Just an FYI..,Steely Dan is not a “he.” It’s a band comprised of a lot of studio musicians. Donald Fagan and Walter Becker are the duo behind the band. Some of their backing vocals were sung by Michael McDonald of the Doobie Brothers and later a solo artist. Glad you young guys love it. I grew up with it.
Probably more accurate to say it's not a band, but a concept directed by Fagan and Becker. They brought in a constant stream of the top LA studio musicians to play until they found what they were looking for for a particular part. Often a half dozen guitarists would each lay down a solo track never knowing if it would be on the record until it came out. Fagan and Becker are alchemists who had the luxury of pursuing perfection.
Someone below commented that they were in their 60’s and laughed while they watched you guys. Well, at 62 having you listen to one of my all time favorite bands (my 25 year old calls it dad rock) actually brought tears to my eyes as I saw you love it.
Steely Dan is your favorite band’s favorite band. Seriously. They were the first band to win a Grammy for recording engineering, for this album, Aja. They’re in a genre all by themselves. R.I.P. Walter Becker (guitarist).
Wow! Pretty disrespectful. I guess in your world there can't be two great bands with their own sounds and powerful musicians. With 33 million albums sold and 40 million albums sold respectively, I think they both stand on their own.
Steely Dan’s Aja is considered to be one of the greatest recordings ever. When you add the list of stellar musicians, different on each song, there are no equals. Listen to more please!!!
Definitely add "Reelin' In the Years" to the Steely Dan playlist...and check out another old banger by the group Head East called "Never Been Any Reason."
I don’t think there is any other band that can do this, genuinely. You like the song more and more every single time no matter how many times you’ve listened to it.
"Deacon Blue" and "Do It Again" are my favorite Steely Dan tunes, but pretty much can't go wrong with any of them. It's unreal how many quality musicians played on Steely Dan albums.
Gentlemen, Steely Dan is a long journey, like Zeppelin or The Beatles - somebody you get into completely and spend a few years going through all their work, you'll know ever song, and they will be with you for the rest of your lives. If either of you is a musician, beware the Mu Major! It is a rabbit hole you will never escape from. Oh - and King of the World is the song you want next.
I love watching the progression of Alex's face as he comes to realize he is in the presence of greatness! He even does a "give in to how good this is" whiskey sip, a resigned happy shrug, even disco eyes and head tilt up to the left, and a "WAT?" to the guitar solo. LOVE these reviews.
"Peg" happens to my favorite Steely Dan song, but thoroughly agree on the other three recommendations. "Haitian Divorce" is a fun one, too. Don't expect the same backing vocals elsewhere. The amazing Michael McDonald lent his talents to this one.
@@joelsimms4636 More of a soul band, or a more soulful band than the west coast R&R garage/biker band they started out as, yes, certainly. But if you think those records with Michael McDonald and Skunk Baxter were 'bubblegum' you have cloth between your ears.
NEXT TRACK HAS TO BE “ DO IT AGAIN” very Santana-esque. Really great stuff, not typical banger tracks but I love it. they are touring right now as well so definitely catch the show if you can, they are great live. I love that you truly branch out and explore great musicianship groups.wine and cheese smooth chill vibes😎👍🏻
Guys, great break down analysis of this song! You had it right, when it comes to 70's music production this band is at the top of the pinnacle. Steely Dan is completely unique. They produce a profoundly unusual vibe with their music that is unlike any other imo. Next one "Hey Nineteen".
Gentlemen, Steely Dan songs to try next: Do it again, Reelin' in the years, Rikki don't lose that number and Deacon blues. Can't go wrong with any of these. Later guys.
Try “Don’t Take Me Alive”; one of the only songs ever written that starts with a guitar solo. And Kid Charlemagne from the same album....masterful guitar work.
Steely Dan was the perfect intersection of talent, vision and opportunity, a magical alchemy of east coast conceptual roots and west coast technical virtuosity. Fagan/ Becker brought a clear musical vision, the LA session scene offered all of the tools they needed to create their sonic landscape, and they had the patience and persistence to get it right. Genius in every aspect and at every level in pursuit of perfection.
Aja was an amazing moment in history! Never to be repeated. Demonstrates what can be done with a lot of money and inspiration. The name, Steely Dan...where did that come from...hmmm? Let's get back to that. Michael McDonald is singing a five-part harmony with himself, sounds warbaly, it's Peg, like pre-chrous. Back to the name of the band, it's a model of d*ld*. Like, the Steely Dan, wow. I hope no one is offended. I do like this song, a lot. Thanks for sharing this. Peace out ✌️ .
Lifelong SD fan here. My mind was blown by Aja when I was in high school 30+ years ago, and love them still. I loved watching the joy and surprise on your faces while you listened. Hope you go deeper into Aja and their other albums - you won’t regret it. They are amazing and STILL sound avant-garde to me - no one else has come even close to catching up to them yet.
