Steely Dan - Don’t Take Me Alive (REACTION)

[@joeschmo8862]

Thank you guys for continuing the journey. It's so fun for us Steely Dan fans to see you dudes listening to what musicians would call genius. They're in the rock&roll hall fame but they don't have the world recognition like they should. We're like a little cult following lol Thanks again guys.

[@AirplayBeats]

We have joined the cult following. lol Thanks again for watching and supporting us!!

[@schuylersousa3399]

🙏facts 🙏

[@m.ericwatson968]

Fagan and Becker set out to create a band smarter than most would figure out while being solid radio ready mainstream pop-rock and they knocked it so far out of the park

[@jennifermeyer704]

I totally agree. I love a lot of different music, but I can listen to the Dan all the time, anytime. It's also great watching your reactions, having never heard them. I saw them in maybe 1975 at the UCSB Gym. Everyone lit their Bic lighters when they played Rikki Don't Lose That Number. I'll never forget seeing them. Keep on listening. They're the absolute best.

[@1carlakf]

I love how inaccessible they were at first and then when they became accessible, they weren't mainstream. It's allowed me to see them live 5 times when tickets were easily available. The only band I've seen in multiple states and at awesome venues. Loving your reactions. If you're in your 60s like me, this is a priceless gift.

[@lynnmccurtayne4539]

They didn’t just hit you with a guitar solo , they hit you around the senses with Larry Carlton!

[@JohnWhite-xc3md]

Larry was a big studio player back then. There is a reason why his solos remind us of so many tv show themes from this era.(Rockford Files, Hill Street Blues, etc)

[@hurricane1951]

Might be the best guitar intro of all time. I never get tired of hearing it.

[@danielabatabogdanov8586]

some crazy unexpected notes

[@w5winston]

That first chord's a knuckle-breaker!

[@wc1994]

Larry Carlton is a fantastic player

[@denisemay6807]

Why does that intro remind me of like She’sSo Heavy, or something

[@ammaleslie509]

I used to have this as my wake up song on my phone alarm, but most of the time the opening arpeggio would wake me up before the solo even started

[@genosiegelli5237]

“Some real crazy stuff there.” Yeah, only Steely Dan would write lyrics like this yet sing it so beautifully that, damn, you want to sing along when you listen to it. It’s like WTF? They soo bad and soo good❤

[@gerhardbraatz6305]

I love this album. Who am I kidding? I love all of their albums.

[@jennifermeyer704]

You and me both.

[@VanPebble]

Every... fucking ...song from these guys...Damn!

[@marclandes9779]

Chuck Rainey on Bass, Bernard Purdie on Drums, Larry Carlton on Lead Guitar. The Dans’ brilliance was being able to get career best performances from the greatest studio musicians in the world, who played on 1000’s of other songs.😮😢

[@ammaleslie509]

No disrespect to Pretty Purdie, but that's Rick Marotta on drums. (Marotta also played drums on Peg.)

[@timsullivan67]

You can add Thadius Bumpus and Wayne Shorter on horns as well....this was a Supergroup!

[@donaldbass6737]

Larey Carlton’s finest lead guitar in my humble opinion. You guys rock…and you know music…so much more sophisticated in your commentary than the other folks who do these reactions. Excellent job.

[@jjbigfoot9077]

Did you catch him playing those triads? Sublime.

[@ammaleslie509]

I prefer Larry's guitar work here to the famous solos on Kid Charlemagne... yeah I said it!

[@twofarg0ne763]

Greatest group of musicians ever. I started listening to them in 1971 and have every album they released as well as all of Donald Fagan's solo albums. I've seen them 6 times live and they are as good live as they on their studio albums.

[@janicemartin7560]

I have Fagan’s solo albums too and love them too. I play the Sunken Condos CD frequently

[@ScottFoster-o4u]

This track live is unbelievable. The only concert I’ve ever attended were I knew every lyric to every song. Becker and Fagen seemed to always draw out the best of some of the greatest studio musicians to ever play

[@scottwoods9282]

I saw them 3 times and once with an ensemble of Fagan , Becker, McDonald, Boz Scaggs, and Phoebe Snow together , it was phenomenal , covering all 4 !

