"Smooth" is the right description for Steely Dan. They are consummate musicians. Technicians in the studio. Not a wasted note. Everything thought out and vetted, experiments. Throw out a ton of stuff to get it just right.
You stank faced to every cue a true pro would. Incredible. You totally get the finest subtleties of music. Congrats bro. You got my sub. If I could give four or five subs, you would've got em'. Life long full time musician here. You've got my respect. I'll be checking in regular.
My dude, you got some big freakin ears on you. I've been listening to Steely Dan since the 70s and you're pointing out stuff even I haven't heard before. Mad respect for the intelligence and musicianship in your comments. Instant subscribe.
You nailed it. Steely Dan were studio perfectionists who cycled dozens of A list session men through every song until they had exactly what they wanted. Every album is great, Aja is their masterpiece
Growing up in the nyc suburbs, I listened to wplj as a teenager. I knew a little of steely Dan, then heard peg... then deacon blues... then josie and black cow and I was like... wait a minute, these are not their greatest hits? These are all on one album?
When I saw them at The Beacon Theater, I was like 🤯 "They sing Reelin' the Years?!?" and also "That's the guy who sings What A Fool Believes?!?" referring to Michael McDonald. 🤷🏾♀️ Been a fan ever since. 😊🐰 #ENRGYZRBunny
A lot of albums are great, but a few are timeless masterpieces. This is one. I've been the biggest Steely Dan fan since age 14. So happy to see a new generation of people truly appreciating the Dan's genius.
Glad you liked it. I was all of 19 in 1978 when I was released and in my 3rd radio station job weekends overnights at KPAS FM 94 in El Paso. Programmed then by Jay Blackburn's Wife Chauncey similar to WLUP in Chicago. I learned so much there. But I grew up diversified in Music across the board. Also played nearly everything from Jazz to Album Rock, Disco, Country, Adult Contemporary where I was a music director 1980-1986 at KQIP FM Odessa-Midland. Loved Radio for as long as I got in it when Vinyl was it mid 1970s to the late 1980s. Now resurrecting a mobile DJ company with the top 100 Billboard hits of the 1970s, 80s, and 90s. Just honored you listened to these incredible musicians I had the honor of playing at several stations. A sound I'll never forget. Glad you are into them. God Bless.
My back to the wall A victim of laughing chance This is to me, The essence of true romance And I crawl like a viper Through these suburban streets Legendary lyrics
You have an amazing ear, picking out all sorts of colors and instruments and effects that pass by unnoticed by the majority of folks. A "producer's ear." Very impressed with your knowledge and musical instincts. Loving your channel, sir!
So many great tracks from Steely Dan. The entire Aja album, the entire Gaucho album, most of Katy Lied, Pretzel Logic and The Royal Scam. No shortage of sweetness.
This was my husband's favorite group and loved this song. We saw them live in concert 3 times. He died in a drunk driving accident in 2015. I play this in his memory all the time. "Drink scotch whiskey all night long and die behind the wheel"
Great reaction. I'm sure others have said this, but back in the day, when people got a new stereo system, they'd put this record on to show off the sound quality. Analog recording of analog instruments really could not be done better than this.
I never tire of listening to Steely Dan. Everything they put out was like a hug to your ears!! The musicality, production and arrangements were so SMMMOOOOTHHHH. Love Love Love!!!
Everything they did was smooth as butter. I've been playing guitar for many years now, and I wouldn't even attempt most of their stuff. I'd never heard, "The only L is Learn," before. I like that. God bless sir.
Steely Dan gave up touring in the early 70's and in short order became Walter Becker, Donald Fagan plus hand-picked All-Star caliber session players the likes of Larry Carlton, Joe Sample, Wayne Shorter and Tom Scott. They would rehearse songs past the point of perfection so that they eventually sounded closer to improvisation, and at times, switched out entire studio bands for an entirely new band. This is an example of "The Dan" at the peak of their powers.
