This is one of my all-time favorite Steely Dan songs, for many of the reasons you two mentioned - the groove, the snarky humor - but also the amazing chord progressions! Don and Walt always do something interesting with their chord changes but they really get intricate here. I still can't quite figure out what's happening in the central instrumental break - things keep modulating in all sorts of unexpected ways and then suddenly everything lands perfectly on the bridge and then back to verse/chorus .. until the outro wanders off in yet another direction! I think that may be the source of some of the "spacy" feel you noted - the song never settles in one key but keeps bounding around like a (cocaine-fueled) balloon :-D
Sus'es, slash chords, and flat 5's all over the place. Fagan does most of the heavy lifting, progression-wise. I think his brand of genius is as legitimate as any Van Gough, Rembrandt, Davis, or Gershwin.
Don and Walt always sound so well-sorted and spacious. One thing they use (in addition to crazy production values) is tempo. They are masters in this regard. The uniformly resist all pressure to speed up, instead working from the other direction. "What is the appropriate pace for this song, that doesn't sound mired in deep sand but allows everything rhythmic height width and depth....
I have to add that the drum work on this song is quirky and sublime, driving the beat with the high hat on the 2 and 4, kick on the 1 and 3, & the snare on the down beat, with light, off-beat accents on cymbals (it is MUCH harder than it sounds even as it sounds effortless). It is truly a "pocket" performance that propels the music, even while not overwhelming it.
In an interview recently on NPR Donald Fagen said the song is about power. He also said that when he and Walter lived in L.A. they would write songs about NYC. When they lived in New York City they would write songs about Los Angeles.
Yep. I think Fagen meant LA power brokers - Showtime, business tycoon, Hollywood party animals in 3 vignettes. One of Steely Dan's best. Props to Rob Mounsey on the elegant piano solo.
Additionally, Valerie Simpson and Patti Austin sang background vocals and both were noted R&B singers in their time. Simpson sang with her husband Ashford known as Ashford & Simpson.
Here are the credits for Glamour Profession: Donald Fagen - lead vocals, backing vocals, synthesizer, electric piano Tom Scott - tenor saxophone, Lyricon, horn arrangement Michael Brecker - tenor saxophone Rob Mounsey - piano Steve Khan - guitar Steve Gadd - drums Anthony Jackson - bass Ralph MacDonald - percussion Valerie Simpson, Lesley Miller, Frank Floyd, Zack Sanders - backing vocals
Even though Gadd is credited on the drums it's probably "wendel" the drum machine. Steely Dan invented the drum machine for this album and most songs were played by it. Fun fact Wendel was awarded a platinum record :)
Yes, Steely Dan's sound engineer Roger Nichols created the very 1st drum machine called the Wendel. Steve Gadd is credited for the song because he recorded the drum samples used by the Wendel. Then later on another track Steve Gadd recorded the drum fills.
Valerie Simpson is one of my favorite musicians! I had no idea she was involved with this song. What I did know for sure is I like the background singers on "Glamour Profession". Now I know why. Thank you for the musicians credits in your comment.
If all the Steely songs were jostling for cinematic attention this one would be sharpest elbows, holding a sign declaiming I'M THE ONE! One of their least ambiguous songs, brilliant lyrics and they know it..., yet the extraordinary men of the groove provide another extraordinary groove. Intriguing and flawless.....Holly Wood, I know your middle name. Recorded in NYC I think.
Yeah, trying to remember who it was in that Classic Albums Aja doco who commented on how while they were in LA they wrote songs with NYC characters and storylines, but the moment they got back to NY they were singing about LA ones...
I love the way Fagen changes his voice to get exactly the sound he wants for each song. For example, contrast his delivery here with Kid Charlemagne , Chain Lightning, Any Major Dude, etc, etc.
Took the words right out of my mouth thank you! And let me add, for that Album, it should be reviewed from start to finish… The sequence of songs is a big part of that listening experience and such an interesting slice of Donald Fagen’s s memories!
Fagen was in the jazzy chord progression zone from Aja - Nightfly. The tab for Glamour Profession has about 53 different chords. Lots of near Stevie Wonder level voicings. flatted add 9ths, Cmaj 13ths, etc.
