Steely Dan - Doctor Wu (REACTION)
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 3 мар 2023
- @AirplayBeats reacts to Steely Dan’s Doctor Wu
Like comment andsubscribe
patreon.com/user?u=81569817
Airplay Beats
3609 Bradshaw Rd Ste H #337
Sacramento, CA 95827 
Видеоклипы
Видеоклипы
![Sean Rii, Karyon, Sharzkii - Taungule [My Love] (Official Music Video)](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/eJoMuypbSzQ/mqdefault.jpg)
Studio perfectionists that would insist on perfection (no matter how many takes it took), the greatest session players of the time. Listening to the final product 5 decades later, it obviously paid off.
Phil Woods just killing it on sax. Steely Dan knew just who they needed to get the sound they wanted.
Nothing else is like a good Steely Dan tune - it's is a genre unto itself.
It's amazing to think...5 days ago, they didn't know this epic music and recording even existed. And now they do. Doctor Wu sounds even better than the day it was released. It's literally timeless - you can't attach it to any decade or musical trend.
The sax work is priceless. In my top ten favorite SD solo performances.
The sax is such an incredible part of this song. This song is so amazing it blows my mind.
steely dan is quintessential urban music
The great Phil Woods on sax - among the best sax solos ever. This may be my favorite Steely Dan song, among so many to choose from!
I was going to say the same things you said but then I saw your post so I'll just say I completely agree. "Reelin In The Years" and "Green Earrings" are my #2 and #3. Elliot Randall and Denny Dias.
Me to0-- I was going to leave the same comment. RIP Phil and Walter
Also the great Wayne Shorter, rest in peace as of 2 days ago, on Aja.
That TRANSITION out of the sax solo and resolving the chord progression is like Liquid Gold.
Phil Woods was a really nice guy. I would see him occasionally sit in at the Paper Mill Creek saloon in Forest Knolls CA with the Sky Blue band, a local band in the San Geronimo Valley led by Walt Dickson of Woodacre/ Forest Knolls. I have always greatly admired Phil's work with the Sons of Champlin, a great Marin County band led by Bill Champlin, who went on to join Chicago.
Cleverer than you think. That's a Katydid, on the cover, as in "Katy Lied."
“No rhyme or reason” to their songs--I think you may mean there are no cliches, no tired conventions common to the (predictable) pop music of the day. They *composed* and arranged their songs with excruciating care…but simply pulled from musical conventions of earlier times, and creatively interwove them with “pop” aspects that could appeal to a current listener. They didn’t just go into the studio and let loose with no rules. On the contrary,, they were exacting modern composers of the popular song, unmatched in their inventiveness, creativity, and deep musical knowledge…all resulting in something truly unique and new. IMO 😎
You opinion is spot on. Fagen was legendary for being a total perfectionist (to the point of being a dick) in the studio.
Exactly, there is no making this kind of magic up on the spot🪄
Well said!
And that's why we love them
Also, Jeff Porcaro's drumming which both helps set the groove and easily moves between the soft touch (last lines of the first verse) and the firmly propulsive beat coming back in the second verse: the background pulse of addiction.
“Katy lies
You could see it in her eyes
But imagine my surprise
When I saw you”
Doctor Wu is their all time best.
Now we're back in the wheelhouse!! You've hit the point in Steely Dan's progression where they really have gone from quirky eclectic somewhat jazzy rock band with a set lineup to this album, and this track in particular, where Becker and Fagen are now a duo surrounded by the session musicians they pick and choose to fit each track. They have stopped touring as the original Steely Dan by this point, last tour was 1974 by the original group.
As you guys hit on it, this begins the sound to more jazzy complex sophisticated tunes that would eventually wind up with Aja when their sound is perfected, 2 albums later. That signature sax solo (Phil Woods) foreshadows Wayne Shorter (RIP) iconic solo on Aja.
The structure of the song is familiar because you've already heard Here at the Western World, Deacon Blues, Gaucho etc. Btw, this is the first album Michael McDonald sings on, so if you react to the whole album, you can listen for his background vocals on several tunes.
