I remember back in 1975; a professor at CMU was teaching us neophytes a Music Appreciation class. She new Donald Fagan and much to our surprise; Steely Dan showed up for a concert to our 120 seat music room for the class! They all sat down at their instruments and pulled out sheet music and began to play. It was mesmerizing! No theatrics, no wasted energy; just playing all of their songs perfectly! Steely Dan didn't tour at all at this time; so this was by far the greatest 'concert' that I ever experienced!
Unlike a lot of bands that started off aimed at rocking out for teenagers, Steely Dan was making sophisticated music for adults from day one. I think that's why it holds up so well and has aged like fine wine.
Steely Dan's musical genre is: Steely Dan. Also, Steely Dan was probably one of the most versatile groups from the '70s for sure. I would encourage you both to look further into their music catalog because this group turned out some great memorable music that definitely won't disappoint, "Peg", "Reelin' in the Years", "Deacon Blues", "Hey Nineteen" just to name a few.
Steely Dan are great, but not half as versatile as Hawkwind; the band that started with psychedelic rock and folk music, casually invented Space Rock, and then went on to influence punk, stoner rock, heavy metal, acid house, and trance. I can't see them ever getting reviewed on this channel, as this is primarily a vocal analysis channel, and Hawkwind have had at least a dozen lead singers over the years.
That album (Aja) has a special place in my heart. On my first trip to Amsterdam in December ‘14 I went into a “Coffeeshop” (weed cafe). After a smoke I was feeling euphoric. I thought the icing on the cake would be to hear this album over the coffeeshop sound system. The lovely manager, Caroline, played the whole album for me. We are still best friends 10 years later.
@@teamflyers415 And Deacon Blues!! I love that song and the memories I associate with it. Beautiful lyrics and backing vocals. You’re right about their chords. The band were first class musicians and session guys. They didn’t just stick to three chord songs in 4/4!
Also, in the American Southwest, someone steals your water, that's a serious matter. If your farm/ranch really needs the water, it can be worth risking the noose to get it back, Jack. And do it again.
Having 30yrs experience and holding supervisory positions in the casino/"gaming" industry, I would just like to say PLEASE tread lighty in the path of helping someone with gambling addicition. Unless it is someone you know very close, and can talk to privately, then you can kind of ask them in a private setting if they would like to talk about it. But as an employee of the casinos, it was a HUGE no-no to bring forth the subject (for legal reasons, not because the casinos wanted their $$$). The patron has to realize for themselves that they may have an addiction, and has to be the one to initiate the seeking of help....at that point, then we would point them in the direction for help.
Same here. I was 9 in 1975. It brings me back to the parental units and their new 75 Monte Carlo car. We were going through some old section of Pittsburgh. I was in the back seat laying down watching the street lights dim and brighten from over passes, and Dad popped in this Steely Dan tape. It was times like these that shaped my listening habits and what they are still today.... thanks Pops -for being cool! Mom too.. 😉
One of the things I love about Steely Dan is their music usually sounds so happy and danceable but their lyrics take you down a dark, very adult path of drugs, crimes, affairs and the gritty underbelly of the night. So good, such genius, been a fan since I was 12 and I'm 62 now. Their playlist is huge and so varied sometimes it doesn't even seem like the same band. Love this!!
And they're perfectionists. Hiring musicians for one track. Firing members who they worked with for years. Eventually Becker and Fagan have a falling out about 1980 or so and Steely Dan was done.
The best interpretation I've read of "Do It Again"'s lyrics is that it alludes to reincarnation and the karmic cycle. Yeah, pretty much your typical Dan tune.
Steely Dan. Always THE music to listen to for testing your headphones. The sounds come from everywhere. These gentlemen put Everything together on every song. Welcome to the Club!
Steely Dan is the great fusion of rock, prog, pop, and jazz, and their attention to precision in the musicianship sets them apart. My favorite is "Deacon Blues,"which really brings out that fusion. And any song that has Larry Carlton playing a guitar solo is definitely worth the listen.
Man there’s a lot deeper well of music than those hit songs. Green Earrings, Night By Night, Dr. Wu, Kid Charlemagne, Black Friday, Your Gold Teeth, The Royal Scam, Parker’s Band, Babylon Sisters, Almost Gothic, West of Hollywood…
@@andrewtrotter9023 Agreed. I was thinking of "Kid Charlemagne" when thinking about Carlton's guitar. And "Black Friday" is as good as anything Steely Dan put out. I just know that deeper cuts don't get played on these reaction videos. If they did, we'd get Kansas's "Icarus: Borne on Wings of Steele" or "Song for America." And maybe even Journey's "Of a Lifetime." But, alas, they don't react to those kinds of songs.
@@andrewtrotter9023 Agreed. Most of my favorite Steely Dan songs were not big hits. I could add a bunch more to your list. King of The World, Don't Take Me Alive, Fire In The Hole, Bodhisattva, Show Biz Kids...
I grew up with Dream Theater, idolising JP, Vai, Satch et al. I was almost 40 when a friend recommended The Royal Scam. Carlton’s playing still blew my mind compared to my heros
To put this song into perspective. It was the first track off of the first Steely Dan Album when Fagen was 24 and Becker was 22. For a debut album, Can't Buy a Thrill was a musical tour de force and foreshadowed an incredible run of music created by Steely Dan in the 1970's in which Steely Dan explored the world of musical fusion taking from styles and genres to weave intricate and beautiful music often set to dark lyrics. Their musical exploration injected rich vein of music that has been sampled leading to acoustic palimpsests that echo today. As time passes, Steely Dan's influence on music continues to be recognized. And hell, it was great music to get high listening to in the 70s.
This album and Pretzel Logic were two of my favorites for years, and then Aja blew me a way. It still does, I listen to it now and I'm still astounded by it. Nothing else sounds like that. But not "Black Cow." I always skip that one and jump right into Aja/Deacon Blues/Peg.
The electric sitar solo by Denny Dias is timeless. It brings you in and ties it all together never taking you away from the rhythm but also one you'll never forget and never get bored with.
@@davidryan7386 One of the many things I love about Elizabeth; her wealth of knowledge and extensive 😉 research. As long as I've been a Steely Dan fan, and as many times as I've heard this song, I never knew it featured a plastic organ... let alone that such a thing even existed!
It's been said that Steely Dan was more than just a band, they were an aesthetic. Complex, multi-genre compositions combined with a perfectionism not often seen in other bands: that's Steely Dan.
You have captured my mind in previous reactions. With Steely Dan, you have now captured my heart and my full attention. Steely Dan is a deep deep rabbit hole. I'll follow as far down as you're willing to go....
