You don't have to know anything about chess to love that line. But the thing that really makes it awesome is that in the game the castle is often stuck in the corner and can't move before it's too late to change the outcome. Brilliance.
Look, everyone is making individual specific recommendations and thats great, but the truth is the ENTIRE Steely Dan catalog is fantastic. Listen to all of it, you will be amazed.
Good advice, Chris. Hear all of their gems. Your favs will evolve. Back and forth. From a rich and glorious catalogue where some you initially quickly switch away from only to see those become your Go To's once they are given the oppo to sink in.
I love this, dude. Been watchin' you for a minute now, and it's like hanging out with a buddy hearing these songs for the first time. Keep sharin', man.
One of Steely Dan's early ones & it's a classic among classics. A song that ends too early & always leaving me wanting more. As always, it's a complete joy to watch with Jamal, love this guy, feel like he's a friend kinda.
Two days before my girlfriend who was very depressed died I introduced this song to her to cheer her up. It worked, but sadly, just for a little while.
It's great to see a person so excited to, not only listen to Steely Dan, but thoroughly enjoying their songs. Can't wait for the next Steely Dan reaction video! 🙂
The song is utilized in a episode of “The Sopranos” with Tony singing along in his GMC Yukon XL...thats how much influence music has in film making & soundtracks of a movie or television show.
"Doctor Wu" and "Everyone's Gone To The Movies" are both extremely underrated Steely Dan songs in my opinion. Both are worth your time. Really, all Dan is worth your time. Not a bad song in the bunch
@@beantowne617 I think it's been tarnished legacy wise because Fagen and Becker were so mad at the compression on the final mix of the album that they said for years it was unlistenable to them. Just,once again,showing how obsessed they were with trying to attain perfection. The songs on Katy are brilliant,IMO. There was a time I probably counted it as my favorite album of theirs.
Steely Dan has always been and always will be, my go to band when I just want to get lost in the music !!!! So smooth, thank you for the appreciation of greatness !!!
At Steely Dan concerts in recent years, “The Danettes” (the amazing back up vocalists) perform this song. I love their version. I suggest a song from Steely Dan’s Katy Lied album called Dr. Wu. Fabulous sax solo by the late, great Phil Woods.
Caves is absolutely superb! Such amazing meaning too. Fun story- when I saw them at EJ Thomas hall in Akron In 2009 for the Royal Scam- album night, when they started playing Caves the fire alarm started going off... It was one long tone that just happened to be in the exact key they were playing in. I thought one of Don's keys got stuck down 🤦♀️
Hey Jamel, I've checked out different "reaction channels" and, I enjoy watching your channel the most. IMO, your evaluations come across as more honest and sincere than the rest. I don't know how other viewers feel about your stopping points in the songs that you're listening to but I don't mind it one bit. I appreciate your instant feed back and commentary. The best part is when you show that "stink face" appreciation of the song! Just one last thing...I noticed that you've started to play song videos that include the lyrics. That's great! I believe you can get a fuller appreciation of the song when you understand what the artists are saying. Keep up the solid work! 👍👍🏅
I will never understand the hate Steely Dan gets sometimes.I love their music. "The Royal Scam" will always be one of my top ten fave albums. (you should really check out the documentaries out there about them, and about how they construct their songs)
Most steely dan songs are about that side of life ,but they do it so subtle most people don't even notice it or get the real meaning of the song. Great band👍
I think "backdoor man" is a double-entendre ('nuff said there). You'll find it in other blues songs, like "Since I've Been Loving You" by Led Zep -- speculation on the cheating wife's "new fangled back-door man."
This from their first album. Donald Fagen wasn’t to sure of his vocal abilities in those early days so they hired David Palmer as their key vocalist. This is the only album that they used him. But don’t feel sorry for Dave. Made a great living as a backup studio vocalist, photo journalist and songwriter . Co-wrote “Jazzman” with Carol King an outstanding song from one of the greatest albums of all time “Tapestry “.” Rikki Don’t Lose That Number” from this album should be next.
this song comes from one of my all time favorite albums Cant Buy a Thrill. The singer on this song was David Palmer he only did lead vocals on a couple of their songs then they let him go. He did an excellent job on those songs.
I don't know if it was so much a case of them "letting him go". I heard an interview with Fagan and Skunk Baxter back in the 80's and they talked about how Palmer came in just to do a few tracks with no intention of sticking around.
I remember the summer of 1973, when every bar band worth a damn was playing this song to get the couples out on the floor for a slow dance. Lead vocalist David Palmer was kicked out of the group in '73 (following a drunken live performance), but years later managed to write the lyrics for Carole King's Grammy-winning song "Jazzman."
It'll change your life!!!!! Please do Babylon Sisters or Don't Take Me Alive, if you're only going to do 1 more Steely Dan song. I promise you won't regret it, speaking as a brother in your same age group who like you gets it & is open minded. Keep up the good work bro!
