So, in the vein of "Yessaturday" or "Frank Friday" I am thinking of coining "Steely Sunday" as a new weekly series. What do y'all think? Should I make Steely Dan a channel staple? Let me know.
Bernard Purdie on the drums, Larry Carlton on lead guitar. If you're enjoying the funky/jazzy sound of Kid Charlemagne, you MUST listen to Green Earrings from the same The Royal Scam album.
I can see why because they are so damn catchy YET so tightly written and executed.i love the production. Especially for that era. These guys were ahead of their time for sure.
I had a few friends who loved them back in the day. Most had had some musical training. The one's that didn't and liked Kiss, or AC/DC were not impressed apparently. The Lyrics were always important to me along with the musicianship. I was a failed Piano student and striving poet and artist in those mid to late 70's. I could never replicate Donald Fagen's turn of a word or his musicianship. Their perfectionism drove them to the edge & almost killed Walter. Thankfully they survived, for a while. What a great legacy they leave.
Steely Dan is your favorite band’s favorite band. The song is about a man named Owsley Stanley, who was the sound engineer for The Grateful Dead. However, he had another useful talent. He made the best and cleanest LSD in the San Francisco Bay Area. ✌🏼😎🇺🇸
Prelude...Larry Carlton on guitar, Chuck Rainey on Bass and Bernard Purdie on Drums! Yep, the dealer was a dude they called "Bear" (Augustus Owsley). With "The Dan," often an incongruence between melody mood and lyrics...so cool. This tune peaked somewhere in the 80s on Billboard...travesty! Kanye Sampled on "Champion." Enjoy!
Wow, great reaction man. Steely Dan is basically Becker and Fagan, with a heap of different studio musicians and guest players on every album. The Dan is a deep well and a “must” listen to. Enjoy the ride and I will be checking in. Merry Christmas from Canada.🎅😎🎸🇨🇦
The drum on this is played by Bernard « Prety « Purdie, one of the most legendary session drummer to have ever recorder. His famous « Purdie shuffle » inspired Bonham’s « Fools in the rain » shuffle and Jeff Porcaro’s « Rosanna shuffle ». Lots of very entertaining instructional videos featuring him on RUclips. One of the grooviest drummer ever. Here’s one example: ruclips.net/video/sj6o4cxWgl8/видео.html
I think "Deacon Blues" is one of their most interesting and catchy songs, taking unexpected turns as far as chord progressions. On par with K.C. if not superior.
Walter Becker and Donald Fagan were the writers and core members of Steely Dan. Fagan was the main vocalist. They were known for attracting the very best rock and jazz studio musicians to their recording sessions and they would often audition multiple musicians to hear their take on their part, then picking the one that fit their image of the song. There would be dozens of different session musicians on any given album. Their whole point being musical excellence rather than having a fixed set of musicians to record with. Their entire collection is some of the finest rock and rock/jazz fusion music, in the writing, performing, and producing, that is in existence. All from the minds of these 2 guys.
Steely Dan is a trip worth taking! So many Great musicians on their albums ~ an education in music, to be sure! I saw them waaayyyy back in 1972 in Chicago ~ I was 16 and totally hooked. They are still my favorite band of all time.
Fun fact... The dealer that the comments are talking about, Augustus Owsley, supplied The Beatles with their L.S.D. I've just read Mal Evans' diaries and that little detail is in there.
@@stevegirardmedia2255 Aren't Chinese whispers wonderful.... And I stand corrected. I guess you mean that you've never heard of him giving it to the Beates rather than no knowing who they are...
Chuck Rainey, on bass, is one of the most common musicians on Steely Dan records. IIRC he plays on every track on Aja but one, he plays on this track and all over this record. He is a monster player, and for me he is really important to their sound.
Great Tune, Real Life story of a 1960's San Fran Drug inventor and how his empire crashed. The Quote: "Is there Gas in the Car?" Is a Dig at the fact this guy was arrested after his car ran out of Gas.
@@L33Reacts Don't remember his name, he invented LSD. His was "Kitchen Clean", and every A-Frame had his Number on the Wall, they knew who to Call... LSD went out of Style when Cocaine hit. (As described in the song)
Have you checked out any of the Bernard Purdie instructional videos on YT? They are absolute gold! He is a character and a half, along with being an exceptional drummer. Searching “Purdie Shuffle” should pop up a few vids.
If I had suggested a Steely Dan song after you reacted to "Aja" last week, it would’ve been this one. As likely mentioned, its guitar solo has made "best of" lists. I especially like its funkiness, catchiness, and back-up singers. Love your idea of Steely Sunday, btw.
At 7:30 I had to smile, because you made a series of very apt musical observations, which revealed to me why it is that people send you music in the first place. As a drummer, like you I can appreciate the technical prowess of modern drummers but something is missing in a lot of it. SD is like a masterclass in great drumming and I'm glad you enjoyed two of their finest tracks.
