@@markstromberg1148 I saw a videowhere Bernard Purdie showed this "shuffle" and how it played. He made it look effortless and extraordinary at the same time.
This is by far the best steely song there is. And anyone listening to this to comment (even though I'm a 41 year old bird who is in love steely) love the fact that this song is now being listened to today. And it's funny. I listening to steely all night long and sent their songs to my old boss then heard this song on crackers radio. Never in my life have I heard it played on a radio station. Donald fagen is a genius. The sessions musicians he has used over the years as well as the sampling that big artists have taken proves how talented and big they are. And not to not give Walter Becker the credit he deserves when he really does deserve it too. I saw them play in Charlotte in NC about 10 years ago. Mind-blowing. This band is honestly the most creative, and most lyrically talented and also melodically band that has ever existed. No one will ever come close!!!!!! X that's without saying how talented donald fagen is too and how great he is with 'kamakiriad' the guy is an absolute genius! X
@@katnewton6475it's so hard to pick a favorite when there are so many to choose from! Black Cow, Deacon Blues, Peg, Gaucho, Glamour Profession, this, Kid Charlemagne, it goes on and on
The following is mostly cut and paste from a summary I wrote for another reactor, but I really do believe knowing the possible meaning of the song enhances the listening pleasure. Obviously I edited little bits which didn't relate to your reaction and added parts which did. Okay, so lyrical interpretation on this one gets to be a lot of fun. First, "Babylon by the bay" is another name for San Francisco, and San Fran is mentioned in the song, so, "Babylon sisters" is thought by many to be a pair of sisters from San Francisco, and a love triangle, hence the "love's not a game for three." Some have even suggested they might be twins. Others believe the Babylon Sisters are the two cities themselves of San Francisco and Los Angeles. Others still believe both to be true and Fagen meant Babylon Sisters to be a double entendre. That's my belief. Fagen really is a master, and it makes WAY more sense if he meant Babylon Sisters to be both the cities themselves, AND two ladies with whom he had 3 way. The song opens, however, with a drive down Sunset Blvd. towards the ocean--one of the true delights to drive in L.A. or so my friends from there tell me. You said you're from LA, so maybe you could weigh in on this. It's debated whether Fagen is talking about already being with one of the sisters? Or both? Is he about to have a menage-a-tois? "Close your eyes and you'll be there... It's everything they say, the end of a perfect day" suggests, IMO, that yes, he's about to have a three way with a couple of sisters from San Fran while the girls sing to him "tell me I'm the only one..." Next he describes the events... "jog with show folk on the sand" is a reference to hanging out with the famous people in LA on the beach, drinking Kirschwasser, which is a clear, colorless cherry brandy, San Francisco Show and Tell is him showing off the two ladies/sisters from San Francisco. The next line "I should know by now it's just a spasm" refers to orgasm... and one he could just as easily have had with hookers in Tijuana ("like a Sunday in TJ") because in both cases, there's a price to pay "it's cheap but it's not free." In TJ you paid cash. With this threesome, the payment comes in hurt feelings, a realization that he's "not what [he] used to be" and that love's not a game for three. "My friends say no, don't go for that cotton candy" some say is cocaine, but that doesn't make sense with the rest of the song, nor does it make sense for the lingo of the time. Instead, I believe "cotton candy" refers to "very sweet candy" in the form of young women--probably right in line with "Hey Nineteen." (It's worth noting Gaucho featured both THIS song AND "Hey Nineteen.") His friends say "no, dude... don't go for the young stuff! You're playing with fire if you do!" "The kid will live and learn as he watches his bridges burn" seems to me to be an obvious allusion to him messing around with women that young and how he'll have to learn that's not the best way to go. It's not politically correct today, but it's worth noting back in the 70s, relationships with girls in their mid teens was not nearly as frowned upon as it is today (Ringo Starr even did a song about a relationship with a 16 year old and how an older guy would be able to brag about it called "You're 16"), so it's possible the girls were maybe as young as 16 since that was the age of consent back then in many places.... That makes more sense to me especially when referring to "cotton candy" as I could EASILY see someone referring to 16 year old girls as Cotton Candy. Obviously 16 year olds are not really emotionally ready to be in relationships with people in their mid 20s to mid 30s--which is why being in such a relationship would be "playing with fire." Of course, the line "so fine so young" is also repeated throughout the song, so that may be just another clue. Anyway, that's my take on it. The lyrics to this are just so amazingly fun.
I'm 67 years old ~ I saw them in 1972 in Chicago. (They were the opening band for, The Guess Who.) That was 52 years ago !!!! and they are Still my favorite band. I read a comment somewhere that said, My favorite SD song is the one I'm listening to. lol. All of them are amazing. Welcome to Dan Land!
at 17yrs old I saw them in '72- couldn't possibly see what they were really about (bouncing off walls if you know what I mean- lots of youthful energy)-loved their two charting singles of course back then, but what Fagan was, and would be, is stuff like this- perfection ! such arrangements.
Bernard Purdie showcasing his “Purdie Shuffle” throughout most of the song. Perhaps the greatest but certainly the most recorded session drummer in recorded music. Phenomenal.
