Steely Dan is your favorite band’s favorite band. Seriously. They were the first band to win a Grammy for recording engineering, for this album, Aja. They’re in a genre all by themselves. R.I.P. Walter Becker (guitarist).
Just an FYI..,Steely Dan is not a “he.” It’s a band comprised of a lot of studio musicians. Donald Fagan and Walter Becker are the duo behind the band. Some of their backing vocals were sung by Michael McDonald of the Doobie Brothers and later a solo artist. Glad you young guys love it. I grew up with it.
Probably more accurate to say it's not a band, but a concept directed by Fagan and Becker. They brought in a constant stream of the top LA studio musicians to play until they found what they were looking for for a particular part. Often a half dozen guitarists would each lay down a solo track never knowing if it would be on the record until it came out. Fagan and Becker are alchemists who had the luxury of pursuing perfection.
Steely Dan’s Aja is considered to be one of the greatest recordings ever. When you add the list of stellar musicians, different on each song, there are no equals. Listen to more please!!!
Steely Dan is one of the greatest bands of all time...Their music is so far advanced and smooth, it's very hard to define...Beautiful rhythms along with guitar riffs and solos that are intricate and and complex...I describe it as "candy for your ears"...
Someone below commented that they were in their 60’s and laughed while they watched you guys. Well, at 62 having you listen to one of my all time favorite bands (my 25 year old calls it dad rock) actually brought tears to my eyes as I saw you love it.
I really got a kick out of this because you guys genuinely had no idea what you were going to be listening to. If you like it, Steely Dan probably has 20 more songs at least as good as Peg. Peg is one of their more mainstream songs, made for radio play. Dig deeper and you'll be richly rewarded.
James Hinckley I totally agree. Can’t just judge by this one song alone (especially because, like you said, Peg is one of their more commercially sounding songs). Steely Dan did so many awesome songs and they all have different sounds to them. And they are timeless, too
Definitely add "Reelin' In the Years" to the Steely Dan playlist...and check out another old banger by the group Head East called "Never Been Any Reason."
eugene julson That's Gerry Rafferty, not Steely Dan… but a damned fine tune nonetheless. Back in the '80s, when I was a wee pup, I used to play that on repeat at this pizza joint called “King Arthur's" in Monterey, CA, when I was in the Air Force for a brief stint. A bit melancholy then, but fond memories now. Funny how time will do that…
"Deacon Blue" and "Do It Again" are my favorite Steely Dan tunes, but pretty much can't go wrong with any of them. It's unreal how many quality musicians played on Steely Dan albums.
Wow! Pretty disrespectful. I guess in your world there can't be two great bands with their own sounds and powerful musicians. With 33 million albums sold and 40 million albums sold respectively, I think they both stand on their own.
"Peg" was merely the appetizer to the 8 course meal that was the 'Aja' album. "Deacon Blues" and "Aja" are the meat and potatoes of this album and they will blow you away.
"Hey Nineteen" is all about the generation gap, specifically him being bummed that the sweet young thing he's with and he have culturally nothing in common (but it turns out okay anyhow) so it could be a source of some interesting conversation around here
dwc1964 I loved Hey Nineteen when it came out but I never caught the Cuervo Gold part until I moved to the tropics and discovered the joys of Tequila !
@@dagnabbit6187 most of the people I see around here who get confused by that line are confused by "the fine Colombian" part because we haven't had to get quality herb from Colombia for a long time now, so they assume it must be cocaine, but no, it's herb.
dwc1964 The fine Columbian lyric I knew . I was a 70s teen. It was called Colombian whacky weed by some. Of course what it really was or where it was from I wouldn’t know .
The entire Aja album is a study in production excellence! That album is the most polished album I've ever had! They fuse rock and jazz like no other band!
JEFFREY WILSON Now come on, Jeffrey. I know where you’re coming from because I rag on the younger generation’s taste in music occasionally, but these guys have a pretty open mind about classic music and when they hear it , they like-or love-it! If you grew up with this music, then you might have been younger than these guys are, when you first heard it. I was two weeks shy of my fourteenth birthday when this came out. Watch more of their videos and you’ll see that when presented with the greatest classic rock, they do “get it”! Keep rockin’ my friend, and have hope for the future of music, because younger people love the classics when they hear them! P.S. Alex and Andy are also turning other young people (I sound like an old man-only 56! 😉) onto the classics with their videos, so there’s some hope for quality -and depth -to make a comeback!
@@Scorchinscotty I understand where you are coming from but as them being from a younger generation is still no excuse for their lack of music prowess. I guess we just grew up differently where we were not only listening to our generations music but music of our parents and grandparents. I go as far back to jump blues which became early rock & roll with Bill Haley & his Comets and Jackie Brenston and his Delta Cats to my parents Beatle Albums and especially Steely Dan. Growing up in Detroit I was exposed to everything because let's face it we probably have the greatest music fans in the world with a great influence to artists that are not even from here, i.e. KISS, The J. Giles Band, and you can even say Detroit was the originator of the American Punk Scene with the MC5 and Iggy and the Stooges. Without them you would have no Ramones or Blondie. I like your style and I love talking music just as much as I love to talk about sports. This is a good debate. Just as Neil Young said, keep Rockin' in a Free World.
I don’t think there is any other band that can do this, genuinely. You like the song more and more every single time no matter how many times you’ve listened to it.
Yes I did! I tested JBL studio monitors at full tilt, and it still just wasn't enough! Back in those days the third time you played the record was the best it would ever produce! You could hear the reverb and Michael McDonald was so freaking awesome It would send shivers up your spine to hear him hit those high notes! You wanted to hear the whole album because it was like doing heroin It was such a great high! (Not that I ever did heroin, but I could fully imagine)
The drummer on this was Rick Marotta. He commented on The Making of Aja how he opened his hi hat a little every few beats, what he called a"nuance." He was stunned when he listened to the final mix that he was able to hear that nuance, as he commented that on most records, he couldn't. That shows you how good this record was engineered.