When Steely Dan dropped their first lp, I was spell bound. The production, writing, musicianship and lyricss!! They were so very different than any other band in the 70s. I was an instant fan! I have a lot of fav songs, but "King Of The World" gets me every time. Hoping you and your family are well.
Amazing musicians, amazing album, amazing track, amazing production, amazing everything and everybody! This is a taste of the Steely Dan back catalogue. They stopped touring years before this and honed their craft in the studio with the best players that were available. Steely Dan never miss!
Good point about the drumming. Larry Carlton's famous guitar solo is usually what people think of when they talk about this song, but a guitar solo is only ever as good as the musicians backing it. And as always, Steely Dan always strived for perfection, which is why every element sounds sublime, including the drums, which, as you say, are played with great technicality, but they never sound too busy or overpowering. Everything you hear is there to serve the smooth, jazzy groove. And it definitely belongs out there on the yacht.
In the 1970s, this was THE guitar solo for us up and coming shredders Larry Carlton was the Steve Gadd of guitar Try “Don’t Take me Alive” by SDan Same album A great track and you gonna like it! More killer guitar on that one And yes, SD was a studio band led by Donald Fagan and Walter Becker. They hired the best of the best of studio players The writing, musicianship and production quality was state of the art for its time
Bernard "Pretty" Purdie has been a serious legend and innovator of drums, percussion and groooove. The " Rock Steady " by Aretha Franklin also has a brutal drum beat and break.
Purdie played drums on early Beatles albums. He’s had death threats to deny it… because the Beatles are supposed to be real, but he stands by his statement he played on 21 Beatles records.
@@zackattack635 You know, Purdie's work with so many artists, including SD is the stuff of legend, but, I think his claim about the Beatles is crap. There has never been any actual evidence brought forward that this really happened. It's just his word.
@@gasaholic47 lol, why would Purdie lie? Not to mention Quincy Jones stands by the statement “The Beatles were the worst musicians in the world”. Because when you watch Ringo play and compare him to a real session drummer… the skill gap is massive. The Beatles were a boy band that had their songs written for them. Just like the Monkees, they had session musicians produce music, the boys would add lyrics, then they’d learn the songs. That’s why they never played anything off of Revolver after it came out. Nobody knew how to play the songs… that they had supposedly mastered enough to record. They lied so people like you could idolize them as “musical geniuses”. It worked, even if the story is silly.
@@zackattack635 Yeah, yeah.....absolute crap. Maybe you should find some videos of how many of Ringo's peers respect him as a drummer. Secondly, watch Peter jackson's film about Let It Be. Not real musicians? Had their songs written for them? What a fucking putz you are.
These guys had the best drummers. This jazz is groovy but funky so they need the rhythm to take 'em home. I think you like Phil Collins's drums. If you want to hear his jazz/fusion side check out Brand X. Seriously. Anything from the first two albums. It's all good, but a lot people like 'Nuclear Burn' with Phil's drumming absolute FIRE. (pun intended)
Really enjoyed your reaction to this awesome tune from the Dan! One of my favorites. The funky, groovy mix of Bernard Purdue on the drums and jazz great Larry Carlton on guitar is unmatched and never gets old! Album cover is signifying the title track "The Royal Scam" whose lyrics describe immigrants coming to America (particularly Manhattan) seeking the land of milk and honey they have heard so much about. Most often only to become disillusioned, broke and homeless. All Dan songs have interesting and often humorous lyrics. Steely Dan are Donald Fagen and Walter Becker. They always brought in top flight studio artists. As far as dedicating Sundays to the Dan, got my vote. Great idea! So much to choose from and it's ALL GOOD!
Such impeccable studio musicians employed by these guys. Shout out to Bernard “pretty“ purdie(drums) and chuck Rainey (bass); I thick Michael McDonald serves as background vocals. Correct me if I’m wrong on this…
Not a studio band but a whole list of studio musicians making all of Steely Dan so great on almost every album except for the first album which was a band recording it!
I always see Steely Dan as feel good music and the quality of sound as clean as a whistle ! Always great test discs for hi-fi equipment too , this album has the edge over any other for me. Dude !! come on ' The Fez ' , music never feels as good as this. Top stuff from The Dan. Respect Lee. 😍
Steely Sunday sounds a brilliant idea... There are SO many tracks you will not run out I promise... and then you have Donald Fagin's solo stuff to follow up with.... I see you dancing there... A friend and I had a disco in the 70's and although we tried no-one wanted to be educated.... Keep on Rocking
I've been listiening to Steely Dan for well over 50 years and it absolutely stands the test of time. Royal Scam is my all time favorite album and I never get tired of listening to Larry Carlton coax the most fantastic solos out of his guitar.
