Steely Dan - The Royal Scam (1976)

[@bizzgig2899]

This is one of the most underrated songs on one of the most underrated albums of the most underrated group in the underrated world of underrated music. I'm pretty sure this comment will be underrated, as well.

[@loveone4292]

Definitely a classic of the underground

[@loveone4292]

@Jen Robbie Larry Carlton talk about it at Norm Rare Guitar and he is right this album is underrated

[@johnbilly4956]

@Jen Robbie ;;;diaz was the other guitarist... man can he chop.. what a lead player.. better than Page

[@timmytee5335]

Bizz Gig, We love it. With you on that thought!

[@raystansell]

It's one of my favorite songs. I have a teenage co-worker who loves Steely Dan, and I'm going to introduce it to her. This kid is all about rock - and she knows a lot of stuff about the bands she loves. It's very refreshing to see someone that young who understands great music!

[@steveverdick2632]

43 years later and the Royal Scam still gives me goose bumps. See the glory of the Royal Scam.

[@nazkinman9063]

I live not far from St. Johns. Portland!

[@celticspike7]

and they wandered in from the city of St. John Without a dime Wearing coats that shined Both red and green Colors from their sunny island. not sure but someone told me its about people immigrating from the small island of St John. idk red and green, are boat lights, port n starboard

[@celticspike7]

the royal scam is the false promise of the american dream once immigrants get here. this song was written in 1975. some things never change.

[@eclecticaddee3597]

@@celticspike7 kzbin.info/www/bejne/b6XboWB3qplpiJo

[@celticspike7]

@@eclecticaddee3597 Hello, how can I help you

[@DeanHuertas]

First time hearing this song. I’ve never felt so identified...my family left Puerto Rico (Saint John) for a better life in NYC & grew bitter and forgot their roots... thank you Steely Dan 🙏🏽

[@carolina_girl3484]

Some of my family also came from PR.....

[@josemerced99]

Ditto. My family moved to Bklyn from PR. This song IS biographical.

[@bpcarman]

They created their own genre. And after all this time there is nothing to compare them to. Listening in 2019. Still relevant, still fabulous.

[@boundlessobsession6266]

Eargasmic!

[@patsmith9002]

I agree totaly!

[@josephbamforth6843]

Ear crack!

[@marjorietipping4771]

Totally agree

[@MrMcBrainiac]

Even more relevant now, JMHO

[@scientificfoundation8150]

No one sounds like Steely Dan...what a group.. what a band...epic in every way..I have no favorite song by them ...because they are all my favorites...soulful, intuitive, forward thinking and the real deal!!!

[@bobbennert1132]

you are a smart man

[@sonofthesheriff]

When's the last time you saw some cats jamming to SD in NYC tho? Or any other city street. Music is so lost right now. It's been manipulated.

[@markcornish2519]

Excellent musicianship, funky lyrics, they are the best

[@nopalciny8476]

~~mhm Love Them too since the 70's,

[@blkbr7580]

Yup, right on and kudos to your remarks. Loved Steely Dan back in the day (1970s, into the 1980s, even after the end came for Steely Dan in '80 - '81. I hope they get more respect as time continues to pass on forward.

[@mikestriegel791]

Wow, 2022, We're all living the royal scam.

[@cynthiaopsahl3422]

2024!!!!

[@strictlynorton]

Utterly superb album by a group so far ahead of their peers they were in a field of one. Stunning creativity...

[@Burt472]

Stunning, overwhelming, flabbergasting and more.....

[@jamesmoorer4530]

The Royal scam is going on right now 20/20. Thank you very much Steely Dan for seeing the future

[@frankquattrociocchi1857]

Noir absolutely correct. This is the biggest ever. Its world changing.

[@darlenebattle3005]

Wonderful.

[@adultswimbump]

Teenager ... late night or early morning ... steady snow fall under the dim street lights illuminating empty streets ... feeling lost, nowhere to call home. Few songs capture that time for me.