Make sure it's that early, very rare appearance on "The Midnight Special". Not that crisp a video, but I think (don't quote me) it was one of their first public performances, if not the first. Skunk Baxter is tremendous.
I found your channel because of your reviews of Steely Dan Songs. I have been a fan of Steely Dan since the 1970s. I love to see your reactions. It is awesome that you appreciate them as much as I do.
Hmmm... Let's consider this: "Carlo Gesualdo da Venosa (probably 8 March 1566 - 8 September 1613) was Prince of Venosa and Count of Conza. As a composer he is known for writing intensely expressive madrigals and pieces of sacred music that use a chromatic language not heard again until the late 19th century. However, the best-known fact of his life is his brutal killing of his first wife and her aristocratic lover upon finding them in flagrante delicto. The fascination for his music and his crimes have gone hand in hand." (wiki-pedia) I think this song was inspired by the above story. Lyrics: Times are hard You're afraid to pay the fee So you find yourself somebody Who can do the job for free When you need a bit of lovin' 'Cause your man is out of town That's the time you get me runnin' And you know I'll be around I'm a fool to do your dirty work Oh yeah I don't wanna do your dirty work No more I'm a fool to do your dirty work Oh yeah Light the candle Put the lock upon the door You have sent the maid home early Like a thousand times before Like the castle in its corner In a medieval game I foresee terrible trouble And I stay here just the same I'm a fool to do your dirty work Oh yeah I don't wanna do… OK... When Gesualdo would be "out of town" (fox hunt, etc.), his wife, Donna Maria, would "light the candle" in the window, "put the lock upon the door" and "sent the maid home early"... many times!! Gesualdo and his wife Donna Maria lived in "the castle" and, while not "medieval" times, they lived in the period of the High Renaissance (pretty close - late Renaissance, a bit past "medieval" times". So,... I really DO think that, Walter and Donald being highly trained musicians (including in Music History) and WELL-READ folks, were inspired by the tragic/graphic/scandalous true-life account of Gesualdo's ENDING of the affair between Donna Maria and Fabrizio Carafa, third Duke of Andria and seventh Count of Ruvo. For almost two years, Gesualdo did not have knowledge about this, although the news was spreading and well-known elsewhere. On the night of October 16, 1590, Gesualdo allegedly announced that he was going on a hunting expedition and it is rumored that he arranged with his servants to leave the doors unlocked. When he unexpectedly returned at the Palazzo Sansevero in Naples, he smashed down Donna Maria's bedroom door to discover the two lovers 'in flagrante' in bed. Gesualdo then slaughtered them both on the spot.
This song came out when I was 16-I’d sit in my room listening to this album again and again. It’s hard to think of this as an “oldie” I still remember all the lyrics. ❤❤
David Palmer on lead vocals. This was off the first album when Steely Dan was actually a band with other members in the group. Donald Fagen still sang most of the songs but David Palmer sang/co-sang a few and drummer Jim Hodder sang the song "Midnight Cruiser." Palmer was gone by the 2nd album and Fagen and Walter Becker eventually decided to move ahead as a duo and use session musicians.
Dude! I love your reactions! I was a teen age kid in the Day when this stuff was on the top 40! Yes, can you even imagine the quality of our top40 back then when we had Steely Dan and so many other wonderful artists!
I heard this when I was 15 and decided that when I could afford it, I would buy a Hammond B3 and have loved them ever since, because of the intro to this song! I now own a few B3's and a small museum of other vintage keys like the Wurlitzer electric piano used on this track!
How in the BLEEP did I NOT know this was a SteeleyDan's song? It has a unique vibe and flavor to it and I don't think that's Donald Fagen on lead vocal... I heard this song on our local country station in LA back in the day, wow...Have you ever made a bad video Jamel? Damn, great song, great video, another classic, I keep telling myself to stop commenting but you are taking me on a musical journey! Thank you! 5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐!
Nice. This is one of my favorite RUclips channels. Jamel's reaction's are real and he gets it. Nice to see the music of my youth living on through others now.
I would like to recommend Van Morrison's live performance of "Caravan" with the Band at their farewell concert, immortalized in the movie "The Last Waltz." Lots of other great performances in the same concert as well.
YES!! I love that song. That version, *and* Van's original album (I also own a couple copies of "The Last Waltz" dvd, it will always be my favorite concert/documentary)
It is so cool to see fresh ears on these decades old classics. I was around for most of these, being almost 69 (hopefully my best year! lol) Enjoy some more Steely Dan. I’ve always loved their sound.
I found you because of Andy & Alex, and after listening for a bit, this thought occurred to me: A&A remind me of what I thought when I first heard these songs. You remind me of how I felt.
Have you ever noticed the way Steely Dan constructs their music, at the end on the fade out, they still leave you hooked, and singing the song the rest of the day?