It’s difficult to convey the brilliance of this tune, and yet it slips through the cracks and floats away in the ether for many. It’s the first to be maligned as yacht rock and soulless, whilst permeating every pore of the beings for those that get what they’re hearing. I’ve heard it at least 300 times over the years, and it STILL blows my mind each and every time. For me this music is SO harmonically advanced and otherworldly, yet still somehow accessible, it’s as if Steely Dan was….in 1980….previewing for us all what the year 2050 was going to sound like. The mysterious yet obvious lyrics delivered to us with vocal perfection by Donald Fagen, where every word in every line paints a vivid picture, the highly advanced chord structure, the sultry horn arrangements, Steve Kahn’s beautifully understated and restrained guitar work (until the outro) THAT BASS LINE, the delicate interplay between the acoustic piano, Fender Rhodes, and synth, are all just stunning. It could never be reproduced live. And that’s ok. This is RECORDING ART at it’s finest, done by the very best recording artists and composers. This is like the Mona Lisa in the Louvre……meant to be admired and dwelt upon, but never replicated. ❤️😎
"We got a regular hoops mccann over here" LOL Driving yet spacey...I think that's achieved by the way those ghostly, icy electric piano chords hang in the air, sustaining against the groove and Anthony Jackon's moving bass line. It's a rather ingenious effect that they used to their advantage on a number of tunes
You’re both special people. I recall being stunned with my homies when we first listened to these tracks and that was when it came out! Cool that you’re enjoying this stuff with all the other senseless distractions around!
Cautionary tales are seldom so easy to listen to, it makes one wonder, "What if we'd been stronger? If they'd been stronger? Less acclaimed, successful?" Boy, oh boy. 8>\ Love the choice of "Carib Cannibal" over what was likely, imo, the first thought, "Cannonball" as in "..Run", much more apt in context. Also had to contrast Hoops standing in his own shade with the hapless dreamer of Deacon Blues, and the shift of adoration from musos, such as a saxophonist, to b-ballers. Enjoyed your takes on it very much too.
Nice review. Even though I know these albums... really enjoy going through the songs a day at a time... Tumbleweed Connection seemed extremely fresh during this process, and now Gaucho... Looking forward to my two favourites coming up... "Gaucho" and "Third World Man". Shout-out to Keith Jarrett.
A lot of people (including Walt and Don themselves) say they didn't like this album, but I do, and I'm glad you and many other people do too. It's a different feel, a different approach, but it's still them and it's still superb from many perspectives, in my view. I love Gaucho. These guys were going through all sorts of hell while recording this one, but this still sparkles like a diamond in so many ways. There are aspects of their previous work that are not in this or subsequent albums from them, but people change, they get older, and their perspectives, their ambitions, their goals, all change over time and maybe if you take that into consideration, you may not be as critical of Gaucho as some people have been... I don't know... Just sayin...
Funny that they felt that way about the album It's one of their best in my opinion and this particular track is for me, their crowning achievement. I never heard a bad Steely Dan tune , but this is next level along with Aja and Caves of Altamira. I knew the word " masterpiece," would come out in the review:)
Gaucho definitely has its own stamp for sure, I’ve read that there was an additional track that was recorded for this LP that was on the level or even more sophisticated than Aja can you imagine that! It was accidentally erased Fagen was livid, They attempted again to record it but could not capture the magic of the original so perhaps this added to the dislike of the Album.
@@andyestrada229 Ah, yeah, the old Second Arrangement. Great song. Well worth tracking down the various bootlegs of the desk tape that was made before it got wiped.
If you really wanna check out the driving beat, it is Anthony Jacksons' bass masterpiece. Search for "glamour profession bass cover", and you will hear the spine of this song. Bass and drums are the basics of most music, think of them supporting everyone as the base of a triangle.
It's evidence of the brief, all-pervasive, tidal wave-like dominance of disco's relentless 4/4 rhythm machine that even the Dan succumbs to its irresistible force herein. But the complex chords and chord progressions, the innovative instrumentation, and particularly the intelligence and wit of the lyrics together lift this song so far above the Disco mainstream as to represent a whole other genre.
Time Out of Mind another great song from this album..They brought in great background singers for this one. Patti Austin and Valerie Simpson from Ashford & Simpson to name a few.
@@SightAfterDark I believe she's in this song and Patti Austin is on either Babylon Sisters or Time Out of Mind. I think.you two will dig that song as well. It's very upbeat as well. Gaucho.has really grown on me through the years
Once again you can clearly hear the "Gilmour sound" on the guitar. It's so tasteful sounding and has its own ambiance that isn't cluttered with the overuse of effects and pedals.
There is a You Tube sight called Hitler rants . They overdub words to some movie about Hitler . Here's one of the overdubs . Hitler sends one of his top SS guys to get tickets for a Steely Dan concert . When Hitler finds out that night will be new Dan material Hitler has a meltdown. Hitler in frustration says you cant play air guitar to morph the cat . So stupid yet so funny
Listened to this classic maybe a thousand times over the years and never thought about the LA concession meaning until you mentioned it. There are so many things that make this song great, the jazz chords, great guitar and piano solo, and the dreaded moray eel will never makes it way into another song ever. Plus I was given the nickname Hoops after this song came out. Great reaction video.
@@SightAfterDark Having watched now most of your Steely Dan Reviews, I believe you two are really the only two who post reactions who really get steely dan, both musically and lyrically. My favorite part is when there is a corny/ jokey lyric looking at Sifa and she gets their sense of humor. Really enjoying this journey with you two.
