@@drocker4729 And maybe one of their best lines written "In the night you hide from the madman You're longing to be But it all comes out on the inside Eventually"
@@drocker4729 I like the overdrive version from the 2006 Fagen concerts even better. I'm one of the few though! 0:00 ua-cam.com/video/SMJl6FjU7rc/v-deo.html
My one high school bud used to come to the car and put this on after he effed up a test to ease his mind. Then we'd all say F__k it and shoot over to Beer World to get a case of Bud pony's and head to Ft. Washington State Park to revel in the privileges of youth.
Contenders for uaefyl comparison George Martin super skilled arranger. STEVIE wonder genius,composer of the early 70s. Kate Bush Joan Armourtrading before sge went technopo.
"Western World" is based on the "Circe" chapter in James Joyce's "Ulysses." The Western World is a brothel in Dublin. It's from the sessions for "Royal Scam."
When 'Gold' came out I already owned every song Steely Dan ever recorded...except for 'Here at the Western World', so I had to buy it of course. Such a great song. They all are.
Ruby Baby is one of the rare songs that Donald Fagen sings but didn't write. It was written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, one of the premier song writing teams of the 50s and 60s. These guys wrote songs for Elvis and a host of other artists. Ruby Baby was first recorded by The Drifters in 1956, but it became a bigger hit for Dion in 1963.
I hear more shades of Four Freshmen in Ruby Baby than I hear Dion but it's Fagen all the way. He picked my pocket because my heart was in my pocket. Now I must hear The Goodbye Look from The Nightly. I'm addicted dude, thanks Nick you have a very cool small jazz combo bebop vibe from some year way in the future.
'In the night you hide from the madman you're longing to be. But it all comes out on the inside ... eventually.' One of my all-time favourite SD lines from one of my all-time favourite SD tracks. Too Good. Cheers.
The 3 Steely Dan songs are some of my favorites. Kings is my favorite from CBaT, it turned me on to Steely Dan in college. Here at the Western World along with FMj are just two great tunes that were not on their albums. And Daddy Dont Live in That New York City No More is from the greatest album side of all time. Katy Lied with Dr Wu, Bad Sneakers, and Rose Darling to me this album side is the greatest of all time, even better than side 1 of Blood on the Tracks.
In the vocal harmonies on Ruby Baby, when they draw out the word miiine, I can hear a half step between the 13th and the 7th. For ex, in an A7, it would be an F# and a G right next to each other, like gears grinding together. It’s so dissonant yet so beautiful and cool.
Definitely look up Fagan's side project in the early 90s called The New York rock and soul review. Absolutely fabulous, packed with great musicians. Their show live at the Beacon theater is here on YT. You'll love it.
That is a great comment about Here at the western world sounding like Dr. Wu. The connenction, the great piano part that was dominant with both songs, and both played by Michael Omartian. You talk about dark lyrics with S.D, then you go to the perky uplifting songs of the Fagen solo album.
Nothing but the best, the Nightfly is a precious gem among jewels. I would have liked to have introduced my children to SD, but alas, no kids. I suppose that's why I get great satisfaction watching you guys get constantly amazed with the Dan/Fagan, they are American musical treasures and you are wise enough to realize their greatness. I'm wearing my Munchen Oktoberfest 2000 t-shirt, I had a wild time in Munich Nic, drinking with bikers from Koblenz, but that's another story. BTW, I saw SD in Paris at the Olympia Theater on the same trip, my greatest concert experience! Ruby Baby, Daddy Don't Live, besides Fagan what else in common? Jeff Porcaro. The Groove Master. Nic, you liking Fusion and Steely Dan, a suggestion; Tom Scott and the LA Express, the original West Coast Fusion sound. I just saw him play with Drew Zingg and Keith Carlock over the weekend in San Diego playing the music of Steely Dan, what a show! They even played The Bear! Scott arranged the horns on Aja and Gaucho and also blew tenor on Black Cow, he's the real deal. He started with Joni Mitchell, the LA Express was her back up band on the Miles of Aisles album, that's when I got turned on to him and the LA Express. The first LA Express album features Tom Scott, Joe Sample, Larry Carlton, John Guerin and Max Bennet, it kills; Sample and Carlton also played on Black Cow/Aja. I'd suggest the tunes LA Expression or Bless My Soul. Tom Cat is the second album; Robben Ford on guitar and Larry Nash on keyboard, Carlton and Sample left for the Crusaders. I'd suggest Rock Island Rocket or Good Evening Mr. and Mrs. America and All Ships at Sea. Scott is a thread to follow; New York Connection the third album has Steve Gadd, Chuck Rainey, Richard Tee, Hugh McCracken, Eric Gale, George Harrison, released 1976, before Aja, it's the Aja rhythm section! My 2 Deutsche Marks.
Doctor Wu was on Katy Lied. Part of the reason Here at the Western World sounds like Katy Lied songs is that the musicians on piano (Michael Omartian) and drums (Jeff Porcaro) played on Katy Lied, but were virtually absent on the final Royal Scam cuts.
I'm so glad you got to react to Daddy Don't Live in NYC, it's one of my very favorite Dan cuts. And every song on Kamakiriad is so great but what a way to close the album with Teahouse on the Tracks! I think it might be time to explore Fagen's Morph the Cat album?
Elliott Randall plays the lead guitar on 'Kings'. 'Here At The Western World' was originally recorded in late 1975 for 'The Royal Scam' sessions, but Donald and Walter felt it didn't fit stylistically w/ the mood and themes of the album, so they decided to shelve it. 'Ruby Baby' piano solo by Gregg Phillinganes starts w/ a quote of The Kinks' 'You Really Got Me'.
I've mentioned Michael Franks before - one of his tunes from the notorious "Sleeping Gypsy" album, 'The Lady Wants To Know," features the talents of Joe Sample, Larry Carlton, David Sanborn, Wilton Felder, Michael Brecker and Claus Ogerman. (Fagen Loves Michael Franks Lyrics) LYRICS LIKE:( "Daddy's just like (John) Coltrane, Baby's just like Miles (Davis), Lady's just like Ella (Fitzgerald) when she smiles." Smooth tunes, slick musicians, great feel. The TIGER IN THE RAIN, and SLEEPING GYSPY albums are a great start. Love you guys, and appreciate all the joy and music you bring to all of us. "Rainy Night In Tokyo," "Living On The Inside, "Antonio's Song," "Why Sly Calls," and "Monks New Tune" are all great songs.
