Steely Dan - Don’t Take Me Alive | REACTION

[@scl1smi]

The greatest rock and roll band in history that was neither a band nor played rock and roll. Absolutely astonishingly brilliant.

[@2zxodcfm]

This Larry Carlton guitar intro blasted off like a rocket then continued throughout the song on a voyage that will never allow this tune to age a day.

[@skylab14]

Nice! 😊

[@s1d299]

Yep! KABOOOM (Maybe that case of dynamite was inside his guitar)

[@chrispaul9068]

Totally agree, Larry Carlton is from a far distant universe...🌎

[@truckerkevthepaidtourist]

what's really cool is there's literally a solo that starts the song thanks to mr. 335..

[@markblom8039]

@@truckerkevthepaidtourist and the solo is so tortured sounding it let's you know the inner workings of the protagonist's mind before the first verse starts.

[@evanneal7604]

PHENOMENAL is one word to describe but there is more.

[@zerep11]

Steely Dan's musicianship is nothing short of completely astounding, period.

[@heartfanjim01]

Of course they were all studio musicians.

[@gregscupholm254]

Steely has the most creative, immaculate, stimulating, well-produced, scintillating production values you'll ever find.

[@raimundobonilla778]

What has he done to his old man that wants this fate. "Don't take me alive:.

[@alanowens3]

Who starts a song with a guitar solo, Steely Dan, that's who? I was in the second row for Walter Becker's very last show. Glad we didn't miss it.

[@edman79]

I couldn't make it. If only I knew it would have been his last I would have done anything to be there.

[@wendyweekendgourmet]

We were supposed to see Steely Dan here in San Antonio, but Walter passed away the night before. We has seen them live three times before...awesome live!

[@connorwagstaff2348]

The Man shredded right up until he went. What a legend

[@heartfanjim01]

Larry Carlton said in an interview,that when they listened to the playback before the open cord was used Walter said something was missing,so Larry added the open cord. The rest is history.

[@vcpcorp]

I was at the first show without Walter. Tulsa about 4 years ago.

[@jml-rj5re]

"Those deep, deep lyrics. But ya gotta move!" That, my friend, is Steely Dan.

[@lamontbogus27]

Doctor Mu indeed my friend, indeed, lol.

[@zzremington]

Doctor Mu So,we’ll put

[@darrendonahue2797]

Aliens...👽👽👽👍🏻😜

[@wandasprinkle342]

Definitely!

[@5speedMax]

A guy called the music nostalgic. This sound is nostalgic to me but truthfully its beyond nostalgic. This stuff is outside time and space. Its without boundaries, its eternally great!

[@peterblood50]

The chord progressions alone tell you this is Steely Dan.

[@missbelled6700]

Check out that very first chord if you have a guitar handy as well. 6 strings, 6 notes. Hope you got 6 fingers.

[@1111nolanc]

If music was a doctor, I would go to Steely Dan if I was ill.

[@johnwriterpoet1783]

I've played the guitar for decades. That opening chord is a 7#9.

[@BennyNegroFromQueens]

Mu

[@jomama5406]

Mu major

[@Sean_Farmer]

Lary Carlton just nails it. That tone and his playing is just magic!

[@heartfanjim01]

His bends are so strong and tasteful. When I hear his bends I immediately know it's Carlton.

[@mrfester42]

Don't EVER apologize for gettin' caught up in the groove. EVER!

[@lindaweston4482]

Sometimes I bemoan the fact that I'm 67 years old, but then I realize if I were younger I might have missed Steely Dan altogether, and that would have been a tragedy. They are simply the best. The soundtrack for much of my life.

[@fishman211]

I'm 80 and have been a fan of Dan for so so many years. I love their blend of jazz, soul and rock and their decision to record with many of the very best instrumentalist of the times. Brilliant musical sense.

[@JeffShoults]

My favorite group by far. I have been dandalized for many many years

[@roberthavard5206]

This song is so awesome on so many levels. The one thing that often gets overlooked is the layering of background voices. The are so well blended and thick. They are done so well, they almost are transparent. These guys were on another level. Larry Carlton once again knocks it out of the solar system!!!!

