Here's some history of the band, Steely Dan is not a guy. It's just the name of the band. They were formed in 1972 by Donald Fagen and Walter Becker, who met at Bard College in upstate NY. Steely Dan started out as a band with 6 members. They stopped touring in 1974 and most of the members left the band that year. Steely Dan then became a studio band, with Becker and Fagen using a revolving lineup of session musicians. IMO, Steely Dan is the best American band of the last 50 years, and they don't have a bad song. They have a unique sound and every song sounds different. Their music has less reverb, which helps to give their music a clean sound, so you can hear every instrument more clearly. Basically, nothing sounds muddy. They have top-notch production and their 1977 album "Aja" is a perfect example of that. Their catalog is a rabbit hole worth exploring. I hope you do more. You should check out "Reelin' In the Years", "Do It Again", "Kid Charlemagne" and "Peg".
I'll be honest guys. I love Steely Dan but this is not the first song I would use to introduce anyone to the group. They are known for their first class musicianship and composition coupled with edgy lyrics and vocals. A unique blend of jazz and rock. They do have, like this song, some mellower tunes but they have flat-out bangers as well. For your next listens, I would recommend My Old School, Peg, Hey Nineteen, or Kid Charlemagne . This is a very very deep rabbit hole and well worth the investment!
The first song should be Do It Again and then Midnight Cruiser form the early years of Steely Dan / Can't Buy a Thrill because that album started it all
Notice how they are not fearful of silence, small pockets of expectation and imagination...and momentum. The suspense and surprise at their next note or phrase is part of the sublime feeling they radiate.
About 62 songs by Steely Dan from their classic period (1972 to 1980). Every single one is great! The best and deepest rabbit hole ever. Please continue on this SD journey.
@richardadesmond I think so! After seeing him playing with Simon & Garfunkel in the Concert in Central Park 1980 I had to look up who that f***ing amazing drummer was!
The Boys ask Larry Carlton to bring in a drummer… Gadd did Aja in one take, told Fagan & Becker, something like, “You’ll never find better” and left. Larry was mortified, then they asked him why he never told them about Gadd, earlier.
WOW! Aja! You really did start with a big one. Steely Dan is a goal standard for sound - highest quality. George, you nailed why - the layers, changes, perfect muscianship. An absolute MUST on your channel. I PROMISE they will become a favorite of yours when you listen to "Peg" "Hey Nineteen" "FM (No static at all)" ... please don't sleep on their songs. Begging you to do these!!!!!!
@@surlechapeau Oh Lord yes!! I forgot to add that!! 🤦♀️ What was I thinking? Deacon Blues!! Alex & Andy did that song today. If you don't watch them - they're amazing! I haven't seen them split on loving a song in a hot minute. HOWEVER, Even though it wasn't Andy's favorite Steely Dan song - he divulged that he listens to Peg & I think he said Hey Nineteen every single day while in the shower. 🤣
When pro musicians listen to music, they listen to Steely Dan. When music stores are demonstrating high performance equipment (speakers, amps, media players) they use SD albums to put the equipment to the test. They have always been influenced by rock, blues, jazz and R&B. You’ll find that in all their songs. Since their 4th album, they’ve brought in top studio musicians to play and/or sing on their recordings.
Cerwin Vega D3 D5 D10. You could not go wrong. Had a set of D5's for 15 years and only had to replace one mid range in one speaker. God the bass tone on those was great.
Steely Dan is one of my favorite bands. Please check out - Don’t Take Me Alive Deacon Blues Peg Do It Again Reelin in the Years Hey Nineteen Kid Charlemagne Black Cow FM Dirty Work So many to choose from! All great songs.
George & Patrick listen to the story in "Hey Nineteen". It has one of my favorite song lines ever. "The Cuervo Gold, The fine Colombian, Make tonight a wonderful thing" Very Sexy song. A total VIBE!!!!
They were perfectionists and it shows in every song they do. The hits are endless. If you are going down the Steely Dan road buckle up because the trip will be a long one that is definitely worth taking.
Rock/jazz. One of the hardest combinations to produce, and Steely Dan are the greatest ever band to get it right absolutely every time. Each and every band member is at the top of his tree when it comes to musicianship. Genius is a word used far too often these days, but if you need a definition, here it is, right here. So so many Steely Dan classics to mention over the past 40 years or so. Deacon Blues. Haitian Divorce. Do It Again. Peg. Dirty Work. Reeling In The Years. Fez. Ricky Don't Lose That Number....the list is endless my friends. PLEASE do yourselves (and us) a massive favour and try to react to more Steely Dan. You know now, you won't regret it. Thanks you guys!
