FIRST TIME HEARING Steely Dan- "Kid Charlemagne" & "Don't Take Me Alive" (Reaction)

[@retroreactions....]

An upbeat happy one and an upbeat sad one, both drenched with the classic Steely sound and great storytelling! Thanks for watching! 🥰

[@johnathanstruble1064]

Sitting by a pool, with favorite beverage in hand, and Steely Dan set on random play.....cmon man. 😂

[@sirsuse]

"Don't Take Me Alive" is highly underrated imo. Larry Carlton really shines in this song.

[@retroreactions....]

Yes, so glad I was introduced to him and this song today! Thanks for watching!

[@hurricane1951]

"Don't Take Me Alive" has the greatest guitar intro in rock history.

[@jonathansmith3742]

The Royal Scam is a killer album. The whole things just grooves. Enjoy.

[@retroreactions....]

Great to know! Thanks so much for watching.

[@babylonsister118]

This song, ( kid Charlemagne) was written with a specific person in mind. Here is the back story: Augustus Owsley Stanley III (January 19, 1935 - March 12, 2011) was an American-Australian audio engineer and clandestine chemist. He was a key figure in the San Francisco Bay Area hippie movement during the 1960s and played a pivotal role in the decade's counterculture. Under the professional name Bear, he was the sound engineer for the Grateful Dead, recording many of the band's live performances. Stanley also developed the Grateful Dead's Wall of Sound, one of the largest mobile sound reinforcement systems ever constructed. Stanley also helped Robert Thomas design the band's trademark skull logo.[1] Called the Acid King by the media,[2][3] Stanley was the first known private individual to manufacture mass quantities of LSD.[4][5][6] By his own account, between 1965 and 1967, Stanley produced at least 500 grams of LSD, amounting to a little more than five million doses.[7] He died in a car accident in Australia (where he had taken citizenship in 1996) on March 12, 2011.[6][8][9] Source was Wikipedia

[@MisterWondrous]

Far out! I had assumed it was about Timothy Leary, with whom I've spoken about sundry topics regarding his book, "Jail Notes" which he signed for me.

[@retroreactions....]

Thanks for the info. What a life Owsley had! Thanks so much for watching...I think you're a huge Steely fan based on your username 🙂

[@MisterWondrous]

@@retroreactions.... Babylon Sisters is one of the 3 or 5 best songs by them, I would guess. Aja is great. Charlie Freak is also great but in a small way, to keep with the theme of the song.

[@babylonsister118]

@@retroreactions.... Absolutely! I lived in SF for several years and still miss it many years later and Babylon Sisters is about a night on the town in SF.

[@babylonsister118]

@@MisterWondrous Wow! I would have loved to have met Timothy Leary!

[@garya7893]

They were perfection

[@retroreactions....]

For sure! Thanks for watching and being first today! 🥇

[@Prone2Thrill]

"Is there gas in the car? Yes there's gas in the car!"

[@retroreactions....]

😁 🚗

[@Allright21]

“Is there gas in the car? Yes there’s gas in the car!” My favorite line!

[@retroreactions....]

Ha, oh the irony of what really happened! Thanks for watching!

[@z-man2343]

Axshuly, what Donald said is " Is there gas in the cah? Yes, there's gas in the cah."

[@Allright21]

Third World Man always brings me to tears. Reminds me of a Vietnam vet who has PTSD.

[@retroreactions....]

I will add your vote for that one, thanks!

[@wendellwiggins2900]

SO FUNKY SO COOL SUCH A GREAT STORY STEELY at the BEST!

[@chicagojon1972]

I can't think of two better songs to listen to from Steely Dan. Both have amazing guitar solos.

[@MrHisperia2001]

Steely Dan is the ultimate band 💫❤️☝️ everything they put out is Great ☝️thanks for the reaction ☝️

[@retroreactions....]

No arguments there! You're welcome, thanks for tuning in!

[@MrThesem]

I've been a Steely Dan fan since their first album, "Can't Buy a Thrill." In the past my favorite song(s) changes to whatever I'm listening to by them at the time, but for the last few years it's been "Kid Charlemagne." Some time check out their live version from the "Alive in America" cd, it kicks major ass.

