Black Cow - Steely Dan | College Student & Music Producer REACT!

[@andyandalex]

Some surprise Steely Dan for you guys! Adam said he really wanted to show Alex this song and decided to throw the camera up!! Adam’s the guy who produces for Alex’s band, I put his Spotify and Instagram link in the video description for anybody who may want to follow him or check out his music, cheers all see you Monday! 🙌🏻🔥

[@zamaurijones2725]

Aja is agreeably one of the greatest albums ever! In fact, lots of sound engineers use Steely Dan to test the equipment!

[@gregrambo606]

The funny thing is, the critics HATED this album back in '77. They flat out trashed it. Those who can do, those who can't become critics, right?

[@MAGA-kv1nj]

Can't go wrong with any Steely Dan... try "Deacon Blues", "Show Biz Kids, "My Old School", and of course, the epic masterpiece (title of the album) "Aja" with legendary drummer Steve Gadd giving a notable solo.

[@sporkless]

Did Adam sneak in the phrase "Do It Again" on purpose?🤔

[@steven3271-x9d]

This album is one of the best of all time. Just put it on and let it rip. You should do this as one of your full-album vids. [edit] And if you ever get a new stereo system or speakers, this is the album to put on to test the dynamic range. The recording is impeccable. [edit again] - I typed the "new stereo" comment before Adam said it in the video. Confirmed.

[@kdbadk]

"it makes me nostalgic for a place I've never been" is the quote of the day, dude and that's on a day with "Steely Dan sounds like leather smells" Welcome aboard.

[@NightWindsMusic]

Glad to be here!!

[@vinniemoran7362]

That's a common comment on Steely Dan KZbin videos. ;)

[@randygraham2565]

I agree, two more S Tier comments!

[@franknoge]

That quote could apply to Fagen and Becker themselves, they were wanna-be beatniks but born to the hippie generation.

[@inthedream9127]

You guys gotta check out Deacon Blues next... talk about being lost in the sauce

[@ricksanchez2010]

Truth. Rick has spoken. Also Aja.

[@stevejones18]

Truth is just truth. You can't have an opinion about truth.

[@theotherwaldo]

Songs of the Strip. Roll Tide!

[@johncbeer]

I'd like to see them sipping whisky during the title track drum solos without spitting.

[@MrTwister50]

@@theotherwaldo The Strip in Tuscaloser? That cuts it down to a level like Hootie and the Blowfish. Steely Dan has no business being stuck in T-town.

[@albertguibert6276]

The title song “Aja” is a must. When you hear it, you’ll understand why.

[@jbone6112]

I agree; best song on the album. And I think it is their best song, period.

[@nemo4907]

This whole album is so cohesive that IMHO a full tract to tract listen is a MUST!

[@bobpierce806]

Yes, "Aja" is the best track for me, as well.

[@markdrechsler5660]

Do the title track. I first heard it 40 years ago and my jaw is still on the floor.

[@georgegonzalez1996]

Steve Gadds drum solo... unprecedented!

[@soktarnor]

Donald Fagen’s solo album The Nightfly is also an impeccable production.

[@matto9734]

absolutely, HiFi stores used this as a reference album for testing speakers

[@lauriemcdonald5286]

Most definitely

[@kennethgrainger1112]

Plus, the cover is that vibe they were talking about. Donald with a cigarette and smoke.

[@xers999]

One of my favorite albums.

[@extracrispy9919]

I.G.Y. is my favourite track on that album

[@TheDivayenta]

Aja is their masterpiece. The song Aja has the most revolutionary drum solo, by Steve Gadd ,I’ve ever heard . It is NEVER background music !

[@jbognap]

Absolutely. I get goose bumps hearing Wayne Shorter and Steve Gadd on it. It is the convergence of jazz, r&b and pop.

[@toddhooks9813]

I know, right?!? Can't believe their buddy Adam totally neglected to mention it. Love the Cow, love the Deacon, but the title track is their crowning jewel.

[@edpas007]

Great great album but I prefer all 5 previous. Pretzel Logic , Can’t buy a Thrill , Royal Scam , Katy Lied , and the amazing Countdown to Ecstasy.

[@michaelhaddad1348]

I agree Aja is my favorite from the album followed by Home at Last.

[@TheDivayenta]

Michael Haddad I LOVE Home At Last!

[@joebersik9846]

"Bodhisattva" !! one of their best guitar songs...unbelievable crescendo at the end!

[@johnchavez5053]

Yes indeed. They really let 'em ring at the end.