Love Y'all, Jamal. Black folk are such a great and joyous gift to this country. Thanks for bringing us all together around some very cool music! -Terry
Thanks so much for all the Steely Dan reacts. Automatic watch for me. Top 3 SD requests from the songs you haven’t done yet: FM, Caves of Altamira and Night By Night. Also huge request for a song you have never done by a different band. Roundabout by Yes. It’s a trip!
You are amazing. Every time I watch your videos it makes me happy god bless you thank you for keeping all my favorite song alive I love the 50s 60s 70s 80s and 90s and it’s awesome to see you enjoy all the songs from then also
This happened when I was 18 or 19 I met this lady who was 30 who happened to be married and I was her thrill on the side. Man she was fun and just like the words to this song I can relate I would do anything for her and she knew it. I knew it would lead to trouble but I stayed on to the end. I have no regrets I would do it again.
I love this song since I first heard about 30 years ago in my then favourite pub in Ghent. The girl bartender played it over and over again. She must have felt like you comment on the song. Great job!
Sung by David Palmer At the insistence of ABC Records executives, Palmer joined Steely Dan in an early incarnation in 1972. He sang lead on two tracks on their debut album, Can't Buy A Thrill - "Dirty Work" and "Brooklyn (Owes the Charmer Under Me)" - as well as doubling parts of Donald Fagen's vocals. He also sang lead on most of Steely Dan's songs when performed live in their early concerts as a result of Fagen's lack of live vocal power at this point. Fagen eventually took over as lead vocalist and Palmer left the band, although he did contribute backing vocals on the band's subsequent release, Countdown to Ecstasy. In 2014, Palmer sued Steely Dan for unpaid royalties
In Led Zeppelin's song Since I've been loving you, he sings, "I open my front door, hear my back door slam, you must have one of them newfangled, newfangled back door man."
This song changed my perception of life, love, and music. Odd statement, I know ... but I was a college student when this was a hit. "Like a castle in its corner in a medieval game, I foresee terrible trouble ..." That I believe, is perhaps the greatest contextual song lyric ever written. Music is amazing.
One of my many favs from Steely Dan! Not many good groups out there now so it's a good thing you are checking out all of this classic music!!! Enjoy the ride!!
"Dirty Work" is a song written by Donald Fagen and Walter Becker that was first released on Steely Dan's debut album Can't Buy a Thrill in 1972.The song's lyrics describe an affair between a man and a married woman, sung by the man.
@@SHADOWBEAR82763 Actually, it takes on a strange, but just as appropriate view as the song IS by Steely Dan (Named after a steam powered sex toy from " The Naked Lunch." Gets you to thinking, doesn't it?
Jamel, you do such a great job in listening and giving honest feedback. I am so glad I found your channel. My wife knows that if I am listening to you review something by Elvis, or Steely Dan, and laughing out load, that I am having a great time. Steely Dan is one of my all time favorites. Could never, ever, get enough of his music. Smooth, silky smooth, and the messages of the day that were then are relevant to this day. God bless and keep up the outstanding work. You could host your own "Music of Yesterday" TV show...
He's what's called a "Backdoor man." Cause he's out the Back door in a hurry, if the husband or Boy friend comes home un expectedly. That term has been around for a vey long time. You here it in the old Blues songs a lot. Led Zeppelin's Robert Plant sings it in the song "Whole Lotta Love." He says-"Shake for me girl...I wanna be your Backdoor man."
He also mentions it in 'Since I've Been Loving You' where he says he opens his front door and hears his back door slam. "You must have found one of them new found back door man."
This is a major classic Jamel. Steely Dan has a gazillion great songs, but the lesser known, non-stop 40 ones are the best. Someone in a comment below recommended Babylon Sisters - I agree, that's a great one.
like a castle in his corner in a medieval game is the best lyric, he's refering to castling, a chess move where the castle switches places witht he king. this is my favorite steely dan song :)
And one of the best mixed, best musically arranged albums too. All the instrument/vocal tracks compliment and fit together like a jigsaw puzzle. For anyone learning music production, this album demonstrates how to do it right - what ultimate perfection sounds like.
@@lisefaye-schjll942 , Gaucho was always a very underrated album. Mark Knopfler felt that they didn't get his best on that album and didn't enjoy that recording experience, but I think it is still stellar work.
Willie Nelson, 'Blue Eyes' or 'You were always on my mind'or both. And Kenny Rogers, 'Coward of the County ' And Charlie Pride 'Kaw-Liga' When I was maybe 5, my father had a black VW Bug. Imagine my 3 brothers in the back, me in my mothers lap up front, my dad would put Charlie Pride 8 track in the player.... WE WOULD ALL SING! Good memories. (This was before we used seatbelts or car seats)
Lololol...hurt me, tease me, make me write bad checks!!!! Lolololol I love this band, 70's baby!!!! If you have time, Babylon Sisters is a great song, Ricki don't lose that number. Rest in peace Walter💖
Anyone else think a great way to spend rainy afternoon would be hanging out with Jamel listening to all your old favorites?
