January, February, & March 2016 Posts

Date: Fri, April 01, 2016, 02:22:18 ET
Posted by: Steely Mole, NYC

Steely Dan are proud to announce the release of their new studio album "Rockin', Jammin' Rollin, Groovin'."

"It took quite a bit of work, but I was finally able to cajole Walter into joining me in the studio over the past few Winters. We went back to some material from the mid-80s we worked on and wrote a few new things as well."

Walter Becker was unavailable for comment as his vocabulary has been reduced to variations on the phrases "What's the name of that drink?!" "More dessert" and "The originator!"

The album was recorded in both Hawaii and New York City from January of 2013 to December of 2015.

Tracklisting:

1. Pot Vibe (Lead Vocals by Walter Becker)
2. Bitchin' 'Bout My Bus
3. The Third Arrangement (featuring Denny Dias)
4. Three Sisters Shaking
5. Cash Only Island
6. Plooked. (Collaboration with Dweezil Zappa and Mike Keneally)
7. Uncle Walt's Rant (Lead Vocals by Walter Becker)
8. Constantly Shitposting
9. Reelin' in the Beers
10. Prisoner #283974 (Donald's Lament)

Date: Thurs, March 31, 2016, 23:06:04 ET
Posted by: Jann weiner, NYC

Fuck you Steely dan.

You haven't made a good album since Absolutely Free.

Date: Thurs, March 31, 2016, 22:38:16 ET
Posted by: DYLYNFAN, HARRISBURG PA

My hashtag should have been: # Fuck Jann Wenner and while I am here, I should correct my mix-up of "prescription" and "subscription" # one too many vapes tonight

Date: Thurs, March 31, 2016, 22:17:56 ET
Posted by: DYLYNFAN, HARRISBURG PA

I assumed it must have been past midnight when I read that Carlock didn't make the top 100 drummers, and that it was an April Fools joke. Unbelievable, beyond absurd.What's next, Hendrix doesn't crack Rolling Stones top 100 guitarist. Had I still had a prescription to RS, I would have canceled it. # FUCK!!!!!!

Date: Thurs, March 31, 2016, 21:15:49 ET
Posted by: Charlie Watts?, JJF

Fuck you, Rolling Stone magazine!

You haven't done anything good since....fuck. never.

Date: Thurs, March 31, 2016, 21:08:32 ET
Posted by: Caitlyn Jenner, LA

I thought that it was "Building the Perfect Breast."

Date: Thurs, March 31, 2016, 20:50:21 ET
Posted by: OneTwo, 3-4

Keith Carlock did not make Rolling Stone Magazine's Top 100 Drummers List.

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/100-greatest-drummers-of-all-time-20160331

But Meg White did.


FUCK YOU, ROLLING STONE. FUCK YOU!

Date: Thurs, March 31, 2016, 00:06:28 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,

Michael: Entertainers. Before singer-songwriters there were band leaders (Sir Duke, ) composer teams (Rogers, Hart) and the entertainers that fronted them - rat pack.

Michael Jackson was a hybrid with partial input into songwriting and producing...although he's was mostly a stylized entertaining. The best - like the entire Rat Pack into one guy...before mental and physical deformities twisted his brilliant talent

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJDdBbgJafU

Toto members were often the backing band core.


Whitney Houston is/was the ultimate diva entertaining and not songwriter. Shame David Foster got the Grammy and the same year as kama, but THE VOICE had absolute command over the songs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ipQ0fE0MRWQ


Bocelli has his opera niche - and he's quite good at it.


Today's Entertainers are often the talent show contestants, of which a good number are professionals at some (lower) level. Most of it is dreadful as television. The Voice is probably the more successful overall. As performance art, these particular from the assorted show - can't possibly watch an entire show real time, and the audiences are distracting...although the wellspring is British, there's something obscenely American commercial pop about it all. Like stupid human tricks. Best of...I guess

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SexmAWhqICY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3U4kxuBfIo

(skip to 1:34 - nice storytelling and dealing with accidentals, key change)



So the complete package of

• Entertainer/performance Art

• Songwriter

might just be Kimbra out of New Zealand. Like Lorde, except talented. Amazing looped harmonies - it takes a Fagen-like focused mind to do this:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Www5CxldSs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4K1hoMlxQmg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I134VaHGnDs

Date: Wed, March 30, 2016, 19:19:44 ET
Posted by: Michael,

NYB, specialty performers. There are artists renown for their voices, including Andrea Bocelli. Granted some older artists can sell out venues absent new material, likely because the media continually reenforces them as living legends and the baby boomers' children are brought up listening to their music.

Date: Wed, March 30, 2016, 17:18:23 ET
Posted by: Don , Dallas

The Eagles always offered merchandise which was superior to Steely Dan's.

-Don

Fuck you, Steely Dan.

You haven't had good merch since 2000.

Date: Wed, March 30, 2016, 14:29:50 ET
Posted by: Art, eating lunch

No. I have no desire to waste money on another sleazy hollywood biopic. I just stick with documentaries.

Date: Wed, March 30, 2016, 13:27:49 ET
Posted by: info, x

Anyone going to see the Miles Davis movie starring Don Cheadle? Opens this weekend in NY and LA.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0790770/

Date: Wed, March 30, 2016, 12:24:48 ET
Posted by: Moose, Oakland CA

How does Tony Bennett do it? Well, last year he released an album with Lady Gaga called Cheek to Cheek. I saw Tony Bennett perform at the Bridge School Benefit Concert several years ago in Mountain View, CA with Neil Young, Paul McCartney, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Eddie Vedder and other rock acts. Tony Bennett stole the show. Tony keeps his ears and mind open with the rock scene. That's why everybody loves him.

Date: Wed, March 30, 2016, 11:54:25 ET
Posted by: NYB, Home Again

Michael? How did Tony Bennett do it? Still doing the same songs and people still love him. I don't care about new music, I'm happy to see the boys and girls do their thing...




Anyway, here's song for you guys...


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=foCI-M4PKMg

Date: Wed, March 30, 2016, 00:44:12 ET
Posted by: Evil Woman, Turn To Stone

** Jeff Lynne's Electric Light Orchestra **
Hollywood Bowl - September 9, 10, 11.
Radio City Music Hall - September 16.

Date: Tues, March 29, 2016, 20:50:14 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, pissed off about *something* again...

QUOTE: "Concertgoers don't want to hear the same old shit year after year".

Actually, they do - more now than ever. And therein lies the problem.

An act like SD can no longer expect to draw large(r) audiences across North America by playing just one or two wormy radio hits supplemented by a bunch of album tracks and rarities. And of course promoters insist on a set list that includes all or most of the recognizable songs that the casual, un-ironic 55 year old insurance salesman and his drunken, withered, twice-divorced date want to talk-n-text through. Everybody knows this.

A more accurate statement might have been, "Casual concertgoers don't want to see the same old BANDS year after year".

Because casual concertgoers are the ones subsidizing all these tours of the last decade or more, and they don't tend to see every band they kinda like, every tour, multiple times. That's why they're called "casual" fans. There just aren't enough of "us" left now, so we don't get to call the setlists, and very likely we never did.

But all you complaining naysayers - have no fear! Like the recent post from Cicero/Chicago pointed out, in a mere handful of years all of these musicians we know and love will be dead and all you compulsive/repetitive squeaky shits will have the smug and satisfied feeling of not having seen your "favorite" act(s) that one last time, or any of the seven previous times they were in your neighborhood. Good on you, you whiny fucks.

Date: Tues, March 29, 2016, 20:24:22 ET
Posted by: DYLYNFAN, HARRISBURG PA

Wow talk about stereotyping Chris! J.F.C.,and for the record
I am a 53 year old Insurance salesman. Let the countdown to
Camden (NJ) begin.

Date: Tues, March 29, 2016, 18:11:55 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh

no offense to any 55 year old insurance agents here - you are all the "good ones"

Date: Tues, March 29, 2016, 18:11:28 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh

Not sure if I blame the setlists. It's kind of a tough hypothetical as they have never been the type to vary their show; it's almost asking, "if Steely Dan were a completely different band, would they sell out Great Woods faster?"

On the other hand, they've become a touring machine over the past 10 years, and the bands that do that tend to be the type to vary their setlists.

But would anyone care if they started doing that, besides us? Would word catch on that Steely Dan does something unexpected every night, or would it be the same crowd of mostly casual fans?

The other thing is that bands that DO change their setlist every night inevitably have a handful of crappy shows per tour. Is it worth it for SD to do that and risk alienating the 55 year old insurance agent who came to sing along to Hey Nineteen unironically?

Date: Tues, March 29, 2016, 12:33:06 ET
Posted by: Bazooka, Bay Area California

When I saw Eric B on the list below, I couldn't figure out who it was. Then I realized it must be Eric Burdon. It's a shame that this legendary rock vocalist has been relegated to playing at small clubs or for free at County Fairs.

Date: Tues, March 29, 2016, 11:31:17 ET
Posted by: Add to that list, TX

All the rockers with the initials B.S.

Date: Tues, March 29, 2016, 11:10:07 ET
Posted by: What?, !

Nonsense. Eric Carmen has at least 25 years left in him.

Date: Tues, March 29, 2016, 11:08:46 ET
Posted by: Cicero, Chi-cago

Who's the genius who billed Bad Co and Joe Walsh? Cant even sell 600 tickets with groupon.

Just think my friends in 10-15 years will wil lose everyone
Paul McrCartney
Elton J
Walt and Don
Eric C
Eric B
Pete Townsend
Roger D
Ringo S
Mic J
Keith R
Charlie W
Rod S
Robert P
Jimmy P
James Taylor


This list goes on and on

Rock is almsot dead literally.
Enjoy these artist while you can.

Date: Tues, March 29, 2016, 10:32:29 ET
Posted by: Jug, just woke up

I'm not surprised some SD shows are selling poorly. Concertgoers don't want to hear the same old shit year after year.

Date: Tues, March 29, 2016, 10:02:54 ET
Posted by: 2017, prediction

Don Henley said he won't tour as the Eagles without Frey, and SDs demand is waning. They'd be a logical match up with Henley drawing from the Eagles catalog, though his ego wouldn't allow him to be an opener. It would be a split bill, and (from a ticket sales perspective) rightfully so.

Date: Tues, March 29, 2016, 08:50:37 ET
Posted by: rumor, mill

word on the street is, Boston show is selling very slowly and is unlikely to sell out. They've hit that market every summer since '06 and the demand just isn't there for the biggest non-stadium venue in the area. Expect lots of promos and giveaways and possibly some Groupon deals as the show approaches.

Date: Sun, March 27, 2016, 16:18:47 ET
Posted by: DocMu,

Bird & Bee - influenced by Swing Out Sister, Bacharach, Beatles, and Beach Boys. Pretty good. Good use of space.

SoS

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4rPkF3Drik

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7Y8Sf9nkFw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-FcmCmFmvkw

Date: Sun, March 27, 2016, 14:28:02 ET
Posted by: Barney Beacon, .

I heard the reason it "fizzled" was because Todd was demanding top billing. (No joke)

Date: Sat, March 26, 2016, 16:49:35 ET
Posted by: Gumbo, CT

That's too bad. Would've liked to see Ray Davies appear with Donald. I agree with Ethan. Rhymes just doesn't work. Donald should have produced it himself.

Date: Sat, March 26, 2016, 12:43:25 ET
Posted by: Ethan, etc.

And to answer Fagenism's question. According to the (later revision) Sweet bio, in 2005 Don & Todd were throwing around the idea of doing a rock & soul revue with Ray Davies and The O'Jays, but it fizzled.

Date: Sat, March 26, 2016, 12:36:10 ET
Posted by: Ethan, etc.

I thought the Rundgren produced Rhymes lacked a certain "honest" quality that is a signature of Fagen's music.

Date: Sat, March 26, 2016, 11:47:49 ET
Posted by: Michael,

fagenism, yeah, I know Greg acts as a producer outside of his work with Inara. It's a bummer that 4th Of July is a bonus track exclusive to one of their Japanese releases.

About Donald's collaboration with Todd Rundgren, sorry, I don't have any info on that.

Date: Sat, March 26, 2016, 09:41:49 ET
Posted by: fagenism, She go (I cry)

@Michael

LOVE The Bird And The Bee. Were you aware Greg Kurstin is a bit of a super producer? He produced both Adele's "Hello" and Sia's "Chandelier". That's a nice payday right there. Kurstin also produced the album Port Of Morrow by the sensational The Shins.

*

Speaking of producers: what is known about the collaboration between Don and Todd Rundgren? Was it meant to be something bigger, or just the one song? Regardless, I find the Rhymes cover sensational.

Date: Sat, March 26, 2016, 07:26:10 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Doc, I like some of their material. Nice Girls was the obvious choice to hit the airwaves. Too bad it was only a minor hit. Still sounds good after all these years, thanks to the usual cast of session players and the Katz production. Time Flys is another stand-out track. Her voice is a little weak but that's all right.

Some other great songs by female vocalists:

Lisa Stansfield - All Around The World
Anita Baker - Sweet Love, Caught Up In The Rapture, Giving You The Best That I Got
Sade - Smooth Operator, The Sweetest Taboo
The Bird And The Bee - 4th Of July, I'm A Broken Heart
Judie Tzuke - You Were The Place, Katiera Island
The Motels - Only The Lonely

Date: Fri, March 25, 2016, 21:35:05 ET
Posted by: DocMu,

Michael,

Another nice one. It reminds me of the sound and chord progressions in the Eye to Eye albums, particularly the sadly overlooked second one...which is weaker lyrically than the debut, but I think stronger in structure, composition, super tight harmonies from Deborah Berg, and playing by the Usual Suspects (Carlton, Haslip, Donald, etc).

Lucky

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGxeOjsF4vM

The mighty Shakespeare Stole My Baby (2:35 ridiculous layered vocal harmonies)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ec02hQ06tuI

TWA Sari

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dH_UoUfMdms

Date: Thurs, March 24, 2016, 20:02:51 ET
Posted by: Larry, Sanders

Garry Shandling. Dead.
http://www.aol.com/article/2016/03/24/garry-shandling-dies-at-66-rip/21333158/

Date: Thurs, March 24, 2016, 18:09:47 ET
Posted by: Sad, day

RIP Ken Howard, Coach Reeves of The White Shadow and successor to DF's cousin Alan Rosenberg as SAG president.

Date: Thurs, March 24, 2016, 11:32:09 ET
Posted by: Phil, Pau

FIP is a french radio with a very eclectic programmation, I hope the link will show you what was played just now before Do it again: http://www.fipradio.fr/archives-antenne

If t doesn't work, it was Mountains and lakes by Fragments, Fruit trees by Matthew E White and some mixed stuff before that like me you've probably never heard, old and new, never the same song twice a day, no advertising, just some short infos in french every hour, something tells me you could enjoy it.

Date: Thurs, March 24, 2016, 11:09:44 ET
Posted by: LC, .

I remember an interview around 2009'ish when Fagen mentioned that he switched to a different melodica because he liked the sound better. I had just seen him play with Levon Helm and he played a melodica solo on a country song, and noticed the sound wasn't as grating as what I'd heard from him previously.

Date: Thurs, March 24, 2016, 07:19:51 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Chris, thank you. The ornamentation in the right side was mixed a bit strong, but the general idea is presented well and that's what's important.

I really hope we get to hear more new stuff from Don & Walt. It's already been over 3 years since Sunken Condos. (Can you believe it?)

Lately I've been listening to some Bacharach. His music is so timeless and exquisite, especially his style of arrangement. Listen to a tune like Nikki. That takes more than technical skill to accomplish - you can feel the soul in the sound.

Date: Thurs, March 24, 2016, 06:08:32 ET
Posted by: Dodge, Los Angeles CA

I love it when Donald gets up from his piano stool and starts walking around the stage playing his melodica. The crowd always roars with approval. I have no idea what brand of melodica Donald plays, but I sure wish he would play more solos on that instrument.

Date: Wed, March 23, 2016, 20:14:06 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh

Jeez Michael, your stuff is great. And seems ready made for a live band. You really oughta find a lyricist and record that shit.

Date: Wed, March 23, 2016, 19:45:36 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh

Does anyone know what brand/model of melodica DF plays?

I've owned a few over the years and they were never that great.

Date: Wed, March 23, 2016, 07:49:15 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Music is the best.

Hyper Sky Perspective

http://www.motifator.com/index.php?ACT=39&fid=130&aid=15609_ekturbby2pkS72PbOAGh&board_id=1

Date: Tues, March 22, 2016, 23:00:14 ET
Posted by: For Crying out loud,

Chris New Hampshire. Hoops deleted all the political opinion posts. They were gone. And now you just brought them back

Date: Tues, March 22, 2016, 22:32:32 ET
Posted by: Don Patrol, Mtl

Gino F. You hit the nail on the head.
AND I am (not quite drunken) balding,
pony tailed, dope smoking,no phone,
too old to be yuppie guy. But all the rest
was great!
Peace

Date: Tues, March 22, 2016, 21:04:35 ET
Posted by: Chris , nh

Respectfully:

I really, really dislike the political (and 100% non-dangential, but mainly political) posts that have cropped up here lately.

As someone who has volunteered on (and donated to) a few presidential campaigns, my preference is to separate Steely Dan from all of that.

Just my two cents.

Date: Tues, March 22, 2016, 19:48:51 ET
Posted by: Gino F., On Your Radio

Hoops, thanks for that.

I've got tickets for Joe's Buffalo NY show - first time I've seen him since 1980 - and I'm excited to see the show.

AND - I'm not a drunken, balding, pony-tailing, cell phone-obsessed Yuppie, and I'm not wallowing in nostalgia. I'm just out looking to enjoy an evening of good music.

A message for all the naysayers who insist on crapping all over everything here:

It's not always about "set lists". It's not always about "why don't they play MY favorite deep cut?". Sometimes it's all about the experience of seeing an act you really love, in a live setting, maybe for the last time.

Figure it out, dipshits, or lose out...

Date: Tues, March 22, 2016, 16:42:07 ET
Posted by: hoops, chicago

Slim:

He played 2 dozen shows in the US last fall. He's doing another ten. He's revisiting 3-4 cities this time around. His ticket prices are always reasonable and his shows are around two hours, he sold all his shows, and he plays awesome, small venues. Here in Chicago that translated into under $25 for most tickets and some fancy seats at $60 sold through fan-friendly alternatives to Ticketmaster; in a venue that holds maybe 2,000 if even that. Here's a link to some interior and exterior shots: http://www.undergroundbee.com/2014/05/17/a-sneak-peek-inside-thalia-hall/

Saw both nights of his Chicago shows last November (at $25 a night, how could I not?) and I was absorbed into his performance the whole time.

So a US tour of almost three dozen tours with more than one night in handful of big cities is about needing money? For a fan, you have a really fucked up attitude. Please don't go his shows anymore.

And of course, a great thing about Joe is that he is a first rate Steely Dan fan and student who obsesses over SD like we do.

Jim

Date: Tues, March 22, 2016, 14:24:30 ET
Posted by: Slim Whitman Jr., on the road

Already saw Joe Jackson in October last year. Why is Joe coming back to the States so soon? Maybe he needs the money.

Date: Tues, March 22, 2016, 13:57:54 ET
Posted by: PSA, US

Can someone help out Larry Carlton?

https://www.facebook.com/LarryCarlton335/posts/10153517677080886

Date: Tues, March 22, 2016, 13:16:22 ET
Posted by: Beast w/o A Name, Crackerton, NJ

New U.S. dates for Joe Jackson just announced. He'll be playing The Apollo in NYC July 15th. Reminds me of the time I saw Prince at The Grand Ole Opry... :-) Haven't seen Joe since 2003. He always does a great show, imho.

Date: Tues, March 22, 2016, 11:41:09 ET
Posted by: Dear, right-wing hooeys

Michael- I look to Scott Baio myself.

Do we really have to discuss politics in this forum. Really?

Date: Mon, March 21, 2016, 21:53:04 ET
Posted by: Bailey Quarters, WKRP

Libby Titus's pal Cyndi Lauper has endorsed Hillary Clinton for President. Cyndi has a new country album called Detour to be released on May 6. It features tracks with Willie Nelson.

Date: Mon, March 21, 2016, 18:02:25 ET
Posted by: DYLYNFAN, HARRISBURG PA

I am a tad embarrassed to know this, but here goes: "applesauce".

Date: Mon, March 21, 2016, 16:40:53 ET
Posted by: Don Patrol, Mtl

Uh-oh

Date: Mon, March 21, 2016, 15:29:49 ET
Posted by: lyrics quiz, TV time

Peter Brady
Cousin Dupree

Pete is notorious for the way he pronounces something that is in the lyrics of Cousin Dupree. What is it?

Date: Mon, March 21, 2016, 15:08:38 ET
Posted by: Ben Padron, sd

When I try to think of why WB got so "lost" in the late '70s, this article segment concerning his adolescent years and the fact that DF's writing/singing talent was/is so overwhelming may have led him to such self-punitive measures. I'm glad he more than survived that time.

"Becker's father sold paper-gutting machinery he imported from Germany for a company that had offices in Manhattan, near the city's printing district. His parents separated when he was a small boy, and his mother, who is British, moved to England. Becker was raised by his father and grandmother. They lived in Queens, then for several years in Scarsdale, New York, then, when his father grew tired of the commute to his office, in Queens again. When Becker was about fourteen, a slightly older boy named Randy Wolf moved to his neighborhood. Wolf's stepfather was a drummer, and Wolf knew the rudiments of blues-guitar playing, and he showed them to Becker. Eventually, Wolf and his stepfather moved out West and Becker never saw him again. At the suggestion of Jimi Hendrix, Wolf changed his name to Randy California, and he and his stepfather were members of a popular band of the period called Spirit; California died several years ago, in a drowning accident in Hawaii.

Each year Becker's father spent a month doing business in Germany. When Becker was sixteen, his father survived a heart attack, and as a consequence he and his son drew closer. "He saw me as more of an adult," Becker says, "and we talked about things that we planned to do together. I took him to the airport then, for one of his trips abroad, and four weeks later he died on the airplane coming home. I reacted badly to it in a number of ways, and nothing captured my imagination again for a while."

Date: Mon, March 21, 2016, 14:39:54 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,

Hello Baton rouge...warming up for Jazziest:


Wry quips about favorite, familiar albums.

http://theadvocate.com/entertainment/15211833-123/with-james-fogle

Date: Mon, March 21, 2016, 10:14:19 ET
Posted by: The Ghost, From Hipness

NYB- The prodigy/kid was splattered all over 60 minutes a few weeks ago. But thanks for the breaking news.

Date: Mon, March 21, 2016, 06:36:02 ET
Posted by: M.A. Bakker, The Netherlands, or was that Netherworld?

Dan fans, some shameless self-promotion here, but:

I just released an album very much inspired by (and often compared to) Don & Walt's writings. The observant listener might even pick up some references here and there.

Listen to "Rejected Scripts" for free at

www.mabakker.com or

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fGvPd84Gl-c&list=PLCCCFXl8Wek4rHUDlAJWUCV2i1vYx-tAJ

Enjoy the music, I hope you'll dig it -Maarten-

Date: Sun, March 20, 2016, 20:19:04 ET
Posted by: hemiola,

Thanks to NYB for the prodigy. Sensational!

Date: Sun, March 20, 2016, 11:26:24 ET
Posted by: NYB, prodigy

Still wanna see D/W work with this 12 year old kid...


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=heIGbOA6Ykw



This is a boy Donald.

Date: Sat, March 19, 2016, 19:09:34 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh

Snarky Puppy keyboardist Cory Henry has a new record out, The Revival. Solo organ, mostly gospel tunes. Phenomenal.

Date: Sat, March 19, 2016, 17:03:44 ET
Posted by: TO Danfan, & Big Bruce Fan

Steve & Rocco

I saw Bruce Feb 2 and it was incredible as usual. This time it was just him and the band doing the River + more. Last time I saw him there were 20 people on stage with horns, back-up singers (including our Cindy M), etc. For a fan like me, hearing the River in total meant hearing many deep cuts rarely played live these days. So I thought it was awesome!

I stopped buying floors for Bruce when they took the seats away. The crowd at these shows is the same demographic as the SD crowd. I like having a seat so I can sit if desired. I probably sat for 15 min total but at least the option was there.

A younger fan who has attended both bands with me says "wow are they ever different parties....at Bruce you stand and rock out for 3.5 hrs. At Steely Dan you sit and bop your head for 2 hrs".

I said yup and I love 'em both!

Cheers

Date: Sat, March 19, 2016, 13:52:46 ET
Posted by: Steve,

Rocco. Did you see him on the recent River tour? I'm not sure I could listen to all of the River first and then some hits.

At this point, I would make up some joke that I misunderstood that it was going to be Bruce Springsteen with Riverdance only to be disappointed. ;-)

Date: Sat, March 19, 2016, 10:35:09 ET
Posted by: Nicholas Urfe, I meant Herington

Date: Sat, March 19, 2016, 10:34:36 ET
Posted by: Nicholas Urfe, Phraxos

Listening to a little Walter Becker Radio on Pandora this morning (thank you for the millionth time to whomever suggested that as a way to maximize WB, DF, and SD on Pandora) and a cut from Jon Herrington's Smile (Smile, Smile) played. I think that's the first time I've had SD band member pop up. It was a nice tune.

Date: Fri, March 18, 2016, 19:35:08 ET
Posted by: Rocco, San Francisco CA

I couldn't endure a 3 1/2 hour set by Bruce Springsteen. I had seats on the floor but my legs got tired after standing up too long and the songs were beginning to sound the same. I left the show after 2 hours. I guess I'm not a big enough fan of "The Boss".

Date: Fri, March 18, 2016, 03:28:26 ET
Posted by: popegreg, MKE

Interesting article about 60's acts still touring:

http://www.jsonline.com/entertainment/musicandnightlife/for-rockers-70-is-the-new-30-b99685714z1-372416491.html

Though I'm a few years shy of being a Baby Boomer, I certainly see my share of older/classic rock acts. I just saw Springsteen and the E Street Band two weeks ago (3 1/2 hour set!!). And I've got my tickets for The Who on Monday, and SD/SW at Northerly Island in June!!!

After I saw James Brown in January 2006 for first time, and he died that December, I decided that I really need to see a lot of the greats before they shuffle off this mortal coil.

Date: Thurs, March 17, 2016, 22:19:53 ET
Posted by: BillfromPgh, pgh

Never heard that Zen Blues Quartet version of Reelin' before, although I'm a big Mike Finnegan fan (he's now with Bonnie Raitt). Sounds just like the version Jeff Young sang with Srew Zingg in around 1993, after the first modern SD tour. I can't find it on line, I have it on cassette somewhere.

Date: Thurs, March 17, 2016, 21:38:58 ET
Posted by: Gino F., Here at the...you know where I'm goin' with this

'Here at the Western World' is a stunningly beautiful bit of music and absolutely should be performed live by the current touring version of Steely Dan. Period.

Date: Thurs, March 17, 2016, 16:49:59 ET
Posted by: Lucky, St. Louis

Yes, "Western World" sounds best at the original slow tempo. For some reason, Donald & Walt don't think highly of this song. It was left off The Royal Scam album and now they never perform it live. It's a magnificent song that deserves to be revived.

Date: Thurs, March 17, 2016, 13:25:59 ET
Posted by: Beast w/o A Life, Uptharinthemtharhills,NJ

Tom Wopat owns a log cabin on a lake that I called home for nearly 7 years. I've been hoping to run into him one day, but he's rarely ever there. I would love to ask him if he's ever heard Patton Oswalt's routine about movie producer Robert Evans. Look for the routine on You Tube. It's very R-rated and hilarious.

I listened to Tom Wopat's Deacon Blues only once. Not a big fan.

I'm also not a fan of Donald's live version of Here at the Western World from his only-ever solo tour. It sounds like a cruise-ship variety show overture. He turned an otherwise sweet-sounding ballad with a beat into something I would never listen to. Yeccchh.. Sorry Don.

Date: Thurs, March 17, 2016, 12:20:10 ET
Posted by: Nicholas Urfe, Phraxos

Speaking of lightning fast sequences of notes on a tune we'll all recognize...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jVR7-11UBQ0

Date: Thurs, March 17, 2016, 07:53:33 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Doc, while Donald may not possess the same dexterity at improving sequences of notes at lightning speed as other jazz artists, he more than compensates with his distinct and unusual command of harmony and rhythm - two ingredients I think many artists tend to treat in a rather straightforward manner. It's not just about which chords are being played; it's how they're being played within the context of the song.

As for the mu-chord, in reality it's just an inversion with the added 2nd to the chord, e.g. CM7 played as C-A-D-E-G. It's just adding a note, essentially. Sometimes the 3rd or 5th is omitted. Another way to think of it is to play the minor 7th chord a third away from the root (on the median) in second inversion.

Date: Wed, March 16, 2016, 21:55:12 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,

sorry - autocorrect and chord tabs don't mix.

F#maj7, C#maj7 on TTHOA

Date: Wed, March 16, 2016, 19:52:42 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,

Michael: That's the Monk-ey in Donald's soul.

Like a drunk attempting to climb the stairs throws a few Monk-ey wrenches into a semi standard German polka to late 60s acid rock melody as we lurch for a lamppost. Something wrong is so right


As Thelonius ,y old friend say:

“The piano ain't got no wrong notes.”

...and sometimes in between them isn't so bad either.


The stuff that appeals to me from CBAT is the off-kilter stuff. The Monk influenced Fire in the Hole. Accidentals/major/minor key swings.

It starts with a Dmaj7, the gateway drug to mu/SD chord slutdom. The wonder moment - "A woman's voice" -cmaj7 mu followed by a and E maj7ths after "not to speak" That can't stand up for falling down stuff.


Donald's a pretty underrated piano player in terms of rhythm - got that angly blues-swing feel.


The other song that does it for me is Turn that Heartbeat Over Again. Criminally overlooked, particularly with what would go on from Pretzel Logic and Katy Lied through The Nightly.

The chorus has those iconic Fmaj7 and CMaj7 chords...and the turnaround after the chorus

"Oh Michael Oh Jesus I'll keep my promise when"

assuming this is where your "bogus personna" nom de plume is derived...


The kicker though is 2:30 - 3:33... Pay attention at 2:55 - 3:07 ; nothing really like it before in rock era American pop - not even Bacharach.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4WRFXKDT4Ng

IMO you can hear the rest of their career in this elegant interlude.

Date: Wed, March 16, 2016, 13:35:08 ET
Posted by: Abu, Reelin' Bluesy?

Just wondering what you'all think of the Zen Blues Quartet and their unique cover of Reelin' in the Years. Too different? It sounds almost gospel-like I think.

Date: Wed, March 16, 2016, 12:38:56 ET
Posted by: Nicholas Urfe, Phraxos

Horace Silver figures prominently in this article in today's WSJ, and Song for My Father gets a mention.

http://on.wsj.com/1S2YzeA

Boogaloo!!!

Date: Wed, March 16, 2016, 07:54:56 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Doc, regarding CBB, that kind of phrasing is seldom used in music. I can tell it's jazz-derived, with Donald's quirky touch.

CBAT has some real classic gems on it. Don't know why it rubs Don & Walt the wrong way. The songwriting is great and the performances are strong. Maybe it's not jazzy enough for their tastes?

Anyway, here's a little something put together quickly, to exercise my creativity.

http://www.motifator.com/index.php?ACT=39&fid=130&aid=15598_pm4SXsKdtXyiwSOMbBcm&board_id=1

See you later, alligator.


.-._ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
.-''-.__.-'00 '-' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' '-.
'.___ ' . .--_'-' '-' '-' _'-' '._
V: V 'vv-' '_ '. .' _..' '.'.
'=.____.=_.--' :_.__.__:_ '. : :
(((____.-' '-. / : :
(((-'\ .' /
_____..' .'
'-._____.-'

Date: Wed, March 16, 2016, 06:32:45 ET
Posted by: Marv, N

For some reason Tom Wopat makes me think of Cousin Dupree. Oh that's right, his cousin is Daisy Duke.

