Steely Dan “Black Cow (Demo #1)

[@FreshRose-z3s]

Donald Fagen's smokey alto and a rich piano: all you need for Black Cow.

[@michaelweller5294]

The electric piano solo in the finished version is pretty great tho

[@johnfogy]

This stripped down version really gives me a better look at just how amazingly expressive Donald Fagan's voice can be. Just beautiful and intimate.

[@listeningto8371]

A little bit more echo allways helps

[@stevenmonroe8728]

W. B. was a dear friend of mine. Yes, by all means continue to enjoy S.D. music but let him rest in peace.

[@IrnBruNYC]

@@stevenmonroe8728 who is not letting him Rest In Peace?

[@petewentz3528]

@@stevenmonroe8728 There are factors why some fans may be prompted to ask questions and "not let him rest in peace". You must understand or comprehend the world he left behind. He wasn't just any rock celebrity now.....he was out there, and once you or your musical message or expression is "out there", you're free game or target for observation and comment.....it's really that simple. Let him RIP....huh? Walter and his estate sued Donald and the SD brand or nameplate....what was that all about? Why? It doesn't add up if Walter and Donald were their version of Lennon & McCartney.....there is always tension, distrust, and money issues. Second, Walter was a guitar player and the world is full of guitar players who like to react to and critique other players' playing......see You Tube if you don't believe my word. Walter's playing and role in the band as a guitar player now, not as a brand holder/founder or whatever other role you want to talk about, just as a guitar player. Why did his style fragment and get stale in the later years.....he just played in the same scale box and doodled on the guitar for the most part. He fell off badly IMHO. Yet, he was such a critique of other players....which makes his playing and his fanatical obsession with detail almost hypocritical. He berated session player guitarists and bassists alike during tryouts and recordings.....it is almost comical. He never celebrated all the great guitar players he had come work for him on albums with he and Walter.....he never gave credit, nor did he express gratitude. He rarely tipped his hat to John Herrington and his lead/solo work for years on the Dan Band. There are other factors or factors which made Becker a target for analysis and second guessing but we'll stop here. Ultimately, Becker was a celebrity and he doesn't get to RIP.....so take a chill pill and let's discuss SD in all their glory forever and ever.

[@stevenmonroe8728]

@@petewentz3528 He was my friend. Deal with it.

[@chipurBillWhite]

Imagine having written just this and knowing it’s on to dressing it up. What a feeling.

[@dianahasty5969]

I was lucky to see them ! 😎😁🌞

[@elementrypenguin3116]

It’s amazing what they did with it.

[@jerrymammoser9857]

...right. 1975-1977 was a very fertile period for those guys.

[@juanmaflores2629]

I like to much

[@daveypotful]

@@dianahasty5969 when they toured the UK I took my young son to see them, because I knew one day he’d be grateful he’d witnessed the best band ever,live ❤️

[@groovefondue5060]

DF is absolutely a genius. As mentioned here, he knew exactly what he was doing. He could hear the final arrangement in his head. He's one of a kind.

[@billykuhl]

Excellence… the chords and vocals, that is even more soulful than the finished tune

[@future62]

Harmonically these guys were sick and deranged. Altered dominants, sus chords, wild modulations backing up infectious, simple, effective grooves and melodies. SD was truly one of one

[@Jerry-oo8hd]

“Truly one of one.”❤ wow. Perfect. You probably write yourself, lines like that. Are these chords the same as final product? Key od C?

[@adammarkowitz7944]

Super talented guys. DF has a unique piano style, a kind of combination of jazz and rock. Absolutely original, nobody else plays this way.

[@judyhyland682]

DF is brilliant …….voice and keyboard style…….so original, unique

[@davidmolina5023]

Well said

[@danulin7485]

Holy shit! This is absolutely amazing. A stripped-down masterpiece.

[@mackermaldrill2656]

TOTALLY.

[@rossfromfriends8468]

I use to make fun of my friends dad for liking old man music like steely dan,yet here I am 10 years later listening to a demo of this song because I've listened to the original and live versions so many time. Needless to say I was WRONG

[@TheLeevoy]

Old man music? Only a fool would say that.

[@PGolden1975]

@@TheLeevoy I see what you did there!

[@PGolden1975]

I listen to the whole Aja album at least once a month. It’s brilliant

[@peterrichards931]

"So outrageous"..!!! You young whipper-snapper...as you now know this is real music, much better than the crap nowadays.

[@paperback10]

I've been enjoying SD since I bought the 45rpm single of FM when it was first released..

[@dannuttle9005]

Anyone who came of age in the 70s and fell in love with Steely Dan has about a thousand emotional reactions when they hear this track.

[@jeffevangelho9909]

Could you imagine sitting down at a piano and telling your bandmates, "here is something I am working on, tell me if it is any good.." and this comes out?