I remember hearing this song for first time walking down my driveway as a 13yr old... My neighbour was blasting it... After hearing for a couple of seconds I smiled and felt happy.
I love music from the 60s and 70s, but thats not true of just bands from back then. It's still true today and always has been. Some follow trends now and then. Some make their own thing. Take the time and you'll find new and interesting things still. It's out there if you look.
4:32 The musicality of Steely Dan is legendary, and you clearly noticed it at once. They're often called "the band for musicians", and for good reason. Sheer artistry. There's also a trademark production style, involving very dry mixes with very little reverb. Their whole catalogue is a treasure chest to anyone who is fascinated by music and songwriting.
Though they did sometimes tour, when they recorded they got the musician they thought would bring what they wanted to that part of the song. Donald Fagan and Walter Becker were the two people who made up Steely Dan. They were both notoriously perfectionistic and sometimes difficult to work with. They would have different musicians come in to record a part or parts and if it didn't sound like they wanted it to, they dismissed them. Most studio musicians of the day really wanted to work with them because of their creativity and the challenge.
The YC-30 was called a combo organ. But they were single keyboard organs similar in style to organs that people would purchase for their own use in their home. They were made out of plastic bodies and thus called plastic organs
The Plastic Organ is the ‘boop boop bum bum boop boop’ in the very first groove with just the just the shakers, before the keys or any other melodic instruments come in. It’s a set of plastic pipes struck with wide flat mallets over the holes in the top. If you’ve heard (or seen) any of the Blue Man Group material, the Plastic Organ is their main instrument.
My dad played Steely Dan cassettes (and later CDs) in the car all the time when I was growing up. He passed in 2016 and I haven't been able to listen to Steely Dan since. This video got me to reconnect with the memories of all the drives we took together
Such an unassuming, 26min long, reaction video. Which could very well be a catalyst for you getting further at processing such a loss. I very much hope you uncover and remember everything you need!
This is why I like your channel Elizabeth. I've been listening to this album for 50 years. Your analysis of this song has given me new information to help me enjoy it in a new way. Thanks!!
Steely Dan is more than a professional musicians. Jeff Baxter and Michael McDonald, both were in Steely Dan and later went to the band of The Doobie Brothers.
@@meguro-shima “You may be cool but you’ll never be US Department of Defense consultant, bassist for Jimi Hendrix, guitarist for Steely Dan and The Doobie Brothers, the nickname “Skunk” and had a Muppet designed after you cool”
My dad is a die hard country music listener...he hated most other styles of music..but the first time I played Steely Dan he liked it and would play the greatest hits cd often
Also, if they had been more straightforward and open their label might have refused, or (because this is the US) all of their albums would have carried an "R" rating in the record shop (in many European countries records don't get a movie age rating like that)
@@TheCharismaticVoice My Old School, Hey 19, Bodhisattva, Peg, FM, and My favorite, Deacon Blues. If you are open to something a bit more risque, there is Cousin Dupree.
@@TheCharismaticVoice "Deacon Blues' is fantastic and probably their best. "Hey 19" is a song that kids today would call 'problematic'. i.e. "This woman I am with is too young to remember any cultural references from my youth and we have nothing in common, but I have some cocaine and strong booze so it's going to be a fun night." - Ah the 70's
This may be the most lyrically brilliant and intelligent song in popular music history. Every line and chorus tells a complex story - or lends endless imagination and co-participation to the listener. And it is supremely visual! The solos are tasteful and so expressive, such personality. Overall perfection.
When I was in high school in the 80s, I was hanging out at a friend's home, and said friend's father was a bassist for a regional beach music band. He rarely talked to me, but that night he started talking in depth on Steely Dan's musicianship, and I remember he made the statement many in this comment thread said - "Your favorite band's favorite band."
So much Steely Dan, so little time, there's so much to hear. I don't think I've ever heard one of their songs that I didn't like. Some great drummers like Jeff Porcaro, Steve Gadd and Bernard Purdie (Purdie Shuffle) played on some of their tunes.
Fagan and Becker filled the airwaves with their sordid cynical detective novel lyrics that live in the undercurrent of our thoughts. There songs are like a good book you want to read again and again. A tip of the hat to Denny Diaz for his sitar/guitar solo and of course the famous plastic organ sound. Thanks for your appreciation.
Ooooh Is this her first dive into steely Dan? This should be fun. Immensely talented Donald Fagen and Walter Becker with a host of legendary top notch studio musicians
The Coral electric sitar was played by Denny Dias, who started the band by advertising for a keyboard player and bassist in the Village Voice. Donald Fagen and his friend bassist/guitarist Walter Becker showed up with their own compositions, they moved to the West coast and hired more musicians, and the rest is history. After a few albums, Fagen didn't want to tour anymore, so the group was mainly Fagen and Becker with top jazz and studio musicians hired for particular songs. Dias contributed guitar solos throughout much of their career. The Classic Albums video for their album Aja gives an excellent view of how the group ended up working, and the shorter video Steely Dan - More than just a band gives a 17 minute history.
@@caryd67 From what I've read - before Fagen and Becker joined up with Dias, when they were both going to Bard College, they had a group called The Leather Canary with Chase on drums.
Fagan suffered from tremendous stage fright. Their first release used another singer. But they're drive for perfection was also there at the same time.
I grew up listening to Steely Dan. Even before I knew anything about music, I was impressed that they never had two songs that sounded alike, even though you recognized their work. The more you listen, the more impressed and amazed you are at their sheer knowledge and talent.
Steely Dan! Let's go! I'll most likely miss the premiere as usual, but I'm looking forward to this one later. This band has so many iconic songs, like the entire "Aja" album. I absolutely adore them.
@@kemowery I've heard it said that Aja is one of the most well produced albums ever. I don't know if that's true, as I'm no expert either, but I can say that to my ear it's impeccable.
You mentioned the jazz influence in this one (there's always been that in Steely Dan's work, listen to those changes), but there's an explicit jazz callout in "Rikki, Don't Lose That Number", which borrows the piano line from Horace Silver's "Song For My Father". Check it out.
Super glad to see you finally checking out Steely Dan! My favorite is Rikki Don't Lose That Number. Your comment about wanting to put good into the world (especially through music) really resonates with me.
I love how the bass hits that root right as the percussion hits that light cymbal crash and again after the pickup of the signing phrase that helps it get sprung up into the high register. He sings “In the mORNin’ you go gunnin’” and kinda scoops the first syllable of “mornin” to really jive with the bass there. It’s just a small thing in a complex song, but that’s what makes Steely Dan special.
Steely Dan is always so smooth, Donald Fagan has a voice that is unmistakable and his solo stuff is good as well. Once again thanx for the great reaction!
