Steely Dan FM No Static at all | This is what music sounds like!

[@richardmartin9565]

When this song came out music was still played on AM radio which could be interrupted by static. FM radio was a relief, so everyone at that time caught the allusion.

[@noxema2000]

no static , stereo sound ,rock music, I was pre FM huge improvement

[@stephenbirks6458]

Yes I remember how Radio luxemburg 208 whould fade in and out back in the day ! But I would still listen in my bed at night - Haha ! - Every morning at the breakrast table before school My old Mom Would have a go at me ! - threatening to take my little transistor radio off me ! -If I did nt stop listening late at night ! - But thats when my fav shows was on ! And when Radio 208 shut down at 3am -The American Services Radio (for Europe) came on ! - Now I cannot remember if it just followed 208 or I retuned ? - But I would also listen because the banter was so lively it was totally different from British Radio - It was judt great ! -I would hear great US music - And new releases before the recordings had hit British shores ! So I would go to my record dealer & order these songs before anyone else I bet All the Best SB British Isles

[@MrSmartAlec]

This song will always hold a special place in my heart. I grew up with little transistor AM radios as well as black and white tv. I'll never forget the day the local tv/stereo store deliver a huge Magnavox AM/FM Stereo console with record player. Dad turned it on and tuned it to the strongest FM stereo station we could find. The sound was heavenly.

[@jimirayo]

Full range audio and no commercials!

[@dontherealartist]

Another world on another planet.

[@mikefetterman6782]

This is a testament to the classic seventies thick FM sound. It is so nostalgic to me. It reminds me of sitting in a darkened room with one little lamp in a corner and most of the light coming from the green light of the stereo dial lit up, and the smooth bass line rumble on the floor with the beat. Steely Dan, The Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, Billy Joel, and a few others had this FM magic quality that lent to a certain time in history.

[@sharonrosen2730]

YES!!!!!

[@KevinM2732]

Steely Dan will never let you down

[@ThePittsburghToddy]

Black Cow, Babylon Sisters, Gaucho, Aja, Josie, Kid Charlemagne, Dirty Work, Bad Sneakers and I could go on...

[@JD_Cool]

Bruce Springsteen once said that his goal was to create music that was raw, messy, unpolished, visceral. So it's amazing that Steely Dan can sound so good with such an opposite ethos: their music is meticulous, clean, polished, smooth and executed to perfection.

[@robertlear2735]

That is why I love Steely Dan and think Bruce Springsteen is super over-rated.

[@walterhaynes5393]

@@robertlear2735 Bruce killed it until Born to Run , first 3,4? Albums were really great. He got money hungry ? Or just went out to make singles. Chicago after Terry Kath NFG.

[@TheSummoner]

@@robertlear2735 I think there is always place for both sides of the spectrum. I went to a Bruce Springsteen concert and despite not being a diehard fan it was still a viscerally memorable experience. I've never had the luck to go to a Steely Dan concert but I highly doubt they could match that level of raw energy. On the other hand I know for a fact that Springsteen couldn't match the level of Steely Dan's sophistication in any of his records. But there is place for both things in life in my opinion.

[@caroleberkowitz6063]

Steely Dan definitely in a league of their own! I suggest Black Cow, Don’t Take Me Alive. RIP Walter Becker gone too 🔜

[@ethelynchristopher6995]

Steely Dan is a big rabbit hole. Their albums are all pretty spectacular---I know because I own most of them. Finding a bad song on a Dan album is pretty hard. There are a few that are not quite as good as others but that's pretty far and few between.

[@jacksonmorganfroghin4815]

It's impossible. Even the Beatles had one bad song but not the Dan.

[@epluribusunum1460]

I think one of the most clever parts of this song is that not only are the title and lyrics referring to FM radio with no static, but the vocals in that line are written in the exact style of the FM radio stations’ trademark jingles, usually played hourly. Now I’m ready to go down the rabbit hole of those jingles. Engaging my whim of iron.

[@digzat]

I watched this movie when I was 12 years old. Tonight brought me back to Steely Dan and the soundtrack to FM!! Thanks Harri❤ They were an outstanding studio band🎉

[@1957PLATO]

Their music stills sounds so fresh after nearly half a century.

[@karensheline5183]

Back in the day there was a movie called “FM”. This was the theme song.

