I remember back in 1975; a professor at CMU was teaching us neophytes a Music Appreciation class. She new Donald Fagan and much to our surprise; Steely Dan showed up for a concert to our 120 seat music room for the class! They all sat down at their instruments and pulled out sheet music and began to play. It was mesmerizing! No theatrics, no wasted energy; just playing all of their songs perfectly! Steely Dan didn't tour at all at this time; so this was by far the greatest 'concert' that I ever experienced!
@foxandscout9 ай бұрын
Fortunate you!!!
@Ken-h5d9 ай бұрын
I thought my music appreciation class was good. No contest to yours.
@pinehawk96009 ай бұрын
Wow that's a historic event 😮
@Chris-s4f5w9 ай бұрын
That’s really cool
@jefffinkbonner95519 ай бұрын
It’s not what ya know; it’s who you know.
@Cadinho939 ай бұрын
Steely Dan's musical genre is: Steely Dan. Also, Steely Dan was probably one of the most versatile groups from the '70s for sure. I would encourage you both to look further into their music catalog because this group turned out some great memorable music that definitely won't disappoint, "Peg", "Reelin' in the Years", "Deacon Blues", "Hey Nineteen" just to name a few.
@TheCharismaticVoice9 ай бұрын
I mean... plastic organ and electric sitar. That's progressive!
@Chr1sWaterous9 ай бұрын
@@TheCharismaticVoiceSteely Dan is where prog rock and jazz meet, with a lot of absurdist sass. What a rabbit hole, I look forward to more!
@stevenporter87409 ай бұрын
Steely Dan are great, but not half as versatile as Hawkwind; the band that started with psychedelic rock and folk music, casually invented Space Rock, and then went on to influence punk, stoner rock, heavy metal, acid house, and trance. I can't see them ever getting reviewed on this channel, as this is primarily a vocal analysis channel, and Hawkwind have had at least a dozen lead singers over the years.
@clivestainlesssteelwomble76659 ай бұрын
@@stevenporter8740 Hurry on Sundown ... Flying doctor... Mirror of Illusion... ...dig deep Steve 😎🧙🏼♂🇬🇧️
@Annonymous02837459 ай бұрын
@@Chr1sWaterous "absurdist sass" is about the best way I've ever heard SD's lyrics described.
@leonardwashington64569 ай бұрын
I wouldn't be mad if you did a Steely Dan marathon
@jeffreygillispie87808 ай бұрын
This would be an awesome t-shirt. Simple black shirt with white text
@alansmith76268 ай бұрын
me too either!
@nedeast68458 ай бұрын
she needs the Steely Dan tee-shirt first
@markn8668 ай бұрын
That would be perfection and grace, and bring a smile to my face too.
@AppliedMetaphysician8 ай бұрын
Certainly wouldn't hurt my feelings!
@bodine578 ай бұрын
"AJA" deserves a full album listen and analysis!!
@nicholasmartin2978 ай бұрын
That album (Aja) has a special place in my heart. On my first trip to Amsterdam in December ‘14 I went into a “Coffeeshop” (weed cafe). After a smoke I was feeling euphoric. I thought the icing on the cake would be to hear this album over the coffeeshop sound system. The lovely manager, Caroline, played the whole album for me. We are still best friends 10 years later.
@DeenaMilkers8 ай бұрын
yerp
@teamflyers4157 ай бұрын
Josie - in particular - I would love to see the analysis. Chords are crazy...as is a lot of their stuff, especially on that LP
@nicholasmartin2977 ай бұрын
@@teamflyers415 And Deacon Blues!! I love that song and the memories I associate with it. Beautiful lyrics and backing vocals. You’re right about their chords. The band were first class musicians and session guys. They didn’t just stick to three chord songs in 4/4!
@caroleann_21427 ай бұрын
Such a Cleaver Band, Always🎉🎉🎉
@marievaleur78778 ай бұрын
One of the things I love about Steely Dan is their music usually sounds so happy and danceable but their lyrics take you down a dark, very adult path of drugs, crimes, affairs and the gritty underbelly of the night. So good, such genius, been a fan since I was 12 and I'm 62 now. Their playlist is huge and so varied sometimes it doesn't even seem like the same band. Love this!!
@CHunt-cz1ek8 ай бұрын
"a dark, very adult path of drugs, crimes, affairs and the gritty underbelly of the night." "Josie."
@CarolinaGirl69197 ай бұрын
"iconoclastic" Is the word you're looking for there, I think. They don't fit into a category very easily😉
@jollyjohnthepirate31687 ай бұрын
And they're perfectionists. Hiring musicians for one track. Firing members who they worked with for years. Eventually Becker and Fagan have a falling out about 1980 or so and Steely Dan was done.
@MattIon7 ай бұрын
This is a great description of their vibe.
@noyfb47694 ай бұрын
The best interpretation I've read of "Do It Again"'s lyrics is that it alludes to reincarnation and the karmic cycle. Yeah, pretty much your typical Dan tune.
@neiloliver47459 ай бұрын
Unlike a lot of bands that started off aimed at rocking out for teenagers, Steely Dan was making sophisticated music for adults from day one. I think that's why it holds up so well and has aged like fine wine.
@marksegall97669 ай бұрын
The album 'Can't Buy a Thrill' is certainly an adult themed album.