Fagen and Becker grew up listening to Jazz, Blues and R&B. The song is an hommage to Jazz musicians. I bought the album in 1977. I remember when it came out I remember reading a newspaper article that said you could not go to a party on the Univ. of Alabama campus and not hear this song. The football team there is called the Crimson Tide.
There are SO many great Dan songs. This was the first of their songs I ever heard, when it was a hit on FM radio back in the day. I was in junior high. Probably the next thing that hit the radio was their song FM (no static at all).
Fist time I heard this song was on a flight from London to San Francisco about fifty years ago it was playing on a loop I must have heard it at least ten times the next day I went out and bought the l p and this was my favourite song for years I drove my family nut kept playing it , still think it’s a great song today all these years later thanks for the memory. Bill in england
The Crimson Tide is the name of the Alabama University college football team. It’s one of the most successful college programs ever with 17 national championships. Aja is one of the all time greatest albums ever recorded. You noted the production, Fagen and Becker were perfectionists. They knew what they wanted and would do take after take until whoever was playing got it the way they wanted it. Try the Title track Aja. You won’t be disappointed.
I have everything that Steely Dan ever put out. I can't think of a single song on any of their albums that didn't have killer musicians on it. All the little things in the mix make it so dammed entertaining.
Steely Dan is one of the greatest underrated bands of all time! Their Jazz Funk and soft rock fusion is PHENOMENAL! My favorites by them are 1. Hey Nineteen 2. FM 3. Peg
👍good reaction if you like steely dan, try Toto , “hold the line” Africa “ or “I won’t hold you back”not has polished on the jazz side has steely dan, but like steely dan , a bunch of great session musicians,
The Wake Forest football team was called The Deacon Blues. They lost 45 games straight to Alabama. Chuck Raney, from Cleveland on bass. I'm a bass player. He's one of my favorites. He doesn't overplay but adds smooth lite fills. Always interesting and smooth.
I'm a rocker, and by that we're talking Deep Purple,Van Halen,Led Zeppelin,etc. This was the album in my collection that made my friends go "Dude,wtf is this?". They never got it and I didn't care. I acquired this album from my stepmom. The first time I listened to it all the way through I was enchanted by it. If you can find it,there used to be a program called "Classic Albums" that would spotlight different albums. It included interviews with musicians, engineers,producers,etc who were involved in the making of the album. They did an episode on this album and it's awesome. It such a cool story too. They recorded this album with the cream of the crop session musicians. A lot of great stories about the making of it.
It's a must. As a Steely Dan music lover. To listen to BLACK COW. If you ever heard of LORD TARIQ AND PETER GUNZ's DEJA VU(UPTOWN BABY). You might recognize the beginning of BLACK COW sampled.
Steely Dan was always a step above all groups.If you bought a stereo system in the 70's,Steely Dan was the demonstration album. Glad you discovered them.
I ran out and bought the Aja album when heard Deacon Blues for the first time and I have never been without a copy since. Quality can never be substituted. They stayed true to the music and never cut corners. Co-founder Walter Becker is on the bass, between him and Charles Rainey III, who plays on Josie and Peg are two of the four bassists that inspired me to play bass. Peter Christlieb is on the tenor sax solo also inspired a couple of my friends along with myself to play sax. All this from this one album and this particular song.
Lyrics speak to a life of a gambler/night owl and all the things that accompany that lifestyle. Great song to put on after a long night out on the town.
Nobody comes close to this band's sound and unique creative element. Enjoy "MY Old School" . Kudos, JayRah, on your open mind and fine taste. Looking forward to your getting into Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band- a deep, empowering rabbit hole. Can't wait. I've already been in the hole 40 years, just really excited for you... and to be able to watch u check it out. "Night Moves" is the perfect start.
On Pink Floyd Animals, the pigs, dogs and sheep represent the three main social classes. The pigs are the elite ruling class. The dogs are the law enforcers and the sheep are common folk. Pretty deep subjects but extremely satisfying concept album.
