What Makes This Song Great? "Kid Charlemagne" Steely Dan

In episode 3 of "What Makes this Song Great?" we look at one of the biggest hits of the 1970's by Steely Dan.
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[@RickBeato]

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[@tamcocar]

Would LOVE to hear your breakdown of 'Don't Take me Alive". !! Or Babylon Sisters. Steely Dan is so remarkable, you could have a field day with any of them.

[@rlb3255]

@@tamcocar I will second the Babylon Sisters request

[@thesuncollective1475]

Have you done Thin Lizzy The Boys Are Back in Town..if not you defo should

[@ZiddersRooFurry]

Can we just talk about how underrated Rick is as a guitarist? This is a fucking hard solo to nail and he just plays along with it note for note, never missing a nuance. Damn, Rick is awesome.

[@RickBeato]

:) i’m glad somebody noticed haha!

[@ZiddersRooFurry]

I really love your videos. You've helped me learn so much and gotten me into a lot of great music. Thanks for putting this stuff out there and for helping others learn to make better music/avoid some of the industry's pitfalls. You rock.

[@noisearchitect]

Rick is a great musician.

[@kaisersuzuki]

Agreed. I've watched this video like 20.times. he crushes it.

[@alhartkopf9455]

@@RickBeato Dude. I notice every review and wonder what group is missing it's anchor.

[@joverdorff4277]

I'm convinced Michael Mcdonald lived at the studio in the 80s and whenever someone was recording, he'd pop in randomly to provide sweet backup vocals.

[@RogerGoodgroves]

This!

[@dastardlyman]

i read "sweaty background vocals"

[@themiddleyearsjourneyblog2592]

I agree. He is phenomenal

[@johnkotches8320]

This was recorded in the 70s. 75 or 76.

[@joverdorff4277]

@@johnkotches8320 good catch!

[@stevecuddy1518]

I'm 72 years old now and listen to Steely Dan almost daily. My favorite time is late afternoon, while sitting on my patio drinking a Black Russin.

[@deanslater9876]

Me too (72). I listen to a SD playlist at the gym daily or Jack White when I want to get through the workout fast. I'm a Genesis/Yes guy but man I love SD. Jack White is new for me but it's fun stuff. No booze though.

[@bwcastillo]

Wait till you hear them after smoking a little herbal cigarette!

[@Jarrjoseify]

I'm 56, and I too listen Steely Dan almost daily...❤

[@Rene-up1dl]

Rock on, brother. 👍

[@seashell5044]

Yum!

[@lotusholder]

Kid Charlemagne absolutely rocks, but then you go on to the rest of the album, and it doesn't let up- a rock masterpiece, underappreciated even by many Steely Dan fans.

[@fyiaustralia9686]

Got the Steely Dan Greatest Hits and rock along to it in my car...really is the best of the 70s.

[@handledeehandledum]

@@fyiaustralia9686 I have Rikki (Don’t Lose That Number) on 45rpm vinyl (circa on AM radio), Aja album on vinyl as a hand me down (circa Peg, Deacon Blues, and Josie playing on FM and AM), Gaucho on vinyl (circa Hey Nineteen and FM playing on AM and FM), Aja on CD ( to show off the fidelity of my first CD player, a 5disc changer, which of course was pristine vs that worn vinyl). I don’t have a greatest hits album though... I have more. When Fagan and Becker got together after their split, decided that they earned the right to put all their works into a single product. There original album works in one collection span 1972 to 1980. I bought Citizen (copyright 1993), with each full album ( Can’t Buy A Thrill through Gaucho, plus the Demo of the single Everyone’s Gone to the Movies - 66 tracks in all). All the hits I heard as a child and many more that I’ve grown to love and appreciate for their artistry and professionalism. Sure, I don’t have the last two albums yet... I need something to live for though 🙂

[@bikndave68]

I have to admit, its one of the harder SD albums to crack. Still some genius stuff though.

[@vinniemoran7362]

Is it? I could have sworn every Steely Dan fan here says The Royal Scam is their favorite album. :) It's mine, for sure.

[@granthurlburt4062]

@@vinniemoran7362 Well it has some of my all-time favourite songs, including Kid Ch. the Caves of Altamira, and Dont Take Me Alive, for the music, the lyrics, and themes. And I dont mind Sign In Stranger. But I really dislike the Fez, Green Earrings, and Haitian Divorce, a lot for the lyrics I guess. I have every Steely Dan record, most originally on vinyl. It's quite poss. I'm letting the lyrics conceal from me the music but that is how I feel.

[@RCAvhstape]

If I've learned one thing from this video, it's that I really need to listen to more Steely Dan...

[@Margar02]

Helium Road everyone does!! Lol...

[@RobertCondol]

yuuuuup

[@patsfan4life]

Not even one of my favorite Dan songs.... So many more deep cuts......