Yes, for me some of Michael Franks’ music reminds me of SD / Fagen. Like for example Your secret’s safe with me from the album Skin Dive. Passionfruit is my favourite album of his.
I have all the albums from Michael Franks yes the musicians he mostly used where also on the Steely Dan albums another favourite of mine is Kenny Rankin his voice is amazing check him out !
@@reason3581 Same style, but more cheeky and schmaltzy. I would recommend the Blue Pacific album. Three of the tracks were produced by Walter Becker. Tony LiPuma produced tracks are stellar as well.
When I grew up...Yes and Steely Dan were pinnacles for me. Luckily the 70's also gave me 50 other TOP bands and solo performers. The best decade in music by a large margin. I think you both agree
FINALLY!!!!! HATWW is one of my favorite SD songs of all time. I remember exactly where I was as a young teen. It made the hairs on the back of my neck stand. It was a sublime experience for me and I ran to KMart and bought “Gold”. Such a special moment for me. So glad you’re reacting to it🥰
Hands down, one of Steely Dan's BEST songs ever is 'West of Hollywood'...Chris Potter's fantastic saxaphone solo alone makes it worth the listen. Check it out.
I'm 95% sure but I don't think you've gotten to "Rose Darling" from Katy Lied yet. You may want to do that one with Lex before it gets requested as part of a marathon. To me, it's one of the best ones that hasn't been reacted to yet.
Hey Nick, Hoping that you & Lex are having a good week so for although it just got started and hoped that your weekend went well!! Did you know that the cover of Ruby Baby was a 50's Rock & Roll Classic that has a new vibe that I love a lot and you truly are becoming a "Dan Fan, huh, Nick!? Well, I've been one for years and a proud at that!! Sending you all love & prayers for good health & happiness!! Hope to hear from you soon!! Thanks & Stay Metal!!, Walter - 🤘❤🙏🤘
Here at the Western World was recorded originally during the Royal Scam sessions. It didn't quite fit stylistically. Was more like the Katy Lied songs. One of Steely Dan's most melodic songs.
I agree so much with your undeniable fact that there isn't such a thing as a bad Steely Dan song. And I also tend to appreciate their Jazzier stuff/the last five albums and Donald Fagen's solo career, too. ;^) ♪ Heck'.! I'm looking forward to producing/animating over 90 songs/musical masterpieces of them. Mind-boggling, incomparable, and over-talented. they are♪ Peace + respect ;^) ♪
As always, appreciate the shout out to Citizen Dan and my channel (keyboard tutorials - just uploaded AJA last week). Love you guys, too! We have done all of these except Teahouse. We need to bring them back. All of the Nightfly tunes have a ton of overlaid keyboard parts, so particularly challenging with just 2 hands!
@james brady You guys do a great job! I'm halfway across the world so sadly difficult to see you live. Is there somewhere that you have uploaded gig footage?
Another great marathon. 'Kings' was one of my early favourites. I just love Can't Buy A Thrill. I also hadn't heard 'Here At The Western World' as I only had the studio albums. Gotta get me that one! Thanks Mickey D and Nick, five wonderful songs!
Really really enjoyed the mix, the musicianship is off the charts and Love your reactions and comments. There is no substitute for the “Donald”- music, lyrics and his voicemanship is incredible. There is no SD without the Donald’s voice.
Have you done _Chain Lightning_ yet, Nick? Oh, please do if you haven’t! It’s a bit of a deep cut off _Katy Lied,_ but it’s my favorite and I suspect it’s also one of Donald’s.
I checked real quick and (in a nutshell) was produced in 1976 when they cut The Royal Scam, but the track never made the album! Sounds a lot like the Aja album but wasn’t included since it wasn’t cut during the making of Aja, so ABC records found the track and included it on the ‘78 Greatest Hits album, since no album was scheduled for recording in ‘78 by Steely Dan! Edit: Didn’t know Nick was going to look up the details to the song!
Western World has been my favourite Dan song since it came out. Third World Man, too. That changes depending on my mood. BTW: Western World was not first released on the Gold, but on the Greatest Hits LP from 1978 (I own all their LPs). And yes, to me it sounds a lot like Katy Lied too. Especially Dr. Wu and Gold Teeth II. What wonderful harmonies, melody line ... and that guitar solo, sounds like Carlton to me, but I don't know who plays it. An absolute beauty! ...Nur schade, Nick, dass du 10 Sekunden vor Schluss unterbrechen musstest. Hätt'st mal laufen lassen sollen.
Here at the Western World was recorded in 1976 around the time of Royal Scam but was left off the album. Ruby is a cover of a song written by the great rock composing duo of Leiber and Stoller and was first recorded by the Drifters in '56. Dion (of Dion and the Belmonts fame) also had a hit with his cover of the song in '63. Dion was the guy who gave up his seat on the plane that crashed with Buddy Holly on board along with Richie Valens and The Big Bopper.
Nick...It has been one of the great joys of this 62-year old's life to accompany you two on this SD Journey. Y'all are my time machine! It always tickles me when you try to dig into the so-called 'background vocals' of the band. Other than the couple of songs on Can't Buy a Thrill that Fagen passed on, some of the later female vocals, and the few appearances by Michael McDonald, *all* background vocals are by Fagen, as many as three or I believe on occasion even four overdubbed harmonies. I'm not sure if it was you or another reaction channel where the comment was made that Fagan's voice is so unique that it's very much its own instrument but I think that is truly the case, especially when stacked in harmony. Anyway, cheers to you and Lex and keep up the awesome work! 🔥❤️
But not true! On numerous of the tracks, they are indeed female vocalists. It's easy to find out the info through a search engine. For example, My Old School. And on this video, Ruby Baby -- not him. Now, Maxine, from the same Fagen album -- that one IS all Donald.