The drummer is Bernard Purdie. He is on hundreds of studio R&B records from the 1960's. Especially Aretha. He invented the beat. He calls it the Purdie Shuffle. He said SD (Fagen and Becker) pay their musicians very well. lol!
The boys are New York city born and raised. Met at Bard college in upstate NY. For a time they did do the L.A. thing. They spent much of that time writing songs about NY because they were home sick. That drummer is Bernard "Pretty" Purdy. That is the patented "Purdy Shuffle".
Ned from Spain here. Nice reaction video, Jay. These two, Fagen, born in NJ and Becker, Queens, NY !, are East Coast vibe all the way but went to LA because that was and is recording studio and top musician heaven. They worked for Jay and the Americans before starting SD and Jay Black described them as the " Charles Starkweather and Charles Manson " of rock and roll. Was that a compliment ??
Walter Becker and Donald Fagen grew up in the NYC area. When lived in LA and recorded there, they wrote about NY Metro. When they moved back to New York, they wrote about LA.
Great reaction to a great song. You’ve had some of the best insights I’ve seen on Steely Dan songs. Also did your enthusiasm and obvious musical knowledge. Perhaps try “Deacon Blues” next.
They are from New York..lol They moved to Los Angeles for about 2 years and hated it..lol. They moved back to their roots The Big Apple! Excellent song! Great reaction.
Donald Fagan‘s voice and vocal phrasing sounds amazingly like a saxophone on this song, and this song easily could’ve been on his solo album The Nightfly. 👍🏼❤️😎
Steely Dan (Walter Becker and Donald Fagan) were originally from the east coast (in and around NYC) but had moved west for their later records to bring in some of the best session musicians.
To answer your question, they're both from NY, but moved to LA and managed to capture that culture as if they'd lived there their whole lives. That was part of the magic of Steely Dan.
Jay, by now you know SD are always on point. My next recommendations would be Home At Last from the Aja album or West of Hollywood from the Two Against Nature album. Both are great in their own ways. Enjoy your reactions.
SD is starting to become a fav for me lol And appreciate the recommendations! So many have been asking me to go through the Aja album so “Home At Last” might be coming soon! 🙌🏾
I second West of Hollywood off Two Against Nature. It's an amped-up adrenaline fuelled Orange County slammer that ends with a 3 minute nuclear sax outro. Among their strongest work of this millennium. "I'm way deep into nothing special, riding the crest of a wave ending just west of Hollywood."
@@roundtownKen Me three! West of Hollywood is epic. Chris Potter raises the bar. The last 2/3 of Two Against Nature and Everything must Go features the strongest songs and recordings on both albums.
They are actually east coast kinda dudes. Becker and Fagan met at Bard College but had to eventually hit LA to write and create for the people that gave them the in roads. They wrote a bunch of shit but the sophistication of their compositions demanded that they eventually form their own band to put it to vinyl. Anyway, the west coast was kinda foisted on them and I don't think they dug it at first. It certainly inspired some amazing music. I think they were also able to tap into some session musicians, producers and engineers that allowed them the freedom to do their thing. I think they still preferred New York.
Their song "My Old School" was written about their time at Bard, it's one of my favorites, but you need to check out the back story for the real meaning.
I like your observations. Before really listening to their music I decided Fagon & Becker sucked. What kind of twits would move to California and spend all the time indoors?....what can I say? I was young and dumb until I listened.
Hey there! Another Steely Dan fan here, and Babylon Sisters is one of my favorites. Yep, Don and Walt were super-intentional about every aspect of putting a song together - both in the writing and the assembling of tracks in the studio. They were perfectionists who would do tons of takes with different session musicians - there's a documentary on the making of their Aja album that shows a lot of this process. They have so many awesome songs to choose from, but I'll recommend a few of my other personal favorites: Glamour Profession, also from the Gaucho album; Kid Charlemagne from The Royal Scam, and Doctor Wu from Katy Lied.
They are from New York. They met in college in NY. They lived in LA and NYC in the 1970's thru the '90's. When they lived in LA they wrote songs about NYC. When they lived in NYC they wrote songs about LA. (They hated LA, btw). Babylon by the Bay was the nickname of SF going back a long time.
I think you may get it too ! Steely Dan has some of the most complex and amazing music ! You’re probably not going to like everything they do, but dive deeper and fill up you’re playlist ! Here’s a few can’t miss: Pretzel Logic, FM, Deacon Blues, Glamour Profession, Hey Nineteen.
Fagan and Becker were Jersey and NYC boys, but they went out to LA to record and they stayed long enough to soak up the west coast late '70s vibe (and maybe snort it up, too.)
Hola from Lake Mary/Orlando, love your reaction to this, I’m sure by now you’ve watched “The Making of Aja” and I’m sure that by now you’ve been told to check out Badass The Dukes of September which is Donald Fegan, Michael McDonald and Boz Scaggs with most of the touring Steely Dan tour band.
This band is originally from New York, New York, but when tit just became Becker and Fagan they ( The Two of them) moved to L.A for a change of pace, it worked very well in my book!