[@fgs2732]

2 dudes shuffling the best musicians. not a bad idea

[@minermike61]

You will not regret the effort. I’ve finally gone back to buy the early albums. Each stands on it’s own merits. Aja is without question one of the greatest albums ever made. A lot of well known musicians on the most complex tracks you’ll ever hear

[@nicholasflamegun3883]

When I hear a Steely Dan song these days it can overwhelm me with an almost unbearable poignancy because of how superb the music is and the recollection of when I first heard it.

[@glennnewman606]

And all done with pure talent and no pro tools pro tools= no talent in my mind

[@ottomobiel]

Steely Dan was usually my choice of music as I drove back from Whistler after a day of skiing. Great memories. Great music.

[@kitemanmusic]

nicholas, I completely agree. It brings tears to my eyes. Steely Dan is the definition of COOL! It never dates. Amazing fact: I was in the supermarket, and over the speakers: "Reeling in the Years".

[@willmcgregor7184]

Yes, their music is superb. I can only comment on drums (with experience) & drums are perfect for each piece. So many ghosts to listen for.

[@ripples]

Unbearable poignancy! I’ve never been able to find the words to describe that flavor of heartache and longing. Well done my friend!

[@user-rp3bx8ok5y]

Steely Dan released six albums in the 1970s and they are ALL top notch, not a misstep in the bunch.

[@matinacummings3781]

What makes Rick Beato so great? Absolutely everything!

[@raysills6666]

AWWW 😉👏👍🙏

[@WorldOfTess2024]

THIS

[@I_Have_The_Most_Japanese_Music]

I think it's mostly the hair.

[@stgodards]

This really is one of my favorite videos on KZbin. Watching someone with such a extensive knowledge of music forensically break down the genius of Steely Dan, not to mention someone who's able to play along note for note, is pure, unbridled joy. Thank God for the web.

[@carladean6117]

Couldn't have put it better myself. Listening to SD evokes some kind of strange 'of the time' nostalgia for me, I can't even describe it but it's wonderful ☺️

[@stopthephilosophicalzombie9017]

You said it. I share Rick's vids with anyone who will listen.

[@everettewell6167]

Nothing like listening to real musicians!!!!!!

[@jpkillibrew1638]

Well said couldn't agree more

[@rostrove]

This song also has one of the greatest lyrics of all time. "Is there gas in the car? Yes, there's gas in the car."

[@karlshrader6997]

I think the people down the hall know who we are!

[@chrislowry213]

@@karlshrader6997 especially considering what the lyrics are about

[@cowboydestroy]

This lyric and melody is literally why this song is great 👍

[@samt3412]

The ethereal delivery on the "car" bit is what makes that part so good

[@paulramsey8187]

Its my theme song

[@kyatzz]

Man that bernard purdie track immediately head me bopping my head, what a groove.

[@c.e.anderson558]

Listen to his hi hat noodling on Babylon Sisters. Genius pocket groove!

[@GenericAccountVLR]

Right?!

[@petecartwright5211]

I'm sold. Best teacher I've ever seen. Completely genuine too. It's NOT about him, it's all about the fantastic songs he's pulling apart. Dude broke down one of the most iconic solo's ever recorded and made it easily understandable and achievable for the rest of us. Great stuff, well done and thanks. I'm looking all his vids up.

[@BahFrancis]

@Pete Cartwright - Absolutely well said...and you can say that again and again..

[@haolejohn]

Agree. Rick is so awesome at breaking it down for us. I'm so happy I found him on here.

[@stevenbyrd2188]

"You done it. You done hired the hitmaker." -Bernard "Pretty" Purdie

[@LucilleBrawl17]

Caves of Altamira, from that same album, is a fantastic piece of work. That whole album is superb.

[@squirrelorama]

Right on. I am more into the instrumentation of most groups' songs, and usually ignore lyrics. But the Dan's songs, and MOST especially Caves of Altamira, draw me in every single time. Love the syncopated rhythm of the vocals in the chorus, too.

[@sarahperman362]

Caves is my favorite song from the album. I get totally immersed in that song. It's simply captivating.

[@patsfan4life]

Sarah perman paints quite a picture in the minds eye.....

[@sca1871]

Absolutely agree with this statement. Caves is on heavy rotation at my house. These musicians are insanely amazing.

[@toolbros]

Over the years it slowly worked itself to the top of my SD preference list, though Gaucho is a micro-close second. Maybe AJA just got played too much?? Oh, and all those other ones!! Holy crap I can't decide. No, you are right!

[@dandann8237]

this is like watching a Master chef take his 5 star dish and pull out all the individual ingredients. you knew you loved the Dish, this just tells you why you love it and points out the ingredients you weren't aware of.. and how it was assembled.