Gentlemen, Steely Dan is a long journey, like Zeppelin or The Beatles - somebody you get into completely and spend a few years going through all their work, you'll know ever song, and they will be with you for the rest of your lives. If either of you is a musician, beware the Mu Major! It is a rabbit hole you will never escape from. Oh - and King of the World is the song you want next.
NEXT TRACK HAS TO BE “ DO IT AGAIN” very Santana-esque. Really great stuff, not typical banger tracks but I love it. they are touring right now as well so definitely catch the show if you can, they are great live. I love that you truly branch out and explore great musicianship groups.wine and cheese smooth chill vibes😎👍🏻
Guys, great break down analysis of this song! You had it right, when it comes to 70's music production this band is at the top of the pinnacle. Steely Dan is completely unique. They produce a profoundly unusual vibe with their music that is unlike any other imo. Next one "Hey Nineteen".
"Peg" happens to my favorite Steely Dan song, but thoroughly agree on the other three recommendations. "Haitian Divorce" is a fun one, too. Don't expect the same backing vocals elsewhere. The amazing Michael McDonald lent his talents to this one.
I love watching the progression of Alex's face as he comes to realize he is in the presence of greatness! He even does a "give in to how good this is" whiskey sip, a resigned happy shrug, even disco eyes and head tilt up to the left, and a "WAT?" to the guitar solo. LOVE these reviews.
@@joelsimms4636 More of a soul band, or a more soulful band than the west coast R&R garage/biker band they started out as, yes, certainly. But if you think those records with Michael McDonald and Skunk Baxter were 'bubblegum' you have cloth between your ears.
Dylan Lembo - get all of their albums, they are one of the best of all time! Your life will be majorly enriched by making them part of your soundtrack-trust me!
As a musician in his 70’s I am also enjoying watching these guys discover Steely Dan. They/you have just barely scratched the surface with this one great song. Not their best in my opinion but very good nonetheless. Definitely check out any of the others as suggested in the comments. Great song writing, production & musicianship. They have it all! Enjoy the journey!
Several things to note here: 1. Michael McDonald, singing background, was not just singing simple harmony. He was singing a vocal version of a raised 9th chord. 2. The guitar lead was played by Jay Graydon who was a successful record producer himself. 3. Because of the outstanding quality of their music, Fagen & Becker (aka Steely Dan) could pick and choose from the best musicians. 4. Their follow up album, “Gaucho”, was just as good and, additionally, all the songs were related to give a sense of Southern California in the late 70’s. (Donald Fagen did that again on his solo album, “The Nightfly”) 5. I see you’re wearing a Led Zeppelin shirt and you both are in your early twenties(?) yet you’ve never heard Steely Dan before? I’m surprised at that.
Back when musicians could play. Steely Dan has more talent in the baby toe than junk of today. What's even sadder? The classic rock in the near future will be Britney Speers. So sad!
Steely Dan was the perfect intersection of talent, vision and opportunity, a magical alchemy of east coast conceptual roots and west coast technical virtuosity. Fagan/ Becker brought a clear musical vision, the LA session scene offered all of the tools they needed to create their sonic landscape, and they had the patience and persistence to get it right. Genius in every aspect and at every level in pursuit of perfection.
Oh man. You guys are gonna LOVE diving into Steely Dan's catalog. Their stuff is eclectic, complex and catchy, and the cryptic lyrics are great. Green Earrings is a must.
Next try "Kid Charlemagne", "Deacon Blues", or "Babylon Sisters". Or "Black Cow", "Do It Again", or "Reelin' In The Years". Or "Hey Nineteen", "Dirty Work" or "My Old School". Or....
When listening to SD, you are experiencing meticulously crafted tracks.... that was Jay Graydon on the guitar break playing with an Orange Squeezer.... he said he "took a risk" with that break as it was dubbed in later...
@brett hardin I may be mistaken but I don't know of another instance where they recycled stuff that was recorded 4 years earlier and stuck it in a new album. If you listen to Third World Man the guitars by Carlton were clearly from The Royal Scam sessions.
Watching younger guys experience the songs I grew up on is the second best thing to experiencing that magic time of my youth when I first experienced these classics. It almost makes them fresh again...for that I thank you
This genre can probably be described as the more “pop” side of Jazz Fusion. With steely dan we also enter the realm of some of the greatest studio musicians collaborating alongside the core members Donald Fragen and Walter Becker. There really isn’t one Steely Dan song I can think of that I can’t recommend. For some of their most well known songs I might suggest their 1972 breakout album with the songs "Do It Again" and "Reelin In The Years" just to name a few. Some other of my favorite songs of theirs are "Aja", "Deacon Blues", "Hey Nineteen", and “Kid Charlemagne”.The list goes on. Anyways, great video as always!
Gentlemen, Steely Dan songs to try next: Do it again, Reelin' in the years, Rikki don't lose that number and Deacon blues. Can't go wrong with any of these. Later guys.
"Do it again" Can't really comment as a new reaction because I have heard them. Really glad you are checking them out truly a sound of their own. You always know when it's them. Awesome reaction totally agree with the production comments they really were a studio group of two ace musicians.
Part of the reason Steely Dan is so good is Becker and Fagen's nearly obsessive perfectionism. They assembled the best session musicians of the time and chose the right people for each song . They would spend hours with each track to ensure that it was absolutely perfect.
Lifelong SD fan here. My mind was blown by Aja when I was in high school 30+ years ago, and love them still. I loved watching the joy and surprise on your faces while you listened. Hope you go deeper into Aja and their other albums - you won’t regret it. They are amazing and STILL sound avant-garde to me - no one else has come even close to catching up to them yet.