[@pooryorick831]

One of the greatest jazz/rock fusion albums ever made. It is every bit as relevant today as it was then. This song is about Puerto Ricans emigrating to New York City only to find themselves in even worst conditions than In Puerto Rico. Still a great song even after 43 years. And RIP to Walter Becker. Sorry to see one half of the creative team pass away. But the music will always be here.

[@kendramiller3677]

Some Steely Dan songs a day keeps the stress away. #steelydan

[@marilyntape9050]

Kendra Miller right on😃👍🌈🇦🇺

[@DeAngelius79]

Indeed !

[@lisaweaver986]

A priceless time!

[@proctorcourt4088]

Agreed

[@justinquaylepate1358]

I agree. This song as well as AJA are absolutely masterpieces

[@sam96039]

I came here after an Indian actor named saif ali khan said he loves steely dan royal scam... And thank goodness I listened to the actor.

[@raymondking214]

As the late George Carlin said: " They call it the American Dream...Because you have to be asleep to believe it."

[@krisscanlon4051]

the Dan were not fans BTW of this cover. read the liner notes in the reissue indeed its quite nitemary.

[@dDragonFire2036]

@@krisscanlon4051 that's for you to say, but not for another , because I'm a big fan of this song, and he makes a big solid point too.

[@krisscanlon4051]

@@dDragonFire2036 huh

[@krisscanlon4051]

Strangely enough it was turned down my Van Morrison during the same time frame. It seems a little goonie in terms of covers perhaps a bit esoteric. It's just a cover it's just an opinion

[@jillsmcfarland2001]

He played his part.He said what many knew but on a $ stage.

[@normanford978]

Most “people “ think ok Steely Dan as another good group, they are more deeper than that ! This band hits on emotions very few bands can do !,

[@blueshound611]

farewell Walter Becker, one of the greatest musician's/ songwriters ever R.I.P

[@michaelmendillo4614]

Neil Ellis Donald Fagan was the brains,,,Becker was the polishing touch to his work,,,,,

[@cheyennerafterq]

Neil Ellis well spoken

[@eugeneweaver9020]

You are so right. I've literally worshipped Walter forever, a fine guitarist for real.

[@laurawells9770]

wow, i did not know he died. sad. His music touched me deeply.

[@randallbibbons9021]

Michael Mendillo what a stupid and unfounded statement . you have no business commenting on steely dan or walter becker’s role. go listen to the nightfly and fuck off.

[@walterkrueger9889]

Steely Dan has left it's mark in music history. 🎵🎼🎶

[@robertleath9913]

They were able to mix Jazz and Rock that no one thought could be done. They were the best at it.

[@daffyduk77]

They did go a bit too easy-listening/soft-rock at times but this is one of their best, all the components/elements fit together, creating a mood, as the best music does

[@Walsh1502]

Their greatest track in a vast library of great tracks...in my humble opinion

[@death2pc]

Certainly one of. Absolutely.

[@camharrell5295]

I vote "Home at Last".

[@RayyMusik]

This or Kid Charlemagne.

[@davidkopel5841]

40 years later it's aged and mellowed like fine whiskey in an oak barrel. Then you open it for a sip and those horns just wail at you.

[@stevemarkham5095]

well put David

[@michaelmendillo4614]

David Kopel A fucking poet!!! Hahaha,, 😁🖒

[@michaelmendillo4614]

David Kopel. Like a taco fart in the wind,,,,,

[@denisgrey9094]

David Kopel Takes me back man, still sounds sooo smooth!

[@SC-yo6di]

David Kopel Green. Acres

[@deeanders841]

It is a musical masterpiece, but the lyrics have a truer tale to tell

[@johndoniganjr4428]

Listening to Steely Dan music is like having multiple EARGASMS!

[@LucilleBrawl17]

Without a doubt!

[@zacherystone7415]

I like that John that describes them to a T eargasms lmao!!

[@missleeny5042]

yeah, i'll vote thumbs up on that.

[@ozzieh9344]

They dont make music like this anymore . So lucky to have grown up listening to such great music. At times in my life, it was the only thing that kept me alive.

[@trevorbraden5448]

One of the baddest jams of all time and space...... from one of the baddest bands of all time and space..........