I agree that "Here at the Western World" sounds like it should have been on Katy Lied. Maybe they wrote it then but didn't record it until the Royal Scam sessions. It surely wouldn't have been right on that album. "Daddy Don't Live..." is such a funky masterpiece! Fun to see you groovin' to that one! It would be interesting for you to listen to the Drifters' original doo-wop recording of "Ruby Baby," then Dion's version, which was cooler and VERY popular. Donald's arrangement is so lush and smooth in comparison! Great marathon, guys! Missed you, Lex, but am very understanding of why. 😢Back problems don't have an easy fix. Take care.💖 🎵❤️🎵 Debbie
Hi Debra I have always surmised that Katie lied was written about the time of Katy Lied it has that vibe and sounds like the recording of Katy. When they recorded it at the time of the scam it just didn’t jive with the vibe of that record. I remember when it came out on the record that I was confused that he was a Steely Dan song it was a great test hit I had never heard. There is on UA-cam some outtakes and demos from Katy Lied and Black Cow from Asia is actually a demo from that period. There is a demo reel of gold teeth to or fake and get so excited to drop the F bomb during the Denny Dias solo.
Finally someone is reacting to Here at the Western World!! I have requested it several times on here and on other reactors channels. For some reason no one reacts to this excellent track. I first heard it on Steely Dan's 1978 Greatest hits album. One of my favorites by them.
I've said it before and I'll say it again, I consider Steely Dan's music classic rock. No matter the style. Yes it has elements of jazz, pop, etc..but when I discovered them in 1972 (at 12 years old), it was played on the Chicago classic rock stations. MY intro to them was "Do It Again", then "Reeling In The Years". I was hooked early on!! I'm glad you're hooked too Nick!!!
Been waiting a long time for you to experience Ruby Ruby and Teahouse on the Tracks! Ruby is perfectly lush and smooth. Teahouse is the tightest track with the funk groove. Some of his finest efforts. Teahouse just makes me happy. You have to tell us how Alexia likes Teahouse when she gets to hear it!
Yay Mickey D!!! These are all great deep cuts - but with Steely Dan, aren’t they all? Pretty sure “Daddy” was their first use of Larry Carlton on lead guitar. And yes, Ruby Baby is a cover, but Donald makes it his own! There are still a few songs left from the early albums - I’m keeping track. But boy did we miss sharing your reaction with Alexia!😢
Thanks JK! And sorry Nick for the trouble! And I have seen all of your SD and DF reactions and essentially have them committed to memory, just like the SD catalog, so in this case it wasn't hard ;)
@@mickeyd6444 no trouble at all. These record companies actually make money with these videos. Not your fault they decide to block them. It's no issue at all.
Have you done any reactions to solo Walter Becker? His first solo album, "11 Tracks of Whack" is stellar. "Book of Liars", a great track to start checking him out. You're doing great stuff, thanks!
Been asking for Walter for over a year. I sent them the 11 Tracks of Whack CD. I think he is under appreciated since people me included are addicted to Donald's voice. Here is hoping for some Walter.
Ruby Baby is such a funky cruiser....I love it. The Nightfly album is beautifully recorded....like all Fagen and Steely Dan stuff. The Nightfly would be on most people's best SQ lists.
Hey Nick I sure hope you get a chance to play and sit in with Citizen Dan.🎸 You need and deserve to experience playing Steely Dan Live with a great band and group of musicians. I got my fingers crossed for you to get that opportunity. I have many fond memories of rehearsing for hours with my buddies learning how to play Steely Dan songs. Playing Steely Dan live was always the best. We gave it our best shot but its the hardest for the vocalist to try and capture Donalds stylistics and voice. Never heard it done Mr. Fagen cannot be copied.
Here AtThe Western World is one of my favorite tunes . It should have been on The Royal Scam album though it does not matter. When I purchased their best of album I was so gladly surprised when I listened and loved this song immediately!
Nice Nick. Love those songs. On 'Countdown to Ecstasy' King of the World has some funny lyrics and wicked guitar licks. You mentioned 'The Nightfly', have you heard 'Maxine' off it. One of the most beautiful love songs I've ever heard. Great stuff...
Hi Nick, well I thought I had everything Steely Dan have done...I never heard of "Here at the Western World" it's not on any studio album. I even have a Greatest Hits "Then & Now" but it's not there either. I just looked up other hits albums inc' Gold. There is a Best Of double cd with extra tracks that also has it and says "Remastered" Considering how incredible the production values already are that did make me laugh ... & wonder ... How do you improve perfection ? ... Just bought it ! Lol Byee Jim X
Somebody probably already said this but here at the Western world was recorded during the sessions for Aja but was not put on the album. The track features drums from the great Jim Gordon, who played on numerous hit records and who was dubbed "skippy" by Frank Zappa because of his conservative wardrobe...
Someone on your channel mentioned Monkey House. Their latest cd is awesome. They’re not SD, but use the elements they did- the brass, backup harmony, etc. They’re inspired by SD and are really enjoyable. Love The Future is Almost Gone.
The frustration you feel with UA-cam blocks is real. I wish record labels understood how much money I've spent buying deep tracks and obscure songs I've heard through reactors that were as good or better than the singles. Caves of Altamira blew me away the first time I heard it. Where was this song my whole life?
If you haven't heard Donald Fagans Mary Shut the garden Door from his Morph the Cat album it's a total earworm..also Night by Night from Pretzel Logic is a funky little jam
Here is a list of the Steely Dan songs you haven’t listened to the Best of my memory. Here it is in order of albums and songs. Can’t buy a Thrill. Midnight Cruiser, Only a Fool Would Say That. Fire in the Hole, Brooklyn (Owes the Charmer Under Me), Turn That Heartbeat Over Again. Countdown To Ecstasy. ShowBiz Kids, Pearl of the Quarter. Pretzel Logic. With a Gun, Charlie Freak. Katy Lied. Rose Darling, Everyone’s Gone to the Movies, Chain Lightening, Any World that I’m Welcome To ?, Throw Back the Little Ones, The Royal Scam, (you have heard them all but not reacted to two) Sign in Stranger, Everything You Did. Aja, (you have heard them all but not reacted to two) I Got The News, Josie??? FM ( reacted to it but you need to hear the extended Becker Guitar Solo version) Gaucho, (you have heard them all but not reacted to two) Time out of Mind, My Rival Two Against Nature. What a Shame About Me, Two against Nature, Janie Runaway, Almost Gothic, Cousin Dupree, Negative Girl, West of Hollywood. Everything must Go. The last Mall, Things I Miss the Most, Slang of Ages, Green book, Pixeleen, Lunch with Gina, Everything Must Go. Lots more Donald Fagen to go including True Companion all of Walter Becker and the New York Rock and Soul Review, especially Pretzel Logic with Michael McDonald Cameo.