@RabbiSteve9 ай бұрын
@neiloliver4745 well said. Exactly!
@jml-rj5re9 ай бұрын
Quality recording and professionalism. Plus quirky jazz chord progressions.
@johnniewelbornjr.89409 ай бұрын
Their very name was adult-themed, in fact...
@nedeast68458 ай бұрын
I was 8 years old when I heard my first dan song, and 12 when I bought their greatest hits
@AkelaTalamasca9 ай бұрын
I've waited SO LONG for Elizabeth to get to Steely Dan.
@joe340968 ай бұрын
He’s incredible
@BigTwinRiver8 ай бұрын
@@joe34096Whooa!!! slow down. He’s no Molly Hatchet.
@philipwhite36088 ай бұрын
I just want to see her reaction to "Is there gas in the car?" from "Kid Charlemagne"
@Pepper692808 ай бұрын
@@joe34096steely dan is a band its not just one guy😂
@BruceHoult7 ай бұрын
Can it be long now until we get Roxy Music?
@DTredecim9 ай бұрын
And just like that, I'm 8 years old again waking up to my dad listening to music while cleaning the house. Thank you for bringing me back.
@jefffinkbonner95519 ай бұрын
What a great dad!
@MrKifischer9 ай бұрын
That's it!!!! Ty....! My dad worked nights so we saw him...never. on Saturday morning he and mom woke us to this, and it was funka rifficck!
@MonkeyJedi999 ай бұрын
Also, in the American Southwest, someone steals your water, that's a serious matter. If your farm/ranch really needs the water, it can be worth risking the noose to get it back, Jack. And do it again.
@gunfunandstuff92269 ай бұрын
Having 30yrs experience and holding supervisory positions in the casino/"gaming" industry, I would just like to say PLEASE tread lighty in the path of helping someone with gambling addicition. Unless it is someone you know very close, and can talk to privately, then you can kind of ask them in a private setting if they would like to talk about it. But as an employee of the casinos, it was a HUGE no-no to bring forth the subject (for legal reasons, not because the casinos wanted their $$$). The patron has to realize for themselves that they may have an addiction, and has to be the one to initiate the seeking of help....at that point, then we would point them in the direction for help.
@misterwirez77319 ай бұрын
Same here. I was 9 in 1975. It brings me back to the parental units and their new 75 Monte Carlo car. We were going through some old section of Pittsburgh. I was in the back seat laying down watching the street lights dim and brighten from over passes, and Dad popped in this Steely Dan tape. It was times like these that shaped my listening habits and what they are still today.... thanks Pops -for being cool! Mom too.. 😉
@thomashardman1088 ай бұрын
Steely Dan. Always THE music to listen to for testing your headphones. The sounds come from everywhere. These gentlemen put Everything together on every song. Welcome to the Club!
@JoeBieniecki8 ай бұрын
There are Steely Dan DVDs that have been remixed for 5.1 or 7.1 systems. Amazing to listen to
@followthesapper3246 ай бұрын
Good call
@georgehaliotis13264 ай бұрын
how about your gold teeth II. or goucho.
@bigdrum96678 ай бұрын
I'm 74...and YOU missed a great period in music...sooo glad you enjoy!
@richardroma192912 сағат бұрын
81 yo here and your absolutely right.
@steves70539 ай бұрын
Steely Dan - The band your favorite band listens to
@marcusmcquillan11959 ай бұрын
Yup
@kw91728 ай бұрын
Definitely true for my favourite band:)
@gregorymccasland28747 ай бұрын
So true. Also Rush.
@kenthawley59909 ай бұрын
Steely Dan is the great fusion of rock, prog, pop, and jazz, and their attention to precision in the musicianship sets them apart. My favorite is "Deacon Blues,"which really brings out that fusion. And any song that has Larry Carlton playing a guitar solo is definitely worth the listen.
@jazluvr999 ай бұрын
Larry Carlton is the man. Are you by any chance a fan of The Crusaders "Scratch" album? Legendary.
@andrewtrotter90238 ай бұрын
Man there’s a lot deeper well of music than those hit songs. Green Earrings, Night By Night, Dr. Wu, Kid Charlemagne, Black Friday, Your Gold Teeth, The Royal Scam, Parker’s Band, Babylon Sisters, Almost Gothic, West of Hollywood…
@kenthawley59908 ай бұрын
@@andrewtrotter9023 Agreed. I was thinking of "Kid Charlemagne" when thinking about Carlton's guitar. And "Black Friday" is as good as anything Steely Dan put out. I just know that deeper cuts don't get played on these reaction videos. If they did, we'd get Kansas's "Icarus: Borne on Wings of Steele" or "Song for America." And maybe even Journey's "Of a Lifetime." But, alas, they don't react to those kinds of songs.
@jazluvr998 ай бұрын
@@andrewtrotter9023 Agreed. Most of my favorite Steely Dan songs were not big hits. I could add a bunch more to your list. King of The World, Don't Take Me Alive, Fire In The Hole, Bodhisattva, Show Biz Kids...