@@SightAfterDark Sforzando means to attack the note and immediately drop the volume to piano (or soft). Follow that by gradually increasing the volume back to forte (loud) The horns in the intro and outro repeat this motif driving the music along with energy.
Rickey Lawson's drumming on this jam was sick. Also, listen to the complexity of the chords---totally dope. Enjoyed your review since you are both musicians and can appreciate this totally unique band.
We have! m.ua-cam.com/video/3BpmDqB3fg0/v-deo.html&pp=ygUgc2lnaHQgYWZ0ZXIgZGFyayBiYWJ5bG9uIHNpc3RlcnM%3D m.ua-cam.com/video/EPsXz1tapxQ/v-deo.html&pp=ygUhU2lnaHRhIGFmdGVyIGRhcmsgdGltZSBvdXQgZiBtaW5k
One of my fav guitar solos of theirs,..so bluesy over a bouncing melodic airy structure,..everything juxtaposed perfectly & yet it shouldn't even work at all musically,..👐🏽👐🏽💪🏽💪🏽🤯🤦🏽♂️🤷🏽♂️
"Glamour Profession" is my favorite Steely Dan song, and "H Gang" is my favorite Donald Fagen song. I noticed that you appreciate the lyrics. You'll definitely find the lyrics for "H Gang" interesting. Lately I've been listening to Brazilian music. Have you listened to "Come With Me" by Tania Maria, or "Voce Abusou" by Sergio Mendes? Actually just about anything by Sergio Mendes, really.
Celebrity athlete Hoops McCann is wealthy and famous but also secretly addicted to cocaine. The twist is he's not only a user but also deals 'Jive Miguel's prime Colombian coke to his coterie of powerful friends, also to his entourage of perhaps celebrity wanna be friends? - he feel's like 'he's The One', watching the coked up local boys dancing, after 'spending the quarter, just to shine the silver bowl'.... Critique of late 1970s L.A, Hollywood celeb culture. Note the precise, melodic and funky piano solo by Rob Mounsey and Steve Khan' awesome lead guitar work. Also noteworthy is the groove - note the bass drum pattern, present on every down beat (and not just on 1 and 3), making this drum groove not your typical late 1970s 'Disco' beat but in a way more akin to late 1980s and early 1990s 'Dance' drum patterns! If anything, Steely Dan were pioneers in their sonic endeavours.
You guys are awesome...made me laugh tonight! I mean really, who else can make a song about drug dealing and laugh about it while creating a musical masterpiece? Only Steely Dan.
One of my favorites but I'm an avid fan they have never made a song I didn't enjoy but big props to the bassist actually all the musicians this is just one of thoes songs that has it all
I dont remember the name they gave the Drum Machine, when they first put it to use on this album. Yes...I know, there were people playing drums and percussion on it also. I remember having my first version of this album on 8-track. I played it till it wore out, then bought the vinyl, then the CD. It was a brilliant follow-up to their other masterpiece -Aja- Glad you all appreciate the craftsmenship that Donald and Walter put into this album. all the best. take care.
Please listen to "The Great Pagoda of Funn", from DF's "Morph The Cat". Right up there with "Glamour Profession" for composition (along with almost everything from "The Nightfly"). "Here at the Western World" for more brilliance on drug insights.
When Dan said " Hey we got a f'n Hoops Mcann here" I literally almost spit out my water laughing because I hadn't thought of that comedic twist on the name. This tune is almost like Disco lounge. Spectacular production as you stated, but the complex chord structure makes for sophistication, while the beautiful Bass line of Anthony Jackson moves it along. If you have a bass, pick it up and try this song. You won't be disappointed with the challenge. The lyrical imagery of "Eurasian brides" and a yacht called "The Carib Cannibal" is brilliant, because it lends itself to privilege and excess to fit the song. Great reaction folks. I like many parts of this album, however there are a few parts that turn me off. But all in all it's still a top notch entry into their catalog.
I am adding my previous comment here....cause this is a newer reaction: Not sure if anyone has mentioned it yet...but... Before you finish off the whole album you should listen to and react to the song that was supposed to be on Gaucho, but was deleted by an intern engineer. The song is named The Second Arrangement. There is a demo version that was pulled from a left over master tape. Look on UA-cam for "Steely Dan - The Second Arrangement (demo) - highest quality" It is a damned shame that the song was erased. It could have been a hit and the highlight of the album.
For me, the web versions I’ve heard of The Second Arrangement leave me feeling a bit flat. Obviously nobody’s heard the REAL version, but I don’t like what I’ve heard as much as what I’ve heard of Kulee Baba, which for me was far more interesting, fun, and inventive.
Has anyone suggested you listen to 'Jack of Speed' from Steely Dan's 2000 comeback album, 'Two Against Nature'? I always think it could be an outtake from Aja. 'Godwhacker' from the later 'Everything Must Go' album is also worth a listen.
