Larry Carlton - lead guitar Rick Derringer - guitar Frank Floyd - background vocals Hugh McCracken - guitar Marcus Miller - bass Rob Mounsey - synthesizers Michael Omartian - electric piano Jeff Porcaro - drums Zachary Sanders - background vocals Valerie Simpson - background vocals
@@danielmccann8325 It is considered a work of genius by most music critics. The chord progressions and voicings are extremely sophisticated...and it swings!
The whole album conjurers up the early Kennedy years with the "New Frontier", bomb shelters, cool jazz, imminent nuclear destruction and crackpots calling in their odd theories to local late-night DJ's. Totally wonderful pre-Beatles styled music of the end of innocence, Camelot era.
"So you say there's a race of men in the trees, you're for tough legislation. Thanks for calling! I wait all night for calls like these." I know you'll get into the lyrics eventually, but you gotta understand how extraordinary they are. It's basically a dj with carte blanche on his itinerary for the night's content and he just goes off. Becomes candid with his callers, snarky and sarcastic and then spouts all kinds of personal insight on his longings and depression. It's heartbreaking and gorgeous. It just kills me!
The teenage listener, who's the main character of the album, hears the DJ being a wiseass to the nutjob caller. The grown up narrator telling the teenager's story hears the DJ's self-reflection: I can't believe I'm up all night hoping/dreading talking to loons like this. And the grown the grown Fagen gets that the exhilaration of the dream (I'm playing what I want and saying what I want) and hard reality of the dead end gig are both real.
Green Flower Street was the first single release sometime in October 1982. I remember the first time hearing it on WTOS here in Maine. I was already a Dan Fan. I knew it was Fagan. I was like, wow! For years I had the licence plate NGHTFLY. My webpage in Nightfly Photography. I am a dyed in the wool Fagan Fan. Nice to hear similar stories playing out here. Great comments guys!
I’ve always maintained that there are better singers than Donald but, for this band, this music, this genre that he and Walter created, no one could have been more perfect. Donald’s voicing, his phrasing, his writing, are absolute for this music. The jazz sensibilities that he sings with are what makes him unique. I own all of his solo albums and both of Walter’s as well. Morph The Cat is one of my favorites from Donald and you should give the 11 Tracks of Whack album by Walter a listen. It was co-produced by Fagen. Get on your scuba gear, it’s gonna be a deep dive. Loved your review. ❤️
Music is such a blessing. To me, life is not really worth living without music. Music has helped me through hard times and good times, And always has been my closest companion throughout my life.
This album is considered one of the best-produced albums of all time. For decades, concert engineers have used a SACD type of master-quality CD copy of this album to set the sound at concert venues as the dynamics are so accurate and clean. It's a reference-level recording.
"Was ist los"? Love it! Donald's voice fits the style of music. It's so funny because Don hated singing and shy to appear live but thankfully he got over it. His voice fits the style of music we can all agree.
Thank you for letting me in my older years...cough cough...enjoy your reactions because I remember when I heard these songs for the first time. Feeling younger. Bless you both.
Like in the other comments, it is a great album. Ruby Baby is my favorite. So glad y'all discovered Steely Dan and have become fans. You have great taste in music.
You know what I love about you guys? Your pure joy and passion for music! It is so wonderful to see people who are young now behaving the way WE did when we heard this stuff for the first time! SPECTACULAR! Music is SO powerful! 🙏🙏❤️
You guys should really check out a lesser known Fagen song called True companion which appeared on the soundtrack for the movie Heavy Metal from 1981. One of the best things he's done
One of the very first full digital recordings. I heard it for the first time while record shopping at J&R Music World in NYC ("The Nightfly" had just been released) "IGY" started playing, and I was so overwhelmed by the quality of the sound and incredible musicianship, I had to buy it on the spot.
I discovered Steely Dan "and Donald" when I was in my 20's. it makes me happy to know you guys are discovering this music while you are both young. it will always be with you.
I reacted to this song in 1982 and I continue to discover magic out of this song and all the Nightfly CD songs. Do Goodbye Look and get into those lyrics. Maxine jazz chords OMG.. You guys have taste for choosing this song out of so many great songs. Steely Dan, Donald Fagen and Becker are pure Genious the standard the bar set in Rock Jazz studio album, solos, lyrics, arrangements, harmonies, etc etc etc. The Steely Dan University is a lifetime learning about music from the Bach and Beethovens of our days. The bass, the musicianship, the BRASS, and on and on and on....CHEERS
This album is a 10/ 10 great songs great sound quality . If you want a Walter Becker tune try " DOWN AT THE BOTTOM " his albums take several listens because his voice is so unusual.