@abonham828 ай бұрын
I grew up with Dream Theater, idolising JP, Vai, Satch et al. I was almost 40 when a friend recommended The Royal Scam. Carlton’s playing still blew my mind compared to my heros
@jirimondo9 ай бұрын
To put this song into perspective. It was the first track off of the first Steely Dan Album when Fagen was 24 and Becker was 22. For a debut album, Can't Buy a Thrill was a musical tour de force and foreshadowed an incredible run of music created by Steely Dan in the 1970's in which Steely Dan explored the world of musical fusion taking from styles and genres to weave intricate and beautiful music often set to dark lyrics. Their musical exploration injected rich vein of music that has been sampled leading to acoustic palimpsests that echo today. As time passes, Steely Dan's influence on music continues to be recognized. And hell, it was great music to get high listening to in the 70s.
@DanFan20429 ай бұрын
Yes, yes and yes❤
@marcgoodman48628 ай бұрын
This album and Pretzel Logic were two of my favorites for years, and then Aja blew me a way. It still does, I listen to it now and I'm still astounded by it. Nothing else sounds like that. But not "Black Cow." I always skip that one and jump right into Aja/Deacon Blues/Peg.
@stevehix14698 ай бұрын
Still is, makes me wanna burn the Bong!!100
@marcelkincaid34508 ай бұрын
Nice use of "palimpsest".
@whatwouldbrianwilson8 ай бұрын
The vids from the Midnight Special from this album were released in the summer of 2023. Unflippingbeliveable. Fagen as the coolest from the start.
@RussellWarshay9 ай бұрын
This is the first song off of Steely Dan’s first album. What an introduction to the World!
@thefollandgnat8 ай бұрын
They never bettered it, either.
@terrylucas84248 ай бұрын
You have captured my mind in previous reactions. With Steely Dan, you have now captured my heart and my full attention. Steely Dan is a deep deep rabbit hole. I'll follow as far down as you're willing to go....
@stevencorley23529 ай бұрын
If Steely Dan had to be described in one word, that word is smooth. Everything flows.
@BakingBadOBX9 ай бұрын
they sand the edges of harmony.
@nedeast68458 ай бұрын
unique
@erikbroek8 ай бұрын
Unique blend of sounds, rhythms, vocals, beats, time signatures, they do it all, and so dang smoothly. I've always thought they were special.
@djjazzyjeff12328 ай бұрын
@@BakingBadOBX What is sweet F does that mean 😂
@BakingBadOBX8 ай бұрын
@@djjazzyjeff1232 hey, its whatever you want it to mean
@abergreg9 ай бұрын
You just hit the jackpot Liz, there's 30 or so phenomenal songs in this bag. Their Greatest Hits, compare with anyone, that's anyone.
@davidryan73869 ай бұрын
its true. they have more crazy strong perfect songs than anyone but maybe zeppelin beatles or dylan. and radiohead lol.
@Thilosophocl3s9 ай бұрын
You said it, man.. JACKPOT in music theory, production, message, and vibe….
@culwin9 ай бұрын
They are good, but New Kids on the Block have way more hits.
@warriyorcat9 ай бұрын
I'm sorry but NKOTB isn't even in the same universe as Steely Dan, much less the same conversation.
@culwin9 ай бұрын
@@warriyorcat I don't agree, Steely Dan is a pretty good band actually. Not as good as NKOTB but they have a few decent songs.
@FreeMTrider9 ай бұрын
The electric sitar solo by Denny Dias is timeless. It brings you in and ties it all together never taking you away from the rhythm but also one you'll never forget and never get bored with.
@davidryan73869 ай бұрын
the follow up plastic organ hardly disappoints though!
@jazluvr999 ай бұрын
Danny Dias was one of the greatest guitarists that very few people ever knew about. Hugely underrated.
@jazluvr999 ай бұрын
That's what I get for using talk to text. I know the guy's first name is Denny. 🙄
@noroomforsquares44839 ай бұрын
Best solo ever.
@jazluvr999 ай бұрын
@@davidryan7386 One of the many things I love about Elizabeth; her wealth of knowledge and extensive 😉 research. As long as I've been a Steely Dan fan, and as many times as I've heard this song, I never knew it featured a plastic organ... let alone that such a thing even existed!
@FlyinyourSoup9 ай бұрын
My dad played Steely Dan cassettes (and later CDs) in the car all the time when I was growing up. He passed in 2016 and I haven't been able to listen to Steely Dan since. This video got me to reconnect with the memories of all the drives we took together
@Estes7057 ай бұрын
👍👍👍👍❤️❤️❤️❤️
@thmshfstd5 ай бұрын
Such an unassuming, 26min long, reaction video. Which could very well be a catalyst for you getting further at processing such a loss. I very much hope you uncover and remember everything you need!
@shanefraser77643 ай бұрын
Rock it as u drive brother/sister cool summer breeze blowing ........Sublime memories relived✌️
@ynot72626 ай бұрын
I remember hearing this song for first time walking down my driveway as a 13yr old... My neighbour was blasting it... After hearing for a couple of seconds I smiled and felt happy.
@johnhoslett67329 ай бұрын
Nice groove. The “plastic organ” just refers to the keyboard solo that was done on a Yamaha YC-30 with a pitch bend control. 😎
@truckrboat9 ай бұрын
The YC-30 was called a combo organ. But they were single keyboard organs similar in style to organs that people would purchase for their own use in their home. They were made out of plastic bodies and thus called plastic organs
@davidg42889 ай бұрын
Also no elephants were harmed in the making of this record. Great imaginary image though!