[@retroreactions....]

OK, thanks!

[@lucasroth7922]

Your favorite bands favorite band🔥🤘✌

[@retroreactions....]

Yes! Thanks for tuning in today!

[@reneelyons6836]

Yacht Rock 🛥🛥🛥 ha ha 🤣 just kidding!! Great Rock!! Mixed with some jazz. ♥🎼🎶🎶

[@retroreactions....]

EPIC jazz-funk-rock!! 🎹🎸🎙🥁

[@reneelyons6836]

💯Percent!!!! 🎼🎶🎶🤩🥰

[@reneelyons6836]

@@JEFFREYJERDON 👃😤Not today Satan.

[@79BlackRose]

Steely Dan are one of the greatest artists of all time as far as I am concerned. I love The Royal Scam album the most. It has an edge which was polished out for the subsequent albums: Aja and Gaucho. Every track on this album is top tier. Bernard Purdie showcases the "Perdie shuffle" on track #1 and Larry Carlton shines on these two songs. On other cuts, several other great guitarists are featured. Two worthy of special mention are Green Earrings and Haitian Divorce, both totally different and intensely satisfying. I regard Steely Dan as ideal music for driving on the motorway/freeway.

[@retroreactions....]

What an album it must be! Adding your votes for GE and HD

[@briangray00]

Scammer unite! I love 'em all to be honest, but I think The Royal Scam were they *went 100% great*. This the one is where they hit their full stride. They're America's Beatles, with darker themes and (generally) more cryptic lyrics + OCD levels of engineering. I don't have a favourite LP (I prefer endless prevarication), if I did this would be it 70% of the time. The sales receipts really flew in with it's successor. I'm happy about that.

[@79BlackRose]

@@briangray00 "" They're America's Beatles"? No, not at all. Their music is not even similar; they have one vocalist; every track has loads of session players on it; they had very few hits on the singles chart and no #1s...

[@briangray00]

@@79BlackRose Simon!. I meant in terms of musical genius, not having Ringo on drums, styles, track lengths or singles statistics.

[@79BlackRose]

@@briangray00 Musical genius, for sure.

[@Tarkus7]

I've been a Steely Dan fan since the 70's, and can honestly say these two songs are my favorite. Royal Scam and Aja have different flavors, but these are so catchy and cool.

[@retroreactions....]

Yes, my love for this wonderful band keeps growing with each song discovery! Thanks so much for watching.

[@keithr-xj7zx]

A lot of bands say Steely Dan is their go to band to listen to. ✌️

[@retroreactions....]

And we can't blame them!! 😊

[@godbluffvdgg]

We would jam to this on vinyl when I was a senior in High School...If I heard this album once, I heard it a thousand time...The whole album is the only way to hear it..

[@retroreactions....]

Nice! Can't wait to hear the rest! Thanks for watching..

[@williammilheim8141]

My favorite album. Been a fan since 73. Not a bad song on this album or any of their albums. They have a song for any of your moods. This is what talent sounds like.

[@retroreactions....]

Oh, so they're like Supertramp, ELO, Pink Floyd, Genesis etc haha! No surprise here. Thanks so much for watching!

[@ischmidt]

Larry Carlton is super tasty on both of these songs. He's best known in the jazz world, but he did play on a lot of jazz-adjacent and not-jazz-at-all records too. For me, what really makes the Kid Charlemagne solo isn't just what he's playing, it's the absolutely colossal groove that Purdie and Rainey kick into right as Carlton really takes off (at 4:41 in this video). There's a video on KZbin that isolates just Carlton, Purdie, and Rainey's parts from the original multitrack masters and it's well worth a listen. Also, Rick Beato and Tim Pierce have a full video where they pick apart the solo in depth, and Rick interviewed Larry about a year ago.

[@retroreactions....]

Tasty...now there's a great adjective! Thanks for the info. I will seek out that "isolation" video..