[@dereklowe946]

Aja just shades The Royal Scam as my favourite Steely Dan album. Both albums are amazing and the musicianship is simply tremendous!.

[@jannykuiper2399]

I agree!! Magnificent, I listen to both albums in my car at the moment, just great to drive like this😉

[@haljones246]

Gaucho is a close 3rd IMO.

[@beckyfarrington4195]

Yeah, those are my two faves, but my third choice would be Katy Lied instead of Gaucho.

[@marcscordato4385]

Perhaps the most sophisticated music to ever hit the pop charts.

[@kitemanmusic]

Agreed. I was in my local supermarket, and suddenly I heard "Reeling in the Years". Knock me down with a feather!

[@timothyryan6018]

Yes no doubt... I remember being 11 yrs old hearing this tune in 1976 and Knowing there was no other band /music even remotely like it on my FM radio.. Bought AJA soon after and never stopped listening.

[@roxannemoser]

@@kitemanmusic I don't believe Reeling was their best, but it's a classic, just like ALL Steely Dan compositions.

[@Phoebedumplings]

I would say definitely the most sophisticated

[@Phoebedumplings]

Thanks lupco, good to know. I remember the name from growing up but didn’t realise she was so influential, both on steely dan and Todd rundgren too

[@mjnc3672]

Steely Dan music has been the gold standard for years to play when evaluating audio equipment pre purchase. Specificity speakers.

[@crusheverything4449]

Especially Aja on nice, clean vinyl.

[@mikemahlenbrei5559]

True story.. some in music retail (and by some i mean me) even call it cheating lol

[@DanLimbach]

No doubt. If you want to hear any speakers sound their best, put some Steely Dan on. Many times I though I was listening to crappy speakers and then I heard Steely Dan on them. I came to realize that for some reason most producers/mixers could not get that nice tight sound that makes a speaker really show what it can do. Way too much music, even from the LP era, was mixed to sound as if a blanket were hanging in front of the speakers. I love me some tight, punchy bass, and razor-sharp treble. Nobody delivers this like Steely Dan.

[@khermann63]

I can't tell you how many times I would cue up a Steely Dan tune, turn out the lights, close my eyes and just listen from a strategic spot on a chair or sofa..."Aja" was one of my main go-to's. Would dial-in the audio set-up/equalization/speaker combinations, or to share that great sound, the skills and production with a friend,...or try to settle a "who/what is better" debate.

[@tonypapas9854]

Preach!

[@HieronymousD]

I love how Rick can still look surprised by something you know he's heard 100 times before. When you're passionate about music, it can feel new and amazing every damn time!

[@tolook308]

I'll add that the production quality cannot be overstated as to the importance of what makes this song amazing. On tape, 25 years before Pro Tools, the production quality is unmatched. When Rick isolates the various musical parts (drums, bass, guitar, vocals, etc.) they sound better than anything made today. In that era, production was still more of an art than science. And when they got it right, it was magical.

[@paulangeli9710]

Steely Dan may have been the most sublime and musically cerebral group of all time. The precision and air tight grooves are unequaled, then and certainly for time immemorial.

[@curbmassa]

@@lupcokotevski2907 Yeah, how Laura has dipped below the radar over the years as one of the greats is a mystery

[@ragingriccor9999]

Steely Dan are on a par with Chicago and Earth, Wind & Fire. They are three of the most clever, sophisticated bands of all time.

[@roxannemoser]

@@ragingriccor9999 I have to agree. Your statement is spot on! I think I'd rank them in the order you have them in as first, second and third.

[@arrivingarriving5166]

@@lupcokotevski2907 Just listened to the Nyro track - I can see the influence - thanks :)

[@johnpetrone6602]

"cerebral" is the critical word! they are all of that and more!

[@woodyuk9717]

"This is one of the greatest solos of all time". Never a truer word spoken.

[@myksyk]

Magical solo. Could listen (in fact have listened) to it hundreds of times and pretty much every time I have to turn it up and dive in to those Incredible sea of notes and groove.

[@knarf_on_a_bike]

Word

[@bar2127]

Yes!!

[@wayneranson8763]

Does Rick really know how exceptional his guitar playing is? He's such a humble guy and gets more excited than a little kid on christmas eve when he's listenening to, and talking about how great eveyone else is yet he is on par with so many of the "legends"! I just take my hat off to you Rick.

[@haolejohn]

agreed which is why he's so fun to listen too. You can't break it down complex sounding stuff with such great detail in an easy to understand way unless you're genius doing this that nobody else can do, not even the creators of the licks.

[@WorldOfTess2024]

That look of utter delight pleases me to the core. You are so right, like a kid on Christmas morning!

[@WorldOfTess2024]

@@haolejohn Pardon me for showing my nerdiness, but Rick breaks things down for me like Dan Carlin breaks down WWII. Neither of them condescend to their audience, they are just able to make the same info accessible to both the knowledgeable nerd and a "newbie" at the same time. It is a GIFT.

