STEELY DAN - My Old School | FIRST COUPLE REACTION | GOOD TO BE BACK TO THE DAN!

[@brewstergallery]

Ned from Spain is here to say this is one of their best outright classics with a blisterin solo by Skunk. The story behind this is from when Walter and Don went to Bard and got caught up in a drug bust of 40 kids. A set up by narcs planted in the college by G Gordon Liddy with permission of the College. Bard never apologized for this which is why they said "We're never going back" ... The lyrics mention Gino = the Narc ? and Daddy G = G Gordon Liddy who was later part of the Watergate break in and member of C.R.E.E.P. The Committee to Re Elect the President who was Nixon. Ugggh.

[@michelemichele3375]

Excellent backstory. You got all the fun details. Thanks, Janet or Ned (sorry) ✨😉

[@wreckingKREW1]

Yep,Liddy was one of Nixon's "plumbers" and they were a subset of the "rat f*ckers" a group of ne'er do wells that included Roger Stone and Karl Rove. Double ugggh.

[@scottanderson8420]

Yes that’s all the great details for the incident that sparked the song.

[@filthyphillyboy]

Right about "Daddy G" 's identity but it's also possibly a double entendre reference to Gene "Big Daddy G" Barge, legendary R&B saxaphonist who played on a lot of Chess Records recordings and who also played on the #1 hit Quarter to Three by Gary US Bonds where you can hear Bonds sing "Daddy G" like 5 or 6 times. Aditionally, was the singer in My old School also disillusioned with the fact of his girlfriend having ratted him out or something like that?

[@wreckingKREW1]

@@filthyphillyboy Saw an interview with Fagen and Becker years ago where they said "Daddy G" was Liddy. As for the person who narc'ed on them,I don't think she was one of their girlfriends,more like an acquaintance. But not sure. Last thing is that the "35 sweet good-byes" that Fagen is remembering in the first line was supposedly about the special attention his actual GF at the time gave him before he got on the train (the "Wolverine") to go back to Bard before the bust happened. 35 being half of 69,well,almost...wink,wink,nudge,nudge.

[@myownchannel247]

One of Jeff "Skunk" Baxter's best ever guitar solos, Bodhisattva is sublime

[@paulshallbetter1080]

And is doubly impressive on the live recording. They pick up the tempo and drive the song harder than on the studio version; the urgency isn't overdone, and the solos at the higher tempo with live improvisation are brilliant.

[@skyehorvath9063]

There are 2 solos on Bodhisattva, Denny Dias does the other one. Both are equal.

[@imacmanx8562]

One of my favorite Dan songs. It was about a 1969 drug bust at Bard College in NY. The area was referred to as "Annandale"....I lived about 15 miles from it. BTW, this is Becker on the bass & Skunk on lead.

[@sonnyhenriksen9398]

And "the 35 sweet goodbyes" blow job reference..

[@HeatherErin]

This is the song that made me fall in love with Steely Dan! They've been my favorite band ever since 🧡🧡🧡

[@danl.909]

Walter plays bass. Skunk Baxter, an original SD band member, on lead guitar.

[@AndyVillegas-fk3kg]

Denny Dias was another guitarist in the original band.

[@bjornhanson6369]

"California tumbles into the sea..." You can practically see this happen when the bari sax hits the last note in the run!!! So very cool. Thanks for your reaction.

[@bmac1205]

Jeff 'Skunk' Baxter, on guitar at that time and Walter on Bass I believe back then. Skunk Baxter went to the Doobie Brothers. Steely Dan changed after this and was no longer a band, but rather a nucleus of Fagen and Becker. [edit] as stated correctly by @Daniel Thompson, the change happened after Pretzel Logic, but the rift started on Pretzel Logic.

[@DavidGarcia-kw4sf]

I saw Skunk Baxter with the Doobies at an outdoor show in Alpine Valley. A great show.

[@danielthompson6880]

The next album Pretzel Logic was still the same people as this album. The album after that Katy Lied was their first album where they used studio musicians.

[@rrdream2400]

@@danielthompson6880 You are incorrect. Jim Hodder was replaced by studio drummers Jim Gordon and Jeff Porcaro on Pretzel Logic. And Dean Parks played some guitar, David Paich played some keys, Chuck Rainey and Wilton Felder replaced Becker on bass on some tracks. Pretzel Logic was indeed the start of the transition to session players.

[@rrdream2400]

Skunk Baxter actually sang lead vocals on My Old School instead of Donald Fagan when they played it live in the 1970's.

[@danielthompson6880]

@@rrdream2400 Yes it was the start. Not the complete change. Hodder was still around for some percussion although not drums. It was a partial start as you mentioned.