You didn't say too much about the lyrics, but you probably won't be surprised that this is a smooth pleasant sounding song about drug addiction in that typical SD ironic way. Dr. Wu is a drug supplier/pusher, possibly from Asia (Vietnam?). "Katy" is not a woman, but the drug that "lies" the addict purchases from Wu (I've been waiting for the taste you said you'd bring to me). He becomes addicted, spends all his money (piaster = a coin or currency in an arabic country). Dr Wu seems to disappear for awhile until he resurfaces in Florida (Biscayne Bay) where the addict sees Wu again (I went searching for the "song" you used to sing to me"), but this time Wu himself looks different, addicted himself (are you really just a shadow of the man I once knew). The drugs (Katy>she is lovely yes she's sly)
he asks "has she finally got to you?", you're an ordinary guy. Something like that. A depressing song about drug addiction clothed in that smooth pleasant sounding veneer.
The album cover is a Katydid, a form of grasshopper who "sings" lol.
Dr Wu is definitely a top 5, maybe top 2 or 3 SD song for me since the 70s, right behind Aja. It just immediately caught me, the piano chords, the sax, and Fagen's unique voice and phrasing. Its also a song Steely Dan has rarely performed live. Remember, they stopped touring after 1974 to just create music in the studio (the Beatles did that also in 1967 to work on Sgt Pepper), so none of the songs from Katy Lied were played live in the 1970s. In the touring years since they restarted SD touring in 1993, Dr Wu has only been played live in concert SEVEN TIMES. I've been VERY fortunate to have seen TWO of those SEVEN performances, including the last time they played it at Rarities Night in 2011 at NYC Beacon Theater. They haven't played it since!
You guys are going to love the whole Katy Lied album I would guess. Especially interested in your reactions to Bad Sneakers, Chain Lightning, Everyone's Gone to the Movies, Your Gold Teeth 2, and Daddy Don't Live in That NYC No More! A LOT of great tracks on Katy.
Thank you for the information!
I'm with you, Dr Wu is a top 5 for me.,I probably should say a top 40 cause there are way too many great songs to choose from.
I'm onboard for Aja number 1 and Doctor Wu number 2. Best songs ever.
Wow ! Insight into Steely Dan. By the way, great reaction by
the the brothers. I always read their reactions when I come across them.
GOAT x GOAT.
I ❤️ how much you two appreciate one of my favorite bands. Imagine being at a concert and the person next to you passes a joint and says “Dr. Wu for you?” ☮️❤️
Or a syringe, and says "Katy for you?" 😉
🙂
For over 20yrs, my doctor was a Chinese-American named Dr. Lee. We got along great my sense of humor always made him shake his head and roll his eyes. I'd always call him Dr. Wu, and he asked why. So I played this song for him on my phone. He said he like the music, but didn't quite get the lyrics. I said 'well, ya gotta sit back, relax while ya listen to it. Burn some incense, drink some tea, meditate, , , " .
Again, he just rolled his eyes and shook his head!
In 1975 I was a junior in high school. We got a new principle. His Name was Dr.Wu. He became principle just when this album was released. Announcements in home room always had a reference to this song. Dr. Wu was cool about it if you saw him in the hallway we'd sing are you crazy are you high or just an ordinary guy. Later it became class of 1976 song. It's a great album. You have to pay attention the the lyrics on this album.
Lol, you've got to be kidding. Did he spell it Wu, or Woo?
@@kbrewski1 Spelled it Wu. He came to a bunch of our class reunions where we sang the song. It gives my age away but I've been a fan of Steely Dan since their first album.
This album features the late great Jeff Porcaro on drums. He is known for his work with the band Toto (which you should also check out) He also played drums on Michael Jackson's "Beat it"
He was in high school when this was recorded. Unbelievable.
Finally... I've been waiting for you to meet my old friend Dr. Wu.
I been waiting for a taste
"That's the epitome of playing music and having no rules behind it." I think that's the greatest reaction quote I've ever heard and I love that it belongs to this song.
I've always loved Dr. Wu more than most. For me, the pathos in the final verse/chorus is just so real and palpable.
"Katy lies, you could see it in her eyes
But imagine my surprise when I saw you
...
She is lovely yes she's sly, and you're an ordinary guy
Has she finally got to you?"
At first I heard it literally, the deception of a woman seducing a friend, but like most Steely Dan there are multiple interpretations. Treating "Katie" as a metaphor for an addictive substance it hits even deeper.
there is a rhyme and reason for what they are doing - it's just that very few people have the vision to see it and make it happen. Some people are just blessed with something others don't have, and these guys are blessed.