Since you’re on Aja... do Aja! There is some of the finest drumming you will hear. Hard to pigeonhole this band. Back in the day those of us who appreciated their unique music and talent just called them The Dan.... yeah.
The Eagles said that the line "Stab it with their steely knives" from Hotel California was a nod to Steely Dan as one the Steely Dan songs mentions turning up the Eagles and they wanted to repay the mention.
"Everything You Did": "Turn up the Eagles, the neighbors are listening." Becker and Fagen said it wasn't a dig; it was based on something that was said during an argument between Becker and his girlfriend.
In the beginning they were a real band. By the end they were just two guys with studio musicians. The early stuff was more rock but as time went on they became more jazzy. Rock cuts: Do it again, Bodhisattva, Reeling in the Years, Night by Night, Kid Charlemagne. Jazzy stuff: Black Cow, Home at Last, Aja, Babylon Sisters, FM. Here's a link for FM: ruclips.net/video/wdoCQn_Tjac/видео.html .
Reelin’ in the Years How have you NOT checked out ZZ Top: WAITIN’ FOR THE BUS /JESUS JUST LEFT CHICAGO (Tres Ombres album) Billy Gibbons was in the group The Moving Sidewalks when they opened for Jimi Hendrix on this first US tour. When pushed to answer who was the best guitarist, Jimi would name Terry Kath and Billy Gibbons.
Try “Don’t Take Me Alive”; one of the only songs ever written that starts with a guitar solo. And Kid Charlemagne from the same album....masterful guitar work.
Steely Dan was basically Fagen and Becker. Every album had different Studio musicians or well-known musicians sitting in on certain songs. And you obviously had to be a good musician to play with Fagen and Becker.
Good pick. Truly a musician's band. For someone like me, who first heard this song about 40 years ago, it's refreshing to watch you guys listen to it for the first time and hear your thoughts and comments. You took me back to my youth. Thanks.
Aja was an amazing moment in history! Never to be repeated. Demonstrates what can be done with a lot of money and inspiration. The name, Steely Dan...where did that come from...hmmm? Let's get back to that. Michael McDonald is singing a five-part harmony with himself, sounds warbaly, it's Peg, like pre-chrous. Back to the name of the band, it's a model of d*ld*. Like, the Steely Dan, wow. I hope no one is offended. I do like this song, a lot. Thanks for sharing this. Peace out ✌️ .
This band was basically two musicians, Donald Fagen on keys and vocals and Walter Becker (R I P) on guitars, but they always hired out the best musicians they could find and were often seen as a studio band, not touring as much as most bands would. The first song I heard from them was Rikki Don't Lose That Number from their Pretzel Logic album.
Now we're talking boys!!! Soooo many great Steely Dan songs! Explore some oldies like BODHISATTVA and REELIN' IN THE YEARS, can't wait to see your reaction to those two. Both are banging rockers. And of course EVERYTHING on Aja is fantastic. This is the band all other bands wished they could be. Dig deep. Almost every song they did was exceptional, and some of the most esoteric and intellectual lyrics ever. Oh, and that's Michael McDonald on the background vocals, from The Doobie Brothers.
You become a Steely Dan fan when you get better at listening to music.
Steve Mercer well said
Amen
Excellent point!
TRUTH.
@Wise One and a cocaine-corroded septum!
Steely Dan is your favorite band’s favorite band. Seriously. They were the first band to win a Grammy for recording engineering, for this album, Aja. They’re in a genre all by themselves. R.I.P. Walter Becker (guitarist).
musician's musicians. the best.
flubblert I went to an audio engineering school, Full Sail, and Steely Dan were like gods among men.
@@TahoeNevada not surprised.
flubblert 😂
@@flubblert The mighty Steve Gadd on Percussion!!
I’ve always said, there are 2 types of people. People who love Steely Dan and people who dont love them yet.
I'm 62 and absolutely love watching you guys discover and appreciate the Dan! They are the definition of Thinking Man's (or Woman's) rock.
You could spend the rest of your lives listening only to Steely Dan albums and never get bored.
redid my master bath with Steely Dan essentials in my ear the whole time on repeat!!
Same for the Fagan solos, they're brilliant.
@@warwick724 #proofpositive
Maybe not but we were lucky to live in a time of such amazing talent. Wish it could have lasted longer.
@@DIGIPIX55 yet if it's lasted this long, perhaps it's been "enough."
No kids, that's not Mike McDonald using auto tune on the background vocals. That's him singing on pitch without a computer assisting.
Liam McCann several different really close parts at that
correct.. props to him for doing that.
Get that generational jab in...
@@roundbaby4749 Indeed it is.
I also heard in an interview w the dan that he nails the vocals pretty much the first time in the studio
Steely Dan is its own genre!
adult music. hated it as a kid but as an adult i love it!!!
True.
Yep
Jazz rock maybe?
@@fucdt I have always liked Steely Dan.
I was a kid when Aji came out.
Loved it then and I still listen to them now.
Very underrated I think.
Once you hear Michael MacDonald on backing vocals you will never un-hear it.
Yep. His voice was made for backing up Steely Dan...not leading The Doobies Brothers (imo).
Oh, that is a fact! He makes the song.
In a documentary about the song McDonald said that singing harmony with himself on this song was very difficult.
fr hes just like PEEEEEEEGHHH
He so stands out. Michael M. Legend.
Just an FYI..,Steely Dan is not a “he.” It’s a band comprised of a lot of studio musicians. Donald Fagan and Walter Becker are the duo behind the band. Some of their backing vocals were sung by Michael McDonald of the Doobie Brothers and later a solo artist. Glad you young guys love it. I grew up with it.
