JUNE 2009 BlueBook Entries

Date: Tues, June 30, 2009, 23:00:41 ET
Posted by: Jive Miguel, In from Bogata

Props to B. Getz from JamBase.

Nice review:

http://www.jambase.com/Articles/18608/Steely-Dan-6.18.09-Florida

Date: Tues, June 30, 2009, 21:31:44 ET
Posted by: Dr. Wu, Iowa

Just a brief addendum to my earlier post to Kalvin. Do not expect a perceptive, intelligent review from me following the August 31st show in Chicago, as I am extremely unlikely to be completely sober for that event. On the other hand, I will not be standing in the aisle trying to take pictures with my cell phone and "singing" at the top of my lungs. I promise.

Wu

Date: Tues, June 30, 2009, 21:25:18 ET
Posted by: HouDanFan, Houston

I agree with you Young Wu...And I'm wondering how Memphis got a gig??

Date: Tues, June 30, 2009, 21:08:46 ET
Posted by: Dr. Wu, Iowa

Kalvin --

I'm with The Dean on this one. A very perceptive, intelligent review. That's what happens when you stay sober for a concert....

Date: Tues, June 30, 2009, 20:35:26 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine Beach

That's what I'm talkin' bout, Kalvin.

Outstanding review. Thanks so much.

I've checked out a few Toon Roos Quartet vids on youtube, when I saw they were the opening act. Very impressive. There are some of very high quality vids. Here are a couple"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98lVlNY5k40

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wDtJdCm7xME&feature=related

I hope to see them someday on this side of the pond.

Date: Tues, June 30, 2009, 20:00:35 ET
Posted by: Kalvin, Portsmouth, England

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls,

Belated ramblings from a non muso of last weeks Brussels gig,

* Location? Follow signs to the end of the world, and then it's just a couple of miles further on from that!
* Inside? Really good venue. Excellent acoustics in a venue large enough to matter, yet small enough to be intimate.
* Merch? Poor and to be frank, I expected much better. The usual black Aja tee shirt with euro dates, the emerald green skinny little number for the laydeeez, a pathetic non descript white tee shirt with some random scribblings on, a mug and the deck of cards from the 'Heavy Rollers' tour. I had expected great things when I originally saw the 'logo' for this tour, but that particular emblem was only available on a small A3 sized $15 poster. Sorry, not good enough!
* Audience, though vocal, more or less nailed to the floor.
* Attendance? I'm guessing the venue holds about 5-6,000 but was only 2/3 rds full at best. In keeping with previous Steely Dan concerts, certainly in the UK, and seemingly now in Europe, promotional costs were kept to a minimum, i.e. zero! As a comparison, the person/band/entity that is Ne:yo had his face plastered all around Brussels advertising an upcoming concert like you would'nt believe...to the point where when I left the city on Saturday, I felt a bit guilty that I had'nt bought a ticket myself!
* If you like your jazz on the light and fluffy side, then forget the support act, the Toon Roos Quartet. They provided 30 minutes of full on heavy duty professionally performed note perfect jazz...and why not...well done lads, stay true.
* Anyway to business...as my name was'nt on the ticket as the main attraction, I'm not, and never will, complain about the set list. It's their concert and they can play what they like as many times as they like. I have a choice as to whether I buy a ticket or not...I can also remember that barren period called the 80's..so end of!
* Let's get this out of the way up front, Carlock = Animal!
* Walter on fire for the first third of the concert. Arguably with an excessive amount of 'noodling' but none the less on fire.
* Harrington anonimous for this period...why? Because in the last third he was white hot, as good as I've ever seen him.
* High spots...certainly for me...an orgasmic Black Friday, in your face Show Biz Kids, welcomed Parkers Band, funkadelic Green Earings and the never failing to satisfy Peg.
* OK, let's try and tackle that prickly 'new' Reeling in the Years. For me it might as well have been Freebird, 'cos it was'nt RITY! Did I like it? Yes it was OK, and I welcomed the 'experiment' However it was more than simply a new arrangement, it was a different song. And one that for my sins I don't believe could/would ever have happened without C$, this version was dripping with the latter's influences. End result? I'd rather have heard it than missed out on it, but they can't win can they. They can play 'x' amount of studio versions and get shot at for milking the same old songs, or they can change the arrangement, and they get hammered for not playing the 'classics' C'est la vie!
* Previous postings have alluded to a high quality performance on this euro leg, and I'm in agreement. Why?...well try this one on for size. Everyone's individual reactions/responses must surely always be influenced to some degree by our environment. Are the enforced changes to personnel in the keyboards (Jim Beard's excellent intro to Josie also worthy of note), horn and vocal sections just enough to change the dynamic of the group as a whole? Maybe.

Further observations of the Left Bank Holiday to follow people, but for now, for me, in the words of one Joseph Strummer,as tomorrow's Wednesday, it must be London Calling!

Date: Tues, June 30, 2009, 19:40:39 ET
Posted by: Young Wu,

Dean, I get what you are saying... but I just that doing a tour to focus on 4 cities is a little... strange. I mean, after the "practice shows" (I gotta be careful, can't upset Bob), and the 4 big city shows, there are only 6 shows left, and only 1 in the West.

Date: Tues, June 30, 2009, 19:35:55 ET
Posted by: Young Wu,

No, sorry Bob.

I knew... but I still think they could have spread those shows apart a litle. They did go to Alabama and NC as well, so it's not like they didn't move at all.

Dean, yes, I should have said Upstate AND Western NY they missed. I wasn't even thinking Buffalo when I wrote it. Anywhere outside of NY that isn't the Beacon Theatre, really.

Date: Tues, June 30, 2009, 19:14:18 ET
Posted by: Bob,

Dean-O, Hoopster and others have been saying for a couple of months that Florida was a warmup. That's just like Japan in 94 and 2000, wine country in 2003, etc. Did you just catch on?

Date: Tues, June 30, 2009, 19:06:42 ET
Posted by: The Dean, Manatee Bar, It's Happy Hour

Young Wu,

It looks like they used Florida (and GA) to warm up for Europe. Makes sense to play those few shows in the same general geographic area.

After Europe, it looks like the focus is the the special set shows, in the big markets. A handful of casinos are mixed in, for the most part. Not really a big national tour like before. This one is specifically focused, it seems. At least so far.

And aren't you in Buffalo? WESTERN New York. I don't have to tell you that.

:#)

Date: Tues, June 30, 2009, 18:47:22 ET
Posted by: Young Wu, Coming to a sad realization that there will not be anymore dates added

I'm really suprised, but I doubt anymore shows come up. I hope I'm wrong, but it's been almost a month since shows have been added and there is no news on upcoming shows.

They missed a lot this year:
Upstate NY.
Ohio
PA
AZ
Denver
Texas
Anywhere in California other than LA

A lot of big gaps in the country.

I would think they could do a better job at spacing out the shows. I mean, nothing at all in the west except for LA and Las Vegas.

And nothing in big states like TX, PA, OH... but 5 shows in FL?

I don't know... I just think they did a pretty poor job for dates this year. Just my 2 cents.

Date: Tues, June 30, 2009, 17:27:33 ET
Posted by: Peg Mash-Up,

Interesting vid doc. BUT how could they leave out Larry Carlton's
stab at the Peg solo? :(

Date: Tues, June 30, 2009, 17:24:33 ET
Posted by: Special delivery..., Tis is supposedly what was played June 29, Birmingham

I wasn't there so those who were are invited to correct this:

Teenies Blues
Reelin' in the years
Time out of mind
Show biz kids
My old school
Bad sneakers
Two against nature
Black Friday
Aja
Hey Nineteen
Parker's band
Babylon sisters
Glamour profession
Daddy don't live in NYC
Deacon Blues
Love Is Like An Itchin'...
Josie
Peg

ENCORE

FM
Kid Charlamagne

Date: Tues, June 30, 2009, 17:01:37 ET
Posted by: Lonnie THE Kingpin, La Jolla

Bill from PGH,

You are clearly a man of discerning taste and class. This guy who goes by the handle of "Yeah" does not seem to get the interesting and new qualities of the new (and perhaps already retired) version of Reelin'. You can only lead a horse to water . . .

As for Steely Doc, he is always on point and incisive with his missives.

Keep it coming!

As always, I am and remain,

LTK

Date: Tues, June 30, 2009, 16:34:33 ET
Posted by: wt, nola

the new wilco album is fantastic! and fun tongue in cheek too

wilco remind me of the dan

they have had a killer run of experimental albums
from being there, summerteeth, ghost, sky blue sky and now the wilco album

great experimentation, playing, and tweedy is the best writer since Costello

see them live and become a fan, just fab

Date: Tues, June 30, 2009, 15:00:12 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine Beach

Raj and Bill,

I agree. I thought Wayne and Jon together were fantastic with Donald's band.

Date: Tues, June 30, 2009, 14:55:02 ET
Posted by: RajaH, Roma

Dean, I stand redressed by your post. Thank you.

But Bill I also think is correct, Wayne fits in better with Jon.

Date: Tues, June 30, 2009, 14:14:50 ET
Posted by: Bill from Pgh,

Dean - thanks for the support.

My humble opinion - Krantz fit in a lot better alongside Herrington on the DF solo tour than he did in 96. Like Wadenius, he used an excessively raspy, fuzzed-out tone during his "rock" solos with SD, although his clean tone was quite pleasing. He is a fine player and I like what I have heard of his work in other settings. I'm more partial to the 335 style favored by Carlton, Zingg and Herrington (although Herrinton does some tasty work with his Tele as well).

Date: Tues, June 30, 2009, 14:01:46 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine Beach

Oh, I'm not missing the mark here, Raj. As I noted, Krantz may be my favorite of these guitarists, for the reasons you state.

And while I like his take on the solo, it is the least Dan-like, in the traditional sense. Unlike some others on the Blue (not you, of course), I have no problem with some "unusual" takes on the traditional Dan tunes, so Krantz's version doesn't bother me in the least. But, he doesn't play to the normal interpretation of what is typically Dan.

You say "he's got a real bop jazz ear, he's inverting notes and summarizing passages brilliantly, reinterpreting with stylish command and there's nothing more Steely Danish than that". My retort would be, that is all well and good, but there is something more Steely Danish than that, and that would be sounding like your solo belongs in a Steely Dan song.

EVERYTHING Walt plays sounds like Steely Dan. Krantz has his own thing going. It is very good, but it doesn't blend into the songs the way the others do. For better or worse.

Date: Tues, June 30, 2009, 13:51:05 ET
Posted by: Rajah, Trastevere, Roma

SteelyDoc - Marvelous missive from you, thanks, the four players, so singular in their take on Peg, to me, all breathtaking. Dean, you are missing the mark on Wayne Krantz here, his work is exceptional. He just hears things differently, he's got a real bop jazz ear, he's inverting notes and summarizing passages brilliantly, reinterpreting with stylish command and there's nothing more Steely Danish than that.

E viva.

Date: Tues, June 30, 2009, 13:40:56 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine Beach

Bill,

You owe no apologies to the least of the board's posters, or to anyone else, for that matter. I always find your posts relevant and insightful. You are a fan...that's good enough for me. I think that is why we are here.

IMO, your posts are never too long.

Just my 2 cents.

Date: Tues, June 30, 2009, 13:18:53 ET
Posted by: Bill from Pgh,

Dr.Demento: Sorry for wasting bandwidth. There are a lot of extremely talented musicians on the Blue and I don't pretend to be one of them. I was hoping for some input from other fan/players like Mr. Davidson with superior skills. Steely Dan is widely known as a band of "musicians' musicians" and I'd wager they have a greater number of players among their fandom than the average act.If I'm guilty of tedium, so be it (sue me if I post too long).

I'm a big fan of Drew Zingg, too, and would like to hear more of him, with SD or otherwise. It appears he makes a good living doing stage shows, which may pay well but is a waste of his fine abilities. I think Jon H. has the ability to closely mimic the styles and approaches of all of the studio sidemen and their solos without playing note-for-note, but Zingg is probably the more original of the two.

Date: Tues, June 30, 2009, 12:51:07 ET
Posted by: J Tappi,

STEELY DOC -

I think I would choose, in order, my fav 3 solos: 1) Graydon; 2) Krantz; and 3) Herington.

How 'bout youse?

Date: Tues, June 30, 2009, 11:37:14 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine Beach

Klaus,

Do you mean the youtube video with Reelin from this tour?

Cut and past this into your browser:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7HaNiGjT_E

It is pieces of several Dan songs. Starts with Hey 19. Reelin starts at about the 50 second mark, and ends at about 3:53. It is edited a couple of times, so it isn't the entire song.

If that isn't what you are talking about, sorry. That's the only recently posted RITY I know of.

After listening to it a few more times, I REALLY like it. It has little to do with the original version...so what? Any jazz fan should be able to handle that sort of thing. What's old is new again. To me, it sounds like something Donald might have tried on his solos tour.

Date: Tues, June 30, 2009, 11:28:09 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine Beach

I am loving the European Dan chatter. I hope it keeps up. Wish their was a set list, too.

Doc, let me weigh-in on the Peg solos. Because Graydon's version is so ingrained in my mind, and so perfect, it is hard to vote against it. So let's talk about the others.

All were acceptable, to say the least. Wadenius' was my least favorite, as he tried to mimic the Graydon solo too much, but then really didn't add anything worth remembering after that. Not horrible, mind you, just doesn't hold up to the others.

While I love Krantz's playing, he doesn't sound like Steely Dan to me. I may like his playing outside the band, more than any of these players, and his solos is very good. But it isn't "Dan enough" for me.

Zing and Herrington do a tremendous job of making the solo their own, while staying true to the sound of the original, and the keeping a Steely Dan-ish character/quality to their contributions.

Date: Tues, June 30, 2009, 10:32:43 ET
Posted by: Klaus and the rooster, OHIO

I keep trying the address I was given on the blue for rity and it will not let me enter. Ive scrolled till my scroller broke and cant find it. Help?

Date: Tues, June 30, 2009, 09:49:48 ET
Posted by: steelydoc, near the Borgata

discuss:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eUMVC7ezVF8

Date: Tues, June 30, 2009, 07:04:35 ET
Posted by: bassicinstinct, Nottingham UK

Beers:

Hanging very nicely thanks - hope you are likewise ;-)

Yep, I loved the reworked Reeling and Black Friday but I do tend to prefer the less rocky interpretations nowadays.

I think it might be an age thing you know. LOL

Date: Tues, June 30, 2009, 06:28:18 ET
Posted by: Beers, On Trent

Bassic/Dunc

How's it hanging

you liked Reelin then Mr T? It confused the hell out of me !!!

Back Friday was just wrong - they seem detremined to removed all vestiges of their Rock trappings?

The Girly Vox were spot on and so was DF's voice - v crisp ... Walter? hmmm

Date: Tues, June 30, 2009, 06:04:47 ET
Posted by: Howie LeMarr, Leeds UK

I saw the Dan 2 years ago for the 1st time at the NIA @ I thought they were great. Last nights gig at the same venue was better. Mainly because Donald's voice seemed sharper this time & having the extra girlie backing singer also might have contributed. Infact the whole sound system was near perfection.

Liked the new arrangements of RITY & Show Biz Kids - i think it was the tight groove that did it. Personal favourite was Bad Sneakers. Biggest surprise was the inclusion of Glamour Profession which was OK although I would have prefferd Gaucho. Nothing wrong with Black Friday - if it swings, it swings.

If touring Europe is becoming a bi-annual evnt then roll on 2011!

Date: Tues, June 30, 2009, 05:55:24 ET
Posted by: bassicinstinct, Nottingham UK

Duncan:

Very early on which, in all honesty, I didn't mind at all.

I think the problem is that we've become so accustomed to it being an encore number that to hear it early on in the proceedings seems more than a little odd. LOL

Date: Tues, June 30, 2009, 05:40:48 ET
Posted by: Howie LeMarr, Leeds UK

I saw the Dan 2 years ago for the 1st time at the NIA @ I thought they were great. Last nights gig at the same venue was better. Mainly because Donald's voice seemed sharper this time & having the extra girlie backing singer also might have contributed. Infact the whole sound system was near perfection.

Liked the new arrangements of RITY & Show Biz Kids - i think it was the tight groove that did it. Personal favourite was Bad Sneakers. Biggest surprise was the inclusion of Glamour Profession which was OK although I would have prefferd Gaucho. Nothing wrong with Black Friday - if it swings, it swings.

If touring Europe is becoming a bi-annual evnt then roll on 2011!

Date: Tues, June 30, 2009, 05:05:03 ET
Posted by: duncan, UK

at least you got reelin'
where was my old school in the set?
It was way to early in Edinburgh
db

Date: Tues, June 30, 2009, 04:54:56 ET
Posted by: bassicinstinct, Nottingham UK

Birmingham NIA sublime in every way last night IMHO.

Fourth time I've seen 'em and definitely the best yet.

All of a sudden, I like "Reelin'" again!! LOL

Date: Tues, June 30, 2009, 04:37:05 ET
Posted by: Beerberian, UK Dandom

Cloud Burst on way from car park ... walk "between" the raindrops to the door...

Personally didn't "get" Reelin' reorged

As for other arrangements...

Show Biz K's ... hmmm not sure either

AND I reely (sic) didn't care for the swing style Black Friday


maybe it's me ...

The rest (left well alone - hid in rock and sand?) Was superb

JH up the volume tho

B

Date: Tues, June 30, 2009, 04:20:50 ET
Posted by: KD, certainly not Orlando

The new version of "Here at the Western World?"

Thank you, Jon Herington. Thanks.

Date: Mon, June 29, 2009, 22:32:09 ET
Posted by: Bill from Pgh,

New Reelin' chorus?

Fmaj7 Fm6
Bm7/E Bbm+7/Eb
C/D C9
G

Other attempts?

Dan Davidson's version is pretty damn close, and from memory! He must have perfect pitch.

Date: Mon, June 29, 2009, 22:04:45 ET
Posted by: Bill from Pgh,

So what's so great about the original Reelin'? Two words: Elliot Randall. Without his three iconic guitar solos (and to a lesser extent, Skunk's harmonized "surf" licks) the 72 version is pretty dated. The first, second and fourth verse lines are set to a simple, sing-songy descending progression, the third line is a bit more interesting, the chorus/solo bed is two repeating chords. Sure, it beat the hell out of everything else on the radio in 1972, but this isn't supposed to be an oldies act.

The AIA version is more angular and has more bop-like melodic content in the horn arrangements and chords behind the solos, but is relatively faithful in tempo and strucutre, and builds to a wailing guitar solo at the end from the hired gun du jour (Zingg, Wadeinus, Herrington).

The 2009 version has an intriguing intro (borrowed from Al Green's "Love and Happiness" it seems), a slow-burn funk verse, a deceptively complex chorus, a new bridge (maybe recycled from somewhere - the early draft of Jack of Speed, perhaps?) and additional lyrics - Walter's solo is a bit perfunctory, I'd have preferred a Carlton-inspired take by Herrington or maybe some Hammond soul from Beard, but this is a valid reinterpretation of a song Walter called "juvenalia" in the liner to AIA. It ain't 1972 anymore, and this is much more of an R&B/jazz band than the rock band it was in those days. I'm all for it.

By the way, has anyone deciphered the new bridge lyrics yet?

Date: Mon, June 29, 2009, 20:09:24 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh

Reelin - Unless that's the case, this is the only re-arrangement that I've flat out disliked ever. Just seems so dashed off, recycling one of the worst unreleased tune in their catalogue. The chorus is nice, but totally picked out of Fagen's back pocket. What a disappointment.

Date: Mon, June 29, 2009, 19:14:35 ET
Posted by: DF,

Thank you very much! 'precciate it!

Date: Mon, June 29, 2009, 17:08:09 ET
Posted by: ForwardGirl, Yon

Steve: "....it was dark and I wanted to believe!"

What a great line! That could come in handy in many different situations...

Date: Mon, June 29, 2009, 16:41:13 ET
Posted by: Maybe they renamed it, Reekin' in the Years

Did someone say something about some new lyrics?

Date: Mon, June 29, 2009, 16:37:22 ET
Posted by: reelin' again,

Maybe the new "Reelin'" is just some Steelian humor.

Maybe the boys were thinking "How would Bill Murray as the Lounge Singer" cover "Reelin' in the Years?".

Date: Mon, June 29, 2009, 16:15:18 ET
Posted by: moray eel, fine

Nice to hear the positive comments about DF's vocal performances so far. I'm wondering how people would compare them with his performances on other tours.

For me, I think 1996 (Detroit) was the best I ever heard DF sing in person. Sounded as good as the record, if not better.

Turn up Jim Nabors, the Eagles are listening...

m.e.

Date: Mon, June 29, 2009, 16:05:05 ET
Posted by: You're, Wrong

Yes they would have, cuz they had another hit.

Date: Mon, June 29, 2009, 14:51:33 ET
Posted by: reelin' indeed,

If the new "Reelin'" arrangement had been on the original recording in '72, Steely Dan would never have recorded a second album.

Date: Mon, June 29, 2009, 14:13:42 ET
Posted by: Deaconblue, BRUSSELS

Hello guys,

I was at the Brussels Forest National concert. Like always it was a great gig with a lot of surprises. A new slow down version of "Reeling" that i liked a lot. Just like Eddie the Kingpin said: a new fresh song that proves the great musicianship of all the bandmembers. And yes Rajah, i also prefere to comporate Steely Dan with Barcelona, more style and artisticity. Real madrid is nothing more than a marketing product.

But more now about the Brussels concert. First surprise was the hornsection without Michael leonhart and the backgroundvocalist with Carolyne.

Donald in a great form and Walter was better on drive on his guitar than two years ago. But on the otherhand i had prefered to hear a little more solo's from Jon Herrington .

But in general terms it was a great concert very close to perfection. I cannot wait to see them in Rome and Perugia. That's my holiday destination this year.

Date: Mon, June 29, 2009, 13:44:23 ET
Posted by: Craig B.,

Thanks for the info Angel Gus and Rajah
Sad to say $ are a concern

Date: Mon, June 29, 2009, 11:58:12 ET
Posted by: Beerberian, UK Dandom on Trent

3hrs till the ecstasy ... NOW that's a countdown


I really thought we had seen the last this side of the pond

THANKS guys

any chance of PL?

PLEASE

B

Date: Mon, June 29, 2009, 11:14:30 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine Beach

Correction:

Obviously, I meant to say "I DON'T think anyone should have an opinion of a show they have not seen..."

Date: Mon, June 29, 2009, 10:19:43 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine Beach

Dr. Demento,

I think that anyone should have an opinion on a show (or tour) they haven't seen (or heard in totality and good quality) good or bad. But as this is a Steely Dan FAN site, I would understand how some might be a little bit enthusiastic and positive about their music, even sight unseen. Most of us come here (I suspect) because we think SD music is overwhelmingly good, in its entirety. Why would anyone visit and post on a site devoted to an artist they thought was "just OK", or one they only like a few songs from?

But since nearly all of those who have attended the shows posting positive remarks, one has to wonder how someone who has not attended can form such negative opinions and why one (excepting trolls, of course) would post negative remarks on a show they have not seen. Don't like the setlist? I understand that. As for the performance, you really have to experience that to dislike it...no?

Date: Mon, June 29, 2009, 07:52:16 ET
Posted by: Mr LaPage, The Movies

Saw this trailer at the movies last night. Was the phrase "Countdown to Ecstasy" used prior to SD? I think this movie is set in 1966


http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi34800409/

Date: Mon, June 29, 2009, 07:20:59 ET
Posted by: RonnieM, Washington, Tyne & Wear

I went to the land of my forefathers,
to see the Edinburgh gig last night.
Great gig, not as good as Tampa, a couple of years ago!
No Leonharts though???
My highlights were new versions of
Show Biz Kids - great and
Two Against Nature - fantastic.
There should be a live album of every tour!

Date: Mon, June 29, 2009, 06:18:03 ET
Posted by: Rajah,

Craig B - I liked Universal better when it was open-air and, it's true what Gus says, the sound, even as it did then, seemed to carry up real strong to the nosebleed seats. Do bring your binoculars, though, 201 ft.- 1000 yds at 17x, opera glasses just won't do.

Louie the Lipp, I certainly must know you if you come at me like that and, yes, I'm pretty much an expert on all things Steely Dan, guilty, and what I don't know...I just kind of...make up. I'm afraid you'll have to suck it up and put up with me every so often around here. I give a lot of ground these days but this is still my turf, paid for with no mean fee. Welcome to my world and you will please wipe your feet before crossing my threshold. I thank you for the courtesy.

Dean, Real Madrid is a helluva squad but nothing compared to Barcellona this past year but the USA beat Spain a few days ago for their biggest victory ever on the international soccer scene and boy was I stoked over that.

Date: Mon, June 29, 2009, 06:04:50 ET
Posted by: Steve M, Scotland

"Josie (with very fine DF piano intro)"

That was Jim Beard, not DF



....it was dark and I wanted to believe!

