Steely Dan - Aja | REACTION
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- Опубліковано 30 гру 2021
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Here is the video link: • Aja
Credit: @steelydan6748
Theme Music: @MattCherne
Correction: This was the longest recorded track before they first broke up in 1981. "West of Hollywood" is the most lengthy track released in 2000.
…AND TURN UP THE BASS 👍👍👍
West of Hollywood is unbelievable. Incredible sax solo by Christ Potter. One of their most complex tracks.
With all due respect to Fleetwood Mac, (Rumours 1977), and the Eagles, (Hotel California 1977), Steely Dan was robbed of the Grammy Award for "Album of the Year" for "Aja". Every aspect of the album was a revelation and inspiration in the music industry.
Agree- they got their revenge with 2 Against Nature in 2001 - another stunner!
Steely Dan can't be pigeonholed, they can play any genre perfectly
Perhaps the greatest drum solo ever recorded. Steve Gaad.
You don't "listen" to this song, you ride it!
It's been said that Steely Dan is your favorite band's favorite band.
I feel so lucky to have grown up with this music…
This is one of the few albums that I consider to be perfect. Every cut on it is pure platinum.
You’re doing it right listening with good quality headphones.
Agreed,but same applies to The Royal Scam,Gaucho,Pretzel Logic and their stunning debut Cant Buy A Thrill.
@@TheCornishCockney Katy Lied, too!
@@TheCornishCockney I totally agree Can't Buy a Thrill, I was SOLD!!!
This tonal and timing perfection of this album made it a common choice for speaker manufacturers and independent evaluators to test the quality of audio speakers.
Steely Dan is your favorite band's favorite band...
It’s fire. It’s sass in the brass. Rushin’ with percussion. Movin’, groovin’ and needs no improvin’.
I'm 66 and so in the demographic of people who waited for these Steely Dan albums to come out so we could grab 'em up. So, they have had fans my age forever. But it seems to me that in the last 2-3 years their fan base is expanding rapidly as younger people are discovering them. I read an article somewhere that people in their 30's are rediscovering because they remember their parents playing their music while driving their kids to soccer games or whatever.
Come back to this song in 5 years. You will appreciate its rare beauty...
Steely Dan is it's own genre !!!
Might be the greatest pop album ever produced. Gadd is one incredible drummer
Best album ever made !!!!!!!!!
That’s MY band !!!!!!!!
HOME AT LAST, is beautiful !!!
My favorite part of this song isn't even a second long. At the end of the first drum break after completely killing it, Steve Gadd cracks his sticks together. It is so perfect. It gets me every time.
Love ❤️ hearing the click of the drumsticks!
once you hear it you can't miss it on every subsequent listen
Two words:Steve Gadd. That drum track is killer AND it only took 2 takes to nail it. Plus, you have the great Wayne Shorter on sax. I think they used 30 different session guys on this album. You definitely need to listen to the whole thing. It's a masterpiece and their best album in my opinion.
Amen to that brother!
Check this out. Rick Beato is spot on. ua-cam.com/video/BXH7cqrTbmM/v-deo.html
No argument here - but if you're not a fan of jazz, maybe start a few years back :)
Seriously . Steve Gadd. Nailed it.
The stick click in the middle. Gadd did it and stared right at Walter Becker and Donald Fagen in the control room. lol 2 takes and gone!
Wayne Shorter on sax.
Victor Feldman on percussion.
Steve Gadd on the drum kit.
Donald Fagan on synthesizer and police whistle.
Steely Dan perfectly made music never duplicated that will stand the test of time. This song changed the direction of music forever.
I love watching you youngsters react to this. SD's entire catalog is worth exploring. Trust us...
Steely Dan had some of the most complex music of their day. Awesome band. Let me suggest to y’all some of my favorite steely Dan songs: Peg, hey19 and reeling in the years
I love the guy in the middle doing the stank face to Aja so much. Awesome!!
The musical arrangement here is one of the most complicated of any song I have ever heard.
It's almost as if there are 2 or 3 completely different songs that transition back and forth throughout, but strangely, it WORKS!
With this : you found the best music in the world
AJA is my desert island album. sheer perfection.
same
Aja is, without a doubt, one of the best albums ever. Good from sleeve to sleeve
The drummer on this is the great Steve Gadd. And this solo is considered his absolute best. And over a Wayne Shorter sax solo? Mind blowingly cool! Drummers everywhere still talk about it! Rick Beato recently did a great interview with Steve and they discuss this solo.
This what you get when you have outstanding musicians with exacting standards.
all of these amazing comments. I would add that seeing Steely Dan live is a nuanced experience. you would think they would perform either a direct copy of the music, or a less sophisticated version, but you end up with a the same songs with new , lively and intense music that you will never experience from the recording. its like I want both
Can't go wrong with Steely Dan....but, this is the best written, greatest song ever performed. That just might be my opinion, but I've listened to a heck of a lot of music.
