MAY 2004 BlueBook Entries

Date: Mon, May 31, 2004, 22:28:50 ET
Posted by: bwaySteve, Thanks

Had a great time seein' everyone , appreciating how natural it felt to see friends I have made over these amazing several years of Dan.
Thanks to Jim for the institution that has brought us together. Thanks to Pete Fogel and Shari for hooking me up so I could perform. I can't tell you what a blast it was to hear people singing along, filling in the riffs and in many ways becomming Steely Dan for me.I was frankly amazed I got through the songs having downed at least 3 glasses of vodka. I hope you all tipped the bartender well 'cause he was pourin'.
I had such a great time seeing you ALL and know that we will find a way to do it again soon.

see you on the board...

soon

Date: Mon, May 31, 2004, 16:07:56 ET
Posted by: Kid Tired, Home at Last

To anyone in NYC concerned - I made it home alive. Great Time. Looooong weekend more later, sleep now.


KC

Date: Mon, May 31, 2004, 15:13:29 ET
Posted by: Daddy G., NJ

Found this on a simple Google news search for "steely Dan"....

Remembering Flags and Friends
http://www.sitnews.us/BobCiminel/053104_focb.html

It ties a personal Memorial Day tribute in with Steely Dan. It wasn't really what I expected as I read it and I'm still not quite sure what to make of it. The person being memorialized was a veteran, but he did not die in the field of battle. The author states that Bob "...would be a Steely Dan fan. I knew Bob well enough to know what kind of music he liked, and Steely Dan certainly would be one of his favorite bands." However, "Unfortunately, Bob never got to hear Steely Dan; he died while serving in the Navy, ten years before Steely Dan released their first album."

Although it prominently references "Deacon Blues", it really doesn't have much to do with the song except as the lyrics are being related to the author's memories of the person. It doesn't seem to make any political statement beyond the fact that it deals with one person's perspective on what is the average soldier's motivation in any war.

So make of it what you will. For what it's worth, there it is.

Date: Sun, May 30, 2004, 18:54:42 ET
Posted by: Peter Q, Brooklyn

Many thanks to several legends of Dan Fandom for enlightening conversation at the Iguana - Ed, LWO, Bway Steve. Thanks!

Date: Sun, May 30, 2004, 17:41:37 ET
Posted by: Gretchen, home at last, blues beach

It was lots of fun seeing everyone again, thanks so much Hoops, Pete and Shari, and everyone who made it to NY on Saturday. I was thrilled to have this private "Dan" party all to ourselves, but it also breaks my heart a little (like a Steely Dan song) because I don't see you all ofen enough. I hope everyone has a safe trip home, and, although it's years off, shouldn't we seriously start thinking up plans for that retirement home?

Geoff, the Metheney cd we were trying to think of was "Still Life
Talking." I knew I'd remember it on the train.

Congrats to Sam and Fife, can't wait to see you at my danfest.

And of course, kick ass, Toya!!

Love, xoxo
G

Date: Sun, May 30, 2004, 13:54:56 ET
Posted by: hoops, nyc

Well, everyone is still recovering from The Dannys last night. Thanks to all who made it in person or in spirit!

The Second Almost Annual Dannys and Dandom CD Preview Party commenced at about 4:30 PM at the Lizard Lounge New York with the actual Dannys ceremony starting around 6:30 pm

Highlights:

• It was announced that Danfans had raised $1250 for Cornelius Bumpus' Children's College Fund (later increased to $1270, thanks!)

• Dozens of Dannys were awarded with highlights including multi-winners Karen Bleakley, Pete Fogel, Mark Drinan, Bill Griffin, Alan Aldron, Scott Mason, Aussie Torres, South of Hollywood and others. Roseland '03, Boston Rag '03, and Jones Beach tied for Danfests of the Year. Naked Lunch was voted Steely Dan Cover Band/Tribute Artist for 2001-2003 with Pretzel Logic Band and Katy Lied aka Reely Dan named runner-ups.

• There were some technical issues with the Compilation CD Preview so after some listening, track contributor Broadway Steve came to the rescue and performed ten selections live, with the assistance of an unnamed a cappella group from Chicago who provided backing vocals, "horns," and Michael McDonald impersonations. Steve's performance was hugely fun!

• Damien Briarty's Trailer for his 2000 Steely Dan movie was a rollercoaster of a ride. The preview made the rounds on hoops' PowerBook as did this oddly captivating video of Michael Jackson through the years. Those who have viewed it all agreed that they have never smiled more.

Those are just a few of the many highlights. The event was taped so footage and outtakes are forthcoming, as are the complete list of 2003 Danny Winners. Remember that the deadline for voting in the SuperDannys has been postponed indefinitely.

laters.

jim

Date: Fri, May 28, 2004, 22:46:08 ET
Posted by: Doctor Mu, Tejas

Gretchen: It's not a Betamax vs. VHS kinda thing. In these post-mechanical days, there are an increasing number of players with "Universal Chips" Wait until next year, and they'll be priced in the $250 and under range

Date: Fri, May 28, 2004, 20:46:22 ET
Posted by: SouthOfSanity, Bellevue West

Wreckless Crew, Jimbo and my extended "family"...

I have tried and tried, but will not be able to attend this weekend's opus grande...I was unable to find a now-not-so-frequent flier ticket that could get me to the party on time...Please hoist a
"dirty-hou-tini" or a surfer on acid in my absence...I will (and do) miss you all...

SOH

Date: Fri, May 28, 2004, 17:25:12 ET
Posted by: hoops,

Hey kids...

look like everyone is in transit for the Danfest which is suddenly shaping up to a bigger doozy than even I expected. Lot of last minute attendees. Some driving 100s of miles (one form Milwaukee, see below) at the last minute.

Earlier I promised some surprises and one has definitely come through.

You may remember in 2000 that there was this Australian filmmaker who was making a documentary on us Steely Dan fans (this is different from the virtual Danfest thing I was doing with internet video clips). Well, as a last minute surprise, he shipped me a 20 minute editted version of the movie. Incredible. I had to pick it up at a FedEx delivery location a couple of hours ago. Having my laptop with me, I popped it in and I was so mesmerized I watched it all right on the spot. Fucking incredible. Trying to figure out when we can work in a screening time this weekend.

This isn't like photos or mpegs or .mov files. This is a professional-quality movie you gotta check out. Hope you can make it to the preview screening.

And who knows who's gonna show up at the Dannys this weekend. Hmmm....

Hope to see you at Birdland tonight for Marian McPartland.

jim

Date: Fri, May 28, 2004, 12:23:08 ET
Posted by: wormtom, new orleans

grethcen - todd was interesting
a big religous garb with the full band in costumes
don't expect to hear too many oldies
it's almost all new material from the Liars release

very interesting light show with projection screens
second set a bit loungesque

you can see my review of the New Orleans show for those who don't mind spoilers here - also photos and reviews from others

http://trconnection.com/tour/t2004

wormy

Date: Thurs, May 27, 2004, 15:16:46 ET
Posted by: Kid Clean, Puttin' on my Bad Sneakers

Gettin' ready to Stomp on down the Avenue.


See ya in N.Y.C. Saturday!

KC

Date: Wed, May 26, 2004, 22:42:11 ET
Posted by: hoops, still in chicago

Hey Kids, my nipples are hard thinking about tomorrow and this weekend.

Sadly, tho, I must report that Joel Dean is dead at age 73.

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/05/26/nyregion/26DEAN.html

We'll have to remember him this weekend by grabbing some take out from his namesake store and toast him with a hearty, gulping wine.

Toodles.

j

Date: Wed, May 26, 2004, 01:45:03 ET
Posted by: hoops,

Here's one place to check for cheap last minute air fares for this weekend:

http://www.itn.net/cgi/get?unpub_inq*itn/ord=NEWREC,itn/air/efare

I often get American, Delta and Northwest later on Wednesdays.

Date: Tues, May 25, 2004, 23:47:14 ET
Posted by: Daddy G., NJ

Gretchen, I honestly can't answer your question. I tend to be behind the technological curve in all things. I still get by with strictly plain old CD format. Even so I posted the latest SACD news because it was very recent when I found it and I know that various Dan-o-philes around here DO look for the latest and greatest format releases. I'm pretty sure there have been discussions regarding DVD-A vs. SACD, but I don't recall if there was any consensus reached as to which is better. My guess would be that each format will have its backers. I'm sure each is an improvement over standard CDs, so assuming one has the proper gear to play'em can there really be a wrong choice?

Date: Tues, May 25, 2004, 22:49:58 ET
Posted by: Gretchen, exiled on main street

Daddy, thanks for the info. I had a feeling it was too good to be true. But then again, are SACD's really the way to go?
G

Date: Tues, May 25, 2004, 21:59:39 ET
Posted by: Daddy G., NJ

An update on SD CDs in SACD format posted as of 4 hours ago....

http://www.highfidelityreview.com/news/news.asp?newsnumber=11938855

Relevant excerpt: "Turning to the Coming Soon portion of the list, it no longer includes the 5 Steely Dan Surround Sound SACDs, the Surround Sound SACDs by Eric Clapton and Derek and the Dominoes as well as the Surround Sound SACD by the Killers entitled Hot Fuss. Since titles often bounce on and off this portion of the list, we'll keep an eye out to see if they return in the near future."

Date: Tues, May 25, 2004, 20:46:57 ET
Posted by: hoops,

U.S. DANFEST DANNY AWARDS WEEKEND NEW YORK CITY May 28-May 30, 2004 F I N A L   S C H E D U L E   O F   E V E N T S Friday, May 28 Shows at 9:00 & 11:00 PM Marian McPartland Birdland 315 West 44th Street between 8th and 9th avenues  in Manhattan Tickets can be purchased in advance via http://www.instantseats.com http://www.pianojazz.org | http://www.birdland.com 4:30 PM-9:00 PM U.S. Danvention 2004 & Dandom CD Preview Party The Lizard Lounge-New York 240 W. 54th St. (between Broadway & 8th Ave., around the corner from the Ed Sullivan Theatre) 5:30 PM The Second Almost Annual Danny Award Ceremony "Celebrating the Steely Dan Things We Miss the Most from 2003" Sweet Treats and Surprises for the little buckeroos! Video footage from the 2000 Danfests? Performances from the Dandom CD Artists? Steamy Sex? Only Donald and Walter's Hairdressers know for sure but you better come just in case. IF YOU THINK YOU MIGHT COME, PLEASE EMAIL HOOPS at hoops@dandom.com It would help with planning. About Marian McPartland… In 1998, legendary pianist and host of the syndicated NPR program, Piano Jazz, Marian McPartland reunited her "Hickory House Trio" of drummer Joe Morello and bassist Bill Crow for a live Birdland recording. Not only have they have remained a working group ever since but they've made Birdland the official home for the modern version of their frequent forays into group interplay, bebop, and swing that began as part of the 52nd street jazz scene over 50 years ago. In 2002, Becker and Fagen recorded a special installment of Marian's "Piano Jazz" show. Broadcast in February 2003, Steely Dan fans eagerly await the possibility of it's re-broadcast, perhaps this summer.

Date: Tues, May 25, 2004, 19:56:08 ET
Posted by: hoops,

Attention all Danfans who went to Honolulu.

While tabulating the Dannys, I keep hearing about a "Bad Sneakers" sing-a-long in the limo on the way to the show. Who was all there? Need to know for the Dannys. I guess it was eight or nine of you.

