These guys took music to another level. The blending of horns, keyboard, background vocals. They were said to be perfectionists and difficult to work with, so be it. The results are nothing short of phenomenal.
These guys were perfectionists , and never released the album until they felt that it was their best effort . I love the harmonies and of course the backup singers are great .
A whole different plane man.They created their own genre.Theres no way to classify the music..it's a genius blend of rhythm and blues,jazz,and rock.And they never planned that.Theyre in a league all alone.Truly another gift given to those who are mature enough to enjoy it
im always saying that! they were a genre unto themselves. there is no other way to express that specific Feel and vibe and place and era other than: “steely dan.”
From a purely musical standpoint, this has to be the most perfect song I've ever heard. The production and engineering are absolutely top shelf material. It's also a fairly timeless piece, because it really doesn't sound like it came out of the late 1970s with its blend of blues, jazz and rock.
I couldn’t agree more! Machine-tooled perfection but with absolutely no loss of heart and soul - the timeless lament of the man who sees no prospects in life and who comes to realize the fault is in himself….After thousands of listenings the entire first side of Aja never fails to elicit those deep Blues emotions that culminate in the sad brilliance of Deacon Blues - not a single instrument, not a single bar of the music, is out of harmony with that deep mood of loss and regret in the middle of a great big wide world that is moving on without you.
Yes indeed - These guys were perfectionists It's a difficult call - I'd say Steely Dan and Zappa are tied for top place - I'd have to really nitpick to pick one over the other... Comes down to what mood I'm in.
I cried when I wrote this song, sue me if I play too long. One of the best lines ever and God knows these two had a lot of perfect lines. Insanely talented and still so uniquely them.
Steely Dan. I have been listening to them since the early 70's. I always knew they were great but it has been only the last few years that I have really understood how brilliant they actually are. The playing is close to perfection and the arrangements are fantastic.
There were so many talented groups putting out their best year after year. We were lucky to have lived through that. But as the saying goes, the cream always rises to the top.
What I failed to mention in my earlier post, was tempo. Much of Steely Dan is about tempo. Two brilliant examples are 'Aja' and 'Third World Man.' I have stopped listening to those two songs since they were released. But it is only in about the last few years that I have come to understand that the tempo in those two songs is what makes them masterpieces.
I am 75 years old and discovered Steely Dan just a few years ago. Became a big fan. Great chord progressions, impecableperformance, such instigating arrangements.
Was lucky to see them in person 5 years ago. The show brought me back to 1973, my first time hearing them and I appreciate them more now that I’m 67 you.
Deacon Blues. One of the absolute greatest pieces of music from the 70s. I never tire of listening to this song. Thank you SD, you’ve been a huge part of my life and helped me through good and bad times.
Riding on I25 thru all the Pine Trees, Temp is 83 degrees and you're honey has got her arms around you.... No Traffic... What a ride with this music on the radio. Pipe dream of the 80's gone now. I'm just a Old Man with memories now.
Have a similar indelible memory - flew to Washington and drove a top down Mustang rental to present at the Nat Centre for State Courts in Williamsburg. Sunny day, Deacon Blues, Oh Girl,... on the radio - this was America to a young guy from small town Canada.
The smoothest blend of light rock,instramental and vocals ever brought together. An amazing use of language to blend in. I am 67 years old been listening since high school. Today generation can learn from Becker and Fagan. Rest in peace Walter Becker you left to early but you left a better world THANK YOU
Funny that Fagen didn't think his voice was "commercial" enough. Can't imagine anyone else singing this songs. SD pure genius. Cream of the crop music.
Saw Steely Dan three times. Every show was amazing! But no Deacon Blues at any show. Probably would have made me cry. I was living that exact life when this song came out.
I watched a classic album show about “Aja” the other night. It made me embarrassed to realize how little I know about musical composition. They are fantastic
One of a kind band for sure and once hearing his voice, we all know the group! Yet, seriously, it sounds with admirable fanfare but... nobody or group is 'ahead of any/there time' as we're all here pushing forward behind time until, sadly, ours runs out while time stays on beat. Peace.
Got to meet the "Deacon Blues" man himself, tenor saxophonist Pete Christlieb, when he played Gresham, Oregon's Mt. Hood Jazz Festival in the mid-'80s. He graciously signed my 1977 "Aja" album jacket just before taking the stage at the M&M Lounge. Watched him play for years after that in Doc Severinsen's "Tonight Show" band.