[@michaelbrumby5401]

Fell in love with Steely Dan years ago when the nearest rival for me was The Eagles and still love the complexity of their music, not found anything better since and I’ve just turned 60! Rick thank you for opening the door to the melody lines that I’ve never been able to find.

[@rtflone]

@albert greenwood The Eagles were a pop phenom and sold zillions of records but not even close to how good Steely Dan were. SD was on a whole other level. I can see why Becker found his GF's listening habits annoying..lol

[@thomasmeyer8798]

You'll find these kind of enchanting secrets and unplayable parts in almost every single song of Steely Dan. Or even in every single chord of them. Steely Dan is pure magic.

[@stuartross4904]

I don't know an E minor 7 from a hole in the ground, but I know good music when I hear it. And the Dan made some of the best.

[@keithschneidly3922]

You could bet all of those nuances and choices of musicians to use to execute them was a very tedious process. Thanks to Rick for pointing out but a few.

[@glenndespres5317]

And Kid Charlemagne is just sick good. All the dissecting can raise appreciation but just listen to the song as a whole and damn! So good.

[@donnythompson408]

Stuart Ross - Put a G Major chord over an E note in the bass: E min7. 😊 But, I can relate to the spirit of your comment, because I do know (most) all of the different chords on guitar (and piano), but that doesn’t matter in the least, because I’ll never - for as long as I live - ever be able to put any of them together in the unbelievably stellar way that Fagan and Becker did. And, they laid them over some of the greatest grooves/pockets ever played, using 1%’er rhythm section cats like Bernard Purdie, Steve Gadd, Rick Marotta, Jeff Porcaro, Chuck Rainey, Walter Becker... And their lyrics? Pure genius, but that’s probably a conversation for a different day, and a much lengthier post. Put it this way, Stuart: I’ve been a full-time live/studio musician for 42 years now, and I aspire to one day reach a level as a musician to be considered worthy enough of taking Donald Fagen’s trash to the curb for him. 😉😊🙏

[@tonymanfredi6844]

@@donnythompson408 💯%🙏🏼🤘

[@jiaconis]

@@donnythompson408 Hey Donny! I’m not exactly sure what your technical jargon meant! But I Totally agree with you!! The Dan Rules!! All I know is I DIG It...Thanks :)

[@magnusdude61]

i remember being a teenager when Rikki Don't Lose that Number and Reeling in the Years were on the charts and being played by AM radio. They stood out among the endless 2'45" nonsensical pop songs like Rock the Boat and Car Wash. The musicianship in the background made the more nuanced ear stop and really listen. so refreshing, original, creative, and bold.

[@djrychlak4443]

I'm sorry to hear that. Reelin' in the Years is putrid. Rikki is a filler and the band is not good. They hired the best studio men around but that's not an achievement.

[@magnusdude61]

@@djrychlak4443 very funny. Remind me not to choose you to choose hall of fame candidates.

[@magnusdude61]

Do your homework before making idiotic statements. They hired the best musicians around because 1) Tbey were perfectionists and 2) they wanted to make more money by controlling the song credits. You obviously hate their sound. Just say that. Stop pretending that you are knowledgeable.

[@nancy9478]

Oh, me too! Summer of 74 comes back when I hear Ricky...

[@raysills6666]

Thank you Nancy! The summer of 74 was Amazing 👏👍

[@karlhungus5554]

Your ability to exactly mirror Larry Carlton's playing is remarkable. You're amazingly knowledgeable and talented.

[@TheLochs]

Steely Dan, the best "band" ever. In my book. And I'm a metal head.

[@fatupperdick2772]

A lot of my metal head/heasher friends like Steeley Dan...including me!

[@aeksinsang932]

Great world class musicians

[@DinsdalePiranha67]

I'm a fellow metalhead, and I LOOOOOVE me some Steely Dan.

[@H0neybaby_23]

I love metal but I grew up on Steely Dan and still love it!

[@mogsy2112]

The very first time my now ex-wife was ever in my car, she remarked about how strange it was that the pile of cds in my car that day contained Slayer, Metallica and Overkill, along with Rush, Yes, Steely Dan, and Al DiMeola.

[@davethebarber62920]

I could listen to just the drums and bass and be completely satisfied.

[@BobSaint]

O yeah.

[@wesleywayne303]

Purdie is the dude, jazz/funk pioneer pretty much as much as Stubblefield of JB's, Bernard I think has maybe the first funk drumming Break Solo (with 2 patterns) on "Fire Eater" by Rusty Bryant. I know a bit about funk, but did not know Stealy Dan actually was mostly Soul Jazz cats Studio Players & Pros... like someone said above- I'll be listening to more SD. Great Breakdowns on the track as well, you're an Ace!