Funny that you ask. We recently asked our Patrons for questions to make a Q&A video, and this is one that came up! Will be releasing that video next week with detailed answers :)
"We'll make some calls from my car", and they show an iPhone in a car 😂😂😂. Talking about a generational disconnect! They obviously meant the early brick cellular phones.
Hard to tell if Steely Dan were "glamourising " cocaine usage or " opposing " it...... As always they stood in " the middle ".....just " commentating " on the vagaries of this worldly life with an " original & perfect sound "....for whatever " subject " they chose....... therein lies the genius of their music.........
I found this song a bit long. Wait till you get to the title tune. It is clearly by far the best tune on this album, which to me is below par by Walt and Don!
If you enjoyed this, check out our podcast on Steely Dan!
ua-cam.com/video/2tNasxBrqnM/v-deo.html
This song has some big band sounds throughout, especially the ending minutes. So unique.
They are Killing it with that Rhodes Piano in this. My Lord!!!
Single line that epitomizes Becker & Fagen's world view: "I drove the Chrysler... watched from the darkness while they danced."
I'd use the word "perspective" rather than "world view", but regardless your observation is spot-on brilliant.
I've always thought it was watched from the darkness what they did.
'Hollywood, I know your real name'...
@@edcedera middle*
Fagen sounds so Jewish when he says Chrysler. I love it.
This is one of my all-time favorite Steely Dan songs, for many of the reasons you two mentioned - the groove, the snarky humor - but also the amazing chord progressions! Don and Walt always do something interesting with their chord changes but they really get intricate here. I still can't quite figure out what's happening in the central instrumental break - things keep modulating in all sorts of unexpected ways and then suddenly everything lands perfectly on the bridge and then back to verse/chorus .. until the outro wanders off in yet another direction! I think that may be the source of some of the "spacy" feel you noted - the song never settles in one key but keeps bounding around like a (cocaine-fueled) balloon :-D
Sus'es, slash chords, and flat 5's all over the place. Fagan does most of the heavy lifting, progression-wise. I think his brand of genius is as legitimate as any Van Gough, Rembrandt, Davis, or Gershwin.
Don and Walt always sound so well-sorted and spacious. One thing they use (in addition to crazy production values) is tempo. They are masters in this regard. The uniformly resist all pressure to speed up, instead working from the other direction. "What is the appropriate pace for this song, that doesn't sound mired in deep sand but allows everything rhythmic height width and depth....
Well said! Thanks so much for watching!
Amen!
I have to add that the drum work on this song is quirky and sublime, driving the beat with the high hat on the 2 and 4, kick on the 1 and 3, & the snare on the down beat, with light, off-beat accents on cymbals (it is MUCH harder than it sounds even as it sounds effortless). It is truly a "pocket" performance that propels the music, even while not overwhelming it.
In an interview recently on NPR Donald Fagen said the song is about power. He also said that when he and Walter lived in L.A. they would write songs about NYC. When they lived in New York City they would write songs about Los Angeles.
Yep. I think Fagen meant LA power brokers - Showtime, business tycoon, Hollywood party animals in 3 vignettes. One of Steely Dan's best. Props to Rob Mounsey on the elegant piano solo.
Makes sense. Thanks Jayson!
Additionally, Valerie Simpson and Patti Austin sang background vocals and both were noted R&B singers in their time. Simpson sang with her husband Ashford known as Ashford & Simpson.
We know them! We played at their venue in the Upper West Side before COVID :)
Patti Austin and Valerie Simpson are extremely gifted musical artists. Two of my favorites, for sure!
Here are the credits for Glamour Profession:
Donald Fagen - lead vocals, backing vocals, synthesizer, electric piano
Tom Scott - tenor saxophone, Lyricon, horn arrangement
Michael Brecker - tenor saxophone
Rob Mounsey - piano
Steve Khan - guitar
Steve Gadd - drums
Anthony Jackson - bass
Ralph MacDonald - percussion
Valerie Simpson, Lesley Miller, Frank Floyd, Zack Sanders - backing vocals
Even though Gadd is credited on the drums it's probably "wendel" the drum machine. Steely Dan invented the drum machine for this album and most songs were played by it. Fun fact Wendel was awarded a platinum record :)
Lol shoutout to Wendel!
Yes, Steely Dan's sound engineer Roger Nichols created the very 1st drum machine called the Wendel. Steve Gadd is credited for the song because he recorded the drum samples used by the Wendel. Then later on another track Steve Gadd recorded the drum fills.
Valerie Simpson is one of my favorite musicians! I had no idea she was involved with this song. What I did know for sure is I like the background singers on "Glamour Profession". Now I know why.
Thank you for the musicians credits in your comment.
Valerie Simpson from Ashford and Simpson
I took me 10+ listens to get this. But you guys, you got it immediately! Good job.
My mother did not understand th
is music and my father listend it, every weekend i think of him every time i hear this...
If all the Steely songs were jostling for cinematic attention this one would be sharpest elbows, holding a sign declaiming I'M THE ONE!
