@AirplayBeats reacts to Steely Dan’s The Fez Like comment and subscribe Join our Patreon for exclusive videos and to get your requests done faster: patreon.com/user?u=81569817
Steely Dan was the album that the salesman put on the turntable back in the 70's when you were buying a stereo system. They were heads above every band back then in quality of recordings.
I brought Aja to stereo stores in the 70s and 80s whenever I purchased stereo equipment because I knew every note of that album and how it should sound. A true reference recording.
Me too...since the 70's - since childhood - I am a bit envious of people hearing it for the first time, but it still resonates the same, every time you listen.
2024. 67 years old. American. Steely Fan from Day One. Every time I hear them it's like listening for the first time. I hear something new each time. No bad tracks, indeed!
You guys are properly hooked. You are picking up the things you’re supposed to pick up, and more. Yes, the music is timeless. It’s possible that you will be able to listen to SD and NEVER tire of it. I refer to it as unbreakable …and that is the highest compliment I can give music. It means that I could sit down and listen to the entire catalogue and not get sick of it, not need to turn it off or put something else on.
Yep, this is typical Dan ambiguous word smithing, the groove and the funk beat is the primary thing. But yeah, Fez is a kind of arabic, usually Moroccan cap with a tassel, but they are toying with the condom slang for that double meaning and a few grins. Its interesting how quickly these guys recognized the almost modern hip hop funk groove in a song that was composed at the dawn of the DISCO age!
The Dan has you bopping along to their infectious grooves, then you realize you’re singing along to a song about a condom… or a drug dealer… or a murderer… or….
@@jimmoore8951 Or a prostitute (Pearl of the Quarter, Here at the Western World), or a sexual deviant (Everyone's Gone to the Movies, Cousin Dupree)......
@@AirplayBeats Video titled "Bernard "Pretty" Purdie: The Legendary Purdie Shuffle" that showcases not only his talent, but his phenomenal personality. It's definitely worth a watch, hope you enjoy it!
@Airplay Beats That would be awesome they don't call him the hit maker for nothing. Played with Aretha Franklin and James Brown and many other great artists
@@AirplayBeats If you interview Purdie, be prepared and do your homework. He's REALLY appreciate it, but doesn't suffer fools. I think you guys can handle it. You're smart and have an understanding of production, mix, sound, instrumentation. Ask Purdie how he and Roger Nichols (engineer) they mic'd the drums.
That guitarist is Walter Becker....simply amazing - Rest his soul. I'm 62 yrs old and Steely Dan has been one of my favorite bands. Even our kids that are now in their 30's were raised listening to them and love this band as much as we do.
My uncle turned me on to them just before he passed away. I've always thought of this music as a gift from my uncle that keeps giving till this day. It's crazy how fast 5 years goes by.
But don't forget Hatian Divorce for it's one of those songs that when you hear it you are instantly brought to a "happy place" where all is good. You'll see.
Steely Dan is one of a kind. No one has their style, their sound. Funk, jazz, brilliance. I have to say it again. I love watching you vibe on the good music.
You guys are SPOT ON........ there are simply NO FILLERS on Steely Dan albums. Although they did record some tracks that were left off their albums. This may be my favorite album by them. It has the funk and the R&B element .... not to mention the jazz change ups that they are known for. Great reaction, guys. Take care.
Gaucho was released in 1980. Walter and Donald did solo albums thru the 80s and 90s and eventually got back together and did two more Steely Dan albums in 2000/2003 as well as touring. A fez is a hat but here it is a euphemism for a condom.
This is so much fun watching you guys experience one of my favorite bands. I can't wait for Green Earrings. And yes, it's as good if not better. You always think it can't get any better and then it does. They really do not miss album after album. Can't wait for Everything Must Go.
GREEN EARRINGS: Is about a woman's boyfriend that would keep stealing her expensive Jewelry, Sells-It, and when she confronts him... he says: I am what I am, hope you love me for it... (Jist of it) FEZ: About a guy that wears a Condom before SEX. STEELY DAN: is the name of a 1960's Dildo....
You two are taking SD fans on your journey of musical discovery, and that warms the heart of Steely Dan fans, like me, and transports us back to earlier times and memories. And as you journey further, you will cease to be surprised, and come to expect, great song after great song, as a matter of course. Every song on every album has its own deliciousness baked inside. Green Earrings will still hit you hard, even though you've been forewarned. I'm loving this journey! Buckle up brothers, we're just over halfway through Royal Scam and iconic songs are coming up.Lets ride.
