Years ago, I would drive my 5th grade son to school. We would no sooner get into my car and he would put "Western World" on. We listened to it EVERY day that school year. He has been a musician for a decade and is now playing keys with a Miles Davis/P-Funk/Prince alum - "Foley". Keep up the good work.
The stunning thing about this song is: Walter and Donald didn't think it was good enough to put on an album(The Royal Scam), talk about having high standards. Fortunately, that was corrected, it appeared on a greatest hits collection(at that time, many greatest hits collections would feature new songs to be released as singles, Steely Dan was actually following a trend, instead of bering a trend setter)
One of my favorite all time songs from them. I remember it well from the glory days of FM album rock, where the D.J.'s had discretion to play what they wanted. And they were allowed to play the extended versions of songs, not that abbreviated stuff of the AM stations. In those days, KYYS (KY102), sometimes the DJ would just decide to let a whole album side play out. Great times.
From what I understand, it isn't that Don and Walt thought the song wasn't "good enough", but that it didn't fit the album in their opinion. But there is little doubt that the stuff on Steely Dan's cutting room floor could make most other artists greatest composition list.
Exactly, THIS is an outtake!?? Haha, just goes to show how high the bar was...it was also a welcomed surprise when I bought this double album collection back in the day.
One of my favorite SD lyrics, in the night you hide from the madman youre longing to be, but it all comes out on the inside eventually . Becker is a true lyrical genius.
FM wasn't put on a Steely Dan LP (Aja) because it was written and recorded specifically for the FM movie soundtrack LP. It was done AFTER the Aja sessions but with some of the same musicians. In 1977, records only held 48-50 minutes.
@@lindabergman3127 If it sounds "exactly the same" (which I doubt because Fagen's voice is completely unique), then why bother with a tribute band when you can listen to the original? Doesn't make sense.
This tune were part of the sessions that produced The Royal Scam in 1976. For some reason it remained on the cutting floor waiting for the next album. Finding no place on Aja (1977), it was kept for 1978. With no release in ‘78, it found it’s way onto a Greatest Hits compilation. The theme is a darkly sarcastic drug addled depravity look at America, present in many of their songs. While i never thought about it as a TV theme song but damn, you guys are right on…again! Great reaction! Cheers!
It's good to see you back to the Dan. This is another great song from their "sweet spot". Looking forward to you two doing more from Fagen's solo albums.
Love it Gentlemen. This has always been a secret fav to me like Bad Sneakers. All these year later Western World got every category girl one can declare...
Thanks so much gentleman!! This is another one in my SD top 10... so smooth, so sonically good, and simply a fine, professional track that sounds as fresh today as in 1978.
One of my top 5 Dan tunes. And it was left off the album! I always felt this was composed during the Katy Lied sessions, the piano is similar to Dr Wu etc. The line "At night you hide from the madman you're longing to be, but it all comes out eventually" is pure genius And of course, its about drugs and hookers......(the silver key gives you one of the red rooms in the brothel, after you "lay down your Jackson" ($20) to Ruthie). Thanks for reacting to this gem, I assumed you already had!
I’m waiting to see reactions to my old school❤ saw Leonid and friends tribute band last month cover My old School and it’s sounds exactly like Steely Dan👍
I believe that " Here at the Western World " first was released on " Steely Dan Greatest Hits " album released in late 1978. This track was also included in "Steely Dan: Gold" which was released in 1982. It was somewhat common for groups putting out a "greatest hits" album to include one or two "new" tracks on a greatest hits album. I think that is what happened here although I am not 100% sure ot that.
Love you guys!! Super informative reactions that you can learn fromThanks! Please dont delay in reacting to Two Against Nature with Jack of Speed and West of Hollywood. They are awesome!!
You did it! Yes. This is one of my favorite songs ever. So damn beautiful my eyes mist up whenever I hear it. They based it on a chapter -- Circe -- from James Joyce's novel "Ulysses."
I think that is Michael Omartian playing the piano. This song was, I think, from the Royal Scam sessions. One thing I read was that the tempo was too much like the tempo of other songs on that album. Check out the 2006 version of Here at the Western World. DF completely remade the song for his solo tour that year. He opened his shows with it and I was blown away at the Vegas show cuz I don’t like to check set lists first. It was completely uptempo.
They already did.. “The Royal Scam” was where they started their Steely journey, and where I first found this channel. Out of the twenty or more reaction channels I watch, La and Chi have surpassed every single one for their knowledge involving production, composition, and virtuoso.. not to mention their in depth coverage of foundational selections. For me, Airplay Beats have set a new standard for “as good as it gets”.