One of the most innovative bands of all time. I have been listening to this song for 50 + years, yet Elizabeth pointed out about a half a dozen things I never noticed before.
Elizabeth needs to meet Rick Beato. Together, they would be an unbeatable powerhouse of music appreciation. Best of all, they both have an absolutely infectious joy when it comes to good music.
Loved your comments on breaking patterns in our lives.... I really enjoy this channel and your expressive personality and the way your face lights up as you are discovering a song that I have loved for years and years! Thanks!
You have just taken all of us who were teenagers in the ‘70s on such a joyful time travel trip, back to how we felt, and how the world felt to us at that time. You might also understand better why, even though we’re grateful for what life has given us since then, we miss that time in our lives. That teenager is still alive in all of us, despite our graying hair and achy knees, and our adult kids thinking we’re just old and our music is weird. (Sigh!)
This is the opening track to 'Can't Buy a Thrill' which I think is one of the greatest debut albums any artist ever had. Every track on the record is worth a listen and most are just stellar music.
You are right. Excellent songs all but ‘Only a Fool would Say That’ has a distinct sound. Kind of Caribbean and reggae, its lyrics by Donald were mocking John Lennon as being a hypocrite.
Your enthusiasm for well-performed and -produced music is infectious! As a long-time Dan fan, I believe you'll find much to appreciate and analyze in their catalog. Thanks for diving into this.
Glad to see you are getting into Steely Dan. Looking forward to watching when I get home from work. Unfortunately I always miss your premeires because I work during the day. As much as I Iove this song, it has more music than vocal. I recommend "Reeling In The Years", Rikki Don't Lose That Number", "Hey Nineteen" or "Deacon Blues" for your next reaction for more vocal analysis.
I've listened to Steely Dan since the beginning. I always enjoyed it, but became perhaps jaded to it after so many decades. How wonderful it is to hear it anew through your ears. You may have similar feelings as your little one discovers the world and delights in such things as a stick or a sparrow, and sees a treasure in a piece of gravel on a sidewalk. Thank you for refreshing my appreciation of Steely Dan.
Steely Dan is one of my all time favorite bands. Can’t wait for her to dive in more. Pretty sure every Steely Dan song has a hook of some kind that will stay with you for the rest of the day. Donald Fagen is one of my favorite keyboardists of all time, so glad she got an intro to his keyboard skills as well as his vocals.
I saw them live with Michael McDonald in 2006; they are just as smooth and precise in a live performance as they are on the studio tracks. It was wonderful.
I saw the Doobies last fall (with Michael McDonald in the lineup) and they capped off a great evening with the final song of the night being Steely Dan's "Pretzel Logic." It was epic.
@@TBaileyIII Tom Johnston was out for the Canadian tour recovering from back surgery so I didn't get all three main guys, (wouldn't have gotten him in the 80s either) but Pat Simmons, Michael McDonald, John McFee, saxman of great magnitude Marc Russo, and the rest played like they were in their 20s. They still love what they do, and if you get the chance, jump at it, on the American tour you do have Tom back and you do get all three. And Pat Simmons is a guitar god to stand with anyone.
Thank you for this video. Steely Dan has been one of my top four or five favorite bands since the first time I heard them play. They are a national treasure.
This song and this group I remember EXACTLY where I was when I first heard it. Magic. That was over fifty years ago. I still miss Walter. May he he rest in peace.
A couple of things. Every album they produce is a journey, every song a story, often with subtle or raging riddles that can be difficult to solve. Second, they are as close to perfect production as any of the greats, using some of the best session musicians ever. Third, they juggle genres constantly; while there is a Steely Dan sound, the fact that hundreds of musicians have contributed makes it all fresh and unexpected. Lastly, it is just great to ride along with and not overthink. They create massive complexities amidst dirt simple rhythms and melodies, letting the genius players stretch... at least within the precise bounds that Fagan and Becker established. The product is some of the finest "musicians music" ever produced. Start anywhere, go deep and enjoy the remarkable opportunity to hear this band for the first time... what a privilege us oldsters envy of you!!
Glad to see this. Steely Dan is one of my favorite bands. I find it impossible to be sad while listening to them, maybe because there's just so much going on that paying attention to it distracts my brain.
I was 8 years old when this came out in 72. I think I grew up in the best musical period ever. Had the awesome 50’s music, the fantastic 60’s and the totally amazing 70’s. I just can’t listen to much modern music when we have amazingly beautiful music like this. Thank you once again Elizabeth. I would also like to suggest Lighthouse from Canada, some refer to them as the Chicago of Canada. You will not be disappointed 🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦
Steely Don't - That anxious feeling you get when Elizabeth keeps stopping when you know she's on her way to one of the most unique solo breaks in all of rock music...
U picked a great place to start…you’re at the tip of the iceberg with these guys. Your practiced ears and beautiful smile make this old song new again. Thnx
My heart is SO happy that you are diving into one of the best, most innovative bands ever. I concur with the post below, you must continue this journey. You will be delighted you did. 💓💕💓
Steely Dan was the opening act of our city’s concert pavilion, and I was working concession for my high school club. My folks were also helping out, and were told to enjoy the show by my club teacher. They got free tickets, and I worked hard. Thankfully, I was able to catch the last bit of the show, and man, Donald Fagan was crushing it. Good memories, best gig I ever worked. Got to see so many acts, shows I would have never bought tickets for. Got introduced to a lot of metal, met the guys from Scorpion, and even got told to “go F myself” by Trent Reznor. Memories!
Caught Steely Dan live in Perth in 2011. I wasn’t really into them then as I more went to see Steve Winwood who was their support act. I came away a big fan. The arena really rocked that night. It was in a small 4000 seat venue and while my seat was on the side on a weird angle I was literally only 20metres from Donald Fagen playing. They finished with “Reelin’ in the Years” and it seemed to be an extended version that just went on and on in a good way. Great memories!
This, (love of music) especially love of Steely Dan, was a gift from my late father as well, every time I hear them, I’m filled with memories that I get to experience again and again.
In 1972 or 73, I remember spinning around a frozen lake in Wyoming in the middle of the night. I was giving my friend my philosophical interpretation of this song. We were hammered at best. It is still one of my favorite songs. Thanks
One of the things that I really appreciate about this channel is that as a vocal instructor, it would be easy for Elizabeth to pick apart a voice such as Donald Fagan's, but instead, she sees the quirks of his voice simply as qualities that set him apart. She analyzes without being critical, and she accentuates the positive. I also like how giddy she is all the time, showing that she genuinely enjoys all of this.
Steely Dan wasn't a band I was expecting to find on a primarily vocal analysis channel. They have been referred to as 'your favorite band's favorite band' as in musicians for musicians. If we don't get any more SD analysis videos, the whole Aja album is a must listen! P.S. Michael Macdonald does background vocals on Peg...
