I've been binge-watching your journey through Steely Dan and the joy of that discovery. It's like seeing an un-sighted person seeing a sunrise and sunset for the first time.
You are the first reaction video broadcasters to play this song's album version with the strange intro making it 4:30 as opposed to 3:58 from the edited single version. Thank you for being the first to play the full song!
The start of Rikki is nicked from Horace Silver's Song For My Father. They never forgot their jazz influences. So not only has Steely Dan been sampled they have sort of sampled themselves. More on that later. There is an almost sinister edge to the tone of the song. Fagen's take could be defined between benign and stalkerish. It depends on one's interpretation of the song. In the end, it garnered them a top 5 US hit. Steely Dan group member Jeff Skunk Baxter did the solo on this one. Remember when he was in Steely Dan? Then he joined The Doobie Brothers later on. Horace Silver's Song For My Father: ua-cam.com/video/CWeXOm49kE0/v-deo.html The highlight of Pretzel Logic live was Michael McDonald singing the vocal part after the solo. That live take really added something special to the song and gave it a deeper context. Walter Becker played lead on this one, one of his first leads on a Dan album. The song Gaucho has a poignant duality to it. It first deals with the male lover of the man in the song the so called Gaucho. How dare he bring this South American gay man to the Custerdome. In far more a subtle context, it is the story of Becker and Fagen's relationship. Becker was doing a lot of drugs,had tons of bad luck and was the less stable of the two partners. You can see the loyalty of the two and the downward spiral of Becker in the song. The message of getting rid of him is from the suits to Fagen with regards to Becker. Donald and Walter always put great importance on these lyrics. They were not only musical perfectionists but great storytellers to boot. Fagen was of course a big fan of jazz, even modern jazz. He let it slip in an interview that he was influenced by Jan Garbarek and Keith Jarrett's song, Long As You Know You're Living Yours. That is the biggest influence on the song Gaucho. So Rikki was not The Dan's only nick/homage. As a result, Keith Jarrett got song writing credit on the song. The Jarrett/Garbarek group performs it ua-cam.com/video/SM36ykdccsQ/v-deo.html A comparison of the two songs ua-cam.com/video/AfVSLdfP1Y8/v-deo.html Remember how Lexi liked the bassline on Glamour Profession? Well the bass player of that track Anthony Jackson originally played bass on this track. In true Steely Dan tradition and their perfectionist bent, they erased his part! Becker rerecorded it and did a fantastic job on this doing double stops and did some nimble playing on it. Walter played lead guitar here as well.
Fagen supposedly quipped that they were “the robber-barons of Rock & Roll.” They sampled before it was called “sampling.” He admitted his influences. And it was common practice - compare Led Zeppelin to the Blues tunes they “borrowed.” Lol. I don’t have a horse in the race or a writing credit to dispute, but I’ve appreciated the rampant “borrowing” that kinda birthed Rock. It is interesting though. And I appreciate all the info you dropped. ✨🤪
@@michelemichele3375 Thank you for your kind words.. I bought Gaucho the week it came out and have loved that album ever since. Led Zeppelin's first album aren't just nicks, they were outright song thefts! Page stole other people's songs lock,stock and barrel. I am a Zeppelin fan but The Dan's homages were far far fewer than anything Zep ever did.
@@JC19676 Yes, agreed - there was some “illegal,” but fun (under the sun) borrowing ... but I have gained so much because of it. I’ve always thought that the English Invasion of the 60’s came to the U.S. reworking our own music and feeding it back to us. But for some listeners, it was maybe the first encounter with Blues or Rockabilly ... until the passion was ignited and we went back to discover the roots. It certainly helped my early musical education so I’m not too mad at it. And artists were awarded a few wins with writing credits. But then, I wasn’t robbed ... because yeah, some be blatant af lol. Thanks again. ✨🤪
It is so much fun watching you two enjoying a band I have been listening to for decades. I remember anxiously awaiting the release of each of their albums. I am 65 years old and enjoy them today just like I did back then, I hope you take them with you through your own years too, thank you for the fun videos and I look forward to watching you discover more great music from the 70's and 80's
@@alberthilt Same here. I'm 65 and still enjoy this stuff every bit as much as I did when it originally came out - maybe more. And yes, it's a pleasure seeing the youngsters have such appreciation of wonderful music that has no shelf life!
You must listen to “Night By Night” and “Any Major Dude Will Tell You” from Pretzel Logic. The rest you can finish on your own. “AMDWTY” will certainly remind you of the Eagles again, and curiously, it inspired Genesis to write the song “Squonk” (which also deserves your attention.)
Interesting fact. I'm not familiar with the AMDWTY influence on the writing of Squonk. I've always heard that Kashmir influenced Squonk; although, interestingly, all three songs are written in the key of D Major.
Steely Dan does NOT sound like The Eagle, FFS. The band that gave us lame "Desperado", "Life In the Fast Lane", or psuedo country like "Lyin' Eyes". Please. The Dude would agree with me.
Fagen did "Nightfly" on his own, and then "Kamakyriad"...but he asked Becker to help produce that second one; they were mending fences by the late '80s. Becker had gotten clean and sane in the interim (after a series of tragedies/mishaps) on his Hawaaian avacado farm, and had produced some other bands. Then they decided to tour--weird, b/c Fagen had been adversely affected by both stagefright and the roadgrind in the Dan's early days (plus there's their perfectionist bent and their penchant for "picking the best--and different-- studio musicians for every part in every song" didn't seem like it might translate well to putting together a static, stable touring band, on the road every night. But, it ended up working. Album of the Year Grammy for "Two Against Nature," at the turn of the millenium. Both Fagen and Becker each have two solo albums in the '90s & 2000s. Plus the Dan's "Everything Must Go," which I personally think is better than "Two Against Nature." You kids have a LOOOOOOONG way to go, you lucky so-and-sos! And, we'll be along for the ride...enjoy!
I always ranked it in my top ten favorite guitar solos. Not so much because of the technical brilliance or the difficulty of it, but because it is just perfect in the context and tone of the song.
@@cobbycaputo3332 I absolutely see it this way too. It's just beautiful in the context even if there are other guitar solos that are technically more brilliant when viewed in isolation.
When they hit a melody and lyrics they hit it like no one else. Their high standards and immense talent and the musicians they use makes them quite unique. Rarely make an average at worse song
Nick and Lex, love you two like no others. To see you both, for the first time, experiencing this music that has scored my entire life is a joy like no other. I can still remember when Gaucho first came out and playing it for the first time in my friend Mikes room. A few friends together anxiously waiting to hear the new songs from Steely Dan. This was on vinyl and back then our rule was you had to play the whole side before repeating songs. We broke that rule for this album. You bring that all back to me so vividly. Gaucho especially has a depth of sound that is astonishing. During the chorus the chka-chka-chk of the guitar, faint but there, the back up singers highlighting just the precise right moments, so fluid and beautiful. Thank you so much, todays video brought me to very happy tears.