[@mayqueen2]

Absolutely!!!!!Bodhisattva!!!!!!!!!

[@sterlingarcher3858]

YES! The guitar and keys RIP!!

[@beatlesrutles]

They should do the live version from Santa Monica.

[@silverburst6123]

Crazy shred guitar on that song but so tasteful.

[@mreye73]

Felt dirty watching this. Like catching my best friend out to dinner with a woman that wasnt his wife. LOL

[@OuterGalaxyLounge]

Haha. I was like, who dat hussy? lol

[@lindamoore8594]

Hahaha

[@ramonaalvarez7559]

Truth .. where's Cheaters when U need 'em .. LOL😁

[@NikkiAnne422]

🤣🤣🤣

[@loosilu]

Lol

[@helenespaulding9372]

Steely Dan sounds like leather smells. That’s great!

[@hifijohn]

So outrageous!

[@zamaurijones2725]

hifijohn but they’re spot on

[@geminiguy2013]

AKA, eargasim.

[@brentavius1]

The other great comment: "It makes me nostalgic for a place I've never even been."

[@kdnp529]

The drummer on Black Cow was Paul Humphrey, who was once a drummer with Lawrence Welk.

[@davidarmstrong1617]

I absolutely love putting a fireplace video on KZbin, muting it, and then just chilling out with a drink in one hand and listening to either the Aja album or else Steely Dan Gold (one of their better compilation albums). Steely Dan just soothes my soul, man... it has no peer.

[@scotts4231]

To me, "yacht rock" has a pejorative connotation kind of like "elevator music" and Steely Dan is neither IMO. Other than their early years, Steely Dan wasn't even really a band. It was Donald Fagan, Walter Becker and whatever studio musicians or recording artists they recruited for a song. They might record a song and then bring a whole new band in for another. Unconventional to be sure but I'm certainly not going to argue with the results. I own everything they put out and I think Steely Dan is fantastic!

[@OuterGalaxyLounge]

In general, almost nothing in this world relies very much on nuance, so in marketing and journalism things get broadly labeled as shorthand, with most of the relevant things brushed away for convenience. I worked in both journalism and marketing, so I've practiced and seen it happening. Try to write a headline that captures the meaning of a story in a short column space and try to write one so the noun and the verb splits correctly on two lines, and you see what people are up against. Subtlety ain't a thing in the world of mass communication. We now call it clickbaiting in the era of KZbin and Twitter.

[@biskygiver]

When I think of the term I think "culture" and culture is good.

[@beatlesrutles]

Steely Dan goes on my particular yacht. But you’re right, it’s a controversy in The Yacht Rock community.

[@frankmarsh1159]

As far as I know I've never met a Steely Dan fan who likes black jack or slot machines or yachts. The Steely Dan fans I knew were usually the long haired unkempt intellectual stoner types who read beatnik literature. Kind of cynical and kind of snobbish about music. They liked jazz and Joni Mitchell etc... Kind of like Becker and Fagan. There was no such thing as Yacht rock. That is a very recent term.

[@rookmaster7502]

To me, the music of Steely Dan is a bit too sophisticated, both lyrically and musically, to qualify as typical "yacht rock", although it does perhaps share some textural qualities with that genre. The r&b and jazz elements in Steely Dan music are much more pronounced than what you will find in "yacht rock".

[@michaelt.b264]

Dudes nothing against Adam but he's wrong when Aja came out, albums were $7 to $9. $12 for a double album. You could not have sold a rock and roll album for $20 in 1977.

[@OuterGalaxyLounge]

Your memory matches with mine as well, as I had started buying albums around that time.

[@Lightmane]

Yeah, I was like where did he get that from, lol

[@tjj300]

Yep. And buying tickets to a live concert cost about the same.

[@matthewmclaughlin7000]

Yes, but adjust for inflation and it isn't so far off. One dollar in 1977 is equivalent to $4.42 today.

[@Lightmane]

@@matthewmclaughlin7000 Maybe that's what he meant

[@oldnytv5911]

Brilliant album. My vote for next song to listen to would be the title track “Aja”. I find it hard to find the words to describe how good that song is and the drumming of Steve Gadd is second to none.

[@Cboy2023]

Best Steely drum song...Aja

[@richardnanian6075]

Rick Beato has a great video on Gadd’s drumming on that track.