Hi Debra I did not intend to put in Everything Must Go my bad. They did do Monkey in your Soul in a marathon and they also did Any World in that marathon. I thought I remembered them doing Any World but I couldn’t find it last night when I looked. So Everything Must Go and Any World have both been done and should be edited. They are getting there. Waiting for Show Biz Kids and Fire in the Hole.
OF these (quite a list) I'd recommend Nick start with Pretzel Logic ( a song about time travel, how can you miss?), Chain Lightning, My Rival, and West of Hollywood. Some mentioned here, I think he/they have reacted to, else I would have mentioned them here.
Hi Nick, like you said can't go wrong with Steely Dan, just so good! Not sure if you have done Showbiz Kids from Countdown yet or Chain Lightning as someone else suggested ( you will not be disappointed ).
@@JKonstage Also the lovely track "Pearl of the Quarter from Countdown to Ecstacy, "Monkey in Your Soul," which closes Pretzel Logic, and "Throw Back the Little Ones," the great closer to Katy Lied!
BTW RUBY BABY is a song from the 1950s that I think The Drifters first performed. It's been reinterpreted several times. Fagen's is my personal favorite.
Check out Santana. Ton of great music of him out there. Like the Dan he has his own category. Great musicians play with him. Great instrumentation. Try Supernatural and Moonflower.
Ironically - Daddy Don't Live in New York City no more is the FIRST time Larry Carlton recorded with Steely Dan. Ruby Baby may be the LAST time Donald Fagen/Steely Dan recorded with Larry Carlton.
You understand the Dan's progression from rock with a side of jazz to jazz with a side of rock, each album getting jazzier. I guess that's why I tend to prefer the earlier Dan, but it's all great.
I DONT KNOW IF YOU DONT KNOW... THERE ARE SEVERAL OUTTAKES AND DEMOS FROM ALL OF THEIR ALBUMS... 'THE BEAR' 'THE SECOND ARRANGEMENT' ARE A COUPLE THAT HAVE BEEN REMASTERED......THERE ARE MORE. YOU'RE NOT NEARLY DONE WITH 'THE DAN'
I have the remastered version of Kulee - Baba demo it’s almost the finished version very high stereo quality sounding FLAC player file one of my favourites !
Well, pretty soon you'll be able to listen to Steely Dan, Fagen, and Becker til your heart's content without waiting until you've reacted to each and every song! One more for your list: "True Companion" on Gold -- I think you and Lex should listen together.
Great songs HATWW definitely sounds more Katy Lied than Royal Scam. Great to see Steely Dan but NicknLex steely Dan reactions without Alexia is like living without breathing. 😭😭😭Maybe I need to get a Life but I feel empty when Alexia misses the DAN. Still lots of Walter Becker to hear too. I’m posting a list of all the Steely Dans you have left to do. I hope to still request a few. Missing Alexia on the Steely Dans. 😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱
Nick, if you have a few spare minutes, search UA-cam for Umphrey's Mcgee and listen to some snippets. They play mostly their own songs but do incredible covers as well. The video of them playing the Beatles' "I Want You" at Abbey Road studios is so worth watching. And they're playing at Fox theater in a couple of weeks so I thought they were a band that you might appreciate.
I'd really like to see you guys do a reaction to "Jack of Speed" and "West of Hollywood" from Two Against Nature. I think you'd enjoy the random complexity of both of them
"Here at the Western World" is simply sublime. Perhaps a top five SD track for me.
@@drocker4729 And maybe one of their best lines written "In the night you hide from the madman
You're longing to be But it all comes out on the inside Eventually"
@@drocker4729 I like the overdrive version from the 2006 Fagen concerts even better. I'm one of the few though! 0:00 ua-cam.com/video/SMJl6FjU7rc/v-deo.html
My one high school bud used to come to the car and put this on after he effed up a test to ease his mind. Then we'd all say F__k it and shoot over to Beer World to get a case of Bud pony's and head to Ft. Washington State Park to revel in the privileges of youth.
Contenders for uaefyl comparison
George Martin super skilled arranger.
STEVIE wonder genius,composer of the early 70s.
Kate Bush
Joan Armourtrading before sge went technopo.
No such thing as a bad Steely Dan song love you
Best band hands down...
100% agree
Gold is the very first album I bought with my money as a kid .
Gold was the first Steely Dan ANYTHING I'd ever heard, at 10 or so. Changed my life for the best ❤
"Western World" is based on the "Circe" chapter in James Joyce's "Ulysses." The Western World is a brothel in Dublin. It's from the sessions for "Royal Scam."
Agree
When 'Gold' came out I already owned every song Steely Dan ever recorded...except for 'Here at the Western World', so I had to buy it of course. Such a great song. They all are.
Here at the western world has really grown on me through the years. One of my favorites.
Same
Western World was on their 1978 Greatest Hits LP. It was recorded during the Royal Scam sessions.
Ruby Baby is one of the rare songs that Donald Fagen sings but didn't write. It was written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, one of the premier song writing teams of the 50s and 60s. These guys wrote songs for Elvis and a host of other artists. Ruby Baby was first recorded by The Drifters in 1956, but it became a bigger hit for Dion in 1963.
I hear more shades of Four Freshmen in Ruby Baby than I hear Dion but it's Fagen all the way. He picked my pocket because my heart was in my pocket. Now I must hear The Goodbye Look from The Nightly. I'm addicted dude, thanks Nick you have a very cool small jazz combo bebop vibe from some year way in the future.
Teahouse is the best best song. The fade-out is awesome.
here at the western world is one of my favorites.. Larry Carltons guitar playing is fabulous.
'In the night you hide from the madman you're longing to be. But it all comes out on the inside ... eventually.' One of my all-time favourite SD lines from one of my all-time favourite SD tracks. Too Good. Cheers.
That second verse of Here at the Western World is a fine example of their encrypted lyrics.