@TopherOKeefe8 ай бұрын
The Plastic Organ is the ‘boop boop bum bum boop boop’ in the very first groove with just the just the shakers, before the keys or any other melodic instruments come in. It’s a set of plastic pipes struck with wide flat mallets over the holes in the top. If you’ve heard (or seen) any of the Blue Man Group material, the Plastic Organ is their main instrument.
@nealrepetti23969 ай бұрын
See Liz , this is why my generations music was so great! Every band tried to be different from the others ! Creativity was the name of the game.
@1104Tea9 ай бұрын
I love music from the 60s and 70s, but thats not true of just bands from back then. It's still true today and always has been. Some follow trends now and then. Some make their own thing. Take the time and you'll find new and interesting things still. It's out there if you look.
@monkeebun9 ай бұрын
You're so right there. Compare the variety of styles (not genres) from that era to what we have these days! Us, of a certain age, were so fortunate.
@MattsLiveJams9 ай бұрын
It's been said that Steely Dan was more than just a band, they were an aesthetic. Complex, multi-genre compositions combined with a perfectionism not often seen in other bands: that's Steely Dan.
@fosterern8 ай бұрын
This is why I like your channel Elizabeth. I've been listening to this album for 50 years. Your analysis of this song has given me new information to help me enjoy it in a new way. Thanks!!
@mattpujol47878 ай бұрын
Absolutely agree. She opens up a whole new way to look at vocalization and musical theory. Very cool.
@marievaleur78778 ай бұрын
I agree and I've been listening to this for 50 years too!! Never gets old, just like us 😉😁
@Lancer43239 ай бұрын
Thanks!
@macronencer9 ай бұрын
4:32 The musicality of Steely Dan is legendary, and you clearly noticed it at once. They're often called "the band for musicians", and for good reason. Sheer artistry. There's also a trademark production style, involving very dry mixes with very little reverb. Their whole catalogue is a treasure chest to anyone who is fascinated by music and songwriting.
@jeffcolumbia31519 ай бұрын
Though they did sometimes tour, when they recorded they got the musician they thought would bring what they wanted to that part of the song. Donald Fagan and Walter Becker were the two people who made up Steely Dan. They were both notoriously perfectionistic and sometimes difficult to work with. They would have different musicians come in to record a part or parts and if it didn't sound like they wanted it to, they dismissed them. Most studio musicians of the day really wanted to work with them because of their creativity and the challenge.
@schnickeringhen3 ай бұрын
I HATED Steely Dan and then my partner dragged me along to a live show (he's a musician, I'm not). OMG. They were amazing.
@maddcowperklns82759 ай бұрын
Steely Dan is my Favorite Band . You can't be bummed out when listen to them , all is good !!!!! 🌎✌️💖☺️
@adamp20299 ай бұрын
They’re my favorite as well.
@marklane618 ай бұрын
Since 1974
@walterstevens38748 күн бұрын
I’ve been listening to Steely Dan since this first album came out. I enjoy and appreciate them more every year.
@ryanweintraub94489 ай бұрын
I'm 22 and I'm so glad I was raised on this music
@shawntailor54858 ай бұрын
I'm in my 60 s and still love it
@rjlchristie8 ай бұрын
We took the quality of this stuff for granted in the 1970s, we were a spoiled generation.
@leeluckman31058 ай бұрын
My dad is a die hard country music listener...he hated most other styles of music..but the first time I played Steely Dan he liked it and would play the greatest hits cd often
@lemmy98098 ай бұрын
Such an awesome groove you never get sick of ...proper
@meguro-shima9 ай бұрын
I love Steely Dan and one of my favorite track along with "Reelin in The Years" from the same album (first album).
@meguro-shima9 ай бұрын
Steely Dan is more than a professional musicians. Jeff Baxter and Michael McDonald, both were in Steely Dan and later went to the band of The Doobie Brothers.
@roncypert82559 ай бұрын
@@meguro-shima “You may be cool but you’ll never be US Department of Defense consultant, bassist for Jimi Hendrix, guitarist for Steely Dan and The Doobie Brothers, the nickname “Skunk” and had a Muppet designed after you cool”
@John_Locke_1089 ай бұрын
One of the songs I'll never get tired of. The vocals are just so amazing. And tne guitar work is extraordinary.
@TheCharismaticVoice9 ай бұрын
I totally agree! I'm looking forward to checking out more of what they have to offer!
@epistte9 ай бұрын
@@TheCharismaticVoice My Old School, Hey 19, Bodhisattva, Peg, FM, and My favorite, Deacon Blues. If you are open to something a bit more risque, there is Cousin Dupree.
@edwardleonetti24929 ай бұрын
@@TheCharismaticVoice Reeling in the years is another banger from Steely Dan a lotta good guitar work and vocal harmonies on it as well
@edwardleonetti24929 ай бұрын
Kid Charlemagne is another banger
@bostatler9 ай бұрын
@@TheCharismaticVoice "Deacon Blues' is fantastic and probably their best. "Hey 19" is a song that kids today would call 'problematic'. i.e. "This woman I am with is too young to remember any cultural references from my youth and we have nothing in common, but I have some cocaine and strong booze so it's going to be a fun night." - Ah the 70's
@dashriprock57209 ай бұрын
Ooooh Is this her first dive into steely Dan? This should be fun. Immensely talented Donald Fagen and Walter Becker with a host of legendary top notch studio musicians
@Judith-wq2jp9 ай бұрын
Girl, WHERE have you been to never have heard Steely Dan? So much wonderful music...
