Steely Dan - The Royal Scam (REACTION) with my wife

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📺 Official Video: • Steely Dan - The Royal...
This is my musical reaction, breakdown and commentary analysis of the song and video. This is for educational purposes only. I intend no copyright infringement, and this is not a replacement for listening to the song. As covered under fair use copyright laws listed below, we simply reacted to the video by giving constructive feedback, criticism and comments.
Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use. No copyright infringement intended. ALL RIGHTS BELONG TO THEIR RESPECTIVE OWNERS

[@SpuzzyLargo]

Steely Dan has a habit of blowing rhe socks off of those new to their catalog of highly imaginative music. Tons more songs for you two to enjoy.

[@spadams999]

Every one of Steely Dan's songs is a masterpiece. The musicianship, the expert mixing of sounds, the creativity, and the jazz/funk are all unmatched.

[@georgekininmonth2070]

With this group, the two main members are geniuses lyrically and musically. They THINK of every note, word, pause, and instrument. They are a very detailed duo.

[@jimcowen5014]

I love your reactions … more Steely Dan please!

[@kevinpolito1529]

As Steely newbies, you have a wealth of good listening ahead of you. 9 albums. 80 songs. Their lyrics rise to the level of literature. Stories from the underside of life. Tales of gentlemen losers. The best jazz and rock session musicians.

[@79BlackRose]

Steely Dan are an amazing pair of composers and musicians (mostly) of Donald Fagen and Walter Becker and the very best session musicians. The effort they put into every track is incredible! This album is their best IMO. You will get so much joy!

[@raycewilliams3300]

This song is in my opinion... A Timeless Masterpiece... Period. My family are immigrants to this country but we never had to deal with what this song is presenting. The lyrics in this song ring as true today as it did back in 1976 when this was released. Steely Dan was certainly doing some of their best work in this time frame. The album "Aja" came out after this one in 1977. The lineup of musicians on this album is astonishing. Great reaction. Take care....

[@MrSmartAlec]

One interpretation I've heard of this song is that it refers to immigrants arriving from Puerto Rico in NY. They expected to find a place where streets were paved in gold and everyone enjoyed a wonder life. Instead they were tricked into a life of low paying jobs and ghetto housing.

[@MerchantOfAlba]

Yep, we were told that meaning 👍

[@ricktiberio]

Not tricked, delusional.

[@bradsense7431]

My wife’s Puerto Rican parents came to NY in early 1950s. They were dirt poor and had nothing in PR. Unskilled and low education her father was nonetheless driven to make something for his family worked several low paying jobs lots of hours. Did not live in the best of areas and their church family was a community that helped each other. Later moved to Chicago and over time managed to buy several properties for rental income. After his death in late 1990s their house(which they owned) sold for over $750,000. He left his widow very comfortable. Was it a scam? Could be but for me it always comes down to what you make of the opportunities presented.

[@JoeCruz-hs2yt]

​@@MerchantOfAlbasteely dan is a unique band very dark lyrics along with their musicianship !

[@danevans5823]

A true masterpiece, lyrically and instrumental.The streets are not paved in gold and to the contrary they will eat you alive.I love both of your introspection and acknowledgement of the story and talent of this tremendous band

[@dav147]

Fantastic Album, Kid Charlemagne, Caves of Altamira, Don't Take Me Alive, Haitian Divorce 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@genecase9464]

"The little breaks in the vocals so the listener can hear what was said". And "The lyrics take your breath away and the music brings it back". I've been listening to this song/album since 1976 and I couldn't have said it any better. Or as good! Well done! What a haunting song! But so true for so many.

[@musiconlyplease98]

outstanding musicianship.... all upper class 🎸🎹🔥🔥

[@CaryOn11]

See the glory of Steely Dan. Great reaction.

[@dalebowman2194]

I love that MUTED TRUMPET.

[@adam872]

This is such a great, especially in the chorus when the backing singers come in. Such a dark and exotic song. Fagen is a genius.

[@tomgribbin9531]

The sophistication , both lyrically and musically, that Steely introduced to the ears of Rock n' Rollers heightened our modes of experience as no other band before or since. It's literature without reading .

[@kenmurchison3943]

That muted trumpet is simply marvelous.

[@billhealey2060]

A perfect response to a great song - the entire album is just as good.

[@bobgross8761]

A high school friend made me listen to 'Can't Buy a Thrill' in 1972 and I was hooked. All of their albums are beautifully produced featuring impeccable studio musicians, and Fagen and Becker were amazing composers and crafty lyricists. The 'Royal Scam' album is loaded with great tracks. One of my favorite things is to listen to 'Green Earrings' repeatedly and, each time, focus on a different individual instrument or voice. The recording is so pristine that each is fully discernable. Yeah, a little nerdy, but that's me. Thanks for another great reaction!

[@jenniferbabros1985]

I'm sooo happy your listening to a great STEELY DAN'S song All of them are great

[@phonebone81]

If you play something by Steely Dan, you can't go wrong - everything by them is just fucking good ! Thanks for sharing and best wishes @all from hamburg (germany)

[@cynergy4]

One of my top faves by them. I love the whole album. They are perfection

[@mikeloomis687]

Masterpiece! Love you guys!