One of their least ambiguous songs, brilliant lyrics and they know it..., yet the extraordinary men of the groove provide another extraordinary groove.
Intriguing and flawless.....Holly Wood, I know your middle name.
Recorded in NYC I think.
Yeah, trying to remember who it was in that Classic Albums Aja doco who commented on how while they were in LA they wrote songs with NYC characters and storylines, but the moment they got back to NY they were singing about LA ones...
Funny how that works huh?
What band would rhyme “celluloid bikers” with “I drove the Chrysler”?
Is there gas in the car? Yes, there's gas in the car!
lol seriously
This song really suits Fagen's sneering style of storytelling
Absolutely!
...If having the insight to see through some guy's delusions of gradeur can be called sneering, then I say, sneer away, Dude....
I love the way Fagen changes his voice to get exactly the sound he wants for each song. For example, contrast his delivery here with Kid Charlemagne , Chain Lightning, Any Major Dude, etc, etc.
Astute and inspired reaction to this amazingly driving, funky, jazzy, funny, cinematic gem of a tune.
Thanks Steve! Glad you enjoyed!
If you like this be prepared for Donald Fagen´s first solo The Nightfly.
The Nightfly is a must for their next SD album experience!
Definitely some brilliant storytelling songs on that one!
Took the words right out of my mouth thank you! And let me add, for that Album, it should be reviewed from start to finish… The sequence of songs is a big part of that listening experience and such an interesting slice of Donald Fagen’s s memories!
Fagen was in the jazzy chord progression zone from Aja - Nightfly. The tab for Glamour Profession has about 53 different chords. Lots of near Stevie Wonder level voicings. flatted add 9ths, Cmaj 13ths, etc.
Absolutely
This is a exceptionally unique song. It's wonderful.
Gotta love it!
Glamour profession lead guitar Steve Kahn bass Anthony Jackson amazing stuff one of my Steely Dan favourites 👍
We love this one!
And Steve Gadd on drums!!
If you like Khan Check out his Classic “The Blue Man” album with Gadd , Will LeeThe Brecker Bros . Sanborn and Don Grolnick !
Khans “Guy LaFleur” features those dudes !
@@MrRabbit43 thanks !! yup I have that album love it Steve Kahn is also shining
on the True companion track Donald Fagen !!
I've always felt that Gaucho was a Quentin Tarantino movie about LA.
This could definitely be the soundtrack to Once Upon a Time in Hollywood!
I disagree...The Dan are moralists, Tarrantino,, immoralist...
It’s difficult to convey the brilliance of this tune, and yet it slips through the cracks and floats away in the ether for many.
It’s the first to be maligned as yacht rock and soulless, whilst permeating every pore of the beings for those that get what they’re hearing.
I’ve heard it at least 300 times over the years, and it STILL blows my mind each and every time.
For me this music is SO harmonically advanced and otherworldly, yet still somehow accessible, it’s as if Steely Dan was….in 1980….previewing for us all what the year 2050 was going to sound like.
The mysterious yet obvious lyrics delivered to us with vocal perfection by Donald Fagen, where every word in every line paints a vivid picture, the highly advanced chord structure, the sultry horn arrangements, Steve Kahn’s beautifully understated and restrained guitar work (until the outro) THAT BASS LINE, the delicate interplay between the acoustic piano, Fender Rhodes, and synth, are all just stunning.
It could never be reproduced live. And that’s ok.
This is RECORDING ART at it’s finest, done by the very best recording artists and composers.
This is like the Mona Lisa in the Louvre……meant to be admired and dwelt upon, but never replicated.
❤️😎
Great analysis John! We agree! This song is next level
In complete agreement.
I agree John but do the math. I've listened to it a couple hundred times a year for the past 42 years and Black Cow even more.
Great stuff. The story of the making of this album, as the follow up to Aja, is incredible and well worth reading.
Thanks Tim! We'll check it out!
Possibly the greatest outro solo of all time
I said the same thing to my friends. That key change gets me everytime.
My favorite album of all time. Thank you so much, I love your content
Thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed!
Steve Khan's guitaring was fabulous.
"We got a regular hoops mccann over here" LOL
Driving yet spacey...I think that's achieved by the way those ghostly, icy electric piano chords hang in the air, sustaining against the groove and Anthony Jackon's moving bass line. It's a rather ingenious effect that they used to their advantage on a number of tunes
The bass line for sure. It's dialed back a bit - but still taking charge.
They really pull it off!
The electric piano is the part that drives this track!! Such a perfect piece of music, man.
You’re both special people. I recall being stunned with my homies when we first listened to these tracks and that was when it came out! Cool that you’re enjoying this stuff with all the other senseless distractions around!
I've always loved this song but love it more after hearing it here.
This song is on my SD Top-10 tracks... so smooth, so smart and so irresistible.
Thanks!!
Its one of our favs too!