@Airplay Beats ty for your kind words and for bringing this value to my life. This album was released when was 18 I can't tell you how much joy I derive from seeing you react to SD. And you have like 7 more albums to experience. SD just keeps on giving. On Green Earrings reaction I hope you remember that I told you so, same for Haitian Divorce. Enjoy. And listen to that ending all the way through on Green Earrings.its trippy.
Once again - the magic sound is Bernard Purdie on drums and Chuck Rainey on bass! They really have such an amazing groove together that puts this SD album right next to Aja
That rhythm section of Chuck Rainey on bass and Bernard Purdie on drums is all over this album and Aja, and they are both storied musicians with long lists of credits to their names. You can tell how much Don and Walt loved the funk/soul groove from the long outros they put on so many of their songs, just to play with the groove they set up and drop more and more layers on top
Gentlemen, thank you for taking us on your journey with this band. My favorite band. And watching you get into them is a joy. Can't wait for the next video and albums. Peace
I'M IN LATE 50'S , NOW CAN YOU IMAGINE WHAT THIS MUSIC DID TO US BACK THEN? FOR THOSE THAT WANT TO KNOW, " THE FEZ" WAS A HAT THAT WAS WORN BACK IN THE DAY THAT WAS
The Royal Scam was decades ahead of its time. That's Elliott Randall on guitar (Sign in Stranger, Reelin' in the Years). On Green Earrings there are not one, not two, but 3 guitarists doing the solos: Larry Carlton, Denny Dias, and Elliott Randall. It's wicked and the baddest, funkiest funk. Listen to Prince - he had to have heard a lot of Steely Dan. You also have to do FM - title track from the movies - 1978. Epic Steely Dan. Steely Dan regrouped for Two Against Nature (2000: 4 Grammys) and Everything Must Go (2003). Funky, a little sour with the sweet. Outstanding even if there's a little less ear candy. From TAN: Jack of Speed, Janie Runaway, What a Shame About Me, West of Hollywood, Negative Girl, Almost Gothic are classics. On Everything Must God, the back half is the best. I play it in reverse order: Everything Must Go, Lunch with Gina, Pixeleen, Greenbook, Godwhacker are probably the best songs from that album. Donald Fagen (4) and Walter Becker (2) have solo albums. The Nightfly is a Classic: New Frontier, IGY, The Goodbye Look.. Kamakiriad is a drier funk. I like Sunken Condos album a lot. Good Stuff, Slinky Thing, I'm not the Same Without You, Weather in My Head, Miss Marlene are excellent. Fagen never made a bad or even mediocre album.
I think The Fez and Green Earrings are equally badass grooves, but Green Earrings features some outrageous guitar work. When you listen to Green Earrings, you might realize you’re listening to a 16-bar blues. Steely Dan does this a lot. They’ll take a typical blues structure but change the chords from the typical I-IV-V 7th chords to more sophisticated chord structures and progressions.
Donald Fagan once remarked that he felt that this song could have been played on Disco stations during the late '70s but laughed that there is a break which dancers would have to to "freeze" ! LOL !
That is the "hitmaker" on drums, Bernard Purdie. He always has the perfect groove and fills for every song. Wait until you hear the song Green Earrings...it has an absolutely killer groove (the drum fill before the first guitar solo will knock you off your chairs!), along with fantastic guitar solos and chord changes.
Good morning!!! New subscriber from Portland, Oregon and let me tell yall something.....There is NOTHING BETTER than Steely Dan!! I saw them here in concert last year and lost my damn mind!!! Donald Fagen is a BAAAAAD BOY!!!! If you guys listen to Third World Man, that was sampled by Usher and Busta, and Kid Charlamagne was sampled by Kanye. If yall want their best grooves, listen to Home At Last and Babylon Sisters. Don't forget New Frontier by Donald Fagen. Love you guys!!!! Be blessed!!!
Green earring is the quintessence of funk! This one (the Fez) is great, but Green earrings is "next level"! Try to imagine Stevie Wonder's Contusion mixed with some Frank Zappa's work and you'll get some vague idea of what Green earrings is!
Steely Dan came back in the game. They recorded another hit CD. 2 Against Nature in 1993.I know because I purchased one and it to is fire. The NFL used one of the songs off of the album. For Monday Night Football. I forgot which one. They had an 11 year run. Not 8. They broke up for a while. Then in 1993. They released their last CD. 2 Against Nature is a hot track. I love the entire CD.
Yes, Green Earrings will not be the funk or R&B that The Fez brought, but will be the best blend of rock and jazz in a song you will ever hear with a very heavy groove.
