WOW!| FIRST TIME HEARING Steely Dan - Any Major Dude Will Tell You REACTION

[@johnroberts5637]

This one, "Kid Charlemagne," "Don't Take Me Alive," and "Haitian Divorce." I could put those four on a continuous loop and listen to them until the end of time. Makes me proud to have lived and been contemporary with so many great artists and their music.

[@markkenific6587]

Don't Take Me Alive is KILLER!

[@robertstallings6020]

@@markkenific6587 Larry Carlton’s guitar work on "Don’t Take Me Alive” is incredible!

[@janicemartin2016]

Actually the Kid Charlemagne album is great

[@whitespider99]

Amber & Jay, here are some other good Steely Dan songs to react to: "Black Cow", "Aja", "Deacon Blues", "FM (No Static at All)", "Doctor Wu", "Hey Nineteen, and "Barrytown".

[@murraytown4]

And Gaucho.

[@markgettemeyer1145]

FM - that song vibes 70’s radio like no other.

[@nickimontie]

All the songs on Aja, Royal Scam, and Gaucho.

[@shirleyjones9460]

Brooklyn Owes the Charmer Under Me is my favorite among many others

[@mikemaricle9941]

Black Friday. My Old School.

[@edyarb]

The entire AJA album will change your lives

[@codybonnet]

Yes it will, and yes it did. My daughter's name actually!

[@billiondollarbaby3276]

If you're into Jazz. For the fans of their early ROCK albums the Royal Scam, Aja is definitely the wrong direction. They did the same thing the Doobies Did once McDonald joined.

[@JimLapine]

Indeed

[@jackiec859]

*Major Dude: A well-sorted, wise and helpful friend. Hip without being a hipster. An admired person.* This is exemplified in the Steely Dan song, "Any Major Dude Will Tell You". ~Urban Dictionary

[@Terry-is7nk]

Off their 1974 album Pretzel Logic - one of their very best. Although, you could say that about almost all Steely Dan's albums!

[@keithjones7390]

Pretzel Logic has been my favourite Steely Dan album for years. Through With Buzz, Barrytown, With a Gun and of course the wonderful title track!

[@keithbrown7685]

For me, this song kindof gives the shrug to fear and depression. To me it's saying, yeah things are bad and fallen apart right now, but give it time, even a night's rest, and the thing that's at you, will be gone. The song soothes, in a "fkk it, it'll pass" kind of way. The song is a cheer'er, a healer, a comforter, with just the right groove to it. Thanks for the reaction!

[@roykentseyebrows4196]

Steely Dan are a funny band in that their songs are incredibly dense and intricately composed, but executed with such effortless skill that it seems simple.

[@surlechapeau]

Jay & Amber, you'll absolutely LOVE their "Aja", "Deacon Blues" and "FM" !!!!!

[@bjdefilippo447]

Yes, indeed! Excellent choices, though it's hard to go wrong with them.

[@surlechapeau]

@@bjdefilippo447 thanks, and so true!

[@RabbiSteve]

Totally to all of the above.

[@brucedillinger9448]

Great choices!

[@davidish9083]

They aren’t listening! 🤣🤣🤣

[@Brainshave01]

Amber has an old soul. Always a great perspective and appreciation for the music and lyrics.

[@bjdefilippo447]

Thanks for this choice. Steely Dan is always a good vibe.

[@octoberguy]

Next up on the playlist should be "Deacon Blues" ... more jazzy. sound... "I'll learn to work the saxophone...." 🤩

[@davidscott129]

One reason I love Steely Dan is that they were fantastic sound engineers. You can hear every distinct note of every instrument. Their sound is so clean that the album "Aja" is the standard that major auto makers use to evaluate the sound systems in new cars.

[@tonynascar3]

I believe this song is about one friend's attempt to comfort another friend after a bad drug trip. The lines "When the demon is at your door, in the morning it won't be there no more, ( just try to sleep through it or somehow get through it so you can kick this thing)", and "I can tell you all I know: the where to go, (where to attend a meeting), the what to do, (seek outside assistance, go to rehab). You can try to run but you can't hide from what's inside of you,(you're an addict)" all give away the meaning.