Date: Mon, June 29, 2009, 05:14:51 ET
Posted by: Jazzman, Edinburgh

The only new arrangements I detected were My Old School and Show Biz Kids. The others, I thought, were pretty close to the originals, more so than I've heard before. Was good to see and hear Marvin Stamm on trumpet, a true professional. The US shows are going to be something special this year I think. Too bad we won't be able to go to any when we get back.

Date: Mon, June 29, 2009, 04:09:00 ET
Posted by: In Edinb, last night

"Josie (with very fine DF piano intro)"

That was Jim Beard, not DF

Date: Mon, June 29, 2009, 00:36:24 ET
Posted by: Lutz, SF

I welcome the new arrangements of the songs, Black Friday sounded fresh last summer.
We are discussing here if slower or faster is better, but the set list is getting stale.
Would rather discuss some other songs they haven't played much - it's like some of their best stuff never happened.
The audience deserves a little more credit, not everyone shows up for Parker's Band alone.

Date: Sun, June 28, 2009, 23:17:04 ET
Posted by: Greg M, White Plains, NY

My Old School so early in the set!? This is something unseen since they started touring in 93. I always wondered what would happen if they tried this.

Awesome, Awesome, Awesome

Shows the lads are really letting their hair down this go around.

Date: Sun, June 28, 2009, 21:50:58 ET
Posted by: Lurker Ray, Malibu, shucking corn on the veranda

"I Got the News (really missed the MMcD type backing vocs here on 'Broadway Duchess...')"

Jeff Young. Jeff Young.

Date: Sun, June 28, 2009, 21:41:43 ET
Posted by: Bill from Pgh,

[No SD content]

The Joe Walsh-penned riff for Life in the Fast Lane is a very close approximation of Frank Zappa's "Willie the Pimp." There is also a very similar riff in Stephen Stills' "My Favorite Changes" from his 1975 self-titled solo album.

Turn up the Eagles, the neighbors are listening.

Date: Sun, June 28, 2009, 21:20:29 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine Beach

Steve, Jazzman,

Thanks for the info.

I find it curious that most who have been to the shows (and posted here) like the new arrangements (although some have said they would also like to hear the original one of these days, too), and have commented on how good the shows are.

OTOH, there are some who haven't been to a show this tour, and they have already concluded the new arrangements suck (based on youtube clips) and the band is going through the motions (based on...well...nothing, apparently).

Strange...no?

Date: Sun, June 28, 2009, 21:20:20 ET
Posted by: Lurker Ray, Malibu, Back From The Water

Thanks Steve & Jazzman for
the "timely" reports from
one of my favorite cities.
Wish I could have been there.

Date: Sun, June 28, 2009, 20:39:23 ET
Posted by: Steve M, Scotland

likewise, missed Peg!

ps: £3.50 for a bottle of Becks!!!!!!!!?

Date: Sun, June 28, 2009, 20:15:52 ET
Posted by: Jazzman, Edinburgh

I missed Black Friday and Last Tango In Paris. Oh well. Thanks Steve.

Jazz

Date: Sun, June 28, 2009, 20:13:01 ET
Posted by: Jazzman, Edinburgh

Just got back from the show in Edinburgh. What a treat! Front row seats and the sound was great. Donald was in great voice and the band were fantastic, every one of them. Set list was :-

Intro - Jeri
Time Out Of Mind
Show Biz Kids
My Old School
I Got The News
Bad Sneakers
2VN
Aja
Hey 19
Parkers Band
Babylon Sisters
Daddy Don't Live In That New York City No More
Black Cow
Green Earrings
Love Is Like etc
Josie
Peg

Encore - Kid Charlemagne

There might be a couple of songs out of order in the above list but that is as I remember them. Great to meet some Danfans before and after the show, particularly Anne and Kieran from Ireland, who were traveling on to see the shows in London, Paris and Perugia. Anne's whoops during the show moved Donald to tell her she was hired. Fantastic show and well worth the trip from the US to see them here.

Jazzman (Colin)

Date: Sun, June 28, 2009, 20:11:14 ET
Posted by: Steve M, Scotland

Well, in Edinburgh tonight we got (in very approx order)

Band intro (Jeri?)
Time Out of Mind (groovetastic!)
Showbiz Kids (reworked with a dirty lowdown groove and surprisingly good)
I Got the News (really missed the MMcD type backing vocs here on 'Broadway Duchess...')
My Old School
Bad Sneakers (underrated brilliant track)
2VN (mass toilet break, a bit too jazzy for some!)
Babylon Sisters (heaven, plus great trumpet!)
Aja (strangely weak but could have been the arseholes chattering away behind me which buggered it up!))
Black Friday
Daddy Don't (Walt singing)
Black Cow (Yessss!)
Green earrings (sublime)
Parkers Band (tight and fast and short)
Hey 19 (with corny Becker rap...good fun!)
Josie (with very fine DF piano intro)
Love is Like an Itching in my Heart (Mowtown with the girlies!)

(encore)
Kid C (sing along.. "is there gas in the car...?")
Band outro (last tango in Paris)

Good venue, trad 3000+ seater theatre. Good sound.

Thought they missed the Jeff Young/ Mike McD backing vocs although Jim Beard is a fine player as witnessed on Green Earrings. Walt does slightly over do the noodling and actually I'm fine with the melodica!

Thought the piano intro to Josie was 'pure dead brilliant' and really really liked the reworked Show Biz Kids.

Shame no Godwhacker/HATWW/ though

Has to be said though....tonight I saw a Steely Dan show, and that is somewhat special

Date: Sun, June 28, 2009, 17:31:05 ET
Posted by: Yeah, , right

There is nothing new or inventive about it. It's just the music of 'Cash Only Island' with the Reelin' lyrics tacked on top of it. Doesn't take much imagination to do that.

Date: Sun, June 28, 2009, 17:17:12 ET
Posted by: Lonnie THE Kingpin, La Jolla

Hello One and ALL:

I believe it is time for me to surface and weigh in on the New and Improved "Reelin'" debate. This is important to me as I am taking time out from having margaritas (with Cuervo Gold)on the beach and playing some guitar out on the veranda. The Gibson Les Paul sounds lovely with the ocean breezes flying across the strings. Trying to get those changes right on Ms. Peg.

In my view, the new Reelin' is awesome. What is the issue here? This is new and inventive. Very hip in its more languid tempo. Many on this site complain about wanting new arrangements. This is like a new tune. Enjoy the hell out of it while you can.

I need to get back to some steely practice work now. As always, I am the Kingpin. See you all at the LA gigs!

LTK

Date: Sun, June 28, 2009, 17:05:16 ET
Posted by: GusMahler, long Island, NY

Dean -

Happy to do it! I'm digging this new arrangement too, although I'd like to hear a polished studio version of it with some cleaner vocals from DF. I'm not going to hold my breath, though ;-)

Allow me to ask a question - around 1:52 in that clip, is that some new bridge material? Or am I not deciphering it... I recognize the verse that comes back with "Spent a lot of money, and I spent a lot of time..."

Anybody who's been in attendance thus far know anything about this? Bonus points for anybody who can provide some lyrics?

Date: Sun, June 28, 2009, 16:49:40 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine Beach

I see Gus beat me to it.

Well, it's always good to have confirmation, I guess.

:#)

Date: Sun, June 28, 2009, 16:42:40 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine Beach

Klaus,

You can hear pieces of Reelin, and some other tunes, here (Gus posted it a day or two ago):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7HaNiGjT_E

Slim, what you are listening to at the 1:20 mark of that video (if it is the same video) is the Reelin in the Years, rearranged. You can tell by the lyrics.

And, for the record, I like the new arrangements quite a bit.

As for Life in the Fast Lane being a rip-off of Kid C, I have to say..."What?" There is a small piece of the song that shares some of the sonic qualities of Kid C, but they are very different, otherwise. I guess anything is possible, though.

Date: Sun, June 28, 2009, 16:39:04 ET
Posted by: GusMahler, Long Island, NY

Slim and Klaus et al:

What a coincidence that I can help both of you with one post! That "unrecognizable song" is the new arrangement of Reelin'. Listen for when the ladies come in, the chorus is pretty recognizable.

Here's the clip again for those who are scroll-lazy:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7HaNiGjT_E

Enjoy!

Date: Sun, June 28, 2009, 16:15:13 ET
Posted by: Klaus and the rooster, OHIO

Help! Ive searched youtube for the new version of rity to no avail. Where can I hear it?

Date: Sun, June 28, 2009, 16:02:18 ET
Posted by: Slim, SF

Gus Mahler,

Great clip from Amsterdam. Major question to Gus or anyone:

On the you tube link, about 1:20 in, there is a tune that DF is singing. What is that tune? I have never heard this before. Interesting and sounds great. Any help appreciated.

Go Dan!

Slim

Date: Sun, June 28, 2009, 15:51:20 ET
Posted by: Strainer, wannabe

Everyone knows there was enough time between The Royal Scam and Hotel California for the Eagles to "answer" Everything You Did. But I'm also thinking that Life in the Fast Lane is a pretty apparent rip off of Kid Charlemagne. Any thoughts?

Date: Sun, June 28, 2009, 15:07:57 ET
Posted by: Lurker Ray, Malibu

Thanks for the further info CB!

Date: Sun, June 28, 2009, 14:00:17 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh

The rhodes on Black Cow sound like the Nord Electro / Stage rhodes, and a video from Europe shows a red keyboard, so I'm going with that.

Date: Sun, June 28, 2009, 13:59:57 ET
Posted by: KD, Not Orlando

I love the new "Reelin'" too.

I loved the AiA version, but I can understand going for a change. And trying to emulate the 1972 version, I'm sorry, but that would just be an absolute din that would work. Especially trying a single line version of the twin-lead guitar bits, which would sound like Herington practicing alone. Visit YouTube for proof of this.

Date: Sun, June 28, 2009, 11:32:41 ET
Posted by: Bill from Pgh,

OK, am I the only one who likes the new arrangement of Reelin'? If AIA was the "Aja" version (which I considered it to be), this is the "Kamakiriad" version. Deep groove, great harmonies on the chorus, and as was noted below, a new bridge! I'd like to see them reinvigorate a few other warhorses - Kid C, anyone?

On the other hand, the return to the original arrangement of Here At The Western World was a wise move and that song sounds great live. I have always considered Western World to be among the sublime, aching ballads the boys have created, in the spirit of Midnight Cruiser and Dr. Wu (and I'd add a couple C$ tunes to that list as well - Upside Looking Down and Paging Audrey).

I think this lineup is sticking closer to the recorded arrangements than they have in the past - no drum solo in Josie, back to the original bridge lyrics and coda, no horn break in Sign In Stranger, pretty straight intro to Black Cow (I liked the squonking '96 version myself).

Question for anyone who has seen them - what's Jim Beard's rig like? From photos he appears to have a grand piano and a Porta-B. Sounds like he's playing Rhodes on Black Cow - did Donald pick up the Melodica but not play it? Also, who plays the intro to Babylon Sisters, Donald or Beard? I don't hear any melodica or keytar on that one either.

Date: Sun, June 28, 2009, 04:00:22 ET
Posted by: Celluloid Biker, Belgium

Quote Lurker Ray:
Thanks for the Amsterdam & Belgium
setlists! Um, are you sure it was
the "Charlie Angels Theme" and not
"Last Tango In Paris"? Many people,
even here at the Blue have made that
mistake. They do have similarities.
My bet is that it was "Tango".

Yes, you're right, we discussed it with friends the other night, while it was a reasonably slow version we thought it was Charlie's Angels theme because of the recent dead of Farah. I'm sorry for that.

quote2:BTW-
I see that they have done
"Do It Again" as an encore,
in both Amsterdam and even
closed the show with it in
Belgium. I wonder if this
is "In Tribute"? Has Don
said anything before starting
about having a hit across the
pond with the remix with MJ?


No he didn't mention anything about that, he just started of with a piano intro and they also played just 1 encore.

I've noticed also that they played 5 other songs than 2 years ago (Reelin', B Friday, Parkers B, Daddy, & Do it Again)
But i enjoyed the show and hope when they tour next time in Europe they don't skip Belgium. (this year no Germany concerts)

Date: Sun, June 28, 2009, 01:29:10 ET
Posted by: Greg M, White Plains

I've listened to the Boca show a bunch of times. A few observations:

Not everything is slower than usual as folks are saying, here. As far as tempos go, Time Out of Mind and Godwacker are actually FASTER than usual.

The new version of Reelin is not as bad as everyone is saying. It's actually a very deep groove, and I try to appreciate it for what it is. The vocal phrasing and melody in the verses sounds a lot like Security Joan. The bridge has NEW LYRICS! I can't really understand what they are yet, but it seems to be sort of a continuation of the Reelin story!

Don's voice sounds as good as it did last year..which is actually very good and confident (unlike the wheazy, soft, raspy vocals of the Walking Distance and 2007 tours). This is a plus.

Jim Beard's playing is sharp and very true to the old albums, which is cool.

Date: Sun, June 28, 2009, 01:17:16 ET
Posted by: angel, LA

In regard to Do It Again. The Guitar Hero Crowd have been exposed to it. Bet that's why it is turning up at concerts. I had an 18 year old in my car today and the third song on his Ipod was DIA. I was in shock when it came on and when I asked him why he was playing that he said that he LOVES that song. A new generation...

Date: Sun, June 28, 2009, 00:57:06 ET
Posted by: Sam,

Was the outro at Brussels really the theme from Charlie's Angels? I could imagine it was because it's by Henry Mancini and DF is a huge Mancini fan, even playing HM's Pete's Pad/Hank's Pad as the opener for 2000.

On the other hand, the outro they have played based on Last Tango in Paris in recent years is also a tad similar to the them from Charlie's Angle.

Someone please confirm.

Thanks for all the comments and reviews.

Date: Sat, June 27, 2009, 23:01:12 ET
Posted by: Beast w/o A Thriller Album, Visiting Long Island

Thanks Gus for posting the updated "Reeling." I agree with the Cash-Only comparisons as far as the key of G and the shuffle type feel. Otherwise, it sounds like a high-end hotel vacation tiki bar cover band version.

Yes, that was a mean spirited criticism. Anyone who has ever been around different types of gigs and played in a band knows what I'm talking about here. Sorry D+W. I smell cheap perfume and people trying to order queasy outdoor barfood. It sounds like a babe-choir arrangement which happens to feature Donald singing.

BTW, those setlists from the first 2 Euroshows would have permanently estranged me from the group for charging me so much money for something I have mostly seen previously. At least I know what to partially expect on July 31 Scam Night. My guess is they will include HATWW as it came from those sessions but released later. Place your bet ?

I would love to see clips posted of Gold Teeth, Sign In Stranger, Rikki, Wu, Rival and Here At The Western World. These seem to be the setlist standouts for 2009, no ?

Keep the You Tube updates coming. That 6 or 7 second quotation from Mobile Home sounds interesting - looking forward to hearing it.

Hopefully we will all one day get to hear the now 10 year old fabled cover of Joni Mitchell's "Carey." Does anyone out there know who played on it and / or what the hell it sounds like ? Is it for real ?

Date: Sat, June 27, 2009, 21:35:19 ET
Posted by: Lurker Ray, Malibu

BTW-
I see that they have done
"Do It Again" as an encore,
in both Amsterdam and even
closed the show with it in
Belgium. I wonder if this
is "In Tribute"? Has Don
said anything before starting
about having a hit across the
pond with the remix with MJ?

Date: Sat, June 27, 2009, 16:47:39 ET
Posted by: Gus Winterbottom, Torrance, CA

Ray,

Thanks very much for the link; I will give that a try.

Tom,

In front of your section the orchestra pit is eight rows deep; a Gibson seating chart can be found via this link:

http://www.livenation.com/venue/gibson-amphitheatre-tickets

On that page there are buttons for both 2 and 3 dimensional seating charts. Other than the aforementioned too-loud sound from the center mezzanine, we have been in the Loge section twice (roughly sections 14 and 21) and in the pit once. I don't recall any sound problems at any of those locations. By the way, the mezzanine situation could have been a unique occurrence, but even if it was a systematic problem, 23 years of upgrades have probably corrected it by now.

Reuben,

An alternate voting strategy to mine might be to simply pick the best 20 song show from the songs offered. Nothing wrong with that. I think that is what my wife has in mind; possibly many other fans have the same idea.

GW

Date: Sat, June 27, 2009, 15:42:30 ET
Posted by: Lurker Ray, Malibu

Mr. Winterbottom,
You should have received a
link from TM/LN for each
of your tickets purchased.
These links are unique to
ensure that you can only
vote once. Unlike the debacle
at MSG. If you haven't
received your links, I would
contact TM at:
customer_support@ticketmaster.com
That is the link you are given if
you try and vote twice.

I'm really surprised that with
all of the chatter about the
Boca Boot, no one has commented
on the DEAD, SOLID tribute to
"This All Too Mobile Home" at
4:16 to 4:21 of "Sign In Stranger"!
Could it be that Walter has a
hankering to play it?!

CB-
Thanks for the Amsterdam & Belgium
setlists! Um, are you sure it was
the "Charlie Angels Theme" and not
"Last Tango In Paris"? Many people,
even here at the Blue have made that
mistake. They do have similarities.
My bet is that it was "Tango".

Date: Sat, June 27, 2009, 15:23:17 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine Beach

J Tappi,

I guess I disagree with just about all of that.

I will say I find the yearly Hey 19 story to be fairly lame, every year. This tour's version seems to be actually a little bit more inspired (if less intelligible)* than the past two, though. (Last year I believe it was very short, and by the book.) Still, losing it would be a plus in my book.

As for his guitar playing, Walt seems to get better every year I see him. He played two of the best solos I have ever heard him play live, this year, and one of them was in Pretzel Logic. And while you may not like his constant playing during the verses, it seems to me this is more active, than passive. I can't remember hearing Walt play a chord in, well...forever, it seems. But his solos and fills seem more focused this year, than they have in the past. Just my take. With that said, I'd like to hear Jon a little louder in the mix and have him play a few more solos.

SteelyDon, there were a few songs with slightly slower tempos. As for 2vN, it was pretty awesome, in St Augustine. I can't really compare it to other times, specifically, but it didn't appear, or sound, like they were going through the motions on 2vN, or any of the songs.


*"Inspired (if less intelligible)" make me think of some of Provincial Reuben's posts. I love to read them, and they are fun. But I admit I sometimes have no idea what the hell they are about. Still, keep em coming, Reuben.

Date: Sat, June 27, 2009, 14:42:27 ET
Posted by: Provincial Reuben, Tall County AR

Gus W: Sounds like you have a solid plan. I guess I hope the Missus doesn't. Voting rights may not have conferred with your tkts. Boston is the only show/site that I have knowledge of where I can research out choices and the relative popularity thereof. Any help toward that end would be much appreciated.
"Katy Lied" was the first vinyl worn out on the first "Steely Dan Machine" (Fisher Price portable turntable non-detachable speakers) in the almost hot summer of 1980. Fortunately the ceilings were higher than our fidelity.
Greg M: Weird indeed.
Maybe slowed down rhythms and patter are in anticipation of European translation lag or 50Hz power supply. Maybe watching Kenny Jones labour through 'Baba O'Riley' in 1980 was not a pretty sight.

Date: Sat, June 27, 2009, 13:45:06 ET
Posted by: Tom Hayes, San Diego, Ca

Gus Winterbottom: How is the Gibson Amphitheater as a venue? I saw the D'Angelo Voodoo tour there back in June of 2000, but in the 9 years since I have forgotten how the venue was.

I'm in the fourth row of Orch 1 and I'm unclear how close to the stage that section is, and if the sound system is any good there?

Date: Sat, June 27, 2009, 13:40:10 ET
Posted by: Dr. Wu, Iowa

I noticed tempos slowed down on several songs on the Heavy Rollers tour in 2007.

Date: Sat, June 27, 2009, 13:22:00 ET
Posted by: SteelyDon, Musswellbrook

I am a HUGE SD fan and I love what they have brought to music. I have seen them in concert about a dozen times but after looking at the clips from youtube on this year's concert they really are beginning to sound like a tired act. Listening to a clip from 2VN I was severely disappointed. I believe they played this in 2007 and it was awesome, fast just like the album. The clip I saw from one of the Europe shows was slow moving and really lacked energy.

They have really sounded much better and it seems like they are just slowing down the tempos of all of there songs. I haven't bought tickets for this tour and I doubt that I will after seeing what the concert's have been like.

Anyone else notice this?

Date: Sat, June 27, 2009, 13:21:47 ET
Posted by: SteelyDon, Musswellbrook

I am a HUGE SD fan and I love what they have brought to music. I have seen them in concert about a dozen times but after looking at the clips from youtube on this year's concert they really are beginning to sound like a tired act. Listening to a clip from 2VN I was severely disappointed. I believe they played this in 2007 and it was awesome, fast just like the album. The clip I saw from one of the Europe shows was slow moving and really lacked energy.

They have really sounded much better and it seems like they are just slowing down the tempos of all of there songs. I haven't bought tickets for this tour and I doubt that I will after seeing what the concert's have been like.

Anyone else notice this?

Date: Sat, June 27, 2009, 12:25:08 ET
Posted by: J Tappi,

Dean -

His dialogue w/ the audience doesn't seem as inspired as in previous shows.

AND he's noodling right thru when DF is singing - esp. during "Pretzel".

Date: Sat, June 27, 2009, 11:39:12 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine Beach

Moondog,

Outstanding joke. I can get some mileage off of that one.

J Tappi, what makes you think Walt is "in his complacency mode"? He wasn't complacent when I saw him. And Don's pipes were fine.

Date: Sat, June 27, 2009, 11:12:33 ET
Posted by: BillfromPgh,

Nice touch with the Charlie's Angels theme outtro.

Date: Sat, June 27, 2009, 11:08:34 ET
Posted by: J Tappi,

Oh-oh... WB's in his complacency mode this summer, children.

DF is energetic but pipes are tired...

See what chasin' the bucks makes you do...

They should be in the studio gettin' a tan...:*)

Date: Sat, June 27, 2009, 10:56:00 ET
Posted by: Moondog, Piazzola,Padova,Italy

Real Madrid haven't been doing too well lately!!!!

Which reminds me of a joke:

Football(Soccer) Result:

Real Madrid 2 : Surreal Madrid ..Fish..!!

Date: Sat, June 27, 2009, 10:41:22 ET
Posted by: Greg M, White Plains

Love the variety in the setlists. They should have been doing this since 93!

Jeri is back - awesome.

I find it weird, however, that they are not working up the rare songs that will be played on the albums nights.

My Rival, Sign in, Gaucho (in the correct key), everything you did, etc.
I'm looking for more performances of these songs in Europe before the U.S. the album nights to get the band in perfect shape...

cool.

Date: Sat, June 27, 2009, 10:03:57 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine Beach

Celluloid Biker,

Thanks for the setlists and the Dutch review.

What a treat to run that page through three different translators and read the resulting comedy. I actually LOL. Web translators have a long way to go.

The gist of the article is, they were great, and the reviewer loved them. The writer calls Steely Dan "the Real Madrid" of jazz rock, in that only the best players need apply. For those who are soccer ignorant, Real Madrid is a very, very successful football (soccer) club based in Madrid, Spain.

Date: Sat, June 27, 2009, 09:48:42 ET
Posted by: Aaron Spelling, home

Where's my royalties from the outro? Oh wait I'm dead.

Date: Sat, June 27, 2009, 09:22:21 ET
Posted by: fezo, other side of the mountain

just watched the Gaucho clip with DF on lead with my three year old. it got the coveted Jackson Mills' seal of approval: "I like that man".

pixeleen: I worked in C'ville for years, a stones throw from the downtown amphitheatre. it is a pretty cool town. not as cool as most of resident think it is, but there are good spots. i still find the demise of the live music scene somewhat inexplicable, especially for a college town

Date: Sat, June 27, 2009, 07:55:08 ET
Posted by: Celluloid Biker, Belgium

Setlist from the show last night in Brussel 26 june 2009

Intro Jeri
Reelin' In the Years
Time out of Mind
Godwhacker
Show Bizz Kids
Bad Sneakers
2VN
Black Friday
Aja
Hey 19
Parkers Band
Babylon Sisters
Daddy don't live in that NY City no more
Green Earrings
Love is like an itchin in my Heart
Josie
Peg
Kid Charlemagne

encore
Do It Again
Outro: horn section played the Charlie's Angels theme

No review found yet, but i can tell you that it was an amazing night. The sound was perfect and some of my favourites came along.
Especially Godwhacker and Black Friday sounded great. And of course Aja was outstanding.

Date: Sat, June 27, 2009, 07:28:43 ET
Posted by: Celluloid Biker, Herenthout, Belgium

I got a setlist from Amsterdam 25 june 2009, i wasn't there but picked this up from a Dutch Newspaper.