It amazes me that I can see this and still be in awe of them. I originally played BC Baritone through school in symphonic band. I got to play under some amazing guest conductors and won 2 scholarships for private lessons with an absolute brass master. I now play bass guitar in a very good original band writing and playing our own music. I am playing a different type of music but enjoying it very much. These guys helped me bridge over from Symphonic to Rock, Blues and Metal.
We couldn't bear to stop listening to SD on RUclips so we just bought 5 albums at Amoeba Music on Hollywood Blvd and drove the streets in the hills playing them like the perfect soundtrack to our freedom.
Donald Fagan is so fecking cool! A true musician, showing the feelings involved in his own compositions with his performance. In awe every time I hear this.
The quintessential Steely Dan song! Saw them in Providence in '93. As a lawyer bought tshirt that says: "Sue Me If I Play Too Long". Still have shirt but don't want to be like Katy and say it still fits!
![GEEK TIMË [OFFICIAL AUDIO]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/ry-6RvkH880/mqdefault.jpg)
A Marvelous Video that delivers ace beau coup number one Quality Entertainment.
Thank You Thomas Eliason, GOD Bless!
People who grew up in the 70s know how really good these guy are, Thank you STEELY DAN
MAJIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I certainly do! 70's music is un-rivaled!
I agree... because that's my time as well. But every generation says this of "their" music. And they're correct too.
Yes indeed!
Amen to that!
There will never be another generation of music that measures up to the classics of the 70's.
Agreed. The only decade to match or top the 70s in American music is the 40s. (probably tops the 70s)
Certainly not so far.
Same for movies too, eh?
Not even close. Nothing tops that magic decade called ‘The Seventies’!
Never, Ever…
Reminds me of my High School days. Im still listening in 2024.
Same here...languid and bittersweet.
Reminds me of my college days, and I'm right there with you listening..
Me as well! I didn't know wat I was listening too. I just loved it.
Learn to work the saxophone.
Cause it’s still 😎 😂😂
These guys took music to another level. The blending of horns, keyboard, background vocals. They were said to be perfectionists and difficult to work with, so be it. The results are nothing short of phenomenal.
There's tight and then theirs Steely Dans TIGHT. Great band and fantastic musos Kevin, as were the session players.
We’ll never see another group like them. Savor it.
These guys were perfectionists , and never released the album until they felt that it was their best effort . I love the harmonies and of course the backup singers are great .
Like Tom Waits stated: they say I have no hits and I am difficult to work with. And they say it like it's a bad thing.
2 geniuses got together and surrounded themselves the greatest talented musicians and struggled until they made it look easy, legendary.
Music doesn't get any better than this, whenever you hear it, the sound never leaves your soul.
So true such great musicians Still jamming here in South Texas
Since day one, coolness personified!!! Walter Becker, that brother is FREE...Don , you left the world a slice of cake, and a cognac on the side 😎💯👆✌️🎶
After 53 years still in my heart , I grew up with it ,every note or every lyrics every love every kiss ! Unforgettable !
If you have a soul you can grasp this music ? 😎
AGREE 100%
Aja is without a doubt a pure Masterpiece!
Albums never got played all normal. They were Heard
One of my favorite all time albums
From a production standpoint, not just Aja, but Gaucho, Two Against Nature, Everything Must Go, All of Donald Fagen's solo work.
Through and through.
Almost like it's own unique form of music.
A whole different plane man.They created their own genre.Theres no way to classify the music..it's a genius blend of rhythm and blues,jazz,and rock.And they never planned that.Theyre in a league all alone.Truly another gift given to those who are mature enough to enjoy it
im always saying that! they were a genre unto themselves. there is no other way to express that specific Feel and vibe and place and era other than: “steely dan.”
My dads favorite band ever! I still play it so he can hear in heaven. He was only 57😭. Miss him sooo much!🌺😍
Your old man had great taste in music.
Sorry for your loss. My pops passed at age 32.
So sorry….my brother just passed 2 days ago…..we grew up during the 70s…..
Sorry
@@DarlaKroupa oh no! Very sorry you lost your brother!🙏🌺❤️
Amazing Steely Dan they don't make bands like this anymore, truly one of a kind!
...the current generation doesn't deserve a a band such as Steely Dan...they'd cancel it for hurt feelings
Agreed
Steely Dan is truly an amazing musical experience. They blend jazz, blues and rock seamlessly. RIP Walter.