[@CorePathway]

@@richardnanian6075 I think you mean God’s drumming

[@allisonreed7682]

“Do It Again” and “Don’t Take Me Alive” need to make the playlist next. 💙

[@2Snails1Shell]

👍☺️

[@TeelyDa]

"It makes me nostalgic for a place I've never been" is exactly right. I have hardly been outside of Scotland in my whole life, and I'm 63. I have been a fan of Steely Dan nearly from the start and they have made me feel like I have been in a New York Jazz club. I may do it some day but my feeling is, that if I did it, I would be disappointed as I doubt it would live up to the expectation as the bar has been set so high. Anyway, try "Deacon Blues", "Home at Last", Don't take me Alive". I could go on. There is a double CD out there titled "Aja Vs the Scam", which is both albums live. I have seen them live 4 times, they are awesome.

[@denizinan6253]

I agree with you. Most likely, if you actually visited places/situations their lyrics describe and take you with them, it wouldn't live up to what your imagination has created. I'm glad Steely Dan missed the MTV era, even though I couldn't see them agreeing to make videos. Aja album was my first exposure to Steely Dan back in 1979 and my admiration to their musical genius has grown year after year.

[@green_acres_7240]

“Steely Dan sounds like leather smells” soooo true!

[@OuterGalaxyLounge]

The theme of cigars also came up in this, and all the associations were vibing with me, as yesterday I was listening to Steely Dan and smoking a cigar, a cigar that happened to taste like the smell of leather. I think they need to do this cigar-bar listening thing.

[@jeffe4297]

A little bit of aged bourbon too.

[@hampyonce]

Steely Dan sounds like fine Colombian Red Bud smells, to me.

[@planetlg]

sounds like easy, breezy, sunny, ocean-view southern California times to me (because it was).

[@quentinlarkin3958]

Love Steely Dan especially Black Cow! Maybe My Old School or Hey Nineteen next? Possibly even Cousin Dupree

[@clintpot8521]

The cuervo gold!

[@TheDivayenta]

Steely Dan are one of the most brilliant groups ever. So much sophisticated tastiness.

[@cazgerald9471]

Adam is correct - "Aja" definitely ranks as one of the greatest albums of all time, and is arguably Steely Dan's most jazz oriented. Putting albums on the turntable and letting it rip from front to back is the way we all used to do it - maybe cassette for playing on a yacht, I wouldn't know XD

[@lorijohnson3567]

What a great Saturday Surprise!!! Aja is one of the greatest albums ever recorded and it just so happens that Black Cow is my ringtone for my alarm every morning. Thank You Adam for introducing Black Cow to Alex!! Now Josie, Hey Nineteen, FM and Dirty Work are a must listen. And I have to say it again...Chicago's 25 or 6 to 4 live at Tanglewood 1970 is one that without a doubt you must check out. You guys have a Gr00vy Saturday ✌❤🎶🥃

[@MonicaDBrini]

If the title has Steely Dan in it, I AM THERE! Every album is a masterpiece, impeccably produced. It’s magic.

[@NVprods]

Aja is their masterpiece. It's one of those albums where you put it on and listen to it all of it. Every time. Do the album.

[@echopryme]

This is the one that makes you a Dan FAN... Because it creeps into your head without warning! 😎

[@andyb7942]

Alex, so amazing that someone a whole generation younger than mine would identify Steely Dan and ELO as two of their favorite first-time listens! My progression of musical artists that I became huge fans of during my youth: Beatles-->Elton John-->The Who-->Linda Ronstadt-->ELO-->Fleetwood Mac-->Steely Dan. Not young enough to ever catch the Beatles in concert, but have seen all the other acts multiple times in concert. I can highly highly recommend seeing ELO if they ever come around again--saw them last year, and was blown away at how good they sound--vocals are amazingly spot on!

[@boffo63]

I'm pushing Linda Ronstadt hard at these guys. Oh, she put together the Eagles Andy & Alex. Now give me some Heatwave!!

[@444dkm]

Grew up listening to this album. Loved it. Good to hear a music producer’s perspective. Cheers, gents!

[@444dkm]

Seriously Deacon Blues is a must. I have seen Steely Dan live a few times, the last time being in October 2017. Still fantastic despite some of the original members passing on before the tour. And I think a whole album video would be a great holiday present for your fans, fellas.

[@stillstanding8286]

As far as Steely Dan goes, I’ve been listening to their music since 1972 and I’m going to make only one song recommendation - “Bodhisattva”. You’re welcome.

[@steven3271-x9d]

Bodhisattva is awesome.

[@reverendbStaard]

@@steven3271-x9d how they are not listening to this beast is a mystery!