I have Alan, Little Wild One, South of Hollywood, SueDave and...?????????

Date: Tues, May 25, 2004, 13:14:31 ET
Posted by: Daddy G., NJ

Found this CD review by Gary C.W. Chun in the Honolulu Star Bulletin (posted as of a couple hours ago)...

http://starbulletin.com/2004/05/25/features/story3.html

...of a jazz CD called "Everlasting" by Rachel Z (Rachel Nicolazzo). I don't know anything about it or her personally, just what's in the review. It's a CD of covers except for one original work. Here are some excerpts from the review:

"She [Rachel Z] and Levin [bassist Tony], in particular, have made their names by playing with Peter Gabriel and King Crimson, respectively, so it's appropriate that on this covers-heavy CD, they delve into songs made famous from such progressive-minded acts."

"The three of them [percussionist Bobbie Rae] also take on songs by the Beatles, Seal, Johnny Cash, the Rolling Stones, Soundgarden, Sting, >>>Steely Dan,<<< Smashing Pumpkins and Sade -- all with varying degress of success, but still notable."

"The group opts for imaginative and gently stated play throughout the album, occasionally interspersed with improvisational interludes, making it perfect for either attentive-listening or background music. The covers of 'Kiss from a Rose' and >>>'Kid Charlemagne'<<< hew close to the spirit of the originals and, speaking of originals, the one lone one is Rae's 'Mortal.' Reminiscent of Herbie Hancock's more intimate work, the textural interplay between the three here is especially rewarding."

Date: Tues, May 25, 2004, 09:14:10 ET
Posted by: Joey,

" You should know nothing could keep me away from checking in on my dear Blue Buds, the Rajah is nothing if not loyal. "

I would like to nuzzle you .

Date: Mon, May 24, 2004, 23:22:37 ET
Posted by: Gretchen, breaking out hats and hooters (um, party whistles)

Happy Birthday Alan! See you on Saturday.
G

Date: Mon, May 24, 2004, 20:28:26 ET
Posted by: Rajah,

Hey Joey - I've been right here the whole time, just thought with the new deal and all I should chill for a while and let everyone regroup, let things settle, let the board find its own voice once more. Slowly but surely, it is. You should know nothing could keep me away from checking in on my dear Blue Buds, the Rajah is nothing if not loyal.

Goes without saying,
Nuzzles to my Joey. 

Date: Mon, May 24, 2004, 15:53:20 ET
Posted by: Joey,

" I spent an afternoon with Tony Randall back in 1986....................... He hadn't the foggiest who Donald Fagen was, but I reeled off a few Dan hits and he recognized only one: Rikki. He loved the tension caused by the piano, reminded him of Chopin. "

Rajah ?!?!?!

RAJAH ?!?!?!?!

Is that really you ?!?!?! Where have you been these past few months ? Man , one thing about you , my Rajahinator , is that you were ALWAYS Minty Fresh and CEETAINLY knew how to write a post .

Welcome Home My Steelian Brother .

Spazzy !

Oh , got those Hollywood Bowl WHO TICKETS yet ?!?!?!

Developing ................like a pleasurable rash

Date: Mon, May 24, 2004, 03:26:31 ET
Posted by: alan, Shellharbour, Australia

Gee, and I sorta thought I skipped dimensions ?

And YES the countdown is definitely on for the sorta danny's 2004 next Saturday and I can't wait to see all you guys again.

Rumour has it that there will be pre danny drinks happening on the verandah of the Novotel opposite Roseland on Saturday around 1.00pm so get yourself down there for the warm up session guys.

See ya all soon !

Man, I wonder who will get the danny for the most frequent flyer points accumulated ?

Date: Mon, May 24, 2004, 01:29:14 ET
Posted by: Little Wild One, almost there

Hey alan, SOH, SteveeDan--

There was some kinda problem with the Sigmachat server last night...you all popped in and out, but you weren't with us, if you know what I mean.

Just verifying that it was not the result of the evil empire or your trusty pc. Everyone was glowing and blinking!

Five days 'til the Danny's! Don't forget to vote!!

Date: Sun, May 23, 2004, 19:26:35 ET
Posted by: hoops,

Buckaroos;

If you are still on the fence about coming to NYC this weekend because of airfare, be aware that on Tuesday, I will have some sweet treats and surprises on last minute flights at bargain prices, half of what you would normally pay or better, provided you buy by Friday and leave Saturday and return Tuesday. See? I care!

jim

Date: Sun, May 23, 2004, 19:23:37 ET
Posted by: hoops,

Part of the Prince/Fagen funk thread the other night was a tangent on Lenny Kravritz. Today's Chicago Sun-Times had a review of Kravitz's latest and compared him with Prince! How timely. Not sure I agree and be aware that this writer totally does NOT get Steely Dan (his past SD reviews have been riddled with factual inaccuracies). Still I like the part about the verious personnas LK takes on. LK is no Prince (and obviously LK is no SD) , in my book. Wonder if Craig Fruin is still managing Kravitz.

------------

LENNY KRAVITZ, "BAPTISM" (VIRGIN)

Complaining about Leny Kravitz's unapologetic lack of originality is as pointless as complaining about Chicago's weather. In fact, after six albums, it's become his charm, at least when it's consumed in small doses via a track on the radio here or a well-crafted MTV video there. Do you like the Grand Funk Kravitz, or the faux-Hendrix Kravitz? How about the wannabe Led Lenny?

Pre-release chatter promised a funk-soul outing this time around, and the cover art and the photos scattered through the CD booklet find Kravitz doing his damnedest to look like Prince. He also plays most of the instruments himself, just like the Paisley Wonder, even though his kickin' band is his biggest strength. But the 13 tracks don't deliver on that princely pledge; while there's one neat fake-soul track ("Storm") and a few typically generic imitation '70s rockers, much of the album has a quieter, more introspective folk-rock bent. And introspection is not Lenny's strength.

The rest of Jim DeRogatis' review is at http://www.suntimes.com/output/rock/sho-sunday-spins23.html

Date: Sun, May 23, 2004, 11:25:38 ET
Posted by: Q, TPA

Angel, great find and correlation.

Date: Sun, May 23, 2004, 11:21:03 ET
Posted by: angel,

A clip from the Arena article, that came out in 1993 (It is archived on Andy Metzer's Site). Donald talking about Kamikiriad and what his influences were, for that album.

"It’s a little more aggressive than anything I’ve done before," concedes the man behind the wire frames. "Dance music to me is still the soul of the '60s and the funk of the '70s, and that’s kind of what I wanted to capture on the record — funk based on sixteenth rather than eighth notes, everything from Sly to Earth, Wind & Fire. I was writing the album at the time when we were putting the Rock and Soul Revue together, and that whole experience had a major impact on the songs."

Lyrics to the title track "Musicology" by Prince.

"Wish eye had a dollar
4 everytime u say
Don't u miss the feeling
Music gave ya
Back in the day?

Let's Groove
September
Earth, Wind and Fire
Hot Pants by James
Sly's gonna take u higher"

Hmmm....same stated influences. Interesting.... :-)

Date: Sat, May 22, 2004, 22:17:03 ET
Posted by: DoctorMu, Tejas

From the Aezra Records site:

"Mr. Katz first entered the music business in publishing working with Bobby Darin. He produced at Avco-Embassy Records, then with ABC/Dunhill Records, working with artists such as The Mamas & the Papas, Steppenwolf and Three Dog Night. He helped create and sign Steely Dan and produced all of their albums. Mr. Katz had additional duties with A & R, responsible for artist signings such as Jim Croce, Chaka Khan and Rufus, Jimmy Buffett as well as Graham Nash and David Crosby. Mr. Katz had a joint venture with Interscope called Jake Records before moving to Warner Brothers as a producer and A & R man, where they enjoyed legendary success as a company and creating new artists. He was one of two people principally responsible for ****signing***** Prince, Dire Straits, Christopher Cross and Rikki Lee Jones to Warner. He worked at the Burbank offices for 6 years, then at the New York offices for another 4, along side Jerry Wexler. Mr. Katz continues to create and produce records through his independent production company."

Date: Sat, May 22, 2004, 19:03:17 ET
Posted by: Josey, Atlanta

In the latest Modern Drummer, Ralph MacDonald lists Elliot Scheiner as one of his top engineers he likes to work with.

Date: Sat, May 22, 2004, 16:23:14 ET
Posted by: John,

Just by coincidence -- co-inciPrince?---I came across the article about a fledgeling Arizona record label called Aezra. It mentions Gary Katz and says this:

Cheroske credits Gary Katz, who has worked with Steely Dan, Prince and Dire Straits, with helping Aezra reach the next level of artist development.

Gary is our head of A&R (artists and repertoire), and he's the urban ear of our label," Cheroske says.

When did Gary Katz work with Prince and Dire Straits??????????

The article is at http://www.azcentral.com/ent/music/articles/0523aezra23.html

Date: Sat, May 22, 2004, 10:53:37 ET
Posted by: DoctorMu, Uptown Baby

Doctor Fagen fashioned a programmed, modified funk/jazz/hip-hop groove for Century's End. Check it out on Steely Dan Gold - Expanded Edition

Date: Sat, May 22, 2004, 06:47:00 ET
Posted by: Peter Q, Brooklyn

Glad to see the Prince debate I introduced in Green Chat made it here. Prince is funkier than Steely Dan and also rocks harder than Steely Dan when he plays out and out rock n roll. Also, many top jazz players who don't usually cover comtemporary pop pieces have done Prince's Sign O' The Times ( example: there is a version on a Billy Cobham album with Cobham, Grover Washington Jr on sax and Ron Carter on bass that is one of the funkiest things ever recorded by anybody, anywhere, at any time).

Date: Sat, May 22, 2004, 01:19:04 ET
Posted by: bwaySteve, beat box magic

Funk is ghetto math. It's about grids and 1/16ths. It's about building up and filtering down. Steely Dan's grooves are most spare.I think a lot has to do with the fact that Dan casts musicians for their grooves, for a band that grooves.I love to play with the amazing music software of today .You can choose from a palette of kicks , snares, hi hats , all tuneable and velocity scalable which means you can get results that approximates real drumming because the triggered sounds can change over the course of the groove, even within a single measure. The old drum machines would just play the sample and every hit sounded exactly the same.

What I wouldn't give to see Walter and Donald fashion a groove. I would love to know what applications they use to demo these days.The computer has really opened it up for the composer. I'm sure when the musicians hear something they can be in the groove from the get go.

Date: Sat, May 22, 2004, 00:41:55 ET
Posted by: hoops,

The latest Dandom Digest covering May 8-21 has just been sent. If you are a subscriber, you should see it in your email box within the next 12 hours. (The main reason I am in the habit of announcing this here is because some people have been having problems with delivery the Dandom Digest, usually because of spam filters, firewalls, etc.)

