The WEIRDEST Pop Song Intro of All Time

Is this the weirdest pop song intro ever? In this video I answer that question.
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[@briguy4238]

I am a first generation Steely Dan fan. After all these years I am still blown away at how this music DOES NOT AGE - it still sounds brand new, edgy and yet sophisticated.

[@scottreszek384]

Agree, just like the Beatles, gets better with age.

[@WardCarroll]

“Before Pro Tools, there were pros.” Great line.

[@jawn1568]

Who wouldve thought I'd find ward here

[@flynbike]

Straight savage.

[@TheZooropaBaby]

Ok boomer

[@michaelcady9936]

I was a DT3 stationed at NAF Detroit.when this tune came out

[@strat0871]

Sooooo right !

[@Beebo]

Steely Dan are truly one-of-a-kind. No other band could've written something like Josie. The entire Aja album is phenomenal. Peg, Josie and Deacon Blues are especially killer. 👌

[@raysills6666]

👏👊👍

[@colico14]

I love Chuck Rainey's bassline on Peg. So much fun to play!

[@frandanco6289]

And --- King of the World, FM........ :)

[@taffmanetothyme7]

And about 25 or more from their back catalogue (nearly all of Gaucho for example), not to mention huge chunks of the Don Fagen catalogue. That's how good they were and are (Mr Becker RIP). 👌

[@jasonmaguire7552]

Aja is the greatest SD song by far

[@pamelah6431]

The radio needs to have an edition of this song with Rick's "OH!!!" added in. 😁

[@finnsterling6514]

Ha. That'd be awesome.

[@ronimusala]

Rick going full italian there

[@gerbs139]

“It just sounds cool” - Steely Dan, in a nutshell.

[@neilloughlin7080]

Thank you! Well said! That's my opinion on Steely Dan as well. I don't know why I love it...but I love it!

[@DarthD00bius]

So true. Let's not neglect the part Donald Fagen's vocal plays in that. The way he sings "Throw down the jams" just exudes coolness.

[@macelven]

Spot on, I confess I've never found the intro 'weird', to me it's just another cool Dan thing. I love the way Rick breaks stuff down though.

[@californigirl]

We always felt so much more sophisticated when Steely Dan was dropped on the record player.

[@danbyl4582]

it's so rich (npi) understanding how much craft and genius goes into "sounds cool.

[@pancake5146]

Love how rick is playing air guitar whilst holding an actual guitar.

[@TheLuke...]

Lol

[@ianwilson725]

lol true

[@jackkennedy1936]

For as old as this song is (45yrs), you'd think that this was the very first time Rick has ever heard it. Steely Dan was a one-in-a-lifetime band with some of the greatest players ever through the line up over the years. Still sounds fresh like the first time you heard it, this is timeless music that belongs in the National Archive to be saved for all time

[@thorn262]

Hear-Hear!!

[@glennthomas4159]

Steely Dan songs are good enough that you can loop any one for hours and keep finding new nuances to appreciate. I’m saying “whoa!!!” in my head constantly to these songs.

[@EarlofBrock]

I thought this was going to be about "Hocus Pocus" by Focus, but then I remembered that the intro to that song was pretty much the only non-weird part.

[@mattm1982]

Their performance of that on Midnight Special (found on youtube) is so fuckin good. It was sped up like 2x because they had to finish for time.

[@richardberman8527]

Damn you! Now I've got that freaky-deaky Dutchman in my head.

[@thebeast88_]

We want a what makes this song great on this, rick

[@vikingmetaliscool]

Love that song

[@szrnkabela]

😉👍Yoidala-Yoidala Yom Pam Pam 🤩

[@dutchcanuck7550]

Saw the title, said to myself, "Something by Steely Dan, probably. Which song?" The opening for Josie starts playing in my head. I start to play the video. I feel good.

[@jashton8710]

Call it weird, but that is the most epic intro I have ever heard in any song....and then the bass line kicks in...that's when you know the masters are at work. The whole album is a masterpiece.

[@dcthegreatest24]

Steely has always blown me away at their musicianship and writing strategies. I don't know theory or a whole lot else, but I know complex and different when I hear it.

[@danbyl4582]

never tire of them and i've listened avidly for over 40 years,.

[@AbbeyRoad52]

Totally agree!

[@guidedmeditation2396]

They would bring in lots of studio musicians and ask them to contribute and would rotate them and replace them even mid song. This is why their songs are so diverse and dynamic and it is wonderful.

[@MaryDougherty-ge3mh]

I totally agree with all of you. I admire & respect Steely Dan so much.

[@guy_incognito]

Hard to tell which I like more: the song, Rick's breakdown of the song, or just watching Rick enjoying the song. GREAT SEGMENT, RICK!

[@sergiosaunier]

I could just watch Rick enjoying the song all day long!