Oh yeeaaaahhhhhhh, one of the best mellow tunes EVER!!! Smooth like scotch whiskey indeed! SOLID stank face LOL, I would expect nothing less. You simply cannot go wrong with some good Steely Dan! This was another great reaction to an awesome tune, thanks!! I would suggest Hey Nineteen and Bodhisattva (pronounced bo-dee-SOT-va).
I bought it when it came out, still not bored with it, happy you like it.
Yelp just close your eyes and take a trip and not leave the farm!
Light years ahead of their time and Probably the classiest band of all time 🙏
You got a ear kid! You won’t come out of this rabbit hole, I see you appreciate greatness unparalleled IMO
"Smooth" is the right description for Steely Dan. They are consummate musicians. Technicians in the studio. Not a wasted note. Everything thought out and vetted, experiments. Throw out a ton of stuff to get it just right.
With Steely Dan you don't have a favorite song because they're all your favorite song
damn right!
Yes, it’s true! 😁
This is one of those groups that I've "listened" to, but never "heard"... React vids are really opening my ears. Thanks!
The Caves of Altamira -Hey nineteen -Don’t take me alive -Babylon sisters- Pretzel logic - Home at last and more more. Ciao from Italy 🇮🇹👍🏻
"Home at Last" from this album is one of favorites!
Good call brotha I love that song
You stank faced to every cue a true pro would. Incredible. You totally get the finest subtleties of music. Congrats bro. You got my sub. If I could give four or five subs, you would've got em'. Life long full time musician here. You've got my respect. I'll be checking in regular.
Your next Steely Dan song should either be
1.) My Old School
2.) Don't Take Me Alive.
Another great reaction..
2 thumbs up.... 👍🏻👍🏻😎
"😱 Oh No! 🤯 Guadalajara won't do!" 😛😁🐰 #ENRGYZRBunny
My dude, you got some big freakin ears on you. I've been listening to Steely Dan since the 70s and you're pointing out stuff even I haven't heard before. Mad respect for the intelligence and musicianship in your comments. Instant subscribe.
You nailed it. Steely Dan were studio perfectionists who cycled dozens of A list session men through every song until they had exactly what they wanted. Every album is great, Aja is their masterpiece
Another blue eyed soul band where I went from album to cassette to CD and now on my USB for the ride. This music fairs well with age.
Growing up in the nyc suburbs, I listened to wplj as a teenager. I knew a little of steely Dan, then heard peg... then deacon blues... then josie and black cow and I was like... wait a minute, these are not their greatest hits? These are all on one album?
When I saw them at The Beacon Theater, I was like 🤯 "They sing Reelin' the Years?!?" and also "That's the guy who sings What A Fool Believes?!?" referring to Michael McDonald. 🤷🏾♀️ Been a fan ever since. 😊🐰 #ENRGYZRBunny
Hey Nineteen next, please.
yup
The real challenge is finding a bad Steely Dan song. Not sure it’s possible.
@@georgefarrell7146 And as many have said before, the weed got better and the music got worse.
I heard a "bad" Steely Dan song. Once. Then I played it again, without a head concussion, and it sounded great. LOL.
Smooothhhh Jazz
I wouldn't bother wasting your time.
Cousin Dupree....
Steely Dan: The best background music for a classy party.....
They call it “yacht rock.”
A lot of albums are great, but a few are timeless masterpieces. This is one. I've been the biggest Steely Dan fan since age 14. So happy to see a new generation of people truly appreciating the Dan's genius.
Glad you liked it. I was all of 19 in 1978 when I was released and in my 3rd radio station job weekends overnights at KPAS FM 94 in El Paso. Programmed then by Jay Blackburn's Wife Chauncey similar to WLUP in Chicago. I learned so much there. But I grew up diversified in Music across the board. Also played nearly everything from Jazz to Album Rock, Disco, Country, Adult Contemporary where I was a music director 1980-1986 at KQIP FM Odessa-Midland. Loved Radio for as long as I got in it when Vinyl was it mid 1970s to the late 1980s. Now resurrecting a mobile DJ company with the top 100 Billboard hits of the 1970s, 80s, and 90s. Just honored you listened to these incredible musicians I had the honor of playing at several stations. A sound I'll never forget. Glad you are into them. God Bless.
simply one of the greatest 'bands' of all time...IMHO
One of the realest reactions I've seen to this track. So damn good, loving it.
