You won’t go wrong with any version of this tune. I love Walter’s voice and wish he had sung more of their songs. Great groove in ‘96 and on the album cut and every live version out there.
Great to see you guys back with Steely Dan. I hope you get back into more of Donald Fagan's solo albums. There are lots of tunes left of Nightfly to listen to. Great job, guys.
Becker is not underrated as a singer--he's slightly flat, and sounds like he's moaning. That said, this version of the song beats what finally made the album.
YES!!! This is one of my favorite Steely Dan songs! Never heard this version, prefer Donald Fagen singing, but you can still hear that funk ❤. “Skating backwards at the speed of light”.
I've never heard this version before. The lyrics on the studio recording are different--but tell the same story. "Trading fours with the Jack of Speed." And I've never heard Walter Becker sing before (and I have all the studio recordings). I'll also point out that I could hear the influence of hip-hop in the beat of this song from the time that I first heard it 25 years ago. By the way, I've only just discovered this channel, and I've fallen down your Steely Dan rabbit hole. I can't climb my way out, and I don't care! You guys are so insightful, and really get the music on a level that most others don't. P. S. More Joni Mitchell, please!
Such a great track. I also love Walter singing on Surf and or Die from his solo album. Its a killer track which suits Walters voice and style perfectly.
I second the request to play all of The Nightfly. IMO it is a masterpiece, and stands with the best Dan albums. Fagen had a breakdown after making it, and his music was never the same.
? It wasn’t really a Steely Dan album, it was a Donald Fagan album. I don’t know much about his “nervous breakdown.” They had a great run from about ‘72 to ‘80. Did some solo things afterwards. Got back together in the early 2000’s for a couple really good albums.
Wayne Krantz on guitar on the ‘96 tour. Love the way he plays - he added something a little wild, and sometimes raw. He was on DF’s solo tour in 2006 as well.
Who really cares what version? If you’re a Dan fan, it’s all good. There was a PBS TV special called the Steely Dan Plush TV Jazz Rock Party of a 2000 that was recorded at the Sony studios in NYC that they did to hump this unreleased album. That would be a great little rabbit hole for you guys to react to. Fantastic live performances and some behind the scenes interviews. You both would love it. Available on YT. Thanks La & Che.
Love teh studio version of this track for its sheen, but this version is a belter! I can recommend Becker's solo albums "11 Tracks Of Whack" and "Circus Money". Both highlight his inimitable sense of groove and his vicious brilliance as a lyricist.
@@79BlackRose he did, he preferred the background and was the primary writer, so I think thats all you need from me. Most people can sing some, takes someone special to be a singer songwriter. Walter had it, so what if he preferred to not be the Limelight. Some people just can’t do it.
SOooo glad you checked out this version (the better one imo) - I *highly* recommend listening/watching this whole concert: Manassass '96,which is on youtube. It's Pro shot and features the great Wayne Krantz on guitar
Another great song from the Dan. Major difference in the live recording vs studio - you can hear a few imperfections here are there. Walter singing is different in a good way. Curious if Walter is playing bass or guitar on this one? This is a good album by the way to review additional songs, hint hint😎
Actually, the major difference is the bridge, which is a completely different melody, words and chord changes. They watered it down for Two Against Nature, took all the edge out of it
It would be interesting to see them react to Seru Giran, a 70's Argentinian band influenced by Steely Dan. I recommend that you listen to La Grasa de las Capitales, Perro Andaluz, Salir de la Melancolia. I'm sure you guys will appreciate it.
Back with Steely Dan. 👍 Would like to make a suggestion to please review The Boston Rag from the Countdown To Ecstasy Album. Know you’d love it. Thanks!
In regard to the changing lyrics for the studio version I think that they had more regard for the sound of words rather than their literal meaning in all cases so "yes indeed" in the live version becomes "guaranteed" in the studio version. But they also just changed stuff 'cos they could so "bogus hair cut" becomes "right wing hooey" but both "stunk up the joint"! there are several other changes. Wayne Krantz really brings it for the solo on the live version.
wow, so you love Steely Dan. your reaction to Joni Mitchell is class to 'Help Me' Seen Steely Dan 4 times. Donald Fagen is a genius. Please can you do a reaction to the following. Steely Dan, Babylon Sisters, Steely Dan, Third World Man. Thanks!!!!