Part of the reason Steely Dan is so good is Becker and Fagen's nearly obsessive perfectionism. They assembled the best session musicians of the time and chose the right people for each song . They would spend hours with each track to ensure that it was absolutely perfect.
Oh man. You guys are gonna LOVE diving into Steely Dan's catalog. Their stuff is eclectic, complex and catchy, and the cryptic lyrics are great. Green Earrings is a must.
This genre can probably be described as the more “pop” side of Jazz Fusion. With steely dan we also enter the realm of some of the greatest studio musicians collaborating alongside the core members Donald Fragen and Walter Becker. There really isn’t one Steely Dan song I can think of that I can’t recommend. For some of their most well known songs I might suggest their 1972 breakout album with the songs "Do It Again" and "Reelin In The Years" just to name a few. Some other of my favorite songs of theirs are "Aja", "Deacon Blues", "Hey Nineteen", and “Kid Charlemagne”.The list goes on. Anyways, great video as always!
Check out supertramp - school it’s a great prog rock song and a rebellious song about school 5 years before pink Floyd did theirs... really worth a listen.
Wallace Grommet assembling musicians wasn't exactly their process. It was more like a conveyor belt of the top session players coming into the studio individually. They recorded far more musicians than they selected for the final mix.
Ya gotta understand that very few people have shared musical experiences anymore now that media focus on narrowcasting and niche appeal vs broadcasting. My husband and I are in our 30s, and our generation was the last to really know what broadcasting was like, appointment viewing, watercooler conversation, etc. That's why I enjoy reaction channels, because they bridge interest and age groups.
The guitar soloist, Jay Graydon, was the sixth or seventh guitarist to attempt at getting the exact sound Walt and Donald were looking for. If you have seen the Making of Aja documentary, they play a couple of them back.
Thanks so much young fellers!!! I'm a musician over 50 and I love that you guys are playing music for the new kids to hear. There's hope yet!!!! You have a new subscriber!
It makes me a little sad that these kids have never heard the Dan, or that they don't recognize Michael MacDonald... The Chuck Rainey baseline on this track... epic.
Me too. I turned 18 mid-‘72 and just finished my second year college. Those years had so much incredible new music and I went to hear bands live all the time. Much available as I grew up and also went to college in NYC.
Now we're talking boys!!! Soooo many great Steely Dan songs! Explore some oldies like BODHISATTVA and REELIN' IN THE YEARS, can't wait to see your reaction to those two. Both are banging rockers. And of course EVERYTHING on Aja is fantastic. This is the band all other bands wished they could be. Dig deep. Almost every song they did was exceptional, and some of the most esoteric and intellectual lyrics ever. Oh, and that's Michael McDonald on the background vocals, from The Doobie Brothers.
I was thinking the same thing, lol! It would be a shame if you guys just stop here. Experiencing Steely Dan is like going down a rabbit hole: so much to experience with their songs and research about them.
Susan Tarallo They did “Reelin’ In The Years” last month. It’s time they do another one. I hope they do “Kid Charlemagne” or “Home At Last” next. “Kid Charlemagne” has that killer guitar solo by Larry Carlton and “Home At Last” has the Purdie shuffle so Alex will love either one. Steely Dan has so many good songs that if they do one per month it’ll take them at least three years to get through them all. They need to create a separate channel just for Steely Dan. Lol
Finally! I knew you guys would eventually get here, although I'd give Peg a 10 easily. All virtuoso musicians who, as you noted, should be heard with headphones to hear all their intricacies and production values. Other solid choices in order... Reelin' in the Years (total banger) Deacon Blues (personal fave, you'll be clankin' those whiskey glasses) Rikki Don't Lose that Number FM Black Friday Josie Hey Nineteen Do it Again Black Cow My Old School Kid Charlemagne
There are no misses. Masters of the craft. There’s a thread of quality throughout their catalogue, but there’s so much particularity to each song. Best players, great writing, huge depth of musicality. Too clean for some folks.
The vocals on the chorus like jazz chords unexpected. The Dan CONSTANTLY surprises with the unexpected and unknown, like that guitar solo. Wtf? Exactly.
Gotta say this was fun to watch. As an OLD GUY that grew up with this music, it's really great to see someone of this generation take a good listen (with an open mind!) and hear the magic and talent that is/was Steely Dan. The purity and innocence of you two as you hear what they were doing for the first time brought a smile to my face. Like someone else said, in every musician there is before Steely Dan and after. Funniest part to me was that Peg isn't even one of my favorite 'Dan songs! I mean, it's good and all but there are others I would select to pop a Steely Dan virgins cherry. But, it's the one you picked, and you guys got it! Steely Dan is truly trans-generational. I have kids your age and we all will pull out a Steely Dan song or two from time to time when we have GTG's. Thanks for the smiles!
