"A just machine to make big decisions - Programmed by fellas with compassion and vision" - How prophetic is that line written in 1982....????? Amazing.
I remember first getting into this album in the late 80s. Donald (and his SD partner Walter) were perfectionists, and it definitely shows in everything they do. Quality music. On another note, it's been a few weeks since you guys have posted a video. Hope life is good and also hope you guys will continue posting vids. You're both highly entertaining. Cheers!
Your perspective is spot on! Donald Fagen the master story teller and smooth musician and singer. Nightfly IMO is a very good album and his first solo effort following the 1980 Steely Dan Gaucho album. Another great review thanks to you both!
The entire album is based on thoughts he had as a kid growing up in the 50s and 60s. This tune is a rather cynical view of what people thought then about the future. The last verse makes it obvious. The whole album is so much fun. Those are real horns. There’s a synth too.
11:45 The meaning of IGY is that more happens in Europe than in the US. Some things have already happened. "Undersea rails" are also real, as demonstrated by the Eurotunnel between France and the UK. "In 90 minutes from New York to Paris" refers to the Concorde. The Concorde was lost due to its price and the loss of customers who worked in the World Trade Center. Now, the world economy is rising (more in Europe), and we have more money. The governments now know better how to govern effectively (in Europe). These are all improvements by scientists. You just have to vote for politicians who adopt these improvements. Just have to grab the apple! 16:00 Regarding the free sale of weapons, shootings occur all over the world, even in places where weapons are not freely available. However, it is evident that in places where you can freely buy weapons, it is not safe enough to walk the streets with dignity. Science can evaluate relationships. If one does not accept this, then no one Swinging On A Star. ruclips.net/video/AnCqZXhGTm0/видео.html ... Greetings from Portugal
My favorite on the album is New Frontier. Back in the early 90s when I was college I thought I was so cool when I got Fagen's references, a personality trait which is and should be annoying to others. Anyway, I love this whole album.
When it boils down, Donald Fagen knew what he was writing. Those future visions are realistic, except for the spandex jackets and suits. Undersea rail can be made real, if done right. Solar powered cities? Not so much. The IGY did come up with some great ideas back then. Gotta admit, a literalist does have some good points and views.
@@terrylucaspoetrycoach4489 yeah obviously, the naivety can’t be missed. I was more referring to the fairly simplistic pop song structure the song is written in.
You are so far off. If you would do some research. IGY Stands for international Geophysical Year. I’ll let you look up for what it meant. Maybe something about what the world could be like. If you listen closely, you will recognize Michael McDonald’s voice at the end.
Clearly, you didn't watch the whole video. That's OK, we ramble a bit. But I did bring up the IGY meaning. I didn't realize McDonald was on this track, thanks for that! - JD
Hello, theivory1. Welcome to the channel. As far as Dave describing the beat as being kind of reggae, he's spot on. here's what Classic Rock History said of the song: Depending on how you look at it this could be Fagen’s most ironic song. It opens up with a futuristic sounding ostinato. The kind you could hear in a promo for Disneyland’s Tomorrowland. Then it quickly jumps into an infectious pseudo reggae groove supported by bouncy horn parts. www.classicrockhistory.com/top-10-solo-donald-fagen-songs/ - JD
@@LiteralistReactions Love the Dan. Like your take on it... Except the reggae-like stamp. You and Classic Rock History are mistaking a "swing" based rhythm for a reggae-like rhythm. An easy mistake to make. The swing sound is pretty much alien in today's landscape of popular urban-centric and radio friendly pop. But Donald Fagen is(was) a student of 30's, 40's and 50's jazz, bop, blues, swing, ragtime, etc. And he seamlessly incorporates elements of these genres in his music (which makes his and Steely Dan's music hard to nail down into one genre - except the lazy "yacht rock".) Take care and happy listening.
"A just machine to make big decisions - Programmed by fellas with compassion and vision" - How prophetic is that line written in 1982....????? Amazing.
Very interesting and spot on discussion of "freedom."
I remember first getting into this album in the late 80s. Donald (and his SD partner Walter) were perfectionists, and it definitely shows in everything they do. Quality music. On another note, it's been a few weeks since you guys have posted a video. Hope life is good and also hope you guys will continue posting vids. You're both highly entertaining. Cheers!