Wow, raining here in my zip code too ma-am.
I spend my afternoons at work watching these reactions, so ya it'd be cool!
Only if he promises to shut the fuck up every once in a while!
yeah man I dig it! I dig it the most! But when he found Steely Dan, boom! that's my no. 1 band right there
I’m in. Let me know
"Like a castle in its' corner in a medieval game, I foresee terrible trouble but I stay here just the same"
DAMN what a lyric.
That's a reference to the chess rook a very powerful piece in the game of chess
One of my favorite similes of all time. Dang!
I will never forget this song on this album 45 years ago. Loved it then and now! Thank you.
You don't have to know anything about chess to love that line. But the thing that really makes it awesome is that in the game the castle is often stuck in the corner and can't move before it's too late to change the outcome. Brilliance.
life Kev that was great thanks for posting a share like that
Look, everyone is making individual specific recommendations and thats great, but the truth is the ENTIRE Steely Dan catalog is fantastic. Listen to all of it, you will be amazed.
Chris Cantwell You hit the nail on the head!
I'll second that!!!!
And I will watch every single video
Yep, they're ALL frickin awesome
Good advice, Chris. Hear all of their gems. Your favs will evolve. Back and forth. From a rich and glorious catalogue where some you initially quickly switch away from only to see those become your Go To's once they are given the oppo to sink in.
David Palmer did the lead vocals on Dirty Work, so when it comes up on classic rock radio, many don't know it's Steely Dan.
I love this, dude. Been watchin' you for a minute now, and it's like hanging out with a buddy hearing these songs for the first time. Keep sharin', man.
Amen. You’re awesome. Love this channel.
I agree completely, it's like listening for the first time all over again. Makes you appreciate it anew
One of Steely Dan's early ones & it's a classic among classics. A song that ends too early & always leaving me wanting more. As always, it's a complete joy to watch with Jamal, love this guy, feel like he's a friend kinda.
Same here.
I just ❤️ him to
‘Any major dude’ is so nice too, not their most popular tune but i like it. Like so many of their gems obviously
Eelco van Zanten when the demon is at your door, in the morning he won’t be there no more...
Always been one of my favorites.
great song.
You’re right. Such a good tune.
Two days before my girlfriend who was very depressed died I introduced this song to her to cheer her up. It worked, but sadly, just for a little while.
It's great to see a person so excited to, not only listen to Steely Dan, but thoroughly enjoying their songs. Can't wait for the next Steely Dan reaction video! 🙂
The song is utilized in a episode of “The Sopranos” with Tony singing along in his GMC Yukon XL...thats how much influence music has in film making & soundtracks of a movie or television show.
I will never forget this song on this album. It never got that much air time, but was one of the best. 45 years ago!
"Doctor Wu" and "Everyone's Gone To The Movies" are both extremely underrated Steely Dan songs in my opinion. Both are worth your time. Really, all Dan is worth your time. Not a bad song in the bunch
I agree! And Doctor Wu is really a lovely song.
Katy Lied is an underrated album imo. Both of these are great songs as well.
ninjapolitician I suggested it too
@@beantowne617 I think it's been tarnished legacy wise because Fagen and Becker were so mad at the compression on the final mix of the album that they said for years it was unlistenable to them. Just,once again,showing how obsessed they were with trying to attain perfection. The songs on Katy are brilliant,IMO. There was a time I probably counted it as my favorite album of theirs.
"Everyone's Gone to the Movies"... best song about a pedophile, ever.
Steely Dan has always been and always will be, my go to band when I just want to get lost in the music !!!! So smooth, thank you for the appreciation of greatness !!!
I’m so glad you got into Steely Dan ✌️😷🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊
He is what you call a Back Door man. He goes out the back when the main man comes through the front door.
Indeed!
AKA Sancho
Now you need to see the Soprano’s scene where Tony Soprano is singing along to this
ruclips.net/video/kNpMC4FslNk/видео.html
That’s the best! Love that scene so much!
At Steely Dan concerts in recent years, “The Danettes” (the amazing back up vocalists) perform this song. I love their version. I suggest a song from Steely Dan’s Katy Lied album called Dr. Wu. Fabulous sax solo by the late, great Phil Woods.
We saw them a few years ago too, and yeah they did a great job.
Keep diving my friend, the Steely Dan catalog is unbelievable ☮️
Don’t take me alive or caves of Altamira then you will truly get the genius that is steely dan
Caves is one of my favorites. Favorite on The Scam for sure.
DON'T TAKE ME ALIVE 24/7/365
@@stuffguru So...not on leap days, then? Pfft. You're not a real fan.