[@Mortdshue]

Live version from, I think, Santa Monica

[@donaldjackson1490]

Bodhisattva is a must listen for all Steely Dan new fans...plus Black Friday...and all other tunes

[@TheMirolab]

Uggh...No.. Not a fan of Bodhisattva.

[@cleekmaker00]

"Yacht Rock?" Yacht Rock is Pablo Cruise. This is ROCK and ROLL, chaps.

[@74mrickey]

To call Aja "Yacht Rock" is to diminish its complexity.

[@stevemd6488]

Yacht rock is ABBA, Bruce Hornsby, Barry Manilow, Air Supply, like that

[@stevemercer6976]

I'd call it yacht rock but to me that term has no bad connotations. Smooth sounds, impeccable production/mixing, and proficient instrumental musicianship are what defines the genre.

[@TheMirolab]

This is Jazz Rock..... I would not consider this Yacht Rock, nor is it Rock & Roll. It doesn't roll.........

[@stevious7278]

"Yacht Rock" is Jimmy Buffet; NOT Steely Dan. they were more Jazz Fusion.

[@leighstevensmusic]

like many of your videos this takes me back to the first time i heard the song - high school summer vacation, rode my bike to Music Time and bought the album, back to the house, got stoned and listened 2x through at full volume -- changed my life

[@mikevalenza]

Aja is one of those examples of what I would call a perfect album, where every single song is a masterpiece. Every song is great. Take your pick as to which one should be the next one on the album to listen to.

[@Neuromancer2112]

Deacon Blues should totally be the next Alex & Andy reaction 😎

[@Lightmane]

How would you describe the music of Steely Dan? SMOOTH No, what genre are they? SMOOTH It's not really rock, so what is it? SMOOTH So you're telling me it's smooth. You got it.

[@papabones6307]

Exactly. I think it was Larry Lujack the radio DJ at WLS Chicago, he used to refer to groups like Steely Dan, The Eagles & Chicago as Smooth Rock!!

[@thewarmthofthesun1]

Not all of their songs is smooth. Monkey in Your Soul for one.

[@Lightmane]

@@thewarmthofthesun1 that must be some other band, hah hah : )

[@thewarmthofthesun1]

@@Lightmane Ummm...Monkey in Your Soul is a song by Steely Dan.

[@Lightmane]

@@thewarmthofthesun1 I know

[@patrickmcevoy5080]

You should try the title track "Aja", in part because it's an amazing and complex journey, but mostly because it's got one of the best drum performances you'll ever hear.

[@planetlg]

very true - Steve Gadd, I think.

[@duanewilson3941]

I've heard this song 100 times and I still shake my head every time.

[@stevemercer6976]

Why do so many people think calling it yacht rock is a bad thing? Embrace the term...own it! Yacht rock means high production values, excellent musicianship and harmonic and rhythmic complexity. It means making the song more important than any musician's ego or need to show off or shred. It's a fantastic musical genre and we need more of it today.

[@bennyman1622]

I know, it's just a label someone stuck on a type of music. I just think it has a snobby connotation. Plus, I don't own a yacht, so can I truly appreciate it? ;-)

[@kayzeaza]

Yacht rock seems to be one of those genres that doesn’t have an exact definition. I’ve heard people describe it many different ways. I’d agree with you though, whatever it is it’s good!

[@BigTwinRiver]

The definition has improved in stature through the years as more young ears have discovered how much great music, correctly or incorrectly labeled, was recorded before today’s heavy-handed production tweaks to the actual artist performances. I’m not against production at all. But folks are looking for authenticity. Cheers!

[@riptheripper9060]

Great critique Adam. A really good perspective from a producers angle. Really enjoyed this one. You guys are terrific for being so young. Love to see your passion. Peace.

[@NightWindsMusic]

Thank you!! Appreciate the kind words.

[@Aganazee]

Don't Take Me Alive Kid Charlemagne My Old School

[@wpm003]

100% agree on Don’t Take Me Alive - Larry Carlton’s blistering lead guitar intro is so incredible. Also some great storytelling lyrics from Becker and Fagan.

[@otisdylan9532]

They've already reacted to "Kid Charlemagne".

[@edpas007]

@Aganazee first five Dan albums were the best

[@edpas007]

Bill Mazur amazing tune

[@denisduran9101]

My old school is my personal favorite

[@wicky4473]

I too just ‘let it rip’! An album like that just needs a full play...