I know I'm not a Patreon patron, but I love love love your Steely Dan/Donald Fagen reactions. As a huge aficionado, I thought I'd offer suggestions for songs to not miss (according to me). Gaslighting Abbey Janie Runaway Almost Gothic Pixeleen Lunch With Gina Everything Must Go The Night Belongs to Mona-Fagen The Great Pagoda of Funn-Fagen Planet D'Rhonda-Fagen Based on your reactions so far, I think you'd really enjoy these; and I'd really enjoy your enjoyment.
Still have this CD; bought it decades ago when I heard about my fourth song that I loved and said to myself so it’s another Steely Dan song? I should buy their greatest hits. And then of course I had to dig deeper. Well, needless to say, Steely Dan is my favorite music of all. A couple of songs that I don’t think you’ve gotten to yet (excuse me if I am wrong) are “Jack Of Speed” and “Night By Night”. Get ready, they are hot as hell ❤
They always had theyre Grove. Tell me a bad song or abulm. You fell for the aja myth. They are all brilliant albums. Follow your own discernment. Thankyou Bothyrat..
This song was in fact recorded during the “Royal Scam” (released 1976) sessions, but it didn’t see the light of day until it was included on Steely Dan’s “Greatest Hits” album which came out in 1978.
Hey La & Che, I thought I'd suggest a group that I don't usually give suggestions to because for a while all the reactors were saying not to suggest the Beatles because they were only getting blocked and copy strikes, but recently I've seen some reactor's reacting to some of their tunes. So, if you'd like to give it a try, I can make some suggestions. So, here's a song " The Beatles - Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds (Remix)" (by the channel: The Beatles) --This song was written by John Lennon and with the assistance of Paul McCartney and is from their 1967 album "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" 🤞🏽😆
You guys are my favorite reaction channel out there and I’d really love it if you could react to some of Walter Becker’s solo songs, like how you’ve done with Donald Fagen. I personally like Becker’s 2 solo albums “11 Tracks of Whack” and “Circus Money” better than Fagen’s solo albums and I want to see what you guys think. Thank you!
@@theivory1 Yea, I used to think this was a song about a prostitution house, "we got you're skinny girl" I always thought they said girls, but girl singular. But looking at the lyrics, I agree with your assessment.
This was recorded during the Royal Scam sessions. Edit: I see this has been mentioned already, but it's interesting to me that it doesn't really sound anything like that album!
Years ago, I would drive my 5th grade son to school. We would no sooner get into my car and he would put "Western World" on. We listened to it EVERY day that school year. He has been a musician for a decade and is now playing keys with a Miles Davis/P-Funk/Prince alum - "Foley". Keep up the good work.
😃Wow! That's great - way to go, Dad! 👏👏✌️
Dope!!!
The stunning thing about this song is: Walter and Donald didn't think it was good enough to put on an album(The Royal Scam), talk about having high standards. Fortunately, that was corrected, it appeared on a greatest hits collection(at that time, many greatest hits collections would feature new songs to be released as singles, Steely Dan was actually following a trend, instead of bering a trend setter)
One of my favorite all time songs from them. I remember it well from the glory days of FM album rock, where the D.J.'s had discretion to play what they wanted.
And they were allowed to play the extended versions of songs, not that abbreviated stuff of the AM stations. In those days, KYYS (KY102), sometimes the DJ would just decide to let a whole album side play out. Great times.
This song would sound out of place on TRS, sounds more like an Aja tune...
From what I understand, it isn't that Don and Walt thought the song wasn't "good enough", but that it didn't fit the album in their opinion. But there is little doubt that the stuff on Steely Dan's cutting room floor could make most other artists greatest composition list.
Exactly, THIS is an outtake!?? Haha, just goes to show how high the bar was...it was also a welcomed surprise when I bought this double album collection back in the day.
One of my favorite SD lyrics, in the night you hide from the madman youre longing to be, but it all comes out on the inside eventually . Becker is a true lyrical genius.
FM/Here at the western world...2 brilliant songs any other band would have put on LPs.
Love you brothers giving the Dan the royal treatment. ❤
FM wasn't put on a Steely Dan LP (Aja) because it was written and recorded specifically for the FM movie soundtrack LP. It was done AFTER the Aja sessions but with some of the same musicians. In 1977, records only held 48-50 minutes.
Yep ❤ have u heard the Leonid and friends tribute band cover Steely Dans song My old School? It’s great😂 sounds exactly like Steely Dan
Yes indeed 👍 Leonid and friends tribute Band Covers My Old School n Steely Dan would love it!! It’s unbelievably good
@@lindabergman3127
If it sounds "exactly the same" (which I doubt because Fagen's voice is completely unique), then why bother with a tribute band when you can listen to the original? Doesn't make sense.
Dean Park's guitar work on this track is so amazing....
This tune were part of the sessions that produced The Royal Scam in 1976. For some reason it remained on the cutting floor waiting for the next album. Finding no place on Aja (1977), it was kept for 1978. With no release in ‘78, it found it’s way onto a Greatest Hits compilation. The theme is a darkly sarcastic drug addled depravity look at America, present in many of their songs. While i never thought about it as a TV theme song but damn, you guys are right on…again! Great reaction! Cheers!