I think ALL of UA-cam music channels have picked up on reviewing Steely Dan tunes because the number of views they get skyrocket whenever they do. They see the hits other channels get so they jump on the bandwagon to up their numbers. There are thousands of closet Steely Dan fans who will check them out just to get a chance to re-listen to The Dan.
One of the 1st songs I ever remember hearing in the late 70s when I was about 2 years old. Catchy tune that I stop and listen to any time it comes on the radio.
I've come to appreciate Steely Dan more and more over the years. I remember when this song was released in 1972 (I was 7), and I loved it then. I didn't know why I loved it, of course, but listening to Elizabeth dissect the song helps to understand why it's so wonderful. Thank you, Elizabeth!
I remember back in 1975; a professor at CMU was teaching us neophytes a Music Appreciation class. She new Donald Fagan and much to our surprise; Steely Dan showed up for a concert to our 120 seat music room for the class! They all sat down at their instruments and pulled out sheet music and began to play. It was mesmerizing! No theatrics, no wasted energy; just playing all of their songs perfectly! Steely Dan didn't tour at all at this time; so this was by far the greatest 'concert' that I ever experienced!
Fortunate you!!!
I thought my music appreciation class was good. No contest to yours.
Wow that's a historic event 😮
That’s really cool
It’s not what ya know; it’s who you know.
Unlike a lot of bands that started off aimed at rocking out for teenagers, Steely Dan was making sophisticated music for adults from day one. I think that's why it holds up so well and has aged like fine wine.
The album 'Can't Buy a Thrill' is certainly an adult themed album.
@neiloliver4745 well said. Exactly!
Quality recording and professionalism. Plus quirky jazz chord progressions.
Their very name was adult-themed, in fact...
I was 8 years old when I heard my first dan song, and 12 when I bought their greatest hits
Steely Dan's musical genre is: Steely Dan.
Also, Steely Dan was probably one of the most versatile groups from the '70s for sure. I would encourage you both to look further into their music catalog because this group turned out some great memorable music that definitely won't disappoint, "Peg", "Reelin' in the Years", "Deacon Blues", "Hey Nineteen" just to name a few.
I mean... plastic organ and electric sitar. That's progressive!
@@TheCharismaticVoiceSteely Dan is where prog rock and jazz meet, with a lot of absurdist sass. What a rabbit hole, I look forward to more!
Steely Dan are great, but not half as versatile as Hawkwind; the band that started with psychedelic rock and folk music, casually invented Space Rock, and then went on to influence punk, stoner rock, heavy metal, acid house, and trance. I can't see them ever getting reviewed on this channel, as this is primarily a vocal analysis channel, and Hawkwind have had at least a dozen lead singers over the years.
@@stevenporter8740
Hurry on Sundown ... Flying doctor... Mirror of Illusion... ...dig deep Steve 😎🧙🏼♂🇬🇧️
@@Chr1sWaterous "absurdist sass" is about the best way I've ever heard SD's lyrics described.
I wouldn't be mad if you did a Steely Dan marathon
This would be an awesome t-shirt. Simple black shirt with white text
me too either!
she needs the Steely Dan tee-shirt first
That would be perfection and grace, and bring a smile to my face too.
Certainly wouldn't hurt my feelings!
"AJA" deserves a full album listen and analysis!!
That album (Aja) has a special place in my heart. On my first trip to Amsterdam in December ‘14 I went into a “Coffeeshop” (weed cafe). After a smoke I was feeling euphoric. I thought the icing on the cake would be to hear this album over the coffeeshop sound system. The lovely manager, Caroline, played the whole album for me.
We are still best friends 10 years later.
yerp
Josie - in particular - I would love to see the analysis. Chords are crazy...as is a lot of their stuff, especially on that LP
@@teamflyers415 And Deacon Blues!! I love that song and the memories I associate with it. Beautiful lyrics and backing vocals.
You’re right about their chords. The band were first class musicians and session guys. They didn’t just stick to three chord songs in 4/4!
Such a Cleaver Band, Always🎉🎉🎉
And just like that, I'm 8 years old again waking up to my dad listening to music while cleaning the house. Thank you for bringing me back.
What a great dad!
That's it!!!! Ty....! My dad worked nights so we saw him...never. on Saturday morning he and mom woke us to this, and it was funka rifficck!
Also, in the American Southwest, someone steals your water, that's a serious matter.
If your farm/ranch really needs the water, it can be worth risking the noose to get it back, Jack. And do it again.
Having 30yrs experience and holding supervisory positions in the casino/"gaming" industry, I would just like to say PLEASE tread lighty in the path of helping someone with gambling addicition. Unless it is someone you know very close, and can talk to privately, then you can kind of ask them in a private setting if they would like to talk about it. But as an employee of the casinos, it was a HUGE no-no to bring forth the subject (for legal reasons, not because the casinos wanted their $$$). The patron has to realize for themselves that they may have an addiction, and has to be the one to initiate the seeking of help....at that point, then we would point them in the direction for help.
Same here. I was 9 in 1975. It brings me back to the parental units and their new 75 Monte Carlo car. We were going through some old section of Pittsburgh. I was in the back seat laying down watching the street lights dim and brighten from over passes, and Dad popped in this Steely Dan tape. It was times like these that shaped my listening habits and what they are still today.... thanks Pops -for being cool! Mom too.. 😉
I've waited SO LONG for Elizabeth to get to Steely Dan.
He’s incredible
@@joe34096Whooa!!! slow down. He’s no Molly Hatchet.
I just want to see her reaction to "Is there gas in the car?" from "Kid Charlemagne"
@@joe34096steely dan is a band its not just one guy😂
Can it be long now until we get Roxy Music?
Steely Dan - The band your favorite band listens to
Yup
Definitely true for my favourite band:)
So true. Also Rush.
One of the things I love about Steely Dan is their music usually sounds so happy and danceable but their lyrics take you down a dark, very adult path of drugs, crimes, affairs and the gritty underbelly of the night. So good, such genius, been a fan since I was 12 and I'm 62 now. Their playlist is huge and so varied sometimes it doesn't even seem like the same band. Love this!!
"a dark, very adult path of drugs, crimes, affairs and the gritty underbelly of the night."
"Josie."
"iconoclastic" Is the word you're looking for there, I think. They don't fit into a category very easily😉
And they're perfectionists. Hiring musicians for one track. Firing members who they worked with for years. Eventually Becker and Fagan have a falling out about 1980 or so and Steely Dan was done.
This is a great description of their vibe.
The best interpretation I've read of "Do It Again"'s lyrics is that it alludes to reincarnation and the karmic cycle. Yeah, pretty much your typical Dan tune.