The following are the subjects of this Digest:

-- 2004 NYC Danfest & Dannys Awards: Third Event?
-- -- -- EVENT #1: The Dannys & Dandom CD Preview Party
-- -- -- EVENT #2: Marian McPartland at Birdland

-- DEADLINE EXTENDED: VOTE in the DANNYS & SUPER DANNYS
-- CONTRIBUTE YOUR MUSIC: The Dandom CD Compilation & Release Party
-- Digital Guitar: Something new for gear sluts
-- Re: Nightfly DTS question
-- EMG on LP
-- replacement dvd audio jewel cases and more
-- Re: replacement dvd-a & sacd jewel cases and more
-- REDUX: The BlueBook is back

If you are not currently a subscriber but would like to receive the the free Dandom Digest email newsletter (not to be confused with the glorious Official Steely Dan newsletter), please email me or see http://www.dandom.com/dandomdigest

jim

Date: Fri, May 21, 2004, 23:15:09 ET
Posted by: Gretchen, time out of mind

You know, sometimes a good mindfunk is better. More satisfying, and you can still have a smoke afterward.
G

Date: Fri, May 21, 2004, 17:27:43 ET
Posted by: T.J.,

I see some similarity between Prince (Musicology), and SD (2vsN...Kamakiriad) in the way the tracks are build up layer by layer. The difference is that Prince plays all the instruments him self, where SD in some way is more interesting, using all these specialists and making it all come together.
The incredibly funky track Musicology would in a SD-version, after building up all this one-chord tension reach its climax in a chorus with several chord changes....
Funky is good - chord changes better!!

Date: Fri, May 21, 2004, 16:44:50 ET
Posted by: hoops,

That reminds me of the time I ran into a woman who thought Fagen was mindfunking her.

Date: Fri, May 21, 2004, 16:38:19 ET
Posted by: Gretchen, leaving

.........I'd rather be funked by Fagen!

G

Date: Fri, May 21, 2004, 16:11:25 ET
Posted by: hoops,

How about this hypothesis:

Prince is funk for the groin.
Fagen is funk for the brain.

Corollary: Kama is a treatise on funk.

Of course, the manner in which I am posting this suggests I am primarily coming from the Fagen side of the brain.

Date: Fri, May 21, 2004, 15:19:13 ET
Posted by: Major Tom, ashes to ashes, funk to funky

Sometimes I don't want funk. When I feel lousy, depressed, morose, literally "in a funk," I need something with more depth. Can Prince help me there? I don't think so! Whether or not a band or artist is "funky" is not a hallmark of quality.

Date: Fri, May 21, 2004, 13:47:36 ET
Posted by: Kid Clean, Out to Lunch

I've been a Prince fan for years, both in and out of the closet. When it comes to funk, it's no contest, his heart pumps funk. I saw him in 2001 for the first time and was pleasantly surprised. I was expecting a greatest hits show by the numbers but instead got a good mix of the old with a whole lot of new 'jazzier' pieces. There were also several musical interludes ala 'walking music - Hanks Pad, Tuzz's Shadow, etc.' I'm going to see him this June and can't wait. The reviews have been extremely positive and I've heard of couple of the shows and the band sounds great.
Now I'm not saying that SD is not funky, nothing could be my father from the truth. Exhibit A: Lunch With Gina. I won't go through B to Z.
I really don't think ego is a major factor behind Prince, or the artist once know as Prince then known as slave then known as some stupid symbol and now known as Prince again. i don't think he's the ego maniac so many make him out to be. He just does what he wants to do, much like another popular Duo we all know. Talented people can get away with that. Talentless hacks fall by the wayside if they deviate from the 'hit' formula.

Ok, I'm all done.

KC

Date: Fri, May 21, 2004, 13:40:35 ET
Posted by: bwaySteve,

I find the funk grooves of Steely Dan very simplistic,almost overly so. I feel that their avoidence of thumbing-popping bass is a clear statement about their approach to funk, about rules they follow.I also think they are very sensitive about moving in to a hip hop mode. Prince has moved in to areas Steely Dan won't.

Date: Fri, May 21, 2004, 11:56:05 ET
Posted by: angel,

Never having had access to Prince's music before Musicology, I can't speak for the past. That being said, I definitely find things common to the Dan, in this latest album. Funk is definitely there. Cool guitar solos a la Kid C and DTMA. Lots of stuff going on (layers). Cinnamon Girl has the 9/11 thing and the lyrics that carry Dan references (mentioned before) Blood Red Sky and Babylon.
Do I like it all, no. Do I find things to enjoy, yes. I ignore the ego stuff and let the music talk.

Date: Fri, May 21, 2004, 08:11:20 ET
Posted by: Gretchen, off to the salt mines

Prince is definitely funkier, but to me that doesn't mean he's a better artist. Steely Dan, to me, in my opiniion, is deeper and more meaningful. Prince's music (or is he the artist formerly known as Prince?)is more about his ego than Steely Dan (the men formerly known as Becker and Fagen?). Different genres, really.
G

Date: Fri, May 21, 2004, 02:12:34 ET
Posted by: bwaySteve, within myself

So ?

Who is Funkier , Prince or


Dan ?


Extra points if you can explain why.

Date: Fri, May 21, 2004, 00:20:16 ET
Posted by: Rajah,

I spent an afternoon with Tony Randall back in 1986. My then girlfriend, Greta Lambert, was a company member at Roy Bount's Alabama Shakespeare Festival, and they dedicated a statue that day to the Bard that, funded by Mr. Blount, still stands in Central Park. We shared a limo ride and all he did all afternoon was try to hit on her, but really, it was all in good fun. He was a rabid aficionado of the classic opera and we spoke of Giuseppe Verdi all afternoon later at the restaurant at the Boathouse. I was singing in a band with Wayne Kramer in those days and he asked me what kind of popular music was worth listening to.  I answered that Nightfly had been my constant companion for about four years since its release in 1982. He hadn't the foggiest who Donald Fagen was, but I reeled off a few Dan hits and he recognized only one:  Rikki. He loved the tension caused by the piano, reminded him of Chopin. Taken altogether, he was a fine man, a patron of the arts and a gentleman besides.  He had nothing but good things to say about Doris and Rock, said they were wonderful people. May he rest in peace. Godspeed, Mr. Randall. 

Date: Thurs, May 20, 2004, 20:03:48 ET
Posted by: Reelin' , the things you pass for knowledge

Certainly, the "boring" comment has been made on several other forums, but everyone has mud to throw. It's a matter of choice and we should be grateful there is one, IMHO.

And thankful for the crap hoops, St. Al and others have to put up with. Salute!

Personally, the only time I find the content here boring is when no one posts and I'm reading last week's papers (although I don't know why).

Actually, my statement was that admittedly, we may sometimes be boring....and I know that I certainly am at this stage of the game and thankful for that, too.

Date: Thurs, May 20, 2004, 16:38:06 ET
Posted by: hoops,

Someone said "Admittedly the BlueBook is boring?"

I disagree. I think it's boring when you use a Steely Dan forum to discuss all facets of your life. I come here to talk music and humor and Steely Dan. I pursue my other interests in other venues—virtual and real-life. So when I come here I know it's going to be worth my while rather than plowing through noise.

I'm truly sorry to hear that some underappreciative fans are giving StAl a hard time--God bless him as I can imagine given some of the people he has to put up with. My idea of humor isn't repeated insults, etc. It's not the SD way.

Some people have worried about censureship or posts being tracked. I can assure you that hardly happens at all and it's a lot less than the so called "yellow" or some other venues. Even if I was into that, the way this place is set up it would be too much work for me.

So relax; As far as "rules," relax‚ there are no rules, but there are some "suggested guidelines." If you are looking for rules on what to post and not to post, this isn't the place. There ARE some suggestions for helping keep this place readable and worthwhile if you are person who has an outside life. If you are looking for endless self -indulgence or lack social skills, then, yeah this isn't a place for you.

Thanks for letting me vent. I'm sure I'm preaching to the choir. Can't wait for next week.

Date: Thurs, May 20, 2004, 15:56:20 ET
Posted by: Honeybun,

Re: Sharkdeville - The Last Supper - Very cool indeed but where, prey tell is Stevie Stills in all of this? He has a rightful place at the table way more than Young, I think. An integral part of the 'Springfield as well as CSN. I'm now off to prepare for the Neil Young backlash! ;)

Date: Thurs, May 20, 2004, 15:55:07 ET
Posted by: hoops,

I was going to post a bit about what I think is the most essential Album to understanding and appreciating SD that is not by SD, WB, DF or the NY RnS R (It won't come as a shock to long time readers). But was wondering what others have on their list and why.

One week until Marian and The Dannys and a special surprise from 2000 that I just found out about 30 minutes ago :-)

Date: Thurs, May 20, 2004, 15:52:18 ET
Posted by: hoops,

Hey folks;

Just a couple of days left to get your Danny votes for the 2003 Tour.

If you need a fresh ballot or whatever, just email me at hoopsATdandomDOTcom

As far as the SuperDannys, you can sit on those a bit longer than the original deadline, extended until further notice.

I love every member of the band and can't think of someone who wasn't up to the level of exceptional. Still, I can't help but wonder if there would have been a difference in the MVP category had the Dannys been voted on in January as originally planned.

Date: Thurs, May 20, 2004, 15:46:47 ET
Posted by: hoops,

On Monday, there was a great story on NPR about Bill Frisell. What was so special was his talk about Wes Montgomery; also the interview evoked Django Reinhardt for me. The Wes parts got me thinking of Walter Becker's playing.

NPR.org has this bit and a link to a stream of the interview, including music clips:
Intersections: 'Bumpin' into a Guitar Legend
Bill Frisell is renowned as a versatile musician in blues, country, and rock, but he says he's a jazz guitarist at heart. Frisell describes his first foray into jazz, when, as a young student, he heard the music of master guitarist Wes Montgomery.

http://www.npr.org/features/feature.php?wfId=1896018

Date: Thurs, May 20, 2004, 15:40:29 ET
Posted by: Honeybun,

Re: Sharkdeville - The Last Supper - Very cool indeed but where, prey tell is Stevie Stills in all of this? He has a rightful place at the table way more than Young, I think. An integral part of the 'Springfield as well as CSN. I'm now off to prepare for the Neil Young backlash! ;)

Date: Wed, May 19, 2004, 19:20:23 ET
Posted by: hoops,

Just a note about Elvin Jones passing away. I know many of you know him best from his work with Coltrane, especially on "A Love Supreme."

NPR.org had this to say:

"Elvin Jones, a renowned drummer and member of the John Coltrane Quartet, died Tuesday in a New Jersey hospital of heart failure. He was 76. Jones' powerful, complex playing helped changed the role of the drummer in jazz groups and influenced a generation of rockers, including The Doors, the Grateful Dead and Santana."

Check out this link for a streaming story on him:
http://www.npr.org/rundowns/segment.php?wfId=1901925

Speaking of passings, I've never seen Tony Randall and Becker and Fagen mentioned in the same place. Nevertheless, I can't help describe all three of them as sardonic, smart and funny intellectuals. Clearly cut from roughly the same spirit, if not the same cloth.

Date: Wed, May 19, 2004, 16:52:04 ET
Posted by: angel , can't buy a thrill

Gretchen: There is a lighter on Ebay right now. It has the cover to CBAT on it.

Date: Wed, May 19, 2004, 15:19:04 ET
Posted by: Pam, Waiting for the Sun

Daddy: Maybe the unnamed horseman aboard Steely dan is a bit shy about being the jockey of a metal dildo, eh?

Date: Wed, May 19, 2004, 12:30:43 ET
Posted by: Gretchen, the only one not golfing today

Reelin, if I DIDN'T hear Steely Dan on a date, he's not worth it!
And when the hell were there Steely Dan lighters on ebay? I missed that one....

Shark, you could do an entire "Last Supper" drawing with the varioius musicians which made up Steely Dan from time to time, but where would a certain sound engineer fit in? On a silver platter, perhaps?