I bought The Royal Scam when it came out at age 13 and have loved Steely Dan ever since. I really appreciate your mix of pure enjoyment of the songs and intelligent comment on the musical elements. There's such complexity in this band especially compared with others of their time, so cool that you two are listening to them.
Pretzel logic is an incredible album. The song Night by Night off it, oooof!!!! "It's a beggars life, said the Queen of Spain But don't tell it to a poor man" Fagens voice is the best. Love you guys 🙏🤘🏻❤️
@@katylied24 Now I didn't like that so much when it came out. A couple of great tracks, but it sounds kinda 'thin' (apparently they didn't like the recording themselves - some new gear didn't work properly but the album was pressed anyway.) Also, it's very short!
@@katylied24 You love Katy Lied? It’s a good thing because, you know, your name. 😆 Just me being silly. I love it too. Some tracks embody their sound perfectly. Cheers ✨🤪
This was my go-to song to use to test out audio equipment before I would buy it. Just such clean production values, and lots of dynamics to test the speakers/amp/whatever.
Have you ever realized the lyrics in the chorus don’t rhyme? It’s so weird. I probably listened to that song a thousand times before someone said “isn’t it weird the words don’t rhyme in that part”? I never noticed but they pull it off
protagonist is furious his special friend got bedazzled by a cheeseball, even though he thinks hanging out "high in the custerdome" is the height of sophistication. The whole scenario is hilarious. Tom of Finland meets Midnight Cowboy.
The guitarist in this song Jeff "Skunk" Baxter went on to play with the Doobie Brothers,, and then working as a defense consultant and chairs a Congressional Advisory Board on missile defense. There is a good piece on him on youtube worth a watch.
Yep, brilliant man, and great piece on him on UA-cam as you've said. Brian May of Queen went on to get a PhD in Astrophysics and was the president of a college. There've been some truly top shelf minds in rock! Becker and Fagen just poured all of their genius into their music and lyrics.
So it’s the marathon you hinted at doing, so I knew it was coming. 😁 And by now, you’ve heard the many stylings but somehow the same, identifiable sound of Steely Dan. Happy you’re here for all of it - you’ve passed the test and are officially “fans.” Sure, we have favorites but the gems keep catching our attention. So much info already offered in these comments. JC1967 wrote a thesis ⬇️ of great background info. And yes, Pretzel Logic starts very “Doors,” uses Blues but leans towards Jazz too. And I hear Donald’s “Oh, yeah” as very Beatles. Thank you for marathons! Great job 👏🏼✨🤪
@@sooutrageous007 “And your elevator shoes.” When you get dissed by Fagen, watch out. “I’ll drop him by the freeway. Doesn’t he have a home?” Donald wants him OUT, whoever it is. Walter did get a little out of control with substances but do you think the “bodacious cowboy” is his friend or connection? 🤷🏻♀️ lol ✨🤪
A somnabulant Walter was most definitely persona non grata and almost certainly (high) in the Custerdome... peering too intently into that mystical sphere from Lhasa will get you a nasty dragon bite if you're intemperate. LoL
As someone has probably noted already, The Eagles Timothy B Schmitt sings on "Rikki". Part of the reason, though that the song has that Eagles feel is that Jim Gordon is drumming on it. Gordon, one of the great 70s drummers, made use of his toms in a very similar way to Henley. He was known for paying attention to their tuning and made use of them in a very melodic manner.
Jim Gordon! "Layla," "What is Life," "You're So Vain," "Jump Into the Fire," "Apache," "I Am Woman," "Billy Don't Be a Hero," "Sundown," "Chevy Van," "Diamonds and Rust," "Rich Girl"....God, he was great.
I'm obsessed with Glamour Profession"s bass line! It's like a tune in itself, the way it drifts in and out of the pocket. Look forward to hearing your take on it. Great video as ever guys
Ears to Year Two! Can't wait to hear Charlie Freak, Any Place I'm Welcome to, Barrytown, Bodhisattva, and Gold Teeth 1 and 2. I'm pretty sure I speak for everyone, at least in this county, when I say that I'd like to see y'all dancing to the songs that call for dancing. Maybe not to D.O.A. or "The End" or "Several Species of Small Furry Animals Gather Together In a Cave and Grooving with a Pict", or "Heavenly Music Corporation", but something like "Rikki" fer sher. No one else seems to be doing that, and I have to say, whatever y'all are doing is paying off. I find that I am at my personal healthiest and most radiant when I dance regularly. T'ai chi too and yoga of course. All to music.
What a treat to come home to this. This made up for having to work all week. I love the piano on Rikki and I believe it was their biggest hit single. This was a great triple play and a great way to start the weekend. Lex has the matching outfit, earrings and bracelet. Now you're just showing off. Fabulous!
Rikki is a track that simply never gets tiresome. Pretzel Logic also a great track. And you will love Night By Night" once you explore the album further. Great stuff as always.....
Steely Dan's music is a multilayered Sonic experience. The guitars, the horns, the piano and keyboards, the voices,... All glued together with fantastic bass lines, the drums leading and driving you into those beatiful and intricated melodies,... and don't forget the lyrics.. Thanks..
The rest of Pretzel Logic is SO good! "Night by Night" and "Parker's Band" are just special. "Barrytown" telling a story about the Moonies is so good too. You guys are great! Enjoy!
Agree wholeheartedly. The entire record is magnificent, from start to finish. If you guys had to pick one song only, I would strongly suggest "It All Comes Down to You." A masterpiece.
3 of my favorite Donald and Walter creations. Each has a very specific emotional time period attached to my life. I know you guys have realized it, but Don has one of the great underrated voices in popular music. Music is a wonder!
Amazing music. It never gets old, but I am. Gaucho gets me every time. With its triplet over two beat lyrics, syncopated beat jazz chords, all while maintaining a catchy funk strut groove....... Amazing.
Even though I discovered "Stelly Dan" (Aja") over forty years ago, I am hearing songs for the first time, I am down this Rabbit Hole(Journey) right with you guys! Love what you do, Love who you are.....
I’m trying to imagine what it must be like for you to have started your Dan journey with Aja and then work backwards through their creative evolution. Rikki and Do It Again are probably their most classic “hit parade chart topper” tracks. Both are beautifully crafted piece of top 40. Really looking forward to when you eventually arrive at Katy Lied. I was talking to a friend about our favourite Steely Dan albums, and I ranked them as follows: Aja Katy Lied Royal Scam Countdown to Ecstasy Two Against Nature Gaucho Everything Must Go Pretzel Logic Can’t Buy a Thrill
It’s nearly impossible to rank Steely Dan for me. But I think: 1) Royal Scam. 2) Aja. 3) Everything else. Lol. Sea of Tranquility ranks Steely Dan studio LPs. And Steely Dan songs. And Donald Fagen LPs. Pete makes the remark that it’s all good - a solid body of work. True dat. ✨🤪 m.ua-cam.com/video/PVCJIi7p3io/v-deo.html m.ua-cam.com/video/tTQBgVSL--g/v-deo.html m.ua-cam.com/video/tmbVe_33L1s/v-deo.html
More than 3 dozen SD songs have been sampled in over 100 tunes over the past 30yrs. Rappers are notorious for it. Most recent was Kanye sampling Kid Charlemagne. BTW those harmonies in thier songs are special. Great stuff...