I love watching you react to Steely Dan. I grew up listening to them. My sister’s first album was Aja & she was 10. We loved it but didn’t even know how good we had it. Check out Deacon Blues and Rikki Don’t lose that number. Enjoy
I love hearing about LA and even SF in lyrics. They’re everywhere. Tom Petty “Free Fallin” and many more. Journey “Lights.” I appreciate location vibes/lyrics in general.
They are NYC boys, Donald Fagan via Jersey but close enough. Their earlier stuff feels very New York with its more complicated material and straight jazz stuff, they evolved slowly incorporating Latin, Caribbean and West Cost feels along with their root foundation (particularly on the Gaucho album FM and this are off of).
Hey Jay, great reaction. I've been a huge fan of Steely Dan since I was a kid and the band I've playing in with my brother for >30 years currently has 5 Steely Dan songs on the set list. I love this song and the whole Gaucho album it comes from, which didn't get as much critical praise as their preceding album, Aja, but I think the writing, playing and production is on an equal par with Aja. I've seen them live 3-4 times and it's funny whenever they've played this song and the back-up singers start to sing the behind-the-beat triplets of "you gotta shake it, baby, you gotta shake it, baby, you gotta shake, yeh" at the end, the audience always starts clapping.
I just watched your reaction to Aja. I've been into Steely Dan since the 70s. I heard "Reeling In The Years" ..instant fan. Every album is incredible. Donald Fagen is a perfectionist. There is a video "The Making Of Aja". It is the best I've seen to understand their incredible abilities. "King Of The World" is in my top 5 favorites.
Hey Jay, loving the SD reacts! I've got new group suggestion for you, they're a Swedish jazz-pop trio called Dirty Loops that are managed by Quincy Jones so you know they're legit! They recently dropped a FIRE cover of Thriller as well as many many other covers and originals. Work Shit Out has a 2+ minute FILTHY drum solo, Follow The Light has a KILLER bass solo (wah-wah pedal ffs!) but any of their tracks are absolutely top notch! Cheers
Donald Fagan was born in New Jersey and Walter Becker was born in Queens, N.Y. Later in their careers they went out to California and this song is evidence of that.
I love Steely Dan, Donald Fagen's voice! amazing music! I've been a fan since they started...way back in 1970ish. It was great growing up hearing their music on the radio for many years. I have so many faves, some you've already reacted to. But I don't see your reactions to"Rikki don't lose that number", "Black Cow", "Deacon Blues","Reelin in the years", "Pretzel Logic"...😁✌
This track is all about a 3 way love triangle between a friend of Beckers and two sisters who happened to be Strippers at the same club! And kershaswa is a German brandy, very expensive, bery Bouji also!
I wanna answer your questions on all of these but I’m sure they’ve been answered and that you’ve been moved to do your own research by now. Enjoying watching you discover - it’s exciting.
Thank you for doing Steely Dan! One of my favorites (there are so many), is Kid Charlemagne. Check out the back story before you listen. It makes the song more meaningful. 😎💖
This comment is a little late, but I've been enjoying your channel.. Matter of fact, I subscribed and look forward to checking out your content. As far as the "Dan" goes, one of my favorite bands of all time.. so professional and so cool. Something caught my "ear" when I was around 11 or 12 (when Reelin' In The Years) was released, and I've been a fan ever since and have even had the opportunity to see them live a couple of times (when Walter Becker was still alive - - RIP Walter Becker).. I'm an old lady, but I still enjoy listening to music, rock and roll, of course. As far as other Steely Dan music, one of my other faves is Kid Charlemagne.. Bad Sneakers (and a Pina Colada, my friend), The Fez, Janie Runaway, My Old School.. you cannot go wrong with any of them. Catch you later! To answer you question about whether Fagan and Becker were from the LA area, I think they are both from the New York area, but I could be wrong. I know they met in college up there somewhere.
Really enjoying your Steely Dan reactions, about to check out your reaction to Aja. Too many SD songs too recommend, (they're all good!) but a few that come to mind: Pretzel Logic, Don't Take Me Alive, Peg, Dr. Wu. As far as suggestions outside Steely Dan, would love to see you react to Doobie Brothers "South City Midnight Lady" and Tears For Fears "Working Hour". Much appreciation to you!
More suggestions from Steely Dan: Bad Sneakers, Deacon Blues, Here at the Western World. Thanks for you reactions and bringing back memories. I especially liked your reaction to In the Ghetto by Elvis.
Good song, but I see all kinds of Steely Dan songs requested. So I'm a little surprised they singled out this one. So many good ones! Try Deacon Blues, Green Earrings, Bodhisattva, Haitian Divorce, Black Cow.
Dig your reaction and analysis. SD goes over most people’s head. Highly sophisticated song writing and production. For some of their fun and funky groove tunes, check out “Lunch With Gina”, “Peg” and “Josie”.
Great reactions Jay. Actually, Fagen and Becker are both from New York. Love for you to react to Deacon Blues from Aja and Don't Take Me Alive from Royal Scam.