[@Jackofpastorious]

Steely Dan is obviousky great when you really get into the details. I recommend "home at last" off of thier Aja album. Might be my favorite Dan track ever. Its always changes.

[@kimdoe6812]

One of my favorite bands. Great reaction!

[@ZzoeLittle]

The Liner notes to this CD shows about 20 different musicians used on this album, some of the best in rock and jazz.. Add them onto the great arrangement/playing by bandleaders Becker/ Fagan , No wonder the LP is so bad-azz. Steely Dan were so good they broke up in '79, came back in 2000 and bagged another Grammy for "Two against Nature" I got 3 of their CD's and never get tired of hearing them.

[@klausheckendorf649]

Steely Dan is highest music standard - you will experience that. The royal scam is the statue of liberty, if I remember right. The LP-cover fits perfectly to the theme.

[@johntremmel3949]

If y’all like this their absolute masterpiece is the album”AJA” possibly the best studio album ever made, certainly my favorite 👊

[@timothyjohnart]

Wonderful reaction to a wonderful creation.

[@donaldjackson1490]

Home at last, Deacon Blues, Caves of Altamira, Pretzel Logic, Charlie Freak, Peg, Aja, Glamour Profession…are a great start to the deep SD rabbit hole

[@michaelmitchell4080]

Uh-oh, you two. You've discovered the brilliance of the 'Dan. This is the tip of the iceberg. Donald Fagen and Walter Becker (RIP), the creators. They were notorius for their recording sessions, how they would bring numerous musicians in to play the parts. They'd be paid for the sessions, but never knew if their work made it to final cut. Crazy. Fagen (keyboards, lyrics) and Becker (guitars) rarely toured. They preferred recording to live performances. Fagen still creates music, plays when he feels the urge. SO many ways to go with the 'Dan. I'd suggest the Aja album (Black Cow, Peg), one of my personal top-5 albums of all time. Be well. /M.

[@Straydogger]

A must-listen from these guys is "Aja". From one of the best recorded and engineered albums ever. Just a great-sounding recording and an album of great songs.

[@danewilliams3552]

Steely Dan, bands favorite BAND😎🎵

[@lynnegunn2425]

Your reactions always touch my heart!!!! Thank you for sharing your LOVE of music with us.💌

[@MerchantOfAlba]

Our pleasure!! Glad you liked it ☺️

[@Newfie-zc7ug]

One of the BEST bands ever !

[@gerib4234]

Musical perfection = Steely Dan My 17 year old friend Kyle (RIP) turned me on to the Album Aja when I was 14! I've been in love with this band ever since and I still have the original album. Steely Dan never disappoints and always amazes ❤

[@sonicart1808]

"Home at Last" next.... there's sooo many great Steely Dan songs.... great reaction guys thanks!

[@walterkirk9210]

I so enjoyed the reaction. I don't know how many times I've heard this song -- many times, but I never considered the point of the structure of the song to give time for the meaning of each line to sink in. Also, you'll find many, many Steely Dan songs where you get ear candy and great lyrics. There are so many great songs to look forward to in The Dan's catalog!

[@MerchantOfAlba]

Thank you for enjoying our video. Much love from both of us 💚

[@chitownlee]

Steely Dan will give you guy's years of enjoyment, not a bad album or song.

[@mikeloomis687]

Truer words were never spoken!

[@wendyt7958]

Such a fantastic album!

[@jimmoore8951]

Very appropriate song for Independence Day. The whole song and album are amazing but my favorite part here is adding the muted trumpet to the song's ambience

[@larkincollins1116]

Literally not a bad song on their first six albums, and every song on those first six albums is pretty much flawless...as the old saying goes, "Steely Dan is your favorite band's favorite band"... 😁 If you want to check out those first six albums, I would start with "Aja," then listen to the rest of the "Royal Scam," then listen to the first album, then "Katy Lied," then "Countdown to Ecstasy," and then "Pretzel Logic." If you just want some outstanding individual songs to listen to, I would check out (in album order) "Dirty Work," "Kings," "Reelin' in the Years" (I'm pretty sure you already listened to "Do It Again"), "Razor Boy," "Your Gold Teeth," "King of the World," "Rikki Don't Lose That Number," "Pretzel Logic," "Dr. Wu," "Your Gold Teeth II," "Kid Charlemagne," "The Caves of Altamira," "Don't Take Me Alive," "Green Earrings," "Haitian Divorce," "Black Cow," "Aja," "Deacon Blues," "Peg" and "Josie." You will be astounded...have fun! 😁

[@MerchantOfAlba]

Thank you for the info. Have a great day 😊

[@dailyprognosisnick]

Next to Pretzel Logic my favorite Steely Dan album! Thanks for covering! Do miss seeing your Beagle in the background:)

[@MerchantOfAlba]

💚🐶

[@paullacroix527]

Great stuff folks. Steely Dan is one of the greatest bands of the 1970's into the 80's. Donald Fagen and Walter Becker are legends, especially Donald( singer/keyboards). They're amazing. Rabbit hole alert lol. Keep digging..