As usual there are no bad songs. This really is a Steely Dan album. Every song is a masterpiece. Great writing, superb Studio musicians. Superb backup vocals and every song carefully choreographed. This is why we say some of the music from this era was art. That is for sure the case with Steely Dan
We all found out just how much Walter Becker contributed to the sound of Steely Dan when he started producing other people's records. The one I remember reading about where critics said that was the album, Flaunt The Imperfection by China Crisis. It definitely has that Steely Dan feel to it. You should try the song, You Did Cut Me from that album. The whole album is great, though.
Marcus Miller just grooves on this with Jeff Porcaro. I love his accented 16th notes. It really pushes the groove along. Larry just glides over the top. Interesting story: Larry Carlton flew from L.A. to NYC to do these sessions and he brought his ES-335. He showed up in the studio and Donald says "Where's the Amp?" Larry says "Oh, we'll just rent one from cartage." Donald says "No. I want the SOUND man!" They delayed the session while Larry called home, had his 50s fender tweed deluxe packed up and shipped out via airliner courier to New York. This was back in the days before regular Fedex so it cost a pretty penny.
Wow what a great way to experience your first listen!. With fans like me who were blown away 40 years ago when it was released.😊😊😊 your reactions sum it all up.
Steely Dan was Donald Fagen and Walter Becker (Rest In Peace), plus an incredible cast of top musicians, but Donald Fagen was always the soul of the group, and his solo productions show this. They will go down in history as one of the most profound song writing duo's of the 20th and 21st centuries, utterly eclipsing Lennon and McCartney.
I don't think any collection that Donald ever did - within or without the Steely Dan brand - was ever as good as this album. Most albums have peak moments and standout tracks - this one has ALL peak moments and so many different styles of music too.
If you can, please give Walter Becker's song Down at the Bottom off of his album "11 Tracks of Whack" a listen. I always liked this one. Great job guys!!!!
Watching your reaction to Steely Dan again, is sooooo heartwarming! Thank you soooo much!!! I was very fortunate to have seen them twice...once in 1973 with their first iteration of the band, and then in 2000, a second row front and center to their return to touring tour and promoting the Two Against Nature album...so fortunate to see Cornelius Bumpus leading his horn section. You’ll remember Corny from the second iteration of the Doobie Brothers, a powerful keyboard and horn player, who sang well too! Thanks again!
Walter was suffering with some drug problems and needed a break and rehab so Donald decided to do this album. It's a biographical album about how Donald grew up in the late 50's. It's genius work. Walter's album are darker but very good.
You are the very first person who has EVER recognized 'Mary Shut the Garden Door' the same way I do. I tout it as a festival of sound and my favorite as well!
@@JackSchitte OMG I love it. I had SD on my Pandora list and was driving and that song came on and I was frantic to find out what it was. Now it's on my favorites play list. I love when the melodica comes in. I think that's Fagen on the melodica. Whoever it is, I love it. That song has so many layers and different sounds in it.
Classic for sure....Donald is brilliant with a amazing mind for music with that interesting voice like no other and he's definatly interesting to watch play.....I loved The Kings of September with Donald, Boz Scaggs and Michael McDonald so much fun to watch😊...love your reaction😊❤
Nightfly was the first DVD-Audio 5.1 surround sound disc I ever bought. Ruby Baby is a remake from the 50's. Incredibly Smooth! And I'm going to keep suggesting it until you do it! My Rival from Gaucho. Very simple song compared to most others from them but for some reason it just struck a cord with me.
Marcus Miller on bass an incredible bass line, note the nuances between the long and short notes, it's a pretty amazing tune, my favorite on the record, the chord changes, the melodies, the chorus, the whole arrangement and the vocals, the bridge....and Larry Carlton's short, soulful, melodic but to the point guitar solo....You are correct...A perfect Pop Jazz Funky tune.
This was a favorite albums of one of my best friends who passed away several years ago. I never listen to this album and, in particular, this song without thinking about him.
SO I ENJOY WATCHING YOU TWO INTERACT /YOU MAKE MUSIC ENJOYABLE/I FEEL SO LUCKY TO HAVE SEEN SO MANY CLASSIC ROCK GROUPS BEFORE THEY WERE CLASSIC ROCK////ENJOY YOUR VOYAGE, IM GOING ON 49 YEARS WITH MY LADY AND WE SHARE SO MUCH MUSIC LOVE/////PEACE TO YOU ---CHICO YOUR VIETNAM VET---TAKE CARE OF THAT BACK
This album was nominated for Album of the year in 1982 The eventual winner had the same drummer : Jeff Porcaro, Can't think of another drummer who accomplished this!
