Steely Dan - Peg | REACTION

[@shellythomas8422]

I am sixty years old and I just Dislocated my groove thang.. And I couldn't be happier.

[@marcusjaybrode2129]

I’m a jazz lover, 76 years old, and I bought this album when it first came out because of a review or recommendation. Within 10 seconds, I was blown away. And then I read the personnel… so many jazz musicians! I was hooked. 😎

[@ilionreactor1079]

"Aja" is the album used to prove how good your sound system is.

[@fayesouthall6604]

Exactly

[@chad9017]

I get it. Good idea!

[@primeminister66]

Indeed, Black Cow… Deacon Blues

[@pamstuckey8349]

I did not know this at the time but Aja was he first album I played on my brand new Technics turntable purchased from with my first serious paycheck in 1978. And that moment is still so vivid in my memory today. Like magic

[@katamedo5703]

The Royal Scam!

[@edwardcossa875]

Peg is nickname for Margaret

[@richardcranium0]

7:05 ~ (basically): "Fugg it, shit's so good I wanna hear it from the top..." A-men, my friend! ;)

[@danlipscomb1588]

The background vocal is the great Michael McDonald's voice overdubbed to produce 5 part harmony. He said at the time that it was the most challenging session he had ever done. You guys MUST check out the making of Peg on youtube.

[@ericsmith123]

The multiple attempts by different guitarists to do the solo are fascinating.

[@creynolds0216]

Seriously; so bad ass.

[@abrarahmed1888]

@and the in joke was that it was probably all Walter Becker’s versions

[@danmayberry1185]

Glad you lads have finally been Pegged.

[@ozo_man9508]

😂

[@Cheshirecat-nx9zn]

You guys should do every song on this album. You won't be disappointed.

[@glynnborders762]

Imagine what we thought in 1977.

[@dogtownczar]

❤‍🔥❤‍🔥❤‍🔥❤‍🔥❤‍🔥 and yes that was Micheal McDonald singing back ground vocals

[@BuccWylde]

Kid Charlemagne and Hey Nineteen would be right up your alley.

[@justingutube]

Black Cow, Don't take me alive...so many!

[@phoebeandtilly]

Also “Deacon Blue”

[@phoebeandtilly]

This is always Steely Dan

[@cheezer57]

"Josie" brings the funk, like no other!..Don't forget "Home at last" and "My old school"

[@juliapope-xi5ll]

Yes!!! All of these, especially Kid Charlemagne!!! Please!!!

[@Critical_Thinker858]

New rule. No more Steely Dan without Tyler in the box. 😂😂😂

[@jjo154]

As short as it is, Jay Graydon's guitar solo is epic.

[@ronrobbins2737]

watch, they might think "Jay Graydon" is some kind of app or AI. Jay was a great producer too!

[@samuraiwarriorsunite]

And the legendary Chuck Rainey holding down that bass groove, damn

[@goldenageofdinosaurs7192]

One of the great leads in rock history.

[@BMELLO_network]

​@@samuraiwarriorsuniteMarotta brings it with him

[@marcbenjamin9436]

One of the best albums ever. But in the mid 70s to early 80s great albums were coming out every week. It was impossible to keep up. Amazing musical period.

[@nekite1]

I'm 70 and still playing Steely Dan after 50 years of listening to them. It never gets old.

[@lindaharrell3916]

@@nekite1 Same here. Baby sitting my grandkids, cleaning house with AJA album playing on the stereo. Several visits after that time they ask me “Granma, play Big Black Cow!” I get so tickled. Happily listen to them sing “take your big black cow and get outta here!”

[@nekite1]

@@lindaharrell3916 Aja is an album I never get tired of hearing. The fact that your grandkids demand to hear Steely Dan is proof of how good the band is.

[@lindaharrell3916]

@@nekite1 They also like Boz Scagg’s “Lowdown” album, and Rickie Lee Jones’ “Chuck E’s In Love”

[@cindiherriott3259]

Is this not one of the BEST songs ever?!? Us “old” kids know every single word. We had the best music… nothing compares to it today. What screamin great memories!

[@KneeJerkReactions13]

No. Jesus you Dan fans are delusional

[@vegasbaby3669]

100% facts

[@robertfindley921]

Agreed. So catchy, so savvy, great. Always a toe tapper. I can't think of anything in the past 10 years as good.

[@Coowallsky]

@@KneeJerkReactions13Seethe. Cope.