The 3 Steely Dan songs are some of my favorites. Kings is my favorite from CBaT, it turned me on to Steely Dan in college. Here at the Western World along with FMj are just two great tunes that were not on their albums. And Daddy Dont Live in That New York City No More is from the greatest album side of all time. Katy Lied with Dr Wu, Bad Sneakers, and Rose Darling to me this album side is the greatest of all time, even better than side 1 of Blood on the Tracks.
Ya-a-a-a-y-y!! Steely Dan marathon!
HATWW is in my Top 10 for Steely Dan tracks... so simple, yet so unmistakably wonderful.
In the vocal harmonies on Ruby Baby, when they draw out the word miiine, I can hear a half step between the 13th and the 7th. For ex, in an A7, it would be an F# and a G right next to each other, like gears grinding together. It’s so dissonant yet so beautiful and cool.
Definitely look up Fagan's side project in the early 90s called The New York rock and soul review. Absolutely fabulous, packed with great musicians. Their show live at the Beacon theater is here on YT. You'll love it.
That is a great comment about Here at the western world sounding like Dr. Wu. The connenction, the great piano part that was dominant with both songs, and both played by Michael Omartian.
You talk about dark lyrics with S.D, then you go to the perky uplifting songs of the Fagen solo album.
Also Jeff Porcaro on Drums.
@@jml-rj5re I don't have the liner notes, but I thought it was Bernard on this track.
"Daddy" got Nick makin' the stank-face lol. Great tune!
Daddy Don't Live in that NYC No More was the first time Larry Carlton worked with Steely Dan.
Nothing but the best, the Nightfly is a precious gem among jewels. I would have liked to have introduced my children to SD, but alas, no kids. I suppose that's why I get great satisfaction watching you guys get constantly amazed with the Dan/Fagan, they are American musical treasures and you are wise enough to realize their greatness.
I'm wearing my Munchen Oktoberfest 2000 t-shirt, I had a wild time in Munich Nic, drinking with bikers from Koblenz, but that's another story. BTW, I saw SD in Paris at the Olympia Theater on the same trip, my greatest concert experience!
Ruby Baby, Daddy Don't Live, besides Fagan what else in common? Jeff Porcaro. The Groove Master.
Nic, you liking Fusion and Steely Dan, a suggestion; Tom Scott and the LA Express, the original West Coast Fusion sound. I just saw him play with Drew Zingg and Keith Carlock over the weekend in San Diego playing the music of Steely Dan, what a show! They even played The Bear!
Scott arranged the horns on Aja and Gaucho and also blew tenor on Black Cow, he's the real deal. He started with Joni Mitchell, the LA Express was her back up band on the Miles of Aisles album, that's when I got turned on to him and the LA Express.
The first LA Express album features Tom Scott, Joe Sample, Larry Carlton, John Guerin and Max Bennet, it kills; Sample and Carlton also played on Black Cow/Aja. I'd suggest the tunes LA Expression or Bless My Soul.
Tom Cat is the second album; Robben Ford on guitar and Larry Nash on keyboard, Carlton and Sample left for the Crusaders. I'd suggest Rock Island Rocket or Good Evening Mr. and Mrs. America and All Ships at Sea.
Scott is a thread to follow; New York Connection the third album has Steve Gadd, Chuck Rainey, Richard Tee, Hugh McCracken, Eric Gale, George Harrison, released 1976, before Aja, it's the Aja rhythm section!
My 2 Deutsche Marks.
That killer hook in the chorus, pure Steely Dan, like in Glamour Profession(Hollywood I know your real name).
Im going to keep suggesting Chain Lightning for a listen.
I definitely 2nd the motion!
Yes CHAIN LIGHTNING!!
Will happen very soon!!!
super tracks
Doctor Wu was on Katy Lied. Part of the reason Here at the Western World sounds like Katy Lied songs is that the musicians on piano (Michael Omartian) and drums (Jeff Porcaro) played on Katy Lied, but were virtually absent on the final Royal Scam cuts.
I'm so glad you got to react to Daddy Don't Live in NYC, it's one of my very favorite Dan cuts. And every song on Kamakiriad is so great but what a way to close the album with Teahouse on the Tracks! I think it might be time to explore Fagen's Morph the Cat album?
Elliott Randall plays the lead guitar on 'Kings'. 'Here At The Western World' was originally recorded in late 1975 for 'The Royal Scam' sessions, but Donald and Walter felt it didn't fit stylistically w/ the mood and themes of the album, so they decided to shelve it. 'Ruby Baby' piano solo by Gregg Phillinganes starts w/ a quote of The Kinks' 'You Really Got Me'.
Wow! I never caught that before! Good ear!!
I always felt that piano solo was a nod to the kinks. Thanks for confirming
"Here at the Western World" was released on a Greatest Hits Collection.
I've mentioned Michael Franks before - one of his tunes from the notorious
"Sleeping Gypsy" album, 'The Lady Wants To Know," features the
talents of Joe Sample, Larry Carlton, David Sanborn, Wilton Felder,
Michael Brecker and Claus Ogerman. (Fagen Loves Michael Franks Lyrics)
LYRICS LIKE:( "Daddy's just like (John) Coltrane, Baby's just like Miles (Davis), Lady's just like Ella (Fitzgerald) when she smiles." Smooth
tunes, slick musicians, great feel. The TIGER IN THE RAIN, and
SLEEPING GYSPY albums are a great start. Love you guys, and
appreciate all the joy and music you bring to all of us. "Rainy Night In Tokyo," "Living On The Inside,
"Antonio's Song," "Why Sly Calls," and "Monks New Tune" are all great songs.
Yes, for me some of Michael Franks’ music reminds me of SD / Fagen. Like for example Your secret’s safe with me from the album Skin Dive. Passionfruit is my favourite album of his.
I have all the albums from Michael Franks yes the musicians he mostly used where also on the Steely Dan albums another favourite of mine is Kenny Rankin his voice is amazing check him out !
@@reason3581 Thanks my friend. I’ve seen Michael several times. Great musical performance and experience.
@@reason3581 Same style, but more cheeky and schmaltzy. I would recommend the Blue Pacific album. Three of the tracks were produced by Walter Becker. Tony LiPuma produced tracks are stellar as well.
When I grew up...Yes and Steely Dan were pinnacles for me. Luckily the 70's also gave me 50 other TOP bands and solo performers. The best decade in music by a large margin. I think you both agree
😉🍷🍷🙏/The Donald and the Dan how can you go wrong??
