STEELY DAN / DONALD FAGEN | COUPLE FIRST TIME REACTION to Only A Fool Would Say That / Morph the Cat

[@NicknLex]

David Palmer does backing vocals on this track per Wikipedia. I was like: that's the most Fagan voice I have ever heard! Its Donald singing and David doing the harmonies. Thanks for letting us know!! WE LOVE THIS SONG!

[@scottanderson8420]

On the Can’t Buy A Thrill album the last cut “Turn That Heartbeat Over Again features Donald Fagen, David Palmer and surprise Walter Becker all singing together.

[@scottanderson8420]

Now the food here ain’t so good no more……….. is the WalterBecker vocal right before the first chorus, on Turn That Heartbeat Over Again. Allegedly

[@jml-rj5re]

@@scottanderson8420 All three sing "Love your mother, love your father, love them 'til they run for cover." Walter sings the very last line as well: "that heartbeat over again" while Fagen sings "turn"

[@scottanderson8420]

I had the first two albums on Quadrophonic 8 tracks and you could isolate all 4 speakers. I recall that you could really hear all their voices in isolation on Heartbeat. It’s an almost 50 year old memory. I wish I still had those tapes and that system to hear now.

[@fermisparadox01]

David did the singing on Brooklyn holds the charmer under me". Does a fantastic job. He wrote the lyrics to Carole Kings "Jazzman "

[@albertsmith9315]

I read that "Only A Fool Would Say That" was the reaction to the John Lennon song, "Imagine". The Dan guys thought it was too optimistic and a bit contradictory that a famous millionaire would sing about a world without... Pretty balls-y to take on a Beatle on a first album.

[@JaemanEdwards]

Never new that. Great info.

[@PogueMahone1]

My thinking re "OaFWST" is Walt & Don are taking to task a number of contemporary icons (Lennon & Harrison, Dylan, Eastwood, Reagan, Redford) as well as LA's dream-selling industry, serving them on a sun-shimmering Angeleno platter.

[@albertsmith9315]

@@PogueMahone1 if you Google the subject, there's a dozen articles about how they didn't agree with Lennon's song specifically. The word hypocrite comes up.

[@scurvybro8850]

You "read that," huh? Tell me this: Were either of the "Dan guys" quoted as saying the song was a reaction to "Imagine?" I don't need your answer. It's "no." But you're free to keep on believing unsubstantiated bullshit.

[@williamhenning4700]

The man in the street dragging his feet Don't wanna hear the bad news Imagine your face there is his place Standing inside his brown shoes You do his nine to five Drag yourself home half alive And there on the screen A man with a dream...

[@Nightrelic]

Only with Steely Dan can one suggest playing any song from any album and you think, oh, that’s one of my favorite songs from that album.

[@RyneMurray23]

Only a fool would say that is definitely one of my favorite Steely Dan songs 🔥 such a good groove.

[@hvassios]

"Only a fool would say that" is the type of song you randomly realize you like after relistening to an album in quite some time. Great groove

[@andreweng1569]

Walter actually has 2 albums, 11 Tracks of Whack and Circus Money. I think you’d enjoy both!

[@monacaravetta]

Love Surf and or Die!

[@rosemarypugliese2984]

A reliable jazz musician I follow on Twitter answered me on his own future album. I joked that if Donald F was working on something it’d be great. He said “I’m led to believe he is!” About a week ago…

[@JKonstage]

Yes, supposedly Donald IS working on a new album!

[@danielthompson9509]

This has been one of my favorite SD songs for about 50 years. I read recently that this song was written mocking John Lennon's song Imagine. This could be true, but if it is, it is very a vague reference to it. Happy for your reaction to it.

[@williamcalvert4106]

Yes...I read that as well.

[@marmyafia6307]

Excellent choice! One of their more whimsical numbers and I love it for that

[@JaemanEdwards]

Yes. Very whimsical indeed.

[@rbruce92]

The guitar on "Only a Fool Would Say That" is by Jeff "Skunk" Baxter (he also speaks Spanish at the end). He also played the guitar solo on "Rikki Don't Lose That Number". He, like fellow Steely Dan alumnus Michael McDonald, went on to join the Doobie Brothers.

[@rosemarypugliese2984]

Check out Sunken Condos from 2012- very jazzy and blues.