G

Date: Wed, May 19, 2004, 12:17:05 ET
Posted by: sharkdeville, Jim vs. Neil

hi Gretchen,
I feel like Neil's contributions to Buffalo Springfield and the 'Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere' album warrant his inclusion in the 60s lineup. Morrison was certainly an important and controversial figure, but I don't think his talents were on par with Young.

It's always tough to narrow these lists down.

Dylan will be seated in the middle, btw!

Date: Wed, May 19, 2004, 12:16:48 ET
Posted by: Reelin', Everlasting Summer

It's nice to see some old timers back in Blue. Admiitedly, we may be boring at times, but at least we're consistent.

The Last Supper of Rock is a brilliant idea! If you do a '70's version with D&W, you might have some takers here for reproductions. Beats the hell out of spending $$ on ebay for the complete Steely Dan lighter collection.

My money would be on Lennon for Christ. But he said something similar first, didn't he? hmmmmm.

And happiness is hearing Steely Dan on a date! No Hey 19's need apply, unless you are willing to be converted, of course.

Date: Wed, May 19, 2004, 11:26:17 ET
Posted by: Still 'Sparkin, China

Hong Kong television got a big dose of I.G.Y. tonight -- it was blaring on the P.A. behind a reporter doing a standup outside the presidenial palace in Taipei ahead of Chen Shui-Bian's inauguration . In his Nightfly DVD-A liner notes, DF notes ...'several large corporations, apparently unaware of the lyrics' irony, have tried to license this piece for use in their upbeat ad campaigns.' The election in Taiwan has been bizarre. IGY fits.

Seen (heard) two weeks earlier in a HK TV documentary, 4-5 seconds of Janie R. in a gym where a triathlete was stretching. Coming up in three weeks in another doc.....more incidental Nightfly, plus the New Frontier DVD-A image.

Bill Bruford on tour with SD ?

Date: Wed, May 19, 2004, 10:28:48 ET
Posted by: Gretchen, moving to Montana.......

Worm, let us know how Rundgren's show is, I'm thinking of seeing him here in CT.
Shark, ever consider putting Neil Young in with the 70's singers/songwriters and substituting Jim Morrison? Just for the hair alone, he'd be a fine addition to the table, lol.....by the way, who will portray Christ?
G

Date: Wed, May 19, 2004, 09:34:38 ET
Posted by: Daddy G., NJ

Just a followup to yesterday's post about Steely Dan, the horse running at Redcar, in case anyone was wondering how the race went. Found this....

http://www.ananova.com/sport/racing/results.html?meet=REDCAR&menu=sport.horseracing.racingresults

1. Samuel Charles (S W Kelly, 15-2)
2. Efidium (Suzanne France, 7-1)
3. Eastern Hope (M Fenton, 14-1)
4. Steely Dan (--, 8-1)

In parentheses is the jockey and the starting price.

I notice that there is no jockey listed for Steely Dan. I can't help but wonder if this means that it's really Donald and Walter in a horse suit! (LOL)

So this is what they've been doing since the end of the tour! Naturally Donald has to be the front end of the horse since he's usually the vocalist. (OK, I have a strange sense of humor, I know.)

Sharkdeville, I like the idea of The Last Supper of Rockers. Cool concept!

Date: Wed, May 19, 2004, 09:31:06 ET
Posted by: wormtom, new orleanian subterrainian

gretchen - glad to hear Yes touring again (even if not anywhere near here) The new Yespeak video is interesting although Roger Daltry as narrator is somewhat odd
Bill Bruford was 55 on monday - what a classy guy
your mentioning old Genesis (gabriel era) gives me hope that others still appreciate great musicianship

sharkdeville - love the last supper painting idea
but where's Peter Noone of Ermans Ermitts? ;-)

Going to see Todd Rundgren sunday night
I've heard his new album has retro seventies instrumentation and production qualities, and is back in the fold, haven't got my hands or ears on it yet

passed on a Bowie show a few weeks ago only to hear from my friend who took my tickets that it was a three hour set with many preziggy pieces, damn

Everything Must Go was auto audio choice for a date last night,
I did skip Last Mall and Slang though, receptive, nice

wormy

Date: Wed, May 19, 2004, 09:20:45 ET
Posted by: Joey,

" What do YOU think? "

Two Things :

1. ) It is Peter Denis Blanford TOWNSHEND .

2. ) Both Clapton AND Pagey need to be included .

.........other than that ; Most Excellent !!!!!!!

Date: Wed, May 19, 2004, 09:08:01 ET
Posted by: Howard, @work

It's been a while since I've browsed this GB - good to be back.

One item that may be of interest to SD guitarists: I've recently finished a transcription of Donald's "New Frontier". Will be added to my site soon.

Howard

http://www.jmdl.com/howard/steelydan/tab.html

Date: Wed, May 19, 2004, 01:44:27 ET
Posted by: sharkdeville, re. Last Supper of 60s Rock

hey gang-

I'm currently working on a drawing of mid to late 60s performers a la Da Vinci's 'Last Supper', and I think I've finally got it narrowed down. After much deliberation, I've decided to include only one member of each respective band (no Paul, George, Keef, etc):

Lennon
Jagger (as Judas)
Davies
Townsend
Syd Barrett (possibly Waters)
Clapton (possibly Page)
DYLAN
Hendrix
Zappa
Garcia
Gene Clark (Byrds)
Neil Young
Brian Wilson

you may notice that it's Brits on one side and Yanks on the other (and a cannuck). I want to keep it that way.

Runners-up include Robbie Robertson, Janis, Jim Morrison, Paul Simon, John Phillips, Gram Parsons, Lou Reed...

what do YOU think?

p.s.- I may end up doing a 70s version, or just a "great songwriters" version, which would include Don & Walt, naturally.

Date: Tues, May 18, 2004, 17:24:28 ET
Posted by: Little Wild One, in countdown mode

Finishing up one Danny's ballot and starting on the next. Great memories! Jim, thanks for being the conduit.

Here's a suggested write in category, (courtesy of Ed Beatty who is currently sans post p-word) for the Danny's Moderne 1993-2003:

Danfan Most in Need of Credit Counseling After the Tour.
(a/k/a The Bling, Bling Award)

T-minus 11 and counting....

Date: Tues, May 18, 2004, 15:25:28 ET
Posted by: Joey ,

" Speaking of Derek and the Dominoes, I found that the "remastered" version of the cd lacked the heart and original "tinny" sound of the initial cd release. The whole thing that made it appealing was that kind of far away, echo-y sound the album, and then cd, posessed. The remaster killed it. I wonder whether the SACD will recapture it? Love that album. g. "

You raise an interesting , vital , coherent , compelling , illuminating , and EXTREMELY thought-provoking point my Steelian Princess ...............


The ReMastered version of " Derek and the Domonoes " does indeed lack the heart and the original " tinny " sound of the initial CD Release .
However , it is my sincere belief that the SACD will be completely unable to recapture the " far - away , echo-y " sound of the original album ...................What ?!?! Why do I say this ?!?!?!

********** JOEY SHRUGS SHOULDERS AND WALKS AWAY FROM HIS DESK TO GO TO THE BATHROOM -- END TRANSMISSION ******************

Date: Tues, May 18, 2004, 13:09:21 ET
Posted by: HeyMike, These Suburban Streets w/a serious caffeine buzz

Glad to see the Blue getting some action again. While in line at Starbucks today I was looking over their CD collection. Artists favorite tunes or something like that. I saw Sheryl Crow, Willie Nelson and the Stones. They pick the songs and its a CD by the original artists, not their work. How cool would a DF choice CD be? Maybe someone needs to nudge starbucks and/or Donald!

Date: Tues, May 18, 2004, 10:09:11 ET
Posted by: Daddy G., NJ

I had to post this ASAP as it's time-sensitive....

Synchronicity strikes again. Could this be an omen to bet the farm (or the condo)?

After some initial references to "SD: The Horse" (Smarty Dan?)over a month ago, I've seen nothing more.... Until today---a morning Google News search turned up "Tuesday's racing bulletin" posted as of 6 hours ago...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_sports/horse_racing/3723803.stm

...where it states that "Despite starting at double figure odds Steely Dan should not be overlooked in the 1645 [BST] at Redcar."

Get your bets in quickly. Good luck folks!

Date: Tues, May 18, 2004, 00:24:11 ET
Posted by: Daddy G., NJ

Nothing Dannish about this piece whatsoever, but that's actually a GOOD thing!

Here's a link to an article listing bad pop songs by various categories. Hey, it gave me a few chuckles, so I thought I'd post it.

http://www.contracostatimes.com/mld/cctimes/entertainment/music/8631106.htm?1c

Naturally D&W did not make it in any of the categories. Even when they deliberately try to write a bad song it turns out good (i.e. "The Steely Dan Show").

Date: Mon, May 17, 2004, 16:25:52 ET
Posted by: Gretchen, floating on

Steely Dan is so unique it's hard to say any one artist would help one to really grab the concepts behind their music. However, after really thinking about it, I had to come up with the following :

1. An album that's timeless, it's always good to hear, and does not sound dated.
2. Introduces other musical genres to a mainstream audience.
3. The emotional complexity of the music is extensive, with "high highs" and "low lows."
4. Jazz, rock, blues, etc. are played in unusual or complex ways.

The album that first encapsulates these qualities to me is "Songs In the Key of Life." It has high emotive content, certain songs have such a downcast point of departure, like "Parttime Paradise" or "Village Ghetto Land" while others are truly almost joyful, like "Isn't She Lovely" or "I Wish." The album is lush with cultural diversity, mixing pop, rock, jazz, and afro-cuban rhythms with sophisticated vocals. Songs like "As" and "Love's in Need of Love Today" provide social commentary with a progressive style. Wonder also took a chance releasing double albums, always a favorite target of critics. It was music on his own terms, again, like Steely Dan. That's just my opinion........
G

Date: Mon, May 17, 2004, 16:19:49 ET
Posted by: John,

Texas Band Chomsky has a new album out co-produced by Gary Katz. Some production work by Talking Heads alum Jerry Harrison.

http://www.aezra.com/chomsky.html

Date: Mon, May 17, 2004, 13:26:16 ET
Posted by: hoops,

Dang!

I went and did it again…

On the SuperDannys Ballot it SHOULD read:

No. 128. "Album Most Essential to understanding and appreciating Steely Dan that is NOT by WB, DF, NY Rock and Soul Revue or Steely Dan."

Feel free to clarify your vote, etc.

Hey we could go on and on with the SuperDannys…

jim

Date: Mon, May 17, 2004, 12:49:30 ET
Posted by: Gretchen,

Speaking of Derek and the Dominoes, I found that the "remastered" version of the cd lacked the heart and original "tinny" sound of the initial cd release. The whole thing that made it appealing was that kind of far away, echo-y sound the album, and then cd, posessed. The remaster killed it. I wonder whether the SACD will recapture it? Love that album.
g

Date: Mon, May 17, 2004, 12:16:52 ET
Posted by: Daddy G., NJ

Excerpt from item found at the UK site... http://www.highfidelityreview.com/news/news.asp?newsnumber=19084137
...and posted as of 9 hours ago according to Google News (Note -- >>>emphasis mine<<<):

"More Pop and Country SACDs in July?

