laughing chance This is for me The essence of true romance Sharing the things we know and love with those of my kind Libations, sensations That stagger the mind I crawl like a viper Through these suburban streets Make love to these women Languid and bittersweet I'll rise when the sun goes down Cover every game in town A world of my own I'll make it my home sweet home Learn to work the saxophone (I) I play just what I feel Drink Scotch whiskey all night long And die behind the wheel They got a name for the winners in the world (I) I want a name when I lose They call Alabama the Crimson Tide Call me Deacon Blues (Deacon Blues) This is the night of the expanding man I take one last drag as I approach the stand I cried when I wrote this song Sue me if I play too long This brother is free I'll be what I want to be I'll learn to work the saxophone (I) I play just what I feel Drink Scotch whiskey all night long And die behind the wheel They got a name for the winners in the world (I) I want a name when I lose They call Alabama the Crimson Tide Call me Deacon Blues (Deacon Blues)
Ray williams introduced me to them back in 80's. Ray played for the bystanders then the man band. He taught me how to listen to them. It changed my musical life. I still love them today. Saw them live at wembley arena just great. Thank you ray god bless
So useless to ask me why, throw a kiss and say goodbye..., This brotha' is free, I'll be what I want to be..., It don't get much better! Nostalgic, bittersweet, a bit self effacing, tongue in cheek, but a romantic dream. I'd buy it too😊!
For all that they did....my ears stay happy and I face has that broken cracked smile as I sing and dance..."They call Alabama the Crimson Tide...Call me Deacon Blues.... Roll Tide!!!
One of a kind band for sure and once hearing his voice, we all know the group! Yet, seriously, it sounds with admirable fanfare but... nobody or group is 'ahead of any/there time' as we're all here pushing forward behind time until, sadly, ours runs out while time stays on beat. Peace.
We couldn't bear to stop listening to SD on CZcams so we just bought 5 albums at Amoeba Music on Hollywood Blvd and drove the streets in the hills playing them like the perfect soundtrack to our freedom.
Growing up as a teenager in the 60s I couldn't get enough of this band from "Reeling in The Years" and beyond. My brother was a phenominal guitarist and at times he would break out a Steely Dan 'cut', this makes me think of those days. You don't get better than this band!
This is the generation of great musicians with issues that should have not ! Great sound, great everything ,tons of hours till perfection ,to stay in our hearts forever ; it happens here ,love USA !
I watched a classic album show about “Aja” the other night. It made me embarrassed to realize how little I know about musical composition. They are fantastic
This is one of my favorite songs of all time. I don't know if I myself am Deacon Blues but this song makes me think that I am and so is everyone else. It is simple, complex, sad, hopeful, cynical, melancholic, depressing, and uplifting all at once. It is eternal, resilient, and speaks of the human condition on the deepest level. It is beautiful.
Que tiempos aquellos eran magicos rebosabamos de juventud los 70s fueron años gloriosos que te invitan a la nostalgia y a la reflexion tiempos que no volveran este temon es una obra de arte gracuas Steely por ese hermoso tema que me recuerda mi juventud
Brilliantly edited to brilliant music
You are very kind.
I do agree ! 🙏❤️
Incredible job Thomas!
Usual GREAT job by Tom "Top Kat"
Superpower
People who grew up in the 70s know how really good these guy are, Thank you STEELY DAN
MAJIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I certainly do! 70's music is un-rivaled!
I agree... because that's my time as well. But every generation says this of "their" music. And they're correct too.
Yes indeed!
Amen to that!
There will never be another generation of music that measures up to the classics of the 70's.
Agreed. The only decade to match or top the 70s in American music is the 40s. (probably tops the 70s)
Certainly not so far.
Same for movies too, eh?
Not even close. Nothing tops that magic decade called ‘The Seventies’!
Never, Ever…
Reminds me of my High School days. Im still listening in 2024.
Same here...languid and bittersweet.
Reminds me of my college days, and I'm right there with you listening..
Me as well! I didn't know wat I was listening too. I just loved it.