[@lukekiefer5964]

@@KneeJerkReactions13Plenty of fantastic music today. Just have to dig for it and it’s there. Also it’s hard to deny that, whether you like the song or not, Steely Dan never had a song that wasn’t well written, and perfectly executed.

[@adamjam9541]

Takes you back to a time when a date meant going to a movie and Mc Donald’s afterwards. Still have the cassette and album

[@mattreynolds612]

One of the FUNKIEST Bass lines in the history of music. Performed by Chuck Rainey. Who is one of the most professionally recorded bass players ITHOM 🤔 with appearances on over a thousand albums. 🌈✨The more you know

[@zoeslovely7096]

Shoutout to Jay Graydon for the guitar Solo!!!! 🎉 I thought it was skunk Baxter for years! 😂

[@anitasmith4559]

"I was expecting good, but I wasn't expecting greatness." This happens when planets align as they did in "Peg."

[@Noelle0026]

Steely Dan with Michael McDonald singing back up doesn’t get any better!!

[@LanceStoddard]

Welcome to the world of 1977. Star Wars, Fleetwood-Mac, Steely Dan, Carly Simon Etc...etc...etc...every week a new classic hit the street.

[@zoeslovely7096]

YES! And Dire Straits! All came out during peak disco. Sultans of swing shit to number 1, as did Rumours, etc...

[@dawnpatrol700]

If you haven't already, check out their song " FM". Its the theme on the soundtrack of the movie FM. I'm so old, I saw the movie in 1978 lol

[@johnkeenan1829]

Summer of 78, cruising around in my 74 Dodge Dart I bought for $100 off my cousin and put $100 worth of parts in it, with a Realistic tape deck I'd bought at Radio Shack and installed with some nice speakers and this album played ENDLESSLY in that car.

[@ajschroetlin2196]

I had a 74 Dart in high school in 1990. My generation got lucky with the affordable older cars.

[@soakedbearrd]

Back when money was worth something

[@SpareRoomFilm]

Preach!!!!👏👏👏

[@muziklvr7776]

Had a '73 Dart Swinger with a slant 6 engine that wouldn't quit.

[@NorthBayRepublic]

@@muziklvr7776 LOL had a '73 Pinger w/ a 318, miss it to this day

[@jacquescouteau6982]

For anyone who grew up in the '70s, Michael McDonald's voice is INSTANTLY recognizable on the multi-part harmonies; much like Mick Jagger on "You're So Vain".

[@shellythomas8422]

In eighty one and eighty two I would literally tell everybody to get out the dance force so I could perform.. Cause this song just brought it out

[@maryrobbins4087]

Black cow is my favorite steely Dan song!!!!❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@rayeckert242]

If the yacht on which I’m rocking gets shipwrecked on a desert island, I’ll have “Aja” with me. And “Black Cow” is my favorite, too.

[@fayesouthall6604]

@@rayeckert242 Aja is my favourite Dan album. The track Aja is my favourite song on the album. Steve Gadds drumming❤️

[@Jude_196]

SOOOOOO GOOD!! One of my favs!!

[@ronrobbins2737]

Mary, you share not only my last name but great musical taste LOL. I still remember hearing Black Cow, buying AJA, and rushing to the piano to nail those cool chords.

[@RaubSM]

Drink your big black cow and get outta here… One of the greatest songs EVER!

[@josephboys9965]

Since you loved this one may I suggest "Hey Nineteen"

[@williamweiss6128]

Steely Dan the masters of song crafting. For all us to enjoy.

[@DM-hk4cw]

Michael McDonald nailing "Peg" is unreal. His vocal sounds like a synthesizer.

[@donholl]

He multi-track harmonized with himself. The documentary on the making of Aja - Peg, in particular - is great.

[@davep1103]

You CAN NOT tell Me that Michael DO NOT BRING THAT SONG ALIVE ! ( I mean… OBVIOUSLY the instrumentation was on POINT ! ) But Mike…. DID HIS THANG ! 😎

[@jml-rj5re]

@@donholl The harmonies are SO TIGHT.

[@chad9017]

Make room for the Truth!

[@gerib4234]

Much airplay back in the day and it's a fine song but give "Kid Charlemagne" a try next. Honestly there are no bad or even mediocre songs from Steely Dan❤

[@jjo154]

The Royal Scam is one of their most consistently great albums.

[@connieb4372]

Kid Charlemagne is one of my favorites along with Babylon Sisters (Shake it) and Janie Runaway which, I don't think anyone has reacted to yet. So many greats with this band.

