Perfection..| STEELY DAN DEACON BLUES REACTION First time hearing

Get todays AMAZON biggest discount deals
amzn.to/3yn2fI3
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
###########################################################################
Get unbelievable BIG BARGAINS on your flight tickets,hotels,car hire and fabulous holiday resorts now!
expedia.com/af...
As an expedia.com Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
########################################################################################
Have you heard of the hottest blood sugar regulation supplement? Support healthy blood sugar levels, boost your all-day natural energy, and promote your sharp thinking with the help of BLOOD SUGAR FORMULA by Sugar Defender RESEARCH! A highly effective formula, proven to help support your healthy fat-burning metabolism for perfect blood sugar!
1e561htby7skgo...
As a Sugardefender.com Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
###################################################################################
Java Burn the revolutionary special brewing formular drink that makes you lose fat while drinking your morning coffee and same time instantly boosting your health, energy and well-being ?This product is so reliable that the manufacturers are giving you a 60 day money back guarantee with no questions asked! You really have to try this.
1204dk-h3hfvgt...
As an Jvwithae.com Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
########################################################################################
Harribest Reactions bringing you the best song/music reaction videos.
Reaction video to Steely Dan Deacon Blues.This song is a fusion of Jazz,Funk and soul.
#steelydan
#musicreactions
#musicvideoreaction

[@cometogether999]

Their music was often used to test out high end stereo equipment. Just sonically perfect. Especially this album and Gaucho. But all their albums are very good to excellent in my book.

[@briangray00]

I loved to show off both of those, plus The Nightfly on my rig.

[@EngelbertHumperdinck86]

This comment reminded me of the scene in the film "Boogie Nights" where Don Cheadle is a salesman in a high end stereo store and insists on country music.

[@briangray00]

@@EngelbertHumperdinck86 This comment reminded me of the mediocre scene in 'Saturday Night Live' where Chimps throw excrement at celebrities; I bothered to link it - kzbin.info/www/bejne/o5qwaWeejc92grs

[@roymoore3156]

Exactly! Each album had greatness dripping to escape the records control.

[@sharonrosen2730]

An acquaintance founded a superb high-end amplifiers, preamps. All built to the most exacting standards. Steely Dan's Aja and Gauche are both used as reference recordings. We're talking entry level setup of 350K. The listening room is a monster. It takes amazing endurance and talent to produce a song like Deacon Blues. Imagine producing a recording in such an exacting manner

[@cpmf2112]

I think the protagonist of the song basically considers himself to be a loser because he wasn't living the life he wanted to, but he decided to finally go for it and not care about what everyone else thought.

[@DJHolte]

Their album Aja is maybe the most intricately-produced collection of songs ever. A true masterpiece of art, and still as great to listen to now as it was when it first came out.

[@hlawrencepowell]

I got it when it came out. Met a lot of young girls name Aja 18 or 20 years later.

[@marycoplin7875]

You described the sound of Steely Dan to a tea. It's a compilation of jazz, funk, and soul. They are music masters with the best song lyrics of all time.

[@Imadrummin]

I agree, Aja is masterpiece of an album. I always loved playing drums and wood shedding to these songs. So clean, so dynamic and refreshing to the soul. Just as effective 45+ years later.

[@johnj2763]

They were quite cool. For some reason I grabbed the 1st release/debut album hot off the shelves in '72. Liked them so much that I had to get my best bud stoned out of his mind to get him to accompany me to a corner tavern ( what I think might be the Cask & Flagon) next to Fenway Park to see this group no one had heard of before. There was no stage, they played on the floor surrounded by maybe 10 tables. There couldn't have been more than 30 people there. We chewed the fat with the guys in between sets. I remember Becker and Fagan as being very quiet , shy and rather up tight. They were familiar with Boston, I think one of them went to Berklee for a time and another to BU. One also mentioned having worked with Jay and the Americans (would be a fun group to sample ). Palmer and the Skunk were cool and very approachable. Skunk actually had worked once in a music shop in Boston. I bought them beers. Great 1st album.

[@John_Chu]

Becker & Fagen went to Bard College in New York. You’re thinking of Baxter and Palmer, both were from the Boston area. Ironically, they all met in NYC doing session work and recording demos of B&F songs. Gary Katz, their eventual producer, introduced them and encouraged them to love to LA.

[@John_Chu]

Move to LA. They actually hated LA. Ha ha.