FIRST ACTUAL REVIEW WHO UNDWESTOOD THE MEANING OF THE SONG!! The graphics perfectly illustrate the meaning of the lyrics!!!!! Finally somebody got it.
Ps I love going through steely Dan again for me with you guys, from Glasgow Scotland
Cautionary tales are seldom so easy to listen to, it makes one wonder, "What if we'd been stronger? If they'd been stronger? Less acclaimed, successful?" Boy, oh boy. 8>\
Love the choice of "Carib Cannibal" over what was likely, imo, the first thought, "Cannonball" as in "..Run", much more apt in context.
Also had to contrast Hoops standing in his own shade with the hapless dreamer of Deacon Blues, and the shift of adoration from musos, such as a saxophonist, to b-ballers. Enjoyed your takes on it very much too.
Thanks Damon!
Awww perfect just had this on at a party showing him the steely Dan! Than along with any other is enough to hook anyone!
You know it!
The bass....the outro guitar solo.....so, so good.
All amazing!
Nice review. Even though I know these albums... really enjoy going through the songs a day at a time... Tumbleweed Connection seemed extremely fresh during this process, and now Gaucho... Looking forward to my two favourites coming up... "Gaucho" and "Third World Man". Shout-out to Keith Jarrett.
Thanks for watching Steve!
A lot of people (including Walt and Don themselves) say they didn't like this album, but I do, and I'm glad you and many other people do too. It's a different feel, a different approach, but it's still them and it's still superb from many perspectives, in my view. I love Gaucho. These guys were going through all sorts of hell while recording this one, but this still sparkles like a diamond in so many ways. There are aspects of their previous work that are not in this or subsequent albums from them, but people change, they get older, and their perspectives, their ambitions, their goals, all change over time and maybe if you take that into consideration, you may not be as critical of Gaucho as some people have been... I don't know... Just sayin...
Its definitely different, but we enjoy it in it's own way!
Funny that they felt that way about the album It's one of their best in my opinion and this particular track is for me, their crowning achievement. I never heard a bad Steely Dan tune , but this is next level along with Aja and Caves of Altamira. I knew the word " masterpiece," would come out in the review:)
Gaucho definitely has its own stamp for sure, I’ve read that there was an additional track that was recorded for this LP that was on the level or even more sophisticated than Aja can you imagine that! It was accidentally erased Fagen was livid, They attempted again to record it but could not capture the magic of the original so perhaps this added to the dislike of the Album.
@@andyestrada229 Ah, yeah, the old Second Arrangement. Great song. Well worth tracking down the various bootlegs of the desk tape that was made before it got wiped.
@@emihatov oh really I didn’t know that there were any remnants of it, wow I’d like to hear just a glimpse of what it sounded like. Thanks
Best part. THE BASS. KICKIN throughout.
FACTS
If you really wanna check out the driving beat, it is Anthony Jacksons' bass masterpiece. Search for "glamour profession bass cover", and you will hear the spine of this song.
Bass and drums are the basics of most music, think of them supporting everyone as the base of a triangle.
The production and arrangements are so complex I discover new things after 40 plus years of listening to this song.
The Dan, the extraordinary gentlemen of the eternally funky groove
For sure!
Amazing music! The guitar work is exceptional, subtle but effective, specially the guitar outro.
Indeed! Thanks for watching Ernie!
It's evidence of the brief, all-pervasive, tidal wave-like dominance of disco's relentless 4/4 rhythm machine that even the Dan succumbs to its irresistible force herein. But the complex chords and chord progressions, the innovative instrumentation, and particularly the intelligence and wit of the lyrics together lift this song so far above the Disco mainstream as to represent a whole other genre.
Time Out of Mind another great song from this album..They brought in great background singers for this one. Patti Austin and Valerie Simpson from Ashford & Simpson to name a few.
Awesome! Valerie Simpson has a club in NYC we played at before COVID!
Love Valerie Simpson, and those classic A&S songs!
@@SightAfterDark I believe she's in this song and Patti Austin is on either Babylon Sisters or Time Out of Mind. I think.you two will dig that song as well. It's very upbeat as well. Gaucho.has really grown on me through the years
NOTHING BEATS STEELY DAN STREET SMART POETRY.....ADD KICK ASS ROCK JAZZ!!!...SIMPLY THE BEST!
Anthony Jackson's bass part is stunning!
Once again you can clearly hear the "Gilmour sound" on the guitar. It's so tasteful sounding and has its own ambiance that isn't cluttered with the overuse of effects and pedals.
Steve Khan is credited. To me it sounds a lot like Larry Carlton on the ending solo though.
FM is the epitome of that.
Agreed!
There is a You Tube sight called Hitler rants . They overdub words to some movie about Hitler . Here's one of the overdubs . Hitler sends one of his top SS guys to get tickets for a Steely Dan concert . When Hitler finds out that night will be new Dan material Hitler has a meltdown. Hitler in frustration says you cant play air guitar to morph the cat . So stupid yet so funny
lol wtf
Steely Dan is perfection in music.
