Steely Dan - Bodhisattva (REACTION)

[@SightAfterDark]

If you enjoyed this, check out our podcast on Steely Dan! kzbin.info/www/bejne/aKWxkqaud9ekpK8

[@scurvybro8850]

The dueling guitars are by original members Denny Dias and Jeff "Skunk'" Baxter.

[@SightAfterDark]

They killed it!

[@SvenTviking]

Jeff Baxter, now a Surface to air missile expert at the Pentagon. A Bodhisattva is a person in Buddhist mythology that has achieved enlightenment but instead of entering Nirvana, stays on Earth to guide others to Enlightenment.

[@dannymoore6886]

@@SvenTviking Skunk played with the Doobie Brothers when they were a good band.

[@seenoevo3497]

That sounds right.

[@nancygarreaud1534]

I can still remember where I was sitting when I heard this song on the radio. Provo, Utah in 1973 or 74. So effing groovy and I was in love.

[@dangabbert3944]

As I understand it, a bodhisatva is a being that has reached enlightenment, but chooses to stay on this plane, to assist others reach enlightenment. I’m no expert, though.

[@SightAfterDark]

That’s deep. We love that definition

[@leonh.kalayjian6556]

Yes, I remember studying Buddhism in college. There was two schools... Hiniyana was you get to that plane and you are happy. I guess boddhisatva are those that comes back to help others

[@SvenTviking]

A right annoying smartarse, by the sounds of it!🤣

[@alexanderbeta-werburghii6176]

You're right Dan

[@mattcanich]

The live version of this on the box set has the single greatest concert intro in history.

[@SightAfterDark]

That’s high praise! We’ll have to check it out. Thanks for watching Matt!

[@OBESPRING1982]

"Mister Steely Dan"?

[@toddtollfree5659]

@@OBESPRING1982 Mr Steely dan.....Whateverrrrr !! Classic intro 😆

[@OBESPRING1982]

@@toddtollfree5659 the magnificent one ...Whatever ... little pretty one ...

[@toddtollfree5659]

@@OBESPRING1982 Lol. That's why we love the Dan Brother live in Santa Montica

[@kevincarrigan6348]

Sister nailed the pronunciation right out the gate !!!!! Better than me, U can hear Mike McDonald on background vocals. Seems there was an open door between the Dan & the Doobies.........

[@eljefe9020]

I thought Alan Davies nailed it ?

[@scoxocs]

I gave this video a thumb up just for that.

[@louremington6975]

Steely Dan has never been scared to put an ass kicking guitar solo at the beginning of a song.

[@SightAfterDark]

You said it Lou! Thanks for watching!

[@glynnborders762]

For 30 years, almost all live sound mix guys, on Broadway and New York music scene, used Steely Dan to balance their speakers. So yes, they were your favorite band's favorite band.

[@SightAfterDark]

We get why!

[@neilphelan145]

This is my all time favorite Steely Dan cut!

[@kevineldridge6958]

I love that you're going through Steely Dan's albums. You mentioned that they were a sort of an "artsy/intellectual" band and I couldn't agree more. If you'd like to continue exploring that type of band I'd suggest going through the Talking Heads anthology. Just a suggestion, I've enjoyed all your reactions.

[@SightAfterDark]

Thanks for watching Kevin. We love the Talking Heads! Will definitely get to them at some point!

[@Tedisntakidanymore]

By now, you've listened to enough Dan to recognize their brilliance. Everyone knows they were demons in the studio, but you should listen to some of their live performances, like this number done live at Santa Monica Civic. Its their opening number, and they let their truck driver, who was very drunk, introduce them. The playing was just mind-blowing! Check it out.

[@SightAfterDark]

Thanks!

[@georgegwoolston1730]

I thought it was more a tribute to the piano "boogie-woogie" of the '40s than '50s rock and roll which owes a lot to that boogie-woogie chord progression too.

[@SightAfterDark]

Good point!

[@joelliebler5690]

Great pronunciation of the title! Great tune.

[@gerhardbraatz6305]

She nailed it!

[@kevincarrigan6348]

You should here the live version, super fast & wild...... Dan nailed the definition.....

[@SightAfterDark]

We’ll definitely check it out! Can only imagine how great it would be been to see them live. Thanks for watching Kevin!