A band for the ages. Their lyrics, arrangements, instruments, vocals, horns, etc, were always way ahead of their time. RIP Walter.
This music is 46 years old, yet still amazing!
some things just don't go out of style
From a purely musical standpoint, this has to be the most perfect song I've ever heard. The production and engineering are absolutely top shelf material. It's also a fairly timeless piece, because it really doesn't sound like it came out of the late 1970s with its blend of blues, jazz and rock.
True fusion at its finest
No, I don't believe it gets any better. 1976.
I couldn’t agree more! Machine-tooled perfection but with absolutely no loss of heart and soul - the timeless lament of the man who sees no prospects in life and who comes to realize the fault is in himself….After thousands of listenings the entire first side of Aja never fails to elicit those deep Blues emotions that culminate in the sad brilliance of Deacon Blues - not a single instrument, not a single bar of the music, is out of harmony with that deep mood of loss and regret in the middle of a great big wide world that is moving on without you.
@@Markbazzle1 Efficiently put. And I thank you for the decades I've been listening that struck without afterthought.
i agree! endless like Beatles music!
The chords and changes in this song are almost unbearably beautiful. Just perfect.
67 and still digging them.
@@j-capz1856 I am the same....74.
Yes indeed - These guys were perfectionists
It's a difficult call - I'd say Steely Dan and Zappa are tied for top place - I'd have to really nitpick to pick one over the other... Comes down to what mood I'm in.
@@bertkilborne6464 5:42
@@SuperMikado282 me three!
This record records my transition to adulthood. Fond/painful memories. 20's. Sort of late.. Beautiful music. Still love it.
I listened to their greatest hits for a couple weeks while I did landscaping this summer. Never, never, gets old. Never goes out of style.
Still wonderful after 47 years ❤
Geez, how can it be that long? I remember when Aja came out.
@@robertrichards6993 seems like yesterday 😊
Perfectly Complex, a work of Art. Growing up with this we had no idea how good we had it at the time.
I knew
Compared to what passes for music these days this is a masterpiece.
Very True
This era had the best music ever.
Its so true ! I was listening to this in 76, and still do in 23, with Gods bessings
I cried when I wrote this song, sue me if I play too long. One of the best lines ever and God knows these two had a lot of perfect lines. Insanely talented and still so uniquely them.
That’s my favorite line as well
I crawled like a viper through your suburban scene...
Yes @@DarlaKroupa
@@DarlaKroupa❤
@@DarlaKroupa❤
I was in a military hospital...this song pulled me thru.🎉
One of the best bands of all time, incredible writing and playing skills, and brought so much joy to real music lovers for a generation.
Steely Dan. I have been listening to them since the early 70's. I always knew they were great but it has been only the last few years that I have really understood how brilliant they actually are. The playing is close to perfection and the arrangements are fantastic.
Same for me. The more I grow old, the more I love their music.
There were so many talented groups putting out their best year after year. We were lucky to have lived through that. But as the saying goes, the cream always rises to the top.
What I failed to mention in my earlier post, was tempo. Much of Steely Dan is about tempo. Two brilliant examples are 'Aja' and 'Third World Man.' I have stopped listening to those two songs since they were released. But it is only in about the last few years that I have come to understand that the tempo in those two songs is what makes them masterpieces.
Same here. Been a SD fan since Pretzel Logic and the music is timeless. Still love deciphering Fagen and Becker’s lyrics.
Seems as we get older our appreciation matures
This song is really a Jewell!!! Take me back to those years ... R.I.P. Walter...👏👏
Walter is in trouble....he sold out.
One of the GREATS❤. ROCKING YOU IN 2024
Does it really ever get better than that? A perfectionist.
Nope!
No, can’t conceive of it being done any better by anyone!!!💯👍🏽😎
It's Aug 2023 and I am still listening to this wonderful music. Now this is real music. Not that junk that is out now
It's July 2024 and I am still listening and I started in 1974 !
@@MrSymbolic7 Me2
They call Alabama the Crimson Tide! This song was blasted in my High School parking lot EVERY Friday. Roll Tide from Central Alabama!
I am 75 years old and discovered Steely Dan just a few years ago. Became a big fan. Great chord progressions, impecableperformance, such instigating arrangements.
Was lucky to see them in person 5 years ago. The show brought me back to 1973, my first time hearing them and I appreciate them more now that I’m 67 you.