Skunk was thier lead guitarist till he went to the Doobies
Sorry asking but I promise it's not against you in particular, WHY DO YOU PEOPLE KEEP WRITING FAGAN INSTEAD OF FAGEN?
COSTANtheCOSTY don’t know KostantheKosty
Probably more accurate to say it's not a band, but a concept directed by Fagan and Becker. They brought in a constant stream of the top LA studio musicians to play until they found what they were looking for for a particular part. Often a half dozen guitarists would each lay down a solo track never knowing if it would be on the record until it came out. Fagan and Becker are alchemists who had the luxury of pursuing perfection.
Thank you for setting the children straight
Steely Dan is their own genre, welcome to the rabbit hole.
Perfect! Kid Charlemagne. Gotta Love Larry Carlton. Also ..Don`t take me alive--OPENS with a guitar solo.
are
This is true. Nothing even remotely similar
In 1972 I dove down that rabbit hole.
I was a 15 yr. old AM transistor listener.
Took one song.
😂😂😂. 67 years old and I’m hysterically laughing at you guys in a good way. YOUTH, gotta love it.
Marge Stibel my husband and I do the same! We’re in our 4o’s.
How do you exist on the planet and not know Steely Dan?
I hear ya... 52yr old 😬🤗 n Iove those young men 😜😚 they know music!!!
That's why I love them! I hear aspects of a song I've never heard before after watching their videos.
52 here, amen brother!
Steely Dan was so on another level. Almost 50 years later it still slays.
Steely Dan, the Kings of the groove. To this day people use their albums to test the range on stereo equipment.
Or Fagan’s IGY. That is also a slice of perfection
Steely Dan’s Aja is considered to be one of the greatest recordings ever. When you add the list of stellar musicians, different on each song, there are no equals. Listen to more please!!!
And throw in the theme for the movie, FM at about the same time! AjA IS A GREAT album but adding FM would have taken it to the stars!
Oh yes...Aja is a must have for any audiophile. Even as a metal head back in the 70's and 80's, I had a deep appreciation for Steely Dan's music.
@@kenperk9854 FM, Ricky don't lose that number and Deacon Blues.
Have they done Aja yet ?
I purchased it when it came out. One of my best buying decisions ever. Top five album.
In every musicians life there is a pre-Steely Dan and post-Steely Dan era.
As a musician... I concurr.
Here here!
Aye, aye
truth
The whole album Aja was a masterpiece
sure was......... i knew a girl named "Aja" because her mom liked the album so much
And still is.
still is
yes!
They worked meticulously on that album. Steely Dan are a different breed of musician. They are so good. Also they need to check out 'Gaucho'.
Don't mention Dave Mathews and Steely Dan on the same day. The Dan are in a different universe
Herb Kornblau but both Dan and dave start with a “d”
I just 🤦♂️ on that comment too. Peg gets a solid 10 for me.
AGREED! I literally cringed when I heard that! 😲
@Herb Kornblau. So glad my kids don't embarrass me like that 😆
Damn straight
Steely Dan is one of the greatest bands of all time...Their music is so far advanced and smooth, it's very hard to define...Beautiful rhythms along with guitar riffs and solos that are intricate and and complex...I describe it as "candy for your ears"...
Indeed!
“Dude, I don’t even know 🤷🏼♂️” is the PERFECT reaction to hearing Steely Dan for the first time.
In my opinion, the entire "Aja" album is a masterpiece. 'Black Cow' & the title cut are my favourites from it.
Hit it on the head. Tour de force, masterpiece, epic ...
Totally agree. Their best work on record IMHO.
"Aja" album is Sonic Perfection. Title track, Home at Last, Black Cow, could listen to them with my hair on fire.
Yes! Aja is great from start to finish.
this guy agrees.......
Someone below commented that they were in their 60’s and laughed while they watched you guys. Well, at 62 having you listen to one of my all time favorite bands (my 25 year old calls it dad rock) actually brought tears to my eyes as I saw you love it.
Same from the female perspective!
curiousbeing female here as well loving it 🔥♥️
So much fun. I'm 66. :)
Agree!
Absolutely we'll said. Thx for your comment. I too am 61 and understand your feeling to all this. Take care. 🤗
"DEACON BLUES!" Trust me. Another Steely Dan banger. A must!
If “Aja” isn’t a classic album, then no album is.
I really got a kick out of this because you guys genuinely had no idea what you were going to be listening to. If you like it, Steely Dan probably has 20 more songs at least as good as Peg. Peg is one of their more mainstream songs, made for radio play. Dig deeper and you'll be richly rewarded.
James Hinckley I totally agree. Can’t just judge by this one song alone (especially because, like you said, Peg is one of their more commercially sounding songs). Steely Dan did so many awesome songs and they all have different sounds to them. And they are timeless, too
Don’t believe these guys
Lol
It’s an act
You can’t not have heard some of these classic songs
Don’t believe them
Please !!!!
Definitely add "Reelin' In the Years" to the Steely Dan playlist...and check out another old banger by the group Head East called "Never Been Any Reason."
+1 for Never Been Any Reason.
~~Save my life, I'm going down for the last time!~~
Woman with a sweet lovin’, better than a white line!
Love the Head East song...Good call.
Vote here for Head East's "Never Been Any Reason"! Total banger and their big hit. Total kick-drum/cowbell rocker.
Sooo glad these boys appreciated how “sick” Jay Graydon’s guitar solo is
Unfortunately the late Jay Graydon
He’s still with us
@@michaelguagenti9790 still alive.. wtf?
"Any Major Dude"
"Rikki Don't Lose That Number"
"Dirty Work"
"Deacon Blues"
I could go on... and on - but these'll do, for a start
Cornell Green Baker Street
eugene julson
That's Gerry Rafferty, not Steely Dan… but a damned fine tune nonetheless.