I love watching your reaction to this music. (I’m 70 and Steely Dan is the soundtrack of my life❤️). Pls check out Pretzel Logic. I think you will dig it
Play Elvis: ‘If I Can Dream’ and the Vietnam War MUSIC began in mid-1960’s throughout until 1974. Great Music. If you want to watch a movie that’s great and is about the first Battle in Vietnam Movie: ‘We Were Soldiers’ it’s soul rattling. It will wake you up as it Provides a good idea of what happened! Worth the hour and half. You won’t regret it. Really will break your heart.
Babylon is Non-binary, about a fallen people. Steely Dan uses it as an analogy uses it was an analogy to indulgent lifestyles and self-destructive behavior. Steely Dan, are two guys Donald Jay Fagen was born in Passaic, New Jersey Walter Becker (deceased) was born in Queens, New York Both met at Bard College in Annandale-On-Hudson, New York where both were students. Fagen graduated in 1969. The song is from their Gaucho studio album which won a Grammy for Best Engineered Recording-Non Classical in 1982 Steely Dan used at least 42 different musicians for the album and spent a year in the studio perfecting it. One time Donald Fagen spent hours debating about the drum beats in Babylon Sisters. He cycled through multiple session musicians and none of them could match his incredibly high standards, that's how much of a perfectionist he was.
Btw... Steely Dan lyrics are DARK AF!!! This is a song about hookers, blow, and the L.A. "Party Scene", and how empty that shit actually makes YOU in the end! Because people blame the Santa Anna Winds like they blame a full moon out there.. 💯
Wanna hear a super famous sample stolen from Steely Dan check out Black Cow.. you WILL laugh . Also check out My Old School by Steely . I love your reaction to them . Great mixes eh? Drummers Bernard Purdy / Steve Gadd percussion genius !
STEELY DAN is not a rock band, it is a FUSION JAZZ or JAZZ FUSION band. You can thank the immortal MILES DAVIS for the genre. Miles caught hell for infusing rock into traditional Jazz when he released the album IN A SILENT WAY. Check it out. Thank you Miles Dewey Davis.
Bernard Purdie on drums showcasing the complicated drum rhythm he created: the half high hat (Purdie Shuffle). Brilliance!
So true. Try performing this to see how truly, technically challenging it is. It is genius!
@@markstromberg1148 I saw a videowhere Bernard Purdie showed this "shuffle" and how it played. He made it look effortless and extraordinary at the same time.
This is by far the best steely song there is. And anyone listening to this to comment (even though I'm a 41 year old bird who is in love steely) love the fact that this song is now being listened to today. And it's funny. I listening to steely all night long and sent their songs to my old boss then heard this song on crackers radio. Never in my life have I heard it played on a radio station. Donald fagen is a genius. The sessions musicians he has used over the years as well as the sampling that big artists have taken proves how talented and big they are. And not to not give Walter Becker the credit he deserves when he really does deserve it too. I saw them play in Charlotte in NC about 10 years ago. Mind-blowing. This band is honestly the most creative, and most lyrically talented and also melodically band that has ever existed. No one will ever come close!!!!!! X that's without saying how talented donald fagen is too and how great he is with 'kamakiriad' the guy is an absolute genius! X
@@katnewton6475it's so hard to pick a favorite when there are so many to choose from! Black Cow, Deacon Blues, Peg, Gaucho, Glamour Profession, this, Kid Charlemagne, it goes on and on
I can nail all his other Shuffle songs as well as others like Bohnam but this one variation is very different
The following is mostly cut and paste from a summary I wrote for another reactor, but I really do believe knowing the possible meaning of the song enhances the listening pleasure. Obviously I edited little bits which didn't relate to your reaction and added parts which did.
Okay, so lyrical interpretation on this one gets to be a lot of fun. First, "Babylon by the bay" is another name for San Francisco, and San Fran is mentioned in the song, so, "Babylon sisters" is thought by many to be a pair of sisters from San Francisco, and a love triangle, hence the "love's not a game for three." Some have even suggested they might be twins. Others believe the Babylon Sisters are the two cities themselves of San Francisco and Los Angeles. Others still believe both to be true and Fagen meant Babylon Sisters to be a double entendre. That's my belief. Fagen really is a master, and it makes WAY more sense if he meant Babylon Sisters to be both the cities themselves, AND two ladies with whom he had 3 way.
The song opens, however, with a drive down Sunset Blvd. towards the ocean--one of the true delights to drive in L.A. or so my friends from there tell me. You said you're from LA, so maybe you could weigh in on this. It's debated whether Fagen is talking about already being with one of the sisters? Or both? Is he about to have a menage-a-tois? "Close your eyes and you'll be there... It's everything they say, the end of a perfect day" suggests, IMO, that yes, he's about to have a three way with a couple of sisters from San Fran while the girls sing to him "tell me I'm the only one..."