[@lucabraga3471]

Yeah, you're right. How to choose the best song from theirs? The caves of Altamira, King of the world, Deacon bleus, and the astonishing Doctor Wu, just to mention a few?

[@KneeJerkReactions13]

They are lame af

[@shawnk7832]

😅 I got Don't Take Me Alive as my fave! (This is Steely Dan, hear me roar!!!🤣) Peg and Josie are even to me... Decon Blues and Bodhisatva are other huge Faves... Kid Charlemagne... Absolutely 🔥

[@timmiller5913]

Chuck Rainey and Rick Marotta are perfect here

[@GoldenLady1007]

We had no clue back then how very blessed we were to have the musical geniuses we had in every genre We couldn't have imagined that it would come to an end. I am SO happy to see new audiences appreciating these classics. ✨️😊💛

[@zoeslovely7096]

Well said! I think about this often ❤

[@bruceprouse5562]

Absolutely !

[@lindaharrell3916]

@@GoldenLady1007 We never thought about it like that at the time. We all just took it for granted. The professionalism, musicianship, the lyricism just seem to flow so naturally. I scoff at today’s music and my older, teenage grandchildren get a little mad at me. But I’m right.

[@GoldenLady1007]

@@lindaharrell3916 You are definitely correct, as evidenced by the comments of the song reactors. May your life and the lives of anyone else reading this ALWAYS be blessed with good health, happiness, love, peace and prosperity. ✨😊💛

[@lindaharrell3916]

@@GoldenLady1007 Thank you. I am blessed for sure!

[@discodawn]

Now you know why everyone has reacted to this song 🔥 if you haven’t done ‘Hey Nineteen’ yet, that’s also an absolute banger 🤌🏼🤌🏼

[@submandave1125]

Or "Babylon Sisters" (or "IGY" or "New Frontier" from The Nightfly)

[@judesmom7269]

Michael MacDonald from The Doobie Brothers is singing back up

[@DanielOrion74]

Steely Dan: your favorite band’s, favorite band.

[@mowerdan8133]

The production values of music from the '70s were absolutely superb.

[@Jude_196]

AMEN!!!

[@fantasyguru26]

Its the best decade of music

[@cherylwoodward]

The 70s genres of music were all fantastic. From Prog to Rock to singer songwriters to Disco. And all hold up today.

[@TheCornishCockney]

The decade by which all others must be judged,only the sexy 60’s comes close.

[@delilahfleharty8393]

​@@fantasyguru26AGREED!!!

[@lonobird4711]

THA BASS BABY!!!

[@pamstuckey8349]

In my mind they are a combination of Jazz, Rock, Soul and Funk

[@xchiro1818]

One of the best bass grooves ever.

[@yuvonnemoore5466]

Hate to break it to you guys but this whole album is flaming beginning to end, you need to hear it all! Josie, Black Cow, Peg, Deacon Blues, Aja, and I know there’s a few more but off the top of my head these are songs that start playing in my head when I think of Aja. When I met my husband in 1978, this was one of two albums we both owned, lol. He was more R&B and I was rock, somehow we worked out.

[@donkunes8630]

the drummer ,Steve Gadd on the title song Aja was a neighbor for a time in Rochester NY . where an annual international jazz festival is held. The Sax was performed by Wayne Shorter one of the best in jazz .. The background vocals were all performed by Michael McDonald .. he said the layered harmonies he sang were very close in pitch which made it difficult .. Michael had performed with the Doobie Brothers and solo

[@gospelpopsoulman]

The great Michael McDonald on background vocals

[@tomogrady821]

65 years old... and back in the '70s we literally took these geniuses for granted. I believe their popularity was held back because they didn't tour... they were the mysthical "studio band". I thought duplicating this musical production wizardry would be impossible live... I was wrong... saw Steely Dan at the Garden State Arts Center in the late 1990's... and yep... they captured this same quality live... WOW. JUSt WOW! THEY ARE THE TRUTH. Shower music CHAMPIONS!

[@antoinettechevalier2453]

Same!!! I’m a few years younger than you, and sorta came of age w Steely Dan in the early 80s (college boyfriend introduced me to their music). I too thought surely, they can’t do that sound live. But was lucky enough to catch them here in New Orleans at the Jazz & Heritage Festival - maybe 3 or 4 years ago ??? Anyway, they played the entire Aja album and I was blown away: sounded exactly like the record. They’re incredible!

[@acooksla]

Saw them three times

[@richardconnolly4835]

God, I'm so lucky to have lived my teens and twenties during the 70s and 80's. Two decades of great music whatever the genre.