Date: Wed, March 16, 2016, 00:02:20 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,

I hate to say - but much more interesting than the original

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pAKgY9oJCT8


the key is enhancing those harmonies...

Date: Wed, March 16, 2016, 00:00:42 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,

Oh, Wow It's You Again - by John Tobacco is a fantastic cover.


I think of Huey Lewis as an American version of the Little River Band, if that makes sense. Rich in harmonies - meat and potatoes in a fun way with rock, blues, R&B, and slight jazz inflections.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIxNmHfpwSU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZ_3G4xqSDQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tf-AmedKfRc


Come Back Baby is also the most interesting of the early demos, and that's the money shot for me. "My old man never told me how." twisted up in accidentals

Ida Lee has its moments. Even though CBAT was recorded in just a few weeks, it is truly amazing the kind of sound they got out of the musicians and themselves. With Dallas as the transition or beta version.

Date: Tues, March 15, 2016, 22:52:02 ET
Posted by: Arnold, Ohio

I don't like Tom Wopat's version of Deacon Blues. Sounds like easy listening cocktail lounge music. Kind of like Harry Connick Jr.

Date: Tues, March 15, 2016, 20:37:27 ET
Posted by: Nicholas Urfe, Phraxos

Although the cover itself didn't do much for me, I applaud someone having the gumption to cover a pre-CBAT song.

Yellow Peril and A Little with Sugar are my two favorites. Classic SD character sketches. There are many snippets and ideas from the unofficial tunes scattered among the official releases.

Date: Tues, March 15, 2016, 20:17:49 ET
Posted by: Abu, On top of the covers

Here are some of the latest videos posted on the Facebook (aka Fakebook, for you haters) "Steely Dan Covers" page:


Do It Again - Philippe Saisse Trio (from 2006) ...excellent!
Dirty Work - Wave Mechanics Union (solo piano cover from 2012)
Reelin' in the Years - Zen Blues Quartet (a bluesy rendition of the classic tune)
Oh, Wow It's You Again - by John Tabacco
Everything You Did - Genya Ravan
Deacon Blues - Tom Wompat (yes, one the actors from the "Dukes of Hazzard")

and, although not technically a cover:

Jazz Chops, No Hang-Ups - Nigel Waddington (an "Ode to Steely Dan" -- tribute tune)


Check out the Facebook page and "Like" if you do. Of course, all of the above can also be seen and heard on the "Tube".


https://www.facebook.com/SteelyDanCovers

Date: Tues, March 15, 2016, 18:48:28 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Doc Mu, I've never heard that Huey Lewis album, but I do kinda like If This Is It despite my apprehension about anything doo-wop. It's got a strong melodic flow.

It seems that quite a few artists go through a temporary period where they attempt to emulate another artist's sound, or otherwise stray from the well trodden path. Very few artists stick exclusively to one thing and refine it until it becomes their signature sound like Steely Dan did. Not to say that they didn't borrow more than a few ideas but then so does every single artist.

Has everything already been done in terms of song structure, sound and harmonic possibilities? I don't know.

Of the pre-CBAT material, I like Come Back Baby the most, especially the part at the end of the chorus where Donald sings, "My old man never told* me how."
*I don't know for sure if it's told or taught. ≤^.^≥

Date: Tues, March 15, 2016, 17:50:17 ET
Posted by: Nicholas Urfe, Phraxos

@Gino F. - I had never listened to Chris Squire's Fish our of Water until he died last year. Like so many things that I stumble across because of items posted on the Blue, I found it a worthwhile listen. You're right that Yes and ELP fizzled, but is there any other genre of rock music that is so completely defined by only two bands. Sure, other bands played art rock - Ambrosia, for example - but everything after Yes and ELP was superfluous.

Dangential? Yes covered Paul Simon's America, and SD had an album entitled Alive in America. So there's that. Maybe Rick Wakeman had an uncredited organ solo somewhere on Can't Buy a Thrill.

Date: Tues, March 15, 2016, 15:48:42 ET
Posted by: Schoolyard, Superman

Jim Loscutoff, aka Jungle Jim, died December 1, 2015.

Date: Tues, March 15, 2016, 15:40:04 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,

My mistake - that was Pete Thomas on drums. Not sure if Huey Lewis' harmonica stayed in the can - believe so.

Date: Tues, March 15, 2016, 15:25:50 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,

One last tie in. Huey Lewis and Sean Hopper of the News previously played in a band Clover, led by Alex Call with John McFee (Doobies). Jeff Porcaro was the drummer for awhile. A later incarnation of Clover backed up Elvis Costello on My Aim is True (Call, McFee, Ciambotti, Hopper, Mickey Shine)



So there is your Steely Dan, Huey Lewis, Elvis Costello Bermuda Triangle of Music! Have your portable defibrillators ready.

Date: Tues, March 15, 2016, 14:14:53 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,

almost forgot - That's Bill Lee as the Pinheads bass player.

Date: Tues, March 15, 2016, 14:11:34 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,

Michael: Trump doesn't really need outside help...although I'd argue it is life imitating art imitating life as Biff in Back to the Future II.

Huey Lewis in a Cameo

http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/movies/2015/10/20/huey-lewis-almost-passed-on-going-back-to-the-future/74017944/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4m848bh1iY

Scary how close the dystopia of today portrayed in the sequel is to reality!! The Cubs favored t win the World Series, Biff making a White house run, America half broken down with a TMZ focus on glitz, porn, small bit hoods, and terrorists...wait that sounds like Royal Scam!!


For some bizarre reason BTTFII spurred Huey Lewis and the News to record a Steely Dan/Prince influenced album: Small World. One would think this would be a disaster of epic nookyular proportions. Oddly enough, it isn't as twisted horrible as one would imagine. I hear some NYRSR type approach and riffs...and some simple but catchy cMaj7/9 type stylings. The critics and public at the time were completely baffled...but some of it actually holds up for 80s stuff.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kknGtReBos0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vEWVqTUEokw&ebc=ANyPxKokGJfdrth6lLywsgtj7_68Ry8BJGoHMX2KzvM2f9Iw0jF88kRxZEcHpb5oQzoeBvgM5ReoQ3T-ubYU9GQsBCPPL04-qQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cfZiE96c_nk





Happy to talk K Street and why it thrives... off the board (and even the simple remedies)

Date: Tues, March 15, 2016, 01:28:30 ET
Posted by: SDV, San Jose

speaking of living legends getting up in years, I got to see Burt Bacharach a few nights ago with the Nashville Symphony. he played for over 90 mins and spent much of the show on his feet, conducting the band and orchestra, telling anecdotes, and singing several songs. he actually stands at the piano quite a bit. he'll be 88 in May.

worth mentioning that when Donald was asked to name a song he wished he'd written, he chose Burt's "In the Land of Make Believe" which the Fagen/Becker song "Rapunzel" was based on.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WcIVyH-YefM

Date: Mon, March 14, 2016, 20:27:38 ET
Posted by: HouDanFan, Houston

Wow Nicholas that is downright hard to believe that morph came out 10 years ago. Hard to believe I've been watching Steely Dan tour for 16 years. I never would have thought in my wildest dreams this would continue on this long.

Date: Mon, March 14, 2016, 19:33:11 ET
Posted by: Gino F., Feeling a little down

QUOTE = "FM radio and ELP and Yes. They were made for each other.
FM radio and DJs who were into it and playing full albums at a sitting, what a way to learn about music. Coming of age in the early 70s had its upsides".

Well said, Nicholas Urfe. While I don't doubt that there might be some here who would dismiss both of those acts, early-to-mid '70s ELP & Yes still resonate strongly for me. As you say, there was a time when FM radio embraced the idea of playing entire albums or "twenty minute songs" from acts who at the time were doing something completely different, with far more appropriation from classical music than from blues or jazz.

Of course, Yes really went south - so far south that the franchise never recovered - when Anderson and Wakeman left on the cusp of the horrible '80s, and ELP sadly (and quickly) fizzled at the end of the '70s before becoming shadows of their former selves. But those two acts were something powerful to behold, whether late night on FM or (especially) in a live setting, for give-or-take a decade.

Keith Emerson's passing is noted with genuine sadness, as was the death of Chris Squire in June of last year.

Date: Mon, March 14, 2016, 19:02:19 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh

I have to hand it to Paul McCartney, Leonard Cohen or any other artist at that age who has reached "living legend" status and does super long sets. If you don't dig them, that's cool, but there's something to be said for the fact that they wanna give their audience a helluva show.

I don't think we'd be complaining about a 3hr Steely Dan show, is all I'm sayin ...

Date: Mon, March 14, 2016, 18:48:58 ET
Posted by: hoops, chicago

Rubber Duck:

Leonard Cohen is in his 80s and does two sets, close to three hours. He also runs on and off stage.

Date: Mon, March 14, 2016, 16:58:58 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

When I see Matt Heimback and the other Neo-Nazis at the Trump rallies

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/king-not-long-killed-trump-rally-article-1.2549868

https://itsgoingdown.org/the-new-neo-nazis-how-matthew-heimbach-is-building-a-racist-network-across-the-us/


...my mind shifts immediately to Chain Lightning. Saw a deconstruction recently...

40 years later...

Date: Mon, March 14, 2016, 15:42:47 ET
Posted by: Nicholas Urfe, Phraxos

Morph the Cat was released 10 years ago today.

<

Date: Sat, March 12, 2016, 17:25:54 ET
Posted by: Don Patrol, Mtl

Watching some MMA right now, the announcer just referenced GoodbyeLook!
Who'd of thunk!

Date: Sat, March 12, 2016, 12:50:53 ET
Posted by: Rubber Duck, Portland OR

Can you think of any other rock artist in Paul McCartney's age bracket that can perform for 3 solid hours? Most of the crowds I've been with stand up for the entire show. My legs get sore everytime I see Paul. My only complaint is his ticket prices for good seats can be quite high.

Date: Sat, March 12, 2016, 12:10:32 ET
Posted by: OrangeTom, Backwoods

Saw McCartney last summer. Pretty amazing for 73. Moved around quite a bit, in fairly good voice, and did indeed play for close to three hours. Most amazing thing: he never seemed out of breath.

But still. For three people, not so great seats, paid $650 total.

To think I thought I was paying a lot when I spent $45 for a ticket to the Eagles first reunion tour. And when our heroes first went back on the road in '93, was only $20 for the lawn at Merriweather Post.

Stay out of my yard, you damn kids

Date: Sat, March 12, 2016, 10:37:56 ET
Posted by: Nicholas Urfe, Phraxos

FM radio and ELP and Yes. They were made for each other.

FM radio and DJs who were into it and playing full albums at a sitting, what a way to learn about music.

Coming of age in the early 70s had its upsides.

Date: Sat, March 12, 2016, 06:54:44 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Doc, wow, that's quite an amalgamation of artists. I was going for a Pilotwings (SNES) feel. You should check it out.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BOkHjbbeUqY&index=7&list=PL1FFEF1D7B320F2EF

Dean, essentially it's like putting a toll-booth between himself and his fans. "Somebody's gotta go back and get a shit load of dimes!"

Date: Sat, March 12, 2016, 02:30:11 ET
Posted by: Boy Elroy, space

It's Daylight Savings Time again! Set your clocks ahead one hour on Saturday night.

Date: Sat, March 12, 2016, 01:09:04 ET
Posted by: Carl, Lake

A bullet had found him. His blood ran as he cried.
No money could save him. So he laid down and he died.

Date: Fri, March 11, 2016, 22:58:41 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,

Michael: A little Stevie W, a little Prefab Sprout and a little

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YX-Ru1XkNZc


in Open Your Eyes. Nicely layered. Well done.

Date: Fri, March 11, 2016, 18:52:12 ET
Posted by: The Dean, Manatee Bar. It's Happy Hour!

Sad news re: Emerson. RIP

Sawdust, I'm on record bashing Sir Paul, but I couldn't care less about him "moving around on stage". Actually I kind of prefer my musicians to stay in one place (go ahead and sit, Walter) and concentrate on playing the music, instead of strutting around. That isn't to say some great musicians don't have some natural movement in their performance. But most of the time it is superfluous (and distracting, IMO).

Signed, Fuddy Duddy Dean

And, Michael, clearly people are going to pay two grand "just to go see a concert". They are paying to be VIPs!! (Real VIPs get their tickets for free.)

Date: Fri, March 11, 2016, 17:24:57 ET
Posted by: Juno, sad

This is very sad news. According to Blabbermouth.net and TMZ.com, Keith Emerson's death appears to be a suicide with a single gunshot wound to the head.

Date: Fri, March 11, 2016, 17:04:50 ET
Posted by: Prog Peter, Pittsburgh

RIP Keith Emerson of Emerson, Lake & Palmer.

Date: Fri, March 11, 2016, 16:35:38 ET
Posted by: Sawdust, Santa Barbara CA

That's for the show in Fresno, CA on April 13. I've seen Paul McCartney enough. Don't need to see him again. Paul doesn't move around too much onstage.

Date: Fri, March 11, 2016, 15:40:39 ET
Posted by: Michael,

$2,097 just to go see a concert?!

Date: Fri, March 11, 2016, 15:37:53 ET
Posted by: Lou, Windy City

Shadow Captain from 1977 remains my favorite David Crosby song. I read that Crosby, Stills & Nash were working on an album of all cover songs before the feud between Nash and Crosby. The group seemed to be running out of gas and couldn't come up with original material.

Date: Fri, March 11, 2016, 13:38:49 ET
Posted by: Alexander, WI

I like McCartney's first three albums: McCartney, Ram and Wild Life. The sap came in on his fourth album Red Rose Speedway. The songwriting was mediocre and the album was considered a failure.

Date: Fri, March 11, 2016, 12:19:46 ET
Posted by: Ham, San Francisco

If you want to sit in the front row to see Sir Paul McCartney you have to cough up $2,097.00 plus service fees and buy Sir Paul's Front Row Package on Ticketmaster. You also get to sit in on the soundcheck. Sir Paul needs the money.

Date: Fri, March 11, 2016, 07:31:52 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Thanks fagenism. It's a nice surprise to hear that Special Report has a lyrical quality. I compose those kind of songs in linear fashion, i.e. on a measure to measure basis as I hear it progress.

Dean, FWIW, Wonderful Christmas Time, along with the first half of Uncle Albert, are great songs IMO, but you're right in that the overwhelming majority of McCartney's material is heavy on the sap. It's not my cup of tea, but millions of people seem to disagree.

Date: Fri, March 11, 2016, 03:02:17 ET
Posted by: fagenism, She go (I cry)

Snarky Puppy frontman Michael League just finished producing a new David Crosby album. As a sidenote, Crosby released a really terrific tune a couple of years ago called What's Broken, featuring Mark Knopfler (introduced to me by the eminent Assassin of Jazz, wherever he is):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NoKdRR_dj9Q

@Michael: Another terrific tune. Special Report has seen heavy rotation over here. In my head, I hear Donald delivering that über-catchy chorus.

Date: Thurs, March 10, 2016, 22:25:12 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St Augustine Beach

Good stuff, as always, Nicholas.

Frankin, you can blame Crosby if you like. Yes he's a pain in the ass, for sure. But this has been going on for quite some time, so this is nothing new, really. (Breaking news: A new comment, tweet, whatever---same old crap) These guys get together (in pairs or together) and break up all the time. I'm sure Nash has his issues too, and we know Young does. Stills, during the years he struggled with drugs/alcohol was no picnic, I'm sure (even though he is a great talent).

And, really, was there some major clamor for a CSN (or CSNY) reunion? Their voices really aren't what they used to be (though Crosby still sounds good to my ears) and that's pretty important for a band that is driven by vocal harmony. With that said, I'd be much more interested in hearing CSN (and sometimes Y) than I am in Phil Fucking Collins---or the three hour torture of a McCartney sap-fest. I, for one, have had quite enough of silly love songs. (I swear whenever I hear Wonderful Christmastime I want to puke, and hit someone.)

Let the Dean bashing commence.

Date: Thurs, March 10, 2016, 21:51:22 ET
Posted by: Franklin, UCLA

Blame it on David Crosby. The man appears to be a pain in the ass. Neil Young and now his longtime buddy Graham Nash have issues with him. Nash says he's now getting nasty emails from Crosby.

Date: Thurs, March 10, 2016, 20:55:15 ET
Posted by: Nicholas Urfe, Phraxos

That i$ $ad new$ about C$&N. It mu$t be tough living one'$ life out in public. It $eem$ like there could be $omething that could bring them to a meeting of the mind$, get them on the $ame page, even the $ame $tage. I'm not $ure what it might be, but $urely $omeone can come up with $omething.

Date: Thurs, March 10, 2016, 13:52:33 ET
Posted by: Police Officer Jones, on duty

Please do not do it again. Making a grammatical error on the internet is a serious crime.

Date: Thurs, March 10, 2016, 13:15:34 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh

My sincere apologies for making a grammatical error on the Internet

Date: Thurs, March 10, 2016, 10:57:27 ET
Posted by: Gil, TX

Foreword. Not forward!

Date: Thurs, March 10, 2016, 08:47:01 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh

I don't why it took me so long, but I tore through Don Breithaupt's Aja analysis from the 33 1/3 series last night. It was an incredibly enlightening read. I was particularly blown away by the very specific connections Don makes between certain lyrics and the specific harmonic choices made behind them (it goes WAY beyond the "upbeat melody with dark lyrics" thing in surprising, specific ways). Breithaupt also managed to get some incredible insights out of DF.

As the author mentions in the forward, there is very little serious critical and musical analysis about Steely Dan and this was a welcome start. I only wish it covered their entire output.

Basically, if for some reason you've waited years to read this like I did, drop everything you're doing and read it now - it's really fucking great.

Date: Wed, March 09, 2016, 17:05:49 ET
Posted by: Mountain Biker, on the hill

McCartney always performs a 3 hour set so it's well worth the ticket price. Thank you, Paul!

Date: Wed, March 09, 2016, 16:54:19 ET
Posted by: Mountain Biker, on the hill

Paul McCartney just announced his Spring/Summer Tour called "One on One". Ticket prices will be $250 for the good seats. Paul always juggles up his set list for every tour.

Date: Wed, March 09, 2016, 08:47:21 ET
Posted by: Gino F., for those who haven't heard yet

RIP George Martin.

Date: Wed, March 09, 2016, 07:54:21 ET
Posted by: Franklin, UCLA

Graham Nash has announced that David Crosby has destroyed Crosby, Stills & Nash and there will never be another Crosby, Stills & Nash album or show. Graham Nash says that David Crosby has been treating him like shit. Neil Young hates David Crosby too. David Crosby once tweeted that he knows 20 better guitar players than Neil Young... 3 in Snarky Puppy alone.

Date: Wed, March 09, 2016, 07:03:05 ET
Posted by: Lumberjack, North

It might be. That's why I don't listen to radio. It never gives you the exact details.

Date: Wed, March 09, 2016, 07:02:49 ET
Posted by: Michael, (¬‿¬)

New song, titled Open Your Eyes. More of a video game feel this time.

http://www.motifator.com/index.php?ACT=39&fid=130&aid=15593_ExQqpud62wVBF0FTxcqK&board_id=1

Date: Tues, March 08, 2016, 20:41:13 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh

Steve, my guess would be it's from the PBS special?

Date: Tues, March 08, 2016, 20:15:10 ET
Posted by: Steve Gennarelli, Tampa, FL

Speaking of Sirius radio, I heard an awesome live version of Kid Charlemagne which sounded like it was off one of the earlier tours like 2000-2003.
Has anyone else heard this. I think it was on "Deep Tracks".

Date: Tues, March 08, 2016, 19:12:57 ET
Posted by: fan,

A, thanks for that. I appreciate it. There are some similarities but that's not quite it. The mix of "Hey Nineteen" that I've recently heard on Sirius XM has all of the instrumentation and backing vocals intact, but the lead vocal is considerably louder than the backing vocals compared to the regular "Gaucho" mix. It's especially noticeable during the "Cuervo Gold" section. I'm still baffled as to where it's from. I contacted Sirius to ask but they never replied. The album art when it was playing was "A Decade Of Steely Dan", but it's inaccurate, as is much of Sirius' mismatched album art that's often displayed when songs are played. Anyone else have any clarification as to what this different mix of "Hey Nineteen" is and where it's from? I recorded part of it on my phone which I can email to show what I'm talking about. Thanks again.

Date: Tues, March 08, 2016, 18:51:09 ET
Posted by: Don Patrol, Mtl

@Chris, not unless we have a last minute change of heart! We've done 3 in four nights before, but that was before a .73 cent Canuck buck! But I can guarantee you,I will have a blast!

Date: Tues, March 08, 2016, 18:38:31 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh

So no red station wagon at Mansfield, Don? Bummer! Have a blast!

Date: Tues, March 08, 2016, 18:31:31 ET
Posted by: Don Patrol, Mtl

Chris, looking forward to tailgating at Bethel and 'Toga. Quick back to backers
on a weekend!

Date: Tues, March 08, 2016, 17:40:55 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh

Don Patrol - Yeah, planning on hitting up Great Woods. Hoped to be able to do one next month but they fall on evenings where I already have commitments. You?

Date: Tues, March 08, 2016, 17:19:02 ET
Posted by: Rat, Boston

The Who did an electrifying show last night at the TD Garden in Boston. Roger's voice is in great shape and Pete was doing his famous windmilling on his guitar. The setlist was outstanding. Die-hard fans and casual concertgoers were both very pleased.

Date: Tues, March 08, 2016, 15:51:56 ET
Posted by: Banjo, Nashville

I detect a slight Frank Zappa influence on The Stepkids.

Date: Tues, March 08, 2016, 15:37:40 ET
Posted by: Don Patrol, Mtl

@chrisnh, you made summer plans for shows in the NE?

Date: Tues, March 08, 2016, 15:33:47 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh

Yeah, the Stepkids are great. The Lottery is definitely the track that's most like a SD song, but the rest of their stuff is worth a listen too. Sweet Salvation is a great funk tune.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-E3NE6XGQ4

Date: Tues, March 08, 2016, 10:41:47 ET
Posted by: Napoleon, U.K.

I didn't realise I was so late to the yacht rock party! You'll be telling me Donald Fagen will be following up kamikiriad soon.

Good taste either way gents

Date: Tues, March 08, 2016, 09:55:41 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St Augustine Beach

The Stepkids are pretty open about their love for Steely Dan:

https://treeswingers.wordpress.com/2012/05/04/adopting-the-stepkids-soul-and-steely-dan/

Date: Tues, March 08, 2016, 09:21:06 ET
Posted by: Michael,

I heard The Lottery back around when it first came out. The song itself is good but the music video for it sucks.

Date: Tues, March 08, 2016, 07:10:37 ET
Posted by: Napoleon, U.K

http://youtu.be/SToSBhc4UBU

Anyone listened to The Stepkids? There's a track here called Lottery which I think will satisfy some SD fans. Soft rock, jazzy, good playing, harmonies all included.

Nap

Date: Tues, March 08, 2016, 00:12:00 ET
Posted by: hoops, On the quick

Sorry about the spam. Please ignore any spam that is posted between now and the next 12 hours. I'll take care of it then. I'm unable to do so before then so thank you for your patience.

Jim

Date: Mon, March 07, 2016, 10:30:20 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St Augustine Beach

Thanks, Abu.

BTW, the TEC stands for "Technical Excellence and Creativity".

Date: Mon, March 07, 2016, 03:00:59 ET
Posted by: Abu, SoCal

Jeff "Skunk" Baxter won a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 31st Annual NAMM TEC AWARDS held on January 23 in Anaheim, Calif. The annual event celebrates the best in professional audio and sound production and is held during the NAMM Show, the world’s leading global music industry trade event drawing nearly 100,000 decision-makers and musicians. The NAMM is the National Association of Music Merchants. I am assuming "TEC" stands for tech, or technical. The first video below is his introduction at the ceremony. Alas, the video graphic shown spells SD "Steeley Dan". Nice work there. The vid does highlight just how busy he has been since leaving the Dan. (Hoops references the NAMM thing in his Digest release, but I didn't see anything more about it here on the Blue)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cmwhfhxBj20 (the intro)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xN0hmNS_IU (performance of "Rikki")

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cRhq9R-DGr8 (performance of "My Old School" - Jeff shares lead vocals!)

--

Date: Sun, March 06, 2016, 19:49:48 ET
Posted by: Danfan, Toronto

Well said !!

Date: Sun, March 06, 2016, 18:45:40 ET
Posted by: NotBill, EastCoast

To you guys who constantly harp about ticket prices, setlists, telling us you won't go and why this year:
Thanks for sharing your valuable insights. Such a winner!
Don and Walt are in their upper 60's.
Fans here are grateful SD is still out there year after year.
We get a thrill out of seeing them play those gems live.
They create thousands of jobs during any given tour,
They provide a living for the creative band they take on the road -
giving them the means to do creative things of their own that might not be in the cards otherwise.
Would we love to hear Pixeleen, and Almost Gothic - sure.
For D&W to still perform at this level when most folk are retired is admirable though.
Besides, if $ 150 per year or two for a ticket to see the band you supposedly love is a problem -
chances are, you are not exactly overachievers at your own jobs.

Date: Sun, March 06, 2016, 15:53:03 ET
Posted by: Huge Akman, 338 Bondi Rd., Bondi Beach 2026 Australia

Thanks to all who commented and suggestions all duly noted.

Date: Sun, March 06, 2016, 15:41:17 ET
Posted by: Don Patrol, Mtl

@Gino, thank goodness for commas.

Date: Sun, March 06, 2016, 13:34:49 ET
Posted by: A, space heater

Fan,

The only thing I've heard of that could possibly be what you're looking for is this.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=paFbrbrLWWg

But it's nothing I would expect to hear on Sirius.

Date: Sun, March 06, 2016, 13:28:16 ET
Posted by: Gino F., Study synopsis: Brief Notes on How Not to Behave in a Group

I'm not entirely sure that the best way to present oneself to a new group, real life-wise or make believe internet-wise, is to start by anonymously dropping a bunch of insults and profanities, then vehemently protesting that you weren't the one who did that, then admitting that, OK, you did that, but only once, then hinting that OK, maybe you did that twice, but THAT'S ALL, then suddenly claiming you're "doing research for a project", and then, with a stunningly irrelevant flourish, starting an out of place conversation about American politics & society.

Disclaimer: I'm not "yelling", I'm just "saying". And, for the record, doing it with one massive run-on sentence.

Date: Sun, March 06, 2016, 12:30:10 ET
Posted by: fan,

Hi,

Sorry to bother you and please pardon my ignorance. I've recently heard a different mix of "Hey Nineteen" on Sirius XM with lead vocals that are considerably louder than the backing vocals. It's particularly noticeable during the "Cuervo Gold" section, if that makes sense . Where is this different mix from? It's certainly not the "Gaucho" mix, nor does it seem to be the mix used on most of the compilations, from what I can tell. I'd happily pursue it to listen to it further if I knew where to look. Any suggestions? Please clarify. Thanks very kindly for your time and consideration.

Date: Sun, March 06, 2016, 10:39:54 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St Augustine Beach

Huge, perhaps it's a language/translation issue, but the conclusions you draw from small bits of evidence seem to lack nuance/subtlety. To draw the conclusion Walt and Don are "inauthentic" from the fact they were excited/nervous to meet a jazz great, doesn't follow. It is a possibility, of course. But it's also possible they were very young, and nervous to meet an older/famous musician they admired. Same could be said for any young musician---even a jazz musician or one from the city. (Not sure what being from the suburbs has to do with playing jazz.)

Same with the "jewface" comment. Just because there are elements of humor in their songs, don't conclude the essence of their work is that of the stereotype.

So you've joined us to do a bit of research. That's fine--at least you're out of the closet on that one. But researcher to researcher, I will tell you something I recommend to all younger* researchers (especially those involved in social research). Be obsessive about your methodology. Do everything you can to make sure the data are collected in a careful way, as unbiased as possible. See the similarities in the differences and the differences in the similarities. Limit your findings to only those few things that really pop from the data (though notice the smaller things for follow-up research.) Don't take your conclusions too seriously/treat your findings with a grain of salt.

* I assume you are younger than I (59). Sorry if I'm mistaken.

OK, that's enough pedantic pontification---for now, anyway.

Date: Sun, March 06, 2016, 00:40:46 ET
Posted by: Huge Ackman, chain lightning- watching CNN

Dean thanks for your reply. My point was that , like the protagonists in their songs, D&W are acutely aware of their status as outsiders and 'inauthentic'. They are not 'jazz musicians' but strictly from the suburbs.
By the way, I guess I should have said before that I have come to this site as part of a project and am looking that SD as well as their fans from a specific perspective.

Date: Sun, March 06, 2016, 00:40:06 ET
Posted by: Huge Ackman, chain lightning- watching CNN

Dean thanks for your reply. My point was that , like the protagonists in their songs, D&W are acutely aware of their status as outsiders and 'inauthentic'. They are not 'jazz musicians' but strictly from the suburbs.
By the way, I guess I should have said before that I have come to this site as part of a project and am looking that SD as well as their fans from a specific perspective.

Date: Sat, March 05, 2016, 14:09:55 ET
Posted by: EC, NY

@Doc Mu - I sure didn't intent to suggest that you were saying Randall and/or Carlton had played those Rockford solos, apologies if it sounded that way. I have run into a few people who insisted that "one of the guys from Steely Dan did that solo", and even armed with facts I've been unable to convince them otherwise!

@MODP - Thanks for the pure gold, again. Despite the recent claim that some regulars have "appropriated this space for their own" (I'm paraphrasing), for me it's mainly the regulars who keep me reading and in your case keep me laughing as well.

Date: Sat, March 05, 2016, 11:04:55 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St Augustine Beach

Huge, who are you defending yourself against now? Has anyone accused you of anything since your previous post complaining about your treatment here? Has a post been deleted perhaps? My advice is to nut up, and stop playing the victim.

I don't completely recall Shorter's comments, but I do not recall him labeling them "sycophants". I believe he noted they were a bit in awe of him, which probably was kind of odd for him. But my question to you is, "So?" Was there some reason for your comment, in the context of the discussion here?

And, while not a big deal, it's "Berberian". Perhaps "Berberia" is the plural.

Date: Sat, March 05, 2016, 10:43:59 ET
Posted by: Guy, T

Someone better edit the first two sentences of Ginger's Wikipedia page before he reads it.

Date: Sat, March 05, 2016, 09:16:05 ET
Posted by: DYLYNFAN, HARRISBURG PA

Juan, nice list, but please don't forget about one Robert Zimmerman. A first ballot Hall Of Fame misanthrope.

Date: Sat, March 05, 2016, 01:54:09 ET
Posted by: Huge Akman, bakemono no tabemomo

Let the record show that I'm innocent, your honor - I only post SD related stuff so you'll have to look elsewhere - in fact I did once reference Donald Trump ( but mentioned that he shared a name with Fagen).
I also questioned the relevance of Billy Joel related posts. That is the total of my crimes.
Any major dude will tell you my friend.

Date: Fri, March 04, 2016, 23:22:48 ET
Posted by: Juan, Aurora IL

Top 3 Irascible rock artists:

1. Ginger Baker
2. Van Morrison
3. Donald Fagen

Ginger Baker gets mad everytime somebody labels him as a rock drummer or calls his former band Cream a rock band.

Date: Fri, March 04, 2016, 23:06:42 ET
Posted by: Juan, Aurora IL

Worst Genesis album: Calling All Stations. Banks & Rutherford recruited Ray Wilson to replace Phil Collins after his departure but the album was a disaster because of bad songwriting. It's truly awful. It belongs in the toilet. I sold the CD right away.

Date: Fri, March 04, 2016, 21:41:18 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,

Genesis: Trick of the Tail, Selling England by the Pound, and of the 80s stuff Abacab are my selections... although some of Duke (Turn it on Again, Duchess, Cul de Sac) is underappreciated.