[@hklinker]

How does this have fewer than 1,000 views (as of late Nov 2020)? You guys deserve more!

[@SightAfterDark]

We’ll get there eventually! It’s a slow climb :) if you want to help us out by subscribing, it would mean a lot! Either way, thanks for watching!

[@SightAfterDark]

;)

[@historyguy5942]

Nailed the name right off the bat!

[@andrewtrotter9023]

Coolest couple in KZbin reactions. Let’s get y’all to 1,000 subs!

[@SightAfterDark]

Haha we’re actually not a couple. We’re bandmates. But we appreciate the support Andrew! We’ll get there at some point :)

[@andrewtrotter9023]

@@SightAfterDark Ha! I totally thought you were a couple. LMAO. 🤣 Y’all do a great job. Keep it up!

[@nedeast6845]

In New Zealand, in 1970's they used the intro of Bodhisaatva to introduce the weather forecast on TVNZ 1 (and i knew the guy that used to do the weather forecast, he lived in the same suburb of Auckland as me, you would see him at the shops, and then see him on TV later in the evening talking of rain in the Waikato), I think his first name was Roger, he had a salty sea-dog beard

[@SightAfterDark]

Cool story!

[@johnharding3303]

Nice analysis....both of you had insightful things to say. So pleasant to hear you both chime in.

[@SightAfterDark]

Glad you enjoyed! Thanks for watching John!

[@stevebinning977]

One of the best guitar based SD tracks.

[@teelurizzo8542]

You know this tune is a Blues, right? With altered changes/chord substitutions...but the Blues form is there. This is arguably one of their most rocking tracks. Album cover artwork is an original painting by Donald Fagen's then girlfriend, Dorothy 'Dotty of Hollywood' White. Guitars are the original Dan duo: Denny Dias, who takes the mid song, Boppish, Chromaticism-filled main solo and Jeff 'Skunk' Baxter who solos on the ending vamp, w/ some of his unmistakable country flavoured 'Skunk-licks'.

[@SightAfterDark]

Can definitely feel the blues. They pulled it off well!

[@t.r.1708]

Thx! Your remarks are thoughtful and sincere! Hooks or no hooks, I’m hooked!

[@SightAfterDark]

Thank you so much for watching! We’re glad you could enjoy!

[@johncagnettajr344]

Learning about Jeff skunk Baxter and tracking his musical career as a session guitarist you could write the history of rock music in the United States at the same time. He’s worked with everybody (both touring and studio) . Never mind his longer periods with Steely Dan and The Doobie Brothers. Another interesting fact he has a second career as a defense consultant.

[@SightAfterDark]

We’re assuming he defended people with the power of music? 😉

[@johncagnettajr344]

Sight After Dark Not quite

[@joelliebler5690]

Another banger by these wiz duo’s

[@johncagnettajr344]

Love how use standard rock chord progressions and add jazz chords and change the time signature briefly.

[@SightAfterDark]

Exactly! They really have a way of keeping it interesting.

[@masapell]

In my humble opinion, the live version is the best version of this tune. It’s flying at light speed and has a much better groove to me. And like another guy said, the best drunken intro to the band starting :) Check out the live version

[@SightAfterDark]

Sounds awesome!

[@glynnborders762]

No two Steely Dan songs are alike. Ever.

[@SightAfterDark]

Indeed!

[@MrScoop156]

The 1970s were a golden cornucopia of musical goodness

[@SightAfterDark]

We agree!

[@johnharding7650]

Nobody reacts to Bodhisatva....and this song is the freakin' bomb

[@mixer6166]

You rarely hear the panning if the guitars the way they did back then. This song had the lead on the right channel mostly.

[@grondinolaf]

After a couple years...I believe in 74 they became an exclusive studio band for many many years. Not touring at all and using many different studio musicians on their songs. Not sure if it was song by song or album by album. Was lucky enough to see them in 2000 after the release of their "Two against Nature" album. I think they took most of the 80's off and returned mid 90's and started touring again.

[@SightAfterDark]

Pretty sure it was song by song, we reacted to Aja and everybody in the comments told us what different people were playing on what song. Either way, super fascinating stuff, and Steely Dan is amazing!

[@jaxortjackie05]

A person who can reach nirvana but stays to help suffering beings.

