OUR FIRST TIME LISTENING TO Steely Dan - Aja | COUPLE REACTION (BMC Request)

[@luiscosta6951]

The whole Aja album is a masterpiece.

[@racebiketuner]

Yup.

[@biskygiver]

I remember when the album was released the local radio station had a pre-release playing of the whole album. The next day my friends at school were all in awe from what we had heard the previous night.

[@jml-rj5re]

Aja is arguably the pinnacle of Western music.

[@louaguado995]

👍

[@michael_caz_nyc]

Agree. One of the Greatest Recordings of All Time. A Masterpiece.

[@valeriecarter7050]

I love it when people discover Steely Dan

[@goldenboy140]

Steve Gadd on the drums. Literally one of the most recorded studio drummers ever. An absolute legend

[@TheBham54]

Amen

[@williammanns9927]

My best friend is a drummer and the saying was "Gadd is God"...

[@carlgibbons5777]

Learning 50 Ways on drums was so fun. Gadd so creative.

[@TheBham54]

@@williammanns9927 the drum solo in Aja may be the best Rock & Roll solo ever, but don't take my word for it, Rick Beato does an excellent review of it on his KZbin channel.

[@clab5864]

Mr. Gadd from my hometown of Rochester NY, along with the lead singer of Foreigner, legendary singer Lou Gramm!!

[@mrmoonbike]

I had the pleasure of growing up on Aja.. Thank you Mom & Dad!!

[@PSGott]

If you reacted this way on 1 listen, imagine how we feel after listening to it for 45 years! It never gets old.

[@NicknLex]

Nick has heard this song about 25 times already!!! :P

[@jooproos6559]

@@NicknLex Ha,me more than that,but then i am already 75 years old. It NEVER gets old...

[@shawshaw2778]

I'm almost crying tears of joy watching people from your generation truly digging this music. I have a little hope for you.

[@sbsmith115]

me too, but if they profess to have ANY music knowledge, they must've been living under a rock to have not heard of the Dan and especially Aja.

[@winchesterbear]

Word

[@mackymintle7806]

14:32 that one long wet moog hit.😎🥹

[@randyrodriguez1445]

No point in taking a shot at someone who isn’t the same age. Your parents hated your music too

[@wagstaff6135]

Wayne Shorter on that exquisite sax, and one of the greatest Steve Gadd drum performances ever.

[@jalawoods1192]

Legendary 🎶🎶🎶🎷😍

[@ElsaPride]

ABSOLUTELY! I love Steve's cymbal work on Aja!!

[@fayesouthall6604]

It’s incredible perfect music

[@bradleypaulus2926]

Aja sounds like you're at the best jazz club in the world. Really makes you happy and feel good.

[@RushTrader]

Aja is a perfect album, throw it on and enjoy all the way...

[@charliehafen1222]

Dan Fogelberg and Tim Wiseberg - Twin Sons of Different Mothers is another great album you can enjoy listening all the way through.

[@petecalgaro]

Very true!

[@TheoSmith249]

@@charliehafen1222 Agreed!

[@1BobsYourUncle]

Aja is a forever classic.

[@jaimegarcia6114]

"Black Cow" from that album is considered a high fidelity masterpiece. A must reaction tune specially that you both enjoyed "Aja"

[@biskygiver]

Black Cow is the song you guys should review for the last song on this album. The horn section is spiritually elevating and the backup vocals are superlative.

[@Boddissatva]

No kidding. That song is sick. I’m going to listen to it right now

[@mhump23]

Deacon Blues and Peg were the 2 big radio hits from this album. Start to finish this album is a masterpiece! Steely Dan used the absolute cream of the crop of jazz session players on this album. Larry Carlton on guitar, Steve Gadd mind blowing drums, Wayne Shorter on sax. What a milestone.

[@jimwebb9328]

Don't forget Josie. That got a lot of airplay where I lived at the time.

[@integraleric]

Steve Gadd's drum fills in this song are legendary.

[@carlgibbons5777]

Neil Peart copied some from this song. Think it's in Rush's instrumental called Malignant Narcissism if memory serves me right.