[@johnj2763]

@@John_Chu Probably. I just remember the conversation, and as I said, not exactly who went where.

[@dhairston4151]

@@johnj2763 Excellent first hand story. Thank you for sharing that.

[@johnj2763]

@@dhairston4151 Thanks

[@darrelltiencken9421]

They call Alabama the Crimson Tide call me Deacon Blue....what a great lyric!

[@debbiechang5781]

Everything they did was pure heaven. And Harri, once again, I must mention your amazing shirt. I can’t tell if it’s a hoodie but, whatever it is, I love it 😂🌺✌️

[@HarriBestReactions]

Its a hoodie 😀..Thanx 🤩😍

[@briangray00]

@@HarriBestReactions It's a 90s throwback! - Speaking as a 70s throwback I realise that's not much of a piece of shade.

[@freegracetruthembrace7188]

Outstanding Harri . That whole album is THAT good . Non stop vibe .

[@mackusarmyretired6251]

you hit it on the nose, Jazz, rock, funk, fusion, soul & horns, guitar, piano, bass, drums, everything & smooth

[@robertjewell9727]

I think what Steely Dan does is create a sound for the character they're describing and the atmosphere he's experiencing in a way that expresses that state of being and they use the methods of jazz, soul, rock to get inside that character in ways beyond mere genre. It's brilliant.

[@TheDivayenta]

Well said. You could have been the liner notes dude.

[@elgenetiamzon1062]

Donald Fagen and Walter Becker were consummate perfectionists. They were never satisfied until a song was as perfect as it could be. They would sometimes change musicians in the middle of a recording session just to get the sound they were seeking for a particular song. For this one, they specifically sought Peter Christlieb who was probably the best saxophonist at the time. Their absolute commitment to perfection is why all of their songs and albums are masterpieces. Donald Fagen did the vocals for this song. He was apprehensive about doing the lead vocals on their song originally, but eventually got over it.

[@tonymusolino2369]

Often imitated, never duplicated. Their song’s chord structures were so intense, no garage bands went near them. BTW you’ll get a real kick when you find out how they happened upon the name “steely dan”….cheers brother!

[@stevengifford7457]

The most perfect album ever put on vinyl.

[@jamesanthony5257]

When your recipe is the best session musicians and great lyrics, this is what comes out of the pan. Perfection!

[@gunhedd5375]

“Lush” is a great description for this tune. Always loved this one. 😎

[@mrjoepad1]

The Eagles Glenn Frey was a big Steely Dan fan. He named his son Deacon.

[@mr.eggplant866]

Wow.... didn't know that.

[@sterrettcollins7332]

You said that you remember when you first heard a song. I first heard this in the bus station in Salt Lake City, Utah, when I was on a 30 bus trek through Western U.S. and Canada, before Christmas 1982. I recognized the sound of Steely Dan immediately, but did not know this song. I still remember that experience now, nearly 39 years later.

[@michaelcamp5513]

Love it. "They got a name for the winners in the world, I wana name when I lose" ... "They call Alabama the Crimson Tide (winners in the world), Call me Deacon Blues (his name when he loses)"

[@14gilbertst]

Another one of those songs you remember where you were the first time you heard it. Every day was an adventure on FM radio in the 70s.

[@junglejim5785]

Lord the memories. But songs like this just sadden me anymore. Most of the people that were in my life during this time are gone. But great reaction Harri. God Bless sir.

[@jangle4246]

Alabama's football team "the Crimson Tide" was a big winner, so the reference is used to contrast a winner with the self-described loser in the song, who chooses to be called Deacon Blues, augmenting that with the color contrast "Crimson" (or red) vs. "blue(s)."

[@rhondahandley9595]

Roll Tide Roll. Not this past Saturday--curse you Texas A & M--but for the first time in awhile I have to say "This Saturday...."

[@steveullrich7737]

The color analogy is so clever of them, such great song writers!

[@cej7519]

“Deacon Blues” is a reference to the Wake Forest Demon Deacons, who wear blue jerseys, and for years had a losing streak that was unrivaled by any team in the NCAA.

[@ebenclukey7293]

If Steely Dan music was menu items at Riki's Bistro, very few could afford to dine there. The ingredients the finest available Seven Michelin stars. And yes, that is the right interpretation of the songs meaning.

[@kidpoker007]

This is my all time favorite SD song since I first heard it in the 70’s

[@gregfagan199]

This is incredible piece of music. So intricate and precise. The entire Aja album is sublime.

