Steely Dan - Pretzel Logic (REACTION)

[@jml-rj5re]

The song is about time travel. Futuristic blues is a great description.

[@deaniegarcia5694]

This record was made in 1974…when is when I first heard it. Was smitten immediately, not only by the song, but the band…beginning my life long fandom with Steely Dan…thanks gents, you are on a roll this week!

[@Greg-io1ip]

You're a tad older than me. I like where I came in as a white kid Motown fan because I played sports right when Florida finally desegregated. But I also know 5 years prior bands like Steely Dan, Trapeze and so many legit bands also formed KISS repellent LoL! Motown gave me my KISS repellent, but I was an unusual handful of white kids who didn't fall into that boy band of Pedo Gene Simmons nonsense. Steely Dan such accomplished musicians were antithetical to boy band KISS, I can understand that now. I merged from Motown to The Kinks to ZZ Top to Black Sabbath and Rush then Pink Floyd. With Boston debut album probably flipping the switch. But many of my generation fell into Gene Simmons' smarmy pedo hole and insisted KISS was "way better than Rush!" until one by one I cut them out of my life. Because such denials meant all other facts that shouldn't have disputes were in play. I guarantee KISS fans high concentration in TrumpTardia Land.

[@MichaelTrogdon1990]

Walter Becker on lead guitar. His first guitar solo on a Steely Dan album.

[@metaphoria3]

Donald was always telling him to play more

[@soulberries_1]

The genius that is Steely Dan. Pretzel Logic begins as a straight up blues. Then out of nowhere come some very unblueslike changes, and before you can wrap your head around what you just heard, they bring it full circle back to the blues. Most of the time when bands try that, you’re thinking “what the hell was that?”. But THIS BAND makes it all sound so seamless and natural.

[@79BlackRose]

In fact, guys, that was Wilton Felder on bass guitar. Walter Becker plays lead guitar and Gary Katz was the producer of all the Steely Dan albums in their heyday. It's a witty ditty about time travel by the way.

[@seabrook1976]

A Steely Dan song is like a nice cup of coffee good to the last drop.

[@pb68slab18]

"I stepped up on the platform, the man gave me the news. I said you must be joking son, where did you get those shoes?!?" I'll bet they could draw that end jam out for, , , , , , days!

[@danmayberry1185]

One of the best lines ever.

[@salventi5665]

Every song on every album is a masterpiece. No simpleton lyrics repeated over and over again. Every song has a story to tell. Nothing produced to take advantage of their stardom. Nothing childish. Music, poetry and story telling in perfect harmony.

[@billadkins5150]

A day without you 2 is like a day without sunshine. Keep it coming!

[@jacqueline4514]

"Those Days are gone forever, over a long time ago"; the older I get the more poignant that line is. Such a groove on this one; brings an image to mind of someone who's "got it" sauntering into a crowded room and the room parts. You both, just like Steely Dan, never ever disappoint; you hear every detail! My vote for next Steely Dan song: "JACK OF SPEED" 🔥

[@michaelrouten]

100%! And Donald Fagen's "Teahouse On The Tracks" is an absolute jaw-dropper.

[@jacqueline4514]

@@michaelrouten Yes!

[@markdraine3571]

Ya, Jackie . Those lyrics always never fail to resonate. The days of out youth are numbered , as Kansas sang in People of the Southwind. We are all dying to make it last eh ? Exercise in futility

[@metaphoria3]

The thickness of those harmonies 🤯

[@jimmoore8951]

Classic song with the classic line used (by me) on basketball courts everywhere...."you must be joking son, where did you get those shoes?"

[@hughsnow830]

Pretzel Logic & Royal Scam are peak SD for me. Jim Gordon on drums with Jeff Porcaro entering the scene. Night by Night, Parker's Band and Through with Buzz are hidden gems.

[@2869may]

"Any Major Dude Will Tell You" I can't wait...!

[@clifton8929]

As always, the Airplay Beats College of Musical Knowledge teaches another Master Class on The Dan. Pretzel Logic is another blues-based slow-burn number with horns that burns at a low flame. The flame is hot but Fagen's vocals are cool and smooth. Thanks, Guys, you're the best.

[@tjmasson1013]

Couldn’t agree more ! Our boys from AirPlay never miss!

[@Ibanezed210]

If they keep it up they will have more musical taste than us!