Steely Dan is it’s own genre. I can’t lump any one else in with them. Two musicians (Fagen and Becker) writing rock tunes with jazz sensibilities. If you want socks blown off listen To Babylon Sisters or My Rival on their “Gaucho” album. Super stellar recordind
That "Bad Ass" drummer is the great Steve Gadd! He came in as a session player for them on this song and with only one look at the music chart, laid down the drum track in ONE take! Never hearing the song prior... that's just incredible! The solo he did in two takes because the other players were so captivated by his playing that they got distracted and had to lay down their parts separately. The sax on this is performed by Wayne Shorter (Weather Report), he was asked for specifically by Donald Fagen (lead singer/keyboards) and Walter Becker (guitar). Glad you guys chose this song as it is truly a great and one of their best! Lots more to listen to of theirs, have fun!
At the time this album was released in 1977 I had a high end stereo set up. I was totally amazed at this track.... then I listened to it on a nice set of headphones. I heard things on the headphones that I did not hear through my Polk Audio speakers. I later put my headphones on in the living room late in the evening and turned off all the lights and simply shut my eyes. I wanted to experience "Aja" with no distractions. It was an amazing experience to say the least. This album is a masterpiece.... period.
Bro's, The album 'Aja' won the Grammy Award for Best Engineered Recording - Non-Classical and received Grammy nominations for Album of the Year and Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals. Great album, enjoy the ride with Steely Dan!! Steely Dan is Donald Fagan, vocals, keyboards, songwriting, Walter Becker - Guitars. FYI, 'dime dancing' is from the 1920s in the United States, a dance hall where male patrons purchase a ticket for 10 cents, which allowed them to dance with their choice of female partner for the duration of one song.
The Steely Dan rabbit hole is very deep & so amazing! Too many excellent songs from them. Maybe check out Live At Daryl’s House. Great music. No Autotune or lip sync! Gotta have talent!
Steely Dan is a group. The two songwriters and permanent core members were Walter Becker (guitar, backup vocals) and Donald Fagen (keyboards, lead vocals). There were other members who traveled with the band for varying periods of time, and there were a host of outstanding session musicians invited to play on the studio recordings. The playing and production quality on their recordings are always phenomenal. Their fusion of rock and jazz and blues was sometimes referred to as "yacht rock". There are a lot of other Steely Dan songs you should hear. I recommend "Kid Charlemagne", "Deacon Blues", "Peg", and "Rikki Don't Lose That Number".
Steely Dan has a sound that is completely unique unto themselves. They are instantly recognizable from the first bars you hear. True master song writers and composers that execute their vision with perfection.
You need to check out Rikki don't lose that number from Steely Dan.. It is a fantastic song, you will not be disappointed... Love the channel keep them coming!!!
I'm delighted that you started your Steely Dan journey with this song, even though it's extremely dense. Perhaps, others will comment about how Donald Fagen and Walter Becker are Steely Dan, and they very rarely toured or performed live. They just didn't enjoy it, maybe because of anxiety or drug use. So, the studio was their refuge, and they brought in the best musicians possible to play on their records. The great jazz saxophone player, Wayne Shorter, often appeared. But, this entire album is considered a masterpiece, and the engineering is still the top of greatest ever. So, congratulations on this introduction to the brilliant Steely Dan.
Your first Steely Dan song? Oh, my! You guys are in for a treat! Many songs to choose from their catalog. "Aja" is an excellent saucy song that drips with moody jazz. All their songs are jazzy, but different points of the spectrum. Some are catchy almost pop-tune jazz. Some are nightclub lounge type jazz and others are hard to describe. I predict Steely Dan will become another group at the top of your list like CCR is, but for different reasons. I suggest you start with some early favorites like "Rikki Don't Lose That Number" and "Do It Again". Enjoy the rabbit hole!
Great choice guy's once again. Your enthusiasm for all the music I love and still do makes me feel pride and joy. (SRVRIP) I'm 54 and missed the heyday of the mid 60's to the late 70's but quickly caught up in my early teens and really invested a lot of time and money into acquiring a collection of party friendly yet also eclectic (music for smaller groups/partying/like minded individuals musically) in other words I could rock a house party at my place for 50 people or 5 people. I know there are millions out there older and younger than me who have acquired amazing music collections. Seriously, it's a never ending quest to seek out different unknown artists. Old or New. Good Times! Look up where the name of the band Steely Dan came from, you might find it amusing. Cheers, the canadian Queen nut.
You can find many live versions of Steely Dan on you tube...even live concerts (I have UA-cam Premium live in Vancouver, Canada 🇨🇦. They have many great albums with the best studio musicianss around. Advanced tempo, time changes, sophisticated collection. I was 16 and they came out and we drove down coast highway with 8 tracks player of STEELYDAN, Doobie Brothers, Eagles, CSN&Young, Doors, Moody Blues, JimiHendrix, Who, Emerson lake Palmer, Jethro Tull and many Pink Floyd. It reminds me of our "driving music". Wonderful....still after all, they stand the test of time.