[@fordp69]

FYI, Steely Dan started as a five piece band, and did not depend on session musicians (though they used them to some degree). After 3 albums, the two leaders decided they didn't want to tour anymore, leaving the other 3 with no fulltime job, so they left the band. Those three guys don't get as much recognition as they should. Remember, "Do it Again" was on their debut album.

[@jml-rj5re]

Donald and Walter used largely session musicians or themselves rather the "band" on Pretzel Logic (album #3). Contrary to popular believe Countdown to Ecstasy was the last "band" album. While Jim Hodder's picture is on the cover, they used session players: Jim Gordon and the late, great Jeff Porcaro on drums. Hodder played on no tracks, although he toured along with Porcaro. Skunk still contributed many of the lead guitar tracks, but Walter Becker played more guitar than in the past, including lead on the title track and East St. Louis Toodle-oo. Dean Parks played guitar on most of the tracks. Michael Omartian, David Paich, Fagen were on keyboards. Chuck Rainey and Wilton Felder held down most of the bass tracks. Victor Feldman on vibraphone, flapamba, percussions.

[@lewisbeaudry7615]

Steely Dan, the masters of the everlasting groove

[@hebneh]

Watching various reaction videos for this song reminds me how old it really is - even though it seems so recent to me, when I think about it. But it was over 40 years ago!

[@jacksonmorganfroghin4815]

People who like this may also groove on BLUE RHONDO A LA TURK by the Dave Brubeck Quartet or they may not. My money is on yes. Also THE NEW FRONTIER by Donald J Fagen where he mentions Brubeck

[@jacksonmorganfroghin4815]

No one ever mentions BAD SNEAKERS so I will.

[@geoffmalone1865]

And a Pina colada my friend! 😁

[@jacksonmorganfroghin4815]

With a transistor and a large sum of money to spend..... laughing at the frozen rain.. A very feel- good song. If there's one thing I hate, it's a feel -bad song. I only know one.

[@debbiechang5781]

These guys never made any bad songs! We reap the benefits of their perfectionism! Love watching you discover this amazing catalogue. Keep em coming 😍

[@danl.909]

Enh, never made a bad song? Even Fagen would not agree with that. There are a couple of songs on their first album that are pretty rough. They had not yet perfected their formula of Fagen & Becker + the best session men in rock, pop, and jazz music.

[@jimmyaye4204]

The best studio musicians in the business loved working with Steely Dan. They considered it one of the best gigs you can get.

[@doplinger1]

This was the title track from a movie of the same name - great soundtrack! The movie is a lot of fun too - it gives you a great snapshot of what an FM radio station might have been like back in the late 70s!

[@donnapalmisano8307]

Hari, you never disappoint! I'm laughing at the memories! FM radio was a land of magic. I remember very young, I'm 67, sitting in our old Rambler station wagon hitting those AM stations searching for my latest R & R tunes and dear sweet Mom slapping my hand, telling me to stop playing with the radio!!!!!!!!!!! FM Radio, A Symphony to my young ears!!!! BTY, saxaphone is an orgamsmic experience to my ears! My understanding is that its the hardest instrument to master. I don think its used in this song BUT, I LOVE A SAX!!!!!!! BTW, I love the atmosphere!!!

[@richkurl]

Frey, Henley, Schmit of Eagles fame on backup vox. Pete Christlieb on tenor sax, also played the iconic solos on Aja's Deacon Blues. Jeff Porcaro on drums, Walter Becker on both bass & lead guitar. Great song that never made it to a formal SD album.

[@brettgroh1112]

I absolutely love Steely Dan. this song was written as the "theme song" for a movie entitled FM. The tune became much more well known than the movie.

[@giannidelacerda5379]

Please do Deacon Blues by Steely Dan!! Such a great song

[@PaulHVAC1]

I was a young 15 year old in 1976 when I first listened to Steely Dan, never heard such smart groove, lyrics and top musicians since and still can drop the needle on a SD vinyl and get taken back down the SD rabbit hole. For my birthday a couple of years ago I treated myself and flew from Edmonton to Manhattan to catch my FAV band play live at the Beacon Theatre. Wow what a bucket list check off!!