Date: Fri, March 04, 2016, 19:49:52 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,

Congrats to Monkey House - Don Breihaupt on The New One!


Dan Ferguson was the guitarist Mike Post used on The Rockford Files theme. It just SOUNDS like somewhere in between Randall and Carlton by tone.


Caves' horns follow nicely the keyboard chord progressions Donald laid out.

Awesome solo from John Klemmer. I think this is the lineup:

Drums: Bernard Purdie
Bass: Walter Becker
Piano: Donald Fagen
Fender Rhodes: Paul Griffin
Trumpet: Chuck Findley, Bob Findley
Trombone: Slyde Hyde
Sax: Plas Johnson, Jim Horn
Solo Sax: John Klemmer
Backing Vocals: Donald Fagen, Timothy B. Schmit


Could be Rainey on the bass, but think this one is Walter.

Date: Fri, March 04, 2016, 19:28:36 ET
Posted by: Abu, Monkey in May

Don Breithaupt, that is excellent news. Been anticipating your new album for quite a while. The list of guests is intriguing.

Thanks, EC, for your thoughts on Nigel Waddington's tune.

Date: Fri, March 04, 2016, 19:09:29 ET
Posted by: Huge Akman, dreaming of Jill St John

one more - I thought EC's clever and funny deconstruction of The Rockford Files anachronistic but nice.

Date: Fri, March 04, 2016, 19:09:29 ET
Posted by: Huge Akman, dreaming of Jill St John

one more - I thought EC's clever and funny deconstruction of The Rockford Files anachronistic but nice.

Date: Fri, March 04, 2016, 19:01:53 ET
Posted by: Huge Akman, keeping the shade on the light.

thanks for your reply Dean. Re Dr.Yaffe- I've never met him personally but have corresponded with him and found him nice. His reference to 'jewface' concerned the opening lines of Pretzel Logic but I think it runs through the body of work e.g. Deacon Blues, Midnight Cruiser, My Rival and It's what I Do, to name a few.
There is an element of self loathing to be sure, mixed with frustration with the status quo and nostalgia for a mythic past.
I remember seeing Wayne Shorter interviewed, where he was uncomfortable with what he saw as D &W's sycophancy...
As for the notorious "F" thread, I have already confessed to making 1 post - and I stand by my proposition that Cathy B hasn't made a good album since Beatles Arias- that was my only contribution.

Date: Fri, March 04, 2016, 17:51:54 ET
Posted by: Juan, Aurora

The Trick of the Tail album by Genesis was mainly written by Steve Hackett, Tony Banks and Mike Rutherford. Phil Collins only co-wrote three songs on that album. "Squonk" was written entirely by Tony Banks & Mike Rutherford. Tony Banks contributed the most to that album.

Date: Fri, March 04, 2016, 17:26:54 ET
Posted by: Juan, Aurora IL

Because when Phil announced he was coming out of retirement, he made a big fuss about a world tour with Jason Bonham and recording new songs with/without Genesis. Now all he's doing is just remastering his solo albums. Seems to me he just came out of retirement to plug his reissued solo CDs.

Date: Fri, March 04, 2016, 17:14:20 ET
Posted by: Nicholas Urfe, Phraxos

Say what you will about Phil Collins and Genesis and the pop oriented years. Whatever. But Trick of the Tail, the album they made after Peter Gabriel left to, it seems to me, prove that their sound up to that point wasn't all Peter Gabriel, remains one of my favorites.

Dangential? One of the tracks on the album was "Squonk." And many of the songs are character sketches of misfits, so there's that.

As Hoops might end this post: The carpet crawlers heed their callers.

Date: Fri, March 04, 2016, 16:57:46 ET
Posted by: Michael,

If Phil Collins doesn't want to perform live anymore, for whatever reason, so what?

Date: Fri, March 04, 2016, 16:34:38 ET
Posted by: Juan, Aurora IL

Phil Collins said "No" to a world tour at a press conference today. He will only do a 45-minute acoustic set at The Fillmore Theater in Miami Beach, Florida on March 11. You suck, Phil. Please go back to Switzerland

Date: Fri, March 04, 2016, 15:13:42 ET
Posted by: Jug, Steely Dan Happy Hour

They won't stop touring. Fagen & Becker are just like Mick Jagger & Keith Richards. They have no plans to retire.

Date: Fri, March 04, 2016, 12:59:59 ET
Posted by: EC, NY

Looking forward to Saratoga in July, $80 for a good single seat at a nice outdoor shed. I'll be sorry when these guys are no longer doing these summer tours.

@Abu - I enjoyed the Nigel Waddington tune. Very cool & definitely not the standard cover type stuff, thanks for posting!

As for the Rockford TV theme, it's a great one, but neither Randall nor Carlton actually played on the originals as many people I've talked to believe (there were 2 different versions, the later one being the better for most fans):

http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=160925&sid=801cb812d7a661e375bd3f483d525754

I wasn't old enough to see the show the first time around, but my brother, who also got me hooked on SD in the first place, used to watch rebroadcasts on A&E. The writing was way better than average for its time, and some episodes are filled with characters who would be at home in a Steely Dan song. Lots of great LA 70s on location scenery, too.

Finally, whoever came here just to insult two excellent posters is out of line with that kind of garbage. Don't like a certain poster? Don't read it, or contribute something yourself that's a better read for the rest of us than juvenile insults. Like Dean points out, it might even be tolerable if your stuff was actually clever or funny.

Date: Fri, March 04, 2016, 12:32:16 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St Augustine Beach

Presales tickets, are for the most part, a mix of great, good and average seats. The presale allows some people the opportunity to get a ticket early, and not fight the general public for a seat before they sell out---it is not a guarantee of a great seat.

If the best seats are available only for presale, people complain the general public has no chance at them. When tickets available for presale aren't the best seats, those eligible for the presale complain the best seats weren't available to them, but were to the general public. Go figure.

Date: Fri, March 04, 2016, 12:08:50 ET
Posted by: Chubby, Woodstock

It's always aggravating to buy a ticket through the presales and then find better seats on the general public sale. Sometimes I think these presales are for suckers.

Date: Fri, March 04, 2016, 11:53:10 ET
Posted by: Dan Belcher, Louisville, KY

Great news on the new Monkey House album, Don! That is certain to be in heavy rotation for me.

Hoops, I likewise got mediocre seats in a presale attempt for the Cincinnati show, so I waited until today and tried again during the standard ticket sale. I was able to get much better seats than I did during the presale attempt, and ended up in row J as opposed to being only a few rows away from the lawn. The prices were also ridiculous, but I went ahead and got them because they are probably the best seats I'll ever have for a Steely Dan show, and at this point who knows if I'll get a chance to see them in concert again.

Date: Fri, March 04, 2016, 11:32:55 ET
Posted by: hoops, chicago

One more:

Some people have contacted me asking if I knew of Live Nation access codes for pre-sale for the Chicago show on Notherly Island. I have no idea. I did try the CitiCard pre-sale on Wednesday and the Citi tix weren't that great so I passed. Hoping for better seats tomorrow at the general public sale. It's a wonderful venue with a great backdrop of Chicago's skyline so I think it will sell out quickly. Just pray there's no rain. A few years ago, it DID rain for Stevie Wonder when he played there. The show was postponed a night. As a result, I lucked out purchasing a refunded ticket from Ticketmaster. Ended up with second row center next the Jesse Jackson family. Amazing show with an amazing seat too.

I do plan to offer a tour of historic Chicago Black music sites which are adjacent to the venue. Former places associated with Sam Cooke, Herbie Hancock, Louis Armstrong, Nat King Cole, Dinah Washington, Quincy Jones, Mahalia Jackson, Thomas E. Dorsey, Chuck Berry, Muddy Waters, Chess Records, Willie Dixon, Rolling Stones, etc. All have connections to the community that are about 10-15 minutes drive from the venue. Will do this much earlier in the day. Email privately (off the blue) if interested. Did one tour with a small bus last weekend and I was surprised at how much people got into it. Of course, remember, you won't meet these people since for starters most are dead. However, seeing where they lived or played or at least standing where they used to stand is a buzz to some.

Best,

Jim

Date: Fri, March 04, 2016, 11:10:47 ET
Posted by: hoops, chicago

Oh yeah, Mazel Tov on the new Monkey House, Don!

Date: Fri, March 04, 2016, 11:07:38 ET
Posted by: hoops, chicago

Hey gang...

A little hard to follow everything. I've been having eye surgeries the past year and a half. Making great progress including the recent one. But it also means I can't watch this place as much or use a computer as much. It's not just looking at things--it's also not getting pissed off at some morons and having my eye pressure explode, you know!?

So sorry if I don't follow as closely as usual or take out "trash" as expected.

I am looking forward to the shows and, oh yes, there was a new Dandom Digest out last night, covering Feb 11-29 with interviews with Azoff and David Crosby, plus announcing Gina's updated site, Bill Charlap's Grammy with Tony Bennett and, of course, the new tour.

Hoping to at least hit the two Chicagoland shows and something where I get to see the East Coast fans. The Northeast is always my favorite place to see SD.

So fly low and be cool. It always works to your advantage.

Jim

Date: Fri, March 04, 2016, 10:44:07 ET
Posted by: DonBreithaupt, Los Angeles

Monkey House update: The new album drops worldwide May 27! Guests include Jay Graydon, Elliott Randall, Drew Zingg, Michael Leonhart, Donny McCaslin, David Blamires and Marc Jordan. More soon...

Date: Fri, March 04, 2016, 10:14:26 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St Augustine Beach

Huge Akman, I'm not quite sure I understand your sensitivity here. As far as I can tell you have a total of three posts. The only attacks are from annon posters, who are not really "members" of this community. (They are the freaks who hide in the shadows and the masked thugs who break into your house).

And just because there is no immediate reply to one of your posts, doesn't mean you are being "ignored". You've only made three posts, and they came at a time when most of the posts are simply useless garbage. Yours is a new "face" here. Give it time. Don't make yourself a victim.

Don is right. Many musicians don't have a sense of humor. Same with posters. But some who don't use humor still have some interesting posts (just as some great music doesn't use humor).

As for Yaffe (I don't know him, but I'll take your word that he is a nice guy), based on the little I've read, he is interesting. But as with many critics, not every comparison/analysis is meant to be taken to strictly. (Honestly, I find the comparisons made by some film and music critics tortured and preposterous.) Is there SOME element of "Jewface" in the work of Don and Walt? Dunno. Perhaps. (Seriously, "Jewface"?) Is that essentially what they are "about"? C'mon.

When I lived in Boston (late 80's) some of my friends called the music I listened to "TV theme show" music. They were fans of The Cure and such, so I really didn't respect their musical taste, anyway. And I admit, there are some theme songs I really dig. And also some music I would definately use as a theme song, given the chance.

I don't think there is enough credit given to Don and Walt for continuing to refuse to allow their work to be used in commercials. The idea they tour ONLY to make money, is countered by that very fact. They could do nothing and rake in some cash, if they allowed their music to be used to pimp products and services. I'm glad they don't. It might make the commercials a bit more enjoyable, but would cheapen the art, IMO. Dylan in an IBM commercial? Wow.

Date: Fri, March 04, 2016, 09:13:50 ET
Posted by: Michael,

That's pretty obvious. Hoops might have an idea as to who.

Date: Fri, March 04, 2016, 06:54:31 ET
Posted by: Symantec, Security

All the random, anon, negative posts have the same tone, the same idiosyncracies and use of English. It's the same guy, dudes.And there is kinda only one suspect. There will soon be a mellow, reasonable anon post to refute this idea. Same guy.

Date: Fri, March 04, 2016, 00:46:52 ET
Posted by: Huge Akman, will a digeri do?

I'd just like to say, in a quiet, considered way, that perhaps some of the 'rebellious' posts could be a reaction against the tendency of some here appropriate the space as their own.
To an outsider, I found the f bomb strand just as valid the ticket price strand ( in fact, I threw in Cathy Berberia). Some have called me a troll and told others to ignore me ( trolling for what, I ask myself? Love? Approval? ).
D&W were once asked why more musicians didn't use humor - they answered as one: " No sense of humor!"
Bitching about ticket prices and hall acoustics and support acts and set lists etc. etc. seems pretty negative to me.
Dr. David Yaffe, a nice guy btw, interviewed D a while back and made the following observation about SD's attitude to what they do:

They were staging Jewface, willing to acknowledge, in their ironic way, that many white singers imitate black singers, and that in their case it was going to be parody.

I would be interested to hear what people think -is it all a put on ? Or a bit more complicated...

PS Prog Rock band Yes were pinching TV themes as early as 1970.

Date: Thurs, March 03, 2016, 23:53:46 ET
Posted by: Herbert, Athens GA

I think all these insults on the BlueBook has more to do with anger and frustration at Steely Dan not recording a new album since EMG. Trump's "bullying" has nothing to do with it. I see a lot of comments on Steely Dan's Facebook page from people who want a new recording from them as well.

Date: Thurs, March 03, 2016, 22:59:39 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Doc, so glad you brought up the theme to The Rockford Files. That's up there on my list of greatest TV themes of all time, as is Magnum P.I. Unfortunately, when I go to purchase said themes, the originals are not made available (from what I've seen) on Amazon. Instead, they have a preponderance of cover versions of both.

The horn charts on The Caves Of Altamira are among SD's most punchy and memorable, seamlessly bringing out the full richness in Donald's harmonic choices, without ever overpowering the mix. Speaking of which, I get peeved when arrangers feel the need to become all showy, almost exclusively for the sake of trying to conceal a mediocre song. Adding a plethora of drum fills, melodic embellishments and such gets grating real fast. If everything is emphasized, nothing is emphasized because nothing stands out. There's no single point to focus upon; your attention is always being diverted.

Date: Thurs, March 03, 2016, 22:20:00 ET
Posted by: The Deans, St Augustine Beach

Wow, I don't quite know what to say. Biggest Asswipe? Me? I have to say, it's an honor just to be nominated. And apparently, I'm a finalist with M/O/D/? I mean, what can I say? I have so much respect for him--he's one of my biggest inspirations. Well, win or lose, Mrs Dean* and, of course, the little Deanians* and I will be gathered together with our respective toilet paper rolls, to find out the results. SO EXCITING!!!!

Thanks for the kind words, Abu. And, yes, Don P. It does seem the cult of Trump as spilled over into other parts of our daily lives. Apparently being a boorish bully is now all the rage. I'd find the attacks far more tolerable if they were only clever.

* Mrs Dean and the little Deanians are fictional characters with no real-life analogues.

Date: Thurs, March 03, 2016, 21:01:38 ET
Posted by: Steve Gennarelli, Tampa, FL

Sad to say I haven't seen "Steely Dan" live since
2007. I did get to see "The Dukes of September" so I feel
I saw a pseudo "Steely" show a mere 4 years ago or so.
So with all that being said...I was so excited to get
tickets to see them in Tampa this year. I went online this
morning and hit best available and soon after it said to
me $365 for 2 tickets.
As bad as I wanted this and if I could chose any one
thing to do in 2016, it would be to see "Steely Dan" again.
But I can't pay that price.
Sure I could buy $39 tickets and sit 400 feet away from
the stage. After seeing "The Dukes" from like row 50..it just
seems like a waste of time.
My only chance of seeing them other than winning a radio
contest, will be if they end up at Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater
some day where the tix will likely be a bit cheaper. Only time will tell. But for you guys and gals with money to burn, enjoy the show
and report on the all important "Set Lists".

Date: Thurs, March 03, 2016, 20:57:49 ET
Posted by: Gary S., Florida

Maybe later. Already spent too much money buying Steely Dan tickets last week.

Date: Thurs, March 03, 2016, 19:24:49 ET
Posted by: Lutz, SF

A few days ago it was asked whether the Fagen Trilogy on itunes is worth it.
HDtracks.com has "Cheap Christmas" - all of Donalds music for $ 63 minus 20% off right now. What a bargain.
It is so worth it, sample rate is 96/24, in 4 formats.
I run it through a Sony HD player, which can be a bit pricey.
Kamakiriad sounds a lot better, as does everything else.
Details I never heard before.
That goes for Gaucho as well, and 2VN.

Date: Thurs, March 03, 2016, 19:06:53 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, Sorry, Abu

Thanks for the kind words, though. And, yes, I know that monsters should NEVER be fed, but at the risk of disappointing or annoying some of the better readers/posters/regulars here, I did respond just a wee bit (below).

My next contribution to The Blue will be a thorough review of the Niagara Falls April 29th show. Count on it...

Date: Thurs, March 03, 2016, 18:53:41 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, Customer Service, Scatological Insults Dept.

Thanks for the input, Vinnie. Really, though, you should make up your mid prior to posting. One of us HAS to be worse - which one is it? Yours Truly or The Dean? Please be sure to let us all know when you've come to a consensus with your various other Bluebook posting identities.

And, Angry, I absolutely don't think that at all, and there's a certain tiny, cramped terlet on WestJet flight WJ502 returning from Mexico to Toronto after my recent two weeks of nothing but three-bean burritos & seafood tacos that I could, even a month later, send you to check out as evidence. But I won't. Even you probably don't deserve that. I said, "probably".

Date: Thurs, March 03, 2016, 18:51:37 ET
Posted by: Butch Patrick, upstate

There's even more morons on Steely Dan's shitty Facebook page.

Date: Thurs, March 03, 2016, 17:59:16 ET
Posted by: Gino Feculanti, wondering

Abu, thanks for understanding my point. We can't all agree on everything, but we can be respectful and civil, or we should be.

After reading some of today's posts, I have to wonder which is worse, being ignored by some reasonably intelligent people or being repeatedly profaned by anonymous & unclever illiterates?

Date: Thurs, March 03, 2016, 17:28:27 ET
Posted by: Moonrider, Chicago

Get ready Phil Collins fans!! Tomorrow is the day Phil Collins will announce his new world tour! It's gonna be BIG!

Date: Thurs, March 03, 2016, 17:03:12 ET
Posted by: Bunky, confused

Huh? Miles Davis, Duke Ellington, Basie, Monk, Coltrane, Dave Brubeck and others never did any movies/television/session work to survive.

Date: Thurs, March 03, 2016, 17:00:47 ET
Posted by: Abu, Always Abu

Precisely what I mean. "Vinnie" is angry, but can't say who he really is. The two posters referred to in those anon posts are two of the best here on the Blue.

Date: Thurs, March 03, 2016, 16:50:10 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,

Goes without saying...but I will anyway. As rock music became dominant jazz artists moved to movies, television, session work (Wrecking Crew) to survive. Back when Pros were Pros...and not Pro-Tools.

A lot of nuggets to dig.

Date: Thurs, March 03, 2016, 16:40:19 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Michael,

Before the pan fried Caves of Altamira, that 60s big band is heard sparingly in the SD discography with full horns...mostly jazzy charts played on rock instruments.

A touch can be heard on Throw Back the Little Ones.


They did go Full Monty on Night by Night, which is a snappy cop TV show theme song for a program that never aired. I'm thinking a Starsky and Hutch kinda thing.


Night x Night I believe predates The Rockford Files theme by 8 months, which has major Steely Dan elements, including a hybrid Elliott Randall/Carlton guitar solo and licks ...and the program of course featured a cool anti-hero/hero type that overlaps with the SD cast of characters - maybe a little more together. The soap suds and roll of nickles trick in the bathroom in and early/first? episode signified a rare, flawed multilayered main character caught in an LA maze... of mostly small time crime chaos. Jim Garner was the right guy to pull it off.

Date: Thurs, March 03, 2016, 16:35:50 ET
Posted by: Skateboard Stud, on the streets

Attention rockers! Joe Walsh & Bad Company have announced a co-headlining tour this Summer. I like Joe Walsh, but Bad Company sux ass.

Date: Thurs, March 03, 2016, 15:55:51 ET
Posted by: Don Patrol, Mtl

I see D Trump is posting

Date: Thurs, March 03, 2016, 14:52:51 ET
Posted by: Angry, .

That's 'cause MODP and Dean are both smart-asses who think their shit smells sweeter than the rest of us.

Date: Thurs, March 03, 2016, 14:32:21 ET
Posted by: Vinnie B., analyze this

fuck you MODP, your the biggest asswipe in here, you and the fuckin Dean, I don't know who is worse.

Date: Thurs, March 03, 2016, 13:49:41 ET
Posted by: Homer Pyle, Houston

Elton John performed and dedicated "I'm Still Standing" to Hillary Clinton at last night's big fundraiser for Hillary Clinton. Elton is the man!

Date: Thurs, March 03, 2016, 13:49:02 ET
Posted by: Bookkeeper's Son, Florida

Chris:
I agree wholeheartedly with your comments on concert ticket fees and availability. It has to be resellers gaming the system. Yet another reason why I wish they would perform at Ruth Eckerd Hall in this area instead of the LiveNation outdoor shed. Ticket prices might be a little higher but the venue is dramatically better, the ticket buying process is so much easier and the fees are much lower.

Some artists (James Taylor comes to mind) offer a presale through their own website and those tickets have to be picked up at the box office with id matching the online purchaser. At least there is the illusion of a better opportunity for good seats.

Date: Thurs, March 03, 2016, 12:00:10 ET
Posted by: Ace, enjoying a mocha

Just heard Steve and Lilly Winwood's version of "Higher Love" on YouTube. It made me sick to my stomach.

Date: Thurs, March 03, 2016, 10:50:08 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, by way of expanation

Abu, I generally appreciate & enjoy, to varying degrees, much of the peripheral stuff here - i.e. the posts that aren't strictly about SD/DF/WB - including your always interesting finds, Michael's compositions, Doc Mu's prolific recommendations (except for the recent one touting "Rhihanna" (!), which offended me to my very core and which caused me to cough up my previous three meals - sorry, Doc), and so on. In the case of your recent Nigel Waddington song, I checked it out at the time and it didn't impress me one way or the other enough to pass comment. I did bookmark the YouTube page, though, so maybe I'll revisit it someday, who knows? A lot of these tributes & covers are things I like to be made aware of, but, in the end, are things that just don't grab me the same way the Don & Walt stuff does.

And like you, I have posted things here that I thought might possibly merit further discussion/comment, only to see my potential discussion-starter followed up by a bunch of asinine bits and insults from unidentifiable writers. I don't actually find it discouraging, though, because I know that many do read & enjoy (or not), but just don't feel the need to comment publicly. I also know there are readers who very rarely (or never) contribute because they feel, rightly or wrongly, that The Blue all too often resembles a big fishtank filled with murky water & profoundly retarded piranhas.

On that note, I'd like to thank you, Abu, for the following quote:

"Just don't act stupidly, as if there is nothing else to do here but act that way".

It's a good one, and it made me smile. As you no doubt know, though, for some there really IS nothing else to do, and sadly a reasonable request such as yours as often as not incites yet another wave of stupid...

Date: Thurs, March 03, 2016, 07:45:15 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Doc Mu, some of those older soundtracks are exceptionally well put together. I'm sure that Donald enjoys much of it.

Another thing I'm big on is those early TV idents. For instance, the ABC 4:30 Movie.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2es-lfRSDOI

A lot of the music cues were borrowed from library music, if not specifically created for the station. In fact, the ABC Movie of the Week featured Nikki's Theme by Burt Bacharach. Go figure.

Here's another great one, the WOR 4 O'clock Movie, which uses The Riviera Affair by Neil Richardson to great effect.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5PouPaKlXGI

Date: Thurs, March 03, 2016, 03:14:41 ET
Posted by: king of the world, Gumby Dental Inferno

Nicholas Urfe, your having bought and liked Songs From the west Coast by Eltonbernie made me smile stupidly even though it's just me in the place. It's a little ridicous smiling to yourself, and pointless. I remember seeing Gene Siskel smiling to himself as he walked out of a screening of The Dark Crystal with his rolled up complimentary poster in his hand. That looked pretty goofy...

Date: Thurs, March 03, 2016, 03:06:41 ET
Posted by: Redneck, whatever

Abu, thats fine.

But walter becker hasn't played a good solo since 2009.

he has become THE BEAR

Date: Thurs, March 03, 2016, 00:45:26 ET
Posted by: Abu, still here

Honest opinions are always welcome here, whether or not we personally agree with them. Thanks Gino.

Date: Thurs, March 03, 2016, 00:35:18 ET
Posted by: Abu, SoCal

I have no problems with people talking about other artists, bands, etc. Occasionally that might be overdone, but still no big deal. But when people, especially anons who hide behind their fake name or however they post, write stuff that has nothing to do with SD or WB or DF, drop senseless f-bombs, and insult others, when, meanwhile, someone posts a tribute tune that belongs here, then there is a problem when no one comments on it, good or bad. If you don't like the song, fine. If you do, fine. Just don't act stupidly, as if there is nothing else to do here but act that way.

Date: Wed, March 02, 2016, 23:09:26 ET
Posted by: Wonald Magen, Woodstock

Sambo,

We'll try it out in rehearsals.

We MAY play a few of those songs during the first few shows and then drop them faster than walter dropping his guitar to run after a plate of sausages and vodka.

Date: Wed, March 02, 2016, 22:48:07 ET
Posted by: Sambo, Princeton, NJ

Hi, Don & Walt! Do you think you could play the complete Lost Gaucho album on this tour? I'd really appreciate it. Thanks! See you at the shows!

Date: Wed, March 02, 2016, 22:47:14 ET
Posted by: Chris, NH

The bummer about The Way Things Are now w/r/t tickets, is that not only are acts holding a bunch aside for various interests, but also the best available tickets are still (more than ever?) being swept up by bots for resellers.

Let's be real - the average Steely Dan ticket buyer is not refreshing Ticketmaster at 10am on Tuesday for the best seats at the Halliburton Amphitheater in Podunk, OK. I would bet the number of actual human being SD fans going for the best seats they can get for an average date at the on sale time is less than 500. Probably substantially less. Keep in mind, SD and/or DF have hit a number of the same US markets every year for the past 10 years - if we accept that the majority of the audience are casual fans (they are) then they are not waiting for the on-sale date on baited breath.

And yet, the top seats go almost instantly.

Date: Wed, March 02, 2016, 20:53:52 ET
Posted by: Gino Feculanti, Respectfully, just one opinion

To be frank, I cringed at the lyrics in the first verse of that Steely Dan homage song and bailed about a minute or so after that. The people involved might very well be talented and well intentioned, but that's just not my cup of tea. Some say, "unabashed", but for me those lyrics are downright embarrassing, and I've already heard too many imitative "influenced by Steely Dan" songs.

I'm also not generally a fan of cover bands/tribute bands, and especially with The Dan I find that most covers of Don & Walt's material usually leave me cold.

I didn't post this to be rude or thoughtless or to add to the incivility here, but rather to give an honest opinion when it was solicited for a second time.

Date: Wed, March 02, 2016, 19:06:21 ET
Posted by: DYLYNFAN, HARRISBURG PA

Waldo, good to have you back posting, I wondered where in the World you were! Sorry, low hanging fruit.

Date: Wed, March 02, 2016, 18:26:36 ET
Posted by: Nicholas Urfe, Phraxos

@Abu. Just yesterday I posted a thank-you here for a music recommendation I got here. People comment on various music all the time on the blue. I would have never heard of Snarky Puppy, Beauty Room, Monkey House, 1959 Tail Fin Fiasco and many others if not for the blue. We're awash in music and comments about it.

In the words of Sargent Hulka, our new big toe, "Lighten up, Francis."

Date: Wed, March 02, 2016, 17:57:41 ET
Posted by: Shaska, IL

Absolutely not, John. It's too costly and discomforting for Steely Dan to tour overseas. Steely Dan will remain playing on USA domestic soil.

Date: Wed, March 02, 2016, 17:44:32 ET
Posted by: U know,

theme - dang autocorrect.

Date: Wed, March 02, 2016, 17:43:54 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Michael: Dominic Frontiere's first theme song gig was The New Breed - Leslie Nielsen cop show vehicle.

Kinda sounds like Vega$, which is about right - he wrote the time song for that program as well.


The Probe is one of those thought pieces a HS jazz band might try to tackle under the horizon expanding tutelage of a young band director. It has some Bacharach, some


Fagen was fixated on the fake jazz of late 50s, early 60s TV and movie theme music...which is heard best on TvN. TvN screams 1959. EMG - 1949.

Date: Wed, March 02, 2016, 17:41:41 ET
Posted by: Sky Pilot, Carson City NV

True. The Eagles started the extreme high ticket prices and became a corporate rock band. Fuck you, Don Henley.

Date: Wed, March 02, 2016, 17:33:37 ET
Posted by: John, UK

Anyone know if the "Dan who knew too much" will learn even more by playing UK gigs?

Date: Wed, March 02, 2016, 17:13:50 ET
Posted by: Old Guy, Dusty old memories

It's worth noting that we're now paying more in onerous "service charges" than we once did for the tickets themselves. I'm not talking about Grandpa Simpson's day, either. Lots of name acts sold tickets in the $30 range until The Eagles changed the rules and the extortionists who control the seats took over for good.

Date: Wed, March 02, 2016, 16:41:35 ET
Posted by: Waldo, Colorado Springs

That's outrageous. Those Live Nation/Ticketmaster service fees are a big rip-off. Sometimes I buy tickets directly at the venue's box office to avoid the service charges.

Date: Wed, March 02, 2016, 14:27:01 ET
Posted by: Bookkeeper's Son, Florida

Was allowed access to a LiveNation presale for tickets in Tampa at 10:00 am today (Wednesday). Did not know that Citi credit card holders already were given a presale code. Anyway, the best I could do was row 19. Ticket face price wasn't too bad at $139.00, however the service charges were THIRTY BUCKS! What a world.

Date: Wed, March 02, 2016, 14:25:00 ET
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Date: Wed, March 02, 2016, 14:24:01 ET
Posted by: Abu, In the waiting room

Jazz Chops, anyone? Instead of bashing people and dropping F-bombs, let's talk about something that is about SD. It is like my earlier post was totally ignored. All you people who choose to post as anons, or the ones who have a backbone and post consistently as yourself, using the same "name", either way, give me your opinion on the Nigel Waddington tune I posted yesterday. This forum is about Walter and Donald, so let's keep it that way. See my post from March 1st for more info.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5V5u-Bjo1MI

--

Date: Wed, March 02, 2016, 12:57:16 ET
Posted by: Malcolm, East Coast

Hey! Quit jumping on KD's case. The BlueBook was designed to be an open forum on Steely Dan. Dissenters and ass-kissers are both welcome.

Date: Wed, March 02, 2016, 11:35:11 ET
Posted by: Lionel, Hoboken, NJ

Gino Feculanti- There's only one KD (Thank God). Yes, I agree with you about him.

Date: Wed, March 02, 2016, 11:13:34 ET
Posted by: Dylynfan, Harrisburg, Pa

Thanks so much M/O/D/P, my day has been made. Now back to our regularly scheduled programming, hopefully including more F-bombs.

Date: Wed, March 02, 2016, 10:58:01 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St Augustine Beach

Something happened to a post I made this morning? Maybe the Hack Master got to it.

Well, I won't spend my time recreating it. Just wanted to assure M/O/D/P that I double-checked the date I received the message about my buddy's purchase for the NF Seneca show. It was on 2/23, so he must have found a way to get early tickets. He is well-connected in the area. Grew up in Niagara Falls and has been practicing medicine in Buffalo for many years. I'm sure he has his ways. And glad to hear you scored some pube-free duckets.

Date: Wed, March 02, 2016, 08:15:12 ET
Posted by: Michael, ♬

(~_~;) It's getting hostile around here. Let's cool things down.

Here's something to make you feel all nice and fuzzy.

Weather Report - Palladium (composed by Wayne Shorter)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ohAvkuxqCe0

Yeah, now we're talkin'. Imagine if Jaco Pastorius had collaborated with Donald and Walter...
Anyway, how in the world do you follow up such quality, you ask? I have the answer.