You are correct about something different here. Steely Dan is a very unique band. Primarily two guys with various assemblies of some of the best studio musicians in the business. They have numerous masterpieces and no bad songs that I am aware of. There’s a lot to explore. Great reaction. Please do more Linda Ronstadt when you can. 😍
Next time you listen to this, when it gets deep into the first sax solo try to think how the heck they will get from that back to the beginning melody. It seems impossible, but then they transition back basically in a single chord. It's just astounding writing
They are known for doing everything smartly, and even their band name was lifted from a beat poetry reference to an early model of vibrator. I’d recommend “ King of the World” for another banger, but any song of theirs will work, since they don’t do bad ones.
This is a great song and has a real jazzy/rock feel which is fab, so many instruments! It's from an album of the same name, released in 1977. I've heard of Steely Dan - they are an American rock group formed in, I think, 1971. One of the other songs that I know from them is Reelin' In The Years and that is really good, in my humble opinion. Another new band for you, guys, and more songs to explore! Really enjoyed your reaction as I always do. Many thanks.
Beautiful song. I have a friend that owns a hi-fi store. To this day he uses this song AND album because of the high(est) sound and production quality. They used only the BEST musicians on their records. Donald Fagen and Walter Becker are legands...
This!! Yes!! I wrote that Steely Dan is the highest quality sound as well. When people wanna test sound - it's Steely they go to. I hope they try a few more.
That's one of the most tremendous outtro's in Pop/Jazz music! Steve Gadd's left hand!!! His Left hand is just destroying that rudiment pattern with so much taste and pop and accents and forward movement on the way out to silence. Wow! What a performance. Guys, I heard Steve Gadd did not remember recording this song because he said he was very drunk when he recorded it! That's what I heard but I can't believe it! Does anyone know if that is true?? It freaks me out that he was so good yet...what...blotto drunk? How?
I think you would enjoy hearing more Steely Dan - there are so many great songs by them...Do It Again, Hey Nineteen, Josie, Peg, Ricky Don't Loose That Number, Deacon Blues, Babylon Sisters, Reelin' in the Years, FM, My Old School, and so many more!
Welcome to Steely Dan boys. They are an endless rabbit hole. Steely Dan has their own unique style. May I recommend a few songs. Try "Peg", "Deacon Blues", "Reeling In The Years", "Rikki Don't Lose That Number", just to start you off.
Steely Dan is top notch from start to finish. It doesn’t matter what you listen to of his you will not be disappointed. Donald Fagen also did a solo album called “The Night Fly” check out a few songs called Maxine, Ruby baby, Walk between the raindrops, New frontier.
One of the deeper rabbit holes in all of music. From what I understand this is the group that most impressed many of the great artists you've already reacted to. They are the ultimate musician's musicians! Try Black Cow or Babylon Sisters. More than any other group I can definitely say that they do not have a bad song!
The drummer is the Great Steve Gadd. He has toured as a part of Eric Clapton's band for years now. I'm going to see Clapton in September and I read that Steve Gadd will be his drummer. Can't Wait!!!!!
It's the Steely Dan song I listen to the most often during this last decade. In fact, I took a walk earlier today and listened to it. And I was happy to listen again,an hour or so later and see your reaction.
I was very late getting into Steely Dan when I was in my 40's. I had heard their early hit's during my teens on tv & radio where just their hit singles in the charts were played. I loved "Do It Again" & "Haitian Divorce" but never payed much attention to their albums which changed into more & more Jazz fusion. Then I heard a track called "FM", & two different versions. One ending with an amazing Sax solo & another with a brilliant guitar solo. I knew I need to check out this group more. I now have every album. The engineering production values are so top notch the clarity of sound is extraordinary. Wonderful albums. Enjoy the journey....it's a long one guys.
Your ears are in for a treat with Steely Dan and you picked up on the intricacies and sophistication of their music. So much more to discover from these musical geniuses as many below have suggested..
This is what you should listen to when you're driving on a warm sunny day and you have the windows down, and the volume WAY UP!!!! Heaven is where this is.
I have an idea for you guys : What if you did a marathon reaction video of a bunch of songs from different artists all at one time?? (You could do a couple from the same artist in there but mix it up with diff artists!) What do you think?? I haven’t seen ANY other reaction channel do this before.
Guys, you MUST watch the documentary about the making of the Aja album. ua-cam.com/video/8sdMV9TzMkc/v-deo.html Walter Becker (Bass & Rhythm Guitars) and Donald Fagan (Keyboards and Vocals) explain all. These two ARE Steely Dan with session guest musicians. Wayne Shorter (Saxophone on Aja), is probably one of the best saxophonist live today. He played with Miles Davis and Weather Report. By the way, you should listen to Weather Report's "Birdland" track from their "Heavy Weather" album, if you like COOL.