Funny you should mention the Eagles because they had a small competition between the two bands. The Hotel California line “They stab it with their steely knives, but they just can’t kill the beast,” is a reference to Steely Dan. Steely Dan made a reference to The Eagles in their song ‘Everything You Did’, so The Eagles took a shot at Steely Dan in ‘Hotel California’.
I don't think they were taking shots at each other... more of a matter of showing respect. I think at some point an Eagle or two sang backup vocals on some SD tunes...
Love these marathons! I’m going to join the chorus chanting for Night By Night. Just love that song. But what a great trio of Dan here. Gaucho is amazing is it not?
Timothy B. Schmit from Poco and later, The Eagles, sings backing vocals on Rikki and Pretzel Logic. He also sings on Barrytown, the whole Royal Scam album, Aja, Josie, and Home at Last.
To a certain extent the Gaucho album sounds a bit like some of the thematic structures of music by Bob James, Joe Sample and also a very funny TV show of the time called “Taxi”. That music might have been produced by Mike Curb.
I didn't comment on the last Steely Dan reactions, because I think to the uncounted hymns of praise I didn't have to add anything, but this time I have to say Rikki don't loose that nr is one of my Top 5 SD songs, loved it from the very first time I heard it and still do ... now I'll listen and see how good I know the other songs
The drummer on this track was Jim Gordon, who played with Clapton in Derek and the Dominoes. He was a very in demand session drummer. Sadly, he succumbed to severe schizophrenia, and murdered his mother in1983. He was sentenced to, and resides to this day, in a mental facility in I believe, Maryland.
I was lucky enough to buy a small vinyl collection in which 5 Steely Dan albums were on audiophile records. These records are now part of the holy grail of my collection. I can only recommend everyone to buy Steely Dan on audiophile vinyl or CD. A new world of sound opens up.
i love steely dan! but i wouldn't care if i never heard rikki don't lose that number ever again. it's probably the steely dan song that i've heard the most, well, definitely among the top 2 with do it again, but do it again is a banger, and i could listen to it every day.
It’s been played to death in every doctor’s waiting room and supermarket in America, that’s for sure, but it’s one of the 2 strongest songs on the album, along with "Pretzel Logic."
Hey guys! I’ve always felt Rikki was almost “country-jazz”! because of the jangly guitars - almost steel guitar sound. The Dan creates its own style of blues- interesting story-telling lyrics… and the jazz is still in there, too!
The sound of "Gaucho"--that sax--is reminiscent of SNL at the end of the show, the leadout--maybe you're thinking of that. That sax. That hot/cool sax.
These songs bring back high school memories. You two are like sharing my musical inspirational memories with my children, who unfortunately, don't like the music from this era.
Love all the Dan love over here! Thank you guys for another great reaction! I've been listening to some Masayoshi Takanaka lately and I was wondering if you guys have ever heard any of his work? If not, he's a Japanese jazz fusion guitarist and most of his material was released in the 70's and 80's. A lot of Latin influence in some of his albums, particulary Brazilian samba. He has an album called Rainbow Goblins based off the children's book of the same name. Out of his discography this one has really stood out to me and I think the tracks The Moon Rose or Soon would be really good listens for yall! Funky and beautiful! Cheers guys!
I was delighted to see a second upload today and further delighted that it's another Dan marathon! Pretzel Logic contains one of my favorite Steely Dan lyrics: "I stepped up on the platform The man gave me the news He said, You must be joking son Where did you get those shoes? Where did you get those shoes?"
Here SD reminds me of my favorite show, The Twilight Zone. Pretzel Logic is like circular reasoning but the theme is obviously time travel. Shoes from the year 2525 might be very strange indeed.
That always reminded me of a time when a buddy of mine, a biker, came into my garage and saw my golf spikes. He said, "Lew, please tell me those are not your shoes!"
Hello, CT. Yes, another classic Steely Dan line that gets quoted repeatedly to keep the vibe alive. Yes, there’s gas in the car and Where Did you get those shoes!! Part of the fun of being a fan. Music: ✅. Dark or sarcastic lyrics: ✅. How Walter “reads” this character in Gaucho is pure Shade. Lol. ✨🤪
You're totally right about "Gaucho" being the theme song to a sitcom! It was called "No, He Can't Sleep on the Floor". It starred Ted Danson as a wealthy banker who's visited unexpectedly by his down-and-out college roommate played by Tony Danza. It only lasted one episode and yes, I'm totally kidding.
It reminds me of the old Saturday Night Live band in some ways. It's a very 80's easy jazz sound. Do Donald Fagen's the Nightfly but do it as one album and not in pieces. It's a concept album and should be played in order. It's about growing up in the 1950's
Wow. I did not know he played on Pretzel Logic. He’s still in prison for killing his mother after having a psychotic break. Due to a quirk in the law he wasn’t allowed to plead insanity.
It’s interesting how you’re discovering Steely Dan in reverse and comparing their music to other things. My memory of it growing up with it is that when you heard Steely Dan on the radio unit was Steely Dan because there was nobody like them. The way they used voicings of chords rephrased structures and there’s a verse of lyrics were and are still unique. I think a lot of people covered who played solos on things. That was Walter on pretzel logic I think his first solo on guitar. That was Jeff Baxter on Ricky don’t lose that number. And of course when you get to the earlier albums the first two it’s Walter on base all the time. Walter was a huge influence on me and got me interested in playing the bass and was always my inspiration . Can’t wait to see you guys review some other older work and react to some of the other guitar playing. I still put in my request for your gold teeth off of Countdown to Ecstasy and Your Gold Teeth 2 off of Katy Lied. I think that’s a fun take with very different outcomes and you can really start seeing the jazz influencers stronger . Also really appreciate the way you guys react and respect each other’s opinions and show such courtesy to each other. Keep on reacting keep on making my day. PS keep your eye on the mail.
Amen Nick, henley is greedy$$$. Listening to a new Steely Dan song is like opening a Christmas present. "That's so good" I hear Nick say that a lot... lol, Have fun Guy's
The guitar solo on Pretzel Logic is Hiram Bullock .Hiram played in David Letterman's Late show band with Paul Schaffer...unfortunately he had drug issues which eventually took his life....he was a monster player gone way too soon.
I have to correct you. The solo is not Hiram Bullock. He would have 19 at the time of this recording. The solo has been traditionally attributed to the great Jeff Baxter although many SD faithful believe it is actually Walter Becker. I agree with that supposition. Becker and Baxter have very different sounds and to my ears this is vintage Becker. Hiram recorded his own version of this song on his solo album “Give it what you got”, hence the source of the confusion. And Hiram sadly died of cancer not drugs.
Ricki is one of many songs that is the soundtrack of my senior year in high school, and it invokes very fond memories of closing one door (high school) and another one opening (college). When I hear it now, I might as well by 18 again! Great choice guys!!