Probe - Opening Theme (1972)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVVbYXG557c

That's the stuff right there. Themes to shows such as The Name Of The Game, The Bold Ones, Room 222 and Assignment: Vienna exude style, class and adventure. Composers such as Lalo Shifrin, Henry Mancini and Dave Grusin were omnipresent and recognizable. Such a shame the modern TV and film scores can't hold a candle. All they use now is nondescript filler and droning sounds. All the emotional impact is gone. They even use filters to suffocate the color on the screen, resulting in this lifeless, washed out metallic grey hue superimposed upon everything.

Date: Wed, March 02, 2016, 02:42:28 ET
Posted by: David Gilmour, London

Whatever Truth.

It is clear that KD and I waren't the same person. he can actually compose better sentences than i.

go on though, keep thinking your little echo chamber is right all of the time.

Fuck you, Walter Becker. You haven't played a good solo since 2009.

Date: Wed, March 02, 2016, 01:58:14 ET
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Date: Tues, March 01, 2016, 22:50:33 ET
Posted by: the , truth

Anything for attention.

Vlad just outed him as a "troll", but it's so much worse than that.

KD = The Kanye West of the Bluebook.

Don't feed the monster.

Date: Tues, March 01, 2016, 22:50:30 ET
Posted by: the , truth

Anything for attention.

Vlad just outed him as a "troll", but it's so much worse than that.

KD = The Kanye West of the Bluebook.

Don't feed the monster.

Date: Tues, March 01, 2016, 21:57:24 ET
Posted by: Vladimir, Minsk

Vlad says why for all the f-bleepers but mostly is the KD doing the last laughing while he is for trying to set the trap and then many persons smell the baits and snap the trap is closing. KD is saying no my trap isn't hold so many, but I am enjoy the f-bleeping show. KD says is for shooting the fishes in barrel.

Vlad outs!!!

Date: Tues, March 01, 2016, 21:35:22 ET
Posted by: independent , observer

Quote, KD - "Yeah, but I'm the asshole."

I wuz gonna say that no truer words have eva been written on theblue,
but in the spirit of the positivity floated by mr. wonder n mr. modp, I won't.

Date: Tues, March 01, 2016, 21:07:17 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, Still with Stevie W. on the whole "positivity" thing

Good news for those here who are actively keeping track of my personal Steely Dan ticket buying experience! Surprisingly, the tickets I paid for last Friday actually showed up with the late afternoon's mail. Much to my relief, there was nary a short 'n' curly to be seen when I slit the envelope. So, it really WAS a typo after all.

Dylynfan - I appreciate the way you tied in a real-life current event with both an old-but-still-funny political scandal story AND my earlier faux pas. Good stuff. In the true spirit of the coarse humour and vulgar material recently presented here on The Blue, the following is a short video to both add to the crudity and to dovetail with your delightful Clarence Thomas reference.

*Please note that this link is strictly for poster Dylynfan only. I expressly forbid anyone else from clicking on it.*

http://www.theonion.com/video/congressman-embroiled-in-sexting-scandal-explains--36995

For everyone else, here's one of my all-time favourites - a beautiful song with a lovely, polite, family-friendly/heart-felt lyric:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MhT4div6A20

Enjoy. I know I did.

Date: Tues, March 01, 2016, 20:49:48 ET
Posted by: Nicholas Urfe, Phraxos

@king of the world. I had never listened to EJ's Songs from the West Coast until I read your comment here and ordered the CD. Thanks for the tip - it's a good listen. There's nary a whiff of the uber-pop days on it.

Now back to tour talk and f-bombs.

Date: Tues, March 01, 2016, 20:34:17 ET
Posted by: Yeah, ...that's not "negative" at all

"Just because this place isn't full of ass-kissers"

"Fuck you, asskissers"

2 quotes, entirely devoid of "negativity".

Right.

Got it.

Date: Tues, March 01, 2016, 20:03:52 ET
Posted by: fonald Mmagen, Jail

Pike is right.

Just because this place isn't full of ass-kissers who are happy hearing walter talk about his imaginary wife during Hey 19 doesn't mean we're negative.

Fuck you, asskissers. You haven't made good posts since 1974.

Date: Tues, March 01, 2016, 19:47:50 ET
Posted by: Pike, Los Angeles

There is only one "KD". KD is disillusioned because of the current state of Steely Dan. They no longer record new material and just play repetitive setlists every year. He speaks for a lot of us. He's the Bernie Sanders of the BlueBook.

Date: Tues, March 01, 2016, 19:34:09 ET
Posted by: Abu, about 3,000 miles west of Hicksville, NY

Nigel Waddington is a music writer, arranger, and trumpet player in the UK. Back in 2010, he entered virtually uncharted waters when he wrote and recorded "An Ode to Steely Dan". This was the subtitle to his tune entitled "Jazz Chops, No Hang-Ups", released on his album "Bigger Pictures". I heard it more than a year ago, and was surprised, somewhat pleasantly, I must say. One reviewer called it "an unashamed tribute to Steely Dan". It has grown on me after repeated listens. It is sung by Jacqui Hicks, these days a mostly jazz singer. The lyrics tell the story of a certain session player who would love to play on a SD record, or just one tune (even as many players have found out). Musically, the song is very well put together, with some very nice horn charts. For those wondering about SD playing with strings, this may give a taste of what kind of sounds will be emanating from that big Bowl in Hollywood this summer. Mr. Waddington includes a string section, which, in my opinion, is not overdone at all. He told me that "it was just the way I felt at the time", when he included them in the song. Also, guitarist John Blackwell seems to somewhat capture that Steely feel with his nice solo. As stated, Nigel's tune is unique, with the exception of Malcolm Hunter's "Like a Steely Dan Movie", in the field of tributes to the Dan, with lyrics.

See what you think. It may take a few listens, as it did with me, to form an opinion on it. I bought the CD, partially for the reason that I hoped it would contain the lyrics. It did not. I finally managed to contact Mr. Waddington, who graciously provided them for me. A video was made, with his approval. The lyrics are contained in the description of the vid.

Of course, the title is based on Denny Dias' G-rated version of his famous ad, which Walter and Donald have a good chuckle about on the Aja Classic Albums DVD. Legend has it that it was another term used instead of "no hang-ups".

Anyway, see what you think:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5V5u-Bjo1MI


----

Date: Tues, March 01, 2016, 19:14:33 ET
Posted by: Gino Feculanti, just askin'

Quick question - Is there more than one "KD" here, meaning more than one person posting as "KD"? I ask only because there just seems to be so much relentless negativity, so much pessimism, so much discontent, so much unhappiness, and so much bitterness in almost every "KD" post that I find it difficult - unsettling even - to believe that it all comes from one writer.

Surely any rational individual so obviously disenchanted with the state of affairs vis-a-vis Steely Dan (and this board, for that matter) for the past many years would make his/her point clear and then give it rest, no? Move on to things or places that still held something of value for him/her? No? No??

If indeed all of these posts come from one person, you have my condolences, "KD", even though I imagine you likely don't want them.

Date: Tues, March 01, 2016, 16:12:18 ET
Posted by: Donald Magen, Jail?

Don't worry KD, we'll be playin all of your favorites!

Show Biz Kids

Reelin in the Years

Kid C WILL be in the encore slot

Naw, but really, KD, you're cool. Some people are just too jaded and old and bitter and too busy reliving the first time they drove their buddy's camaro in 74 while listening to My Old School to realize that they're dinosaurs and probably are just mad because they have ED :(>

Date: Tues, March 01, 2016, 15:51:36 ET
Posted by: KD, asdf

Yeah, but I'm the asshole.

'Kid Charlemagne' for an encore! Whee!

Date: Tues, March 01, 2016, 14:50:44 ET
Posted by: Dylynfan, HARRISBURG, PA

M/O/D/P is that a pubic hair in my Coke can? Sorry Hoops as this quote
is not Dan-Related, though it should be noted, like Chief in "One Flew Over", Clarence Thomas has finally spoken. Done Babbling

Date: Tues, March 01, 2016, 12:04:57 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, red faced...again...

That's a typo in the first line of my last post, by the way. It should read, "public", not "pubic". As far as I can see, there was nothing pubic about the ticket sales or the tickets themselves. I'll know for sure when my order arrives in the mail next week, though.

Date: Tues, March 01, 2016, 11:55:03 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, not part of the solution - part of the problem!

The Dean, it may be notable that your friend got his tickets before the general pubic sale date of Friday the 26th (I see that your post was from Wednesday the 24th). I can report that I logged in a few minutes before noon Friday and tried five times to choose & pay for tickets, but each time I got the "someone else has bought the tickets you selected" advisory and I had to start over. There were actually six seats front row center - at a hefty $250 per - when the general sale opened, and those were gone within the first minute. At the start there were lots of dark blue dots on the map (maybe two thirds of seats "still available") but I could see them being eaten up, very quickly, in real time. I finally got a pair of just-OK seats, and when I checked back after paying, there was nothing but crumbs remaining. Really crappy crumbs, in a fundamentally crappy room. The point is, "crappy".

I wouldn't suggest anything improper happened here, though. The room is fairly small (2500 seats), and as truly awful as it is, many people might very well be unaware of the magnitude of the awfulness or are willing to put up with the wretched surroundings just to see their favourite act. The latter would be my excuse. I'm going only because (a) it's a short drive and (b) this might be my only opportunity to see the band in 2016, depending of course on possible future additions i.e. The Beacon. I definitely understand why many SD fans would take a pass on this venue, and I seriously considered doing just that until I lamed out and shelled out.

As TO Danfan points out, many of the tickets probably went to buyers from across the border in Toronto/Southern Ontario. For those who aren't aware, the general economic picture in Western NY (Buffalo/Niagara Falls, etc.) isn't a very rosy one these days, whereas Toronto seems to be growing in leaps & bounds. For a depressing comparison, you can buy a decent house from $50,000-$80,000 in the Niagara Falls NY/Buffalo region. In Toronto, there's literally nothing under $500,000 (!), with most single family detached homes listing (and selling quickly) for $650,000-$1,000,000. Even factoring in the low Canadian dollar (+or- .72 cents USD), the disparity is unbelievable. The is a LOT of money floating around up here...

So, at least with this one show, it looks like the culprits are those darn Canadians. Again.

Date: Tues, March 01, 2016, 01:25:19 ET
Posted by: Runny Nose, MA

Only reason to see this tour is to watch Steve Winwood & Steely Dan play Pretzel Logic and Roadrunner together. You make the decision.

Date: Tues, March 01, 2016, 00:04:21 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St Augustine Beach

Gino, as I posted earlier, my good friend in Buffalo (and also SD fan from the get-go) managed to score 5th row seats to the Niagara Falls show the day tickets went on sale. He didn't even know about the tour, but I told him the morning the schedule was released and he jumped right on it.

It's too bad to hear about the venue. I looked at the pictures of the events center online, and it does look horrible. I actually worked at that casino for the first year it was in business, but had left NF by the time the event center opened. I had high hope for it, as the Bear's Den, which is a very small concert space (400 seats, I think) is pretty sweet. But that casino was all about flash when it opened, and then pretty much let things go.

The venues for this tour nearest to me, also hold no appeal to me. So I may actually have to miss seeing a show, this year, or get lucky as I did last year (another shout out to a fellow Blue member who really did me a solid). The Hollywood Bowl is the one I would target, but it might be a bit too early in the tour for me to swing it. Otherwise, maybe a NYC trip to the Beacon is in the cards, again. Fingers crossed.

Date: Mon, February 29, 2016, 21:48:26 ET
Posted by: vic, the bronx

What? I'm the real vic. and I agree with the posts about them needing the money.

who giveth a fuk?

Date: Mon, February 29, 2016, 21:45:21 ET
Posted by: vic, Bronx, NY

Why are you such a moron? That's a better question.

Date: Mon, February 29, 2016, 21:37:10 ET
Posted by: News, Biloxi MS

Why are they touring again? Don & Walt need the money.

Date: Mon, February 29, 2016, 21:31:46 ET
Posted by: Webster, Midwest

Everything below is true. Even Steve Winwood on the bill can't motivate me to buy a ticket.

Date: Mon, February 29, 2016, 20:54:36 ET
Posted by: Why?, Are

Why are they even touring again?

Here is what will fukkin happen.

Night 1 (maaaaaaaaaaaaaybe night 2) we will get the standard 11-15 set with a couple of oddballs thrown in (last year it was the Boston Rag and Things I Miss the Most, 14 was bad Sneakers and Movies, 13 was Don't Take Me Alive and New Frontier).

Everyone will talk about how Walter is "BACK" and how "into it" Donald is. Walter will get a laugh out of people because of his monologue, because hey, 3/4 of the crowd still associate the band with 3 albums from the 70s and the first time they smoked pot! Yeah man! How edgy!

Green Earrings will rotate in and out, Deacon Blues maybe. There will be maybe 8-9 performances of Godwhacker and a few of TvN with maybe a couple Janie Runaways.

That 3/4 of the audience will be wasted both before and after the show.

Once again, we'll have another overpriced, wasted opportunity. Another Summer squandered. Another Summer which could have been used for something inventive or recording new material.

Date: Mon, February 29, 2016, 20:30:20 ET
Posted by: TO Danfan, at home

Gino I'm sure a bunch of them came from Toronto. Once again it appears our heroes are not crossing the border.

I would not go to the aforementioned shithole to see them.

Detroit is a strong possibility. Hope they announce the rest of the tour soon so I can decide where to see them. Is Red Rocks good?

Cheers

Date: Mon, February 29, 2016, 20:12:04 ET
Posted by: Ticketmaster, US

Fuck you, Ticketmaster. Fuck you and all your pussy-whipped friends!

Date: Mon, February 29, 2016, 19:36:58 ET
Posted by: Calico, Santa Barbara CA

Somebody on this board posted a link about Steely Dan withholding 64 percent of its tickets from the general public.

Date: Mon, February 29, 2016, 19:14:52 ET
Posted by: Gino Feculanti, Casino Un-Royale

We interrupt the previous string of hilarious posts repeatedly repeating the word "fuck" to bring you an update on the availability of tickets for Steely Dan's April 29 2016 show at the Niagara Falls, NY casino.

For those not in the know, the venue itself is horrible. All the (folding) seats are on one level - no raised seating, just like your old high school gymnasium. The sightlines are awful, and even worse if the guy in front of you has a head the size of Jay Leno's. The sound is about what you'd expect from a room with acoustics designed for anything but live music.

And yet, roughly 24 hours after tickets for this show went on general sale, there was exactly one (1) ticket available for sale on Ticketbastard's official site. A particularly shitty one, full-priced at $160.00 plus "service charges". I need 2 seats, so I now have 2 choices: miss the show, or deal with sleazy ticket "brokers"/Stubhub/Craigslist. Looks like I'll miss my first SD tour since Summer 2000, unless we get more dates added after mid July. Saratoga is not an option - don't even ask...

Did a bunch of SD-obsessed One Percenters just swoop down and buy up all the ducats? If so, where did all these Richie Rich clones come from?

Date: Mon, February 29, 2016, 18:18:45 ET
Posted by: Fred herbert, Upland

Fuck you , Donald Trump, for being an asshole.

Date: Mon, February 29, 2016, 18:13:59 ET
Posted by: Hate Monger, pickin' my nose

Fuck you Loretta Lynn & Kid Rock for supporting Donald Trump.

Date: Mon, February 29, 2016, 16:40:19 ET
Posted by: Peter Herskin, Woodstock

Fuck you, Dennis Chambers.

Date: Mon, February 29, 2016, 15:31:11 ET
Posted by: F, U

Cathy Berberia. You haven't made a good album since Beatles Arias.

Date: Mon, February 29, 2016, 14:33:29 ET
Posted by: Phil Collins, Florida (America's Wang)

Fuck you, Peter Cetera.

You haven't made a good album since If That's What it Takes!

Date: Mon, February 29, 2016, 13:16:51 ET
Posted by: DylynFan, Harrisburg, Pa

Digging all the F-bombs, slow day at work, but alas, some very funny stuff.

Date: Mon, February 29, 2016, 13:14:13 ET
Posted by: Donald, NYC/Woodstock

i talked to walter and we came up with a new setlist for this tour

charlie freak

:encore:

talkin bout my home

Date: Mon, February 29, 2016, 13:13:44 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,

Rob:

Underrated post.

Date: Mon, February 29, 2016, 12:33:01 ET
Posted by: DocMu,

F the Setlists!

Check out 1993 baby - glad I made this tour:

Don Breithaupt‎ to Dandom.com
1 hr · Beverly Hills, CA, United States ·
Set list from the '93 show at MSG: The Royal Scam / Bad Sneakers / Aja (instrumental), Green Earrings, I.G.Y., Josie, Hey Nineteen, Book of Liars, Chain Lightning, Green Flower Street, Home at Last, Black Friday, Tuzz's Shadow, Deacon Blues, Tomorrow's Girls, Babylon Sisters, Reeling in the Years, The Fall of '92, Peg, Third World Man, Countermoon, Teahouse on the Tracks, My Old School, FM (No Static at All)


You'll be in My Heart is extra sappy yuck, but I actually like simple but impressionistic context with a touch of Peter Gabriel (Collins played on Melt) in Two Worlds, Strangers Like Me, Son of Man. They kind of work. In the Air Tonight is iconic.

Most of Collins' pop stuff is schlock...but better than talent show contestant garbage today.

Date: Mon, February 29, 2016, 12:08:22 ET
Posted by: donald, fagen

Fuck you Keith Carlock.

YOur solos are all the same now!

Date: Mon, February 29, 2016, 09:42:48 ET
Posted by: Djmoore, USA

Wow i have finally made it to the top with the help of donilluminatimember@yahoo.com after all i have been through in the music industry without no way forward i just contacted this great illuminati member and they help me out and made me somebody just from nowhere i am so happy.

Date: Mon, February 29, 2016, 08:00:38 ET
Posted by: Rob, H

Happy Birthday tVn. 4 years old today.

Date: Mon, February 29, 2016, 07:43:40 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Well, America did write A Horse With No Name, Daisy Jane, Ventura Highway, and I Need You. Maybe not to everyone's tastes but those are good songs in their own right.

Phil Collins' solo material may be too sappy and saccharine for its own good but taken as light pop fluff it's alright in an abstract housewife kind of way (hey, it's early). Besides, he was the drummer for Genesis and wrote some good material while there.

Rush ...I never cared for their sound, but evidently millions of people disagree. So be it.

By the way, who's Ted Nugent?

Date: Mon, February 29, 2016, 06:02:04 ET
Posted by: Amused, ..

Fuck you, Oscar Awards. Your nearly 4 hour show bored us to death last night.

Date: Mon, February 29, 2016, 05:43:40 ET
Posted by: Butt Belly, taking a shit

Fuck you, Phil Collins. We don't need you and your lousy music. Go back to retirement.

Date: Mon, February 29, 2016, 05:01:13 ET
Posted by: oh, dear

seems mr. dictionary has eluded us yet again

Date: Mon, February 29, 2016, 03:07:11 ET
Posted by: toronto, camloops

FUCK YOU STEELY DAN


YOU HAVENT MADE A GOOD ALBUM SINCE CIRCUS MONEY!

Date: Mon, February 29, 2016, 00:47:36 ET
Posted by: Proud Canadian, Toronto, Ontario

Fuck you. American piece of shit. Rush is the greatest rock band in the world. Go lick Ted Nugent's asshole.

Date: Mon, February 29, 2016, 00:06:37 ET
Posted by: america, Why

this band hasn't made a good album since roll the bones.

fuck them

Date: Sun, February 28, 2016, 18:10:17 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,

The DVD-Audio (stereo or 5.1) has a far superior mix of Kamakiriad than the 2-D mix on CDs Plus some of the verses (TIS, Springtime, Countermoon) are more rhythmically oriented and repetitive than melodic. However, the harmonies are rich and the horn charts sassy. The DVD-Audio mix is more open with instrument separation, less plastic fake drumming (on some tracks) and even more Sci-Fi weird.

Snowbound and On the Dunes (with real drums and bass) were written in the 80s, and are probably the strongest tracks...but Tomorrow's Girls and Florida Room are pretty good as well. The highlights for me are the intro to Springtime and the bridges on Trans-Island Skyway, Tomorrow's Girls, On the Dunes...and the instrumental break on Teahouse Sublime.


Sunken Condos is only a live band tracking away from being the best album since the Nightfly or Aja...but just one man's opinion.

Date: Sun, February 28, 2016, 11:41:36 ET
Posted by: Gabe, Other

There was talk of a forthcoming Kamakiriad remix in the mid 2000s, and when the boxed set was introduced I thought it might include it. Guess not.

Soon, Mr. Fagen hopes to remix his previous solo disc, the 1993 "Kamakiriad." His voice on that album was buried: too soft and indistinct. "I was in my self-loathing period," he said.

http://ilxor.com/ILX/ThreadSelectedControllerServlet?boardid=41&threadid=48466

Date: Sun, February 28, 2016, 10:40:09 ET
Posted by: Gino Feculanti, Popular Music Dept., second floor

I agree with Michael & Voss - that's why I added the Amazon link. I've never used iTunes because there's so much about it that doesn't work for me. Even back when I actually had an mp3 player, when they were first introduced, I got a generic one that didn't require using Apple's platform.

I would recommend the physical box over any download. It's an excellent set and the pricetag isn't too crazy...less than half the cost of a decent SD 2016 concert ticket.

Date: Sun, February 28, 2016, 08:56:09 ET
Posted by: Michael,

I don't see the benefit in purchasing the trilogy from iTunes. If you're going to pay for something like that, get the physical version instead. mp3s always truncate the high and low-end in order to reduce file size, which is a non-factor with the amount of space on modern hard drives.

Date: Sun, February 28, 2016, 03:06:48 ET
Posted by: king of the world, funklesstown

SteelyDan4Life, I agree completely about The Lion King. And didn't South Park do a "Circle of Poo"?

Date: Sun, February 28, 2016, 01:41:35 ET
Posted by: Voss, NY

Don't buy it, Toni. It's a iTunes rip-off.

Date: Sat, February 27, 2016, 21:34:19 ET
Posted by: Gino Feculanti, "Hoarding: Buried Alive", episode 3:12

Toni, I'm pretty sure what you're referring to on iTunes is this set:

http://www.amazon.com/The-Nightfly-Trilogy-3-MVI-4-CD/dp/B000M06SVS#customerReviews

It was released around Christmas time a few years back (I remember seeing a goofy "buy it for Christmas" promo banner on the old DF.com site), and it does have 10 or so extra tracks.

None of the CDs have been re-mastered, though, and despite what some self-professed audiophiles say, I don't think any of them really require re-mastering.

I bought it back then because I like to own physical product (I'm a collector) and there was enough "extra" stuff for me to justify repurchasing the "trilogy".

Date: Sat, February 27, 2016, 21:04:33 ET
Posted by: Huge Akman, how much can a koala bear?

I'm sure Donald would be smirking - some of the Candidates seem to have taken their playbook from the cake peddlers' war out of Rabelais.

Date: Sat, February 27, 2016, 20:10:39 ET
Posted by: SteelyDan4Life, ...

Elton John's Disney Lion King soundtrack stinks like poop.

Date: Sat, February 27, 2016, 20:10:13 ET
Posted by: pivot, time

perhaps it's time for songs which aren't about young girls with old guys or the end of the world.
What a glorious time to be free, spandex suits for everyone.

Date: Sat, February 27, 2016, 19:43:35 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,

https://byronnelsonchampionship.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/amencorner.jpg

Something beautiful and deadly/dangerous = Amen Corner

Date: Sat, February 27, 2016, 17:16:40 ET
Posted by: toni,

Quick question: There is this Special XMas album from Donald Fagen on iTunes which includes all his albums including ten or so extra tracks. I wanted to treat myself to the ten extra ones because I already have the rest, but I wonder, have any of Donald's Albums ever been remastered? If so are they in this collection? If so I would just buy the whole thing again.
Thanks for answers.

Date: Sat, February 27, 2016, 13:02:39 ET
Posted by: Barney Beacon, LWO

KD is so full of shit. What a pretentious know - it -all.

Date: Sat, February 27, 2016, 10:15:09 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St Augustine Beach

Oh, and not to belabor the McLaughlin discussion, but...

Again, I respect his playing and have liked some of his stuff. I suppose I'm in agreement with Zappa. who admired JM's playing, but also didn't completely "get" him: ""A person would be a moron not to appreciate McLaughlin's technique. The guy has certainly found out how to operate a guitar as if it were a machine gun. But I'm not always enthusiastic about the lines I hear or the ways in which they're used."

It's not a diss on JM, just a comment on differing tastes.

Date: Sat, February 27, 2016, 10:08:42 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St Augustine Beach

amen corner, are you suggesting you believe the name of some relatively obscure Welsh band has something (anything whatsoever) to do with the lyric in Almost Gothic? Would you care to explain?

Of course, one might question why the SD Dictionary bothers to mention the golf reference, and not so many other "amen corner" references most likely unrelated to the SD lyric. I suppose I should say, unrelated other than they all inspired, in some way, the same original church reference.

But perhaps I'm missing something...like sarcasm.

Date: Sat, February 27, 2016, 08:40:49 ET
Posted by: amen, corner

checking the SD "dictionary" just saw Amen Corner mentioned with complete absence of any reference to the Blues Band- hey guys, get with the program! If you want to keep up with D&W you have to do the homework.

Date: Sat, February 27, 2016, 08:27:02 ET
Posted by: ps, from the antipodes

to think that, politically speaking, that is the best you have to offer, out of all of the USA- how about D&Y on a ticket?

Date: Sat, February 27, 2016, 04:17:25 ET
Posted by: Huge Akman, feeding the kangaroos

Different strokes : A handful of Beauty and also Visions of The Emerald Beyond ( John M with Shakti/ M Orch) are among my favs, both very melodic.

Dangentally, I thought the 'cut & thrust' of Australian politics was entertaining until I saw the GOP today.

Lastly-King of the World, Black Friday, Last Mall, EMG & Sunken Condos.. maybe the theme has been fully explored.

Date: Sat, February 27, 2016, 01:18:20 ET
Posted by: Benson, In Arizona

You make a very good point about John McLaughlin, Dean. The man is a wizard on the guitar but his own compositions aren't that strong. Some lack a clear melody so they don't stick in the head. Others are just aimless noodling.

Date: Fri, February 26, 2016, 23:29:56 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St Augustine Beach

King of the World said: "I also don't take to most Bowie material, but since he's so beloved by so many people who might actually have some genuine coolness, as opposed to the cardboard, generic kind, I figure the problem is on my end."

Oh, me too, KotW. (Well, I'm not sure I consider it a problem, but it's my issue, for sure.) I'm not saying Bowie isn't a quality artist, just that he isn't for me. Clearly he has been influential to many who I respect. That's good enough for me to understand there is more to him, than I get.

And while I really am more of a jazz guy, there are also jazz artists who aren't "for me". For example, I respect John McLaughlin, but I can't say his music speaks to me. But that's my issue, as obviously the guy is very talented. I'd love to be able to enjoy his music more than I do. But that doesn't seem to be happening any time soon.

Now, I will be honest and say there are artists I don't respect at all. I suppose that is my issue, too. But I really don't care about that.

Date: Fri, February 26, 2016, 21:24:55 ET
Posted by: king of the world, the next to last mall, just as doomed, slightly better prices

I also don't take to most Bowie material, but since he's so beloved by so many people who might actually have some genuine coolness, as opposed to the cardboard, generic kind, I figure the problem is on my end. Just as I know that even though jazz in general is a fairly inaccessible genre for me, apart from SD, it's not jazz's fault. I just don't get it yet.

Bowie is important to a lot of people because his songs validated young people with fringe sexual natures, while connecting with millions of others too, connecting all these people more to each other. I wonder if you can judged his music without that context, just as poetry and sound. Probably not. Maybe that's why some of us don't get him.

Bowie's "packaging" was often something put in your face despite his knowing the image would alienate so many. That's not slick corporate packaging, but the opposite. Later he might be guilty of corporate imaging, but he isn't really known for the later material.

Elton John, if you listen to the albums, and ignore any publicity or pop images, is just someone working hard at doing good work. Note that the crazy stage get-ups never made it onto album covers.

Date: Fri, February 26, 2016, 18:01:41 ET
Posted by: Abu, Hollywood "out" and LA Phil "in"

I see now that the June 18 SD show at the Hollywood Bowl now says Los Angeles Philharmonic instead of Hollywood Bowl Orchestra. Likely some of the players are perform in both orchestras. I'm wondering if it makes a difference. Perhaps the LA Phil has a more extensive jazz history, as I still remain very hopeful of some big band arrangements being performed as part of the show. Already, the show will have to be different, because unless I'm mistaken, Steve Winwood, nor anyone else, is billed for this show. I interpret this to mean more time for the Dan and the orchestra to do some extra stuff, unique to this show. Donald & Walter... Big Band please!!!

Date: Fri, February 26, 2016, 17:39:12 ET
Posted by: The Dean, Manatee Bar. It's Happy Hour!

M/O/D/P, I couldn't have said it better. Steve clearly lacks imagination.

Doc, I like Changes, and a few other Bowie tunes. But you are correct, his music doesn't connect with me, overall.

KD, I think there may be some truth to what you say-particularly for the some of shows in the bigger cities. But I can tell you the last show they played in St Augustine was populted mostly by old hippy types, who were REALLY digging the music. The last show at the Beacon, understandably probably had a number of tickets purchased by/for corporate use. But from what I could see, "real fans" got their hands on most of them. I only go to one show per tour (and unless I'm mistaken, you haven't been attending too many shows recently). I'm thinking those who attend several shows every tour may be a better position to assess who is ending up at the concerts than you or I.

Date: Fri, February 26, 2016, 17:03:15 ET
Posted by: Michael,

KD, that is the unfortunate truth. The American middle class is being attacked from every angle (millions of outsourced jobs, replacing workers here at home with H-1B visa-carrying foreigners, cost of living increases, skyrocketing medical expenses, cuts to Social Security savings). Expecting the average show-goer to fork over $200 a pop is ludicrous. People have to deal with the harsh economic reality, a fact lost on many of those in the entertainment business.

Date: Fri, February 26, 2016, 16:46:21 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu, Miss Fugazi's playroom

KD: The setting to your latest corporate social event...

Making first run movies with handicam in tow, shot in digital video, dropped at the Custerdome into a pool of Margaritas.

What page from Art of the Deal is this?

Date: Fri, February 26, 2016, 15:44:40 ET
Posted by: KD, asdf

Anonymous people took shots at me for calling SD a corporate band, but this is exactly who they are at this point.

These seats aren't being filled up by the lot of us freaks, nor the "Rikki" and "Reelin"-types we make fun of that just want to hear the hits. Anyone who is familiar with the structure of these sorts of things understands that the great majority of these expensive seats -- and, on this tour apparently, "most seats" -- are filled with those who were given tickets.

Not by the band or promoters, mind you; these aren't free ducats. The seats are being sold, just to people that treat them like luxury box nights out at a sports game.

People are there with clients. People there with someone they're trying to work over, as they sip 11-buck margaritas. Be it in Wallingford or Cincinnati, this is who is filling up the seats.

I know there are a ton of fanatic goatee-types, playing their air slap bass in a green TvN t-shirt, who will shell out the big bucks. However, the idea that some fairweather classic rock fan will pay this sort of money for these tickets is an idea from 1993, 2000 or 2006. Especially when they would probably prefer to see Steve Miller (with two other AOR/MOR openers) yell "everything's better when wet!" for half the price somewhere else.

The crowd is partially made up of the die-hards, and mostly made up of the barely-theres.

Date: Fri, February 26, 2016, 15:41:35 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Kimbra

Date: Fri, February 26, 2016, 15:40:42 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Dean: Either you get Bowie's vocal stylings...or not. "Changes" for me is still a top 10 single of the rock era.