1978 release - would have been on the Asia album
One of my top 5 Donald Fagen songs. So Steely Dan!
FINALLY!!!!! HATWW is one of my favorite SD songs of all time. I remember exactly where I was as a young teen. It made the hairs on the back of my neck stand. It was a sublime experience for me and I ran to KMart and bought “Gold”. Such a special moment for me.
So glad you’re reacting to it🥰
Hands down, one of Steely Dan's BEST songs ever is 'West of Hollywood'...Chris Potter's fantastic saxaphone solo alone makes it worth the listen. Check it out.
OMG Soooooooo good. Jack of Speed, Janie Runaway, Almost Gothic, Negative Girl, What a Shame About Me are other winners from Two Against Nature.
I'm 95% sure but I don't think you've gotten to "Rose Darling" from Katy Lied yet. You may want to do that one with Lex before it gets requested as part of a marathon. To me, it's one of the best ones that hasn't been reacted to yet.
Love that one! Great harmonies!
My name isn’t in too many songs. I love Rose Darling
Hey Nick,
Hoping that you & Lex are having a good week so for although it just got started and hoped that your weekend went well!! Did you know that the cover of Ruby Baby was a 50's Rock & Roll Classic that has a new vibe that I love a lot and you truly are becoming a "Dan Fan, huh, Nick!? Well, I've been one for years and a proud at that!! Sending you all love & prayers for good health & happiness!! Hope to hear from you soon!!
Thanks & Stay Metal!!,
Walter - 🤘❤🙏🤘
Here at the Western World was recorded originally during the Royal Scam sessions. It didn't quite fit stylistically. Was more like the Katy Lied songs. One of Steely Dan's most melodic songs.
I agree so much with your undeniable fact that there isn't such a thing as a bad Steely Dan song.
And I also tend to appreciate their Jazzier stuff/the last five albums and Donald Fagen's solo career, too. ;^) ♪
Heck'.! I'm looking forward to producing/animating over 90 songs/musical masterpieces of them.
Mind-boggling, incomparable, and over-talented. they are♪
Peace + respect ;^) ♪
As always, appreciate the shout out to Citizen Dan and my channel (keyboard tutorials - just uploaded AJA last week). Love you guys, too! We have done all of these except Teahouse. We need to bring them back. All of the Nightfly tunes have a ton of overlaid keyboard parts, so particularly challenging with just 2 hands!
@james brady You guys do a great job! I'm halfway across the world so sadly difficult to see you live. Is there somewhere that you have uploaded gig footage?
On the Dunes is my favorite on Kamakiriad.
Another great marathon. 'Kings' was one of my early favourites. I just love Can't Buy A Thrill. I also hadn't heard 'Here At The Western World' as I only had the studio albums. Gotta get me that one! Thanks Mickey D and Nick, five wonderful songs!
Really really enjoyed the mix, the musicianship is off the charts and Love your reactions and comments.
There is no substitute for the “Donald”- music, lyrics and his voicemanship is incredible. There is no SD without the Donald’s voice.
Steely Dan is a genre!
Have you done _Chain Lightning_ yet, Nick? Oh, please do if you haven’t! It’s a bit of a deep cut off _Katy Lied,_ but it’s my favorite and I suspect it’s also one of Donald’s.
I checked real quick and (in a nutshell) was produced in 1976 when they cut The Royal Scam, but the track never made the album! Sounds a lot like the Aja album but wasn’t included since it wasn’t cut during the making of Aja, so ABC records found the track and included it on the ‘78 Greatest Hits album, since no album was scheduled for recording in ‘78 by Steely Dan!
Edit: Didn’t know Nick was going to look up the details to the song!
Western World has been my favourite Dan song since it came out. Third World Man, too. That changes depending on my mood. BTW: Western World was not first released on the Gold, but on the Greatest Hits LP from 1978 (I own all their LPs). And yes, to me it sounds a lot like Katy Lied too. Especially Dr. Wu and Gold Teeth II. What wonderful harmonies, melody line ... and that guitar solo, sounds like Carlton to me, but I don't know who plays it. An absolute beauty! ...Nur schade, Nick, dass du 10 Sekunden vor Schluss unterbrechen musstest. Hätt'st mal laufen lassen sollen.
All great songs!
Here at the Western World was recorded in 1976 around the time of Royal Scam but was left off the album. Ruby is a cover of a song written by the great rock composing duo of Leiber and Stoller and was first recorded by the Drifters in '56. Dion (of Dion and the Belmonts fame) also had a hit with his cover of the song in '63. Dion was the guy who gave up his seat on the plane that crashed with Buddy Holly on board along with Richie Valens and The Big Bopper.
Nick...It has been one of the great joys of this 62-year old's life to accompany you two on this SD Journey. Y'all are my time machine! It always tickles me when you try to dig into the so-called 'background vocals' of the band. Other than the couple of songs on Can't Buy a Thrill that Fagen passed on, some of the later female vocals, and the few appearances by Michael McDonald, *all* background vocals are by Fagen, as many as three or I believe on occasion even four overdubbed harmonies. I'm not sure if it was you or another reaction channel where the comment was made that Fagan's voice is so unique that it's very much its own instrument but I think that is truly the case, especially when stacked in harmony. Anyway, cheers to you and Lex and keep up the awesome work! 🔥❤️
Great comments about Donald's vocals, I couldn't agree more!
But not true! On numerous of the tracks, they are indeed female vocalists. It's easy to find out the info through a search engine. For example, My Old School. And on this video, Ruby Baby -- not him. Now, Maxine, from the same Fagen album -- that one IS all Donald.
@@tovarisch2788 Please reread my comment: "some of the *later* female vocals". Thanks! 🌈
@@jploev OK, I did reread, but with my research so far, the only song that I can confirm is ALL Fagen is Maxine.
I agree that "Here at the Western World" sounds like it should have been on Katy Lied. Maybe they wrote it then but didn't record it until the Royal Scam sessions. It surely wouldn't have been right on that album.
"Daddy Don't Live..." is such a funky masterpiece! Fun to see you groovin' to that one!
It would be interesting for you to listen to the Drifters' original doo-wop recording of "Ruby Baby," then Dion's version, which was cooler and VERY popular. Donald's arrangement is so lush and smooth in comparison!