Next he describes the events... "jog with show folk on the sand" is a reference to hanging out with the famous people in LA on the beach, drinking Kirschwasser, which is a clear, colorless cherry brandy, San Francisco Show and Tell is him showing off the two ladies/sisters from San Francisco. The next line "I should know by now it's just a spasm" refers to orgasm... and one he could just as easily have had with hookers in Tijuana ("like a Sunday in TJ") because in both cases, there's a price to pay "it's cheap but it's not free." In TJ you paid cash. With this threesome, the payment comes in hurt feelings, a realization that he's "not what [he] used to be" and that love's not a game for three.
"My friends say no, don't go for that cotton candy" some say is cocaine, but that doesn't make sense with the rest of the song, nor does it make sense for the lingo of the time. Instead, I believe "cotton candy" refers to "very sweet candy" in the form of young women--probably right in line with "Hey Nineteen." (It's worth noting Gaucho featured both THIS song AND "Hey Nineteen.") His friends say "no, dude... don't go for the young stuff! You're playing with fire if you do!" "The kid will live and learn as he watches his bridges burn" seems to me to be an obvious allusion to him messing around with women that young and how he'll have to learn that's not the best way to go. It's not politically correct today, but it's worth noting back in the 70s, relationships with girls in their mid teens was not nearly as frowned upon as it is today (Ringo Starr even did a song about a relationship with a 16 year old and how an older guy would be able to brag about it called "You're 16"), so it's possible the girls were maybe as young as 16 since that was the age of consent back then in many places.... That makes more sense to me especially when referring to "cotton candy" as I could EASILY see someone referring to 16 year old girls as Cotton Candy. Obviously 16 year olds are not really emotionally ready to be in relationships with people in their mid 20s to mid 30s--which is why being in such a relationship would be "playing with fire." Of course, the line "so fine so young" is also repeated throughout the song, so that may be just another clue.
Anyway, that's my take on it. The lyrics to this are just so amazingly fun.
They are actually from New York, but spent a lot of time in LA.
Those sensual backing vocals !!!
I think that’s Bernard Purdie on drums doing his famous “ Purdie Shuffle” and the great Brecker Brothers on horns.
I'm 67 years old ~ I saw them in 1972 in Chicago. (They were the opening band for, The Guess Who.) That was 52 years ago !!!! and they are Still my favorite band. I read a comment somewhere that said, My favorite SD song is the one I'm listening to. lol. All of them are amazing. Welcome to Dan Land!
at 17yrs old I saw them in '72- couldn't possibly see what they were really about (bouncing off walls if you know what I mean- lots of youthful energy)-loved their two charting singles of course back then, but what Fagan was, and would be, is stuff like this- perfection ! such arrangements.
I hear this great music from my younger years for the first time anew through great reactors like you.
Bernard Purdie showcasing his “Purdie Shuffle” throughout most of the song. Perhaps the greatest but certainly the most recorded session drummer in recorded music. Phenomenal.
They were from New York, but went out to California for awhile.
Kirschwasser is the drink he's talking about.It's a double distilled cherry brandy.Bernard Purdie is the drummer doing his signature shuffle.🎶
They started in New York and migrated to the west coast. They just kept getting jazzier as the years rolled by.
Why haven’t I ever heard this song before?? Nm- love it! Thank you, hun.
Kirschwasser is a cherry liquor, but the words, literally translated from German, means "cherry water."
The drummer is Bernard Purdie. He is on hundreds of studio R&B records from the 1960's. Especially Aretha. He invented the beat. He calls it the Purdie Shuffle. He said SD (Fagen and Becker) pay their musicians very well. lol!
The boys are New York city born and raised. Met at Bard college in upstate NY. For a time they did do the L.A. thing. They spent much of that time writing songs about NY because they were home sick. That drummer is Bernard "Pretty" Purdy. That is the patented "Purdy Shuffle".
Ned from Spain here. Nice reaction video, Jay. These two, Fagen, born in NJ and Becker, Queens, NY !, are East Coast vibe all the way but went to LA because that was and is recording studio and top musician heaven. They worked for Jay and the Americans before starting SD and Jay Black described them as the " Charles Starkweather and Charles Manson " of rock and roll. Was that a compliment ??
Walter Becker and Donald Fagen grew up in the NYC area. When lived in LA and recorded there, they wrote about NY Metro. When they moved back to New York, they wrote about LA.
Great reaction to a great song. You’ve had some of the best insights I’ve seen on Steely Dan songs. Also did your enthusiasm and obvious musical knowledge. Perhaps try “Deacon Blues” next.
"Hey Nineteen"
"Black Cow"
"Josie"
Love this! My favorite band ever! Thank you!
More than welcome and thanks for watching Kim! 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
I wouldn’t feel right if I didn’t request “Pretzel Logic” as it is one of many favorites for me. Love your reactions.
✌🏼😎
They are from New York..lol They moved to Los Angeles for about 2 years and hated it..lol. They moved back to their roots The Big Apple! Excellent song! Great reaction.
Love that you started your Steely Dan journey. Enjoy the smooth ride.
Their music breathes.......
You should check out Deacon Blues, Aja, and Don't Take Me Alive. 😀
Donald Fagan‘s voice and vocal phrasing sounds amazingly like a saxophone on this song, and this song easily could’ve been on his solo album The Nightfly.