In Sue and other songs in the Last One I hear Stravinsky, Gershwin, Peter Gabriel, Miles Davis, Monk, the title track for TvN, and Talk Talk (Eden, Laughing Stock only) all meshed together remarkably well. It's a pretty creepy album, but understandable given the circumstances...best taken in small doses. The videos are reserved for those in need of a nightmare.

Blackstar's music has depth juxtaposed against the wasteland of much of today's music...although I can take a bit of New Zealander (think Lorde and add TALENT), Pharrel Williams, and Rihanna here and there.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4K1hoMlxQmg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yHV04eSGzAA


Good to see Snarky Puppy grab a Grammy.

Date: Fri, February 26, 2016, 14:30:24 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, things could always be infinitely worse

Steve R. - You can't imagine anything worse than spending $200 to see Steely Dan for two hours in 2016?

How about an intimate two hour dinner with Donald Trump? Or a ten day Nickelback Carnival Cruise™ with special guests One Direction? Two straight days of watching nothing but The Khardashians on a Samsung 110-inch Ultra-HD TV? Re-roofing your house, by yourself, during a summer heat wave, with no beer? Being permanently employed as head mayonnaise taster at the Hellman's factory in Cleveland?

You REALLY can't imagine anything worse than spending $200 to see Steely Dan for two hours in 2016?

You have no imagination.

At all.

Date: Fri, February 26, 2016, 14:07:34 ET
Posted by: Askin, nicely

It seems like every time they play Camden, it's a venue with a different name. Last year was the Susquehanna Bank Center, this year it's the BB&T Pavilion. I assume it's the same old shed with (yet) another name?

Date: Fri, February 26, 2016, 13:32:46 ET
Posted by: Another , Scurvy Bro

Just saw this -- $20 tix for the Shoreline show through Groupon
https://www.groupon.com/deals/gl-steely-dan-and-steve-winwood

Date: Fri, February 26, 2016, 13:18:40 ET
Posted by: Steve Robertson, had enough already

Well I can't imagine ANYTHING worse than paying $200 a ticket to see Steely Dan play another 2 hour set of the same songs AGAIN in 2016!

Date: Fri, February 26, 2016, 13:10:59 ET
Posted by: HOPENOT, CHI

Good news on Chicago ticket prices

US $39.95 - US $199.95
US $39.95 US $199.95
Additional fees are applied at Checkout. Prices subject to

for what it's worh EJ rock of the westies was the best record.

Date: Fri, February 26, 2016, 12:52:13 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St Augustine Beach

Elton John and Bowie. Two talented artists who, for the most part, simply don't appeal to me. Sure, I have enjoyed some of their efforts. Tumbleweed Connection is a phenomenal album, IMO. I'm not sure there is a Bowie album I like that much, overall.

Where both lost me, is with their focus on a manufactured image---seemingly spending more time and effort on creating/marketing their brand, than on music. I could be wrong, but that's what I perceive. I've never been a fan of "affected" music and/or image.

Regarding "Sue" (link provided below by Doc Mu), I have to say the instrumentation is pretty nice. But the vocals make it unlistenable, to me.

Date: Fri, February 26, 2016, 12:27:49 ET
Posted by: Not too worked up, over tour names

If all that SD fans have to complain about is the goofy names given to these yearly tours, we're doing pretty well.

"The Dan Who Knew Too Much™"? I don't like it enough to spend $50 on a crappy looking t-shirt or a $100 hoodie, but I like it enough to take 2 tickets to the show nearest to me once again.

Date: Fri, February 26, 2016, 02:38:37 ET
Posted by: king of the world, monkey woman city

Hippy Dan, you're wrong, but you get ten billion points for knowing and appreciating Blue Moves.

Date: Fri, February 26, 2016, 01:28:51 ET
Posted by: Hippy Dan, Southern California

Why the fuck are we talking about Elton John? This man hasn't made a good album since Blue Moves in the late '70's which had a heavy jazz influence. The Brecker Brothers played on it.

Date: Thurs, February 25, 2016, 20:28:26 ET
Posted by: Dr Who,

What do you think of the new Elton album, Hoops? I know you've worked on his records.

Date: Thurs, February 25, 2016, 19:28:57 ET
Posted by: king of the world, how's my little ooh la location

EJ's Songs from the West Coast and Two Against Nature were, for me, the brilliant, miraculous comebacks that gave me hope for the new century.

Date: Thurs, February 25, 2016, 18:53:40 ET
Posted by: Will not pay, 199

I love the dan, have seen them multiple times, etc., but I can go hear a great jazz band, support some guys that can really use the money, feel good about it, and not feel like I've wasted money hearing slightly re-arranged versions of songs I've heard a thousand times, which is how I've felt the last three times I've seen SD. Sure I'd like to see my favorite band of all time, but not on these terms. Not any more.

Date: Thurs, February 25, 2016, 18:43:48 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Better off listening to Bowie's Last One. It may actually be his Best One. Minimalist Complexity - on Sue he gives Miles Davis a run for his $

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFX1y62l9C4&list=PLpMUJrYyZ561fQ47mNpAcv5TLijEFn5KS&index=4

Date: Thurs, February 25, 2016, 18:21:06 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,

EJ's new one sounds more like Billy Joel than SD. Rockin'blues - it's fine.


The title track has a feel played live like this overlooked Jude Cole rocker:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q2KPsBKvi8I


The Union's a pretty good album, too. Songs from the West Coast has its moments.

Date: Thurs, February 25, 2016, 17:41:34 ET
Posted by: king of the world, wig city

As I keep hearing about Jeff Porcaro here, suddenly I remembered his name from the credits of "Princess" by Elton John from 1982. The tune itself is nice enough but not remarkable-- it's the great "soul jam" (only words that occur to me) as the song goes instrumental at the end that make the song really take off. I couldn't find a link to it, sorry.

Elton John's very under-rated usually, with a lightweight image that basically hides from view a wealth of great songs with great emotional depth to them, hidden away on albums that most people don't hear. His new one doesn't seem to live up to this at all, from what I can tell two listening into it, but for the record, EJ seems to think it sounds sort of like steely Dan. It might be more like the incorrect light-jazz-pop image that younger listeners seem to have of SD, instead. This album can be identified by the ugliest cover ever designed.

Date: Thurs, February 25, 2016, 16:03:48 ET
Posted by: Red, Manhattan

You have to pay those prices. Some venues are charging even more. I'd get those tickets early or you might have to pay $199.95 to sit in the upper level nosebleed sections.

Date: Thurs, February 25, 2016, 12:21:05 ET
Posted by: HOPENOT, Chicago

Hope this isn't the only price


To steep

FirstMerit Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island, Chicago, IL
Sat, Jun 11, 2016 07:00 PM

Details: Steely Dan, Steve Winwood
Please Note: Parking is NOT included within the price of a ticket. Pay to park at the entrance of the North Garage at Soldier Field, or any other lots y ...more

Onsale Times | Price Range | Ticket Limits

US $199.95
US $199.95
Additional fees are applied at Checkout. Prices subject to ch

Date: Thurs, February 25, 2016, 12:12:27 ET
Posted by: HOPENOT, Chicago

Is Jimmie kidding with the set list? Do we have any ideas of the set list yet?

Date: Thurs, February 25, 2016, 11:46:47 ET
Posted by: casual fan, orlando

Can someone explain to me why bands or their representatives feel the need to put a title on these tours? I just saw that AC/DC is on tour with the label "Rock or Bust." And this is the "Dan who knew too much," or whatever. Is it just to sell a new round of t-shirts each year?

And if so, can we get someone with some creativity doing it, please?

Date: Thurs, February 25, 2016, 11:27:23 ET
Posted by: Gino Feculanti , wishful thinking

@Jimmie, on location - Thanks for the laugh. I needed that.

Date: Thurs, February 25, 2016, 09:33:58 ET
Posted by: Jimmie, on location

Heard a radio ad this morning for an SD summer show with Winwood. Can you believe all the song snippets were from the Old Testament? Rikki, Kid C, Reelin, Do It Again. People are going to feel duped when they play mostly material from C$, EMG, Sunken Condos and the new yet to be released SD album. Feel sorry for those who are being misled into thinking it's going to be a nostalgia show.

Date: Wed, February 24, 2016, 21:51:49 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

How about:

Mood Rings: Eight Mile Island and IHOP Your Setlist Isn't Flat as a Pancake

Date: Wed, February 24, 2016, 21:46:25 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Cannon: Of the first 3 albums, Donald digs Countdown to Ecstacy the best. I tend to agree. In particular, Razor Boy, Boston Rag, YGT, My Old School, and King of the Word have that eclectic late 50s jazz meets German polka band playing punk rock vibe that satisfies.

On CBAT Fire in the Hole and Turn That Heartbeat Over Again are 2 that still hold up for me.

Date: Wed, February 24, 2016, 20:09:18 ET
Posted by: Security Joan, Dr. Amigo? How about Dr. Bowie?

After being disappointed with the Gaga deal at Grammies, it was nice to see a *genuine* tribute to Bowie -- with original touring band members, included Steely Dan's own Catherine Russell -- in London tonight. Would've been nice to hear Gail Ann & Catherine on main vocals, but actually thought Lordes, whom I've never followed, did A-OK. TY to Paul Kahn for posting this so promptly on FB: https://www.facebook.com/itvnews/videos/10153552470312672/

Date: Wed, February 24, 2016, 19:59:11 ET
Posted by: Alexia Ruby, chicago

My husband left again for the last time on Jan 7, 2015. We have been married for 28 years. He left for another woman, the third since 1996 that I know of, but it’s very painful. We have two children 27 and 25 yrs old and a grandson who is 7. Our life was never stable because of his affairs. I just wanted to believe that he would never do it again. He did and every time he left it was without warning. I never want to feel that feeling of wondering when or if he’ll leave when I walk out the door to go to work. But still i was ready for a better life with him despite all this, until i cried out and a friend directed me to a man called Dr Amigo the online spell caster, with full expectation i write him on his email and explain everything to him, within a period of 7days he performed a greater work, my husband is back to the real man i got married to 28years ago. for any kind of relationship help reach out to him now on the internet. Type "Dr Amigo the online love spell caster" on Google to see people talked about his good works and sincerity.

Date: Wed, February 24, 2016, 12:39:24 ET
Posted by: Don Patrol, Mtl

How could an old hippie say no to Bethel Woods!

Date: Wed, February 24, 2016, 12:33:13 ET
Posted by: Ignoramus, NY

Is there a presale for the Port Chester Capitol? If so can you share the code,

Date: Wed, February 24, 2016, 11:02:07 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St Augustine Beach

Rusty, my good friend in Buffalo scored tickets in the 5th row center-left, to the show in Niagara Falls.

To me, the best SD album is whatever one I'm listening to at the moment. The "worst"? Any unauthorized old demo compilation, with shoddy production. Not all are "bad", but they don't hold a candle to the official canon.

Date: Wed, February 24, 2016, 10:39:31 ET
Posted by: Dale, eating pancakes

But the demo for Brooklyn Owes the Charmer really stinks. It's played at a dead-slow tempo.

Date: Wed, February 24, 2016, 09:54:31 ET
Posted by: Critic, C

CBAT was a serviceable debut, but I thought many of the songs were plagued by a stiffness to them. I prefer many of the early years demos to it.

Date: Wed, February 24, 2016, 04:40:49 ET
Posted by: stop me, if you've heard this one before but

Can't Buy a Thrill, with its awful title and worse cover, is as strong as any of their later output. Great songs and great playing, even though Donald doesn't sing every song ( whatever happened to that first drummer?)

Date: Wed, February 24, 2016, 03:33:20 ET
Posted by: Rusty, Daly City CA

Has anybody gotten good seats on the presales for Steely Dan? I'm hoping to get two good tickets for the Mountain View show later this morning.

Date: Wed, February 24, 2016, 03:17:53 ET
Posted by: Cisco, in bed

Haha! You would, Security Joan.

Date: Tues, February 23, 2016, 21:07:14 ET
Posted by: Security Joan, dusted down in shanty town

And seriously, who thinks this tour name isn't brilliant? I'm looking at you, humorless Cisco. I admit I wasn't a big fan of Jamalot, which was cute, but not off the wall... Anyway, I'm putting "The Dan Who Knew Too Much" right up there with "Mood Swings: Eight Miles to Pancake Day".

Date: Tues, February 23, 2016, 20:59:13 ET
Posted by: Nicholas Urfe, Phraxos

@Cannon - can you post some links? I'm always in the mood for D&W's thoughts on SD music - I just don't find an abundance of material. And what I do find is usually so cryptic or soaked in sarcasm that I can't really tell what they are getting to.

Date: Tues, February 23, 2016, 20:54:44 ET
Posted by: Security Joan, A sandwich short of knowing too much

@Neil: Port Chester venue is fantastic, and it's short walking distance from the train station to NYC, so no worries. The neighborhood isn't the Ritz, but quite frankly, that's the charm. There are some really lovely, intimate Mexican & Dominican restaurants nearby for pre-show dinner, but if you are not into walking more than 5-6 blocks, you can hang at the bar situated right at the station for pre-show. All good.

Date: Tues, February 23, 2016, 19:49:30 ET
Posted by: Cannon , Salt Lake, Utah

I've been reading some articles online and they all mention that Pretzel Logic is Donald's least favorite Steely Dan album. Donald especially hates "With a Gun". I have to agree. I can't stand that song either.

Date: Tues, February 23, 2016, 19:30:50 ET
Posted by: Wink, CA

I just noticed that ticket prices for this tour are much lower than last year's tour with Elvis Costello.

Date: Tues, February 23, 2016, 15:44:16 ET
Posted by: glass, half full

Bad taste abhors a vacuum.

Date: Tues, February 23, 2016, 14:30:52 ET
Posted by: Former NYC Resident, no longer on location

If you demand a wide selection of nail salons, don't have a bank account because you love check-cashing/payday advance outlets, or are in need of a pay-as-you-go mobile phone, you'll find all this and more in abundance in beautiful Port Chester.

I wouldn't worry about a thing.

Date: Tues, February 23, 2016, 13:08:30 ET
Posted by: Ignoramus, NYC

I've been to the Capitol in Port Chester many times including to see the Dan. Neighborhood is fine and safe but ethnic, mostly Hispanic. You can park on the street and not worry, although there's a pay lot across the street. It's a block from the Metro-North train station so it's an easy ride from NYC. If you're adventurous try the ethnic restaurants nearby.

The Capitol seats about 2,000 and is even better than the 3,000 seat Beacon in NYC. It has a great bar to hang in beforehand called Garcia's. The venue hosted nearly all the old rock acts back in the 1970s, especially the Dead.

Date: Tues, February 23, 2016, 12:50:04 ET
Posted by: Smile, Tampa FL

I wish Steve Winwood and Steely Dan would play Gimme Some Lovin' and I'm a Man together. Both songs are high-energy classic rock that make the crowd get up on their feet.

Date: Tues, February 23, 2016, 11:47:24 ET
Posted by: Beast w/o A Name, Exactly Between PNC and Bethel, sort of...., NJ

Tough choice, see Steely Dan with a full orchestra and no opening act or see Steve Winwood open for them ?

Having seen Steve Winwood with Traffic, on his own and with Eric Clapton, I would have to choose the orchestra. That said, I love Steve Winwood's music, especially Traffic. Anyone here ever consider how much "Kings" from Can't Buy A Thrill sounds like something that could have been on the Low Spark album ? Must be the bongos.

Man, I'm just remembering how 1994 was a year in which I saw Traffic, Pink Floyd, Steely Dan and The Red Hot Chili Peppers open for The Rolling Stones. Floyd and The Stones were at Rose Bowl. Both of those shows took place in Pasadena, CA. My seats were in Glendale and Burbank, respectively :-)

I agree. I don't see Steve Winwood sharing the stage with Steely Dan for any songs other than the ones they've already performed together onstage down under.. Pretzel Logic and Roadrunner. That said, it is fun to think of other possibilities.. Chain Lightning is another SD song I could see as it's something closer to straight ahead blues.. But what about the reverse ? After all, Donald did sing Shakedown Street once upon a time.. What Traffic song would best suit Donald ? Low Spark ? Empty Pages ? 40,000 Headmen ? Shanghai Noodle Factory ??

I know.. that last one seems doubtful. So does Many a Mile To Freedom.

Anyone here ever been to Bethel Woods before ? I'm thinking of going the cheap route and getting $35.00 lawn seats. It'll be my 11 year old sons' first show. Mine was Kiss in 1979. Mom took me to that.

Beast

Date: Tues, February 23, 2016, 11:29:27 ET
Posted by: Neil, TX

I believe when SD last played Port Chester someone came on here and said the neighborhood is ghetto. I looked at the venue on street view and right next door is Port Chester CHECK CASHING with a sign as big as that of the theater where they will be playing. I'm thinking of making a trip up to NY, but should I be scared?

Date: Tues, February 23, 2016, 10:01:41 ET
Posted by: Marty, Grece

Two words STEVE WINWOOD!

Date: Mon, February 22, 2016, 22:21:23 ET
Posted by: Aussie Gaucho, Downunder

Hey all.

Great news about the announcement of another Steely Dan tour.

I last posted on this site back in June 2011 and that same year was lucky enough to fly to NYC with my son to experience four shows at the Beacon. An experience that I will never forget!

I miss NYC and I miss Steely Dan. I would like to repeat what I did all those years ago and this time really join in for some libations with some locals at a Danfest or two!.

For anyone intimately in the know, could you please let me know if there is any information (or rumors) whatsoever about any possible concert dates at the Beacon this year.

I need to know so that I can plan way in advance for the logistical (but enjoyable) nightmare of planning another trip to the Big Apple, - organising time off work, buying tix, booking flights, accommodation etc.

Hope someone can help.

Date: Mon, February 22, 2016, 21:23:28 ET
Posted by: Steve Gennarelli, Tampa, FL

I was kinda hoping the boys would be playing
at Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater, practically walking distance
from my job...but having Mr. Winwood playing with them at
the great Sweat Box in Tampa is ok.
I predict they'll use "Pretzel Logic" as the encore
song with Winwood sitting in on it...much like they did in
Australia a few years back.

Date: Mon, February 22, 2016, 21:20:07 ET
Posted by: Hobo, New Jersey

Why would they end the Summer tour in mid-July? They have to add more dates to fill up August. There could also be a second leg of the tour in the Fall.

Date: Mon, February 22, 2016, 20:10:59 ET
Posted by: Mt. Belzoni, Portland OR

It doesn't seem to me that the SD 2016 tour calendar even has the room to add any NW dates were they inclined to do so . . . other than sticking them on at the start or end of the tour.

Winwood is a much better choice than EC, who turns off a lot of SD fans.

Paul Simon is a brilliant songwriter, but I can't say the current state of his voice moves me to go see him. (Donald's voice remains much closer to its original (albeit limited) sound and range than the voices of most of his contemporaries. Simon also has the challenge of so many must-play songs, but still manages to include deep and new tracks in his show, something D&W should study.

Date: Mon, February 22, 2016, 20:08:06 ET
Posted by: Steady Eddie, NY

Steely Dan Presales begin tomorrow morning! Get out your wallets and credit cards.

Date: Mon, February 22, 2016, 19:58:34 ET
Posted by: Starch, Waiting in line

Paul Simon announced his tour today too. I'm not going. His tickets are overpriced and he can be a bit boring.

Date: Mon, February 22, 2016, 19:40:04 ET
Posted by: The Dean, Manatee Bar. It's Happy Hour!

I wouldn't get all bent out of shape if there are no dates near you (Pacific Northwest, for example) because there are obviously more dates to come. Chillax

I have no use, whatsoever, for Facebook, but I understand it is a useful site for some. As long as it requires no login, I don't have an issue visiting the Dan page there. (It always befuddles me when a commercial site require a login to view. I actually have a Facebook page, established to help a client work out a Facebook issue. But I never visit it, don't maintain it, or respond to friend requests. I never "sigh in" unless it is to help a client figure something out. ) But I simply can't understand why they would devalue their own real estate, and do what should be simplier and more straightforward: update the SD.com site.

My guess it is because it seems easier for social networking. But perusing the action on that Facebook site, the comments are pretty uninspiring.

Oh, and I have no issue with "The Dan who knew too much". It isn't the greatest, neither is it the worst. I don't think Don and Walt pay too much attention to this stuff.

Sincerely,

The Dean who knew too much. (Sure. Whatever.)

Date: Mon, February 22, 2016, 19:31:32 ET
Posted by: Elmo, CO

Maybe crowd turnout was low when they played last year in Washington with Elvis Costello.

Date: Mon, February 22, 2016, 17:42:53 ET
Posted by: Gino Feculanti, Severely Allergic

On that new SD.com tour dates page there's a disclaimer about "Facebook Allergies":

QUOTE: "Note to those with Facebook Allergies: The script widget serving "live" dates below is on this page residing on steelydan.com. It links to a widget from the dynamic content service "BandsInTown.com" (not Facebook). Most of the page's links, however, eventually go to a Facebook pop-up RSVP (except for the top "Track Steely Dan", which goes to the aforementioned BandsInTown.com). So -- no click, no Facebook cooties."

Apparently it's not just me...

Date: Mon, February 22, 2016, 17:21:54 ET
Posted by: Mike A, Seattle

Yeah, no Pacific Northwest ?? That stinks! Also sucks:) This will be the first SD tour I have ever missed. Drat....

Date: Mon, February 22, 2016, 16:00:58 ET
Posted by: Skipper, San Diego CA

If Winwood ain't playin' at the Hollywood Bowl than we should get an expanded Steely Dan setlist. Anyway, it's a must-see because it's the only date scheduled with an orchestra.

Date: Mon, February 22, 2016, 15:58:07 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

a Hockey area in Dallas?

May look into Ark, tour the Southland.





ALTERNATIVE TOUR NAMES

Citizen Cane Tour

Viva Voce Viagra Tour

Lipofuscinpalooza Tour

Retsina Reverse Mortgage Tour

LED Lava Lamp Tour

What a Shame About our Setlist Tour

Vanilla ISIScream Tour

Post-Apolcalypso Tour

Date: Mon, February 22, 2016, 15:03:51 ET
Posted by: Cisco, working

The Dan Who Knew Too Much is the worst name for a Steely Dan tour ever. Has Donald been watching too many Hitchcock movies?

Date: Mon, February 22, 2016, 14:31:45 ET
Posted by: Also, ...

Not that they were on any kind of a hot streak with naming these tours, but this one is really bad.

Date: Mon, February 22, 2016, 14:22:53 ET
Posted by: For the, Facebook adverse

http://steelydan.com/2016dates.html

Date: Mon, February 22, 2016, 14:04:51 ET
Posted by: tommy,

does not look like winwood is playing Hollywood bowl

Date: Mon, February 22, 2016, 13:50:24 ET
Posted by: PSA , -

You can view Steely Dan's Facebook page, as well as their tour dates, without an account: https://www.facebook.com/SteelyDan/

Date: Mon, February 22, 2016, 13:15:28 ET
Posted by: kzkzkz, presales

Note- Some venues have pre-sales starting tomorrow.

http://www.ticketmaster.com/search?tm_link=tm_homeA_header_search&aid=736195&user_input=steel&q=Steely+Dan

Date: Mon, February 22, 2016, 12:52:24 ET
Posted by: Skipper, San Diego CA

I'm going for the Hollywood Bowl show. The orchestra plus Steve Winwood opening sounds like a good deal to me. Hope tickets aren't too expensive.

Date: Mon, February 22, 2016, 12:47:08 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Gino, Facebook is complete garbage through and through. I've never had an account on there, nor Twitter for that matter, and never will.

Date: Mon, February 22, 2016, 12:06:14 ET
Posted by: Mt. Belzoni, Portland OR

Wow. Skipping the entire Pacific Northwest. No Seattle, Portland or Vancouver dates, and no apparent room in the schedule to add any either.

Hope they'll understand that there's only so far we NWeners might be inclined to travel to see them do yet another round of the same setlist.

Bummer.

Date: Mon, February 22, 2016, 11:40:04 ET
Posted by: hoops , chicago

Piut June 18th on there as a short list item too.

Date: Mon, February 22, 2016, 11:38:09 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh

I mean, I -would- like to know about a Beacon run before I shell out for a Mansfield show. Not sure what prices are gonna be like, but money is tight, and I'd rather splurge for a mini NYC vacation.

But hey, glad to see they're going back out and the pairing with Steve Winwood is a solid one for sure.

Interesting to see they're back at a lot of the big sheds they haven't played in a while. Didn't realize Steve Winwood was that big of a draw.

Date: Mon, February 22, 2016, 11:27:52 ET
Posted by: hoops , chicago

The casino they are playing near Chicago is AWESOME for entertainment and just as far as casinos go. Beautiful architecture, decent sound, etc. What's not to like?

http://smarturl.it/SteelyDanTourDates

In order of likelihood, here's my short list for planning vacation time:

-- First Midwest, Northerly Island, Chicago (Ideal location for a Chicago shed date, right in my "community" -- I invited Danfans for a historic Chicago Jazz tour-details to follow)
-- New Buffalo, MI The most awesome Native American casino architectural, food and more, right in the heart of Michigan Harbor country and the weekend home of the wealthiest Chicagoans, about 75 minutes from DT Chicago. (The Casino is not on the lake but a mile away in a forest.)
-- Virginia Beach
--PNC Holmdel
-- Port Chester

Date: Mon, February 22, 2016, 11:08:59 ET
Posted by: geo, ..

Steely Dan are a corporate act? Why? Because thy play a casino every few weeks? KD is a moron.

Date: Mon, February 22, 2016, 11:08:48 ET
Posted by: kzkzkz, C ya @ The Cap!

Apr 18 The Capitol Theatre Port Chester, NY
Apr 19 The Capitol Theatre Port Chester, NY
Apr 22 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival New Orleans, LA
Apr 24 Legacy Arena at the BJCC Birmingham, AL
Apr 27 Toyota Oakdale Theatre Wallingford, CT
Apr 29 Seneca Niagara Events Center Niagara Falls, NY
Apr 30 Borgata Event Center Atlantic City, NJ

****With Steve Winwood****

Jun 07 Riverbend Music Center Cincinnati, OH
Jun 08 DTE Energy Music Theatre Detroit, MI
Jun 10 Four Winds Casino Resort New Buffalo, MI
Jun 11 FirstMerit Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island Chicago
Jun 13 Red Rocks Amphitheatre Morrison, CO
Jun 14 USANA Amphitheatre West Valley City, UT
Jun 16 Shoreline Amphitheatre Mountain View, CA
Jun 18 Hollywood Bowl Hollywood, CA
Jun 19 The Colosseum at Caesars Palace Las Vegas, NV
Jun 22 American Airlines Center Dallas, TX
Jun 23 Starlight Theatre Kansas City, MO
Jun 25 Verizon Arena Little Rock, AR
Jun 26 Chastain Park Amphitheatre ASO Atlanta, GA
Jun 29 Cruzan Amphitheatre West Palm Beach, FL
Jun 30 MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre Tampa, FL
Jul 02 PNC Music Pavilion Charlotte, NC
Jul 03 BB&T Pavilion Camden, NJ
Jul 06 PNC Bank Arts Center Holmdel, NJ
Jul 07 Xfinity Center Mansfield, MA
Jul 09 Bethel Woods Center for the Arts Bethel, NY
Jul 10 Saratoga Performing Arts Center Saratoga Springs, NY
Jul 12 Jiffy Lube Live Bristow, VA
Jul 13 Veterans United Home Loans Ampitheater Virginia Beach, VA

Tix on-sale this Friday, Feb. 26th

Date: Mon, February 22, 2016, 11:01:56 ET
Posted by: CC, X

Agree Gino. It's amazing how many people think because I'm not on Facebook that I'm not interested in keeping in touch.

Date: Mon, February 22, 2016, 10:10:42 ET
Posted by: Hutch,

Yes, thanks Dean. I figured that out not long after I posted.
Glad they're going out again.

Date: Mon, February 22, 2016, 09:50:25 ET
Posted by: Gino Feculanti, "facebook" = "no fly zone"

Why put this important info on facebook when they have their own website? I understand why the info might be duplicated (i.e. ALSO on facebook), after all, narcissistic & wildly indiscrete folks buy concert tickets too. But why even have a "steelydan.com" if it's nothing more than a redirect to the world's biggest toilet??

I hit the link on SD.com, saw the facebook "cookies" allow/don't allow prompt/warning, then immediately shut down the laptop. I don't want even a trace of sewage on my browser. It's not an overreaction, it's a reaction to a social plague that I have bucketloads of contempt for.

I guess I'll just get my SD tour 2016 info right here on The Blue. Here's hoping for a second leg of shows that include The Beacon.

Date: Mon, February 22, 2016, 09:44:16 ET
Posted by: anymanleft, Rio Grande

SD and Winwood. That's the best pairing of all the tours they've had so far. I can see Stevie sitting in for a couple songs. This should be a treat!

Date: Mon, February 22, 2016, 09:39:50 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St Augustine Beach

Hutch, the venue for that "Colonial Heights" show, is The Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater---formerly Farm Bureau Live. Looks to be in Va Beach.

ccw, tough call. But I'd think about jumping on that Port Charles show. Small venue (good venue?) and they often break a surprise or two in the first show or two, before dropping them from the setlist. They probably will play the Beacon, though.

Date: Mon, February 22, 2016, 09:27:17 ET
Posted by: ccw, NY

Alright, prognosticators, I need your best guess. Let's assume I only have the budget for one SD show this year (and it'll have to be in NY): do I (1) get tix for the Port Chester Capitol Theatre show, or (2) hold out and hope for another run of (slightly) less standard shows at the Beacon? Thanks

Date: Mon, February 22, 2016, 09:10:24 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St Augustine Beach

Chris, I know you're kidding around, but here are the tour dates, so far:

https://www.facebook.com/SteelyDan/app/123966167614127/

They only go through July 13, so we have to believe there are many more to come. Again, this year, I have to make the decision on whether to go to one of the crappy venues in Florida, or find something else.

I just wish they would stick this stuff on their sd.com, instead of Facebook.

Date: Mon, February 22, 2016, 08:54:24 ET
Posted by: Hutch,

Glad to hear about the next tour. I see something strange though. The blurb on FB says the last show of the summer tour is in Virginia Beach but when you look at the schedule it shows the last show is in Colonial Heights, Virginia.
Now I live about 15 miles from Colonial Heights and let me tell you it's a really small town. I can't possibly imagine SD playing there.
I guess they'll clarify it in time.

Date: Mon, February 22, 2016, 08:41:20 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh

Now's the part where I ask: will there be a Beacon run?

Date: Mon, February 22, 2016, 07:46:33 ET
Posted by: steely doc, Near the Borgata

2016 SD tour announcement on their Facebook page

THE DAN WHO KNEW TOO MUCH

Date: Mon, February 22, 2016, 07:45:45 ET
Posted by: BenJammin, Indy wit a Big Smile

WAKE UP AND SMELL THE TOUR DATES!!!!!!!

http://lm.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fsmarturl.it%2FSteelyDanTourDates&h=HAQGme5sr&enc=AZPzUVuzXTF0auPN5NCd4g_muaXktSEhtN2yzPpPYeyclg_rgKEgPT2DICNr6Jc_Llwi4jObyWsZHGbmTodGB-Hhlbjv1mkJwnizPKokwd1-DWH5vhnBtuTiaihSyPlmpVtLusT3wHKnrH33Sgqx2iGG&s=1

Date: Mon, February 22, 2016, 02:33:17 ET
Posted by: Simon, Ann Arbor MI

I always have to get a seat near the right side of the stage next to Donald. If I can't get a seat near Donald then I don't purchase the ticket.

Date: Mon, February 22, 2016, 01:52:52 ET
Posted by: SDV,

never seen Ween lumped with U2 and Coldplay. that I don't get.

true they're associated with "alternative" acts of the 90s, but Ween is truly eclectic and difficult to categorize. they've explored numerous musical genres, often on the same album. they've got a twisted sense of humor. they're gifted songwriters with some surprisingly colorful chords in some of their tunes. and they're Jersey kids.

pretty Dangential if you ask me.