I always considered it pretty funky and like Haitian Divorce has reggae influences all over it. Not really one of my fav Dan tunes because I've heard it live so much, but I guess they liked playing it live.
My dad played this album whenever we took our boat out on the lake and this was always my favorite song! I later heard a rumor about this song that "THE FEZ" was a reference to a condom. Which, fits in with their theme, since they took their name from a strap-on ..... Anyhow, an innocent kid from the 70's just enjoyed the groove oblivious to the kinky lyrics. Cheers!
Airplay Beats! As you have no doubt noticed that "The Royal Scam" album is a whole lot funkier than the "Aja" album! Steely Dan is giving off serious "Sophistifunk" vibes! As an aside, they are singing about wearing protection "The Fez" to get busy! I can't wait until you hear "Green Earrings"! Peace!!!
Love to watch you two reacting. I only knew the songs that had radio play back in the '70s. Never knew how great they were, but my musician friends were always talking about them....
It sounds current - though better - since it's so influential, even if second or third hand. This interview with Bernard Purdie is fabulous. Beyond him obviously being in the first tier of drummers and his incredible catalog, he seems to be such a nice man. What struck me from this interview beyond the obvious is his concern over the years that his drums were recorded well, the sound was great, etc. Earl Young (who you should also interview) also has mentioned over the years how engineering great Joe Tarsia (along with the other engineers at Sigma Sound) got his drums to sound right, and his appreciation for that. m.ua-cam.com/video/6uusF1iie88/v-deo.html You may also want to see if Elliot Scheiner would be interested in an interview...I saw one recently where he answered questions re working on GAUCHO. He is another incredible engineer, as you hear on this album. You both are great. I am truly enjoying your videos, with them coming from professionals adding insight that otherwise would not be possible to be there.
My girl friend played them once back in the 70’s and I said who is this!? I was forever hooked and got everything they put out. At that time I was into jazz and R@B. As I said before, forever hooked!
Of all of the reaction videos across all of the channels i enjoy, this is my favorite reaction video. I always loved this song, and it's clear it blew you guys' musical minds just like it did mine back when i was a kid.
Donald Fagen, " Fillers? Fillers!? We don't need no stinking fillers!" But seriously, The Dan never had a filler, EVER. And the Fez is a rubber, slang wise.
L.O.V.E. your reactions, gents. You've properly fallen into the Steely Dan Rabbit Hole! Cool. Oh, the 'fez'? It's a fancy hat, boys. One of a kind duo, Walter on the guitar, Donald on the piano. They'd roll in studio musicians, pay them, send them away, decided during the mixing which parts made it to the record. So amazing. Enjoy! Be well.
The Fez is a a cylindrical hat, some with a tassel on top and most are red in color worn by Middle Eastern men and is a prominent fashion of Persian culture! Also , it’s a banging song from Steely!
Steely Dan is rock, funk, jazz, R&B is various combinations that just works sublimely. Their albums were the ultimate in sound quality, especially Aja and Gaucho. There are two cool UA-cam videos about Steely Dan that I highly recommend -VH1 Storytellers and Steely Dan: More than just a band.
Ruby Baby; Maxine ; NewFrontier ; The Nightfly are incredible from Donald Fagen’s solo album- The Nightfly. ( 1981) Great exploration, fellas! Love your channel! 🌹🥰
Thank you guys for doing what you’re doing. Man I love your reactions to the music I grew up on. You guys get it. I’m not a musican by any means. I’m a music lover. I love that you pick out the “little” bits that pull the sounds together. You guys get the music. Thank you.
Fagen understood the assignment. Funk 101: "Funk originated in the mid-1960s, with James Brown's development of a signature groove that emphasized the downbeat-with a heavy emphasis on the first beat of every measure ("The One"), and the application of swung 16th notes and syncopation on all basslines, drum patterns, and guitar riffs.
It’s great to see you guys react to music that I have loved for most of my life. I also appreciate that you both have a musical background. I can see that you are truly enjoying what you’re experiencing. 🤙
They enjoyed the creative freedom of fusion. Jazz started to become part of the mix like Blood Sweat& Tears in the late 60s , Sugar Loaf's 'Green Eyed Lady' . Rock, jazz& Classical fusion of early Genesis and in the mid 70s, Phil Collins & Brand X
SINCE YOU ARE MUSICIANS..... I GUARANTEE.... THE TITLE TRACK "THE ROYAL SCAM" WILL BE YOUR FAVORITE. YOU'LL GET THE FULL STEELY DAN ORCHESTRATION AND SINGING THAT'S ABOVE IT ALL.