Great marathon, guys! Missed you, Lex, but am very understanding of why. 😢Back problems don't have an easy fix. Take care.💖
🎵❤️🎵 Debbie
Hi Debra I have always surmised that Katie lied was written about the time of Katy Lied it has that vibe and sounds like the recording of Katy. When they recorded it at the time of the scam it just didn’t jive with the vibe of that record. I remember when it came out on the record that I was confused that he was a Steely Dan song it was a great test hit I had never heard. There is on UA-cam some outtakes and demos from Katy Lied and Black Cow from Asia is actually a demo from that period. There is a demo reel of gold teeth to or fake and get so excited to drop the F bomb during the Denny Dias solo.
Finally someone is reacting to Here at the Western World!! I have requested it several times on here and on other reactors channels. For some reason no one reacts to this excellent track. I first heard it on Steely Dan's 1978 Greatest hits album. One of my favorites by them.
I've said it before and I'll say it again, I consider Steely Dan's music classic rock. No matter the style. Yes it has elements of jazz, pop, etc..but when I discovered them in 1972 (at 12 years old), it was played on the Chicago classic rock stations. MY intro to them was "Do It Again", then "Reeling In The Years". I was hooked early on!! I'm glad you're hooked too Nick!!!
@@kbrewski1 Steely dan is R&B and jazz played with rock instruments. Subversion at its finest.
Been waiting a long time for you to experience Ruby Ruby and Teahouse on the Tracks! Ruby is perfectly lush and smooth. Teahouse is the tightest track with the funk groove. Some of his finest efforts. Teahouse just makes me happy. You have to tell us how Alexia likes Teahouse when she gets to hear it!
Can we hear it for Teahouse?! A great way to end an album and a marathon! Snappy! Fagen's horn charts were the BEST.
In case it isnt obvious to anyone, Kings is about “Good King” Richard Nixon.
Yay Mickey D!!! These are all great deep cuts - but with Steely Dan, aren’t they all? Pretty sure “Daddy” was their first use of Larry Carlton on lead guitar. And yes, Ruby Baby is a cover, but Donald makes it his own! There are still a few songs left from the early albums - I’m keeping track. But boy did we miss sharing your reaction with Alexia!😢
I know but I played her all.the tracks the other night. She loved them! This video was blocked for almost a week :(
Thanks JK! And sorry Nick for the trouble! And I have seen all of your SD and DF reactions and essentially have them committed to memory, just like the SD catalog, so in this case it wasn't hard ;)
@@mickeyd6444 no trouble at all. These record companies actually make money with these videos. Not your fault they decide to block them. It's no issue at all.
Have you done any reactions to solo Walter Becker? His first solo album, "11 Tracks of Whack" is stellar. "Book of Liars", a great track to start checking him out. You're doing great stuff, thanks!
Been asking for Walter for over a year. I sent them the 11 Tracks of Whack CD. I think he is under appreciated since people me included are addicted to Donald's voice. Here is hoping for some Walter.
@@scottanderson8420 wow, hard to believe they've passed on Walter for so long. Maybe they need more reminders 😊
Ruby Baby is such a funky cruiser....I love it. The Nightfly album is beautifully recorded....like all Fagen and Steely Dan stuff. The Nightfly would be on most people's best SQ lists.
Mickey D is the man! 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽
Great reaction Nick my boy not too shabby. 🙏🏽✌🏽♥️
Thank you @Mauricio Dela Rosa!
@@mickeyd6444 No thank you! You made it happen.
Hey Nick I sure hope you get a chance to play and sit in with Citizen Dan.🎸 You need and deserve to experience playing Steely Dan Live with a great band and group of musicians. I got my fingers crossed for you to get that opportunity. I have many fond memories of rehearsing for hours with my buddies learning how to play Steely Dan songs. Playing Steely Dan live was always the best. We gave it our best shot but its the hardest for the vocalist to try and capture Donalds stylistics and voice. Never heard it done Mr. Fagen cannot be copied.
Here AtThe Western World is one of my favorite tunes . It should have been on The Royal Scam album though it does not matter. When I purchased their best of album I was so gladly surprised when I listened and loved this song immediately!
Nice Nick. Love those songs. On 'Countdown to Ecstasy' King of the World has some funny lyrics and wicked guitar licks. You mentioned 'The Nightfly', have you heard 'Maxine' off it. One of the most beautiful love songs I've ever heard. Great stuff...
Hey Nick I do agree with you that Here At The Western World sounds more like it belongs on the Katy Lied album than it does The Royal Scam. 👍🏽
You can definitely hear the progression of jazz over the years.
Ruby reminds me of The Manhattan Transfer and their production sound.
The harmony structure is also similar.
You liked the groove of Teahouse...
Try Joe Sample ...
Hippies On The Corner
Excellent...
Hi Nick, well I thought I had everything Steely Dan have done...I never heard of "Here at the Western World" it's not on any studio album. I even have a Greatest Hits "Then & Now" but it's not there either. I just looked up other hits albums inc' Gold. There is a Best Of double cd with extra tracks that also has it and says "Remastered" Considering how incredible the production values already are that did make me laugh ... & wonder ... How do you improve perfection ? ... Just bought it ! Lol Byee Jim X
Somebody probably already said this but here at the Western world was recorded during the sessions for Aja but was not put on the album. The track features drums from the great Jim Gordon, who played on numerous hit records and who was dubbed "skippy" by Frank Zappa because of his conservative wardrobe...
On UA-cam there’s a sped up live version of Western World done a few years ago. To my ears the sped up version is the better one. Worth looking up.
I would have guessed Katy Lied also.
Someone on your channel mentioned Monkey House. Their latest cd is awesome. They’re not SD, but use the elements they did- the brass, backup harmony, etc. They’re inspired by SD and are really enjoyable. Love The Future is Almost Gone.
The frustration you feel with UA-cam blocks is real. I wish record labels understood how much money I've spent buying deep tracks and obscure songs I've heard through reactors that were as good or better than the singles. Caves of Altamira blew me away the first time I heard it. Where was this song my whole life?
If you haven't heard Donald Fagans Mary Shut the garden Door from his Morph the Cat album it's a total earworm..also Night by Night from Pretzel Logic is a funky little jam
Pretty sure that “Here At The Western World” was recorded during the Katy Lied sessions. Great track!
larry carlton did the lead on here at the western world
Here in the western world backup singers one member was from the eagles !