Love this, of course. Donald, here. Our hero letting his guard down and getting vulnerable on us. That voice. That phrasing. Grab me a pot of black coffee and Chesterfields and turn out the lights.
Great reaction y'all! So glad you got a chance to hear The Nightfly, it's my favorite from the album. I can't wait for you to explore Kamakiriad, Florida Room is so so good! Then there's the album Morph the Cat. The title song is incredible as is H Gang and Brite Nightgown. So much more to explore!
The whole album is so good and every song tells a story! The Goodbye Look is a neat story and the way he sings it you feel like you are living in the song it plays out like a move! Maxine is a great song as well !
Always a great day when NicknLex uploads. I see a couple of people recommending Maxine and I think that’s a great idea. If you want to check out Walter’s stuff, I recommend Down in the Bottom. I’m glad you like this one!
"The songs on this album represent certain fantasies that might have been entertained by a young man growing up in the remote suburbs of a northeastern city during the late fifties and early sixties, i.e. one of my general height, weight and build." D.F. from the album sleeve. This album included the Brecker Bros. on horns. ☮💜🎶
Kamakiriad was actually the first album that Donald and Walter collaborated on after Steely Dan broke up. they had a bit of a falling out after the production of Gaucho as it was a very strenuous and taxing process since they strived for such perfection.
Yay! More Fagen! You’ll eventually learn that the lyrics explain that “The Nightfly” is a late night radio DJ … “WJAZ - with Jazz and conversation from the foot of Mt. Belzoni.” Fagen poses as Lester the DJ on the cover. Great request and Reaction. And I think you also heard another track, “Green Flower Street” at the concert. Thanks ✨😊
Here's a Steely Dan song with Walter singing: Slang of Ages from Everything Must Go. A stellar, overlooked track. The only Steely Dan track with Walter as lead. He shared lead on the chorus inTurn That Heartbeat Over Again.
Many people love Walter's 11 Tracks of Whack solo album, but I think you should check out Walter's solo album Circus Money. That album is SO Walter and when you hear it you will always know Walter's part of the contribution to Steely Dan from a creative angle. Circus Money gets better every time you listen to it, it has some serious grooves on it.
Love to see you two groovin' to this great album! I admire your restraint- I wish you could react to at least one or more Steely Dan, Walter or Donald songs every week! There is so far to go yet! 🎵❤️🎵
Steely Dan (and Donald here). Total feel good music. Steely Dan takes the intellectual to new heights. Lyrics that are at once thought-provoking and even a bit humorous/tongue in cheek, with magical and soothing sounds that just take you to a different place.
Marcus Miller who played bass on this album also composed and arranged Miles Davis’ Tutu album in 1986. I think you would like it. Start with the title track
Walter Becker solo selections -- from "11 Tracks of Whack": "Girlfriend" "Down at the Bottom" "Surf And/Or Die" "Book of Liars" "Cringe-maker" and just for fun "Hat Too Flat"; -- from "Circus Money": "Door Number Two" "Paging Audrey" "Somebody's Saturday Night" "Three Picture Deal" "Darkling Down"
This was actually Donald's first album completely without Walter. But he's obviously there in spirit! So here's a Walter Becker request: his solo album "11 Tracks of Whack" from 1994 is amazing. But strangely, I know many hardcore Dan fans who don't like it. I have no idea why. I'm convinced you two will love it. From that album, "Girlfriend" is the most Dan-like - you WILL be singing it a lot - and "Surf And/Or Die" has amazing guitar work from Walter as well as having a completely off-the-wall subject....Walter dealing with the aftermath of his friend's death in a hang-gliding accident. Do at least give these two a listen, but the whole album is sheer brilliance. Keep up the great work Nick and Alexia. I do so much look forward to your videos. You're doing something really special. All the best from Catalonia in Spain!