[@bsteven885]

An exquisite background voice on most of the Steely Dan albums is none other than Michael McDonald of the Doobie Brothers. He gives extra richness to the deep and complex sound Steely Dan delivers album after album.

[@wpochert]

The epic-ally GREAT Larry Carlton on guitars ladies and gents :)

[@mikesimonian484]

The late great Larry Carlton.

[@wpochert]

@@mikesimonian484 he is very much still alive. Still performs and even gives free lessons on his website.

[@cwilliamrose]

This was about six months ago with a little story about how the first chord of the intro happened; kzbin.info/www/bejne/emO2aKxoqtVggpY

[@Elrond_Hubbard1]

Mr. 335!

[@twangbarfly]

@@cwilliamrose Thanks for that link!

[@brocklanders6172]

The great, great Chuck Rainey on bass.

[@phillord786]

Master class in modern bass

[@jimcarlson6157]

the great me on headphones, on pot

[@brocklanders6172]

Jim Carlson Go get ‘em!!!

[@lesliesterling826]

one of the many great great things about Chuck Rainey is how well he adapted to different kinds of drummers, since he did SO much session work and played with just about everybody. but he had something really special with Rick Marotta in this tune and on Peg--it's like they were inside each other's minds

[@brocklanders6172]

@@lesliesterling826 Agreed.

[@oldschool3484]

I think steely Dan is timeless, ahead of their time..

[@roger8981]

Thanks again Jamal, you never fail to please.

[@j.c.a2872]

give it up for the great Larry Carlton, one of the best Guitar intros ever IMHO

[@connorwagstaff2348]

It slaps so hard

[@jimparker880]

I was among a group of guitar students (Berklee) who loved all things LC. Those who sat down and transcribed his licks sounded better right away. When I met LC and told him, he was touched, and we talked string gauges. Memories!

[@stanhegeman8751]

Sorry to be OT, but Mike Brecker did well for them, too.

[@stanhegeman8751]

Although L.C. Was righteous.

[@bobr4987]

Check out LC's YT videos jamming with Steve Lukather. (FromToto). Steve also plays that sick solo on Don Henley's, "Dirty Laundry".

[@keefmack]

This is my favorite song with a lead guitar intro. Masterful playing by Larry Carlton on guitar.

[@charleshoag1223]

A lot of people believe this song is based on the activities of David Fine, who was involved in the bombing of a building at the University of Wisconsin in Aug of 1970. It was meant as a protest against the university working with military contractors, but an innocent person who was not expected to be in area was killed in the bombing. Thus the "luckless pedestrian". In addition, Fine's father was indeed a book keeper in Oregon. I think the "Crossed my old man" part is that the father paid for the son to go to the school and was thanked by his son doing this terrible deed resulting in the death of someone. Fine was on the run from the law for a long time. The part about the showdown with the dynamite is editorial by steely dan. It never happened.

[@gunsmoke6230]

charles hoag Thanks I always wondered who it was about...

[@fpanpurrzachariah6290]

Was'nt his father a "book keeper " for the Mob? That's someone you would'nt want to cross.

[@minnyh]

Great info thanks m8!

[@bobthebear1246]

WOW!! Thank you so much for all of that great info!! Isn't that also the case on which the great 1988 film Running On Empty was based??

[@waderearick2031]

.Thanks for the backstory of this song👍 Has always been one of my favorite Steely Dan songs. Going to google this story to learn more about it. Was 13 yo in 1970 and don't remember hearing of this in PA.

[@droopyofthenorthwestmounted]

Any Major Dude Will Tell You, what song to do next. So I did.

[@lamontbogus27]

DroopyOfTheNorthwestMounted I can get behind that, great song too.

[@SonicProfessor_a.k.a._T._Andra]

Yessir! 🤘🔥🤘

[@theivory1]

Very undroopy of you.

[@droopyofthenorthwestmounted]

@@theivory1 I rose to the occasion. Jamel got wood. Why shouldn't I?

[@Matt-iy3zy]

I second this.

[@roadkill7314]

I've seen all the great bands in my time. Steely Dan is probably the most musically skilled live band I've ever seen.