@jrdorsey1347 ай бұрын
This may be the most lyrically brilliant and intelligent song in popular music history. Every line and chorus tells a complex story - or lends endless imagination and co-participation to the listener. And it is supremely visual! The solos are tasteful and so expressive, such personality. Overall perfection.
@katylied678 ай бұрын
Deciphering Steely Dan lyrics is like a university course…Fagen and Becker were on a different level. Absolute masterpieces.
@marklane618 ай бұрын
None of their lyrics are random. Each word is integral to the story
@markn8668 ай бұрын
Unless the song is something like Cousin Dupree.
@louise_rose8 ай бұрын
Also, if they had been more straightforward and open their label might have refused, or (because this is the US) all of their albums would have carried an "R" rating in the record shop (in many European countries records don't get a movie age rating like that)
@russcattell955i9 ай бұрын
Steely Dan fan here. Donald Fagan's solo album " The Nightfly " is excellent, one of my favourites in a collection of 100+.
@timwilson13399 ай бұрын
"Maxine" is one of my favorite songs.
@marcusmcquillan11959 ай бұрын
The whole ‘night fly’ trilogy is amazing…morph the cat and kamakiriad, so good
@walterstevens38748 күн бұрын
Every song on The Nightfly is just great.
@Hare_deLune9 ай бұрын
Elizabeth discovers Steely Dan! Woooo-hoooo!!! \o/
@URnickel_MY2cents8 ай бұрын
👍👍👍👍👍
@rjlchristie8 ай бұрын
Yes but it is a pity she didn't have her first taste of the Dan with something from the Royal Scam/Aja/Gaucho era.
@davidhester98979 ай бұрын
So much Steely Dan, so little time, there's so much to hear. I don't think I've ever heard one of their songs that I didn't like. Some great drummers like Jeff Porcaro, Steve Gadd and Bernard Purdie (Purdie Shuffle) played on some of their tunes.
@toddellison512810 күн бұрын
Mesmerizing. This song gives me the audible experience of "elasticity." Well performed and well produced. Good stuff. #SteelyDan
@djjazzyjeff12328 ай бұрын
7:46 Lol the way she just puts it back on closes her eyes and vibes out with a smile, that's Steely Dan to a T right there! 😂😂❤
@pauladeitch37399 ай бұрын
Another fantastic classic rock band! I know you enjoyed this one elizabeth!
@hankmarkison33869 ай бұрын
Steely Dan. Your favourite band's, favourite band.
@cotedebeaune20129 ай бұрын
THE DAN! Production values....Pristine. Musical chops...studio musicians thru-and-thru. These guys made their own lane. Legendary.
@CharlyDS9 ай бұрын
True. Even The Pistols' Steve Jones prefer it these days! They are awesome, their string of classic albums is perfection!
@davidmurfin49519 ай бұрын
I've always enjoyed Steely Dan. Recommend "Kid Charlemagne" or the entire Aja album. Love your work 😊
@josephcurnutt20999 ай бұрын
Kid Charlemagne ihe BEST!! LARY CARLTON RULES
@jamesbourgeois81839 ай бұрын
Any time Mr. 335 recorded with them, it was gold 👍 Don’t Take Me Alive was another favorite of mine.
@timczifrik19 күн бұрын
Yeah, the Royal Scam album was incredible for sure..!!! Plus, who doesn't love a song about Owsley and his LSD antics. Hahaha
@jyotisankaran892613 күн бұрын
What a superb musical analysis - rhythm, melody, her heaping praise on the lead vocalist David Palmer, and most of all, her sheer ecstasy at hearing the electric sitar! Truly amazing example of a music 1-on-1!
@chowtime220 күн бұрын
You, along with this masterpiece, make me so happy!
@-R.Gray-9 ай бұрын
The Coral electric sitar was played by Denny Dias, who started the band by advertising for a keyboard player and bassist in the Village Voice. Donald Fagen and his friend bassist/guitarist Walter Becker showed up with their own compositions, they moved to the West coast and hired more musicians, and the rest is history. After a few albums, Fagen didn't want to tour anymore, so the group was mainly Fagen and Becker with top jazz and studio musicians hired for particular songs. Dias contributed guitar solos throughout much of their career. The Classic Albums video for their album Aja gives an excellent view of how the group ended up working, and the shorter video Steely Dan - More than just a band gives a 17 minute history.
@buddystewart20209 ай бұрын
That's always been one of the smokingest solos to me. He tears it up.
@RabbiSteve9 ай бұрын
@-R.Gray- great little capsule history. Could not have done it better.
@caryd679 ай бұрын
I heard that Chevy Chase was their first drummer in the college years. Is that true?
@-R.Gray-9 ай бұрын
@@caryd67 From what I've read - before Fagen and Becker joined up with Dias, when they were both going to Bard College, they had a group called The Leather Canary with Chase on drums.
@jollyjohnthepirate31689 ай бұрын
Fagan suffered from tremendous stage fright. Their first release used another singer. But they're drive for perfection was also there at the same time.
@iDEATH9 ай бұрын
Steely Dan! Let's go! I'll most likely miss the premiere as usual, but I'm looking forward to this one later. This band has so many iconic songs, like the entire "Aja" album. I absolutely adore them.