[@JustMe-vk4fn]

I think your interpretation of this song is spot-on. Sometimes I wonder how much it would mean to addicted human beings all around the world to learn that *bees* and other pollinators pay more time and attention to pollinating plants which produce nicotine and codeine than they do to other edible plants? I guess bees like a bit of caffeine with their honey, eh? :D At the end of the day we are *all* animals and we *all* share some of the same addiction-based behavior with other species of animals when we eat or use materials from plants that produce addictive harvests.

[@Ollie-h1n]

DF said that is what the song is about. A friend with problems.

[@db-gb5xi]

More from them to check out include Black Cow, Deacon Blues, FM, Aja, Pretzel Logic, Caves of Altamira, Royal Scam, The Fez, Hey Nineteen, Babylon sisters, bad sneakers, dr. wu

[@RabbiSteve]

I second all of these.

[@keithjones7390]

So many to mention, l could add My Old School, Razor Boy and Barrytown. You included Pretzel Logic in your comment, one of my all time favourite songs from anybody.

[@danmayberry1185]

Wow, Amber: "The power of perspective when you're low." 1,000%. A beautiful anthem for anyone struggling with addiction or other demons.

[@charlier711]

Just for your trivia edification, a "squonk" is a mythical creature that cries all the time because it's so ugly. As you know by now, Steely Dan is a musician's favorite - the melodies, harmonies, instruments, and attention to subtleties and detail are second to none. Any Major Dude will tell you.

[@johncampbell756]

The guitar and keyboard play that riff together, which is why you think it sounds like both. It is.

[@chrissmith7669]

Steely Dan were one of those bands polished to perfection

[@janicemartin2016]

How can you not just love everything Steely Dan !

[@sergeantfury785]

"major dudes and minor worlds" That is music.

[@rrailguitar2211]

That was an unusual Steely Dan song because the lyrics are - almost - tender and gentle. They usually traffic in very twisted and cynical lyrics over that smooth jazzy sound. I was in a band that played this...I was very proud of finally nailing that riff at the end of the choruses. I also learned what a squonk is! "Deacon Blues" , man. Gotta do "Deacon Blues," "FM,' "Doctor Wu," "Bodhisattva," "Daddy Don't Live In That New York City No More."

[@BobGeogeo]

Bingo. Like Rikki Don't Lose That Number, this is a genuine caring song. Also, thanks for the squonk ref. I looked it up too.

[@georgeerhard1949]

The live version of Boddhisatva (from "Gold") has an insane drunken rant from the MC of the venue. Great stuff.

[@Roikat]

There’s still a cynical side in that the “major dude” sounds like a narcissist who’s accidentally giving good advice. “Any minor world …” sounds like a narcissist’s contempt for other people’s problems, so even if their advice is good, the recipient of the advice might not heed it. Very brilliant, subtle song.

[@christianman73]

@@BobGeogeo I agree about *this* song, but "Rikki" is not exactly a "genuine, caring" song, from all that I've read about it. It's about a married woman who met Donald Fagen, and was attracted to him, but ultimately decided not to cheat on her husband with him. Fagen was basically saying, "Keep my number, because you might change your mind in the future."

[@rrailguitar2211]

@@georgeerhard1949 I read somewhere that was a guy Steely Dan hired to drive their equipment truck...at some point he crashed it.

[@mitzifrancis9843]

I LOVE Steely Dan and this song ranks near the top of numerous favorites! A Steely Dan song that is, dare I say, "tender"? As soon as I saw you were reacting to this one, I felt certain I'd see a smile cross Amber's face when she understood the message. ❤ And Jay was groovin to the music!

[@LanieShapiro]

Babylon Sisters & Dr. Woo!!! Steely Dan- you can pick any song & you’ll get something amazing.

[@NikaWatt]

Thank you for playing this. To hear any Steely Dan is always great and to get a thumbs up from you guys makes me happy. Love your channel. I can certainly recommend, as your next review... anything they have ever done. X

[@tylerhackner9731]

What an iconic band

[@janleonard3101]

They would love "Babylon Sisters" with the iconic Purdie Shuffle.