Moving to the Universal Music New Formats web site, it's worth noting that this web site now shows the upcoming Surround Sound SACDs by Sheryl Crow, Marvin Gaye, Vince Gill and Diana Krall coming out on July 13th and the ones from Eric Clapton, Derek & the Dominoes and >>>Steely Dan arriving on July 20th.<<< All of these SACDs are not yet on the Universal Music Upcoming Release List. I'm guessing that there appearance on the New Formats web site means they will be added to the release list with specific release dates shortly.

Also worth noting is that >>>Steely Dan's Aja Surround Sound SACD has been dropped from both lists.<<< In the past, Aja has not been released in Surround Sound due to missing original session master tapes. Presumably this is the reason for the latest delay in the album's appearance in Surround Sound."

Date: Mon, May 17, 2004, 10:13:53 ET
Posted by: Gretchen, Home at last, big deal

Steve, the show was fantastic, they're coming back to CT in late Summer, hoping to catch them my 4th time. The similarities I see with SD and groups like Yes,ELP, Genesis, etc extend only to the fact that they shift and bend the musical genres and play on their own terms. They're not afraid to be considered "out there" resulting in music that can be interpreted in as many ways as there are listeners. Whereas classic rock groups like Zeppelin, the Who, Grand Funk, etc were straightforward rockers, the "radicals" like Steely Dan, Tull, and Yes took more chances and developed a more "cult" following, I think. Also, there are certain parts of songs that just stay in your head for hours, days, due to the unique quality, all this despite much critical bashing. I haven't gotten Southside out of my head since Wednesday.
G

Date: Sun, May 16, 2004, 20:53:04 ET
Posted by: SteveeDan,

Hi there, I hope everyone is doing well.

The last time I saw Yes in concert (I think it was time #7, I've lost count ...) I was literally out of my seat when they played "Southside Of The Sky". It was the same "classic" line-up mentioned earlier: Howe, Squire, White, Anderson, and Wakeman (plus one extra guitarist whose name I never got). Everyone played extremely well and very energized. I was also elated when they played their version of Simon & Garfunkle's "America".

I don't think that Steely Dan and the prog rock bands are really that close together with regard to genres, but, I have always held the belief that both jazz-rock (and it's older brother Jazz-Fusion) and progressive rock often will attract similar listeners because in both genres of music the listener is challenged on multiple levels to not only be able to embrace the more involved musical themes, but also the unusual lyrical themes too.

Certain bands seem to bend the spectrum of prog rock towards fusion and visa versa. The band 801 occasionally does this, King Krimson, ELP, Focus, Gentle Giant, and others.

I really like to hear it when bands get into this somewhat ambiguous space of the musical spectrum. As a musician, I really do like a challenge, and this kind of music certain provides a lot of that.

Tell the Moon Dog, Tell the March Hare ...


SteveeDan

Date: Sun, May 16, 2004, 20:22:21 ET
Posted by: hoops, chicago

---------------------------------------------------------

DANNYS FOR THE PAST DECADE AND BEYOND

---------------------------------------------------------

SUPER DANNYS BALLOT: Due Noon, NYC Time, MONDAY, May 25, but who knows????
Below is the ballot for the SUPER DANNYS. These are two sets of categories. One covers the MODERNE STEELY DAN PERIOD from 1992-2003 and the other set of categories covers the whole kit-and-kaboodle, from 1968 to today.

For those of you who don't know, THE DANNYS are the,
less-than-scientific, for-fun, occasionally-annual awards as voted by
Dan Fans across the global Internet to recognize Becker and Fagen,
their professional associates, their accomplishments, as well as
those of fellow Danfans. I'm sure there is plenty of opportunity for
self-aggrandizement as well.

There are two kinds of Dannys. One kind is a collection of
categories where everyone votes on the same thing. The second kind
is free-style: that is, each voter makes up as many award categories
as they like and then names their own winner in each of their own
invented categories.

Awards for the first kind of Dannys are presented (with
tongue-firmly-in cheek) at an awards ceremony. This year's ceremony
will be held in New York City on Saturday, May 29, 2004. Email
hoops@dandom.com for more details. I hope you can make it.

If you find this confusing, just check out the Danny winners page
from 2001 at http://www.dandom.com/thedannys -- I'm sure you will
get the idea.

With ten years having gone by since Steely Dan started touring again,
it was also thought this year's Dannys should consider the past
fabulous decade of "Dan Moderne" as well as the 2003 "Everything Must
Go" tour.

Last week opened the period of voting for all things associated with
Steely Dan 2003.

Below is a second ballot covering all things Dan in the
past ten years and beyond.

TO VOTE:
* Simply return the ballot below with your responses to hoops AT dandom DOT com
* Email me for a ballot./
* You may give simple short answers.
* You can also append additional comments to your response for each
item. The comments you submit may be appended to the final web page
listing the Danny Award Winners for 2004.
* If you don't wish to vote in a certain category, no problem.
Please leave it blank.

========================================================

O F F I C I A L B A L L O T - S*U*P*E*R D A N N Y A W A R D S


========================================================


AWARDS RELATED CELEBRATING THE TENTH ANNIVERSARY OF STEELY DAN'S RETURN TO TOURING from 1992's NY Rock and Soul Revue through 2003's Everything Must Go Tour.



101. Best Danfest 1992-2003



102. Best place to have a Danfest 1992-2003



103. Best Danfest hosts 1992-2003



104. Best Food Item at Danfest 1992-2003



105. Best Beverage at a Danfest 1992-2003



106. Best Danfest Party Favor or T-shirt 1992-2003



107. Sexiest Danfest Attendee (Male) 1992-2003



108. Sexiest Danfest Attendee (Female) 1992-2003



109. Danfest Partier of the Decade 1992-2003



110. Danfan of the Decade 1992-2003



111. Best Steely Dan-related Album (WB, DF, NY Rock + Soul or Steely Dan) 1992-2003



112. Best Steely Dan-related recorded Track (WB, DF, NY Rock + Soul or Steely Dan) 1992-2003



113. Best Danfest 1992-2003



114. Best Overall Steely Dan Experience (Best combination of Pre-Show Danfest, Steely Dan concert, & Post-Show Danfest) 1992-2003



115. Best Venue 1992-2003



116. Best Tour Set Design 1992-2003



117. Best Official Steely Dan Item Sold at a Show 1992-2003



118. Best Show Opener 1992-2003



119. Best "Walkin' Music" (Second Set Opener) 1992-2003



120. Best Song Performed During the Encore 1992-2003



121. Best Song Performed on a Tour (name song and which year for songs performed multiple tours) 1992-2003



122. Song You Most Wished Steely Dan Would Have Performed on a Steely Dan Tour 1992-2003



123. Best Steely Dan Orchestra 1992-2003



124. Best Moment at a Steely Dan show 1992-2003



125. Best Tour 1992-2003

126. Steely Dan Show of the 1990s & 2000s That Should be Released as an Official CD or DVD-V



127. Steely Dan Show of the 1990s & 2000s


AWARDS RELATED TO CELEBRATING THE BEST STEELY DAN OF ALL TIME




128. Most Essential Album to any Steely Dan Fan, NOT (that's right, NOT) by WB, DF, NY Rock + Soul or Steely Dan



129. Best Steely Dan-related Album (WB, DF, NY Rock + Soul or Steely Dan) of All-Time



130. Best Steely Dan-related Track of All-Time



131. Best Written Steely Dan Song of All-Time



132. Best Steely Dan Tour of All-Time



133. Steely Dan Show of All-Time That Should be Released as an Official CD or DVD-V



134. Best Steely Dan Show of All Time




FREE-FORM, DO-IT-YOURSELF DANNYS

Make up your own Danny Aware Category for the past decade and beyond and then name the winner!


135. (Your Invented Category)
(and the Danny goes to...)



136. (Your Invented Category)
(and the Danny goes to...)



137. (Your Invented Category)
(and the Danny goes to...)



138. (Insert as many as you like)...

PLEASE E-MAIL YOUR DANNY BALLOT TO

dannys@dandom.com by Noon NYC Time on Monday, May 25, 2004


[DID YOU MISS LAST WEEK'S BALLOT for DANNYS COVERING the 2003 TOUR? ]
Voting for the Dannys relating to the 2003 Everything Must Go tour began on May 8 and ends at Noon, Saturday, May 22. If you didn't get your ballot for those Dannys, please email hoops@dandom.com


Finally, campaigning or or promotion (including self-promotion) for any Danny award is frowned upon. However, you are heartily encouraged to write and post any memories of events or thoughts that these award categories might foster and post them to digest@dandom.com, the BlueBook at http://www.dandom.com/guestbook or the Danfan discussion venue of your choice.

Happy voting, happy memories!

jim

aka hoops

Date: Sun, May 16, 2004, 19:24:05 ET
Posted by: Thomas Sepez,

Hi Hoops,

As a sporadic visitor to your site, and an ocasional poster (twice, last October under the handle "tosspot"), I was sad to hear that you guys were having "Spam post" problems. But I wasn't surprised, and your new approach seems reasonable.

I liked the thread aboot, "Whats in your CD player?" Keeping it tagnentially Dan related (and thus eliminating the classical titles at one end, and the techno/synthpop at the other), I thought I'd add my $0.02 with this list:

Ian Dury - Sex and Drugs and Rock and Roll (Best of)
Frank Zappa - One Size Fits All
DF - Kamakiriad
Porcupine Tree - In Absentia ("Yes" fans probably will dig this).
Sting - Nothing Like the Sun

To add fuel to the current "Kami vs. Nightfly" fire, let me say that I am in the "Kami is MUCH better" camp. But I could be wrong ...

Date: Sun, May 16, 2004, 11:43:13 ET
Posted by: Daddy G., NJ

So you think you can play guitar, but more importantly do you have "The Look"?

Here's a contest looking for the best amateur "guitar face." Among the "gang of guitar gods" judges is Jeff Baxter.

http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=22551

"The greatest amateur guitar face will win a new Les Paul 'Black Beauty' electric guitar."

They're also looking for folks to "...cast their vote for the most facially ecstatic ax-men of all time, who will gain entry into the Guitar Face Hall of Fame...."

Date: Sat, May 15, 2004, 21:31:42 ET
Posted by: Q, Tampa

I also saw Yes when they were here 5/2 and they were definitely "on".
Steve was playing more fluidly than the last tour and he was, indeed, playing his heart out.
Squire was magic as usual.
As much as I love SD, they can't hold a candle to bands like Yes when on the road. For whatever reason, DF/WB have forgotten their 70's efforts on the road. Just listen to the energy and the rip of the old tours on the many boots available. SD used to show up the bands they would front for - Elton John, Chicago to name a couple. I have heard numerous stories of this by people who were at these shows. They said that the crowd would go so crazy chanting for SD to come back on stage that it would delay the entry of the headliner.
Those days appear to be gone forever...(not that it has to be that way...)

I also saw Bowie - wow!
Talk about a guy that knows how to put on a show! The sound and the arrangements were absolutely faithful in energy and expression to the originals while not being "note for note"
Again, I just stood there thinking "why?"..."why not?" relative to SD
Oh, well!

Date: Sat, May 15, 2004, 13:38:11 ET
Posted by: Kid Clean, Dancing in delirium

Hey Kids.

I'm considering making the trek to NY for the Dannys weekend. I can't, however, afford the couple of night's hotel rates on my own. Anyone have an extra couch for rent or maybe interest in sharing a room?