[@curtisrg1]

I reckon I'd say I'm not sure and ask him to do it again, and then again, and....repeat.

[@Mulavi]

But it happened how many times before album after after album. Someone posted several album outtakes that are amazing.

[@bradrules49]

I want to learn piano just to be able to bust this out on my own

[@dougdrazga4461]

It's fully formed. I didn't think he'd have the lyric nailed down by this point, but here it is. This is one of my favorite Dan tunes, for sure.

[@jeffreysimmons1084]

No doubt

[@tonyrapa-tonyrapa]

This is quite emotional actually... this is perhaps my favourite song of all time (but, you know, these things fluctuate)... hearing it stripped down just makes the hairs on my skin stand to attention. So outrageous!

[@michaelhaile6371]

I couldn't agree more! I've been a Steely Dan fan for decades and I'm sitting here with chicken skin too!

[@jerrymammoser9857]

Yeah. Whether or not Donald actually had a girlfriend that he was feeling through with this is interesting. It sounds as though he’s really pouring out his heart for sure... but this guy, these guys were absolutely so gifted that they coulda done this vicariously. This does not sound vicarious. It sounds genuine.

[@louise_rose]

Yes, great demo. One of the points about the lyrics to this one is that they never specify the gender pairing. It can be a scene with a guy exasperated over his girlfriend/wife - but also the other way around, or a gay coiple. And don't give me that "it has to be a man ranting at his girlfriend because it's *Donald* and he was a straight guy" - the song isn't about Donald personally and many of their songs are deliberately loaded with double meanings. I think the absence of gender markers or even hints in this one was quite deliberate.

[@podlou9939]

@@louise_rose I always thought the main narrator was going out with the protagonist who is a hooker...

[@louise_rose]

@@podlou9939 Guess that's one way of reading it, I read the lyrics like the narrator didn't accompany the unbridled protagonist around the town at all, but is left to pick up the pieces face to face with him/her later on, and likely at home.("talk it through till daylight"). Telling P what N has heard other people saying, or is able to deduce about her/his nights out on the town. The key change after the last chorus ""and get out of here") would feel like the point when the P finally gets up and leaves the room, and N is able to breathe freely again.

[@sharkswimmer7114]

The slickest chord progression in all of rock and roll! Genius modulation! Every note counts.

[@rixvspinner]

Great demo. It figures that Steely Dan's demos are better than most of what other artists were releasing in the mid 70's.

[@trombleyjames3979]

and better than most of what other artists are releasing today

[@chaztiz8839]

The odd thing about hearing this so stripped down, is realizing the genious of what the vision of this was going to turn into.

[@smallywaters7063]

Well stated!

[@ruppertale3319]

What a revelation. As much as I love the finished version, this take is every bit as good. The chords, the singing, it's brilliant.

[@fg3901]

I think I like it better.

[@dwaynecarroll6098]

Amazingly complete as a solo recording.

[@dciccantelli]

You know a song is golden when a stripped down version like this has the same emotional effect as the fully produced "finished product".

[@jerrymammoser9857]

When he hits Big Black Cow, on “Cow” you can hear the wonderful Most Excellent quality of the Steinway or Bösendorfer or whatever the hell they used then. Wonderful lower string resonance.

[@chopperguy16]

I listen to this almost everyday since I found it. Absolutely a classic

[@wadesharp11]

Dam!!! Always been my fave artist...This chord progression though🔥❤️His melody just everything makes me fall in love al over again with Mr Fagan

[@rondavidso]

Just think about the musical growth of these guys. This was only 5 or 6 years after Can't Buy A Thrill.....yes, a great album but this sophistication at his point in their lives is amazing!

[@lantose]

So sophisticated that virtually every song they wrote turned into a masterpiece! They had no idea (or maybe) what a hit this would be with on this album!

[@SirCommoner]

Yes exactly... It's scary to witness the quick and absurd evolution

[@TheOwl]

I'd love to see Don do a whole album of SD and solo tunes with just piano and vocals. This is incredible!

[@stevenharris5997]

Donald is a pure genius. Enjoy.

[@jamesviola79]

Ever since I first heard this demo version a few years ago it's fascinated me. It sometimes makes me wish the final version was more piano-driven, so good and so economical...

[@richalderson6069]

I can hear the influence Steely Dan had on Joe Jackson with this demo.

[@harveykojan4775]

Yes! Was thinking the same.

[@Vazmusic]

I think it might be the other way around.

[@harveykojan4775]

@@Vazmusic Aja came out in 1977. That was Steely Dan's 6th album. Joe Jackson's debut album "Look Sharp" wasn't released until March 1979. So if either influenced the other, it's definitely SD influencing Joe, who years later covered "King Of The World," lending even more credence to them being an influence.

[@Vazmusic]

@@harveykojan4775 I was not aware of the dates.It makes sense.I was with Joe for 7 years and know he was a HUGE SD fan.