Caves is absolutely superb! Such amazing meaning too.
Fun story- when I saw them at EJ Thomas hall in Akron In 2009 for the Royal Scam- album night, when they started playing Caves the fire alarm started going off... It was one long tone that just happened to be in the exact key they were playing in. I thought one of Don's keys got stuck down 🤦♀️
"The Royal Scam" is my favorite Dan album, so many superb tracks!
"Do it again", "Badhisattva", "Throw out Your Gold Teeth" and "Reelin' in The Years" are the pinnacle of Steely Dan! Please do!
You could pick another 4 songs and then again and again and again and keep going. Any of those could qualify as their pinnacle.
Jamel, dude, you have GOT to do Reelin in the Years and Bodhisattva!!! Guitars, guitars, guitars
Deacon Blues, Haitian Divorce, and Green Earrings. The list goes on...
Hey Jamel, I've checked out different "reaction channels" and, I enjoy watching your channel the most. IMO, your evaluations come across as more honest and sincere than the rest. I don't know how other viewers feel about your stopping points in the songs that you're listening to but I don't mind it one bit. I appreciate your instant feed back and commentary. The best part is when you show that "stink face" appreciation of the song! Just one last thing...I noticed that you've started to play song videos that include the lyrics. That's great! I believe you can get a fuller appreciation of the song when you understand what the artists are saying. Keep up the solid work! 👍👍🏅
I will never understand the hate Steely Dan gets sometimes.I love their music.
"The Royal Scam" will always be one of my top ten fave albums.
(you should really check out the documentaries out there about them, and about how they construct their songs)
Yes ! Good documentaries!
Most steely dan songs are about that side of life ,but they do it so subtle most people don't even notice it or get the real meaning of the song. Great band👍
Fantastic song. Can't Buy A Thrill is an amazing album in it's entirety.
A 'side guy' is also known as a 'backdoor man'--which is, interestingly enough, also the name of a song by The Doors.
Matthew Lee is that like James Taylor’s Handyman??
I think "backdoor man" is a double-entendre ('nuff said there). You'll find it in other blues songs, like "Since I've Been Loving You" by Led Zep -- speculation on the cheating wife's "new fangled back-door man."
Howlin' Wolf sang it first, I believe.
Also used in AC/DC’s Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap......
King Of The World, Doctor Wu, Glamour Profession...all Steely Dan classics. You won't regret Mr. Jamal.
THIS is my favorite Steely Dan song.
Ahhhh, yes....one of my all-time favorite Steely Dan tunes. Probably one of the best "commercial hits" of any band....in my opinion.
This from their first album. Donald Fagen wasn’t to sure of his vocal abilities in those early days so they hired David Palmer as their key vocalist. This is the only album that they used him. But don’t feel sorry for Dave. Made a great living as a backup studio vocalist, photo journalist and songwriter . Co-wrote “Jazzman” with Carol King an outstanding song from one of the greatest albums of all time “Tapestry “.” Rikki Don’t Lose That Number” from this album should be next.
The song jazzman was not from the album Tapestry. Try Wrap Around Joy.
BigWallyFilms Thank you. I stand corrected
Rikki Don't Lose That Number was on Pretzel Logic, two record aftert Can't Buy A Thrill, which Dirty Work was on.
Thank you for the info, I didn't think this sounded like Fagan. This guy sounds like the lead singer from Bread.
Palmer is also great on "Brooklyn" ... when Fagen sings it the meaning of the song totally changes ...
this song comes from one of my all time favorite albums Cant Buy a Thrill. The singer on this song was David Palmer he only did lead vocals on a couple of their songs then they let him go. He did an excellent job on those songs.
david spinney True He was very good though Donald did his thing with his sarcastic and obtuse and imaginative lyrics!👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻🎼
I don't know if it was so much a case of them "letting him go". I heard an interview with Fagan and Skunk Baxter back in the 80's and they talked about how Palmer came in just to do a few tracks with no intention of sticking around.
@@magnificentfailure2390 He was definitely let go
I remember the summer of 1973, when every bar band worth a damn was playing this song to get the couples out on the floor for a slow dance. Lead vocalist David Palmer was kicked out of the group in '73 (following a drunken live performance), but years later managed to write the lyrics for Carole King's Grammy-winning song "Jazzman."
Steely Dan... right up there with the Beatles and Pink Floyd.
Jamel...... Jamel.... Bra, please check out Babylon Sisters by Steely Dan, if you haven't. It's smooth
That's a new one for me. I'll check it out. Thx.
It'll change your life!!!!! Please do Babylon Sisters or Don't Take Me Alive, if you're only going to do 1 more Steely Dan song. I promise you won't regret it, speaking as a brother in your same age group who like you gets it & is open minded. Keep up the good work bro!
Yeah, if he's only gonna do one more.... Babylon Sisters is it.