@steveo54639 ай бұрын
The whole Gaucho album is fantastic too!
@kemowery9 ай бұрын
I have heard, but cannot verify, that Aja is used by some sound engineers to check their set-ups.
@iDEATH9 ай бұрын
@@kemowery I've heard it said that Aja is one of the most well produced albums ever. I don't know if that's true, as I'm no expert either, but I can say that to my ear it's impeccable.
@scottlurken96679 ай бұрын
Aja!!!!!❤❤❤
@johnyoung84309 ай бұрын
Another great choice.
@TheCharismaticVoice9 ай бұрын
Woot! Thank you!
@RyanErasmus-e9e2 ай бұрын
I have been listening to your channel for quite some time, keep up the good work
@ntomfree9 ай бұрын
When I was in high school in the 80s, I was hanging out at a friend's home, and said friend's father was a bassist for a regional beach music band. He rarely talked to me, but that night he started talking in depth on Steely Dan's musicianship, and I remember he made the statement many in this comment thread said - "Your favorite band's favorite band."
@richardkafka56259 ай бұрын
"Is there gas in the car? Yes there's gas in the car." if you know, you know! lol
@kennethjordan60128 ай бұрын
Yes, Kid Charlemagne
@tomshirey79678 ай бұрын
@@kennethjordan6012 aka Stanley Owsley
@stevedelsignore84078 ай бұрын
Owsley aka Kid Charlemagne
@francesw.67748 ай бұрын
As all we scurvy brothers do.
@markn8668 ай бұрын
Yeah yeah, big deal, any major dude would tell you.
@jacquesdespadas9 ай бұрын
If someone told me there was a 20 minute extended version of “Do It Again”, I would be all over that.
@Luuuc9 ай бұрын
Yes please. With 8 minute electric sitar solo immediately followed by 5 minutes of plastic organ.
@thrusta1009 ай бұрын
Eargasm
@michaellambert52239 ай бұрын
I would stop have it on loop for a few trips😎
@mcoffell9 ай бұрын
I feel Dream Theater made a career out of this idea.
@JohnThompson-er9dq9 ай бұрын
Steely Dan is always so smooth, Donald Fagan has a voice that is unmistakable and his solo stuff is good as well. Once again thanx for the great reaction!
@tommarco26857 ай бұрын
Fagan and Becker filled the airwaves with their sordid cynical detective novel lyrics that live in the undercurrent of our thoughts. There songs are like a good book you want to read again and again. A tip of the hat to Denny Diaz for his sitar/guitar solo and of course the famous plastic organ sound. Thanks for your appreciation.
@Ken-rw9xw8 ай бұрын
What a fantastic, analysis of this song! I really enjoyed it! Keep up the good work you are doing! This song was big! Played on forever on the air waves! I love your expressions! ❤️
@jefffinkbonner95519 ай бұрын
I love how the bass hits that root right as the percussion hits that light cymbal crash and again after the pickup of the signing phrase that helps it get sprung up into the high register. He sings “In the mORNin’ you go gunnin’” and kinda scoops the first syllable of “mornin” to really jive with the bass there. It’s just a small thing in a complex song, but that’s what makes Steely Dan special.
@thesean31949 ай бұрын
I hear that too. I also love that the ride is keeping the time primarily as well.
@donnakubiski55729 ай бұрын
Glad to see you are getting into Steely Dan. Looking forward to watching when I get home from work. Unfortunately I always miss your premeires because I work during the day. As much as I Iove this song, it has more music than vocal. I recommend "Reeling In The Years", Rikki Don't Lose That Number", "Hey Nineteen" or "Deacon Blues" for your next reaction for more vocal analysis.
@PeterMoore669 ай бұрын
Love Donald Fagen pronouncing "singing" as "sanging" in order to rhyme with "hanging". Also rhyming "beg us" with "Vegas". Brilliant!
@davidkaplan27459 ай бұрын
"Tried to warn ya" and "California" Gets me every time.
@joetori83567 ай бұрын
Your enthusiasm for well-performed and -produced music is infectious! As a long-time Dan fan, I believe you'll find much to appreciate and analyze in their catalog. Thanks for diving into this.
@BBQDad4637 ай бұрын
Thank you for this video. Steely Dan has been one of my top four or five favorite bands since the first time I heard them play. They are a national treasure.
@sapphirebluskeye67919 ай бұрын
Loved your comments on breaking patterns in our lives.... I really enjoy this channel and your expressive personality and the way your face lights up as you are discovering a song that I have loved for years and years! Thanks!
@williamhannam38709 ай бұрын
Yay! Great seeing that you're giving Steely Dan a chance! I hope you have fun with them!
@williamhannam38709 ай бұрын
This was fantastic! You obviously caught the magic of this incredible band! I really loved watching this!
@stpnwlf99 ай бұрын
This is the opening track to 'Can't Buy a Thrill' which I think is one of the greatest debut albums any artist ever had. Every track on the record is worth a listen and most are just stellar music.
@jerrytaylor40789 ай бұрын
You are right. Excellent songs all but ‘Only a Fool would Say That’ has a distinct sound. Kind of Caribbean and reggae, its lyrics by Donald were mocking John Lennon as being a hypocrite.