[@theivory1]

I can't wait for you to get to the title track.

[@retroreactions....]

Vote added 😁

[@289hipo]

Love the lead in Larry Carlton solo

[@paulweber686]

11:53-I entered this video not expecting great things (apologies), but you are the only reactor that I have seen-and I have seen many- who picked up on the profound nature of the backup vocals on this composition. They are not much present on this song, but their moment is huge, in my opinion. Kudos for even noticing that! Made my day, as one asshole once put it.

[@retroreactions....]

Hello Paul. Thank for giving the vid a chance. I know I'm far from being a perfect reactor, but I do try hard in every video to pick up as much of the technical as well as the emotional sides of the songs. Glad I could help your day a bit 🙂

[@l-bird]

Kid Charlemagne is classic Steely Dan to me, but I can't say I recall ever hearing the 2nd song. I enjoyed it all. Thanks!

[@retroreactions....]

Nice! Glad we could discover Don't Take Me together!

[@DawnSuttonfabfour]

Hey Brandon. Loved early SD. Cool perfection. I bought Haitian Divorce on a 45 when I was 14/15. Showed my dad who gave me a thumbs up for having great taste.

[@retroreactions....]

Hi! Cool, is that the song with reggae vibes? I think I heard that.

[@DawnSuttonfabfour]

@@retroreactions.... Yes on reflection it does. I loved Pretzel Logic album from end to end. And I was I think 12 when I heard that, repeatedly, as my best friend owned it.

[@scottsnyder2726]

Great album! Two great songs. Kid Charlemagne is one of my favorite songs ever. I have to give a shout to the drummer Bernard Purdie - his signature “Purdie shuffle” and perfect fills forms the foundation for the excellence of the other musicians

[@retroreactions....]

Hi Scott! Glad you love these songs. For sure about Purdie. I listened to the version on KZbin where it's just him and Rainey's bass isolated and I could really hear better their brilliance together!

[@helenespaulding7562]

Purdie……such a classy drummer.

[@scifimonkey3]

2 really great songs that show off just how good Becker and Fagen were. Probably just squeaks in as my favourite Dan album but its close because they were so consistently brilliant.

[@Ozarkprepper643]

Of the Steely Dan songs Don't Take Me Alive and Deacon Blues I enjoy the most. Whenever I think of Steely Dan, Steve Winwood and traffic come to mind. ✌️ 🤠🏞️🐂

[@retroreactions....]

Hi there!! 2 great picks from this extraordinary band! Funny you say that, in my first Traffic reaction I mention that it reminds me a bit of Steely Dan...take it easy.

[@Ozarkprepper643]

@@retroreactions.... hey working late in the shop tonight. Yeah I listen to this first and then I seen your traffic reaction. I chuckled when I heard you say the same. Three others from traffic would be John Barleycorn Must Die Dear Mr Fantasy Freedom Rider Later

[@retroreactions....]

Cool, adding those to the list now!

[@z-man2343]

One of the all time great guitar solos on Kid Charlemagne by the legendary jazz master Larry Carlton.

[@retroreactions....]

Yes, was an honor to hear him play...

[@helenespaulding7562]

One of my faves by them!

[@retroreactions....]

Sweet! Great stuff here 🙂

[@helenespaulding7562]

@@retroreactions....the fave one is KC

[@davidbooth7778]

I could listen to Steely Dan all day. Every album is a gem!!

[@retroreactions....]

I see why! Thanks for watching!

[@michaelyork4554]

The Royal Scam is in my Top Ten of all time Great albums, every song is Perfection

[@retroreactions....]

Awesome! Well deserved spot on your list. Excited to hear the rest of em....Thanks

[@kevinrombouts3027]

Great choices. This album is fantastic and these two songs are stellar. Awesome comments.

[@retroreactions....]

Thank you so much Kevin. Your compliments mean a lot. Definitely 2 superb SD tunes!

[@andyshan]

I think your going to love their earlier guitar driven albums that introduced them to a gobsmacked audience. This ialbum is probably the best example of the fusion of their earlier rockier sound and the smoother funk jazz infused magic that would follow. Always inventive and irreverent in their story telling. Thanks again.