Nick & Lex - another great reaction. it is just incredible how much joy you bring to me and your other watchers. When you go back and watch yourselves, you will see how happy you are listening and how much you make us, who know this music, smile from ear to ear. "How Donald writes great music" - give a listen to the early works, the demo works...Stone Piano, Yellow Peril, Let George Do It, Mock Turtle Song - the reason i bring these up, is because you mentioned the excellent writing. You will hear this terrific writing in the early stuff as well. It's possible that you might get hit for reacting to these, but, heck, it's worth a try. Another song to react to is Century's End. It came out between Aja and Gaucho, I believe. It's on a compilation album, so you won't get dinged for reacting to it. Sorry about the length of the comment. You two are my favorite reactors. Ken
Walter's solo album 11 Tracks of Whack in 1994 is part of our SD collection. This is my favorite tune on that album: ruclips.net/video/E_-1BZTWdsc/видео.html The Dukes of September project is also excellent, and this one shows a bit of Donald's gorgeous piano chops: ruclips.net/video/m7EJGXa-5Rc/видео.html
Hi NicknLex, yes what a 'jazzy' masterpiece! The whole album is amazing, you need to listen to The Goodbye Look & New Frontier ( great lyrics in both ).
Saw them twice at Fiddler's Green (Coors Amphitheater) Two Against Nature and Everything Must Go. Good stuff! Was waiting for "The Goodbye Look" to start when this ended 😂
![NOSFERATU - Official Trailer [HD] - Only In Theaters December 25](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/nulvWqYUM8k/mqdefault.jpg)
Goodbye Look and Walk Between the Raindrops
There's not a bad track on this album. I never get tired of listening to it.
Absolutely
Truth... Ditto 🎶🎧🎹
The sounds of the super seventies will NEVERDIE DOWN BECAUSE THEAY ARE JUST TOO DAMN GOOD!😊😅
Yes! Except the Nightfly came out in 1982. The video for New Frontier was a staple of MTV for awhile.
Larry Carlton - lead guitar
Rick Derringer - guitar
Frank Floyd - background vocals
Hugh McCracken - guitar
Marcus Miller - bass
Rob Mounsey - synthesizers
Michael Omartian - electric piano
Jeff Porcaro - drums
Zachary Sanders - background vocals
Valerie Simpson - background vocals
What a line-up of musicians. It's a who's who of great session players.
Just needed Michael McDonald to complete the illustrious roster
Steve Jordan in Walk Between The Raindrops ✨✨
@@paolofalco3822 almost forgot !
Do you know how awesome the lyrics are?
The whole album is outstanding! 'Maxine' is my favorite!
Should be a jazz standard. Michael Brecker's performs perhaps the greatest Sax solo on a pop album.
@@danielmccann8325 It is considered a work of genius by most music critics. The chord progressions and voicings are extremely sophisticated...and it swings!
Maxine is just amazing … in fact … loved it so much I married her 32 years ago 🙂
I agree. It's definitely a melancholy album. It brings back so many memories. It gets me super sad.
@@greggorup1006 Well put on walk between raindrops, that will cheer you up!
The whole album conjurers up the early Kennedy years with the "New Frontier", bomb shelters, cool jazz, imminent nuclear destruction and crackpots calling in their odd theories to local late-night DJ's. Totally wonderful pre-Beatles styled music of the end of innocence, Camelot era.
Nice synopsis! Always loved the concept of this album!
You hit it right on the head, people moving to the suburbs and driving family station wagons and wearing cool suits….
It’s actually pre JFK. IGY refers to 1957-1958 en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Geophysical_Year. Nonetheless, a masterpiece.
Lyrically, the songs are more accessible than most of Steely Dan’s music
"So you say there's a race of men in the trees, you're for tough legislation. Thanks for calling! I wait all night for calls like these."
I know you'll get into the lyrics eventually, but you gotta understand how extraordinary they are. It's basically a dj with carte blanche on his itinerary for the night's content and he just goes off. Becomes candid with his callers, snarky and sarcastic and then spouts all kinds of personal insight on his longings and depression. It's heartbreaking and gorgeous. It just kills me!
The teenage listener, who's the main character of the album, hears the DJ being a wiseass to the nutjob caller. The grown up narrator telling the teenager's story hears the DJ's self-reflection: I can't believe I'm up all night hoping/dreading talking to loons like this. And the grown the grown Fagen gets that the exhilaration of the dream (I'm playing what I want and saying what I want) and hard reality of the dead end gig are both real.
The Nightfly album is easily my favorite album of all time. From when I was 15 until now at 54!
About the same with me. I first heard it at 15, though it wasn’t quite new at the time. And I’m 52 now and it’s my second favorite. 😁
Part of the soundtrack to my first acid trip. But I loved the album even when 'uninfluenced' 🙃
Green Flower Street was the first single release sometime in October 1982. I remember the first time hearing it on WTOS here in Maine. I was already a Dan Fan. I knew it was Fagan. I was like, wow! For years I had the licence plate NGHTFLY. My webpage in Nightfly Photography. I am a dyed in the wool Fagan Fan. Nice to hear similar stories playing out here. Great comments guys!