[@eaglesrule1415]

Totally love that Can't Buy a Thrill, Katy Lied, Aja 5 year period. Love it all but for me Can't Buy a Thrill was the intro and Katy Lied I was all in. Great reaction!

[@eaglesrule1415]

@@kbrewski1 gaucho is good and big nightfly fan but katy lied is my fav and what got me to explore the whole catalogue. It's all good but that 5 year period is my fav.

[@rosemarypugliese2984]

You’d love “It’s What I Do” - an imagined talk between Ray Charles and a younger Donald

[@madelineshockley5906]

Yes, that's my favorite on this album.

[@hog7203]

I didn't know y'all hadn't heard Only A Fool. I love all of Steely Dan's music, but that's my favorite song by them. I always loved Donald's vocals on it and the way the guitar sounds. Sounds like he's tickling the strings. My only fault with the song is that it's too short. That's why I always listen to it twice 😄 That whole Nightfly album is great. I'm glad y'all discovered it.

[@supasoulproductions]

Great choice!! You guys are really gonna love all the Fagen solo stuff as well as the rest of the Dan catalog! This track actually bookends the album, as their is a reprise at the end of the LP.

[@savariaxa]

Best song on Morph the Cat is the great pagoda of fun best guitar solo of all time even the trumpet solo is outstanding great choice 👍

[@johnlylemusic]

Jim Hodder….. Steely Dan’s original drummer, sang the song “Midnight Cruiser” from this same album. If you haven’t already, please react to the song “Fire in the Hole“ from this same album. I feel it’s one of Steely Dan‘s most underrated songs, and one of Donald Fagen’s best vocals!

[@JaemanEdwards]

Great song

[@scottanderson8420]

They have done Fire in The Hole you can find it on KZbin Jim Hodder also sings on the first release called Dallas. Released right before Can’t Buy a Thrill as a single.

[@MichaelB12345]

Holder was an overlooked drummer never getting the recognition he deserved

[@clifton8929]

Great music as always, guys. My favorite song off Morph The Cat is "What I Do”. it's a conversation between some younger version of Fagen and the ghost of Ray Charles. The lyrics are amazing (Ray explains how he does what he does - "That What I Do"). Give it a try sometime.

[@RabbiSteve]

I second this. A great tribute by Donald to one of his idols

[@madelineshockley5906]

Yes, my favorite is "What I Do" also, I play it on repeat.

[@TZ61]

Anxious to hear your reaction to 'Brooklyn (Owes the Charmer Under Me)' from this album.

[@JKonstage]

I love that one too!

[@michaelkiriakidis8809]

Bought this when it first came out. I believe it was 1972 and is still one of my favorites.

[@kendudley3553]

Nick and lex - Great reaction again - So, this is yer buddy Ken (of stroke and heart attack fame). I am here to remind you of the beginning. When you thought Peg was disco and that fans had given you such a hard time. You never wanted to do another Steely Dan reaction. We love you guys so much and your Steely Dan reactions are so wonderful. I am commenting because "Only a Fool..." is a very cool song and more proof that it's hard to find a bad Steely Dan song. Only a Fool is a prime example of what makes Steely Dan special. You can never predict what a Steely Dan song will sound like upon first hearing it. And "Only a Fool Would Say That" proves the point. Also, immediately after hearing it for the first time: You want to hear it again!!! My comment went on too long. Sorry about that. Love your reactions. Ken

[@scottanderson8420]

Great reaction guys, you’ll find that Morph the Cat is full of great songs. My favorite is H Gang ( the infamous 2nd song) if it’s possible to have a favorite. So glad that you got to only a fool would say that. That was the flipside on the 45 record of Reeling’ in the Years, I believe. The flipside of the 45 record of Do it Again was Fire in the Hole or I might have them backwards. Those were the first four songs from Steely Dan that I heard. I had an AM radio and a little 45 player but not anything that could play an album, except for my parents stereo and I had to get permission. Eventually I Pilfered a small stereo player that my mother never used. 33 RPM’s after that. Legend has it that this is a response to John Lenin’s optimistic Imagine hit, Walter and Donald had a darker notion about humanity and this was their response. That is the great Jeff Skunk Baxter on guitar and Spanish at the end. On your second listen check out how tasteful Walter’s bass playing is. Great to see you together listening to my favorite music, you guys are the best.♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@histubeness]

Lennon.