[@johnmierzwa9305]

SOOO in the pocket.

[@KiloCharlieOne]

A definite groove on it’s own.

[@r.bradleyrowe7919]

@@wesleywayne303 Purdie is the man. However, DID he invent the Purdie shuffle? Led Zepplin that same year that "Babylon Sister" came out with "Fool in the Rain". I like Purdies with Chucks flow SOOOO much better personally.

[@steveallen3138]

Thank you Rick for pointing out a human drummer vs machine. If you watch the DCI drumlines in action, there is still hope for live human drummers to create perfection. Steve, professional drummer since1957

[@Jovian999]

There was a mellowness to music from this era that Steely Dan just epitomises. And Larry Carlton is the kind of guy who all the virtuosic 80s solo guitarists owe their careers to.

[@alextrainor2552]

Ive listened to steely dan every single day since i discovered them earlier this year.

[@pattyg8464]

How wonderful for you! Glad you discovered them.

[@mc76]

I have listened to them every single day since I discovered them in 1972. Welcome to the fraternity.

[@galaxam]

God lucky man! I’d love to rediscover them again. What a journey through fantastic music. Their studio mixes are a study in themselves. Have fun!

[@funkaholic1972]

@@mc76 I have listened to them everyday since I was born in 1972, LOL!!! My dad was (and still is) a huge fan and so am I, as long as I remember.

[@brucegoodwin634]

Great to know I am in good company with a Dan-addiction for which I crave no cure!

[@thedukeofno]

Dude, this needs to be a TV show.

[@skandahle]

KZbin is the new TV, so in a way it kinda is already.

[@soyounoat]

The guitar solo by Larry Carlton has been familiar to me since the record was released in the 1970s, and I could hum along without giving it much thought. After hearing Rick break it down like this, it has become an incomprehensible puzzle that may keep me busy for the rest of my life.

[@jeffpeterson2012]

Steely Dan was the epitome of 70's melodic funk and captured the soul and essence that time period carried. Walter and Donald knew exactly what they wanted musically to fit how envisioned the song. Nothing less of their vision was excepted. In turn they created in my opinion the greatest music of the late 70s with the greatest studio musicians of the late 70s. The drummers alone Steve Gadd, Rick Marotta, Bernard Purdue, Jeff Pocaro, WOW.....

[@101jumpit]

Larry Carlton is a legend that doesnt get the recognition he should !

[@CARDINAL701]

He is an awesome player....been a fan of his for over 40 years.

[@funklover24]

I heard him live six times - great concerts. A true master.

[@encompasschange4700]

Larry is the guitarists guitarist!

[@funkaholic1972]

Well, Larry is certainly recognised by me!

[@jgcobb79]

I have a friend who always has very strong opinions on "the best guitar players". I asked him his opinion of Carlton and he had never even heard of him...I was disappointed lol

[@samscott54]

What an intelligent presentation by someone who actually has chops and intellect , as well as correct info and knowledge ...thx

[@RickBeato]

Thanks Sam!

[@premnas651]

Rick's enthusiasm for music, combined with his incredible knowledge of the underlying theory, makes him a superb teacher. Not to mention the fact he's as unassuming and humble as he is stratospherically cool!

[@solarvanlife8177]

I remember being so confused when I first heard Steely Dan, it took me a couple years to go back and really appreciate them.

[@thomasserrell8560]

Exactly. It actually took at least a few listens to each album before I could appreciate how great they were. I knew that there were great/amazing things happening in them but there was so much going on at one time that I really didn't "get it" the first time around. Then, after connecting some of the dots it would really hit me and I would start to wear out the ol' stylus. On another note...I remember reading an interview with Michael McDonald in which he spoke of how complex and tight their harmonies were...easy to slide into someone else's harmony while doing the vocals. Last point: the "unintelligible" word(s) ? "climb lick" RIP Walter Becker ; Long Live The Dan

[@kentamplin]

Nice vid, Rick. Thanks for making KZbin a better place through relevant, quality content! You Rock!

[@RickBeato]

Thanks Ken!

[@arturmalachowski8949]

Being a songwriter/vocalist/rythm guitarist on hiatus you guys are the sole inspiration for taking up music again. You really have an open mind and respect for great music regardless of style and genre.

[@PanterAmetal100]

Rock Beato

[@rosemariescott1355]

Ken Tamplin Vocal Academy b

[@TogaManGuitarViols]

Yes!

[@xenigron6237]

Almost ANY of the Steely Dan songs are masterpieces. One of the mosty intelligent band of all times...a mix of rock-funk-pop-soul-jazz

[@drumsnbass]

xenig ron - too complex for the avge bobbleheaded music fan, unfortunately

[@eddie-se9ie]

Both of you guys are dead nuts on !

[@Giaco54]

I'll second that sentiment - never gets old...for me anyway....