This was my first CD.
16 fellas. Where did the time go. lol
Walk Between The Raindrops from the same album... The cheeriest song ever. Mind you the whole album is a total joy 👍
I’ve always maintained that there are better singers than Donald but, for this band, this music, this genre that he and Walter created, no one could have been more perfect. Donald’s voicing, his phrasing, his writing, are absolute for this music. The jazz sensibilities that he sings with are what makes him unique. I own all of his solo albums and both of Walter’s as well. Morph The Cat is one of my favorites from Donald and you should give the 11 Tracks of Whack album by Walter a listen. It was co-produced by Fagen. Get on your scuba gear, it’s gonna be a deep dive. Loved your review. ❤️
Yes, agreed. Fagen's voice is an essential part of the instrumental ensemble. Not a great singer as such, but a superb vocaliser. x
Music is such a blessing.
To me, life is not really worth living without music.
Music has helped me through hard times and good times,
And always has been my closest companion throughout my life.
Amen brother!
Absolutely
This album is considered one of the best-produced albums of all time. For decades, concert engineers have used a SACD type of master-quality CD copy of this album to set the sound at concert venues as the dynamics are so accurate and clean. It's a reference-level recording.
The Nightfly is 40 years old…woah…more proof that great music is timeless…
This song is best listened to whilst staring simultaneously at the amazing album cover!
True that!
Do yourself a favor and listen to this song driving at night. In fact this whole album is a great driving at night record. It's magical
I can confirm.
"Was ist los"? Love it! Donald's voice fits the style of music. It's so funny because Don hated singing and shy to appear live but thankfully he got over it. His voice fits the style of music we can all agree.
Studio legend for many SD songs and original drummer for Toto, the late Jeff Porcaro, was on drums for this great DF song. RIP
Thank you for letting me in my older years...cough cough...enjoy your reactions because I remember when I heard these songs for the first time. Feeling younger. Bless you both.
HAPPY 40TH ANNIVERSARY TO THE NIGHTFLY ALBUM!!!
Just Perfect Incredible Music!!!! 40 years old and the sounds...the acoustics...the arrangements....far Superior than any music today!!!
Like in the other comments, it is a great album. Ruby Baby is my favorite.
So glad y'all discovered Steely Dan and have become fans. You have great taste in music.
Ruby Baby for me to. :)
You know what I love about you guys? Your pure joy and passion for music! It is so wonderful to see people who are young now behaving the way WE did when we heard this stuff for the first time! SPECTACULAR! Music is SO powerful! 🙏🙏❤️
You guys should really check out a lesser known Fagen song called True companion which appeared on the soundtrack for the movie Heavy Metal from 1981. One of the best things he's done
I love that song. Saw HM when it was released and instantly knew it was Fagan!
Great as always guys! This whole album is great. Try “Green Flower Street” next - Donald still plays it live.
Yes! I second “Green Flower Street”!
“The Nightfly” is a concept album and should be listened to from beginning to end to get the full concept and narrative arc.
One of the very first full digital recordings. I heard it for the first time while record shopping at J&R Music World in NYC ("The Nightfly" had just been released) "IGY" started playing, and I was so overwhelmed by the quality of the sound and incredible musicianship, I had to buy it on the spot.
I discovered Steely Dan "and Donald" when I was in my 20's. it makes me happy to know you guys are discovering this music while you are both young. it will always be with you.
The whole album is class. " Walk Between The Raindrops" always makes me smile/ feel good.
This album, Ruby Baby
I reacted to this song in 1982 and I continue to discover magic out of this song and all the Nightfly CD songs. Do Goodbye Look and get into those lyrics. Maxine jazz chords OMG.. You guys have taste for choosing this song out of so many great songs. Steely Dan, Donald Fagen and Becker are pure Genious the standard the bar set in Rock Jazz studio album, solos, lyrics, arrangements, harmonies, etc etc etc. The Steely Dan University is a lifetime learning about music from the Bach and Beethovens of our days. The bass, the musicianship, the BRASS, and on and on and on....CHEERS
This album is a 10/ 10 great songs great sound quality . If you want a Walter Becker tune try " DOWN AT THE BOTTOM " his albums take several listens because his voice is so unusual.
As usual there are no bad songs. This really is a Steely Dan album. Every song is a masterpiece. Great writing, superb Studio musicians. Superb backup vocals and every song carefully choreographed. This is why we say some of the music from this era was art. That is for sure the case with Steely Dan
We all found out just how much Walter Becker contributed to the sound of Steely Dan when he started producing other people's records. The one I remember reading about where critics said that was the album, Flaunt The Imperfection by China Crisis. It definitely has that Steely Dan feel to it. You should try the song, You Did Cut Me from that album. The whole album is great, though.