It's good to see you back to the Dan. This is another great song from their "sweet spot". Looking forward to you two doing more from Fagen's solo albums.
An album listen of The Nightfly would do me right!
@@m.gideonhoyle409 me too...
@@m.gideonhoyle409I Concur..
Good song choice. You are correct, the Dan at the peak of their powers; songwriting, production, performance, vocals, etc.
I just love Steely Dan...they are a rabbit hole for sure. Could listen to them all day.
When a song paints a picture you get this 🔥
Love it Gentlemen. This has always been a secret fav to me like Bad Sneakers.
All these year later Western World got every category girl one can declare...
Thanks so much gentleman!!
This is another one in my SD top 10... so smooth, so sonically good, and simply a fine, professional track that sounds as fresh today as in 1978.
The encryption to the lyrics in the second verse is among their best imo. Red door, silver key. It's so cool.
I love how they romancize behavior that is a form of debauchery and the seedy shady locations, in which such activities take place.
One of my top 5 Dan tunes. And it was left off the album! I always felt this was composed during the Katy Lied sessions, the piano is similar to Dr Wu etc.
The line "At night you hide from the madman you're longing to be,
but it all comes out eventually" is pure genius
And of course, its about drugs and hookers......(the silver key gives you one of the red rooms in the brothel, after you "lay down your Jackson" ($20) to Ruthie).
Thanks for reacting to this gem, I assumed you already had!
I agree re: the piano. I think that is Michael Omartian playing, and he was all over the Katy Lied album.
@hklinker
Right, Omartian was key on a lot of those tracks.
I’m waiting to see reactions to my old school❤ saw Leonid and friends tribute band last month cover My old School and it’s sounds exactly like Steely Dan👍
@@lindabergman3127
Sounds like you should start a Leonid and Friends tribute channel, and let us listen to the real thing.
Love this❤
I believe that " Here at the Western World " first was released on " Steely Dan Greatest Hits " album released in late 1978. This track was also included in "Steely Dan: Gold" which was released in 1982. It was somewhat common for groups putting out a "greatest hits" album to include one or two "new" tracks on a greatest hits album. I think that is what happened here although I am not 100% sure ot that.
Yep, I haven't heard this in probably more than 30 years since I only had the Gold album on vinyl and haven't rolled that way for a while.
The track was originally recorded for the Royal Scam, and released as a single from their Greatest Hits album.
BACK TO THE BEGINNING !
Full circle ⭕️ !
MAN I LOVE THIS CHANNEL !
Mississippi still rocken APB !
Yep. Still love this one...can sing every word and anticipate every little musical delight!
One of their smoothest tunes!
I find myself listening to SD Reunion and solo Fagen albums more often now.
Love you guys!! Super informative reactions that you can learn fromThanks! Please dont delay in reacting to Two Against Nature with Jack of Speed and West of Hollywood. They are awesome!!
Gentlemen, thanks again for more Steely Dan. Please play more.
You did it! Yes. This is one of my favorite songs ever. So damn beautiful my eyes mist up whenever I hear it. They based it on a chapter -- Circe -- from James Joyce's novel "Ulysses."
That unmistakable Steely Dan hook...
Great song album, band and reaction. Appreciate you 🙏 ❤
Steely Dan has some awesome music 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Even their rejects are gems….another great reaction!! ☮️❤️
Always liked the vibe to this song... and then there's those SD lyrics
I think that is Michael Omartian playing the piano. This song was, I think, from the Royal Scam sessions. One thing I read was that the tempo was too much like the tempo of other songs on that album.
Check out the 2006 version of Here at the Western World. DF completely remade the song for his solo tour that year. He opened his shows with it and I was blown away at the Vegas show cuz I don’t like to check set lists first. It was completely uptempo.
I LOVE it. A really nice reimagining. First song: ruclips.net/video/05L0-CeB2Ng/видео.html
Unbeatable.
Good Times in Port Huron 🌄🦌
Thanks. Been a Dan fan for years. You guys should check out 'The caves of altamira' off their Royal Scam album.
They already did.. “The Royal Scam” was where they started their Steely journey, and where I first found this channel.
Out of the twenty or more reaction channels I watch, La and Chi have surpassed every single one for their knowledge involving production, composition, and virtuoso.. not to mention their in depth coverage of foundational selections.
For me, Airplay Beats have set a new standard for “as good as it gets”.
Masterpiece
"ELECTRIC WORRY" by CLUTCH
You like fine wine but don't be afraid to hit the hard stuff
Hey guys ,the album behind you quadrophenia .you should do the song love reign o'er me. One of the greatest vocal displays of all time!