[@mrz80]

Rick is an enthusiast. He's the ultimate rock music nerd, clearly having the time of his life breaking down his passion into bite-sized morsels for the masses :D

[@kristastiger]

Doing more "OOOOWH"s than the Andrew Dice Clay loop of EMF's "Unbelievable"!

[@smashogre4766]

So true! Rick's joy is infectious

[@joseurquia8603]

@@mrz80 ric beato is the man who knows all the chords best. No chord escapes him. He's simply amazing.

[@haldalorian]

Rick, as always your enthusiasm is great to behold and your joy is infectious. Made my day.

[@ShotDownInFlames2]

Wouldn't it be great to drive around listening to the radio with Rick, and a song like Josie would come on.

[@andrewlowden322]

yeah every surprise-face and "OH!!" just makes ya smile!!

[@LichenAndMoss]

Totally!

[@oldschoolrr6077]

Out of all the Steely Dan Album releases, Aja is my all-time favorite. Not a bad song in the whole Album. So it is hard to pick a favorite off of it. "Josie " is easily a classic.

[@robindick2802]

That was so enjoyable! It made me smile. Thank you Rick!

[@cherinoelke]

Steely Dan could do no wrong for me in the 70's, and Aja was such a breath of fresh air!

[@humminglake]

this song feels a lot like FM, especially the string pads... great breakdown. "Before Protools.... there were Pros..." best smile of the day! :-)

[@helminenjuha]

Best giggle!

[@jonchilds1637]

Can we all just take a moment to appreciate the staggering musical proficiency regularly demonstrated by Rick Beato? We listen to and love some of the most virtuso playing in the history of music which in many cases - as 'lesser' players - many of us have consigned to the 'too difficult' file - and Rick plays them all, easily as well as the originals. Awesome!!

[@WorldOfTess2024]

Hear, hear! Well said.

[@adrianaboulos7357]

Totally agree 💯

[@sergiosaunier]

The man is a national treasure, at this point.

[@kevinmcardle6359]

Amen, brother

[@djfglobal3377]

@@frankhenderson7656 better order his book frank!

[@iridescent-frog1059]

As like the biggest Steely Dan fan I can’t even describe how happy i am that you are spreading the word about how great the Dan are. More people need to know about the genius of this one of a kind band.

[@MotoLen51]

One of the best ever. Giants.

[@ursula3438]

Total geniuses. They were like what Lennon/McCartney would have been, if they had gone to jazz school. However they were more like a duo than a band, since all those legendary session guys they used weren't band members.

[@cozmicpfunk]

The Dan were totally musicians music with pop sensibilities. Here we are 45 years later still talking about them- Yes, there were Pros before Protools ;)

[@Dyundu]

Unparalleled to this day.

[@melanies.6030]

@@cozmicpfunk To me they were a fantastic jazz band, and Donald Fagen one of the greatest jazz vocalists, that were just killing it on the pop charts. Their songs are timeless.

[@kbstabs5982]

Rick, just found this one. Has to be one of your very best. Man, that's a great song and your analysis and passion take it to another unexpected level.

[@randyrich2039]

When this song was released I had been, for some years, playing in a country music club 5 nights a week making a living doing the hits and standards. But we (the band I was in ) were all 60's blues rock kids. As a challenge to myself I figured out the intro, and as a goof we used it as an intro for, "Your Cheatin' Heart", also "Good Hearted Woman", you can actually intro almost any song with it, the farther from the key the song will be in the wackier it sounds. When you play the same club 5 nights a week, every week for years, you gotta have some fun with the music. We also played nuthin' but the blues and related rock for our 5th set most nights, the country cats dug it. You should've seen those cow kids try to dance like Summer of Love Hippies when we'd play "Purple Haze". Those were the good old days when one weeks pay took care of rent and bills. Great video, as always rick.

[@squirlmy]

Sounds like you were on a mission from God. Elwood: What kind of music do you usually have here? Claire: Oh, we got both kinds. We got country *and* western.

[@mikearchibald744]

@@squirlmy LOL. You still see that at lots of clubs, lots of times I"ve seen people bored to tears with the same melody. The BEST country music we have here in Atlantic Canada is a local acadian station that mostly plays french country, and it is really wild stuff almost all the time. And its about the most popular radio station around here.

[@MaryDougherty-ge3mh]

Bless you all. I love your comments & ideas.

[@mikebolognese7134]

I heard a band cover Steely Dan at a wedding of all places and believe me when I say that they were FANTASTIC. That was 40 years ago and my jaw dropped open because they did Dan perfectly without flaw. UNBELIEVABLE!!

[@lheggestad]

The best part of this is how much fun Rick is having. He's so into it and so uninhibited in his love for the music that you can't help but get swept up into it along with him.

[@thebarf9235]

@@skierpage He was definitely entering Andrew Dice Clay territory there.

[@rksnj6797]

I was just thinking that myself. He's having so much fun with this song!