[@roberthussey595]

@Carl Gibbons .... You’re right ... it’s Malignant Narcissism... Boy do I miss Neil...Saw him live about 16 times and left in awe every time...

[@philfyphil]

Yep, absolute genius, all of the people who played on the SD albums.

[@johndoh5182]

In the 70s you had some really good rock stations in different cities and they would play prog rock, fusion, in fact at night time you'd hear all kind of great music. The first time I heard Rush and REALLY fell in love with them was listening to a rock station at night driving home, and they played La Villa Strangiato. That's not a song that gets played on radio, it just isn't, but there were 2 rock stations when I grew up and they were really competing against each other to bring the best of all these great bands. Yes, I heard Aja on the radio, but it was cut down some. You still got that sax/drum solo in the middle, at least part of it, maybe the 2nd half so I think it was a scaled down version of the song, but I could be wrong. I was lucky to grow up where I did with the stations we had. Just wonderful.

[@jerrypedit5383]

This was one of those albums that you would play over and over.

[@DJM626]

I'm still playing it over and over. The "Dan" gets a lot of time on my turntable and in my CD player

[@artharrison9586]

By the time when Becker and Fagen recorded Aja they were, essentially, one of the world’s best recording session bands. The combination of their songwriting and reputation as perfectionists attracted exceptional players to join them on different albums. They sought out and begged, borrowed, and stole the best players they could for albums. Read up on some of the guest session players and you’ll see a roll call of some of the best in rock and jazz in the credits.

[@1matrix9]

I've worn the grooves off their music, but to see people who 'get it' in a profound way made my night...thank you both.

[@nix4pool]

Just about their best album for me, the title track is perfection, love to see much younger people digging this music, warms the cockles of my heart.

[@rickpaul4216]

At the end of the first drum solo section, when Steve Gadd clicks his sticks it gets me every time. I love when he goes to the ride at the end. Masterful.

[@MissAstorDancer]

WOW! My Goodness! That's what I call "attention to detail"! That moment goes by so quick, yet it is so perfect! And yes, I love the "ride" at the end, as well! The Dan were so freakin' creative in so many ways, and one of them was their use of amazing fade-outs!

[@davshaw5]

Has to be one of the best drum sheds put on tape…..

[@289hipo]

Rick Beato has an inside secret of the Aja title cut, knows the cousin of guitarist Larry Carlson, who played on Aja: said Steve Gadd the drummer did those solos in only TWO takes!!😯

[@terryandrews7271]

I'm a baby Boomer, 70 years old I survived the sixties and seventies, We had some of the greatest music there ever was and ever will be⭐⭐☮☮

[@rhwinner]

The '70's music scene was, as it is in most eras, geared to teens. Steely Dan was one of the few bands that wrote adult songs for adults but without sacrificing musical inventiveness and energy...

[@BradBailey-dz1nu]

Steely Dan had a big fan base in the 1970s. It’s amazing how timeless they are and how many more fans appreciate them today.

[@floorticket]

A Steely Dan Crash Course: "Do It Again", "Reelin' In the Years", "Dirty Work" (1972) "My Old School", "Bodhisattva" (1973) "Rikki Don't Lose That Number", "Any Major Dude Will Tell You" (1974) "Black Friday", "Bad Sneakers" (1975) "Kid Charlemagne", "Don't Take Me Alive", "Haitian Divorce" (1976) "Black Cow", "Deacon Blues" (1977) "FM (No Static at All)" (1978) "Hey Nineteen", "Babylon Sisters" (1980)

[@paulmahon1613]

Slab Bulkhead?

[@kenlight3793]

Agree - that's a perfect list. But a shorter, starter list, if they're looking for something different, just go for the old stuff - I would highly suggest "My Old School", "Bodhisattva", "Don't Take Me Alive", "Show Biz Kids", and "IGY" by Donald Fagen. And of course, "Do it Again" and "Reelin In the Years".

[@bettykemp7122]

King Of The World

[@danielstorm8931]

David is spot on. Do it!!