[@SightAfterDark]

Deep

[@ticosceninc.elsdexpertsfda7713]

@@SightAfterDark One's whos essence is to enlighten.

[@philbrann1589]

Hey... just listened to "Moongaze"... Lovely song

[@SightAfterDark]

Thanks so much Phil!

[@kentclark6420]

'My old school' is another I like from the album. Well they're all good.

[@SightAfterDark]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/f5zXp5qfiql5aas ;)

[@toddtollfree5659]

The don't take me alive" Live"version introduction of steely Dan is crazy ass funny 😄 the Little pretty one . Mr steely Dan.........whatever !....

[@allanmcinnes4765]

Same goes for you pair in my recent post to Jamel. You completely miss the point ...its a warning against so called gurus and grifters. Apart from that these guys created music for the ages..it will live on for future generations..no kidding.

[@no2all]

Love the pacing...but the guitar work stands out here. I always felt that Fagan and Becker wrote this to feature Denny Diaz and Skunk Baxter for all the work they have done for the band.

[@SightAfterDark]

They definitely killed the guitar parts!

[@jenniferbabros1985]

Hi guys nice to see ya again 😊 and your on The Dan 🥰🥰

[@SightAfterDark]

Thanks for watching Jennifer! Always a pleasure!

[@jcg5541]

"Bodhisattva" is defined as fine guitar work! -)

[@SightAfterDark]

Haha might as well be!

[@Chicago_Podcast_Authority]

Woah you're both getting into it 😳. Usually Dan is the only one with no poker face

[@SightAfterDark]

Lol that’s how you know it’s good

[@MattMichaelVO]

A bodhisattva is a person who reaches enlightenment like the Buddha but in death delays becoming a Buddha and chooses reincarnation to help with the suffering of other beings.

[@oscarhammerstein2172]

I love you two

[@SightAfterDark]

And we love you!

[@dennisjohndreher7258]

Steely Dan always looked for great drum tracks. One may think guitar, but great drum tracks were there goal

[@ronrobbins2737]

Guys, it’s almost like the old saying “if you have to explain a joke it’s no longer funny…”. In the context of when this song came out, no listener was clueless to the fact that it was a very tongue in cheek look at the “eastern religions/philosophy” craze that had been sweeping society. “The boys” use of light- hearted 50s dance vibe was their ironic way of poking fun, but not without their usual totally original musical spin. As the saying goes, “I guess you had to be there”!

[@SightAfterDark]

Makes sense, it seems like a lot of SD songs make a lot more sense in context. Most songs do, but especially Steely Dan tunes!

[@ronrobbins2737]

@@SightAfterDark Yessir! For a rare inside look at pop-music's foremost songwriting/producing GENIUSES (plus a look at one of their "newer" album releases), you gotta check this out . . . . kzbin.info/www/bejne/mprQqoF5Zqesqrs

[@laurencejohnson7658]

Little Feat and the Dead could take the music spiecies in sub venues that still stand today.

[@michaelpebbles6243]

Michael here, the Dream theater Fan. You guys are starting to get into My top 5 bands of all time. Here's my top 5 list 1. Dream Theater, 2. Kansas, 3. Steely Dan, 4. Frank Zappa, 5. Liquid Tension Experiment, 6. Alan Parsons Project, 7.Uriah Heep, 8. Neal Morse Band. Whoops! I guess I went overboard.

[@SightAfterDark]

Great choices!

[@jaysonbiggs8979]

Their second album. It did not do very well sales-wise. The record company -ABC Dunhill-wanted a big hit. They got one the next year, 1974, with "Rikki..."

[@steve.57]

Fusion Rock It's my 'classic' rock I'm 64

[@SightAfterDark]

The best!

[@markhunt4618]

Might be the greatest arranged instrumental in rock and roll history

[@stony2494]

The Dan is the Best Band in the Land 👍😎♥️ Denny Dias is the master of most of the guitar solo the ending is where Skunk does his riff 😎

[@SightAfterDark]

We agree!