[@eileendobbs8009]

Steely Dan - Green Earrings it's sooo funky

[@rkw2917]

Donald is one of the best songwriters in modern music, combined with a unique and distinctive voice

[@bugvswindshield]

One of my top 5 Steely Dan song. fun fact.....Chevy Chase! yes that actor! Was the original Drummer for Steely Dan back in their college days!!!!! Tis a small world !

[@BonniePicc]

One of my favorites! A couple of popular ones you haven’t done yet are Deacon Blues and FM. There are so many cool vibe ones like this but you may want to start with either Black Cow, Kid Charlemagne. Royal Scam or Caves of Altamira.

[@tedcole9936]

The Pretzel Logic album is thoroughly exceptional. You can hit any track and come away very satisfied. “Barrytown” is the next track up, and it auto-plays in my mind after Any Major Dude. A million SD fans feel it too, I’m quite certain.

[@keithjones7390]

Totally agree, Pretzel Logic has been my favourite Steely Dan album for years. Through With Buzz , Barrytown, With a Gun a few great songs but the title track is one of my all time favourite songs from anybody.

[@marygoodson4920]

Thank you for this song, Jay and Amber! I haven't heard it in so long. I got the album when it came out. Made me smile and gives me hope!

[@nickiosue6228]

Pearl of the quarter, midnight cruiser, king of the world, night by night… got to!!!!

[@flinx649]

"King of the World" is a great one.

[@dougnorris2654]

Pretzel Logic, the title song of that album is my favorite Steely Dan song. Think y'all would like it...

[@keithjones7390]

Totally agree, Pretzel Logic is one of my all time favourite songs.

[@jasonjepsen7483]

Steely Dan does not have one bad song. Hands down, my favorite group. You need to check out Don’t me alive if you haven’t already. It’s a banger!

[@MOS650]

Their Black Cow is a jam.

[@zedxxx9]

I had forgotten about those clever efforts to surprise the listeners at the end with unexpected changes and then their satisfying resolutions.

[@joeduke8239]

I love this song. The whole album is good.

[@keithjones7390]

The whole album is fantastic! 😅

[@randyhochstein8455]

It’s long been said that Steely Dan is your favorite band’s favorite band. ✌🏼😎🇺🇸

[@joy-jr7dg]

Can't go wrong with Steely Dan

[@jimcomvideos]

They were masters of production in the studio. Amazing musicianship. All their studio work was polished and kind-of perfect sounding. Simple yet complicated.

[@theivory1]

My son regrettably isn’t a fan of their, but he always liked this one. More Steely Adan please. Deacon Blues is magic.

[@douglasennis7291]

Any major dude will tell you... 💯👍🏻😎🔥

[@erniefranchino7284]

I love going down memory lane, back to the 70's with you two.

[@leonardshevlin7260]

When the Aja album came out in 1977, I had listened to all of the previous Steely Dan LPs countless times, so "album tracks" like "Any Major Dude Will Tell You" and "Rose Darling" and "Kings" and "Barrytown" were as familiar -- or nearly so -- as the singles played on my favorite FM station.

[@williammilheim8141]

Been a fan since 73. Not a bad song on any of their albums. This is what talented musicians sound like. My favorite albums are Royal Scam., Aja and Katy Lied. you need to do more SD it will change your life.

[@owenbb505]

Great pick, Steely Dan is my brother's favorite band and this is his all-time fave from them.

[@EdwinPlanell]

Hi guys! Only my second ever comment to any reactors. Steely Dan are amazing. Aja started my stepdad (a music snob) on a rock journey that includes Chicago, Pink Floyd, and a few other bands from “my time” so good to see young people enjoying music from back when 😊Greetings from Orlando ( by way of NJ)

[@johnned4848]

Pretzel Logic might be my overall favorite Dan album in large part to the subtle but absolutely brilliant drumming by Jim Gordon. Very much in the groove but lots of little fills here that gives some real funkiness--great for some intimate dancing.

[@keithjones7390]

Pretzel Logic has been my favourite Steely Dan album for years. The title track is one of my all time favourite songs.