Aja is one of the best albums of all time! Always cool and sophisticated, a true classic!
On the list of albums everyone must/should listen too
Katie lied is better
The Royal Scam was absolutely brilliant.
Deacon Blues. One of the absolute greatest pieces of music from the 70s. I never tire of listening to this song. Thank you SD, you’ve been a huge part of my life and helped me through good and bad times.
True and Reelin in the years !
Might be the best oldie recap i have ever heard. Jesus...i felt 25 all over again . For a brief time.
Absolutely bloody fantastic song, I love Donald’s voice so much.
His voice is great because the imperfections,if u may say that, are musically divine,edgy yet emotional and quirky,and so distinct.
I'm an ex singer
STEELY DAN WILL FOREVER BE "TRUE" MASTER'S OF MUSIC...❤
Riding on I25 thru all the Pine Trees, Temp is 83 degrees and you're honey has got her arms around you.... No Traffic... What a ride with this music on the radio. Pipe dream of the 80's gone now. I'm just a Old Man with memories now.
Have a similar indelible memory - flew to Washington and drove a top down Mustang rental to present at the Nat Centre for State Courts in Williamsburg. Sunny day, Deacon Blues, Oh Girl,... on the radio - this was America to a young guy from small town Canada.
70's :)
The music keeps you young
I'm 80 and still love Fagan and life!
8-2024 still love this song
My favorite Steely Dan song.
Absolute perfection.
They have so many fantastic songs, but yes, this is their best.
Agree - great composition, sophisticated and timeless.
The smoothest blend of light rock,instramental and vocals ever brought together. An amazing use of language to blend in. I am 67 years old been listening since high school.
Today generation can learn from Becker and Fagan.
Rest in peace Walter Becker you left to early but you left a better world
THANK YOU
Nothing better than,70s music ❤
Their music brings tears to my eyes, especially this one.
Third World Man does it for me.
They don't make em like this anymore and nobody ever will again!
brings tears to my eyes..
Couldn’t agree more!!
They were/are timeless!!!!
Something about that cotton candy.
The sax still gives me goosebumps after all these years. Thank you for touching my soul!
Steely Dan always made sure they had musicians that were the best in the business.
Have you ever experienced a song that was so beautiful it made you cry with Joy. Deacon Blues.
I feel 'ya!
I'm probably one of hundreds of thousands.
Steely Dan's sound takes me right back to the late 70s one of the best times in my life they have such great music
Funny that Fagen didn't think his voice was "commercial" enough. Can't imagine anyone else singing this songs.
SD pure genius. Cream of the crop music.
Classy.
The brilliance of Walter and Donald.
Doesn't get any better. ❤
Missing Walter, RIP Sir.
One of the most beautiful songs ever created❤
Hit Rock Bottom twice....this song got me thru both times.
I hear ya bro. Been there.
Saw Steely Dan three times. Every show was amazing! But no Deacon Blues at any show. Probably would have made me cry. I was living that exact life when this song came out.
I love Steely Dan. True musicians.
Fabulous recording of this steely dan classic thanks 🎉
I watched a classic album show about “Aja” the other night. It made me embarrassed to realize how little I know about musical composition. They are fantastic
I just watched that as well and was surprised to hear that they used different studio musicians on each of the songs .
Brilliantly edited to brilliant music
You are very kind.
I do agree ! 🙏❤️
Incredible job Thomas!
Usual GREAT job by Tom "Top Kat"
Superpower
They magically blend it all together .
love the sax at the bridge!! And yes I bought the DREAM!!
This group was ahead of the time, but, it still sounds brand new. I think they're great. Rip Walter.
SD are still more interesting and ground breaking than most other recording artists who got a lot of radio airplay including The Beatles.
One of a kind band for sure and once hearing his voice, we all know the group! Yet, seriously, it sounds with admirable fanfare but... nobody or group is 'ahead of any/there time' as we're all here pushing forward behind time until, sadly, ours runs out while time stays on beat. Peace.
Steely Dan , must be one of the greatest bands ever ! ,Old man UK ,,, thanks
I haven’t heard or seen this song for over 10 years and it grabbed my heart like before.
Deacon Blues is my favorite track from the Dan alongside Kings off their first album.
Never grow tired of the Dan.
It's timeless, amazing work really.
⅚ý
I don't really know how anybody could
True. Never get tired of their great music.