[@jjo154]

Harri, you've been tracing my musical past from childhood through early adulthood, lately, LOL. Yes, born in the 50's. Love the Dan. I've heard/read that they were so focused on being perfect that they would bring in dozens of musicians to play a solo that would fit just right into what their vision of the would be. I would suggest The Caves of Altamira and Kid Charlemagne to look into. Love the variety of songs that you have been putting up!

[@bryancarpenter7470]

I call "Deacon Blues" a full basket of ear candy. Just SO many tasty, enjoyable things in there. It pushes my buttons!!

[@469buck]

I cry every time I hear this song. So good...

[@shireeni8665]

My best times were spent listening to Steely Dan! So many happy memories always come flooding back....☮️❤️ Sea Point, Cape Town, South Africa

[@julilla1]

They are such a vibe. Maybe "Josie" next if you haven't heard it from Steely Dan yet.

[@ThePittsburghToddy]

Such an awesome song and almost equally scandalous!✌🏻

[@danieljodrey8863]

The bass line on this is as close to perfect as I can imagine. of course everything else is on that level as well.

[@elainemarsh5170]

More Dan! ❤️ FM, Kid Charlemagne, My Old School, Josie, Black Cow, so many more...

[@ChuckHackney]

My God but AJA was such a ground breaking album. Never had I heard a modern "rock group" infuse jazz the way they did and create essentially a while new genre. Wow.

[@markraven7316]

Steely Dan set a benchmark for other bands.. Like no other.

[@denisepaul7274]

I named my first dog Deacon Blue. Harri, fall down the Steely rabbit hole. All their songs are great. Hey Nineteen is a favorite of mine

[@ivansavoie3190]

Great band one of very few who you can listen to each song. Something I didn't know till a couple weeks ago till watching Rick Derringer interviews Rick played on all but first Steely Dan album

[@jeffstevens4262]

Steely Dan are jazz/rock/blues/ of the very highest order. It's musical genius. Every chord progression is in perfect context. Just damned perfect.

[@bobr4987]

He's ready to do whatever it takes to be a star, even drinking himself to death to keep up with all the nightlife .

[@IrishKack]

SD is so cool and so funky. Some of the best music made. And that fade out….

[@Coolrockndad]

You must react to Steely Dan's "Black Cow". You will love it.

[@nancyleahy2664]

I agree and second your request for Black Cow. I think Hari would really love the feel and lyrics of that song....

[@cjdesign5700]

About Gambling..."die behind the wheel" roulette. It is F'in Fusion AMAZING!

[@zubee1]

Thank you!! I’ve listened to this since it came out and never knew that’s what it meant. Now I can leave in peace.🙌🏻💯

[@paullacroix527]

It is probably my favorite SD song. The music is beautiful and the lyrics. Donald's best I think. "I cried when I wrote this song, sue me if I play too long, this brother is free, I'll be what I want to be". I do believe the song is about (self) redemption. He's changing his ways. Great stuff Harri..

[@wednesdaytheblackcat7385]

Aren’t they just amazing?

[@davidbentley145]

That piece is so perfect...like butter...a delicious piece...Ty Harri

[@charlesdavis7461]

Great music with lyrics so fine and singing just right.

[@roymoore3156]

My army roommate used this as his theme song. That fit him too, Morris Clinkscale, I’ll never forget you.

[@darrelltiencken9421]

Great reaction...Thanks!

[@kuen-wahcheung1863]

Thank you! You are the first person I’ve seen on a reaction video to chuckle to ‘Sue me if I play too long.’ I think that is the key line of the song. As far as the rest of the lyrics go, there is a danger in reading it too literally. The protagonist may have these dreams of self-actualisation that sound brave and romantic, but we never know whether they are fulfilled or not.

[@pageribe2399]

These songs bring back so many memories! Those guys made so many great tunes, but this one has a special place in my heart, especially during football season.! ROLL TIDE!!!!

[@kirkhassett8726]

You absolutely must listen to “Black Cow”, and the epic title track “Aja”. Both are sonic perfection…and they’re only the tip of the iceberg.

[@stumpwatersalad3024]

That's right! Don't give out what others won't reciprocate!

[@cog4life]

I LOVE Deacon Blues!! ❤️🎶

[@joelliebler5690]

One of their best lyrically with beautiful vibes backing the song up and superb backing vocals!

[@surlechapeau]

In July 1978, Their album Aja 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. Donald and Walter were perfectionists and very talented. They auditioned/used the best musicians to get the perfect fit for many of their songs.