An amazing song that have sample by a few rappers much later. Great story with some funky playing going on!Some fantastic sista’s doing the background singing
You said, among other stuff, that you found your first impression of SD to be "smooth and well-executed." For a brief description, that sums it up! This group/band/whatever is one of my top 5 all time artists. There are VERY few tracks they have done that I 'skip over' when listening to an album. Jazz/Blues/Funk/Honky-Tonk/Rock/etc. THIS song has one of the great guitar solos ever. Larry Carlton has always been fantastic, but he was in a different musical universe for this one! The drummer was Bernard Purdie. You're right... he kills this as well! Don Grolnick on keys. Fagen and Becker were famous (or notorious) for how picky and demanding they were with their studio instrumentalists and vocalists. As you listen to Steely Dan, you might notice Michael McDonald on backup vocals (from before he joined the Doobie Brothers). I have to go to your page and see what you've done thus far... then I might offer a suggestion or two for next. One I have always LOVED is "East St. Louis Toole-oo." No vocals, just a short instrumental ditty that is a Duke Ellington cover. Originally from the 20s, Becker imitates the muted trumpet sounds with his wah-wah pedal. Anyway, these guys do a cover, and it's great! Even if you don't react to it, you should give it a listen to broaden your Steely Dan repertoire! Your appreciation for Steely Dan won my like AND my subscription!
Should read all about Becker and Fagan..These dudes were notorious perfectionists in the studio..Their recording sessions are legendary. Too much to go into here. That's why I say you should do a deep dive on them. Very interesting.
I also recommend you head to the first album - Can't Buy a Thrill - and come forward. SD was an actual band for the first three albums, before becoming Becker/Fagan - with studio pros. Their sound evolves over the span of the catalog.
So glad you're enjoying The Dan. I'd definitely suggest checking out Green Earring from the same album. It has two lead guitarists and they're both incredible!
Yeah on the Aja album they used over 40 different studio musicians. The duo of Fagan and Becker are the masterminds. They got jazzier as the albums rolled along.
@@L33Reacts Since you just did track 1 from the Royal Scam album, I'd suggest going straight ahead into track 2: The Caves of Altamira. It's one of my favorites! 😁
Yeah dude! So happy you're getting back to some Steely Dan. This one is an absolute GEM! That entire album is a delicious trope for the ears mind and soul!
Larry Carlton is a legend himself, many videos on YT with his own band and with others. Same with Lee Ritenour another monster guitarist who is on other SD songs and has his own group. Bernard Purdie, Steve Gadd are everywhere. Another legendary drummer you would love is Vinnie Coliuta. Just search the names on YT.
You've opened up 'The Dan' box now,bro--- Every album prior to and up to this one is FABULOUS! my fav is Countdown To Exctacy (second album). But as SAID....All great! Dive in! T
Definitely go all-in with Steely Dan; yeah, I think they warrant a Steely Dan Day. I put these guys in a similar class as Frank Zappa. Not because they sound very similar, but because of the extremely high standards; both technically and idealistically. When they chased after a concept, they were relentless. Like Zappa, there were a lot of line-up changes too. And they always brought in the monsters; the cream of the crop. Yet somehow, they're still instantly identifiable as Steely Dan. It's not jazz, it's not really fusion. But Becker and Fagen were both jazz-inspired. I consider them to have consistently achieved that elusive goal of bringing high production value, and often virtuosity, *without* extinguishing the spark. This is a balance rarely struck. update: Since you ask, you might like "Don't Take Me Alive", on the same album. Legendary guitar solo on that one too. But yeah, it's almost impossible to go wrong. Also, *every* musician I knew was spinning SD back then. Definitely music for musicians. And yet they were often in the top 40. Remarkable.
@@tixximmi1 Not disagreeing. It was a very relative comparison, and a subjective one. I hold that both had high standards, not necessarily the *same* standards. One generally didn't walk-on to a Zappa session. Zappa was a whole other level of commitment.
@@SteveJonesHimself I wish SD would have taken the Ayreon approach to touring and not being there. Seeing them live might have made a difference. Saw them once in when Skunk was involved.
Welcome to the world of Steely Dan. These guys (Fagan and Becker) were absolutely nuts about excellence of musicianship and pristine production. Too bad you have to listen to it through a phone. Anyhow it's nearly impossible to find a bad track on any of their albums.
Well, I'm not listening from a phone. It's a 1080p mp4 file. Compressed to hell, sure. But it's not a phone at least lol. That's like watching star wars on the phone LOL
Good on you for posting a link to the artist's YT channel. That's a very decent thing to do...considering you're using their product to make yourself some money.
The song is about Stanley Owsley who was from Australia and made acid in his lab in California, in a purple house in the hills . The songs about his legacy , when acid became illegal. He also invented the Dead’s sound system.