Katy Lied one of my favorite SD albums. Dr Wu is the drug dealer & Katy is the drug that lies (heroin). "Has she finally got to you?" btw "piaster" is a middle eastern money currency, "last piaster I could borrow"
Most people don't understand what this song is about. I came here to comment, but you beat me to it. 👍🙂
@@lanaj1107 😊 yes..such great lyrics
4:15-4:30 captures the moment when the narrator finds the good Doctor lying OD'd, in the grips of the drug, and probably not going to wake up again. - the sense o shock and grief. The young man tries to shake the Doc back to life, perhaps pumping at his belly: "Are you with me, doctor? can you hear me, doctor?"
I think it's piastre
This is my favorite. along with Haitian Divorce, Bad Sneakers, My Old School, Pretzel Logic.
The great West Coast jazz sax man Phil Woods plays his ass off on this song. Amother incredible composition by Becker & Fagen.
Great East coast jazz saxman not West coast BTW
@@saxworthmusic You are correct, SW. Woods was mostly a hard bop guy in the Bird tradition and I know he 's originally from Massachusetts. It's just that I associate him with the geographical West Coast since he emerged really through Dizzy and Quincy Jones, Oliver Nelson and such. I wasn't suggesting he played anything like Art Pepper, a real West Coast Jazz altoist. LOL.
Your Gold Teeth II has has some of the most tasteful, jaw dropping guitar work which will cause you to both look at each other with a blank stare.
A favourite.
The great Denny Dias on guitar.
I just love this long so much. One of my Dan favs. They capture the hopelessness of addiction so very well. It's just heartbreaking. Every single time I hear this I still get a feeling in the pit of my stomach of lost hope. The poetic lyricism is 🤌
My favorite song from my favorite Steely Dan album. Enough said.
This is their classic fusion style of jazz and rock! A superb tune!
Enjoy your reactions! Love Steely Dan, one of my favorites is Kid Charlemagne.
Wow... I have loved this track for decades. With Donald and Walter..... THERE ARE NO RULES. I'm not sure exactly how one would describe this song. Personally I find it to be Jazz/Fusion. Once you are in a jazz/fusion state of mind.... all bets are off. And that is what I find especially in this track. I will never fully understand how there were able to pull this off. If this had not been done to a level of perfection it would have been a disaster. But Steely Dan just keeps breaking rules and sounding fantastic. Thanks for reacting to this cut. Great job, guys. Take care.
This is one of my favorite Steely Dan albums, and my favorite track from it. ❤️
Hey fellas. The element of surprise is so important in music. To listen to a song for the first time and never be able to anticipate the next chord change is one of my favorite things about Steely Dan's music. Such consistent quality, songwriting ability, and musicianship always put Steely Dan over the top. Shout out to you fellas for reacting to this. You should also check out their 2000 release "Two Against Nature" which has some great songs including "Almost Gothic" and "Negative Girl". Peace.
Some serious mu chords and high rent district jazzy chords on this song.
Probably my favorite SD song. I think he's speaking to himself, are you with me Dr Wu
Agreed
Doctor Wu #1
Tal Winkenfeld and Chuck Rainey in the same day. It’s bass master Saturday here on the channel. Dr Wu really showcasing Steely Dan’s future direction with this album. Your love for SD grows by the day. ✌️
As a Cuban gentleman and musician, I can vouch for sleeping all day! 🇨🇺🎸😴
I'm from Miami & Biscayne has changed from those days 😊
@@mimig3904 I’m one of the rare Cubans who never lived in Miami or even Florida. Had lots of family there, though. Great town!
If the Royal Scam is their guitar album, Katy Lied is Steely Dan's piano album: it's front and centre & a beautiful LP
Yep, Micheal Omartian all over it.
I always wondered why Steely Dan's singles (45's) didn't chart higher than they did and I'm beginning to realize that their music was just to sophisticated for the general AM lisening audience. The attention span was longer than it is today, but still not long enough to truly appreciate this level of music. Those of us coming from progressive rock could understand it but those listening to Bubblegum on AM radio might not have been able to. (And that's not a knock on Bubblegum..I love me some Archie's, Cufflinks, Grass Roots etc. 🎶🎶"Tracy when I'm with you,🎶 something you do,🎶 bounces me off the ceiling!🎶 Tracy day after day..."🎶🎶) 😊ruclips.net/video/fSv_A0oQ5PQ/видео.html
Dan fans would buy the albums not the 45s.