Back in the '80s, when I was a wee pup, I used to play that on repeat at this pizza joint called “King Arthur's" in Monterey, CA, when I was in the Air Force for a brief stint. A bit melancholy then, but fond memories now.
Funny how time will do that…
Cornell Green you’re absolutely right. My bad. Great tune though.
Why bother making a list? Everything SD has ever done is brilliant.
Good list.
"Deacon Blue" and "Do It Again" are my favorite Steely Dan tunes, but pretty much can't go wrong with any of them. It's unreal how many quality musicians played on Steely Dan albums.
"Do It Again" is so good. completely forgot about it. sooo many gems from these guys.
“FM” by Steely Dan. Also 100% agree with “Never Been Any Reason” by Head East!!!
Jeff Schmidt Yes!! Head East
Yes! Head East!
I love that song from head east
Such an awesome song and a banger!
And that, my children, is how we did the 70's. So glad you liked it! Enjoy the rest of the album. ❤
You're right Tami....that's how it's done kids.
yes
My favorite band still at 64! They can,t be touched! I bought AjA on Sept 77, when it came out I was 18 at the time!
I'd recommend "Do It Again" next for another tasty guitar solo.
i got tainted by this version and can't go back ruclips.net/video/_BihcBN7_wU/видео.html
Right on! LOVE Steely Dan, no one is like them! Check out "Do It Again", gotta hear that one! 😁
Do it Again goes great with weed. 🤩
@@loosilu Great with anything.
Lucie Melahn Or whiskey! 🥃
Dave Matthews couldn't hold Steely Dan's Jock strap
Wow! Pretty disrespectful. I guess in your world there can't be two great bands with their own sounds and powerful musicians. With 33 million albums sold and 40 million albums sold respectively, I think they both stand on their own.
....but Dave sure would like to,,,,
....but Dave sure would like to...
David Hattman So so true👍🏻
HAHAHAHA!
"Deacon Blues" "Josie" "Rikki don't Lose That number" "Do It Again"
Show Biz Kids!
Jeff “Skunk” Baxter on guitar. Awesome player!
"Peg" was merely the appetizer to the 8 course meal that was the 'Aja' album.
"Deacon Blues" and "Aja" are the meat and potatoes of this album and they will blow you away.
You know your steely
Also Black Cow, Josie, and Home At Last
Ohhhh...... Well said!
Aja is made to listen to from first track to last. It’s my snow skiing album. I drop in SD Aja and head to the top of the mountain.
It’s the ultimate pop song.
Steely Dan was all that back in the day. These guys are so talented. Enjoy their artistry.
Still are.
"HEY NINETEEN" same style.
"Hey Nineteen" is all about the generation gap, specifically him being bummed that the sweet young thing he's with and he have culturally nothing in common (but it turns out okay anyhow) so it could be a source of some interesting conversation around here
Classic
dwc1964 I loved Hey Nineteen when it came out but I never caught the Cuervo Gold part until I moved to the tropics and discovered the joys of Tequila !
@@dagnabbit6187 most of the people I see around here who get confused by that line are confused by "the fine Colombian" part because we haven't had to get quality herb from Colombia for a long time now, so they assume it must be cocaine, but no, it's herb.
dwc1964 The fine Columbian lyric I knew . I was a 70s teen. It was called Colombian whacky weed by some. Of course what it really was or where it was from I wouldn’t know .
Well, I mean, you need to do Reelin' in the Years. In a guitar world magazine Jimmy page said it has his fav guitar solo
The entire Aja album is a study in production excellence! That album is the most polished album I've ever had! They fuse rock and jazz like no other band!
The documentary on the making of Aja is an amazing peek behind the curtain
Listen to the entire “Aja” album...
A must!
pat mcmahon they wouldn’t understand the Aja album!!!
JEFFREY WILSON Now come on, Jeffrey. I know where you’re coming from because I rag on the younger generation’s taste in music occasionally, but these guys have a pretty open mind about classic music and when they hear it , they like-or love-it! If you grew up with this music, then you might have been younger than these guys are, when you first heard it. I was two weeks shy of my fourteenth birthday when this came out. Watch more of their videos and you’ll see that when presented with the greatest classic rock, they do “get it”! Keep rockin’ my friend, and have hope for the future of music, because younger people love the classics when they hear them! P.S. Alex and Andy are also turning other young people (I sound like an old man-only 56! 😉) onto the classics with their videos, so there’s some hope for quality -and depth -to make a comeback!
"Aja" is one of popular music's polished gems, a high-water mark for the music of the era.
@@Scorchinscotty I understand where you are coming from but as them being from a younger generation is still no excuse for their lack of music prowess. I guess we just grew up differently where we were not only listening to our generations music but music of our parents and grandparents. I go as far back to jump blues which became early rock & roll with Bill Haley & his Comets and Jackie Brenston and his Delta Cats to my parents Beatle Albums and especially Steely Dan. Growing up in Detroit I was exposed to everything because let's face it we probably have the greatest music fans in the world with a great influence to artists that are not even from here, i.e. KISS, The J. Giles Band, and you can even say Detroit was the originator of the American Punk Scene with the MC5 and Iggy and the Stooges. Without them you would have no Ramones or Blondie. I like your style and I love talking music just as much as I love to talk about sports. This is a good debate. Just as Neil Young said, keep Rockin' in a Free World.
My thoughts the same. The whole record is a gem and a landmark for recorded music.
Guys, Steely Dan is the closest band to fine wine you will hear. The music just gets better with each listen.
I don’t think there is any other band that can do this, genuinely. You like the song more and more every single time no matter how many times you’ve listened to it.
Fine wine is the perfect comparison
@@mikedocemrick9497 There is always something different to hear every time you listen to their music.
When real musicians get together.