[@Nuker54]

Rick looks like a kid in the “candy-chord” store! And I know exactly how he feels because I felt the same way the first time I heard Josie, and still love it today. Steely Dan produced some of the most pristine and musically diverse music ever recorded. IMHO!👍

[@scottmckenna9164]

@@sillysausage4549 so, what interests you?

[@drewwin794]

^So sad for you

[@rampant59]

Best part of these songs is Rick breaking the songs down and acting like a teenager groovin' to them. Great entertainment value. Love it

[@RaineStudio]

The first F#5 chord absolutely relates. It's called "contrary motion." The E steps up to F# and the D steps down to C#. The minor 7th shrinks to a 5th. Very exotic.

[@squirlmy]

I have next to no knowledge, I can't read music at all, but listening to Aja for a few decades now, I knew Rick couldn't be right when he said it. I was looking through these comments to find a correction like yours.

[@GlennErikMathisen]

the next section with the three powerchords D#5,B5 and D5 sound even weirder to me. Shure it relates back to E minor in a way, but the way it's played sounds so strange to me (in an awesome way!) Not to mention the chromatic line and last four crazy chords. Could one call it a turnaround of sorts? I have some knowledge of theory, but there are some things about this song that stumps me. Curious to hear your thoughts.

[@untexan]

Donald Fagen did a whole video about piano technique using his tunes, and he spent a good 15 minutes with Warren Bernhardt talking about Josie, and he never explained that part of the intro

[@zephead64]

Rick.. I love how you break down something that has always sounded so damn cool but do so in a way that makes sense to us 'non-educated' music fans yet provides affirmation of why it's cool.

[@toddbernstein3407]

I like how your discussion of Josie's intro morphed into a whole WMTSG segment. Also, I really dig the new format of showing the chords like a lead sheet along the bottom of the screen. It helps me better understand what's going on. Great video, as always!

[@njineermike]

If it hadn't have been for the chords displayed at the bottom I'd have been completely lost right after "Hi. I'm Rick Beato".

[@TokyoBlue587]

I love the written chords too (not that I can play like that…yet!)

[@batya7]

Love how excited Rick gets over 45 year old music, the soundtrack of our youths.

[@brucemacmillan7128]

Walter Becker was an underrated guitar player. He was overshadowed due to the fact that The Dan hired so many fab session players to play on their records. Also, Walter was a terrific bass player. He actually came up with a lot of Chuck Rainey's bass part for Josie. His bass playing on Green Book, an underrated cut from The Dan's last album, Everything Must Go, is really quite something.

[@davidmuir7711]

Becker was key and dedicated to the greater whole of musical creation.

[@soulsweeper1630]

Pretty sure this was dean parks

[@MaryDougherty-ge3mh]

Wow, so cool. I agree with you!

[@hawleybrowder4083]

I can watch his breakdowns all day long. I love how he geeks out on the good parts. He totally gets how music reaches you.

[@spiritmatter1553]

I just wish I knew music theory as well as he does, but I thoroughly enjoy it anyway

[@andrewparnell5566]

I listen to the song and think it's pretty good. But then Rick reveals the magic in the song. Ooooh!!!! :)

[@revsharp777]

As a kid, I remember grabbing my dad's Aja album because I knew it had Peg on it. I had heard it on the radio many times and it became one of the 1st tunes I ever learned on bass. As I listened to the album all the way through, I was just floored. As if all that great music wasn't enough, my ears pricked up even more when Josie started. By the end of the album, I was just a kid that stood there stunned. Of course, this instantly started my deep love for the band and I went through their entire catalog. There's nothing else like Steely Dan. The sound, the artistry, the sheer talent. The best of the best for each individual track. It opened my young eyes and ears to the session musician. WHAT DO YOU MEAN THIS ISN'T THE SAME GUYS ON EACH TRACK? You mean this is the vision of only 2 guys & they got the best guys to play on individual tracks? Yep. If it wasn't for Steely Dan, I'd probably never know about the Purdie Shuffle or guys like Steve Gadd, Larry Carlton, Chuck Rainey, Danny Diaz, etc. I'll always love the music of Walter and Donald, because it opened me up to so much.

[@johndrowe5281]

“It doesn’t really relate … it just sounds cool.”😁 We need more of that in today’s music! You do not hear enough (because you couldn’t) what a terrific player/musician you are! You are! Thank you for sharing. Cheers! Fabulous teacher as well…

[@squirlmy]

except, as JVRaines points out: The first F#5 chord absolutely relates. It's called "contrary motion." The E steps up to F# and the D steps down to C#. The minor 7th shrinks to a 5th. As much as Rick knows and has experienced, music always goes further and deeper

[@WyattWinters]

I’d argue more music is being made that way today, with music production being so accessible to those with little to no music background. You just don’t hear it with these jazzy extended chord’s usually

[@simonjones8111]

Totally agree, the 1970’s were so full of new, different, weird and wonderful bands that nothing was off limits.