[@stony2494]

@@SightAfterDark here’s what Donald had to say about the meaning of the song he said the song was “a parody on the way Western people look at Eastern religion - sort of oversimplify it.” In part, the idea that disposal of one’s possessions is a prerequisite to spirituality. “Lure of East, hubris of hippies, a quick fix,” Fagen noted. “We thought it was rather amusing, but most people didn’t get it.” 😎

[@RockDocNeal]

You gotta check out the live version which has a really drunk guy taking about 5 minutes to introduce "Mr. Steely Dan". 😂

[@jameshealy3513]

As good as this studio cut is many fans will agree the live cut from 'Sada Madaka'(lol) is even better. While listening to various podcasts I lucked out from a suggestion in the comments of one referring to Toto's version from '03, 25th Anniversary performance in Amsterdam. Excellent version. Lukather, one of the most phenomenal guitar masters, does more than justice to this tune. He and the band take it up a few notches more.

[@SightAfterDark]

Thanks for the info!

[@ecopolst]

Not commented on at all is the subtle lyrics. This is a criticism of religion, something that only can be understood when you realize they dont sing "shine in your Japan, sparkle in your China" but "shining your Japan, sparkling your China" (basically being the bodhisattvas cleaning lady). Donald Fagen has said (laughing) - I think many of our fans misunderstood that lyrics :)

[@SightAfterDark]

Ha! Love it!

[@jodiemoore9851]

So, when you guys looked up the meaning what do you think now ?

[@SightAfterDark]

We’re not ready for that level of consciousness!

[@mikedemike5393]

Yes a avatar being who chose to lift others from the matter..Yeshua is principal.

[@stuarthastie6374]

When you have googled the ritle you will realise they are triggering the LA Buddhists.

[@SightAfterDark]

Haha love it. We like to save the googling for after to keep the reactions as authentic as possible. But we'll definitely check it out now!

[@dangabbert3944]

It should be rather difficult to “ trigger” a Buddhist.

[@stuarthastie6374]

@@dangabbert3944 yeh, water off a ducks back. But the hobbyists of LA may be put off their vegan breakfasts, and light a few extra joss sticks.

[@The_DC_Kid]

Don't that shit just sorta run through your head though? So light and peppy and it carries you right along. Is THAT enlightenment? Cool!

[@SightAfterDark]

Definitely!

[@tarancraw7447]

This is just my take on it. It's a dig ... A dig at the many (especially in the 70's) looking for spiritual awareness through Guru's, typically Indian. Guys preaching that spiritual awareness by way of rejecting materialism ... while they're driving around in ONE of their Rolls Royce's they've plucked for the day from their fully stocked garage. 'I'm going to sell my house in town' ... and of course, give the money to you, my Guru. Anyway, musically, and this again is just my take on it, It's Steely Dan infused Rockabilly. Just another example of the breadth of influences the guys sucked up to form their own unique sound ... Own unique Genre. Anyway, like your work. Cheers.

[@SightAfterDark]

Thanks Taran!

[@tarancraw7447]

@@SightAfterDark My pleasure. Forgot to add that even the music is a dig. No sitting around in Lotus position chanting 'Ommmm'. No soothing sounds of the forest. It's super busy, almost chaotic and yet still gets to your emotions. That's the way to find self enlightenment, through music, art, questioning the universe yourself rather than accepting one person's supposed answers. Again, just my take on it. Rambled on enough. Cheers and Peace.

[@jameshealy3513]

@taran craw You, in your opinion as you put it, nailed it. Reminiscent of the Bhagwan of Wasco county Oregon in the '80s. Dude had 80+ Rolls Royces, how many cars can a person drive, from donations of suck-er...followers. If not for the efforts of a grass roots coalition suing them they possibly could be well ensconced in the upper eschelons of power over the state by now.

[@timwirasnik5878]

Both members of Steely Dan were into Buddhism

[@SightAfterDark]

Who isn’t 😉

[@michaelmurray9544]

Can't wait until Pretzel Logic.

[@SightAfterDark]

Soon!

[@richardhoward9648]

First time I've seen these guys (Sight After Dark). Although I do kinda like their "groovy" on-camera vibe, I'm seriously underwhelmed (dare I even say embarrassed) by their ignorance not only of Steely Dan as a well-known and revered phenomena but of the intellectual concepts that are plainly called into play in the band's lyrics and songwriting. Neither of these two had apparently ever heard the song Bodhisattva before -- come on folks, it was a fairly big hit in its day and still gets regular airplay on some parts of FM radio -- and neither had much of a clue about what the term bodhisattva means. (In Buddhism, an enlightened person who could leave the cycle of repetitive births and deaths but who delays doing so out of compassion for his/her fellow sentient beings.) The guy in Sight After Dark didn't even have a clue about how to pronounce the term, while the gal was a bit more knowledgeable, or at least intuitive, and correctly guessed that it had something to do with eastern spirituality. Or perhaps the ignorance on display here is actually part of their oh-so-contemporary schtick, where all music from the '70s and '80s is deemed little more than fodder for nostalgia and kitsch?