(From the Steely Dan Dictionary) "Fez: A type of brimless hat, usually made from red felt with a tassel on top. Worn by men in the Middle East, or in the US by Shriners (a fraternal lodge organisation) during festivities. Islamic in origin, the hat is named after the holy city of Fez, Morocco. As for what it means in the context of the lyrics, there are two competing theories - the first (and most straightforward) is that the fez is simply a fetish item for the song's protagonist. The other common suggestion is that it's a slang term for "condom", which some claim Becker and/or Fagen once admitted to in an interview - however I have yet to read such an interview, so this latter theory remains speculative at best."
Love your reactions guys, most of all, I love how you get this deepness INSTANTLY! Tiny point, The Fez is the last track on side A, not the first track on Side B…
I've only recently started my deep dive into Steely Dan. Always appreciated their hits, but DAMN ... it's a cool, cool journey, and I'm enjoying watching you guys trip on them just like I have.
Just re-watching your Steely Dan reactions, Guys and I love your reactions to the Royal Scam album. I don't know how I came into possession of the cassette but it was worn out in my 1976 Toyota Corolla that I had in 1984 as a senior in high-school. Motörhead & Steely Dan, yes I was a strange one.
When you said "I can't wait to get past this on to get to Green Earrings", I had to laugh. "Just wait". It's one of my all time favorites. We used to call it "The condom song". Won't do it, without it. ...and NO...they don't have any "album fillers"
I'm cycling through all your guys' steely Dan and Donald Fagen reactions. A heartfelt thank you for helping me and I suspect many others rediscover our joy in this band, not that we ever forsook them, but it's always nice to collectively take part in people enjoying this music for the first time. You should really get around a checking out two against nature by steely Dan from around 2000 or so. In my humble opinion just as good as their earlier work
Steely Dan was the album that the salesman put on the turntable back in the 70's when you were buying a stereo system. They were heads above every band back then in quality of recordings.
Yup. "Aja" is my reference disc to demo audio equipment. 👍
Still are. Engineers today without computers have no clue how to mic drums, etc.
@@jml-rj5re awesome!
I brought Aja to stereo stores in the 70s and 80s whenever I purchased stereo equipment because I knew every note of that album and how it should sound. A true reference recording.
Omg. This is 💯 accurate!
2024. 67 years old. British. Wish I was listening to this band for the first time ever. Steely Dan fan since 72. No bad tracks
Me too...since the 70's - since childhood - I am a bit envious of people hearing it for the first time, but it still resonates the same, every time you listen.
2024. 67 years old. American. Steely Fan from Day One. Every time I hear them it's like listening for the first time. I hear something new each time. No bad tracks, indeed!
me:same age and same year i started to listen
Ditto
Maybe it's just me but to hear a song about the "use of condoms" while someone is repeatedly caught saying "that's hard" is flat out humorous.
You guys are properly hooked. You are picking up the things you’re supposed to pick up, and more. Yes, the music is timeless. It’s possible that you will be able to listen to SD and NEVER tire of it. I refer to it as unbreakable …and that is the highest compliment I can give music. It means that I could sit down and listen to the entire catalogue and not get sick of it, not need to turn it off or put something else on.
These guys are fully 'in' to The Dan now. They get it, it great to see someone experiencing it for the first time and being blown away.
I couldn't agree more with your words!
There is always something new both in the lyrics and the music that hits me no matter how often I listen.🎶🏝️
You are so right. SD is still the music I listen to most, after 50 years.
A fez can be a type of hat, but it is also a slang term for a condom. Walter Becker is doing the guitar work on this tune.
LOL, a condom for Steely Dan. How appropriate. 😂
Yep, this is typical Dan ambiguous word smithing, the groove and the funk beat is the primary thing. But yeah, Fez is a kind of arabic, usually Moroccan cap with a tassel, but they are toying with the condom slang for that double meaning and a few grins. Its interesting how quickly these guys recognized the almost modern hip hop funk groove in a song that was composed at the dawn of the DISCO age!
Those sly guys. Always making you think.😊
The Dan has you bopping along to their infectious grooves, then you realize you’re singing along to a song about a condom… or a drug dealer… or a murderer… or….
@@jimmoore8951
Or a prostitute (Pearl of the Quarter, Here at the Western World), or a sexual deviant (Everyone's Gone to the Movies, Cousin Dupree)......
The great Bernard Purdie on drums.
Awesome!! We are trying to get an interview with him.