Intro Jeri
Reelin' In the Years
Time out of Mind
Godwhacker
Bad Sneakers
2VN
Black Friday
Aja
Hey 19
Parkers Band
Babylon Sisters
Daddy don't live in that NY City no more
Green Earrings
Love is like an itchin in my Heart
Josie
Peg
Kid Charlemagne

encore
Do It Again
My Old School

review (in dutch):http://www.ad.nl/cultuur/3321795/Loepzuiver_Steely_Dan_bereikt_bijna_perfectie.html

Date: Sat, June 27, 2009, 03:50:05 ET
Posted by: Gus Winterbottom, up too late

Sorry for the mistake in the previous post, I meant to say "pre-Royal Scam"

Date: Sat, June 27, 2009, 03:39:17 ET
Posted by: Gus Winterbottom, Torrance, CA

Reuben,

I haven't really been following the vote tallies on any of the sites, beyond what is posted here. If you want my own opinion I am planning on voting almost exclusively for everything "pre-Gaucho". But remember this is from someone lucky enough to be able to see the other three "album nights". So I am trying to maximize the setlist variety over the four shows. I should point out that Mrs. GW, who is going to see all four shows as well, does not share this view. Another influence which conveniently fits the above strategy is that "Katy Lied" was the first album I bought, and so for sentimental reasons I would like to hear as much of it as possible.

At this point we have tickets in hand, but no voting instructions. We got tickets through a co-worker who is in a preferred ticket club for the Gibson. The Steely Dan offer to her was a last-minute deal, so the club may have botched some of the details. When I saw Lurker Ray's recent post about Gibson voting I asked her to look for follow-up information. I haven't seen anything on the Ticketmaster or Livenation sites, after a cursory check. Perhaps all I need is a link and a code number on the ticket. I am not yet in panic mode, but any help is appreciated.

GW

Date: Sat, June 27, 2009, 02:25:51 ET
Posted by: Provincial Reuben, Tall County AR

Gus Winterbottom: Have you any info you would/could share re your internet choices as opposed to anyone (say, Boston) else's?
Admittedly I have not lurked as much as I would have liked over the years, but I've always found this site and most of the posters to be consistantly NOT all about that suspicious lump under the quarterback's belt. I respect and appreciate that almost as much as I have pursued my collection of rarities be them as they may. Heck, lately, I respect and appreciate the fidelity toward the Giant much more than I pursue.

Date: Sat, June 27, 2009, 02:09:18 ET
Posted by: lalalalala, land

hey pissst.

when you are hanging with don and walt. PLEASE don't tell them there is no such thing as santa claus - 'cause no one's told them about - "you know" - yet.

ya see if we don't mention something here, then it doesn't exist. and d&w spend all their waking hours at this message board to find out what is real. get it? - they still don't know that 21st century technology exists - and that the airwaves are free.

so listen to they guy who posts here ALL THE TIME (but still refers to himself as "lurker",) and shut the hell up!!!

truth is, if folks don't know where the jar is at this point - they don't deserve the cookies!

Date: Sat, June 27, 2009, 01:54:53 ET
Posted by: Gus Winterbottom, Torrance, CA

Craig,

Regarding Gibson balcony seats, we have sat there only once, for Neil Young in 1986 (I think). We were about dead center. Binoculars were helpful at that show. It seems counterintuitive, but I also could have used some ear protection. Possibly the shape of the building caused some focusing of the sound at that spot. Whatever the reason, it was too loud for me. That said, the seats are still much better than the obstructed view seats on the left and right wings. I think I mentioned a while back that for the 2000 Steely Dan show we were Loge house left, probably Section 21 and never saw the horn section.

As it happens we will be at about the same location as in 1986 (Mezzanine section 24) for both the Aja and Internet Request nights; I am going to bring some earplugs just in case.

GW

Date: Sat, June 27, 2009, 00:05:47 ET
Posted by: it said blues and funk,

Springtime ain't funky. Does not have the right bounce or lope.

Trans Island chorus has da bestest funk on Kamakiriad, plenty of stank. But uses more than one chord in verse.

Gotta go with Teahouse. Same chord repeats three times per bar, and has just enough funk.

Date: Fri, June 26, 2009, 22:42:24 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Springtime...after that delicious intro.

I never listen to it after "shimmering..."

Date: Fri, June 26, 2009, 22:21:53 ET
Posted by: Lurker Ray, Malibu

It's cool to "talk" about the
hot day.

But don't tell people "where"
to get the sundries.

Capeesh?

Date: Fri, June 26, 2009, 21:43:39 ET
Posted by: Lurker Ray, Malibu

Hey "Pssst" don't be a
"Putttz".

Fly low fool.

How about removing that post
hoops.

Date: Fri, June 26, 2009, 21:06:05 ET
Posted by: Hutch, duh...

Well, of course I now look back and see that you SAID he played it note for note.

G'night folks!

Date: Fri, June 26, 2009, 21:03:13 ET
Posted by: Hutch,

Bill - I stand corrected sir! Didn't know they had done that arrangement in the past. Like Wu I must have missed that tour.

Did Jon play the whole intro more or less note for note?

Date: Fri, June 26, 2009, 19:51:35 ET
Posted by: moray eel, home

I like the "Talking Heads" three...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rnngT1d35NQ&feature=channel

Never saw much of a connection to SD though. I guess there isn't one.

m.e.

Date: Fri, June 26, 2009, 19:14:11 ET
Posted by: The Dean, Manatee Bar, It's Happy Hour

Gus,

Thanks for the links to the Amsterdam clips.

Those bits of Reelin sounds fantastic, to these ears. And, yes I would love to hear the original arrangement, too. But I look forward to the different arrangements, as they nearly always work for me.

Date: Fri, June 26, 2009, 18:48:56 ET
Posted by: Kama Sutra,

On his solo album Kamakiriad, Donald Fagen (of Steely Dan) has one song with blues/funk rhythms that leads us to expect the standard blues chord progression, but the first minute and a half of the song is played on only one chord, never moving from that harmonic position.

It doesn't mention which song. Any idea?

An idea. It says playing "on" only one chord? Is that an exact quote?. I would guess that Teahouse is the song. Or maybe Countermoon. They are the two most monotonous, simple songs on Kama You could have, or play "on" only one chord, but throw in some geetar noodling or horn hooks like they do on those songs.

Gonna give Kama a spin, if I can find the mother f---er.

Date: Fri, June 26, 2009, 18:46:37 ET
Posted by: GusMahler, Long Island, NY

...and another, great quality, that's a collection of clips throughout the show. Including the new arrangement of Reelin'.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7HaNiGjT_E

Date: Fri, June 26, 2009, 18:42:07 ET
Posted by: GusMahler, Long Island, NY

A clip of Hey Nineteen from Amsterdam, complete with Becker banter. Pretty good quality:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLTR7hAX7s0

Date: Fri, June 26, 2009, 17:48:52 ET
Posted by: Dr. Wu, Iowa

I'd like nothing better than to hear the CBAT version played note for note, but the version you describe, Bill sounds like a pretty good second choice. That must have been from one of the tours I missed.

Date: Fri, June 26, 2009, 16:53:02 ET
Posted by: Bill from Pgh,

RE "original" Reelin' arrangement - they played a hybrid of the 93-94 version and the CBAT version a few times during one of the past few years' tours. It started like AIA with the piano intro, then Jon H. ripped into the Elliot Randall solo, note-for-note, instead of the horn part, then pretty much followed the AIA arrangement as I recall. Recordings exist, just sayin'

Bill

Date: Fri, June 26, 2009, 15:56:43 ET
Posted by: Dr. Wu, Iowa

Louie

If you haven't got anything to contribute, don't bother posting.

Date: Fri, June 26, 2009, 15:48:06 ET
Posted by: Louie the Lipp, Where you are

So, is this Rajah character, that scrawny little bastard, an expert on everything. What an annoying SOB. Shut it!

Date: Fri, June 26, 2009, 15:21:21 ET
Posted by: angel, LA

Craig: I have sat in the very back of Universal with freebee tickets and I enjoyed the concerts immensely. It's a pretty small venue, so I think any seat is good. If money is an object, go for it.

Date: Fri, June 26, 2009, 14:14:54 ET
Posted by: Casual Fan, MCO

This is your brain.

This is your brain on drugs.

This is your brain listening to Steely Dan.

This is your brain on drugs while listening to Steely Dan.

Date: Fri, June 26, 2009, 14:13:49 ET
Posted by: Possible, Strainer?

In having a "peek inside" the book in the previous post, I read

On his solo album Kamakiriad, Donald Fagen (of Steely Dan) has one song with blues/funk rhythms that leads us to expect the standard blues chord progression, but the first minute and a half of the song is played on only one chord, never moving from that harmonic position.

It doesn't mention which song. Any idea?

Date: Fri, June 26, 2009, 14:08:55 ET
Posted by: book search, keyboard

http://www.amazon.com/This-Your-Brain-Music-Obsession/dp/0452288525/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1246039663&sr=1-1


This book discusses SD a fair bit.

Date: Fri, June 26, 2009, 13:57:13 ET
Posted by: Tomorrows Girl, here and there

I was watching "The Science of Music" on PBS in the wee hours this morning. They showed how music affected the brain, causing neurons to fire in patterns according to the music listened to. I was wondering how our neurons fire off listening to Steely Dan. TG

Date: Fri, June 26, 2009, 13:47:26 ET
Posted by: Kenny, V

I'll listen to Catalyst over Can't Buy a Thrill any day.

Date: Fri, June 26, 2009, 13:32:37 ET
Posted by: Craig B., AV CA

A question for LA Dan Fans:
Has anyone attended a concert at the Gibson and sat in the cheap
nose bleed sections? What was the sound like? Do you need Rajah’s opera glasses? Thanks for any shared experiences

Date: Fri, June 26, 2009, 11:13:03 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine Beach

The Dean with "no answer", as I wasn't addressing the "guess what I'm thinking?" question. I was responding to the poster who I quoted.

I rarely think of the outtakes/unreleased stuff as "Steely Dan songs", but rather "Steely Dan rejects". There are a few exceptions, though.

Date: Fri, June 26, 2009, 11:09:20 ET
Posted by: strainer's onto something, or something he's on,

The Dean with incorrect or no answer
Lurker Ray with a correct answer

Date: Fri, June 26, 2009, 11:01:44 ET
Posted by: Lurker Ray, Malibu

Cash Only Island

Date: Fri, June 26, 2009, 10:57:11 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine Beach

"(possibly COI - have to listen to that again)"

COI?

Date: Fri, June 26, 2009, 10:38:43 ET
Posted by: Lurker Ray, Malibu

Um.....any word or setlist
from the show at HMH last night?

Date: Fri, June 26, 2009, 10:16:57 ET
Posted by: hate to be negative but, hoi boi

they took reelin (one of the best songs) and remade it into a second rate cousin dupree (one of their weakest songs). (possibly COI - have to listen to that again)

you know what i say? i say WTF!!

walter sing on daddy - is PRIMO!

yeah. love western world!!!!!

the band is killer at this point (sans noodler and kids toy playing persons)

full review coming.


mr. sam

ps. look for the tito and latoya - we remember michael - world tour soon!

Date: Fri, June 26, 2009, 08:48:45 ET
Posted by: Hutch,

I don't think we'll ever hear Reelin' done live in it's original arrangement and I really don't understand why that is. It's easily the most recognized song to the casual fan.

But it's one of those Dan songs that needs to have the guitar part played like the original recording or it just loses the momentum.
I'm sure that, with little effort, Krantz or Herington could nail the intro solo note for note. As I've noted before, Jon pretty much plays the intro to DTMA note for note and that's what sets the energy for the song. Same thing with Reelin'.

But, hey... it's their ball game.

Date: Fri, June 26, 2009, 05:39:16 ET
Posted by: SS, HK

Hoops, I think it might be easier to like Reelin' 94 than any other reworked or alternate version of an SD song. Reason is, for me anyway, after hearing Skunk Baxter play the guitar solo on tv shows and on tour in 1974 I decided I didn't need to hear the song done live that way anymore. Elliott Randall nailed it just a bit too well in the studio.

Doesn't mean someone else couldn't rip it up again - I'd like to hear Wayne Krantz try - but I don't even recall hearing a 'straight' version of the song since the 70s.

Date: Fri, June 26, 2009, 05:32:06 ET
Posted by: Rajah,

Hey Donny, the Donald sings into the mic only when he's sure of his note. The microphone is an unforgiving gizmo, you better be darn sure of your pitch, timbre and in control of your attack when you approach. Naturally, great singers drift to and fro from the mic to achieve their desired effects. But when you see somebody back off that sucker on a particularly high note, well, it's a sign of a basic lack of confidence in your vocal instrument. It happens.

Date: Fri, June 26, 2009, 03:10:54 ET
Posted by: Brain Hemorrhager,

The most recent Hemorrhager was:

"Speaking as a recent poster did of wanting to hear “You Gotta Walk It Like You Talk It” at an upcoming Dan show (NOT likely), this Hemorrhager deals with another “pre-CBAT” song that morphed, or very likely was reworked both sonically and lyrically into a tune recorded on one of the 9 original Dan studio records. There are quite a few of these instances of these songs reappearing, some more obvious than others.

Name the Old Testament tune that most likely was derived from “Old Regime”."

Well, there were not many answers to this one, possibly due to its 8.5 level of difficulty. Just a few points of clarification before the correct (best) answer is revealed.

For the last Strainer, which involved DIA, the question focused on the similarity of middle movement organ solos and NOT the overall similarity of DIA to Light My Fire. "Green Tamborine" could bear an overall similarity to DIA, (and also Rikki, I might add) with both songs having that "shazam" sitar thing going on. The key is that it opened a discussion.

As far as that anti-Strainer diatribe put out by The Dean, he is more than entitled to his opinion, laced with the anger that it is. Let me clarify though that a major reason for Strainers is indeed to open discussions, like "Green Tamborine" and some of the other responses, and not to summarily "reject" any responses out of hand. Also, my records show that the The Dean has never attempted to answer ANY Strainer nor Hemorrhager, he has now posted two negative, falsely assertive diatribes and NO correct answers.

For the Hemorrhager at hand involving "Old Regime", some of the responses were interesting such as Razor Boy's syncopation and Fagen's sneering solo vocal affect (see also Through With Buzz and Everyone's Gone to the Movies). The pre-CBAT Parker's Band is also similar, and that song ALSO could have been an answer if not that that song itself, in its relatively unchanged state ended up later being placed on Pretzel Logic.

For a well-versed Danfan, a close listen to "Old Regime", however should indeed invoke a strong sense of similarity that led to the evolution and creation of Rose Darling, which was noted by several posters. The vocal harmonies are similar, driving chorus tempo etc. First with the correct answer and second correct answer overall, was the anonymous poster "my guess", who responded within 10 or 15 minutes of the Hemorrhager being put up. Correct answers to Hemorrhagers are worth two points, Strainers one point.

Date: Fri, June 26, 2009, 00:02:08 ET
Posted by: Provincial Reuben, Tall County AR

B&F decided that their songs had been produced at optimal length at release, so how did "Sign in Stranger" get that extra little break with verselet(?) in it? Didn't see that one coming.
Stretch? Eddie VH aside, I thought Rick D. and W Al did a much better job with "Fat."
DF's vocal style is very, err, umm, clipped, IMnsHO, I think he enjoys putting emPHASis on difFERent parts OF his phrasing. In '06 after enjoying 'HatWW' in an unexpected yet not unpleasant way and watching him BEAT HELL out of a Fender Rhodes (how did he get through 'Brite Nitegown'?,) I figured he was giving the mic a break so as not to break it. It also helps wit a wiseguy outta th side 'o da kisser ting.
Whew. I was afraid some folks earlier were gonna make Joey very sad. That just wasn't right.

Date: Thurs, June 25, 2009, 22:01:27 ET
Posted by: DONNY,

Have you noticed that DF doesn't sing directly into the microphone.

any ideas why?

Date: Thurs, June 25, 2009, 22:01:22 ET
Posted by: DONNY,

Have you noticed that DF doesn't sing directly into the microphone.

any ideas why?

Date: Thurs, June 25, 2009, 21:56:52 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh

Interesting ... Sign in Stranger on this tour is nearly note-for-note the one on Scam. We're talking intro, piano fills, drum fills, guitar fills, bridge (yellow fever is back), outro.

Date: Thurs, June 25, 2009, 21:48:52 ET
Posted by: Don't, Forget

Michael's cover of Hey Nineteen

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=192sS5RuPCA

Date: Thurs, June 25, 2009, 21:46:11 ET
Posted by: SD - MJ links, off the wall

Dean Parks, David Paich, Greg Phillinganes and Jeff Porcaro played on Thriller.


Rick Derringer produced and did the guitar solo on Weird Al's Beat It parody, Eat It. (Ok, that's a stretch)

Date: Thurs, June 25, 2009, 21:34:03 ET
Posted by: To Angel, See below

Yes, Angel, scroll a few posts down.

Date: Thurs, June 25, 2009, 21:30:33 ET
Posted by: angel, LA

Anyone else thinking of that DJ mix of Do it Again and Billie Jean?

Date: Thurs, June 25, 2009, 21:02:51 ET
Posted by: hoops, chicago

SS: Describing it as having a dreamy quality is eloquent--I like your description as it nails it--but like H@TWW'06, it was a curiosity that left me jonesin' for one along the lines of the original album version. Now Reelin' 94--I like it in its own right.

Date: Thurs, June 25, 2009, 20:26:37 ET
Posted by: SS, HK

1996 Ricki was slower and had a dreamy quality to it, thanks to some reharmonized chords. Worked fine as an SD rearrangement

Date: Thurs, June 25, 2009, 20:02:52 ET
Posted by: Reelin' in the Years, 2009 version

Finally got to hear a boot of the 2009 version of "Reelin' in the Years" from the Boca Raton show. The music is "Cash-Only Island" with the Reelin' lyrics sung over it. While I've always enjoyed COI, I was very disappointed with this bastardization. I definitely prefer the original or '94 version to this.

Date: Thurs, June 25, 2009, 19:59:27 ET
Posted by: Provincial Reuben, Tall County AR

Rick: Say, Mr., did you find your London tix? As a kid, my little brother learned 'ABC' from the Mizar 5. Pepe was sort of an EMT-- think Mel Gibson's 'Dr.' in the 1st scene of "Payback."
I've heard 'DIA Meets BJ' (snicker) both ways; each lyric over each music. Why did R&R have to be so easily twisted.
RIP to all, known and unknown, ending their struggles today. Happy Sweet Surrender to all.

Date: Thurs, June 25, 2009, 19:42:02 ET
Posted by: Rick, or....????

This could all be like "Sign In Stranger". Michael Jackson's death is feigned and then, like Pepe, MJ gets a new scar from ear to ear, and enters a new life with a new identity.

Date: Thurs, June 25, 2009, 19:12:13 ET
Posted by: Rick,

Whenever I listen to "Everyone's Gone To The Movies" and hear about Mr. LaPage, why Mr. LaPage is Michael Jackson.

Date: Thurs, June 25, 2009, 19:05:30 ET
Posted by: Steve M, Scotland

I believe Larry Carlton was (inevitably) one of the session guitarists on 'Off The Wall' (MJ at his peak IMHO)

ps: the Billie Jean/DIA remix was a sizeable hit here in the UK in 1983 by Clubhouse

Date: Thurs, June 25, 2009, 18:56:11 ET
Posted by: Young Wu, Sad day... RIP

Were there really a lot of posts of MJ.

Also... what is this Do It Again/Billy Jean mix??

Too bad for Michael.

Date: Thurs, June 25, 2009, 18:38:51 ET
Posted by: hoops, chicago, R.I.P.

The Michael Jackson (and Farrah Fawcett) posts here were getting out of hand, especially the nasty, B.S. ones. Let's try to keep it vis à vis Steely Dan.

The only MJ/SD connection I can think of is a "Billy Jean" / "Do It Again" mix that was popular, and, admittedly, kind of catchy.

Any others???

Date: Thurs, June 25, 2009, 17:21:55 ET
Posted by: angel,

Rajah: It was 2003. I was there when they introduced Horace Silver and I knew who he was and why Donald would do the introduction...

Date: Thurs, June 25, 2009, 17:14:38 ET
Posted by: Provincial Reuben, Tall County AR

LR,Malibu: Thank you. Have you ever, by chance or design, looked at the msg/Boston options comparatively?
Hutch: I agree about 'Green Tambourine,' and I wish I'd thought of it. I'm sorry about what this might do to my place in the kharmic sector, but I can't help but think that B&F were thinking about a lovin' spoonful kind of thing when they wrote DIA. Good to hear Demi Lovato wail about the $etc in 'LaLa Land.'
Quoting (sampling? n an urban setting? A-ight?): didn't that get Paul Griffin a credit?
'Old Regime,' as I try to recall it, does seem to have some 'Rose Darling,' but I decided, if anything, the anapests were turned to dactyls and here's 'Black Friday.' And there is that 'Razor Boy' syncopation... Laughing as I listen to B&F harmonize about a "...drive with four wheel drive..." I feel as tickled as when I think about DF "...haulin' boss crude on the big rigs..." Unless, of course, that's another lovin spoonful kind of thing.

Date: Thurs, June 25, 2009, 16:56:02 ET
Posted by: The Dean, Manatee Bar, It's Happy Hour

Hoops,

I believe you can throw Coltrane's A Love Supreme into that group, too. There is a little riff in that song, that us very similar to the Silver/Dan melody.

Silver is a serious enough jazz musician to understand that it is a common practice, and isn't considered stealing, if the next guy does something interesting with it. He isn't the prima donna Jarrett is.

Date: Thurs, June 25, 2009, 16:43:32 ET
Posted by: hoops, chicago

HS was intro'd 2003.

Hey throw on Rikki, Song for My Father, Stevie Wonder's Don't You Worry 'bout A Thing--they all got that Latin riff thing going, as did more than a few others. Uh...did Horace originate that riff?

While you are at it, listen to Silver's African Queen and Pretzel Logic. <--I've mentioned that before and I don't believe I've ever gotten a response.

Pretty common in Jazz circles to take a riff and build on it. Keith Jarrett aside, folks like Horace Silver appreciate it. And I probably wouldn't have purchased all the Horace Silver albums that I have had it not been for the supposed connection to Rikki.

Jarrett may demand his due, but as long as he's going for his, in all fairness, he should also pass along a percentage for all the KJ albums Danizens have purchased as result of being checked in Gaucho.

They did Rikki in 1996 (as pointed out) and, frankly, it wasn't nearly enjoyable as the album version. The horns--on its own terms--never filled the shoes of the guitar solo. It will be interesting of the audience poll inspires them to play Rikki this tour.

Date: Thurs, June 25, 2009, 16:22:31 ET
Posted by: The Dean, Manatee Bar, It's Happy Hour

KD, Raj,

Thanks for the clarification re: Horace Silver. I wasn't sure, but I thought I read somewhere they did. My bad.

Date: Thurs, June 25, 2009, 15:16:19 ET
Posted by: '96, Tears

It wasn't called Art Crimes for nothin'.

Date: Thurs, June 25, 2009, 15:12:38 ET
Posted by: Rajah,

Or was it 2003? A little help LA Dandom...

Date: Thurs, June 25, 2009, 14:59:52 ET
Posted by: Rajah,

No credit for the Maestro but I will never forget the first night of two shows at Universal in LA, June 2000, when Donald acknowledged the presence in the audience of, "the great Horace Silver." Still they don't play Rikki live...strange.

Date: Thurs, June 25, 2009, 14:37:25 ET
Posted by: KD, Twit

" they have even given him a writing credit for it."

They have not.

Date: Thurs, June 25, 2009, 14:15:35 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine Beach

SF,

As noted, you were listening to Horace Silver's "Song For My Father". the intro to Riki is indeed nearly note-for-note.

While it isn't unusual, or considered taboo, to borrow directly from another artists' work, in the jazz world (it's is referred to as "quoting"), Fagen claims this particular quote was accidental. He thought it was a standard/traditional Latin-style melody. Silver's intro must have stuck in his head.

The boys have acknowledged it is right from Silver, and I think they have even given him a writing credit for it.

Date: Thurs, June 25, 2009, 14:12:23 ET
Posted by: Rajah, drop a dime before you walk away

Always loved Green Tambourine. Money feeds my music machine? Odd sentiment at the time but, well, honest at least. Hooked on a Feelin by BJ Thomas, now that was a good sitar-guitar riff.

Date: Thurs, June 25, 2009, 13:57:04 ET
Posted by: This ain't no, Brain Strainer

Google "rikki don't lose that number song for my father"

Date: Thurs, June 25, 2009, 13:51:35 ET
Posted by: SF Dan Fan, San Francisco

This past Saturday I was replacing the radiator in my truck, and listening to a local jazz station, when a song came on that made me stop in my tracks.