Life. Dave and I seem to talk more often when he's far away than when he's nearby. We hope to get things rolling again, soon. Thanks! - JD
Your perspective is spot on! Donald Fagen the master story teller and smooth musician and singer. Nightfly IMO is a very good album and his first solo effort following the 1980 Steely Dan Gaucho album. Another great review thanks to you both!
The entire album is based on thoughts he had as a kid growing up in the 50s and 60s. This tune is a rather cynical view of what people thought then about the future. The last verse makes it obvious. The whole album is so much fun. Those are real horns. There’s a synth too.
Donald and Walter were perfectionists, and it shows in solo and Steely Dan recordings. Great recommendation.
11:45 The meaning of IGY is that more happens in Europe than in the US. Some things have already happened. "Undersea rails" are also real, as demonstrated by the Eurotunnel between France and the UK. "In 90 minutes from New York to Paris" refers to the Concorde. The Concorde was lost due to its price and the loss of customers who worked in the World Trade Center. Now, the world economy is rising (more in Europe), and we have more money. The governments now know better how to govern effectively (in Europe). These are all improvements by scientists. You just have to vote for politicians who adopt these improvements. Just have to grab the apple!
16:00 Regarding the free sale of weapons, shootings occur all over the world, even in places where weapons are not freely available. However, it is evident that in places where you can freely buy weapons, it is not safe enough to walk the streets with dignity. Science can evaluate relationships. If one does not accept this, then no one Swinging On A Star. ruclips.net/video/AnCqZXhGTm0/видео.html
... Greetings from Portugal
Half of your favorite bands favorite band 🔥✌🤘
That analysis of the lyrics was spot on!
IGY International Geophysical Year 1957-58, Look it up
ruclips.net/video/eN3TZGZlSck/видео.html - Hey, I know we yammer a bit, but we cover that. Thanks! - JD
My favorite on the album is New Frontier. Back in the early 90s when I was college I thought I was so cool when I got Fagen's references, a personality trait which is and should be annoying to others. Anyway, I love this whole album.
Those are real horns. Michael Brecker, Randy Brecker, Dave Tofani
When it boils down, Donald Fagen knew what he was writing. Those future visions are realistic, except for the spandex jackets and suits. Undersea rail can be made real, if done right. Solar powered cities? Not so much. The IGY did come up with some great ideas back then. Gotta admit, a literalist does have some good points and views.
By the way, this is one of my all time feel good favorites! Uncommonly striking in its simplicity.
You know it's satire, right?
@@terrylucaspoetrycoach4489 yeah obviously, the naivety can’t be missed. I was more referring to the fairly simplistic pop song structure the song is written in.
You are so far off. If you would do some research. IGY Stands for international Geophysical Year. I’ll let you look up for what it meant. Maybe something about what the world could be like. If you listen closely, you will recognize Michael McDonald’s voice at the end.
Clearly, you didn't watch the whole video. That's OK, we ramble a bit. But I did bring up the IGY meaning. I didn't realize McDonald was on this track, thanks for that! - JD
Reggae? Not even close. I thought this was supposed to be literal.
Hello, theivory1. Welcome to the channel. As far as Dave describing the beat as being kind of reggae, he's spot on. here's what Classic Rock History said of the song: Depending on how you look at it this could be Fagen’s most ironic song. It opens up with a futuristic sounding ostinato. The kind you could hear in a promo for Disneyland’s Tomorrowland. Then it quickly jumps into an infectious pseudo reggae groove supported by bouncy horn parts.
www.classicrockhistory.com/top-10-solo-donald-fagen-songs/ - JD
Yeah listrn to Haitian Divorce similar backing
@@AnthonyGargini Yes. HAITIAN D is reggae and a monster of a song. IGY- beautiful but not reggae.
@@LiteralistReactions Love the Dan. Like your take on it... Except the reggae-like stamp. You and Classic Rock History are mistaking a "swing" based rhythm for a reggae-like rhythm. An easy mistake to make. The swing sound is pretty much alien in today's landscape of popular urban-centric and radio friendly pop. But Donald Fagen is(was) a student of 30's, 40's and 50's jazz, bop, blues, swing, ragtime, etc. And he seamlessly incorporates elements of these genres in his music (which makes his and Steely Dan's music hard to nail down into one genre - except the lazy "yacht rock".) Take care and happy listening.