[@dalemcmillan7231]

Love it ❤

[@briangray00]

Really enjoyed wife/hub reaction to this masterpiece. Beg you to do more. Both of you got invested immediately. Think this one gave them the confidence to invested so much $money$ into Aja. The whole LP is fantastic and the point where they really hit their stride.

[@oscar-lo4hc]

Both majored in college in English Literature.

[@stevegirard-voiceaudiopodcasts]

One of the saddest aspects of this song is that it’s a cycle… the people come, they realize they’ve fallen for a lie, but they in turn lie to their people back on the island because they want them to think they’re doing great, and not to worry. But that furthers the myth, and results in more islanders coming to NYC.

[@rickyjanemaguecabral1870]

The music paints a picture. Peace and love to you. And all you love. And all who love you.

[@MerchantOfAlba]

Many thanks. Much love from Romania 💚

[@roundtownKen]

"Different breed" you say? An accurate assessment. Royal Scam is an album full of songs that other bands would kill to have just 1 song of the caliber of what you just heard. RS is also their most adventurous and unfiltered album. Their following albums, while exceptional, are more polished and behaved. AND as a bonus, Donald Fagen (1/2 of Steely Dan) released 3 of his own albums - Nightfly, Kamakiriad, Morph the Cat. They're at the same level and sound like they have the same genetic upline because Donald's influence permeates all. Stay with this album - try Green Earrings, Kid Charlemagne, or Haitian Divorce. Happy lintening.

[@sicotshit7068]

I love Steely Dan, another great band.

[@Mrc172]

The lady is switched on. 👍

[@cherrypickerguitars]

You two kids are going to find some Steely Dan songs that you’ll love for the rest of your lives! Happy “rabbit hole” exploring! Peace, from the beautiful mountains of BC, Canada! 🇨🇦

[@MerchantOfAlba]

Thank you. Much love from Romania 💚

[@ChasBeauregarde]

I'm glad you're doing some of Steely Dan's music. If you think of the meaning of "royal" in the way of meaning "grand" "huge" or "big", I think that's what the English syntax is getting at.

[@ok-qt4kr]

Deep Dive Required (DDR)... No turning back once the SD Vibe is understood .

[@z0n0ph0ne]

You guys do the best reactions. Steely Dan is a wonderful rabbit hole to go down.

[@MerchantOfAlba]

Many thanks 👍

[@louisvitalis4800]

Hé guys, I enjoyed your Nightwish reactions so much, but I was a Steely Dan fan from the early 1970s (now guess my age 😂). I still listen to SD, and I saw them live three times. Although the music is very different from NW, it has two things in common. 1) the lyrics are never easy to understand 2) the music is intelligent and complex, but still very pleasing to the ears! Now I love both SD and NW, isn’t that a strange combination?

[@MerchantOfAlba]

No, not at all! Both are exceptional bands 😊 Best wishes and have a great day 💚

[@DusCostea-kt1dg]

Played this Album continuously for about a month first time around. Don't think you will find anything from this Great Great Band 🎶🎵🍯🤌🙏💪🐝🍀

[@user-sr4gw3gs4v]

One of their songs that doesn’t receive much air play is Haitian Divorce!

[@79BlackRose]

It was a single.

[@timbell-smith7760]

There is no such thing as a bad Steely Dan song. Give Don’t Take Me Alive a try you’ll love it

[@pete3883]

Happy Independence Day, royal scam is so American !!!

[@johnruffner4532]

Finally came up my street... Great band listen to... Deacon blue 💙... You'll enjoy it

[@irgounemeth4645]

Andrei and Veronika you should for sure enjoy the whole album called The Royal Scam (Steely Dan: Donald Fagen and Walter Becker RIP)

[@MerchantOfAlba]

Thank you. It's Dominika not Veronika. It must've been my accent 😁 Love and Peace from Romania 💚

[@audreymoore5743]

I missed your first one. Steely Dan…..deep Rabbit hole.

[@patriciahopkins99]

CCR “ fortunate Son” 👍

[@pete3883]

They had 30 people in studio, who orchestrated??

[@mega00760]

SD put their money into the studio and the best musicians there were

[@mikejacobs7786]

More steely dan

[@phillipfitton8364]

It’s Scam, not scum..…😊

[@JuniorFarquar]

Great formula from which they, unfortunately, never veered.

[@lyallbenjamin1045]

Kid charlemagne, dr wu, razor boy, gold teeth 2 please.

[@user-qb2ze8pn9c]

This is about TARTARIA

[@onomatopie1]

everything you did', from the same album... a naughty song about hypocracy...and yes, if something sounds to good to be true, it probably is;)

[@glass2467]

This is absolutely a great song. But it shouldn't make the top 10 list for first listeners of Steely Dan. There are so many other masterpieces that should be listened to first. They don't get a real sense of the genius of Steely Dan with this song, IMO.

[@pete3883]

best musicians ?

[@user-to6su7bk4m]

Puerto Rico has been an American territory since 1890. So Puerto Ricans are American. They are not immigrants.