Wow, I thought I was the only person that like China Crisis. My favorite song by them is Saint Charity in Adoration
Marcus Miller just grooves on this with Jeff Porcaro. I love his accented 16th notes. It really pushes the groove along.
Larry just glides over the top. Interesting story: Larry Carlton flew from L.A. to NYC to do these sessions and he brought his ES-335. He showed up in the studio and Donald says "Where's the Amp?" Larry says "Oh, we'll just rent one from cartage." Donald says "No. I want the SOUND man!" They delayed the session while Larry called home, had his 50s fender tweed deluxe packed up and shipped out via airliner courier to New York. This was back in the days before regular Fedex so it cost a pretty penny.
Great story and not surprising given the perfectionism of the Donald. I've lived with this album for 40 years. I really like the recent live version.
Wow what a great way to experience your first listen!. With fans like me who were blown away 40 years ago when it was released.😊😊😊 your reactions sum it all up.
Thanks for joining us!!
One of the best albums ever made. I highly recommend reacting to "New Frontier". Thanks for a great reaction.
We cant wait to do more
She's got a touch of Tuesday Weld!
I had forgotten how smooth this whole album was. But you know it could really use a little more cowbell.
Steely Dan was Donald Fagen and Walter Becker (Rest In Peace), plus an incredible cast of top musicians, but Donald Fagen was always the soul of the group, and his solo productions show this. They will go down in history as one of the most profound song writing duo's of the 20th and 21st centuries, utterly eclipsing Lennon and McCartney.
I don't think any collection that Donald ever did - within or without the Steely Dan brand - was ever as good as this album. Most albums have peak moments and standout tracks - this one has ALL peak moments and so many different styles of music too.
40 yrs later and this album is as fresh as day one. Check out Walter's "Junkie Girl" from his album "11 Tracks of Whack"
Agreed! "Surf and or Die" is another strong one from Walter's "11 ToW"
As incredible as Steely Dan's songs are, The Nightfly easily reaches that same stratosphere. It's so good it'll make you blush.
If you want to hear Walter sing listen to "Slang of Ages". Great song from their "Everything Must Go" album
Slang of Ages is awesome!!!
Or Book of Liars! Both are great.
I so AGREE!.. Everything Must Go is my second favorite Steely Dan album after Gaucho. What a swan song production. Perfection.
If you can, please give Walter Becker's song Down at the Bottom off of his album "11 Tracks of Whack" a listen. I always liked this one. Great job guys!!!!
This whole album is so 80:ies and so good, just listen to the chorus in many songs, they are sublime.
One of the most harmonically advanced song ever written ! Bill Evans level indeed
My favorite track off this amazing album is New Frontier, but I love them all.
Nice job you two. I actually bought this album in a second hand record store for like $2 when I was in college, probably '82 or '83. Loved it. Thanks.
Watching your reaction to Steely Dan again, is sooooo heartwarming! Thank you soooo much!!!
I was very fortunate to have seen them twice...once in 1973 with their first iteration of the band, and then in 2000, a second row front and center to their return to touring tour and promoting the Two Against Nature album...so fortunate to see Cornelius Bumpus leading his horn section. You’ll remember Corny from the second iteration of the Doobie Brothers, a powerful keyboard and horn player, who sang well too! Thanks again!
Walter was suffering with some drug problems and needed a break and rehab so Donald decided to do this album. It's a biographical album about how Donald grew up in the late 50's. It's genius work. Walter's album are darker but very good.
You guys need to do the full album.
My favorite song is The Goodbye Look, wait, it’s Maxine, wait…
Ps, Pour me a Cuban Breeze, Gretchen.
I have this on 5.1 and it sounds simply amazing, particularly given its age! A classic album, up there with Aja.
"Maxine" off the Nightfly album is a classic.
Also check out his Morph the Cat album. My favorite on there is Mary Shut The Garden Door. Very jazzy
You are the very first person who has EVER recognized 'Mary Shut the Garden Door' the same way I do. I tout it as a festival of sound and my favorite as well!
@@JackSchitte OMG I love it. I had SD on my Pandora list and was driving and that song came on and I was frantic to find out what it was. Now it's on my favorites play list. I love when the melodica comes in. I think that's Fagen on the melodica. Whoever it is, I love it. That song has so many layers and different sounds in it.