👍🏼❤️😎
This is by far the best steely song that's ever been. From the gaucho album. But nothing comes close to this xx
Steely Dan (Walter Becker and Donald Fagan) were originally from the east coast (in and around NYC) but had moved west for their later records to bring in some of the best session musicians.
Steely Dan ...NYC boys!
🤩 Time to start that Steely Dan playlist. 🤗 Rabbit hole be deep bro'! 😁🐰
Y’all got me hooked! 😂😂✨
My all time favourite Dan track. It's practically flawless.
Steely Dan is fantastic! Great easy music with horns! ❤
Steely Dan,the musicians musicians.
Groove masters and vibe captains.
🤗 More Steely Dan please! 🙋🏿♀️ Going rouge and suggesting 'Showbiz Kids'.🥰 Yup, I went there guys! 😁🐰
King of the world should be the next Steely Dan's Song!
To answer your question, they're both from NY, but moved to LA and managed to capture that culture as if they'd lived there their whole lives. That was part of the magic of Steely Dan.
they loved LA and the scene then (late 60's early 70's)
Jay, by now you know SD are always on point. My next recommendations would be Home At Last from the Aja album or West of Hollywood from the Two Against Nature album. Both are great in their own ways. Enjoy your reactions.
SD is starting to become a fav for me lol And appreciate the recommendations! So many have been asking me to go through the Aja album so “Home At Last” might be coming soon! 🙌🏾
Yes! Home at Last is phenomenal! clearest, best sound ever!
I second West of Hollywood off Two Against Nature. It's an amped-up adrenaline fuelled Orange County slammer that ends with a 3 minute nuclear sax outro. Among their strongest work of this millennium. "I'm way deep into nothing special, riding the crest of a wave ending just west of Hollywood."
@@roundtownKen Me three! West of Hollywood is epic. Chris Potter raises the bar. The last 2/3 of Two Against Nature and Everything must Go features the strongest songs and recordings on both albums.
50 years old and still basically undiscovered
They are actually east coast kinda dudes. Becker and Fagan met at Bard College but had to eventually hit LA to write and create for the
people that gave them the in roads. They wrote a bunch of shit but the sophistication of their compositions demanded that they eventually
form their own band to put it to vinyl.
Anyway, the west coast was kinda foisted on them and I don't think they dug it at first. It certainly inspired some amazing music. I think they
were also able to tap into some session musicians, producers and engineers that allowed them the freedom to do their thing.
I think they still preferred New York.
Their song "My Old School" was written about their time at Bard, it's one of my favorites, but you need to check out the back story for the real meaning.
@@fordp69 yeah. They talk about Daddy G which is a reference to G Gordon Liddy before his criminal work for Nixon.
Ahhh this makes sense… appreciate the insight Lewis! ✨🙏🏾✨
@@lewismaddox4132 don't forget the 35 sweet goodbyes.
I like your observations. Before really listening to their music I decided Fagon & Becker sucked. What kind of twits would move to California and spend all the time indoors?....what can I say? I was young and dumb until I listened.
Bought the Gaucho album for Hey Nineteen but BS also became a favorite off the album.
Obviously I am a huge fan of the Dan and this song, in particular! Thanks!
Yeah, I think there's a bass clarinet in there. "Black Cow" "Green Book" "Night By Night" or "Glamour Profession" would all be stellar too!
Ah yes the bass clarinet! Thanks for clearing that up Steve! And appreciate the recommendations… “Black Cow” is coming REALLL soon! 🔥🔥🔥
Yes. The bass clarinets are fairly prominent in the choruses. Most don't realize what instrument they're hearing. Kudos to those that do.
@@abovetheinfluence9361 Right on!
Thought it was a baritone sax
The are actually from New Jersey originally. They came out to L.A. later on.
Hey there! Another Steely Dan fan here, and Babylon Sisters is one of my favorites. Yep, Don and Walt were super-intentional about every aspect of putting a song together - both in the writing and the assembling of tracks in the studio. They were perfectionists who would do tons of takes with different session musicians - there's a documentary on the making of their Aja album that shows a lot of this process. They have so many awesome songs to choose from, but I'll recommend a few of my other personal favorites: Glamour Profession, also from the Gaucho album; Kid Charlemagne from The Royal Scam, and Doctor Wu from Katy Lied.
They are from New York. They met in college in NY. They lived in LA and NYC in the 1970's thru the '90's. When they lived in LA they wrote songs about NYC. When they lived in NYC they wrote songs about LA. (They hated LA, btw). Babylon by the Bay was the nickname of SF going back a long time.
One of my Steely Dan favorites is "Deacon Blues" !
I think you may get it too ! Steely Dan has some of the most complex and amazing music ! You’re probably not going to like everything they do, but dive deeper and fill up you’re playlist ! Here’s a few can’t miss: Pretzel Logic, FM, Deacon Blues, Glamour Profession, Hey Nineteen.
Donald and Walter were from New York
Fagan and Becker were Jersey and NYC boys, but they went out to LA to record and they stayed long enough to soak up the west coast late '70s vibe (and maybe snort it up, too.)