It's the crazy chords Man 😅
Love this song ❤
they found their groove from day 1
I know I'm not a Patreon patron, but I love love love your Steely Dan/Donald Fagen reactions. As a huge aficionado, I thought I'd offer suggestions for songs to not miss (according to me).
Gaslighting Abbey
Janie Runaway
Almost Gothic
Pixeleen
Lunch With Gina
Everything Must Go
The Night Belongs to Mona-Fagen
The Great Pagoda of Funn-Fagen
Planet D'Rhonda-Fagen
Based on your reactions so far, I think you'd really enjoy these; and I'd really enjoy your enjoyment.
Serious music.🙏🏾
you Boys have to try Tony Joe White: I Get Off On It ( i promise youll like it)
Still have this CD; bought it decades ago when I heard about my fourth song that I loved and said to myself so it’s another Steely Dan song? I should buy their greatest hits. And then of course I had to dig deeper. Well, needless to say, Steely Dan is my favorite music of all. A couple of songs that I don’t think you’ve gotten to yet (excuse me if I am wrong) are “Jack Of Speed” and “Night By Night”. Get ready, they are hot as hell ❤
They did do Night By Night, check it out 🙂
@@esdel1955 Thank you!
"Hang gliding"... soaring on an updraft.
They always had theyre Grove.
Tell me a bad song or abulm.
You fell for the aja myth.
They are all brilliant albums.
Follow your own discernment.
Thankyou
Bothyrat..
C’mon, guys! You GOTTA do Steely Dan’s Grammy-winning, second-to-last album “Two Against Nature!” You ain’t heard NOTHING yet…
You guys might want to check out some Phil Keaggy like "sounds " or anything from the "how the west was one".He's an amazing guitarist
please do: Paul Simon, "Late in the Evening"
Vintage Fagen indeed!👌
Nice reaction.
This song was in fact recorded during the “Royal Scam” (released 1976) sessions, but it didn’t see the light of day until it was included on Steely Dan’s “Greatest Hits” album which came out in 1978.
Hey La & Che, I thought I'd suggest a group that I don't usually give suggestions to because for a while all the reactors were saying not to suggest the Beatles because they were only getting blocked and copy strikes, but recently I've seen some reactor's reacting to some of their tunes. So, if you'd like to give it a try, I can make some suggestions. So, here's a song " The Beatles - Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds (Remix)" (by the channel: The Beatles) --This song was written by John Lennon and with the assistance of Paul McCartney and is from their 1967 album "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" 🤞🏽😆
You guys are my favorite reaction channel out there and I’d really love it if you could react to some of Walter Becker’s solo songs, like how you’ve done with Donald Fagen. I personally like Becker’s 2 solo albums “11 Tracks of Whack” and “Circus Money” better than Fagen’s solo albums and I want to see what you guys think. Thank you!
such a good song, didn't really get much airplay nor did it need it. ;)
When the lyrics say to "lay down your Jackson" I wonder if that is in referencev to a Jackson guitar.
In that verse: Silver Key = needle, Red Door = vein, Jackson = $20, sweetness = heroin high.
@@theivory1 When in doubt think drugs in a Dan song! Makes sense.
@@theivory1 Yea, I used to think this was a song about a prostitution house, "we got you're skinny girl" I always thought they said girls, but girl singular. But looking at the lyrics, I agree with your assessment.
They weren't quite in existence yet, when this was written.
They never made a bad song
True. This is one of my least favorite's and I love it.
There are sooo many So many great steely dan masterpeices ,don't waste time on this song !!
This was recorded during the Royal Scam sessions. Edit: I see this has been mentioned already, but it's interesting to me that it doesn't really sound anything like that album!
It has a very laid back flow to it as opposed to the faster paced songs found on Scam.
You guys should check out "Mr. Sam" another out take of theirs that imo opinion is as good or better as most songs that made the cut.
How about , "Dog Eat Dog", or "Wet Side Story".
Who doesn't like a great song about getting wasted at a high-class whorehouse..I sure do. Now for some 30 Days in the Hole by Humble Pie...
It's about a brothel
I still cant see how "i got the news" beat this off aja?!
Ever heard the earlier version of I Got the News?
Another great Steely Dan song 💙💙
Another " InstaClick"
I think you demean their music comparing it to tv themes
I don’t because we give high praise to a lot of tv theme songs
Becker and Fagen often said they liked TV show and movie music.
Chuck Rainey played the great Sanford and Son bassline - quality music.
@@Cpayne30Redd Fox demanded he slap! The question is slap what.
So what it’s still lame
Love that piano. 4:54
The great Michael Omartian, who you hear on Dr. Wu and Aja. Also loved his work on the first Christopher Cross album.
Thanks, you really know your stuff, bro. I appreciate it, yeah, man, that dude sure can Bang those keys.
Definitely a different sound from anything else out there. What a voice good one fellas, thank you, God bless.