[@mikearchibald744]

Thats even moreso the case now, the main difference is you have to go looking on the internet, because you won't hear it on the radio. It should be illegal how radio is run, good lord, not only is it the same bands over and over, its the same SONGS over and over.

[@NotQuiteFirst]

@@mikearchibald744 what's a "radio" 🤔

[@mikearchibald744]

@@NotQuiteFirst LOL, believe it or not, its something that 85% of the population still listen to.

[@shadehunter]

The 70's had such cool chord voicings. As a child of the 90's and a huge metalhead, I wish we had more of these "expensive" chords in today's music.

[@monarcas5502]

relax mate life is like a cycle, sometimes it's bad on others it's good... sometimes music uses expensive chords on others don't...

[@jaysgood10]

@@monarcas5502 fucking Plato

[@kitemanmusic]

Sorry, no market for clever stuff!

[@stellarpod]

As a 66-year old guy who *grew up* in the 70's I can relate to what you're saying. BUT, trust me, we had plenty of musical flotsam floating around in those days too. For me, Steely Dan represents all that was good in that decade, without the distraction of that which was less so (and there was plenty). Steve

[@wd25a]

@@kitemanmusic Are you telling me "my hump, my hump, my lovely lady lumps" isn't intellectually satisfying?

[@thecranium]

I absolutely love watching Rick teach these classic songs. His passion and enthusiasm are contagious!

[@cooldebt]

Me too. A mix of nostalgia and light bulb moments 🙂

[@thecranium]

@@cooldebt Exactly, couldn't have said it any better. I'm only a few short years younger than Rick, and have had some similar musical experiences. Watching these videos brings all of that back, and to have his professional insight into the songs has just taught me so much.

[@neilweinstock4194]

This is my favorite Rick Beato video in a long time. Pure joy. Aja is such an absurdly great album. Could do a WMTSG about every song.

[@tacobreather]

I love Steely Dan. Every song is a musical adventure. I bought this album when it came out.

[@theonetruerobb4852]

You could make an album comprised completely of the songs SD considered "album filler", and it would go platinum inside of a week.

[@richardcarroll9864]

damn youre old

[@kellycoleman715]

Musical adventure is a good description.

[@theonetruerobb4852]

@@richardcarroll9864 HE'S old? I first listened to this one in a van, on the road, doing the old Holiday Inn circuit back when you could make a pretty good living. Blew us away, of course. We ended up doing "Josie", "Charlemagne", a couple other Dan-isms. Almost made it worth dragging the KB Player's B3 around the Midwest for a few years. Ahh, the 70s....

[@chiefinspectorshine]

My brother and I were talking about what 10 albums should wash up when you're stranded on a deserted island. "Aja" was definitely on the list.

[@mogsy2112]

Many years ago, I stumbled upon Steely Dan, almost by accident. I needed one more pick for one of those "10 for a penny" deals, from Columbia House. Aja was the one, and it started me down the Steely Dan rabbit hole. Incredible album, from an incredible "band". Saw them live several times over the years, and was never disappointed. Long live the Dan!

[@danluther1741]

I was the guy that filled your order at the warehouse! Crappiest job I ever had! 😂)

[@kimchi2780]

Awesome choice! Steely Dan is just incredible.

[@ewetyube]

This now rates as my favorite RB reaction to a song. I love how much fun you are having. The way you share your love of music, unfettered, is what has always drawn me to this channel.

[@ironwood9]

@ewetytube Right??? I LOVE RB!!!!

[@NotQuiteFirst]

OOOHHh

[@mc76]

Newly retired when the pandemic hit, I knew I would be spending a lot of time at home, so I bought a kit and resumed drumming after 35 years. I needed a clear barometer of improvement, so I just started playing along with Steely Dan albums. I have played almost every day for nearly two years and am only now getting to the point at which I think I have a decent handle on their catalog.

[@SMELLGOODER]

I remember being a kid, and listening to this song (along with Elvis, Elton John, The Beatles, ect) with my Dad (RIP) around 79-80,and my Pops making Karate chops and fist punches along to the beat. Sorry to interject with selfish nostalgia, but I love how YOU love music and all of it's intricacies! Great stuff, Rick!! 👍😎

[@micheleweitz8868]

That's my nostalgia too! My Dad (RIP 2017) had Aja on heavy rotation along with the Beatles, ELO, and the Eagles.

[@codechasr1]

LOVE IT when Rick gets his Steely Dan on (especially 12:57)!

[@rafaelfalcone3740]

I was looking for this comment 😂

[@OSheaShenanigans]

Ooooohhh!!!

[@marklombardo961]

Someone please make a bobble head of Rick groovin’ out to a solo. Love it!