A piano or jazz bar would be about the only public place I would want to hear this song. Otherwise, at home with a glass of wine or even in front of a bonfire with a blanket and a whiskey. Everyone has their own opinion about this and that. The big picture is Steely Dan is such an amazing band that can take you to amazing places while sitting still. There is not a bad song by this band in my opinion. I could recommend one or twenty songs and there wouldn't be a bad one in the bunch.
Steve Gadd on drums. AND Timothy Schmidt on backing vocals (he joined the Eagles the same year this was released). This band is the epitome of smooth jazz rock!! Steely Dan's ur "Chill Pill". 😉❣️✌🏼
Professionals use Aja, the album, to test the sound quality of audio equipment. That's how well produced the album is. One of the best of all time. Have a great day Guys.
Steely Dan has so many great and different sounding songs. That was definitely one of their epic compositions. You might like Black Cow (also from the Aja album), a funky 70s groove, or Black Friday (from Katy Lied), a rockin' banger!
Back in the day songs had to fit on an album. They were all cut short by everyone. This album is a STANDARD that everyone used to listen to when buying a stereo.
Bros, trust me on this one like you trusted me on Boston...this woman has one of the most powerful voices you've ever heard, and she's beautiful too! "Dream On - Postmodern Jukebox ft. Morgan James (Aerosmith cover)". Incredible!
Gentlemen. you have just been introduced to the greatest piece of music ever written and performed.
Steely Dan is genius.
Here's some history of the band, Steely Dan is not a guy. It's just the name of the band. They were formed in 1972 by Donald Fagen and Walter Becker, who met at Bard College in upstate NY. Steely Dan started out as a band with 6 members. They stopped touring in 1974 and most of the members left the band that year. Steely Dan then became a studio band, with Becker and Fagen using a revolving lineup of session musicians. IMO, Steely Dan is the best American band of the last 50 years, and they don't have a bad song. They have a unique sound and every song sounds different. Their music has less reverb, which helps to give their music a clean sound, so you can hear every instrument more clearly. Basically, nothing sounds muddy. They have top-notch production and their 1977 album "Aja" is a perfect example of that. Their catalog is a rabbit hole worth exploring. I hope you do more. You should check out "Reelin' In the Years", "Do It Again", "Kid Charlemagne" and "Peg".
Nice review and synopsis of this excellent group as you said so much more left to discover! Interesting insight into their paucity reverb.
Oh man kid charlemagne has my favorite intro out of all their songs
nice post, Michael Trogdon!
If you like the sax solo (Master Wayne Shorter), you might check out 'Heavy Weather' by Weather Report.....
Funny about the name steely dan is a sex toy from a novel " naked lunch" by Burroughs
Steve Gadd's drumming is genius.
Guys whatever you do, don't miss out on this rabbit hole. You will love it. One of the best, top tier groups.
Yes, they'll love this group.
@@steveullrich7737 ...you got that right, my brother. Steely Dan, man.
I'll be honest guys. I love Steely Dan but this is not the first song I would use to introduce anyone to the group. They are known for their first class musicianship and composition coupled with edgy lyrics and vocals. A unique blend of jazz and rock. They do have, like this song, some mellower tunes but they have flat-out bangers as well. For your next listens, I would recommend My Old School, Peg, Hey Nineteen, or Kid Charlemagne . This is a very very deep rabbit hole and well worth the investment!
@@ginnywhat5777Yeah, any one of those would've been a better choice for a Steely Dan introduction.... or even "Peg"
I love the way they say the first time reacting! LOL
I agree the songs you mention should be reacted to next.
I'm definitely behind you on Kid Charlemagne
The first song should be Do It Again and then Midnight Cruiser form the early years of Steely Dan / Can't Buy a Thrill because that album started it all
Half a century later their music still is relevant and fresh.incredible band.
Notice how they are not fearful of silence, small pockets of expectation and imagination...and momentum. The suspense and surprise at their next note or phrase is part of the sublime feeling they radiate.
stick with this band guys....so many great songs
About 62 songs by Steely Dan from their classic period (1972 to 1980). Every single one is great! The best and deepest rabbit hole ever. Please continue on this SD journey.
This song showcases legendary session drummer Steve Gadd...one of the greatest drummers of all time!
Didn't he play this while reading the sheet music for the first time, also hungover and The band used his first take...that is ...just...AMAZING!
@richardadesmond I think so! After seeing him playing with Simon & Garfunkel in the Concert in Central Park 1980 I had to look up who that f***ing amazing drummer was!
The Boys ask Larry Carlton to bring in a drummer… Gadd did Aja in one take, told Fagan & Becker, something like, “You’ll never find better” and left. Larry was mortified, then they asked him why he never told them about Gadd, earlier.