[@patriciagoodwin1922]

Yes Adam, you know the magic of Steely Dan, the Aja album and "Aja" song are beyond!!! "Black Cow" yessssss indeed!! Giving the chill feelzzzz along with a ton of class. Great to meet you Adam!! And yes, Steely Dan hired a prestige list of session artists. What a nice surprise for a Saturday. Happy weekend!

[@scotts6702]

“Do it Again” needs a listen....

[@loosilu]

This is my pick.

[@stevemartin4249]

That, Aja, and my theme song Deacon Blues ... my favorites on an album of masterpieces.

[@mmay2669]

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 - Pretzel Logic

[@mikesimonian484]

Agents of the law Luckless pedestrian I know you're out there With rage in your eyes and your megaphones......Don't Take Me Alive

[@no2all]

@@mikesimonian484 My favorite Dan non-mellow mood song...along with My Old School.

[@pepelepewlsu]

My favorite song of theirs, because I’m old, and those days will never come back 👍

[@mmay2669]

@@pepelepewlsu those days are gone forever, over a long time ago....

[@bobg4657]

I have never met Napoleon But I plan to find the time

[@bodhisattva3774]

I bought this album for $7 when it came out. Nobody would pay $20 for an album back then.

[@tomosborne105]

Bodhi Satvva $7 was half a tank of gas, $20 today is a half a tank of gas. Masters recordings on vinyl were $19.99 !

[@9337sjm]

Albums were $4.99 to $5.99 at Target and many record stores back in the day. I know, I bought a lot of them!

[@ballyastrocade5672]

$7 in 1977 would be $29.78 today, according to usinflationcalculator.com -- so technically, if the same album sells for $20 today, it's *cheaper* than it was back in 1977. :-)

[@zaporozhye44]

Yep, $7 bucks sounds vaguely familiar. Back then the superbands sold 4, 5,, 6 million LP’s and the great ones only sold 2-3 million copies; Routinely! I saw them at old Municipal Stadium in Cleveland with 70, 000 others wild kids. times have dramatically changed in that industry

[@auricgoldfinger8478]

My College years UC San Diego synonymous with Fagen and Becker. Adam has true appreciation. Honorary man of the 70’s

[@ThaddMcNamara]

Welcome Adam! Good start to Aja experience!!!

[@helgar791]

"Bout time! "Hey Nineteen", "Kid Charlemagne", Home At Last" or "Aja" next...and no, this is not "Yacht Rock". I've written on other reactions about this song, so it's only fair that I talk about it with you. Firstly though, it's interesting that his pet peeve is hi hat on the right, when in reality the majority of people are listeners. We THE AUDIENCE want the hi hat on the right because that is our realistic perspective. A million people will view this sonic soundstage and expect a realistic perspective while 5 band members experience the high hat on the left ONLY IF THEY ARE BEHIND THE DRUMMER. Yes, even the members of the band onstage experience the high hat on the right. Sillysilly. Does he get upset when his sonic perception of the soundstage sees a right handed guitarist strumming with his apparent left hand? So silly. But this is clearly the view of someone that hears music predominantly through headphones and rarely if ever has sat down and listened to music through a well set up system in a home environment. I would also presume he owns zero records and has no vinyl playing system at home. So, what is a Black Cow? It's basically a root beer float using Kahlua. The adult version however uses bourbon. Rudy's (Bar and Grill) still exists here in NYC on 9th ave between 44th and 45th. Then and now it is essentially a dive bar. In the 70's 42nd St was a hub for pro's and johns, and Rudy's was often where pro's, musicians, artists, and actors would mingle. On the bar when he sees her are her remedies (alcohol and drugs), and her book of numbers, so she was more a high priced pro. The pros also strolled from 26th and 11th ave to the Javits Center on 34th and 11th Ave down to 42nd, down to 7th Ave. There were many on the east side on Greene St from Houston to Spring St as well. He is a man who was hopelessly in love with a prostitute that cannot change her ways, and his many attempts to change her have proven fruitless. This is now perhaps his goodbye to her.

[@helenespaulding9372]

Hel Gar good info....but the producer guy did say he owned the vinyl of this and listens to it all the way through.....just to be fair...