[@johnathanstruble1064]

😂

[@metaphoria3]

The way that chorus hits WHOOOWEEEE

[@realbser1956]

That slow bluesy shuffle beat, the guitar solos and Donald’s vocals shining through, and of course those horns. 🔥

[@timcardona9962]

"This is like a futuristic blues" - great observation, as always. It's another Steely Dan Blues with a Twist: the verse is a standard blues but then they hit you with those chords in the chorus (11 and maj9, respectively) and that's the 'twist'. That guitar playing is Walter Becker, btw

[@jml-rj5re]

Pretzel Logic features Walter Becker's first guitar solo on a song (and album). He strictly played bass on the first two albums. The funky blues groove is deep.

[@mikeloomis687]

As a 15-year old and hearing "Rikki...." on the radio and hearing my sister play "King of the World" blasting through a shared wall, I became a Steely Dan fan for life. My first purchase was the "Pretzel Logic" album. It cannot get ANY better.

[@mitzifrancis9843]

I couldn't press play fast enough! Glad you liked it. It's one of those songs that I crave every now and then. That outro...

[@ThePittsburghToddy]

I’m a sneaker head so I love the “Where did you get those shoes” lyric! Great song!🖖🏼

[@triggerwarning5762]

"Bad Sneakers"

[@rodkosub1320]

"those shoes "my favorite verse in music, Gene Wilder ,he could have delivered that line

[@EC-dz3fb]

You must be 𝐣𝐨𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠, son. 👞

[@josephhall1241]

My favorite place to come and visit for a good time is Airplay Beats. Thanks Again

[@Fuphyter]

Great song and album. The first time I heard them, I was blown away. The songwriting, production and instrumentation was so far ahead of the time. Steely Dan not only had it's own lane, it owned the highway. "Can't Buy A Thrill" was released in 1972! I bought every album as it was released. LOVE your reaction videos 🩵💙

[@titus2120]

Yea. Every album and a number of times, to share, gift and reconnect…. They have been in my blood since 1972. Reeling ever since…

[@melk.6024]

So glad you got to this one!!❤❤Wait...oh crap..I was the one who requested it on the live show along with Hypnotized by Fleetwood Mac...thought you had done it before...lol..

[@Wordsmyth8]

This is one of my (many) favorite Steely Dan songs. I mean, it has it all.

[@-R.Gray-]

The relaxed pace makes it a perfect song to jam along with.

[@billc.5861]

Totally dig this song. Jeff Porcaro on the drums is so good. One of the first SteelyDan songs I learned back in the day. Great reaction guys.

[@cherrypickerguitars]

I remember a good friend trying to “sell” me on picking up my first Steely Dan record back in the early 70’s. He described the band as one that “just made pure music!” Peace

[@metaphoria3]

One of the greatest choruses ever

[@ryanand154]

This sounds just like a record on a phonograph.

[@tonyfleck3029]

If it's possible to have a favourite Dan tune? Then this could be mine? So many Great Acid Drenched 70s Teenage memories!!!... X

[@genecase9464]

I remember listening to this album on an 8-track player in my brothers '63 Galaxie!. (Ya, I'm old) We still had a blast! Man, have we come a long way!

[@eliteautoworksmd]

Great song great album great band.........

[@raycewilliams3300]

For those wondering.... pretzel logic is loosely defined as.... inconsistent, illogical thinking that, once scrutinized, doesn't stand up. It's similar to the term illogic. I have, in the past, described a lot of the lyrics of Steely Dan as being "cryptic" but Walter and Donald decided on the term ..... Pretzel Logic which is a brilliant description for some of their lyrics. Great reaction, guys.

[@kbrewski1]

An excellent term that it would behoove the MAGA mob to become familiar with.....

[@kbrewski1]

This was a somewhat rarely played tune live, so when we got it, it was always special. Since this was pretty much straight ahead Blues, it was a tune they stretched out on and jammed on with more soloing, so it was a very cool tune to hear live. Thanks for getting to this gem! (What livestream by the way?). Micheal McDonald on the 2006 tour did a fantastic version of PL live with Steely Dan. Pretzel Logic was the 3rd and final album with the full original band, even though it featured a lot of session musicians too. So this was a transition album from touring band to studio duo, because the original band was disbanded after the Pretzel Tour and Skunk Baxter joined the Doobie Brothers etc.

[@titus2120]

And knowing that the OG core was disbanding definitely hurt. Probably more than the Beatles breaking up. But the legacy continues.

[@maine420grow]

I've been waiting for this reaction for a while now. So glad to finally be here.