At the time they mentioned the name and artist but I did not write it down, even though I knew I would eventually forget. It was from the Blue Note collection as the DJ was going through the label's back catalog.

Anyway, the beginning of the song was identical, almost note for note, to the beginning of Rikki. Looks like our boys were inspired to the point of copying it.

Date: Thurs, June 25, 2009, 11:32:53 ET
Posted by: My, $.02

FWIW, I like the Strainer questions. I'd hate to see him chased away. Better than seeing endless posts concerning set lists.

Date: Thurs, June 25, 2009, 10:15:48 ET
Posted by: Lurker Ray, Malibu

PR-
Yes about 52. You could pick 20
songs. So theoretically that means
the "Top 20" vote getters will be
played in LA. If this bodes true
then "Wu" wouldn't necessarily have
to be the highest vote getter to
be played, just in the top 20.

What was played in Boca, the "Dry"
or "Club Mix" of Reeling? I really
want to hear the Club Mix.

Date: Thurs, June 25, 2009, 10:06:40 ET
Posted by: Hutch,

Right on, Dean.

I don't know if DF or WB ever said that Light my Fire influenced Do it Again. If they did then it's a correct answer.

Yeah, I googled the chart topping songs from '68 to get a basis for my opinion, or "guess" if you will.

And guess what? Tempo-wise, feel-wise and sitar-wise I still think Green Tambourine has more in common with DIA than LMF.

But it's just my opinion. I have no idea what was going through their minds when they wrote Do it Again.

Date: Thurs, June 25, 2009, 05:47:15 ET
Posted by: Moondog, Piazzola sul Brenta, Padova, Italy

"Speaking as a recent poster did of wanting to hear "You Gotta Walk It Like You Talk It" at an upcoming Dan show (NOT likely),"

Nope... I didn't express any explicit desire or wish to hear them play this tune..!! read back ..

Date: Thurs, June 25, 2009, 01:53:37 ET
Posted by: Provincial Reuben, Tall County AR

Lurker Ray of Malibu: Did you have a 52, or so, menu of songs to choose from like the MSG website had?
As another person enamored with the sound of my own keyboard and having strained a good deal of my brain to the national trust, I feel for those guys with doctorates from Julliard, phonographic memories, the code for 'Cool Edit Pro' to their credit, and the charity to share their conspiracy theories with me, the little guy. On the other hand, when I bear my soul, I gotta be ready to demonstrate I know a 'DIA' Bach fugue from a 'LMF' Vanilla Fudge.
I was always amazed that the Guys left so much of my "Catalyst" collection behind them. Guess they didn't.

Date: Thurs, June 25, 2009, 00:10:23 ET
Posted by: My , Guess

Rose Darling

Date: Wed, June 24, 2009, 23:56:21 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine Beach

Not to make too big a point of it, but saying something was "was highly influenced by" something is FAR different that saying two songs "share one thing in common".

Which brings me to the larger point, of the whole "brain strainer" concept, as you present it. I never really thought of "I spy with my little eye, something that begins with..." as a "brain strainer". It's simply a guessing game to see if you can guess what the poser of the question is thing of. This game, of course, is more about the poser of the question, than it is about the object he/she is thinking about. If the letter in question is "B", bear, beer, bird, bank, branch are all legitimate answers to "what can we see that starts with the letter B?" the ONLY reason they are wrong, in that game, is because they are the thing the question poser is thinking of.

So, as you pose them, and answer them, your brain strainers are far more about you, than they are Steely Dan, or their songs. But since you usually word them to suggest we will get some insight into the song, or the band, we are (at least I have been) fooled into thinking there is something more at play, than simply trying to guess what you are thinking of. I always believe (again, based on the way you word the questions) I may learn something about the band. But, that never happens. Usually, I find the answers you reject as far better answers to the questions, as you pose them. The only reason they aren't the "right answer" has nothing to do with the song, but are wrong only because that isn't the answer you were thinking of.

Seems like a total ego-exercise to me. Now, if you are close to the band, and have actual info, step up and tell us. Otherwise, I really don't see the point in the quiz.

Anyway, that's just me. I have learned my lesson, and won't be looking for the correct answer, anymore, because I'm really not all that interested in guessing what you happen to be thinking about. I've realized it leads to nothing special.

Date: Wed, June 24, 2009, 23:54:19 ET
Posted by: Brain Hemorrhager,

Speaking as a recent poster did of wanting to hear “You Gotta Walk It Like You Talk It” at an upcoming Dan show (NOT likely), this Hemorrhager deals with another “pre-CBAT” song that morphed, or very likely was reworked both sonically and lyrically into a tune recorded on one of the 9 original Dan studio records. There are quite a few of these instances of these songs reappearing, some more obvious than others.

Name the Old Testament tune that most likely was derived from “Old Regime”.

Difficulty level is about 8.5.

Date: Wed, June 24, 2009, 23:09:47 ET
Posted by: Brain Strainer,

A follow up to some questions/comments re: the latest Strainer:

DEAN--I have no "evidence" that the Light My Fire solo influenced the Do It Again solo. But two or three Blue bookers besides myself heard and associated the connection between the two tunes. "Evidently", you were not one of them. I probably should have said "probably influenced" or something less direct. However, that aspect is semantic, and not germane to the question.

MORAY EEL--Yes, based on the Wiki entry, Light My Fire must be classified as a 1967 song, not 1968, which threw some people off. As a young firebug back in 1968, I can tell you, though, AM radio in upstate NY and Montreal wore that song out, which led to my listing the wrong year.

CHANDLER--No, Googling "first", just like Spellcheck, will not necessarily get you the answers to Brain Strainers, nor Brain Hemorrhagers (difficulty level 7.5 to 10, inclusive). So be ready for the next one, but be assured that Google, Bing, Ask or whatever will be virtually useless.

Date: Wed, June 24, 2009, 22:06:39 ET
Posted by: bikemann, nj

Thanks Dean. Well I just heard the new Reelin in the years. Sounds very much like Kama music. I like it

Date: Wed, June 24, 2009, 21:18:26 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine Beach

bikemann,

The madman noted it in his St Augustine setlist report. I noted it in my review of the St Augustine show. And it has been discussed at least once, after that.

But, there hasn't been a whole lot of discussion about it, outside of that.

Date: Wed, June 24, 2009, 21:10:56 ET
Posted by: bikemann, nj

Thanks to Beast W/O a name for the mention of Fagen on vocals for gaucho! Surprised it was not talked about here or did I miss it?

Date: Wed, June 24, 2009, 19:58:01 ET
Posted by: Rajah, Teenie's Blues

What a great connection this has with Eric Dolphy, my post-bop hero. That has got to be James Beard leading the way on piano, contra-melodic and clean. I wonder if this is the kind of stuff The Two would really like to be playing...

Date: Wed, June 24, 2009, 19:31:36 ET
Posted by: pauly ,

Lurker Ray- Nothing helps. Because no matter what's voted on, the band will play whatever they want.

Hope this helps.

Date: Wed, June 24, 2009, 18:26:42 ET
Posted by: SteelyDon, Mexico City...

Not sure if anyone posted these yet but found some NEW interview clips on MSG.com from D+W. Pretty entertaining give them a look at http://msg.com/steelydan/.

Date: Wed, June 24, 2009, 17:11:24 ET
Posted by: Lurker Ray, Malibu

LA VOTING -

Is very solid. You can only vote once.
There is some wrong info in the email
you get from Ticketmaster/LiveNation though.
It says that from the the time you click
on the link, you have 24 hours to vote.

THIS IS A LIE

You can go to the link as often as you like
and play with the "Set List" and configure
your Set List. But you can only "Submit"
once.

So don't forget to vote if you have LA
tickets! Hope this helps.

Date: Wed, June 24, 2009, 16:58:24 ET
Posted by: Beast w/o A Name, Grey Sunlight over the Mountains, NJ

Gaucho has been transposed to its original key of "F" for the 09 tour with Donald singing.. Proof at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBNUjnZYdZ0&feature=related

Let's hope they renormalize HATWW...

Date: Wed, June 24, 2009, 16:48:29 ET
Posted by: Provincial Reuben, Tall County AR

Joshua: All my moods are stupid, but I find gleaning internet request setlist info hard to come by around these parts. That being said, I wonder about the voters on that place in view of some of those choices. On the bright plus side, I guess, It seems that anybody on the site can vote for the setlist-- and more than once.

Date: Wed, June 24, 2009, 14:41:17 ET
Posted by: Joshua, Orange County

This is probably a dumb question and one that has been answered in previous posts below but.... Is there a site that is keeping tallies for NYC, LA, and Chicago internet request nights? Similar to the way MSG is doing for Boston?

Date: Wed, June 24, 2009, 11:38:30 ET
Posted by: Frans, Holland

Hi All,
With Qbase, Ableton you can make your own music mixes. Can't find any music comparable with SD so I made mine own SD mixes with Ableton 8.0.
I would encourage everybody to create something originals. To come in the mood have a look on Youtube on the following links.
If you like it or don't like it leave an comment and/or rating.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BuTYJZXBvjA&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9W9nVvHh14U

Good luck and enjoy.
Frans

Date: Wed, June 24, 2009, 03:55:49 ET
Posted by: tony, earth

Hey Raj

Date: Wed, June 24, 2009, 01:03:05 ET
Posted by: moray eel, chicken

According to the wiki, "Light My Fire" peaked on the charts at #1 for 3 weeks in 1967.

It was re-released in 1968 and peaked at #87.

m.e.

Date: Wed, June 24, 2009, 00:37:50 ET
Posted by: Chandler,

sometimes i think the brain strainer feature should be retitled >>who can google first<<

Date: Wed, June 24, 2009, 00:25:10 ET
Posted by: That's , Easy

Fire in the Hole.

Date: Wed, June 24, 2009, 00:06:45 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine Beach

Brain Strainer,

Do you have any legit evidence that DIA was "was highly influenced" by Light My Fire, other than the similarities you find?

Not saying it isn't true, but I can't say I trust you based on past Strainers.

Date: Wed, June 24, 2009, 00:02:04 ET
Posted by: Brain Strainer,

While we’re on the subject of “Do It Again”, for one bonus point, identify the song that appeared on the flip side of its original, radio edit, 45 RPM, 7 inch single.

Date: Tues, June 23, 2009, 23:57:18 ET
Posted by: Brain Strainer,

The latest Strainer was:

“Tonight's Strainer goes outside of the realm of the Dan and deals with their first major hit "Do It Again", which if you are old enough to have been cognizant of pop music circa 1972, it was THE tune that most likely got you initiated into the Dan. As was stated in an earlier post, Do It Again had a Latin Groove, quite reminiscent and influenced by the Santana tunes from three years earlier "Evil Ways" and "Oye Como Va". Donald himself, vocal chameleon that he is even took on the affect of Santana's lead singer at that time, Greg Rolie. Listen to those Santana tunes and the vocal similarities are striking.

The Santana influence on Do It Again's underlying groove and lead vocals notwithstanding, there is another aspect to Do It Again (long version) that was highly influenced by a 1968 tune, that is now considered one of the "standards", if you will, of Classic Rock. Name that tune.

Difficulty level is about 4.”


Well, there were quite a few interesting, and diverse responses to this Strainer. Before we get to the correct answer, there is an academic point that arose as a result of the responses and is in need of clarification, even in the media and recording industry. Or maybe someone out there knows the answer to this?

The point in question is determining what year a song is associated with when placed in an historical context. Is it the year the song was recorded? Released? Re-released? Makes it onto the Charts? Or, in the case of the correct answer to this Strainer, the year in which the tune achieved it’s greatest chart position and notoriety? And interestingly enough, TWO of the responses involved songs that achieved their highest US chart position and notoriety upon their being RE-RELEASED.

There were a few responses that might make for some enlightening discussion as to what similarities to parts of Do It Again the submitters sensed in the tunes they proposed.

“Whiter Shade of Pale” was an intriguing answer, with its “dirgey” haunting keyboard work, quite similar in mood to the keys used in the instrumental movement in the middle of Do It Again. The academic point “Pale” has in common with the correct answer is that its highest chart position and airplay came in the summer of 1972, as a re-release, five years after it’s initial launch.

The correct response was indeed, “Light My Fire” (long version) by the Doors, principally its creepy “funeral dirge” (or “plastic”?) keyboard solo on its lengthy, dragged out, Phish-like, milked middle movement as is done on “Do It Again”. Turns out that Light my Fire was recorded in August 1966, initially charted in early 1967, tailed off and then was re-released in 1968 and peaked on the US charts and airplay.
For me, and a couple of childhood buds, Light my Fire is a 1968 song since it inspired us to play with matches that summer and take turns lighting each others passing gas in this synthetic tent we used to hang out in. One night, It caused a fire, and two of us got severe burns as a pieces of the flaming fabric melted on exposed skin upon fleeing the tent, and we were all corporally punished within inches of our lives.. So even then, back in the day, song lyrics led to trouble. But then, not like today, our parents did not try to sue Elektra records.

The first correct answer, Light My Fire, was by Moray Eel, which was, in fact his/her first response ever, to a Strainer.

Date: Tues, June 23, 2009, 23:30:28 ET
Posted by: amyh, new york

Brain -- how about Inna-Gadda-Da-Vida?

Date: Tues, June 23, 2009, 22:11:39 ET
Posted by: Provincial Reuben , Tall County AR

RICK: At a vividseats.com I notice advert for London tix. That's what you sought, right? I noticed as I was checking the Mud Island show via Google. In an unrelated note, I don't know if there is a connection between these seats and the vivid seat of, say, Jenna Jamison.
Saw the Doobies in July(?) '77, and when they did some kind of thing about the law enforcement officers in the audience and how illegal drugs should be thrown onto the stage for proper disposal. All the stuff thrown in tribute was given to this tall skinny long haired guy in sunglasses on a stool at CS who smoked a stratocaster, I think, mostly, but did do a number on some numbers.
Wonder how the process of taking it to the seats is going-- or how it works.

Date: Tues, June 23, 2009, 21:50:47 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh

Hoops, thanks so much for the update on Piano Jazz. Two of my favorite jazz pianists two weeks in a row. Can't wait.

Date: Tues, June 23, 2009, 20:51:24 ET
Posted by: Eman, Connecticut

Foxwoods website now lists Michael Mcdonald and band as special guests for the 8/7 show, but the official Dan site does not. If accurate how would this work, with the casino limiting the performance to 90 mins?

Date: Tues, June 23, 2009, 20:14:42 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine Beach

Jim,

Thanks for the heads-up on Charlap on Piano Jazz. I love the show, and probably would have caught it, but sometimes I slip up. I'd hate to miss Charlap, though.

Date: Tues, June 23, 2009, 19:36:56 ET
Posted by: Len Tonce, Torrence, CA,

Jim -

'preciate the Manzarek interview link. But, wasn't it a bit too short - only 12 mins. long? Not your fault, obviously, but there seems like there was/should have been more.

Date: Tues, June 23, 2009, 16:24:28 ET
Posted by: hoops, chicago, on the quick

Bill Charlap will be guest host of Marian McPartland's Piano Jazz in a month.

From NPR.com...

July 31: Hank Jones with guest host Bill Charlap
Legendary pianist Hank Jones was one of McPartland's first guests when she began Piano Jazz thirty years ago. To celebrate the show's milestone anniversary, McPartland asked another of her favorite pianists, Bill Charlap, to take a turn on the host's bench to catch up with Jones. The two sparkle on such duets as "Oh Look at Me Now" and Billy Strayhorn's "Lotus Blossom."

Marian's dream comes true on September 4 when Keith Jarrett finally appears on her show. Will Stevie Wonder ever come on?

Date: Tues, June 23, 2009, 16:11:22 ET
Posted by: Paul Maul, England

Hey RICK!

I just checked the Banyan Trees Ticket swap forum and there are no new ticket ads since last Fall's shows.

You can ad your own post tho.

Date: Tues, June 23, 2009, 16:00:01 ET
Posted by: pixeleen, lol

Fezo:

So, you live in C'ville? I'm there every couple of weeks for business and/or pleasure; used to live there. Great place !!
The Doobies in Harrisonburg....how pitiful.....

Date: Tues, June 23, 2009, 15:39:34 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago, IL

Dr Mµ's post about the organ solo reminded me of a post I made about 2-3 years ago.

Never nuts about The Doors, I heard a very transformative interview on NPR's Fresh Air with Doors' keyboardist, Ray Manzarek around October 2006. After Jim Morrison's image, I suspected he would be some stoner with a big ego or something. Maybe he was then. But in the interview Manzarek comes across as very humorous, self-deprecating and very interesting. During the interview, Manzarek dissects "Light My Fire" in the same fashion as SD, et al dissect songs on the "Aja" DVD. Here's the intriguing part: The Doors' arrangement of "Light My Fire" was influenced quite a bit by John Coltrane's interpretation of "My Favorite Things". Manzarek goes through the track, bar-by-bar and it's quite fascinating. Give it a listen if you get a chance. So The Doors went up a notch. I just overlook the Jim Morrison part.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=6353302

Date: Tues, June 23, 2009, 15:25:32 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Strainer: Light My Fire...the plastic organ solo

Date: Tues, June 23, 2009, 14:49:26 ET
Posted by: HouDanFan, Houston

BS...Undun by the Guess Who

Date: Tues, June 23, 2009, 14:38:51 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine Beach

Rick, you need to register on the forum. I think this is the link, though:

http://www.banyantrees.net/forum/viewforum.php?f=3

Date: Tues, June 23, 2009, 14:10:10 ET
Posted by: Rick, St Aug beach

Thanks for that Jim - can;t seem to find:

Try StAl's Ticket Exchange which is liked from the forum at http://www.banyantrees.net

I'm still looking but I must be a bit thick....

Cheers

Rick

Date: Tues, June 23, 2009, 13:23:03 ET
Posted by: Bob, on the bloo & definitely not your uncle

Yo!

Happy Eighth Birthday to the Blue!

Date: Tues, June 23, 2009, 13:07:47 ET
Posted by: hoops, chicago, on lunch

Back about nine years ago, it was realized that it would be great to have email lists specific to Danfans in a certain region. The benefits of being able to target Danfans in your area about ticket purchasing strategies, parking, car pooling, transportation, hotels--and of course, planning a Danfest-- before the show is obvious. And then there is the bonus of being able to keep in touch with the same folks you attended the show with in the months after the show is great. For example, in 2002, there was no tour, but those signed up for the Chicago list could communicate and plan to get together for Phil Woods appearance with Bill Charlap at the Jazz Showcase. A great time was had by all.

So below are the counts of people on the Dandom email lists associated with this summer's tours. This leaves out any email lists for cities without shows (so far). So for example there are lists for Philly, Seattle, Bay Area in California, Baltimore/DC, and on and on. Those aren't included in the counts below.

Still, consider that when you are trying to buy or sell tickets or trying to target other fans, here's how many fans you can count on to be specifically interested. There's a lot of posting on the BlueBook, for example, but with these lists, you are going to really target Danfans specific to your concerns and needs--much more so than the Bluebook or Dandom Digest, for example.

Most of all, it's important to consider that these Danfans have an expressed interest in attending a Danfest in your area. So, for example, if you are thinking about planning a Danfest for Atlanta, 45 others are potentially interested in having a say in the Danfest activities and attending.

Note that some email lists are brand new--so they have yet to build a community, but likely will, given time.

One list I especially want to single out is the list for Baltimore/Washington D.C. This group is known to go through spells where it is active as the Dandom Digest, if not more so.

So if you want the local skinny on the Dan coming to your town sign up for a list associated with a concert near you. See http://dandom.com/danfests

And if you want a synopsis of what's going on in the Greater Dandom, check out the Dandom Digest (see http://dandom.com/dandomdigest

Membership Counts as of 6/23/2009

NCarolina - 23
Florida - 67
Alabama (NEW) - 3
Netherlands - 16
Belgium - 5
Scotland - 23
Birmingham - 31
London - 42
Paris - 21
Swiss (NEW) - 1
Italia - 12
Monaco (NEW) - 1
Boston - 127
NYC - 138
NewEngland (inc CT) - 15
AtlanticCity - 29
TN - 17
Atlanta - 46
LosAngeles - 94
Vegas - 51
Chicago - 122
Detroit - 23

Date: Tues, June 23, 2009, 12:49:40 ET
Posted by: fezo, lunchtime

C'ville radio is running ads for a Doobies concert appearance later this summer at a county fair on the other side of the mountain in a real rural area.

at least our heroes haven't had to hit the county fair circuit yet

Date: Tues, June 23, 2009, 12:05:36 ET
Posted by: hoops, chicago, on the quick

Rick;

I think you have tried some of these places already but in case anyone else needs the info. In this case, it's described in terms of London, but things are similar for other shows.

To find tickets:

• Try StAl's Ticket Exchange which is liked from the forum at http://www.banyantrees.net

• The London Dandom List -- email londonATdandomDOTcom and get on the email list if you aren't already by following the links from http://dandom.com/danfests/london The Dandom lists often have people selling seats at the very last minute, as well as many other great last minute tips for parking, travel, and, of course, pre- or post-show fan meet-ups. People who send requests enough always get taken care of.

• Dandom Digest Ticket Exchange in the Dandom Digest or Dandom Digest Email List. <--I think Rick has done this already.

Also check the box office often

One thing that's banned here is telling directly on this here BlueBook how to buy from scalpers. This place was founded in part so Danfans could transcend ticket scalper slime.

One final thing: in discussing travel or ticket needs or fan hook-ups, the Blue isn't actually all that great. It seems like there are a lot of people here--and that's correct and it's not, because this is a collection from around the world; those viewing from a specific area are few. For that reason, begging for tickets here has a relatively low success rate. Finally, please ticket sales and requests should be limited to the last 72 hours or so before a show, otherwise this place gets littered with (unproductive) requests for shows that are weeks away. And of course, there is always flexibility and common sense exceptions that are not only allowed, but welcomed.

Gotta run,

Jim

Date: Tues, June 23, 2009, 11:43:00 ET
Posted by: Rick, St Aug Beach

Hey Moondog u want some visitors lol? Along with Dean - they played a mile from my house in St, Augustine. I have seen them in Birmingham as well but outdoors with the cuervo gold and the Columbian in St. Aug. was out of this world for me - still on a high.

But listen up guys - anyone know where I can score some tickets for next Wed. in London? Where should I look?

Rick

Date: Tues, June 23, 2009, 11:21:56 ET
Posted by: Moondog, Piazzola sul Brenta, Padova

I have also booked a table at a restaurant where probably and hopefully the band will have their pre-concert meal.


Another genre of music, I know, but I met and had a few drinks with Massive Attack in this way when they played here last year..

Great bunch of guys very friendly and also a great gig.

If this comes off I will not only write a review of the concert but maybe also what Don & Walt had for their supper. !!! Ah Ah..

Date: Tues, June 23, 2009, 10:51:33 ET
Posted by: Non-strained, over ice

My guess is Magic Carpet Ride by Steppenwolf.

Date: Tues, June 23, 2009, 10:15:04 ET
Posted by: Hutch,

Brain - How about "Green Tambourine" by the Lemon Pipers?

Coral Electric Sitar.

Date: Tues, June 23, 2009, 09:33:39 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine Beach

Moondog,

You ARE a lucky bastard! You posted a link to a picture of your town, and it is indeed picturesque. I know you will enjoy the hell out of it, and I think the band will, too.

AS much as I want to see the band play The Royal Scam live (and I still may have a chance to make it), I couldn't resist seeing them a mile away from my home. I never would have believe they would play in St Augustine Beach.

Looking forward to your review, Moondoggie.

Date: Tues, June 23, 2009, 08:14:08 ET
Posted by: My, Guess

I was thinking A Whiter Shade of Pale, but that also seems to be a '67 release.

Date: Tues, June 23, 2009, 07:08:44 ET
Posted by: Stuart, Thailand

Dear Moondog:

I said I'd never post here again (because of the sad, inadequate assholes who lurk around these quarters)...

Notwithstanding, I have to say: You lucky fucking bastard - I love it.

Date: Tues, June 23, 2009, 06:22:17 ET
Posted by: Moondog, Piazzola sul Brenta, Padova

I have been listening to SD since I was nine years old in Italy when my brother bought me the "Do it again" single on his return from his return from a trip to the UK.

I only that single and maybe one other to play on my Readers Digest Hi-Fi. I played it over and over (again and again) driving my parents mad.

I finally gave the single to a guy at school who gave me The Beatles White Album, Santana's "Abraxas" and Pink Floyds "Dark side of the Moon" in exchange !!! He must have really wanted that single..!! 3 Albums (one double) in exchange for a single..

I have seen the band three times 2000, 2007 both in Birmingham UK and in 2007 again in Lucca Italy, The Lucca gig was nothing short of amazing but my best SD live moment is hearing them do "Don't take me Alive" (my fav SD song) on their 2000 tour.

I was planning to go see them in Rome this year which is about a 5 hour train journey from where I live in a small (sleepy but picturesque) town in the north of Italy near Padova.