I love how Donald Fagen has never shied away from controversy in his lyrics , for example upon hearing the must praised and admired John Lennon song Imagine he wrote the song Only A Fool Would Say That for the album Can’t Buy a Thrill because like me and I suspect a number of people , he thought Lennon’s song was self obsessed , unrealistic dirge . Bravo Donald
Yay for seven K! Keep growing, Lee. Always loved this track. Every day I start my guitar practice with a run- through of Larry Carlton’s epic solo. Awesome!
the song is about Owsley ' Bear' Stanley who manufactured LSD before ( and after ) it became illegal .. there are articles and vids of his life .. interesting character who was friends with counter culture icon Ken Kesey ( wrote One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest , and hosted the 'Acid tests' ) , Jerry Garcia of the Grateful Dead and other prominent figures of the time
So, in the vein of "Yessaturday" or "Frank Friday" I am thinking of coining "Steely Sunday" as a new weekly series. What do y'all think? Should I make Steely Dan a channel staple? Let me know.
because i fucking love these dudes. already.
Perhaps king Crimson should have its own day also.
Yes, yes and yes... That's three votes for you.....!!
NO. Much better groups out there. Tull Tuesday, Neal Morse Monday.
I'd say... Yes. LOTS of good material from SD out there; lead guy is Donald Fagan - he solo'd and his LPs have same quality
Bernard Purdie doing the glorious drum work, Larry Carlton playing one of the most pristine solos ever
Bernard Purdie on the drums, Larry Carlton on lead guitar. If you're enjoying the funky/jazzy sound of Kid Charlemagne, you MUST listen to Green Earrings from the same The Royal Scam album.
One of the greatest guitar solos in history.
Green Earrings is SD doing a Street Life Crusaders sound. Shows how versatile they are (of course Larry Carlton did a stint with the Crusaders later).
Gold Teeth II.
Steely Dan is a band that musicians love.
I can see why because they are so damn catchy YET so tightly written and executed.i love the production. Especially for that era. These guys were ahead of their time for sure.
@@L33Reacts no joke SD was know as " the band your favorite band has as a favorite band"
I had a few friends who loved them back in the day. Most had had some musical training. The one's that didn't and liked Kiss, or AC/DC were not impressed apparently. The Lyrics were always important to me along with the musicianship. I was a failed Piano student and striving poet and artist in those mid to late 70's. I could never replicate Donald Fagen's turn of a word or his musicianship. Their perfectionism drove them to the edge & almost killed Walter. Thankfully they survived, for a while. What a great legacy they leave.
That would absolutely be Bernard Purdie on drums. One of the greatest drummers of all time in my opinion great reaction
Steely Dan is your favorite band’s favorite band. The song is about a man named Owsley Stanley, who was the sound engineer for The Grateful Dead. However, he had another useful talent. He made the best and cleanest LSD in the San Francisco Bay Area.
✌🏼😎🇺🇸
A much better representation of that late "Grateful Dead" Era than actually provided by the "Grateful Dead".
"Is there gas in the cah? Yes there's gas in the cah."
Donald Fagen is a freakin' legend!
That is how he was caught by police, he ran out of gas.
Absolutely make the Dan a staple! Huge body of work, exceptional writing and musicians and not a bad song in the catalog. Let’s go!
Classic. Steely Dan is so smooth and so well recorded with the best musicians. Everyone wanted to play with them.
Prelude...Larry Carlton on guitar, Chuck Rainey on Bass and Bernard Purdie on Drums! Yep, the dealer was a dude they called "Bear" (Augustus Owsley). With "The Dan," often an incongruence between melody mood and lyrics...so cool. This tune peaked somewhere in the 80s on Billboard...travesty! Kanye Sampled on "Champion." Enjoy!
Wow, great reaction man. Steely Dan is basically Becker and Fagan, with a heap of different studio musicians and guest players on every album. The Dan is a deep well and a “must” listen to. Enjoy the ride and I will be checking in. Merry Christmas from Canada.🎅😎🎸🇨🇦
Thank you bro! I appreciate the kind words. I really dig this band man... those guys are geniuses to be honest. I love it lol
The drum on this is played by Bernard « Prety « Purdie, one of the most legendary session drummer to have ever recorder. His famous « Purdie shuffle » inspired Bonham’s « Fools in the rain » shuffle and Jeff Porcaro’s « Rosanna shuffle ». Lots of very entertaining instructional videos featuring him on RUclips. One of the grooviest drummer ever. Here’s one example: ruclips.net/video/sj6o4cxWgl8/видео.html
I think "Deacon Blues" is one of their most interesting and catchy songs, taking unexpected turns as far as chord progressions. On par with K.C. if not superior.
Thank Jim I will add it to the list. That sounds awesome. The Dan rocks 🪨
this may sound trite
but in my will
it stipulates the marking on the headstone
"Deacon Blue"
those who know, know.. the rest i dont care about..