WOW! Aja! You really did start with a big one. Steely Dan is a goal standard for sound - highest quality. George, you nailed why - the layers, changes, perfect muscianship. An absolute MUST on your channel. I PROMISE they will become a favorite of yours when you listen to "Peg" "Hey Nineteen" "FM (No static at all)" ... please don't sleep on their songs. Begging you to do these!!!!!!
and "Deacon Blues" !!!
@@surlechapeau Oh Lord yes!! I forgot to add that!! 🤦♀️ What was I thinking? Deacon Blues!! Alex & Andy did that song today. If you don't watch them - they're amazing! I haven't seen them split on loving a song in a hot minute. HOWEVER, Even though it wasn't Andy's favorite Steely Dan song - he divulged that he listens to Peg & I think he said Hey Nineteen every single day while in the shower. 🤣
@@jennhurl saw their reaction😁 Its definitely 'S' tier!!
@@surlechapeau 🤣🤣🤣
Yup to all of the above! "Peg" and "Het Nineteen" are 2 of my favorites from these guys!!!! It's all good though!! :)
When pro musicians listen to music, they listen to Steely Dan. When music stores are demonstrating high performance equipment (speakers, amps, media players) they use SD albums to put the equipment to the test.
They have always been influenced by rock, blues, jazz and R&B. You’ll find that in all their songs.
Since their 4th album, they’ve brought in top studio musicians to play and/or sing on their recordings.
I feel so privileged to have been a kid in the 70s. The variety of music was unbelievable!
All their music is this quality bros. People in the 80s used to test their speakers to this music.
and in the 70s
I still do!
Cerwin Vega D3 D5 D10. You could not go wrong. Had a set of D5's for 15 years and only had to replace one mid range in one speaker. God the bass tone on those was great.
I tested my Infinity SM150s with Tom Petty and a Phase Linear 400. Tested the aluminum siding too.
Still do. Most effective way to tune a home theater setup.
Steely Dan is one of my favorite bands.
Please check out -
Don’t Take Me Alive
Deacon Blues
Peg
Do It Again
Reelin in the Years
Hey Nineteen
Kid Charlemagne
Black Cow
FM
Dirty Work
So many to choose from!
All great songs.
Don't forget My Old School (my favorite).
George & Patrick please, please this👇🏻
"Hey Nineteen"
"Peg"
"FM (No static at all)"
"Do It Again"
George & Patrick listen to the story in "Hey Nineteen". It has one of my favorite song lines ever. "The Cuervo Gold, The fine Colombian, Make tonight a wonderful thing" Very Sexy song. A total VIBE!!!!
Alright now, don't you be leaving Midnite Cruiser out of the list
They were perfectionists and it shows in every song they do. The hits are endless. If you are going down the Steely Dan road buckle up because the trip will be a long one that is definitely worth taking.
Steely Dan, some of the finest music ever produced, written by composers. The genius of B&F.
Rock/jazz. One of the hardest combinations to produce, and Steely Dan are the greatest ever band to get it right absolutely every time. Each and every band member is at the top of his tree when it comes to musicianship. Genius is a word used far too often these days, but if you need a definition, here it is, right here. So so many Steely Dan classics to mention over the past 40 years or so. Deacon Blues. Haitian Divorce. Do It Again. Peg. Dirty Work. Reeling In The Years. Fez. Ricky Don't Lose That Number....the list is endless my friends. PLEASE do yourselves (and us) a massive favour and try to react to more Steely Dan. You know now, you won't regret it. Thanks you guys!
Steely Dan is your favorite bands favorite band
Steely Dan is it’s own genre. I can’t lump any one else in with them. Two musicians (Fagen and Becker) writing rock tunes with jazz sensibilities. If you want socks blown off listen To Babylon Sisters or My Rival on their “Gaucho” album. Super stellar recordind
Steely Dan was the band's band in the 70's. Every musician respected them; nobody had a bad word for them. :)
"Josie", "Deacon Blues", "My Old School", "Rikki Don't Lose That Number", "Kid Charlamagne"....just do their whole catalog, you won't be sorry.
That "Bad Ass" drummer is the great Steve Gadd! He came in as a session player for them on this song and with only one look at the music chart, laid down the drum track in ONE take! Never hearing the song prior... that's just incredible! The solo he did in two takes because the other players were so captivated by his playing that they got distracted and had to lay down their parts separately. The sax on this is performed by Wayne Shorter (Weather Report), he was asked for specifically by Donald Fagen (lead singer/keyboards) and Walter Becker (guitar). Glad you guys chose this song as it is truly a great and one of their best! Lots more to listen to of theirs, have fun!