Steely Dan. Always THE music to listen to for testing your headphones. The sounds come from everywhere. These gentlemen put Everything together on every song. Welcome to the Club!
There are Steely Dan DVDs that have been remixed for 5.1 or 7.1 systems. Amazing to listen to
Good call
how about your gold teeth II. or goucho.
If Steely Dan had to be described in one word, that word is smooth. Everything flows.
they sand the edges of harmony.
unique
Unique blend of sounds, rhythms, vocals, beats, time signatures, they do it all, and so dang smoothly. I've always thought they were special.
@@BakingBadOBX What is sweet F does that mean 😂
@@djjazzyjeff1232 hey, its whatever you want it to mean
Steely Dan is the great fusion of rock, prog, pop, and jazz, and their attention to precision in the musicianship sets them apart. My favorite is "Deacon Blues,"which really brings out that fusion. And any song that has Larry Carlton playing a guitar solo is definitely worth the listen.
Larry Carlton is the man. Are you by any chance a fan of The Crusaders "Scratch" album? Legendary.
Man there’s a lot deeper well of music than those hit songs. Green Earrings, Night By Night, Dr. Wu, Kid Charlemagne, Black Friday, Your Gold Teeth, The Royal Scam, Parker’s Band, Babylon Sisters, Almost Gothic, West of Hollywood…
@@andrewtrotter9023 Agreed. I was thinking of "Kid Charlemagne" when thinking about Carlton's guitar. And "Black Friday" is as good as anything Steely Dan put out. I just know that deeper cuts don't get played on these reaction videos. If they did, we'd get Kansas's "Icarus: Borne on Wings of Steele" or "Song for America." And maybe even Journey's "Of a Lifetime." But, alas, they don't react to those kinds of songs.
@@andrewtrotter9023 Agreed. Most of my favorite Steely Dan songs were not big hits. I could add a bunch more to your list. King of The World, Don't Take Me Alive, Fire In The Hole, Bodhisattva, Show Biz Kids...
I grew up with Dream Theater, idolising JP, Vai, Satch et al. I was almost 40 when a friend recommended The Royal Scam. Carlton’s playing still blew my mind compared to my heros
To put this song into perspective. It was the first track off of the first Steely Dan Album when Fagen was 24 and Becker was 22. For a debut album, Can't Buy a Thrill was a musical tour de force and foreshadowed an incredible run of music created by Steely Dan in the 1970's in which Steely Dan explored the world of musical fusion taking from styles and genres to weave intricate and beautiful music often set to dark lyrics. Their musical exploration injected rich vein of music that has been sampled leading to acoustic palimpsests that echo today. As time passes, Steely Dan's influence on music continues to be recognized.
And hell, it was great music to get high listening to in the 70s.
Yes, yes and yes❤
This album and Pretzel Logic were two of my favorites for years, and then Aja blew me a way. It still does, I listen to it now and I'm still astounded by it. Nothing else sounds like that. But not "Black Cow." I always skip that one and jump right into Aja/Deacon Blues/Peg.
Still is, makes me wanna burn the Bong!!100
Nice use of "palimpsest".
The vids from the Midnight Special from this album were released in the summer of 2023. Unflippingbeliveable. Fagen as the coolest from the start.
This is the first song off of Steely Dan’s first album. What an introduction to the World!
They never bettered it, either.
I'm 74...and YOU missed a great period in music...sooo glad you enjoy!
You just hit the jackpot Liz, there's 30 or so phenomenal songs in this bag. Their Greatest Hits, compare with anyone, that's anyone.
its true. they have more crazy strong perfect songs than anyone but maybe zeppelin beatles or dylan. and radiohead lol.
You said it, man.. JACKPOT in music theory, production, message, and vibe….
They are good, but New Kids on the Block have way more hits.
I'm sorry but NKOTB isn't even in the same universe as Steely Dan, much less the same conversation.
@@warriyorcat I don't agree, Steely Dan is a pretty good band actually. Not as good as NKOTB but they have a few decent songs.
The electric sitar solo by Denny Dias is timeless. It brings you in and ties it all together never taking you away from the rhythm but also one you'll never forget and never get bored with.
the follow up plastic organ hardly disappoints though!
Danny Dias was one of the greatest guitarists that very few people ever knew about. Hugely underrated.
That's what I get for using talk to text. I know the guy's first name is Denny. 🙄
Best solo ever.
@@davidryan7386 One of the many things I love about Elizabeth; her wealth of knowledge and extensive 😉 research. As long as I've been a Steely Dan fan, and as many times as I've heard this song, I never knew it featured a plastic organ... let alone that such a thing even existed!
It's been said that Steely Dan was more than just a band, they were an aesthetic. Complex, multi-genre compositions combined with a perfectionism not often seen in other bands: that's Steely Dan.
You have captured my mind in previous reactions. With Steely Dan, you have now captured my heart and my full attention. Steely Dan is a deep deep rabbit hole. I'll follow as far down as you're willing to go....
I remember hearing this song for first time walking down my driveway as a 13yr old... My neighbour was blasting it... After hearing for a couple of seconds I smiled and felt happy.
See Liz , this is why my generations music was so great! Every band tried to be different from the others ! Creativity was the name of the game.
I love music from the 60s and 70s, but thats not true of just bands from back then. It's still true today and always has been. Some follow trends now and then. Some make their own thing. Take the time and you'll find new and interesting things still. It's out there if you look.
You're so right there. Compare the variety of styles (not genres) from that era to what we have these days! Us, of a certain age, were so fortunate.
4:32 The musicality of Steely Dan is legendary, and you clearly noticed it at once. They're often called "the band for musicians", and for good reason. Sheer artistry. There's also a trademark production style, involving very dry mixes with very little reverb. Their whole catalogue is a treasure chest to anyone who is fascinated by music and songwriting.
Though they did sometimes tour, when they recorded they got the musician they thought would bring what they wanted to that part of the song. Donald Fagan and Walter Becker were the two people who made up Steely Dan. They were both notoriously perfectionistic and sometimes difficult to work with. They would have different musicians come in to record a part or parts and if it didn't sound like they wanted it to, they dismissed them. Most studio musicians of the day really wanted to work with them because of their creativity and the challenge.
I HATED Steely Dan and then my partner dragged me along to a live show (he's a musician, I'm not). OMG. They were amazing.
Nice groove. The “plastic organ” just refers to the keyboard solo that was done on a Yamaha YC-30 with a pitch bend control. 😎
The YC-30 was called a combo organ. But they were single keyboard organs similar in style to organs that people would purchase for their own use in their home. They were made out of plastic bodies and thus called plastic organs
Also no elephants were harmed in the making of this record. Great imaginary image though!