The smoothest blend of light rock,instramental and vocals ever brought together. An amazing use of language to blend in. I am 67 years old been listening since high school.
Today generation can learn from Becker and Fagan.
Rest in peace Walter Becker you left to early but you left a better world
THANK YOU
Nothing better than,70s music ❤
My dads favorite band ever! I still play it so he can hear in heaven. He was only 57😭. Miss him sooo much!🌺😍
Your old man had great taste in music.
Sorry for your loss. My pops passed at age 32.
These guys took music to another level. The blending of horns, keyboard, background vocals. They were said to be perfectionists and difficult to work with, so be it. The results are nothing short of phenomenal.
There's tight and then theirs Steely Dans TIGHT. Great band and fantastic musos Kevin, as were the session players.
We’ll never see another group like them. Savor it.
These guys were perfectionists , and never released the album until they felt that it was their best effort . I love the harmonies and of course the backup singers are great .
Like Tom Waits stated: they say I have no hits and I am difficult to work with. And they say it like it's a bad thing.
2 geniuses got together and surrounded themselves the greatest talented musicians and struggled until they made it look easy, legendary.
Music doesn't get any better than this, whenever you hear it, the sound never leaves your soul.
So true such great musicians Still jamming here in South Texas
Since day one, coolness personified!!! Walter Becker, that brother is FREE...Don , you left the world a slice of cake, and a cognac on the side 😎💯👆✌️🎶
After 53 years still in my heart , I grew up with it ,every note or every lyrics every love every kiss ! Unforgettable !
If you have a soul you can grasp this music ? 😎
AGREE 100%
Amazing Steely Dan they don't make bands like this anymore, truly one of a kind!
...the current generation doesn't deserve a a band such as Steely Dan...they'd cancel it for hurt feelings
Agreed
Aja is without a doubt a pure Masterpiece!
Albums never got played all normal. They were Heard
One of my favorite all time albums
From a production standpoint, not just Aja, but Gaucho, Two Against Nature, Everything Must Go, All of Donald Fagen's solo work.
Through and through.
Almost like it's own unique form of music.
One of the best bands of all time, incredible writing and playing skills, and brought so much joy to real music lovers for a generation.
I cried when I wrote this song, sue me if I play too long. One of the best lines ever and God knows these two had a lot of perfect lines. Insanely talented and still so uniquely them.
That’s my favorite line as well
I crawled like a viper through your suburban scene...
Yes @@DarlaKroupa
@@DarlaKroupa❤
@@DarlaKroupa❤
Steely Dan is truly an amazing musical experience. They blend jazz, blues and rock seamlessly. RIP Walter.
Soy de Perú, admiro la música, el estilo de para Mi, sino el mejor uno de los mejores grupos de Jazz Rock. Su música nunca pasa.
I am 71 years old and I had a chance to see them play in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania ❤
From a purely musical standpoint, this has to be the most perfect song I've ever heard. The production and engineering are absolutely top shelf material. It's also a fairly timeless piece, because it really doesn't sound like it came out of the late 1970s with its blend of blues, jazz and rock.
True fusion at its finest
No, I don't believe it gets any better. 1976.
I couldn’t agree more! Machine-tooled perfection but with absolutely no loss of heart and soul - the timeless lament of the man who sees no prospects in life and who comes to realize the fault is in himself….After thousands of listenings the entire first side of Aja never fails to elicit those deep Blues emotions that culminate in the sad brilliance of Deacon Blues - not a single instrument, not a single bar of the music, is out of harmony with that deep mood of loss and regret in the middle of a great big wide world that is moving on without you.
@@Markbazzle1 Efficiently put. And I thank you for the decades I've been listening that struck without afterthought.
i agree! endless like Beatles music!
The chords and changes in this song are almost unbearably beautiful. Just perfect.
67 and still digging them.
@@j-capz1856 I am the same....74.
Yes indeed - These guys were perfectionists
It's a difficult call - I'd say Steely Dan and Zappa are tied for top place - I'd have to really nitpick to pick one over the other... Comes down to what mood I'm in.