[@FrancineST56]

Same here and I agree! 😎

[@heartfanjim01]

I'd have to put Rush right up there with them. 3 guys playing multiple parts of songs and sounding as good as the studio versions.

[@roadkill7314]

@@heartfanjim01 Hard to argue against that. But I've seen both; I'd still give the nod to Steely Dan; call it #1 and #1A!

[@heartfanjim01]

@@roadkill7314 another thing Rush was a band. Steeley Dan was most if not all studio musicians. Rush didn't need to bring in outside musicians for a particular sound or style,they did it themselves.

[@roadkill7314]

@@heartfanjim01 Yes exactly! I'm not trying to throw shade on Rush; they were undeniably phenomenal. But Steely Dan was composed of some of the finest musicians in the world; that's what made them sound so great! I don't think that detracts at all from my statement: they were the finest band I ever heard live.

[@alansmith7626]

Mr Larry Carlton on intro, how many songs you know begin with freakazoid brilliant guitar solo! I Love it!

[@AnthonyPoetica]

One of the finest Writing Duo's in Modern Music Steely Dan = "CLASS".

[@sirsuse]

Dude! Seeing your facial expression at the beginning of this song was priceless. It's one of those songs that you can't help but smile all the way through.

[@georgehampton25]

One of their greatest! But then again I say that about all of them.

[@jeanniegiaquinto2316]

So glad you got into the Dan: the thinking person's band. Perfectionists with some of the most clever and thought-provoking lyrics. I had every one of their albums by the age of 13.

[@kristiemao4275]

Larry Carlton's guitar solo at the beginning always gives me shivers.

[@docwobbles]

One of the best songs EVER.

[@scottjordan6569]

I loved this song from the first time I heard it. I still love it.

[@KillerNetDog]

Steely Dan is the epitome of smooth... And this is one my fave guitar riff tunes..

[@sirsuse]

This is one song I just can't get enough of. IT FREAKIN' 🎸ROCKS 🎸

[@duanewilson3941]

"hey Larry, think you could throw something together in the beginning of this new song we got?" Larry, "sure, I think I can come up with something." At some point that conversation had to take place, can you imagine what they must have thought when they heard the guitar come through the control room speakers for the first time? Lord have mercy.

[@HappyJ]

Larry actually tells the story that the song was done and Donnald said the song needs a start. He turned to Larry and said " I know what, a big chord". And as they say, the rest is history.

[@jeffkemper7920]

Larry Carlton. Guitar player extraordinaire. One of my favorite guitar players of all time.

[@TheAcgtrs]

The song is as relevant, today, as it’s ever been... Larry Carlton was a monster player, in these sessions.

[@67tomcat]

The greatest Steely Dan song! Fun to watch your reactions and hear your comments. Thanks for sharing.

[@cd1857]

You are so lucky, Jamel, to be hearing these Steely Dan songs for the first time. Like getting hit with thunderbolts

[@danielmccormick700]

There's some Steely Dan songs that fell under my radar and this was one of them. I didn't even really know it existed until 12 years ago, and it was amazing to hear it with fresh ears after 2 decades of listening to the Dan.

[@paulself8698]

Same for me, and I listened to the Royal Scam on many an occasion!

[@timmmahhhh]

Thank you so much for doing this one. I was 13 when Gaucho came out and like most of the pop world I knew that album and Aja. One night in college 1987 at 3am the pop station played this and I was so blown away I had to find the album. I've been in the Steely Dan wormhole ever since.

[@jesmarluk6635]

Oh for those days of good music on the radio again. Took it for granted.

[@mitchellmccook4122]

Ok, you have I think played ever song, including this one off the best Steely Dan album, The Royal Scam, Now it's time to play the best song on the album The Royal Scam I believe you will love it ! Love your reactions !

[@Margar02]

Oh not even close. He has SEVERAL to go. Including Caves of Altamira. !

[@private151]

@@Margar02 BEFORE THE FALL

[@rgraglia]

great band, clean, jazzy, rocky, funky, genius

[@romangoicoechea9224]

The answer is: Steely Dan are elegant in everything they did

[@annuvynarawn392]

Incredible guitar work and such amazing lyrics.

[@death2pc]

Beyond brilliant. Pure synergy. The melody........, lyrics, full house ungodly talent and you know the rest.