@@JackSchitte Make that three of us!
@@JackSchitte absolutely love “Mary”. A work of art
Keep going with “The Goodbye Look”!!
Classic for sure....Donald is brilliant with a amazing mind for music with that interesting voice like no other and he's definatly interesting to watch play.....I loved The Kings of September with Donald, Boz Scaggs and Michael McDonald so much fun to watch😊...love your reaction😊❤
Happy reactions from the Axe Man and the Flower Girl 🎸🏵️🌻🎶
Aww I love this!! ❤️
One of my long time favorite albums that's gorgeous from beginning to the end. Every track is a gem and the whole album is a delight to revisit.
Nightfly was the first DVD-Audio 5.1 surround sound disc I ever bought. Ruby Baby is a remake from the 50's. Incredibly Smooth! And I'm going to keep suggesting it until you do it! My Rival from Gaucho. Very simple song compared to most others from them but for some reason it just struck a cord with me.
Marcus Miller on bass an incredible bass line, note the nuances between the long and short notes, it's a pretty amazing tune, my favorite on the record, the chord changes, the melodies, the chorus, the whole arrangement and the vocals, the bridge....and Larry Carlton's short, soulful, melodic but to the point guitar solo....You are correct...A perfect Pop Jazz Funky tune.
Great album. Glad you kids you are enjoying the music of my generation.
This was a favorite albums of one of my best friends who passed away several years ago. I never listen to this album and, in particular, this song without thinking about him.
I love THE GOODBYE LOOK and RUBY
Jeff porcaro drums and Marcus Miller bass awesome rhythm section!
SO I ENJOY WATCHING YOU TWO INTERACT /YOU MAKE MUSIC ENJOYABLE/I FEEL SO LUCKY TO HAVE SEEN SO MANY CLASSIC ROCK GROUPS BEFORE THEY WERE CLASSIC ROCK////ENJOY YOUR VOYAGE, IM GOING ON 49 YEARS WITH MY LADY AND WE SHARE SO MUCH MUSIC LOVE/////PEACE TO YOU ---CHICO YOUR VIETNAM VET---TAKE CARE OF THAT BACK
I put in a vote for ‘Ruby Baby’.
This album was nominated for Album of the year in 1982 The eventual winner had the same drummer : Jeff Porcaro, Can't think of another drummer who accomplished this!
I've listened to this work so many times, just as fresh today, as ever, never gets gets old. I agree with with Mary Engleman, Maxine.
Love this, of course. Donald, here. Our hero letting his guard down and getting vulnerable on us. That voice. That phrasing. Grab me a pot of black coffee and Chesterfields and turn out the lights.
And a bottle of Buffalo Trace . . .
Great reaction y'all! So glad you got a chance to hear The Nightfly, it's my favorite from the album. I can't wait for you to explore Kamakiriad, Florida Room is so so good! Then there's the album Morph the Cat. The title song is incredible as is H Gang and Brite Nightgown. So much more to explore!
Yes to all these suggestions! Florida Room is ear candy all the way.
@@00TheRealTC Hopefully they'll get to it!
The whole album is so good and every song tells a story! The Goodbye Look is a neat story and the way he sings it you feel like you are living in the song it plays out like a move! Maxine is a great song as well !
Always a great day when NicknLex uploads. I see a couple of people recommending Maxine and I think that’s a great idea. If you want to check out Walter’s stuff, I recommend Down in the Bottom. I’m glad you like this one!
"The songs on this album represent certain fantasies that might have been entertained by a young man growing up in the remote suburbs of a northeastern city during the late fifties and early sixties, i.e. one of my general height, weight and build." D.F. from the album sleeve. This album included the Brecker Bros. on horns. ☮💜🎶
Kamakiriad was actually the first album that Donald and Walter collaborated on after Steely Dan broke up. they had a bit of a falling out after the production of Gaucho as it was a very strenuous and taxing process since they strived for such perfection.
Great reviews from both of you. Love both takes. Took multiple looks from other Fagen/S Dan songs you guys did. Hitting subscribe now!
Strongly recommend "What I Do" from Fagen's album "Morph The Cat". Donald describes it as a conversation between himself and the ghost of Ray Charles.
It's a total groove.
Every song on the album is great. I especially like "The goodbye Look."
Yay! More Fagen! You’ll eventually learn that the lyrics explain that “The Nightfly” is a late night radio DJ … “WJAZ - with Jazz and conversation from the foot of Mt. Belzoni.” Fagen poses as Lester the DJ on the cover. Great request and Reaction. And I think you also heard another track, “Green Flower Street” at the concert. Thanks ✨😊
"Maxine" is a tight, romantic ballad that kiills!