[@harveykojan4775]

@@Vazmusic Well, how about that? I was wondering why your name rang a bell. I was in, if you can believe this, a Joe Jackson tribute band a few years ago! I play keys and Joe's definitely been a major influence on ME (as has, of course, Fagen). Joe's solo on "Cancer" is in my Top 5. Ditto for "Zemio" from the Mike's Murder soundtrack. Would have loved to hear that one live. Would also love to hear some stories about Joe, who's always seemed like he might be a bit ... er ... "challenging" to work with. But hopefully it was 100% wonderful for you!

[@_jm0n3y8oo_]

Man I would love to hear home at last and Dr. Wu like this

[@septemberquest6393]

Rare breed...best In the land...Steely Dan...indisputable in his genre.⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@andreacostantini1305]

Ahhhhhh those chords😎........that wonderful taste called Don and Walt 😍🤩

[@laurahale9309]

Genius at orchestration! Layers and layers of magic!!!

[@varsityathlete9927]

if only Steely Dan were active during the Unplugged craze early 90s.

[@Hollylivengood]

They were. Fagen has had six bands, I think it was, since his college days until Steely Dan. Now, I heard his step daughter has a band, and he plays piano in that as well.

[@rightweaponry908]

Can't stop listening to this, absolute perfection👌🏽

[@petegitlin457]

Pure gold!

[@jonathanwalegir7083]

Been listening to their talent and some of the same songs since the 1070's. Timeless.

[@ericdoce4974]

the 11th century was lit af!

[@jonathanwalegir7083]

@@ericdoce4974 whoops - since the 1970's

[@anthonysilva5312]

AFAIC, this has significant historical musical importance . Thanks for sharing.🇨🇦

[@TruthSeeker13]

So this is how this one started to sound. No much deviation from the final cut. I’m speechless. Thank you for sharing 😎🤘🏼

[@scottkenney3691]

Hearing this before the rest of the music and backgrounds are layered in is awesome. This song always reminds me of home, because I was born and grew up on Green St.

[@SaltyMusicOne]

love hearing the bare bones origins -- great post

[@citizen303]

Perfect demonstration that truly great songs are great even after all the glittery production gets peeled away.

[@KarlPlesz]

That. Was. Incredible. I just loved to hear the piano chords all by themselves.

[@pablobendixiii5536]

Even their demos sound incredible

[@robertmondolino1908]

These guys are genius , been listening since their beginning!!!!!

[@rayinpau.s.a.6351]

Steely Dan has been a part of my entire life . Always makes me happy to listen to them .

[@srv232]

More demos please. Absolutely stunning how the song evolved into the studio version and the final cut.

[@odudev]

The groove & style =TIMELESS !!

[@elementrypenguin3116]

Sounds great stripped down like this. Sounds like something you’d hear in a jazz bar.

[@loriholloway5866]

Listen to that vocal. Flawless. So much feeling. He believes what he's singing and makes you believe him. Tons of good singers out there but they don't believe. Exactly why some bad singers are legends. Technically not so good but they make you believe them.

[@anthonyleighton4754]

Amazing voice and amazing keyboard player.........

[@MCJaccard4music]

Jeeze. This gave me legit goosebumps. This is brilliant. It was already a brilliantly written song before the production.

[@mrzold]

So great. I love how the very beginning of this made me think, "oh, this is going to be kind of thin" but no - it's all there. The beautiful complexity of the song is just waiting for the finishing touches to be added to bring the masterpiece to the lucky public.

[@rachelee8801]

Absolute genius!

[@robinstarkey6071]

I can't decide whether to laugh or cry from the brilliance of this 🤣😭

[@jimgray9038]

Fantastic inside look !

[@KG-wh8yv]

Brilliance and genius resonate here ! No waste of vanity or pride. Universal Joy. I have heard many a hit, but there is really not anything that compares to the level of staying True to the calling and the level of Pure Music here. Donald Fagen is carrying 98% of this vamp. Everything else is secondary, toppings on the cake.

[@curtisrg1]

Just a truly fabulous song. The original, and this gem.

[@valrodhames]

OK Donald, play it for me so I get it just right. Again, please. Again, please. OK, now let's bring in everyone else. Absolute genius! A true treasure!

[@foghornleghorn7905]

These guys were amazing.

[@simflier8298]

Thanks for posting! Great tune!

[@kategillooly9039]

OMG! Just when you think they can’t sound any better, and you listen to this demo! Phenomenal!!

[@PhilUKNet]

Manna from heaven for SD fans.

[@lmiddleman]

So outrageous.

[@danielconnolly8565]

I mean, who the hell just comes up with these progressions?! What a fantastic find! Thank you. 👌🏼

[@kai326]

someone exceptionally skilled in theory and harmonization

[@future62]

While their classmates were eating boogers Don and Walter were kindergarteners listening to jazz radio. Im not even kidding.

