Drummer reacts to "The Royal Scam" by Steely Dan

[@danieltruyts-ke4gi]

What a song to close an album !

[@jamesvomsaal]

That’s the way to end an album. great reaction. What an album

[@jimmoore8951]

A story about Puerto Rican immigrants in NYC who fell for the promise of a better life in America. Song perfectly captures the buildup of expectations without the payoff for their struggles. Dissonance without the resolve. Loved the background vocals and muted trumpet over the massive groove. You got the point of the introspective look at ourselves here. And yes, the Fez then the Aja album.

[@scotto.4832]

It could just as easily be about Italian immigrants to Ellis Island at the turn of the 20th century. Many, especially Sicilians, would carry on Cosa Nostra activites in America.

[@mikecreger9702]

Could easily be about everyone coming over the southern border right now. The reality of the situation will make them hate America more than they hate where they came from.

[@stevedahlberg8680]

Man, that is so well said.

[@maddcowperklns8275]

The Best song on the Royal Scam album is #6 Green Earrings , don't miss out on that song . ✌️💖☺️

[@L33Reacts]

I'll make sure to do it! I might do 2 songs next week:)

[@alldayadventures5418]

@@L33Reacts Green Earrings is a hard one to figure out. It is about a thief that keeps steeling his girlfriends jewelry and sells it. She knows he is doing this, and he knows she knows he is doing this. His reply when caught "hey-I don't mind" + "I am like a kid in a candy store" then he does it again.

[@alldayadventures5418]

"THE FEZ" is sung as a triple negative. A nick-name for a fancy rubber, the singer says he does NOT want to wear the Fez, because he is a better "man" without one. "Ain't Never gonna do it without the Fez On...!"

[@TrickRipple]

This song is perfection , like everything else Steely Dan ❤

[@petertrotman7708]

As much as I love the groove of this track, this is more about the lyrics. If you read the words simultaneously then you'll feel the disappointment of false promises broken. This is a sad song but uplifting also as only Steely know how. My favourite SD album.

[@normandaubry]

Bernard Purdie on drums… a true monster and one of the grooviest drummers. No wonder why he’s one of the most recorded drummer. And he probably is the most entertaining drummer to watch in instructional videos. What a personality!

[@debbiewalker31]

You need to finish this album! If you can, PLEASE, make sure you get to Sign in Stranger, The Fez and Green Earrings from this Royal Scam album. Those are three of my favorite songs on this album and I think you will love them! Really funky tracks, especially, The Fez and Green Earrings.

[@srj108]

My top Dan tune changes over time. Sometimes it's Aja, sometimes it's Pretzel Logic, sometimes Do it Again, sometimes Caves of Altamira but somedays it's definitely The Royal Scam. It's so moody and evocative. It's a magnificent piece of musicianship and songsmanship.

[@johnnyparis10]

Me too, but I think I always end up with “Kid Charlemagne” because it’s about Stanely Owsley and because of the verse, “Is there gas in the car? Yes there’s gas in the car. I think the people down the hall know who we are.” That they could put that in a song blows my mind….

[@srj108]

@@johnnyparis10 Yes, Kid C is up there too. Must have listened to it a million times.

[@donaldcoe5699]

Never miss a Steely Sunday. Hope you have a great day Lee. You deserve it..

[@L33Reacts]

Thanks Donald I appreciate that! I hope you do as well :) glad you enjoy steely Sunday! I do too. 🤗

[@andyshan]

The payoff here is that it's setting us up for the next album, leaving us wanting more. And the next album just happens to be amazing.

[@craigfazekas3923]

Avoiding the obvious in AJA, I like to think of this as premier Steely Dan. Always loved this album !!

[@haleyschreiter9746]

I feel like a lot of bands would open the album with this title track, but not Steely! They hold it back until the end 😊

[@L33Reacts]

They always save the best for last! This was such a great subversion of expectations. It really sets this sad, desperate, almost vibe. Which totally fits the theme of the album.

[@doria5978]

Love your thoughtful reactions. In regard to “blame” …it took me a really long time to realize that being in a state of blame, keeps you from being in a state of growth. Stay strong, friend. Thanks for reacting to SD.

[@stephenmichael8837]

What great musicians. You have helped me appreciate these guys so much more.