The word you’re searching for is “timeless”.
Back in the day, audiophiles would use Aja to test out new sound systems...
Dan Davis AJA is Beautiful
I love that song. I love the harmonics that sound Asian and great sax solo by Wayne Shorter.
Not back in the day, black cow is still my equipment tester
Came here to say the same. New speakers? Play aja to test them out!
Yes I did! I tested JBL studio monitors at full tilt, and it still just wasn't enough! Back in those days the third time you played the record was the best it would ever produce!
You could hear the reverb and Michael McDonald was so freaking awesome It would send shivers up your spine to hear him hit those high notes! You wanted to hear the whole album because it was like doing heroin It was such a great high! (Not that I ever did heroin, but I could fully imagine)
when he said "the chords are crazy" i was like... okay they're LISTENING to Steely Dan now. Good job
Kid Charlemagne is outstanding, has one of the very best guitar solos of all time.
Larry Carlton also played on Aja's album as well as "Don't Take Me Alive. Jay Graydon guitared on Peg.
Is there gas in the car?
The drummer on this was Rick Marotta. He commented on The Making of Aja how he opened his hi hat a little every few beats, what he called a"nuance." He was stunned when he listened to the final mix that he was able to hear that nuance, as he commented that on most records, he couldn't. That shows you how good this record was engineered.
two lucky people who get to hear the entire Steely Dan catalog for the first time
Tell me about it!
You have to do "Kid Charlemagne" "Deacon Blues" "Dr Wu"
"Dr. Wu" is a great pick. The melodies just burst out of that track.
Your right on!!
No headphones. Stereo with 12 inch woofers. Pioneer stereo and speakers. 500 watt min.
The horn arrangement on Deacon Blues is sublime.
@@KyleS.1987 Are you crazy
are you high?
Gentlemen, Steely Dan is a long journey, like Zeppelin or The Beatles - somebody you get into completely and spend a few years going through all their work, you'll know ever song, and they will be with you for the rest of your lives. If either of you is a musician, beware the Mu Major! It is a rabbit hole you will never escape from.
Oh - and King of the World is the song you want next.
Totally agree
KOTW is an obscure one but one of my absolute favorites.
You will never hear anything quite so sublime as Steely Dan
NEXT TRACK HAS TO BE “ DO IT AGAIN” very Santana-esque. Really great stuff, not typical banger tracks but I love it. they are touring right now as well so definitely catch the show if you can, they are great live. I love that you truly branch out and explore great musicianship groups.wine and cheese smooth chill vibes😎👍🏻
Love the sitar-esque solo...
Guys, great break down analysis of this song! You had it right, when it comes to 70's music production this band is at the top of the pinnacle. Steely Dan is completely unique. They produce a profoundly unusual vibe with their music that is unlike any other imo. Next one "Hey Nineteen".
Michael McDonald of The Doobie Brothers sings "Peg" during the chorus. He recorded several tracks, and then they layered them.
Skunk Baxter was their other Doobie Bros connection.
I recommend "My Old School", "Reeling In The Years", "Do it again"
My Old School!!! The guitar work on that song is impeccable!!!
@@toddedwards5144 absolutely agree. One of my faves
"Peg" happens to my favorite Steely Dan song, but thoroughly agree on the other three recommendations. "Haitian Divorce" is a fun one, too. Don't expect the same backing vocals elsewhere. The amazing Michael McDonald lent his talents to this one.
Reeling in The years is great driving in a car, radio turned up. YAY
I love watching the progression of Alex's face as he comes to realize he is in the presence of greatness! He even does a "give in to how good this is" whiskey sip, a resigned happy shrug, even disco eyes and head tilt up to the left, and a "WAT?" to the guitar solo. LOVE these reviews.
Also, the one who sings the drawn out "PEEEEEEEEEEG" and the backing vocals is Michael McDonald, who also sings for the Doobie Brothers.
I think there was quite a bit of cross over between Steely Dan and the Doobie Brothers during the mid seventies?
Micheal and Skunk ruined the Doobie Bros. Turned them into a bubblegum pop band!
@@joelsimms4636 It's definitely a different sound, but I kinda like it.
@@joelsimms4636 More of a soul band, or a more soulful band than the west coast R&R garage/biker band they started out as, yes, certainly. But if you think those records with Michael McDonald and Skunk Baxter were 'bubblegum' you have cloth between your ears.
@@joelsimms4636 if by ruined you mean made them mor musically sophisticated and help them to their biggest success and several Grammys, then yes !
As a college aged student who has also just discovered Steely Dan, I really enjoyed watching this
You are about to embark on an incredible journey. Welcome to the dandom.
Dylan Lembo - get all of their albums, they are one of the best of all time! Your life will be majorly enriched by making them part of your soundtrack-trust me!
Went to East Carolina University in the mid 70's . Lived in a farm listening to Steely Dan non-stop .
As a musician in his 70’s I am also enjoying watching these guys discover Steely Dan. They/you have just barely scratched the surface with this one great song. Not their best in my opinion but very good nonetheless. Definitely check out any of the others as suggested in the comments. Great song writing, production & musicianship. They have it all! Enjoy the journey!
Several things to note here:
1. Michael McDonald, singing background, was not just singing simple harmony. He was singing a vocal version of a raised 9th chord.
2. The guitar lead was played by Jay Graydon who was a successful record producer himself.
3. Because of the outstanding quality of their music, Fagen & Becker (aka Steely Dan) could pick and choose from the best musicians.
4. Their follow up album, “Gaucho”, was just as good and, additionally, all the songs were related to give a sense of Southern California in the late 70’s. (Donald Fagen did that again on his solo album, “The Nightfly”)
5. I see you’re wearing a Led Zeppelin shirt and you both are in your early twenties(?) yet you’ve never heard Steely Dan before? I’m surprised at that.