[@ianwicks2998]

I have grown up with this music and it is such a joy to see a modern world music dude experiencing and enjoying the sheer quality of this musical craftmanship at its finest from back in the day, proof indeed that it defies the passing of time. Spiritually uplifting is how I describe Steely Dan's music, who could not get cuaght up in it when listening to it. Fabulous stuff.

[@2715bunky]

You're the first reactor that makes me feel like you are listening to my recommendations! Thank you for your enthusiasm!

[@pierrem.martelli5173]

Hey Jamal ! It's a real pleasure for a 58 years old guy like myself to SEE you enjoying those Steely Dan songs (and other's), as I'm an ooooold fan of their music. Makes me remembering the SHOCKING thrill I had when I discovered Steely Dan at the time… and still love it just the same NOW. I would suggest you to check any Frank Zappa songs (preferate live playings) or maybe Elephant Talk by King Crimson. Cheers from France !

[@thzzzt]

Ditto on Elephant Talk. That's from another world.

[@soaringsisters9169]

Best way ever to start a song, with a guitar solo

[@timmi59]

Man. This is awesome. I’m sorry I caught it two years on. Great take on everything. The lyrics have always given me a bit of a chill. I love the mechanized hum of another world. Rock on 🤘

[@-R.Gray-]

Larry Carlton, the guitarist, also played the solos on "Kid Charlemagne", but being a studio guitarist probably played on other things you have heard - like the theme music for the TV show Hill Street Blues.

[@sinenominecc]

One of the geniuses of the electric.

[@ragjamrock]

Larry Carlton also played with the Crusaders.Check out SPIRAL on Those Southern Knights album.

[@-R.Gray-]

@@ragjamrock Yeah I saw him as a long haired white kid playing with The Crusaders in 1976.

[@XHuntinatorX]

Now, that I didn’t know... I will have to go back and listen to that with new ears. I remember that being a great showpiece as were a lot of those from that era. Think that song was called “Angie”? I tried to learn it on the keys once... not my instrument.

[@-R.Gray-]

@@XHuntinatorX kzbin.info/www/bejne/r36ko6WJn7idhdE

[@jeannemarie1661]

Fantastic opening-the slight distortion on the guitar (Larry thank you) then the drums!! I Love Steely Dan always and forever...And also, out of all my favorites from my youth, this band still sounds fresh and not dated after 50 years, That is quite the feat.

[@briansimon4363]

Been a Dan fan since they started. Best intro ever on anything!

[@gh9111]

Such unique and distinctive lyrics from SD. You know it's them instantly. I grew up on them in the 70's.

[@ETBrenner]

As a longtime Dan Fan, it's a pleasure to watch you discover their work. They are such a unique blend of brains and grooves and snark.

[@denebranda224]

the Dan had some of the cleanest guitar riffs and vocals you could understand every word

[@notdn]

have been thousands of songs & artists (music historian and analyst) and "dont take me alive" is still the greatest guitar intro i ever heared

[@davidyoung2534]

I tend to agree, it's like, try and catch your breath, recover, then theres a great song, more guitar, more great song, more great guitar, everything's either great or mindblowing.IMVHO !

[@stevesuv]

Once again ..the great Larry Carlton. Starting the song with that solo was genius.

[@dt1064]

Best thing about Steely Dan is that the songs are different from each other.

[@miker9101]

Probably my favorite Steely Dan tune and Larry Carlton's greatest guitar solos ever.

[@2bteachable2]

Repeating my humble request for Steely Dan “The Caves of Altamira.” When you finally get the opportunity to listen to this song, it will be worth your time. (You might even ask yourself, “why did I wait so long?”)

[@LAV3RN244]

Yes this is my favorite Steely Dan song! Need it

[@okdenny]

I second that request.

[@scottbilger9294]

Third

[@peterbellini6102]

I love this album Birnie. I think when the Dan go tripping down to the Carib, it gets mind-blowing: Haitian Divorce. Nuff said...

[@gm9162]

I totally agree with you on this. Hopefully he will review "The Caves of Altamira".

[@paulgriffin3438]

That smile at :57 - how can you not groove to this? These guys are the best.