[@GoldenLady1007]

Without question. ✨️🔥💛

[@lindaharrell3916]

Richard connolly4835. Me too. After HS graduation (1966) I managed to get a really good paying job. We only got paid once a month. Every payday for many years I treated myself to the local bakery’s fabulous champagne cake and two albums from the White’s music store. It’s funny, now I listen to these reaction videos and have a big smile as these younger ones discover what was a major force in my youth and young adulthood. So many times I look at my screen and say “I have that album!” (Most Still in mint condition).

[@jainthorne4136]

When you first hear a song by Steely Dan, it's like everything clicks perfectly into place. You can't imagine it being any other way. Aja is one of my all time favorite albums. Not a bad track on the whole damn album.

[@pamstuckey8349]

And I bet few groups do covers of their songs because they just can't be improved upon - even by the best of artists

[@rickstanley9710]

This song is so perfectly made, so perfectly mixed, studio engineers use it to make sure their equipment is set up correctly.

[@DetroitTea23]

I played this album endlessly.

[@222wylie]

You can’t go wrong with Steely Dan! Timeless music!

[@KevinLong-jr1zv]

Say It Again!

[@joannaburchell7131]

I have just come across your video of Peg. I love your reaction ❤. It is probably my favourite track i play it nearly every day. Please play more.

[@Rocdag]

My high school friend and I would play this album over and over and over back to back

[@shawnfynn7889]

Artistically the best pop song released in 1978

[@bluesrock1]

To use what has become a cliche, SD was a Fusion Group. Jazz, Blues, Rock, Soul, they played everything... sometimes all in the same song.

[@mattyesfan2]

I'm sitting in a hotel room in downtown Louisville enjoying the hell out of watching you all react to this song 😂 It really is perfect in every way man. The bass and drum groove is just so amazing. The whole "Aja" album just never gets old.

[@donbeckman884]

The next Steely Dan song you should listed to is "Deacon Blues"

[@toddgruden529]

Yep, Deacon Blues is my favorite one.

[@RichjojoCehura]

I bought this album in 1977..or 76.. badass 😊

[@margueritewood7036]

Peg is definitely an R & B tune. I loved your reaction to it. The Steely Dan catalog is a long and rich journey. Enjoy the ride.

[@glamourisbest]

It really is. You can definitely hear soul and blues influences in their music in general.

[@chriscosgrove8185]

Always loved how every song of theirs are completely different

[@justinmontoya3550]

"I can't even dance, but if this is playing, I'm goin' out there and makin' a fool of myself" Lmaooo

[@robinstarkey6071]

You know it's a banger when you have to restart from the beginning halfway through 😂❤

[@carolynejubber]

I was born in 1960 and wasn't I just so fortunate to grow up when I did with the some of the best music ever!! Steely Dan was and is one of my all-time favourites.

[@ellegreen768]

I'm soooooooooo glad I grew up on music by steely Dan...

[@johnnyfox8934]

This made my day. This song came out when I was seven and it’s been my favorite song ever since. Watching your reaction is the closest I’ll ever get to hearing it again for the first time.

[@dreamweaver8913]

Did you guys do "Deacon Blues" yet? From the same album, fire! Also, did you catch Michael McDonald doing the back up vocals, "Peg"...!

[@badbackbatch]

As a teen when this came out I lived for album liner notes - I would read every detail of every album learning all the players. Imagine, in their prime, Kobe, Michael, Shaq, Bird and Lebron on the same team - that's who played on all the Steely Dan records - the best A list studio musicians on the planet including Michael Omartian, Larry Carlton, Chuck Rainey, Dean Parks etc etc etc

[@shellythomas8422]

Top five favorites of all time And I mean the whole damn album

[@mikeat2637]

I don't know if you already know about it, but I came across a concert from 2012 called The Dukes of September. It is headlined by Donald Fagen of Steely Dan, Michael McDonald and Boz Scaggs. I listened to it for the first time the other day and it is a masterpiece. You definitely should check it out.

[@RobertHall-gc5ur]

Just a bit of info... the background vocals are mostly the dulcet tones of one Michael McDonald.

[@russtex]

Awesome song!

[@KenTadeo]

Your reactions are truth. Awesome groove.

[@josephgayle5841]

Aja ... The best album when I was in high school in Milwaukee!❤

[@zoeslovely7096]

Ryan nailed it, rappers took from nearly every Steely song

[@epdiablo25]

Honestly believe Peg is one of the most under rated songs ever. It’s so good.