[@wallacecallow2255]

Every time I hear this song, it makes me think of cruising in a swank urban setting, like New York or Chicago, late at night in a limo or Cadillac, with a chauffeur and a few party girls in the back. Maybe even smoking Cuban cigars and drinking Cuervo Gold. And naturally hitting a little of the finest herb.

[@leighsaldivar4439]

Love these guys. They have so many hits.

[@johnnugent6516]

Thanks Harry I’ve have heard this song thousands of times since it came out but this is the first time I’ve listen to it. Wow what a song. And thanks for having so much Class with your reaction we need more of this

[@bobburroughs6241]

Followed them from the beginning. This is wonderful. Sheer class. (Yes, that's the explanation). Seem to remember Wayne Shorter plays on this. They spend ages on songs, trying out guitarists til they hit the right one! Perfectionists.

[@charlesdavis7461]

You being a musician explain the music so well.

[@ricksloop1075]

Nice! So what’s next for Steely Dan? Hey 19? Kid Charlamenge?

[@lisaarmato6911]

Yes, Kid Charlemagne, please!

[@sourisvoleur4854]

FM

[@marvelharris9540]

what a classic.... great song and great review

[@arkphoenix340]

This song gave name to Deacon Blue, a great band of the 80's.You should react to their songs...

[@HarriBestReactions]

I actually thought of them.Never knew they got their name from this song..wow

[@FenderBassMan]

Since I play bass--duh--as I was learning this song for a Pacific NW band, I discovered that Walter Becker was the bassist. While the bass part is not really complicated, but just complex enough to compel a listener to focus on them. That takes a particular kind of musical magic, too. btw, one of the most stunning basslines I heard was from Becker, particularly his work for Fagen's Kamakiriad album song "Snowbound." Just awesome sauce bass playing!

[@cej7519]

The explanation in the video is correct. “Crimson Tide” does indeed reference the Alabama football team, and “Deacon Blue” the Wake Forest Demon Deacons. Perennial winners vs perennial losers.

[@827dusty]

The Alabama "Crimson Tide" reference is to the University of Alabama Football (American style) team's Nickname. They are one of the winningest teams in college football history. As a "Brit" Harri, I understand why you wouldn't be aware that sort of thing, just as I wouldn't be aware of certain customs, or traditions of sports teams in your country. When I was a young teenager in the late 60s, I remember listening to Eric Clapton and "Cream" on the radio. In the song "White Room", they sing some lyrics about "the tube." For years I tried to figure out what the "tube" was. Then someone finally told me, it was the underground transportation system, or as we "Yanks" call it over here in the States, the "subway". I always find your reactions interesting and enjoyable. Thanks Harri

[@kianpa1]

Best song ever. ❤️

[@christinerobinson9372]

It's a pared-down sound, just what it needs to be, no excess.

[@alansmith7626]

d in reacheck out their entire discography. is a trip I lived in real time, grew up and matured with all this music, lol! I Love you Brother! Keep on keepin on!

[@sonicart1808]

Donald Fagen & Walter Becker were master arrangers.... love your reaction thanks.

[@guybettyrahem3937]

Bonjour de france.vous Avez raison fagen et Becker étaient des musiciens et arrangeurs extraordinaires pourtant ce n'est pas eux qui ont fait les arrangements de cet extraordinaire morceau passé à la postérité mais savez vous QUI ???????? Hé bien tout simplement le guitariste préféré de Donald fagen et celui que personnellement je considère comme le plus grand musicien ( avec Pat metheny et Lyle mays) du 20 ème siècle l'immense LARRY CARLTON !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Voilà je vous souhaite une bonne journée.Amicalement de FRANCE GUY

[@sonicart1808]

@@guybettyrahem3937 Bonjour du Royaume-Uni, Merci pour votre message, je ne savais pas que Larry Carlton avait écrit cette chanson, merci pour l'information, j'apprends actuellement le français donc j'ai compris une partie de votre message, mais j'ai dû utiliser Google Translate pour quelques mots ! Bonne année dans la belle France !

[@railroller]

This song has a super long fade out that ends much too soon.

[@garyspillett7103]

Harri if I were to recommend to a young person what REAL MUSIC PLAYED BY REAL MUSICIANS sounds like the AJA album would definitely be it.... IMPECCABLE

[@roenamorgan5863]

"I've listened for the 2nd time tonight,on another reaction,to 'Steely Dan',KZbin's,and I hear a'Twilight Zone',Melody with words:gentle jazz saxaphone at a mid'night cafe'setting. 2-4-2022' .