My back to the wall
A victim of laughing chance
This is to me,
The essence of true romance
And
I crawl like a viper
Through these suburban streets
Legendary lyrics
Love to watch people listen to Steely Dan for the first time.
You have an amazing ear, picking out all sorts of colors and instruments and effects that pass by unnoticed by the majority of folks. A "producer's ear." Very impressed with your knowledge and musical instincts. Loving your channel, sir!
FM is an incredible track, that’s my vote
Lol already on my channel brotha
Jay Rah Visions honestly they never made a bad song fr
So many great songs. I’m partial to Hey 19.
@@jerryp8263 🤔 Hey 19? 😉 That 'reatha Franklin. 😊😁🐰 #ENRGYZRBunny
So many great tracks from Steely Dan. The entire Aja album, the entire Gaucho album, most of Katy Lied, Pretzel Logic and The Royal Scam. No shortage of sweetness.
These guys were extremely meticulous with their music. And it definitely sounds like it. Candy for the ears and soul! Great reaction brother!
"This is the night, of the expanding man......."
No stopping you, Jay. Crushing it as usual.
"Black Cow" should be on the list. It's from the same album.
I forgot to say it but I've already done black cow as well
This was my husband's favorite group and loved this song. We saw them live in concert 3 times. He died in a drunk driving accident in 2015. I play this in his memory all the time.
"Drink scotch whiskey all night long and die behind the wheel"
So sorry for your loss😢
Steely Dan are all about production, and they constantly kill it
My first steely dan tune... About 3 lifetimes ago. Still my favorite one....
Great reaction. I'm sure others have said this, but back in the day, when people got a new stereo system, they'd put this record on to show off the sound quality. Analog recording of analog instruments really could not be done better than this.
I still do
I’m buying wireless speakers for a new house. Steely Dan will help me make the decision.
@@stephenhanson3647 2021 here...his reaction is quite acurate, the faces he makes listening to this jewel...priceless!
Really enjoyed your video...”close your eyes and groove”. You nailed it. That is what This song is. Steely Dan is timeless
I never tire of listening to Steely Dan. Everything they put out was like a hug to your ears!! The musicality, production and arrangements were so SMMMOOOOTHHHH. Love Love Love!!!
Everything they did was smooth as butter. I've been playing guitar for many years now, and I wouldn't even attempt most of their stuff.
I'd never heard, "The only L is Learn," before. I like that. God bless sir.
It was a privilege to share your reaction. This is one of the best produced albums of all time.
Steely Dan gave up touring in the early 70's and in short order became Walter Becker, Donald Fagan plus hand-picked All-Star caliber session players the likes of Larry Carlton, Joe Sample, Wayne Shorter and Tom Scott. They would rehearse songs past the point of perfection so that they eventually sounded closer to improvisation, and at times, switched out entire studio bands for an entirely new band. This is an example of "The Dan" at the peak of their powers.
Don’t forget Bernard Purdie, Steve Gadd, and Jeff Porcaro.
That’s three Hall of Fame level drummers right there.
And don’t forget Glen Campbell. Yes, that Glen Campbell.
Don’t forget Baxter and McDonald who left for the doobie bros
It's like they're playing YOU as an instrument, somehow. Steely Dan is the BOMB
Listen to anything by Steely Dan. They are the definition of “SMOOTH”
Love Steely Dan! Deacon Blues is my favorite. I agree with you it is smooth on the ears and soul!