[@stephenvolt1730]

They always have a great mix of blues and jazz!

[@donnielee5331]

"Blues from the future"....brother, that was so spot on...LOL! Keep up the good work guys...I love it!!!!

[@danarchuleta1154]

Even with basic blues, Steely applies their own rules. If memory serves, Becker played the lead (guitar) on this track...a job usually left to Baxter or Dias. Another great Steely Rxn!

[@boydsprehn2140]

You are correct - a rare Becker lead and superbly done.

[@markdrechsler5660]

Great SD tune. I especially like the outro on this one. Those piano keys are getting a workout!

[@brendawoodson3230]

Steely dan never fails to satisfy

[@gilshows4660]

You’re right that bass was the star there. You hit the motherloade on blues with sd too. Back when you could hear the bass on songs.

[@jml-rj5re]

Since you dug Pretzel Logic, you will really like Chain Lightning, another altered blues in the Steely Dan mold!

[@jml-rj5re]

This is the best video for Chain Lightning. Very crisp drumming by Jeff Porcaro: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eavMhZaJnd2dmsk

[@user-zi8pw7zw2h]

Their best album, for me. One of my "stuck on an island for life with 5 albums to play".

[@kbrewski1]

Hmm, as much as I love the songs Pretzel, Rikki and Major Dude, the rest of the album is a bit spotty to me. I'd take Countdown, Katy and Aja over PL any time.

[@mikeloomis687]

@@kbrewski1 Parker's Band....Night By Night??

[@kbrewski1]

@mikeloomis687 Night by Night is a great tune also, should have mentioned that. I'd say half the album is stellar and the other half is good but not great. One of their albums has to be last in a ranking and I'd rank the ones I mentioned for sure over PL.

[@scottsnyder2726]

A highly underrated song

[@kbrewski1]

It's considered one of their classics. When it was played live, it was used as an encore song frequently.

[@johnhickman2033]

I believe there is another electric piano at work here! Captures this era magically...

[@willowvee5844]

Just thinking about how many times I have played this record since 1979, still brings joy😃. It's the blues, as you said, and that moving along bass...

[@kbrewski1]

Where were you from 74>79????

[@timgrady4630]

Another example of looking beneath the Tip of the Iceberg . Deeper Cuts like this one unveil layered brilliance . Timeless vibes characterized this band , gentlemen .

[@bobdelp2023]

TITLE TRACK GUYS!😊AND IN MY TOP 5 STEELY SONGS ☝

[@metaphoria3]

That subtle halfstep they introduce in the verse w that guitar effect

[@jamesnorrisbarrett8927]

Straight blues, but the changes have been enhanced with higher chord extensions, which is something you caught. Kudos!

[@hklinker]

Altered blues.

[@MamawT65]

Always love your reactions! Great to see young people enjoying good music from years ago! I am so fortunate to have lived through the music of my generation! Enjoy your musical journey ❤

[@SusanHeaton]

My personal favorite album

[@johnanderson8096]

Sophomore Year of High School.... WOW.... Thank You for taking me Back!!! I guess that means my Album... Pretzel Logic is about 50... Has Aged Well!!! Me??? Not So Much..... ✌✌🌍🌎🌏✌✌

[@hampyonce]

I must have watched 20 of these Steely Dan songs twice or more. Can't "like" it but once. Y'all were stunned by "Night by Night". Awesome.

[@caseyporter1235]

Just a smooth head bobber.......Low lights, cocktails and fade on out.....

[@cameronstestingart794]

It’s so natural to me whenever I hear SD, I can’t help but 😊 Thanks for making me 😊 today on my 38th wedding anniversary ❣️✌🏼

[@kbrewski1]

"Pretzel Logic" reminds you of your marriage? Whatever works my major dude.....

[@jwoodard29]

Interesting comment about the future, because the main theme of the song is time travel.

[@scottblakey1603]

Nope. It's about an insane asylum.

[@jpmnewyork]

@@scottblakey1603 It's a breath mint! It's a candy mint! It's a floor polish AND a mouthwash!

[@kbrewski1]

Its an analysis of Schlump's teensy mind.....