When listening to SD, you are experiencing meticulously crafted tracks.... that was Jay Graydon on the guitar break playing with an Orange Squeezer.... he said he "took a risk" with that break as it was dubbed in later...
I like how you guys refer to SD as "him." Its just the band name, dudes. Like Pink Floyd or Jethro Tull. Though, the central members were Donald Fagan and Walter Becker.
Back in the day when I was obsessed with SD, my friends hated them because they weren't a rock band. The mix of jazz and funk with the underlying elements of rock and pop was unknown and mostly unwanted except by those who were jazz lovers and open to funk. The term "cross over" was just coming into use at the time and the general public only slowly began to accept SD. Of course, beyond the question of genra, SD's tremendously rich creativity and musicality - would always distinguish them as uniquely great.
Peter Quinones hmmmmm......I like Steely Dan.......but I do think Alex and Andy have been in “major league” territory from the very beginning......Lets not overstate it...
@Helene Spaulding Sorry Helene, everything about this music is a little higher. The chord progressions, the metronomics, the horn arrangements by Tom Scott. This is a whole other ballgame.
Peter Quinones and I can appreciate that and applaud the sheer talent and musicianship of their work. My appreciation of them is intellectual, like comp,ex jazz. But I prefer to react to music more emotionally, so I am carried away by beautiful ballads or lose myself in pounding beats. I appreciate their music but it just doesn’t reach in and grab my soul. Just personal preference.....
You become a Steely Dan fan when you get better at listening to music.
Steve Mercer well said
Amen
Excellent point!
TRUTH.
@Wise One and a cocaine-corroded septum!
No kids, that's not Mike McDonald using auto tune on the background vocals. That's him singing on pitch without a computer assisting.
Liam McCann several different really close parts at that
correct.. props to him for doing that.
Get that generational jab in...
@@roundbaby4749 Indeed it is.
I also heard in an interview w the dan that he nails the vocals pretty much the first time in the studio
Steely Dan is their own genre, welcome to the rabbit hole.
Perfect! Kid Charlemagne. Gotta Love Larry Carlton. Also ..Don`t take me alive--OPENS with a guitar solo.
are
This is true. Nothing even remotely similar
Steely Dan was so on another level. Almost 50 years later it still slays.
You could spend the rest of your lives listening only to Steely Dan albums and never get bored.
redid my master bath with Steely Dan essentials in my ear the whole time on repeat!!
Same for the Fagan solos, they're brilliant.
@@warwick724 #proofpositive
Maybe not but we were lucky to live in a time of such amazing talent. Wish it could have lasted longer.
@@DIGIPIX55 yet if it's lasted this long, perhaps it's been "enough."
Just an FYI..,Steely Dan is not a “he.” It’s a band comprised of a lot of studio musicians. Donald Fagan and Walter Becker are the duo behind the band. Some of their backing vocals were sung by Michael McDonald of the Doobie Brothers and later a solo artist. Glad you young guys love it. I grew up with it.
Skunk was thier lead guitarist till he went to the Doobies
Sorry asking but I promise it's not against you in particular, WHY DO YOU PEOPLE KEEP WRITING FAGAN INSTEAD OF FAGEN?
COSTANtheCOSTY don’t know KostantheKosty
Probably more accurate to say it's not a band, but a concept directed by Fagan and Becker. They brought in a constant stream of the top LA studio musicians to play until they found what they were looking for for a particular part. Often a half dozen guitarists would each lay down a solo track never knowing if it would be on the record until it came out. Fagan and Becker are alchemists who had the luxury of pursuing perfection.
Thank you for setting the children straight
I’ve always said, there are 2 types of people. People who love Steely Dan and people who dont love them yet.
Someone below commented that they were in their 60’s and laughed while they watched you guys. Well, at 62 having you listen to one of my all time favorite bands (my 25 year old calls it dad rock) actually brought tears to my eyes as I saw you love it.
Same from the female perspective!
curiousbeing female here as well loving it 🔥♥️
So much fun. I'm 66. :)
Agree!
Absolutely we'll said. Thx for your comment. I too am 61 and understand your feeling to all this. Take care. 🤗
Steely Dan is your favorite band’s favorite band. Seriously. They were the first band to win a Grammy for recording engineering, for this album, Aja. They’re in a genre all by themselves. R.I.P. Walter Becker (guitarist).
musician's musicians. the best.
flubblert I went to an audio engineering school, Full Sail, and Steely Dan were like gods among men.
@@TahoeNevada not surprised.
flubblert 😂
@@flubblert The mighty Steve Gadd on Percussion!!
Don't mention Dave Mathews and Steely Dan on the same day. The Dan are in a different universe
Herb Kornblau but both Dan and dave start with a “d”
I just 🤦♂️ on that comment too. Peg gets a solid 10 for me.