Huge Steely fan here. I think Gaucho is truly one of their top masterpieces. The musical sophistication and innovation in the song is mind blowing even for Steely. Great reaction.
😀 so much fun! Songs i have fallen in love with already! And my great friends hearing them for the first time! This band is a treasure! As are both of you to me! Love the Dan and love you both too!
Ahhh....you hit the title tracks for both Pretzel Logic and Gaucho, which round out my top 6 SD pieces. So fun watching you groove to the some of the best of 'your favorite band's favorite band'. Especially seeing the talented musician in Nick just shaking his head, hold his hands up and going, "Wow1" during Gaucho. Whatever did we do to deserve such perfect composition, engineering and performances? I can't think of a single thing. I don't recall seeing your doing Third World Man from Gaucho; maybe it's buried in one of marathons. But if not, #nicknlexrequest Third World Man. It's utterly unlike anything else they ever did. Brooding masterpiece.
I can’t wait until you hit Dr. Wu! Probably my fave Steely Dan song (next to FM - which I don’t think appears on any Steely Dan LP, but you absolutely can’t miss it!)
It was just a bad movie set in a radio station but it had a wonderful soundtrack,including Bob Seger Linda Ronstat Doobie Bros. Joe Walsh and Queen to name a few.
Pretzel Logic is another KILLER GROOVE from the Dan. I think the one thread that runs through all of Steely Dan's music is Donald Fagan's writing and arranging. It's what makes their music great but also gives it a untiy of style from one end to another that is also never static.
In 1980 that was the most expensive record ever produced Babylon Sisters took 276 sessions / takes after that Fagen was finally happy with the results🙈Patti Austin on the chorus vocals amazing track !
I started university in 1975 and all the juke boxes in the halls (of residence), student's unions and student's pub had great tracks like this on them. When I hear this I'm back then in a moment. So glad you guys played and enjoyed this. Slainthe.
"Gaucho" (the title track) is a pinnicle for me, where they fully realised the vision of the band. It's perfect, flawless. I'm sure others have told you this, but the opening Bass notes of "Rikki..." are taken from Horace Silver's "Song for My Father", which is an epic tune in it's own right.
Great reaction! I'm glad FM radio stations in the 70's weren't afraid to play diverse music, long songs and deep album cuts. I was only in middle school when Gaucho came out, but by then I had received the best music education listening to the artists of the era.
Hey young people, enjoyed a couple of your videos. Great music stands the test of time. I am 65 and listen to songs on the radio today what i heard on the radio when i was in high school!
Love you guys so much, I’ve been following you through your Steely Dan journey, a journey that started for me in the 70’s, so thank you for helping me to relive each step of that journey and see the enjoyment you both have had in discovering this truly amazing phenomenon. This Dan aka Daniel, has such an appreciation of ‘The Dan’ and for the way you guys bring their music to life each and every time you connect. I wonder if the part of gaucho you were trying to link was a part of the theme tune from quantum leap …
The opening bass line with piano in beginning of Rikki is direct idea from jazz legend Horace Silver’s classic composition, Song For My Father, which has album of same name.🎶
This Pretzel Logic is making me thirsty!
😂👏
@ Come Together Not that there's anything wrong with that.😂
@@taylortyler1867 😂👍
Hilarious!
I mean, this guy. This guy's funny.
I've been binge-watching your journey through Steely Dan and the joy of that discovery. It's like seeing an un-sighted person seeing a sunrise and sunset for the first time.
Brilliant analogy. And our joy watching their discovery is immense. Thanks ✨🤪
I’m doing the same a year later. I love these guys!
You are the first reaction video broadcasters to play this song's album version with the strange intro making it 4:30 as opposed to 3:58 from the edited single version. Thank you for being the first to play the full song!
All musiic should follow tenor sax solos
The start of Rikki is nicked from Horace Silver's Song For My Father. They never forgot their jazz influences. So not only has Steely Dan been sampled they have sort of sampled themselves. More on that later. There is an almost sinister edge to the tone of the song. Fagen's take could be defined between benign and stalkerish. It depends on one's interpretation of the song. In the end, it garnered them a top 5 US hit. Steely Dan group member Jeff Skunk Baxter did the solo on this one. Remember when he was in Steely Dan? Then he joined The Doobie Brothers later on.
Horace Silver's Song For My Father:
ua-cam.com/video/CWeXOm49kE0/v-deo.html
The highlight of Pretzel Logic live was Michael McDonald singing the vocal part after the solo. That live take really added something special to the song and gave it a deeper context. Walter Becker played lead on this one, one of his first leads on a Dan album.
The song Gaucho has a poignant duality to it. It first deals with the male lover of the man in the song the so called Gaucho. How dare he bring this South American gay man to the Custerdome. In far more a subtle context, it is the story of Becker and Fagen's relationship. Becker was doing a lot of drugs,had tons of bad luck and was the less stable of the two partners. You can see the loyalty of the two and the downward spiral of Becker in the song. The message of getting rid of him is from the suits to Fagen with regards to Becker. Donald and Walter always put great importance on these lyrics. They were not only musical perfectionists but great storytellers to boot.
Fagen was of course a big fan of jazz, even modern jazz. He let it slip in an interview that he was influenced by Jan Garbarek and Keith Jarrett's song, Long As You Know You're Living Yours. That is the biggest influence on the song Gaucho. So Rikki was not The Dan's only nick/homage. As a result, Keith Jarrett got song writing credit on the song.
The Jarrett/Garbarek group performs it
ua-cam.com/video/SM36ykdccsQ/v-deo.html
A comparison of the two songs
ua-cam.com/video/AfVSLdfP1Y8/v-deo.html
Remember how Lexi liked the bassline on Glamour Profession? Well the bass player of that track Anthony Jackson originally played bass on this track. In true Steely Dan tradition and their perfectionist bent, they erased his part! Becker rerecorded it and did a fantastic job on this doing double stops and did some nimble playing on it. Walter played lead guitar here as well.
Wow. You gave it to us. Great info. Thanks. ⬆️ What JC1967 said. ✨🤪
Fagen supposedly quipped that they were “the robber-barons of Rock & Roll.” They sampled before it was called “sampling.” He admitted his influences. And it was common practice - compare Led Zeppelin to the Blues tunes they “borrowed.” Lol. I don’t have a horse in the race or a writing credit to dispute, but I’ve appreciated the rampant “borrowing” that kinda birthed Rock. It is interesting though. And I appreciate all the info you dropped. ✨🤪
@@michelemichele3375 Thank you for your kind words.. I bought Gaucho the week it came out and have loved that album ever since. Led Zeppelin's first album aren't just nicks, they were outright song thefts! Page stole other people's songs lock,stock and barrel. I am a Zeppelin fan but The Dan's homages were far far fewer than anything Zep ever did.
@@JC19676 Yes, agreed - there was some “illegal,” but fun (under the sun) borrowing ... but I have gained so much because of it. I’ve always thought that the English Invasion of the 60’s came to the U.S. reworking our own music and feeding it back to us. But for some listeners, it was maybe the first encounter with Blues or Rockabilly ... until the passion was ignited and we went back to discover the roots. It certainly helped my early musical education so I’m not too mad at it. And artists were awarded a few wins with writing credits. But then, I wasn’t robbed ... because yeah, some be blatant af lol. Thanks again. ✨🤪
Beautiful write up…thank you so much!
