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6/29/2018, 10:03 PM
What do you think of Steely Dan?
My first exposure to Steely Dan was through KSAN, an old San Francisco radio station. I didn't pay them too much attention, though they were distinctive. Then, my dorm-mate in college made me sit and listen to the entire Aja album on his killer stereo. I was high, so that added to the experience. I closed my eyes and gave my entire attention to the sound. There was something sexy about it. It wasn't rock and roll, I didn't know what it was, but it was distinctive. It had soul. It was smartly confident. It was literate. And then, for whatever the reason, they sort of left my consciousness. I didn't go out and buy the record. My musical oddyssey led me elsewhere. But then, a few years ago, I bought a used CD of a greatest hits type of compilation containing some 20 Steely Dan songs, almost all of which are incredible works of virtuosity, stellar production and recording excellence. I heard from a good friend of mine that Steely Dan has lately become very "in" in jazz circles. Any thoughts? Tom
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7/11/2018, 4:53 PM
One of my all time favs! I actually do 3-4 Steely Dan covers on my acoustic when I play a gig for a couple hours or more. When they started out in the 70's they were way ahead of their time. Locally, in the SF Bay area there's a group called Aja Vu that has won numerous awards as a Steely Dan tribute band. I had their sax player do a track on my song "Last Night" a couple years back. Bryon Tosoff did the keys on that too.Greg did a double track towards the end that's really cool. If you get a chance check Aja Vu out. They also do Chicago covers as well. D.
7/4/2018, 9:38 AM
Kinda the ultimate mainstream/non-indie band, huh? All expensive studios, super-slick million dollar productions and top-notch studio gunslingers. Definitely NOT an Indie. That said, I like 'em. Nothing wrong with a mainstream band if they're good. And Steely Dan are good. Very, very good.
7/3/2018, 3:07 AM
Oh, Yes! I simply LOVE me some STEELY DAN!!! Great Artists! -M- (hmmm... now I've gone and said all "THAT"... and it seems I recall hearin' somethin' 'bout a "STEELY DAN" bein' th' name for some type of a "Sex Toy"??? Hmph! Oh well! hahaha!)
7/3/2018, 2:30 AM
Guitar playing on "Don't Take me Alive" just blows me away. Brilliant stuff.
7/2/2018, 10:30 AM
Oh man, there was a period in the 70's when I listened to a lot of Steely Dan. Great music with wonderful melodies and hooks. A friend of mine turned me on to them. He was suffering from extreme PTSD and their music helped to calm him down. He thought it would help me also. Could be true but I was always smoking good weed back then and it could have been the weed we were smoking. But I still love that group. Their sound is so unique and skillful. Wonderful musicians. They forged their own sound and made millions of people happy. Much Respect, Stoneman
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6/30/2018, 12:26 PM
Here's my fav Steely Dan song (lyrics)... seems to be about the 'wheels within wheels,' karma, and all that...besides the groovin' musicality, a story... "In the mornin' you go gunnin' for the man who stole your water And you fire till he is done in but they catch you at the border And the mourners are all singin' as they drag you by your feet But the hangman isn't hangin' and they put you on the street You go back, Jack, do it again, wheels turnin' 'round and 'round You go back, Jack, do it again When you know she's no high climber then you find your only friend In a room with your two timer, and you're sure you're near the end Then you love a little wild one, and she brings you only sorrow All the time you know she's smilin'; you'll be on your knees tomorrow You go back, Jack, do it again, wheels turnin' 'round and 'round You go back, Jack, do it again Now you swear and kick and beg us that you're not a gamblin' man; Then you find you're back in Vegas with a handle in your hand Your black cards can make you money so you hide them when you're able In the land of milk and honey you must put them on the table You go back, Jack, do it again, wheels turnin' 'round and 'round You go back, Jack, do it again"
6/30/2018, 6:29 AM
Yes, the vocals, the well crafted lyrics and song writing and instrument virtuosity - all very compelling and first rate. One of my favs - "Deacon Blues" This is the day Of the expanding man That shape is my shade There where I used to stand It seems like only yesterday I gazed through the glass At ramblers Wild gamblers That's all in the past You call me a fool You say it's a crazy scheme This one's for real I already bought the dream So useless to ask me why Throw a kiss and say goodbye I'll make it this time I'm ready to cross that fine line I'll learn to work the saxophone I'll play just what I feel Drink Scotch whisky all night long And die behind the wheel They got a name for the winners in the world I want a name when I lose They call Alabama the Crimson Tide Call me Deacon Blues My back to the wall A victim of laughing chance This is for me The essence of true romance Sharing the things we know and love With those of my kind Libations Sensations That stagger the mind I crawl like a viper Through these suburban streets Make love to these women Languid and bittersweet I'll rise when the sun goes down Cover every game in town A world of my own I'll make it my home sweet home I'll learn to work the saxophone I'll play just what I feel Drink Scotch whisky all night long And die behind the wheel They got a name for the winners in the world I want a name when I lose They call Alabama the Crimson Tide Call me Deacon Blues This is the night Of the expanding man I take one last drag As I approach the stand I cried when I wrote this song Sue me if I play too long This brother is free I'll be what I want to be I'll learn to work the saxophone I'll play just what I feel Drink Scotch whisky all night long And die behind the wheel They got a name for the winners in the world I want a name when I lose They call Alabama the Crimson Tide Call me Deacon Blues
6/30/2018, 6:21 AM
Steely Dan had huge influence on me tripping groove outs and cool voicings, textures sounds. Catchy riffs and great song crafting. Very Cerebral in their works.