[@elgenetiamzon1062]

I would add Midnight Cruiser and Deacon Blues to that list.

[@dankeen9985]

The very first time I heard this band sometime in the early 80’s I was hooked.this album is one of my all timers.

[@BrettLesPaul]

“Dirty Work” (1972) is an early chill radio song with a very different sound yet still distinctly Steely Dan.

[@szaeta]

With David Palmer voice

[@charlesburris6314]

First one I heard, then "My Old School", in '73. Raw for them but their progression was evident very quickly.

[@allengator1914]

That's what Any Major Dude Will Tell You.

[@westy3056]

@@szaeta Palmer had a better voice than Fagen but it wasn’t the sound Fagen was after. Too smooth maybe. Palmer eventually became a very well known photographer.

[@timlevis3630]

@@allengator1914 Once described as "Less a band, more a concept".

[@dennislehman3897]

The one thing that impresses me about Steely Dan is how they layer their music.

[@koibster]

Wayne Shorter played sax. Arguably one of the best jazz saxophonists of all time. His work with Weather Report is legendary. Listen to - in fact, react to - some of the tracks on "Heavy Weather". His work there, along with bassist Jaco Pastorius, keyboardist Joe Zawinul, drummer/percussionist Alex Acuna, and percussionist Badrena, is mind-blowing. Also late 70s fare. Some of the best jazz ever.

[@hoyode49]

I still listen to Weather Report's version of "Byrdland" at least once a week. "Heavy Weather" should be a.on everyone's playlist

[@danielolson5378]

Hands down Aja is one of absolutely best recorded and produced album throughout the entire music history! Change my mind!

[@1BobsYourUncle]

Ok, there is..Uh.umm, there’s….🧐. Ok, best ever. ✌🏻

[@radgator1]

No need to change your mind, but as great as the album was, the title track was a cut above. Let’s see, one of the greatest musical genius minds of all time makes their greatest album and names the album after the clear greatest track makes it quite possibly the greatest “song”? How ridiculous does that sound, calling it a song. How about one of the greatest musical compositions and performances of all time.

[@keithwilliams8342]

True. But there are many greats. Miles davis kind of blue.

[@danielolson5378]

@@keithwilliams8342 By all the so called experts/critics Kind of Blue is considered as the best jazz album ever! It was ground breaking when it was released

[@rubbersole79]

I bought this album nearly by mistake in the 70's on one of those Columbia record club 12 for $1.00 deals. One of the happiest little accidents life has ever brought to me.

[@marioFlores-pq5xr]

Ha ha, that brought back memories! I was also a victim of the Columbia Record Club back in the nineties when I was married to Lex's mom and I forgot to cancel. Sometimes it was a good thing like on your case, ha ha. You gotta love it! 😆

[@rodrigoodonsalcedocisneros9266]

So glad you liked this one! Aja is probably my favorite Steely Dan song. It has such a jazzy atmosphere, and the drummer is the legendary Steve Gadd btw.

[@cobbycaputo3332]

The great Wayne Shorter on sax. Vereran jazz player, Miles Davis, Weather Report, Herbie Hancock. Perfect guy to bring in and say, "Do you feel like playing a duet with Steve Gadd on drums in the middle of our song?" Such a blend of jazz and rock with a Latin feel. Tremendous song.

[@michelemichele3375]

Great comment. Steely Dan brings out the BEST!! ✨🤪

[@marioFlores-pq5xr]

No wonder the sax was so good! Wayne Shorter, are you kidding me??👍

[@claytonflinchum3962]

I have always wondered if Jaco was ever considered for the AJA album?

[@colleenmonfross4283]

Steve Gad is one of the best drummers ever. Apparently, he walked into the studio, made two runs on the song and then they recorded it as you hear it here. He is amazing and the reason I chose the drum kit he designed!

[@moonlitegram]

I think its even crazier than you described here. From what I've read, he played the song twice on two takes and they edited those two takes together for what we hear here. But they only did the second take because they had booked him for the time and they figured why not get another take anyways. But they were fully satisfied with his first take and would have been happy to use it as it was. So Gadd essentially came in, sight read what little was written out for the part, and winged the rest of it in one take. And then just added a second take on top of it for icing.