Walter Becker and Donald Fagan were the writers and core members of Steely Dan. Fagan was the main vocalist. They were known for attracting the very best rock and jazz studio musicians to their recording sessions and they would often audition multiple musicians to hear their take on their part, then picking the one that fit their image of the song. There would be dozens of different session musicians on any given album. Their whole point being musical excellence rather than having a fixed set of musicians to record with. Their entire collection is some of the finest rock and rock/jazz fusion music, in the writing, performing, and producing, that is in existence. All from the minds of these 2 guys.
Steely Dan is a trip worth taking! So many Great musicians on their albums ~ an education in music, to be sure! I saw them waaayyyy back in 1972 in Chicago ~ I was 16 and totally hooked. They are still my favorite band of all time.
They frickin rock Jessica! I can't get enough 😩
My Old School. I love this song by Steely Dan.
I noticed how you were unknowingly smiling a lot all through the song. That's the Steely Dan effect. Nice one.
Thank you so much! Yeah this was a fun one. I enjoyed it start to finish. These guys rock so hard.
All the top studio musicians in LA at the time.
Fun fact... The dealer that the comments are talking about, Augustus Owsley, supplied The Beatles with their L.S.D. I've just read Mal Evans' diaries and that little detail is in there.
Damn you know the Beatles got the good shit too LOL
@@L33Reacts Owsley was the Grateful Dead's sound man.
OK, except his name was Owlsley Stanley... and I never heard about the Beatles, but I know he was closely associated with the Dead.
@@stevegirardmedia2255 Aren't Chinese whispers wonderful.... And I stand corrected. I guess you mean that you've never heard of him giving it to the Beates rather than no knowing who they are...
You are soooooo right about modern multi-band compression! It kills any chance of dynamics
Chuck Rainey, on bass, is one of the most common musicians on Steely Dan records. IIRC he plays on every track on Aja but one, he plays on this track and all over this record. He is a monster player, and for me he is really important to their sound.
Great Tune, Real Life story of a 1960's San Fran Drug inventor and how his empire crashed.
The Quote: "Is there Gas in the Car?" Is a Dig at the fact this guy was arrested after his car ran out of Gas.
Oh wow that is not what I got from this song at all 🤣🤣🤣 thank you for filling me in. I really enjoyed it!
I was thinking big cities and homelessness? Idk wtf. I was tired as hell last night recording this 🤣
Drug references EVERYWHERE! Great tune!
@@L33Reacts Don't remember his name, he invented LSD. His was "Kitchen Clean", and every A-Frame had his Number on the Wall, they knew who to Call... LSD went out of Style when Cocaine hit. (As described in the song)
Have you checked out any of the Bernard Purdie instructional videos on YT? They are absolute gold! He is a character and a half, along with being an exceptional drummer. Searching “Purdie Shuffle” should pop up a few vids.
If I had suggested a Steely Dan song after you reacted to "Aja" last week, it would’ve been this one. As likely mentioned, its guitar solo has made "best of" lists. I especially like its funkiness, catchiness, and back-up singers. Love your idea of Steely Sunday, btw.
At 7:30 I had to smile, because you made a series of very apt musical observations, which revealed to me why it is that people send you music in the first place. As a drummer, like you I can appreciate the technical prowess of modern drummers but something is missing in a lot of it. SD is like a masterclass in great drumming and I'm glad you enjoyed two of their finest tracks.
When Steely Dan dropped their first lp, I was spell bound. The production, writing, musicianship and lyricss!! They were so very different than any other band in the 70s. I was an instant fan! I have a lot of fav songs, but "King Of The World" gets me every time. Hoping you and your family are well.
Amazing musicians, amazing album, amazing track, amazing production, amazing everything and everybody! This is a taste of the Steely Dan back catalogue. They stopped touring years before this and honed their craft in the studio with the best players that were available. Steely Dan never miss!
Good point about the drumming. Larry Carlton's famous guitar solo is usually what people think of when they talk about this song,
but a guitar solo is only ever as good as the musicians backing it. And as always, Steely Dan always strived for perfection, which is why
every element sounds sublime, including the drums, which, as you say, are played with great technicality, but they never sound too busy
or overpowering. Everything you hear is there to serve the smooth, jazzy groove. And it definitely belongs out there on the yacht.
In the 1970s, this was THE guitar solo for us up and coming shredders
Larry Carlton was the Steve Gadd of guitar
Try “Don’t Take me Alive” by SDan
Same album
A great track and you gonna like it! More killer guitar on that one
And yes, SD was a studio band led by Donald Fagan and Walter Becker. They hired the best of the best of studio players
The writing, musicianship and production quality was state of the art for its time
He was absolutely shredding here. I loved the style he was going for here. It's very... iconic? Important? Idk I want to hear more of him for sure
Bernard "Pretty" Purdie has been a serious legend and innovator of drums, percussion and groooove. The " Rock Steady " by Aretha Franklin also has a brutal drum beat and break.