[@johnshannon9656]

Best opening solo of all time. The story-telling is great.

[@Maiko100876]

That intro is priceless. Just wow.

[@steveramsey5391]

The tone of those instruments and vocals they were able to capture ( along with the immeasurable talent) is what brings that extra listening pleasure. The production and mastering is impeccable

[@thomascerulli8013]

My fav song on the album. It’s so cool, seeing 2 young men. Getting into the soundtrack of my life. I appreciate you guys. Ty

[@AirplayBeats]

Thank you for watching!!

[@MrDirty-if7gc]

Well said, that's very much how I see them, as the soundtrack to my early, rambunctious years.

[@bbbraziliangrrl]

My fav on this album too. You can sing that refrain forever! Never gets old ❤

[@michaelyork4554]

And the Perfection of This Album just continues with each song. Each Unique, Each Exquisitely Layered in meaning, and sonic complexity. Larry Carlton's Tone, and Playing, is Amazing

[@docsoulman9352]

You guys get it…you’re musician and producer ears are serving you well in your appreciation for this epically great band…these albums are a gift to all who love great music…keep up the good work sharing this with those who’ve never heard of them…

[@jasonralph4286]

My favorite S.D. song wiy Larry Carlton's ripping guitar solos and the haunting tale of a desperate young man faccing his final moments. Literally and figuratively a killer song. Thanks for the song and reaction

[@StoyTheOld]

I wore my vinyl copy of this album out. That was over forty years ago, yet the opening bars of this song still makes the hairs on my arms stand up.

[@pdexBigTeacher]

Me, too. Worn out. I love 'Aja', but the grittiness and deep emotion of these tunes are incomparable. And 'Green Earrings' is a romping jam.

[@hexodus00]

I envy you guys for getting to hear these masterpieces for the first time.

[@seabrook1976]

That INTRO GUITAR SOLO!!! Man, this song bangs so hard after all these years. Edit: 3:11 astute ears, brother! Yes, that is indeed the great Michael McDonald (you should listen to Bad Sneakers to hear him stand out).

[@stevebrown3660]

Bought the album new and still have it. This album like all SD albums is a masterpiece. They are America's greatest band. Nobody close..

[@paullacroix527]

Kid Charlemagne, Don't Take Me Alive and Haitian Divorce were all big radio hits from this album. Larry Carlton on guitar again. This album is a masterpiece. I've always thought the SD harmonies were among the best in the era. Makes ya want to sing along with the song. Donald's voice is so good. Very unique. Great stuff guys.

[@AirplayBeats]

I loved that guitar solo on this one!!

[@gregfulton2539]

And Sign in Stranger

[@SebsBeenHere]

This song gets better with every time you listen to it

[@jml-rj5re]

I think The Royal Scam is the most Steely Dan-sounding Steely Dan album. The single FM from 1978 is very, very Steely Dan.

[@maine420grow]

Nice to see a NY guy and a Boston guy sitting side by side without all the first-degree murder.

[@metaphoria3]

“I feel my insides the mechanized hum of some other world” for some reason I get this stomachs churn of empathy for this individual

[@petem.3719]

Agents of the law, luckless pedestrians. IMO the best lyric ever.

[@esdel1955]

Dudes, you don’t know how much I look forward to your Dan reactions! Keep going!! 👍🎸

[@ricardocarey2346]

Ty once again for highlighting Steely Dan. In my mind one of the most influential bands of my youth.Great sound...great lyrics.Im 71 now and I still enjoy their music to the fullest!!!! Touche!!!

[@raymondpadilla7919]

EACH ALBUM WILL BECOME YOUR FAVORITE.... YOU HAVE A LONG WAY TO GO FELLAS. STEELY WILL BE YOUR FAVORITE BAND ALL TIME.