[@danl.909]

Yay! Back to the "Countdown to Ecstasy" album. More of it, pleeeze! This is only their second album, but most of us long-time SD nuts think it’s in the top 3 with "Aja" and The Royal Scam".

[@adamp2029]

I think it’s their best 😁

[@lalaricky1]

boy do i disagree. I'm of the school of they kept on getting better. INCLUDING Two Against Nature, album of the year, tho the stuff after that maybe no

[@danl.909]

@@lalaricky1 Okay, but I think you’re in the minority.

[@dlenajohnson9015]

My favorite album of theirs, by far. Started listening to it when it was released and it’s still amongst my fav albums of all time, by any band.

[@danl.909]

@@dlenajohnson9015 I told everyone I knew about it. One couple who believed me enough to buy the album are still fans nearly 50 years later-not of each other; of Steely Dan. 😁

[@daleperkins4901]

The most underrated song in the entire Dan catalogue --- Skunk Baxter absolutely KILLS the guitar fills and solos. When Donald and Walter opted to quit touring Skunk jumped to the Doobie Brothers --- check out his killer solo on "Take me in your arms".

[@paulshallbetter1080]

Jeff Baxter also plays congas, pedal steel guitar, Dobro and God only knows how many other instruments....brilliantly. Great producer, too....check out his work with Billy Very & The Beaters ("At This Momentt," pedal steel).

[@mikeloomis687]

"King of the World" off this album will not disappoint. I turn the volume up to Max when this comes on. A tale of a man on an old ham radio trying to reach another human being who might still be alive in Texas, or anywhere for that matter after the Apocalypse. Such a great song.

[@danielmccann8325]

You are right and some awesome guitar work at the end, I believe Denny Dias is doing the lead.

[@paulshallbetter1080]

Any man left on the Rio Grande is the King of the World, as far as I know.

[@Lechuque]

The harmonies and voices of the background singers are the best I ever heard.

[@leifjohnson617]

I may have commented on this before, but My Old School is one of my favorite songs OF ALL TIME ! Thanks for covering it for us Steely Dan fans!

[@Trev0r98]

Just mind-bogglingly great. Every damn measure of this song is just mind-boggling goodness.

[@jamesnold8393]

my babys... this is my fav rock song of all time. cannot play it loud enough. its just perfect. keep exploring.... been listening to it at full volume for 50 years....

[@joelliebler5690]

One of my favorite tunes and so much fun because of the truth of the story and fantastic music!

[@thecat600]

Love this tune. Horn arrangement really speaks to me....the bari-sax in particular. ❤️ Countdown got alot of spins at the farm in 1975.

[@clydeb7713]

Wow guys AWESOME REACTION! Can't getbbetter musically than Steely Dan! Love your facial expressions, priceless. Also great couple much ❤️ 😍 💖

[@NicknLex]

Aww thank you so much!! ❤️

[@rodneyconnah9394]

"Skunk" Baxter brought something extra to the Dan, love his solo on "Boston Rag" off this same album.

[@ledzeplover58]

His solo on Boston Rag is in my top 10.

[@montythomason256]

Love how you 2 love music, you guys have the magic of love between you . Music and love it doesn’t get much better than that.

[@NicknLex]

Thank you so much for your love and support!

[@izzonj]

I always thought of this song as a master class in syncopation.

[@michaelyork4554]

The Guitar runs in this song are soooo good. Cranked Up this is so fire. I have heard this countless times in my 60 years, and each time, it just get me going. Been playing guitar for 45 years, so this is platinum, and diamonds for me.

[@nataliemarcus2002]

I am an old f@rt and was there from the beginning. Steely Dan is my favorite music. It thrills me that young people are appreciating their music. As far as I can tell, you haven't reacted to my two favorite Steely Dan songs Deacon Blues and Dr. Wu. You will also love Black Cow. There is also a Walter Becker song Book of Liars live that you'll love. Check them out please!!!

[@dannialmclain]

I love when Alexia sings ..."I'm so excited" "let's get started!" You guys are great!

[@NicknLex]

She does that around the house too. It's so cute. The way she is in these videos is her just being Lex.

[@jammininthejammies4982]

William and Mary is my old school! I’ve always loved this song.

[@paulshallbetter1080]

Damnn! Fantastic to know the story behind this song. And the Skunk's solo is brilliant. Gracias por informarnos.

[@jorgejimenez-velez648]

Like you i became a fan of theirs in the early 70's. I bought a set of headphones at the time and used them to teach me wife about their instrumentation. We started with Reelin In The Years. Lots of fun for her and i. Still a fan today.