[@danielthompson9509]

Great reaction again Lee. On the song "Peg" Jay Graydon was the 8th lead guitarist they tried on that song. None of the others could get the sound they wanted.

[@cynergy4]

This and "Black Friday" are my two top faves by them. "Don't Take Me Alive" is another. Fagen and Becker were perfectionists and every note had to be perfect. That is likely why they were primarily a studio band. You are a very insightful young man

[@L33Reacts]

I appreciate that, thank you. These guys are the top of the food chain! I am so glad to have discovered them. It's like finding a missing piece of yourself lol

[@NickWebber-vp4pd]

Love this tune, and its multi-faceted layering…QUITE TASTY LICKS…kudos to the sound engineer…this sounds awesome on my sound system.😮

[@PJprog]

As cool as. They're an amazing outfit this group of cool cats. ' The Fez ' , demands everyone's ear time. And when talking Steely Dan I have to mention Rosie Vela and her album Zazu. Produced by Gary Katz (same as SD) it also features Becker and Fagan , and Steely Dan you can hear all through it , albeit with an 80's essence , but my word HER voice is like smooth chocolate. Wow. Essential.

[@ScottFoster-o4u]

Good to see the younger generation enjoying their masterful work. At 63 years old this is the music I grew up listening to. I do appreciate newer artists as well. One of the last shows I attended was the Raconteur’s. My cousin was Pat Keeler’s drum teacher for a decade. Fantastic concert and can’t get enough of Jack White as well. Good music by artist such as these is like a fine wine. It just gets better with time. Your have a very insightful perspective at such a young age. I’m impressed and enjoy your reactions. Have a great Sunday!

[@Ferretbomber]

Aja is my fave SD album overall, front to back. Deacon Blues is my fave song of SD. But, they have great stuff on all of their albums. Goucho has some cool stuff, etc. I like them better as they go, so early SD to me is a little less attractive, but it's all good. Then, Donald's solo album 'The Nightfly' is very good, we liked it a lot when it came out in the early 80s, I was in like 7th grade. Thanks for the reaction!

[@maxhirsch7035]

Royal Scam has been my favorite Steely Dan album for the past thirty years or more- I'd say it's their most "rock-oriented" and "guitar-oriented" album, but obviously has plenty of other influences on it. But it's such an insanely complex and often high-energy, but insanely good album. It's dark but brilliant.

[@stevedahlberg8680]

It's a trumpet with a mute on it. - Source: I'm a trumpet player, and I absolutely love this arrangement.

[@robinstarkey6071]

You MUST hit green earrings and sign in stranger from this album as well. You're doing a great job, Lee. Keep it up!!! Especially with SD ❤

[@L33Reacts]

Thank you for that Robin I appreciate you so much. SD has been such a find. I'm so glad I decided to do them every week. And now, I might start doing 2 every Sunday 😎

[@PolferiferusII]

Anyone who can defer having that second cookie sitting right there in front of them till another day stands a chance.

[@waynewerner9042]

Aja and Gaucho are my two favorite albums. Can't go wrong with either.

[@craigfenson]

purdie and marotta did masterful work on this record -- as well as the rest of the musicians that were tapped to play for this technical redemption [to becker and fagen's ears]. i believe this is the second sd gig for larry carlton. personally love 'don't take me alive' -- especially carlton's lazy but amazing intro work.

[@louise_rose]

Yes, a big-band r'n'b feeling to this one ("Josie", the final song on Aja has some of the same vibe).

[@L33Reacts]

I loved the different styles they were playing with here. They know what they're doing for sure :)

[@louise_rose]

@@L33Reacts Do check out Fagen's "I'm Not The Same Without You" from his Sunken Condos album (around fifteen years ago). I only first heard it around three years ago but wow, it has this stupid catchy big-band brass funk groove, wonderful jazzy horns and an unstoppable beat. Very funny lyrics too about a guy trying to overcompensate himself for the walking out of his girlfriend or wife... 😄

[@bassvibasics479]

The Bomb! Such a sumptuous album.

[@hegotreborn]

'SEEE THE GLOOORY'

[@lmkeniston216]

Once you finish this album, Gaucho would be a swell next album to explore. Try Time Out of Mind if you need convincing-it is terminally cool. Enjoying your channel, glad I stumbled onto it \m/

[@keithdf2001]

I love the restrained drumming. Great fills

[@mellotronin54]

Cannot beat the Dan always quality.