But shock of shocks they are actually playing right here in my little village and the stage is literally right beneath the bedroom window (I'm not kidding) from where I heard the first notes of that great single.

Happy Times..I'm hoping they play "Don't take me alive" but they could just as well play "You Gotta walk it like you Talk it " for all I care such is my joy of being able to see them right here on my doorstep.

Date: Tues, June 23, 2009, 00:47:58 ET
Posted by: moray eel, quiz

Brain: I was going to say "Light My Fire", but that was originally released "way back when in '67".

m.e.

Date: Tues, June 23, 2009, 00:26:30 ET
Posted by: wormy, jeopardy

brain strainer - what is time of the season

Date: Mon, June 22, 2009, 23:38:15 ET
Posted by: ,

If the normal method isn't working, maybe reverse psychology will do the trick.

Next time you're at a show, yell out: "No Donald!! Don't play Dr Wu!!!"

Date: Mon, June 22, 2009, 22:57:34 ET
Posted by: Brain Strainer, Gaspe' Peninsula

Tonight's Strainer goes outside of the realm of the Dan and deals with their first major hit "Do It Again", which if you are old enough to have been cognizant of pop music circa 1972, it was THE tune that most likely got you initiated into the Dan. As was stated in an earlier post, Do It Again had a Latin Groove, quite reminiscent and influenced by the Santana tunes from three years earlier "Evil Ways" and "Oye Como Va". Donald himself, vocal chameleon that he is even took on the affect of Santana's lead singer Greg Rolie. Listen to those Santana versions and the vocal similaries are striking.

The Santana influence on Do It Again's underlying groove and lead vocals notwithstanding, there is another aspect to Do It Again (long version) that was highly influenced by a 1968 tune, that is now considered one of the "standards", if you will, of Classic Rock. Name that tune.

Difficulty level is about 4.

Date: Mon, June 22, 2009, 21:33:14 ET
Posted by: HouDanFan, Houston

Ive seen the Doobies twice. Once without MM and once with. I'm one of the few who happened to like the Doobies more with MM. However, live, they were more entertaining without him. MJ seemed to lay back a bit with MM in the house. That said I think Patrick Simmons was an outstanding talent. I've seen the Dan 8 times and the least enjoyable was with MM. But that was due to a horrible sound system.

Date: Mon, June 22, 2009, 21:25:47 ET
Posted by: Dr. Wu, Iowa

Mark in Boston:

Point well taken. But it still makes my pathetic show total look pretty pathetic.

Date: Mon, June 22, 2009, 20:04:43 ET
Posted by: Boston Rag, .

double helix still has a couple of hundred shows to go before he catches up with Mr. Fogel

Mark in Boston

Date: Mon, June 22, 2009, 18:33:07 ET
Posted by: Dr. Wu, Iowa

65 SHOWS?? I think we can retire the traveling trophy.

Date: Mon, June 22, 2009, 18:17:00 ET
Posted by: double helix, ricky dont loose those tickets

I'm up to 65 sd shows

Date: Mon, June 22, 2009, 18:15:44 ET
Posted by: friend of you all, in my seats

Date: Mon, June 22, 2009, 17:58:36 ET
Posted by: Dr. Wu, Iowa

"I first heard Steely Dan when I was nine years old, thirty years ago.."

Who are these children who scheme and run wild?

Date: Mon, June 22, 2009, 17:21:03 ET
Posted by: Tom Hayes, tom@tomsfiles.com

(No complaints in this post.)

I first heard Steely Dan when I was 9 years old (30 years ago) - my mother had Aja on cassette and would play it on the weekends. She had other music that I liked, such as; Stevie Wonder, Boz Scaggs, James Taylor, Gary Wright, Steve Miller, but Aja stayed a favorite of mine throughout the 80's and beyond. (Along with the Stevie albums-- I've seen him twice in the last two years.)

I think I'm a fan of music from Katy Lied - present more than the albums before Katy Lied.

As for all my complaining about the Vegas show -- I've just purchased a ticket to see them Aug 21st in L.A. to play Aja. It's in ORCH 1, Row DD and on the aisle. (Sure I'll miss a day of worked, which is unpaid, but it's the entire Aja album!!) I'm hoping the album-oriented-format brings in an F.M. crowd - and that they'll be no static at all in the audience.

For the Vegas show I'm bringing two friends (my treat on the tickets) who are aren't extremely familiar with the Dan. But during that 6 hour ride to Vegas we'll play a "liekly setlist" mix.

I hope that Dr. Demento will be at one of these shows - I'd like to buy him a beer.

Date: Mon, June 22, 2009, 17:14:59 ET
Posted by: Dr Who, Detroit

Klaus, I just saw Boz Scaggs last week at The Soundboard (Motor City Casino)... The place is almost brand new, there are no bad seats (except maybe first row of general balcony since there is one row of VIP seats right in front with a privacy gate type thing right behind them), the sound is absolutely amazing, and I can't stress that enough... As good a sounding venue as I have ever been to.

Date: Mon, June 22, 2009, 16:06:34 ET
Posted by: Klaus and the rooster, OHIO

Thanx Doc/ Of course i remember listen to the music; timewise I may have been out of sync [ the fine columbian] Pix/ thanks for the update Black Fri is smokin

Date: Mon, June 22, 2009, 16:03:04 ET
Posted by: The Dean, Manatee Bar, It's Happy Hour

Klaus,

The Doobies first album was the self-titled (and fairly obscure) Doobie Brothers, in 1971. Good songs, but hardly a blockbuster album.

The outstanding (and very popular) Toulouse Street was released in 1972, and that's the album that really launched their career.

McDonald joined the band for their 6th album, Takin' It to the Streets (1976), which was decent. When Tom Johnston left, the band really went down hill, IMO. By the time he rejoined (1989) I had totally lost interest in the band, so I have no idea what the last few albums were like.

Date: Mon, June 22, 2009, 15:59:49 ET
Posted by: Dr. Wu, Iowa

Klaus:

They released a tune in '71 called "Nobody" which went "Nowhere." Their first hit was "Listen To The Music," released in November of '72.

Date: Mon, June 22, 2009, 15:53:13 ET
Posted by: wormy, nola

dr wu - you got it!
the wife had to go, not the music
no control freak in my orbit

doobies and dan used to grace the same hit parader and circus mags early on as they both broke roughly the same time

contemporaries

these bands had members with that "style be damned"look
so I thought Dennis and Skunk were from the same mold / side of the tracks

later that donald reindeer sweater gave the "mom is dressing me" look

Date: Mon, June 22, 2009, 15:51:24 ET
Posted by: Klaus and the rooster, OHIO

Please refresh my addled head/ What was on the Doobies first record? Sometimes something would be released in one area and not another. I clearly remember Cant buy a thrill but do not remember the Doobs till a year or so later.

Date: Mon, June 22, 2009, 15:45:29 ET
Posted by: pixeleen,

Several very-up-close new video clips from St. Augustine show on youtube "stuartslate"

Love those incisors, DF :-)

Date: Mon, June 22, 2009, 15:43:51 ET
Posted by: Provincial Reuben, Tall County AR

Peg started the madness in this area. The resident audiophilic musicologist didn't see how they could ever do better than Aja-- the song and the album. We researched. 1st PL (already in the archives). Life calling found, we started over chronologically. For some bongy reason, Fire in the Hole really blew folks away. Bad Sneakers seemed to stick in my little adolescent coconut and then on and on. The musicological audiophile turned out to be right. A whole pack of devotees sprang up. Too bad that Steve Cooper had to go and enlist, but, then again, he wasn't indicted.
That Mike McD was an interesting guy. He and some guitar player jumped to the DB, and hits ensued. Maybe Tom Johnston should have. I was always intrigued that McD's hits were duets. That Making of Aja scene of the 14 track mix of the MMcD choir says a lot of his Rose Darling-type appeal.
Dr wu. Hmmm... wonder how that voting is going. Or what the process is

Date: Mon, June 22, 2009, 15:39:43 ET
Posted by: Dr. Wu, Iowa

The Doobies "Toulouse Street" was released in June of '72, so they're pretty much contemporaneous with the Dan.

Date: Mon, June 22, 2009, 15:35:32 ET
Posted by: Klaus and the rooster, OHIO

Doc/ Yes I will be at the closer in Detroit. Not sure on how good my seats are [the seating chart sucks]. Saw them twice last year Cinci and Detroit. If something fills in in Ohio I will prob risk my homelife again. To the previous poster I think Steely Dan predated the Doobs by a few years. Dias may have looked like a farmer but he played like a demon. The best seats I ever had was in the Toledo zoo/ 10 rows back front and center and it rained like hell but I had my 19 year old son with me and I would not have traded it for the world.

Date: Mon, June 22, 2009, 15:33:42 ET
Posted by: Dr. Wu, Iowa

Wormy:

"My brother had tickets - wife (LONG BEEN EX) wouldn't let me go."

The shortest route to being my ex would be not letting me go to a Steely Dan concert.

Date: Mon, June 22, 2009, 15:25:43 ET
Posted by: wormy, nola

blew off McDonald tour

too soon after Katrina
too much someone else sharing the stage
nobody shares a stage emotively with Steely Dan

funny the dallas tickets I turned down
I could have sat a few seats from Chuck Rainey my bass idol

Date: Mon, June 22, 2009, 15:25:34 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine Beach

I'm not a big fan of Michael McDonald as a solo artist, and I think he ruined the Doobie Brothers.

But he was terrific as a backup singer, and keyboard player, with the Dan. I really can't say he sounds out of place on any song, and adds something to every one of the Dan tunes he is on.

I saw him with the Dan in 2006, and he was OK...his band was decent, and they played some decent tunes (and some pretty bad MM tunes, too). Not horrible, but nothing I would buy, or spend money to see by itself.

Date: Mon, June 22, 2009, 15:21:28 ET
Posted by: wormy, nola

shows

missed the 93 pine knob show that ended up being most of the live lp
my brother had tickets - wife (long been ex) wouldn't let me go

2000 raleigh, 2003 albequeque 2007 (or was that 08?) NOLA (jazzfest, Portsmith VA, Atlanta) 2009 Orange Beach Alabama and will see Memphis in August - may one special show

6 soon lucky 7
all but jazzfest within the first 10 rows, some first and second

the opening chord progression in boston rag was my first huge dan moment

dia and rity were good but overplayed am staples, but that song sent it over the top

I thought skunk and dias were country bunkins back then
that they found from the doobies or something

Date: Mon, June 22, 2009, 15:16:23 ET
Posted by: Dr. Wu, Iowa

Yes, we have tickets for the Aja+ show in Chicago at the end of August. Mezzanine seats in section N, which is dead center with no one sitting in front of us (only four seats in the box). Are you attending this year? What venue?

Date: Mon, June 22, 2009, 15:11:45 ET
Posted by: Klaus and the rooster, OHIO

Dr Wu/ Six shows indeed make you a Daniac imho/ Are you planning on attending this year? The boys prob miss ya; this could be the year you hear Dr Wu!!!!!!

Date: Mon, June 22, 2009, 14:56:11 ET
Posted by: Dr. Wu, Iowa

Okay, Klaus, that made me go back into the archives to discover just how brain damaged I've become after all these years. Turns out this will be my sixth Dan experience: St Louis in '93, Minneapolis in '96 for the Art Crimes tour, '00 at Rosemont (Chicago) for the Y2K tour, '03 in St Paul for EMG tour, and '07 in Milwaukee for the Heavy Rollers tour at Summerfest (we froze our butts off). And that's my street cred, kids.

Date: Mon, June 22, 2009, 14:43:00 ET
Posted by: Klaus and the rooster, OHIO

Just looked it up and the Michael tour was 2006. Hope your going this year/reminds me of Baseball; hope springs eternal. My wife asks me all the time when am i going to get enough of the Dan and I always answer this could be the year I hear Dr Wu!!

Date: Mon, June 22, 2009, 14:17:20 ET
Posted by: Dr. Wu, Iowa

No, I missed that tour Klaus. I've been trying to recall just how many times I've seen D&W--St. Louis in '93, Chicago (Rosemont) in 2000, and a couple of times in Minneapolis, so this will be concert number five for me (unless I'm forgetting one). And I know a lot of people think highly of Mr. McDonald. He's just never been my cup of tea.

Date: Mon, June 22, 2009, 14:02:19 ET
Posted by: Klaus and the rooster, OHIO

To Dr Wu/ I wonder if you seen Michael on the tour a few years back. The fab originees tour or sugartooth Mcdan whatever the hell it was called. I think Michael did some good stuff on record w/d&w but I did notice nobody was into his motown stuff live. Nothing against motown but Mike pretty much made a living out of that after SD and the Doobies. Now when he came out at the end of the show [Peg/ Show biz kids he was recieved well by the Dan faithful. I agree the only constant seems to be Don and Walt. Strange how the Donalds voice defines all that is good and right about Steely Dan.

Date: Mon, June 22, 2009, 13:50:01 ET
Posted by: Dr. Wu, Iowa

Pixaleen -- I agree totally that the loss of David Palmer was a case of addition by subtraction. But for me, the best loss was that of Michael McDonald, who drove (drives) me nuts, sounding like a wheezing steam engine with a leaky boiler.

Date: Mon, June 22, 2009, 12:22:32 ET
Posted by: pixeleen, rity

Klaus:
thanks for reminding me about the 1973 Midnight Special RITY on youtube.
Sooo glad they lost David Palmer......never did like him !!
But Skunk and Denny , WB,DF,etc. were smokin' hot for sure !!!

Date: Mon, June 22, 2009, 12:01:00 ET
Posted by: Klaus and the rooster, OHIO

Have to mention (dont take me alive) My cousin and I were painting a house and that song was on a reg schedule on FM 104. Being a half ass guitar player [then and now] I noticed something truly smart/ MUSIC WISE about them. Way diff than anything else we were hearing. The more I heard the more I got it. Did not become a diehard until Gaucho; but always loved Don and Walt. Maybe if they would have toured i would have obsessed sooner but once you see them!! I think this year will be my eighth show but I hope to see them again and again.

Date: Mon, June 22, 2009, 11:34:50 ET
Posted by: Klaus and the rooster, OHIO

Yes/thats more like it; I too remember the midnight special and my friends and I flipping out; how cool was Dias and Baxter. Smoking hot guitar players in a smoking hotso band. I still watch the clip of RITY on you tube and Ill be damned if they dont look as cool then as now. It still blows my mind how they came up w/ Reeling/think about what we were listening to at the time. I also remember being floored by the track Gaucho when I first heard it 1980?

Date: Mon, June 22, 2009, 10:51:08 ET
Posted by: Denise, H cubicle

I remember listening to Reeling in the Years in the late 70's at home and my dad remarked that he liked it and asked who it was. I was astounded. My dad (a jazz fan) and I had never liked the same music up to that point.

Date: Mon, June 22, 2009, 10:23:10 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine Beach

Dr. Wu, we have pretty similar thoughts on the matter.

I bought the CBAT w/o knowing what it was, but Do It Again was on the radio about the same time, and it was the first Dan song I knew. It sounded a little like Santana (band) to me, and I was a big Santana fan.

Reelin' really blew me away (as did Fire in the Hole, to tell the truth). But with Countdown it really cranked into overdrive. Bodi took it to a new level, guitar-wise, and songs like Razor Boy and King of the World were so fine, I could barely believe it. Still feel that way, actually. While it changes from day-to-day, Countdown sits at the top of my SD favorite album list more than any other.

Date: Mon, June 22, 2009, 10:06:35 ET
Posted by: Dr. Wu, Iowa

Alright, Klaus...I'll start it off. I've been a fan since Do It Again, and remember seeing the band on Midnight Special (I think) in lat '72 or early '73. But the first track that knocked my socks off, predictably, was Reelin'. My socks remained off when C2E was released -- as far as I'm concerned their strongest album from start to finish with not a weak track or filler tune on it.

Date: Mon, June 22, 2009, 09:58:26 ET
Posted by: Klaus and the rooster, OHIO

Well I wonder if the boys and the breadline band are taking a breather before they head overseas? I hope they are not reading all the complaining we are doing on the blue. Cmon folks lets get back to the setlist and the debate on Herington versus Zingg. I have always believed that Dan fans are a cut above in the brains dept/ you would not know it if you did not see the bands name once in awhile; hell you would guess Jonas bros or some shit.We all have sumpin in common/ Steely Dan a cut above the rest in yesterdays or todays music. How about a disscussion on the first Dan tune that really floored ya?

Date: Mon, June 22, 2009, 08:23:16 ET
Posted by: bikemann, nj

On second thought, I may have complained about it before but blaimed myself for possibly getting too old to rock and roll!

Date: Mon, June 22, 2009, 07:45:28 ET
Posted by: bikemannnj, nj

Wow! The last time I saw Steely Dan at the Beacon,I left there feeling like I was at a wild party and the band was just backround noise! I was very dissapointed because it was a constant distraction. I never complained on the blue though. Now I don't feel I was wrong. Somehow, people were more quiet at the Allman bros show. Go figure!

Date: Mon, June 22, 2009, 06:57:33 ET
Posted by: SS, HK

I saw SD in Osaka in May of 2000 and as I recall it was Ari Ambrose, not Potter. It's noted that way on the SD website. Ambrose played the first few shows in North America as well.

Date: Mon, June 22, 2009, 02:51:16 ET
Posted by: KD, 7

"I don't give a rat's ass if someone takes cell phone pictures, as long as they don't get in my way, the entire concert, to do it."

I don't mind the texting. I can't see people texting. I can see people holding their phones in the air for 15 seconds, blocking my view. Then doing it again, and again, and again.

If I held my cocktail up in the air for 15 seconds at a time, blocking your view, you'd call me a drunk a-hole. If I did it incessantly, throughout the show, you'd consider me mentally unbalanced.

Allow me to think the same for a batch of picture-takers who (for the most part) aren't even going to keep these pictures.

Date: Mon, June 22, 2009, 01:18:01 ET
Posted by: Provincial Reuben, Tall County AR

Waaah! Everyone's phone must take much better (i.e. actual) pix (audio) than mine.
I remember(?) that one show when I WASN'T trippin'.
I'm compelled to love, cherish, honor, hell, maybe even heed this whole milieu we got goin' here. And it hurts my heart to see vitriol brewed when I'm betting to most degrees and understanding we are agreed: my right to shake my prodigious, pale ass stops where your personal space (sorry, not range of vision) starts. It's like my kids playing near the street: the whole stadium should expect to enjoy the road to the stage without having to worry about some half-wit stumbling into their sphere of enjoyment-- let alone into their tie-rods.
If you want to enjoy the f'ugly freakshow standing the whole time; doing some kind of stomp-in-place spasmodic jerk(!) dance; yeah, clapping (almost exclusively backbeat) probably too much; not really singing a lot or too loud; prone to bursts of furious scribbling in a sweaty, little notebook; and every-so-often looking heavenward as he wipes those tears streaming down his face, you might be close to that one guy that me mates say they inevitably wind up too close to. If his antics interfere with your buzz, just discreetly let me know, and I'll help you modify his behaviour to a more common good sort of spasm.
"Maintaining" equilibrium-proprioception-cognitive ability-tact-taste-manners-cool and stuff are important in the mob setting.

Date: Mon, June 22, 2009, 01:07:18 ET
Posted by: Tom Hayes, San Diego, Ca

>but KD, what's wrong with cell phone pics?

I think the issue is that people hold the camera over their heads for extended periods of time , blocking the view of the stage for people behind them. it's the same thing if someone in front of you brings a sign (like "Play Dr. Wu!") and holds it up during the concert.

Wearing a large hat (think Abe Lincoln) while sitting in front of someone is often considered rude too.

Tall people can block views, but being tall is not a choice. Fat people can invade spaces, but being fat is okay in my experience.

But a tall fat guy wearing a hat, holding a sign, and texting a cell phone picture in front of you can really take away from your enjoyment of the concert. If they are stumbling around , whistling, screaming "Reeling in the years!!" every 15 seconds , and talking to six of their other friends for the entire concert then it's going to be a Bad Friday for me. (Friday, August 28th,2009.)

Date: Sun, June 21, 2009, 22:48:14 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine Beach

KD, I'm in your corner on most of this. I see your cell phone picture complaint more as a complaint about a lack of consideration, and blocking your view.

I don't give a rat's ass if someone takes cell phone pictures, as long as they don't get in my way, the entire concert, to do it.

I have the same feeling about talking on the cell phone in a restaurant, for example. I know a lot of people rail against it, and I almost never do it (if I have to take the call, I go outside or to the lobby). But, really as long as they talk in a normal conversational voice, what's the difference between two people talking in a restaurant, or one person talking on the phone?

I think some people simply don't like cell phones, and have nothing better to complain about

As for partying, and such, I have been TRASHED at a couple of Dan concerts. I still managed to enjoy the show without bothering those around me.

Date: Sun, June 21, 2009, 22:24:04 ET
Posted by: KD, 7

What's wrong with them?

I paid a lot of money to watch a concert. Not to see someone raise two arms directly above his head, right in front of my view, stick is his cell phone there, and take picture after picture after picture. Cheap, soon-to-be-deleted pictures.

I didn't pay money to see the back of your cell phone. I didn't pay money to hear you signing the songs. I paid money to hear AND see Steely Dan. Taking cell phone pictures is as rude and inconsiderate as standing up so that I cannot see, or distorting the way (like, by singing or making other noises) I hear Steely Dan.

Just because it's a newer phenomenon than annoying others by singing or obstructing views is, it doesn't mean it isn't just as awful. Just because it's the typical move of the 35-and-under set, it doesn't mean it isn't as rude or selfish as what the a-hole 60-year olds are doing during "Home at Last."

Date: Sun, June 21, 2009, 21:58:53 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh

but KD, what's wrong with cell phone pics? Doesn't make any noise. I feel the same way about texting -- I don't do it, but if someone next to me wants to spend $200 to text for an hour and a half, that's their call (plus, who knows, it might be GM or Oleander texting Hoops the setlist!)

Date: Sun, June 21, 2009, 21:57:06 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh

Yeah, it's really common sense -- assume that the folks around you are reasonable people, and try not to do anything that would piss them off.

Date: Sun, June 21, 2009, 21:14:00 ET
Posted by: KD, Not Orlando

I've gotten lit at a couple of SD shows over the years, but managed not to talk, yell, sing loudly, sing at all (save for the encores, when everyone is screaming), stand up when not called for, take lame pictures with my cell phone (COULD WE PLEASE STOP THAT?), etc, etc.

A-holes are a-holes, and we're well within our rights to point them out. Whether they're drunk or not.

Date: Sun, June 21, 2009, 20:58:55 ET
Posted by: Tom Hayes, San Diego, Ca

Dr., Demento what is your problem?

Is is that you think I should embrace the drunken, loud, stumbling idiots? Is that your position?

Date: Sun, June 21, 2009, 19:26:31 ET
Posted by: Rick, St Aug Beach

Hey Worm Tom:

RE
<<potter is a monster but too good to tour with the dan in a restricted setting try his solo settings - gratitude is one of my faves he toured with the dan only in Japan then went on to other things in 2000 and his replacement ran off with miss cave, my sweatheart>>
It was more than just Japan, I think. I have a recording of Dan from 09.01.93 - Riverport Ampitheatre, St. Louis, Mo. In Chain Lightning Walter lists the band - Chris Potter 3rd sax (alto and tenor). It's all saxes by the way - Cornelius, Bob Sheppard, and Potter. They make a point of saying ALL Saxes. Walter even shouts out "Chris Potter on Tenor sax" during his solo on Chain Lightning. Peter Erskine on drums in 93 - Weather Report - doesn't get much better than that.

On a 96 recording I have there's brass as well (but no potter). Drew Zing was on the 93 tour, Krantz of course in 96 (my fav.).

Now on the 74 recording I have Skunk and Denny on guitar, and Walter on bass - and skunk singing My Old School if u can imagine...

Point taken tho' RE Potter he's too into his own thing (which I love) to tour with Dan again IMHO.

Best

Rick

Date: Sun, June 21, 2009, 18:41:43 ET
Posted by: CJB, YVR

There's an excellent YT video of 2008's rainy Woodinville, WA date shot in my section during the encore. Every time I watch it I'm reminded of how much I enjoyed DTMA and KC, and of the bellowing douche who staggered up the aisle, piss-drunk and unable to believe that security had turned his ass back from the stage, where he was planning to leap up and "raise shit" 'cause RITY hadn't been played as part of the set. You can hear him very clearly in the video, totally audible above the band, the crowd, and the pouring rain.

Lots of us were enjoying the fine musicianship, dancing, and various substances, some available at the winery, some not.

But no one was enjoying the drunken douche at all.