I have never found a duff track from them,every detail is covered.
I love 'em,always have since Cant Buy A Thrill.
They are the best!
“Living hard will take its toll”
Listened to this classic maybe a thousand times over the years and never thought about the LA concession meaning until you mentioned it. There are so many things that make this song great, the jazz chords, great guitar and piano solo, and the dreaded moray eel will never makes it way into another song ever. Plus I was given the nickname Hoops after this song came out. Great reaction video.
Oh shit! Thanks for watching Hoops McCann!
@@SightAfterDark Having watched now most of your Steely Dan Reviews, I believe you two are really the only two who post reactions who really get steely dan, both musically and lyrically. My favorite part is when there is a corny/ jokey lyric looking at Sifa and she gets their sense of humor. Really enjoying this journey with you two.
I have been a big fan love DFagan💗👍👍
The beginning sounds totally like Fagen's solo song, "Greenflower Street" from _The Nightfly_.
If only I could write lyrics like this.
I love the overuse of sforzando piano in the intro and outro!
Sforzando? What's that?
@@SightAfterDark Sforzando means to attack the note and immediately drop the volume to piano (or soft). Follow that by gradually increasing the volume back to forte (loud) The horns in the intro and outro repeat this motif driving the music along with energy.
Rickey Lawson's drumming on this jam was sick. Also, listen to the complexity of the chords---totally dope. Enjoyed your review since you are both musicians and can appreciate this totally unique band.
We appreciate you Shannon!
Have U checked out "Time Out Of Mind?? My favorite from that album, (along with Babylon Sisters)!!!
We have!
m.ua-cam.com/video/3BpmDqB3fg0/v-deo.html&pp=ygUgc2lnaHQgYWZ0ZXIgZGFyayBiYWJ5bG9uIHNpc3RlcnM%3D
m.ua-cam.com/video/EPsXz1tapxQ/v-deo.html&pp=ygUhU2lnaHRhIGFmdGVyIGRhcmsgdGltZSBvdXQgZiBtaW5k
One of my fav guitar solos of theirs,..so bluesy over a bouncing melodic airy structure,..everything juxtaposed perfectly & yet it shouldn't even work at all musically,..👐🏽👐🏽💪🏽💪🏽🤯🤦🏽♂️🤷🏽♂️
You said it !
Apprecuate you Ritchie!
"Glamour Profession" is my favorite Steely Dan song, and "H Gang" is my favorite Donald Fagen song. I noticed that you appreciate the lyrics. You'll definitely find the lyrics for "H Gang" interesting. Lately I've been listening to Brazilian music. Have you listened to "Come With Me" by Tania Maria, or "Voce Abusou" by Sergio Mendes? Actually just about anything by Sergio Mendes, really.
Haven't heard all of that. But we love Steely Dan!
I gave you a thumbs up for H Gang. I love that song. I have so much fun listening to it.
Best song they ever did in my opinion.
One of our favorites!
Celebrity athlete Hoops McCann is wealthy and famous but also secretly addicted to cocaine. The twist is he's not only a user but also deals 'Jive Miguel's prime Colombian coke to his coterie of powerful friends, also to his entourage of perhaps celebrity wanna be friends? - he feel's like 'he's The One', watching the coked up local boys dancing, after 'spending the quarter, just to shine the silver bowl'.... Critique of late 1970s L.A, Hollywood celeb culture. Note the precise, melodic and funky piano solo by Rob Mounsey and Steve Khan' awesome lead guitar work. Also noteworthy is the groove - note the bass drum pattern, present on every down beat (and not just on 1 and 3), making this drum groove not your typical late 1970s 'Disco' beat but in a way more akin to late 1980s and early 1990s 'Dance' drum patterns! If anything, Steely Dan were pioneers in their sonic endeavours.
You know your music!
You guys are awesome...made me laugh tonight! I mean really, who else can make a song about drug dealing and laugh about it while creating a musical masterpiece? Only Steely Dan.
You said it Mike! Thanks for watching!
I always laugh at the annunciation of local boys spend a "quarter"
I like the Piano solo on this song
One of my favorites but I'm an avid fan they have never made a song I didn't enjoy but big props to the bassist actually all the musicians this is just one of thoes songs that has it all
This is one of our favorites :) thanks for watching!
I totally forgot how good this song was. Now I want Szechuan dumplings.
Gaucho is a good album...enjoy
Thanks Eileen!
I dont remember the name they gave the Drum Machine, when they first put it to use on this album. Yes...I know, there were people playing drums and percussion on it also. I remember having my first version of this album on 8-track. I played it till it wore out, then bought the vinyl, then the CD. It was a brilliant follow-up to their other masterpiece -Aja- Glad you all appreciate the craftsmenship that Donald and Walter put into this album. all the best. take care.
Thanks for watching Charlie!