[@Margar02]

My all-time favorite band :)

[@patsfan4life]

So diverse and rangey...... So 'in the pocket' Lol

[@joelronningen9930]

I've been listening to this tune for decades, and it was so amazing to hear that guitar stripped down to hear all those nuances, thank you kindly Rick! Now please do every Dan song, lol

[@JohyeahM]

To be fair, this series could concentrate on only Steeley Dan tunes, and you'd never run out of material, or have a bored audience.

[@nitaalmand4264]

That song is old as dirt and the look on your face, Mr. Beato, tells me that the groove moves you every time you hear it.... just like it moves me.

[@aarondelatorre4203]

Almost everyweek, sometime or another this played on my listening list.

[@k6151960]

What makes Rick Beato great? Frickin' videos like this one... Most of my life I have longed to know what these songs were doing but felt I never would. Thanks for making that dream come true...

[@squirrelorama]

It'd be shorter to list what * doesn't * :D

[@blipco5]

RJ ....Exactly. RB makes me want to become a musician more than any musician ever did. But there is no chance of that happening, I tried.

[@janthiecke53]

-he knows his stuff-his playing is great-he analyses and explains very well-he has his connections indeed,having a multitrack copy of this piece of music-he's a typical example of a music freak(something like like a comuter-nerd...),almost obcessed by music and wanting to spread around the word like he's on a holy mission.I love this guy-.....

[@ynotw57]

Yes. Patreons, assemble!

[@jsphillip60]

@@blipco5 oh... It's never too late to get better! Hell, I'm 60 and I'm giving it a try!

[@roberth2227]

Steely Dan has been my number 1 group of all time, and when I hear a track like this broken down to hear the individual contributions by these session masters, it just makes me long for days gone by, because no musicians these days play music like these in popular culture. Thanks Rick for keeping this music alive! Excellent skills yourself by the way!

[@jeffrobuck6338]

Spot on. Nothing close to this in popular music today.

[@carolepeterson4916]

Steely Dan are my all time favorites. They had such vision to what they wanted a song to sound like and bringing in the greatest session musicians of the day helped them achieve that. Hurting someone's feelings was also not on the agenda.

[@siriusfeline]

I wish we could implant Rick's musical intelligence into every human being. We would immediately eliminate most of the utter crap that is taking up far too much bandwidth today. Rick's amazing and, even as a non-musician, I completely appreciate what he is doing here.

[@wadewatson2751]

It's unbelievable, then to play note for note with that solo. Phenomenal. Think I'm gonna burn my guitars.

[@lokilxix]

Coming back to this and thinking, Rick could just do the series on just Steely Dan songs.

[@BenOchart]

I’ve loved this song from the day it was released and it still has the same impact on me today. Talent and genius coming together perfectly.

[@keep_walking_on_grass]

This is incredible. listening to the separated recording tracks of all the recording inputs, all of the instruments, even separated snare drum, tom toms, voices, and whatnot. Jesus, this is incredible.

[@kaisersuzuki]

A multitrack of Kid Charlamagne!!!! You've got seriously good friends.

[@tonyspro]

Warren Roberts producer connections

[@jeffreythompson3916]

A great many of the songs featured have been featured on Rock Band or Guitar Hero. Clever folk nab the individual instrumental tracks from the games. Kid Charlemagne was a Guitar Hero track, for example.

[@avtl]

I thought the multi tracks were destroyed- urban myth?

[@chippchipp1]

@@avtl you might be thinking of the tape for the song "The Second Arrangement" from Gaucho, which was destroyed by an assistant engineer.

[@avtl]

Thanks- so they could properly remix/remaster Aja or Royal Scam which could do with an update ( gilding the lily I know :). )

[@davidschmidt9339]

I went to Junior high and high school with Larry Carlton. He would always play in the school talent shows. He was great when he was 16 and is outstanding today. Just goes to show what dedication and practice will do for you.

[@will4ward]

Thanks for sharing that, reminds us mortals that he's like us except dedicated ...

[@shoegazer5451]

And talent

[@MiniShowProductions]

you lucky lucky man

[@jamesalanott4786]

That's a great story, man!

[@bane1240]

Steely Dan is your favorite bands, favorite band. This song is a classic and truly incredible musicianship throughout, as are many of Steely Dans songs. The ability for Rick to break the song down into components as he does here and on so many other songs is truly incredible as well.

[@TheMacasso]

WICKED Pretty PURDIE deep groove- what a killer cut!!!

[@bellavia5]

Strange but I thought that the dissection and analysis of the guitar solo would take the magic out of listening to it in it's entirety -but -it made it seem even more compelling.

[@the_element_of_surprise_]

I saw my dad watching u and this video and he always said that the solo is the best solo ever but some don't see it. When u said it he was super happy haha! Anyways hes a big fan and loves ur videos he just doesn't know how to write comments so I'm his daughter writing it 4 him😌💞

[@crusheverything4449]

I have a daughter like you. Your dad and I are lucky guys.