[@Jessica_Roth]

Yes, feed me some Pretzel Logic! An under-appreciated classic! The only song you've done from this album previously was "Rikki Don't Lose that Number", but this song rules, and so does the title track. Likewise, off of their 2nd album ("Countdown to Ecstasy"), you've only hit "My Old School", but both "Show Biz Kids" and "King of the World" are MUSTS and "Bodhisattva" and "The Boston Rag" were key parts to the live set, as well.

[@keithjones7390]

Pretzel Logic has been my favourite Steely Dan album for years and the title track an all time favourite song.

[@gkiferonhs]

You guys'd also love "FM".

[@Guildofarcanelore]

That's my favorite!

[@georgeerhard1949]

Wriiten as the opening theme for the movie of the same name. Movie barely hit the charts, but it spawned a series... "WKRP in Cinncinnati"

[@John-p9j8o]

There's tons of great SD songs, My Old School is one of my favorites.

[@keithjones7390]

Mine too!

[@ofthecid]

Please listen to Steely Dan's FM... I think it could become a contender for Amber's favorite Steely Dan song

[@XFLexiconMatt]

You finally reacted to this! I like playing this at times when I feel down. Thank you!

[@SoloArt8250]

Listen to that groove ❤🥁🎸💯

[@keithcarper8809]

Every Steely Dan track is near perfection. 'Aja' (pronounced Asia) should be next. ☮💚🎶

[@geob3963]

One of my favorite Steely Dan songs. Here’s some more. Steely Dan - Pearl of the Quarter Steely Dan - Babylon Sister Steely Dan - Show Business Kids Steely Dan - The Caves of Altamira Steely Dan - Kings

[@jessicalee7119]

Love this song ~ along with all their other songs! LOL!

[@pauljoncas3011]

When all hope seems lost, keep pushing forward. Better days are to come ✌️

[@frankshaffer7645]

The guitar sounds like a vintage Fender Strat with the Bridge + Center pickups. This also makes sense because the guitar players they employed for album are known to play Stratocasters and Telecasters. Vintage Strats had a switch that if you balanced it just right between the bridge and center (or neck and center) pickups it would combine the pickups in a unique way. (Some guitar players call it "Out-of-Phase" , but it isn't actually out-of-phase. This sound became so popular that Fender eventually replaced the vintage 3-way blade switch with a 5-way blade switch to facilitate the sound. Eric Clapton used it to great effect. More recently, John Mayer uses that sound often.

[@karenh.]

I have always enjoyed the flow of this song..... SO nice & mellow 🌺

[@christianman73]

I love the electric piano (Fender Rhodes?) in this song, and the lyrics are very encouraging! One of the rare examples of Steely Dan doing a more straightforward, positive song, lyrically speaking. I enjoy their usual darker, more cynical takes, and that's very often the Steely Dan way, lyrically, in terms of their view of life, but this song is different, and it has a special place in my heart. It has actually helped me at some dark times.

[@shawnkautzman4879]

Jay and Amber i love this song. We had it on 8-track if you even know what that is. Before your time maybe listened to the whole 8-Track many times traveling to Texas to visit family in 1979 this came out in 1974.

[@SeaMark782]

The great Jim Gordon on drums.

[@longfootbuddy]

you can always trust a major dude

[@kevinwalsh9788]

Love Steely Dan especially this song. One interesting fact is the song " Only a Fool Would Say That " is about John Lennon 's " Imagine "

[@matthewjacot6065]

It is so great to relive what is in the rear mirror now. Sometimes the car catches the memory and they drive together for a while. Thanks guys!

[@danroenna5439]

Thanks so much for brightening my day every day. Love you both so much!

[@do0ranfrump260]

FM, Deacon Blue, Black Cow

[@kevinmcpartland7639]

This one is a top tier SD song and it has been since I first heard it as a teen.

[@mikeglo168]

Major dude, minor world. Nice contrast. Unusual song for Steely Dan. They typically do not write encouraging lyrics. Great reaction y'all!

[@bmiamiwai]

That WHOLE album is perfect. More perfect on 3k headphones , 3k Amp, 3k dac.

[@jamesguinan7319]

Steely Dan is my FAVORITE!

[@IOSARBX]

Rob Squad Reactions, This is awesome! I subscribed because I want to see more!