AGREED! I literally cringed when I heard that! 😲
@Herb Kornblau. So glad my kids don't embarrass me like that 😆
Damn straight
😂😂😂. 67 years old and I’m hysterically laughing at you guys in a good way. YOUTH, gotta love it.
Marge Stibel my husband and I do the same! We’re in our 4o’s.
How do you exist on the planet and not know Steely Dan?
I hear ya... 52yr old 😬🤗 n Iove those young men 😜😚 they know music!!!
That's why I love them! I hear aspects of a song I've never heard before after watching their videos.
52 here, amen brother!
I'm 62 and absolutely love watching you guys discover and appreciate the Dan! They are the definition of Thinking Man's (or Woman's) rock.
Dave Matthews couldn't hold Steely Dan's Jock strap
Wow! Pretty disrespectful. I guess in your world there can't be two great bands with their own sounds and powerful musicians. With 33 million albums sold and 40 million albums sold respectively, I think they both stand on their own.
....but Dave sure would like to,,,,
....but Dave sure would like to...
David Hattman So so true👍🏻
HAHAHAHA!
Steely Dan, the Kings of the groove. To this day people use their albums to test the range on stereo equipment.
Or Fagan’s IGY. That is also a slice of perfection
Steely Dan’s Aja is considered to be one of the greatest recordings ever. When you add the list of stellar musicians, different on each song, there are no equals. Listen to more please!!!
And throw in the theme for the movie, FM at about the same time! AjA IS A GREAT album but adding FM would have taken it to the stars!
Oh yes...Aja is a must have for any audiophile. Even as a metal head back in the 70's and 80's, I had a deep appreciation for Steely Dan's music.
@@kenperk9854 FM, Ricky don't lose that number and Deacon Blues.
Have they done Aja yet ?
I purchased it when it came out. One of my best buying decisions ever. Top five album.
Sooo glad these boys appreciated how “sick” Jay Graydon’s guitar solo is
Unfortunately the late Jay Graydon
He’s still with us
@@michaelguagenti9790 still alive.. wtf?
I'd recommend "Do It Again" next for another tasty guitar solo.
i got tainted by this version and can't go back ua-cam.com/video/_BihcBN7_wU/v-deo.html
Right on! LOVE Steely Dan, no one is like them! Check out "Do It Again", gotta hear that one! 😁
Do it Again goes great with weed. 🤩
@@loosilu Great with anything.
Lucie Melahn Or whiskey! 🥃
Definitely add "Reelin' In the Years" to the Steely Dan playlist...and check out another old banger by the group Head East called "Never Been Any Reason."
+1 for Never Been Any Reason.
~~Save my life, I'm going down for the last time!~~
Woman with a sweet lovin’, better than a white line!
Love the Head East song...Good call.
Vote here for Head East's "Never Been Any Reason"! Total banger and their big hit. Total kick-drum/cowbell rocker.
"DEACON BLUES!" Trust me. Another Steely Dan banger. A must!
If “Aja” isn’t a classic album, then no album is.
The word you’re searching for is “timeless”.
“FM” by Steely Dan. Also 100% agree with “Never Been Any Reason” by Head East!!!
Jeff Schmidt Yes!! Head East
Yes! Head East!
I love that song from head east
Such an awesome song and a banger!
Guys, Steely Dan is the closest band to fine wine you will hear. The music just gets better with each listen.
I don’t think there is any other band that can do this, genuinely. You like the song more and more every single time no matter how many times you’ve listened to it.
Fine wine is the perfect comparison
@@mikedocemrick9497 There is always something different to hear every time you listen to their music.
When real musicians get together.
The whole album Aja was a masterpiece
sure was......... i knew a girl named "Aja" because her mom liked the album so much
And still is.
still is
yes!
They worked meticulously on that album. Steely Dan are a different breed of musician. They are so good. Also they need to check out 'Gaucho'.
Never ever to try to categorize categorize Steely Dan, it's a futile effort.
Steve W I like to call it as NY jazz
Yep they are totally unique
s' Yatch Rock, b
You KNOW that's right!
Right on. Just let The Dan engulf you in whichever way they want.
"Deacon Blues" "Josie" "Rikki don't Lose That number" "Do It Again"
Show Biz Kids!
Jeff “Skunk” Baxter on guitar. Awesome player!
two lucky people who get to hear the entire Steely Dan catalog for the first time
Tell me about it!
"I've heard about HIM"????? :facepalm:
Wait until they eventually find out "who" Steely Dan is.
Dan was going to form a band with those other two guys, Pink Floyd and Jethro Tull and make a trio.
Can't hate on them. That's how you know this channel is genuine.
Good ol' Steely!
that was funny lol no insult, just cute funny
"Deacon Blue" and "Do It Again" are my favorite Steely Dan tunes, but pretty much can't go wrong with any of them. It's unreal how many quality musicians played on Steely Dan albums.