[@guidedmeditation2396]

He looks euphoric doesn't he.

[@lyndensterley4734]

I'll buy one👍👍

[@alexlaborde385]

its imposible not to feel ,and without even knowing it, flow with some of their songs. thats why they so good.Peg and Rikki r 2 others that come to mind,

[@ericnelson3998]

The whole Aja album is one of my all time favorites. Brilliant piece of work. And you're right, the bass line carries this whole song.

[@ericreganiguess1703]

YES!

[@davidschecter5247]

The jazzy piano intro to Chicago's "Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is" is another weird one, but over time you NEED to hear it before the "main song" or it sounds incomplete.

[@marctheriault]

Same with the Live at Carnegie Hall intro to Make Me Smile. 🔥

[@larryhall2805]

I noticed in the 80s when Chicago played it live, they left out the 5/4 section of that piano intro. I agree with you....it's gotta be in there!

[@stevengorum2727]

Exactamundo

[@postworld1185]

Chicago - Make Me Smile. Really weird intro.

[@unSelf21]

Walter Becker was one of the most intelligent guitarists ever. So smooth and right in the pocket. Gone too soon Love that you recognised this intro!!

[@shapshooter7769]

Nope, not by Steely Dan standards. Otherwise Becker might have nailed the Peg solo better ;P (They went with Jay Graydon's solo)

[@peterdrachen7701]

@@shapshooter7769 their attitude towards players was that they must be chosen as they fit the part, much like the instrumentation of the song. The players, much like instruments can be great, but they may not fit the song as well as another option.

[@BrotherDevious]

Great solo on "FM", too

[@unSelf21]

@@shapshooter7769 It still speaks volumes that Becker had no problem stepping aside as Graydon had a better feel for what the song needed. And by doing that upheld the Steely Dan standard. Becker checks his ego at the door.

[@saleasylum]

You're killing me Larry, Larry Carlton that is.

[@cezarsantana]

Being a Brazilian musician, I don't find this intro weird at all, lol...great song, great groove, great feel, and Rick is a joy to watch! Keep up the good work my friend. We love you and today's musicians in the work need you!!!

[@girlwithaguitar24]

I love how my man has heard this song dozens of times in his life but his eyes still smile when he hears a particularly cool part.

[@ricboden4553]

Took me a month of rehearsal and home practice to figure out the Chuck Rainey bass part in Josie. But OMG when we got it, it killed. It became one of our encores. One of those we could all take an eight bar solo and have a blast.

[@Colaeroimages]

This is just one of those tracks everyone in the band can have a go at it and do their own fun thing and just keep it going and going

[@legman1476]

I hear ya! I had to approach this like I was a teenager with all the time in the world to learn one song, just like I did back in the 80's. The other song that hung me up pretty good was "Birdland" by Weather Report. I had to play that one at 17 in high school jazz band. I spent months on that. No, it wasn't perfect!

[@ricboden4553]

@@legman1476 I saw WR w/ Jaco play Birdland when he would throw down baby powder and slide around the stage while playing his parts a lot faster than the recording. Yeah, his reputation was well earned.

[@danielwoodard680]

@@ricboden4553 why does everybody talk about Jaco? There is always KISS...oh. Nevermind. We have been so fortunate to see and hear Jaco as he changed bass guitar. Reputation well earned.

[@mksrxwd]

Me too

[@iridescent-frog1059]

Steely dan is one of the most creative bands of all time. I mean that whole Aja record is just absolute perfection. Some of the most beautiful chord changes I've ever heard are on that record.

[@thomascerulli8013]

Your the man Rick, I love how you go back to the Aja album time and time again. Ty

[@AndySnap]

"OHHHH!!" 😄loving Rick's enthusiasm pouring out for this track! I have no idea about the technicalities of the music (well, a lot more now...), but I've always enjoyed listening to Steely Dan too!

[@FL8mileshigh1]

Rick’s reactions are superb. Rick didn’t appear as enthusiastic when he did his recent Spotify pop review. You know where I’m going here.

[@petergunn3614]

Yea i've never seen him geek out over a Justin Bieber "composition"

[@micheleparker8123]

😂😂

[@mksrxwd]

Love that "Before Pro Tools there where pro's" :) lol Always loved Steeley Dan's albums and like you said some the best musician's on the planet.

[@1oolabob]

Rick, sometimes your musical abilities just crack me up. It's probably that it's so amazing I don't know how else to react. When you play the intro to Josie perfectly on guitar, and then end the intro by playing the little keyboard lick perfectly, my ears hear you making the exact right sounds, and my eyes can't fathom that you're just one guy. So I have to laugh, and then tell you about it. So good it's hilarious.

[@andywaters2520]

Never been much of a Steely Dan fan. But I was on vacation in 2003, staying in a hotel that backed up to an open air amphitheater in South Lake Tahoe. I was lounging in the outdoor pool while Steely Dan was playing a concert just a few hundred yards away. This song and that intro/outro will be forever stuck in my mind from hearing it live that night.