[@keithwilliams8342]

Yes. Legend has it, steve and his pals had been partying for a couple days straight, ran out of cash. So steve did the track for quick cash.

[@lewismaddox4132]

One of the few bands that's alright with a quiet interstice. Steely Dan uses the space between phrases like nobody else!

[@Snarkapotamus]

Sade would disagree with you...

[@joejoesguitarinventions]

Steely Dan was never concerned about hits... only about perfect music 💯💯

[@cometogether999]

For something different from Steely Dan, try "Bodhisattva" or "Kid Charlemagne" or "The Royal Scam" or "Babylon Sisters" or "Gaucho."

[@HollowGolem]

Or "Haitian Divorce" or "Don't Take Me Alive." Just... literally every one of their songs. All of them are amazing.

[@neonpark1874]

And if you really want something different from them, East St. Louis Toodle-oo. But I'd listen to some of the other suggested tracks first.

[@davehagi9883]

Or, Or, Or............................................................

[@jerrymammoser9857]

Or “Turn That Heartbeat Over Again”.

[@robertartese808]

I second Kid Charlemagne!

[@brucelager8816]

'Aja' is the album that all other albums should be measured by...it is simply THAT good. Steve Gadd, Wayne Shorter, Donald Fagen, Walter Becker, and everyone else who played on this track and this entire album are true masters of their craft. The production values are off the chart.

[@fayesouthall6604]

Stellar musicians

[@brianmurray5055]

If you do another from Aja it must be Deacon Blues. One of the best songs ever...the lyrics will bring tears to your eyes.

[@alanparsonsfan]

Deacon Blues deserves special mention. Tastes vary, but for me, AJA and Home at Last are the best musically. But the lyrics of Deacon Blues (which the music perfectly accompanies) are some of the most haunting and insightul they did. Second for me are the lyrics and haunting music of "Third World Man" from their sequel to AJA, Gaucho.

[@theivory1]

Ditto

[@eileendobbs8009]

@@alanparsonsfan agree with Home at Last. I love Donald Fagan's vocals in that song.

[@brianmurray5055]

@@alanparsonsfan Home at last is one of my absolute favorites. Mainly because I am a drummer and love me some Bernard Purdie.

[@alanparsonsfan]

@@brianmurray5055 I know! Steely Dan: Two world-class drummers in every box!

[@stephenkostyshyn4107]

When Aja was released I lived in the greater NYC region. Yes, Peg was aired quite a bit but Aja was also, in fact the entire Aja album. Steeley Dan had a huge presence on NYC radio back then.

[@kidpoker007]

One of the best drummers ever and drumming at end of the song!!

[@jdb8171]

Yes! At the end it feels like taking off and soaring through the air.

[@obnoxiousoboe]

I do think Aja is by far the band's best album -- so well-done, perfectly arranged and produced to a T. And I think I'm in the majority when I think that the title track is their magnum opus. Everything was perfect. The bridge is one of the best I've ever heard out of a rock song. Even when you compare and contrast all the progressive rock albums, you don't see this much action all happening at once. Wayne Shorter and Steve Gadd really nailed it; all chaos just breaks loose in a good way and then you have the final verse to bring the elements back into harmony. It really is a masterpiece and I think to people who have never heard the band before, Aja would make a great starter to get into the band's albums.

[@odiseaio6872]

Steely Dan fan since forever - my recommended favorites: Do it Again, FM, Babylon Sisters, Jack of Speed, Hey Nineteen, Any major dude will tell you, Deacon Blues, Black Cow, Kid Charlemagne... & many more by Donald Fagen! Check out his solo career in the same groovin´ style: Tomorrow´s Girls, Trans-Island Skyway, IGY, Green Flower Street, New Frontier, Snowbound, Mary Shut the Garden Door, On the Dunes, The Nightfly, Morph the Cat... (All great songs)

[@yourebusted5786]

Saw them twice and the best song to me was The Royal Scam both times. The light show and horns were mesmerizing.