[@garyedwards278]

YES Stealy Dan STILL MAKES ME WANT TO DANCE every time I listen him.

[@godbluffvdgg]

"them"

[@gerhardbraatz6305]

@@godbluffvdgg And Steely

[@godbluffvdgg]

@@gerhardbraatz6305 I like Jethro Tull too...He's cool!

[@KandKs_GG]

@@godbluffvdgg 🤣

[@godbluffvdgg]

@@KandKs_GG And, a tiny little empty square box to you too! :)

[@Matt-iy3zy]

YES!!!!!!! YOU DID IT!!!! HAHA THANK YOU ONE OF THE GREATEST!!!! Love listening with you as always!!! 🤝👏🙌✌️pz king!

[@katherinebarich3192]

I love how the guitar intro right away suggests "something isn't quite right". That bit of dissonant fuzz mirrors the mindset of this guy holed up during a psychotic break.

[@mikehenson819]

They worked with the absolute best, and took their meticulous time in the they're craft. The more you know about them, the more you can appreciate what they've done! Thanks for the jams.

[@chrisv966]

I appreciate these reactions, namely to Steely Dan. The more reactions you do of their music, the more I begin to appreciate it beyond just the samples. Such good music!!

[@ohjoy40]

Just amazing song. They are perfection. Can play this song over and over and never gets old.

[@therealnitrouso2]

I've loved this tune since high school. PS - You're ALLOWED - indeed ENCOURAGED - to get caught up in the groove!

[@adriennepender673]

I think this is my favorite song from "The Royal Scam," among a collection of stellar songs. So glad you've reacted to this!!

[@jtcolo43]

So sad Walter Becker passed away. Him and Donald Fagen were staples of talent for 40 yrs. Thanks for playing it. That whole album. You rock bro!

[@FrancineST56]

Steely Dan consists of Donald Fagen and the late great Walter Becker. They always had the best back up band and their live shows were AMAZING

[@dcaseng]

One of the greatest intros of all time.

[@Marcoanfieldforever72]

Truuuuuue, awesome intro

[@TheCornishCockney]

Steely Dan,perfection in music.

[@SPohl-zy4rz]

Thanks Jamal. Always love hearing your gentle, reassuring voice. "Don't Take Me Alive" is a masterpiece with Larry Carlton totally killing it. The Dan's lyrics always seem to involve some type of underdog scenario where: 1.) it's them against the world, or 2.) something illegal's going down, or 3.) they're losing at something somehow. The groove in their music is unmistakable and that along with their gorgeous orchestration brings them up to the SUPER FINE level in music. (Hope you'll consider "My Rival.")

[@suepedie1]

I've been lost in Steely Dan's groove for decades! Good place to be! Thank you!

[@FenderBassMan]

"What an intro!" Brought to you by the maestro himself, Larry Carlton!

[@robinbeers6689]

I love this series. Watching you hear these songs for the first time reminds me of when I heard them first. The same sense of wonder.

[@denatokaya315]

Yes, this group can definitely pull you in. My husband and I always listened to the entire album at once before listening to anything else!

[@stevencole8880]

One of my all-time favorite songs from any era or band. Thanks for sharing, Jamel.

[@JCostlowMedia]

thats Larry Carlton on guitar, he played on alot of Steely Dan songs especially on the Aja album and Royal Scam album.

[@michaelfierstone3948]

I remember as a 16th year old hearing Larry Carlton’s intro which literally cut right through me and still does 45 years later. Steely Dan are just the most innovative, exciting song writers and musicians whose sound and lyrics sound as fresh and exciting as they did when first released.

[@alansmith7626]

the groove was Larry Carlton, everynote he played I could see it get you...that dude will blow your mind...was like I love SD and Carlton and they got together...lol

[@jcw91371]

Steely Dan is such a unique and beautiful animal.

[@timmccreight8075]

Both solos--but especially the introductory one--are amazing not just because they work perfectly (as written all over Jamal's face) bt because they are among the most harmonically complex yet completely listenable solos ever played.

[@swampfizz]

Amen Brother...was waiting for this one...thanks...I got lost in the groove too!!!