Aja is not a hard rocker, that's for sure. But what a treasure it is to all music.
The drums, the piano, Fagen's voice as just another instrument, the guitar, the sax.
You can listen to Aja a hundred times and find something new you didn't hear before.
Thanks for reacting to the greatest song ever written and performed. IMHO!
Got to correct you on something - Steely dan doesn't really have "hit after hit after hit" - what they have are deep album cuts. I and a lot of other commenters are gonna suggest going down this rabbit hole - it's gonna be a long trip.
Ken
Thank you Ken.
Ken…I couldn’t agree more.
I try to avoid extreme hyperbole like "this is the greatest..." if only because I haven't heard every single song, but Aja, both the album and the single are easily, IMO, among the greatest ever recorded.
@@ArtofFreeSpeech I, too, don't wish to subscribe to hyperbole. There are other songs, Close To the Edge, Riders on the Storm, Nights in White Satin, Amazing Journey/Sparks, Going to California and Ramble On, Bohemian Rhapsody, Woman In Chains....that are all great.
But, for me, Aja is the best song ever written and performed. I just can't help myself.
Ken
@@kendudley3553 Certainly the addition of the words "for me" make it completely valid! My tastes change based on my mood so immensely, the greatest for me is always changing, but certainly Aja often gets the nod. Suite Judy Blue Eyes, Be Free (Loggins and Messina), Scenes From an Italian Restaurant all also vie for that top spot from time to time. Going to California, BTW, is also a great choice. That song ear worms me on the regular along with Battle of Evermore.
"Hey Nineteen" is my jam
🎵"The Cuervo Gold
The fine Colombian
Make tonight a wonderful thing"🎵
Every Aja listener makes those faces you guys made during the drum solos. Every single one.
Fagan and Becker are legends. Go down the rabbit hole.
Steely Dan - something completely different - yep!
I have to say it again.....
The 1970s AM and FM radio airwaves were a veritable cornucopia of musical styles and genres and some great bands and artists that refused to be pigeonholed!
We could literally listen to any radio station and hear great music .....we were spoiled.
That complete album is a masterpiece !
Yes I think this was their Masterpiece Album ! Whenever you get this I left a comment please read it thanks
indeed!
All time favorite album !!!!!
AJA !!!!!
Steely Dan is likely my favorite group of all time. Their music just speaks to me like no other. It is perfectly timed for OCD types.
Looking through the comments I see no one mentioning “Do It Again”, so I take it you guys have listened to it. If you haven’t, IT’S ONE OF THE BEST SONGS EVER WRITTEN AND RECORDED. 😁❤️
The lyrics here... "Double helix (DNA, life) in the sky tonight, throw out the hardware (contraceptives) let's do it (*IT*) right... "
These guys are on another level entirely.
Try anything/everything on Royal Scam. Arguably among their best grittiest, groovy-est work. Geniuses.
Music for adults. When rock and roll grew up. Combines many genres into one cohesive sound garden that blooms with storytelling of a very eclectic group of quirky individuals with a small combo jazz feel. It's a tasty banquet way beyond ear candy.
I suggest Almost Gothic, a sincere love song from Two Against Nature circa 2000.
Brilliant! That's Steely Dan. Defying categories. The closest tradition it evokes for me is jazz. I like this song more every time I hear it. I truly believe you'll love it more with each play.
Some of the best musicians you never heard of.
That drop into the outro, gets me every time. Sonic masterpiece.
In the 70's, we would use this album to dial in our stereo and equalizers.
Starts out sounding like Jazz and ends up sounding like Heavy Metal. Hell yes.
this is one of the 10 greatest songs in "rock music" history....!!!!!!
"Aja", is considered the best technical produced album of the Analog era, you are about to to begin the journey of "Steely Dan" there is so much more!
I hope you’ll revisit Steely Dan and maybe hit some of their more traditional compositions. There’s a lot to love from them. Try “Black Cow” or “FM” or “Josie” or “Peg” or “Kid Charlemagne” or dozens of others...
and DOZENS :)
FM IS KILLER!! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
The "Aja" album has quite a few radio hits. "Deacon Blues" is worth a reaction
Oh, so only their radio hits are worth reacting to? Why isn't anyone defending the majesty of Aja in these comments? It's obvious these three gentlemen have no real jazz sensibility and need a definable groove to Playlist. Funny, but I can appreciate both. There are many other channels more sympatico to my musical taste and appreciation on the platform. I'll pass.