[@gerald4133]

1976 was a awesome year for music.

[@justinquaylepate1358]

Yes definitely no doubt about that

[@truckerkevthepaidtourist]

in my opinion 76 and 72 were the most awesome years for music to me only those two have some of the greatest ever 77 follow-up was really good too

[@rekfan59]

I most definitely agree with ‘76 being the absolute best

[@melvinbennett444]

Just 3 others that immediately come to mind, Leftoverture (Kansas) Boston's Debut Album and Frampton Comes Alive. Not to shabby

[@davideig4281]

I'll stack 71,72 & 73 against any. 76 was definitely strong as was the vast majority of the 70's.

[@JohnJohnson-gt6xi]

"What's your favorite Steely Dan song?" "Yes" .

[@pannikattak7533]

Is there such a thing as a least favourite?

[@ingridnaraine3208]

Don't take me alive. The lyrics, the riffs, just wonderful

[@b.c4066]

Agreed, its like comparing a buggatti to a Lamborghini, maybe a couple Corvette's, the occasional b side that was a truck.. but they all get you to your destination.. some just do it with amazing speed and grace... errr, something like that hahaha

[@WeKnowYourSmokin]

John, The best and truest response.

[@VeeOma]

All Steely Dan songs are my favorite. It's impossible to pick one....it,s just like having children ...you love all your children....

[@markbelmares7138]

Innovative and masterful. The genius of Becker and Fagan.

[@allenpaulsen6207]

Bless the sleeping and those newly Awoke

[@danwhite2774]

bad ass album rock. back in the day when radio was about music.

[@marilyntape9050]

I get chills every time I play this awesome song 🇦🇺😃

[@DeAngelius79]

Same here ! I

[@inway404344]

Greatest band to ever form

[@gerardovelez3252]

I’m happy not many people appreciate this kind of music… Not for the mainstream definitely…

[@affiliatemarketingtraining]

A true masterpiece, "The Royal Scam...."

[@motorcaster57]

This music is so timeless... They have something for everyone in their music... They are so meticulous in recording this high art... most of the steely dan albums sound exquisite and if you listened to it when you were you a wave of nostalgic memories.... good, good adult music

[@jazzfusioner9840]

Truth.....

[@davexxx5175]

With no doubt! A great album, a great band ...and amazing song! There's no one like Steely Dan! I was young when I've heard this album for the first time and I was thrilled and today i feel the same! "The Royal Scam" and "Aja" two incredible records! Masterpieces!

[@thomasjonesjr6282]

Love those back up singers!!

[@thesinisterminister8966]

They are amazing...….

[@patriciaflowers701]

@@thesinisterminister8966 Michael MacDonald is definitely one of those voices. Love him!

[@loveistruth5713]

Love me some Babylon sisters

[@cncpreferred848]

No one writes music like this any more. Intense, so many layers, and it makes me want to move with the music. My mind and body are in sync with these kind of songs. This is one of my all time favorites. My wish list is to conduct a 200 or 300 piece rock orchestra and this is one of the songs that will be included. I bet we could tour America and even the world. I am near Pittsburgh Pa and we have some of the best orchestras and rock bands in the country.

[@delta9779]

I get the chills when I listen to this song. The Horn in this song is so perfect and so outrageous it gives me goose bumps. Long live the Dan. See the Glory of the Royal Scam

[@jillsmcfarland2001]

And Supertramp- Fools Overture.

[@adriangroeneveld9341]

@@jillsmcfarland2001 indeed, another great band that uses tubas for that lovely deep brass bass roar !

[@keithlucas1173]

The trombone & trumpet is amazing ! The whole sound it grooves

[@lenmorphew5398]

I had never heard this track of theirs before. What have I been missing for 43 years!

[@mohsenostah4661]

Sorry bro !! No worries , just keep listening .

[@barbarafearn]

I envy you discovering this masterpiece ....see The Glory

[@petermercer6282]

all time classic just lost count of how many times I have played this song and the whole album....Peter UK

[@locutia7]

Blank verse perfection. Film Noir for your ears.