[@stevencantrellzenroom7383]

They’re everything Every Thing

[@VIDSTORAGE]

This is one I always request.. Great 1

[@larrybutler4964]

I'm one of the people wanting to get you to listen to this one, and I'm glad you enjoyed it. Try: Night By Night (Steely Dan).

[@THEATREofPAIN270]

Let's not forget the great Rick Marotta on drums 🎶 Can't Buy A Thrill Steely Dan. Whole album is fantastic.

[@vulcan6940]

One of my all time fav's. Love Steely Dan! My 9 year old daughter's favorite (along with Bad Sneakers). So deep and complex and a joy to listen to. My daughter says take a listen to Showbiz Kids if you haven't already (I agree!)

[@knightni73]

YES! I'm so glad that you finally got to this! The guitar in this song is legendary.

[@PadreJud]

So glad to hear you come back to Steely Dan. (Edited: Thank you for doing "Dr. Wu"!)

[@liamlockhart-rush5497]

Yes please!

[@VallejoBrawler]

Have you done all you can do? Can you hear me doctor... That song can put me in tears some days.

[@debbiebatt1685]

YES!

[@ammaleslie509]

He hasn't done Dr. Wu yet???

[@PadreJud]

@@ammaleslie509 Yes, he has since done it. And it's a classic!

[@abergreg]

Jamel, its really cool to see you "get" all this classic 70's music. I was lucky enough to be there from the mid sixties with The Beatles and the Stones through to punk in 1978. Ten years of epic stuff that will still cut it in a hundred years time.

[@MichaelTrogdon1990]

The Caves of Altamira Babylon Sisters Glamour Profession King of the World

[@Revelwoodie]

Damned fine taste in Steely Dan.

[@c4lderone649]

He’s pretty close to finishing out Royal Scam...

[@MichaelTrogdon1990]

@@c4lderone649 The Caves of Altamira Sign In Stranger The Fez Green Earrings Everything You Did The Royal Scam Jamel still has a ways to go but he's getting there.

[@sipesthebest128]

Here at the Western World, Night by Night, Home at Last

[@ReallyGoodEnergy]

Great songs to share! I suggested Your Gold Teeth! Green Earrings is an amazing tune also! Love Steely Dan!

[@Fuphyter]

Steely Dan, what an incredible band. I love their music, became a fan after the first album.

[@zackattack635]

Seems like the boys watched Dog Day Afternoon and decided to write a song. Dirty guitar work, great song.

[@Revelwoodie]

Yeah, one of my favorite movies EVER. But I don't think this really matches up. The twist of this song is that he's more afraid of his father than he is of death. Very different motivations. Al Pacino's character isn't motivated by fear as much as his sense of duty.

[@tking1170]

@Zach Fisher Don't Take Me Alive is about David Sylvan Fine, the youngest of the Sterling Hall bombers (at the University of Wisconsin- Madison) who was captured ins San Rafael, California in January of 1976. Despite the title of the song he WAS taken alive, spent three years in prison and eventually became a paralegal in Oregon. The 'luckless pedestrian' is the only casualty of the Sterling Hall bombing . In the press, David Fine's father was listed as a bookkeeper or salesman in the Portland, Oregon area.

[@Revelwoodie]

@@tking1170 Oh, shall we get into a debate about authorial intent and contextualism?

[@zackattack635]

tking1170 okay, but that kid probably watched Dog Day Afternoon so...

[@Revelwoodie]

@@zackattack635 And Zach just hit on contextualism. I'm a housewife with a philosophy degree. In quarantine. Please argue with me. (Totally messing with you. But kinda not.)

[@michaelbaucom4019]

From the masterpiece album "The Royal Scam" . Of course, that's what the Dan does, masterpieces. That intro.....might be their best intro

[@hypno59]

These guys tell a story. It's like literature set to great music or, at the very least, a novel set to a groovy beat. Pop music don't do that anymore; they just manipulate your basic urges, man.Whoopy doo .. let's get dumb!

[@TheAirConditionerGuy]

Pop music??? Dont ever insult Steely Dan like that. They are a Rock & Roll band thru and thru.

[@jeffhiggins8087]

This is my all time favorite Steely Dan song. Super Fantastic in every way!