@@rc1363We had to buy FM (no static at all).
I’ve been a fan for almost 50 years. I’ve seen them 4 times (not nearly enough). Had tickets for Atlanta 2020 and Charleston in 2022 but both shows were canceled. They are my choice for “what band’s albums would you take to a deserted island if you could only choose one.” I’ve accepted that they weren’t meant to be and never will be a mass market supergroup, for many of the reasons you list. They are for the thinking person, the discerning, and those with a dark sense of humor, people who appreciate sophisticated music and storytelling with a dash of sarcasm, wit and snark.
It's a Katydid on the cover, which is a bush cricket. Definitely a play on words for Katy Lied. This album shows how they were graduating to that sound on their later albums. Michael McDonald does a number of background vocals before a lot of people even knew who he was. Plus Jeff Porcaro on drums who later had fame with the band Toto.
The whole album is great. Keep up the great reviews guys.
I've got 'em all, but if I had to pick one, Katy Lied is #1
My favorite SD song. No kidding. The Phil Woods alto sax solo and the last half of the final verse are transcendent.
Mine too. The longer I listen to SD the more this song destroys me.
There was nothing like the Dan! I lived on every new release! We’d stoke one up and enjoyed the journey each album would take us on! Chiguy
Their first pure studio album from 1975. This atmospheric song/movie uses a lot of metaphors. A (likely) Vietnam vet (the piastre was the French currency used in Indochina during the 1950s), hopelessly addicted to smack, is now relocated to Florida (where Biscayne Bay is referenced). Katy is a metaphor for heroin (“She is lovely and sly”…but she ultimately “lies”). Dr. Wu is the narrator’s dealer who saves him after being “strung out all night” but is no longer dependable. Dr. Wu has succumbed to Katy as well. (“I’ve been waiting for the taste you used to bring to me…Has she finally got to you…Are you with me Dr…Can you hear me Dr.”). The “stupid song” they used to sing together is no more. They’ve only performed this on stage a few times (one on YT) as Fagen has said he doesn’t like how it sounds live. I love how you can hear this in shopping malls, the lyrics going right over people’s heads.
I’ve seen Steely Dan at least a dozen times since they began touring again and have YET to hear Doctor Wu live.
Yes, I’ve heard it live on RUclips but I would love to see and hear Fagen sing it on stage in front of me.
Maybe someday.
@countdown2xstacy
Only played 7 times ever live. Last time at the 2011 NYC Rarities Concert.
@@kbrewski1
Unfortunately, I missed it every time.
One of my favorite SD songs too. The harmonies, sax solo, piano, just everything.
Airplay Beats bombs da Rock Reaction World again. "Showbiz Kids" is a good commentary on Hollywood and man what a jam song. Thanks for doing these songs from a musician's POV.
The great Phil Wood on Saxophone! You are going to love this album.
Great song, great album.
Saxophone legend Wayne Shorter - who plays the great solo on Steely Dan's 'Aja' - just passed away a couple of days ago. If you guys want 2 killer tracks featuring a bit of his unique playing, I sincerely recommend a couple from his 1970's Fusion band Weather Report: 'Palladium' and 'Havona'.
Weather Report..hell, yes!
Finally, Katy Lied! Fantastic piano from Michael Omartian on most of the tracks. Dr. Wu and Your Gold Teeth II especially.
Back in the 60’s and 70’s the album covers were works of art always wait to see what the next album cover would bring on so many different groups! Love watching your reactions to such amazing musicians!
Never heard this one before.. its soooo good.
You have now been blessed my son....
Katy Lied, I bought it the week that it came out (yup,I'm old), after nearly wearing out the vinyl on the 1st 3 albums on my old Gerrard turntable. You guys will love this transitional album in your Steely Dan quest. There's just so much left to come. You'll be listening to this music daily when our old like me. These tunes however truly never grow old. Thanks for yet another great reaction.
Garrard?