@kavimontanaro79769 ай бұрын
Fire in the Hole is an unappreciated masterpiece
@BenLapke9 ай бұрын
If I was told I could only listen to one album for the rest of my life, it would be Can’t Buy Thrill.
@kirksmith20519 ай бұрын
Steely Dan had the coolest album titles.
@Rjhs0019 ай бұрын
The piano section of Fire in the Hole is simply stunning. Great album.
@cherry_grove8 ай бұрын
Super glad to see you finally checking out Steely Dan! My favorite is Rikki Don't Lose That Number. Your comment about wanting to put good into the world (especially through music) really resonates with me.
@byronium9 ай бұрын
You mentioned the jazz influence in this one (there's always been that in Steely Dan's work, listen to those changes), but there's an explicit jazz callout in "Rikki, Don't Lose That Number", which borrows the piano line from Horace Silver's "Song For My Father". Check it out.
@emanuellandeholm56578 ай бұрын
"Rikki" is my favorite Steely Dan song.
@thechomiji8 ай бұрын
That's my favorite Steely Dan song! But they are excellent in so many of their tunes.
@michaelraine81119 ай бұрын
I so love it when you listen to this kind of music--the joy you express is wonderful.
@Hare_deLune9 ай бұрын
Elizabeth needs to meet Rick Beato. Together, they would be an unbeatable powerhouse of music appreciation. Best of all, they both have an absolutely infectious joy when it comes to good music.
@Markothunder9 ай бұрын
I love Steely Dan because of my late father. R.I.P. father. I miss you😢💔😔🙏
@iDEATH9 ай бұрын
My Dad also loved 'em. I can't hear Steely Dan without thinking of him, and that's kind of nice, actually!
@agornath19 ай бұрын
A very catchy song. I always get it stuck in my head every time I hear it.. And thats a good thing.
@gigyoung71818 ай бұрын
U picked a great place to start…you’re at the tip of the iceberg with these guys. Your practiced ears and beautiful smile make this old song new again. Thnx
@Coxadoodledoo9 ай бұрын
Love your expressions and it's so fun to hear your analysis
@ourladyofperpetualskepticism9 ай бұрын
Steely Dan is one of my all time favorite bands. Can’t wait for her to dive in more. Pretty sure every Steely Dan song has a hook of some kind that will stay with you for the rest of the day. Donald Fagen is one of my favorite keyboardists of all time, so glad she got an intro to his keyboard skills as well as his vocals.
@metalmark12149 ай бұрын
This song title goes right along with Elizabeth's analysis. She says letsgoback but "Do It Again" will fit also
@LuisNunes-ps4sl9 ай бұрын
Do it again is Viking Reacts' catchphrase 🤭🤭😅😅
@pauladeitch37399 ай бұрын
🤘🤘❤️❤️🤘🤘🤘🙂
@TheCharismaticVoice9 ай бұрын
Haha, I love that. I wish I thought of that when I filmed this!
@user-scott-pearce9 ай бұрын
Are you thinking at some point during this song Elizabeth might want to go rewind it?
@Hare_deLune9 ай бұрын
@@TheCharismaticVoice Just go back, Jack, and listen again! 😄
@philsharron11849 ай бұрын
You are gonna love Steely Dan!!!!
@eclecticexplorer78288 ай бұрын
One of the things that I really appreciate about this channel is that as a vocal instructor, it would be easy for Elizabeth to pick apart a voice such as Donald Fagan's, but instead, she sees the quirks of his voice simply as qualities that set him apart. She analyzes without being critical, and she accentuates the positive. I also like how giddy she is all the time, showing that she genuinely enjoys all of this.
@laurareed90119 ай бұрын
I saw them live with Michael McDonald in 2006; they are just as smooth and precise in a live performance as they are on the studio tracks. It was wonderful.
@neiloliver47459 ай бұрын
I saw the Doobies last fall (with Michael McDonald in the lineup) and they capped off a great evening with the final song of the night being Steely Dan's "Pretzel Logic." It was epic.
@TBaileyIII9 ай бұрын
@neiloliver4745 man I bet that was magical...I've seen the Doobies 3 or 4 times, but never with Mcdonald...that would be epic
@neiloliver47459 ай бұрын
@@TBaileyIII Tom Johnston was out for the Canadian tour recovering from back surgery so I didn't get all three main guys, (wouldn't have gotten him in the 80s either) but Pat Simmons, Michael McDonald, John McFee, saxman of great magnitude Marc Russo, and the rest played like they were in their 20s. They still love what they do, and if you get the chance, jump at it, on the American tour you do have Tom back and you do get all three. And Pat Simmons is a guitar god to stand with anyone.
@markn8668 ай бұрын
That's cool, and Keith Carlock was probably their drummer at that time and he is among their best drumming hires.
@ofthenearfuture9 ай бұрын
This is my favourite album of the decade! Incredible production as well... So excited for you to check out Steely Dan
@chrisbarlow21319 ай бұрын
The Dan were neverr depressing. Even when the subject matter was dark the music was nearly always uplifting and joyous
@do0ranfrump2609 ай бұрын
One of the most influential bands of all time.
@inkal7 ай бұрын
I love your expression … whow - you“re really into it! I love how you hear and feel the music. In other words .. I love to SEE you HEARING the music.