[@Allright21]

This is one of my favorites along with FM and Deacon Blues. Thanks for reacting to Steely Dan. The best band ever! IMO

[@marcos7801]

Larry Carlton is a noted sessions guitarist. He also won a Grammy for Best Pop Instrumental Performance for playing on the Hill Street Blues theme song. This song (DTMA) relates to the days in where speed car chases were commonplace in LA,way before OJ Simpson. Donald Fagen and Walter Becker (Steely Dan) were from New York so this was new to them, so they wrote this song surrounding this sort of event which ended up with a young man contemplating taking his life by blowing himself up with dynamite. You were right also in that it appears the young might've committed patricide prior to the chase and wanted to end his life by way of "suicide by cop" and telling the police "Don't Take Me Alive."

[@AirplayBeats]

I love their song writing.

[@AirplayBeats]

Hill street blues is one of my favorite theme songs. That sound soothes my soul.

[@williamjackson1819]

He was a bookies' son too. Killed his dad. Stole his money.

[@jacqueline4514]

Perfect explanation of the meaning of the song; and I have to say that I love you bringing up the Hill Street Blues theme song; I still consider it one of the most beautiful songs ever made.

[@blackoakpropertymaintenanc6981]

@@AirplayBeats I am not Fagen and Becker but I grew up in the 70-'s and was told of a different meaning to the lyrics. "I'm a bookkeepers son, I don't want to shoot no one" meaning he grew up in a whiter collar middle class family (no guns or violence) "but I crossed my old man back in Oregon"....in come circles, your old man was your drug dealer. If you crossed your old man, something bad happened. So Steely Dan is inferring that he might have killed his drug dealer in self defense....or he just plain killed him and stole his dope and money, but that wouldn't fit the narrative of being a bookkeeper's son. So now he's freaking out ("how can I answer? A man of my mind can't do anything") and running from the law and has NO intention of going to jail. Sorry I'm late to this party. At least I've found you....good channel! Tom

[@margueritewood7036]

Guys, I know I’m late to your Steely reactions. I found them long after watching about 100 Steely reactions. Yours are the best.

[@raycewilliams3300]

The guitar solo is by Larry Carlton of course. He shined on " Kid Charlemagne " as well. His guitar solos wih Steely Dan are nothing short of masterpieces. He is truly a talented guitarist. In my opinion.. he literally made this song what it is.

[@Alewifes_Husband]

Larry did lots of fantastic work on his own but the way his stylings work so well with the ideals and goals of Fagen -- it's magical sometimes.

[@janicemartin7560]

I agree. Larry is the greatest

[@yvonnestevens6179]

Your music choices go right to the spiritual inner core of who we are…..for that, I salute the two of you. These musical moments are magical and life changing. I feel so honored to have grown up singing and shit in the 60s and didn’t miss one musical miracle…..rock,funk,dance,jazz and on and on. Music was played by real musicians, trombone players had gigs.. it’s been melting away. Thank you for keeping it alive and available. I’ll support you till the end and would love to suggest some jams for real like Right Place, Wrong Time. by Dr. John. Huge respect Taka

[@AirplayBeats]

Thank you so much. We will definitely check out Dr John. We are enjoying this musical journey. Thanks for coming with us.

[@mc76]

"Yacht rock" my ass.

[@warrenbutson349]

Aja andRoyal Scam are my favourite Dan albums so smooth and funky and musicianship is off the charts

[@AirplayBeats]

I’m loving Royal Scam so far. Can’t wait to hear the rest

[@AJ-hm5ck]

This song has one of the best intros in music! Thanks for reviewing my generations music for its brilliance! :>)

[@johnburton1686]

My absolute favorites of all time...#1 Led Zeppelin. # 2 Steely Dan. Enjoy your journey on the SD train. You have no idea what fabulous musical perfection you are in for. So blessed to have lived through these two bands beginning era and to their never ending impact on the future generations to come.

[@richardbarton6146]

Larry Carlton played the guitar part on this. He is a Jazz Guitar player, but stepped out of his pocket to create a more rock pattern... Very good song by "the Dan"

[@joejoesguitarinventions]

one of the few songs starts with hard lead.... and it works 🎸🎸🔥🔥

[@BobL-y8c]

One of if not the most iconic opening riffs. Larry Carlton gave us this, Kid Charlemagne and Josie treasures.