KC

Date: Fri, May 14, 2004, 14:54:17 ET
Posted by: John, Sorry about that

Oh Yeah, the link

http://www.hometheatermag.com/news/042604software/

Date: Fri, May 14, 2004, 14:53:19 ET
Posted by: John,

Review of Gaucho DVD-Audio and Super Audio. Doesn't talk too much about the new sound. Spends more time on Behind the Music kinda junk.

Date: Fri, May 14, 2004, 14:45:42 ET
Posted by: John, Erie, PA

I remember reading here that someone had one of those double-sided Nightfly discs.

Apparently the lawyers are fighting over the format.

http://www.emedialive.com/Articles/ReadArticle.aspx?ArticleID=8418

Date: Fri, May 14, 2004, 02:44:37 ET
Posted by: T.J., DK

the second arrangement...

Date: Thurs, May 13, 2004, 23:09:58 ET
Posted by: Still 'Sparkin, china

Gretchen, I think Yes fans would have roared for South Side of the Sky because it doesn't get played much....I've seen the band four times and never saw that song. Plus, there's great guitar in there. Imagine SD playing an extended King of the World after leaving it off the set list for 20 years or more...which leads me to wonder....

....which SD song (abandoned live) would get the warmest reception on its return in concert ?

Date: Thurs, May 13, 2004, 22:31:12 ET
Posted by: Gretchen, set on the peaceful shore

Sparkin, they did do South Side, it was great hearing that live. I think that was the crowd's favorite, for some reason. It was funny, there was this obviously fanatic Yes fan directly in front of me who must have been three (or four) sheets to the wind, dancing around and pretenting to play air guitar, drums, etc. God I hope I did not look that way at any of the Dan shows, lol.

Hoops, Yes, Genesis, and Floyd are spoken of as contemporaries of SD IMHO because they were all from the days when album rock was at it's peak, even though the styles couldn't be more different. The Dead is doing a pretty extensive tour this summer. I enjoy going to shows when I'm actually one of the younger members of the audience...

G

Date: Thurs, May 13, 2004, 22:13:21 ET
Posted by: Still 'Sparkin, China

Hey Gretchen...did Yes play South Side of the Sky ?

If you thought Steve Howe was into it the other night....check some concert footage -- more like possessed the way he would jump about the stage. Very focussed..and I thought that played well against Chris Squire, who was always a rock on bass, save for the occasional and very effective leap in the air.

Hoops, I think the SD/Yes connections can be found in SD songs like Your Gold Teeth II and Aja (the length and instrumental departures within songs)

Date: Thurs, May 13, 2004, 18:21:02 ET
Posted by: hoops,

One thing I find very interesting is how it's not so uncommon to see Steely Dan described as "art rockers" and as contemporaries of Yes, as well as Pink Floyd and classic Genesis. And to be sure Dandom Digest membership backs that up as through the years the Digest has had a cross-section of subscribers who are equally fanatical Yes, Genesis and PF fans. Sorta like the way there are so many Dead Heads who are Dan fans.

jim

Date: Thurs, May 13, 2004, 15:44:45 ET
Posted by: Gretchen,

Josey, the only other song from that era was "Owner of a Lonely Heart" which, in my opinion, could have been replaced with either "Don't Kill the Whale" or "We Have Heaven." Most of the setlist focused on the "Fragile" era. The final encore was "Starship Trooper," bringing the show just over 3 hours, not counting intermission.
G

Date: Thurs, May 13, 2004, 15:06:25 ET
Posted by: Josey, Atlanta

Gretchen, you mentioned Rhythm of Love - did they play much of the other stuff from the Trevor Rabin era?

Date: Thurs, May 13, 2004, 14:04:05 ET
Posted by: Gretchen, .......in the summertime

Josey, the current lineup is Jon Anderson, Chris Squire, Alan White on drums, Steve Howe and Rick Wakeman. Studying Steve Howe,(who looks like another musician/mad scientist), he was so into his playing
it made me wonder what it would be like to actually make a career out of something you love doing. He seems to be in his own strange, intellectual little world but certainly has made a great living. Oh, if only I could start over....

Angel, I forgot about the Fall of 92, that was very dark. I just have to stop watching MSNBC so much, maybe all the horrific things being reported lateley are affecting my own mindset.

G

Date: Thurs, May 13, 2004, 13:14:00 ET
Posted by: Josey, Atlanta

Hey Gretchen - out of curiosity, who is in the lineup for Yes right now?

Date: Thurs, May 13, 2004, 13:07:12 ET
Posted by: angel,

Hey Gretchen, I understood where you were coming from regarding the times and their possible influence on the feel of an album. I was just pointing out that though Kamakiriad is a very UP album, the times, when that album was written, had some bad stuff going on. Remember Fall of '92 was written about those very times.

Not like I am an expert, but I think we can count on whatever Donald comes up with, to have an upbeat feel to it. That is where his solo creativity is and I am sure it will show through this new project.

Date: Thurs, May 13, 2004, 10:28:01 ET
Posted by: Gretchen, going for the one

I wasn't looking at any of the solo efforts as political statements, rather I was trying to decipher the mood of the album based on what was happening in society. Like now, things are so discouraging, if I were recording an album (of course I have no musical talent) it would probably be more downcast in nature, whether or not there were actual political references. Just wondering how the state of society affects the artist personally.
Anyway, I saw Yes last night at Mohegan Sun, and I must say despite people joking about their advanced ages, they played their hearts out for 3 hours, it was a great show, undeniable even to those who aren't big prog rock fans. "Rythm of Love" and "Yours is no Disgrace" were standout, and they did an acoustic, bluesy version of "Roundabout" which was very cool. There was definite British theatrics, when after the 3 encores they lined up for a dramatic bow to the audience. Great show, even though my heart will always be with SD.
G

Date: Wed, May 12, 2004, 23:50:30 ET
Posted by: Still 'Sparkin, China

Re: Kami vs Nightfly

Has there been an 'optimistic' effort from SD or either Becker or Fagen as solo artists ? Isn't every album filled with characters on the margins working an angle (or getting worked) ?

I don't like to compare Nightfly and Kami calling one decidedly better because I see them so differently. Simply, I've always found the Nightfly to be an easier listen -- greater anticipation track to track, more engery...and so well executed.

Kami I appreciate because of the sci-fi concept and the images conjured by the lyrics. And that's the first place I hear the modern (2VN/EMG) sound. Those tight, bluesy grooves (T.I.Skyway, Springtime/Tomorrow's Girls) were the forerunners for Gaslighting Abbey, Cousin Dupree, Janie, Last Mall, Blues Beach, EMG....

Would a new DF project not be the third concept album..and would it have any connection to what's happening in society now (the first two didn't right) ?

To all of you on your way soon to Dannys or Danfests...enjoy.

Date: Wed, May 12, 2004, 16:39:22 ET
Posted by: Joey,

" Back in 82 with Nightfly, he was coming through that period of disillusionment and exhaustion, and those songs were a return to the comfortable theme of childhood, while Kami in the 90's had a more energized, optomistic feel, as did the country. I'm just wondering about how world events of late will affect his music, it's something to ponder.... "

You raise an interesting point there ................G !

Kamakiriad WAS a lot more " optimistic " than The Nightfly .

However , IMHO , Nightfly was a much , MUCH better disc than Kami and let's hope and pray that all the negative and odoriferous vibes emanating from recent world events translate into a momentous achievemnt on Donald's part .

.............I wax nostalgic for last summer's album/tour hype ..............and you ?!?!?!

Jacky !

Date: Wed, May 12, 2004, 14:55:03 ET
Posted by: hoops,

I'd be very, very surprised if it had any significant political undertones. I expect it will be more about relationships and romaticism (which includes romance). I DO think he might make some observations about our society. But I think politics wouldn't be the focus. I think EMG arguably had some undertones like Gretch suggests, but I think with all the writers DF is supposedly working with, I suspect it won't go there much.

Date: Wed, May 12, 2004, 14:04:27 ET
Posted by: angel,

Gretchen: Just to add to your thought on Donald and when he was writing and recording Kami. Remember that we were at War, for part of that time. Things were not always so wonderful, in the 90's, especially the early part.

Date: Wed, May 12, 2004, 13:10:11 ET
Posted by: Gretchen, Tied to the mast of a very unglamourous profession...

It will be interesting to see what kind of tone a solo effort from Donald would have, given the socio-political climate these days. Back in 82 with Nightfly, he was coming through that period of disillusionment and exhaustion, and those songs were a return to the comfortable theme of childhood, while Kami in the 90's had a more energized, optomistic feel, as did the country. I'm just wondering about how world events of late will affect his music, it's something to ponder....
G

Date: Wed, May 12, 2004, 00:00:04 ET
Posted by: SouthOfHollywood, Checking the mail...

Q's news is the best thing I've heard since 10/11/03...

In Q we trust...

SOH

Date: Tues, May 11, 2004, 23:19:56 ET
Posted by: hoops,

Don't have a CD changer in my car but do have a CD player. And, as earlier posts might suggest, YES, I listen to EMG and 2vN in my car several times a week. I think EMG is much more a straightforward Steely Dan album with the classic SD hooks, while 2vN is a tougher, yet much more rewarding "nut" to crack. I love EMG but am really appreciating how 2vN is the more groundbreaking of the two albums.

I posted this to the NYC Danfest list:

So where is everyone staying for the Dannys Weekend?

[Some are] staying at the Hilton on Avenue of the Americas and 54th; Some are reliving the excitement of last September by staying at Novotel.

Any deals out there?

Friday is the two week deadline for plane tix. Still, if you miss that one, check out ual.com, aa.com, and other airlines' web sites since they often have special deals the Tuesday before (as in May 25), even for Memorial Day weekend. Like UAL had a roundtrip--leave Sat morning come back Monday night for $169 roundtrip from Chicago. I'll keep you posted.

Get on the NYC Danfest list to stay in touch!

BTW: I can read but cannot SEND email this evening due to a server issue. Sorry you can't get my replys if you are waiting for one.

Finally, I appreciat the need for an occassional anon or alternate nickname when posting, but trust me, too much use isn't good for the place. Thanks for using sparingly.

Be well.

jim

Date: Tues, May 11, 2004, 22:44:25 ET
Posted by: Little Wild One, Concrete Jungle

True confessions: I misplaced my cd case containing all my remasters about 3 weeks ago. Yesterday, while moving furniture (a wetside story), deep in the recesses of the sofa, it was recovered.

EMG on first thing today and it felt like someone had given me mouth-to-mouth. Alas, 2VN is still MIA...today definitely felt like a WOH day.

Hello Q and Mrs. Q! I hope spring time in Tampa is not desparate and dark and that I will catch up with ya in person soon.

Date: Tues, May 11, 2004, 22:13:10 ET
Posted by: Q, TPA

Daniac -My view isn't based on St. Al's viewpoint or "info" - it's my info and simply using St. Al's words from a post of his on the Yellowbook.

RE my info - I think you can take it to the bank...

Date: Tues, May 11, 2004, 20:01:26 ET
Posted by: Daniac,

Whoaaa....now that we have a quote from St Al I'm convinced.

Date: Tues, May 11, 2004, 19:33:28 ET
Posted by: SusieQ, Listening

Of course I still have EMG and 2VN in my changer, and Can't Buy a Thrill also!!