[@coldplayerjoe64]

So cool you guys and gals!!! :)

[@furkancoskun3150]

Haha 😂👍

[@georgetheonlyporge]

Your dad is spot on. It is the best ever.

[@tap1983]

This is precious and awesome

[@joeking433]

I don't know which is more phenomenal, Larry Carlton's solo or Rick's ability to perfectly reproduce it!

[@brettmeares9716]

I'm impressed to hear this breakdown of one of their songs... I've always thought this group were the most sophisticated and talented of all the great rock and roll groups🤷‍♂

[@TheEleatic]

The incredible achievement is that all the intricacy, complexity, and rich layering doesn't sound cluttered or overdone.

[@moonbeanification]

excellent observation ... so true !

[@FilkusNM]

Becker & Fagen worked like mad to make all fit like puzzle pieces.

[@josephguidetti8941]

I love that tune prior to listening to this, however it just makes you appreciate it so much more, I’ve been a huge Steely Dan fan forever!

[@Rjhs001]

Excellent. Been a Dan fan for longer than I care to remember but it's great to have these well known, loved tracks forensically examined like this...love it...thanks so much.

[@angieslindmusic]

Serious church here people. Great job Rick!!! When I was in music college eons ago, I felt that as a vocalist, the best achievement possible was to get the gig singing back up with SD. Closest I got was covering SD "Reelin in the Years" in a Canadian touring band--6 nights/week. We did board tapes every night and rehearsed our vox parts every day and nailed some cool 3 part harmonies. Our guitar player was a huge Larry Carlton devotee. Saw SD a couple years ago at the Beacon in NYC with Rickie Lee Jones opening. Killer.

[@kitrichardson5573]

I love Steely Dan and you have just made me feel like I’ve discovered this song all over again. Great job!

[@annemaassen5576]

Every time I hear a Steely Dan song I feel like I've discovered it all over again. Almost 50 years and I never get tired of it. Late 60s early 70s was just a powder keg of awesome music.

[@chris49ford]

We're going to break out the hats and hooters, when Beato uploads.

[@MoonwolfeConsulting]

If you didn't get this reference, you clearly haven't listened to enough Steely Dan!

[@yellavonjella2893]

its amazing how Rick memorized that solo..... I love you Beato!!

[@billsmith2212]

No Auto Tune , that's some pro singing there ! They were ALL Pro musicians . No bullshit . They nailed it . Pure talent and chops . That's why there is nothing like a live show with groups at this level .

[@charlie-obrien]

The problem with auto tune and pro tools today is that it allows some with lesser talent to overstep those that do, simply because of a relationship with the powers that be, who BTW, don't want to be bothered with having to deal with real artists.

[@annalisa14]

Rick, thank you for doing this! Im just a little woman who studied on her own, her Mel Bay chord book for guitar. I met Joe Pass, sitting next to his family’s table, and talked with him, holding his guitar 🎸 and i had my Joe Pass chord book with me... Because of you, Rick, i now know why I love ❤️ this Kid Tune from when i was 25 in San Diego... dancing all over the room to it, over and over again... We REALLY miss Walter .😭😞

[@doc2kiwidig663]

Anna Lisa Ha! I learned with Mel Bay too ❤️

[@roundtownKen]

God bless Mel Bay. "This is the pick" in his beginning guitar book...

[@ebenn01]

Nothing makes me happier that I bought good headphones than listening to Rick's videos.

[@robertmcleod7841]

steely dan is perfect band, I am glad they are finally getting the recognition they deserve

[@matthewhoover6154]

I love how complex Steely Dan's songs are. I don't hear enough of them, but luckily for me, my father had their albums on vinyl so I got exposed to them.

[@waynegittens9506]

Im trying really hard to expose my sons to this amazing music. Just caught the show in Vegas last month.AWESOME!!!

[@warpnin3]

Always loved their songs. I really started to pay more attention to their lyrics around the mid - eighties after some guy tried to explain to me what the lyrics of Gaucho really meant.

[@billpetrello9045]

They had so many layers to their songs. Every time I hear a song from them...I hear something wonderful I hadn’t before.

[@vezinam58]

Bernard Purdie vs an electronic drum program ... No contest! Not even a chance!!! Back when the “ feel” of the masters, Bernard Purdie, Jeff Porcaro, And Steve Gadd ruled!!! 😎

[@Snarkapotamus]

In Gadd we trust..

[@audiotomb]

Yet 2000+ Steely Dan locked Keith Carlock to a msec grid sampled timing. Blasphemy!

[@funklover24]

Mark Vezina, you are so right.