[@odiseaio6872]

@@yourebusted5786 Twice Lucky!! ´Green Earrings´ must´ve been really funky Live!

[@danyondavis]

"Jack of Speed"- - VERRRY funky!

[@mstewart109]

All the 70s with Terry Kath included, Chicago band music you can play is fine with me . Love that group from my youth !!

[@kathylee1261]

“Back in the day” FM radio was just starting out. They would play longer tracks than AM. that is where I heard Aja. Eartha Kitt did a voice over commercial “Aja, continent of the mind.”

[@shyshift]

My favorite Steely Dan song on my favorite Steely Dan album. The other huge hits from radio: Josie Black Cow Deacon Blues

[@michelemichele3375]

Just brilliant! This whole album is stellar ... and practically everything they touch is solid. Thanks ✨🤪

[@fanofbooks9]

This was revolutionary when we first heard it, and now decades later, it still is new and untamed. I’m sure they play this in heaven.

[@IrishKack]

You can’t go wrong with The Dan. Every song is a treasure.

[@danieltruyts-ke4gi]

I never get tired of listening to this album even after almost 50 years.

[@cindiherriott3259]

I LUV Steely Dan. Glad you finally “discovered” them.

[@theoroosenboom7601]

They celebrate the music of Steely Dan

[@realbser1956]

THANK YOU FOR REACTING TO AJA. It truly is in a class by itself as is the band. This was not played on top 40 radio. Too long and jazzy but it wears played on FM radio, college stations, usually later at night. The drums, legendary drummer Steve Gadd. Legend has it that he was stoned when he recorded this and when he heard the playback the next day he asked who was on the drums and of course it was him! The sax is provided by the legendary Wayne Shorter. I think I read but can’t swear to it that he recorded his part after the song was done so that he could get the interplay with Gadd’s drums just right. For something a bit different you might want to check out Kid Charlemagne from the album The Royal Scam recorded just prior to Aja. In that song you will hear the great jazz guitarist Larry Carlton, who you know, on multiple guitar solos. Thank you again for reacting to this. I envy you hearing this for the first time. 🔥🔥❤️❤️

[@michaelbriefs9764]

That story about Gadd being “out of it” - drugs? Booze? - during the recording of this song completely blows my mind! How? How did he do that??

[@realbser1956]

@@michaelbriefs9764 IDK, but if true that was a hell of a cocktail he took 🍸

[@jimmoore8951]

Things go better with coke… drummers drug of choice back then

[@Gilbertosfranco]

Aja is forever !

[@Frankincensedjb123]

The Dan was great at finding musicians to fill in on songs that needed a certain sound, feel, groove. If you look at the liner notes, there's nearly FORTY musicians who played on Asia, many top musicians in the biz. It was one of the Dan's best selling albums and gained high praise among critics and fans alike. Simply spectacular

[@rsplines12]

Its what makes Joni Mitchell's music so great as she surrounded herself with the best Jazz studio musicians of the 70s. You know an album is going to be good if its got Larry Carlton, Michael Brecker, Jaco ....

[@melvinwagner3989]

Being a Steely Dan fan is like riding a rollercoaster you know and love. The ride always has highs and lows, but it is all fantastic.

[@markg.2135]

Keep the Steely Dan coming 👏👏

[@gregorydeckelman4262]

This record won awards for the way it was recorded in terms of quality! You could literally put their song titles in a jar and draw a random one and NOT go wrong! Also, that drum solo is considered by many many many people to be one of the best solos ever recorded if not THE best. For my money, it IS the best!

[@shri081]

I totally get it….The fact that we have a drum solo as part of the structure of the song blows my mind always… and then when it turns into that undeniably awesome drum groove at the end….this album is a masterpiece….

[@PaulHVAC1]

Greatest Band ever. You have now entered the Steely Dan Rabbit hole. Sit back strap in and enjoy. They do not have a single bad Album. All great albums but AJA is in a level all its own. Enjoy your new music education👍

[@markpowers5907]

Amen...