[@markghughes]

No. Steely Dan actually is Yacht Rock (Well their later stuff, like stuff from Aja is). It's just that a lot of people have misconceptions of what Yacht Rock actually is, due to bad tribute bands and lazy Sirius XM playlists. A lot of people just think it's mellow soft rock from the 70s, that's often about sailing, which is completely incorrect. What Yacht Rock actually is is smooth soft rock from about the 77-83 period with a strong basis in jazz and r&b, with crisp studio production usually L.A based, and incorporating a lot of the same L.A studio musicians from that time (Jay Graydon, Victor Feldman, Paulhino De Costa, anyone who played in Toto, etc). Steely Dan, while bringing more of a New York sensibility and sophistication to the sound, still very much set the stage for the sound, and influenced a lot of musicians involved at that time. If you really want an idea of what is and isn't Yacht Rock, go here: www.yachtornyacht.com/

[@OuterGalaxyLounge]

I have to give kudos in some sense for the guy admitting this bizarre quirk of his, about the drummer's perspective. I think it's utterly bonkers and irrelevant, but it's his thing, and we all have our things, rational or not.

[@vitchr]

Thank you for sharing this

[@eileendobbs8574]

They already reacted to Kid Charlemagne

[@scarlettohara5030]

This is my absolute FAVORITE Steely Dan! Aja is their best album IMO. Check out "FM", "Dr. Wu", "Hey Nineteen", "Josie", and "Time Out Of Mind". Look into Yacht Rock! It's made fun of and looked over but it's some of the best music by some of the best musicians in the business. It's what I grew up with and will die listening to! xo

[@trentfry958]

I LOVE FM!!! The movie was awful but they Steely Dan tune if it was amazing!!!

[@scarlettohara5030]

@@trentfry958 The soundtrack to the movie is awesome! I love the long version of FM - I hope they cover it next!

[@7gelis]

It’s my favorite SD song too. I’d love for them to check out Josie next.

[@Cheryworld]

you need to hear the title song "Aja" for the drums. Steely Dan, was very jazz influenced. Aja definitely so, great guitar and sax. You have to hear it for the drums. Two solos, the second one will make your heads spin. If you know a better drum solo, I would like to know about it

[@RockyMtnRebecca]

I agree with your friend 100% Aja is incredible and won multiple grammys.

[@tessdog7]

A+. What a smooth song. Definitely a mingling at a party tune. In 1972 they played on the TV show Midnight Special and sang Do It Again.

[@koibster]

One more Steely Dan suggestion: Aja. Amazing drums, amazing sax. Just flat out amazing. BTW, the idea of sitting in a smoky lounge, silently listening to Aja on vinyl - great idea.

[@Josiewankanobe]

I’m in total agreement! Steely is such a fusion of different genres

[@USGrant-rr2by]

Are you thee "Josie"?

[@Josiewankanobe]

david u.s. grant I wish!!

[@timothycook2917]

Steely Dan "Josie" is groovier

[@7gelis]

Josie is my favorite SD song after Black Cow.

[@Wsurfergirl]

Yes Josie , just love the beginning of that song

[@pmularz8411]

Love Josie, not as much as Peg (my moniker, lol), but it's a great tune

[@USGrant-rr2by]

They did "Josie" live on Letterman in the 90s!

[@Josiewankanobe]

Agreed!

[@weewilly49]

Oh My! You've elevated the reaction video yet again with the inclusion of this producer! Could only dream of regularly having all 3 of you guy's opinions!!!

[@sjd5750]

Idk if you guys know the story behind how they started, with the original band..Denny Dias, (their original guitarist) who had a band together and played in his basement here on Long Island put an ad in The Village Voice looking for a keyboard player, and a bass player. The add read "Looking for Keyboard player, and Bass player..Assholes need not apply."..Of course not being assholes, they replied. After hearing them play he fired his band.

[@ajaxfernsby4078]

The name Steely Dan was taken from a novel called The Naked Lunch by William Burroughs. It was the name a randy woman gave to her mechanical boy friend. The book was banned in many libraries.

[@davidupton8880]

The Doobie Brothers album "Living on the Fault Line" is totally along these lines. Fantastic!

[@Fuphyter]

Puleeeze listen to Bodhisatva, Alex you WILL drown in perfect instrument sauce. I promise 💜

[@adamp2029]

Fuphyter I second this. Andy and Alex would loooove Bodhisatva!

[@pandacosu8217]

Gotta agree. One of their best!

[@hotelfoxtrot4979]

You guys are so great... your enthusiasm makes me smile and your technical knowledge of production makes this a fun way to geek out about music we love. I'm a nerd for everything (tennis, basketball, musicology, history, politics, economics, art & art history, graphic design etc)... and THIS is my favorite way to nerd out! I grew up on Beatles, Fleetwood Mac, Eagles, R&B, Funk & Disco and then post punk & New Wave, eventually moved on to Wilco in the 90s and beyond as my favorite band (probably the best post modern band you guys need to dive deep into... Wilco's live album Kicking Television is one of my favorite all time live albums). I keep up with modern classics like War On Drugs, Tame Impala's Currents, The National, Foster The People... Steely Dan is an all time favorite. Thanks for creating this channel dudes!