The Plastic Organ is the ‘boop boop bum bum boop boop’ in the very first groove with just the just the shakers, before the keys or any other melodic instruments come in. It’s a set of plastic pipes struck with wide flat mallets over the holes in the top.
If you’ve heard (or seen) any of the Blue Man Group material, the Plastic Organ is their main instrument.
My dad played Steely Dan cassettes (and later CDs) in the car all the time when I was growing up. He passed in 2016 and I haven't been able to listen to Steely Dan since. This video got me to reconnect with the memories of all the drives we took together
👍👍👍👍❤️❤️❤️❤️
Such an unassuming, 26min long, reaction video.
Which could very well be a catalyst for you getting further at processing such a loss.
I very much hope you uncover and remember everything you need!
Rock it as u drive brother/sister cool summer breeze blowing ........Sublime memories relived✌️
This is why I like your channel Elizabeth. I've been listening to this album for 50 years. Your analysis of this song has given me new information to help me enjoy it in a new way. Thanks!!
Absolutely agree. She opens up a whole new way to look at vocalization and musical theory. Very cool.
I agree and I've been listening to this for 50 years too!! Never gets old, just like us 😉😁
Steely Dan is my Favorite Band . You can't be bummed out when listen to them , all is good !!!!! 🌎✌️💖☺️
They’re my favorite as well.
Since 1974
I love Steely Dan and one of my favorite track along with "Reelin in The Years" from the same album (first album).
Steely Dan is more than a professional musicians. Jeff Baxter and Michael McDonald, both were in Steely Dan and later went to the band of The Doobie Brothers.
@@meguro-shima
“You may be cool but you’ll never be US Department of Defense consultant, bassist for Jimi Hendrix, guitarist for Steely Dan and The Doobie Brothers, the nickname “Skunk” and had a Muppet designed after you cool”
If someone told me there was a 20 minute extended version of “Do It Again”, I would be all over that.
Yes please. With 8 minute electric sitar solo immediately followed by 5 minutes of plastic organ.
Eargasm
I would stop have it on loop for a few trips😎
I feel Dream Theater made a career out of this idea.
My dad is a die hard country music listener...he hated most other styles of music..but the first time I played Steely Dan he liked it and would play the greatest hits cd often
Deciphering Steely Dan lyrics is like a university course…Fagen and Becker were on a different level. Absolute masterpieces.
None of their lyrics are random. Each word is integral to the story
Unless the song is something like Cousin Dupree.
Also, if they had been more straightforward and open their label might have refused, or (because this is the US) all of their albums would have carried an "R" rating in the record shop (in many European countries records don't get a movie age rating like that)
I'm 22 and I'm so glad I was raised on this music
I'm in my 60 s and still love it
We took the quality of this stuff for granted in the 1970s, we were a spoiled generation.
One of the songs I'll never get tired of. The vocals are just so amazing. And tne guitar work is extraordinary.
I totally agree! I'm looking forward to checking out more of what they have to offer!
@@TheCharismaticVoice My Old School, Hey 19, Bodhisattva, Peg, FM, and My favorite, Deacon Blues. If you are open to something a bit more risque, there is Cousin Dupree.
@@TheCharismaticVoice Reeling in the years is another banger from Steely Dan a lotta good guitar work and vocal harmonies on it as well
Kid Charlemagne is another banger
@@TheCharismaticVoice "Deacon Blues' is fantastic and probably their best.
"Hey 19" is a song that kids today would call 'problematic'. i.e. "This woman I am with is too young to remember any cultural references from my youth and we have nothing in common, but I have some cocaine and strong booze so it's going to be a fun night." - Ah the 70's
I've always enjoyed Steely Dan. Recommend "Kid Charlemagne" or the entire Aja album. Love your work 😊
Kid Charlemagne ihe BEST!! LARY CARLTON RULES
Any time Mr. 335 recorded with them, it was gold 👍 Don’t Take Me Alive was another favorite of mine.
This may be the most lyrically brilliant and intelligent song in popular music history. Every line and chorus tells a complex story - or lends endless imagination and co-participation to the listener. And it is supremely visual! The solos are tasteful and so expressive, such personality. Overall perfection.
When I was in high school in the 80s, I was hanging out at a friend's home, and said friend's father was a bassist for a regional beach music band. He rarely talked to me, but that night he started talking in depth on Steely Dan's musicianship, and I remember he made the statement many in this comment thread said - "Your favorite band's favorite band."
Elizabeth discovers Steely Dan! Woooo-hoooo!!! \o/
👍👍👍👍👍
Yes but it is a pity she didn't have her first taste of the Dan with something from the Royal Scam/Aja/Gaucho era.
So much Steely Dan, so little time, there's so much to hear. I don't think I've ever heard one of their songs that I didn't like. Some great drummers like Jeff Porcaro, Steve Gadd and Bernard Purdie (Purdie Shuffle) played on some of their tunes.
Love Donald Fagen pronouncing "singing" as "sanging" in order to rhyme with "hanging".
Also rhyming "beg us" with "Vegas".
Brilliant!
"Tried to warn ya" and "California" Gets me every time.
Such an awesome groove you never get sick of ...proper
Fagan and Becker filled the airwaves with their sordid cynical detective novel lyrics that live in the undercurrent of our thoughts. There songs are like a good book you want to read again and again. A tip of the hat to Denny Diaz for his sitar/guitar solo and of course the famous plastic organ sound. Thanks for your appreciation.
Ooooh Is this her first dive into steely Dan? This should be fun. Immensely talented Donald Fagen and Walter Becker with a host of legendary top notch studio musicians
Girl, WHERE have you been to never have heard Steely Dan? So much wonderful music...
Steely Dan fan here. Donald Fagan's solo album " The Nightfly " is excellent, one of my favourites in a collection of 100+.
"Maxine" is one of my favorite songs.
The whole ‘night fly’ trilogy is amazing…morph the cat and kamakiriad, so good
The Coral electric sitar was played by Denny Dias, who started the band by advertising for a keyboard player and bassist in the Village Voice. Donald Fagen and his friend bassist/guitarist Walter Becker showed up with their own compositions, they moved to the West coast and hired more musicians, and the rest is history. After a few albums, Fagen didn't want to tour anymore, so the group was mainly Fagen and Becker with top jazz and studio musicians hired for particular songs. Dias contributed guitar solos throughout much of their career. The Classic Albums video for their album Aja gives an excellent view of how the group ended up working, and the shorter video Steely Dan - More than just a band gives a 17 minute history.
That's always been one of the smokingest solos to me. He tears it up.
@-R.Gray- great little capsule history. Could not have done it better.