@@bertkilborne6464 5:42
@@SuperMikado282 me three!
Perfectly Complex, a work of Art. Growing up with this we had no idea how good we had it at the time.
I knew
Compared to what passes for music these days this is a masterpiece.
Very True
This era had the best music ever.
Its so true ! I was listening to this in 76, and still do in 23, with Gods bessings
Steely Dan. I have been listening to them since the early 70's. I always knew they were great but it has been only the last few years that I have really understood how brilliant they actually are. The playing is close to perfection and the arrangements are fantastic.
Same for me. The more I grow old, the more I love their music.
There were so many talented groups putting out their best year after year. We were lucky to have lived through that. But as the saying goes, the cream always rises to the top.
What I failed to mention in my earlier post, was tempo. Much of Steely Dan is about tempo. Two brilliant examples are 'Aja' and 'Third World Man.' I have stopped listening to those two songs since they were released. But it is only in about the last few years that I have come to understand that the tempo in those two songs is what makes them masterpieces.
Same here. Been a SD fan since Pretzel Logic and the music is timeless. Still love deciphering Fagen and Becker’s lyrics.
This music is 46 years old, yet still amazing!
This song is really a Jewell!!! Take me back to those years ... R.I.P. Walter...👏👏
Walter is in trouble....he sold out.
Deacon Blues. One of the absolute greatest pieces of music from the 70s. I never tire of listening to this song. Thank you SD, you’ve been a huge part of my life and helped me through good and bad times.
True and Reelin in the years !
A band for the ages. Their lyrics, arrangements, instruments, vocals, horns, etc, were always way ahead of their time. RIP Walter.
Their music brings tears to my eyes, especially this one.
Third World Man does it for me.
One of the GREATS❤. ROCKING YOU IN 2024
Aja is one of the best albums of all time! Always cool and sophisticated, a true classic!
On the list of albums everyone must/should listen too
Katie lied is better
The Royal Scam was absolutely brilliant.
One of the most beautiful songs ever created❤
STEELY DAN WILL FOREVER BE "TRUE" MASTER'S OF MUSIC...❤
It's Aug 2023 and I am still listening to this wonderful music. Now this is real music. Not that junk that is out now
Hit Rock Bottom twice....this song got me thru both times.
I hear ya bro. Been there.
Still wonderful after 47 years ❤
Riding on I25 thru all the Pine Trees, Temp is 83 degrees and you're honey has got her arms around you.... No Traffic... What a ride with this music on the radio. Pipe dream of the 80's gone now. I'm just a Old Man with memories now.
Have a similar indelible memory - flew to Washington and drove a top down Mustang rental to present at the Nat Centre for State Courts in Williamsburg. Sunny day, Deacon Blues, Oh Girl,... on the radio - this was America to a young guy from small town Canada.
70's :)
The music keeps you young
My favorite Steely Dan song.
Absolute perfection.
They have so many fantastic songs, but yes, this is their best.
Agree - great composition, sophisticated and timeless.
Absolutely bloody fantastic song, I love Donald’s voice so much.
His voice is great because the imperfections,if u may say that, are musically divine,edgy yet emotional and quirky,and so distinct.
I'm an ex singer
One of the best musical groups - Ever
I was in a military hospital...this song pulled me thru.🎉
They don't make em like this anymore and nobody ever will again!
brings tears to my eyes..
Couldn’t agree more!!
They were/are timeless!!!!
Something about that cotton candy.
Does it really ever get better than that? A perfectionist.
Nope!
No, can’t conceive of it being done any better by anyone!!!💯👍🏽😎
Steely Dan's sound takes me right back to the late 70s one of the best times in my life they have such great music
Classy.
The brilliance of Walter and Donald.
Doesn't get any better. ❤
Missing Walter, RIP Sir.
Steely Dan , must be one of the greatest bands ever ! ,Old man UK ,,, thanks
I love Steely Dan. True musicians.