[@maximilianodelrio]

Underrated? You gotta be kidding

[@epdiablo25]

Nope

[@davep1103]

IT ABSOLUTELY IS !

[@academicdeaneducation6671]

It's actually one of their most acclaimed songs. It has been called a perfect song and a documentary has been made about it. Not underrated at all.

[@epdiablo25]

It’s an opinion people.

[@johnfrank3177]

You guys said it right: This is TOO good!

[@robertljazz2796]

You need to listen to "Time Out of Mind it's an excellent song by Steely Dan!

[@marcusjaybrode2129]

So many of the musicians on this entire album are jazz musicians.

[@stephenpemberton85]

Entire song's amazing but that fn bass is kicking my ass!

[@zubee1]

Sophisticated sound. A top favorite of mine and the memories! I was 16. Thanks and I just subscribed.

[@vinniemoran7362]

Amazing reaction! Drummer Rick Marotta on working with bassist Chuck Rainey on Peg: "Once Chuck and I started playing, you could have hung your coat up on the groove."

[@Anniearchy]

Ryan's sweating and Nick's making the zone-face....oooooh it's a smooth classic.

[@terrygelinas4593]

So many things going on in this song. A major brilliant vibe! I heard this song when I went to high school - when it was initially released

[@portiamatthews9654]

We we're lit back in the day. Music during those eras (60, 70, 80 & 90's) was awesome. Thanks for your reactions. New subscriber 👍

[@glennawhiteman742]

Between 1975 and 1978 ( aside from the disco era) the soft rock scene was all fire! With Al Stewart, Pablo Cruise, Little River band, Atlanta Rythm section and this group. Great music to grow up to😊 Oh I almost forgot Bob Seger's Main Street! From 1977!❤

[@TheMikeman1971]

Chill-lax with Steely Dan !

[@stefanycrawford2884]

Oh my... I love you guys. You make me smile, no matter how bad my day has been...😆

[@MrKenFernandes]

Bout time!. You are now BORN AGAIN :)

[@robovike]

"THAT'S WHAT THE MONEY IS FOR!!!" (don talking to peg in the recent popular show mad men)

[@MichaelTrogdon1990]

I think you guys have the best reaction to this song. I’m glad you liked it.

[@J24J]

Just found you. Awesome reaction. Going to check out your other videos...

[@marygoodson4920]

I'm about to turn 65. I went to the East Coast for college, in Fall of 1977, and when I came back home to L.A. for the Summer my Mother had a surprise for me by putting a tape sound system in my Dad's 1967/68 Buick Electra 225 that I had inherited when he passed away. She spared no expense and put in a Blaupunkt system. The only problem was it was 8-track, not cassette! She was a great Mom. The first tape I bought to listen to was "Aja." It sounded amazing. I wore that tape out driving around town! I think I only bought one other tape. ❤❤❤❤❤

[@danlrusso]

...how could I forget Dirty Work, is beyond me. Great tune.

[@ChrisMehl-h2z]

You will LOVE Hey 19!! By Steely Dan, too

[@timwanwick6503]

An absolute MASTERPIECE. of Music. Not only is PEG a GEM. of Jazz - Rock Funk, it's Punchy & Boppin' enough that it became a Top 40 Pop Hit single. 😎

[@cletusbeauregard1972]

The guitarist who did the solo (Jay Graydon) did a lot of producing and songwriting for other bands. He wrote "After The Love Is Gone," which was a massive hit for Earth Wind & Fire.

[@Coowallsky]

He co-wrote that with Bill Champlin and David Foster.

[@michaelyount3176]

I love it when you guys love it. The Dan. Incomparable. The composition, the performance, the production, the arrangements - Aja is among the best albums ever.

[@Jude_196]

FACTS!

[@alflazz2443]

Totalmente de acuerdo Michael.

[@michaelyount3176]

Gracias! @@alflazz2443

[@yuvonnemoore5466]

When my husband and I met in 1978, this is one of 2 albums we had in common. He was into R&B, and I was into rock. Somehow, we made it and are still together, lol. The whole Aja album is awesome, or flamin' as you guys would say. The background vocals are by the incredible Michael McDonald.

[@Waimanu5]

That is just gold right there

[@shellythomas8422]

You gotta give props to the bari sax in the background

[@salsalzman2325]

Their secret was to hire multiple sets of musicians and have them work the song to death, and then choose individual takes from each. They might have had a half dozen guitarists do session work on each song and then decide which to use .

[@acooksla]

They were the soundtrack to my twenties and thirties