Purdie played drums on early Beatles albums. He’s had death threats to deny it… because the Beatles are supposed to be real, but he stands by his statement he played on 21 Beatles records.
Pretty Purdie is on Mt Rushmore drum edition.
@@zackattack635 You know, Purdie's work with so many artists, including SD is the stuff of legend, but, I think his claim about the Beatles is crap. There has never been any actual evidence brought forward that this really happened. It's just his word.
@@gasaholic47 lol, why would Purdie lie? Not to mention Quincy Jones stands by the statement “The Beatles were the worst musicians in the world”. Because when you watch Ringo play and compare him to a real session drummer… the skill gap is massive. The Beatles were a boy band that had their songs written for them. Just like the Monkees, they had session musicians produce music, the boys would add lyrics, then they’d learn the songs. That’s why they never played anything off of Revolver after it came out. Nobody knew how to play the songs… that they had supposedly mastered enough to record. They lied so people like you could idolize them as “musical geniuses”. It worked, even if the story is silly.
@@zackattack635 Yeah, yeah.....absolute crap. Maybe you should find some videos of how many of Ringo's peers respect him as a drummer. Secondly, watch Peter jackson's film about Let It Be.
Not real musicians? Had their songs written for them? What a fucking putz you are.
These guys had the best drummers. This jazz is groovy but funky so they need the rhythm to take 'em home. I think you like Phil Collins's drums. If you want to hear his jazz/fusion side check out Brand X. Seriously. Anything from the first two albums. It's all good, but a lot people like 'Nuclear Burn' with Phil's drumming absolute FIRE. (pun intended)
My favorite SD album, in my top 10 of all time for sure. Owsley Stanley
Song is about Owlsly or "Bear" who introduced Hippies and the West Coast to LSD. Historical lyrics.
Really enjoyed your reaction to this awesome tune from the Dan! One of my favorites. The funky, groovy mix of Bernard Purdue on the drums and jazz great Larry Carlton on guitar is unmatched and never gets old!
Album cover is signifying the title track "The Royal Scam" whose lyrics describe immigrants coming to America (particularly Manhattan) seeking the land of milk and honey they have heard so much about. Most often only to become disillusioned, broke and homeless. All Dan songs have interesting and often humorous lyrics. Steely Dan are Donald Fagen and Walter Becker. They always brought in top flight studio artists. As far as dedicating Sundays to the Dan, got my vote. Great idea! So much to choose from and it's ALL GOOD!
Great reaction, I love how you immediately noticed the greatness of Purdie and Carlton!
Such impeccable studio musicians employed by these guys. Shout out to Bernard “pretty“ purdie(drums) and chuck Rainey (bass); I thick Michael McDonald serves as background vocals. Correct me if I’m wrong on this…
As a brass/bass man, their song My Old School is just, just the best.
Makes me regret college, while in a good mood.
That’s one of my favourites
I’m so happy for you that you found ‘The Dan’! Welcome to the collective!
ONE OF THE FINEST TRACKS EVER PRODUCED - FULL STOP
Hey Lee! SD is probably the best studio band of all time. They always had the best musicians!🔈🔉🔊😎
You can definitely tell how amazing these guys are. ... I can't wait to hear more! Steely Sundays!!
Not a studio band but a whole list of studio musicians making all of Steely Dan so great on almost every album except for the first album which was a band recording it!
Is there gas in the cahrrr?! Yes there's gas in the caahrrr!!! 😂 Awesome.
Check out Rick Beato's video where he analyses the guitar solos. Been listening to this since 1976. Still mind boggling.
I always see Steely Dan as feel good music and the quality of sound as clean as a whistle ! Always great test discs for hi-fi equipment too , this album has the edge over any other for me. Dude !! come on ' The Fez ' , music never feels as good as this. Top stuff from The Dan. Respect Lee. 😍
Steely Sunday sounds a brilliant idea... There are SO many tracks you will not run out I promise... and then you have Donald Fagin's solo stuff to follow up with.... I see you dancing there... A friend and I had a disco in the 70's and although we tried no-one wanted to be educated.... Keep on Rocking
I'm so down John! I'm gonna do Sylvia next week and then from there idk where exactly we are headed but we will find the way:)
Bernard Purdie (drums), Chuck Rainey (bass), Larry Carlton (guitar solo extraordinaire)
As a drummer you will love discovering Bernard "Pretty" Purdie, Rick Marotta and Jeff Porcaro on Steely Dan tracks, and the one and only Steve Gadd
This whole album is worth a reaction. Sign in Stranger is a deep cut for the ages and the Title Track, The Royal Scam is just groovin.
Ha ha! Thank you!! You got it. Don't forget to check out the lyrics. x
It's such a good song lol everyone filled me in on the lyrics and the lsd dealer lol
My Old School should definitely be a listen to!!😮
I'll add it to my list. Thank you for the suggestion! 👍🙏
That bass drop during the guitar solo . 😮
Every Steely Dan song features the greatest session musicians in the business --.mostly jazz musicians.