[@thomasbriscoe120]

I first started listening to see SD during my freshman year in college- 1974. There cryptic lyrics, musical compositions and use of talent studio musicians places their work over the years at another level. With more artists and record companies producing music with the help of instruments and sounds created by PC software, it’s refreshing to hear a group like SD that created tracks with talented professional musicians like Chuck Rainey, Larry Carlton and Bernard Purdy. It also nice to see that Fagen and Becker are attracting a younger generation of music lovers😄

[@kestrelle5345]

That's what I strive for in life. No static at all.

[@HarriBestReactions]

Yes darling!

[@mthraves]

Fantastic choice. FM is often overlooked.

[@2715bunky]

The more Steely Dan that you react to, the more you will enjoy this chosen endeavor!

[@stephenbirks6458]

A great song is this ! one of thee best ? The musicanmanship is impecable ! Well shared !

[@eileendobbs8009]

Green Earrings by Steely Dan off the Royal Scam album. My favorite. You'll like it, I guarantee. Also Home At Last off Aja. Probably my two favorite SD songs

[@hansvandermeulen5515]

That jazzy solo is one of my favorite Dan moments.

[@eileendobbs8009]

@@hansvandermeulen5515 I think I read that a jazz pianist played the beginning solo on Home at Last. Didn't catch the name but it's fantastic

[@hansvandermeulen5515]

@@eileendobbs8009I meant the jazzy guitar solo in Green Earrings.

[@eileendobbs8009]

@@hansvandermeulen5515 oh yeah there's almost always a nice smooth guitar solo in SD songs. For me Green Earrings just gets progressively better and more complex as the song goes along

[@jennhurl]

Steely Dan is a VIBE!!

[@robertkirk4387]

As a fan for over thirty years, I remember hearing a record on the radio in Morecambe England 1983, I wrote it down and bought the album the same day (Goucho) and never looked back. I don't read too much into the lyrics I just melt into the music.

[@johnianknox1629]

Harri love it your getting into classic rock, Steely Dan are a fantastic band since the 70's, my recommendation from them is my favourite "Rikki don't lose that number ", take care buddy and cheerio from Glasgow.

[@astroteech]

Steely Dan! What more can you say beyond perfunction. I first heard them in high school back in the day all the way through the modern era when Walter Becker (passed away, RIP, truly!). )

[@thewindle]

This is also the theme song to a movie named FM about a radio station. If you can find it, check it out.

[@thomascerulli8013]

Lovin you man. Check Out Deacon Blues by Steel Dan. When this song came out. FM radio was in its infancy. FM forever changed music. As Am was filled with static hence the lyric. No static at all 😎✌️🇺🇸

[@williamosborne6866]

I haven't seen all your SD reactions, and there are many recommended below. FM is one of my favorites. Haitian Divorce, Kid Charlemagne, Peg, Dr.Wu, Reeling in the Years, Aja, My Old School, Babylon Sisters, Green earrings.... Put rock, jazz, funk, and a touch of prog in a blender and you het a helping of Steely Dan. There is literally NO end to their great stuff - not really a rabbit hole, but a mineshaft...if you go deeper, you get ever more lost in it (and not care if you ever get out).

[@markgatica12]

Try Chain Lightning, Black Friday, Bad Sneakers, Here at the Western World, Dr. Wu, My Old School, Show Biz Kids

[@ptaylor4757]

The FM soundtrack is like owning a great piece of art. I love it

[@briangray00]

1978 **THE** disco year in the UK. Chart position 49. Tip of the hat to the people with taste who bought it. I can only think it was too sophisticated. You should check out the version with the sax (rather than Pink Floydian guitar) solo too. I think you're going to enjoy really getting in to Steely Dan.

[@kylebeckley194]

'and somebody else's favorite song' is one of my favorite lyric lines of all time. I bought this album 'FM' when I was in high school in 1978 or so. Not a bad song on it these guys were geniuses

[@DCronk-qc6sn]

You said, "musicianship" - spot on. It is the most wonderful, Steely Dan. We're with you!

[@davidgoldstein1526]

Off of one of the greatest albums ever produced-Aja.

[@TheCornishCockney]

Eh?! No it wasn't. Fagen and Becker were comissioned to write a movie theme. (FM) The movie bombed but the song became huge. Never on an album.

[@davidgoldstein1526]

@@TheCornishCockney you're right and I stand corrected. Still one of the greatest albums ever. 😉

[@Jerlwayne]

@@TheCornishCockney Actually it was on an album. FM was a platinum-selling top ten soundtrack album.

[@TheCornishCockney]

@@Jerlwayne a Steely Dan album then.