[@scottanderson8420]

How about that an autocorrect typo. I will correct it from my computer my phone doesn’t have the capability for corrections. I am Aware that it was a Beatles and not a communist reference.

[@scottanderson8420]

😜 I’m just glad there is an English teacher out there that has lots of time to look for typos to keep us all safe.

[@histubeness]

@@scottanderson8420 I'm glad you're glad, Scott, but it didn't take an English teacher to catch it. It was that obvious.

[@histubeness]

@@kbrewski1 Indeed. I share your wonder.

[@comvoice]

"Morph The Cat" is a GREAT album and song! You chose one of the funkiest things he's ever written. I couldn't stop playing this album when first released.

[@richarddobson815]

That was such fun guys! Doing the whole albums would be a great idea, and maybe in chronological order so that you get the flow, and experience them a little like we did back in the 70's onwards. 'Morph The Cat' was terrific, I'm really enjoying catching up on Donald's solo music with you both xx

[@scottanderson8420]

I absolutely agree they should react to Steely Dan in the original order. Great Idea. It will help them and remind us all that you do not get to Gaucho without the other sequential experiences.

[@richarddobson815]

@@scottanderson8420 Thanks Scott, I'm sure they would enjoy it all in order.

[@debrabrabenec]

@@kbrewski1 I believe they're talking about whole album re-listens.🙂

[@mkwilson1394]

Never thought I'd see a Morph the Cat reaction! Awesome, ty.

[@michaelmalone3089]

Great to see you react to your beloved Steely Dan ❤Thank you Nick and Lex 😊

[@maciekwoyda870]

There are artists whose song is a masterpiece, and then there are those who create a masterpiece album. The Steely Dan discography is a masterpiece.

[@mikemoroney5204]

Night fly blew me away. New frontier Great rock.

[@JaemanEdwards]

That is not rock. It's Funk Jazz.

[@connieb4372]

Love Donald Fagen's solo work... another Dan song that I wish you would play would be Janie Runaway.. I believe it is on Two Against Nature.. It's up there with Babylon Sisters and Kid Charlemagne for me. I always enjoy watching you two kids discover new music (I feel I can call you kids because I'm old as dirt) and I am glad to see Alexia sitting with you.. as I've said before, I feel for you with your back. Take care everyone! Love from Texas

[@jml-rj5re]

That was Skunk Baxter saying "Only a Fool Would Do that in Spanish. Skunk lived in Mexico City with his dad for 10 years.

[@blbtube]

Been a while since I have heard this. The lyrics came back like riding a bike. I think this song was a shot at John Lennon's Imagine. You guys should just get out of your chairs and dance 💃

[@bkshields76]

I'm really looking forward to your reaction to one of Donald's later cuts which is the best interpretation of blues I've heard in some time called "Weather In My Head". Please don't miss this classic song!

[@michelemichele3375]

In the year 2063, you’ll be just like some of us - listening to Steely Dan for decades. 🤪💕 If I can be quick enough to buy Marathons, I might do 25-minute segments of Steely Dan Live (Plush TV Jazz-Rock Party), even if you’ve heard some of the studio versions already. Plus, some will be new … or “not reacted to” (because we gave you permission to play the whole album). AND doing whole albums would be another GREAT idea 👍. Many tracks improve with multiple listens and understanding of lyrics and musicians involved. Great selections. When complimented on his playing, my husband would jokingly respond, “It’s What I Do” (another Morph track). Hugs ❤️‍🔥😽

[@JKonstage]

Doing the live album Northeast Corridor would be a great way to relisten to Steely Dan!

[@michelemichele3375]

@@JKonstage Yes. And it’s also a CD I sent them last year. Maybe it’ll be up for a vote on Patreon. For my marathon, though, I would love the live performance Plush video. I ran across the whole first night of filming for the Plush DVD. Some tracks were later cut. Fun. 😽❤️‍🔥

[@scottanderson8420]

I’m all in on a Patreon Plush Party reaction. It would be great to watch. 👍👍

[@michaelbastraw1493]

Jeff "Skunk" Baxter played guitar and spoke the Spanish at the end. Best. Mike.

[@JaemanEdwards]

A very jazz name that. Jazz bands always had nick names for their members, a lot like Mafioso.