[@markandrews5547]

What a wonderful description. Thank you!

[@toothpaste9720]

carole powell please i beg of you carole please tell me how you got verified on youtube

[@henripieters3481]

Great way to put it in words. This is musical literature

[@karengibbons8467]

The least played one....

[@kelf114]

Best description ever for Steely Dan!

[@franciscomiranda5057]

Man, do I love this album!

[@ChironAce]

This song has a haunting and brooding vibe, the muted horn throughout just added to the aura.

[@GrandFunalleyMedia]

Ahhhh that bone!! The horn arrangements are so delicious. This could be one of the best constructed and executed songs in modern day. Goddamn they don't make music like this these days. Hate to sound like an old bastard, but... they just don't.

[@friedrice9535]

GrandFunalley Media Shit, they hardly made music like this back then either. Steely Dan is the top of the top shelf.

[@Metalwheel]

fried rice steely dan totally Badass

[@tuff47]

Let your remarks fly. Great music is a gift!

[@frankielemonjello]

No, they don't.

[@thomasjonesjr6282]

Hey,I'm an "Old Fart' too!! 1976 I'm 17!!!

[@boundlessobsession6266]

The unmistakable sounds of "The Dan"🎸🎶🎼💜😎✌

[@scottlookingbill3605]

The cover has never rung so true as it does today.

[@nancydemoss2945]

No other group can ever hold a candle to Steely Dan. Donald Fagen and Walter Becker (rip Walter, you are missed) created their own music genre, thank God, and the rest is history. Can't get enough of their incredible music!!

[@offhandacoustic]

I am 37 and had heard of Steely Dan growing up, but never got into them at all. My Dad was never around but it turns out this was his favorite band and I can see why. I really like this song and what I think they are talking about.

[@justinquaylepate1358]

This song, as well as AJA are absolutely beautiful masterpieces

[@fingerjazz]

That song sends me chills like no other Steely Dan song. What a powerful effect of the backing vocals. Withholding those high notes until the last chorus.

[@marilyntape9050]

Daniel Padrón oh wow 😃👍🌈🇦🇺

[@Lil-Whiskies]

Another day. Another Steely Dan song stuck in my head.

[@derpherbert3199]

As a musician I'm blown away by every single piece of work this band ever did but at 3:10 the song rises with a fervor no heavier genre can compete with. It's all bubbling up - and then after this grunt, the tension is just gone. In my opinion it's a brilliant tip of the hat in Pink Floyd's direction.

[@roundtownKen]

Agree. It's the "B" section. I like the horns menacing in the last verse, adding tension.

[@loriholman6125]

Vitamin B'z

[@drdavid1963]

Yes, it's a great way to segue back into the opening piano motif

[@IIESPD00DII]

Gotta be a top 5 Steely Dan cut 🥸 The entire album is fantastic!

[@adolphlopez4343]

The most awesomely unbelievable oddysey internally eternally journey to forever of jazziest funkiest upsetting tearful grievous disturbing grooviest bluesiest classical rock/soul since Low Sparks Of High Heel Boys and Glad by Traffic.

[@ericjarry7663]

See the glory, of the Royal Scam!

[@cynthusinfinite]

Perfection. Leaves you wanting more horns like a drug

[@EnosEverything]

The peak moment in what is a stunning album by the wonderful STEELY DAN... This track is just so powerful in so many ways ... I remember when I bought the vinyl copy when the album was released and playing the album over and over but this track just made the hairs on my arms and neck stand on end... Fabulous.

[@marilyntape9050]

EnosEverything my hairs stand up as well and I shiver.a sad song also though👍🌈🇦🇺😪😃

[@craigemm770]

Most powerful Steely Dan tune EVER! "See the 'GLORY' of the Royal Scam!"

[@trob1731]

Gives me chills. Gritty, dark and morose. Done with such skill that it's beautiful as well.

[@edwardbenoit3545]

The best album from the Dan!!¡!