[@timpafundi6321]

My favorite line…”I have never met Napoleon but I plan to find the time…”

[@davidtx8777]

Walter Becker is on bass. Denny Deal is rhythm guitar and Jeff skunk Baxter on lead. Is was also with The Doobie Brothers and is a defense contractor later in life

[@MicheleJane]

GIves me memories of my college days in the 70's Gainesville FL. Good times

[@metaphoria3]

Incredible solo by Walter rip 🙏🎸

[@bkshields76]

If you want to see where Steely Dan went on their blues journey, check out this song from Donald Fagan's solo album Sunken Condos from 2012. It's called "Weather In My Head" and it's my favorite blues based song with that Steely Dan vibe. I'm sure you and your subscribers will dig it too ...

[@ML-un1oi]

Great from the Dan. Thanks fellas for a great reaction. Appreciate you 🙏 ❤

[@edcedera]

That Steely Dan hook-unmistakable...

[@savethelighthouse]

I walk into strange karaoke huts wherever I go, a smooth old man drinking Hennessy, and whip this out. X'ers just drop to the floor and spasm. They can't take it.

[@metaphoria3]

Used to play this out w my college class Funk n Groove at Shoreline CC in the Emerald city 😎

[@steddie4514]

Remember buying this album the day it was released in the UK...still play it to this day...fine. 👍🇬🇧

[@nunnarij]

This is one of my favs!

[@barbarascotto3873]

My favorite Steely Dan song ❤️

[@Mulavi]

Me too. It's the Steelyest Dan of all their songs for me.

[@barbarascotto3873]

@@Mulavi 🤣

[@philmanson2991]

The thing about The Dan's sound is Don and Walter use a lot of 2nds, 3rds, and 4ths in the bass line. That's how the get those very un-rock sounds. Shear genius!

[@philipmccarthy6175]

Such a groove , you could see where they were headed even at this time.

[@jeCktHeReal]

my understanding is that this band shat gold from the seventies right up to the gaucho record.

[@blackwolf6082]

Been waiting for you to get to this one

[@theivory1]

"Futuristic Blues" I like it.

[@dantallman5345]

‘Oh yeah’ was never the same after SD did this song.

[@paullacroix527]

Such a great tune...

[@mitchellkaufman]

Futuristic blues is apt AF here since the song is about time travel.

[@tjmasson1013]

One of my favs from them that back groove is smooth

[@OzarkTroutBum]

You should do Pretzel Logic by New York Rock and Soul Review. Its a supergroup featuring Donald Fagan, Michael McDonald, Boz Scaggs, Phoebe Snow and others. Michael McDonald does lead vocals on this track and its a JAM!

[@Ibanezed210]

Oh Yeah!

[@andyketchum1819]

Hope you guys do the whole album like you have done the others...this and The Royal Scam are my favorite albums

[@AirplayBeats]

I think we’ve done most of Pretzel Logic.

[@andyketchum1819]

@@AirplayBeats great! spent the last couple of nights watching you guys. Love what you do!

[@emilymartinez6961]

@@andyketchum1819 , these guys are the best!! Have you subscribed to their channel yet?✌️🎵

[@kbrewski1]

I must have missed the Any Major Dude reaction. For me, despite the great high points of Pretzel, Rikki, and Major Dude, if forced to pick a "least favorite Dan album" (although they are all great), it would have to be PL for me. Its a bit spotty after those great high points. I think its because it was the last album with the original band, but at the same time F&B were bringing in session musicians. So its a very transitional album. What follows is much better imo, w Katy, Scam, Aja.

[@babylonsister118]

Easily one of my favorites! Thanks for yet another great reaction! It was on my "driving in the car" mix CD!

[@metaphoria3]

This a big one!

[@johncagnettajr344]

Your right, they fused kit all together!

[@edwardcapobianco2975]

You just can't go wrong with The Dan! It's great seeing you guys enjoying this great music.. I was contemplating listening to Taylor Swift instead of The Dan but then I woke up from my nightmare and signed on to the bros channel so I could enjoy pretzel logic right along with you guys!!! Call me super critical and jaded but Grammy worthy music today shows you just how low the bar has been reset or should I say lowered. If you believe i would ever choose her over The Dan then I got a bridge to buy in Brooklyn along with Taylor Swifts new album!

[@Greg-io1ip]

As much of what you say is 100% correct, Taylor Swift like Steely Dan is a Never Trumper. So I can think of a lot of other fluff bands and 'artists' besides Taylor Swift to single out. Trumptards all foul humans at this stage. Steely Dan would be the first to point out this fact.

[@Ibanezed210]

Tasty guitar. Never saw that coming.

[@Cpayne30]

One of their trademarks is tasty guitar.