[@tonydenucci3684]

Jay and Amber are the absolute best! Enjoy the ride!!❤

[@bobsongs2023]

You want to relax? Put on some Steely Dan. Guantanamera was a hit when i was young. This new take has over 75 Cuban's from around the world participating. "Playing For Change | Guantanamera " Also they do a fantastic Gimme Shelter, "What's going on" and "Listen to The Music". Love your Channel too.

[@bryanfouts287]

This is one of my favorite Steely Dan songs, hands down

[@roevega9902]

One of my all time favorite Steely Dan songs

[@donkick2622]

I believe this is their one unironic, straight ahead, positive song.

[@johnbuchanon7717]

Until we can get one to get back there you two are our time machine. Great pick, great reaction!

[@scottvanhille5688]

Good song, I enjoyed its vibe, such a legendary band.

[@Dan-o8x]

Another Steely Dan to check out is Midnight Cruiser

[@barrymuller5131]

Thank you for the positive messages and encouraging attitude. You made me smile. Smile everyone!!

[@saucesquash1988]

The whole album is great!

[@RedRobe75]

Right now my brain is so hooked on the songs "Kings", "Everyone's Gone To The Movies", "The Caves of Altamira", and "Sign In Stranger". Four completely different songs in mood and expression, but each with the strokes of geniuses that defines these two dudes. If you want straight up - wild - but cool chord progressions all over the place, you definitely should check out "Green Earrings".

[@debbiechang5781]

You can never go wrong with Steely Dan. They are just amazing 🌺✌️

[@RWonline]

They hit every time.

[@sharkbjs]

Here I go again sounding like a broken record. PLEASE play "Aja." It's a masterpiece that'll blow you away.

[@RabbiSteve]

Totally agree. For the late great Wayne Shorter’s (maybe my favorite musician and composer, on his own, with Miles and with Weather Report) sax solo alone worth the price of admission.

[@Nite37]

It's hard to believe that they haven't gone there yet.

[@yvettepatterson156]

Jay and Amber, I'm sure you'll love "Don't Take Me Alive."

[@CuriousGeorge1111]

Thanks for reacting to this one. AMDWTY is uniquely sincere and direct for the Dan. It seems to me Fagen wrote this to SD's co-head and friend Walter Becker, who had mental and substance abuse issues that put him in the hospital and broke of the band during Gaucho. Still, it's a marvelously sweet and direct song, seemingly one friend to another. And I agree that SD are artistic, innovative masters. In that regard I put them in the same category as the Beatles, though much less well known. And I believe that instrument is a keyboard synthesizer, probably played by Fagen.

[@rickyconner6782]

I was wondering if the song was sincere or if Fagan was being sarcastic. Thanks for posting this.

[@Ted-FitzGerald]

I think "Reeling in the Years" is Steely Dan's best song! However, they did tons of great songs, definitely worth a reaction at some point.

[@dennisdickson8058]

Smoooooth..such a cool vibe to this song.

[@mikes2082]

Becker and Fagan..... quite a story. Lots of great music.

[@edwardschrantz5740]

My favorite Steely Dan song. Great choice!!

[@monkface]

Actually laughing it up over Jay shrugging his shoulders- "sounds like a Steely Dan title to me!" HA ha ain't that the truth? I don't know why but it does!!

[@donnakubiski5572]

This is my all time favorite Steely Dan song. Exited to hear your reaction.

[@dankeen9985]

Every Steely Dan song is good.

[@bufordt.justice6741]

Love you guys and i must sayAmber you are so eloquent and passionate in your interpretation of lyrics and music and you are beautiful too. Jay is a lucky man.

[@HowardLeitner-i8g]

Reo speedwagon, 157 riverside avenue . Off the live album, "you get what you play for " 1976.

[@SilentCriket]

L0L I laughed when Jay said Him, as if Steely Dan was a Solo artist. it's actually 2 guys mainly who bring in other artists to play the instruments. the name Steely Dan comes from and old euphemism for a dildo L0L.

[@cindybyrne1167]

I'll suggest "Daddy Don't live in that New York City No More," for Steely Dan at their funkiest.