[@CrowTRobot-ni7zu]

Yessssssssss!!!!!!! Been waiting for you guys to touch this one!

[@tommathews3964]

SKUNK!! You guys are really getting a good idea of why most of us oldsters listen, and fairly evaluate, contemporary music but routinely return back to the music of this magical period of 60s/70s!

[@DorothyFarias]

One of my favorites. And it is so hard to pick a favorite from Steely Dan.

[@shiftingperception]

You're always happy, but it seems you're happiest when you're both reacting to Steely Dan!! Heart ❤️

[@chrisbarlow2131]

One of the best pinched note guitar solos of all time. Gotta love The Dan!

[@tmznt]

The song after this is good too. Nice soothing, mellow song. Pearl of the Quarter.

[@williamlucas4656]

Denny Dias on rhythm guitar and “Dr” Skunk Baxter on lead, later with the Doobies. FYI Baxter grew up in Mexico City.

[@tomedmonson501]

I loved your reaction to My Old School (one of the few Steely Dan songs you can dance to). There’s so many great things about this song, but three things that I always listen for are: 1) the horns “tumbling into the sea” at 6:25 and 2) the 3 mini solos, followed by the longer one at the end, and 3) halfway into the ending solo around 8:00 , the drummer really digs into it, and it feels even more energetic. Love it. Love it, love it.

[@static6OOO]

Countdown to Ecstasy is my favorite Steely Dan album. I got to see them live a couple of days ago and everyone was up and clapping along to this song. Thank you for checking this one out

[@jackpearson1110]

OK...maybe I've heard this 500 times, but it's still a wonderfully composed song.

[@artbyvince]

I always love how you guys cover the Dan. So enjoyable and makes one feel like we're sitting there enjoying with you guys. Always great fun.

[@peterfields4801]

My favourite Dan song,saw them Live a few years ago paired with The Doobies,what a magic night that was!😎😎

[@figgybass]

Just saw them 2 days ago at Bethel Woods, the old Woodstock site. Some of my best friends from years ago showed up unexpectedly. What a great night! Thanks guys!

[@sonnymaupin9267]

My all time favorite by them. Baxter rocks this

[@PJprog]

I've got Dan goosebumps !!! Freakin' amazing. 😍 Brilliant stuff NicknLex.

[@cyrilmauras4247]

The music video for this is fantastic!

[@debrabrabenec3731]

The horns really kick this track up 10 notches, as well as Skunk's stellar soloing! It's such a feel good number, even though the events described were not. Leave it to the Dan to mix it up like that, right? I'm excited for you to discover more great songs from my favorite band!! 😉😉 🎵❤️🎵

[@argelbargel7680]

Back in the 10th century, Baxter's guitar solo was my guitar teacher's favorite.

[@juliettespain7994]

Love " the Dan" frm Gold Beach Oregon, Blessings ⭐️ and happy 4th🥁🇺🇸🎈 #Joy #SteelyDan🍸🧨

[@TheBham54]

The horns...MY God! The HORNs!! When they come in later in the song, they just (to me anyway) steal the show, (not taking anything away from the fantastic lead guitar from Skunk Baxter).One of my top 5 SD songs for sure.

[@Fuphyter]

King Of The World is one of my favorite songs. In all honesty, I love all Steely Dan. It's very difficult to pick a fav because they never get boring. Ever changing and freakin awesome.

[@jimwilson5148]

Used to play this in a band I was in for a number of years (I was the sax player in the horn section). It was always a blast! Especially the horn riff that comes after California tumbles into the sea. Skunk Baxter's guitar solos on this are, imho, some of the best solos ever

[@ftlpope]

We loved Steely Dan back then from the first because of Jeff Baxter and his playing on this.

[@danl.909]

@ftipope Oh, yes indeed. I wish that fade had lasted another 90 seconds just so we could listen to Skunk wail in between those horns.

[@ohiowa3]

Guitar solo master class!

[@hog7203]

He just came out with a new solo album.

[@RalphSpoiledsport]

"Guadalajara won't do." You heard it first listen. Such a rhythmic phrase.

[@NicknLex]

It was easy to catch having lived there! ❤️ 🇲🇽

[@bmac1205]

Dantastic! Major Dude and Major Dudette are back! Yay!!!!!!

[@johnshields6852]

1975 I was 15 and bought the royal scam album, laying in front of our big stereo cabinet listening over and over, my little secret because my buddies and I we're hard rock guys, Zep, stones, the who, nobody I knew listened to them, but I always loved them, great musical minds.