At the time this album was released in 1977 I had a high end stereo set up. I was totally amazed at this track.... then I listened to it on a nice set of headphones. I heard things on the headphones that I did not hear through my Polk Audio speakers. I later put my headphones on in the living room late in the evening and turned off all the lights and simply shut my eyes. I wanted to experience "Aja" with no distractions. It was an amazing experience to say the least. This album is a masterpiece.... period.
Bro's, The album 'Aja' won the Grammy Award for Best Engineered Recording - Non-Classical and received Grammy nominations for Album of the Year and Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals. Great album, enjoy the ride with Steely Dan!! Steely Dan is Donald Fagan, vocals, keyboards, songwriting, Walter Becker - Guitars. FYI, 'dime dancing' is from the 1920s in the United States, a dance hall where male patrons purchase a ticket for 10 cents, which allowed them to dance with their choice of female partner for the duration of one song.
"Dime Dancing" means finding your drugs. Heroin users know, and one of the Guys had a problem with the crap.
This is the epitome of Jazz/Rock fusion. With R&B as well. That's how the AJA album is. Perfection.
The Steely Dan rabbit hole is very deep & so amazing! Too many excellent songs from them. Maybe check out Live At Daryl’s House. Great music. No Autotune or lip sync! Gotta have talent!
Steely Dan is a group. The two songwriters and permanent core members were Walter Becker (guitar, backup vocals) and Donald Fagen (keyboards, lead vocals). There were other members who traveled with the band for varying periods of time, and there were a host of outstanding session musicians invited to play on the studio recordings. The playing and production quality on their recordings are always phenomenal. Their fusion of rock and jazz and blues was sometimes referred to as "yacht rock". There are a lot of other Steely Dan songs you should hear. I recommend "Kid Charlemagne", "Deacon Blues", "Peg", and "Rikki Don't Lose That Number".
Steely Dan has a sound that is completely unique unto themselves. They are instantly recognizable from the first bars you hear. True master song writers and composers that execute their vision with perfection.
You need to check out Rikki don't lose that number from Steely Dan.. It is a fantastic song, you will not be disappointed... Love the channel keep them coming!!!
I'm delighted that you started your Steely Dan journey with this song, even though it's extremely dense. Perhaps, others will comment about how Donald Fagen and Walter Becker are Steely Dan, and they very rarely toured or performed live. They just didn't enjoy it, maybe because of anxiety or drug use. So, the studio was their refuge, and they brought in the best musicians possible to play on their records. The great jazz saxophone player, Wayne Shorter, often appeared. But, this entire album is considered a masterpiece, and the engineering is still the top of greatest ever. So, congratulations on this introduction to the brilliant Steely Dan.
They were one of a kind for sure. You can hear the jazz influence in every song
The whole album is a must.
Your first Steely Dan song? Oh, my! You guys are in for a treat! Many songs to choose from their catalog. "Aja" is an excellent saucy song that drips with moody jazz. All their songs are jazzy, but different points of the spectrum. Some are catchy almost pop-tune jazz. Some are nightclub lounge type jazz and others are hard to describe. I predict Steely Dan will become another group at the top of your list like CCR is, but for different reasons. I suggest you start with some early favorites like "Rikki Don't Lose That Number" and "Do It Again". Enjoy the rabbit hole!
AJA is a great album.
Great choice guy's once again. Your enthusiasm for all the music I love and still do makes me feel pride and joy. (SRVRIP) I'm 54 and missed the heyday of the mid 60's to the late 70's but quickly caught up in my early teens and really invested a lot of time and money into acquiring a collection of party friendly yet also eclectic (music for smaller groups/partying/like minded individuals musically) in other words I could rock a house party at my place for 50 people or 5 people. I know there are millions out there older and younger than me who have acquired amazing music collections. Seriously, it's a never ending quest to seek out different unknown artists. Old or New. Good Times! Look up where the name of the band Steely Dan came from, you might find it amusing. Cheers, the canadian Queen nut.
You can find many live versions of Steely Dan on you tube...even live concerts (I have UA-cam Premium live in Vancouver, Canada 🇨🇦. They have many great albums with the best studio musicianss around. Advanced tempo, time changes, sophisticated collection. I was 16 and they came out and we drove down coast highway with 8 tracks player of
STEELYDAN, Doobie Brothers, Eagles, CSN&Young, Doors, Moody Blues, JimiHendrix, Who, Emerson lake Palmer, Jethro Tull and many Pink Floyd. It reminds me of our "driving music". Wonderful....still after all, they stand the test of time.
You are correct about something different here. Steely Dan is a very unique band. Primarily two guys with various assemblies of some of the best studio musicians in the business. They have numerous masterpieces and no bad songs that I am aware of. There’s a lot to explore. Great reaction. Please do more Linda Ronstadt when you can. 😍
Next time you listen to this, when it gets deep into the first sax solo try to think how the heck they will get from that back to the beginning melody. It seems impossible, but then they transition back basically in a single chord. It's just astounding writing
Their transitions are amazing!