@@sooutrageous007 👋🏼
LOVE Aja - the song! Every song is great on this album, so just put the track names in a bag and randomly pull one out for your next review... same for the songs from the Royal Scam album...
This sounds like you are in the world's coolest, hippest jazz club. A pure ultra masterpiece.
My Steely Dan favorite. This album and the song itself is their masterpiece album!! Can you say Wayne Shorter and Steve Gadd...sax and drums!! Gadd's cymbal work on this song is totally incredible! GUYS ... listen to more of their music!!! Jazz fusion at it's very best!!
Love seeing people react to the whistle.
Welcome to Steely Dan - Jazz fusion/rock/funk/reggae/prog (and more). There is no more complete, yet eclectic, musical group ever. Their catalog isn't simply a rabbit hole - it's a veritable mine shaft, with innumerable side tunnels. When you enter, be sure to leave a trail of bread crumbs (although truthfully, you may never want to get out). Fagan and Becker were the perfectionists required to get the results they demanded (15 or 20 takes were common). Sit back and enjoy the journey - something new and different will greet you around each corner of the tunnel.
I think they’re throwing all the “bells and whistles “ at you!🥰
Also, guys, if this song was a little "too much" for you, try Deacon Blues off of Aja or Peg or Josie. Or any of their other songs. Do you know Rikki Don't Lose That Number? That's amazing, and off one of their earlier albums, Pretzel Logic. I still have most of their vinyls, and they're on my playlists big time. Fun fact: in Deacon Blues they wanted a certain kind of sound for the sax solo, so they got the Tenor Sax player from the Tonight Show when Johnny Carson was on it to come over for a session. They played him what they'd recorded, then he did two takes, and was out in 30 min. It's a great solo.
it's a masterpiece
In my opinion, this is the greatest song Steely Dan ever did. This song starts out nice and slow and you think it's going to be boring-ish but then before you know it, it hits you with everything and then it's already too late. That three and a half minute long musical interlude is absolute 🔥 and don't even get me started on those amazing fucking drums. The song is just under 8 minutes in length and it earns every single second of its epic running time.
Try FM, Peg, Reeling in the Years, or solo Donald Fagan like Tomorrow’s Girls, IGY, New Frontier. Awesome band
There are nearly 90 great Steely Dan songs. You just can't go wrong!
Donald Fagen's The Nightfly is classic, too. Kamakiriad, Morph the Cat, and Sunken condos are stacked with great recordings, too. Walter Becker's Circus Money has some epic tracks as well.
That was Steve Gaad on drums and Wayne Shorter on sax.2of jazz best.I love that braek it's one of the best 👌
Just wondering - did Gaad ever say whether the stick click in his first solo was intentional?
The most important thing to remember is, You have heard it only one time...This whole album should be listened to at least 10 Times. Then you will have really heard it...Then get back on and give your assessment after having truly heard it.
Listen to it at least ten more times and you’ll come to love the “boring slow parts” 🙂
Green Earrings. Gotta hit that. It's their funkiest groove IMO. Reactors all love it. It's my favorite and I'm a huge SD fan.
I kept waiting for the Wayne Shorter sax and Steve Gadd drum reactions. 🤣🤣
So good.
Catch Rick Beato's review, calls it the drum solo that changed his life
This is a masterpiece guys. The beautiful weaving of instruments and lyrics such as "up on the hill, they think I'm okay, or so they say..." Hmm. Steely Dan; to the stars and back.
One of the few bands that wrote and cut lots of classic albums over many years without compromising quality, originality and musicianship.
You can’t categorize their music. They are in a genre all their own. I don’t listen to their music, I fly with it. It’s an experience.
Great song and welcome to “The Dan” rabbit hole!!!
It's not a song it's an experience. By the way Steve Gadd played with practically everyone. Saw him with Chuck Mangione at Radio City many years ago. Of course they were great!
They sent professionals out the studio door all day. They were on another level.
Maybe the best song in pop music history.
Back when bands played instruments.
Steely Dan is one of my favorites of all time. A GREAT rabbit hole in which to go down. So much great stuff.
"Aja" the album was one of the first albums I ever purchased. I have listened to this album since 1978 and I immediately became enamored with it. In those days "Peg", "Deacon Blues" and "Josie" immediately became my favorites. "Aja" the song was ok, but I recognized more was going on than I could appreciate. Through the years this song has continued to increase in stature, and I am in absolute awe of what a tremendously produced song "Aja" truly is. This is jazz, as far as I'm concerned, and I absolutely love this song. The whole album is truly a work of art, and Donald Fagan with Walter Becker were in another stratosphere of genius when it came to producing this album. Now that I am latter part of my life's journey, Steely Dan seems to be on my playlist more than ever, especially "Aja" the album. Thanks for the reaction.