[@mikeglo168]

Pretty steady song...no build. Just a steady beat. Muted trumpet, guitar riffs, piano embellishments. So good.

[@chitownlee]

I'm retired from a major Airline and have traveled the globe, this is the best Country on the Planet. However, after the last three years I'm not too upset that I'm old and coming to the end of the line.

[@hampyonce]

The scam shuffles on...

[@PolferiferusII]

GREAT reaction and analysis!

[@jamespuleo3269]

When you give this one a second listen, you'll get more from the story of the lyric. "By the blackened wall, he does it all, he thinks he's died and gone to heaven... Now the tale is told, by the old man back home, he reads the letter ..."

[@mellotronin54]

The genius that every line be it a vocal key ,guitar or drum always interweave never get in the way with each other and just make a linear constant.

[@savethelighthouse]

Big clue: "The city of Saint John" is San Juan, Puerto Rico. Once you pick up on this the whole song falls into place.

[@nancymjohnson]

L33! This was awesome! I have an official request. It from Steely Dan’s Countdown to Ecstasy, a song called Show Biz Kids.

[@giraldosempavor7694]

What do you want from life? A question that came to mind after your closing thoughts ("we can talk about whatever the hell you want"). And, coincidence, 'What Do You Want From Life?' was a song from 1975 by the San Francisco band The Tubes. I would kindly suggest you check out that song; I'm kinda confident that you'll like it.

[@Debcatawba]

I just finished reading Donald Fagen’s book titled Emanate Hipsters

[@rhondamcewananderson3968]

Oh .. I just played this last night! ❤️

[@L33Reacts]

Perfect timing eh?? 👌 😉

[@jowsmith1904]

the horn mute is niiiice.

[@danarchuleta1154]

Took me awhile to fully appreciate TRS. The repetitive melody of the verses and the song structure lure you to the cool chorus and musical breaks. The muted trumpet!!! Dial this in when cruising through the city center for context....funny how you will hear the track differently. Great Rxn! Aja's my fav.! The Fez is fantastic......

[@L33Reacts]

That's a great idea next time I'm downtown I'll turn it on and see what they were getting at

[@paulehney4581]

Aja is their masterwork. The bump the Beatles caused is because many of your viewers saw the impact it had on you. That's the type of thing you can't fake, it was real. Occasionally you are allowed to win one dude, granted it is small reward but it helps sustain you. Glad to hear the chair may be replaced. I know what it's like to encounter one of those! Makes my back hurt just thinking about it lol.

[@jamiedimond9419]

Royal scam beyter

[@bookhouseboy280]

The Royal Scam for me just edges it with its raw energy and deep Purdie pocket grooves.

[@babylonsister118]

Another great Dan reaction! i think you are really going to enjoy The Fez! Just so you know in case you don't, fez is a hat. You can pull up an image of it.

[@TrickRipple]

Pretzel Logic 😊

[@kualua6612]

Lee, please do not skip any songs on this album. It would be a shame.

[@L33Reacts]

I got you. I'm gonna do 2 from now on Sundays so we will finish up royal scam and do another album as well

[@janewells5970]

Love Steely Dan! Interesting reaction that this song brought up for you. Immigrants cannot vote to be sure there is a order. And unfortunately many younger American adults don’t have with skills or resources to advance in this economy. That is by design it’s Pitts different groups against each other.

[@L33Reacts]

Absolutely it does. That's how to powerful stay powerful

[@janewells5970]

@@L33Reacts yes but they can’t do it with immigrants, per se corporations use them because they can pay them left and small businesses agriculture. I have never heard of white person say that immigrant took my job in the field or the chicken house!

[@houseson]

Fantastic!

[@L33Reacts]

So much restraint, man. I was waiting for it to explode but it never did. Very interesting what they did.

[@recyclerhopkins]

Hey L33 you should check out a Steely Ben video of a Steely Dan song. He gives his interpretation of Steely Dan songs with images and the lyrics are printed during the song. He has over 60 Steely Dan songs and some other musician's songs, all very well produced. Over a hundred in all including some from Neil Young, Bruce Springsteen and Steve Miller.