[@MikeCasa78]

THE GREATEST PERIOD IN MUSIC HISTORY....1975 TO 1980....AND THESE GUYS....EVERY SONG IS A STORY IN ITSELF.....TODAY WILL NEVER GET IT NOR UNDERSTAND UNLESS THEY WERE EDUCATED ON REAL MUSIC LIKE THIS...BRAVO!!!

[@normasullivanm]

this LP is INTENSE. there is no other word to describe it

[@ncbeach22]

Masterpiece works too.

[@darlenebattle3005]

It certainly is.

[@Incornsyucopia]

@@darlenebattle3005 As good as Aja in my opinion, but much darker with most songs in minor keys.

[@sjnorman2]

What a wonderful song!! Words cannot express......

[@uubuuh]

I guess I never listened to this with headphones before... hearing that bass 'bone now... lordie!

[@britishcanadianeh]

SD in Seattle 2011. The ONLY band I have ever seen, been to, where ALL the audience, when I took a moment, was.................tapping their feet, tapping their hand, bobbing their head, to EVERY song. Only seen 114 concerts, but no other band can master this. Long Live Steely Dan !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@stephansyme2125]

What can you say man, their music keeps delivering.

[@nateb335]

Nobody does it like THE ROYAL DAN

[@raelraven3]

Awesome song and my favorite album cover of all time. It fits the lyrical theme of the title track perfectly.

[@williamallen3715]

Masterpiece

[@sdm12342002]

I've always thought that Steely Dan were one of the most literary bands ever. The descriptions in this song are as good as any writer out there. James Patterson should take note.

[@coscanoe]

"Steely Dan" took their name from William S. Burroughs' book "Naked Lunch". Burroughs said this about the band's music after listening to it for the first time: “These people are too fancy,” he says. “They’re too sophisticated, they’re doing too many things at once in a song.” He refers to the literary racket. “To write a bestseller, you can’t have too much going on,” he says. “You take The Godfather, the horse’s head. That’s great. But you can’t have a horse’s head on every page. These people tend to have too many horses’ heads.”

[@missleeny5042]

@@coscanoe dude, people have said they named themselves after a vibrator. Or do you just mean the Royal scam song ?

[@missleeny5042]

We in the Hudson Valley hate to take credit for that hack, chump James Patterson. A 5 yr old could write a better book. He is an uber-embarassment

[@honoluluwampum]

This is one the funniest things I have ever heard!🤣🤣🤣

[@jacquesroussel3268]

@@missleeny5042 The vibrator they were named after appears in the novel

[@groovinmoose]

A great figure in rock, blues, and jazz.....Walter Becker, you will not be forgotten...and of course.....Dan

[@willgillis4207]

Aja is a masterpiece...but to me...this album will always be Steely's greatest opus.

[@paisleyprincess7996]

Love this album! But then again, it’s The Dan!

[@frankpayne2126]

what a great album rediscovered after 40 years

[@RobertJohnson-zg6bc]

Iconic album cover and album. One from Steely Dan's classic period 1972-1977. The record themed a cynical reality of the decline of Western Culture showing Corporate Wealth snarling for the biggest piece of the pie with poverty below. Edgiy, street hard and addictive The Royal Scam is SD most progressive album and a 5 star winner.

[@JenniferBrigitteOpticalVortex]

I would include Gaucho and Aja though!

[@jazzfusioner9840]

Truth....

[@mctavish23]

Excellent onsights

[@gabrielphelps1555]

The whole album overtones reminds me of ultra rich PR and social gatherings in all its contrivance, plundering many resources while punishing the majority.

[@robertjohnson1602]

@@JenniferBrigitteOpticalVortex As good as The Royal Scam is, I think Aja (1977) is the jewel in their album catalog crown. Pure excellence at another level

[@karenscales5077]

That oh so HOT lead guitar, like tells the story, accompanied by those oh so disrespectful funky horns! My favorite Steely Dan track....

[@marilyntape9050]

Karen Scales me too

[@Sablewai]

My god 38yrs later and im still in love with The Royal Scam! Donald Fagan is King !