@@AirplayBeats Video titled "Bernard "Pretty" Purdie: The Legendary Purdie Shuffle" that showcases not only his talent, but his phenomenal personality. It's definitely worth a watch, hope you enjoy it!
@Airplay Beats That would be awesome they don't call him the hit maker for nothing. Played with Aretha Franklin and James Brown and many other great artists
@@AirplayBeats If you interview Purdie, be prepared and do your homework. He's REALLY appreciate it, but doesn't suffer fools. I think you guys can handle it. You're smart and have an understanding of production, mix, sound, instrumentation. Ask Purdie how he and Roger Nichols (engineer) they mic'd the drums.
Bernard is great on Home At Last
You cats are my new favorite channel. You guys get it.
“What’s a fez?” “I don’t know but that’s hard,” was hilarious!! So true!
That guitarist is Walter Becker....simply amazing - Rest his soul. I'm 62 yrs old and Steely Dan has been one of my favorite bands. Even our kids that are now in their 30's were raised listening to them and love this band as much as we do.
It’s Larry Carleton
No fillers no artificial flavors no coloring just damn good music……
Yes indeed!!!
nutritious and delicious!
It's a timeless sound, your ear hears it, so do we. That's why we groove.
My uncle turned me on to them just before he passed away. I've always thought of this music as a gift from my uncle that keeps giving till this day. It's crazy how fast 5 years goes by.
But don't forget Hatian Divorce for it's one of those songs that when you hear it you are instantly brought to a "happy place" where all is good. You'll see.
Steely Dan is one of a kind. No one has their style, their sound. Funk, jazz, brilliance. I have to say it again. I love watching you vibe on the good music.
You guys are SPOT ON........ there are simply NO FILLERS on Steely Dan albums. Although they did record some tracks that were left off their albums. This may be my favorite album by them. It has the funk and the R&B element .... not to mention the jazz change ups that they are known for. Great reaction, guys. Take care.
Gaucho was released in 1980. Walter and Donald did solo albums thru the 80s and 90s and eventually got back together and did two more Steely Dan albums in 2000/2003 as well as touring.
A fez is a hat but here it is a euphemism for a condom.
This is so much fun watching you guys experience one of my favorite bands. I can't wait for Green Earrings. And yes, it's as good if not better. You always think it can't get any better and then it does. They really do not miss album after album. Can't wait for Everything Must Go.
GREEN EARRINGS: Is about a woman's boyfriend that would keep stealing her expensive Jewelry, Sells-It, and when she confronts him... he says:
I am what I am, hope you love me for it... (Jist of it)
FEZ: About a guy that wears a Condom before SEX. STEELY DAN: is the name of a 1960's Dildo....
Your journey into the Dan is a splendid thing. Keep digging. Go deeper. It's all buried gold. Big love from the UK.
You two are taking SD fans on your journey of musical discovery, and that warms the heart of Steely Dan fans, like me, and transports us back to earlier times and memories. And as you journey further, you will cease to be surprised, and come to expect, great song after great song, as a matter of course. Every song on every album has its own deliciousness baked inside. Green Earrings will still hit you hard, even though you've been forewarned. I'm loving this journey! Buckle up brothers, we're just over halfway through Royal Scam and iconic songs are coming up.Lets ride.
We always look forward to your great comments. Thank you so much for supporting us.
@Airplay Beats ty for your kind words and for bringing this value to my life. This album was released when was 18 I can't tell you how much joy I derive from seeing you react to SD. And you have like 7 more albums to experience. SD just keeps on giving. On Green Earrings reaction I hope you remember that I told you so, same for Haitian Divorce. Enjoy. And listen to that ending all the way through on Green Earrings.its trippy.
Once again - the magic sound is Bernard Purdie on drums and Chuck Rainey on bass! They really have such an amazing groove together that puts this SD album right next to Aja
That rhythm section of Chuck Rainey on bass and Bernard Purdie on drums is all over this album and Aja, and they are both storied musicians with long lists of credits to their names. You can tell how much Don and Walt loved the funk/soul groove from the long outros they put on so many of their songs, just to play with the groove they set up and drop more and more layers on top
Steely Dan was /is the best music ever. I didn't know I lived during the best years of music. THANKS for your words.