[@retroreactions....]

Interesting....Will definitely get around to their earlier material. You're welcome and thanks for watching!!

[@briangray00]

I think they really hit their stride on this LP.

[@pommie5093]

One of my favorite guitar solos ever-so epic!

[@retroreactions....]

YES!

[@buckmusial]

RIP Kid Charlemagne - Augustus Owsley Stanley III (1935 - 2011)

[@marytreder8095]

Two of my favorites from Steely Dan - nice breakdown.

[@retroreactions....]

Great! Thank you so much Mary!

[@MisterWondrous]

Royal Scam is a jewel of an album, and "Don't Take Me Alive" once of its shiniest jewels, along with the title cut, which is so good they named an album after it. "Kid Charlemagne", Bear Stanley, I just discovered by looking, is a great-grandson of Charlemagne, 32 generations later. Bear's grandfather was a US Senator...Bear the First, I guess. Small world.

[@retroreactions....]

Nice, now I'm excited to be royally scammed!! Wow, didn't read any of that...so Bear was literally "Kid Charlemagne"!

[@MisterWondrous]

@@retroreactions.... Yessir! And whilst being scammed, hone in on those low chords on the Steinway. Enjoy!

[@nunnarij]

What a great time and treat for the ears and spirit!

[@retroreactions....]

Yes! Can't wait until I one day know all of their amazing discography. Thanks so much for watching 🙂

[@sourisvoleur4854]

The thing that grabs me on Kid Charlemagne is the bass. So funky! The only problem I have with "Don't Take Me Alive" is that if his old man actually lived in Oregon, he'd know how to pronounce it right.

[@retroreactions....]

Ha, Aregawn! Sounds closer to something/someone out of Middle Earth!!

[@retroreactions....]

Besides Seattle, Portland is one of my favorite places I've been, especially due to The Rose Garden, The Grotto, The Columbia River and "Waterfall Row" Beautiful stuff!!

[@sourisvoleur4854]

@@retroreactions.... Portland is simply gorgeous. I took my lady there for a date and I think that's why she agreed to marry me.

[@sourisvoleur4854]

@@retroreactions.... Oregawn son of Overthrawn.

[@retroreactions....]

Great choice bud! (the place and the person) 🙂

[@steved525]

Thank you for reacting to these two great songs. You do an amazing job Brandon! Hoping to hear you react to my favourite song from SD Home at Last at some point. All the best

[@retroreactions....]

You're very welcome! I really appreciate your compliment. Added your vote and yes will definitely get to it eventually. Much peace and blessings to you!!

[@Tarkus7]

"Home At Last" is such a great song, especially when you find out what the song means.

[@russelbarnes7235]

Ya know, I had to subscribe to journey with you as you travel this road. SD has many great albums and everyone likes the one they like best, and you can't argue with their choice! This is my personal favorite SD album. Can't wait till you react to The Fez, Green Earrings, Haitian Divorce, Caves of Altimira and all the rest of Royal Scam. Let's rock!

[@retroreactions....]

Ah, thanks so much for your subscription, I really appreciate that! Yes, I hope to cover their entire discography over time...I also have a Steely Dan Playlist on my home page in case you missed those! 😊

[@buddasquirrel]

Absolutely wonderful reactions. Thank you very much!! Loved it! ❤❤❤

[@retroreactions....]

You're welcome and thank you for watching and for the kind compliments! 💙

[@kenwhelan3003]

Pre SD...Larry Carlton guitarist in the Crusaders..check out Those Southern Knights "Spiral"

[@michaelbaucom4019]

My two favorites(beyond masterpieces)from my favorite Steely Dan album(by a millimeter over Aja and Countdown To Ecstasy), The Royal Scam still had a good portion of rock, as opposed to Aja(the title track setting the stage for Aja). The usual excellence everywhere, of course. Donald Fagan's singing on this album was, IMHO, his best. " The Fez " and " The Caves Of Altimira " from this album are also beyond masterpieces On Kid Charlemagne, the lyric " is there gas in the car " Owlsley was caught fleeing police...because he ran out of gas. Walter and Donald chose to give him a happy ending. A bit of a departure from their usual cynicism RIP Walter Becker

[@retroreactions....]