Steely Dan always made sure they had musicians that were the best in the business.
That has to be one of the best songs in the world!
most beautiful music of the time ...and now!
One of my favorite songs of Steely Dan. Great memories of the 70's.
Saw them twice in concert, in Vacouver B.C, Canada. 1983, and again two years later, in 1985. Unforgettable! RIP, Walter Becker.
Never grow tired of the Dan.
It's timeless, amazing work really.
⅚ý
I don't really know how anybody could
True. Never get tired of their great music.
It's 2023 and I am still listening to this
I haven’t heard or seen this song for over 10 years and it grabbed my heart like before.
Never appreciated this group or Donald Fagen until I was in my 40s. But WOW! They were/are AWESOME!
ALL NIGHT LONG BABY!!!!!! RIP Walter, you are missed.✌️🎶🎵❤️
Favorite Steely Dan song! Drank a LOT of scotch listening to it.
Mine too!
I am drunk ,,,thank god for whiskey
All night long
The best group of all time, so unique, perfect music, that goes straight to the soul. No one like Steely dan. ❤ Rest in beats Mr. Becker❤❤❤❤
They were the first to take Rock & Roll and blend in that funky Jazz sound. Brilliant
This is the day of the expanding man
That shape is my shade
There where I used to stand
It seems like only yesterday
I gazed through the glass
At ramblers, wild gamblers
That's all in the past
You call me a fool
You say it's a crazy scheme
This one's for real
I already bought the dream
So useless to ask me why
Throw a kiss and say goodbye
I'll make it this time
I'm ready to cross that fine line
Learn to work the saxophone
I play just what I feel
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
They call Alabama the Crimson Tide
Call me Deacon Blues
My back to the wall
A victim of laughing chance
This is for me
The essence of true romance
Sharing the things we know and love
With those of…
Can you put the rest please.
(From 2nd verse)
My back to the wall
A victim of laughing chance
This is for me
The essence of true romance
Sharing the things we know and love with those of my kind
Libations, sensations
That stagger the mind
I crawl like a viper
Through these suburban streets
Make love to these women
Languid and bittersweet
I'll rise when the sun goes down
Cover every game in town
A world of my own
I'll make it my home sweet home
Learn to work the saxophone
(I) I play just what I feel
Drink Scotch whiskey all night long
And die behind the wheel
They got a name for the winners in the world
(I) I want a name when I lose
They call Alabama the Crimson Tide
Call me Deacon Blues
(Deacon Blues)
This is the night of the expanding man
I take one last drag as I approach the stand
I cried when I wrote this song
Sue me if I play too long
This brother is free
I'll be what I want to be
I'll learn to work the saxophone
(I) I play just what I feel
Drink Scotch whiskey all night long
And die behind the wheel
They got a name for the winners in the world
(I) I want a name when I lose
They call Alabama the Crimson Tide
Call me Deacon Blues
(Deacon Blues)
This band and the Doobie Brothers had such great hits, up there with the Stones and Beatles.
The Stones and Beatles weren't even on the same planet as these guys or the Doobie Brothers for that matter.
Unique and Distinctive Polished sound and Performed so Flawlessly!
Ray williams introduced me to them back in 80's. Ray played for the bystanders then the man band. He taught me how to listen to them. It changed my musical life. I still love them today. Saw them live at wembley arena just great. Thank you ray god bless
Steely Dan, not just music, it’s a lifestyle
So useless to ask me why, throw a kiss and say goodbye..., This brotha' is free, I'll be what I want to be..., It don't get much better! Nostalgic, bittersweet, a bit self effacing, tongue in cheek, but a romantic dream. I'd buy it too😊!
Aja is one of the Top 5 all-time albums. Period.
Timeless Classic. This never gets old.
That signature sound. Nothing else satisfies like the Dan.
For all that they did....my ears stay happy and I face has that broken cracked smile as I sing and dance..."They call Alabama the Crimson Tide...Call me Deacon Blues.... Roll Tide!!!