[@michaelscarface]

Ha ha, love the moment at the start when the look on your face just says ' Again?! they've done it again?'

[@tobinharris8107]

In this case, the lyrics should be taken at face value. That's what's so fun about this band. The stories they tell...Oh so quirky and creative. Glad you liked it! 👍

[@valedslinger6290]

Coolest riff ever...right there with layla intro.

[@petergiffes1239]

A great album… probably my favorite… and I love them all.

[@TheFratHouse69]

Steely is my favorite band. You guys are reacting to all the right things at the right times. Not everyone gets it man. Keep up the good work guys. Just digging into you library ✌️

[@flerbus]

Rick Beato has a 40 minute video talking about this song worth the watch

[@russelbarnes7235]

One of the great guitar solos on this album. So nice to see you enjoying these songs that are so much the soundtrack to a big part of my life. Still there are great songs on this album for you to enjoy, and I'm riding with you on your journey. Nice reaction to this song fellas.

[@JohnNewkirk1]

My fav group and def one of my fav songs! That guitar solo intro is legendary! Glad I found your channel. Appreciate you guys.

[@JHGiese]

You guys made my day...just like hearing you enjoy classic grooves. Great assessment of the music.

[@tonyallen4265]

I am always so filled with anticipation at the end of your Steely Dan Reaction video, cuz I know what is coming up next for y'all. Each SD song is an amazing classic and I can't wait for another great reaction from you two.

[@babylonsister118]

Just so y'all know, I am with y'all in this entire Royal Scam journey! Loving it! Thanks BIG BIG for keeping me company while i listen to my old favorite jams!!! 'Preciate ya;!

[@AirplayBeats]

Thank you for always supporting us!!

[@deanslater9876]

There is nothing better than watching the reactions of reviewers hearing songs from The Royal Scam for the first time. Especially the title track. These guys are the best, the shock on their faces is so real that it makes me laugh. They get it, wink wink.

[@RockDocNeal]

It's nice to see you guys are doing some more Steely Dan. This is a great song with killer guitar work by the session master, Larry Carlton (who also did the legendary solo on Kid Charlemagne). This song is on the current set list of my band, along with the Dan songs My Old School, Black Friday, Pretzel Logic and Show Biz Kids.

[@m.ericwatson968]

Donald Fagan has such cool cadences and vocal inflections with his lyrics, I've attempted this one on karaoke, the lyric: "Well I crossed my old man back in Oregon, don't take me alive" ...how in the hell did he figure that out on vocals, it's harder than it sounds, a much better vocalist than he gets credit for

[@johnfrank3177]

Hey Guys. You've discovered one of my favorite Steely Dan songs with this one. I used to sing this in a cover band and it was great fun to do it. Always liked the words because they really paint a picture. There's so much great Steely Dan material yet to hear. I enjoy your reactions and keep on discovering all this great music. Peace.

[@baronofgreymatter14]

he is talking to the police.."AGENTS OF THE LAW"

[@johnleonard3806]

Last summer I did yard work with my headphones on and listened to 5 Steely Dan albums in a row without a break.

[@garya7893]

One of my Fav intros killer guitar I heard someone say once Steely Dan is the band other musicians listen to at home

[@susanmurray7654]

Been a hot minute since I heard this one. Yay!

[@jhamler1]

WOW! My favorite Dan tune. Why? Can't explain it. It's not their best song by any means, it just happens to be my fave. Cheers!

[@TheDivayenta]

Loving your Dan journey!

[@ebenclukey7293]

"I'm a book keepers son." Dad's a bookie. And he crossed him by skimming some dough off the top.

[@SwedestThing]

The story behind the song via drummer Rick Marotta: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fZTUo3iHob2nm5Yfeature=shared

[@ClintTorres607]

Thank you

[@susandege321]

One of my favorite Steely Dan songs.

[@markroland5086]

I got all these albums in the 70s now feel like you guys are my best friend cranking this in the basement.