[@kbrewski1]

And its Becker's first SD lead guitar solo on an album.

[@reddogg57]

I'm a fool to do your dirty work. Hidden jem

[@Phillphine]

More Steely Dan blues? Have y'all done "chain lightning"?

[@patrickjacobson2261]

The beginning of this song reminds me of old ZZ Top !!

[@jimvyhnak4130]

One of my favorite Steely Dan songs. But, if either of you figure out what any of the lyrics mean, for the Love Of God, please tell us.

[@submandave1125]

I've always seen it as a comment on the relativity of morality and norms. What was right "a log time ago" may not be now, but that also means that what you think is right or normal now almost certainly won't be at some point. We all engage in our own Pretzel Logic on a daily basis to rationalize the beliefs we have.

[@Greg-io1ip]

Steely Dan has quite a long narrative warning about British imperialism and propaganda. They are still at it. Rupert Murdoch will push WW3 buttons to save England's Royal Monarchy. Same royals Our Founding Fathers fought Our Revolution to get their obsolete scripture out of our government and schools. Remember: Church of England was the tax collector. Nothing in return for taxes, just more jewels for Trumptards of the era, the untouchable Prince Andrew's of the era. The same creeps who took over China but couldn't protect China from Japanese Imperial Army, the same crime syndicate that killed almost a million unarmed Chinese villagers and farmers at Nanjing that just a year later bombed Pearl Harbor. Brits stealing Chinese silver, dealing drugs, taking over China's banks... Steely Dan songs warning for decades that if we choose The Brits (and Russia) over China, we are siding with imperial TYRANNY. Rupert Murdoch's brainwashing complete among evangelicals addicted to NRA gun panty equipment. Proof: Who actually imagines Jesus Christ would be an NRA member? Yet Rupert Murdoch's Falun Gong Q Anon Epoch Times crime syndicates have created an embedded 10% of insane fake Americans pretending actual Americans would be shooting at each other?!! We take our disagreement to the BALLOT BOXES. When your candidate loses, you accept the results and convey your opposition in the next campaign for the next election. Black Panthers armed up to GET PROTECTION TO VOTE, got smacked down. Guns were the mistake but showed how fragile minds want to arm us whites and disarm people of color. Fact is no guns should be involved IN A DEMOCRACY. Oppression in any form - intimidation or disinformation - is what liars and criminals resort to. Unfortunately for Black Panthers, they got lumped in erroneously as 'a terrorist organization'. They did exactly what Proud Boys and Oath Creepers did. Yet look at how long it's taking to get NRA criminals in jail. Bring guns to a DEMOCRATIC PROTEST? You're guilty. Black, white or striped. Make your case on facts. Not threatening fellow Americans.

[@kbrewski1]

Pretzel Logic = twisted logic to explain away and rationalize events. "You'd have to use some real outlandish disturbing😮 pretzel logic to believe Schlump wasn't a treasonous traitor to Democracy and the Constitution of the US re Jan 6."

[@Rudlbugg]

You guys should look into Steven Wilson’s music, since you’re producers. Either his solo material of late or any of porcupine tree. He is the most impressive producer I’m aware of in the last few years. And really good progressive rock. I recommend drive home, luminol, the sound of Muzak, lazarus, or the raven that refused to sing. Just realize you would be delving into a bit of a rock subculture.

[@zackattack21]

oh yeah....

[@baronofgreymatter14]

This is about Time Travel

[@Greg-io1ip]

It's about imperial history. British imperialism.

[@baronofgreymatter14]

@@Greg-io1ip that's an interesting take. He talks about traveling minstrel shows...then further back in time to meet Napoleon...then lastly steps up on the platform....

[@kbrewski1]

​@@Greg-io1ip Please elucidate (giggling slyly).

[@gus4u2c]

This song is about a Time Traveler. If you’re trying to figure out what Donald Fagen is singing about.

[@stevenesfield]

Guys you need too jump for a little bit too Fagan solo album Two against Nature the year 2000 the track Gaslighting Abbey. Want too see your reaction at the pre chorus I know you’ll smile

[@hog7203]

Great song. Great album. But that's no surprise because it's Steely Dan. I don't think you've listened to Any Major Dude Will Tell You from this album. That's my request for a reaction.

[@peterbellini6102]

When Steely was a rock band...

[@joewicker8599]

Great Review, good detail analysis. Keep it up and when are going to review Marvin Gay National Anthem at 1984 NBA All Star? 😀