Date: Sun, June 21, 2009, 18:30:05 ET
Posted by: lol, liverpool

well said klaus i will try to do a set list for birmingham and paris if i have not had too many drinks hey i might want to enjoy myself or will that upset the stick in the muds who have paid good money to just sit there and say what a rowdy crowd live and let live god bless

Date: Sun, June 21, 2009, 16:50:13 ET
Posted by: Klaus and the rooster, OHIO

Hey Dr demented/ That shit was totally uncalled for. Read my previous post/we all need to lighten up. This thing is alot of fun when we are not attacking each other' Hell' most Steely Dan fans are balding and a few pounds over we are 40 plus I will be 50 in a few weeks so what Don and Walt are older and still the coolest shit this side of mars We should stick to the music that we all love and leave this personal shit go.

Date: Sun, June 21, 2009, 15:18:58 ET
Posted by: Tom Hayes, San Diego

Josie said:
>God forbid if you drink and party at a Steely Dan show

Drinking not the issue, but what does "partying" mean to you?

If "partying" means talking loudly, doing a "hail a cab whistle" every 30 seconds, or dancing in a way that the person seated near you is an involuntary participant in "the bump" then it's not partying - it's being an a-hole.

You want to stand and dance a bit? Sure. Laugh and smile and occasionally say to a friend "This is fun!" or "I love this song." Sure. Absolutely yes.

What I want to know is: Why you think it's condensing that *I* want to watch the performers on stage and hear the music they are playing as opposed to having to be subjected to drunk, loud, space invading a-holes?? That's it.

This is the main reason I'm seeing them in Vegas: I was able to get a skybox first row seat where no one would be in front of me, and no one would be partying within three seats of my seat.

It'll only take about 6 hours to drive there, plus taking the day off from work, plus paying for a hotel room, plus the 6 hour trip back, plus gas and food - so can you see why that maybe I don't want to have to hear drunk people talking (instead of the music) - or having fat middle age guys who think they are cool - but are not - bumping into me while they dance to songs about fat middle age guys who think they are cool - but are not - through the whole concert??

Is that too condensing for you??

Date: Sun, June 21, 2009, 14:37:40 ET
Posted by: Klaus and the rooster, OHIO

Josie/ You are right in that we only live once and need to enjoy every minute. I dont think anyone has a prob with drinking and having fun;[dancing etc] but if that behavior is loud making it hard to hear the show or ruining your view than that is indeed a problem.W e all pay good money for the tix and the booze so we should be aware of that.I hope you dont miss the Dan because of a few bad apples whom are bound to turn out. I also think your right in that some of us [myself included] need to relax and enjoy the show!!

Date: Sun, June 21, 2009, 14:17:01 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine Beach, Happy Father's Day!

I tend to agree, Josie. As long as your having a good time respects the good time of others at the show. Some people don't seem to understand that nobody came to the show to see, or listen, to them.

And, having an endless conversation, at high decibels, with your friends, while the band is playing is totally unacceptable behavior at any concert, IMO.

I'd say if you can't enjoy yourself without being a discourteous ass wipe, home is the best place for you. (I don't mean you, specifically Josie, unless the shoe fits.) OTOH, if you require total silence, and can't deal with a raucous and appreciative crowd, you ought to think about staying home, too.

Date: Sun, June 21, 2009, 13:58:29 ET
Posted by: Josie, The Island Of Long

God forbid if you drink and party at a Steely Dan show. I guess I'll just skip the Beacon shows and check out the opera or symphony instead. It would definitely be cheaper. Maybe some of the arrogant and condescending fans on this board can take a cue from the audiences in Orange Beach and St. Augustine in the fact that you only live once so enjoy yourself while you're still healthy, active and breathing, especially while attending a show by a duo that has routinely shunned the South.

Date: Sun, June 21, 2009, 13:45:34 ET
Posted by: Klaus and the rooster, OHIO

I hope our left bank friends will post the setlists; this looking for Wu everyday is stressful. I am inclined to agree w/Hoops at this point; I am afraid if they concede and do the Doctor it may signal the end of live Dan a kind of parting gift for the faithful. If that is indeed the case what a classic between a rock [or Doc] and a hard place.

Date: Sun, June 21, 2009, 11:01:29 ET
Posted by: Provincial Reuben, Tall County AR

Answers: Naked Lunch by W.S.Burroughs; my Fave was 'SDIII from Yokahama'(the Pittsburg of Nippon?). Was the gatekeeper a local girl? Backstage passes: an unattainable necessary evil?
Memphis: by my count, The Bar-Kays (sorta sound like a Hazy Isaac) came on at 8:02 which was the advertised start of the service proper. While they arguably had more of a place at the gig (in a Stax sort of way,) they were clearly underappreciated and seemed to delight in confirming that the audience wasn't "...ready to go home yet..." and to get approval of the resolution of the greenroom argument over what the "...greatest SLOW jam of all time..." was. I was almost embarrassed to be part of the howling mob that waved bye-bye. I hope the Bama partiers weren't that fit to be tied. Or tight. It was great to have that 29 minute stage reset and get to hear the ultimate opening number (2vN) at a mere 9:52 as I recall. I really do think Fagen's flub (nothing at all to me) on the second v. of RITY had an effect on his rest of show; his perfunctory wave/seeya/stalk off and one encore might have been figments, but I felt for the guy. As for y'all's show, I'm afraid some of those rowdys may have been my kin who like to Riviera it up in those parts because of the lack of taxes available back east in Fla.

Date: Sun, June 21, 2009, 08:05:51 ET
Posted by: wormy, gulf shores before returning to NOLA

guitarzilla

the red neck comment applied to the totally drunk obnoxious people that happened to be around me. they were having a good time but most of them were more into their partying, talking incessantly and dancing than the actual music

my friends children are students at Southern Alabama University in Mobile and my father owns real estate here in gulf shores. THe locals call the place the redneck riviera - especially when the old saint QB stabler used to get in trouble over here. I apologize if I offended

speaking of the $250 to get backstage, don and walt don't like the attention

I also lucked into late released front row seat at noon that day for my friend's son
he sat front row center !!!! that made his day
we had tenth row off ebay

it was a great venue, vibe just a little more party than I'm used to
but I think the guys actually fed off it
don's flubs were small, few, and yes he is the coolest cat in the city
the guy is my hero from way way back
the band was so tight this early in the tour

I'll be in Memphis mid August too
would love to do a Boston, NYC, Chicago or La special show
but I'm headed to Peru late July early August
and don't have that much time off work anymore


angel - good to see you here!

Date: Sun, June 21, 2009, 03:53:26 ET
Posted by: guitarzilla, Alabama

I was very thankful to see the dan in my homestate of alaBAMa. it was my second time to see them live. i saw them about a year ago at beale st. music festival in memphis. they played amazingly, but the scene there was truly trashed "rednecks" as one might say. the group prior to steely dan were the bar-kays who overplayed their set by maybe 35 minutes or so cutting into dans set. steely dan's stage manager gave those guys a thrashing let me tell ya.
The show at the wharf was so wonderful! only regrets not having a backstage pass! i offered the box office attendant $250 for one that was sitting right in front of her! i didn't get to hear sign in stranger, black cow, gaucho, home at last, pretzel logic, which are my favorite Dan tunes listed in order.
Sure fagen messed up on a lyric, but who gives a care when its coming from the coolest cat on the planet which also happens to be a musical genious bro! i mean the guy could fart on a snare drum and its golden! its donald friggin' fagen for crying out loud! he does recover nicely wouldn't you say?
i love this website by the way! its great! BUT!!! the whole dumb redneck comment just a little rude to say the least. not everyone who lives here is dumb, inbred, alcoholic, toothless, mindless morons as one might put it. they play deacon blues before every U of ALA college football game along with sweet home Ala and a couple other tunes so its kinda signature-ish to some "rednecks" being probably the only steely dan tune they know. hey if it leads them down the rabbit hole of Dans vast musical library onto uber fandom so be it eh?
Questions, was there really a dildo called steely dan and that being the origin of the name, and how the heck does one acquire a backstage pass if $250 cash wouldn't buy one!!!!!!!!?

Date: Sun, June 21, 2009, 01:58:25 ET
Posted by: Provincial Reuben, Tall County AR

Comma to think of it: All I'm sayin' is when my droog and brother started reading to me out of Rolling Stone (zappa, what?) about this all(?) request show, I was floored. Why hadn't this been done before. Sure, outside of Disney Channel, I miss a lot of contact with the real world, but as far as I knew, My Heroes in Harmonic Dysfunkshun were once again setting the bar avant the curve raise. It's genious. Promise everything: put on a show. Win: win: win. Anyway, I didn't see any way anyone would be fooled what with the work ethic, HR dynamics, union rules, and size of the FakeKindle involved.
So I came to this resource to have NY, Chi, LA,and not necessarily Boston holders of the holy http(s)- free with ticket purchase- confirm a hypothesis that requested setlists would resemble setlists.
Why include non-intentional songs? I haven't really collected all the data yet, but, based on the preliminary east coast info, here are some corollary piles: A) to make up for typos and omissions of songs that are worked-up and variously required ( 3Wman, Timex Mind, DaddliTNYCNMore); 2) that's just the kind of bastards we are; Cuatro) You are in control.

Date: Sun, June 21, 2009, 01:25:02 ET
Posted by: angel, LA

Wormy: Goood "Bama" review. :-)

Glad you got to see them early and report back.

Date: Sat, June 20, 2009, 23:40:25 ET
Posted by: ,

Provincial Reuben, "No accounting for candidates dept: Can the LA setlist list be that different from NYC and BM?
About a year ago DF said that when he sound-checked Dr. Wu, he didn't like the 'curve' of it. Perhaps there could be a movement offering to temporarily recurve the stage to sort of compensate.
The other side of the koen: If everyone in the audience hears Dr. Wu during the show, does that necessarily mean that the tune was not not playing inside our pointy little heads?"

Then why bother adding it to the voting if they never had any intention of playing it? They don't have up others such as Almost Gothic, after all.

Date: Sat, June 20, 2009, 23:16:56 ET
Posted by: Klaus and the rooster, OHIO

Hey Doc, It occurs to me that I cant think of one band outside of Steely Dan that put out music that they/ Becker/Fagen the key players and the engine that drives this thing that we all love make records of stuff they dont even play on. A point can be made that in spite of them seeming diff to work with they leave egos at the door and it is all about the music. As far as Carlock Fagen has said they finally found a drummer they like.

Date: Sat, June 20, 2009, 22:22:37 ET
Posted by: Lurker Ray, Malibu

Thanks wormtom! Yeah I thought
that was the first "Tour Of The
Southland Stop In Bamma". Sounds
like a blast, I love a crowd driven
high energy SD Show.

"they were having fun last night and feeding off the high energy from the party atmosphere crowd"

"don and walt had dry ice blowing on them all night and it was hot as hell 90+ at 9pm"

Hmmmmm, reminds me of Soboba!, Soboba!, Soboba!

...sans the humidity of course.

Blue-collar or No-collar, Don & Walt
definitley feed-off a hard working
crowd of fans out for a good time
on a hot Friday night.

Especially in today's economy.

Date: Sat, June 20, 2009, 21:21:29 ET
Posted by: wormtom, nola

guess I offended someone
not everyone in the crowd was cromagnum
just a number around us!

I love mistakes
and only a musician or a dan fanatic would have caught Walt's
they were subtle

I love live also for the expanded element to the songs

they were having fun last night and feeding off the high energy from the party atmosphere crowd

don and walt had dry ice blowing on them all night and it was hot as hell
90+ at 9pm

Date: Sat, June 20, 2009, 20:44:07 ET
Posted by: E.B., Mansonville

You're completely missing the point...

The reason you go to see a LIVE PERFORMANCE is to hear something DIFFERENT than you would hear on the studio recording. The fact that Donald forgot a few lyrics here and there, or Walter missed a few notes, actually ADDS to the live experience. These are the things that happen in the studio that get corrected and you never get to hear them. This is what makes a concert the live experience that it is. When you're playing Live there's no rewind button, no studio engineer, no way to correct the natural imperfections that occur... and that's a GOOD THING!

If all you want to do is hear the songs verbatim then you might as well just stay home and listen to the cd.

Date: Sat, June 20, 2009, 20:11:01 ET
Posted by: worm tom, gulf shores before returning to NOLA

potter is a monster but too good to tour with the dan in a restricted setting
try his solo settings - gratitude is one of my faves

he toured with the dan only in Japan then went on to other things in 2000
and his replacement ran off with miss cave, my sweatheart

dan first time in (forest gump voice) Ala BAMA ah according to 92.1 zoo radio in Mobile
(best radio station on gulf coast)

we labeled many in the crowd as cromagnum
they went absolutely apeshit over the crimson tide reference
and yes none of them got it

lots of really bad dancing from inebriated rednecks last night
man a few were fortunate enough to have double wides
and all the subtle lyrics completely lost on them

the funked down show biz kids was reat

I recall seeing the Dan in Raleigh NC 2000 -
StevieDan, Ole, and Neg Girl were there that night
Deacon was the highlight - it really went over the top
plus the much larger set list then

really missed not hearing Babylon, Home at Last, Black Cow, Pretzel Logic and of course Dr Wu

could still do without Peg, Do It Again, Josie, Kid C, Green Earrings, Bodi, My Old School but they were done really well

Date: Sat, June 20, 2009, 19:02:13 ET
Posted by: 008, here@the eastern world

The Donald - Sacha Baron Cohen
Sir Walter - Tommy Chong

Date: Sat, June 20, 2009, 16:58:33 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh

Check out the Chris Potter album "Underground" for Potter and Krantz. Electric funk/jazz with fender Rhodes providing the low end. Seem the group (sans Krantz) several times and they are absolutely thrilling.

Date: Sat, June 20, 2009, 16:29:55 ET
Posted by: metal leg casting,

Jonny Greenwood is fine if you're not looking for actors and only for looks. Jacob Dylan would also be good for Fagen in that case.

Noah Taylor's got some lips and is a fantastic actor.

Date: Sat, June 20, 2009, 15:58:35 ET
Posted by: Lurker Ray, Malibu

Thanks for the Bama setlist
wormtom! Sounds like a
hoot. Wish I could have been
there. So the "Redneck Riviera"
did get Deacon Blues. Thought
they might. I think it's funny
that I'm sure 98% of the people
last night cheering during the
"Crimson Tide" refrain didn't
realize that the song is about
a "redneck cracker"!

Again, does anyone know if this
was the first time SD has played
Bama?

Thanks

Date: Sat, June 20, 2009, 12:56:43 ET
Posted by: Klaus and the rooster, OHIO

Rick' you bring up Dias and I realize that I forgot him; a truly great player. Geez/ think of all the players on Dan tunes over the years'Knopfler'Derringer'Graydon'Zing' all tasty players and all diff. I guess the boys like a variety of styles/ but Ill be damned if it seems to always work. I wonder if most of us have a fav solo/ Ill take chain lightning and kid c!!Derringer and Carleton if I am not mistaken.Now someone will name another and another and they all kill me. I started playing when r.i.t.y. came out and that was the tune that made me take up the axe. So put Dias and Skunk at the top of the list also. Lets not forget Dean Parks and last but not least' the Great Walter Becker. He may not be Van Halen but great style and points for being a Fab Original!!

Date: Sat, June 20, 2009, 12:50:02 ET
Posted by: Klaus and the rooster, OHIO

Rick' you bring up Dias and I realize that I forgot him; a truly great player. Geez/ think of all the players on Dan tunes over the years'Knopfler'Derringer'Graydon'Zing' all tasty players and all diff. I guess the boys like a variety of styles/ but Ill be damned if it seems to always work. I wonder if most of us have a fav solo/ Ill take chain lightning and kid c!!Derringer and Carleton if I am not mistaken.Now someone will name another and another and they all kill me. I started playing when r.i.t.y. came out and that was the tune that made me take up the axe. So put Dias and Skunk at the top of the list also. Lets not forget Dean Parks and last but not least' the Great Walter Becker. He may not be Van Halen but great style and points for being a Fab Original!!

Date: Sat, June 20, 2009, 12:17:30 ET
Posted by: Rick St Aug., St Aug Beach

Klaus,

Have u heard Krantz on Green Earings on the 96 (I think) tour? One of the best recordings of the song and one of the best guitar breaks I've heard. I love his style but it is different (if you have any interest search YouTube for Krantz / Potter playing together in Stuttgart, I think). Amazing stuff.

I'm not ragging on Herington - he does fit in well with the band and he's been with them for ages. But I just like something a little extra in the guitar dept. To be brutally frank I'd rather Walter solo (and sing!) less, but hey, it's his gig. He has some big shoes to fill as well. You don't get much bigger than Larry Carlton and Wayne Krantz. Talking about guitar players Denny Dias became a computer programmer and used to contract for a company I worked with in LA. There's a line in one of the songs on Two Against Nature (is it "Barry is the software King?" Wondered whether that was about Denny.

Another problem we have as fans is some of those guitar solos - like Larry Carlton on Kid Charlemagne - we know note for note. There's a YouTube video of Walt and Dan showing alternative versions of the guitar break in Peg - 3 or four different versions which were recorded - but of course when you hear the one we all know...

Hey it's all good and we are lucky to have this in our life!

Rick

Date: Sat, June 20, 2009, 11:57:45 ET
Posted by: Provincial Reuben, Tall County AR

No accounting for candidates dept: Can the LA setlist list be that different from NYC and BM?
About a year ago DF said that when he sound-checked Dr. Wu, he didn't like the 'curve' of it. Perhaps there could be a movement offering to temporarily recurve the stage to sort of compensate.
The other side of the koen: If everyone in the audience hears Dr. Wu during the show, does that necessarily mean that the tune was not not playing inside our pointy little heads?

Date: Sat, June 20, 2009, 11:04:59 ET
Posted by: Klaus and the rooster, OHIO

Yes it is true Herington is not Larry Carlton/ but then nobody is. Krantz;s style is diff' than both/ but Herington is a beast of a guitarist and in mho he fits the Dan like a glove. It is nice to dream of our fave lineups for the band however as long as Herington and the rest of the lineup has been around I think Don and Walt are comfy w/the band

Date: Sat, June 20, 2009, 10:29:18 ET
Posted by: Rick, St Aug Beach

Ok - just sobered up after St. Augustine gig Thu. night. I've seen them twice before - this was the best gig. It was just great. Outdoors and small crowd made for a great atmosphere and as Dean said crowd was really into it. Beer was bit rubbish though.

Only thing that could be better would be to have Wayne Krantz on guitar and Chris Potter on sax. Herington is fine but he's no Wayne Krantz or Larry Carlton. And Potter is world class. Saw him with Dave Holland recently and unbelievable to think he toured with Dan.

Anyway still so fired up am looking for tickets for the London gig on July 1. I'll take as many as I can get for me and so please E me if anyone has any spare. Any know any other places I can ask? There are some on Ebay.co.uk but I'm sure will go for silly prices - and those moaning about US prices (I paid $75 US for St. Aug - family of 6 - OUCH) - London tickets start at over $100 US as far as I can tell.

Dean - if u want to shoot me an E I have some CDs u might be interested in.

Citizen Rick

Date: Sat, June 20, 2009, 10:17:27 ET
Posted by: Jeff Goldblum, NYC

Goldblum is WAY too tall to play DF. He's a friggin' giant. Chop him off just below the knee and he could play the part.

Date: Sat, June 20, 2009, 03:10:20 ET
Posted by: Boston Rag, The camera never lies

I offer more proof that Jonny Greenwood should be cast as The Donald!

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rdnwaYSVh_E/Rzl-tei6MCI/AAAAAAAAAsk/ZNupl1Pg_WA/s400/jonny_greenwood.jpg

Mark in Boston

Date: Sat, June 20, 2009, 01:49:33 ET
Posted by: wormtom - scats, orange beach alaBAMah

Steely Dan at Orange Beach the Wharf


spoilers set list





Time Out of Mind
Bodi
Sow Biz Kids - funked down rearrangement
Bad Sneakers
two against nature
black friday
aja
Don't take me alive
Hey 19 with cuervo break
Parker's Band
Deacon Blues (first time since 2000 and crimson tide got big reviews)
Daddy (walter still can't sing)
Green Earrings
Josie
band intros - love is an itching...
Do It Again
Kid Char
encore
Peg
My old school

very tight, perfect sound, don in good voice but miffed a few minor things

really enjoyed hearing Deacon after 2000 show in Raliegh
the local redneck riviera crowd was wild during crimson tide section

really wanted to hear Babylon, Home at Last or Black Cow
and more TAN and some EMG
band was hotso

tom

Date: Sat, June 20, 2009, 00:11:09 ET
Posted by: Boston Rag, Will the real DF please stand up

Noah Taylor? No way. Check out Jonny Greenwood of Radiohead.

http://www.pluginmusic.com/news/images/1111.jpg

Mark in Boston

Date: Fri, June 19, 2009, 23:49:09 ET
Posted by: Beast w/o A Life, Geekville

You people, yes, I said it, you people who are posting about casting a fictional Steely Dan biopic make the people who watched and enjoyed Star Trek: Enterprise (and who tried in vain to privately bankroll a new season after its overdue demise by Paramount)seem hip and relevant.

That said, I would cast Jason Biggs, Jason Schwartzman (Rushmore - simply for his nose) or the guy that played Zander on Buffy as DF. As for Walter, hmm.. how's about Aaron Eckhardt (see In the Company of Men and Thank You For Smoking) as WB.

The guy who played Milton in Office Space could play Roger Nichols. Remember him, with the red stapler ?

Richard Benjamin could play Gary Katz.

Tom Cruise could reprise his role from Tropic Thunder to play Irving Azoff.

As for Wendel, I'm thinking Twiki, from the 1979 Buck Rogers show, for which Mel Blanc provided the voice.

The entire cast of The West Wing could play the rotating roster of frustrated session players and backing singers and Toby McGuire could play a dejected Mark Knopfler from the March 1979 session he did for Time Out Of Mind.

The actual dates that Mark Knopfler played the sessions were printed in a 1985 Brothers In Arms tour program that gave some serious details about what this band was up to on a day to day basis.

I'm very glad to hear that DF is singing Gaucho, that Sign in Stranger has been somewhat restored, though I liked the 1994 version just fine, and that Here At the Western World has been given a more proper live treatment. I only hope that some really good recordings become available from these shows.

D+W should seriously consider filming and / or recording this tour and releasing some kind of compendium which would encompass all the live versions of songs they have not yet released in some fashion.
I know we would all buy it in a heartbeat, even if it were expensive.

Date: Fri, June 19, 2009, 23:17:51 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine Beach

I can get on board with N Taylor as Donald, in a hurry.

If you can nail Becker at that level, I think we have a project.

:#)

Date: Fri, June 19, 2009, 22:59:11 ET
Posted by: SS, HK

central casting.....Noah Taylor - definitely !

Date: Fri, June 19, 2009, 22:06:00 ET
Posted by: Boston Rag, Separated at Birth

I agree with Hoops regarding Jeff Goldblum as DF, especially if you have seen the movie “Lush Life”. Goldblum plays a jazz musician and definitely has a Fagen swagger about him in this movie.

I always thought this picture of River Phoenix from My Own Private Idaho looked exactly like a young Walter Becker. Check it out.

http://www.imdb.com/media/rm2546572800/tt0102494

Mark in Boston

Date: Fri, June 19, 2009, 21:42:19 ET
Posted by: Provincial Reuben, Tall County AR

Maybe that Orel character was right. Maybe the HOGS should never have gone to Omaha.
Dean: I admire anyone who can read his notes or recollections that soon after the show. I keep coming up with stupid stuff like, "Rain Halts Red Rocks Show-- Thousands Blown Away." More to the point, I have a really hard time deciding which edition/version I prefer on songs as I hope I'm just happy to be there... or maybe both? My hat and the cap to my UNI*BALL are off to you. Good to hear discernment.
Meanwhile, back at Deloitte and Touche, as we try to figure out this "Don't Vote for Wu! Dr.'s Orders." campaign, why would the NY setlist options be different from the Boston choices? Could it be the curse of the Bab... I mean, Senator Clinton?
Using the AtariWindowsMovieCaster for Wii by EASports, I got DF= Mark Lenard; WB= Dennis Leary; GK= Dustin Hoffman; RtiN= James Dean.
Unkind reviewers (snort): there are a couple of guys I run to the shows with that spend most of their time 'reviewing' the choristers-- that one Victoria's Secret looking one in particular...

Date: Fri, June 19, 2009, 21:15:02 ET
Posted by: ForwardGirl, hither and yon

Hey Dean,
Love the detailed review, thanks for staying up and posting. That's terrible about the wrong start time on the tickets, I'd be really pissed too. Somebody screwed up big time, non?

Date: Fri, June 19, 2009, 20:56:53 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh

IIRC, Fagen has been blowing lyrics regularly since at least 2003. (I'm sure he fucked up every now and then before, but I remember a rash of "blown lyric reports" around that time).

Most groups like Steely Dan provide their singers with a telepromtper. I don't know if Fagen has one, or if he could even find a suitable place seated at the piano. Does he still have a lyric book?