[@fiddleandfart]

Wow! What incredible luck! And, doubtless, what an experience! Clearly unforgettable!

[@ChrisGordan]

Another great analysis, Rick. I’ve always said that Steely Dan (Becker/Fagan), are quite literally their own “genre”. Amazingly complex, yet accessible to the general public. Brilliant in every regard!

[@philip6502]

Like Mozart. 💯

[@jamesmcarthur7553]

No one else sounds even remotely like them.

[@spiritmatter1553]

Pop music was truly creative back then. Now I think we were so lucky to have that come out of car and bedside radios every day.

[@nandisaand5287]

Polyphonic, another fantastic music analysis channel, contends that Steely Dan isn't really a band but an "anesthetic". I encourage anybody who's never heard of Polyphonic to go check it out. He delves into the poetry of music, while Rick focuses on mechanics.

[@kitemanmusic]

I once heard "Reeling in the Years" playing in my local supermarket! I was surprised!

[@senecaknowsbest8380]

I love Rick’s love and passion for music. He has truly earned his place in the pantheon

[@marblex]

What could possibly be better than The Dan? How about Ricks enthusiasm, knowledge and skill pulling their songs apart. Just love watching these, it creates a whole new level of appreciation. Rick, can you get your forensics on to the very first chord in Only a Fool Would Say That.... it's genius.

[@alisonsneed3707]

Rick, your pure enjoyment of music is a joy to watch. There are more killer chords in this old song than the entire 2023 pop40 list. They don’t write them like that anymore.

[@AkelaTalamasca]

Out of every band I've ever listened to and loved, the music of Steely Dan just gets deeper and deeper the older I get.

[@jenl3162]

I totally agree. No other band does that for me.

[@IsaacRussell707]

“Before Pro Tools, there were pros” One of the best Beato quotes I’ve heard!

[@MichaelFlynn0]

right

[@artsmith1347]

It was the best laugh I had all day.

[@samatza]

That one cracked me up!

[@torridscene]

R B - You da man. - I have always felt 'Josie' was a really special song ---- even for Steely Dan. Great progressions and ensemble playing, naturally (with a Steely Dan song, you'd expect that) but it's the empty space in this track which is really impressive. So much juicy, lush harmonic playing, and yet all the while there is this room, a space where each instrumentalist can be heard contributing contributing their part, with no "bunching" (sonically/audio) or anyone stepping on anyone else. Pretty cool.

[@laurasibley8892]

Steely Dan is my drug of choice! I just adore watching you excavate the gold in these songs Rick. I'm not musical, I can't play anything but these videos sure make me wish I could. Your joy in these songs is infectious even for those of us can't read one musical note xxxx

[@10CentHead]

I have always LOVED Keltner's drums on this tune. To call it "tight" is almost an understatement. Nothing superfluous, not flashy... just the perfect groove. This is one of those tracks I will never-ever-ever get tired of.

[@danielmconnolly7]

His snare lives on a planet of it's own...

[@RogerBiwandu]

Great song, yet I prefer the take on the live album with the GREAT Dennis Chambers on drums, it's slower with a really FAT Rhythm's Blues's vibe, it was supposed to be a Rhythm'n Blues's song anyway.

[@vikingslayer34]

Love the breakdown and the enthusiasm for Steely Dan. To the average stooge they might say its elevator music, when in fact it is a complex music masterpiece.

[@alanwalton3322]

I wish they would play Steely Dan in elevators. It would certainly lift my spirits.

[@geraldfriend256]

@@alanwalton3322 And spirit the lift.I can't leave it alone .Stay cool

[@diegocorredor9298]

I could live in an elevator

[@BeeWhistler]

I humbly accept my stooge status. I'm not really fond of that whole modern urban yuppie jazz thing. It would put me to sleep if I wasn't too stressed trying to tune it out. I was born in the 70s and love some of the music but there's a certain genre from it I just can't stand and they're part of it. I dunno what it's called but the Doobie Bros had a similar thing going on. I'm sure there's great musicianship there and all but it just doesn't send me. Actual elevator music is arguably worse but still. Dozens of mellow songs for aging Boomers to sell out to, that all sound the same... like Sunday afternoons at the wood-paneled college library waiting for your parents while they have dull conversations over microfiche.. Just a suggestion, though... maybe don't throw everyone who doesn't like what you like into the same pit together. Just because something is well crafted doesn't mean it has to have universal appeal. I don't call names every time someone doesn't love They Might Be Giants.

[@noahleach7690]

at least for me its the vocalist that ruins it, he's super boring boring and I also just don't like his natural voice on top lol

[@tomanderson1557]

That was awesome! I just love seeing you go through songs like that, and a song I love so much, too. Seeing the chord progressions in that song is amazing

[@trockw85]

I've been watching your videos for years, and it never ceases to amaze me how you make me excited about music/songs that would usually never give me much pause. Your love and knowledge of music is immense and infectious. Thank you!