[@stratbmx1542]

Finally someone who gives the Clav in this song some credit 🎹

[@AdamSliger]

Ya gotta!

[@daveowens9849]

Jazz Rock, not Yacht Rock. Gimme a damn break.

[@foxholeatheist1914]

Co-signed.

[@zamaurijones2725]

Yeah...they’re more of jazz fusion not yacht rock lol. But it’s all good

[@dwashington1333]

Yacht Rock radio plays Steely Dan.

[@MAGA-kv1nj]

Yeah I have to agree as well... when I think of Yacht Rock I think Christopher Cross, Bozz Scaggs, etc. Steely Dan is more jazz-rock.

[@richardkafka5625]

NOT Yacht Rock!

[@blanetalk]

I think it would be wonderful if you did a start to finish album listen to Aja. It's one of the most perfect albums ever made (that and Fleetwood Mac's Rumors.)

[@jamesbrown9130]

Deacon Blues and Aja are the top cuts on an absolute masterpiece album. Deacon Blues for emotion and poetry, Aja for off the chart musicianship and creativity. Black Cow is a wonderful opener.

[@tallykev6608]

Your friend has really good taste in music. This music is for whenever you feel like chillin'

[@submandave1125]

One thing that I have always loved about Dan that Adam touched on is instrument placement and separation. Every instrument is so clear and specific.

[@cazgerald9471]

Slight correction: Aja was released in 1977, vinyl album prices from the mid/late 1970s until CDs took over in the mid 1980s were about $6.99 - $8.99. Cassettes for any given album were usually $1 more, and CD prices increased by about $2. No albums when Aja was released had double digit prices except special pressings.

[@zamaurijones2725]

First comment!! Steely Dan rocks!!!!! Check out Aja by Steely Dan!!! It is their MASTERPIECE!

[@jaredsearle4278]

I reccomend Bodhisatva off one of the early albums. Rock and jazz. Needs to be the studio album. Do it you won't regret..

[@nancylipscomb550]

COUNT DOWN TO ECSTASY is the LP. 1973 .... That one and CAN'T BUY A THRILL are my favorites. Their early stuff is more rock than jazzy.

[@vanessarupe2039]

My 17 year old has been listening to this music her whole life. She can sing nearly every song. We took her to a Steely Dan concert about 3 years ago in Houston. She loved it. This music must forever live on through future generations! ✌🏻❤️from Texas

[@BSaxTop]

Yeah.... You loved that groove set up by Bernie Purdie on drums and the windup by Tom Scott on sax at the end.... I saw you!!!!!

[@kmjr2400]

Love AJA, And Steely Dan!

[@Maisie9798]

Show him Deacon Blues!!!!!!

[@OuterGalaxyLounge]

They got a name for the winner who can hear it.

[@SpaceCattttt]

I think he knows it, Elle...

[@Maisie9798]

kevin r. And I've got a name when I lose...........

[@skippermullet69]

Green Earrings or Bodhisattva have some of their best back and forth guitar "battles."

[@gdimitra01]

Your friend has great taste in music. Definitely one of the best albums of all time.

[@ljw5768]

You used the phrase "nostalgic for a place I've never even been to"... and you perfectly described Deacon Blues from the same album. A song about two kids dreaming of playing in the smoky jazz clubs of New York..

[@drewwin794]

You absolutely must listen to “Josie” on the Aja album! Also check out Michael Franks music, Sade’s music and Sting’s solo music for a Jazz/Rock Fusion Vibe.

[@OuterGalaxyLounge]

Black Cow is the perfect beginning for an album and Josie is the perfect finale, and everything in between is molten fire.

[@MrSmartAlec]

OMG Michael Franks - Popsicle Toes. Have not thought of this one for ages and ages.

[@ricksanchez2010]

Sade. Home run.

[@heathinvaderstudios]

Fun related fact: Before he became an actor and writer, the late Phil Hartman began as a graphic designer. He designed quite a few album covers, including the cover of Steely Dan’s Aja album!

[@bennyman1622]

I'm pretty sure that's an internet rumor.