That horn section is so tight,you couldn’t pull a pin from its arsehole with a tractor.
Utter musical perfection.
That there is funny, I don't care what anybody says.
@@kbrewski1 Could be talking any number of Dan tracks,but yes,Gaucho.
It is so much fun watching you two enjoying a band I have been listening to for decades. I remember anxiously awaiting the release of each of their albums. I am 65 years old and enjoy them today just like I did back then, I hope you take them with you through your own years too, thank you for the fun videos and I look forward to watching you discover more great music from the 70's and 80's
Right there with ya Michael... I turn 65 this March, and have "grown up" with SD... and I love hearing ANY SD song just like it was the first time!!
@@alberthilt Same here. I'm 65 and still enjoy this stuff every bit as much as I did when it originally came out - maybe more. And yes, it's a pleasure seeing the youngsters have such appreciation of wonderful music that has no shelf life!
You must listen to “Night By Night” and “Any Major Dude Will Tell You” from Pretzel Logic. The rest you can finish on your own. “AMDWTY” will certainly remind you of the Eagles again, and curiously, it inspired Genesis to write the song “Squonk” (which also deserves your attention.)
I hope they do "Squonk."
I know. I love Night by Night. Reminds me of a song that should be in a 70s tv cop show
Gotta listen to "Night by Night" and "Any Major Dude". Also "With a Gun". That's a good one. Love the lead guitar in "Night".
Interesting fact. I'm not familiar with the AMDWTY influence on the writing of Squonk. I've always heard that Kashmir influenced Squonk; although, interestingly, all three songs are written in the key of D Major.
Steely Dan does NOT sound like The Eagle, FFS. The band that gave us lame "Desperado", "Life In the Fast Lane", or psuedo country like "Lyin' Eyes". Please. The Dude would agree with me.
Fagen did "Nightfly" on his own, and then "Kamakyriad"...but he asked Becker to help produce that second one; they were mending fences by the late '80s. Becker had gotten clean and sane in the interim (after a series of tragedies/mishaps) on his Hawaaian avacado farm, and had produced some other bands. Then they decided to tour--weird, b/c Fagen had been adversely affected by both stagefright and the roadgrind in the Dan's early days (plus there's their perfectionist bent and their penchant for "picking the best--and different-- studio musicians for every part in every song" didn't seem like it might translate well to putting together a static, stable touring band, on the road every night. But, it ended up working. Album of the Year Grammy for "Two Against Nature," at the turn of the millenium. Both Fagen and Becker each have two solo albums in the '90s & 2000s. Plus the Dan's "Everything Must Go," which I personally think is better than "Two Against Nature." You kids have a LOOOOOOONG way to go, you lucky so-and-sos! And, we'll be along for the ride...enjoy!
One of the most beautiful guitar solos I know in Rikki don’t loose that number.
I always ranked it in my top ten favorite guitar solos. Not so much because of the technical brilliance or the difficulty of it, but because it is just perfect in the context and tone of the song.
@@cobbycaputo3332 I absolutely see it this way too. It's just beautiful in the context even if there are other guitar solos that are technically more brilliant when viewed in isolation.
@@PeterBuwen I totally agree with you Peter. It fits so well in the song with no embellishment needed to make it any better.
Played by Jeff "Skunk" Baxter.@@cobbycaputo3332
When they hit a melody and lyrics they hit it like no one else. Their high standards and immense talent and the musicians they use makes them quite unique. Rarely make an average at worse song
Nick and Lex, love you two like no others. To see you both, for the first time, experiencing this music that has scored my entire life is a joy like no other. I can still remember when Gaucho first came out and playing it for the first time in my friend Mikes room. A few friends together anxiously waiting to hear the new songs from Steely Dan. This was on vinyl and back then our rule was you had to play the whole side before repeating songs. We broke that rule for this album. You bring that all back to me so vividly. Gaucho especially has a depth of sound that is astonishing. During the chorus the chka-chka-chk of the guitar, faint but there, the back up singers highlighting just the precise right moments, so fluid and beautiful. Thank you so much, todays video brought me to very happy tears.
Gaucho 👍🏽
I bought The Royal Scam when it came out at age 13 and have loved Steely Dan ever since. I really appreciate your mix of pure enjoyment of the songs and intelligent comment on the musical elements. There's such complexity in this band especially compared with others of their time, so cool that you two are listening to them.
Pretzel logic is an incredible album. The song Night by Night off it, oooof!!!! "It's a beggars life, said the Queen of Spain
But don't tell it to a poor man" Fagens voice is the best. Love you guys 🙏🤘🏻❤️
Night By Night 👍🏽
Night By Night. My favourite Steely Dan track. Listening to it I can see New York, feel it, smell it.
@@mauriciodelarosa2449 🤘🏻👍
@@diogenesagogo I get that feeling too!
Really nicely said!
Walter on Bass and Guitar on Gaucho and the Great Jeff Pocaro on Drums, also Steve Khan on Guitar, Tom Scott sax.
The next album after Pretzel Logic is Katy Lied. Great album start with the song “Black Friday”.
There's some great songs on there, love that album
Love Katy lied album.
@@katylied24 Now I didn't like that so much when it came out. A couple of great tracks, but it sounds kinda 'thin' (apparently they didn't like the recording themselves - some new gear didn't work properly but the album was pressed anyway.) Also, it's very short!
@@katylied24 You love Katy Lied? It’s a good thing because, you know, your name. 😆 Just me being silly. I love it too. Some tracks embody their sound perfectly. Cheers ✨🤪
This was my go-to song to use to test out audio equipment before I would buy it. Just such clean production values, and lots of dynamics to test the speakers/amp/whatever.
Eventually I switched to AJA.
"Why is he standing in your spangled leather poncho, with the studs that match your eyes?" - such a GREAT line with a savage undercurrent
Pure shade. A total diss. ✨🤪
Have you ever realized the lyrics in the chorus don’t rhyme? It’s so weird. I probably listened to that song a thousand times before someone said “isn’t it weird the words don’t rhyme in that part”? I never noticed but they pull it off
protagonist is furious his special friend got bedazzled by a cheeseball, even though he thinks hanging out "high in the custerdome" is the height of sophistication. The whole scenario is hilarious. Tom of Finland meets Midnight Cowboy.
The guitarist in this song Jeff "Skunk" Baxter went on to play with the Doobie Brothers,, and then working as a defense consultant and chairs a Congressional Advisory Board on missile defense. There is a good piece on him on youtube worth a watch.
Yep, brilliant man, and great piece on him on UA-cam as you've said. Brian May of Queen went on to get a PhD in Astrophysics and was the president of a college. There've been some truly top shelf minds in rock! Becker and Fagen just poured all of their genius into their music and lyrics.
Yall be so real! Your joy listening to The Dan is so infectuous. Continued blessings to you both.