[@kylebakke594]

This song is my favorite, so thank you, Harri! Next recommended Steely Dan song: “Black Cow”

[@HarriBestReactions]

Looks like Black Crow is next then 😀

[@tomcollens4621]

Believe it or not, they were just as perfect in person. Lucky to have seen them a couple of years before Walter Becker passed. Amazing!😊

[@jollyrodgers7272]

Frequency Modulated (FM) radio gained popularity in the early 70's and eliminates the static found on AM (Amplitude Modulated), but only has a range of 100 miles or so. This song was contracted to be the theme song for the erstwhile film "FM", which was cool in it's day, but hasn't stood the test of time. This song still has the cache'.

[@jojones1082]

Steely Dan's album, Aja, is the one that you were referring to - it won best Sound Engineering for a Non-Classical Album in 1978. Donald Fagen - who is one half of Steely Dan - had a solo album called IGY. I think you'd enjoy the hit single from it called New Frontier.

[@brucer2152]

From the GREAT movie "FM". A movie that made me want to be a DJ.

[@marckeiser3514]

The best radio movie and soundtrack!

[@geoffmalone1865]

DUDE! YES! I was beginning to think no one was going to mention the movie! Great movie and even better soundtrack! I seen it when it came out I was like 10 years old and my brother and sister were 9 and 10 older than me so they were digging all the music on this soundtrack so it was all readily available for me to listen to it's probably what turned me into a music geek and music snob

[@brucer2152]

@@geoffmalone1865 that movie was what made me want to be a DJ. Which I did eventually become for awhile. It's a GREAT movie and a GREAT soundtrack. :)

[@brucer2152]

@@geoffmalone1865 On another side note, the movie "The Ship that rocked" would be a modern equivalent in movie form .

[@geoffmalone1865]

@@brucer2152 Yes! Pirate Radio! I really dug it as well!

[@Michael-xj6qt]

Great reaction, you have great taste my friend, just like me, steely dan awesome music the great diversity of their music 🎶🎶😄👍

[@stephenord3403]

Technical genius, love from England 🇬🇧

[@gevlar]

All Steely Dan is great, but check out the Donald Fagen solo album The Nightfly. Every song is fantastic.

[@southernwanderer7912]

Steely Dan was such an awesome band. I've always loved them. Fagan is my favorite singer, featured in this song.

[@Frankincensedjb123]

The Dan is a rare beast, indeed. You can play through their entire body of work and rarely find a klunker. They were perfectionist-genius personified. (that outro guitar ... perfection).

[@cobbycaputo3332]

Great reaction, you were really feeling this one. The long guitar solo always reminds me of David Gilmour's playing (Pink Floyd).

[@Newfie-zc7ug]

This rabbit hole is well worth the trip....have fun, my friend !

[@xebio6]

I so much enjoyed watching you vibing to Walt's outro fills and solo. This tune is playlist material for the ages

[@BosqueBurning]

😎You put a smile on my face 💯🎤🎹🎺🎷🥁🎸

[@timothykelley3635]

This is title track to the movie FM. Also included a Jimmy Buffett song Livingston Saturday Night

[@Sander12348]

Massive rabbit hole, lots more to discover indeed! I suggest Caves of Altamira, Everything must go or King of the world for your next reaction to Steely Dan 🤟🏻

[@92548dannyt]

This one is my favorite Steely Dan tune. Absolutely cannot go wrong with Steely Dan.

[@marvelharris9540]

Agree with you Harri! and the sax!!!!

[@lindaaugone382]

What a joy ❣just love them-wow- been to long TY Harri💟

[@kianpa1]

Love it too! My fav band! 💕

[@alanmusicman3385]

Only ever a single release FM is nonetheless classic Dan - it has all the ingredients in spades and it's a joy from end to end. Check out "Here at the Western World" which is another out-of-band song of theirs - originally recorded for the original "Westworld" movie in the mid 1970s.

[@patrickmcevoy5080]

Fantastic guitar playing on this one by Walter Becker, who could have been their lead guitarist on a lot more tracks if he'd wanted to be. An amazing song.

[@abc456f]

Wonderful song. Those bongos near the end just cap off a sweet groove.

[@HarriBestReactions]

It should have been longer 😀

[@abc456f]

@@HarriBestReactions I agree.