[@roundtownKen]

I feel bad for those of you who have never heard the "Morph the Cat" release in DVD Audio 5.1 surround (a decent sampling rate) on a decent system with a good sub. Mind blowing. Staggering.

[@zoeslovely7096]

I love how much you guys love the Dan!!!! ❤❤❤ And you're adorable!!! Hope Lex isn't too hung over from her bday 🥂❤️🇨🇦❤️

[@Nick60606]

I wore this cassette out in my car during high school. Brings me right back!

[@MichaelTrogdon1990]

Jeff Skunk Baxter is the band member who speaks the Spanish at the end.

[@mikemoroney5204]

Listening to the second song you can really hear the influence they have on Snarky Puppy

[@stevenesfield]

Don’t forget Sunken Condors guys

[@steelyd2]

That’s skunk Baxter with the Spanish at the end. They even credit him on the record sleeve

[@JaemanEdwards]

" Skunk Baxter " Now there's a Jazz name if ever I heard one.

[@ochjim]

Heard OAFWST for the first time on the jukebox in the Skyline in Dumfries nearly fifty years ago, and thought it was the smoothest tightest song ever at the time . .

[@JKonstage]

Both great songs. “Only a Fool” is rumored to be Donald and Walter’s response to John Lennon’s”Imagine.” Not sure if I believe it, but it’s a great story!

[@briangray00]

+1 I was here to post the same. I believe it to be true.

[@wrayclark4496]

Same here, just heard this song is based on Lennons' Imagine, from another channel that I watch.

[@tone4507]

"Rumoured" is the key word here. I've never seen any quote from Fagen or Becker that confirms it, and it doesn't directly contradict anything in "Imagine". I'm not a believer.

[@scurvybro8850]

That rumor is bullshit. It's from an article in "Far Out" magazine, and the authors provides zero evidence to back up his assertion including, most importantly, any confirmation from either Fagen or Becker. However, the article clearly is good enough for some people to believe this crap -- and to spread it. Congratulations.

[@scurvybro8850]

@@kbrewski1 My compliments, Tony Longland and K Brewski, for your much-needed skepticism. You will not find a quote from Fagen confirming this nonsense.

[@vailmcc]

H Gang, the second song on the album, is another good one!

[@squidkid2]

Good to see you back Lex - I need my morning Whooo. It's better than a cup of coffee_ I think Morph The Cat has a very Aja feel to it.

[@tommythompson9565]

Nice seeing y'all again. Pray all is going well. Morph The Cat is fantastic. Hope it's true that Fagan is making another album.

[@alanparsonsfan]

I listen to the Morph the Cat album in my car a lot. Morph is one of the happiest sounding songs Donald has done--and one of the thickest grooves ever.. Knew you would both love it! Bright Nightgown and H-Gang sort of are as well. Nick, you've done some Robert Palmer recently--I think he's the only guy as cool as Donald Fagen

[@stevegirardmedia2255]

This album holds a special place for me - the 1st one... and I listened to it non-stop until Countdown came out! I love Fire in the Hole, which pops into my voice all the time. Love Kamakiriad... Morph not so much (I do love "H Gang")... Sunken Condos the same.

[@SkeevyBrother]

Sunken Condos, just fire. Slinky Thing, many can relate, Hey 45?

[@JaemanEdwards]

I've heard you mention George Benson as an influence on the sound of music you react to on a couple of occasions. I would recommend you react to " The world is a ghetto " by George Benson. A true epic masterpiece of musicianship. 10 minutes of sheer opulent brilliance. Like Steely Dan it also features some of the great session musicians of the era. Even if you don't react to this song, I implore you as the music lover you are, to take a listen. You will not be disappointed. Funk Jazz at its finest. Killer track. It's on the In flight album.

[@alanparsonsfan]

Here I thought that song was written by War. Love their performance of it in any case.

[@JaemanEdwards]

​​@@alanparsonsfan Yes War do a great version, but George Benson's version is out of this world. Funky instrumental masterpiece, and luscious Benson singing, with amazing backing orchestration.

[@debrabrabenec]

@@alanparsonsfan War did write it.🙂

[@debrabrabenec]

@@JaemanEdwards War wrote the song, but I'll have to give George's version a listen!🙂

[@JaemanEdwards]

@@debrabrabenec yes please do. The album is In flight. All the tracks are fire.