@sandybourdeau93009 ай бұрын
This song and this group I remember EXACTLY where I was when I first heard it. Magic. That was over fifty years ago. I still miss Walter. May he he rest in peace.
@CorpseBride649 ай бұрын
My heart is SO happy that you are diving into one of the best, most innovative bands ever. I concur with the post below, you must continue this journey. You will be delighted you did. 💓💕💓
@joedella-mattia22349 ай бұрын
I was 8 years old when this came out in 72. I think I grew up in the best musical period ever. Had the awesome 50’s music, the fantastic 60’s and the totally amazing 70’s. I just can’t listen to much modern music when we have amazingly beautiful music like this. Thank you once again Elizabeth. I would also like to suggest Lighthouse from Canada, some refer to them as the Chicago of Canada. You will not be disappointed 🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦
@shawntailor54858 ай бұрын
Eleban
@mlwilliams455 ай бұрын
I've listened to Steely Dan since the beginning. I always enjoyed it, but became perhaps jaded to it after so many decades. How wonderful it is to hear it anew through your ears. You may have similar feelings as your little one discovers the world and delights in such things as a stick or a sparrow, and sees a treasure in a piece of gravel on a sidewalk. Thank you for refreshing my appreciation of Steely Dan.
@HopefulPessimist869 ай бұрын
One of my favorite songs of all time. The lyrics are amazing and the music makes you feel calm and cool and contemplative.
@kemowery9 ай бұрын
Glad to see this. Steely Dan is one of my favorite bands. I find it impossible to be sad while listening to them, maybe because there's just so much going on that paying attention to it distracts my brain.
@richardb62609 ай бұрын
My Old School by Steely Dan might be my favorite song ever. I never tire of listening to it. Certainly my favorite Steely Dan song.
@kevinHoHo4579 ай бұрын
I agree! More upbeat, better variety of sounds
@walterstevens38748 күн бұрын
I’ve been listening to that song for 50+ years, and I developed a renewed and stronger appreciation for it just last year when I watched a cover band perform it on KZbin. Its length allows so much variation. There’s not a dull second in that song.
@richardb62608 күн бұрын
@walterstevens3874 the best KZbin cover I've heard is from the Berklee College of Music. I was convinced no one could match the guitar solos and the guy nailed it.
@walterstevens38747 күн бұрын
@ , thanks , I’ll check out that one. I’ve seen Berklee do some other outstanding covers.
@meguro-shima9 ай бұрын
Nice analysis for Steely Dan. RIP Walter Becker (2017).
@johnboth52625 ай бұрын
I love your reactions to and analysis
@russfelger9 ай бұрын
I am so glad you enjoyed your first taste of Steely Dan. They are a staple in music history, and will be enjoyed for years to come. I think of them as an "everybody's band" as I have never witnessed anybody say they didn't like their music. Definitely a great rhythm section.
@Thilosophocl3s9 ай бұрын
This, (love of music) especially love of Steely Dan, was a gift from my late father as well, every time I hear them, I’m filled with memories that I get to experience again and again.
@toomanytoys9 ай бұрын
MY GOD WOMAN .... DEACON BLUES !!!!!!! But a dart hit on any Steely Dan song is golden.
@aussiebladerunner9 ай бұрын
Caught Steely Dan live in Perth in 2011. I wasn’t really into them then as I more went to see Steve Winwood who was their support act. I came away a big fan. The arena really rocked that night. It was in a small 4000 seat venue and while my seat was on the side on a weird angle I was literally only 20metres from Donald Fagen playing. They finished with “Reelin’ in the Years” and it seemed to be an extended version that just went on and on in a good way. Great memories!
@kenmckinney61589 ай бұрын
Such a unique sound and always so well produced. Their music is timeless.
@CamJamsTube8 ай бұрын
Welcome to the genius of Steely Dan. Loved your analysis as always! Hope that you take the journey and listen to their catalogue. Brilliant songwriters, that would typically use the best studio musicians to achieve these amazing results. They were always considered the musician's musicians. I was hooked with their first album (addiction pun not intended). I'm sure that others are commenting on all of the exact things. But please do listen to more Steely Dan. Some personal favorites, 'Your Gold Teeth', 'Josie', 'Don't Take Me Alive', 'Peg', 'Pretzel Logic'... ok, too many to list. lol Love your Channel. Longtime listener.
@jasonjordan91019 ай бұрын
One of the 1st songs I ever remember hearing in the late 70s when I was about 2 years old. Catchy tune that I stop and listen to any time it comes on the radio.
@JamesFarano-to9pc9 ай бұрын
Saw them back in 93 and then in 94 but the best part for me was watching the girl I was with dancing to almost every song!
@malachi19749 ай бұрын
One of the cleanest bands ever.
@markbettencourt97098 ай бұрын
Thanks! I wish I could sing a duet with you! 🙂
@landonrobinson82237 ай бұрын
I loved this episode, you said a lot of meaningful and important things. I am a musician and singer as well and not just in this video but your other videos as well I often find myself spontaneously giggling and laughing right at the same times that you do when something really cool happens, I guess it is a music nerd thing. :-) I have been a Steely Dan fan for a long time... there is a band in the Portland Oregon area called the "Chris Baum Project" that does some really spot on covers of Steely Dan's stuff, trumpet players, backup singers, the whole nine yards. Keep on doing what you are doing. :-)