Gentlemen, thank you for taking us on your journey with this band. My favorite band. And watching you get into them is a joy. Can't wait for the next video and albums. Peace
I'M IN LATE 50'S , NOW CAN YOU IMAGINE WHAT THIS MUSIC DID TO US BACK THEN? FOR THOSE THAT WANT TO KNOW, " THE FEZ" WAS A HAT THAT WAS WORN BACK IN THE DAY THAT WAS
The Royal Scam was decades ahead of its time. That's Elliott Randall on guitar (Sign in Stranger, Reelin' in the Years). On Green Earrings there are not one, not two, but 3 guitarists doing the solos: Larry Carlton, Denny Dias, and Elliott Randall. It's wicked and the baddest, funkiest funk. Listen to Prince - he had to have heard a lot of Steely Dan.
You also have to do FM - title track from the movies - 1978. Epic Steely Dan.
Steely Dan regrouped for Two Against Nature (2000: 4 Grammys) and Everything Must Go (2003). Funky, a little sour with the sweet. Outstanding even if there's a little less ear candy. From TAN: Jack of Speed, Janie Runaway, What a Shame About Me, West of Hollywood, Negative Girl, Almost Gothic are classics. On Everything Must God, the back half is the best. I play it in reverse order: Everything Must Go, Lunch with Gina, Pixeleen, Greenbook, Godwhacker are probably the best songs from that album.
Donald Fagen (4) and Walter Becker (2) have solo albums. The Nightfly is a Classic: New Frontier, IGY, The Goodbye Look.. Kamakiriad is a drier funk. I like Sunken Condos album a lot. Good Stuff, Slinky Thing, I'm not the Same Without You, Weather in My Head, Miss Marlene are excellent. Fagen never made a bad or even mediocre album.
Steely Dan for life! ❤
I think The Fez and Green Earrings are equally badass grooves, but Green Earrings features some outrageous guitar work. When you listen to Green Earrings, you might realize you’re listening to a 16-bar blues. Steely Dan does this a lot. They’ll take a typical blues structure but change the chords from the typical I-IV-V 7th chords to more sophisticated chord structures and progressions.
I call those tracks "twisted blues", and SD wrote quite a few of them
That bass line is BANGING 🔥
It doesn't sound like hip hop, hip hop sounds like it because hip hop wouldn't exist without the classic Rock and Roll constantly sampled by it.
THIS.
Donald Fagan once remarked that he felt that this song could have been played on Disco stations during the late '70s but laughed that there is a break which dancers would have to to "freeze" ! LOL !
"There it is again " love it❤👍
That is the "hitmaker" on drums, Bernard Purdie. He always has the perfect groove and fills for every song. Wait until you hear the song Green Earrings...it has an absolutely killer groove (the drum fill before the first guitar solo will knock you off your chairs!), along with fantastic guitar solos and chord changes.
Good morning!!! New subscriber from Portland, Oregon and let me tell yall something.....There is NOTHING BETTER than Steely Dan!! I saw them here in concert last year and lost my damn mind!!! Donald Fagen is a BAAAAAD BOY!!!! If you guys listen to Third World Man, that was sampled by Usher and Busta, and Kid Charlamagne was sampled by Kanye. If yall want their best grooves, listen to Home At Last and Babylon Sisters. Don't forget New Frontier by Donald Fagen. Love you guys!!!! Be blessed!!!
Thanks for rocking with us!!
This was my group in my 20s. No other band comes close to these guys. The Best. Enjoyed the reaction
Green earring is the quintessence of funk! This one (the Fez) is great, but Green earrings is "next level"! Try to imagine Stevie Wonder's Contusion mixed with some Frank Zappa's work and you'll get some vague idea of what Green earrings is!
"This shit's eternal". Right on. Great jazz funk has that timeless quality to it
The Fez is a hat identified with Morocco that Shriners wear. Here it's slang for condoms. Hee hee.
That's it.
U right eastern stars wear fez and I said condoms too lol
I love your reactions! I have always loved Steely Dan, but you guys are reminding me why I love them so much. Thank you!
Eternal thanks…you guys gave me Steely Dan. 🙏
“Don’t Take Me Alive” and “Royal Scam” are two of my favorites. Loving your reactions.
Steely Dan came back in the game. They recorded another hit CD. 2 Against Nature in 1993.I know because I purchased one and it to is fire. The NFL used one of the songs off of the album. For Monday Night Football. I forgot which one. They had an 11 year run. Not 8. They broke up for a while. Then in 1993. They released their last CD. 2 Against Nature is a hot track. I love the entire CD.
Love this so much! We miss you, Walter Becker!
Stay healthy, Donald Fagen!
Yes, Green Earrings will not be the funk or R&B that The Fez brought, but will be the best blend of rock and jazz in a song you will ever hear with a very heavy groove.