My favorite track from The Dan ever. The performance on this, was outstanding, outstanding. It's pretty amusing listening to non musicians trying to comment on musically intense music. Jazz fusion is also my favorite genre, so, this is right up my ally, also, playing music myself for over 40 years doesn't hurt.
Every song from “The Royal Scam” is fire!
In places it is straight up Jazz!
That whole album will be on your playlist when you listen to it. Peg and Deacon Blues, I think, you'll like. Michael McDonald sings background vocals on Peg.
Steely Dan is AWESOME! I love every song, every album. Hard to pick a favourite but Gaucho, Can't Buy A Thrill, Royal Scam, Pretzel Logic ....see what I mean? They're all great 😁
I came home from Freshman year of college to find that my mother had installed an 8-track player in my dad's old car as a surprise for me. I had two 8-track tapes that Summer that I played: Aja and Dan Fogelberg!
I think the drumming at the end; catches the attention.
Give it another listen gents.
🇬🇧🤝🇺🇲
Love watching people's reaction to the whistle. According to the liner notes it's a "police whistle" (heh - something illegal going on maybe?) and played by Donald Fagen. It's still amusing after all these years that this famously perfectionist duo seemingly didn't trust anyone else to play three seconds of a whistle right. What a genius song and great reaction - thx for posting.
I'm surprised someone suggested Aja as the song to get into the Dan. Most of their other songs ( Hey Nineteen, Babylon Sisters, FM, Deacon Blues, Peg, Green earrings, Don't Take Me Alive) however complex, are extremely catchy, each with an irresistable groove... very easy to get into. Aja is different.
It's like you can't swim, and instead of easing in to the shallow end, or even jumping into the deep end of the pool, you are thrown into open ocean at night during deep winter while you were drunk and asleep.
Always the best lyrics and harmonies,The Jazz breaks are soo good.
Simply the BEST guys from the Great Steely Dan ☝️💫❤️ thanks for the reaction ☝️
Right. "Steely Dan." Donald Fagen's "F You" to the music industry...Best name for a band possibly ever...Cheers!
Another one of those songs that you get your blunt out, have a glass of wine and put your headphones on and get lost in the sound!
These songs sounded incredible on the analog stereo equipment of that era...just blew everyone away when the album came out.
This is what you do with this song; LOzvE IT! One of the greatest tunes ever produced. It carries you away to another dimension, especially with Steve Gadd’s insane drum perfection.
That there are songs of such beauty. Inspiration to us all.
Amazing talent with each musician improvising on their enhancements of the vibe until the final composition , approval , release
Everyone owned this album in High School. It was intelligent music with a jam. Band class was still a thing and the musicianship was admired by everyone. I mean, what’s better than getting stoned and turning Aja up real loud? 😁❤️❤️❤️
Definitely one of the best catalogs in music history. I can easily go 50 deep on Steely Dan favorites. Dig deeper down the rabbit hole.
The sound of the city at night. The soundtrack of life.
Love that you young guys appreciate great music and players.Steve Gadd layed the drums down in 1 take.Thats simply amazing
My #1. Ever and forever
What a vibe close my eyes headphones transported to another dimension.... perfect
Welcome to the next level sophistication of Steely Dan. I grew up listening to this spectacular music. They are/were in a class of their own. I can honestly say, they introduced me and possibly an entire generation to jazz...but in a rock and roll way. Very cool you've found your way here. The album Aja is a masterpiece of creativity and sound production. You get all the extra...as mentioned...extra percussion...details upon details. Just incredible, even by today's standards.
Great song, Steely Dan has a ton of incredible songs spanning the length of their entire career, love their unique approach and process in creating every song on their albums. Donald Fagen and Walter Becker also have their own seperate solo careers as well. Definitely check out for Donald Fagen, a lot of great songs all on the same album "The Nightfly": I.G.Y. / True Companion / New Frontier / Maxine / Green Flower Street. For your next Steely Dan song though, you'd probably love "Bodhisattva", nice little rockin' track there. There's so many songs you'd probably love from them, all their albums are masterpieces in their own right, just incredible time capsules of the incredibly rich and diverse era of music they shared with so many others that must not be forgotten.
Nor will it ever...
Probably wouldn’t have been my first choice for your next Steely Dan reaction, but it’s still a pretty song. The drumming from Steven Gadd is INSANE.
Congratulations on completing your first PhD course of music. This is upper level of music writing and performance. This whole album is 100% FIRE.
Greeting from J-Town!
Isn't nice to hear something that isn't so predictable! Thanks guys
When I first heard this, I haven't stopped listening to this. ❤
Welcome to the real world of said Steely Dan......and they change a lot of musicians from album to album , amazing ! :)