They are known for doing everything smartly, and even their band name was lifted from a beat poetry reference to an early model of vibrator. I’d recommend “ King of the World” for another banger, but any song of theirs will work, since they don’t do bad ones.
This is a great song and has a real jazzy/rock feel which is fab, so many instruments! It's from an album of the same name, released in 1977. I've heard of Steely Dan - they are an American rock group formed in, I think, 1971. One of the other songs that I know from them is Reelin' In The Years and that is really good, in my humble opinion. Another new band for you, guys, and more songs to explore! Really enjoyed your reaction as I always do. Many thanks.
Dig deeper into steely dan
Doesn't get much better
awesome vibe and musicianship unparalleled
Amazing that AJA was recorded almost 50 years ago.
Jazz rock fusion, but I bet you've heard a lot of Steely Dan songs. Another deep well to explore. Thanks for the reaction.
Ahhhhh, glad I did not miss the premier of this video. Welcome to the Dan of Steel universe. (By the way, that drum solo is known as THE drum solo.)
Beautiful song. I have a friend that owns a hi-fi store. To this day he uses this song AND album because of the high(est) sound and production quality. They used only the BEST musicians on their records. Donald Fagen and Walter Becker are legands...
This!! Yes!! I wrote that Steely Dan is the highest quality sound as well. When people wanna test sound - it's Steely they go to. I hope they try a few more.
That's one of the most tremendous outtro's in Pop/Jazz music! Steve Gadd's left hand!!! His Left hand is just destroying that rudiment pattern with so much taste and pop and accents and forward movement on the way out to silence. Wow! What a performance. Guys, I heard Steve Gadd did not remember recording this song because he said he was very drunk when he recorded it! That's what I heard but I can't believe it! Does anyone know if that is true?? It freaks me out that he was so good yet...what...blotto drunk? How?
“How many fusions are in this song?”
So true and so cool. Love the way it's worded.
He chose the exactly correct word for Steely Dan. Fusion.
how to describe Steely Dan in one sentence lol
Dude on the right GETS IT!
Legendary Drummer Steve Gadd there on the song......changed Pop music forever.
I think you would enjoy hearing more Steely Dan - there are so many great songs by them...Do It Again, Hey Nineteen, Josie, Peg, Ricky Don't Loose That Number, Deacon Blues, Babylon Sisters, Reelin' in the Years, FM, My Old School, and so many more!
Lifelong Steely Dan fan here and you two just earned a life long sub with this reaction gentlemen. All i have to say is more Steely Dan please.
Welcome to Steely Dan boys. They are an endless rabbit hole. Steely Dan has their own unique style. May I recommend a few songs. Try "Peg", "Deacon Blues", "Reeling In The Years", "Rikki Don't Lose That Number", just to start you off.
Steely Dan is top notch from start to finish. It doesn’t matter what you listen to of his you will not be disappointed. Donald Fagen also did a solo album called “The Night Fly” check out a few songs called Maxine, Ruby baby, Walk between the raindrops, New frontier.
One of the deeper rabbit holes in all of music. From what I understand this is the group that most impressed many of the great artists you've already reacted to. They are the ultimate musician's musicians! Try Black Cow or Babylon Sisters. More than any other group I can definitely say that they do not have a bad song!
I chilled with my girlfriend in '78 to this album on a Technics turntable. We still chill in 2021. Alexa play Steely Dan.
This álbum is a master piece!!! You should try “Black Cow”
So glad you guys are getting to steely dan! I HIGHLY recommend their songs Kid Charlemagne and Haitian Divorce. Keep rocking guys!
Peg, Kid Charlamagne, Do it Again, FM, Reeling In The Years, My Old School, Josie, SO MANY BANGERS OF AWESOME Musicianship....
Love, love, love this song!!! 🤘🎵🎼🎶🎸🎤🎧 You're right...its different than alot of 70's music....but it was a difference we embraced!!💜💜💜
Aja was as long and perfect as needed,
all great things must end eventually. Plenty of SD left to discover and enjoy.
It's amazing that you can completely forget the beautiful guitar solo after the sax and drums take off.
Wish I would have named one of my kids "Aja" cool name. I always request this song because I think its a masterpiece. And that drumming!!!
Steve Gadd on drums. Many consider this the best drums on any song, and I agree.
Definitely, this was the best drumming on any SD song and that is saying something.
Gadd from my hometown Rochester NY! Freaking icon, dude!!
Amen
Deacon Blues, Peg, FM, Do it Again..... some amazing Steely Dan songs out there
The drummer is the Great Steve Gadd. He has toured as a part of Eric Clapton's band for years now. I'm going to see Clapton in September and I read that Steve Gadd will be his drummer. Can't Wait!!!!!
The great Steve Gadd on drums one of the most recorded American drummers in music history ..