Overall, I don't think a whole lot has changed. I don't think the fact that he's fucking up is a symptom of him regretting the tour.

I do think it's interesting that they've essentially been on the same tour since 2006. For a band like Steely Dan that rejected the notion of nostalgia tours, you have to wonder why they've been touring for 4 years with absolutely no new material to promote. I'm not complaining; I love to see them live. But it does change my perception of the type of artists Becker and Fagen are. Can I fault them for wanting to make money playing their hits to crowds across the world (and occasionally for employees of large corporations)? Hell no, and I would do the same thing given the chance. At the same time, for decades they stated publicly it wasn't the type of thing they wanted to. I suppose when you're older ideals can take the back seat to pragmatism.

Date: Fri, June 19, 2009, 20:32:31 ET
Posted by: Vote for , Dr. Wu

How come you people aren't voting for Dr. Wu? For 16 years we've been wanting to hear it live, and now's our chance, and folks are voting for Parker's Band 4-to-1. Come On! I like Parker's Band, too, but I got my fill of that on the 2003 tour. It's time for something different.

Vote for Dr. Wu at http://msg.com/steelydan/

Date: Fri, June 19, 2009, 19:55:34 ET
Posted by: Casual Fan, MCO

Jason Alexander as WB.

Date: Fri, June 19, 2009, 19:46:38 ET
Posted by: Lutz, SF

Zappa used to help his lead singers when they forgot lyrics sometimes.
They would play another 5/7 or something like that and start over.
Why not use help like the President does if things are shaky early in the tour? I bet not many would mind.

Date: Fri, June 19, 2009, 19:44:13 ET
Posted by: HouDanFan, Houston

Thanks Dean...I enjoyed reading your write up(s). I like this setlist better than the first few shows. Oh and I've never attended a danfest. Don't have anything against them, just not my cup of tea.

Date: Fri, June 19, 2009, 19:25:57 ET
Posted by: Dif, Champaign

greco,

The tour hasn't come my way as of yet, so I don't know if Fagen has regrets. I would think that only Fagen himself would know that, much less admit such "regrets" publicly.

Could it be that the band is merely a little rusty? My guess is that after a few more nights on the road, that rust will give way to luster.

Speaking for myself only, I've never been disappointed in a performance. It's why I keep coming back for more.

Tho I wouldn't consider myself a "DeadHead" I've seen them a few times. I know that Weir is famous for blowing lyrics. Furthermore I would say the Dead have a larger repetoire than our guys. When I saw them May 5th here in Chicagoland, Weir and company was mistake free lyic wise.

How could that be, you may ask.

Weir and the other vocalists used tele-prompters to keep the words straight.

Yes, those same tele-prompters that our elected officials use to read their speeches from.

Isn't technology grand?

Date: Fri, June 19, 2009, 18:44:01 ET
Posted by: casting couch,

WALL-E for Wendel
Philip Seymour Hoffman for Roger Nichols
Jeff Goldblum might be a good Gary Katz

The late Heath Ledger would have done a good Becker

Date: Fri, June 19, 2009, 18:35:12 ET
Posted by: The Dean, Manatee Bar, It's Happy Hour

I think the character with the biggest casting issue is WENDEL.

:#)

Date: Fri, June 19, 2009, 18:32:18 ET
Posted by: central casting,

Noah Taylor for Fagen
Simon Pegg for Becker

Who for Gary Katz and Roger Nichols?

Date: Fri, June 19, 2009, 17:56:39 ET
Posted by: greco,

I think DF is strating to regret this tour format

why?

too many songs to remember

From what ive been hearing & reading he's blowing alot of lyrics. I think its because there are too many songs to remember on this tour

thoughts>

Date: Fri, June 19, 2009, 17:46:39 ET
Posted by: The Dean, Manatee Bar, It's Happy Hour

I'm with you, Kid Clean. I really like the logo, but I'm not crazy about a white T.

Date: Fri, June 19, 2009, 17:31:18 ET
Posted by: Kid Clean, Almost@theweekend

I'm not much for white t-shirts but that logo, pulling the empty pocket out, is "priceless".

KC

Date: Fri, June 19, 2009, 16:55:34 ET
Posted by: Tomorrow Girl, Baton Rouge

I agree that Goldblum(he was my choise too) and Oldman are good choices, but maybe some younger actors. Maybe kids , and 20-30 yr olds for all ages of Dan. Any ideas? tg

Date: Fri, June 19, 2009, 15:53:42 ET
Posted by: I Got The News, NOLA

Going to the Steely Dan Show in Orange Beach tonight. Anyone know what time the band usually does soundcheck? FYI, the show starts at 8pm.

Date: Fri, June 19, 2009, 15:16:16 ET
Posted by: Zim, CT

Anyone interested in meeting in the Greenroom tonight?

Date: Fri, June 19, 2009, 14:37:18 ET
Posted by: Nosey Nate, Youngstown, Ohio

Hello all--does anyone know who/what selects where the band plays? We live between Cleveland and Pittsburgh and this will be the third straight tour the band has passed over the entire area. I know DF had/has family in Cleveland and the RnR HOF is there as well--you think they'd stop by on one of these tours. That said, to get my SD fix, I flew down to Ft Myers, Fla to see the 6/16 show. And to the person who earlier asked for the setlist--here it is: 1) Band's blues intro, 2)Time Out of Mind, 3)Bodhisattva, 4)Show Biz Kids, 5)Bad Sneakers, 6)Two Against Nature, 7)Black Friday, 8)Aja, 9)Don't Take Me Alive, 10)Hey 19, 11)Parkers Band (girls), 12)Pretzel Logic, 13)Daddy Don't Live in NYC (Becker vocal), 14)3rd World Man, 15)Itchin' in My Heart (girls sing w/band intros), 16)Green Earrings, 17)Josie, 18) Kid Charlemagne---ENCORE 19)Peg, 20)My Old School--DF & WB leave to jazzy music. Great show.

Date: Fri, June 19, 2009, 11:22:54 ET
Posted by: Casual Fan, MCO

Thanks for the fine report, Dean-o. Sorry to hear that WB's gee-tar was not quite right in the early going. He was in top form start to finish for us in O-town. But sounds like they got it together for him as things wore on.

Agree with you re: Herington perpetually undermixed. What's up with that?

Date: Fri, June 19, 2009, 10:55:02 ET
Posted by: Rajah,

You gotta love him for that, respect and admiration are movements of the spleen as the Elizabethans used to say but love, love is a movement of the heart. Dean gets my vote.

Date: Fri, June 19, 2009, 10:52:59 ET
Posted by: Lurker Ray, Malibu

BTW -

As I speculated when the tour
dates were first popping up,

"They just gotta play Deacon
tonight". Right?

Looking forward to the reports
from Bamma. Is this the first
time SD has played Bamma?

Date: Fri, June 19, 2009, 10:36:00 ET
Posted by: Like him or hate him,, fds

The Dean really does put his heart and soul into his posts. You gotta respect him for that.

Date: Fri, June 19, 2009, 10:24:34 ET
Posted by: Lurker Ray, Malibu

Thanks for the great report Deano!
I'll take an unruly crowd and dancing
over a sedate crowd any day.

Donald vs Walter on Gaucho?

No contest. I'll just have to wait
for the 5 shows I have in August.
Guess the Todd Rundgren show tonight
will have to hold me for a while.

Date: Fri, June 19, 2009, 10:05:32 ET
Posted by: Thefez98, Boston

Sue/Dave,

Thanks for the heads up on the tickets released for the Boston Internet Request show. We just scored Right Center Orchestra Row C, Seats 6-8, 8 row from stage. Not crazy about spending almost $300, but with two little ones we do not get out often and as we met at the 2000 show in Mansfield we cannot miss a tour! Should be fun!!!

Thanks Again,
Jim & Danielle

Date: Fri, June 19, 2009, 10:01:18 ET
Posted by: Rajah,

Thank you, Dean, for the detailed report, I like hearing from a person who knows a person who loves Steely Dan. So Donald messes up again, well, I guess that's the most lovable thing about him...the man of musical perfection has his flaws as well, it's comforting in a certain sense. Well done.

Date: Fri, June 19, 2009, 08:26:52 ET
Posted by: St Augustine, Review

http://www.jacksonville.com/entertainment/2009-06-18/story/steely_dan_cool_on_a_hot_st_augustine_night

Date: Fri, June 19, 2009, 08:24:14 ET
Posted by: web, key

New Fagen interview

http://www.pnj.com/article/20090619/ENTERTAINMENT/906190321/-Hey-Nineteenth---Steely-Dan-hits-The-Wharf-tonight

Date: Fri, June 19, 2009, 07:47:14 ET
Posted by: steelydoc, near the Borgata

steelydan.com now has a link to pics of the Rent Party merch...

http://www.steelydan.com/tour09merch.html

Date: Fri, June 19, 2009, 06:16:05 ET
Posted by: pixeleen,

Dean,
Thanks for the great write-up about last night's show.
What a night !!

Also, just found a blog entry by some kid at Lynn ?College or ?University, about how his friend, Sayan Becker (who just happens to be Walter's daughter) got him VIP passes to the Mizner Park concert.
How great is that!!

blogs.lynn.edu/myknightlife

....and there's a response by Sayan :-)

Date: Fri, June 19, 2009, 02:56:09 ET
Posted by: Engel, Melbourne, Oz

Augustus Pablo makes the melodica sound pretty good!

Date: Fri, June 19, 2009, 00:49:15 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine Beach

Well,

Let's see...

I was there, and you weren't.

And, judging from your post, on my worst day (and stoned to the max), I'm at least twice as smart as you are.

Also, as I always post under my same handle, I'm not a sniveling pussy, as you seem to be.

That's all for you, troll.

Date: Fri, June 19, 2009, 00:39:01 ET
Posted by: well, there you go again

deano, baby.

you said that you'd be posting stoned and you were right.

anyone who says walter, solo and great in the same sentence has got to be blotto!

anyone who says melodica and great in the same sentence should go to a to AA meeting tomorrow.

melodica sucks, no exceptions.

donald putting his hand in his arm pit and making farting noises would be light years better!

god rest ye merry deanoman.

Date: Fri, June 19, 2009, 00:32:13 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine Beach, One Final Thought

Again, to those at the Danfest, I'm sorry I didn't' attend. And, as someone noted, I certainly COULD have attended.

But I chose to spend that time, with the friends I was going to the concert with, who didn't want to go to the fest. Real live friends, who I know and love. I chose to spend my time enjoying their hospitality, great homemade lasagna, excellent wine, cocktails and conversation. Yes, I choose to do this instead of meeting up for a short time with people I don't know, and may never see again. Sorry.

If this were a multi-night stand, I'm sure I would have attended on one night. If there was an after-meetup, I may have been able to make it.

Anyway, that's the way it is/was.

And if anyone here was at the show tonight, and wore a "Mutha Shuckers" T-Shirt, please be more courteous the next time you go to a concert. People didn't pay to hear you talk and sing (loudly) the entire show. Stay home and talk on your cell phone, next time.

Date: Fri, June 19, 2009, 00:22:11 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine Beach, Heading Down the Home Stretch

Let's wrap this midnight ramble up, for Christ's sake...

Gaucho: Don sings. I liked Walt's version, but this was much better. Jim Beard sounded good on this one, too.

Love is Like an Itching in My Heart/Band Intros: Better than last year, I think. Really smokin', and everyone hitting on all cylinders. Girls are simply amazing. They were made to sing this song. This year, the brief solos after Walt introduces each player were ultra-short. I was a little bit disappointed by how stingy they were with the solos. Carlock's was so short, and uninspiring, Walt said something like "That wasn't satisfying at all. I think I am going to re-introduce him and try that again." He did. KC gave a better effort, but it was more pounding, and less nimble than I expect from this great drummer. Don't get me wrong, he was still terrific, just not on his A game tonight, IMO.

Josie: Outstanding piano intro from Beard...really sweet. On first verse, Don's mic is out, so no vocals until they switch the mic, while band continued to play. Another terrific Walt solo.

Do It Again: Another best version live, for me. Great pace. The return of "Going to Los Wages", for a small portion of the song.

From now until the end of the show, you had to stand to see. People were dancing in the aisles and up near the stage. I turned to look at the crowd on several occasions and it was clear they were completely into this show.

Kid C:
Encores: Peg and My Old School: They hit these old standbys out of the park. Great energy, smokin' solos, especially by Jon. Beard filled nicely, particularly in My Old School. Unfortunately, as the crowd was singing along (loudly) it wasn't easy to hear some of the fun Don was having with his phrasing, and some different melodies he was singing, as the crowd sang the standard version. Still Don seemed determined to sing louder to get through, and eventually some seemed to catch on, that he was worth listening to.

Outro: Last Tango in Paris: Great song to close with, IMO. Crowd still standing and cheering. I almost thought there was a chance for a return, they were that loud, and nobody was leaving. Alas, there is a pretty strict time curfew on the beach, I think. The Amphitheater is in a residential neighborhood, and borders on a State Park, with camping.

Again, great show, great energy, some of the best performances I have seen on several songs. Weird technical difficulties, and gaffes, and an unruly but appreciative crowd.

Once again, I never passed a merchandise table, and I don't go looking for it. I wish they had more than one place to buy stuff, but I refuse to fight through a crowd, or shop while the band is playing.

Anyway, there it is. I'm a very happy boy, tonight.

Date: Fri, June 19, 2009, 00:13:13 ET
Posted by: moray eel, bad

I think it depends on what king of SD movie you are making.

Jeff Goldblum and Gary Oldman could probably do a pretty good job representing the modern SD. Goldblum seems a little bit tall...

But a bio pick (which seems more likely) would have to have younger actors...

m.e.

Date: Fri, June 19, 2009, 00:08:57 ET
Posted by: suedave, going to bahston

Good seats for the internet request night just opened up in Boston!

Date: Fri, June 19, 2009, 00:00:16 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine Beach, Refreshed

Where was I? Oh, yes...

Aja: I love Aja whenever I get a chance to hear it, especially live. Tonight was no exception. But I have heard them do this better, in past years. Still great, but Keith wasn't at his very best tonight, IMO. Terrific to be sure, but maybe he was pacing himself due to the heat and humidity. (It had to be very hot, onstage.) We will revisit this issue in a bit.

Don't Take Me Alive: Jon smoked on this one. Don struggled a little, but really went for it. I think this was the only time all night he strained to hit notes. Great song for a great hot night, and the crowd continued to be very loud, singing along, standing, dancing, etc.

Hey Nineteen: I think Don missed a line/verse on an earlier song, but nothing as blatant as this. The crowd was singing along LOUDLY (and in tune/on key). After the first line, Don says to the crowd "You know the words", then immediately blew the next line. He laughed, covered his fave, and cowered below his keyboard. It was actually very funny. The band kept playing, and Don joined in on the next verse. The crowd was so loud (hooting and hollering) that I could barely hear Walt's cheesy story. My friends, who have never seen SD live, had no idea what he was saying. I got much of it, because i know the shtick.

Parker's Band: Sensational. The girls really belt this one out, and it's perfect live. The horns were great all night, but as was noted by a previous poster (from an earlier show on this tour) their solos seemed shorter, and more focused, than in past tours. Pugh didn't hit one sour note, all night. Pretty rare for a T-Bone player, IMO.

Pretzel Logic. As good as they can do this song, I think. Walt tore through possibly the greatest solo I have ever heard him play.

Daddy Don't Live in That NYC No More: Walt's voice is fine for this one. He even camped it up a bit, with voice inflections and hand gestures. They were very loose, and seemed very pumped by this raucous crowd. Walt played another awesome solo. Maybe he was trying to make up for the earlier guitar issues.

The final concert entry is next...

Date: Thurs, June 18, 2009, 23:41:59 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine Beach. Back From the Show

OK, back from the show. Glad to see the setlist has already been posted, so I will take a little time, and flesh things out, a bit.

Excuse any spelling and grammatical errors, please. I'm still a little buzzed, and very tired.

For those who are into the Cliff Notes version, here's the bottom line:

Despite several gaffes, early sound issues and a major scheduling problem, this concert had more energy than any Dan concert I have seen to date. The crowd was insane, but they were not without their issues, either.

Let's start from the top. My ticket (and everything I read about the concert) says the show started at 8 PM. We entered the amphitheater at 7:55, and Sam Yahel was well underway. In fact, I think I got to hear two songs, before they ended. During one, I was getting the beverages and finding my seat. I admit that pissed me off, a bit. Why would they start the concert earlier than the time printed on the tickets? I like Sam Yahel and was looking forward to hearing him, again. Well, I have nothing to say about Sam's group, as I heard almost nothing.

Of course, that made the late-arrivers (who probably planned to miss the opening act) very late, and people were still talking and being seated while the Dan was playing. Just an inexcusable scheduling failure by the venue.

Anyway, as I mentioned, my seat was on the floor (small uncomfortable seats, too close together) 6th row. I thought from looking at the seating chart I would be far left, but I turned out to be dead center.

Tennie's Blues is a great jazz tune, performed very ably by the band (sans Don, Walt and the gals). Beard got to show his talent, and the band seemed tightly loose. Things looked good.

Time Out of Mind: Don's melodica sounded great, tonight. Better than I have ever heard him/it sound. There were the typical early sound issues. More seriously though, Walter seemed to be having some guitar issues. I don't think he was happy with the blue ax, and he wasn't loud enough in the mix. He played on, and with vigor, mind you, but it was clearly an issue.

By now, the crowd was seated, and they were VERY into the show. Screaming almost too much...but how can you complain about the open and obvious joy of a Dan-starved crowd? It became clear to me that many in the crowd have been waiting for many years for SD to play in North Florida. But, they sang along with almost every song. Interestingly, they were on key, and actually didn't sound half bad, but it came at the price of some listening pleasure later in the concert. Also, I had the two most obnoxious people sitting next to me. When the guy wasn't singing, he was talking (very loudly) to his date, who cackled and screamed back to him the entire night. They never shut the fuck up. He actually had a conversation, or two, on his cell phone, during the show. The rudeness of some people is astonishing. Anyway, back to the show...

Bodhisattva: Outstanding. Sound is getting better, but Walt's guitar remains an issue, it seems. Jon sound great, but as usual, he is too low in the mix, for my tastes. Jon was a monster all night, fast and tasteful, all solos very purposeful.

Show Biz Kids: Best version yet, IMO. The intro was sensational (I know because I wrote that down, and now I don't remember the details). Fagen was in great voice for this tune, and all night, for the most part. The girls were the best I have ever hear them. I guess three-girls (with Catherine Russell) really does make a difference. I'm sorry I every doubted it. Walt changes his guitar. I think it was due to the issues, and not merely a normal change, but I could be wrong. This took care of some issues, but it still wasn't totally corrected.

Bad Sneakers. Good version. Maybe not quite as good as the one other time I saw this live, but excellent, to be sure. It seemed to be slowed down by a fraction of a beat. And Don sang the verses in a rushed manner. The fast over slow really worked well, I thought.

2vN: I can't believe people don't like this live. The song is pure energy, and is a wild and challenging cacophony of sound. This crowd simply LOVED it. Walt has his blue guitar back, and now all is well, on the sound front...for the most part.

Black Friday: As was mentioned, it was outstanding. Best live version I have heard, and by a large margin. The girls were simply outstanding. I could say that for every song, but I made a note of it on BF, so it must have been extra super-good. The woman who wrote the clueless review and took shots at the girls should be ashamed of herself. It ain't Steely Dan without the babe choir.

OK...time for me to refresh my drink. Part 2 in a few minutes:

Date: Thurs, June 18, 2009, 23:06:38 ET
Posted by: Casual Fan, I thought it was shorter but I guess I was wrong

Watching "Almost Famous" and just picked up on a scene with RITY in the background.

Date: Thurs, June 18, 2009, 22:57:38 ET
Posted by: RickSpence, St Augustine Beach

I is too fucked up to comment really but the gig tnite in St Aug. is like infinity. Citizen Rick. We are all citizens. Some fine columbian is the shit

Date: Thurs, June 18, 2009, 22:54:50 ET
Posted by: Joey,

" GAUCHO with df doing vocals (thank God) "



***** " YES !!!!! " ******


J " Snuggles " Fly

Date: Thurs, June 18, 2009, 22:12:53 ET
Posted by: the madman, the inside...of the amphitheater

time out of mind
Bodhisattva
Show biz kids with jam intro/weiskopf solo
Bad sneakers
Two against nature
Black Friday - usually HATE this live but this was the best I've seen it
Aja - definitely not shorter as earlier reported
Don't take me alive
Hey 19 - Don messed up second line
Parkers band - ladies on lead of course
Pretzel logic - slower and what a jam!
Daddy don't live in that NYC no more - walt vocals of course
GAUCHO with df doing vocals (thank God)
Itchin in my heart - band intros
Josie with don's mic out until "strike at the stroke"
Do it again - kind of jazzed up - carlock solo at end
Kid Charlemagne

Encore
Peg
My old school

Show ending right now

Date: Thurs, June 18, 2009, 20:01:58 ET
Posted by: Frederic , Nietzsche

Only if there is youtube video avalible...

Date: Thurs, June 18, 2009, 19:28:58 ET
Posted by: Philosophical, Riddle

If they played Wu in Fort Meyers but it wasn't reported, did it really happen?

Date: Thurs, June 18, 2009, 17:08:17 ET
Posted by: i really , want to direct!

me. i'd like to see a. jolie and salma hayak play beckandfage. i mean why not a whole movie looking at them?

conversely, a movie with buschemi playing all the parts would be magnificent.

and, of course, since i am a houge fan. i'll be a part of the movie, so bill murray can play me, or jamie pressley!!!

Date: Thurs, June 18, 2009, 16:47:14 ET
Posted by: Rajah,

Geo, from my own ears and from someone whose name I would never give up to the likes of someone who posts with that complete lack of courtesy you display.

Date: Thurs, June 18, 2009, 16:39:42 ET
Posted by: SD Movie, Casting

Steve Buscemi as Gary Katz.

Date: Thurs, June 18, 2009, 16:21:39 ET
Posted by: Casual Fan, Orlando

You know, if it weren't for the fact that the world is coming to an end here in Orlando (weather here makes it look like a breezy and sunny day at Bethpage around noon this afternoon), I'd drive on up and join you fine folks there in St. Augustine.

Such buss here on the Blue for that show. Hope it delivers for all of you!

Date: Thurs, June 18, 2009, 16:15:01 ET
Posted by: Young Wu, Raining in Buffalo

Why all the attacks on The Dean??

Date: Thurs, June 18, 2009, 16:11:59 ET
Posted by: geo,

Rajah, Re: Razor Boy at sound check 2003. Didn't happen. Where do you get your info from?

Date: Thurs, June 18, 2009, 15:55:47 ET
Posted by: pixeleen, LOL

According to the website: News 25 Marx Madness:

Donald Fagen is learning to play the cornet!! Apparently, Michael Leonhart gave DF a cornet last year. Must be a "fun" time on the tour bus these days with DF practicing :-)

www:marxmadness.news25.us/blog/ (article appeared on June 16)

Date: Thurs, June 18, 2009, 15:51:14 ET
Posted by: Dean,, short and fat?

somehow I'm not totally surprised :)

Date: Thurs, June 18, 2009, 15:32:34 ET
Posted by: Dr. Wu, Iowa

Levy and Moranis as Donald and Walter? Perfect! Good job, Catherine.

Date: Thurs, June 18, 2009, 15:28:30 ET
Posted by: Young Wu, Buffalo

Hey, I was just looking at old posts from the view and saw a post from Hoops on election night with a picture of Walter and Donald at Grant Park for Obama's victory celebration. The picture wasn't avalible, and I clicked on the link got nothing. Just wondering if anyone has that picture... thanks.

Date: Thurs, June 18, 2009, 14:56:06 ET
Posted by: catherine o'hara, second city

Eugene Levy to play Donald Fagen & Rick Moranis for Walter Becker.

Date: Thurs, June 18, 2009, 14:52:26 ET
Posted by: Aja1,

Check out Radio Dupree...Confirms that I'm glad I didn't hold my breath for Dr. Wu or Your Gold Teeth. I think they're the Al Gore's of this vote.

Date: Thurs, June 18, 2009, 14:50:48 ET
Posted by: Where there's a will, there's a way

Dean writes:

"Sorry I can't make the Danfest, but the people I am going with are relatively anti-social and will not budge. Good people, nonetheless."

Dean, where there's a will, there's a way. Anti-social=Dean

Date: Thurs, June 18, 2009, 14:22:35 ET
Posted by: Rick Spence, St Aug Beach

Message for Dean in St. Aug beach - hey man u miust be close to me - I have a spare ticket for the gig tonight - see my other post. let me know if u know anyoine who needs it. Can meet u at Stir It Up.

I swung by the ampi a few mins ago and they're all set up.