[@woke2woke153]

I so wanted you to discover this album!

[@michaelrouten]

Another few "Musts" that you guys still need to listen to: - Ruby Baby - Jack of Speed - Teahouse on the Tracks (likely the best and most intense sax solo on ANY piece of popular music in the last 60 years)

[@lukekiefer5964]

Agree but they did react to Jack of Speed

[@danielmccann8325]

I thought tea house on the tracks had a trombone solo, not sax solo.

[@michaelrouten]

@@danielmccann8325 The very long solo at the end is Chris Potter on tenor sax.

[@michaelrouten]

@@lukekiefer5964 Ah! I must have missed that! Thanks -

[@debrabrabenec]

"Only A Fool Would Say That" is one of my most favorite songs from the wonderful debut album! "Brooklyn (Owes The Charmer Under Me)" and "Turn That Heartbeat Over Again" are others- I don't remember if you've done those yet. I love Donald's Morph The Cat album too! ""Mary Shut The Gardener Door" and "What I Do" are standouts. So much more great stuff ahead for you to discover! 🎵❤️🎵 Debbie

[@scottanderson8420]

It’s one of my need a Steely Dan fix songs. A reliable and enjoyable listen. How you Deb?

[@debrabrabenec]

@@scottanderson8420Doing well, thanks! Been busy with end of the school year work. How about you?

[@scottanderson8420]

It sounds like you might be a teacher? Ironically, I am as well. Always a little more broke in summer but it’s nice to be off. Although I am going to teach children’s art classes in June. I still think it would be fun to do a collaborative Henry Mancini with Michele. It might be the fall before I have enough scratch to do it. You mentioned the Molly Maguires that’s one of my favorite. Either in the fall or if I get some money over the summer I’ll try to purchase a marathon, and I would be happy to plug one of the selections in the Marathon in that is of your choice . Then I can do one for Michele as well. Let me know what you think. I have a great summer. See you in the comments.

[@debrabrabenec]

@@scottanderson8420 I'm an office professional in our public school's Adult Ed program. I usually have some work over the summer as well. That Henry Mancini marathon sounds great! Since N&L raised their prices, I am no longer able to buy requests unless I save up.☹️ Have a great summer!

[@scottanderson8420]

When I can afford it I will save a Mancini song slot for you. You just tell me the song you want. My treat. It would probably be a song I would pick anyway.

[@clifton8929]

Fagen's Mother had recently died of Alzheimer's, and 'Morph The Cat' is supposed to be about that, Morph for Morpheus, who brings dreams to your mind, and the lyrics "Arctic mindbath” - lyrics evocative of Alzheimer’s, the disease that numbed Fagen’s mother’s mind. She used to sing in the Catskills and loved to sing Harold Arlen's songs "like your heard in Arlen tune." It seems like Fagen is contemplating old age and the end of life in many of the tunes on the album. It's my opinion, anyway.- Fagen and Becker played with intellectual phrases and meanings.

[@scottanderson8420]

I agree this album is all about reflecting on mortality with songs like Brite Nightgown. I read somewhere that Godwhacker was about his anger after his mothers death.

[@MichaelTrogdon1990]

Walter had 2 solo albums. You forgot Circus Money from 2008.

[@michaelrouten]

Pretty sure the sax player on "Morph The Cat" is Chris Potter, who I consider the closest we have to a John Coltrane or Charlie "Bird" Parker in this century. If you doubt that, listen to "West of Hollywood" by SD, from 4:27 to the very end. Absolutely breathtaking tenor sax work.

[@mynameispaul0530]

Thanks I've never heard these songs either.

[@nunnarij]

The last Fagen song I listen to is my favorite until the next Fagen song. Crazy good music.

[@teelurizzo8542]

This was very cool guys, but if I may sayyou guys gotta do 'Midnite Cuiser' ,'Fire In The Hole', 'Change Of The Guard', 'Turn That Heartbeat Over Again' , I don't think you'll be disappointed. 'Midnite Cruiser' is sung by original Steely Dan drummer Jim Hodder.

[@xelamercedes]

"Morph the Cat"....that is some sexy music.