I heard that Chevy Chase was their first drummer in the college years. Is that true?
@@caryd67 From what I've read - before Fagen and Becker joined up with Dias, when they were both going to Bard College, they had a group called The Leather Canary with Chase on drums.
Fagan suffered from tremendous stage fright. Their first release used another singer. But they're drive for perfection was also there at the same time.
7:46 Lol the way she just puts it back on closes her eyes and vibes out with a smile, that's Steely Dan to a T right there! 😂😂❤
I grew up listening to Steely Dan. Even before I knew anything about music, I was impressed that they never had two songs that sounded alike, even though you recognized their work. The more you listen, the more impressed and amazed you are at their sheer knowledge and talent.
Steely Dan. Your favourite band's, favourite band.
THE DAN! Production values....Pristine. Musical chops...studio musicians thru-and-thru. These guys made their own lane. Legendary.
True. Even The Pistols' Steve Jones prefer it these days! They are awesome, their string of classic albums is perfection!
"Is there gas in the car? Yes there's gas in the car." if you know, you know! lol
Yes, Kid Charlemagne
@@kennethjordan6012 aka Stanley Owsley
Owsley aka Kid Charlemagne
As all we scurvy brothers do.
Yeah yeah, big deal, any major dude would tell you.
Steely Dan! Let's go! I'll most likely miss the premiere as usual, but I'm looking forward to this one later. This band has so many iconic songs, like the entire "Aja" album. I absolutely adore them.
The whole Gaucho album is fantastic too!
I have heard, but cannot verify, that Aja is used by some sound engineers to check their set-ups.
@@kemowery I've heard it said that Aja is one of the most well produced albums ever. I don't know if that's true, as I'm no expert either, but I can say that to my ear it's impeccable.
Aja!!!!!❤❤❤
You mentioned the jazz influence in this one (there's always been that in Steely Dan's work, listen to those changes), but there's an explicit jazz callout in "Rikki, Don't Lose That Number", which borrows the piano line from Horace Silver's "Song For My Father". Check it out.
"Rikki" is my favorite Steely Dan song.
That's my favorite Steely Dan song! But they are excellent in so many of their tunes.
Super glad to see you finally checking out Steely Dan! My favorite is Rikki Don't Lose That Number. Your comment about wanting to put good into the world (especially through music) really resonates with me.
Another fantastic classic rock band! I know you enjoyed this one elizabeth!
I love how the bass hits that root right as the percussion hits that light cymbal crash and again after the pickup of the signing phrase that helps it get sprung up into the high register. He sings “In the mORNin’ you go gunnin’” and kinda scoops the first syllable of “mornin” to really jive with the bass there. It’s just a small thing in a complex song, but that’s what makes Steely Dan special.
I hear that too. I also love that the ride is keeping the time primarily as well.
Steely Dan is always so smooth, Donald Fagan has a voice that is unmistakable and his solo stuff is good as well. Once again thanx for the great reaction!
One of the most innovative bands of all time. I have been listening to this song for 50 + years, yet Elizabeth pointed out about a half a dozen things I never noticed before.
That’s why we love her and keep coming back for more!
Such cool memories hearing these guys as a kid. Grew up to be a huge fan. Love to see you in the next generation falling in love with this song!
I so love it when you listen to this kind of music--the joy you express is wonderful.
Elizabeth needs to meet Rick Beato. Together, they would be an unbeatable powerhouse of music appreciation.
Best of all, they both have an absolutely infectious joy when it comes to good music.
I love Steely Dan because of my late father. R.I.P. father. I miss you😢💔😔🙏
My Dad also loved 'em. I can't hear Steely Dan without thinking of him, and that's kind of nice, actually!
Loved your comments on breaking patterns in our lives.... I really enjoy this channel and your expressive personality and the way your face lights up as you are discovering a song that I have loved for years and years! Thanks!
One of the most influential bands of all time.
You have just taken all of us who were teenagers in the ‘70s on such a joyful time travel trip, back to how we felt, and how the world felt to us at that time. You might also understand better why, even though we’re grateful for what life has given us since then, we miss that time in our lives. That teenager is still alive in all of us, despite our graying hair and achy knees, and our adult kids thinking we’re just old and our music is weird. (Sigh!)
This song title goes right along with Elizabeth's analysis. She says letsgoback but "Do It Again" will fit also
Do it again is Viking Reacts' catchphrase 🤭🤭😅😅
🤘🤘❤️❤️🤘🤘🤘🙂
Haha, I love that. I wish I thought of that when I filmed this!
Are you thinking at some point during this song Elizabeth might want to go rewind it?
@@TheCharismaticVoice
Just go back, Jack, and listen again! 😄
The Dan were neverr depressing. Even when the subject matter was dark the music was nearly always uplifting and joyous
This is the opening track to 'Can't Buy a Thrill' which I think is one of the greatest debut albums any artist ever had. Every track on the record is worth a listen and most are just stellar music.
You are right. Excellent songs all but ‘Only a Fool would Say That’ has a distinct sound. Kind of Caribbean and reggae, its lyrics by Donald were mocking John Lennon as being a hypocrite.
Fire in the Hole is an unappreciated masterpiece
If I was told I could only listen to one album for the rest of my life, it would be Can’t Buy Thrill.
Steely Dan had the coolest album titles.
The piano section of Fire in the Hole is simply stunning. Great album.
Your enthusiasm for well-performed and -produced music is infectious! As a long-time Dan fan, I believe you'll find much to appreciate and analyze in their catalog. Thanks for diving into this.
One of my favorite songs of all time. The lyrics are amazing and the music makes you feel calm and cool and contemplative.
Another great choice.
Woot! Thank you!
Yay! Great seeing that you're giving Steely Dan a chance! I hope you have fun with them!
This was fantastic! You obviously caught the magic of this incredible band! I really loved watching this!
Glad to see you are getting into Steely Dan. Looking forward to watching when I get home from work. Unfortunately I always miss your premeires because I work during the day. As much as I Iove this song, it has more music than vocal. I recommend "Reeling In The Years", Rikki Don't Lose That Number", "Hey Nineteen" or "Deacon Blues" for your next reaction for more vocal analysis.
So many great songs you could analyze! My favorite is Deacon Blues
❤
I've listened to Steely Dan since the beginning. I always enjoyed it, but became perhaps jaded to it after so many decades. How wonderful it is to hear it anew through your ears. You may have similar feelings as your little one discovers the world and delights in such things as a stick or a sparrow, and sees a treasure in a piece of gravel on a sidewalk. Thank you for refreshing my appreciation of Steely Dan.
My Old School by Steely Dan might be my favorite song ever. I never tire of listening to it. Certainly my favorite Steely Dan song.