[@TomStrahle]

They taught this song in the guitar department at USC too. The best way to analyze this intro is that theoretically it’s the intro to Josie.

[@jpgcomposer]

I think this and Rick's are the correct analyses: it sounds good!

[@DrRetch]

And there in which resides the beauty of theory!

[@chrishelbling3879]

Hi Tom Strahle - USC Music grad of 1979 here. Had a music school buddy, a guitar major, who introduced me to Steely Dan. He worked as a bartender down near Wilmington or Long Beach or somewhere; I visited him at his bar and he comped me my drinks. Was that you, by any chance? I have a USC Music graduation snapshot of me & him, the guitar student; I will have to root through my garage, to post, to see if you know him, or if it's you?

[@chrishelbling3879]

Hey Tom Strahle, I can't post a pic here; check out my Facebook of Christopher Helbling. I just posted a pic of a USC Guitar major; if it's not you, might be someone you remember?

[@fiddlefolk]

Lol...funny

[@martintayler23]

It may be weird, Rick, but it also creates this dark and moody feel with those intro chords. The song about the homecoming queen, Josie, gives to me the image of a gang of youths at night welcoming her back into the fold. Such superb musicianship by all players and very distinctive and a good memory of Walter's ability on guitar. Thank you Rick for your critique.

[@EddieG1888]

As a 47-year old guy who's been a Dan fan since stumbling across them via De La Soul's Eye Know (and a friend pointing out who was sampled), as a 15-year old, I have to say this might be my favourite Rick Beato video OF. ALL. TIME. Btw, in the break at 10:11 on the video, Jim Keltner is also playing a dustbin lid with rivets in it, a Christmas present from his wife, I believe.

[@arkhamcitycitizen]

It's intriguing to me how great music, even art can transcend over time and become timeless. I got hooked on steely dan 3 years ago when I was 23. But I never considered the intro to josie weird, it just felt right at home with me, feeling: yeah, that's great!

[@ChrisMezzolesta]

Regarding "OHHHHHHHH!!!!!", I heartily concur! Played the intro on an acoustic guitar I was checking out at a small music store - the owner kinda freaked and gave me a case for free just for that! :-D True story. I figured out a way to play it in first position including the root notes (such as on the polychords, fingering a D major shape while playing the bass note on the 6th string) - also, just where IS that drum fill at the end?!?! Been counting it for decades, Keltner is the mysterious wizard of time....Wonderful video!!!!!!

[@artboy789]

That is amazing! I would love if that happened to me

[@davidcherry3107]

I'm pretty sure one of the fills is a partial quarter note triplet over beats three and four and the other is a slight ritardando leading to a slight fermata or ceasura then cymbal crash on four and "a tempo," back into the head, like Keltner just held back the rhythm section for effect, then boom, right back into the groove. Man, it was great when great players actually played the parts with no click track.

[@pdxfunkjunkie]

@@davidcherry3107 , Showoff...

[@sherryheim5504]

I have always loved this song but the intro always felt a little uncomfortable to me until it slid into the smooth vibe of the song and I never knew why. Listening to you break it down solved that mystery for me. I really loved this segment today, Rick. Thank you.

[@danielmconnolly7]

It makes me nervous...🤪

[@braveswin1]

When I think about it, it's like they were going for a "secret agent" vibe on the intro

[@ceddyharris6340]

@@braveswin1 Yeah that's true, Donald was heavily influenced by Henry Mancini

[@2GroundControl]

Enjoying a Steely Dan song breakdown with Rick Beato is like listening to a tune you've known and loved forever for the first time.😉

[@donaldfitzgerald9322]

I LOVE your analysis videos… especially this one. You’re so excited 👍🏾😆😎🙏🏾 thank you.

[@TheKitty1952]

Funny, we never thought the music was weird...it was just new and nuanced. Steely Dan's Aja allowed vivid dreams to enter your thoughts; Aja transported the listener to different places. Truly a masterpiece.

[@ronrobbins2737]

Exactly, not weird, it's called "original" using unique Harmony. Not like today's songwriters Adele, John Legend, Alicia, etc..

[@JSomerled]

Yes…well said

[@quicktastic]

So, this was the last track on Aja and probably the most overlooked (we all know about the perfection of the whole album). Yet, this song beats the snot out of any top 10 pop song today musically. Structure, complexity, originality, interesting, musicianship. Just stellar.

[@maryvallas772]

Once again, it really drives home how very spoiled we were and how much we took for granted in music growing up in the 70's. I absolutely love how excited you get listening to these true masters of the craft! 😂 ❤

[@lnt51797]

Yet another great discussion from Rick, about one of my most favorite albums. You never even mention Steely Dan's deliciously lascivious lyrics! I get it: you focus on the musicanship more than the poetry; that's your gig - and you're great at it. Thank you!