47 years later...
Absolute Perfection...
Steely Dan framed me & my memories are just flooded beyond words
Music from another dimension, stunning.
Our generation our music
Was the best it will never happen again. ❤
Unique and Distinctive Polished sound and Performed so Flawlessly!
This song has always struck a very special cord with me! One of my Favorite Songs of ALL TIME!
That has to be one of the best songs in the world!
most beautiful music of the time ...and now!
They were the first to take Rock & Roll and blend in that funky Jazz sound. Brilliant
One of my favorite songs of Steely Dan. Great memories of the 70's.
So beautiful, it hurts
Saw them 3-4 times in CO, most memorably at Red Rocks Amphitheater, it was a magical night. RIP Walter Becker, 😢 keep on grooving Donald Fagen 😅
Nice job of editing this footage Thomas Eliason! Of course, brilliant music by Walter and Donald
You are very kind.
@@thomaseliason8376 he's not wrong, I almost thought it was the live sound with that lip sync, awesome!
The greatest of all ,beautiful music not too hard ,I say, hit the nail on the head 😂 can't get any better, a core that I can't describe 😢
Got to meet the "Deacon Blues" man himself, tenor saxophonist Pete Christlieb, when he played Gresham, Oregon's Mt. Hood Jazz Festival in the mid-'80s. He graciously signed my 1977 "Aja" album jacket just before taking the stage at the M&M Lounge. Watched him play for years after that in Doc Severinsen's "Tonight Show" band.
I've been a Dan Fan since their beginning and this is my favorite song. It's sad that we lost Walter.
Steely Dan, not just music, it’s a lifestyle
It amazes me that I can see this and still be in awe of them. I originally played BC Baritone through school in symphonic band. I got to play under some amazing guest conductors and won 2 scholarships for private lessons with an absolute brass master. I now play bass guitar in a very good original band writing and playing our own music. I am playing a different type of music but enjoying it very much. These guys helped me bridge over from Symphonic to Rock, Blues and Metal.
That sax just speaks too you a SD masterpiece among many music you feel
One can never tire of this wonderful track by this great, great band.
We couldn't bear to stop listening to SD on RUclips so we just bought 5 albums at Amoeba Music on Hollywood Blvd and drove the streets in the hills playing them like the perfect soundtrack to our freedom.
i love the cynicism in their songs and how it sets you up to have your little heart broken by songs like this one.
Donald Fagan is so fecking cool! A true musician, showing the feelings involved in his own compositions with his performance. In awe every time I hear this.
One of my favorite albums of all time. Never looses it's relevance, just PERFECT!
Steely Dan’s music is timeless! Been listening for 45 years.
I am 71 years old and I had a chance to see them play in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania ❤
This music has been brilliantly done they don't play music like this anymore😊
Im 57 yrs old!!!!
This song is still awesome ❤
Just perfect. Good indica and good music
This song is an absolute masterpiece!
Tribeca, this music and the 70s. Doesn’t get better!
Favorite Steely Dan song! Drank a LOT of scotch listening to it.
Mine too!
I am drunk ,,,thank god for whiskey
All night long
Steely Dan "Deacon Blues" sounds soothing to me! I listen tomthis sing when I'm driving in my jeep down PCH! Sounds FANTASTIC on a sunny summer day!
The quintessential Steely Dan song! Saw them in Providence in '93. As a lawyer bought tshirt that says: "Sue Me If I Play Too Long". Still have shirt but don't want to be like Katy and say it still fits!
Great shirt !
Haha...and agree!
Well, here in Atlanta, if you "play too long" at Chastain (outdoor venue), you WILL get sued (or heavily fined). =)
What would life be without THIS SDan song? Thank you guys
@@lisamunzjones4543 What would life be without this band. Seen them five times and once again after Walter passed.
One of my best songs by Steely Dan love Deacon Blues
ALL NIGHT LONG BABY!!!!!! RIP Walter, you are missed.✌️🎶🎵❤️
These guys studio albums were so good
Production was steller
No other band pulls me into their music like Steely Dan. I've seen them three times, luckily all three with Walter. The music just speaks to my soul.
You might Like Zappa also ? 😎
The Epitome of Music !! This is Universal.
no Ego vanity. Just Truth.
" This Brother is Free " , Understood band !🥳
Perfectionists, I'm sure they were, but look at what they developed. Pure genius