Larry Carlton's guitar solo, riffs, and outro are killer, killer, killer!
I've been listiening to Steely Dan for well over 50 years and it absolutely stands the test of time. Royal Scam is my all time favorite album and I never get tired of listening to Larry Carlton coax the most fantastic solos out of his guitar.
An amazing song that have sample by a few rappers much later. Great story with some funky playing going on!Some fantastic sista’s doing the background singing
Yesterday, I told you about the killer outro music that is one of their signatures - great example here today. Nice reaction!
Dude you aren't kidding... I Hate it and love it. I just want it to keep going!! Lol
Great reaction my guy. Would love to hear more SD reactions..."Any Major Dude" is good one.
You said, among other stuff, that you found your first impression of SD to be "smooth and well-executed." For a brief description, that sums it up! This group/band/whatever is one of my top 5 all time artists. There are VERY few tracks they have done that I 'skip over' when listening to an album. Jazz/Blues/Funk/Honky-Tonk/Rock/etc. THIS song has one of the great guitar solos ever. Larry Carlton has always been fantastic, but he was in a different musical universe for this one! The drummer was Bernard Purdie. You're right... he kills this as well! Don Grolnick on keys. Fagen and Becker were famous (or notorious) for how picky and demanding they were with their studio instrumentalists and vocalists. As you listen to Steely Dan, you might notice Michael McDonald on backup vocals (from before he joined the Doobie Brothers). I have to go to your page and see what you've done thus far... then I might offer a suggestion or two for next. One I have always LOVED is "East St. Louis Toole-oo." No vocals, just a short instrumental ditty that is a Duke Ellington cover. Originally from the 20s, Becker imitates the muted trumpet sounds with his wah-wah pedal. Anyway, these guys do a cover, and it's great! Even if you don't react to it, you should give it a listen to broaden your Steely Dan repertoire! Your appreciation for Steely Dan won my like AND my subscription!
Should read all about Becker and Fagan..These dudes were notorious perfectionists in the studio..Their recording sessions are legendary. Too much to go into here. That's why I say you should do a deep dive on them. Very interesting.
One of the best guitar breaks of all time
I also recommend you head to the first album - Can't Buy a Thrill - and come forward.
SD was an actual band for the first three albums, before becoming Becker/Fagan - with studio pros. Their sound evolves over the span of the catalog.
They were known as your favorite band's favorite band.
That was Bernard Purdie on the drums playing his famous and wonderful "Purdie Shuffle."
Bernard Purdie... I don't know if any drummer on earth has played on more recorded songs. His nickname is "The Hitmaker."
The song is about Owsley Stanley, famous chemist mad genius who made the best LSD.
one of their greatest tracks.
Was a bit too young for the originals but as a fan of Michael McDonald I got into them and go see an incredible trib band in the uk. Got my tix!
I love that you are looking into Steely Dan!
I am too! This is great! I've loved both tracks I've heard so far. Can't wait to get into some more..
So glad you're enjoying The Dan. I'd definitely suggest checking out Green Earring from the same album. It has two lead guitarists and they're both incredible!
Check out the Purdie Shuffle that Bernard performs brilliantly on the song Home at Last, also on the Aja album.
🎄 Popping in to say Happy Holidays! Thanks for the Dan reactions. 🥰🐰
Happy holidays girly! Great to see you :) and don't worry the Dan will keep coming;)
@@L33Reacts 🍾 Happy New Year's to you and your beautiful family bud! 🖖🏿🥰🐰
I was so glad you were doing this one! Just me, but I don't think they have a bad album 🎶❤️
They dont have a bad album: That's the truth.
That's what I've been hearinga!! I can't wait to hear more. This was so fun.
@@swarm_ascending4439 🤗👌
@@L33Reacts 🙂🎶👍
Yes, no bad albums, no filler, no bad songs.
Awesome reaction. You nailed it!
Thank you steve!! I appreciate it bro. Steely Dan rocks man I need more lol
Yeah on the Aja album they used over 40 different studio musicians. The duo of Fagan and Becker are the masterminds. They got jazzier as the albums rolled along.
Glad you're continuing the dive into Steely Dan! 😃
Me too!! I love them already. What should I listen to this sunday??
@@L33Reacts Since you just did track 1 from the Royal Scam album, I'd suggest going straight ahead into track 2: The Caves of Altamira. It's one of my favorites! 😁
@haleyschreiter9746 hmmm.... sounds good to me! Ask and ye shall receive 😮
Yeah, no filler on this album, won't regret finishing it. You got the wheel, just fun to watch.
_Hey Nineteen_ is probably my favorite song of theirs, but they have so many great songs.
You should try out Countdown to Ecstasy. Especially Bodisattva, Show Biz Kids, and King of the World.
My favorite Dan track. Good choice.