Yes indeed
I LOVE STEELY DAN BUT MY FAVORITES ARE BABYLON SISTER AND TIME OUT OF MIND. THE BEST!!
"Oh, that type of dirty work!" He says. Lol,
"Do it Again", please Sir!
Make sure it's that early, very rare appearance on "The Midnight Special". Not that crisp a video, but I think (don't quote me) it was one of their first public performances, if not the first. Skunk Baxter is tremendous.
He will absolutely love that one
I remember the first time I heard this song. I was harmonizing with the final chorus. That's how much I immediately took to this song.
I found your channel because of your reviews of Steely Dan Songs. I have been a fan of Steely Dan since the 1970s. I love to see your reactions. It is awesome that you appreciate them as much as I do.
Hmmm...
Let's consider this:
"Carlo Gesualdo da Venosa (probably 8 March 1566 - 8 September 1613) was Prince of Venosa and Count of Conza. As a composer he is known for writing intensely expressive madrigals and pieces of sacred music that use a chromatic language not heard again until the late 19th century. However, the best-known fact of his life is his brutal killing of his first wife and her aristocratic lover upon finding them in flagrante delicto. The fascination for his music and his crimes have gone hand in hand." (wiki-pedia)
I think this song was inspired by the above story.
Lyrics:
Times are hard
You're afraid to pay the fee
So you find yourself somebody
Who can do the job for free
When you need a bit of lovin'
'Cause your man is out of town
That's the time you get me runnin'
And you know I'll be around
I'm a fool to do your dirty work
Oh yeah
I don't wanna do your dirty work
No more
I'm a fool to do your dirty work
Oh yeah
Light the candle
Put the lock upon the door
You have sent the maid home early
Like a thousand times before
Like the castle in its corner
In a medieval game
I foresee terrible trouble
And I stay here just the same
I'm a fool to do your dirty work
Oh yeah
I don't wanna do…
OK...
When Gesualdo would be "out of town" (fox hunt, etc.), his wife, Donna Maria, would "light the candle" in the window, "put the lock upon the door" and "sent the maid home early"... many times!!
Gesualdo and his wife Donna Maria lived in "the castle" and, while not "medieval" times, they lived in the period of the High Renaissance (pretty close - late Renaissance, a bit past "medieval" times".
So,...
I really DO think that, Walter and Donald being highly trained musicians (including in Music History) and WELL-READ folks, were inspired by the tragic/graphic/scandalous true-life account of Gesualdo's ENDING of the affair between Donna Maria and Fabrizio Carafa, third Duke of Andria and seventh Count of Ruvo. For almost two years, Gesualdo did not have knowledge about this, although the news was spreading and well-known elsewhere. On the night of October 16, 1590, Gesualdo allegedly announced that he was going on a hunting expedition and it is rumored that he arranged with his servants to leave the doors unlocked. When he unexpectedly returned at the Palazzo Sansevero in Naples, he smashed down Donna Maria's bedroom door to discover the two lovers 'in flagrante' in bed. Gesualdo then slaughtered them both on the spot.
I'm 40 and I've known this song forever and love Steely Dan and just now realized they sang this song!!! Damn
My all-time favorite Steely Dan jam!!❤️❤️❤️
This song came out when I was 16-I’d sit in my room listening to this album again and again. It’s hard to think of this as an “oldie” I still remember all the lyrics. ❤❤
David Palmer on lead vocals. This was off the first album when Steely Dan was actually a band with other members in the group. Donald Fagen still sang most of the songs but David Palmer sang/co-sang a few and drummer Jim Hodder sang the song "Midnight Cruiser." Palmer was gone by the 2nd album and Fagen and Walter Becker eventually decided to move ahead as a duo and use session musicians.
I come here as much to read music history as to here these great reactions. Thanks Qthelost.
midnight cruiser is a good one
I love reactions of people listen to great music for the first time.
Dude! I love your reactions! I was a teen age kid in the Day when this stuff was on the top 40! Yes, can you even imagine the quality of our top40 back then when we had Steely Dan and so many other wonderful artists!
I heard this when I was 15 and decided that when I could afford it, I would buy a Hammond B3 and have loved them ever since, because of the intro to this song! I now own a few B3's and a small museum of other vintage keys like the Wurlitzer electric piano used on this track!
Simple mellow song yet so powerful at the same time. Masterpiece.
THIS is MY favourite SD song. Some songs are just icons & this is for me, the best one they ever did.
You HAVE to do "Brooklyn (Owes The Charmer Under Me) as well. That one also has the singer here,David Palmer,taking the lead role. GREAT song.
I wholeheartedly agree with you . That song is amazing! When I first discovered it, I was totally blown away!
Yes! One of those songs that everyone can relate to, but for different reasons.
Top 5 Steely Dan song on my list...the lyrics alone are stellar!