[@judyhyland682]

I love, love, love this song

[@lilslope1974]

that chorus progressions has been already set

[@ninovasev]

I like this...so beautiful and raw.....what a song

[@mc76]

"Uptown baby, uptown baby, we gets down baby."

[@joshcharlat850]

The demo demonstrates that DF knows very well how this song will be arranged; the section with no singing is measured, he comes in again at "Break away!" It's pretty clear in his mind.

[@Alex-xn8pq]

The intricacy of Fagan's piano chords and progressions are not found in any of my other vintage pop/rock recordings. I appreciate them more now than i did when I was listening to them 50 years ago.

[@Wushutigercranekungfudragon]

This makes u appreciate the techniqual aspect of their music

[@HandsomeCat-we2dq]

One of my favorites.

[@diggerthegroundhog8799]

This is pure joy hearing this. It's like being a spy inside the studio.

[@winstonsmith7652]

Seems a good tune, is a good tune. Fascinating, but not unexpected. Thanks. Illuminating.

[@toddcarrington2692]

How many artists today would dare bare their souls for their music.

[@soonerscooter3249]

Awesome find thank you for posting this

[@DSAK55]

WOW! fascinating

[@simonstuart1325]

beautiful voice awesome song

[@Phoebedumplings]

SD didn’t do many “love songs” this is a masterpiece, he loves her but won’t admit it, outrageous!

[@stevenmonroe8728]

Much as I adore this brilliant piece, your missing he's "fixing" with an invigorating shot of contempt for his " heroin"..lol

[@4EyedAnimation]

@@stevenmonroe8728 I assumed every song at this point was about drugs

[@stevenmonroe8728]

@@4EyedAnimation you have NO idea WHO I Am. Have some respect for MEN IN BLACK. Contact me no more. Stay healthy.

[@4EyedAnimation]

@@stevenmonroe8728 what are you talking about...I'm saying that every song SD did was about drugs...I know not everyone was but a lot were...it was a joke

[@brentpourciau8799]

Thanks so much. What a great song

[@goobfilmcast4239]

Why doesn't this have a Billion views ??? !!!!!!

[@zelofanoful]

Cool.👌🙂

[@helenburton251]

Amazing I really love this version of black cow. Donald Fagen's voice is so smooth.

[@MichNative01]

Pure talent...I listen to you everyday. Thank you for making music for me.

[@MillaresMusic]

Great!

[@jesurunblends]

TY FOR THIS UPLOAD PLEASE UPLOAD MORE!

[@jamesgeis]

Pure magic.

[@garyclements318]

Im late here, but thanks for sharing, ive always liked SD, interesting writing words and music, the meaning of some songs is like whats this about, lol, but all good

[@DaveRucci]

Incredible... it really doesn't need anything else imo

[@mojogypsy]

What an incredible song and performance!

[@paulmclean2711]

My fav group, i think i, ll go down town and hav a "black cow"

[@tonyezar7547]

Excellent!! Thanks

[@seraphimprince]

This is great. Minimalist but this would have been a hit just as it is.

[@randymarsh5088]

So good and so raw

[@miscellanyman263]

Mu Major Magic!

[@indiefilmandmusic]

Only a true Dan Fan knows what Mu is. Am I right? Also....nice incidental pun with the black cow and everything.

[@grant5603]

@@indiefilmandmusic anyone who cares a little and knows how to use KZbin. It’s no secret

[@jml-rj5re]

Technically, there isn't a mu major chord in Black Cow (add 2, add 9), but plenty of sophisticated jazz progressions: www.steelydan.nl/transcriptionsof.jsp?id=66&FileURL=www.steelydan.nl:80/transcriptions/BlackCow.txt That Csus2/Eb though...Bb7sus4 and stacked chords in the instrumental break. Genius.

[@miscellanyman263]

@@jml-rj5re I found early on that Music Theory is too limiting. Everything works, even if it sounds far too dissonant. Alban Berg composed many beautiful melodies, even if technically, it's considered "Atonal."

[@ETBX1]

Isn't this song using the "Type II" mu's? (which were introduced in the previous album, though I would swear Bad Sneakers and Chain Lightning had them too).

[@deanbowlus1658]

Let's lift up the hood and look at the beautiful steely chrome engine of genius.

[@stanleycostello9610]

Just freakin' wow. I get a little bit of Tom Waits.

[@tone9930]

I have an MP3 player in my head it seems. It never stops playing Steely Dan songs. There is no stop button too......

[@danl.909]

This was Donald and Walter at their peak. I wish we could have had another album from them after EMG.

[@paperback10]

So good 👍

[@bryanfindley1438]

one of the most interesting groups..

[@drumhd1]

Flat out Genius.

[@joxxk]

THE GUY IS A GENIUS!