[@Egilhelmson]

OTOH, if your drummer is Pete Best, you are better off with a glorified metronome. Bruno may be making the best of a bad situation, because he cannot find a Ringo for his band. Or he has been so institutionalized by the drum machines that, like James Whitmore’s character in The Shawshank Redemption, Brooks the prison librarian, he cannot handle life with a human drummer anymore than Brooks could life outside a prison. Never met the man, so someone else will have to decide.

[@Claytone-Records]

Egilhelmson, Steve Gadd’s clone, perhaps.

[@juliesipes8007]

One of my favorite Steely Dan songs.

[@guppybill]

Your take on this Carlton contribution is right on. So cool. "That's one of the best solos that you'll ever hear." Been preaching this for decades.

[@Logoned]

Steely Dan one of the greatest musical acts of all time. Talent just pure talent. Haven't heard an SD song I didn't like. RIP Walter Becker

[@LucaLindemann]

There should be at least 3/4 albums by Steely Dan in every house around the world. By law!❤️

[@johndowling1632]

Could'nt agree More.

[@WorldOfTess2024]

Legislate that!

[@Heyjonjohnson]

We are so blessed to be able to hear the track dissected like this.. able to hear tracks soloed.. thank you Rick.

[@nulife022]

I spent days figuring out that solo back in the 70s with the tone arm on a record player up and down a million times. Still sounds amazing 40 odd years later. Thanks Rick, wish I had this video back then.

[@granthurlburt4062]

I am HUGELY impressed. That is how all the greats of the sixties and early seventies learnt, but I doubt they were wrestling with anything like this solo.

[@joaopedroza1990]

Anything composed by Steely Dan I know it sounds amazing

[@jerryj.edwardgoodwin4758]

First time here and my first impression? That classic Purdie shuffle as the foundation to this Dan classic, perfectly broken down - i'm loving this!

[@rlb3255]

I feel so very fortunate to have grown up with Steely Dan, from their inception and throughout their career, in my life. I still get teary eyed listening to their music. That period musically, including the Beatles, Stones, Hendrix, Clapton (the list is long) will most likely never be duplicated.

[@galleryofrogues]

I can’t even describe how much I like the drum tones on Steely Dan records.

[@Gorillanaut]

I could listen to that bass and drum track all day....

[@2skyland]

Man, these WMTSG episodes are my new drug of choice.

[@luvpants2012]

2skyland me too!

[@ericgelders]

Yeah, defo! A drug that makes the musical experience only better, listening to these great songs.

[@markfrommaryland3825]

I also love them and watch them repeatedly. Also recommended from an different angle: the Vox Earworm series.

[@jiaconis]

BOOM!! 2skyland!! Y’all just won the reply of the day!! Well put!!

[@CHIEFS8214]

Love these "What makes a song great"! As someone who has heard most of these songs a zillion times without understanding what is happening, the appreciation gained when the parts are broken down and explained. Just incredible how talented individuals are and someone has to hear how it will fit to become the finished song we know and love. Listened to a demo of "Big Black Cow" just before Rick's "Kid Charlemagne" and WHEW, the work and talent to go from there to here. LOVE IT

[@michaelbeckett6260]

I was extremely fortunate to have had parents that had this album on vinyl, and a decent stereo system to listen to it on, and I've always loved this song so much. Thank you for breaking it down 👍🤘

[@dannyinaus]

Why aren't you a super star billionaire? Because you are too nice and down to earth. God gave you a talent, and you chose to use it for good. Well done.

[@sirbaronvoncount4147]

I am a relative latecomer to this channel but it’s everything that makes KZbin great

[@elementrypenguin3116]

One of the greatest recordings of all time with one of greatest guitar leads of all time as well. An absolutely perfect recording.

[@elementrypenguin3116]

An absolutely perfectly recorded piece of music. One of the greatest lead guitar solos of ALL TIME! A fantastic rhythm. Amazing breakdown Rick! Wow! RICK! YOU ARE PHENOMENAL!

[@joshyoung81]

Sweet Jesus the precision of your guitar work is just epic....not to mention all your other talents. Amazing channel.

[@haggismacphee2005]

My life has become fuller and richer after watching this.

[@danford2834]

well said

[@arthurford829]

Rick Beato! You rock man! This is one of my favorite channels on YT purely for your Steely Dan content!

[@nateworzel6044]

I like how the whole song is super funky then at the end there's this big release of tension. It's masterful song writing.

[@kitemanmusic]

Steely Dan is so groovy. It always give me goosebumps when I hear any of their songs.

[@DavidTurner1]

If you are drawing breath, you need to listen to more Steely Dan.

[@tx2jbh81]

This is one of my favorite songs. Love these “what makes this song great” series. Keep it up Rick.

[@andyhinds542]

I just can't get enough of your videos. The way you just play stuff effortlessly as if you were the writer of the music. I wish I had that gift.