Its great, right?? Such fun listening. Can't help but smile and dance even though the lyrics aren't in the same vein lol
one of my favorite songs EVER
the great Larry Carlton on guitar
Yeah dude! So happy you're getting back to some Steely Dan. This one is an absolute GEM! That entire album is a delicious trope for the ears mind and soul!
"The test tubes and the scales just get them all out of here"
Reminds me of how mindblowing this was back then.
Yeah this was awesome. I can't imagine hearing it for the first time back then. It was probably a revelation 🤣
Steely Dan never missed. Awesome cool music.
Larry Carlton is a legend himself, many videos on YT with his own band and with others. Same with Lee Ritenour another monster guitarist who is on other SD songs and has his own group. Bernard Purdie, Steve Gadd are everywhere. Another legendary drummer you would love is Vinnie Coliuta. Just search the names on YT.
You've opened up 'The Dan' box now,bro--- Every album prior to and up to this one is FABULOUS! my fav is Countdown To Exctacy (second album). But as SAID....All great! Dive in! T
You're right, today's music is sterile, no mojo, doesn't testify.
I listen steely Dan since 1982
Definitely go all-in with Steely Dan; yeah, I think they warrant a Steely Dan Day.
I put these guys in a similar class as Frank Zappa. Not because they sound very similar, but because of the extremely high standards; both technically and idealistically. When they chased after a concept, they were relentless. Like Zappa, there were a lot of line-up changes too. And they always brought in the monsters; the cream of the crop. Yet somehow, they're still instantly identifiable as Steely Dan. It's not jazz, it's not really fusion. But Becker and Fagen were both jazz-inspired.
I consider them to have consistently achieved that elusive goal of bringing high production value, and often virtuosity, *without* extinguishing the spark. This is a balance rarely struck.
update:
Since you ask, you might like "Don't Take Me Alive", on the same album. Legendary guitar solo on that one too. But yeah, it's almost impossible to go wrong.
Also, *every* musician I knew was spinning SD back then. Definitely music for musicians. And yet they were often in the top 40. Remarkable.
They were no where near Zappa's quality, quantity, skill, etc etc etc. But they were a bit boring. I know, everybody has one.
@@tixximmi1 Not disagreeing. It was a very relative comparison, and a subjective one. I hold that both had high standards, not necessarily the *same* standards. One generally didn't walk-on to a Zappa session. Zappa was a whole other level of commitment.
@@SteveJonesHimself I wish SD would have taken the Ayreon approach to touring and not being there. Seeing them live might have made a difference. Saw them once in when Skunk was involved.
Welcome to the world of Steely Dan. These guys (Fagan and Becker) were absolutely nuts about excellence of musicianship and pristine production. Too bad you have to listen to it through a phone. Anyhow it's nearly impossible to find a bad track on any of their albums.
Well, I'm not listening from a phone. It's a 1080p mp4 file. Compressed to hell, sure. But it's not a phone at least lol. That's like watching star wars on the phone LOL
You gotta know who Bernard Purdie is. He is a pop and rock legend. Google the Purdie Shuffle.
Good on you for posting a link to the artist's YT channel. That's a very decent thing to do...considering you're using their product to make yourself some money.
You picking a fight or just trolling
Funny you mentioned Eruption by Focus in this reaction. They and Steely Dan are my two favourite bands.
This song is about Owsley who created the LSD for the Acid Tests back in the 60’s with the Grateful Dead
I'd recommend the title track from this album. One of my favorite Dan songs.
Sweet I'll add it to my very already long list 😀😀 thank you
The song is about Stanley Owsley who was from Australia and made acid in his lab in California, in a purple house in the hills . The songs about his legacy , when acid became illegal. He also invented the Dead’s sound system.
Officially Augustus Owsley Stanley III
The outrow alone will make you go grab your sticks...such a fun song to jam with
Tons of serious musicians through the years......supurb
I love how Donald Fagen has never shied away from controversy in his lyrics , for example upon hearing the must praised and admired John Lennon song Imagine he wrote the song Only A Fool Would Say That for the album Can’t Buy a Thrill because like me and I suspect a number of people , he thought Lennon’s song was self obsessed , unrealistic dirge . Bravo Donald
Yay for seven K! Keep growing, Lee. Always loved this track. Every day I start my guitar practice with a run- through of Larry Carlton’s epic solo. Awesome!
That's a hell of a warm up bro! But I dig it! Thank you so much I really appreciate it. I'm trying!! 😂
Chuck Rainey's performance is up there with the very best. There is an isolated bass track video on youtube of it.
the song is about Owsley ' Bear' Stanley who manufactured LSD before ( and after ) it became illegal .. there are articles and vids of his life .. interesting character who was friends with counter culture icon Ken Kesey ( wrote One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest , and hosted the 'Acid tests' ) , Jerry Garcia of the Grateful Dead and other prominent figures of the time