Date: Sun, February 21, 2016, 22:36:43 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St Augustine Beach

While it is true Steely Dan reserves some of the best seats for presale, and others for VIP/promotional use, I've rarely had a problem getting a good seat at the last minute, when I really wanted one. Perhaps I'm just blessed.

And, Dawson, I'm not sure most here prefer "smooth jazz artists", as we seem to have very eclectic musical tastes. But Ween? I never got that. Coldplay, U2 and a few others, also escaped my sweet spot. I simply don't consider any of these bands Dangential. But, hey, that's me.

Date: Sun, February 21, 2016, 19:46:51 ET
Posted by: SDV,

Ween's been around for about 30 years and have come a long way since their punk rock club days. and they did feature David Sanborn on their last studio release, for what it's worth. their keyboardist Glenn McClelland performs with Blood, Sweat & Tears when he's not gigging with Ween.

Aaron Freeman aka Gene Ween is a resident of Woodstock and performed at a Dylan tribute with Donald a few years back. he bumps into Donald at his kid's soccer games too, according to his twitter account.

Date: Sun, February 21, 2016, 17:51:31 ET
Posted by: Dawson, Staten Island, NY

Sorry, but most of us Steely Dan fans are aging baby boomers who prefer smooth jazz artists like Lee Ritenour, Larry Carlton and Dave Grusin. We can't stand up anymore for 2-3 hours in a packed club to watch a band like Ween.

Date: Sun, February 21, 2016, 15:56:19 ET
Posted by: SDV, up on the hill

Ween is great. their 3-night reunion run last weekend had some really great moments... glad they're back together. surprised they didn't do Pandy Fackler which is one of their live staples, and a tune they've called their attempt at doing Steely Dan. it's also a tune I was required to learn when I sat in with the Dean Ween Group last spring on steel guitar.

their phenomenal drummer Claude Coleman Jr. lives in the same town as me (and oleander) and sat in with my SD tribute band one night last year... what a treat!

Date: Sun, February 21, 2016, 14:57:37 ET
Posted by: Polski, sadness

RIP guitarist Piotr Grudzinski of the band Riverside.

Date: Sun, February 21, 2016, 12:14:43 ET
Posted by: Chet, B

Gopher,

Walter's Hey 19 rap is as certain as death in Texas.

Date: Sun, February 21, 2016, 10:27:08 ET
Posted by: Denise, Hinktown

Happy belated birthday, Walter. Party on through the weekend.

Date: Sun, February 21, 2016, 03:08:14 ET
Posted by: Harpo, Anaheim, CA

They always offer presales for Steely Dan shows but it really depends on the venue. The subscribers buy all the good seats in advance at the Hollywood Bowl. I always get lousy seat locations when tickets go on sale to the general public at the Hollywood Bowl.

Date: Sun, February 21, 2016, 01:06:58 ET
Posted by: Abu, Only 2 hours from Hollywood

I have not purchased tix to a Steely Dan show in a number of years. Does anyone know if they ever offer pre-sale tickets, or do exclusive offers for credit card holders? The 6/18 show at the H-Bowl is sounding kinda tasty. Excuse my ignorance about such things.

Date: Sat, February 20, 2016, 22:17:00 ET
Posted by: Fat Boy, watching news

Good news! Jeb Bush has dropped out of the Presidential race.

Date: Sat, February 20, 2016, 21:44:30 ET
Posted by: theoleander, ducking the wicker wing chair

Mu--excuses, excuses. It's not THAT far. You know how to find me, and that you always have a place to crash at the Fest. SO COME ON already.

Why in the world would anyone want to post as me?

Abu, thank you for bringing me out of foaming conniptions with respect to the Bowl. An Ellingtonesque or Basielike combo would be rapturous. Not that I'll be there; I'll expect a report from Big Ed.

Bonditroll, thanks for the well wishes.

Hoops!, you make the morning fabulous.

Packing for the daily less hypothetical tour,

o

Date: Sat, February 20, 2016, 20:23:08 ET
Posted by: Steve,

Happy birthday, Walter Becker!

Pretzel Logic is an interesting album because SD sticks to shorter-length songs yet still shows off the great jazz sensibilities. No compromises. For more than a few, specially those into rock 'n' roll first and not jazz, I think that Pretzel Logic makes a great introduction to Steely Dan. Every one of those albums are interesting in their own way. On the surface they may sound a little similar, but they are really different, each and every one.

Date: Sat, February 20, 2016, 19:41:21 ET
Posted by: ,

Any Ween fans on here? Another extremely talented songwriting duo. They just reunited, and they're killing it on stage.

Date: Sat, February 20, 2016, 18:05:57 ET
Posted by: Gopher, Cleveland

Walter...Will you please drop your Hey 19 rapping on these tours? Play more solos on your guitar instead. Thanks!

Date: Sat, February 20, 2016, 12:29:22 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh

WalterBecker.com also has a "news" update ...

http://walterbecker.com/news.html

Date: Fri, February 19, 2016, 18:50:00 ET
Posted by: PGE FYI, a link is a link

Over on walterbecker.com a link titled "They're Heeeeere ... | or are they?" will when clicked send you to http://steelydan.com/tour16.html - a so far empty page.

Oh! And Happy Birthday Walter!

Date: Fri, February 19, 2016, 13:08:36 ET
Posted by: KD, asdf

Steve - because I expect better and assign values to people that purport to have souls?

Sorry that you're still mourning Glenn Frey, dude.

Date: Fri, February 19, 2016, 07:46:26 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Doc Mu, you've essentially inverted the track list for EMG. Didn't they live track the band in the studio? I know that it was done on analog, as contrasted with the digital TAN. (Speaking of which, why does everyone use TvN as the acronym? It's not Two Vs Nature.)

As an aside, I'm working on something new which hopefully will be completed soon.

Date: Fri, February 19, 2016, 03:19:43 ET
Posted by: Lutz, SF

All I can say is that I love each one as I listen to it and would never dare to rate anything they put out weak or sub standard.
Maybe Security Joan didn't groove from the start for some, big deal.
It grows on you.
Barrytown is not LW Gina, and all these songs have their place.
Blues Beach is not Aja, H Gang is not I.G.Y. so what they are still great pieces of music.
To me Kama is strong across the board and Walter may have been peaking, playing both great Bass and Guitar.
One might grant D & W the fact they have evolved too - not only some of these oh so important writers with no creativity of their own to show for.

Date: Fri, February 19, 2016, 00:51:53 ET
Posted by: throw back, the little ones

Personally, Kamakiriad ranks with any SD. From go to who it's all killer no filler, witty, funky, like a si-fi Neil Simon. It's a road movie for the mind and ears.

Date: Thurs, February 18, 2016, 22:59:22 ET
Posted by: Michigan J. Frog, awake

Sorry about that. I added an extra 6 by mistake. Miss has the correct link listed down below.

Never heard anybody call Pretzel Logic a weak album. The last three songs are a bit disappointing but that album contains great tracks like Night by Night, Barrytown, Major Dude, Rikki, Parker's Band and the title track. Kamakiriad is Donald's most complex and jazziest solo album. I had to listen to it several times before I could fully appreciate it. The entire Steely Dan catalog along with Donald & Walter's solo albums are all good and hold up well to repeated listenings.

Date: Thurs, February 18, 2016, 22:31:43 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,

...have better songs, but it is close.

Gaucho is a Broadway Play about LA.

Date: Thurs, February 18, 2016, 22:30:35 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,

Gaucho gets ripped, and it's partly WENDEL-ized but the songs themselves are among their best. Maybe Katy Lied and The Nightly as entities.

Date: Thurs, February 18, 2016, 22:28:31 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

There is a Low information voter alert on the SD bad alum discussion! lol

Props to Sam though for recognizing Potter's might chops.

Date: Thurs, February 18, 2016, 21:57:56 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,

Kamakiriad, Pretzel Logic are probably the weakest albums. Maybe 11 ToW as an entirety, although there are some epic pop/anti-pop tracks. EMG if forced to include TLM, BB.


Technically, Pretzel Logic is the only corporate SD album, written as a herd of commercial format songs as Executives from the Record Company Formerly Known as ABC Dunhill were confused by Countdown to Ecstasy.

Date: Thurs, February 18, 2016, 21:57:56 ET
Posted by: Miss, Piggy

This link works

http://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/i-team/93646617-story

Date: Thurs, February 18, 2016, 21:49:45 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,

Michael - you've hit on the primacy/recency problem EMG has. To wit, the song order. Blues Beach and Last Mall are near thruways, yet featured first and as "singles." I'd stack the last half of the album against anything else in the catalog. It still holds up.


The "pull the plug" ending to Last Mall as the nookyular blast erases poor Rajah and every other shopper is the OBVIOUS ending and thus is reimagined as last. The tip of the fez to Trane intro on the title track is the OBVIOUS starting point.


So, I've found EMG to be a superior album played like so:

EMG - prophetic, bad@$$, and cool. The stage is set for the opus

Lunch with Gina - thought going out of business was a bad day? Now the Grim Repress is haunting you! But she's hot.

Pixeleen - I'll duck into this dark theater to catch the latest Japanese American super heroine. Falls apart like pulled BBQ. Whatever.

Greenbook - Hide in here. Wiggy funk. Gotta go back to Josie to find twisted sarcasm and juicy harmonies like this

Slang of Ages - Maybe the best sounding track on the album. Walter's laissez faire vocals are actually pretty darn good. One of the most overlooked tracks in Dandom. Worth a revisit.

Godwhacker - great rhythm guitar, synth blues harp thingy, and bridge. Probably the 21st Century cut they prefer to play live still.

Blues Beach - 60s tribute. Shiny as the tin foil on a microwave dinner. Advance optional.

Things I Miss the Most - bouncy bass seems out of line...but a great composition.

Last Mall - the vast wasteland. We're out.


You're welcome.

Date: Thurs, February 18, 2016, 21:37:09 ET
Posted by: Steve,

Michigan Frog: the link to the Fox Atlanta story about steely Dan was holding tickets doesn't work for me. Do you have a different link, or am I doing something wrong?

KD: if you don't like them, I think you should move on. Why are you wasting time on a band you no longer like or think has integrity? Who wants to look at a guestbook were all people do is bitch and moan?

Date: Thurs, February 18, 2016, 20:48:57 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Let's try and be reasonable. Not every music fan out there is abreast to everything that goes on. The question posed in the thread was, did Steely Dan ever make a bad record(?), to which many replied "No" or something to that effect. Even though I don't care much for EMG as an album, it had its moments (Green Book, Pixeleen and Lunch With Gina). Then again, some argue that it's among their favorite SD albums, so be it.

It's difficult to fault the general public when none of the songs got mainstream exposure. The couple that did get a little, those being The Last Mall and Blues Beach if memory serves correctly, were among the most generic picks. Of course it's easy to make the case that even at their weakest, the songs themselves are stronger than a lot of whatever else is on offer, but still.

Casual listeners are oblivious to the extra details which skillful artists go out of their way to incorporate, such as using an unorthodox harmonic progression or doubling a part to add extra punch. The former just want something easy to digest - a catchy rhythm, something easy to sing along with and memorize. Instant gratification, no matter how mundane.

Gino, as far as live audiences are concerned, you know something? They don't care about much of the back catalog either. All they really want are the hits they grew up with. If Steely Dan broke out Kings, Only A Fool Would Say That, or something like Kulee Baba, many people would be making the great exodus to the bathroom or concession stand. Their attitude would be, (~_~;) "What the heck is this? I didn't pay to hear this." *cue Rikki* (ノ^o^)ノ "WHOOOO!!! YEAH!!"

Date: Thurs, February 18, 2016, 19:22:05 ET
Posted by: KD, asdf

Steely Dan are a corporate act. They're nearly as shameless as the Eagles at this point. This is nothing new.

They drop the dreaded f-word in a song a few songs into their same old set. Walter talks about pot. So it goes.

The saving grace is that they don't have James Dolan and His White Boy Tube Screamers opening up for them at the Beacon every year. For now.

Date: Thurs, February 18, 2016, 18:54:28 ET
Posted by: Michigan J. Frog, taking a nap

Steely Dan consistently withheld 64 percent of its tickets from the general public. Here's the news article: www.fox5atlanta.com/news/i-team/936646617-story

Date: Thurs, February 18, 2016, 17:41:14 ET
Posted by: KD, asdf

Rolling Stone rightfully takes a lot of stick, but the Cameron Crowe feature on Steely Dan from 1977 and the feature linked to below are two fantastic pieces of writing.

The cover story from 1974? Eh, not so much, but it's not bad and at least it got the name "Steely Dan" on the cover of the magazine.

Date: Thurs, February 18, 2016, 17:12:48 ET
Posted by: NYB, Live from the heart-shaped world

Artists who remind you of Walter Becker...


First choice: Dave Alvin



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_g6kWK22Pc

Date: Thurs, February 18, 2016, 16:38:16 ET
Posted by: Clete, On location

I missed ever reading this, until now.

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/steely-dan-return-of-the-dark-brothers-20000330

Date: Thurs, February 18, 2016, 15:09:28 ET
Posted by: Gino Feculanti, Sant'Agata Bolognese

Of course it's a small sample, but it's ANOTHER sample of opinions, and these are supposedly reasonably intelligent music fans/collectors, no?

The general dismissal of post-1980 SD, even ("especially"?) is evident, and once again we see a lack of enthusiasm for anything Steely Dan past the nostalgic '70s.

I couldn't disagree more, but there you have it.

There's a reason we don't have a third New Testament album 13 years after the last brilliant one, and there's a reason live SD shows have become what they are.

It's not just the Classic Rock drunken idiots who dread "new material". It's the smarty-pants set as well...

Date: Thurs, February 18, 2016, 13:12:03 ET
Posted by: Ha, ha

They lost me at "I just discovered the 2003 release 'Everything Must Go'"

Date: Thurs, February 18, 2016, 09:34:58 ET
Posted by: Michael,

http://forums.stevehoffman.tv/threads/did-steely-dan-ever-make-a-bad-record.501036/

Interesting discussion going on.

Date: Wed, February 17, 2016, 21:18:56 ET
Posted by: DYLYNFAN, HARRISBURG PA

Doc Mu thanks a million for your post, a perfect example of the
greatness of the Blue, didn't know much of Jamiroquai other than
Virtual Insanity and now I am stone cold hooked, brilliant!

Date: Wed, February 17, 2016, 07:36:29 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Who cares about who this industry, now up to its neck in shamelessly crass and disgusting filler, decides to bestow its phony-baloney awards upon?

Art is influenced by the times, surroundings (geographic location), society and of course the skill and imaginative tendencies of the individual creating it. As a general rule, whenever a culture undergoes economic prosperity, various social, political and/or religious institutes will call for the creation of new art, be it writing, composing poems, theatrical, painting, sculpture, architecture, or music. This is because the culture desires to surround itself with representations and monuments of its beliefs, ideals and so forth. As a culture begins to stagnate, wane and collapse, the arts begin to suffer.

More often than not, mainstream art in the West now represents shamelessly crass, vain and self-indulgent, which is a reflection (in part) of the society in which it subsists - a deliberate and persistent attempt to corrupt. For if society placed no value upon such grotesque statements, they would be shunned by greater society and promptly discarded, and to a large extent does.

The labels create the illusion of mass popularity. For example, the labels pay robot companies to artificially inflate their view counts on YouTube (also known as black hatting), hence why you'll see videos with hundreds of millions of views, even when the music itself is abysmal and the statement devoid of meaning. Another method the labels use is to purchase their own music in bulk so as to impress upon the public the notion that X or Y artist is extremely popular and relevant to the times.

Date: Wed, February 17, 2016, 05:12:29 ET
Posted by: making movies, of themselves

To some from foreign climes, the fascination with 'awards' and especially ' halls of fame' only serve to highlight an attempt to compensate for the USA's short history ( of course indigenous populations have their own history but cannot be considered mainstream).

Why search out approval if you are confident in your own appreciation of the worth of a work of art?

'World Series'?

Date: Wed, February 17, 2016, 02:33:17 ET
Posted by: KD, asdf

Odelay was more ubiquitous, no doubt, but that doesn't mean Midnight Vultures wasn't all over the place; especially as this was the first year of Napster. Just about everyone I knew's first downloaded/burned full CD was Midnight Vultures.

A classic album put out after 20 years of hibernation (though we knew they'd been back together for nine years) was a big deal in February and March and at the beginning of the tour.

By Grammy voting time it was still a big deal to us massive Steely Dan fans and, apparently, the Grammy voters.

It was absolutely not a big deal to anyone else.

Date: Wed, February 17, 2016, 00:02:05 ET
Posted by: ,

KD, wtf are you even talking about? Silk degrees? Did you have a stroke?

Simply put, the Album of the Year category that year was full of extremely relevant artists at the time, and while none of the records were the respective artists' best, they were contemporary whereas the Dan was not. Also SD was and is thought by many to be lightweight elevator music. They should have won a Grammy for one of their first seven, but they didn't.

Date: Tues, February 16, 2016, 22:59:04 ET
Posted by: Gino Feculanti, more depressed than a radiohead fan, now

Truth be told, it's even worse than all that. If that's even possible.

Brilliant album was mistakenly embraced by The Grammys in 2001, then mostly hated by The Public at Large. Or ignored altogether.

To be fair, said album was loved - really loved - by hardcore SD fans of the day.

Fifteen or so years later, the folks who pay the freight don't wanna hear no stuff past Gaucho. We're doin' "CLASSIC Rock" at these shows, and we don't need no "new stuff". Just the hits, no filler, thank you very much and good night...

Date: Tues, February 16, 2016, 22:25:41 ET
Posted by: Jabbo, Uptown

How sad. Guess Donald doesn't have the guts to play unfamiliar material to the crowd anymore.

Date: Tues, February 16, 2016, 21:09:43 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, Snowbound...no, really.

I really don't believe that Two Against Nature is actually "reviled" anymore, anywhere, by anyone, despite what the Newsweek article - written by thirteen year old Journalism student hopeful Zach Schonfeld - says or doesn't say. If I recall correctly, though, at the time 'way back when, there WERE a lot of perturbed "hip hop" fans. It was as if the very idea that this Steely Dan guy had won this fatuous award had somehow prevented all of them from enjoying the offerings of a Real Artist like that guy who composed clever, thought-provoking lyrics about choking women or raping them or throwing them down the stairs to, y'know, teach those women a lesson. I suspect that those who were deeply offended by the whole Grammy thing in 2001 have mostly moved on to the advanced stages of crack cocaine addiction or federal prison or are resting in peace now.

I don't remember Radiohead fans being particularly outraged, possibly because they were too busy being morose to be bothered by some lame-o American music awards show. Bless their clinically-depressed hearts.

Anyways, if ya wanna see someplace where SD's Grammy Award Winning Album is really, and I mean REALLY unwanted, out-of-place, and completely un-remembered - like it never happened fer chrissakes - if not actually "reviled"...just check out any live Steely Dan concert this summer.

Where it will not be played, in whole or in part.

M/O/D/P

ps - "Just the hits, no filler, and NO NEW MATERIAL!" - QUOTE, Joe Average, Lifetime Steely Dan fan, summer 2016
pps - Two Against Nature is emphatically one of my Desert Island discs, but that's only because it's just that good.
ppps - Was that actually "Newsweek", or a parody site created strictly for humor purposes? I ask, 'cause sometimes these days it's hard to tell...

Date: Tues, February 16, 2016, 21:05:11 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,

KD: I guess I remember Odelay as a lot more ubiquitous than Midnight Vultures. Back had won and would win more Grammys with Sea Change and so on...so there are no tears. TvN is even more layered and sophisticated that Gaucho, although a few or the tunes aren't quite as sharp.

Of the schizo retro artists Jamiroquai has bee surprising consistent, if becoming less prolific. Dynamite with Swing Out Sister grooves and R&B/jazz chords feels as good as Return of the Space Cowboy or Traveling Without Moving. Rock Dust Light Star got that smooth retsina funk going as well.

Date: Tues, February 16, 2016, 18:02:15 ET
Posted by: SharkDeVille, up on the hill

FACT: Steely Dan dropping a new (and utterly fantastic) album 2 decades since their last studio release was a pretty huge deal. as big a deal as anything Eminem or Radiohead was doing.

Date: Tues, February 16, 2016, 15:37:19 ET
Posted by: The Dean, Heading to the Manatee Bar

Chris, I think your initial response to "search" gives an excellent explanation to what the Grammy awards have done, traditionally. Strangely, so does your follow-up, where you mention artists getting the award after being passed-up in years past. Oddly, those two sort of work against one another, in my mind. Yet both ring true.

However, I still can't figure out why it is, as search suggests, "reviled". Especially in retrospect, it is an album that has held up very well. So, while it may not have been an album that "defined the year" for most, only a tasteless moron would conclude it was not an excellent album---whatever year it was released.

I've heard many proclaim, "it wasn't even their best album", which may be true, but is completely besides the point. As ridiculous as I find these music/film/etc awards, the idea that an artist is competing against themselves in past years, seems beyond preposterous.

If awards for "best music" are to be given, at least in my perfect world, they should be awarded at least 10 years down the road, if not more. IMO, quality is better judged "over time" than "of the moment".

But what the fuck to I know?

Date: Tues, February 16, 2016, 14:16:37 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh

Kid A was also a huge artistic and commercial success; it was a bold artistic statement and is considered by many to be Radiohead's best work. It's their Aja, if you will.

But the Grammys have a tendency to give out Album of the Year awards to artists who were unfairly passed over when they were relevant. Like Steely Dan beating Radiohead and Beck in 2001, or Beck beating Beyonce in 2015.

Date: Tues, February 16, 2016, 13:19:57 ET
Posted by: KD, asdf

What he said. You may night like the album or whom it influenced, but 'Kid A' changed things for an entire generation's worth of musicians, and that was more than obvious by the time voting set up in January of 2001 (or whenever).

Think of the Beck album is our generation's 'Silk Degrees.' Every party you'd go to -- from snobby radio station kids to frats to house parties to two people smooching in a car off campus -- had that album going.

And, while I reviled that album then as I do now (not just the awful, misogynistic and homophobic lyrics, but that production was terrible in the days when OutKast and the ATL sound was ruling the day -- and this is before OutKast got goofy and popular a few years later), the Eminem album was a cultural phenomenon that was inescapable. That shouldn't merit it for awards, but its critical (at least among the muso types, not the story-seekers) fawning seemed to ease it into the top award.

'Two Against Nature,' I think, holds up to any of the first seven from the 1970s. It's a gorgeous, brilliant, funky album and I've listened to it more times in the last year than I have the Radiohead or Eminem album combined since 2000. It's the best thing Don and Walt have done, in my opinion, in the years since 'Gaucho' or, on some winter evenings, even 'Aja.'

It was an odd choice. Historically speaking, even considering how stupid award-giving for art is, a bad one.

Date: Tues, February 16, 2016, 11:44:48 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh

Because the Grammys are centered around popular music, and even though TvN was a superb album that deserved accolades, it is not an album that defined the year 2000 for the vast majority of the population. Beck, Eminem and Radiohead were all a bigger part of the cultural consciousness in 2000.

Date: Tues, February 16, 2016, 09:34:40 ET
Posted by: search, k

I understand most people are not diehard SD fans, but I still don't see why the 2000 Grammy win is so reviled.

http://www.newsweek.com/grammy-awards-album-year-winners-steely-dan-426569

Date: Tues, February 16, 2016, 01:26:08 ET
Posted by: Dangentially, ..hhh

Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album: Tony Bennett & Bill Charlap

Date: Tues, February 16, 2016, 01:15:10 ET
Posted by: Slinky, Ohio

Was watching the Grammy Awards earlier tonight but then I got bored and fell asleep. Missed most of the show.

Date: Mon, February 15, 2016, 23:13:28 ET
Posted by: slurker, sxsw

Fagenism - like your piano on Kings, and the links. Thank you.

Date: Sun, February 14, 2016, 10:26:15 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Dean, eventually the intent is to transform them into live productions, with maybe a bit of programmed sound, but obviously not for stuff like the piano works or VG tunes. I also have various other songs and unfinished works in the wings. The main thing for me to do is compose lyrics.

My resources are somewhat limited. I have a keyboard, some guitars, a microphone and DAW/VSTs. That's it. So if I wanted, say, a live drum sound, my options would consist of: A) program them into MIDI and hope for the best, B) find prerecorded samples floating around (which I don't want to do), or C) find a drummer who's not only capable of achieving the sound I want but getting 'em to do it (not very likely).

I'm on my own.

Date: Sun, February 14, 2016, 09:57:02 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St Augustine Beach

fagenism, I've liked those Sara Isaksson & Rebecca Törnqvist covers since first hearing them. Some are a bit better than others, of course. I feel the same way about the covers from 2ofus. In general, I prefer covers that aren't attempts at note-for-note recreations, but rather bring something new to the song. Furthermore, I typically find the vocals the weakest part of most if the SD recreations.

Michael, I have been remiss in not commenting on your latest batch of tunes. So far, very nice. Have you fully produced any of these, or have any intention to? Or maybe I'm missing the point, and these are as fully produced as you intend.

Finally I never posted as Oleander, or anyone other than me for that matter. And other than that, I have no idea what you are talking about. You have no consistent user name, so except for a post that directly quotes one of yours, how do you even know who another posting is referring to? How do you begin to feel as though you aren't wanted here, when from one post to the next, we have no idea who the hell you are? Refusing to use a consistent user name (not necessarily your real name) suggests you have no interest in being accepted in this community as a contributor. You are the guy who walks around the neighborhood, with a different mask on everyday. That makes most people suspicious.

Date: Sun, February 14, 2016, 08:36:52 ET
Posted by: JX, US

I don't believe Cindy Mizelle is on Bruce's current tour. Probably means that she will be playing the forthcoming SD gigs.

Date: Sun, February 14, 2016, 07:36:33 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Thanks Doc, Fagenism and everyone else for listening.

I wish that Kings would last longer, it's such a great rendition. That was one of the best gems from their early days (LOVE the outro).

Raise up your glass to good king John. ♬(^_^)♬

Date: Sun, February 14, 2016, 06:32:42 ET
Posted by: fagenism, She go (I cry)

The Dean, Napoleon, Dan Belcher: thank you for the kind words! Much appreciated.

Speaking of covers: let's not forget what went down on the Swedish morning news a decade ago. Pretty surreal to wake up to:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QrmSEc_Sx5c

... and a big shoutout to MrHopeTelevision for his 8-bit renditions of the SD catalogue:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qihS_EIOzK8

... and to Howard Wright for setting the bar when it comes to SD tabs:

http://www.hakwright.co.uk/steelydan/tab.html

... and to Michael for his terrific, original music.

Date: Sun, February 14, 2016, 02:22:22 ET
Posted by: the charmer, under me

thanks for that

Date: Sun, February 14, 2016, 01:51:12 ET
Posted by: Blade Runner, backwards at the speed of light

Anon,


Here's another SD forum.


http://forums.stevehoffman.tv/threads/anything-about-steely-dan.464111/page-24




Also, there is the official Steely Dan facebook page as well as DF's.

Date: Sat, February 13, 2016, 23:00:08 ET
Posted by: on the train to the camp, achtung troll

the dean - why did you pretend to be oleander? Maybe it wasn't you but whoever but whoever did that was out of order. i've already asked where i can find another SD site but no one would tell me- obviously I'm not welcome here but the way you treat those different to yourselves ( as robert plant said) makes me wonder.

Maybe you don't realize how hurtful words can be...

Date: Sat, February 13, 2016, 19:42:34 ET
Posted by: Steve,

Nice to hear that Seinfeld is a big fan, and I like his shows.

That said, I don't think his humor matches Steely Dan's. That would be a turn off for me.

Date: Sat, February 13, 2016, 19:08:52 ET
Posted by: Hash, So Cal.

The Hollywood Bowl should try to get Jerry Seinfeld to introduce Steely Dan. Jerry is a big fan and knows the band's history. He could also do his stand-up comedy routine before the show.

Date: Sat, February 13, 2016, 18:24:11 ET
Posted by: NYB, ONCE IN A LIFETIME!

LET'S FUCKING DANCE!!!



http://www.wsj.com/articles/supreme-court-justice-antonin-scalia-dead-at-79-1455404229

Date: Sat, February 13, 2016, 17:50:00 ET
Posted by: Steve Gennarelli, Tampa, FL

Like Irving Azoff said in the NY Times interview, "Steely Dan" is one of those bands that keep sounding strong.
I go to see "Steely Dan" to hear their remarkable sound, so in my opinion they don't need a "symphony" to improve their sound.
Like the "album nights", I'm assuming they'll just do that gimmick in some cities, not all.
After all the debate about who they'll be touring with, I think they'll do smaller venues and just play alone, with no opener.

Date: Sat, February 13, 2016, 16:00:05 ET
Posted by: Meg, Palm Springs CA

Sure hope they pick Tom Cruise as the celebrity guest announcer to introduce Steely Dan at the Hollywood Bowl.

Date: Sat, February 13, 2016, 15:12:00 ET
Posted by: Dan Belcher, Louisville, KY

Nice work fagenism, I enjoyed that.

Date: Sat, February 13, 2016, 14:12:03 ET
Posted by: Napoleon, UK

Great work Fagenism - I can imagine an orchestra accompanying that arrangement...

Nap

Date: Sat, February 13, 2016, 11:11:06 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St Augustine Beach

fagenism, that was fantastic. Thanks.

Date: Sat, February 13, 2016, 10:55:47 ET
Posted by: fagenism, She go (I cry)

A loose attempt at Kings on the piano. Feel free to have a listen.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wl_hpQR6kE8

Date: Sat, February 13, 2016, 10:36:31 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St Augustine Beach

Abu, that sounds about right. It just seemed unlikely, to me, they would have an opening night event and use just a small part of the orchestra, for the performance. I can definitely understand using different instruments (and perhaps no orchestra at all) on a song-by-song basis.

With that said, I love me some strings. I loved most of the old "with strings" albums, even those that were roundly criticized when they were first released---like Charlie Parker's.

Oh, and I probably don't have to mention it, but obviously that's a troll using my handle. An anon in disguise.

Date: Sat, February 13, 2016, 01:57:20 ET
Posted by: the dean, st. agustine beach

I'm so cool insulting other people - I'm 6 years old and I'M SO GREAT that i can judge others and ... and... I'm going to make America great again...

Date: Sat, February 13, 2016, 01:45:15 ET
Posted by: Abu, same as b4

Dean, perhaps you are right. However, I am a big classical music fan as well. The size of the orchestra can vary considerably at times, depending on what they are playing. Even in the course of one concert, the orchestra can be much smaller if they were playing something by Mozart, who used a much smaller orchestra than later in the 17th century, for example, that Brahms or Dvorak used. Still strings, of course, but a good number of the string players would not even be on stage for something by Mozart, or a baroque period composer, even less strings. Strings only on many works during that period. For baroque, also, there were no clarinets. Mozart had no tubas, and trombones were fairly rare, for example. Saxophones were not even invented until the middle 1800s. However, after hearing your logical point, it would seem unlikely for much of the orchestra to not be on stage the entire time. Possibly the forces could be reduced for a few tunes, I'm now thinking. A big band, with 20 or 30 musicians. I'm still saying, no strings for a few tunes. We'll see.

Date: Sat, February 13, 2016, 01:24:59 ET
Posted by: Don Patrol, Mtl

@the Dean.
A belated Happy B-Day to you.
Hoist one for me Danpal!
M/O/D/P drop me a line, still got a package for you

Date: Fri, February 12, 2016, 23:23:58 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St Augustine Beach

Abu, for what it's worth, their performance at the Hollywood Bowl (according to the Hollywood Bowl website) is with the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra---not a big band using the glorified "Orchestra" name.

http://www.hollywoodbowl.com/tickets/opening-night-bowl-steely-dan/2016-06-18

The Hollywood Bowl Orchestra consists of 80 musicians. And they have strings galore:

http://www.hollywoodbowl.com/philpedia/hollywood-bowl-orchestra

http://www.hollywoodbowl.com/philpedia/hollywood-bowl-orchestra/musician-roster

I highly doubt, on the opening night of the season, for the Hollywood Bowl, the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra would be playing with some reduced roster, excluding the strings.