IMO this song is great--one of the best from their reunion albums. Alas, also IMO, you played a lesser performance--this one is live, has Becker singing, and does not have the fantastic subtlety, production, and depth of the studio version on Two Against Nature. If you feel like it, please listen to the studio version, and you might see what I mean. Still, it's always great when you play the Dan, no matter the song or version. All the best.ten to the studio version, and you might see what I mean. Still, it's always great when you play the Dan, no matter the song or version. All the best!
I don't know. If Walter could sing like that, then why didn't he ever do it? MF'er been holdin out on us? Back in the day they brought in other singers.
I don’t think either of them were comfortable playing live & they hardly ever toured. Better in the studio being the control freaks that they were. And SO many different session artists played on their albums, who do you tour with as “Steely Dan.” The music sounded different as a result with every artist in the “tour band” putting their own twist on cuts they never played on. I like to think of Walter and Donald sitting in a poorly lit studio at about 2 AM mixing tracks and telling some poor session artist to get ready for take 26 that will never appear on the album :)
I've been the Dan's number 1 fan since 1974, but the last two jazz-tinged albums didn't do it for me, and this track is a prime example - it's all about the funk and the beat: the great melodies, interesting song structures and fabulous backup harmonies just disappeared. Play Night by Night off Pretzel Logic, if you haven't already done so, to see what I mean. The songs latterly just found a groove, had a vocal laid over the top and that was it. Sorry. They're still my number 2 band, though, after The Beatles.
Good, of course, but really, i'd rather hear the studio version with Fagen singing than this bootleg quality. There's lots of good stuff on Two Against Nature. Cousin Dupree was the wrong entry point.
I see a Steely Dan video on Airplay Beats, and I click immediately ;)
Me too!
Me too
Me too!
This version, that version, it's all the Dan man. Super cool and definitely smooth, love it.
You won’t go wrong with any version of this tune. I love Walter’s voice and wish he had sung more of their songs. Great groove in ‘96 and on the album cut and every live version out there.
Great to see you guys back with Steely Dan. I hope you get back into more of Donald Fagan's solo albums. There are lots of tunes left of Nightfly to listen to. Great job, guys.
Morph The Cat, by Fagan is awesome. Any track works!
Becker is under-rated as a singer and certainly as a guitarist. Not pure by studio standards, but he has a vibe all his own.
Becker is not underrated as a singer--he's slightly flat, and sounds like he's moaning. That said, this version of the song beats what finally made the album.
But now you have to do the album version. So damn smooth
We will definitely do the album version next.
Thank you.
@@AirplayBeats❤; I can’t wait to see that reaction. When I play it, got to play it at least 3 times 😊
@@AirplayBeats Thank you! You won't regret it.
YES!!! This is one of my favorite Steely Dan songs! Never heard this version, prefer Donald Fagen singing, but you can still hear that funk ❤. “Skating backwards at the speed of light”.
I've never heard this version before. The lyrics on the studio recording are different--but tell the same story. "Trading fours with the Jack of Speed." And I've never heard Walter Becker sing before (and I have all the studio recordings). I'll also point out that I could hear the influence of hip-hop in the beat of this song from the time that I first heard it 25 years ago.
By the way, I've only just discovered this channel, and I've fallen down your Steely Dan rabbit hole. I can't climb my way out, and I don't care! You guys are so insightful, and really get the music on a level that most others don't.
P. S. More Joni Mitchell, please!
Live version of Free Man In Paris w/ Metheny, Brecker Mays, Jaco , Acuna
He is lead vocals on Slang Of Ages from their Everything Must Go album, although it’s more of a rap if anything lol.
Such a great track. I also love Walter singing on Surf and or Die from his solo album. Its a killer track which suits Walters voice and style perfectly.
Wow, I had no idea this song went back to ‘96. And Walter singing it! Nice find.
I second the request to play all of The Nightfly. IMO it is a masterpiece, and stands with the best Dan albums. Fagen had a breakdown after making it, and his music was never the same.
I concur.
@@t.j.payeur5331 Yay! 🙂
? It wasn’t really a Steely Dan album, it was a Donald Fagan album. I don’t know much about his “nervous breakdown.” They had a great run from about ‘72 to ‘80. Did some solo things afterwards. Got back together in the early 2000’s for a couple really good albums.
Wayne Krantz on guitar on the ‘96 tour. Love the way he plays - he added something a little wild, and sometimes raw. He was on DF’s solo tour in 2006 as well.