Date: Tues, May 11, 2004, 19:22:20 ET
Posted by: Q, TPA

From what I hear on the grapevine, you will hear from DF in '05

As far as SD itself - to quote St. Al - not for a VERY, VERY long time...if ever

Anyone still have 2VN or EMG in their car CD changer? I still groove to EMG and 2VN occaisionally, although more as asitdown at home kind of disc.

Date: Tues, May 11, 2004, 16:52:45 ET
Posted by: hoops,

I've not seen anything new on this topic but don't know about a "demise."

SteelyDan.com said last fall that they have powered down to sleep/hibernate mode or something like that ; while they are not sure what's next, they say it will be different. So what I've said before, in response to that as well as just how music in general is changing, is that I don't think we'll ever see another huge Steely Dan tour of stadiums and sheds as we did circa 1993-2003. I might point out that that period of Steely Dan was longer than the 1972-1980 period. I also won't hold my breath for another album under the name Steely Dan for at least two or three years or longer.

I *do* think we will see some solo projects by Becker and/or Fagen or maybe something along the lines of New York Rock and Soul Revue. Probably not this year but after.

Then again, we Danfan die-hards have experienced this before. Seems like maybe 15-20 years ago, we started hearing about this new technology called "Compact Disc Audio" and I was alternating between wondering if I should invest in the new technology and anxiously wanting to see and hear what new details would be revealed. And then there would be the occasional Becker or Fagen sighting on someone else's record or in an interview. Had Steely Dan trivia in the classes I taught and named all the Mac Pluses on my AppleTalk network after Steely Dan characters (We just had BITNET.) We're probably in another phase like that but even the lull will be different.

I have no idea about the status or progress (if any) on the reports from almost exactly a year ago—that Fagen was working on a solo album with other songwriters, like Carole Bayer Sager AND others. So I suppose that's a shred of hope. Then again, SD fans have been teased with stuff like that for decades.

So what I said two or three years ago was that you just keep the faith. I mean you don't stand around waiting for the next SD album or whatever Becker and/or Fagen might next work on or you will disappointed. But know something will eventually happen and it will be different.

jim

Date: Tues, May 11, 2004, 14:44:10 ET
Posted by: Gretchen, in the sun

On the big screen they showed us the sun
But not as bright in life as the real one
It's never quite the same as the real one

Ok, so all of this hearsay on other boards about the demise of SD, I think it's jumping the gun, what does everyone else think? I do admit, though, last year at this time was much more fun. Kind of depressing, isn't it? I wish they'd just throw us some little shred of hope....

g

Date: Tues, May 11, 2004, 12:38:05 ET
Posted by: Sister Goldenhair,

Father,
Being enigmatic is not necessarily a good thing, especially when the enigma remains invisible. People tend to lose interest, wouldn't yo agree?
peace

Date: Tues, May 11, 2004, 12:08:08 ET
Posted by: father william, ...

Does enigmatic = invisible?

Date: Tues, May 11, 2004, 02:42:50 ET
Posted by: Rikki Mt. High, CO

write ins anyone?

most enigmatic host at a Danfest?

And the Danny goes to.....


JOEY

(who is still developing)

Date: Mon, May 10, 2004, 16:26:13 ET
Posted by: Q, Down in Tampa...

Little Wild One - Mrs.Q says hello.

Good to be back. Nothing important to say right now (as usual).

I was thinking the other day that it seems like the EMG Tour was ages ago! hasn't even been a year. Time does slip as you get "old", eh?

Zman - it's in the mail!

Date: Mon, May 10, 2004, 14:45:54 ET
Posted by: hoops,

Was listening to "Things I Miss the Most" and realized how Leonard Cohen's "Waiting for the Miracle" are similarly themed and colored songs. Several years ago, I wrote about "Cousin Lenny" and how if you like Steely Dan you could appreciate Lenoard Cohen especially circa post 1984. Another exhibit in the discussion. Another bit of trivia: Dean Parks is on "Waiting for the Miracle."

Date: Mon, May 10, 2004, 12:56:31 ET
Posted by: Texas Twister, I get around

Why, how nice to see you Dr. Mu f/k/a DACW back on our lovely blue horizon! I certainly hope the Dallas Danfest '03 gets some well-deserved nods in the Danny voting. What a great group of folks.

Shout out to Rose Darlin', Mr. LaPage, Geoff, the Wilster and sis, Gloria, etc., etc. You know who you are.

I nominate the champagne and sushi server for most elegant spread at a Danfest! And all out of the back of her SUV....talk about resourcesful!

Date: Mon, May 10, 2004, 00:38:54 ET
Posted by: Dr Mu,

Hoops,

That MAY be a different set. I remember Norah played the Horace Silver song "Peace" with lyrics added. In the same vein, Norah supplied lyrics for an Ellington tune "Don't Miss You at All" on her latest album "Feels Like Home." I can tell you that it provides the opportunity for refreshing nap in between Sunrise and Don't Miss You at All .


Doctor Mu

Date: Sun, May 09, 2004, 20:07:18 ET
Posted by: Little Wild One, Party Central

Thank you hoops and others for the mom's day wishes. I kinda feel like that old song in that, "each day is Mother's Day" since I get to interact daily with two amazing, developing (to quote our Joey) young lives.

Special times, special people...brings to mind several times in the last few years when many of us have been lucky enough to get together and share the things we know and love.

For those of you who missed the Danny's/HOF weekend in '01, don't make that mistake this time. If you think the folks you chat with or share Bluebook posts with, on a regular basis are fun, YOU SHOULD MEET them in person!

I guarantee, it will be a weekend you will never forget! See ya soon!

Date: Sun, May 09, 2004, 18:28:14 ET
Posted by: hoops, chicago

NPR is currently re-airing the edition of "Marian McPartland's Piano Jazz" with Norah Jones. I thought it aired about a month or two before Steely Dan was on and before Norah won all those Grammys. Maybe this is a different show.

Marian and Norah play:

Set List for Norah Jones on Piano Jazz
"Mean to Me" (Alhert/Turk)
"Lover Man" (Davis/Ramirez/Sherman)
"Walkin My Baby Back Home" (Alhert/Turk)
"Spring Can Really Hang You Up the Most" (Landesman/Wolf)
"Meloncholia" (Ellington/N. Jones)
"Tenderly" (Gross/Lawrence)
"Portrait" (McPartland)
"Summertime" (G. and I. Gershwin/Heyward)
"Easy Livin'" (Rainger/Robin)
"A Foggy Day in London Town" (G. and I. Gershwin)


Check out http://www.pianojazz.org for more info on where you can hear it on traditional radio or streaming internet radio.

Happy Mother's Day to all you Danfan moms and grandmoms.

jim

Date: Sat, May 08, 2004, 14:41:31 ET
Posted by: Kid Clean, F*&^%#g workin'

In like Flynn.

Steviee D - My mail box is jonesin' man, what's going on??

Happy Mother's Day to all you Dandom Mom's.

Peace


KC

Date: Sat, May 08, 2004, 08:55:30 ET
Posted by: GauchoAmigo, Custerdome

10. Danfest Attendee Who Best Embodied a Steely Dan Character or
Album Cover (Name attendee and Danfest)

..........we all know who that is..............

Date: Fri, May 07, 2004, 19:37:06 ET
Posted by: A Fool In Love, With Time To Kiiillll

here's one.

"Metrosexual Danfan of 2003"

The nominees are
Pete Q, Joey and Aussie

and the Danny goes too.....

Date: Fri, May 07, 2004, 18:37:48 ET
Posted by: hoops, the danny vaults

DANNYS BALLOT: Due Noon, NYC Time, Saturday, May 22.

For those of you who don't know, THE DANNYS are the,
less-than-scientific, for-fun, occasionally-annual awards as voted by
Dan Fans across the global Internet to recognize Becker and Fagen,
their professional associates, their accomplishments, as well as
those of fellow Danfans. I'm sure there is plenty of opportunity for
self-aggrandizement as well.

There are two kinds of Dannys. One kind is a collection of
categories where everyone votes on the same thing. The second kind
is free-style: that is, each voter makes up as many award categories
as they like and then names their own winner in each of their own
invented categories.

Awards for the first kind of Dannys are presented (with
tongue-firmly-in cheek) at an awards ceremony. This year's ceremony
will be held in New York City on Saturday, May 29, 2004. Email
hoops@dandom.com for more details. I hope you can make it.

If you find this confusing, just check out the Danny winners page
from 2001 at http://www.dandom.com/thedannys -- I'm sure you will
get the idea.

With ten years having gone by since Steely Dan started touring again,
it was also thought this year's Dannys should consider the past
fabulous decade of "Dan Moderne" as well as the 2003 "Everything Must
Go" tour.

This week opens the period of voting for all things associated with
Steely Dan 2003.

In a week, look for a second ballot covering all things Dan in the
past ten years and beyond.

TO VOTE:
* Simply reply to this message with your responses edited in after
each ballot item.
* You may give simple short answers.
* You can also append additional comments to your response for each
item. The comments you submit may be appended to the final web page
listing the Danny Award Winners for 2004.
* If you don't wish to vote in a certain category, no problem.
Please leave it blank.

========================================================

O F F I C I A L B A L L O T - 2 0 0 4 D A N N Y A W A R D S


========================================================



PART 1: AWARDS RELATED TO DANFANS AND 2003 DANFESTS



1. Best Beverage Served at a Danfest (Name beverage, beverage maker
and Danfest)




2. Best Food Item Served at a Danfest (Name food item, cook/chef and Danfest)




3. Best Substance at a Danfest (Name substance and Danfest; name of
substance provider is optional )




4. Best Danfest T-shirt (Name Danfest and artist)




5. Best Party Favor (other than a T-shirt) at a Danfest (Name Danfest
and creator)




6. Best Costume at a Danfest (Name designer/wearer)




7. Best Weather at a Danfest (Name Danfest)




8. Most Inclement Weather at a Danfest (Name Danfest)




9. Best Technical Over-Achievement at a Danfest (Name the
Achievement, the over-achiever and Danfest)




10. Danfest Attendee Who Best Embodied a Steely Dan Character or
Album Cover (Name attendee and Danfest)




11. Best Steely Dan cover band or act for 2001-2003 (Name Band and
relavent details.)




12 . Most Orgasmic or Organic Experience at a Danfest (Name
experience and describe its nature)




13. Midriff Section of the Year at a Danfest-Female (Name the Danfanette)




14. Midriff Section of the Year at a Danfest-Male (Name the Danfanman)




15. Most Thrilling to Meet In Person at a Danfest (Name the Danfan)



16. Danfest Partier of the Year (Name the Dan Partier)



17. Danfest Location of The Year (Name the bar, campground,
restaurant, home, etc)




18. Danfest Host(s) of The Year (Individual, Duo, or Group) (For the
hosts-not necessarily the Danfest. Name the hosts and their Danfest)




19. Danfest of the Year (Name the Danfest)



PART II: AWARDS RELATED TO THE ACTUAL STEELY DAN SHOWS OF THE 2003 TOUR




20. Venue with the Coolest Security




21. Venue with Most-Nazi-like Security




22. Best Concession Stand Food or Beverage Item



23. Worst Concession Stand Food or Beverage Item



24. Venue with Best Potties



25. Venue with Scariest Potties




26. Venue with Best Parking or Means of Transportation




27. Venue with Worst Parking or Means of Transportation




28. Venue with Best Sound




29. Venue with Worst Sound




30. Venue From Hell of the Year




31. Best Venue of the Year




32. Audience Member of the Year-Female




33. Audience Member of the Year-Male




34. Audience of the Year




35. Best Official Steely Dan Item Sold at Shows




36. Most Exciting Moment During a Steely Dan Show




37. Best Performance of a Song at a Specific Steely Dan Show




38. Best Song Performed Overall at most Steely Dan Shows




39. M.V.P. Steely Dan Orchestra 2003




40. Steely Dan Show of the Year




FREE-FORM, DO-IT-YOURSELF DANNYS

Make up your own Danny Aware Category and then name the winner!