"Do It Again" is so good. completely forgot about it. sooo many gems from these guys.
Steely Dan was all that back in the day. These guys are so talented. Enjoy their artistry.
Still are.
Gentlemen, Steely Dan is a long journey, like Zeppelin or The Beatles - somebody you get into completely and spend a few years going through all their work, you'll know ever song, and they will be with you for the rest of your lives. If either of you is a musician, beware the Mu Major! It is a rabbit hole you will never escape from.
Oh - and King of the World is the song you want next.
Totally agree
KOTW is an obscure one but one of my absolute favorites.
I love watching the progression of Alex's face as he comes to realize he is in the presence of greatness! He even does a "give in to how good this is" whiskey sip, a resigned happy shrug, even disco eyes and head tilt up to the left, and a "WAT?" to the guitar solo. LOVE these reviews.
You have to do "Kid Charlemagne" "Deacon Blues" "Dr Wu"
"Dr. Wu" is a great pick. The melodies just burst out of that track.
Your right on!!
No headphones. Stereo with 12 inch woofers. Pioneer stereo and speakers. 500 watt min.
The horn arrangement on Deacon Blues is sublime.
@@KyleS.1987 Are you crazy
are you high?
I recommend "My Old School", "Reeling In The Years", "Do it again"
My Old School!!! The guitar work on that song is impeccable!!!
@@toddedwards5144 absolutely agree. One of my faves
"Peg" happens to my favorite Steely Dan song, but thoroughly agree on the other three recommendations. "Haitian Divorce" is a fun one, too. Don't expect the same backing vocals elsewhere. The amazing Michael McDonald lent his talents to this one.
Reeling in The years is great driving in a car, radio turned up. YAY
Well, I mean, you need to do Reelin' in the Years. In a guitar world magazine Jimmy page said it has his fav guitar solo
Also, the one who sings the drawn out "PEEEEEEEEEEG" and the backing vocals is Michael McDonald, who also sings for the Doobie Brothers.
I think there was quite a bit of cross over between Steely Dan and the Doobie Brothers during the mid seventies?
Micheal and Skunk ruined the Doobie Bros. Turned them into a bubblegum pop band!
@@joelsimms4636 It's definitely a different sound, but I kinda like it.
@@joelsimms4636 More of a soul band, or a more soulful band than the west coast R&R garage/biker band they started out as, yes, certainly. But if you think those records with Michael McDonald and Skunk Baxter were 'bubblegum' you have cloth between your ears.
@@joelsimms4636 if by ruined you mean made them mor musically sophisticated and help them to their biggest success and several Grammys, then yes !
NEXT TRACK HAS TO BE “ DO IT AGAIN” very Santana-esque. Really great stuff, not typical banger tracks but I love it. they are touring right now as well so definitely catch the show if you can, they are great live. I love that you truly branch out and explore great musicianship groups.wine and cheese smooth chill vibes😎👍🏻
Love the sitar-esque solo...
Guys, great break down analysis of this song! You had it right, when it comes to 70's music production this band is at the top of the pinnacle. Steely Dan is completely unique. They produce a profoundly unusual vibe with their music that is unlike any other imo. Next one "Hey Nineteen".
You're branching out, guys. Congratulations on expanding your minds.
me likee.
The Dan is the epitome of progressive jazz rock.
when he said "the chords are crazy" i was like... okay they're LISTENING to Steely Dan now. Good job
Gentlemen, Steely Dan songs to try next: Do it again, Reelin' in the years, Rikki don't lose that number and Deacon blues. Can't go wrong with any of these. Later guys.
Martin Collis reelin for sure
Good choices.
Try “Don’t Take Me Alive”; one of the only songs ever written that starts with a guitar solo. And Kid Charlemagne from the same album....masterful guitar work.
Gas Beer heard the song a thousand times, never thought about how unique that is. Great call
@@jjsdad4952Reeling in the Years has one too, not a common thing.
The Royal Scam 🤘
Larry carlton
I have recently figured out that it represents the mental breakdown just prior to the events of the song. IMHO
You will never hear anything quite so sublime as Steely Dan
Steely Dan was the perfect intersection of talent, vision and opportunity, a magical alchemy of east coast conceptual roots and west coast technical virtuosity. Fagan/ Becker brought a clear musical vision, the LA session scene offered all of the tools they needed to create their sonic landscape, and they had the patience and persistence to get it right. Genius in every aspect and at every level in pursuit of perfection.
Thank you for that awesome sauce.....!
Well said, sir!
Mega dittos.
You need to be a writer with those kind of chops!
Nice copy paste lol
Michael McDonald with the backing vocals, just like he did on every damn radio song of the late 70s/early 80s. Lol. Great song though
I was just getting ready to google if that was Michael Mc Donald. LOL Thanks
J Sanders McM is a BEAST on vocals
LOL
Michael McDonald and Skunk Baxter were in Steely Dan before joining The Doobie Brothers and still worked on their projects after joining The Doobies.