[@paulshallbetter1080]

Love to hear people new to Steely Dan react. They were not a band, they were in and of themselves, an aesthetic. Enjoyed this video, my friends. Subbed.

[@classiclife7204]

What I love about this band is their hits are actually just as good as the album cuts.

[@genecase9464]

The one thing I love about Yes and Steely Dan in particular is they ALWAYS put a smile on my face. I'm going to suggest "My Rival" from Gaucho again. It won't get too many other requests because it wasn't a hit single or got a lot of play (if any) on FM radio, but it's one of those sweet hidden gems.

[@pitsto]

Me too

[@lukekiefer5964]

Absolutely!

[@joelliebler5690]

Add early years of Chicago and then you can put me on the same fan Van.

[@gerardodoherty9178]

Totally with you on that. Earth, wind & Fire too. Yes are the prog equivalent of E,W&F for me. Just harder to dance to. Third world man is also a great tune from gauchos

[@gasaholic47]

"Annendale," is a reference to Bard College, in Annendale-on-Hudson in NY, where Donald and Walter first met.

[@mentalward3340]

Dude, if you haven't already, you better put a ring 💍 on it! ❤️

[@markalexander6655]

Fear not, you guys. In 10 years your memory will improve dramatically. Great reaction, as always with the Dan! 😚

[@mandandanmandamayor3511]

I heard this song on the radio when I was a senior in HS and it turned me into a fan for life. I had never heard any thing like this on the radio.

[@erikberg5363]

I’ve always loved the guitar work in this one. Still so many more great songs for you 2 to discover from the first 3 albums! I’ve never seen anyone cover so many songs by the same artist but I love it! Steely Dan is one of my favourite bands and almost every song is amazing so I have no complaints at all. Thanks 🤘🤘

[@charlesbeall8072]

Love you guys

[@cityhonors1]

🤭 As a "Showbiz Kid", I subtly have been pushing for a Reaction to the song! 🤔 And of course.... 🤗 We need more 🐄🔔 Always! 😁🐰

[@Trev0r98]

The most righteous saxophones in all of music history, right here.

[@joepimentel306]

Awesome!

[@wardkrause9022]

If you're from the Los Angeles area you might remember the old FM radio station KMET. When new albums came out that they thought were quite good, they would play them from beginning to end and sometimes play them over several times. When the album Who's Next came out, I think they played it for 24 hours as it was such an incredible album. I remember listening to this album and especially liking the song My Old School right away. It is still remains my favorite Steely Dan song. I was lucky enough to see Steely Dan in 1973 in Balboa Stadium in San Diego. They were playing with Elton John that day and it was a memory I will never forget as we were sitting about 30 yards from th stage. Both of them were early in their careers, and they played every song they'd ever recorded. Good, good memories. It's nice to see that younger folks (probably less than half my age) are discovering that there's quite a bit of good music from the last 75 years. There was a lot of shlock music in those days too, but enough of the good music is still played and is quite popular on Spotify. At least half of the music that people listen to on Spotify is from the era when I was a young man. I'm 70 years old now. I do enjoy a lot of the music today, but you just don't hear guitar work in today's music anymore and it often doesn't come from real instruments. Happy 4th of July to Nick and Lex and to everyone out there!

[@charlesburris6314]

First time I saw them was on American Bandstand in 1973, performing this song. Have a great day!

[@elainemarsh5170]

One of my favorites from SD. ❤️

[@kendudley3553]

Nick & Lex - so glad You enjoyed My Old School. Remember back when ya asked "i wonder if there is a bad Steely Dan song" - and we told you NO! It's so much fun being on this journey with you. Ken

[@Frankincensedjb123]

The horns, the backing vocals, the outro guitar. One of my favorite songs by the Dan off of my favorote album. A+++

[@JosephWett-vw7zp]

I like the way the background vocals sing cruel and mean over each other.

[@reneelyons6836]

Chicago vibes for sure

[@raiderfan346]

I just really want to thank both of you for all your hard work to put out so much content for us on this long weekend. You're both the best!

[@richardunderwood3138]

Mr Jeffrey Baxter. Awesome musician. Top priority clearance to the Pentagon.

[@kentinatl]

DAN IS THE MAN...THIS ALBUM WAS PLAYED AT PARTIES BACK IN THE 70'S WHEN I WENT TO THEM AND PEOPLE ADORED THEM...KEEP EM COMIN' MY ROCKY MTN FRIENDS...ALL MY BEST,KENT.

[@louiscardinalee4601]

Tremendous guitar work

[@g.e.5723]

Rippin' solo on My Old School. Love it!