Hola from Lake Mary/Orlando, love your reaction to this, I’m sure by now you’ve watched “The Making of Aja” and I’m sure that by now you’ve been told to check out Badass The Dukes of September which is Donald Fegan, Michael McDonald and Boz Scaggs with most of the touring Steely Dan tour band.
BOUGHT THIS ALBUM THE DAY IT CAME OUT AND IT IS PROBABLEY A TOP 30 ALBUM FOR ME,,,
from NY but lived in LA for a while
You gotta check out Glamour Profession.
This band is originally from New York, New York, but when tit just became Becker and Fagan they ( The Two of them) moved to L.A for a change of pace, it worked very well in my book!
I love watching you react to Steely Dan. I grew up listening to them. My sister’s first album was Aja & she was 10. We loved it but didn’t even know how good we had it. Check out Deacon Blues and Rikki Don’t lose that number. Enjoy
I love hearing about LA and even SF in lyrics. They’re everywhere. Tom Petty “Free Fallin” and many more. Journey “Lights.” I appreciate location vibes/lyrics in general.
Nice pick! SD are known for their uniquely descriptive and cryptic lyrics. I hope "I Got the News" is also on your SD list.
Thanks Lara! Going to add “I Got The News” to the list now! 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾
That’s a good question. I’ve always assumed Donald Fagan was from New York.
Horns arranged by Rob Mounsey!
They are NYC boys, Donald Fagan via Jersey but close enough. Their earlier stuff feels very New York with its more complicated material and straight jazz stuff, they evolved slowly incorporating Latin, Caribbean and West Cost feels along with their root foundation (particularly on the Gaucho album FM and this are off of).
Who writes music like this? Just absolutely amazing.
Hey Jay, great reaction. I've been a huge fan of Steely Dan since I was a kid and the band I've playing in with my brother for >30 years currently has 5 Steely Dan songs on the set list. I love this song and the whole Gaucho album it comes from, which didn't get as much critical praise as their preceding album, Aja, but I think the writing, playing and production is on an equal par with Aja. I've seen them live 3-4 times and it's funny whenever they've played this song and the back-up singers start to sing the behind-the-beat triplets of "you gotta shake it, baby, you gotta shake it, baby, you gotta shake, yeh" at the end, the audience always starts clapping.
Next recommended Steely Dan song: “Black Cow”
🤗 Yaaaaaz! Black Cow should be next! 😁🐰
Looks like this one is gonna have to be the next SD! 🔥🔥🔥
Agreed, gotta do Black Cow next!
Black Cow kicks off the immortal Aja album.....talk about setting the mood for the album! Epic
I just watched your reaction to Aja. I've been into Steely Dan since the 70s. I heard "Reeling In The Years" ..instant fan. Every album is incredible. Donald Fagen is a perfectionist. There is a video "The Making Of Aja". It is the best I've seen to understand their incredible abilities. "King Of The World" is in my top 5 favorites.
Hallo Brutha, the Steely music is unique, and wholesome
Hey Jay, loving the SD reacts! I've got new group suggestion for you, they're a Swedish jazz-pop trio called Dirty Loops that are managed by Quincy Jones so you know they're legit! They recently dropped a FIRE cover of Thriller as well as many many other covers and originals. Work Shit Out has a 2+ minute FILTHY drum solo, Follow The Light has a KILLER bass solo (wah-wah pedal ffs!) but any of their tracks are absolutely top notch! Cheers
Dirty Loops might be coming REAL soon! You are the 6th person to recommend them so I know they gotta be FIRE! 🔥🔥🔥
Just checked out Dirty Loops on Spotify and they are pretty darn good! Thanks for the tip 😁
Donald Fagan was born in New Jersey and Walter Becker was born in Queens, N.Y. Later in their careers they went out to California and this song is evidence of that.
I love Steely Dan, Donald Fagen's voice! amazing music! I've been a fan since they started...way back in 1970ish. It was great growing up hearing their music on the radio for many years.
I have so many faves, some you've already reacted to. But I don't see your reactions to"Rikki don't lose that number", "Black Cow", "Deacon Blues","Reelin in the years", "Pretzel Logic"...😁✌
This track is all about a 3 way love triangle between a friend of Beckers and two sisters who happened to be Strippers at the same club! And kershaswa is a German brandy, very expensive, bery Bouji also!
As soon as you said “Rhodes”, I knew you were a musician.👍
Green earrings! Green earrings! Green earrings! Come on esther rolle...
Black Cow next....Funk and Jazz equals Funzz...lol
That's the Purdue shuffle on the drums, but I didn't hear any paradiddles.
I wanna answer your questions on all of these but I’m sure they’ve been answered and that you’ve been moved to do your own research by now. Enjoying watching you discover - it’s exciting.