I agree! More upbeat, better variety of sounds
Steely Dan is one of my all time favorite bands. Can’t wait for her to dive in more. Pretty sure every Steely Dan song has a hook of some kind that will stay with you for the rest of the day. Donald Fagen is one of my favorite keyboardists of all time, so glad she got an intro to his keyboard skills as well as his vocals.
I saw them live with Michael McDonald in 2006; they are just as smooth and precise in a live performance as they are on the studio tracks. It was wonderful.
I saw the Doobies last fall (with Michael McDonald in the lineup) and they capped off a great evening with the final song of the night being Steely Dan's "Pretzel Logic." It was epic.
@neiloliver4745 man I bet that was magical...I've seen the Doobies 3 or 4 times, but never with Mcdonald...that would be epic
@@TBaileyIII Tom Johnston was out for the Canadian tour recovering from back surgery so I didn't get all three main guys, (wouldn't have gotten him in the 80s either) but Pat Simmons, Michael McDonald, John McFee, saxman of great magnitude Marc Russo, and the rest played like they were in their 20s. They still love what they do, and if you get the chance, jump at it, on the American tour you do have Tom back and you do get all three. And Pat Simmons is a guitar god to stand with anyone.
That's cool, and Keith Carlock was probably their drummer at that time and he is among their best drumming hires.
Thank you for this video. Steely Dan has been one of my top four or five favorite bands since the first time I heard them play. They are a national treasure.
So many songs you know but didn't know it was steely Dan..absolutely awesome ❤❤❤❤❤❤
A very catchy song. I always get it stuck in my head every time I hear it.. And thats a good thing.
This song and this group I remember EXACTLY where I was when I first heard it. Magic. That was over fifty years ago. I still miss Walter. May he he rest in peace.
Nice analysis for Steely Dan. RIP Walter Becker (2017).
A couple of things. Every album they produce is a journey, every song a story, often with subtle or raging riddles that can be difficult to solve. Second, they are as close to perfect production as any of the greats, using some of the best session musicians ever. Third, they juggle genres constantly; while there is a Steely Dan sound, the fact that hundreds of musicians have contributed makes it all fresh and unexpected. Lastly, it is just great to ride along with and not overthink. They create massive complexities amidst dirt simple rhythms and melodies, letting the genius players stretch... at least within the precise bounds that Fagan and Becker established. The product is some of the finest "musicians music" ever produced. Start anywhere, go deep and enjoy the remarkable opportunity to hear this band for the first time... what a privilege us oldsters envy of you!!
Absolute Jam!!! Never gets old.
This is my favourite album of the decade! Incredible production as well... So excited for you to check out Steely Dan
Glad to see this. Steely Dan is one of my favorite bands. I find it impossible to be sad while listening to them, maybe because there's just so much going on that paying attention to it distracts my brain.
I was 8 years old when this came out in 72. I think I grew up in the best musical period ever. Had the awesome 50’s music, the fantastic 60’s and the totally amazing 70’s. I just can’t listen to much modern music when we have amazingly beautiful music like this. Thank you once again Elizabeth. I would also like to suggest Lighthouse from Canada, some refer to them as the Chicago of Canada. You will not be disappointed 🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦
Eleban
Steely Don't - That anxious feeling you get when Elizabeth keeps stopping when you know she's on her way to one of the most unique solo breaks in all of rock music...
I can handle it. There is absolute no nonsense here.
U picked a great place to start…you’re at the tip of the iceberg with these guys. Your practiced ears and beautiful smile make this old song new again. Thnx
My heart is SO happy that you are diving into one of the best, most innovative bands ever. I concur with the post below, you must continue this journey. You will be delighted you did. 💓💕💓
MY GOD WOMAN .... DEACON BLUES !!!!!!! But a dart hit on any Steely Dan song is golden.
Saw them back in 93 and then in 94 but the best part for me was watching the girl I was with dancing to almost every song!
Steely Dan was the opening act of our city’s concert pavilion, and I was working concession for my high school club. My folks were also helping out, and were told to enjoy the show by my club teacher. They got free tickets, and I worked hard. Thankfully, I was able to catch the last bit of the show, and man, Donald Fagan was crushing it. Good memories, best gig I ever worked. Got to see so many acts, shows I would have never bought tickets for. Got introduced to a lot of metal, met the guys from Scorpion, and even got told to “go F myself” by Trent Reznor. Memories!
Such a unique sound and always so well produced. Their music is timeless.
Caught Steely Dan live in Perth in 2011. I wasn’t really into them then as I more went to see Steve Winwood who was their support act. I came away a big fan. The arena really rocked that night. It was in a small 4000 seat venue and while my seat was on the side on a weird angle I was literally only 20metres from Donald Fagen playing. They finished with “Reelin’ in the Years” and it seemed to be an extended version that just went on and on in a good way. Great memories!
This, (love of music) especially love of Steely Dan, was a gift from my late father as well, every time I hear them, I’m filled with memories that I get to experience again and again.
You are gonna love Steely Dan!!!!
In 1972 or 73, I remember spinning around a frozen lake in Wyoming in the middle of the night. I was giving my friend my philosophical interpretation of this song. We were hammered at best. It is still one of my favorite songs. Thanks
One of the things that I really appreciate about this channel is that as a vocal instructor, it would be easy for Elizabeth to pick apart a voice such as Donald Fagan's, but instead, she sees the quirks of his voice simply as qualities that set him apart. She analyzes without being critical, and she accentuates the positive. I also like how giddy she is all the time, showing that she genuinely enjoys all of this.
Steely Dan wasn't a band I was expecting to find on a primarily vocal analysis channel. They have been referred to as 'your favorite band's favorite band' as in musicians for musicians. If we don't get any more SD analysis videos, the whole Aja album is a must listen!
P.S. Michael Macdonald does background vocals on Peg...
I think ALL of UA-cam music channels have picked up on reviewing Steely Dan tunes because the number of views they get skyrocket whenever they do. They see the hits other channels get so they jump on the bandwagon to up their numbers. There are thousands of closet Steely Dan fans who will check them out just to get a chance to re-listen to The Dan.
I thought of suggesting this song a couple of times. Guess I'm in the right music community! 😁
One of the 1st songs I ever remember hearing in the late 70s when I was about 2 years old. Catchy tune that I stop and listen to any time it comes on the radio.
I've come to appreciate Steely Dan more and more over the years. I remember when this song was released in 1972 (I was 7), and I loved it then. I didn't know why I loved it, of course, but listening to Elizabeth dissect the song helps to understand why it's so wonderful. Thank you, Elizabeth!
Oh this is awesome. I started down the Steely Dan rabbit hole about 5 years ago and was not disappointed. So unique and so much freaking talent.