[@brooos]

Donald Fagan who is the singer, piano player & main composer, uses a lot of MU chords, which I never heard of until I started learning how to play some of their songs. It's basically a major triad with an added 2 (often in the bass). As soon as I heard one being played, I thought it sounded like Steely Dan.

[@lynnmccurtayne4539]

Steely Dan the classic articulation of Americana!!

[@robblaber6655]

This is the album that made me a FAN !!! ❤❤❤

[@zackattack635]

Dog Day Afternoon had recently come out in theaters… I have to believe that was a heavy influence on this track.

[@jordanhouze1609]

good observation here

[@oboogie2]

Gentlemen, if anyone hasn't mentioned it, the guy who played the guitar solos on this was the same guy who played the solos on "Kid Charlemagne"; Larry Carlton. Also, I don't know if you've ever discussed this, but have you ever known where Steely Dan took their name from? LOL!!

[@dianel222]

KZbin suggestions are on point today. 💜💜💜

[@shogun0127]

the infamous Mu chord

[@mikeloomis687]

Every track is great, but Green Earrings will knock your socks off. The best blend of rock and Jazz fusion, ever IMHO.

[@donaldbindner59]

Can't wait til you get around to their first album!

[@nahaloz1816]

Great album! my personal favorite is Gaucho which is the album they did right after Aja. Great to see young folks appreciating Steely Dan, their sound still holds!

[@htorres1stk]

Great interpretation, like you said knowing Steely Dan it could mean anything...

[@scottclark7592]

the great thing about music people coming across steely dan- is the music you make in the future will be that much better from hearing their work and production.

[@phillipclark5798]

That is Timothy B Schmidt from the Eagles with the great harmony .

[@gregm3406]

The great Larry Carlton on guitar

[@Davegvg3576]

Having fun with the ride along guys - smashed the like and subscribed.

[@AirplayBeats]

Thanks for watching!!

[@6159mibo]

Royal Scam was a brilliant album. Aja blew it away. One of my all time favorite bands.

[@TheMikeman1971]

Chillax with Steely Dan !

[@donnabert]

Thanks!

[@cityhonors1]

🥰 Enjoying your journey of SD immensely! ☺️🐰

[@ravenize9655]

my favorite Dan song!

[@josephoneil3093]

LARRY!!!!!!!!!!! Listen to those triads!

[@MarkChappell1]

When I was learning the guitar they used to call those "Steely Dan Chords".

[@michellezaleske-estrada40]

Remember all the words to all the cuts you're checking out! Ha! I can't remember what I did yesterday. Amazing how music sticks.

[@brendawoodson3230]

Love you for continuing the journey of Steely Dan

[@edgreen8140]

Classic! I'm a .. kill it. Agents of the law. I know your out there w rage in your eye and your megaphone. Play that guitar! Mcdonald is on some of their tracks. On aja my wife doen't like me to explain the songs. (Drug inuendo). That voice is walter Becker rip.

[@louremington6975]

SD was great at putting guitar solos at the beginning of their songs. Not sure how many bands did that.

[@anthonysamra7777]

I love you guys! Great choices and observations... Thank you for your channel!

[@AirplayBeats]

Thank you so much for watching!!

[@Albrady43]

If you like Donald Fagan's voice, please check his solo album "The Nightfly". Stunning sound, great lyrics. Al Brady

[@rickmccarty8200]

Thanks for the insightful interpretations to the music you pick and play. Love your channel!!

[@slimpickins9124]

Love to listen to these guys on the road.

[@melk.6024]

Can't wait until you get to "The Fez" on this album!❤️

[@John_Chu]

Timothy B. Schmit , Venetta Fields , Clydie King, Sherlie Matthews, and - that man - Michael McDonald - backing vocals on this album

[@AirplayBeats]

I thought I heard ‘that man’ back there.

[@AirplayBeats]

Thank you for that info

[@masapell]

Timothy B. Schmidt of Poco and Eagles fame. A stellar vocalist and bass player in his own right. kzbin.info/www/bejne/g3i9n5mnereEn7c

[@BobHarada]

"Any Major Dude Will Tell You" must be next, more blues from Steely Dan

[@richardrobinson4020]

One of my favs but there are so many!