Thank you for doing Steely Dan! One of my favorites (there are so many), is Kid Charlemagne. Check out the back story before you listen. It makes the song more meaningful. 😎💖
This comment is a little late, but I've been enjoying your channel.. Matter of fact, I subscribed and look forward to checking out your content. As far as the "Dan" goes, one of my favorite bands of all time.. so professional and so cool. Something caught my "ear" when I was around 11 or 12 (when Reelin' In The Years) was released, and I've been a fan ever since and have even had the opportunity to see them live a couple of times (when Walter Becker was still alive - - RIP Walter Becker).. I'm an old lady, but I still enjoy listening to music, rock and roll, of course. As far as other Steely Dan music, one of my other faves is Kid Charlemagne.. Bad Sneakers (and a Pina Colada, my friend), The Fez, Janie Runaway, My Old School.. you cannot go wrong with any of them. Catch you later! To answer you question about whether Fagan and Becker were from the LA area, I think they are both from the New York area, but I could be wrong. I know they met in college up there somewhere.
You gotta check out Green Earrings by SD. Funk bass unleashed by Chuck Raney.
Really enjoying your Steely Dan reactions, about to check out your reaction to Aja. Too many SD songs too recommend, (they're all good!) but a few that come to mind: Pretzel Logic, Don't Take Me Alive, Peg, Dr. Wu. As far as suggestions outside Steely Dan, would love to see you react to Doobie Brothers "South City Midnight Lady" and Tears For Fears "Working Hour". Much appreciation to you!
More suggestions from Steely Dan: Bad Sneakers, Deacon Blues, Here at the Western World. Thanks for you reactions and bringing back memories. I especially liked your reaction to In the Ghetto by Elvis.
Good song, but I see all kinds of Steely Dan songs requested. So I'm a little surprised they singled out this one. So many good ones! Try Deacon Blues, Green Earrings, Bodhisattva, Haitian Divorce, Black Cow.
Steely Dan, kid Charlemagne
Dig your reaction and analysis. SD goes over most people’s head. Highly sophisticated song writing and production.
For some of their fun and funky groove tunes, check out “Lunch With Gina”, “Peg” and “Josie”.
In a documentary they said Fagan had over 200 mixes before he was satisfied. Neither Fagan or Becker played an instrument on this song.
This whole album would be great to see you react to! Thanks so much for doing this, can’t go wrong with the likes of Don Grolnick and Bernard Purdie!
Show Biz Kids is a cool catchy fun little song I think you would enjoy
Appreciate the recommendation RB King! 🔥☺️
Deacon Blues
Great reactions Jay. Actually, Fagen and Becker are both from New York. Love for you to react to Deacon Blues from Aja and Don't Take Me Alive from Royal Scam.
If you ever get the chance to see Steely Dan do it.
I love watching your reaction to this music. (I’m 70 and Steely Dan is the soundtrack of my life❤️). Pls check out Pretzel Logic. I think you will dig it
purdy Purdie shuffle
Play Elvis: ‘If I Can Dream’ and the Vietnam War MUSIC began in mid-1960’s throughout until 1974. Great Music. If you want to watch a movie that’s great and is about the first Battle in Vietnam Movie: ‘We Were Soldiers’ it’s soul rattling. It will wake you up as it Provides a good idea of what happened! Worth the hour and half. You won’t regret it. Really will break your heart.
Seems like you would like Gaucho the title track to this album or Here at the Western World
Babylon is Non-binary, about a fallen people. Steely Dan uses it as an analogy uses it was an analogy to indulgent lifestyles and self-destructive behavior.
Steely Dan, are two guys
Donald Jay Fagen was born in Passaic, New Jersey
Walter Becker (deceased) was born in Queens, New York
Both met at Bard College in Annandale-On-Hudson, New York where both were students. Fagen graduated in 1969.
The song is from their Gaucho studio album which won a Grammy for Best Engineered Recording-Non Classical in 1982
Steely Dan used at least 42 different musicians for the album and spent a year in the studio perfecting it. One time Donald Fagen spent hours debating about the drum beats in Babylon Sisters. He cycled through multiple session musicians and none of them could match his incredibly high standards, that's how much of a perfectionist he was.
DJ PERFECT PERFECTION SUPER MARIO DISCO CAT MEXICAN AMERICAN 🇲🇽🇺🇲✝️🙏
"perfection" they did 275 takes on this song before they said yes it's a take
Sound too low
Blood Sweat and Tears - More Than You'll Ever Know (My personal favorite but any song they do is fab)
ua-cam.com/video/gPQSfeYzOi8/v-deo.html
Btw... Steely Dan lyrics are DARK AF!!! This is a song about hookers, blow, and the L.A. "Party Scene", and how empty that shit actually makes YOU in the end! Because people blame the Santa Anna Winds like they blame a full moon out there.. 💯
Green Earrings!!
Wanna hear a super famous sample stolen from Steely Dan check out Black Cow.. you WILL laugh . Also check out My Old School by Steely . I love your reaction to them . Great mixes eh? Drummers Bernard Purdy / Steve Gadd percussion genius !
STEELY DAN is not a rock band, it is a FUSION JAZZ or JAZZ FUSION band. You can thank the immortal MILES DAVIS for the genre. Miles caught hell for infusing rock into traditional Jazz when he released the album IN A SILENT WAY. Check it out. Thank you Miles Dewey Davis.