[@greybeard2280]

It's always a delight watching you two react to some Steely Dan! The immersion is real, and the joy is infectious...lol. Have a wonderful 4th of July weekend.

[@malectric]

Should have been "do you want to coffee more?". Watching you enjoy the music is a relaxing place to be when I need a break from work.

[@triscat]

Well, I needed this slice of happiness today! Thanks, you two!

[@michaelkruger8419]

excellent choice

[@raiderfan346]

I had to come back for another listen to this great song. This is such a master class on guitar. Watching you two discover this classic was such a joy.

[@NicknLex]

How sweet Raider thank you for your love!! 💕

[@daver0104]

One of their best.

[@richarddobson815]

'Oh No, Guadalajara won't do'? Oh Yes it will, won't it Lex? I simply adore this song, I always have since 1973; and I think it cemented Jeff 'Skunk' Baxter's status as one of the pre-eminent rock guitarists of the 70's. 49 years later, and it is still a perfect song. Just to repeat, I like this song, in case you didn't get it! Thanks guys, this shows there are still loads of classic 'Dan' tracks for you to discover. Super reaction, as always!

[@davidheiser2225]

I love them all, but this has always been my favorite SD album. Explaining every element of the lyrics would take several pages though! Any time you come back to this album you will be thrilled (turns out you really CAN buy a thrill). Also, on this, their second album, the original band was still intact - Fagen (keyboards), Becker (bass), Diaz (guitar), Baxter (guitar), and Hodder (drums). Singer David Palmer was (mostly) gone. A few studio musicians rounded out the lineup. No Chuck Rainey. About listening to songs "organically" - the first time I heard Do It Again it was coming out of an old radio. I didn't know who or what it was, but I loved it. However, by the time Countdown was released I was a big SD fan. My first listen to it was when I bought the album and put it on my turntable. I read the liner notes first. So it can happen both ways. Finally, I love Jim Newstead! As someone who still owns and regularly uses a turntable, I love listening to records with Jim. He had a recent video where the album actually started skipping near the end. A very authentic experience!

[@stevenesfield]

Hope you do SHOWBIZZ Kids guys Great guitar riff through it I know you’ll love. Plus the immortal TShirt line. 😍

[@jorgejimenez-velez648]

Guadalajara was known for quickie marriages and divorces in the 60's and 70's. Not sure about today. Love your musical choices.

[@michelemichele3375]

“It was still September and your Daddy was quite surprised … To find you with the ‘working girls’ at the County Jail.” 🫣 Art based on life. 🤭. Great reaction. Always excited for your continued journey through the Steely Dan universe. 👩‍🚀🚀👨‍🚀

[@johnpetrone6602]

Utter Brilliance, Steely Dan, of course...

[@jahdonkey]

3 or 4 piece saxophone section one of whom was Ernie Watts, the man who played "Alone at a drive-in movie" from 'Grease'.

[@badGamr]

The song's lyrics tell the story of a May 1969 drug bust at Bard College, named "Annandale" in the lyrics after its location. The incident happened while both Donald Fagen and Walter Becker were students there, and the song mentions how a female acquaintance had betrayed them to "Daddy Gee" (G. Gordon Liddy, then the local prosecutor.) According to a 2014 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette article, 44 people were arrested, including Becker, whose long hair was cut off at the Poughkeepsie jail

[@MonsterSound.Bradley]

"... needs more cowbell!" 🤘🤣👍🍁 Cheers guys. Jeff Baxter guitar. He also played on "Reelin' In the Years" '72 but Elliott Randall played the famous solos on that track (notice the similar sound though).

[@jamesnold8393]

Yes...Skunk Baxter on guitar. So solid...So fluid...

[@sanddab]

Love this song along with ‘DO IT AGAIN’.

[@teladan5]

My favorite by the Dan. Great guitar by Skunk and great horns - especially the “earthquake”.

[@benmolnar]

Love Steely Dan!!

[@gregcormier2379]

As hard as it is to pick a fav of Steely Dan, this is definitely right up there !

[@danielthompson6880]

Wonderful reaction to a great song. Glad you loved the concert. I saw them once in Seattle in 1973. The next song on the disc is a great song as well "Pearl of the Quarter".

[@markcosenza3274]

I was a 15 year old high school freshman when this album was released. It was and is an epic album. An awakening into great music for sure.

[@skipwilliam5639]

Every song Steely dan does is just so damn smooth

[@BrianR.]

Just upgraded my Patreon, watched the Genesis and Yes concerts, both were great. Last time I saw Steely Dan in 2014 it was in Toronto and they played this song. Saw them three times in all.