Michael Mcdonald woh, just that woh
Yeah its crazy why any music fan would not know them, especially the sample for Del a Soul! Maybe I’m just to old 😂😂
"The Nightfly" is a forgotten gem.
Back when musicians could play. Steely Dan has more talent in the baby toe than junk of today. What's even sadder? The classic rock in the near future will be Britney Speers. So sad!
tim murphy somehow, I don’t think so. Nothing classic about her except maybe the way she dressed. lol
Dudes! Y'all are so adorable...Steely Dan is incredible! I liked the moment you decided there was nothing to do except drink whisky
Scotch whiskey....and all night long
Best SD song Kid Charlemagne. Written about Owsley Stanley a top LSD chemist back in the day.
Also, one of the best guitar solos ever recorded!
@@shanesturgill75 True dat!
Steely Dan was the perfect intersection of talent, vision and opportunity, a magical alchemy of east coast conceptual roots and west coast technical virtuosity. Fagan/ Becker brought a clear musical vision, the LA session scene offered all of the tools they needed to create their sonic landscape, and they had the patience and persistence to get it right. Genius in every aspect and at every level in pursuit of perfection.
Thank you for that awesome sauce.....!
Well said, sir!
Mega dittos.
You need to be a writer with those kind of chops!
Nice copy paste lol
Never ever to try to categorize categorize Steely Dan, it's a futile effort.
Steve W I like to call it as NY jazz
Yep they are totally unique
s' Yatch Rock, b
You KNOW that's right!
Right on. Just let The Dan engulf you in whichever way they want.
You have just scratched the surface...and the music from my perspective its timeless I know people who've just like you discovered the Dan...
Oh man. You guys are gonna LOVE diving into Steely Dan's catalog. Their stuff is eclectic, complex and catchy, and the cryptic lyrics are great. Green Earrings is a must.
5:43 Dave Mathews wishes that he sounded like Steely Dan. Legends.
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
I cringed when they said that. They will figure it out eventually though.
Next try "Kid Charlemagne", "Deacon Blues", or "Babylon Sisters". Or "Black Cow", "Do It Again", or "Reelin' In The Years". Or "Hey Nineteen", "Dirty Work" or "My Old School". Or....
Bodhisattava.
Keep going
Green earrings
Time Out Of Mind too
rikki don’t lose that number
When listening to SD, you are experiencing meticulously crafted tracks.... that was Jay Graydon on the guitar break playing with an Orange Squeezer.... he said he "took a risk" with that break as it was dubbed in later...
Becker and Fagen had 20 different guitarists try this solo before Jay Graydon did it the way they wanted.
He's a good one Also liked Larry Carlton, one of their go-to guys. So many great musicians took part in their sessions.
7 guitarists lol but point taken. they did that with every guitar lick in every song
@brett hardin Actually Larry Carlton outtakes were dug out of the trunk for Gaucho.
@@peterquinones3522 after how many other guys ? they did the same thing with all the musicians
@brett hardin I may be mistaken but I don't know of another instance where they recycled stuff that was recorded 4 years earlier and stuck it in a new album. If you listen to Third World Man the guitars by Carlton were clearly from The Royal Scam sessions.
PS: Must do Reelin' in the Years...
You're branching out, guys. Congratulations on expanding your minds.
me likee.
Watching younger guys experience the songs I grew up on is the second best thing to experiencing that magic time of my youth when I first experienced these classics. It almost makes them fresh again...for that I thank you
Me too! Thanks for articulating what I was feeling lol :)
They were genuinely Mind Blown. Gawd I’m jealous
This genre can probably be described as the more “pop” side of Jazz Fusion. With steely dan we also enter the realm of some of the greatest studio musicians collaborating alongside the core members Donald Fragen and Walter Becker. There really isn’t one Steely Dan song I can think of that I can’t recommend. For some of their most well known songs I might suggest their 1972 breakout album with the songs "Do It Again" and "Reelin In The Years" just to name a few. Some other of my favorite songs of theirs are "Aja", "Deacon Blues", "Hey Nineteen", and “Kid Charlemagne”.The list goes on. Anyways, great video as always!
Gentlemen, Steely Dan songs to try next: Do it again, Reelin' in the years, Rikki don't lose that number and Deacon blues. Can't go wrong with any of these. Later guys.
Martin Collis reelin for sure
Good choices.
I have a few for you, My old School,Reelin in the years, Black Cow, Do it again 💗🤟
Karen Manemeit Perfect!
YES!😁
If you want blazing guitars "My Old School" is the one.
Steely Dan are the kings of composition. RIP Walter Becker 🤘🏻
@@scottmcgregor562 I second this. Probably my favorite guitar solo(s) of all time.
I just adore Steely Dan. Love to America 🇺🇸from England 🇬🇧
Never heard this before.
Nice jazzy funky rockish groove to it.
I like!
Dive in. Steely Dan is tasty.
Will do ✌
George, you just fell into a trap of greatness. RUclips Steely Dan and start listening!
"Do it again" Can't really comment as a new reaction because I have heard them. Really glad you are checking them out truly a sound of their own. You always know when it's them. Awesome reaction totally agree with the production comments they really were a studio group of two ace musicians.
Part of the reason Steely Dan is so good is Becker and Fagen's nearly obsessive perfectionism. They assembled the best session musicians of the time and chose the right people for each song . They would spend hours with each track to ensure that it was absolutely perfect.
Lifelong SD fan here. My mind was blown by Aja when I was in high school 30+ years ago, and love them still. I loved watching the joy and surprise on your faces while you listened. Hope you go deeper into Aja and their other albums - you won’t regret it. They are amazing and STILL sound avant-garde to me - no one else has come even close to catching up to them yet.