[@seansullivan7955]

Double A - thanks for more Steely Dan! Consider “Do It Again”. Their first radio play song helps explain why their tunes are so great - they started at the pinnacle. I enjoy the whole Aja album but let me put it this way - I’ve heard the title track on the local jazz station. In summary, please react to “Do It Again”.

[@nahaloz1816]

In hi fi stores they usually put Donald Fagen solo album Night Flight, the song New Frontiers will convince anybody on any speaker...

[@karensteyer677]

There is so much crazy delicious music by Steely Dan! Enjoy it all.

[@expresscp]

Steely Dan did a performance of 'Do It Again' and 'Reeling in the Years' on "The Midnight Special" .

[@bkshields76]

No bad SD. Do it Again is my favorite...

[@Mortdshue]

The first cut on their first album released as their first single. Definitely a must listen. The lyrics set the tone for the rest of their work. Life’s losers caught up making the same mistakes over and over.

[@steffg9321]

Do it Again has one of the best intros ever. Right behind the intro for Gimme Shelter.

[@jeffreylucas4128]

Title cut "Aja" please.

[@jam1870utube]

Deacon blues will not only make you feel like you’re in a basement lounge filled with Leather bound chairs and couches and cigar smoke, but you will feel like you are that star member in the band. It’s so damn dirty good and tragically haunting in all the best ways.

[@nahaloz1816]

The concerts are amazing, I have been seeing them in the Beacon Theatre in NYC every year for last 8 years straight.

[@skatemetrix]

Smoothest song ever!

[@Cboy2023]

Rudy’s is a famous dive bar in Hells Kitchen NYC

[@bennyman1622]

They evoke some great places in their lyrics, and you know exactly the place they mean. I struck a match against the door at Anthony's Bar and Grill, the bar at Joey's (they're getting ready to close) chillin' at the Manatee Bar. I wanna go!

[@2Snails1Shell]

TY! 👍☺️

[@bodhisattva3774]

How could you cheat on Andy?! That's cold, brother. Lol. How about Aja next, the drumming on the coda is unbelievable.

[@neonpark1874]

I bet Alex feels dirty now.

[@sharonstratis2846]

Agree. I miss Andy. Wasn't it his channel first?? : )

[@TheOriginalFILIBUSTA]

The reference to vinyl made me think. I saw a tour where they played this whole album. One of the gorgeous, black backup singers put the record on and the band played on...end of side 1, she went over, flipped it, and the band played side 2. Very cool vibe.

[@kristopherheenk2710]

Still waiting on you guys to do Dirty Work by Steely Dan.

[@clintatk]

"This is the age of the expanding man. That shape is my shame there where I used to stand." If you love great writing and amazing storytelling, Deacon Blues is my all time favorite and I love all their shit. 💖

[@gruenfels317]

In many ways Steely Dan is for music, what Stanley Kubrick was for film...

[@Wordsmyth8]

Black Cow is one of my favorite Steely Dan songs. So jazzy and that sax - man, it’s killer! And you are right, Aja is one of the best records ever.

[@boffo63]

Hey, having Adam was a real good move. Although, I am becoming convinced that all of ya's are just drummers. These guys were fantastic live. They were already old by the time I saw them in the 90s. Maybe Andy and Alex should have a special guest weekly? You guys are really good on camera, too bad you're so far thru school lol Now go binge a bunch of albums and tell us what ya's think.

[@NightWindsMusic]

Not really a drummer but it was my first instrument! More of a guitar player and songwriter than anything. Appreciate ya!

[@triangle_transparency]

Green earrings..... very tasty!

[@MrRebus777]

I disagree, a vinyl cost about $7 or 8 back then. We were shocked when Cd's came out at 14 to 16$...

[@alrivers2297]

First Andy then Alex now Adam, "A" names are the best aren't they

[@johnmichaelholcomb5785]

Guess I should put em on my A list .

[@jazzyboy7784]

The album ...Aja also starts with an A...

[@adamp2029]

Agreed 😁

[@rogerpitcher6540]

Nice surprise for a Saturday special. Next from this LP? The title tune, Aja.

[@9999plato]

I have it on vinyl too, though I have it on CD on several versions including their 4 cd boxed set. I remember when this was in the FM radio play rotation in the late 70s. There was something special about hearing it on a good Japanese made receiver ( not the crap you get these days from China) in the dark. The lamps lighting the dial would pulse slightly as the music got louder and softer and the VU meters jumped. FM radio compression had something to do with it too. I have a certain nostalgia for those days and went out and bought the same series of Kenwood receiver that I had back then.

[@CC-gd9wl]

The entire AJA album is a freaking masterpiece.