[@itmightbme]

Great song and band ❤ Lol, I can't resist saying Roll Tide!

[@cpop3078]

RTR !!!

[@Drockleberries]

Perfection

[@nunnarij]

Perfection and grace - Steely Dan!!!!!

[@mr.eggplant866]

Love it. And the message.

[@donnabost4445]

I love this style, it improves my mood and positive vibes!!! thank you (love that hoodie) Stay Well

[@briangray00]

Be careful now Hari! Listening to Steely Dan could get you trapped like a butterfly under glass, just as I have for over 40 years; those guys never miss.

[@diedoncealready6989]

Beautiful

[@MAG-li5jo]

One of the greatest songs ever!!!!!

[@ChuckHackney]

They have elements of a lot of music but with the album, Aja, it showed off the jazz influences.

[@davidbentley145]

He calls himself a lounge lizard(AKA Viper)...speaks volumes

[@valogden]

Brings back memories of high school and performing at the halftime shows at the football and basketball games.

[@Ray1969.]

My apologies to Harri for jumping down his throat for not reacting to a song I had requested a few times. He reminded me of how many requests he gets and how hard it is to get to them all. Sorry Harri

[@HarriBestReactions]

Totally understood and i do understand your frustration 🖤✌🏾

[@bowtangey6830]

Their lyrics were usually like those of Yes in their prime. Another musical instrument, but God knows what they were driving at.. .

[@gaijin5]

Donald Fagen was singing...☮️❤️

[@christinerobinson9372]

The vocalist is Donald Fagen himself, also the keyboards. Micheal McDonald was probably in the Doobie brothers by this time, but that is just my guess, I don't know that for a fact.

[@phantomrockerr]

Try their song " Don't Take Me Alive" It's a Rocker Harri.

[@kellywann3794]

For kicks you should reference the name Steely Dan. My clue is it comes from William Burrough’s novel Naked Lunch.

[@dansavoie5087]

Your explanation of the lyrics were much closer to what Donald Fagan explained in an interview that I saw, than what I thought they were. Paul McCartney once said not all songs have a meaning. Along with that he said some folks have their own meaning to lyrics of a particular song, so as far as they're concerned their thoughts are their interpretation. McCartney said that's great they're enjoying the music that much more. This song "Deacon Blues" is the only song where my interpretation is my own. After I saw Fagan interview and explanation I was let down even though my interpretation was on the morbid side. Then I heard McCartney's interview. My belief is this song about a man who has decided to commit suicide.

[@LadyRustedKnight]

If I got a dollar for every time I have listened to this song from the get go when it first came out, I could knock Bill Gates down the Forbes list!

[@ubilo]

Cool thoughts , Harri 😎

[@jollyrodgers7272]

Knew you'd like this, Harri. Their previous stuff was real good, but this whole album was the cooolest - and they really found their groove at this point. Donald said he wrote this from the perspective of a wannabe-musician. Deacon refers to the loosing-est college football team at the time, the Wake Forest Demon Deacons. Have you reacted to Steely Dan's "F.M.(no static at all)"? Some of the smoothest funk you'll hear. Also, "Time Out Of Mind" from the Gaucho album (features Mark Knopfler on guitar) is a Must.

[@sourisvoleur4854]

Aja is peak Dan. Every song a total winner.

[@christinasmith156]

I love this song. Thank you Harri

[@jeffstevens4262]

Just for the record, the vocalists name is Donald Fagan. Sadly, Walter Becker, one of the founding fathers of this amazing and iconic band, died a few years ago.

[@cbearabc]

In the seventies, musicians use of jazz rock fusion was more common back then. Steel Dan jazz studio musicians doing rock & roll?

[@briansussman863]

Both Donald Fagen and Walter Becker co-wrote the lyrics and the music to their songs

[@ivarwinter3049]

Follow this with the album Two Against Nature and the song Cousin Dupre You won't be disappointed

[@richpucci6754]

This song alluded to the Alabama , Wake Forest football series. Alabama won like 21 straight against Wake Forest,so the Wake Forest team was the demon deacons. Deacon Blues was what they called a loser.

[@gaijin5]

☮️❤️🔥💞🔥🎶🎵🎶...😎 I want a name when I lose... 😏