[@marzcapone9939]

This is my "go to" reference song for any new speakers, IEM's, or even if I move speakers. Love it as a song, but the recording is top notch, clarity, sound stage, everything is excellent. Those horns rise up from silence so well.

[@jmar4403]

I would use the intro to Boz Scaggs' "Lowdown" as a reference for my sound system, listening particularly Jeff Porcaro's drum kit which was so well mixed. Steely Dan's records in addition to the superb musicianship and writing were very well produced. Of course Aja was one of my favorites. Every song sparkled like a jewel.

[@felipeopazomusic]

Mine is "Home At Last" from this album, the CISCO vinyl edition, mastered by Kevin Gray. But to be honest, it could be any song from that record.

[@LeBator]

Cousin Dupree. Great for referencing.

[@donmorgan8269]

I do the same thing. Every studio, every sound system, I run this through it first.

[@duncaninglis3806]

Nice. I was in a Steely Dan tribute band, so this brought back memories. Learning those Dan riffs, chords and solos has been the highlight of my musical life.

[@jaywerth7421]

Hey Rick, I'm a 24 yr old hip hop producer. I wanted to say Steely Dan is one of my favorite musical discoveries I've found through looking for samples. Im a little mind blown that you made a video on Josie because it has been one of my top songs for awhile.

[@createlovehappy]

As a kid this song painted such a picture for me in my mind. It was mysterious, dangerous, and exciting, and who the hell was this Josie.

[@mikec6947]

I'm surprised you were surprised, Rick. As always, the complexity and perfection of Steely Dan's tunes shine bright.

[@monkeybarmonkeyman]

I feel very sad for those who've never experience the Steely Dan music world. You really just got to dive into it and listen. Awesome stuff.

[@throbgod13]

This is one of the greatest videos you’ve done so far.. Thank you for the chords at the bottom of the screen!! I love this.. Thank You, Rick!!

[@peterkelley6344]

Actually liked this style of presentation. Easy on my eyesight.

[@brettpaynter]

Rick I just love how much joy you are getting out of this, you really get me into the groove too. Great Video :)

[@pasqualedilorenzo9089]

Rick, i love the enthusiasm and enjoyment as if its the first time you've heard this track. I know that feeling

[@jakubbielak7273]

Yesterday we lost one of our greatest Polish jazz sax players and one of the godfathers of Polish jazz - Zbigniew Namysłowski. He was 82. It would be great if you'll take some time and listen to his records. Btw. Josie is my favourite Steely Dan song. Keltner's drums are really killer.

[@Jeff-rd6hb]

Amazing song from an amazing Album album! Aja is the album that cemented my love of Steely Dan. That was back in the day when late-night DJ's would play entire albums. As soon as I heard Aja I rushed out the next day to get my own copy. I think this might be a record for the number of times Rick goes "Oh!" in one video. 🤣

[@Kaptain13Gonzo]

50 years later I'm still catching up on some of the greatest music ever. The (roughly) 70's were such an explosion in music, so much innovation in so many veins. I love Rick breaking it down the what and why. With that, I'm back to the vinyl store.

[@richyrich5489]

Rick always makes me smile.. He brings joy and understanding and a lot of talent to the table. Great video!

[@davidjonorato3554]

I swear that’s one of my favorite solos EVER! Walter absolutely showed he was just as good as Larry and Dean and was a master of economic playing and touch and feel.

[@biffboffo]

Steely Dan definitely has a sound. As a non-musician, I always instinctively knew it, but it's enlightening to see it defined by an expert.

[@spiritmatter1553]

Same here! I graduated high school in 1977; it’s fun to revisit the music of my youth as Mr. Beato explains why it’s so good.

[@ArkaHtun]

your enthusiasm is captivating . love it .. I gotta learn these chords

[@jerrycarriveau1620]

Mister Beato, you provide a level of insight into music that brings me to a whole new awareness . This new awareness , is actually impacting my appreciation of music and my hobby of photography , searching for feeling in photos. Thank you!

[@ikesweat8749]

That whole album is one of Steely Dan's towering achievements A true masterpiece Sure Peg is neato & Josie is groovy, but I wanna learn to work the saxophone & play just how I feel then drink Scotch whiskey all night long & die behind the wheel... Naw, but yeah I'm 2 years 3 days sober. One foot after the next... Josie comes home

[@miniorek]

I need to finally dive into their discography...

[@randolfo1265]

Make sure you hear 'The Royal Scam' record - √

[@philip6502]

Make sure you miss nothing! 😎

[@StevenShults]

This turned into a "what makes this song great?", and I was very glad, because I love this song and this band! 🙂

[@quadrogong1111]

Love your vids, always learning stuff