[@elchuky1942]

Acá estamos . 💪🇦🇷🇦🇷🇦🇷🇦🇷🇦🇷🇦🇷👍

[@JaemanEdwards]

I'm from New Zealand and toured Argentina playing rugby. I stayed with 6 different families and they were the best people you'll ever meet. Beautiful and hospitable. I love your country. Viva la Argentina

[@elchuky1942]

@@JaemanEdwards no entendí ni J solo rugby y q SOS de New Zelanda saludos enorme AGUANTE LOS ALL BLACKS

[@JaemanEdwards]

​@@elchuky1942 San Isidro ( SIC ) was our hardest game. Gracias

[@planktonrecords]

Yo guys have got to do the title track from the Dn’s “Two Against Nature” album

[@roundtownKen]

So good. A bayou slammer in 6/8 time. A departure for SD

[@rmac8008]

David Palmer sings lead on 2 songs and co-sings with Donald on 3 more

[@supasoulproductions]

There is a Steely Dan appearance on TV, Midnight Special I think, with David Palmer fronting the band. I think the Donald just needed some live gigs under his belt to build up his vocal confidence.

[@danl.909]

OAFWST is my favorite on their first album.

[@NicknLex]

I think it's my favorite too

[@katylied24]

Why not do Steely's, "Everyone's Gone To The Movies", It's pure island heaven, and no one has reacted to it.

[@PogueMahone1]

You mean like Jeff Epstein's "island heaven"?...hehehe

[@scottanderson8420]

I love Everyone’s Gone To The Movies but just like Cousin Dupree it’s a type of sarcastic reflective criticism of culture that people currently struggle to grasp or just want to overlook. Walter and Donald like to shine a light in the messy corners of humanity.

[@katylied24]

@@scottanderson8420 I could care less, I love the the way it sounds.

[@SEB-EDIT]

Hey, there NicknLex ;^) ♪ Hope you'll challenge yourself to learn *The Goodbye Look* on the guitar too.♪ I did the tutorial, and there are over 67 chord voicing changes bouncing around.♪ Peace + Respect y'all ;^) ♪ .

[@lucabraga3471]

Great reaction! I think you'll like "Brite nightgown", from Donald's album Morph the cat...

[@MichaelB12345]

The dan mocking John Lennon’s imagine

[@lalaricky1]

well........ imho Walter's 2 solo albums are the barest shadow in quality of the Fagen albums, which are all gems.

[@alansmith7626]

I looked, as best I could, thru the previous reacts you have done but I did not find Florida Room, is off of Kamakiriad album. I apologize if ya'll have already done this one but it just gets me everytime I hear it, lol. So much time between Only a Fool and Florida Room but they have some similiar vibes, to me. Thanks and keep on keepin on!

[@NicknLex]

Nick reacted to it! Here you go! :))) kzbin.info/www/bejne/l3qVpouua7Gko8U

[@alansmith7626]

@@NicknLex WOW! Thanks for letting me know! Love ya'll!

[@theplanetruth]

70th!!!!🎉🎉🎉

[@summertime_blooz]

'Only A Fool' and 'Turn That Heartbeat Over Again' are my favorites on this album after 'Reelin' and 'Do It Again'. Some of the other songs are pretty weak in comparison to later albums as they figured out their sound. 'Morph The Cat' is a very good album, way better than 'Kamikiriad' or 'Sunken Condos'. Hopefully you'll do the whole album.

[@cousmaster]

supposedly this was written in response to JOHN LENNON IMAGINE

[@walterkirk9210]

Won't you pour me a Cuban Breeze, Lexie?

[@davidmitchell4077]

This song sounds very similar to other songs from Two Against Nature.

[@danl.909]

_Brite Nitegown_ next off MTC, please!

[@mrysedeers]

the guitar is reminiscent of George Benson...just sayin':)

[@GP-mw8ce]

Now to H Gang, mary shut the garden door and what i do

[@dggydddy59]

Steely Dan absolutely had great material on every album, but something happened on The Royal Scam and Aja where every song was one of the best they ever did. Every song was an A+. Every SD album has A+ material, of course, but they're mixed in with others that aren't. To me, those two albums are different in that regard.

[@alanmusicman3385]

It was very odd really - when they put out singles from this album they of course started with a edit of "Do it Again" (with "Fire in the Hole" on the B side) - but after that, this song was thrown away as the B side of the second single "Reelin' in the Years". So, very sensible cos RITY deservedly was a hit and became an airplay classic. But pretty crazy to bury this this - very FM radio friendly - which could have been a hit single in it's own right!