Not bad on Seely Dan , but didn’t like the way he seemed to take over the Doobie Brothers.
He's a wild dude, that Steely Dan. From the corner of my eye, I saw him once at Ruby's. He was very high. It was a cry'h disgrace.
Like a gangster, on the run...
@@firefly7519; @Charles Cyr, you guys are cracking me up!
They saw your face
Aja was an amazing moment in history! Never to be repeated. Demonstrates what can be done with a lot of money and inspiration.
The name, Steely Dan...where did that come from...hmmm?
Let's get back to that.
Michael McDonald is singing a five-part harmony with himself, sounds warbaly, it's Peg, like pre-chrous.
Back to the name of the band, it's a model of d*ld*.
Like, the Steely Dan, wow. I hope no one is offended.
I do like this song, a lot.
Thanks for sharing this. Peace out ✌️ .
The first time a person hears Steely Dan must be like the same way a dog feels when he first eats people food.
I will never forget the evening a friend of mine turned me on to Steely Dan. That was 1978. I totally agree with your comment.
great analogy
Steely Dan were known as absolute perfectionists when it came to recording. Brilliant musicians ❤️
Lifelong SD fan here. My mind was blown by Aja when I was in high school 30+ years ago, and love them still. I loved watching the joy and surprise on your faces while you listened. Hope you go deeper into Aja and their other albums - you won’t regret it. They are amazing and STILL sound avant-garde to me - no one else has come even close to catching up to them yet.
Part of the reason Steely Dan is so good is Becker and Fagen's nearly obsessive perfectionism. They assembled the best session musicians of the time and chose the right people for each song . They would spend hours with each track to ensure that it was absolutely perfect.
Steely Dan is one of those bands I didn't really get into until my adult years. Very cool chilling music.
Oh man. You guys are gonna LOVE diving into Steely Dan's catalog. Their stuff is eclectic, complex and catchy, and the cryptic lyrics are great. Green Earrings is a must.
This genre can probably be described as the more “pop” side of Jazz Fusion. With steely dan we also enter the realm of some of the greatest studio musicians collaborating alongside the core members Donald Fragen and Walter Becker. There really isn’t one Steely Dan song I can think of that I can’t recommend. For some of their most well known songs I might suggest their 1972 breakout album with the songs "Do It Again" and "Reelin In The Years" just to name a few. Some other of my favorite songs of theirs are "Aja", "Deacon Blues", "Hey Nineteen", and “Kid Charlemagne”.The list goes on. Anyways, great video as always!
Check out supertramp - school it’s a great prog rock song and a rebellious song about school 5 years before pink Floyd did theirs... really worth a listen.
If they do Supertramp it would probably have to be Patreon only because they do block a lot of videos.
That's what I'm on about!
AGREED! good call, they must experience SUPERTRAMP! anything from ‘Crime of the century’ and ‘Crisis? What crisis’ albums
Lj Sites
Crime of the century would be incredible
Douglas Show
I hope not
Never heard this before.
Nice jazzy funky rockish groove to it.
I like!
Dive in. Steely Dan is tasty.
Will do ✌
George, you just fell into a trap of greatness. UA-cam Steely Dan and start listening!
That Michael McDonald.... I think he might have a future.
The best musicians assembled when Steely Dan called
Wallace Grommet assembling musicians wasn't exactly their process. It was more like a conveyor belt of the top session players coming into the studio individually. They recorded far more musicians than they selected for the final mix.
Absolutely!!
Larry Carlton...What a hired gun. Outstanding!
"Reeling in the years" is good song by them, too.
I can't imagine not having heard this song five hundred times. What kind of music do you have on your planet?
Steve Workman Hahahaha was thinking the same thing!!
Their parents must be Amish.
Ya gotta understand that very few people have shared musical experiences anymore now that media focus on narrowcasting and niche appeal vs broadcasting. My husband and I are in our 30s, and our generation was the last to really know what broadcasting was like, appointment viewing, watercooler conversation, etc. That's why I enjoy reaction channels, because they bridge interest and age groups.
@@AngelaSealana You have a good point. I doubt that I could name any hip-hop songs.
@Steve Workman - Doesn't matter what planet your from. They play Steely Dan on all planets!
So many good songs from Steely Dan, try "Do It Again" "FM" "Josie" and "Bodhisattva" to name a few worth checking out.
blane williams yeah Do It Again AND.......Dirty Work
"Do It Again" has an outstanding electric sitar solo. Also check out "My Old School" for some cool guitar licks.
The guitar soloist, Jay Graydon, was the sixth or seventh guitarist to attempt at getting the exact sound Walt and Donald were looking for. If you have seen the Making of Aja documentary, they play a couple of them back.