The musis dounds like the big disco 1977 (or'78) hit "Native New Yorker." DF said the song inspired the music
Please listen to "The Great Pagoda of Funn", from DF's "Morph The Cat". Right up there with "Glamour Profession" for composition (along with almost everything from
"The Nightfly"). "Here at the Western World" for more brilliance on drug insights.
Thanks!
That cutie is Yvoone Criddle!!! Guau!
When Dan said " Hey we got a f'n Hoops Mcann here" I literally almost spit out my water laughing because I hadn't thought of that comedic twist on the name. This tune is almost like Disco lounge. Spectacular production as you stated, but the complex chord structure makes for sophistication, while the beautiful Bass line of Anthony Jackson moves it along. If you have a bass, pick it up and try this song. You won't be disappointed with the challenge. The lyrical imagery of "Eurasian brides" and a yacht called "The Carib Cannibal" is brilliant, because it lends itself to privilege and excess to fit the song. Great reaction folks. I like many parts of this album, however there are a few parts that turn me off. But all in all it's still a top notch entry into their catalog.
We're glad you enjoyed Melvin! Will definitely have to try this out on the bass!
Perfecta canción y perfecta pareja. Si yo fuera el hombre ya me podría morir a gusto.-
Estamos de acuerdo!
@@SightAfterDark yeeaaaaaah
You two click! 1st saw that on "Night by Night"...keep swangin'
Thanks for watching Peter!
It's written for the soundtrack of a Scorsese film about the LA Drug wars?
🎯 guys!
Thanks :)
That bass line though...
For real!
They don't even pretend to be rock n roll at this point. It's still great....just different!!!! It's just.....Steely!
Truth!
I am adding my previous comment here....cause this is a newer reaction:
Not sure if anyone has mentioned it yet...but...
Before you finish off the whole album you should listen to and react to the song that was supposed to be on Gaucho, but was deleted by an intern engineer. The song is named The Second Arrangement. There is a demo version that was pulled from a left over master tape.
Look on UA-cam for "Steely Dan - The Second Arrangement (demo) - highest quality"
It is a damned shame that the song was erased. It could have been a hit and the highlight of the album.
Thanks Ken!
For me, the web versions I’ve heard of The Second Arrangement leave me feeling a bit flat.
Obviously nobody’s heard the REAL version, but I don’t like what I’ve heard as much as what I’ve heard of Kulee Baba, which for me was far more interesting, fun, and inventive.
Has anyone suggested you listen to 'Jack of Speed' from Steely Dan's 2000 comeback album, 'Two Against Nature'? I always think it could be an outtake from Aja. 'Godwhacker' from the later 'Everything Must Go' album is also worth a listen.
Nobody has suggested it yet! Definitely check us out on patreon to put in this suggestion!
References to drug smugglers, drug use and excess. Also includes one of the finest guitar solos you will ever hear.
I’m the one
Immmm the onnnnne
Illegal fun
Under the sun, boys
:)
Steve Khan on guitar 🎸
So Sight After Dark, have you picked up anything from SD that you want to incorporate in your writing and performances?
Funny that you ask. We recently asked our Patrons for questions to make a Q&A video, and this is one that came up!
Will be releasing that video next week with detailed answers :)
Hoops McCann was a jazz drummer
Really?😆
Jive Miguel is Robert Evans' brother in law
This album was senior year soundtrack.🗿
Awesome
What a great song. But for a minute there. I thought she might fall asleep.
☺️no, she zones out when the music is good
"We'll make some calls from my car", and they show an iPhone in a car 😂😂😂. Talking about a generational disconnect! They obviously meant the early brick cellular phones.
Hollywood, I know your middle name.
Always liked that line.
This relates to The Cotton Club Murder of Roy Radin.
Look up the background on this album!
Donald and Walter moved from NY to California and they were not impressed. At all... ☺
Haha we had a feeling
you can listen without moving too
And you can watch without commenting, but we all make our own choices 😉
@@SightAfterDark haha
Such A Tune ! Play it reguarly in my dj sets. Floor filler l
Nice!
This song is about Dr. J...
The LEGEND
Don't do drugs kids.
😆
Hell, if it wasn't for drugs, we wouldn't be enjoying this damn song!🤘🏽
@@PogueMahone1 That's right
Id write some clever comment but Ive a deliv to do.
LOL fair
Hard to tell if Steely Dan were "glamourising " cocaine usage or " opposing " it...... As always they stood in " the middle ".....just " commentating " on the vagaries of this worldly life with an " original & perfect sound "....for whatever " subject " they chose....... therein lies the genius of their music.........
I found this song a bit long. Wait till you get to the title tune. It is clearly by far the best tune on this album, which to me is below par by Walt and Don!
Conversely I could do with it being waaaay longer. I do like the title track too, though. It's not as bodacious as this one.
One heck of a stoner music even a cheech & chong fan can't get enough of this melodic high 🚜
Could have done without the 'as-subtle-as-a-hammer' centre screen visuals, lol!
Lol fair