And M/O/D/P, thank you for your kind words. That was my best birthday present, today.

Date: Fri, February 12, 2016, 22:40:41 ET
Posted by: Abu, south of Hollywood Bowl

IMO, the orchestra in Hollywood will more than likely have limited strings, and perhaps no strings at all. The Joe Roccisano Orchestra was basically a big band with about 14 instruments, give or take a couple. Some of the greatest Big Bands used (and are still using) the term Orchestra as part of their name, like Count Basie, Glenn Miller, and Duke Ellington, to name a few. I think it is very possible that many of the arrangements will be more like this type. Joe Roccisano already has arranged Throw Back the Little Ones and Goodbye Look. Then there are the six tunes that Woody Herman did charts for and performed. Fred Sturm wrote an entire album of arrangements for his album. However, if any of the latter were to be used, no doubt much of the guitar stuff would be modified, getting rid of that "fuzzy" guitar sound that spoiled most of that album (an exception is their cover of Negative Girl, which doesn't have the guitar) DF is on record stating how he really loves big band arrangements, and I'm sure WB is cool with it as well. I'm thinking D & W had made this a part of their negotiation process for doing this show. To me, it is more unlikely that they would go for a bunch of violins, violas, cellos and such. Although, as stated by other posters already, a few tunes might just sound halfway decent with a few strings "attached", no pun intended (yeah right).

Date: Fri, February 12, 2016, 22:30:49 ET
Posted by: rose, darling

wasn't there a reference to the wizard of oz in one of the songs... can't remember which ...use the shoes or something-( that's if you want to talk about Toto, which I don't - or Journey etc. )

was it "your gold teeth"? I always loved Donald's double-tracked voice in that song.

Date: Fri, February 12, 2016, 19:35:48 ET
Posted by: Smith, Houston

That's because the album had two future members of Toto (Paich & Porcaro) playing on it.

Date: Fri, February 12, 2016, 17:26:24 ET
Posted by: Don Patrol, Mtl

listening to live Pretzel Logic, never fails to make me happy.
Just sayin'

Date: Fri, February 12, 2016, 17:18:15 ET
Posted by: national, enquirer

I heard that Donald and Walter were killed in an horrific pennyfarthing accident in 1969 and were replaced by look-alikes. 'Fon and Falt' are actually identical twins from Minnesota...

Date: Fri, February 12, 2016, 15:08:31 ET
Posted by: Journey/Steve Perry Hater, .

I've been watching various videos on YouTube of Steve Perry singing Journey ballads in 2014. He can't hit the high notes anymore and his vocals have gotten hoarse. He stinks pretty bad along with Journey's terrible songwriting.

Date: Fri, February 12, 2016, 13:20:58 ET
Posted by: Lex, waiting in line

Steely Dan might play with an orchestra in certain strong market cities. That's what The B-52s are doing. Last week they played for 2 nights with the Nashville Symphony. Steely Dan tour itinerary should be announced soon.

Date: Fri, February 12, 2016, 11:58:29 ET
Posted by: Mitch, TX

Is Journey allowed into Canada? I hope so, so we can call it even for Geddy Lee.

Date: Fri, February 12, 2016, 11:57:44 ET
Posted by: Deke, Boulder CO

Steve Perry graduated from High School in 1971. Never heard of him auditioning for Steely Dan. Story might be bogus. Journey's current lead singer is even worse than Steve Perry. One of the worst bands to come out of the '70's.

Date: Fri, February 12, 2016, 11:52:31 ET
Posted by: Beast w/o A Name, XYZ, NJ

Hollywood Bowl is an awesome venue. I saw Paul Simon there in 1991, Steely Dan 1996, Robert Plant and Jimmy Page 1998. It is a beautiful place. And if the orchestra plays with the band, it is a unique and special occasion for the audience and the artist.

I've seen a couple of acts that have been augmented with lots of extra musicians, though not at the Bowl. Page and Plant in 1995 had a Moroccan intstrument ensemble plus 25-piece string section... not for every song, but it brought something fresh and exciting to their music. Same thing when I saw Yes in 2001. I don't think worked quite as well with their music. Look for examples on YouTube, they're out there somewhere...

Either way, we will always have the original recordings of songs as well as the live versions many of us industrious mega-fans are no doubt familiar.

There's nothing wrong with an artist taking their music in this direction. It's a ballsy thing for the artist to do because it has the potential of not working in a very big way OR it has the potential to work amazingly well.

There's a version of Simple Minds performing Don't You (Forget About Me) with a very large orchestra. Look for it on You Tube. Great example of a tune that never really needed a big arrangement but got one that works. Play loud and experience the power and bombast. Revel in it, even if you hate the song.

So which Steely Dan songs would be best suited to an accompanying orchestra? Having done some scoring as an arranger, I would easily pick Aja first, then Deacon Blues and Josie from Aja. The Royal Scam would sound pretty amazing if done right. Any tunes with a more... anthemic quality. Throw Back The Little Ones jumps out at me because it has a busy and built-in arrangement already. FM seems like a "must-do." Third World Man could enjoy a very tasteful treatment. So could Babylon Sisters. There's a lot of possibilities here. There are also songs they probably shouldn't go near with an orchestra, like Do it Again, Rikki, Bodi, My Old School. Some songs will benefit with the added heft and power. Others may not. It's fun to think about.

It would be nice if they professionally filmed this gig. I doubt they'll be doing many shows like this one despite all the extra effort.

Date: Fri, February 12, 2016, 11:43:59 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, eating a steak sandwich

The Dean - Your description of Steve Perry as "repulsive" might just be the best, most accurate assessment ever of one of Classic Corporate Rock's most obnoxious & bloated performers. I laughed 'til I stopped. Thank you.

And for what it's worth, you never come across here as a "know it all" - on the contrary, sometimes you're just too damn agreeable & deferential for my liking ;).

Date: Fri, February 12, 2016, 11:07:49 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St Augustine Beach

Lionel, I have heard/read (somewhere) that story (the repulsive Steve Perry auditioned for SD). I have no idea if it is true or not. If true, it only bolsters my respect for Don and Walt, as he didn't get the gig. Same goes for the Gene Simmons story, and outcome. Not that I was ever a big David Palmer fan.

Also, not sure why you'd call me a "know it all". When it comes to Steely Dan history/trivia, I'm a piker compared to some here. Seriously, I'm a bit in awe of some of the knowledge a few posters have. (Then again, there are a few, mostly anon posters, who are completely full of shit, yet post as though they know stuff.) Been a fan from the get-go, though.

Date: Fri, February 12, 2016, 10:37:40 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,

Michael: Dig it. Rename that one "the Bastard Child of Ben Folds and PDQ Bach" ;)

Date: Fri, February 12, 2016, 10:33:39 ET
Posted by: Archie, WI

New Steve Perry comeback solo album is supposed to be released sometime this year. Steve spent last year recording new songs for it. The fans want Steve Perry to return to Journey as lead vocalist.

Date: Fri, February 12, 2016, 10:28:19 ET
Posted by: Dan, Historian

So did Gene Simmons.

http://tinyurl.com/gsmzcky

Date: Fri, February 12, 2016, 09:49:00 ET
Posted by: Lionel, again

Did all of you, know- it-all's (KD & Dean) know that Steve Perry auditioned to be Steely Dan's lead singer in 1971? Now you do!

Date: Fri, February 12, 2016, 08:30:50 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Thanks. Here's a little piano piece, The Traveler. Hope you enjoy.

http://www.motifator.com/index.php?ACT=39&fid=130&aid=15554_9ZBNESsSK1nDMOhnxqIy&board_id=1

Here's a little something extra. What a great song!

Strunz & Farah - Frontera (live)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5f8_1wCTYlg

Date: Fri, February 12, 2016, 02:42:00 ET
Posted by: reelin', in the years

michael- thanks for your music ( the muses don't visit earth like they used to)
oleander- thanks for the spellcheck and hope you're still healing...
last time we spoke I had a toddler... now she belts out SD ( and Amy Winehouse, Jeff Buckley (and Tim), Nick Drake ( well, she doesn't belt him out), and Radoihead...
She balances out the irony with the "Band on the run"

She's my baby.

Hope all is well with you. My old handle was bondi blue because I live in Bondi Beach, Australia. Now I'm a troll, evidently.

Re orchestras: Debussy and Ravel used to sound good.

Date: Thurs, February 11, 2016, 22:54:53 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St Augustine Beach

I kind of like "Ciscumstances".

As Don has already returned to Bard since that song was composed, I misconstrued (maybe "misconscrewed" is more appropriate here) Chet's post to make Don would return from the west coast. My bad, I suppose.

Date: Thurs, February 11, 2016, 22:53:01 ET
Posted by: Nathan, lying down

Only good song Steve Perry ever sung was his solo hit "Foolish Heart". The vocal is more restrained without his annoying shrieking. The song is also well written with a strong melody and excellent production.

Date: Thurs, February 11, 2016, 20:49:27 ET
Posted by: For Those Without, the simple ability to proofread

That should read "circumstances". "Ciscumstances" isn't even a real word.

Date: Thurs, February 11, 2016, 20:47:23 ET
Posted by: For Those Without, a sense of humor

...or for those perhaps a little slow on the uptake due to forseen ciscumstances...

Think about the lyric, "California tumbles into the sea/That'll be the day I go back to Annandale", then re-read Chet's post.

See, now it makes sense!

Preventing internet unpleasantness between internet friends in fun!

Date: Thurs, February 11, 2016, 20:34:53 ET
Posted by: Chet, B

Not sure why you make that point Dean.

Date: Thurs, February 11, 2016, 17:42:18 ET
Posted by: The Dean, Manatee Bar. Time for another shot!

And, Chet. You do know Don lives, and spends most of his time in NYC these days. Right?

Date: Thurs, February 11, 2016, 17:40:35 ET
Posted by: The Dean, Manatee Bar. It's Happy Hour!

Doc Mu, I actually liked the first two Journey albums. As a Santana offshoot, they were a pretty good jam band (before that was a term, I think) and their instrumentals were quite enjoyable. Greg Rolie has a nice bluesy voice, too. I simply can't tolerate the Steve Perry, faux operatic vocal, anthem rock songs. But yes, they've become even more pathetic since the turn of the century.

Date: Thurs, February 11, 2016, 15:42:32 ET
Posted by: tut,

steely dan 2016 tour is my HEAVY SUGARTOOTH put me in the MOOD to THINK FAST about SHUFFLING off to beat the daylights out of my ANGEL wife cause she made me go on tour to pay the RENT tour

Date: Thurs, February 11, 2016, 12:13:14 ET
Posted by: Chet, B

Fagen should be getting ready to take that road trip to Bard.

http://bigstory.ap.org/article/567e84fb1b874e80a960826d78fafad7/pacifica-residents-live-edge-crumbling-cliffs

Date: Thurs, February 11, 2016, 11:20:12 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,

RIP Jimmie Haskell: My Old School, Night by Night, Throw Back the Little Ones Fabulous arranger who understood the Steely Dan flavor.

Ole: I wish. We headed up at the end of the week to pick our son and belongings from college in ATL and deposit him at his internship in Greensboro...although the notion of playing hooky on the day gig thing completely is tempting.



I'd actually love to see SD + orchestration in a semi big band sort of way.


Despite banality of lyrics I didn't mind Journey as a fake fusion band or with Steve Perry doing his Sam Cooke thing. Schon can still play, but what they have now is a cover band.

Date: Wed, February 10, 2016, 21:22:17 ET
Posted by: hoops, chicago

The latest edition of the Dandom Digest went out in the past few minutes and covers January 1-February 10, 2016. The previous edition covered October 11-December 31, 2015.

The following are the subjects/headlines of the items in the latest newsletter:

- SD Opens Hollywood Bowl with Orchestra
- Re: SD Opens Hollywood Bowl with Orchestra
- Re: SD Opens Hollywood Bowl with Orchestra
- Re: SD Opens Hollywood Bowl with Orchestra
- SD Headlines NOLA 4/22
- More: SD Headlines NOLA 4/22
- WB Solo Called One of Rock's Best
- Jeff Baxter Leads "Rikki" at NAMM
- Jimmy Vivino Interview
- Al Schmitt Interview
- RIP, Jimmie Haskell
- Keith Carlock Website Update
- Jon Herington Appearances
- Mizar6 Website Relaunch 2/20

If you are a subscriber, you should see the latest edition in your email box within the next hour. If you don't see it, check your spam filters first; then, if it's not there, please email me.


As I regularly remind subscribers, some people have problems with delivery of the Dandom Digest, usually because of their spam filters, firewalls, etc. That's why this sort of notice is posted here--so you are aware that you should have received the latest edition. Heck, if you want, email me privately that you DID get it. WIth email filters and spam what they are today, there can be some issues beyond our control. For example, many work-place email servers reject email that it scans as having a naughty word.

If you are not currently a subscriber but would like to receive the free Dandom Digest email newsletter, please email me at hoops AT dandom DOT com or see http://www.dandom.com/dandomdigest.

Also, if you wrote something for this most recent Dandom Digest and it didn't appear, please email me as well. It's been ages since something could not be included.

For the record, the Dandom Digest is a fan newsletter with content written by and for the fans of Steely Dan. The newsletter and its content is independent of, nor to be confused with, the glorious and much more glamorous official newsletters from steelydan.com, walterbecker.com, donaldfagen.com and other sites of Steely Dan and associates.

---

As usual, I point out that the Dandom Digest is received by about 2,200 fans, of which it seems 1,700-1,800 actually read it. At least, this is as best as can be determine through a response survey from not too long ago. Perhaps accessing a certain audience of Danfans of this size will expose your ideas, performances, great music, etc. to the wider audience that you seek. Or maybe not.

---

Thanks to all who contributed to the latest edition of the Dandom Digest, be it through the emailing digest AT dandom DOT com or through posting to our BlueBook guestbook or Facebook page; or tweeting @dandomdotcom. Special thanks to Luke, Ben, and Gus.

As always, thank you for your support and writings through the years, especially Pete and Shari, as well as Mr. & Mrs. Winterbottom, and especially thinking of Mark, Bill, and Fezzie, and purposely not to mention a couple of people who request anonymity.

Fly about as low, be so cool,

Jim

Date: Wed, February 10, 2016, 17:36:57 ET
Posted by: Someone, Custerdome

TRIBUTE: Jimmie Haskell (1936- 2016)

Dr. Richard Niles remembers composer/arranger JIMMIE HASKELL, three-time Grammy winner, Emmy winner, and responsible for 135 gold or platinum albums, who died last week aged 79. Richard writes:

Jimmie Haskell was successful as a composer, arranger and producer from the late 1950s onwards. Starting out with Ricky Nelson, he worked with Sheryl Crow, Steely Dan

http://www.londonjazznews.com/2016/02/tribute-jimmie-haskell-1936-2016.html

Date: Wed, February 10, 2016, 16:23:55 ET
Posted by: Nicholas Urfe, Phraxos

@The Dean - I mean the latter. Finding the songs that don't readily lend themselves and working on those.

Date: Wed, February 10, 2016, 13:07:43 ET
Posted by: KD, asdf

The issue with that is that Donald tends to be into the French composers, which doesn't lend itself to the massive, blowout, symphony end of things.

Plus, it's a bit much to ask for them to create a spate of re-worked songs, re-done for an orchestra, just for one show. As much as they (or, let's be honest, Fagen) might love doing as much.

Date: Wed, February 10, 2016, 12:17:41 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St Augustine Beach

Nicholas, are you suggesting they DON'T play songs that lend themselves to an orchestral arrangement (or actually have orchestral arrangements in the original versions)? If so, I'm must ask, "Why?"

Now, if you really mean you'd find it interesting if they didn't focus exclusively on those songs, and choose to include some unlikely tunes---well, that I understand and support. Otherwise, I remain a bit perplexed.

Date: Wed, February 10, 2016, 11:38:07 ET
Posted by: Nicholas Urfe, Phraxos

I hope they take a different tack. Rather that songs that lend themselves to an orchestral arrangement, how about some that wouldn't, reworked. King of the World, Royal Scam, West of Hollywood, that kind of thing. I suppose there's a limit to how much effort you put into a one-off.

Date: Wed, February 10, 2016, 10:20:33 ET
Posted by: Uri, N.Al

I believe the orchestra will be taking a bathroom break when Walter does his "Hey 19" story.

Date: Wed, February 10, 2016, 08:54:48 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh

True Companion is begging for an orchestral arrangement.

Date: Tues, February 09, 2016, 22:27:22 ET
Posted by: Manny , Pittsburgh

I'm very interested to see what the orchestra does during Walter's rap interlude on Hey 19.

Date: Tues, February 09, 2016, 22:10:59 ET
Posted by: Manny, Pittsburgh

Sorry Marv, but they aren't gonna dig out Sun Mountain to play with the orchestra. My vote would be Night by Night.

Date: Tues, February 09, 2016, 21:40:11 ET
Posted by: Marv, P

Sun Mountain has always been calling for the full orchestra treatment. Just think of that bridge with strings.

Date: Tues, February 09, 2016, 20:18:08 ET
Posted by: Michael, money quote

"Journey sucked with an orchestra? Journey sucks without an orchestra."

^_^

Date: Tues, February 09, 2016, 20:16:55 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Doesn't really interest me, but I have no right to level criticism against an event I didn't pay to attend, especially one which hasn't even taken place yet. For what it's worth, both FM and Through With Buzz should sound great with the strings.

Date: Tues, February 09, 2016, 20:11:27 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St Augustine Beach

Steely Dan with full orchestra? This is an insanely GREAT idea. I predict this will be an epic concert. I've already made a promise to myself (and some others who matter) I wouldn't be taking any trips other than my annual trip back home for the yearly cottage blow-out. But I may have to renege.

Is it possible we might get to finally hear Through With Buzz live?

Journey sucked with an orchestra? Journey sucks without an orchestra. How is that even relevant? For what it's worth, Procol Harum was terrific with an orchestra. But I don't see how that is relevant, either.

Date: Tues, February 09, 2016, 20:02:55 ET
Posted by: Napoleon, UK

Steely Dan with an orchestra and a carefully selected set list has the potential to be quite exciting. I can think of several numbers straight off the bat that would work... FM already features strings, Deacon Blues could be dramatised and Royal Scam has it's moments whilst theres plenty for an orchestra to get in to with Aja. They may only feature on a few numbers, who knows. Open your mind folks!

Date: Tues, February 09, 2016, 19:47:13 ET
Posted by: Toby, Midwest

Journey is truly a wretched band. Hearing those awful ballads with a big orchestra is unbearable.

Date: Tues, February 09, 2016, 18:47:51 ET
Posted by: Wade, Santa Monica, CA

The opening night concerts at the Hollywood Bowl are very big and usually sell out. Last year actor Danny DeVito was a guest announcer for the sold-out Journey show. Journey played two sets of music with the orchestra and there was no opening act. Steely Dan fans should get their tickets early. I see no opening act listed yet so the crowd might get to hear two sets from Steely Dan.

Date: Tues, February 09, 2016, 16:10:06 ET
Posted by: Actually, Glenn

On Boomer & Carton this morning (NY sports talk show), they were talking about the Knicks being so F'd up that Irving Azoff must be involved.

Date: Tues, February 09, 2016, 15:53:06 ET
Posted by: Glenn, Frey

Damn, didn't waste much time now that my Eagles are out of the way!
Must be that greedy manager that we shared.

Date: Tues, February 09, 2016, 15:37:18 ET
Posted by: Mingo, SoCal

It's gonna be big. Steely Dan peforming with orchestra and a dazzling fireworks show to light up the night. I'll probably buy a ticket. It might be a one-time only event. The fireworks will probably start at the encore of "Reelin".

Date: Tues, February 09, 2016, 14:39:56 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh

You don't think that Steely Dan might arrange strings a bit more tastefully than fucking Journey?

Date: Tues, February 09, 2016, 14:13:57 ET
Posted by: shinbone, still sick

If you want to get an idea about how Steely Dan might sound like with a pops orchestra then go on YouTube and type in "Journey Hollywood Bowl 2015". Journey was the Season opener last year with the orchestra. There's tons of videos on there. Sounds like overblown muzak to me.

Date: Tues, February 09, 2016, 12:54:06 ET
Posted by: DeaconBlues16,

1. I don't know enough/haven't listened enough (or at all) to compare how other bands who have gone the "orchestra" route compare to Steely Dan, but I'd like to think - and I think folks on this board will agree with me - that Steely Dan's compositions are incredible enough that an orchestra couldn't ruin them or make them bad - especially if Mr. Fagen and Mr. Becker are involved in the arrangements.

2. Even if somehow the strings due ruin or make bad the performance, so far, it's only one performance.

3. Folks on here often complain that the setlists are too stagnant - that might be a legitimate criticism (though I think there are several counter-arguments to be made on that point) and this orchestra performance won't necessarily change that - but at least, they're stepping out of their comfort zone and doing something a little different.

4. We don't know for sure how often the orchestra will play with Steely Dan or what the arrangements will be etc. So in my opinion, it's unfair to make any assumptions.

5. Let's not overlook that this is a charity event. So there are certain aspects that are bigger than the performance, at least on the surface.

Date: Tues, February 09, 2016, 12:35:55 ET
Posted by: shinbone, sick

Makes me want to vomit. So now Steely Dan have jumped on the "performing with orchestra" bandwagon along with Barry Manilow, Peter Cetera, Rod Stewart and countless others. It's Mantovani easy listening pops orchestra sludge. The B-52s are doing this now too. Last year they performed their hits with the Hollywood Bowl orchestra and the results were disastrous. Do you want to see Steely Dan do their hits with syrupy strings in the background? No thanks.

Date: Tues, February 09, 2016, 11:10:41 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh

Steely Dan at the Hollywood Bowl with an orchestra (!)

http://www.hollywoodbowl.com/tickets/opening-night-bowl-steely-dan/2016-06-18

Date: Tues, February 09, 2016, 10:48:31 ET
Posted by: anymanleft, Rio Grande

On the water down in New Orleans
My baby's the pearl of the quarter
She's a charmer like you never seen
Singing voulez vous

Happy Mardi Gras!

laissez le bon temps rouler!

Date: Tues, February 09, 2016, 10:23:35 ET
Posted by: oleander, lemon persnickety

Spelling review:

Malcolm Lowry

T.S. Eliot

Jack Kerouac

Lewis Carroll


Big ups on Snarky Puppy to open hypothetical tour.

Mu, you in for JazzFest? Anyone else?

Date: Tues, February 09, 2016, 07:14:44 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Doc Mu, thanks. An Atari 2600 couldn't make sounds like that, but then there's nothing wrong with those old 8-bit sounds to my ears. I could incorporate those kind of lo-fi chip sounds if wanted, such as the C64/128 or NES, and come up with something that sounds good. Here's an example of the latter.

http://www.motifator.com/index.php?ACT=39&fid=130&aid=15529_c21UMasknETD6FqKls5S&board_id=1

CJB & wonder boy, I appreciate it. 'Portable Life' was done very quickly so it doesn't have the same sheen and well thought-out details as many of my other works. Yeah, the tempo is a bit fast-paced. Rhodes sound has a strong appeal, but piano is always good. So many great tunes, inc. Steely Dan, use both.

Because there hasn't been an abundance of new music to look forward to, well, sometimes you've just gotta do the job yourself when the going gets tough. Will post more soon.

Date: Tues, February 09, 2016, 02:50:03 ET
Posted by: wonder, boy

Michael : thumbs up! if it sounds like D is that a bad thing? How about slowing the tempo and pitch ...an acoustic piano instead - I really like the changes and appreciate that MIDI tends to push the sound a certain way...

Date: Tues, February 09, 2016, 02:44:37 ET
Posted by: DebbieDowner, Oniontown

@TheDean

https://media.giphy.com/media/MesyBdtILye6Q/giphy-facebook_s.jpg

Date: Mon, February 08, 2016, 23:22:02 ET
Posted by: CJB, YVR

re: "Portable Life," didn't bother me as much as others, agree that the stuff near the fade feels looser, more spontaneous & alive, than that which came before. Thanks for sharing with us, bearing in mind, tough room, & etc.

Date: Mon, February 08, 2016, 21:18:31 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,

Michael - that's just NYB speak. An 8 bit sound is simply going to sound like China Crisis' Flaunt the Imperfection filtered through an Atari

Ironically, I was going to comment that the last 2 snippets sound looser - more feel and less thinking. Keep it up.

Date: Mon, February 08, 2016, 20:58:31 ET
Posted by: Just guessing, .

Steely Dan & Kenny Loggins 2016 tour.

Date: Mon, February 08, 2016, 10:06:25 ET
Posted by: Bookkeeper's Son, Florida

Dean, sorry about the delay in responding. I was off the grid for a few days.

I guess when I wish/dream, financial consequences are not a consideration.

Seriously, they primarily seem to play the outdoor sheds when they have a named opening act (or vice versa). The other tours with the Bobby Broom Trio, Deep Blue Organ Trio & Sam Yahel were the smaller theaters, halls etc.. This is not absolute of course as some tours with the jazz trio openers had both types of venues. My point is, it can be done.

Most of the "70s acts" (Jeff Beck, ZZ Top, Doobie Brothers etc.) have been playing in the smaller settings.

Besides, based on a couple of the SD shows I checked out, they were not close to selling out the big sheds anyway. I for one am willing to pay more to see them in the smaller, more acoustically desirable location. You could be very correct in your assessment that it would not be a viable financial proposition for the group. My way of thinking is, if they did it before, they could Do It Again!

Date: Mon, February 08, 2016, 08:05:19 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Considering that the song itself was composed in about an hour or less, I'm indifferent to criticism leveled against it. You can't please everyone. There are many people who don't like Steely Dan. So? I enjoy the music I like and they can have theirs. Just because a few of my compositions draw inspiration from jazz and blues* (see below) doesn't mean that I'm trying to be Donald. There may be similarities to an extent but, unless there are new sounds that I don't know about, parallels to other works are inevitable. As for the sound itself, since I don't have the luxury of an entire band backing me, there must be a compromise. Using MIDI allows me to put full arrangements together and then do all the adjusting I want later, so that I know right on the spot whether or not it will sound good if performed live.

*
http://www.motifator.com/index.php?ACT=39&fid=130&aid=13630_dTAVETOhfN8vf4eX9XU3&board_id=1

Date: Mon, February 08, 2016, 00:11:06 ET
Posted by: NYB, The Cryptkicker

Michael, regarding your song, it sounds like you're trying to be Donald without the emotion or kinetic energy of Donald. Please resubmit something that doesn't sound like the softer side of Steely Dan run through a computer generated algorithm... something that, something that makes you want to find some twisty roads with your car and press the accelerator down. Something that uh, doesn't make you want to sit in a chair like an old man and tap your foot on the floor. If it doesn't grab me, I'm gonna throw it back at you, or I'm gonna get frustrated and fix it and throw it back at you. Fair warning.

Date: Mon, February 08, 2016, 00:04:26 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St Augustine Beach

Debbie Downer, and FlatFoot

Anyone who's been on these interwebs enough knows anything on Mediamass is, basically by definition, not true. It is a SATIRE site. Do you believe the stuff you read on The Onion?

That's not to say something they print couldn't be true---but it would be a coincidence.

Date: Sun, February 07, 2016, 21:38:51 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,

"Someone who believes that self-referential, circular pseudo-philosophical twaddle is actual the same as cogent argument ? Someone pompous and opinionated with an artsy penchant for smart-assery ? "

So...you've read Donald's book and Walter's essays. ;)

Date: Sun, February 07, 2016, 21:32:36 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,

Michael: From a number of interview it can be gleaned that back in the 70s Donald would often start a fragment or part of a song and he and Walter would complete it together.

In the 90s and beyond they bounced songs back and forth by phone or in the studio.


re: New One in 2016

“They got security on the doors to ensure no-one hears a whisper,” a source said.


That sounds about right.


Back to roots - don't even know what that means. Barbra Streisand guest star? Jay Black on vocals? It's not like they were a bluegrass or country band originally, although Skunk threw in the pedal steel on Dallas.

Date: Sun, February 07, 2016, 21:22:23 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,

Finally and randomly checking out Spotify. Carlock's drums have more clarity, resonance, and nuance than expected via a streaming jukebox/radio format.

Greenbook > anything on Aja?


*ducks*

Date: Sun, February 07, 2016, 17:13:29 ET
Posted by: Geno, M

Jerry Coyne is a brilliant scientist, but calling Walter's solo on Bad Sneakers one of the best in rock history? I dunno.

https://whyevolutionistrue.wordpress.com/2016/02/07/bad-sneakers/

Date: Sun, February 07, 2016, 16:21:35 ET
Posted by: Michael, random thoughts

Lyrics and composition:

Listening to the demo of Kind Spirit ("Naa-na-naah..."), I get the impression that Donald would compose a song prior to working out the lyrics with Walter, or begin with a general concept which would then be developed into something more concrete. It interests me because the process is always fascinating. Some songwriters jot down lyrics first and then compose a song around them. Whatever works, I suppose.

Studio perfectionism:

A great performance will serve to aggrandize a great composition, for certain, but the final product doesn't need to be note-for-note perfection in every way down to the last microsecond. Allowing the performers breathing space, so far as it serves the artistic vision, would seem the proper middle-ground approach. The work flow should proceed at a much smoother pace vs being a strict task-master in the studio. Having good players who understand the desired goal is half the work done.

Digital vs organic sounds:

Hey, the more sounds the artist has to work with, the better. I think that the best music will incorporate the former with the latter in such a seamless way that the whole work will feel organic. Some people don't like digital sounds, probably because it carries the stigma of association with most of the mainstream stuff that's flooding the airwaves. But a song doesn't need to have an electronic dance sound in order to effectively incorporate digital sounds. There's so much untapped potential.

Date: Sun, February 07, 2016, 14:45:42 ET
Posted by: tommy,

sdv, that is what makes steely dan so sad. the only output in dozen years associated with "steely dan" moniker is updated lyrics to an ike turner song.
OH! i forgot, we would not even of known it exists if not for internet detective work. thanks don and walt

Date: Sun, February 07, 2016, 14:44:19 ET
Posted by: Debbie Downer, Sadville

@FlatFoot

Sorry, friend. Old article from 2014 that has since been debunked.

Date: Sun, February 07, 2016, 08:12:45 ET
Posted by: Michael,

NYB, "You see when you say that you demonstrate your complete lack of understanding of the spiritual and emotional side of art... You can't recapture the moment? Sure you can! Let me ask you, when you go to an art museum full of famous works from artists of the past, do you feel dull and lifeless? I mean you've seen it all before haven't you? But still there's that admiration of the work that was done, that really couldn't be done by anyone else but the ones who did it."

Of course I can admire art from long ago. Who here doesn't enjoy the works of Steely Dan? Or, looking farther back, J.S. Bach, Albéniz, Mussorgsky, Debussy, Chopin, etc. It's the persistent lack of new experiences in a similar vein that bothers me. Besides SD, it used to be that there were great new songs around the corner at every turn, but nowadays I need to go searching in every nook and cranny to find this or that obscurity, often some unheard gem from way back when.

"In your case, it could be that you're just listening to the music too much... You might want to try not listening to it at all between tours, not even once, this way it's newer when you hear it. And try listening to numerous artists from all kinds of different genres, this way you don't burn yourself out one type of music. I always set my playlist to 'random' so I never know what's coming next. When I play guitar I do the same thing, I go through the net or the radio stations randomly, and I land in the middle of a song and start playing, it could be a dance song or a rock song or blues or even Taylor Swift it doesn't matter. This way you're not playing the same stuff all the time and you never get tired of playing. It also trains you to land in the middle of something, no matter what it is, and immediately light into it. I've always done this, always."