[@davedrd8829]

And Gaucho is next…

[@jimlang7461]

Kid Charlemagne is a must listen. The story of Stanley Owlsley featuring one of the tastiest guitar solos of all time.

[@joemc1960]

Glad to see somebody finally reacting to “Aja,” my favorite Steely Dan song from my favorite Steely Dan album. Loved it from the day it came out. Three more great songs: Pretzel Logic, FM, and Doctor Wu. Give em a listen

[@lakephillip]

There is an hour long special video on this album. Was originally on DVD, but now Same title, currently available on Amazon Prime. This was their best album IMO.

[@cindipossidento5688]

I agree with you !!!! It was for me !!!

[@kentinatl]

Back in 77 when this came out i listened to it daily for months.... they have been a part of my musical life from reelin' in the years until today..so glad you guys are well and still going on with reactions..my favorite songs on Aja are Peg and Josie{so great as is the whole album}..much love to you both...Kent.

[@rockymoetuffy]

i've never seen this song on a steely dan album but check out, if not just for yourselves FM, i believe they wrote it for a movie called FM, great song that was played quite a bit on the radio i think in "1978" you'll love it... guaranteed!

[@cometogether999]

Yes!!! One of my absolute favorites! I'm so glad that you returned to Steely Dan. It was played quite a bit on AOR (Album Oriented Rock) stations, way before corporations took them all over. It wasn't uncommon for area stations to play many album sides in an evening, usually on a Friday or Saturday night.

[@standupp2885]

Yes they did and my hometown radio station in Jackson, Ms. was a pioneer in this format, WZZQ!!!

[@Jonni1027]

@@standupp2885 Wasn’t life just SO much better when DJs could play what they wanted and didn’t talk over the music? The very first station of that kind was KMPX in San Francisco and it was Heaven ❤️

[@standupp2885]

@@Jonni1027 Absolutely!!!

[@lawrencewarren7254]

Up on the hill..... Tears... My gen lived it bless kids... Live smart and well!

[@leashacarey9106]

There isn’t a single song on this album I don’t love. Thanks for listening and truly enjoy your reactions.

[@cometogether999]

The album is absolute ear candy. An eargasm, so to speak.

[@leashacarey9106]

@@cometogether999 completely agree!

[@billseely991]

No auto tune..no rippoff samples..just quality musicians taking their time to make their best music possible

[@timwendt1935]

Aja - the whole album - is a masterpiece. Let's hear some more Kansas off that Point of Know Return album -> Hopelessly Human, Closet Chronicles, or Spider/Portrait.

[@keefmack]

Please more Kansas. They have so much great music, like this Steely Dan song, that is NOT what we call ‘radio friendly’ that is amazing music I know you’ll love. The band never received any radio play prior to their 4th album which contained Carry On Wayward Son. There are great songs on all their early albums.

[@alejandrorobert6789]

Or Journey From Mariabronn, The Wall...so many

[@biskygiver]

Steely Dan makes people who like music appreciate it even more. You guys are just starting an embryonic journey that is the "Dan." Buckle up because it is going to be a blast for the both of you.

[@randyo.6138]

Give Babylon Sisters a listen, its such a chill groove with unbelievably complex chord changes.

[@robertbullard4266]

You can't go down the Steely Dan road, without Deacon Blues!!

[@Bawookles]

Steely Dan are just the coolest. They never really made a bad album, but this album, AJA, is their masterpiece and you should listen to every track off of it. Their chord progressions, grooves, arrangements, and lyrics are just the coolest.

[@moonchild9876]

Stay healthy Nick. Don't work too hard, rest up. Steely Dan is a mood music; right setting and friends and perfect. Not for everyone. Love you both! ❤️

[@michaelmontalvo5757]

The two of you are in for such a treat as you explore Steely Dan! Royal Scam, Aja, Gaucho and Katy Lied are all excellent albums. As always, it is such a blessing to watch your reactions!

[@dmadmax50]

Deacon Blues...and absolute must from the Aja album.....give it a go....