I always considered it pretty funky and like Haitian Divorce has reggae influences all over it. Not really one of my fav Dan tunes because I've heard it live so much, but I guess they liked playing it live.
@@kbrewski1 I consider Green Earrings funk predominantly even, with some jazz fusion touches.
Love your reaction to this groove from The Dan.
My dad played this album whenever we took our boat out on the lake and this was always my favorite song! I later heard a rumor about this song that "THE FEZ" was a reference to a condom. Which, fits in with their theme, since they took their name from a strap-on ..... Anyhow, an innocent kid from the 70's just enjoyed the groove oblivious to the kinky lyrics. Cheers!
Way ahead of their time-their music never seems old. Saw Larry Carlton on tour decades ago, anything he did was golden.
They were so precise. There's a great video of them behind the scenes making Peg. Worth watching
Airplay Beats! As you have no doubt noticed that "The Royal Scam" album is a whole lot funkier than the "Aja" album! Steely Dan is giving off serious "Sophistifunk" vibes! As an aside, they are singing about wearing protection "The Fez" to get busy! I can't wait until you hear "Green Earrings"! Peace!!!
I've got the entire Steely Dan catalog on a flash drive and play it in my vehicles and at work.
Love to watch you two reacting. I only knew the songs that had radio play back in the '70s. Never knew how great they were, but my musician friends were always talking about them....
the fez is incredible. my dad would literally put on his fez when this song would come on the old school record player i got him
It sounds current - though better - since it's so influential, even if second or third hand.
This interview with Bernard Purdie is fabulous. Beyond him obviously being in the first tier of drummers and his incredible catalog, he seems to be such a nice man. What struck me from this interview beyond the obvious is his concern over the years that his drums were recorded well, the sound was great, etc. Earl Young (who you should also interview) also has mentioned over the years how engineering great Joe Tarsia (along with the other engineers at Sigma Sound) got his drums to sound right, and his appreciation for that.
m.ua-cam.com/video/6uusF1iie88/v-deo.html
You may also want to see if Elliot Scheiner would be interested in an interview...I saw one recently where he answered questions re working on GAUCHO. He is another incredible engineer, as you hear on this album.
You both are great. I am truly enjoying your videos, with them coming from professionals adding insight that otherwise would not be possible to be there.
SD won Grammy for Album of the year in 2021 - Two Against Nature" check it out. The body of work is close to 5 decades.
My girl friend played them once back in the 70’s and I said who is this!? I was forever hooked and got everything they put out. At that time I was into jazz and R@B. As I said before, forever hooked!
What is a Fez? I don’t know, but I’m digging this groove! Bro, that’s classic! LMAO 🤣 😂❤
Of all of the reaction videos across all of the channels i enjoy, this is my favorite reaction video. I always loved this song, and it's clear it blew you guys' musical minds just like it did mine back when i was a kid.
A Fez is a ceremonial hat usually worn by The Shriners as well as men from Morocco.
Donald Fagen, " Fillers? Fillers!? We don't need no stinking fillers!" But seriously, The Dan never had a filler, EVER. And the Fez is a rubber, slang wise.
L.O.V.E. your reactions, gents. You've properly fallen into the Steely Dan Rabbit Hole! Cool. Oh, the 'fez'? It's a fancy hat, boys. One of a kind duo, Walter on the guitar, Donald on the piano. They'd roll in studio musicians, pay them, send them away, decided during the mixing which parts made it to the record. So amazing. Enjoy! Be well.
The Fez is a a cylindrical hat, some with a tassel on top and most are red in color worn by Middle Eastern men and is a prominent fashion of Persian culture! Also , it’s a banging song from Steely!
Cool hearing Walter Becker’s guitar solo on this tune matching Robin Trower’s flanged guitar tone.
Steely Dan is rock, funk, jazz, R&B is various combinations that just works sublimely. Their albums were the ultimate in sound quality, especially Aja and Gaucho. There are two cool UA-cam videos about Steely Dan that I highly recommend -VH1 Storytellers and Steely Dan: More than just a band.
Ruby Baby; Maxine ; NewFrontier ; The Nightfly are incredible from Donald Fagen’s solo album- The Nightfly. ( 1981) Great exploration, fellas! Love your channel! 🌹🥰
They were decades ahead of their time
You guys probably already found out, but this is your boy Bernard Purdie on the drums.
They assault the senses in the most profound and beautiful way!!
Thank you guys for doing what you’re doing.
Man I love your reactions to the music I grew up on.
You guys get it.
I’m not a musican by any means.
I’m a music lover.