Thank you Jamel and Thank you Steely Ben, the recommendations are awesome and Jamel's reactions are pure gold!
I LOVE that you reacted to this song - what a beautiful, soulful song, that brings emotions out.
No shit one of my top few favorite songs of all time - never thought I’d enjoy watching someone else listen to music well done dude
When I saw Steely Dan in concert they had a woman singing this, with the words updated. Pretty raw.
everybody needs a friend like Jamel. he seems to be a happy positive person. always a pleasure watching your reviews.
My wife and I danced to this, the night before she died. Miss her so much!
How in the BLEEP did I NOT know this was a SteeleyDan's song? It has a unique vibe and flavor to it and I don't think that's Donald Fagen on lead vocal... I heard this song on our local country station in LA back in the day, wow...Have you ever made a bad video Jamel? Damn, great song, great video, another classic, I keep telling myself to stop commenting but you are taking me on a musical journey! Thank you! 5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐!
Ik,r? All this time I've been thinking it was the Eagles. Now that I know it's Steely Dan, I can't not hear Donald Fagen on backup vocals.
Nice.
This is one of my favorite RUclips channels.
Jamel's reaction's are real and he gets it. Nice to see the music of my youth living on through others now.
I would like to recommend Van Morrison's live performance of "Caravan" with the Band at their farewell concert, immortalized in the movie "The Last Waltz." Lots of other great performances in the same concert as well.
I'm 100 on this one, definitely!!!
YES!!
I love that song.
That version, *and* Van's original album
(I also own a couple copies of "The Last Waltz" dvd, it will always be my favorite concert/documentary)
100% yes also Joni Mitchell's Coyote from the same concert.
This is one of my favorites of SteeleyDans. Love the story and the horns. Good choice. Love listening to you.
Jamel, I grew up with Steely and now it's like i rediscovered them all over again. I'm excited for the trip.
It is so cool to see fresh ears on these decades old classics. I was around for most of these, being almost 69 (hopefully my best year! lol) Enjoy some more Steely Dan. I’ve always loved their sound.
I found you because of Andy & Alex, and after listening for a bit, this thought occurred to me: A&A remind me of what I thought when I first heard these songs. You remind me of how I felt.
Have you ever noticed the way Steely Dan constructs their music, at the end on the fade out, they still leave you hooked, and singing the song the rest of the day?
Love Y'all, Jamal. Black folk are such a great and joyous gift to this country. Thanks for bringing us all together around some very cool music! -Terry
I've had the pleasure of seeing these guys twice. RIP Walter Becker.
Thanks so much for all the Steely Dan reacts. Automatic watch for me. Top 3 SD requests from the songs you haven’t done yet: FM, Caves of Altamira and Night By Night.
Also huge request for a song you have never done by a different band. Roundabout by Yes. It’s a trip!
You are amazing. Every time I watch your videos it makes me happy god bless you thank you for keeping all my favorite song alive I love the 50s 60s 70s 80s and 90s and it’s awesome to see you enjoy all the songs from then also
This happened when I was 18 or 19 I met this lady who was 30 who happened to be married and I was her thrill on the side. Man she was fun and just like the words to this song I can relate I would do anything for her and she knew it. I knew it would lead to trouble but I stayed on to the end. I have no regrets I would do it again.
I just love your series on Steely Dan. It always brings a smile to my face when knew people discover my favorite band. Enjoy!!!
I love this song since I first heard about 30 years ago in my then favourite pub in Ghent. The girl bartender played it over and over again. She must have felt like you comment on the song. Great job!
Sung by David Palmer
At the insistence of ABC Records executives, Palmer joined Steely Dan in an early incarnation in 1972. He sang lead on two tracks on their debut album, Can't Buy A Thrill - "Dirty Work" and "Brooklyn (Owes the Charmer Under Me)" - as well as doubling parts of Donald Fagen's vocals. He also sang lead on most of Steely Dan's songs when performed live in their early concerts as a result of Fagen's lack of live vocal power at this point. Fagen eventually took over as lead vocalist and Palmer left the band, although he did contribute backing vocals on the band's subsequent release, Countdown to Ecstasy. In 2014, Palmer sued Steely Dan for unpaid royalties
In Led Zeppelin's song Since I've been loving you, he sings, "I open my front door, hear my back door slam, you must have one of them newfangled, newfangled back door man."
Exactly where my mind went, ESPECIALLY due to Jamel's led Zep reviews
Always loved this song. My favorite of theirs.
This song changed my perception of life, love, and music. Odd statement, I know ... but I was a college student when this was a hit. "Like a castle in its corner in a medieval game, I foresee terrible trouble ..." That I believe, is perhaps the greatest contextual song lyric ever written.
Music is amazing.
One of my many favs from Steely Dan! Not many good groups out there now so it's a good thing you are checking out all of this classic music!!! Enjoy the ride!!