Oh perfect! Nice, will add votes for those 2! Yea, I found Owsley's story quite captivating. Sad how his life ended though. Yes, Walter one of the greats!

[@drmagic60]

Well Brandon, you knocked it out of the park today!! Loved both of these. This is a great album, as are pretty much all of theirs!! If you’re looking for a slower song from them, you’ve got to listen to “Third World Man” which is the closing song on Gaucho. I’m sure it’ll be one you like.

[@retroreactions....]

Yea, 2 of their best I'm certain! Thanks for the recommendation for Third. You're the second to do so this hour, so I know I'll love it. Ah, so much Steely, so little time............

[@drmagic60]

@@retroreactions....This is my 3rd attempt at this!! I’ve been enjoying the international artists you’ve been bringing to the channel, but I’ve got one for you. The other day on Spotify, I discovered a Turkish artist named Yavuz Cetin. He released just two albums, “Ilk” in 1997 and “Satilik” in 2001. His music is termed rock, blues rock and psychedelic rock. Unfortunately he took his life just six weeks before his 31st birthday and just after he finished recording sessions for the second album. I’ve given both albums a listen and really enjoyed them. The first album opens with the song “Sahil” that is a nice ballad with some harmonica. Other songs, namely the third track, “Bilmem Neden Inat Ettin” has a lot of Steely Dan vibe to me. I’ve not looked into the translations to the lyrics yet, but enjoyed them. I hope you might find a little time to be able to give Yavuz a listen. The first album does qualify for new artist 😊.

[@retroreactions....]

Up late! Wow, another great new discovery huh? That's always a great thing. Would you say his second album is similar to the first? I can listen to that one freely and see what I think...

[@drmagic60]

I’m a night owl… almost 1:30! It’s already Thursday for me. Lol. The second album has fewer slowish songs than the first but is great. The second track “Oyuncak” is slower with a lot of great acoustic guitar. The third track “Benimle Ucmak Ister Misin?” to me has the closest Steely Dan vibe. Either way, I think you’ll like his music.

[@retroreactions....]

Ha, didn't know that...I won't discuss the unholy hours that I sometimes keep 😳 Cool, I shall check them out! Good night!

[@annieclifford9337]

NICE LOVE IT

[@retroreactions....]

Thanks for watching!!

[@walterfechter8080]

"Kid Charlemagne" -- oh yeah, that one. I was at a music club to hear some king tone by Rory Gallagher. A DJ pal of mine piped this stellar funky masterpiece over the house sound system (and God saw that it was good). From that night forward, I was known as "Kid Charlemagne" by the staff at the club. No, I was never into "chemistry." Oh yeah, it was my birthday. Thanks, TJ The DJ (WSRD) "Skye" Daniels (WDVE) and the gorgeous Michele L. for dancing with me to this one! Thanks again, Retro Reactions!

[@retroreactions....]

Hello Walter! Wow EPIC story, thanks for sharing. What a cool nickname to have! You're welcome and thanks so much for tuning in!!

[@walterfechter8080]

@@retroreactions.... That happened so long ago -- almost 2 lifetimes ago. I recall the first time I heard "Reeling in The Years" and I told many others; including some friends who worked at a Cleveland radio station; "This band Steely Dan is gonna be big!" With me, it's more than just nostalgia, Fagan, Becker and company were all talented singer/songwriters/musicians who worked with other great names in the biz. You have a great thing going here on your channel! Keep up the great work! Stay safe-- W

[@haleyschreiter9746]

Great selections, Brandon! This whole album is fantastic 😃

[@retroreactions....]