Probably. It was nearly 50 years ago. Even though it was played on inferior equipment by today's standards it was uniquely superior music and sounded great. As I upgraded to my Marantz 6300 in the mid 70s I was further rewarded as I have beenastechnolog
Probably. It was nearly 50 years ago. Even played on inferior equipment the sound was uniquely superior. As equipment and technology has advanced so has my appreciation for the music. I remember when I upgraded to my Marantz 6300, and so on for half a century.
@@donaldcoe5699I had a Garrard deck at one point. It was pretty good.
Nice to see you pick this one to react to, my brother always says this is the perfect representation of a Steely Dan song. And I think he's right!
I agree.
I believe Doctor Wu is their all time best.
@@countdown2xstacy I agree!
My favorite album-even though I love them all-and this is my favorite song on this album ❤
@@bbbraziliangrrl Such a great song!
“You walked in…and my life began again” always gives me goose bumps
P.S.
With regard to, “Just when I spent the last piaster I could borrow”
“Piaster” was the official currency of Greece. In the days before the EU, each country had their own currency (British pound, French franc, Spanish peso, etc.) Now they all use the Euro€
Okay, 2 facts that are more on the obscure side.
1. A piastre was Spanish and French currency hundreds of years ago. Vietnam and some other countries apparently still have a coin by that name. In French Canada, where I’m from, we use that word colloquially to mean a dollar. Although, the pronunciation sounds more like “piass“ the way we say it.
2. The bug on the album is called a Katydid. So, a Katydid for Katy Lied.
And a 3 for free, David Crosby had a band with his son called CPR after Crosby Stills and Nash were done, and they have an amazing song called Katie Did. Great song! Croz loved Steely Dan and collaborated on a great song with Donald Fagen on Croz’s last album called Rodriguez For A Night. Great song. David Crosby wrote some amazing music in the last 10-15 years of his life. Not as well know. But some is his best work. Another great rabbit hole for you boys to fall down!
Wow! K Brewski hit it on the head, all around! Love this album (I love all SD tho, lol). So glad you took this trip!
Thanks!
"Are you with me Doctor?"...😉
My favorite from my favorite album. Thanks for doing it. Try Gold Teeth 1 and 2 back to back
You mentioned Donald Fagen breaking up his cadences. That's very much a jazz be-bop instrumental tradition transferred to vocals. In the hip-hop world, Rakim was revolutionary when he did the same thing and even extended across bars. He said he got the idea from growing up listening to his dad's jazz collection.
My favorite Dan song. Kudos to the requestor.
listen to what the studio guys had to say when they were recording great music happening right in front of them
There's always a story in these songs. It's an interesting one.
Michael Omartian playing the piano. Phil Woods with the sax solo. He nailed it the first time, but they asked him for a second take just to hear him play some more.
This song is to me kind of the middle of the Dan. It is about literally half way through the fourth of the initial seven-album run. And the sound reflects that as well.
Crazy good music!!!
Their use of time and space in arrangements are amazing.
From what I've read: Dr Wu was an actual doctor that helped Donald Fagan and other members of the group get straight after drug addiction. Hence the line in the the song "Don't seem right, I've been strung out here all night."
Fantastic song, great sax work, super arrangement and jazzy chords! Thanks guys!!
Those are bush crickets on the cover of the album, also known as the katydids. They make these rhythmic mating sounds with their wings in patterns of one, two, three...one, two, three, four. Country folk say it sounds like they're saying...ka-ty did...ka-ty did-n't. Evidently, Katy lied.
I love the Katy Lied era of Steely Dan and Dr. Wu is one of my fave SD songs ever.
Had to smile towards the end of your reaction video. .. when you said "that was dope". That's a Katydid on the album cover. Kinda like a Grasshopper or a Cricket. My favorite S. D. Cover just for personal reasons. Katy is my daughter's name
This is the song that foreshadowed what was coming with Aja. I remember on the reaction to the song aja, I can't remember which of you was suprised tat you never hear a combination Sax /drum solo. I just kept thinking, wait til they get back to the first time the Dan did it, Dr. Wu. Thanks for the reaction, and those piano parts by the great MIchael Omartian are amazing.
Also a piaster is a turkish coin, down to his last piaster he could borrow. Becker is a lyrical genius.
This album is forever etched in the memory banks .
Remembering the kind of weather , location & the whole "nine".
It's THAT good .