[@SightAfterDark]

Not sure if you know how reaction videos work, but we like to know as little about what we’re listening to as possible so that the reactions are as authentic as possible. Thanks for watching Richard!

[@triciasomogyi5431]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️👍

[@chrishutt6650]

Bodhisattva is someone who becomes Buddhist!

[@CuriousGeorge1111]

As I recall, Don and Walt said that this song was a commentary on the shallow trendiness of contemporary enlightenment movements. That makes sense to me. To join, the guy's gonna sell his house in town--in other words, he is rich enough to have more than one. I see it in the same vein as Only A Fool Would Say That: guy's just just joining a movement for the buzz, not for the hard work of enlightenment. I think the SD-ified rock and roll--think Elvis--is part of the critique: same old song and dance, same old rock and roll. 🤮😁 Anyway, that's my take on it. Thanks for sharing-: though I've listened to these records for decades, you increase my appreciation. ❤Peace!

[@SightAfterDark]

Thanks for sharing George!

[@neilphelan145]

While you're looking up the meaning of the song google the name of the band Steely Dan. I believe that you will be very surprised at what you discover about the name of the band. 🤪

[@SightAfterDark]

Lol we know about it

[@showshowthecloneclown8428]

Bam got it right first time . Major respect . If I can get you sum subs on my strange Instagram account under whatever name I post up under I will . Brooklyn makes me smile .

[@SightAfterDark]

You know what makes us smile? You! Thanks for watching and adding your s perspective to our videos!

[@mikedemike5393]

People need to be mindful that the ancient sanscrit is more closely related to the phoenician and latin languages then the modern Indian speakers...The caucasians were a brown race of people..If we take it into biblical Abrahams father was a priest in UR...Probably a brahma priest given his original name ABRAM..You can mix and match consonants..One the ''british invasion'' hit west coast of USA it was an attack of drugs and false religious teachings..This is what Frank Zappa calls''cosmic debris''...The hindustan people beliefs have fractured so much since its inception that they don't recognise their original gods and are different cultures with demigods or demons a plenty..BUT..west coast bought it hook line and sinker...logos is rising

[@mariocuellar9060]

HUMBLE PIE AT THE FILLMORE

[@normanchristiansen1864]

mahayana is the great vehicle...

[@SightAfterDark]

Ahhh. Thanks for the info Norman!

[@johnharding7650]

A Bodhisatva is one who has attained enlightenment but has the graciousness to hang around in order to gelp others get there too. Typical of Chinese Buddhism

[@herrbonk3635]

One of their boring or annoying songs, imho. (But don't get me wrong! I love Babylon Sisters, Gaucho, Thirld world man, Don't take me alive, Aja, Ricky don't lose that number, Any major dude, and many others.)

[@SightAfterDark]

This song is better than a lot of bands best song. If this is one of your least favorite, that’s saying a lot about the Dan!

[@herrbonk3635]

@@SightAfterDark More ingenious is not always "better". But sure, it does say something. This tune is so damn hurtig though, in my language (=jaunty, spry, brisk, according to my lexicon).

[@johncagnettajr344]

Love this cut.

[@keithschofield1158]

A Bodihstava is a Hindu priest I done learned that at the University of Tampa world religion class

[@SightAfterDark]

Nice😆

[@jamesdurney2475]

Steely dan has their own category pretentious rock but i do like this tune

[@SightAfterDark]

LOL Definitely a bit pretentious. Thanks for watching James!

[@SupernalOne]

the song's about joining a cult, pretty much - isn't it?

[@SightAfterDark]

lol looks like it

[@mariocuellar9060]

TEN YEARS AFTER AT WOODSTOCK

[@michaelbeerbados3291]

many say "Kid Charlamagne" has the best Dan guitar solos.. I say it's Bodhisattva and My Old School.- This is their best album.

[@SightAfterDark]

It’s a great one for sure. Thanks Michael!