Thank you, agree! Appreciate you stopping by today... ☺

[@Manni59]

I like the work Carlton did on Joni Mitchell's three albums between 1974 and 1976. Especially on "Hejira" he is an unbeatable duo together with bassist Jaco Pastorius. Oh, by the way WHERE IS JONI? ;-) I think she´s still missing in your repertoire. "The Hissing Of Summer Lawns", "Hejira" and "Don Juan´s Reckless Daughter" are three excellent albums by her.

[@retroreactions....]

Yes, she's on the list, with tons of others...she almost made it, but Joan Baez won out. I will keep her in mind and add Hejira to the list. Do you have an absolute fave or 2 by her?

[@Manni59]

@@retroreactions.... Oh yes. On "Hejira" especially I like "Coyote", "Amelia" and "Song For Sharon". On "Reckless" it is "Otis And Marlena" and "The Silky Veils Of Ardor". From "Hissing" there is "In France They Kiss On Main Street" and "Harry´s House/Centerpiece". But Joni´s voice makes almost every song a wonderful experience.

[@retroreactions....]

Thanks!

[@siemonblidener652]

Donald Fagen said, music shouldn't lament. If they cover a more serious theme it's always with tongue in cheek. One notable exception is Any Major Dude which is one of the few songs that are completely sincere, but it's also a quite optimistic one.

[@retroreactions....]

Interesting...Thanks for watching

[@planetneutral320]

Great tunes. This is the first reaction to Kid Charlemagne I've seen in quite some time where the host didn't immediately say something about Kanye, lol.

[@retroreactions....]

Yea, wouldn't know the connection to him at all... thanks for watching!

[@rainerseeger4195]

If your looking for a slower more melancholy song from steely Dan, try Third World Man from the Gaucho album, cheers

[@retroreactions....]

Thanks! You're the 4th vote now for that one 🙂

[@ljw5768]

Kid C…. It’s one of those DON’T FADE NOW songs!!

[@retroreactions....]

Yes, SO catchy the more I hear it!! Thank you

[@romeosyne]

Rhythm guitar by co-writer Walter Becker...

[@retroreactions....]

Guitar legend! Thanks for watching.

[@helenespaulding7562]

I know this is a dumb comment, but I can’t help myself after listening to Dont Take Me Alive It seems that EVERYONE, outside of those who were actually raised in Oregon and Washington, pronounce the word ORE-EE-GONE, with the stress on no particular syllable. Those of us raised in the NW say ORE-I-GUN, with the accent hard on the first syllable and the rest is almost an afterthought. It comes out like Orign, with the “u” almost swallowed. Whew…now I feel better. 😏😉

[@retroreactions....]

Hmmm...I've also heard ORE-EH-GONE. I've always pronounced it Origun, Orgun or Orgin LOL...

[@helenespaulding7562]

@@retroreactions.... then you do it right! 😁👍

[@briangray00]

Most overtly sad song would be Charlie Freak - as sleigh bell infused Xmas songs go, it's not likely to gain you an under the mistletoe kiss. Third World Man might get you in the feels too, as it invariably does to me.

[@retroreactions....]

Thanks Brian for the input!!

[@ljw5768]

Surely Kid Charlemagne was inspiration for Breaking Bad.

[@williamosborne6866]

Larry Carlton is perhaps the pre-eminent jazz guitarist alive - he spent 10+ years with the band "Fourplay" (with the incomparable Bob James on keys and Nathan East on bass) - one of the best smooth jazz bands ever, and he has sessioned with over 100 other artists as well. If this isn't your thing (although you might get to like it), listen to this on your own - "Free Range". You'll see why he fit into the Steely Dan scheme of things: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oqCyaaCvhpx5hLc

[@retroreactions....]

OK, I will watch later...time to stop comments for the night and have dinner haha....

[@heidie2081]

Steely Dan slow recommendation... "Third World Man".

[@retroreactions....]

Added your vote!!

[@douglasennis7291]

Charlie Freak on 🥨 Logic

[@retroreactions....]

Vote added thanks!

[@LeOhio817]

Brooklyn Owes the Charmer Under Me, Pearl of the Quarter, and Dirty Work are some of the slower tunes in their catalog. All worth checking out.