[@PogueMahone1]

Virtually every SD track would've been a hit single on its own.

[@JaemanEdwards]

The best tracks on this album are definitely the two hit songs " Do it again " and " reeling in the years " They didn't have access to the worlds best session musicians on the Can't buy a thrill album, like they did with Aja.

[@JaemanEdwards]

Oh for sure. But not in the same class as the great LA session musicians who played on everyone's albums.

[@JaemanEdwards]

Mark Knopfler you say ? Didn't know that. Great info. You're right. They were great artists with their own albums, but were also guns for hire, making them session musicians. They were no more important than Chuck Rainey, Bernard purdie or Wayne Shorter just because they play guitar.

[@JaemanEdwards]

​@@kbrewski1 Also Lee Ritenour was just as great a Jazz player as Larry Carlton

[@modmary3527]

David Palmer sang lead vocals on Only a Fool Would Say That. Love ❤️ Can’t Buy a Thrill!!! Thank you 🙏

[@hog7203]

No, Fagen sang lead on Only a Fool.

[@steveblomerth]

The first album is very different from the rest of Steely Dan and has 2 other different singers including the drummer. The rest of the album is equally good.

[@gregdimaggio1541]

Prtty sure he produced a china crisis album

[@markdemos75]

Rumor is Fagan wrote this in response to John Lennon quotes of the day.

[@RogerioNaccache]

Morph=Morphine

[@briangray00]

Bet it's Chris Potter on sax (I haven't looked it up..).

[@jml-rj5re]

Only a Fool would Say That is Steely Dan's reply to John Lennon's Imagine.

[@scurvybro8850]

No, it's not.

[@michaelstone5523]

Hi guys, don't have this album yet. Is that Chuck Rainey playing bass on Morph the cat? I'm interested in your necklaces. You're too far away from the camera, please enlighten. I see you have Kansas Leftoverture displayed. Have you listened to Audio Visions yet 1980? Lex wish you would get your dad on the channel. Love to see him and listen to him discuss music or anything. Bye!

[@JaemanEdwards]

No. If I recall right, this album was recorded in New York. It wasn't until they relocated to LA, did they have access to the best session musicians of the era.

[@JaemanEdwards]

@@kbrewski1 oh my bad. So was it Chuck then ?

[@JaemanEdwards]

@@kbrewski1 Right. Ready Freddy Washington. One of the greats. Saw him with Steely Dan in New Zealand a few years back. I remember learning " forget me nots" for a covers band I was in and trying to get that part where he does six thumb hits in two beats. Took me a while, but managed to get it down. Most people cheat and do hammer ons. Thanks for the info

[@blueshorecreative3146]

Great song, eh? Never get tired of SD. But you don't have to review every song. Most were gold, but not all.

[@SpiderMcGee]

This was Donald's criticism of John Lennon's "Imagine".

[@SpiderMcGee]

@@kbrewski1 Nope. I guarantee you it wasn't that. Becker and Fagen were never subtle, they were vicious.

[@stephencaruso760]

Brooklyn and Midnight Cruiser and Dirty Work all not Donald

[@woke2woke153]

Did you know this was about John Lennon after Imagine? Not so much about him, but a reaction to his sentiments. Only A Fool Woukd Say That I mean.

[@RyneMurray23]

I wanted to name one of my cats Morph, but they are both girls so it didn't work 😂

[@PogueMahone1]

Morphda?

[@kencribbs9344]

That's a basic Cuban cha-cha rhythm driving "Only a Fool Would Say That," guys . . . almost impossible to keep your hips still when it's playing.

[@JackSchitte]

This is Fagen’s roasting of John Lennon for his song ‘Imagine’!

[@scurvybro8850]

Nope.

[@briannewell6064]

Only A Fool Would Say That was aimed directly at John Lennon.

[@briannewell6064]

@@kbrewski1 Nope.

[@chrisputnam9809]

WHY, does no one that does these reviews KNOW, that this song is a takedown of John Lennon's Imagine? Dumba$$es! Do some homework.

[@NicknLex]

We know now, thanks to the KIND people who share their knowledge with us in the comments. Not talking about you, of course. Shameful attitude, sir! Lighten up, we do this to LEARN from all of you, not to sermon you with information you already know. Have a better day.