41. (Your Invented Category)
(and the Danny goes to...)




42. (Your Invented Category)
(and the Danny goes to...)




43. (Your Invented Category)
(and the Danny goes to...)




44. (Insert as many as you like)...




DANNYS BALLOT FOR THE PAST DECADE and BEYOND -- coming next week.


PLEASE E-MAIL YOUR DANNY BALLOT TO

dannys@dandom.com by Noon NYC Time on Saturday, May 22, 2004


Finally, campaigning or or promotion (including self-promotion) for
any Danny award is frowned upon. However, you are heartily
encouraged to write and post any memories of events or thoughts that
these award categories might foster and post them to
digest@dandom.com or the BlueBook at http://www.dandom.com/guestbook
Happy voting, happy memories!

jim

aka hoops

Date: Fri, May 07, 2004, 17:16:09 ET
Posted by: hoops, the room at the bottom of the stairs

The latest Dandom Digest has just mailed covering April 9-May 7, 2004.

If you are not already a subscriber and wish to be, please see http://www.dandom.com/dandomdigest or email me.

Also, if you are a subscriber and do not receive the Digest with 12 hours, please email me.

This week's (or actually, this past four weeks' Digest has the following subjects.

--2004 NYC Danfest & Dannys Awards: Memorialize the 2003 Tour
- EVENT #1: The Dannys & Dandom CD Release Party
- EVENT #2: Marian McPartland at Birdland

--VOTE in the DANNYS AWARDS: Voting Ends May 22

--CONTRIBUTE YOUR MUSIC: The Dandom CD Compilation & Release Party
--Re: Dandom CD compilation
--Steeling Dan in Minneapolis
--emg on vinyl
--Nightfly DTS question
--Steely Dan Literary Reference
--Rita Moreno is a Danfan
--iTunes Top Ten
--The BlueBook is back

Speaking of back, today is the end-of-school-year exhibition and tomorrow is graduation. Looking forward to having more time to spend with you folks. Reminds me of the line, "We've have to hold out for graduation..."

jim

Date: Thurs, May 06, 2004, 22:39:33 ET
Posted by: Daddy G., NJ

Short bio piece on Larry Carlton:

http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/archive/2004/May/06/style/stories/04style.htm


Review of Acura TL sport sedan with ELS DVD-A 5.1 sound system:

http://www.lasvegasmercury.com/2004/MERC-May-06-Thu-2004/23783027.html


Relevant exerpt: "New to the automobile world is the Acura/ELS DVD-A 5.1 sound system. I know it is a mouthful, but it is also an earful. This system was developed with Grammy-winning producer/engineer Elliot Scheiner, who has produced albums for the likes of Steely Dan and Fleetwood Mac. The system offers 24-bit sound resolution. Compared with a normal 16-bit CD, the DVD offers a remarkably fuller sound. The first time I heard this system I was in awe of the quality and quantity. I can only compare it to the difference between the old mono records and stereo. The sound is of a quality you only get from a live concert."

I'm assuming the ELS moniker comes from (EL)liot (S)cheiner.

Date: Thurs, May 06, 2004, 11:57:35 ET
Posted by: T.J., Denmark

To: SouthOfHollywood

I discovered them because Tina Dico who sings on and has co-written to tracks on the cd, is from Denmark (like I am), and I have her 2 solo-cd's.
Fantastic cd "When It Falls". All instruments played live, unusual for that type of music.

T.J.

Date: Thurs, May 06, 2004, 11:23:53 ET
Posted by: Gretchen, friend with a fancy persuasion

Zero 7's other album, Simple Things, has that dreamy, after dark moodiness also, with a little less electronica, perfect to listen to at sunset (with a good wine). Also, I recently discovered 2 real gems: Bill Anschell's "When Cooler Heads Prevail" and Charles Fambrough's "Proper Angle." Laid back jazz with a sophisticated, (dare I say sexy) edge.

G

Date: Thurs, May 06, 2004, 00:07:34 ET
Posted by: SteveeDan, Lost In Google.com

Hi Gretchen -

I followed that link you posted
(http://babelogue.citypages.com:8080/bzellar/2004/03/02)

I found all the Steely Dan related titles of articles, but, I guess it was just a cover up to political commentaries.

The story preceeding the links was interesting though.

Thanks.


SteveeDan

Date: Wed, May 05, 2004, 23:47:58 ET
Posted by: SouthOfHollywood, Sicko De Mayo

To:

T.J.

Zero 7 and their CD "When It Falls" is a mood masterpiece...I'd read reviews on this release in various places and was quite intrigued by said reviews and then spurred by your mention of it in an earlier post...This is top-shelf stuff...Thank you

Fr:

SOH

Date: Tues, May 04, 2004, 16:09:40 ET
Posted by: Gretchen, way deep into google

Has anyone seen this link? http://babelogue.citypages.com:8080/bzellar/2004/03/02

G

Date: Tues, May 04, 2004, 12:08:15 ET
Posted by: father william, over here

Somethig new for a gear slut.

http://www.cnn.com/2004/TECH/ptech/05/04/digital.guitar.ap/index.html

Date: Tues, May 04, 2004, 07:08:02 ET
Posted by: Still Sparkin', China

Thanks for the DVD-A list South.

My odd technical setup (no surround system and an amp that dosen't decode DTS inputs) doesn't give me much satisfaction for anything other than DVD-A. Even with a stereo set-up, I get amazing sound, even though I'm missing a little here and there.

Date: Tues, May 04, 2004, 02:04:16 ET
Posted by: SouthOfHollywood, Just Here

Hey Sparkin'...

The Dan DVD-A's are as follows:

The Nightfly
Kamaririad
Gaucho
Two Against Nature
Everything Must Go

I sure hope the rest get released in this format...I'm not sold on SACD just yet...

SOH

Date: Mon, May 03, 2004, 21:28:27 ET
Posted by: Paul, UK

The Dan Collective
Steely Dan revue band are appearing live

--on--

Thursday May 6th at
The Running Horse
16 Alfreton Road,
Canning Circus
Nottingham, NG7 3NG

tel: 0115 978 7398

doors open at 7.30pm, show starts at 9pm

2 hours of the coolest music on the planet - Steely Dan
http://www.thedancollective.com

Date: Mon, May 03, 2004, 16:55:31 ET
Posted by: Gretchen, Stress Central

WuDuF, Beau Bolero memorabilia? I'd love to see that.....
I was planning the thing for the 2nd or 3rd (or both), but I've been kind of lazy lately in my planning. I should get going on it, now in fact. That reminds me, anyone who has interest, email me so I can get some idea of what to expect.

Who's going to the Danny's?

G

Date: Mon, May 03, 2004, 15:35:30 ET
Posted by: Wicked Librarian,

In yesterday's Sunday San Francisco Chronicle there is an article about Berkeley resident and Academy, Grammy, and Tony Award-winner Rita Moreno. Deep into the article, when asked by the interviewer, Moreno says she likes to listen to the the music of Prince and Steely Dan.

Woo hoo! I have loved Rita for years and now I just adore her!

Check out the article at:

http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2004/05/02/LVGFL6AIMJ1.DTL

If it isn't too late, I would like to nominate Ms. Moreno for an honorary Danny, because she is just so cool.

Diggin' the Dan,

The Wicked Librarian

Date: Sun, May 02, 2004, 17:35:56 ET
Posted by: WuDuF, glad to be back

Aaah-it's so refreshing to be in the blue again! Thanks for taking care of my posting information, hoops. I'm wondering about the details for Gretchen's party. I plan to be back from Florida on Friday, July 2nd. Will the festivities still be going on? Let me know, G, either through here or an email. I have some interesting Beau Bolero stuff I could bring for a laugh.

Date: Sun, May 02, 2004, 09:15:23 ET
Posted by: Still Sparkin', China

Greetings,

Anyone know offhand which SD discs have been issued as DVD-As ?

Have missed the comments on the Blue. Hope you are all well.

Date: Sun, May 02, 2004, 01:02:49 ET
Posted by: Father Time, tick tock

Just remembered that an important anniversary just passed the last week or so.

The Green Room is One Year Old!!

Oh boy, if those walls could talk.....

Date: Sat, May 01, 2004, 23:45:13 ET
Posted by: SouthOfHollywood, Home At Last

Gosh I missed this place...

I sincerely hope that all of the cool kids begin their migration back to the Blue...It was an empty time without all of the postings that I so looked forward to on a daily basis...I've been monitoring The Dan Collective post area in the Blue's absence and while it is quite a good site with very interesting folk, it's the Blue that I was missing...Good to have you back, Jimbo and friends...

PS...Jon Herington has stepped back into the lead guitar role with Boz Scagg's touring band for this summer, replacing Drew Zingg who replaced...Jon Herington...July 20th, Humphrey's On The Bay, San Diego, Southland USA...Be there...

SOH

I bet Smarty Jones to win, LWO...What a shame about you!

Date: Sat, May 01, 2004, 19:27:06 ET
Posted by: Daddy G., NJ

Instead of the usual occasional search for "Steely Dan" on Google News to see if anything of interest is brewing I tried something different---"Everything Must Go". I got the normal mundane references I expected, but also found what I thought to be a somewhat interesting piece from April 29 in "The Globe And Mail" (Calgary, Canada)....

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/ArticleNews/TPStory/LAC/20040429/FACTS29/TPComment/Features

...wherein the author attends a church garage sale with his kids and ends up encountering a funeral at the same time/place. This makes the author wonder if maybe there's a connection between the garage sale and the dearly departed. He goes on to ponder the nature and function of garage sales and the connections we all have to possessions, what they mean to us and what they say about us. It's actually a light little philosophical piece.

I enjoyed it and thought I'd post the link even though it has absolutely nothing to do with SD really beyond the search phrase. Although I bet Don & Walt could very well incorporate such a funeral/garage sale scenario in a nice little ditty. It just sounds like something they could have fun with.

Date: Sat, May 01, 2004, 18:22:26 ET
Posted by: Little Wild One, the loser's circle

The working class horse wins. But I guess a horse with the name "Jones" in it can't be all bad. Right Wreck-less ones?

Sigh, listen to Alan for your winning bets.

Date: Sat, May 01, 2004, 18:14:03 ET
Posted by: Little Wild One, Wimbledon

Watching the Derby and thinking about regionalism. We here in Houston had a local owner with a horse that got scratched yesterday...Bobby Baffert delivered the bad news, so the horse must not have been all that bad. (My almost 12-year old daughter knew about it before I did...does that officially make me hopelessly out-of-touch?)

Hope all the Derby Day celebrants are having fun!

And in the spirit of that, thinking about a special Sunday evening celebration in NYC over the Danny's weekend. More to come...must confirm details and such. A WILD bachelor/bachelorette party....

All I'm saying...except, take "Read the Footnotes" to win, "Polliard's Vision" to show. No. 2 is up for grabs.

April 2004 BlueBook Entries.