[@Wayner71]

People should realize that certain bands and artists don't gain popularity in all countries. Although Steely Dan had a few hits they never reached saturation status anywhere. They have always been a cult band. And their career essentially ended in 1980. After that there was a twenty year gap before they released another studio album. They are a legendary 70's band but the 70's are not in living memory for a lot of people any more. Cheers.

[@timcardona9962]

Cult band? Eh....I dont know many cult bands who had about half a dozen hits circulating throughout banks and supermarkets during the 80s and 90s. I still hear SD song to this day in certain spots

[@triscat]

@@timcardona9962 I don't know about the band's cult status (I would argue for it) but the fans are surely one of the most cult-y.

[@surlechapeau]

Steely Dan only toured the first 2 years of their existence before an eighteen year break. This would impact their popularity as well. Thanks to KZbin, they are now popular around the world!

[@steverodgers8425]

Cult bands don't have multiple platinum and gold albums. Ridiculous.

[@timcardona9962]

@@surlechapeau LOL wut? STeely Dan was world famous way before youtube

[@geraldsnyder8084]

Yes. It was played on the radio. FM only though.

[@Lightmane]

This is my favorite piece by Steely Dan. I already know you're going to love it.

[@brianr3763]

I saw an old video once of Steely Dan preparing for a tour. Everyone was gathered in a big room with pages and pages of sheet music. Every note deliberate. These guys take perfection seriously.

[@brianjacob9084]

This song got lots of radio play, Steely Dan somehow made jazz radio popular music. Kid Charlemagne, Pretzel logic, Bodisattva, Dirty Work, Don't take me alive, they had a huge amount of hits with top tier talent infused. Their albums all had a flavor of there own. I loved them when I was a kid and learned I was a jazz fan later.

[@kentclark6420]

This song was probably an FM song.

[@jimmoore8951]

I was shocked to hear it on FM jazz, rock, and pop stations in 1977… such amazing crossover appeal

[@christianbrasso8257]

Back in the '70's FM stations would play a whole record side without interruption so you could get into the album. I first heard the Aja album while on a family vacation on Saipan on Armed Forces radio. I was 16 and was blown away. Bought the album when I got home and it's been one of my faves ever since.

[@fayesouthall6604]

That’s great. I’ve been a fan since I was a teenager. Just perfect 🤩

[@kirbywilliamson2942]

Smooth to the point of definition. A band that has gone through a myriad of changes over the years, but have always stayed true to the principal of excellence. From early pop to sophisticated complexity, their sound has always bin their best to offer.

[@Fuzcapp]

Every time you listen to a Steely Dan song again, you hear something new!

[@jprph1]

Bodhisattva is one of my favorite Steely Dan tunes of all time. I would love for you to check it out soon! It is definitely a different side of Steely Dan… very energetic and makes me so happy I have to dance in place whenever I hear it. It’s from the second album. Thanks !

[@racebiketuner]

Yup.

[@cesarnarro6013]

Bodhisttva kicks ass !!!

[@progmeup]

Hilarious lyrics too.

[@RocketRod63]

Steely Dan….enjoy the ride down the rabbit hole 👍🇦🇺

[@dennismoore3383]

When I saw you were reacting to Aja I put everything else on hold and jumped off the You Tube ledge with both feet. Of course, I was eagerly awaiting for you to hit the instrumental section because there's nothing like your very first time. I heard Steely Dan on the radio a lot growing up, but never heard Aja on the airwaves. I owned various Best of Steely Dan compilations for years, but still didn't experience this delicious ear candy until years later myself. You've probably heard them before without knowing it, but if you want something that sounds completely different there's always Do It Again and Reeling In The Years from their debut album: Can't Buy A Thrill. Keep reacting! Thank you.

[@Objectified]

I see people accusing many reaction channels of "lying" about not having heard a specific song. Sometimes there's merit to those accusations, but often it's just people who can't fathom that someone else hasn't heard music they've loved. Please don't get involved in that kind of negativity. These are people you can argue with, and they'll never believe you.