Krantz played on Fagen's Morph the Cat.
Yes, he did.
Can’t wait for this one
They changed the lyrics a bit for the later studio release. Walter on guitar and also iirc Wayne Krantz on guitar solo.
They took that little falsetto bit out, too.
Who really cares what version? If you’re a Dan fan, it’s all good. There was a PBS TV special called the Steely Dan Plush TV Jazz Rock Party of a 2000 that was recorded at the Sony studios in NYC that they did to hump this unreleased album. That would be a great little rabbit hole for you guys to react to. Fantastic live performances and some behind the scenes interviews. You both would love it. Available on YT. Thanks La & Che.
Yeah: the band - and some of the audience - were really feeling the groove on that "Plush TV" live version. It kills.
Love teh studio version of this track for its sheen, but this version is a belter!
I can recommend Becker's solo albums "11 Tracks Of Whack" and "Circus Money". Both highlight his inimitable sense of groove and his vicious brilliance as a lyricist.
Been waiting for this one 😊
FANTASTIC...I've never heard Walter sing ❤
Check out his solo albums then 1st one raw and edgier "11 Tracks of Whack" and then the more polished and reggae flavoured "Circus Money"
Krantz with the Krunchy guitar. I really appreciate it now more than in the 90s.
Very nice. The vocalist reminds me of Frank Zappa so much…. So well done…
Sing Walter!! These are the original lyrics written by Walter.
Come on, Walter doesn't sound anything like Donald.
Haha I just said the same thing. He was trying to save face for sure. Still love these guys!
Is there a Problem? Donald Fagan sang a ton of their songs, Walter had a soothing voice and great range which Don doesn’t have.
@@ceejay1794If Walter was as good as you think he is, why didn't he sing on any of their studio recordings?
@@79BlackRose he did, he preferred the background and was the primary writer, so I think thats all you need from me. Most people can sing some, takes someone special to be a singer songwriter. Walter had it, so what if he preferred to not be the Limelight. Some people just can’t do it.
@@ceejay1794Who told you he was the primary writer?
The later version is way superior! But the more I listen the more I appreciate this version!
THIS IS GOOD......
STUDIO VERSION IS GREAT.
They got some good 😊 ones ,funky
I got to see this tour. It was a bucket list item.
It changed a bit- on Two Against Nature, Donald sings, lyrics changed. You should try it, great version
SOooo glad you checked out this version (the better one imo) - I *highly* recommend listening/watching this whole concert: Manassass '96,which is on youtube. It's Pro shot and features the great Wayne Krantz on guitar
You listen to the 2000 version live at the Beacon Theater in NYC. That is the real deal😁
Check out Donald Fagan's album 'Kamakiriad' it's good. Best songs may be 'Snowbound,' 'Trans Island Skyway' and 'Countermoon'.
+1 for "Snowbound" not forgetting "Tomorrow's Girls".
If you haven't done it yet, please react to Godwhacker, Pixeleen, Lunch with Gina and the title track Everything must go, from their last album.
Yes please, all fantastic songs
This is cool in many ways, but I prefer the studio version. It’s more laid back and Fagen does the vocals.
There is a video of this performance I believe
Another great song from the Dan. Major difference in the live recording vs studio - you can hear a few imperfections here are there. Walter singing is different in a good way. Curious if Walter is playing bass or guitar on this one? This is a good album by the way to review additional songs, hint hint😎
Walter played rhythm guitar/ lead consistently live in the Steely Dan Orchestra.
Actually, the major difference is the bridge, which is a completely different melody, words and chord changes. They watered it down for Two Against Nature, took all the edge out of it
Expensive chords, as coined by ya`ll.
It would be interesting to see them react to Seru Giran, a 70's Argentinian band influenced by Steely Dan. I recommend that you listen to La Grasa de las Capitales, Perro Andaluz, Salir de la Melancolia. I'm sure you guys will appreciate it.
Donald and Walter couldn't sound more different lol
Back with Steely Dan. 👍 Would like to make a suggestion to please review The Boston Rag from the Countdown To Ecstasy Album. Know you’d love it. Thanks!
I hope you check out the studio version.
"Prophets of Doom"
Damn!! Walter got some soul!!
In regard to the changing lyrics for the studio version I think that they had more regard for the sound of words rather than their literal meaning in all cases so "yes indeed" in the live version becomes "guaranteed" in the studio version. But they also just changed stuff 'cos they could so "bogus hair cut" becomes "right wing hooey" but both "stunk up the joint"! there are several other changes. Wayne Krantz really brings it for the solo on the live version.