Fagen and Becker grew up listening to Jazz, Blues and R&B. The song is an hommage to Jazz musicians. I bought the album in 1977. I remember when it came out I remember reading a newspaper article that said you could not go to a party on the Univ. of Alabama campus and not hear this song. The football team there is called the Crimson Tide.
The saxophone player was in Doc Severinson's band (from Johnny Carson's Tonight Show). He came in, laid down the solo on the second take.
King of the World a must hear! Especially the solo guitar tracks near the end!
Steely Dan is great all the time. Hope you enjoyed this as much as we did.
Very nice reaction! Steely Dan is another American treasure. Treat it well. Cheers and stay safe!
This is one you can go back to for years and hear something different every time.
Thank you..I'm so glad you love Deacon Blues. You have to see Steely Dan in concert, Donald still got it. 👍🤩❤💖❤💖👍👍👍
There are SO many great Dan songs. This was the first of their songs I ever heard, when it was a hit on FM radio back in the day. I was in junior high. Probably the next thing that hit the radio was their song FM (no static at all).
So glad you're back,you were missed. Great reaction as usual. Love Steely Dan ❤❤
So glad I grew up in the 60s and 70s with the best music. Nothing can compare
OMG- 1977???? This is 43 years old and I love it
Man, you can not imagine the joy I get from seeing you enjoy the music that I have loved all my life. Thank you!
I saw Steely Dan open for Elton John in October 1973 in a stadium! It was they're first album tour. Aja is tight album, well production.
Fist time I heard this song was on a flight from London to San Francisco about fifty years ago it was playing on a loop I must have heard it at least ten times the next day I went out and bought the l p and this was my favourite song for years I drove my family nut kept playing it , still think it’s a great song today all these years later thanks for the memory. Bill in england
The Crimson Tide is the name of the Alabama University college football team. It’s one of the most successful college programs ever with 17 national championships. Aja is one of the all time greatest albums ever recorded. You noted the production, Fagen and Becker were perfectionists. They knew what they wanted and would do take after take until whoever was playing got it the way they wanted it. Try the Title track Aja. You won’t be disappointed.
One of my favorite songs. Any Steely Dan is good with me. Enjoy this rabbit hole
The compositions, the musicianship, the production and sound engineering on this album is second to none, one of the best studio albums ever released.
Storytellers! Life is full of stories.So diverse. Life is beautiful.
I have everything that Steely Dan ever put out. I can't think of a single song on any of their albums that didn't have killer musicians on it. All the little things in the mix make it so dammed entertaining.
You're groovin on one of the most sophisticated harmonic/rhytmic bands ever
Jay, you're appreciation of music production, skill and technique is awesome to watch. You do a great job, man.
Steely Dan is one of the greatest underrated bands of all time! Their Jazz Funk and soft rock fusion is PHENOMENAL! My favorites by them are 1. Hey Nineteen 2. FM 3. Peg
Harmony, melody, soul and great riffs.
These guys just had that groove...as a band they were so tight and they brought the chill and the rhythm every time!!
👍good reaction if you like steely dan, try Toto , “hold the line” Africa “ or “I won’t hold you back”not has polished on the jazz side has steely dan, but like steely dan , a bunch of great session musicians,
The Wake Forest football team was called The Deacon Blues. They lost 45 games straight to Alabama. Chuck Raney, from Cleveland on bass. I'm a bass player. He's one of my favorites. He doesn't overplay but adds smooth lite fills. Always interesting and smooth.
How can 2 people be so deaf to give this musical perfection thumbs down? Must be the non instrument generation.
Perfect example of how every note of every instrument counts.
I'm a rocker, and by that we're talking Deep Purple,Van Halen,Led Zeppelin,etc. This was the album in my collection that made my friends go "Dude,wtf is this?". They never got it and I didn't care. I acquired this album from my stepmom. The first time I listened to it all the way through I was enchanted by it. If you can find it,there used to be a program called "Classic Albums" that would spotlight different albums. It included interviews with musicians, engineers,producers,etc who were involved in the making of the album. They did an episode on this album and it's awesome. It such a cool story too. They recorded this album with the cream of the crop session musicians. A lot of great stories about the making of it.