[@BDUBZ49]

Two of Steely Dan's studio musicians went on to play in the Doobie Bros. Michael McDonald - keyboard/vocals, and Jeff "Skunk" Baxter - guitar.

[@chuckhutton5087]

Great reaction, outstanding choice for third time listening to Steely Dan. Kid Charlemagne will blow you away, especially Larry Carlton on lead guitar and Bernard Purdue on drums. Afterwards, the breakdown of the song is analyzed beautifully by Rick Beato on his “what makes this song great” series. Keep up the great reactions. You two make our day!!!

[@alberthilt]

Glad you GOT Steely Dan!!! This is one of the greatest albums ever made! You definitely have to do more Steely Dan!! Love it! ALinCAL

[@paulabrantley9888]

❤❤❤❤Here I am 73 years old still love Steely Dan and rock music

[@briansussman863]

I've been listening to Steely Dan songs since they were new. Always seems fresh and crisp. Are they a jazzy rock band or a rocking jazz band? They are the one and only Steely Dan Band !!! Donald Fagen / Walter Becker music will be listened to for hundreds of years. They are classic.

[@missbelled6700]

The Magnificent One, the One and only One! Mister Steely Dan and Whatever...

[@buddystewart2020]

I love dipping back into this reaction. I saw it when it first came out and loved it, but it's nice to go back and witness when you first realized the greatness of the dan.

[@NicknLex]

That’s so sweet. Thank you very much for the support! 💕

[@andrewrea2799]

Your going to love the entire album. One of the best albums ever produced of all time. Another great song from this album is black cow. Another great song from Steely Dan is Do it again.

[@rodhanson7112]

Their song Josie is the reason I bought the Aja album,then when I heard the whole CD i couldn't stop playing it

[@j.jennings1722]

This song is a musical gem! I love it. "Kid Charlemagne" would be a great song of theirs to react to next. You mentioned Supertramp, but I don't see any of their songs on your channel. Have you heard all their songs already? You love Prog and they made a classic Prog-Rock song called "Fool's Overture" that I think you'll love. I'd enjoy seeing you two react to that one.

[@cometogether999]

I emphatically agree with "Fools Overture." An absolute epic.

[@scifimonkey3]

I really hope that they only know breakfast in America which seems to be common on their side of the pond. Nic, do you know ‘crime of the century’, ‘crisis what crisis’ and ‘even in the quietest moments’ ? Probably one of the highest quality run of three albums by anyone ever. If not please please track back to them to listen and if you do know them and Lex does not it would be great to have a reaction from Lex.

[@billhee1950sman]

Even in the Quietest Moments! All albums up to Breakfast in America. After that I can't think of any profound musical moments.

[@billhee1950sman]

@@scifimonkey3 totally agree! Brilliant art.

[@ral1020]

It’s stated that, after trying several drummers for this tune, Gadd came in and nailed it first time through. And: Wayne Shorter is one of the greatest sax player/musicians ever . Listen to Weather Report’s “Black Market” and “Heavy Weather” albums

[@thestevelarsenexperience]

Maybe try Black Cow next. Beautiful R&B, jazz soul song. Possibly my favorite Steely Dan track

[@shri081]

The movement and pocket that Steve Gadd especially with his drum improv and definitely the rest of the band foundation namely Rainey, Carlton and Omartian provide to this track is off the charts. Absolute top tier and timeless stuff

[@surlechapeau]

N&L, Great reaction! In July 1978, Aja (album) won the Grammy Award for Best Engineered Recording - Non-Classical and received Grammy nominations for Album of the Year and Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals. Recommend "Josie" and "Deacon Blues" next.

[@markhenry8669]

One of the top 5 albums of All time

[@stevenm.6886]

Thus is what got a 70’s Rock guy to listen to jazz. The playing is first rate always. Don’t miss Fagans lyrics tho. Too clever and witty. Perfect stuff 👌🏼

[@007ndc]

They both wrote the music and lyrics

[@michaelbailey8729]

Ditto

[@makeadifference4all]

Everyone, and I mean everyone, who hears this song is blown away by Steve Gadd's drumming and Wayne Shorter's saxophone solo.