I love that you pick out the “little” bits that pull the sounds together.
You guys get the music.
Thank you.
Fagen understood the assignment. Funk 101: "Funk originated in the mid-1960s, with James Brown's development of a signature groove that emphasized the downbeat-with a heavy emphasis on the first beat of every measure ("The One"), and the application of swung 16th notes and syncopation on all basslines, drum patterns, and guitar riffs.
I’ve been waiting for someone to do this song, it’s one of my favorites from them… thanks.
I saw Donald Fagen, Boz Scaggs, Michael McDonald and Phoebe Snow together , what a group !
Pure Joy watching you guys! Thanks for the smiles.
It’s great to see you guys react to music that I have loved for most of my life. I also appreciate that you both have a musical background. I can see that you are truly enjoying what you’re experiencing. 🤙
They enjoyed the creative freedom of fusion. Jazz started to become part of the mix like Blood Sweat& Tears in the late 60s , Sugar Loaf's 'Green Eyed Lady' . Rock, jazz& Classical fusion of early Genesis and in the mid 70s, Phil Collins & Brand X
Chicago, Return to Forever, Weather Report
One of my fav grooves of all time so deeeep
Timeless music
Timeless.
Love watching you guys gush on Steely Dan. They were ahead of their time. Great reaction!
You said it..."there it is again" with a shake of the head.
Never heard "The Fez" before and I love it! Thank you guys for exploring Steely Dan music 🎵
All those listens and never knew the double-entendre! At least I knew about a Steely Dan. 🤣
The bass is leading in the groove! Simple and powerful!
Their music is "timeless".
Keep spreading the word. Unfortunately there are people on the Earth who have not heard this song
You are doing a great work,guys,keep it up and thank you🤓
Will Ferrell wore a Fez in Austin Powers. He was a hit man from Morocco or Egypt and went over a cliff in a car but wouldn't die.
SINCE YOU ARE MUSICIANS.....
I GUARANTEE....
THE TITLE TRACK "THE ROYAL SCAM" WILL BE YOUR FAVORITE.
YOU'LL GET THE FULL STEELY DAN ORCHESTRATION AND SINGING THAT'S ABOVE IT ALL.
The Purdie shuffle does it again y'all !!!!
I loved this reaction!! One of my favorite songs from my childhood and you guys totally appreciated the way it should be!
Thanks to you guys ... I'm gaining a NEW found appreciation for The Dan ... And Ive been listening to them 50 years !!!! 😎🙋😏
No fillers from Steely Dan. The title track is my favourite.
(From the Steely Dan Dictionary)
"Fez: A type of brimless hat, usually made from red felt with a tassel on top.
Worn by men in the Middle East, or in the US by Shriners (a fraternal lodge organisation) during festivities. Islamic in origin, the hat is named after the holy city of Fez, Morocco.
As for what it means in the context of the lyrics, there are two competing theories - the first (and most straightforward) is that the fez is simply a fetish item for the song's protagonist. The other common suggestion is that it's a slang term for "condom", which some claim Becker and/or Fagen once admitted to in an interview - however I have yet to read such an interview, so this latter theory remains speculative at best."
Love your reactions guys, most of all, I love how you get this deepness INSTANTLY! Tiny point, The Fez is the last track on side A, not the first track on Side B…
Can't wait for Green Earrings! Y'all better prepare yourselves for that one...coming up next!
Great album. And this way beyond hip hop.
I love em all equally
I've only recently started my deep dive into Steely Dan. Always appreciated their hits, but DAMN ... it's a cool, cool journey, and I'm enjoying watching you guys trip on them just like I have.
Just re-watching your Steely Dan reactions, Guys and I love your reactions to the Royal Scam album. I don't know how I came into possession of the cassette but it was worn out in my 1976 Toyota Corolla that I had in 1984 as a senior in high-school. Motörhead & Steely Dan, yes I was a strange one.
When you said "I can't wait to get past this on to get to Green Earrings", I had to laugh. "Just wait". It's one of my all time favorites.
We used to call it "The condom song". Won't do it, without it.
...and NO...they don't have any "album fillers"
5:37 "id but that hard this music is hard" lmaooo na deadass!
Ooooh, badass groove
I'm cycling through all your guys' steely Dan and Donald Fagen reactions. A heartfelt thank you for helping me and I suspect many others rediscover our joy in this band, not that we ever forsook them, but it's always nice to collectively take part in people enjoying this music for the first time.
You should really get around a checking out two against nature by steely Dan from around 2000 or so. In my humble opinion just as good as their earlier work