I've been a Dan Fan since their beginning and this is my favorite song. It's sad that we lost Walter.
This music has been brilliantly done they don't play music like this anymore😊
This group was ahead of the time, but, it still sounds brand new. I think they're great. Rip Walter.
SD are still more interesting and ground breaking than most other recording artists who got a lot of radio airplay including The Beatles.
One of a kind band for sure and once hearing his voice, we all know the group! Yet, seriously, it sounds with admirable fanfare but... nobody or group is 'ahead of any/there time' as we're all here pushing forward behind time until, sadly, ours runs out while time stays on beat. Peace.
We couldn't bear to stop listening to SD on CZcams so we just bought 5 albums at Amoeba Music on Hollywood Blvd and drove the streets in the hills playing them like the perfect soundtrack to our freedom.
Excelente música, no pasan de Moda. De los mejores Grupos.
Last night I couldn't sleep, the king of the world was keeping me awake...😳
These guys studio albums were so good
Production was steller
This is the best music ever
Beach Boys, Beatles, Miles, Marvin, Prince, Radiohead, you name them, Deacon Blues may be one of the best
I love these guys I’ve loved them since I was in junior high school ❤❤and here I am now 57
Growing up as a teenager in the 60s I couldn't get enough of this band from "Reeling in The Years" and beyond. My brother was a phenominal guitarist and at times he would break out a Steely Dan 'cut', this makes me think of those days. You don't get better than this band!
You meant the 70’s, but sure…
In 1978 I jammed to this thinking I'll be listening to this when I'm old and gray so here I am!😮
"I cried when I wrote this song. Sue me if I play too long. This brother is free. I'll be what I want to be" ❤❤
This is the generation of great musicians with issues that should have not ! Great sound, great everything ,tons of hours till perfection ,to stay in our hearts forever ; it happens here ,love USA !
No other band pulls me into their music like Steely Dan. I've seen them three times, luckily all three with Walter. The music just speaks to my soul.
You might Like Zappa also ? 😎
These Guys and Chicago probably the best ever.
Steely Dan’s music is timeless! Been listening for 45 years.
Fabulous recording of this steely dan classic thanks 🎉
Steely Dan is the reason headphones were invented! Thank you, forever grateful.
I feel in complete" Love" with this bands art of music 🎵 at the age of 2 years of age.I'm now 51 years of age and still so in "Love" with this band.
My great visit with my grandparents in Los Feliz Los Angeles...Great memories of driving on Mulholland sightseeing.
This is one of the greatest groups of ALL time, very very good music.
Was lucky to see them 4 times including the first tour in 20 years and a show 2 months before our beloved Walter passed away.....RIP
I watched a classic album show about “Aja” the other night. It made me embarrassed to realize how little I know about musical composition. They are fantastic
I just watched that as well and was surprised to hear that they used different studio musicians on each of the songs .
The Epitome of Music !! This is Universal.
no Ego vanity. Just Truth.
" This Brother is Free " , Understood band !🥳
Unbelievable how brilliant they had been live.
Still here,man, stll listening 47 later and still going.
This is one of my favorite songs of all time. I don't know if I myself am Deacon Blues but this song makes me think that I am and so is everyone else. It is simple, complex, sad, hopeful, cynical, melancholic, depressing, and uplifting all at once. It is eternal, resilient, and speaks of the human condition on the deepest level. It is beautiful.
THAT'S FUCKING AMAZING.........ITLITERALLY SOUNDS JUST LIKE THE ALBUM.........HOLY CRAP.
Is that sarcasm font?
Simply wow! This music is ageless.
Since HS. I'll always be a Fan.
This song is an absolute masterpiece!
Timeless - one of my all-time favs!!!!!!.........2021.
Wanna get a song stuck in your head for days? This is it…
Que tiempos aquellos eran magicos rebosabamos de juventud los 70s fueron años gloriosos que te invitan a la nostalgia y a la reflexion tiempos que no volveran este temon es una obra de arte gracuas Steely por ese hermoso tema que me recuerda mi juventud