So it’s the marathon you hinted at doing, so I knew it was coming. 😁 And by now, you’ve heard the many stylings but somehow the same, identifiable sound of Steely Dan. Happy you’re here for all of it - you’ve passed the test and are officially “fans.” Sure, we have favorites but the gems keep catching our attention.
So much info already offered in these comments. JC1967 wrote a thesis ⬇️ of great background info.
And yes, Pretzel Logic starts very “Doors,” uses Blues but leans towards Jazz too. And I hear Donald’s “Oh, yeah” as very Beatles. Thank you for marathons! Great job 👏🏼✨🤪
"Why is he standing in your spangled-leather poncho with the studs that match your eyes?" 👀
Oh boy,, had to be Walter!
@@sooutrageous007 “And your elevator shoes.” When you get dissed by Fagen, watch out. “I’ll drop him by the freeway. Doesn’t he have a home?” Donald wants him OUT, whoever it is.
Walter did get a little out of control with substances but do you think the “bodacious cowboy” is his friend or connection? 🤷🏻♀️ lol ✨🤪
A somnabulant Walter was most definitely persona non grata and almost certainly (high) in the Custerdome... peering too intently into that mystical sphere from Lhasa will get you a nasty dragon bite if you're intemperate. LoL
@@sooutrageous007 lol. I know about “peering.” I’d recognize that stare. Lol 😝 (Edit: not to mention the dragon chase). Ha. Nite. ✨🤪
Wickedly smart band. My favorite passion is a weekend alone with the headphones on.
As someone has probably noted already, The Eagles Timothy B Schmitt sings on "Rikki". Part of the reason, though that the song has that Eagles feel is that Jim Gordon is drumming on it. Gordon, one of the great 70s drummers, made use of his toms in a very similar way to Henley. He was known for paying attention to their tuning and made use of them in a very melodic manner.
Jim Gordon! "Layla," "What is Life," "You're So Vain," "Jump Into the Fire," "Apache," "I Am Woman," "Billy Don't Be a Hero," "Sundown," "Chevy Van," "Diamonds and Rust," "Rich Girl"....God, he was great.
Jeff “Skunk” Baxter played the guitar solo on Rikki and Walter Becker played the guitar solos on Pretzel Logic and Gaucho.
I looked up the solo on Pretzel Logic and credit's given to Walter for the solo, saying it was his first for Steely Dan.
@@robertjewell9727 Corrected. Thanks.
@@MichaelTrogdon1990 , you're welcome. 👍
I'm obsessed with Glamour Profession"s bass line! It's like a tune in itself, the way it drifts in and out of the pocket. Look forward to hearing your take on it. Great video as ever guys
Ears to Year Two! Can't wait to hear Charlie Freak, Any Place I'm Welcome to, Barrytown, Bodhisattva, and Gold Teeth 1 and 2.
I'm pretty sure I speak for everyone, at least in this county, when I say that I'd like to see y'all dancing to the songs that call for dancing. Maybe not to D.O.A. or "The End" or "Several Species of Small Furry Animals Gather Together In a Cave and Grooving with a Pict", or "Heavenly Music Corporation", but something like "Rikki" fer sher. No one else seems to be doing that, and I have to say, whatever y'all are doing is paying off. I find that I am at my personal healthiest and most radiant when I dance regularly. T'ai chi too and yoga of course. All to music.
The Daily Doug (Helvering) did "Several Species..." and was blown away. 🤯🤯🤯
On the album Pretzel Logic, Night by Night is another great song
What a treat to come home to this. This made up for having to work all week. I love the piano on Rikki and I believe it was their biggest hit single. This was a great triple play and a great way to start the weekend. Lex has the matching outfit, earrings and bracelet. Now you're just showing off. Fabulous!
Rikki is a track that simply never gets tiresome. Pretzel Logic also a great track. And you will love Night By Night" once you explore the album further. Great stuff as always.....
The marimba at the beginning continues through the whole song, they put it alone at the beginning so you would know it was there lol
I've heard a version without the xylophone at the start!
@@davidnorman4923 nah, you just never noticed before. And it's a marimba, not a xylophone
Steely Dan's music is a multilayered Sonic experience. The guitars, the horns, the piano and keyboards, the voices,... All glued together with fantastic bass lines, the drums leading and driving you into those beatiful and intricated melodies,... and don't forget the lyrics.. Thanks..
The rest of Pretzel Logic is SO good! "Night by Night" and "Parker's Band" are just special. "Barrytown" telling a story about the Moonies is so good too. You guys are great! Enjoy!
Timothy B Schmidt bass player from the Eagles sang background on Rikki
Have you reacted to Joni Mitchell’s ‘Court & Spark’?. It is worthy of a whole album reaction. Very much on par with Steely Dan for sophistication.
YES!!!
@@kirkhassett8726 INDUBITABLY! Such Sweet yearning from Joni in Court & Spark.
Agree wholeheartedly. The entire record is magnificent, from start to finish. If you guys had to pick one song only, I would strongly suggest "It All Comes Down to You." A masterpiece.
Rikki has one of my favorite guitar solos
Gaucho is an unbelievable song, truly life changing
3 of my favorite Donald and Walter creations. Each has a very specific emotional time period attached to my life. I know you guys have realized it, but Don has one of the great underrated voices in popular music. Music is a wonder!
Amazing music. It never gets old, but I am.
Gaucho gets me every time. With its triplet over two beat lyrics, syncopated beat jazz chords, all while maintaining a catchy funk strut groove....... Amazing.
Show biz Kids is a classic and a real sonic treat of a song
You should check out Boz Scaggs: Lowdown! You both will be pleased, I believe. Love watching your reactions!
Definitely!
Lowdown is one of my fav songs. An absolute must for all funk lovers. ☺️
Don't sleep on Katy Lied... Even with what came before and after it, it's my favorite Dan album.
Its a whole new perspective watchin musicians listen to ur fav songs in comparison to random bloggers.
Even though I discovered "Stelly Dan" (Aja") over forty years ago, I am hearing songs for the first time, I am down this Rabbit Hole(Journey) right with you guys! Love what you do, Love who you are.....
I’m trying to imagine what it must be like for you to have started your Dan journey with Aja and then work backwards through their creative evolution. Rikki and Do It Again are probably their most classic “hit parade chart topper” tracks. Both are beautifully crafted piece of top 40.
Really looking forward to when you eventually arrive at Katy Lied.
I was talking to a friend about our favourite Steely Dan albums, and I ranked them as follows:
Aja
Katy Lied
Royal Scam
Countdown to Ecstasy
Two Against Nature
Gaucho
Everything Must Go
Pretzel Logic
Can’t Buy a Thrill
It’s nearly impossible to rank Steely Dan for me. But I think:
1) Royal Scam.
2) Aja.
3) Everything else. Lol.