"Dirty Work" is a song written by Donald Fagen and Walter Becker that was first released on Steely Dan's debut album Can't Buy a Thrill in 1972.The song's lyrics describe an affair between a man and a married woman, sung by the man.
There's a theory that the song is from the perspective of her sex toy.
@@SHADOWBEAR82763 Actually, it takes on a strange, but just as appropriate view as the song IS by Steely Dan (Named after a steam powered sex toy from " The Naked Lunch." Gets you to thinking, doesn't it?
Never realized just how good the vocals were ,,and I’ve listen to this band for over 40; years
A gorgeous track from this same album is "Brooklyn Owes the Charmer Over Me." A lost Dan classic.
Yes! Love that song!
@gsmith1308 Could have been a hit, I think. Or at least gotten strong rotation on rock radio, but somehow didn't. One of their best!
The only Steely Dan song sung by a different vocalist as lead: David Palmer. Fagan reportedly said "I know I can sing it, but you can sing it great".
Green Earrings will blow you away...has THE BEST Steely Dan jam EVER!!!
Chet Diamond only a fool would say that
Jamel, you do such a great job in listening and giving honest feedback. I am so glad I found your channel. My wife knows that if I am listening to you review something by Elvis, or Steely Dan, and laughing out load, that I am having a great time.
Steely Dan is one of my all time favorites. Could never, ever, get enough of his music. Smooth, silky smooth, and the messages of the day that were then are relevant to this day.
God bless and keep up the outstanding work. You could host your own "Music of Yesterday" TV show...
I love when your train pulls into the station on the lyrics. The lyrics definitely give this song the extra kick.
He's what's called a "Backdoor man." Cause he's out the Back door in a hurry, if the husband or Boy friend comes home un expectedly.
That term has been around for a vey long time. You here it in the old Blues songs a lot. Led Zeppelin's Robert Plant sings it in the song "Whole Lotta Love." He says-"Shake for me girl...I wanna be your Backdoor man."
He also mentions it in 'Since I've Been Loving You' where he says he opens his front door and hears his back door slam. "You must have found one of them new found back door man."
I knew that as soon as you heard the first few lines.... you were gonna stop it and say...”OH”!!!! LMAO
Excited to see people still interested in music still played by actual musicians
This is a major classic Jamel. Steely Dan has a gazillion great songs, but the lesser known, non-stop 40 ones are the best. Someone in a comment below recommended Babylon Sisters - I agree, that's a great one.
One of the finest albums ever recorded. The composition is outstanding.
like a castle in his corner in a medieval game is the best lyric, he's refering to castling, a chess move where the castle switches places witht he king. this is my favorite steely dan song :)
Steely Dan's Aja album is probably the best mastered album ever, beyond compare
And one of the best mixed, best musically arranged albums too. All the instrument/vocal tracks compliment and fit together like a jigsaw puzzle. For anyone learning music production, this album demonstrates how to do it right - what ultimate perfection sounds like.
@@rookmaster7502 , I'd also lump Dire Straights 'Brothers In Arms' in a short list as well.
Avalon by Roxy Misic, Abbey Road, Brothers in Arms and Aja are all on the short list IMO
Aja and Gaucho are the best albums. 👍❤
@@lisefaye-schjll942 , Gaucho was always a very underrated album. Mark Knopfler felt that they didn't get his best on that album and didn't enjoy that recording experience, but I think it is still stellar work.
In Texas the side guy is call Sancho!! Keep going down the rabbit hole!! It's great to watch!! Love and peace to all people!
One of my favorite Steely Dan Songs, just for the music, but the Lyrics are good as well.
Willie Nelson, 'Blue Eyes' or 'You were always on my mind'or both.
And Kenny Rogers, 'Coward of the County '
And Charlie Pride 'Kaw-Liga'
When I was maybe 5, my father had a black VW Bug. Imagine my 3 brothers in the back, me in my mothers lap up front, my dad would put Charlie Pride 8 track in the player.... WE WOULD ALL SING! Good memories.
(This was before we used seatbelts or car seats)
Love this, I forgot about this one. Bringing back my youth
An individual artist with a Number 1 hit sung by this group.
I know this from a very recent Steely Dan concert in Florida.
That organ sound is a Hammond B3 and very distinct sound in rock songs, you will recognize that sound in many great tunes.
FM, another great song! Katy lied, the whole álbum is so good!
Lololol...hurt me, tease me, make me write bad checks!!!! Lolololol
I love this band, 70's baby!!!! If you have time, Babylon Sisters is a great song, Ricki don't lose that number.
Rest in peace Walter💖
One of my top 5 Steely Dan songs ♥️💙
Listening to Steely Dan all day is fine with me.
"I foresee terrible trouble
And I stay here just the same". Wow....
I've only been following for a few weeks, but you get it! Especially with Steely Dan!
One of the great Saxophone solos of all time.