[@sinanceylan]

Rip Walter Becker. :(

[@nancymartinez9047]

blah blah

[@Kur10usity]

One of the best songs by my two favorite guys!!❤❤

[@MrPete12442]

Steely Dan Classic and lethal.

[@mkultra2456]

KEY EMPHASIS ON LETHAL! MORE RELEVANT THAN EVER THIS SONG IS!

[@markgardner1020]

Perfect endiing to Steely Dan's undisputed masterpiece

[@tommartin5502]

Indeed, under-rated!

[@juliesmall3756]

Life is full of trials and tribulations, then BAM ...I rediscover how great Steeley Dan is, and things seem better. This song is blast after blast of fat horn sound, and guitar riff, interwoven with great Steely Dan lyrics. How could I have forgotten how great they were.

[@Acein3055]

Not only is this music uncomparably superb but the story line and lyrics are also superb. This is a song about people from Puerto Rico who immigrated to New York in the '50s and '60s hoping to secure the American Dream only to find discrimination and hate from the native population. St. John in the song is San Juan, Puerto Rico.

[@bryanriley4602]

Absolute perfection......

[@scottkaye7932]

I love Steely Dan.

[@keithmckinnon7047]

A sign of settings to come. Steely Dan........never failed not even a milli second. 😉👍☺

[@josephbamforth6843]

The Dan...my absolute favorite "band" of all time. Their musical genius in composing and executing countless remarkably great tunes using the very best musicians available is unprecedented, as far as I know. I've always been blown away by their creativity in that which they write about...from the post-nuclear "The King of the Word" to prehistoric man/art rendered in "The Caves of Altimira" to the funky but irreverent "Haitian Divorce", etc., etc., who else has ever created such an amazingly creative, perfectly mastered catalog of perfection?

[@goranadamson6170]

Joseph, You just mentioned a few of my own SD favorites.. If SD is a church, I am a priest.

[@lordlondon5798]

Best band ever by a country mile.

[@Burt472]

Beautiful....As usual......

[@stevenkorn7357]

Missing Walter - two years gone yesterday...Another commenter said which is your favorite album... It's sort of which is my favorite child? Depends on the mood, day and I listen to them EVERY DAY SINCE '72... Donald out on the road again, still undecided about seeing him at the Beacon next month... I did see them perform "The Royal Scam" in it's entirety back on 8/31/2009... If I had my way I would move to another lifetime...

[@patrickwalker3568]

Greatest band and album in the history of music. RIP Walter Becker.

[@scottstuerke4560]

I can't express what an amazing feeling this is

[@backjack4789]

If Stranded on an Island to listen to one music Steely Dan

[@vincentparker8636]

My favorite band in the world

[@timglennie5909]

Absolutely one of the best studio bands ever. Fagan and Becker were perfectionists and demanded a great deal with the studio musicians they used. I remember studio musicians saying they cut so many tracks that after awhile they couldn't tell who made the final cut. This album was great and Royal Scam is perfection.

[@IronMan-tk8uc]

The late Jeff Porcaro knows this all too well!

[@keithmckinnon9498]

Some bands are ahead of their time a few years but only The Dan could be 45 years ahead of their time with The Royal Scam. They have Intel inside. 😉

[@biklehensban2766]

unbelievable stuff, all of it

[@yvonneking3760]

Steely Dan is the best! They are a hard act to follow!!

[@alvinbourque1622]

Born in Toronto ,, lived and been around other Cities such as Montreal, Boston , New York , Philadelphia, Saint John's , Halifax Nova Scotia , and the list goes on . This awesome tune reminds me of Cities style Music . Jazzy Cool as can be 😎💓👍👍

[@patrickwalker1045]

One of THE greatest albums of ALL time, by MY favorite group of ALL time!!!!!!!! (RIP) Mr. Becker & Mr. Katz. Mr. Fagan, you're a legend.

[@kennethwatts4701]

Have NOT listened to this song in years!! WAS IN MUSICAL HEAVEN FOR 6+ MINUTES!!!! The horns, arrangement, lyrics...….EVERYTHING...JUST ROCKS!!! One of my ALL TIME FAVORITES!!!