[@pubsworld9862]

Do It Again, all of Aja but for sure Deacon Blues

[@gregbartley2475]

All their albums are incredible but I’d suggest Katie Lied next.

[@lyallbenjamin1045]

Yes!!!

[@oldtrousersnake]

Larry Carlton on guitar...old trouser snake approves of this video

[@mikewritz]

Do “countdown to ecstasy” next.

[@paulgatton1785]

Another great tune from the Dan,: could recommend dozens to check out---when you get time give a listen to "Your Gold Teeth II".

[@NickWebber-vp4pd]

I always thought the opening segment of this tune sounds alot like Alan Parsons Project. Which leads me to my request…anything from Alan Parsons would suffice…rock on…lets make 9K happen…😎👍🏼

[@davelandsman4768]

Do the Aja album next. I personally think it's their best.

[@PogueMahone1]

Since your "FrankFridays" and "YesSaturdays" generally deal with fairly long pieces of music whilst The Dan's cuts only average ~4mins, may I suggest dropping two-fers on "SteelySundays"? This would not only balance your weekend vid lengths (workload), but also allow you to explore/enjoy The Dan's humongous catalog of bangers at a more reasonable pace -- and even then, there's enough top-flight shit in Fagen/Becker's catalog to keep your ears sweeter'n hell well into the next New Year. Don't know if you might consider other "dedicated' days, but I rather think you and your viewers might find "TullTuesdays (or Thursdays)" a whole lot of fun. Ian/Tull's catalog is also huge and chockfuckinfilled with goodness!

[@rodolfogonzales6818]

You can't skip on green earrings when you play the album the royal scam.

[@alldayadventures5418]

About your Closing Statement... Zappa has a tune called "Trouble Every Day" seems nothing has changed at all in the last 60 years...

[@chitownlee]

It's a trumpet using a mute.

[@joelliebler5690]

Good move for you getting rid of the drugs so you can live your life.

[@yes_head]

This is Steely Dan lyrically at their darkest. The arrangement is relatively basic and stripped down -- just that main vamp plus the turnaround changes. It's one of those songs that leaves you feeling sort of uneasy at the end, which is the point. Re: where to go next I would go back to Pretzel Logic or Katy Lied before going on to Aja.

[@robertfuller5665]

You start at the beginning. Can't Buy a Thrill.

[@houseson]

Wait till you hit the album Gaucho.

[@gregbartley2475]

This is what happens when an artist doesn’t play by the rules.

[@donkunes8630]

20 centers were post cards.. the cover illustration depicts the struggles of the immigrants ..the hole in his shoe shows he has been walking a lot probably looking for work and or food. The angry animals on top of the bldgs represent the cruelness of the big city. They didn't want the people back home to know they were living in dire conditions

[@rogerhennie8939]

Next album: Pretzel Logic, Then Katy Lied.

[@jonathan.palfrey]

Funny, I like Steely Dan, and I must have heard this song so many times since I first heard it in the early 1970s, but it doesn’t stand out for me. It has the usual perfectionism about it, but despite being the title track of the album it feels strangely anonymous and forgettable. I can listen to it happily enough, but it’s not one of my favourites.

[@chitownlee]

They're all good but Aja is great. You might want to go back to the beginning and watch the growth.

[@joelliebler5690]

You missed what this was about . It is how the streets were not lined with gold at all!They were dirty with no jobs except the low down most despicable ones with people living in rundown apartments with little or no heat!

[@L33Reacts]

Ok? Lol

[@jamiedimond9419]

this is about Post Reset peoples inheriting Grand Civilization that had been destroyed

[@ShiverHinge]

From, By, While. Purdy shuffle always in the pocket. Go back to their beginnings! Can’t Buy A Thrill.

[@TerryKrysinski]

Go back,bro...the early stuff will blow your mind! ;-) T

[@nonrepublicrat]

Who is Dan?? What is "Steely"?? How can anyone like this ear punishing crap??

[@L33Reacts]

Music.

[@damonhines8187]

Silky, seductive af; yep, unusually devoid of any payoff to such building as takes place. All come-on, no climax. Happy endings are for...someone else, apparently. Could still listen to it all goddam day. 😊🤙🏼🎶❤️✨️🕊