That bassist is playing down some serious funk in the background.
Chuck Rainey
They told him not to play slap bass but he really wanted to, so he faced away from them in the recording studio and they said yeah that sounds great!
Going to town and running every red light, but not hurrying at all
Google the meaning of 'Steely Dan'. 😂😂😂
Dildo**😂😂😂❇️💓
Lol; yes, do.
Oh my....thats funny as hell.... never knew that. Damn some things cant be unseen lol
a big Steel Dildo LOL
@@tonygamble6414 steam operated
Check out "Kid Charlemagne" - iconic guitar solo. Also, "Don't Take Me Alive", and "Reeling In The Years".
I literally clapped out loud and yelled "YES" when I instantly knew they were intrigued by this. grateful as a 14 year old
You, have a bright future!
Someone's exposed you to some great music....good for you, and good on them!
@@tommyblackwell3760 yup!
They made extremely complicated music sound so easy
Hugely underrated
Love love them
Yes!
Dig deeper and realize that Michael McDonald is backing on the chorus. Pure legend
Why don't you go ahead and tell them? They probably don't realize who Michael McDonald IS!
Do "Kid Charlemagne" And "FM: No Static At All."
FM : ua-cam.com/video/wdoCQn_Tjac/v-deo.html
They like guitar so they would really like FM and Kid Charlemagne: ua-cam.com/video/a7kduNihACs/v-deo.html
If you do FM do the extended version ...FM had 3 different endings the extended version has them all.
@@1bigrowdy The guitar solo version is best. It's the one on the Steely Dan website: ua-cam.com/video/wdoCQn_Tjac/v-deo.html
Thanks so much young fellers!!! I'm a musician over 50 and I love that you guys are playing music for the new kids to hear. There's hope yet!!!! You have a new subscriber!
It makes me a little sad that these kids have never heard the Dan, or that they don't recognize Michael MacDonald... The Chuck Rainey baseline on this track... epic.
Bad parenting?
Steely Dan basslines and drum beats are always superb and this is one of the best. So funky.
Yes, weird to see that they had NO CLUE. NOT DATED- TIMELESS!
Then you should be happy they are spreading the word
Don't be sad. The kids are discovering some of the best music ever produced!
Reminds me of my reaction the first time I heard Steely Dan in 1972, when I was 19. I've been a fan ever since.
In 1972, I was negative 13 years old, and Steely is still in my top 5 all-time! Great music transcends time!!!
Every time I hear Peg and Josie, I'm transported back to my first year in college.
Me too. I turned 18 mid-‘72 and just finished my second year college. Those years had so much incredible new music and I went to hear bands live all the time. Much available as I grew up and also went to college in NYC.
PS: Must do Reelin' in the Years...
That bass line is just sick, particularly through the chorus
Don’t Take Me Alive. Amazing vocals and vocal harmonies, structure,and everything. Peg is a great song. One of my favorites
Now we're talking boys!!! Soooo many great Steely Dan songs! Explore some oldies like BODHISATTVA and REELIN' IN THE YEARS, can't wait to see your reaction to those two. Both are banging rockers. And of course EVERYTHING on Aja is fantastic. This is the band all other bands wished they could be. Dig deep. Almost every song they did was exceptional, and some of the most esoteric and intellectual lyrics ever. Oh, and that's Michael McDonald on the background vocals, from The Doobie Brothers.
Digging deep would mean going to "The Caves of Altamira"
Hey nineteen is a classic, you need to check out
"him"
o you young puppies are so cute!
Magnificent musicians who created beautiful music. You can keep listening to Steely Dan forever.
"Haitian Divorce" "Only A Fool Would Say That" "My Old School" And yes, they are their own special sound and style.
mypl510 My old school, yes! Love to get into Donald Fagan’s Night Fly.
"Only a Fool Would Say That"-- wow. I hadn't thought of that song in ages, but it's a good one.
The Dan is the gift that keeps on giving 🌈
My old school is excellent. Obviously kid Charlemagne too
Thomas Fitzsimmons so true, their music has enriched my whole 37 years on this earth. Daily listening for me!
Obviously "Kid Charlemagne" next, do Steely Dan for the next year, one song per week.
Yes....
You can do more than one a week. Steely Dan are like potato chips ... can't have only one.
I was thinking the same thing, lol! It would be a shame if you guys just stop here. Experiencing Steely Dan is like going down a rabbit hole: so much to experience with their songs and research about them.
Susan Tarallo They did “Reelin’ In The Years” last month. It’s time they do another one. I hope they do “Kid Charlemagne” or “Home At Last” next. “Kid Charlemagne” has that killer guitar solo by Larry Carlton and “Home At Last” has the Purdie shuffle so Alex will love either one. Steely Dan has so many good songs that if they do one per month it’ll take them at least three years to get through them all. They need to create a separate channel just for Steely Dan. Lol
Kid Charlemagne one of the best songs ever.