Every song on this album is great. You will not be disappointed in any of them. You guys are great.
Here's a Steely Dan song with Walter singing: Slang of Ages from Everything Must Go. A stellar, overlooked track. The only Steely Dan track with Walter as lead. He shared lead on the chorus inTurn That Heartbeat Over Again.
Beautiful music
Many people love Walter's 11 Tracks of Whack solo album, but I think you should check out Walter's solo album Circus Money. That album is SO Walter and when you hear it you will always know Walter's part of the contribution to Steely Dan from a creative angle. Circus Money gets better every time you listen to it, it has some serious grooves on it.
Love to see you two groovin' to this great album! I admire your restraint- I wish you could react to at least one or more Steely Dan, Walter or Donald songs every week! There is so far to go yet! 🎵❤️🎵
Love this album! Thanks
Steely Dan (and Donald here). Total feel good music.
Steely Dan takes the intellectual to new heights. Lyrics that are at once thought-provoking and even a bit humorous/tongue in cheek, with magical and soothing sounds that just take you to a different place.
Marcus Miller who played bass on this album also composed and arranged Miles Davis’ Tutu album in 1986. I think you would like it. Start with the title track
Just can't get enough Steely/Fagen!
I was jamming out to this album the other day while I was stuck in traffic coming home from work.
Walter Becker solo selections -- from "11 Tracks of Whack":
"Girlfriend"
"Down at the Bottom"
"Surf And/Or Die"
"Book of Liars"
"Cringe-maker"
and just for fun "Hat Too Flat";
-- from "Circus Money":
"Door Number Two"
"Paging Audrey"
"Somebody's Saturday Night"
"Three Picture Deal"
"Darkling Down"
Gotta buy two espressos for you two ! This video made me crying. Greetings from Finland.
Like much of Fagen's music, you can listen to it many times and never tire of it.
This was actually Donald's first album completely without Walter. But he's obviously there in spirit!
So here's a Walter Becker request: his solo album "11 Tracks of Whack" from 1994 is amazing. But strangely, I know many hardcore Dan fans who don't like it. I have no idea why. I'm convinced you two will love it. From that album, "Girlfriend" is the most Dan-like - you WILL be singing it a lot - and "Surf And/Or Die" has amazing guitar work from Walter as well as having a completely off-the-wall subject....Walter dealing with the aftermath of his friend's death in a hang-gliding accident. Do at least give these two a listen, but the whole album is sheer brilliance.
Keep up the great work Nick and Alexia. I do so much look forward to your videos. You're doing something really special. All the best from Catalonia in Spain!
Hermosos ..... Gracias for other outstanding reaction to an awesome tune ☺️
Nick & Lex - another great reaction. it is just incredible how much joy you bring to me and your other watchers. When you go back and watch yourselves, you will see how happy you are listening and how much you make us, who know this music, smile from ear to ear.
"How Donald writes great music" - give a listen to the early works, the demo works...Stone Piano, Yellow Peril, Let George Do It, Mock Turtle Song - the reason i bring these up, is because you mentioned the excellent writing. You will hear this terrific writing in the early stuff as well. It's possible that you might get hit for reacting to these, but, heck, it's worth a try.
Another song to react to is Century's End. It came out between Aja and Gaucho, I believe. It's on a compilation album, so you won't get dinged for reacting to it.
Sorry about the length of the comment. You two are my favorite reactors.
Ken
Walter's solo album 11 Tracks of Whack in 1994 is part of our SD collection. This is my favorite tune on that album: ruclips.net/video/E_-1BZTWdsc/видео.html
The Dukes of September project is also excellent, and this one shows a bit of Donald's gorgeous piano chops: ruclips.net/video/m7EJGXa-5Rc/видео.html
Yeah this album is Aja, Gaucho and Royal Scam level imo. Green Flower St. or New Frontier would be great next listens.
Good one from Donald. Good to see Lexi. Hi Nick.
Stunning 😍
…Any Major Dude and Major Dudette are back!
Steely Fagen
Donald Steely
Fagen Dan
Donald Dan
Hi NicknLex, yes what a 'jazzy' masterpiece! The whole album is amazing, you need to listen to The Goodbye Look & New Frontier ( great lyrics in both ).
👍👍👍❤️
Saw them twice at Fiddler's Green (Coors Amphitheater) Two Against Nature and Everything Must Go. Good stuff! Was waiting for "The Goodbye Look" to start when this ended 😂