Steely Dan just play the right notes at the right time. I can’t describe it any other way. Genius.Deacon Blues and Bodhisattva.
Since you’re on Aja... do Aja! There is some of the finest drumming you will hear. Hard to pigeonhole this band. Back in the day those of us who appreciated their unique music and talent just called them The Dan.... yeah.
Ohhhh, Glenn...they may not be ready for that one. ;o)
"Aja"-- title cut from same record as "Peg" is quintessential Steely Dan. Great choice for next A&A reaction.
Steely Dan is one of those bands I didn't really get into until my adult years. Very cool chilling music.
The Eagles said that the line "Stab it with their steely knives" from Hotel California was a nod to Steely Dan as one the Steely Dan songs mentions turning up the Eagles and they wanted to repay the mention.
"Everything You Did": "Turn up the Eagles, the neighbors are listening."
Becker and Fagen said it wasn't a dig; it was based on something that was said during an argument between Becker and his girlfriend.
The Dan were one of the greatest of all time! Try “don’t take me alive”, one of the best guitar solos ever done.
...by Larry Carlton. Check out Rick Beato's take on SD and Larry.
Every song is different, but they all sound like Steely Dan
Donald Fagen's voice has a lot to do with that imho
Elle Harriman unless its Dirty Work
In the beginning they were a real band. By the end they were just two guys with studio musicians.
The early stuff was more rock but as time went on they became more jazzy.
Rock cuts: Do it again, Bodhisattva, Reeling in the Years, Night by Night, Kid Charlemagne.
Jazzy stuff: Black Cow, Home at Last, Aja, Babylon Sisters, FM.
Here's a link for FM: ruclips.net/video/wdoCQn_Tjac/видео.html
.
Great description. They are different.
This is their sound..they kick ass
Reelin’ in the Years
How have you NOT checked out ZZ Top: WAITIN’ FOR THE BUS /JESUS JUST LEFT CHICAGO (Tres Ombres album) Billy Gibbons was in the group The Moving Sidewalks when they opened for Jimi Hendrix on this first US tour. When pushed to answer who was the best guitarist, Jimi would name Terry Kath and Billy Gibbons.
ZZ Top is a must at some point. 'Heard It On The X', 'Just Got Paid', 'Precious and Grace', 'Manic Mechanic', 'Cheap Sunglasses'....so many.
Kathy Thompson Billy Gibbons is my second favorite guitarist.
My favorite ZZ Top song!
Yes ZZ Top for sure Watin for the bus/Jesus just left Chicago
@@kenwelch198 Me too
Peg is my jam. I'm liking yall.
Steely Dan were known as absolute perfectionists when it came to recording. Brilliant musicians ❤️
Try “Don’t Take Me Alive”; one of the only songs ever written that starts with a guitar solo. And Kid Charlemagne from the same album....masterful guitar work.
Gas Beer heard the song a thousand times, never thought about how unique that is. Great call
@@jjsdad4952Reeling in the Years has one too, not a common thing.
The Royal Scam 🤘
Larry carlton
I have recently figured out that it represents the mental breakdown just prior to the events of the song. IMHO
Steely Dan was basically Fagen and Becker. Every album had different Studio musicians or well-known musicians sitting in on certain songs. And you obviously had to be a good musician to play with Fagen and Becker.
You can hear Michael McDonald in the background voices.
The Dan is the epitome of progressive jazz rock.
He's a wild dude, that Steely Dan. From the corner of my eye, I saw him once at Ruby's. He was very high. It was a cry'h disgrace.
Like a gangster, on the run...
@@firefly7519; @Charles Cyr, you guys are cracking me up!
They saw your face
Good pick. Truly a musician's band. For someone like me, who first heard this song about 40 years ago, it's refreshing to watch you guys listen to it for the first time and hear your thoughts and comments. You took me back to my youth. Thanks.
"Reeling in the years" is good song by them, too.
Aja was an amazing moment in history! Never to be repeated. Demonstrates what can be done with a lot of money and inspiration.
The name, Steely Dan...where did that come from...hmmm?
Let's get back to that.
Michael McDonald is singing a five-part harmony with himself, sounds warbaly, it's Peg, like pre-chrous.
Back to the name of the band, it's a model of d*ld*.
Like, the Steely Dan, wow. I hope no one is offended.
I do like this song, a lot.
Thanks for sharing this. Peace out ✌️ .
Backing vocals by the legendary and unmistakable Michael McDonald!
They made extremely complicated music sound so easy
Hugely underrated
Love love them
Yes!
This band was basically two musicians, Donald Fagen on keys and vocals and Walter Becker (R I P) on guitars, but they always hired out the best musicians they could find and were often seen as a studio band, not touring as much as most bands would. The first song I heard from them was Rikki Don't Lose That Number from their Pretzel Logic album.
They only used the best musicians available. They were very picky about who could play with them.
Chuck Rainey's bass on this is totally amazing ! Got me hooked many years ago...
Now we're talking boys!!! Soooo many great Steely Dan songs! Explore some oldies like BODHISATTVA and REELIN' IN THE YEARS, can't wait to see your reaction to those two. Both are banging rockers. And of course EVERYTHING on Aja is fantastic. This is the band all other bands wished they could be. Dig deep. Almost every song they did was exceptional, and some of the most esoteric and intellectual lyrics ever. Oh, and that's Michael McDonald on the background vocals, from The Doobie Brothers.
Digging deep would mean going to "The Caves of Altamira"
Love Steely Dan!! They have so many Greats!! FM and Hey Nineteen are 2 of my faves! Keep on Rockin' Guys!🎶❤🎶
oh yeah. the cuervo gold. the fine columbian!
You're also listening to the best LA studio musicians of their era.
Steely Dan - you could be in this wormhole for a long time and never get bored. Sophisticated rock. So much funk.