Katy is their sweetest, most piano driven album with plenty of edge. "Everyone's Gone To the Movies" is island heaven and "Chain Lightning" is blues heaven. Critic Joe S. Harrington called Katy the best album of all time.
Daddy Don't Live in That NYC No More = funk heaven
Your Gold Teeth II you listen to in a Jazz club, and Bad Sneakers you sing along with. Two of my all-time favorite tracks.
You and I may have a different interpretation of”Everyone’s Gone to the Movies”.
One more for the incomparable Phil Woods. You can also hear his mastery famously on “Just The Way You Are” by Billy Joel, and just going crazy at the end of “Have a Good Time” by Paul Simon.
My old Acupunture Dr was name Dr WU. No kidding. That’s what this song is about.
My daily Dan fix! BTW, I have almost all of the albums behind you guys on the wall.🖖🏼
I love Doctor Wu and the entire iconic Katy Lied album. This was part of their transition to the more jazzy side. Katy Lied was recorded with Rudy Van Gelder (engineer/producer for Blue Note) sensibilities. Only a noise reduction snafu on the master tape limited the sonics from beyond Aja levels. Steely Dan producer Gary Katz said this was his favorite album before the technical malfunction and still loves it.
Love your reactions especially your Steely Dan reactions. The album cover features a blurry Katydid amongst shrubbery. Katy Lied has some tremendous songs including Your Gold Teeth 2.
You guys rule....one of my favorites...
Great Tune... never get tired of this one.
Lon - Chi, please finish the Fragile Album by Yes, lots of great tunes yet to be heard.
Also try the 20 Minute LIVE Version of Space Truckin by DEEP PURPLE. Best Live Album ever made....
PS: Love you found Zappa... Try the Album "One-Size Fits All" He has over 50 Albums, chances are you will like all the early Ones.
This is my favorite album from them! This is my favorite song! If you can, listen to it with really good headphones on vinyl. 🤘🏼❤️🤘🏼
It's top 5 for me for sure. It was the song that got me hooked.
One of my favorite steely songs thanks for the reaction
Thanks for rocking with us!!
This was the song that hooked me for the Dan. It was 2005 and I remember where I was when I heard it.
One of my favorite SD songs. You are gonna love this album.
One of my favorites.
Keep on putting out these great vids!
The album cover art is a photo of a katydid (think "Katy Lied"; see what they did there?) insect, similar to a grasshopper.
GOAT song from the GOAT band.
One of my earliest LPs... classic.
That's a picture of a Katydid - a long-horned grasshopper. Just a funky bug.
You haven’t even got to “Countdown to Ecstacy” yet. You have some of the best stuff yet to come. It’s fun seeing how much you like these guys.
The perfect song,,,,and maybe Steely Dan’s best.
Top tier song from SD. Only topped by Aja. Love the reactions to my favorite band. Keep them coming.
Doctor Wu tops them all.
Which is saying a lot.
Steely Dan - Two Against Nature (Sony Studios NYC 2000). Guy's check out this studio recording LIVE, you'll love it !!!!
One of my all time favorite albums. It has its own mood just like every Dan album, but this one is special to me personally because it takes me to places and times. I also think the album cover fits the music perfectly. First one with Michael McDonald if I'm not mistaken. Can't wait until you guys react to the rest of the album!
The "last Piastre" he mentions is/was currency in Viet Nam at the time is this recording.
Aside from breaking the rules they have the best musicians playing which to me is really such a game changer for any band never mind one of the best song writers in the game!👍🏻👌🏻❤
The insect on the front is a katydid which is a funny play on the name of the album
Great vibe on this one
The best song on their best album.
It's insect called a "katydid", {Play on words with Kay Lied.)
Love Steely Dan
This is my second favorite album by steely dan countdown to ecstasy is my number 1
lol he was shouting at the end. That addict was angry with doctor WU
So many fire tracks by the Dan. Katy Lied is a classic fasho.
I'm late to the party! I LOVE this album ❤ I saw SD live in the 80s. It was their first tour in a long time. Donald and Walter played a lot of their solo work. Unfortunately, I wanted more SD songs.
Ohhhh! Sublime as usual!
"...the last piastre I could borrow ..." - piastre is an old Spanish coin, and was formerly the currency of several nations; now obsolete.