Sea of Tranquility ranks Steely Dan studio LPs. And Steely Dan songs. And Donald Fagen LPs. Pete makes the remark that it’s all good - a solid body of work. True dat. ✨🤪
m.ua-cam.com/video/PVCJIi7p3io/v-deo.html
m.ua-cam.com/video/tTQBgVSL--g/v-deo.html
m.ua-cam.com/video/tmbVe_33L1s/v-deo.html
Your appreciation of Steely Dan prompts me to ask if you looked at Little Feat yet. Well worth your time.
NicknLex > Steely Dan > triple play - What more do you need to know ? Brilliant ! Nuff said !
More than 3 dozen SD songs have been sampled in over 100 tunes over the past 30yrs. Rappers are notorious for it. Most recent was Kanye sampling Kid Charlemagne. BTW those harmonies in thier songs are special. Great stuff...
Funny you should mention the Eagles because they had a small competition between the two bands. The Hotel California line “They stab it with their steely knives, but they just can’t kill the beast,” is a reference to Steely Dan. Steely Dan made a reference to The Eagles in their song ‘Everything You Did’, so The Eagles took a shot at Steely Dan in ‘Hotel California’.
I don't think they were taking shots at each other... more of a matter of showing respect. I think at some point an Eagle or two sang backup vocals on some SD tunes...
Love these marathons! I’m going to join the chorus chanting for Night By Night. Just love that song. But what a great trio of Dan here. Gaucho is amazing is it not?
Timothy B. Schmit from Poco and later, The Eagles, sings backing vocals on Rikki and Pretzel Logic. He also sings on Barrytown, the whole Royal Scam album, Aja, Josie, and Home at Last.
Wow, I didn't know that! I love Timothy B. since forever, I Can't Tell you Why. He's the best, esp. Rose of Cimarron. What a voice!
@@DriftAsasyn Leave it to Donald Fagen to pull Tim out of a Country Pop group and find the perfect place for his voice in the dark Steely Dan brew!
To a certain extent the Gaucho album sounds a bit like some of the thematic structures of music by Bob James, Joe Sample and also a very funny TV show of the time called “Taxi”. That music might have been produced by Mike Curb.
Most underrated song on Pretzel Logic is Parker’s Band!
that's a doozy.
I didn't comment on the last Steely Dan reactions, because I think to the uncounted hymns of praise I didn't have to add anything, but this time I have to say Rikki don't loose that nr is one of my Top 5 SD songs, loved it from the very first time I heard it and still do ... now I'll listen and see how good I know the other songs
The drummer on this track was Jim Gordon, who played with Clapton in Derek and the Dominoes. He was a very in demand session drummer. Sadly, he succumbed to severe schizophrenia, and murdered his mother in1983. He was sentenced to, and resides to this day, in a mental facility in I believe, Maryland.
I was lucky enough to buy a small vinyl collection in which 5 Steely Dan albums were on audiophile records. These records are now part of the holy grail of my collection. I can only recommend everyone to buy Steely Dan on audiophile vinyl or CD. A new world of sound opens up.
i love steely dan! but i wouldn't care if i never heard rikki don't lose that number ever again. it's probably the steely dan song that i've heard the most, well, definitely among the top 2 with do it again, but do it again is a banger, and i could listen to it every day.
Yeah well he's never heard it before. I like watching people hear songs for the first time even if I've heard 'em a million times before.
It’s been played to death in every doctor’s waiting room and supermarket in America, that’s for sure, but it’s one of the 2 strongest songs on the album, along with "Pretzel Logic."
Hey guys! I’ve always felt Rikki was almost “country-jazz”! because of the jangly guitars - almost steel guitar sound.
The Dan creates its own style of blues- interesting story-telling lyrics… and the jazz is still in there, too!
The sound of "Gaucho"--that sax--is reminiscent of SNL at the end of the show, the leadout--maybe you're thinking of that. That sax. That hot/cool sax.
Every Steely Dan song sounds different but they all sound like Steely Dan
If it's Steely Dan then it sounds like Steely Dan.
That's Walter's first guitar solo on a Steely Dan record. Very altered bluesy. Well chosen lines by WB.
Can't wait for a Lex playing bass video, you got a great ear for basslines....
Thank you so much for keeping the vibe alive. Very much looking forward to Katy Lied. Any major dude will tell you.
Hoping to hear a discussion about the squonk's tears.
These songs bring back high school memories. You two are like sharing my musical inspirational memories with my children, who unfortunately, don't like the music from this era.
Be sure to dive into Two Against Nature, Grammy award winning album.
My favorite from Steely Dan. From my freshman year in high school. Brings back good memories.
Sweet!...I have listened to them since 1972..they never get old ...much love and appreciation....Kent.
The female chorus in "Gaucho" are simply heavenly, celestial...
Love all the Dan love over here! Thank you guys for another great reaction!
I've been listening to some Masayoshi Takanaka lately and I was wondering if you guys have ever heard any of his work? If not, he's a Japanese jazz fusion guitarist and most of his material was released in the 70's and 80's. A lot of Latin influence in some of his albums, particulary Brazilian samba. He has an album called Rainbow Goblins based off the children's book of the same name. Out of his discography this one has really stood out to me and I think the tracks The Moon Rose or Soon would be really good listens for yall! Funky and beautiful! Cheers guys!
You GOTTA DO NIGHT BY NIGHT--great GUITAR SOLOS !!!
I was delighted to see a second upload today and further delighted that it's another Dan marathon! Pretzel Logic contains one of my favorite Steely Dan lyrics: "I stepped up on the platform
The man gave me the news
He said, You must be joking son
Where did you get those shoes?
Where did you get those shoes?"
Here SD reminds me of my favorite show, The Twilight Zone. Pretzel Logic is like circular reasoning but the theme is obviously time travel. Shoes from the year 2525 might be very strange indeed.
That always reminded me of a time when a buddy of mine, a biker, came into my garage and saw my golf spikes. He said, "Lew,
please tell me those are not your shoes!"
@@lewismaddox4132 Because you don't play golf?
Hello, CT. Yes, another classic Steely Dan line that gets quoted repeatedly to keep the vibe alive. Yes, there’s gas in the car and Where Did you get those shoes!! Part of the fun of being a fan. Music: ✅. Dark or sarcastic lyrics: ✅. How Walter “reads” this character in Gaucho is pure Shade. Lol. ✨🤪
@@michelemichele3375 I've always wondered what the Custerdome is. Good to see your reply, take care.
I love when you react to my favorite band! Steely Dan are greatest! You guys always react to such amazing music! Once again, I love your channel! Gary
“Lose.” Loose always rhymes with noose. (Mark, the slap-happy grammarian.)😎 Nothing like a three-day weekend!
"Lose the o" is the saying we were taught.
Loose can also be a verb, as in: "There are errors in the comments! Loose the grammarians!" (barking noises)
@@BrennanYoung Loose the arrows at the enemy!
Gaucho...many great movements. Drums, Bass, Saxophone, Keyboards - They 're all terrific and also background vocalists..Excellent.
You're totally right about "Gaucho" being the theme song to a sitcom! It was called "No, He Can't Sleep on the Floor". It starred Ted Danson as a wealthy banker who's visited unexpectedly by his down-and-out college roommate played by Tony Danza. It only lasted one episode and yes, I'm totally kidding.