[@davidbaker6912]

Talking about our graduation from sketch AM, I'd run wires to our roof antenna mast, musta been ten or eleven...

[@markcornish2519]

When i first heard this, i was surprised by the line "funked up", i thought the n was a c! Finally after a few listens got it

[@kentclark6420]

Hey man, the Dan is right up there. So many great songs, like ELO and Supertramp, such amazing transitions and writing.

[@kentclark6420]

And Zappa.

[@Coolrockndad]

"Deacon Blues" is a must react to by Steely Dan.

[@Oldjohn52]

Go and look for the long version. Walter Becker and the sax soloist just go on, and on, and on.

[@MrBarryb505050]

Steely Dan "Black Cow" "Old School" "Deacon Blues" "Aja!!!" "Do it Again" "Reelin in the Years" "Josie" Steely Dan Ain't no joke dive in and enjoy the ride!!

[@Allright21]

My very favorite SD song!

[@Mangawhero]

It's a bit damp in Australia at the moment ,mogg ,stay safe Harri.

[@joelliebler5690]

Another fantastic song as part of the soundtrack for the movie FM.

[@chrisball864]

... and check out the Extended Sax and guitar outro mix!

[@barneymiller6204]

There are actually 4 different versions of this song. One was for a movie soundtrack.

[@angelagreen778]

They are best. Morning day or night.

[@geoffmalone1865]

Excellent movie also!

[@nancygarreaud1534]

Harri - love your commentary and vibe

[@johnomahoney7755]

Thanks you are great with good taste!

[@debbieplato5107]

One of my favourite Steely Dan songs. It is so smooth. If you can find the movie this was the title song for I think you would enjoy it. ✌🇨🇦

[@leekitchen8390]

FM( no static at all). The title track from the movie FM. Belongs in your catalog Harri.

[@timholt9948]

Smooth as silk

[@hawkwellhead]

I added my own accidental scratches to every Steely Dan Vinyl record I owned, making their wonderful music and the moments of my carelessness eternal.. by far my favourite 'band'.

[@Sober2003]

Harry I love your channel! Your a real gem! 🎶✌👌❤

[@HarriBestReactions]

Thank you 🙌

[@cityhonors1]

😊 We knew you would love this jam! One of my favorite choruses to sing. This, Peg & Hey 19 cause... 😁 Who doesn't like singing about 🥃 Cuervo Gold & 😉 fine Columbian.... 🍿🐰

[@surlechapeau]

Harri, I'd recommend their "Josie" and "Kid Charlemagne" for you! Their album 'Aja' was so well produced it won a Grammy Award.

[@hawkwellhead]

oh... i love 'Your Gold teeth II' off the 'Katy Lied' album

[@woke2woke153]

So glad you like Steely Dan. .

[@eschiedler]

If you enjoy Steely Dan, check out Donald Fagen's solo work that came after Steely Dan on the album "The Nightfly" and songs from that album "I.G.Y." and "The Nightfly" and "The New Frontier".

[@chopperdeath]

Harri, you have good taste!

[@doncourtreporter]

The best channel on Earth. You find the greatest hits ever made every time. Please, never stop. Peace and love from Florida.

[@HarriBestReactions]

The Don father!

[@doncourtreporter]

@@HarriBestReactions Sir Harri. Keep up the good work.

[@steveschmitz2839]

Yes, the answer is Yes.

[@mickgrace2558]

Black Cow, has to be next.

[@HarriBestReactions]

Looks like Black Crow is next then 😀

[@danl.909]

@Jeffrey Schwartz yeah, “Black Crow” is the title of a great, jazzy Joni Mitchell song. Any Steely Dan fan should dig it.

[@danl.909]

@Jeffrey Schwartz Joni deserves it. A great, unrecognized songwriter and sound creator with her weird tunings that destroyed guitars. 😄 Her albums with the amazing bassist Jaco Pastorius are musical treasures. Sadly, she has been plagued by bad health for a long time.

[@thomassicard3733]

Check out Negative Girl from the Steely Dan album Two Against Nature - check out everything from SD.

[@robertlear2735]

You must hear the song "Deacon Blues" if you haven't already. And "Peg".

[@danielconnolly8565]

In the encyclopaedia of music, if you look up the definition of “no filler”, there’s just a picture of Donald Fagen and Walter Becker. I kid you not. 😉

[@kristdodaro7926]

Music of the Gods.