All their songs are exquisite! All are the same wonderful feeling that is Steely Dan.
Finally! I knew you guys would eventually get here, although I'd give Peg a 10 easily. All virtuoso musicians who, as you noted, should be heard with headphones to hear all their intricacies and production values. Other solid choices in order...
Reelin' in the Years (total banger)
Deacon Blues (personal fave, you'll be clankin' those whiskey glasses)
Rikki Don't Lose that Number
FM
Black Friday
Josie
Hey Nineteen
Do it Again
Black Cow
My Old School
Kid Charlemagne
Sean Mc You forgot "Chain Lightning" and "Bodhisattva".
"FM", the long version, is a favorite by Steely Dan.
studies have shown that listening to "FM" will raise your cool factor by four...
Maybe the song that summed up that time in the 70's better than anything? That song is tattooed to my soul.
There are no misses. Masters of the craft. There’s a thread of quality throughout their catalogue, but there’s so much particularity to each song. Best players, great writing, huge depth of musicality. Too clean for some folks.
The vocals on the chorus like jazz chords unexpected. The Dan CONSTANTLY surprises with the unexpected and unknown, like that guitar solo. Wtf? Exactly.
Like listening to Mozart, Steely Dan will raise your IQ a few points.
It’s basically the dadrock equivalent of Rick and Morty.
Steely Dan and Mozart in the same sentence?
Really
So true. I remember when Steely Dan was inducted to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, it was like men amongst boys.
Gotta say this was fun to watch. As an OLD GUY that grew up with this music, it's really great to see someone of this generation take a good listen (with an open mind!) and hear the magic and talent that is/was Steely Dan. The purity and innocence of you two as you hear what they were doing for the first time brought a smile to my face. Like someone else said, in every musician there is before Steely Dan and after. Funniest part to me was that Peg isn't even one of my favorite 'Dan songs! I mean, it's good and all but there are others I would select to pop a Steely Dan virgins cherry. But, it's the one you picked, and you guys got it! Steely Dan is truly trans-generational. I have kids your age and we all will pull out a Steely Dan song or two from time to time when we have GTG's. Thanks for the smiles!
When listening to SD, you are experiencing meticulously crafted tracks.... that was Jay Graydon on the guitar break playing with an Orange Squeezer.... he said he "took a risk" with that break as it was dubbed in later...
Amazing band that set the bar high.
"Home At Last" has a landmark groove.
"Kid Charlemagne"
"Black Friday"
"Any Major Dude"
"Aja"
"Do It Again"
So glad to see someone mention Home at Last! Amazing song.
I like how you guys refer to SD as "him." Its just the band name, dudes. Like Pink Floyd or Jethro Tull. Though, the central members were Donald Fagan and Walter Becker.
Back in the day when I was obsessed with SD, my friends hated them because they weren't a rock band. The mix of jazz and funk with the underlying elements of rock and pop was unknown and mostly unwanted except by those who were jazz lovers and open to funk. The term "cross over" was just coming into use at the time and the general public only slowly began to accept SD. Of course, beyond the question of genra, SD's tremendously rich creativity and musicality - would always distinguish them as uniquely great.
Welcome to the major leagues! Kid Charlemagne next!!
Peter Quinones hmmmmm......I like Steely Dan.......but I do think Alex and Andy have been in “major league” territory from the very beginning......Lets not overstate it...
@Helene Spaulding Sorry Helene, everything about this music is a little higher. The chord progressions, the metronomics, the horn arrangements by Tom Scott. This is a whole other ballgame.
Peter Quinones and I can appreciate that and applaud the sheer talent and musicianship of their work. My appreciation of them is intellectual, like comp,ex jazz. But I prefer to react to music more emotionally, so I am carried away by beautiful ballads or lose myself in pounding beats. I appreciate their music but it just doesn’t reach in and grab my soul. Just personal preference.....
I don't think their ready for KC.
This album was my first real exposure to Steely Dan. Glad you're on it. Aja is a great album.
You have just scratched the surface...and the music from my perspective its timeless I know people who've just like you discovered the Dan...
“Do it again” must be next. Reeling in the years after that
Absolutely, these two next. Then, there's so many more.
So many great musicians on this album... plus Michael McDonald's voice is so great as a backup singer.
"Don't take me alive", "black cow" and "Deacon Blues" probably my top 3 from them, but they have a deep catalog for sure.
Check out Kid Charlemagne and Don't Take me Alive, ripping guitar solos courtesy of Larry Carlton
There is SOOOO much more to this band: "Reelin' In the Years" , "Do It Again" , "Rikki Don't Lose That Number" , etc, etc,etc.
Hey I just suggested the exact same songs (plus Aja) :-)