🤣
It reminds me of the old Saturday Night Live band in some ways. It's a very 80's easy jazz sound. Do Donald Fagen's the Nightfly but do it as one album and not in pieces. It's a concept album and should be played in order. It's about growing up in the 1950's
Jim Gordon was the drummer on Pretzel Logic album. Jim was the drummer for Derek & the Dominos - Layla album.
Wow. I did not know he played on Pretzel Logic. He’s still in prison for killing his mother after having a psychotic break. Due to a quirk in the law he wasn’t allowed to plead insanity.
@@erdossuitcase7667 you got it
Easily one of the most unnoticed solos. Just perfect
It’s interesting how you’re discovering Steely Dan in reverse and comparing their music to other things. My memory of it growing up with it is that when you heard Steely Dan on the radio unit was Steely Dan because there was nobody like them. The way they used voicings of chords rephrased structures and there’s a verse of lyrics were and are still unique. I think a lot of people covered who played solos on things. That was Walter on pretzel logic I think his first solo on guitar. That was Jeff Baxter on Ricky don’t lose that number. And of course when you get to the earlier albums the first two it’s Walter on base all the time. Walter was a huge influence on me and got me interested in playing the bass and was always my inspiration . Can’t wait to see you guys review some other older work and react to some of the other guitar playing. I still put in my request for your gold teeth off of Countdown to Ecstasy and Your Gold Teeth 2 off of Katy Lied. I think that’s a fun take with very different outcomes and you can really start seeing the jazz influencers stronger . Also really appreciate the way you guys react and respect each other’s opinions and show such courtesy to each other. Keep on reacting keep on making my day. PS keep your eye on the mail.
Should say subversive lyrics
I really enjoy these marathons. You two are becoming among my favorite reactors 👍✌
Wow, thank you!
How long did it take you to find out ? I didn't need more than 3 videos to know that they are among my Top 3, maybe #1 ? :-)
Amen Nick, henley is greedy$$$. Listening to a new Steely Dan song is like opening a Christmas present. "That's so good" I hear Nick say that a lot... lol, Have fun Guy's
And check out the Second Arrangement
Pretzel Logic is my favorite Steely Dan album. In my opinion, a perfect album.
The guitar solo on Pretzel Logic is Hiram Bullock .Hiram played in David Letterman's Late show band with Paul Schaffer...unfortunately he had drug issues which eventually took his life....he was a monster player gone way too soon.
I have to correct you. The solo is not Hiram Bullock. He would have 19 at the time of this recording. The solo has been traditionally attributed to the great Jeff Baxter although many SD faithful believe it is actually Walter Becker. I agree with that supposition. Becker and Baxter have very different sounds and to my ears this is vintage Becker.
Hiram recorded his own version of this song on his solo album “Give it what you got”, hence the source of the confusion. And Hiram sadly died of cancer not drugs.
Ricki is one of many songs that is the soundtrack of my senior year in high school, and it invokes very fond memories of closing one door (high school) and another one opening (college). When I hear it now, I might as well by 18 again! Great choice guys!!
Huge Steely fan here. I think Gaucho is truly one of their top masterpieces. The musical sophistication and innovation in the song is mind blowing even for Steely. Great reaction.
😀 so much fun! Songs i have fallen in love with already! And my great friends hearing them for the first time! This band is a treasure! As are both of you to me! Love the Dan and love you both too!
Ahhh....you hit the title tracks for both Pretzel Logic and Gaucho, which round out my top 6 SD pieces. So fun watching you groove to the some of the best of 'your favorite band's favorite band'. Especially seeing the talented musician in Nick just shaking his head, hold his hands up and going, "Wow1" during Gaucho. Whatever did we do to deserve such perfect composition, engineering and performances? I can't think of a single thing. I don't recall seeing your doing Third World Man from Gaucho; maybe it's buried in one of marathons. But if not, #nicknlexrequest Third World Man. It's utterly unlike anything else they ever did. Brooding masterpiece.
I can’t wait until you hit Dr. Wu! Probably my fave Steely Dan song (next to FM - which I don’t think appears on any Steely Dan LP, but you absolutely can’t miss it!)
It's on the album Katy Lied. :)
@@danielthompson6880 He meant FM, which does not appear on any of the albums, certainly not Katy Lied which does indeed include Dr. Woo.
Was part of movie soundtrack for a movie by the same name.
@@williammedina7326 Yes
It was just a bad movie set in a radio station but it had a wonderful soundtrack,including Bob Seger Linda Ronstat Doobie Bros. Joe Walsh and Queen to name a few.
superb trio of songs to react to. never gets old. as always, honest reactions from both of you.
Pretzel Logic is another KILLER GROOVE from the Dan. I think the one thread that runs through all of Steely Dan's music is Donald Fagan's writing and arranging. It's what makes their music great but also gives it a untiy of style from one end to another that is also never static.
In 1980 that was the most expensive record ever produced Babylon Sisters took 276 sessions / takes after that Fagen was finally happy with the results🙈Patti Austin on the chorus vocals amazing track !
FANTASTIC song.
I started university in 1975 and all the juke boxes in the halls (of residence), student's unions and student's pub had great tracks like this on them. When I hear this I'm back then in a moment. So glad you guys played and enjoyed this. Slainthe.
The Dan can do no wrong “ bodacious cowboys “ 🙏🏽✌🏽❤️
"..... high in the Custerdome.....". Is this an allusion to Custer's last stand?
Katy Lied, Two Against Nature, Everything Must Go, Countdown to Ecstasy to go. Plus Fagen's solos. Becker - Circus Money.
Morph the Cat!
You're gonna love the lead break in Rikki.
"Gaucho" (the title track) is a pinnicle for me, where they fully realised the vision of the band. It's perfect, flawless. I'm sure others have told you this, but the opening Bass notes of "Rikki..." are taken from Horace Silver's "Song for My Father", which is an epic tune in it's own right.
Great reaction! I'm glad FM radio stations in the 70's weren't afraid to play diverse music, long songs and deep album cuts. I was only in middle school when Gaucho came out, but by then I had received the best music education listening to the artists of the era.
Hey young people, enjoyed a couple of your videos. Great music stands the test of time. I am 65 and listen to songs on the radio today what i heard on the radio when i was in high school!
"Rikki" is another favourite song... a song that has a strong romantic connotation for me from over 40 years ago!
Love you guys so much, I’ve been following you through your Steely Dan journey, a journey that started for me in the 70’s, so thank you for helping me to relive each step of that journey and see the enjoyment you both have had in discovering this truly amazing phenomenon. This Dan aka Daniel, has such an appreciation of ‘The Dan’ and for the way you guys bring their music to life each and every time you connect. I wonder if the part of gaucho you were trying to link was a part of the theme tune from quantum leap …
"He said you must be joking son, were did you get those SHOES?! A classic throwaway line that only Becker and Fagen could write.
The opening bass line with piano in beginning of Rikki is direct idea from jazz legend Horace Silver’s classic composition, Song For My Father, which has album of same name.🎶