Jay Rah your appreciation for genuinely good music is truly inspiring! Thanks for another good reaction!
Congrats on 10k--I knew early on that you'd hit it, and then some. Keep working it!
Good to see you back baby! Still pitching for Dave Brubeck Quartet st Louis Blues. Not the usual reactor fare... All the best from Scotland 🏴🐙
Another smooth album is Tom Scott and the LA Express playing with Joni Mitchell on the iconic Miles of Aisles LP. Thanks for sharing Steely Dan!
You "get it" my friend. you caught those awesome lyrics in the last verse... thank you, you have an old soul. ;)
Man, you hit that one right on the nose - icing on the cake from the sax.
It's a must. As a Steely Dan music lover. To listen to BLACK COW. If you ever heard of LORD TARIQ AND PETER GUNZ's DEJA VU(UPTOWN BABY). You might recognize the beginning of BLACK COW sampled.
Steely Dan was always a step above all groups.If you bought a stereo system in the 70's,Steely Dan was the demonstration album. Glad you discovered them.
I ran out and bought the Aja album when heard Deacon Blues for the first time and I have never been without a copy since. Quality can never be substituted. They stayed true to the music and never cut corners. Co-founder Walter Becker is on the bass, between him and Charles Rainey III, who plays on Josie and Peg are two of the four bassists that inspired me to play bass. Peter Christlieb is on the tenor sax solo also inspired a couple of my friends along with myself to play sax. All this from this one album and this particular song.
The drumming on this track is outstanding.
Welcome to our past the original o.g. band still kicking the real grove best wishes for your musical journey to the past
Lyrics speak to a life of a gambler/night owl and all the things that accompany that lifestyle. Great song to put on after a long night out on the town.
Steely Dan--stands the test of time! Roll Tide, Jay Rah! :-)
Nobody comes close to this band's sound and unique creative element. Enjoy "MY Old School" . Kudos, JayRah, on your open mind and fine taste. Looking forward to your getting into Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band- a deep, empowering rabbit hole. Can't wait. I've already been in the hole 40 years, just really excited for you... and to be able to watch u check it out. "Night Moves" is the perfect start.
Yep. You 'get it' 100%. Great reaction to this work of genius.
You should watch the film on how Steely Dan recorded this album. It was very cool. My fav SD song is King Of The World 💜
Good choice. One of my favorites.
definitely a Rhodes piano there. The late, great Victor Feldman. Stellar studio musician.
On Pink Floyd Animals, the pigs, dogs and sheep represent the three main social classes. The pigs are the elite ruling class. The dogs are the law enforcers and the sheep are common folk. Pretty deep subjects but extremely satisfying concept album.
And Gilmore shines as usual - my fave Floyd album
Oh yeeaaaahhhhhhh, one of the best mellow tunes EVER!!! Smooth like scotch whiskey indeed! SOLID stank face LOL, I would expect nothing less. You simply cannot go wrong with some good Steely Dan! This was another great reaction to an awesome tune, thanks!! I would suggest Hey Nineteen and Bodhisattva (pronounced bo-dee-SOT-va).
James, "Babylon Sisters" and "Black Friday" are next for you!!
This is prob the best mixed album ever. Its supposedly used as a standard to test new equipment by audio engineers.
Sold this album the day it came out as a 17 year old newbie to the music scene. Changed my existence.
Steely Dan is your favorite band's favorite band.
Great reaction to my favorite Steely Dan song. I would suggest that you react to Black Cow ,another great song of the classic Aja album.
You just got a new sub kid because you actually listen to the instruments and appreciate musicianship!!!!
Any Steely Dan song you haven't done yet, do that one. So nice to see someone do music like this that "gets it".
Total GREATNESS!
If the only music you could ever hear would be Steely Dan, you'd still have a rich, extensive play list.