@@kbrewski1 yes 👍
Here is a list of the Steely Dan songs you haven’t listened to the Best of my memory. Here it is in order of albums and songs.
Can’t buy a Thrill. Midnight Cruiser, Only a Fool Would Say That. Fire in the Hole, Brooklyn (Owes the Charmer Under Me), Turn That Heartbeat Over Again.
Countdown To Ecstasy. ShowBiz Kids, Pearl of the Quarter.
Pretzel Logic. With a Gun, Charlie Freak.
Katy Lied. Rose Darling, Everyone’s Gone to the Movies, Chain Lightening, Any World that I’m Welcome To ?, Throw Back the Little Ones,
The Royal Scam, (you have heard them all but not reacted to two) Sign in Stranger, Everything You Did.
Aja, (you have heard them all but not reacted to two) I Got The News, Josie???
FM ( reacted to it but you need to hear the extended Becker Guitar Solo version)
Gaucho, (you have heard them all but not reacted to two) Time out of Mind, My Rival
Two Against Nature. What a Shame About Me, Two against Nature, Janie Runaway, Almost Gothic, Cousin Dupree, Negative Girl, West of Hollywood.
Everything must Go. The last Mall, Things I Miss the Most, Slang of Ages, Green book, Pixeleen, Lunch with Gina, Everything Must Go.
Lots more Donald Fagen to go including True Companion all of Walter Becker and the New York Rock and Soul Review, especially Pretzel Logic with Michael McDonald Cameo.
Well done! But they did react to Any World.
Add "Monkey in Your Soul" from Pretzel Logic and subtract "Everything Must Go" which they recently did.
Hi Debra I did not intend to put in Everything Must Go my bad. They did do Monkey in your Soul in a marathon and they also did Any World in that marathon. I thought I remembered them doing Any World but I couldn’t find it last night when I looked. So Everything Must Go and Any World have both been done and should be edited. They are getting there. Waiting for Show Biz Kids and Fire in the Hole.
OF these (quite a list) I'd recommend Nick start with Pretzel Logic ( a song about time travel, how can you miss?), Chain Lightning, My Rival, and West of Hollywood. Some mentioned here, I think he/they have reacted to, else I would have mentioned them here.
How about "Dallas"? I don't think they've heard that one.
Hi Nick, like you said can't go wrong with Steely Dan, just so good! Not sure if you have done Showbiz Kids from Countdown yet or Chain Lightning as someone else suggested ( you will not be disappointed ).
I think those two are still to come. Along with Only a Fool Would Say That and Rose Darling. We’ll be sad when they’re all done!
@@JKonstage Also the lovely track "Pearl of the Quarter from Countdown to Ecstacy, "Monkey in Your Soul," which closes Pretzel Logic, and "Throw Back the Little Ones," the great closer to Katy Lied!
Oh and you're absolutely right Nick!!! Steely Dan doesn't have a bad song, at least not to me anyways...
Don't forget True Companion off the Heavy Metal soundtrack.
BTW RUBY BABY is a song from the 1950s that I think The Drifters first performed. It's been reinterpreted several times. Fagen's is my personal favorite.
The Brooklyn Charmer,s are a great Dan cover band. It,s hard to tell the difference between them and the original band! There out of Chicago!
Vamos NICKKKKKK
Check out Santana. Ton of great music of him out there. Like the Dan he has his own category. Great musicians play with him. Great instrumentation. Try Supernatural and Moonflower.
Here At The Western World 😃
No Lex 😢
Ironically - Daddy Don't Live in New York City no more is the FIRST time Larry Carlton recorded with Steely Dan. Ruby Baby may be the LAST time Donald Fagen/Steely Dan recorded with Larry Carlton.
I believe here at the western world appeared on a double greatest hits album maybe late 70s…
You understand the Dan's progression from rock with a side of jazz to jazz with a side of rock, each album getting jazzier. I guess that's why I tend to prefer the earlier Dan, but it's all great.
Nick have you heard Florida room and the dunes off
I DONT KNOW IF YOU DONT KNOW...
THERE ARE SEVERAL OUTTAKES AND DEMOS FROM ALL OF THEIR ALBUMS...
'THE BEAR'
'THE SECOND ARRANGEMENT'
ARE A COUPLE THAT HAVE BEEN REMASTERED......THERE ARE MORE.
YOU'RE NOT NEARLY DONE WITH
'THE DAN'
I have the remastered version of Kulee - Baba demo it’s almost the finished version very high stereo quality sounding FLAC player file one of my favourites !
I totally agree that HATWW sounds like it came from Katy Lied but yeah it’s actually a Royal Scam outtake
It was after Aja. The best of Steely Dan.
Well, pretty soon you'll be able to listen to Steely Dan, Fagen, and Becker til your heart's content without waiting until you've reacted to each and every song! One more for your list: "True Companion" on Gold -- I think you and Lex should listen together.
Then from somewhere deep inside you some frozen stuff begins to crack
Dukes of September!??
With Michael McDonald chiming in on Pretzel Logic on the New York rock and soul review.
Great songs HATWW definitely sounds more Katy Lied than Royal Scam. Great to see Steely Dan but NicknLex steely Dan reactions without Alexia is like living without breathing. 😭😭😭Maybe I need to get a Life but I feel empty when Alexia misses the DAN.
Still lots of Walter Becker to hear too. I’m posting a list of all the Steely Dans you have left to do. I hope to still request a few. Missing Alexia on the Steely Dans. 😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱
pssst pssst tomorrow you'll get some Wayne Shorter with Lex🤗
Most excellent!
Nick, if you have a few spare minutes, search UA-cam for Umphrey's Mcgee and listen to some snippets. They play mostly their own songs but do incredible covers as well. The video of them playing the Beatles' "I Want You" at Abbey Road studios is so worth watching. And they're playing at Fox theater in a couple of weeks so I thought they were a band that you might appreciate.
Please react to Down in Brazil,by Michael Frank,s. The song has a nice samba groove!😉
I'd really like to see you guys do a reaction to "Jack of Speed" and "West of Hollywood" from Two Against Nature. I think you'd enjoy the random complexity of both of them