Sure, listening to the same thing too much will lead to burn-out after awhile, but that's not really the issue here. Much as with your playlist, I listen to a wide variety of stuff from all genres, including BGM from movies and games (mostly older). The door is wide open for new ideas. Interesting that you can play along with your guitar to whatever comes on. For the challenge, I would recreate as much of an entire arrangement to a preexisting tune on the guitar. One time I had learned Aja because Denny Dias said that it was a song impossible to play on the guitar, which of course it wasn't, barring the sax solo. A composition such as La Campanella would be impossible to faithfully recreate on solo guitar.

In order to break from the monotony, I finished a new song yesterday, up to the end of the first chorus.

Portable Life

http://www.motifator.com/index.php?ACT=39&fid=130&aid=15547_V7wU4xNY6oo3PTxgv0bk&board_id=1

P.S. Mace, I don't really think Toto sounds all that much like SD. They have their own kind of sound.

Date: Sun, February 07, 2016, 04:16:37 ET
Posted by: Mace, chillin'

A lot of people think Steely Dan sounds just like Toto.

Date: Sun, February 07, 2016, 03:57:40 ET
Posted by: old hippie, San Francisco

RIP Dan Hicks

Date: Sun, February 07, 2016, 01:05:44 ET
Posted by: the, troll

well at the very least I stimulated a dialogue about the persistence of memory, salutations darlings

Date: Sun, February 07, 2016, 00:44:30 ET
Posted by: El Cocodrillo, New Orleans, LA

Quote = NYB [You can't recapture the moment? Sure you can! Let me ask you, when you go to an art museum full of famous works from artists of the past, do you feel dull and lifeless? I mean you've seen it all before haven't you? But still there's that admiration of the work that was done, that really couldn't be done by anyone else but the ones who did it.]

My thoughts exactly. I never did understand why some consider New York Bill a pariah here.

Always literate, always eminently readable.

This board needs more NYB, and it also needs more M/D/O/P for that matter.

And if Toto ever opens for our boys, I will miss the opening act for the second time in my concertgoing life.

The first time was Costello, and I don't mean Lou...

Date: Sat, February 06, 2016, 22:18:05 ET
Posted by: context , is everything

when i was young and fair and favor graced me
of many was i sought, their mistress for to be;


Elizabeth I (1533-1603)

Date: Sat, February 06, 2016, 20:48:11 ET
Posted by: NYB, It's the real thing, that you're hoping to find

"Throwing away $200 in a hopeless attempt to relive a moment that's dead and gone"



You see when you say that you demonstrate your complete lack of understanding of the spiritual and emotional side of art... You can't recapture the moment? Sure you can! Let me ask you, when you go to an art museum full of famous works from artists of the past, do you feel dull and lifeless? I mean you've seen it all before haven't you? But still there's that admiration of the work that was done, that really couldn't be done by anyone else but the ones who did it.



In your case, it could be that you're just listening to the music too much... You might want to try not listening to it at all between tours, not even once, this way it's newer when you hear it. And try listening to numerous artists from all kinds of different genres, this way you don't burn yourself out one type of music. I always set my playlist to "random" so I never know what's coming next. When I play guitar I do the same thing, I go through the net or the radio stations randomly, and I land in the middle of a song and start playing, it could be a dance song or a rock song or blues or even Taylor Swift it doesn't matter. This way you're not playing the same stuff all the time and you never get tired of playing. It also trains you to land in the middle of something, no matter what it is, and immediately light into it. I've always done this, always.

Date: Sat, February 06, 2016, 17:47:14 ET
Posted by: SDV, in your chat room, darlin'

Idolize You is a cool cover with updated lyrics and chords. recorded during a sound check?


here's the original by Ike & Tina:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EhD8Tqb_HUA

Date: Sat, February 06, 2016, 17:27:41 ET
Posted by: Flat Foot, KY

Steely Dan new studio album for 2016. http://en.mediamass.net/people/steely-dan/new-album.html

Date: Sat, February 06, 2016, 17:23:24 ET
Posted by: Michael,

I apologize for the negative lashing out. Maybe I'm just grumpy from not experiencing much new in a while, don't know. Fond memories of TAN prior to release, checking out the sound clips on the official site, come to mind. When was the last experience like that?

Date: Sat, February 06, 2016, 16:49:34 ET
Posted by: marcel, proust

wait a minute.... no, I forget what I was going to say.

Date: Sat, February 06, 2016, 11:22:11 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Touched a nerve, did I? Let me guess: you're part of the generation that keeps our culture in its nostalgic stranglehold and refuses to relinquish its grip. Throwing away $200 in a hopeless attempt to relive a moment that's dead and gone is no way to go through life.

Date: Sat, February 06, 2016, 10:36:15 ET
Posted by: NYB's, personal assistant

“Attempts to subversively mock popular culture seems more like a reactionary measure than something meaningful“ – Seems like to who ? Someone who was there and involved in it ? Someone who once had a cursory history lesson about the period ? Someone with a head full of preconceived notions and received wisdom ? Someone who believes everything they read ? Someone with a limited imagination ? Someone under 35 ?

“If what is popular were created with similar intent, the act would become redundant” – Says who ? Someone who believes that self-referential, circular pseudo-philosophical twaddle is actual the same as cogent argument ? Someone pompous and opinionated with an artsy penchant for smart-assery ?

“ Besides, the cultural rebellion of the baby boomer generation during "the summer of their youth" was overrated” - By whom ? Just the flippo who wrote that sentence, or someone who was there and involved in it ? Someone fond of Fox News style soundbites ? Donald Trump? Someone who mistakes poorly thought out glib opinions for facts ?

I think we should be told.
Anyway, the second paragraph holds up very slightly better.

Date: Sat, February 06, 2016, 07:56:51 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Attempts to subversively mock popular culture seems more like a reactionary measure than something meaningful. If what is popular were created with similar intent, the act would become redundant. Besides, the cultural rebellion of the baby boomer generation during "the summer of their youth" was overrated.

Some of what was popular decades ago was very good, some things not so much. I consider the future progress of music essential to determining our cultural well-being. Since the major record labels - now controlled exclusively by baby boomers - are only interested in promoting either their legacy acts or modern filth, all future progress will be determined by the independents. That's how I see it.

Date: Fri, February 05, 2016, 23:45:02 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,

Here's a clue:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QfkfbWL3nKI


It's a a combo of FM and Things I Miss the Most.

EMG is pretty 1940s bluesy.

Date: Fri, February 05, 2016, 23:05:05 ET
Posted by: Mud, .

Too bad they didn't continue their legacy beyond "Everything Must Go". I sense a strong blues direction was beginning to evolve.

Date: Fri, February 05, 2016, 21:40:49 ET
Posted by: ,, .

Becker and Fagen were scathing about the hard-rock world and were far more interested in the construction of old jazz records. For them, the only correct response to the entire culture of “rock” was to be dismissive about it. They were occasionally, and unfairly, compared to the soporific jazz-rock that seeped across US radio in the Seventies, as their obsession with technical proficiency was mistaken for musical indolence.

Fagen and Becker were far more radical than that, and although they expressed the same disdain for punk and disco as they felt for the hegemony of mainstream rock, they enjoyed the fact that both were rebelling against the orthodoxy of FM radio.

Date: Fri, February 05, 2016, 17:41:33 ET
Posted by: eyes as big as , saucers

Sir, I am not a 'troll' - I thought i might find like minded folks here who enjoy puzzles and jazz - I grew up on SD though obviously I don't see them as you do.
Could someone suggest another SD page - I posted on fever dreams and under thee banyan trees many years ago and enjoyed talking to oleander, claus,some of the berklee people but lost touch due to circumstance.
I certainly don't wish to annoy, just celebrate the way SD have added to the richness of my life.

Date: Fri, February 05, 2016, 17:11:54 ET
Posted by: Slacker, dancing

Attention Phil Collins fans!! Phil is installing a studio at his home so he can start recording songs for his new album.

Date: Fri, February 05, 2016, 16:27:37 ET
Posted by: ,

Ignore the troll and he'll eventually go away.

Date: Fri, February 05, 2016, 15:17:51 ET
Posted by: Pluto, Hartford CT

There's bad blood and dissension in Chicago's induction at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Ceremony. Peter Cetera is threatening to walk out because of disputes over which songs they will play. Here's a link to the full article: www.stereogum.com/1857616/chicagogate-update-peter-cetera-threatens-to-walk/news/

Date: Fri, February 05, 2016, 14:00:26 ET
Posted by: SS, T

Well, KD, he completely ignored a Grammy nominated album that night, so I'd say he did take songs off.

Besides that, it was a fucking joke and of course you have to come on here like your usual humorless self.

Date: Fri, February 05, 2016, 13:22:47 ET
Posted by: KD, asdf

"Marthagate."

God you guys are dicks. Sorry six minutes of your life were temporarily left wanting. As if he took other songs off of his setlist that night.

Date: Fri, February 05, 2016, 13:08:47 ET
Posted by: Sid, Philly

Jon Herington might not like having to do double duty as guitarist for Madeleine Peyroux and Steely Dan for the entire tour.

Date: Fri, February 05, 2016, 12:37:57 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh

I agree Dean. And it certainly didn't hurt that she had several SD guests in addition to Jon. Jim Beard doesn't get to stretch out a whole lot and it was great to hear him front and center for a few tunes.

Date: Fri, February 05, 2016, 11:46:09 ET
Posted by: SS, T

On the subject of guests, the 10th anniversary of Marthagate is quickly approaching. I was there, and am happy to report that I'm now down to one session every two weeks with my psychiatrist.

Date: Fri, February 05, 2016, 11:31:24 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St Augustine Beach

For what it's worth, Madeleine Peyroux was a fabulous opening act for SD's last show at the Beacon.

Date: Fri, February 05, 2016, 11:23:02 ET
Posted by: ., .

Steely Dan with very special guest Rickie Lee Jones Tour 2016.

Date: Fri, February 05, 2016, 10:17:21 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St Augustine Beach

Bookkeepers Son, I think we'd all love the return of the two-set SD show.

But how in the world do you think a shorter tour and the elimination of outdoor sheds would appeal to Don and Walt? The elimination of the opener saves some money, but not nearly enough to pay for fewer dates and smaller venues. How high would you like the ticket prices to be?

And Bud, SD doesn't simply play "the hits". I believe most informed SD fans realize that. In fact, one of the complaints many have after a concert, is the lack of certain hits being played. In truth, SD doesn't really have all that many hit songs. And a few they rarely play. But they do like to play certain songs every concert (hits and deep cuts alike) and they rarely vary the setlist from show to show. Most of us would love to hear them play some of those rarely played (or never played) tunes live. But comparing them to most "nostalgia bands" isn't really on point, IMO. I've seen a few of those acts. SD treats their material with far more respect than most of the other 70's-80's bands I've seen/heard.

Date: Fri, February 05, 2016, 09:08:57 ET
Posted by: Bookkeeper's Son, Florida

Since so much wishing is being done about an opening act, I second (or third) the notation of eliminating the opener and doing a second set. I know the guys are not getting any younger which could be an issue. As a trade-off, maybe do less dates. The 2014 tour was a ton of dates and cities. Also, I hope they skip the outdoor sheds this time around as well.

Date: Fri, February 05, 2016, 07:05:31 ET
Posted by: fagenism, She go (I cry)

Michael,

Mind shooting me an email at the address above? Thanks.

Date: Fri, February 05, 2016, 04:58:03 ET
Posted by: the smell, of pricklypear

I guess I'm the whining stranger

















in the room the women come and go.. talking of michelangelo...

Date: Fri, February 05, 2016, 04:58:03 ET
Posted by: the smell, of pricklypear

I guess I'm the whining stranger

















in the room the women come and go.. talking of michelangelo...

Date: Fri, February 05, 2016, 02:26:54 ET
Posted by: Private Joker, in bed

Would love to see Donny & Marie Osmond open for Steely Dan. Donny covered "Peg" on his last album and Donny & Marie did a campy version of "Reelin" on their show back in 1978. It would be absolutely surreal.

Date: Fri, February 05, 2016, 02:00:13 ET
Posted by: homer, simpson

from nathan west's day of the locust, who kills his child tormentor only to be torn limb from limb by the crowd ( of the title) outside the chinese theatre?

malcolm lowery or paul bowles? anyone?... anyone?...bruce robinson?

so lonely... so lonely ...

Date: Fri, February 05, 2016, 00:41:19 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St Augustine Beach

your gold teeth, II

Sorry can't help you in your quest. In place of Homer how about Homer Simpson? And though I can't offer you Lenny Bruce, I can offer Lenny Breau:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f06FvJgk52I

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPmj30rKjqQ

Date: Thurs, February 04, 2016, 23:32:37 ET
Posted by: your gold teeth, II

So lonely, so lonely.....
I've been on this site 2 weeks and haven't found anyone - I just can't understand the mindsets here - robert browning, lewis carrol, homer, kerouas, selbie jr., t.s. elliot, lenny bruce, gershwin, bernstein, coltrane, elmer fudd for crissakes... anyone?

or how about the muchord- jesus, play the 2nd with your left hand if you want...

I might be king of the world, for all I know... but I think I'll never be welcome here, high in the ( insert suitable epithet)dome

Date: Thurs, February 04, 2016, 21:37:27 ET
Posted by: Bud, laptop

Have you checked Simply Red's website? They are booked in Europe through August 20. Saw the Anderson-Ponty Band last year. Amazing show. Played 2 long sets of music for a total of about 3 and a half hours.

Date: Thurs, February 04, 2016, 20:50:45 ET
Posted by: BenJammin, Indy

Let the guessing games begin! Hopefully we're not jumping the gun in regards to an extended SD tour, but since the Jazz Fest date's set, I'd guess at least 40 shows will be scheduled. Usually by now another date or two would have been prematurely posted by some venue's un/underpaid intern, but until then I check: pollstar.com, jambands.com, and jambase.com, along with ticketbastard's site and a couple others.

My picks for the opening slot includes:

The Anderson-Ponty Band
The Ann Wilson Thing
The Gregg Allman Band
Monty Alexander
Sly and Robbie with Nils Petter Molvaer
Patti Austin
Giorgio Moroder on the ones and twos
Dean Fraser
Leon Russell
The String Cheese Incident could do a Steely Incident, as they have w/the Doobie Bros. and will do with Gregg Allman
and another vote for Simply Red

Date: Thurs, February 04, 2016, 20:31:24 ET
Posted by: NYB, Mirror Mirror

They should open for themselves... just call themselves something different like "The Walter Becker Time Portal" and do all their newer Post 2AN stuff. This would confuse the audience enough to buy a whole bunch of "WBTP" merch during intermission.

Date: Thurs, February 04, 2016, 20:23:26 ET
Posted by: Bud , at laptop

Maybe Donald & Walter should follow Sting's path on touring. Everytime Sting tours he does something different. One year it's with a symphony orchestra and the next year it's with a 3 piece band or with Paul Simon. Now this year he tours with Peter Gabriel. Of course, Sting has more flexibility since he is a solo artist. With a band, it's probably harder to do.

Date: Thurs, February 04, 2016, 19:48:39 ET
Posted by: Bud, at laptop

Guessing who's gonna be the opening act is a lot more fun than people posting their fantasy setlists that will never materialize. People here have resigned themselves to the fact that Steely Dan is now mainly devoted to playing their hits to the masses (at least, for now).

Date: Thurs, February 04, 2016, 19:27:36 ET
Posted by: Steve Gennarelli, Tampa, FL

Saw a brief clip of Jeff Goldblum behind a piano in a "Super Bowl" tv commercial and he looked a lot like Mr. Fagen.
His glasses are similar to Don's.

Date: Thurs, February 04, 2016, 19:15:55 ET
Posted by: Michael,

That Joe Jackson track did nothing for me. *shrugs*

Sad, you see, maybe if they didn't tour so often there would be more intrigue. After several decades, over a dozen tours and no new material on offer for over a decade (excluding solo material), there's no reason to expect change. Most show-goers don't want something new, they want nostalgia, so we're in the minority and therefore have no say.

This is what democracy looks like. Sucks, huh?

Date: Thurs, February 04, 2016, 18:20:37 ET
Posted by: Number 3,

RIP Maurice White of Earth, Wind & Fire, age 74.

Date: Thurs, February 04, 2016, 18:05:25 ET
Posted by: Bud, laptop

Last year Steely Dan announced their Summer Tour with Elvis Costello around February 12. We should be getting close to finding out who the opening act will be.

Date: Thurs, February 04, 2016, 17:48:10 ET
Posted by: tv, kids

my eyes are soiled ...i wish i could unread this stuff...

its a beggar's life,said the queen of Spain but don't tell that to a poor man

Date: Thurs, February 04, 2016, 16:00:24 ET
Posted by: Sad, But True

The SD show has become so stagnant that the only thing on which to speculate is the opener.

Date: Thurs, February 04, 2016, 13:11:34 ET
Posted by: Napoleon, U.K

I'd vote White Denim to support especially as they have a new album coming out in March. Easily one of the best live acts around at the moment and they stretch out on some tunes. Some of their stuff reminds me of the earlier rock driven stuff Steely Dan did -Reelin, Old School, Sign In Stranger etc.

One thing bugging me recently. Does anyone else hear the wrong notes being played on the bass track to Home At Last? Listen to the figure played just after the guitar solo leading up to 4 mins in. Maybe it's just the frequency, maybe it doesn't even matter! I know some people find that kinda thing interesting.

Nap

Date: Thurs, February 04, 2016, 12:38:03 ET
Posted by: Mt. Belzoni, Portland OR

Let me second others' comments that Joe Jackson would be an excellent opening act who would appeal to SD's audience and complement SD's music very nicely. JJ's 2015 album Fast Forward is marvelous; one of the best new works I've heard from him or any of his contemporaries in a good while. Here's one of its best cuts: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YNgbHuHx4Ko

The America connection is likely just that each band made a splash with its debut in the same time period, but no one ever accused America of pushing the envelope, notwithstanding a few good tunes ("Three Roses")

Date: Thurs, February 04, 2016, 12:32:33 ET
Posted by: NYB, Sharing The BILL

How about these opening acts for Steely Dan?



David Crosby (with his band "CPR", Crosby, Jeff Pevar, James Raymond)

David Byrne

Michael Franks

John Hiatt

Lyle Lovett

North Mississippi Allstars

The Pretenders

The Alan Parson Project

Leonard Cohen

Colin Hay (Men At Work)

Al Green

Dave and Phil Alvin (The Blasters)

Mark Knopfler

Jeff Lynne (ELO)

Lucinda Williams

Simply Red

The B-52's

Sheryl Crow




Yes the ticket prices would be high, but it would be worth it.

Date: Thurs, February 04, 2016, 09:51:52 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St Augustine Beach

The suggestions here for SD opening acts is just killing me. Tears for Fears? Tony Bennett? Toto? (Yes, Jeff Porcaro is more than SD tangential---but he's also dead. RIP. Their insipid brand of crap rock doesn't belong anywhere near a SD concert. Porcaro also played extensively with Les Dudek--and I'm a big Les fan. That doesn't mean he should open for SD.)

Earl's got it right (if we have to live with an opener). Strictly jazz-based music. How about Bill Charlap?

If for some reason, management decides to shove another 70's act (like Elvis Costello), I'd opt for Joe Jackson. A big step above Elvis and a bit more SD friendly, IMO.

Also, I know I'm a bit late to this discovery, but I'm really digging the Stanley Clarke/Bireli Lagrène/Jean-Luc Ponty release. Here's the first song. The rest follow if you are interested.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PLpahnyFz01sZpMq2NFLuHqc4xRkIeR9Gi&v=kck5pdegQbs

Date: Thurs, February 04, 2016, 08:14:56 ET
Posted by: Steve M, Scotland

Re: Bad Sneakers "Gary, Paul Buchanan, Justin Currie, Jack Bruce, Michael Marra and John Martyn - David Byrne?? "

you left James Grant and Roddy Frame out of that list!

Nice to see Michael Marra get a mention on the Blue though!

Date: Thurs, February 04, 2016, 07:46:09 ET
Posted by: Bad_Sneakers, Ecosse

Doc Mu - So nice to see you continue to provide the same insightful, fact based and erudite opinions you did so well back in the day on another GB not a trillion light years across the interuniverse.

Re: Gary Clark - Maybe you will find a way to pop into his brother's bar (Clarks in Dundee, Scotland), where GC is often to be spotted checking out the latest imitators and wannabees attempting to recapture the grace and danger of Scotlands finest - Gary, Paul Buchanan, Justin Currie, Jack Bruce, Michael Marra and John Martyn - David Byrne??

Maybe your legendary powers of persuasion will be able to persuade him to record some new songs of his own, or even play a gig encompassing all the great songs he has co-written for others too??

Re Toto xiV? Great call on the shocking brickwall mastering (although the engineering is fine) and the expansive drumming. I would add the succession of decent bass and the best Lukather sounds on Cd ??

Back to lurking - For now - BS

Date: Thurs, February 04, 2016, 04:49:39 ET
Posted by: I've been around the world, and I've been in the washington zoo

and in all my travels as the facts unravel I've found this to be true...throw out your gold teeth and see how they roll.....

Date: Thurs, February 04, 2016, 04:40:09 ET
Posted by: boyfriend, Randle

You really think SD are a classic rock act..there's something going on here but you don't know what it is, do you Mr. Jones?

Date: Thurs, February 04, 2016, 01:33:10 ET
Posted by: Earl, Relaxing

Nowadays, many of these classic rock artists tour together so they can boost ticket sales and try to fill up the outdoor sheds. The public ends up paying inflated ticket prices for an opening band/artist that they might not like. It's best for us if Steely Dan selects jazz artists like Larry Carlton, Snarky Puppy or The Yellowjackets as openers to help keep ticket prices down.

Date: Thurs, February 04, 2016, 00:11:28 ET
Posted by: how's a bout a kiss, cousin dupree

I saw an interview with Donald when he talked about his loathing for some of the rubes who turn up for his shows....
just sayn' folks

Date: Wed, February 03, 2016, 22:42:27 ET
Posted by: Henley also, Has

A massive ego which would get in the way of any potential tour with SD.

Date: Wed, February 03, 2016, 22:41:59 ET
Posted by: Some Teeth,

Fang: Yes, Henley loved SD, but is it mutual? I don't think so. Also: Henley's new album is country. I don't see it. I don't see any of these mentioned as likely. Probably the best case would be for Toto and that's a stretch. The connection is that they have the same drummer from 40 years ago? What logic is that? Toto's lyrics absolutely suck. Then again the audience may not care. Of course, I never would have called Elvis Costello to be on the bill last year.

Date: Wed, February 03, 2016, 21:31:40 ET
Posted by: Fang, Texas

Steely Dan & Don Henley Tour 2016 = huge grosses and big massive sellout crowds. Henley loves Steely Dan. Always attends their concerts when he can.

Date: Wed, February 03, 2016, 21:26:40 ET
Posted by: for 7 seconds it's like, christmas eve

then it's dark again

Date: Wed, February 03, 2016, 21:23:12 ET
Posted by: Nicholas Urfe, Phraxos

Two set shows, indeed! One of my favorite surprises at a SD concert was the second set opening with The Steely Day Show before D&W came back out, with the words projected either on the backdrop or on a dropdown screen, I can't remember which.

Date: Wed, February 03, 2016, 21:05:35 ET
Posted by: DYLYNFAN, HARRISBURG PA

Doc Mu your second suggestion is an excellent idea, and realistic
as well (IMHO). Even if it means a tad shorter Dan set, and there
is your two sets. Drive home safely, thanks for coming. ps: Four
or five songs from the solo cannon of each would also be very unpredictable as far as what song is next, with a large HOLY SHIT
factor. One can dream cant they?

Date: Wed, February 03, 2016, 21:00:20 ET
Posted by: sue me if, I play too long

I think there's enough material in the back catalogue - I'm not sure if everyone here 'gets' SD.They're not just another act. They're doing something subversive and subtle using the form as a vehicle.

Date: Wed, February 03, 2016, 18:17:38 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

...or even better...Have Fagen and Walter open with 4 solo tunes each.

Date: Wed, February 03, 2016, 18:16:09 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Snarky Puppy would be an excellent idea. I might even buy a ticket!

Date: Wed, February 03, 2016, 17:53:08 ET
Posted by: Shack, Phoenix AZ

Steely Dan needs a good supporting act to fill up empty seats at the outdoor venues this Summer. These artists would work well: Steve Winwood (toured with SD in Australia years ago), Jeff Beck, Bonnie Raitt, Tony Bennett, Zappa Plays Zappa, Dr. John, Diana Krall, Tears for Fears, Bela Fleck, Huey Lewis/News, Snarky Puppy and the list goes on. No unknown jazz organ trios please!

Date: Wed, February 03, 2016, 16:15:56 ET
Posted by: pertzel, logic

for one more time let your madness run with mine - no support act needed ( or wanted)

Date: Wed, February 03, 2016, 15:09:12 ET
Posted by: Don Patrol, Mtl

The best opening act for Steely Dan is
Steely Dan, bring back 2 set shows!

Date: Wed, February 03, 2016, 14:29:36 ET
Posted by: Lutz, SF

I prefer a jazz band like before instead of a bombastic production like Toto.
Get into the groove with some brewskies and get excited about the main act.
Also, financially it will not happen as they demand decent coin and ticket prices don't have that much room to go upwards.
I always felt Little Feat would make a good opener for SD.

Date: Wed, February 03, 2016, 13:50:34 ET
Posted by: DYLYNFAN, HARRISBURG, PA

I think we need to "Hold The Line" on all the Toto touring talk. Sorry, low hanging fruit.

Date: Wed, February 03, 2016, 10:11:39 ET
Posted by: some loser lights a flare, amen

maybe Walter could guest on Muskrat Love

Date: Wed, February 03, 2016, 10:07:41 ET
Posted by: i hear my insides, the mechanized hum of another world

speechless

Date: Wed, February 03, 2016, 10:03:43 ET
Posted by: speechless, speechless

without speesh

Date: Wed, February 03, 2016, 06:21:36 ET
Posted by: Steve Gennarelli, Tampa, FL

Being that the late great Jeff Porcaro contributed to
"Steely Dan" in the 70's and that he was a founding father of "Toto", it seems only like a natural progression that they would one day play together.
"Toto" did a US tour with Michael McDonald a couple of years ago, so this is definitely not beyond the realm of reason. They played smaller 8K seat venues like our Ruth Eckerd Hall here in Clearwater.
"Steely Dan" could sell out that place by themselves twice over as they have many a time over the recent years, but for a Summer tour "Toto" or "America" would make a lot of fans happy with their catalog of hits. Much better than even the best "organ trios" in the country.

Date: Wed, February 03, 2016, 04:58:23 ET
Posted by: only a fool, would say that

Toto? America? ELO? I don't understand. What's wrong with you people ...I just don't get it.....speechlesssssss

Date: Wed, February 03, 2016, 02:28:38 ET
Posted by: Ajak, Burbank, CA

Hey, Hoops! Jeff Lynne's ELO is set to announce a tour in the U.S. A date in Los Angeles is forthcoming. Go to www.jefflynneselo.co/#landing-soon. Sign up for the mailing list.

Date: Wed, February 03, 2016, 01:12:52 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St Augustine Beach

All I will say about a Toto/Dan double bill is, it would be the first time I'd be sure to miss the opening act. And I always try to see the opening act.

Yes, it might make sense from a $$ perspective, but not from a music perspective--if they play large venues. But large venues are the worst place to see Steely Dan---and most bands, for that matter. And, fortunately, I don't think Don and Walt would have any part of it. Maybe in a festival, with multiple acts, as a one-off---but not as an ongoing thing. The boys have shown they have far too much credibility for that.

IMAO, of course.

Date: Wed, February 03, 2016, 00:11:01 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,

Toto + Steely Dan would make gobs of $$. It's waaaaaaayyy too good of an idea to really happen.

If they lean on the Paich catalog through Seventh One, there's synergy between smooth and crunchy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vaqirvk7h5s

Some of the new songs - China Town, 21st Century Blues, Great Expectations, All the Tears that Shine would fit well. since it won't happen anyway, I have a vision of a large stage set up so the bands could alternate songs and come together for 2-3 encores together.

Date: Wed, February 03, 2016, 00:10:41 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu , Lawl

Toto + Steely Dan would make gobs of $$. It's waaaaaaayyy too good of an idea to really happen.

If they lean on the Paich catalog through Seventh One, there's synergy between smooth and crunchy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vaqirvk7h5s

Some of the new songs - China Town, 21st Century Blues, Great Expectations, All the Tears that Shine would fit well. since it won't happen anyway, I have a vision of a large stage set up so the bands could alternate songs and come together for 2-3 encores together.

Date: Tues, February 02, 2016, 23:43:39 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St Augustine Beach

I'm thinking there is a better chance Jim Dandy will be opening for SD (with Black Oak Arkansas, of course) than America. Of course, I could be wrong.

I also can't imagine a Toto/Dan tour. I really hope I'm right on this one.

Date: Tues, February 02, 2016, 22:30:46 ET
Posted by: Malone, atlanta

Yes, a Steely Dan/Toto tour would be a hot ticket for the Summer. Unlike Elvis Costello, members of Toto would join Steely Dan onstage. Keith Carlock might even do double duty as the drummer for both Toto & Steely Dan.

Date: Tues, February 02, 2016, 21:13:40 ET
Posted by: Steve Gennarelli, Tampa, FL

If "America" or "Toto" were the opening act for "Steely Dan", I would really mark out for that.

Date: Tues, February 02, 2016, 19:33:10 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Looks like Donald got his Mojo back with Dr. Amigo ;)



Re: "Larry David" and the Cruzaders:

Selfish Gene, dont lick no Manolos
He dont argue, he dont ask twice
Selfish Gene, dont serve two masters

(Why)
Must every time I turn my ship around?
Some bastard come and knock my skyline down

Date: Tues, February 02, 2016, 18:39:19 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh

Hall, aside from the fact that a Steely Dan tour has been more likely to happen than not happen every summer since 2006, a poster who has confirmed the past several tours has confirmed this one.

Date: Tues, February 02, 2016, 17:46:46 ET
Posted by: Jim Dandy, on my Apple MacBook

America will be the opening act for this year's Steely Dan tour. Bet on it.

Date: Tues, February 02, 2016, 17:08:07 ET
Posted by: Mechanic, Bethal Park PA

Sure was fun last night to see Ann Coulter's man Trump go down. The Republican race has suddenly become very exciting. I love Bernie, but the DNC would never allow him to become the nominee.

Date: Tues, February 02, 2016, 15:25:03 ET
Posted by: Warren, .

I'd love to see Keith Carlock play with The Who. He would fit in perfectly and play a mean drum solo on "Won't Get Fooled Again". Carlock and Zak Starkey have a very similar "blow out your ears" approach to drumming.

Date: Tues, February 02, 2016, 14:29:25 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St Augustine Beach

Hall, have you even bothered to check out Carlock's Twitter account? If you had, you'd notice it isn't unusual for him to tweet about upcoming tours/shows of other musicians. I suppose he is also "lobbying" to be the drummer for Tal Wilkenfeld and/or The Who, too?

Date: Tues, February 02, 2016, 14:18:38 ET
Posted by: Hall, Oregon

I see no indication of a Steely Dan tour other than the gig at NOLA. Makes we wonder if Keith Carlock was lobbying to be Sting's drummer for the tour with Peter Gabriel. Why would Keith tweet a message about another big tour happening this Summer?

Date: Tues, February 02, 2016, 12:52:34 ET
Posted by: Politics, -

Many of us are very passionate about politics, some of us are even involved in grassroots organizations, but no one needs a half-assed play by play of the Iowa caucus on a Steely Dan message board when tour announcements are imminent.

Date: Tues, February 02, 2016, 10:20:20 ET
Posted by: Lutz, SF