This is your favorite band's favorite band. They are epic. Been listening to them since the 70's and never disappointed.
Excellent choice. Next should be Peg. Doesn't get better than Steely Dan. 💜
First time for Steely Dan. Wow well you have dozens of amazing songs to discover.
It's the Steely Dan song I listen to the most often during this last decade. In fact, I took a walk earlier today and listened to it. And I was happy to listen again,an hour or so later and see your reaction.
I was very late getting into Steely Dan when I was in my 40's. I had heard their early hit's during my teens on tv & radio where just their hit singles in the charts were played. I loved "Do It Again" & "Haitian Divorce" but never payed much attention to their albums which changed into more & more Jazz fusion. Then I heard a track called "FM", & two different versions. One ending with an amazing Sax solo & another with a brilliant guitar solo. I knew I need to check out this group more. I now have every album. The engineering production values are so top notch the clarity of sound is extraordinary. Wonderful albums. Enjoy the journey....it's a long one guys.
THE STEELIEST OF THE DAN!!!
Steely Dan’s lyrics always transport me to a place. They are masterful storytellers. I know exactly where I am when I am listening to them.
George you crack me up! “Go drums go”!
Wayne Shorter on sax. Check out his band Weather Report.
Your ears are in for a treat with Steely Dan and you picked up on the intricacies and sophistication of their music. So much more to discover from these musical geniuses as many below have suggested..
drummer was the star, to me....no idea what that music sheet looked like! epic forever
Please keep exploring this band. This is my favorite band from the USA. All time favorite, from the first album to the last. Perfection.
Beautiful album
This is what you should listen to when you're driving on a warm sunny day and you have the windows down, and the volume WAY UP!!!! Heaven is where this is.
"Peg" should be your next Steely Dan song! It's much friendlier and more exciting, and has one of the best Jazz-Rock guitar solos ever!
I have an idea for you guys : What if you did a marathon reaction video of a bunch of songs from different artists all at one time?? (You could do a couple from the same artist in there but mix it up with diff artists!) What do you think?? I haven’t seen ANY other reaction channel do this before.
Guys, you MUST watch the documentary about the making of the Aja album. ua-cam.com/video/8sdMV9TzMkc/v-deo.html
Walter Becker (Bass & Rhythm Guitars) and Donald Fagan (Keyboards and Vocals) explain all. These two ARE Steely Dan with session guest musicians.
Wayne Shorter (Saxophone on Aja), is probably one of the best saxophonist live today. He played with Miles Davis and Weather Report.
By the way, you should listen to Weather Report's "Birdland" track from their "Heavy Weather" album, if you like COOL.
You guys are so lucky there is so much Steely Dan to listen to
Nice one boys❤
Black Cow 🐄 ♥
A piano or jazz bar would be about the only public place I would want to hear this song. Otherwise, at home with a glass of wine or even in front of a bonfire with a blanket and a whiskey. Everyone has their own opinion about this and that. The big picture is Steely Dan is such an amazing band that can take you to amazing places while sitting still. There is not a bad song by this band in my opinion. I could recommend one or twenty songs and there wouldn't be a bad one in the bunch.
Steve Gadd on drums. AND Timothy Schmidt on backing vocals (he joined the Eagles the same year this was released). This band is the epitome of smooth jazz rock!! Steely Dan's ur "Chill Pill". 😉❣️✌🏼
And all of those details have space to breathe and come alive. Such an intricately woven song.
Professionals use Aja, the album, to test the sound quality of audio equipment. That's how well produced the album is. One of the best of all time.
Have a great day Guys.
This isn't a Dan tune you'd hear on the radio but great nonetheless. Easier to digest - Hey Nineteen, Night by Night, Do It Again
Steely Dan has so many great and different sounding songs. That was definitely one of their epic compositions. You might like Black Cow (also from the Aja album), a funky 70s groove, or Black Friday (from Katy Lied), a rockin' banger!
Steve Gadd on drums.
The genius of Steve Gadd on the greatest drum solo and outro ever, IMO!
Funkiest Steely Dan song is Green Earrings. Every instrument is perfection and you won't be chillin'. You'll be movin'.
Back in the day songs had to fit on an album. They were all cut short by everyone. This album is a STANDARD that everyone used to listen to when buying a stereo.
Bros, trust me on this one like you trusted me on Boston...this woman has one of the most powerful voices you've ever heard, and she's beautiful too! "Dream On - Postmodern Jukebox ft. Morgan James (Aerosmith cover)". Incredible!
I posted this on their Aerosmith version!
You'll never hear a bad Steely Dan song.
You can listen to all of them but you won't find one.
Go ahead and try!
lol...
Great Reaction, dudes!
Now that you have started down the Steely Dan path, you have a fantastic trip ahead of you!!!!