Actually in the live version it is stunk "out" but from memory "up" in the studio version.
wow, so you love Steely Dan. your reaction to Joni Mitchell is class to 'Help Me' Seen Steely Dan 4 times. Donald Fagen is a genius. Please can you do a reaction to the following. Steely Dan, Babylon Sisters, Steely Dan, Third World Man. Thanks!!!!
Walter!
I could tell as soon as vocals came in that it wasn’t Fagen!
But would you know…if you can’t spell his name 😉?
@@hklinker Yes!
IMO this song is great--one of the best from their reunion albums. Alas, also IMO, you played a lesser performance--this one is live, has Becker singing, and does not have the fantastic subtlety, production, and depth of the studio version on Two Against Nature. If you feel like it, please listen to the studio version, and you might see what I mean. Still, it's always great when you play the Dan, no matter the song or version. All the best.ten to the studio version, and you might see what I mean. Still, it's always great when you play the Dan, no matter the song or version. All the best!
Here I am patiently waiting for Negative Girl
Here I am waiting for "West of Hollywood".
Yes! Yes! Yes!
Please, negative girl...
Please, please, please check out the album version.
Studio album version is MUCH better.
I like the pace on this one, and the extra nastiness on what sounds like a clavinet.
You should always listen to the studio version first IMO.
I think this version is really great.
@@hklinker and pre-dates the studio version.
You should have done the studio version first. But I do like it.
ZZ Top - Ten Foot Pole
Great song but the studio version is A+. The live version isn't as sonically pleasing, but hey it's SD so I always listen.
Agreed
The chord progressions..their called MU chords....a Steely Dan thing.
This version! This song was almost lost because of a techs mistake. ruclips.net/video/Jf__h-xkQJk/видео.htmlsi=Pm9Pq0hZcNpP2uJr
IMO. Walter is cool, but Don is the man for vocals.
Walter has a funkier vocal sound which goes along with the music and backing vocals!
They sound similar??! Oh, no.
Man I wish Walter had sung more
Better when sung by Donald….but a great tune nonetheless!
walter sounds nothing like donald
also can you do a reaction to Donald Fagen doing 'Tomorrow's Girls' thanks!
Walter and Donald do not sound anything alike in my opinion.
I don't know. If Walter could sing like that, then why didn't he ever do it?
MF'er been holdin out on us?
Back in the day they brought in other singers.
Check out his solo albums: 11 Tracks of Whack and Circus
Money. Walter does all the vocals. Many don't care for his
vocals. I like them.
no one sampled this? shocking
I don’t think either of them were comfortable playing live & they hardly ever toured. Better in the studio being the control freaks that they were. And SO many different session artists played on their albums, who do you tour with as “Steely Dan.” The music sounded different as a result with every artist in the “tour band” putting their own twist on cuts they never played on. I like to think of Walter and Donald sitting in a poorly lit studio at about 2 AM mixing tracks and telling some poor session artist to get ready for take 26 that will never appear on the album :)
ruclips.net/video/nAoYeKonM7s/видео.html This is the best live recording by steely dan and it's done with the two against nature band.
I've been the Dan's number 1 fan since 1974, but the last two jazz-tinged albums didn't do it for me, and this track is a prime example - it's all about the funk and the beat: the great melodies, interesting song structures and fabulous backup harmonies just disappeared. Play Night by Night off Pretzel Logic, if you haven't already done so, to see what I mean. The songs latterly just found a groove, had a vocal laid over the top and that was it. Sorry. They're still my number 2 band, though, after The Beatles.
sorry.... weak version album version please! Fagen sings it and he obviously should!
Who singin
That aint SD… someone else doing the song
It’s Walter Becker performing the song without Donald
Good, of course, but really, i'd rather hear the studio version with Fagen singing than this bootleg quality. There's lots of good stuff on Two Against Nature. Cousin Dupree was the wrong entry point.
Studio Steely is always better (I've seen them twice). Great shows but even Walter said you just can't reproduced everything they did live
Not from what I saw in 2014 at the Palace Theater in Columbus Ohio. They blew the walls out of that place. Played for 2:15 minutes.
not bad studio is better
This version sucks. I'm sorry,I'm not usually this negative but it's true. Sample the studio version.
Donalds version is far better.