Rick

Date: Thurs, June 18, 2009, 14:22:18 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine Beach, Getting Ready for the Show

Hope to see some of you at the show. Sorry I can't make the Danfest, but the people I am going with are relatively anti-social and will not budge. Good people, nonetheless.

I'm sitting in Row F, Seat 23 (or maybe the one next to it). I'm a short fat guy, with longish curly hair (salt and pepper) and a goatee. I'll be dressed totally in black. I will likely have a huge smile on my face, and a drink in my hand. If you see me, say yo.

Well I'm off. I will report when I get back from the show.

Date: Thurs, June 18, 2009, 14:19:35 ET
Posted by: Rick Spence, St Augustine Beach

Hey guys - I have a spare ticket for tonight's show in St. Aug beach - face price is $81 and that's all I need for it. Row V. Is being listed on CraigsList as well. Am in St. Aug beach - reply here or E me if anyone interested.

Date: Thurs, June 18, 2009, 13:51:51 ET
Posted by: hoops, chicago

For Boston 2006, there were people with very cool "Do The Wu" t-shirts by Mark in the audience. The graphic was a sendup of the Mt Dew ads of the time. We even ran the same as a banner here on the Blue, in the same vein as the C$ banner above.

Around about the same time, Donald made a comment somewhere in an interview or something that, as my foggy mind serves, he still plan to play it even if there were signs in the audience.

But you never know!

Something like 22 years ago, Danfans begged for a reunion and it was "no."

====

Date: Thurs, June 18, 2009, 13:46:14 ET
Posted by: Young Wu, I WANT MORE TOUR DATES!!!!

Dean... here's hoping you get your "Through with Buzz" with strings tonight!

Have a great time!

Date: Thurs, June 18, 2009, 13:40:17 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine Beach, Getting Ready for the Show

Tom,

I'm guessing a sign like that is a sure way to guarantee they WON'T play it. They've made it pretty clear, in the past, that they don't like that.

Good luck!

Date: Thurs, June 18, 2009, 13:30:57 ET
Posted by: worm tom, new orleans on way to orange beach

long time no post

heading to Orange Beach Alabama for friday nights show
my dad has a nice condo in Gulf Shores nearby

I'll be holding a sign - 10th row center

"play DR WU
in the great pagoda of fun"

maybe they will have it half worked up and go for it!

Tom

Date: Thurs, June 18, 2009, 13:27:10 ET
Posted by: Rajah,

Bravo Dean. Give a special audit of James Beard if the board mix allows you to pick him out, he's a player's player IMHO, I hope he gets some limelight.

Razor Boy has been mentioned...they soundchecked it at the tour opener in Coasta Mesa in 03. I was behind the big gate and didn't catch much nuance from that distance but I was told by someone present that after the run-thru Walter pronounced it, "boring."

So much for Razor Boy, that's a shame...

Date: Thurs, June 18, 2009, 13:04:20 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine Beach, Getting Ready for the Show

Casual Fan,

No matter how late I get in, or how drunk/stoned I may be when I get back (I'm not driving), I will file a report...even if it is a brief summary until morning. I will do my best to get the setlist (I printed your Orlando setlist to have a quick reference and reduce the amount of writing), but I'm not guaranteeing it. Hopefully some others will also keep track.

Date: Thurs, June 18, 2009, 12:48:02 ET
Posted by: Casual Fan, Orlando

Dean, I will be most curious as to your review of tonight's show. See if you had the same reaction that I did here in Orlando Monday night.

Date: Thurs, June 18, 2009, 12:35:37 ET
Posted by: Mark from the North of Boston, North of Boston

Just scored 2nd row Orch Center at the MGM Foxwoods. Three fity for 2.
Tax only room Fity. Another Steely Dan show.....PRICELESS!

Date: Thurs, June 18, 2009, 12:28:02 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine Beach, Getting Ready for the Show

I agree that Stiller doesn't have the gravitas to play Donald. Goldblum and Billy Bob are decent choices. It might even be interesting to cast two relatively unknowns in the role, if you are trying to get guys who look like Don and Walt, but carry no image of their own. You can get bigger stars to play vital supporting roles.

I think I'd go a different direction, and not care so much about the natural appearance of the actor. Get heavyweights to play the role, Johnny Deep and Ed Norton (for example). They can work wonders with makeup, and the details are in the story and characterization, not on how much the actor looks like the real character. Just IMO, of course.



Now, with regards to the show, it looks to be warm, but not horribly hot, tonight. St Augustine Beach is typically a few degrees cooler than it is in J-Ville. This weather kills me, as I prefer cooler temps, and the days have been fairly brutal lately (90's and humid). But, by 8-9 PM, the temp should be in the 70's (high 70's likely), and with luck we will have a bit of a breeze off the ocean. I sat outside last night and smoked a cigar (about 9PM) and it was actually fairly pleasant. Of course, 3,000+ people can raise the temperature, so I may be overly optimistic.

There is also a small chance of rain/thunderstorms. If that happens, it should be a short passing storm (maybe really loud with hard rain, but short). The stage, and nearly all the seats at the Amphitheater are covered...so there's that.

Getting pretty fired up. Can't wait until the show starts.

Date: Thurs, June 18, 2009, 12:14:42 ET
Posted by: hoops, chicago, playing catchup

Pixeleen: Thanks for the feedback on the work in progress.

Beast w/o a Name, you wrote: "Hoops, dare I say that your critique of the 2006 version of (Here at the Western World) lacked teeth. "

I heard H@TWW'06 three times, maybe four, over three years ago. Yep, that's what I remember. Not familiar enough with it to definitively is or praise it. There's no way I could put anymore "teeth" in to a review of it.

KD: My apol--that was DeaconBlues16.

Gotta run again.

Jim

Date: Thurs, June 18, 2009, 11:15:20 ET
Posted by: Danophile, North Florida

St. Augustine Amphitheater sellout CONFIRMED for tonight's show. However, the promoter may release a few more tickets today.

Date: Thurs, June 18, 2009, 11:14:44 ET
Posted by: hoops, chicago, on the quick

Around the time Zoolander came out, there was a long discussion about casting in the Steely Dan movie with the initial post being that Ben Stiller should play Fagen.

After much discussion and debate, the overwhelming casting choice by the then-regulars of the Bluebook was Jeff Goldblum as Donald and Billy Bob Thornton as Walter. While up near the top of the casting list, the concensus was that Stiller is a touch too white bread and a teeny-bit too much on that side of being a show-biz kid to be playing Donald. Goldblum was viewed as having the right balance of geek and cool.

Go at it and see if perceptions have changed.

And Pete Fogel would appear as himself.

Gotta run.

Date: Thurs, June 18, 2009, 10:57:33 ET
Posted by: Janie Runaway, NY

Row A (fifth row) seats just opened up today for August 3rd Beacon show...

Date: Thurs, June 18, 2009, 08:35:26 ET
Posted by: Aja1,

Ben Stiller would have already been cast as Oats in the Hall and Oats movie.

Date: Thurs, June 18, 2009, 08:27:18 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh

young DF should be that dude from Flight of the Conchords.

Date: Thurs, June 18, 2009, 08:15:32 ET
Posted by: SD, movie casting

Older DF = Alan Rosenberg.

Date: Thurs, June 18, 2009, 02:42:08 ET
Posted by: Provincial Reuben, Tall County AR

Okay. So to satisfy the Price Waterhouse in me I pulled my head out of myself and checked the Bahston/msg link to find the list of possibilities a body might vote for to comprise a setlist. So much for the '...elected setlists miraculously being made up of charts worked up to be parts of setlists...' theory. NY, Chi, and LA ticketholding folks: is this the same kind of set up you guys have? I'm assuming the 2 GAUCHO cuts unlisted could come up somehow in the mix, but I kinda felt like that Joey guy when I saw that people probably weren't gonna see (hear) "Fire in the Hole." As our traveling pack likes to bay,"Waaaaaaahhh."
Good to see "Slang of Ages" in there. As Becker vocals come and go, it seems to be the former.

Date: Thurs, June 18, 2009, 01:44:17 ET
Posted by: Rick, St Aug Beach

can't believe Dan are in St. Aug tmrw. Wonder where they are staying/ Casa Monica? Maybe they'll have lunch at Stir it up!

Date: Thurs, June 18, 2009, 01:15:30 ET
Posted by: Danophile, North Florida

A buddy of mine tried to cop a pair of tickets at a Ticketmaster outlet in Jacksonville this evening for tomorrow's show and was told the concert at the St. Augustine Amphitheater was a complete sellout (3,896 capacity). I hope Fagan and Becker have a pleasant enough experience to make the Jacksonville metro area a regular stop on future tours. One thing is certain: It's going to be hot as HELL Thursday night!

Date: Thurs, June 18, 2009, 00:43:28 ET
Posted by: moray eel, meet

DF = Ben Stiller

m.e.

Date: Thurs, June 18, 2009, 00:27:45 ET
Posted by: Tomorrows girl, Galveston

I don't know if this ever came up before, wouldn't a biographical movie about Steely Dan be great? Only a relatively small audience would know who they are. Who would be cast as Don and Walt? It would have to be really out of the ordinary bio, because they are. Very creative .
Produced by, directed by?

Date: Wed, June 17, 2009, 23:44:19 ET
Posted by: Lurker Ray, Malibu

Yeah that Ry Cooder album is nice,
but let's not forget that A&M
had one of the first 3M Digital
Machines. Herb Alpert's "Rise"
& the badass "Fandango" all were
recorded on it. "Route 101",
Dean your link last night concerning
"Pagoda" talked about "NY & LA class
in the 80's", 'Fandango'is it".

Date: Wed, June 17, 2009, 23:30:47 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine Beach

Gotcha, Dif

"Mixed" not recorded, my bad. It was recorded in 1970 (obviously in analog), but released in 1994. It certainly could have been mixed digitally by then.

And, thanks for the clarification on River Sound, binary-man.

To make amends for my mistake, and provide a bit of entertainment on this slow night, I give you this. Consider it Christmas in June:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CmMnPShwfrU

I actually saw that when it first appeared, and I almost never watch that show. Very cool, IMO.

Date: Wed, June 17, 2009, 23:16:04 ET
Posted by: Dif, Champaign

Thanks Dean for the riversound url...

Lack of time prevented immediate further research on my "digital" question.

I have Ry Cooder's CHICKEN-SKIN MUSIC on vinyl. I love both the performance and the quality of the recording.

And yes, I realize that back in the day all recordings were made from the original analog tape. Hence, Live at the FILLMORE was no different than other recordings of the time.

I stated in my prior post that Live at the FILLMORE was INDEED digitally mixed at River Sound.

I dont want to appear contentious...there's enough of that going on around here.

Thank goodness for liner notes!!!

Date: Wed, June 17, 2009, 23:02:45 ET
Posted by: 101000111000110, 110001100110111000110

River Sound is long gone, even though the web page that Dean posted is still online.

It was high maintenance to record the Nightfly in digital, and Fagen had said that he got frustrated on several occasions and wanted to bag it and go analog. But the engineers kept talking him out of it. (Source: an article in (I believe) High Fidelity after the release of The Nightfly and perhaps regurgitated in the Sweet bio.)


They had experimented with digital recordings during the Gaucho sessions. They thought it sounded different but not necessarily better.

Date: Wed, June 17, 2009, 21:58:44 ET
Posted by: GRECO,

WB says internet request night a sham!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A64zAvIFzvk

comments

Date: Wed, June 17, 2009, 21:28:02 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine Beach

Dif,

According to the link below, Fagen owns River Sound Studios:

http://www.aswas.com/riversound/

I can't say when digital recording technology first appeared, or was widely available. I do know Ry Cooder's Bop till You Drop is often cited as the first major-label digitally recorded album (released in 1979). (Fagen's digital album, The Nightfly, was release in 1982).

I'm a big fan of Bop till You Drop. I know other Cooder fans aren't as please with the album as I.

Derek and the Dominos Live at the Filmore wasn't recorded digitally, but was "Digitally remastered by Jospeh M. Palmaccio (PolyGram Studios, New York)."

http://www.amazon.com/Live-at-Fillmore-Derek-Dominos/dp/B000001E3V/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

Date: Wed, June 17, 2009, 20:40:54 ET
Posted by: Dif, Champaign

Listening to DEREK and the DOMINOS-live at THE FILLMORE I noticed that it was digitally mixed at River Sound Studios. Everyone knows that digital technology wasn't available that fateful evening(s) in New York City (both performances came from the second shows).

I know that SD and at least DF uses River Sound Studios extensively, begining at or around the time of the 2vN sessions.

My question is, A)when did digital technology become widely available to the recording industry, and B)does Fagen have any ownership interests in River Sound?

I'd research the latter q myself but if I don't leave NOW, I'm late for a meeting.

Thanks

Date: Wed, June 17, 2009, 18:53:16 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine Beach

Madman,

Thanks for the youtube tip. I have to say, after listening to King of the World, I'm really disappointed it isn't on the list, this year.

And, yes, Razor Boy, Razor Boy is one bad-ass tune. One of my all-time favs.

Date: Wed, June 17, 2009, 18:21:42 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine Beach

Madman,

It wasn't on the website until a few days ago, but it is now. There is an asterisk next to all of the pre-Europe shows. On the right it reads:

* Opening: Sam Yahel and Friends

Yes, we must have seen him at the same show (Orlando). I'm glad you agree he was pretty good, that night. Many here don't seem to care for him.

Date: Wed, June 17, 2009, 18:14:13 ET
Posted by: The Madman, The Inside

Dean,

Thanks...saw Sam and his Trio in Orlando a few years back as well, at the Hard Rock. They were great. Thought they were going to open but I didn't see it for 100% on the website (or maybe I'm just blind).

Date: Wed, June 17, 2009, 18:13:05 ET
Posted by: The Madman, The Inside

Also, thought people might enjoy these, just found 'em:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2sBOk7S-Mbs

check his other vids, there are a bunch - I've never heard these cuts!

Date: Wed, June 17, 2009, 18:10:26 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine Beach

Madman,

Sam Yahel (and Friends) are scheduled to open tomorrow.

The first time I saw Sam open for SD, was in Orlando. He had a trio (I think). I had front row seats, and they really were good, IMO. They did a very nice version of Norwegian Wood.

Last year I saw Sam open for SD in Canandaigua, NY. My seats weren't as good as in Orlando, and the band's sound is a little thin for a larger venue if you aren't right up front. Still, it was interesting as two of SD's horn section sat in (Michael and Walt, maybe?). The drummer was also very good and rode the cymbals as nicely as any drummer I've seen in person.

While I'd love to hear SD play for 2 1/2 or 3 hours, that isn't going to happen, tomorrow...so I'll take 30-40 minutes of Sam Yahel. I look forward to hearing how his band sounds this time around.

Date: Wed, June 17, 2009, 17:55:16 ET
Posted by: The Madman, The Inside

Anyone know if there's an opener in St. Augustine tomorrow?

Date: Wed, June 17, 2009, 17:55:11 ET
Posted by: Bootlegs, with poor sound quality

Uh, could it be that the bootlegs suck and that DF's voice is just fine? I recorded the last two shows I went to and the recordings sound like crap - but the memories are oh so sweet.

Date: Wed, June 17, 2009, 17:18:01 ET
Posted by: Greg M, White Plains

<< I just heard the bootlegs from the last two shows. What's a matter with Fagan's voice? He sounded terrible >>

How so? Does he sound like how he sounds on Plush? (airy and weird?)

Date: Wed, June 17, 2009, 17:08:45 ET
Posted by: helper,

I just heard the bootlegs from the last two shows. What's a matter with Fagan's voice? He sounded terrible

thoughts?

Date: Wed, June 17, 2009, 16:10:58 ET
Posted by: beaubo, Cleveland

Its not so much 'hurry up and wait' or the guys getting sick of each other; its just the whole tour dynamic of shuffling between cities on an enclosed bus on a faceless freeway to a generic dressing room and barely better than adequate catering and facing a nightly audience that they cant even see because of the bright incoming lighrs.

As profitable as touring might be, it is definitely dehumanizing to an extent.

Often times, the sound checks are more fun for the bands than the actual gig. No pressure, ability to improvise, OK to screw up, experiment with deep cuts, different arrangements.

I think they have done a nice job pacing the tour, so there shouldn't be too much burnout.

North of $100 ticket prices for classic rock bands in small venues is the norm these days, not unique to Steely Dan. Plus, their 45+ demo doesn't go to many shows anymore, so they are less resistant to ticket pricing. Plus, they don;t mind paying for good sightlines and acoustics that these small venues typically deliver.


I remember being backstage in Toledo (07 or 08) and watching a snapshot of the band dynamic at work. DF waited until the band finished their meal before sauntering into the catering area. And then he spent most of his meal on the cell phone presumably with his wife (based on my semi-accurate eavesdropping!!).

Date: Wed, June 17, 2009, 16:04:26 ET
Posted by: pixeleen, waiting

Still no set list from last night's show???

Attendees must still be hungover....

Date: Wed, June 17, 2009, 14:33:06 ET
Posted by: KD, not ORL

"KD: DeaconBlues16: I think you have it wrong as to why Walter and the girls sing lead vocals on some songs. A big reason is to give Donald's voice a rest. Even on DF's solo shows, the girls were given expanses to sing...in fact Maxine became a song predominated by the girls except, for example, an amazing show in Minneapolis where there was a guest vocal group on Maxine."

I didn't write that.

Date: Wed, June 17, 2009, 14:15:43 ET
Posted by: BillfromPgh,

Re: new slowed-down RITY -- There was a version on the now-defunct rarities site from a 93 show by the Drew Zingg Band (post-SD tour, with then-SD bassist Tom Barney as well) featuring Jeff Young on lead vocals and B3 which was a slow, blues/gospel take, maybe half the speed of the original but plenty intense and soulful. If any of you have heard it and this year's version, is there any similarity?

Date: Wed, June 17, 2009, 14:02:35 ET
Posted by: Casual Fan, MCO

Ah.

Well, as my good friend guru likes to say, I stand erected.

Date: Wed, June 17, 2009, 13:36:38 ET
Posted by: Another way,

Put it another way, you don't have to like Joey's bathroom humor to be a Steely Dan fan. And, after a few dozen times, it gets old. And then I scroll by, as do others.

Date: Wed, June 17, 2009, 13:29:22 ET
Posted by: hoops, chicago

I'm talking about when people use the Blue first and foremost on a regular basis as a venue to discuss their private life and personal agendas.

Jim

Date: Wed, June 17, 2009, 13:28:28 ET
Posted by: razor boy,

RAZOR BOY best SD song never played live!!!

Date: Wed, June 17, 2009, 13:04:46 ET
Posted by: Casual Fan, Orlando

Thing about blogs and personalities is that its easy to be confrontational and competitive behind the anonymity of a keyboard and thousands of miles of actual distance. I've seen 6 Steely Dan shows and in real life everybody was accomdating and got along famously. Its not that people suppress their natural tendency to disagree in real life to be polite so much as it is that the depth of the disagreements when blogging tend to be manufactured, or at least exaggerated.

Turning to the Dan, I wonder if they are getting bored. Seriously. And I don't mean bored with us fans, I mean with each other. What a cloistered environment they must be in. Not so much as a consequence of celebrity status (ask your office mates if they'd recognize Fagen or Carlock or anybody else for that matter) if he walked up to them on the street. More from the travel, the lack of time to explore once they arrive at the next place. Probably a fairly hurry up and wait existence.

Date: Wed, June 17, 2009, 12:44:26 ET
Posted by: hoops, chicago

1) Walter didn't say they wouldn't do another album. Just not one in the pipeline. Didn't say no.

2) Nothing wrong with personalities unless the personalities start taking precedence over Steely Dan. My personal choice is to focus on the Dan first.

Jim

Date: Wed, June 17, 2009, 12:06:38 ET
Posted by: Rajah,

What would the Blue be without personalities? It would be the Allman Bros. website is what it would be which renders watching grass grow a lively excercize. Is that how you spell exercise? OK, I think so.

And Joey, well, what do you say about a legend? It's bigger than all of us. You can't stop him, you can't even contain him. He's like Old Faithful and he makes me laugh. Does anybody remember laughter?

Here at the Western World as delivered by Donald's band reminded me of that not-so-memorable band, the Gin Blossoms, from the early 90s. Think the tempo and tenor of, I Found Out About You, same tuning I think, and you have a sense of it.

Rome awaits, all roads lead to the Cavea, prepare Goomba Dandom, lay out those lead-lines skivvies...developing...

Date: Wed, June 17, 2009, 11:36:44 ET
Posted by: Observer,

I think the problems here at the Blue arise when the posters start making personalities a priority over Steely Dan.

Date: Wed, June 17, 2009, 10:47:42 ET
Posted by: Nobody does Joey, like Joey

because he's Joey.

Date: Wed, June 17, 2009, 10:18:52 ET
Posted by: Joey,

" Walter says no to concert recordings
and no to another studio album. "


This makes Joey weep profusely and shit liquid violently .

Why ?! ... WHY ?!


WHY does Walt make Joey use so much toilet paper ?!

WHY ?!


I remain ....... forever ....... your Joey



Joey Dan ! ™

Date: Wed, June 17, 2009, 08:57:43 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine Beach

BTW, Hutch, I LOVED the Joey impression, though. And I appreciate you leaving your nipples and penis out of it, too.

Date: Wed, June 17, 2009, 08:56:44 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine Beach

Maybe Hutch will cheer up when he realizes Walt didn't "say no" to another studio album. Walt said, ""We don't have anything in the pipeline right now." Big difference.

Hoping to get a report from last night's show.

Date: Wed, June 17, 2009, 08:41:49 ET
Posted by: Hutch, rva

Walter says no to concert recordings and no to another studio album.

This makes Hutch very sad. I cannot type with anything but my fingers.

Date: Wed, June 17, 2009, 08:09:54 ET
Posted by: Beast w/o A Name, Setlist Hope, NJ

Here's my $.02 regarding the song choices the band is giving the fans along with my live history of each tune (hopefully without any glaring omissions).

Aja - 93 Medley, 94, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 - This one does not get old with me. They could and should play it every night, as it represents the band playing their most bold composition.

Any Major Dude Will Tell You - 1974 and half of the 1996 Art Crimes tour only. I'd like to see them tackle this one again.

Any World (That I'm Welcome To) - Played only a couple of times 2006 - surprising they didn't save this one for the encore with Mike McDonald. Lose the reggae treatment, rearrange and play this one for real !

Babylon Sisters - 93, 94, 96 (Euro), 2000 (walking distance), 2003, 2006, etc... As many times as I've seen this one performed live to this point, I could live without this one... hard to believe I'm saying that.


Bad Sneakers - 1995, 96, 2000. This is a great tune. I could stand to hear them play this one again, but would prefer a deeper cut, what with higher prices and fewer songs in the setlist.


Black Cow - 1996, 2003, 2006, etc. - never a bad choice. However *see Bad Sneakers.

Black Friday - 1993, 94, 2000, etc... always good to hear but would trim from the setlist in favor of something less played by the band.

Bodhisattva - 1974, 1993, 94, 2000, 2006.... *see Black Friday.

The Boston Rag - 1974, 2000. BRING BACK THE BOSTON RAG

The Caves of Altamira - 2003, 2006, 07 - Keep on playing this one. Go ahead. You've got my go- ahead.

Chain Lightning - 1993, 1994, 2006 ( ?) - Not a bad choice, but * see Bodhisattva.

Deacon Blues - 93, 94, 96 (Euro Art Crimes), 2000, 2006, 2007, etc.. Never a bad choice...

Dirty Work - 1973, 1974, 2000, 2006. Unless Donald sings this one, I'd rather not hear the girls take the lead vocal. It turns the song into a bistro lounge act, like that SNL bit with Jan Hooks in the mid 80s. Do you know what I'm talking about here ??

Doctor Wu - Jesus Christ, it's about fucking time, guys, eh ? PLAY THIS EVERY NIGHT, GODDAMN IT !! I DON"T WANT TO PAY TO GO MULTIPLE NIGHTS.

Do It Again - 1995, 96, 2000, 2003, 2006, etc. I saw them play this at Roseland in 1995. That was great. Now that they've done this one live with Mike McDonald, I could skip it.

Don't Take Me Alive - 1996 through now. One of their best tunes. Keep it in, then.

Everyone's Gone to the Movies - 1996 sung by both D+W), 2008 (medley). Is it me, or am I the only one lukewarm about this one ? Sorry..

Everything Must Go - 2003, 2007. One of the few post 2K SD tunes I like with repeated listenings..

Everything You Did - 2008, 2009. Anything from Royal Scam is cool. For me, it's my fave SD LP.

The Fez - 94 medley, 2008 medley. If they don't finally fucking sing this one next month, I'll.. I'LL.....I don't know - what WOULD I do? ... probabaly still love it, right - but would feel really cheated and feel that Don and Walt, and Gary Blu or whoever their arranger is now, is really fucking lazy. That said, the 2008 medley version was played in a completely different key from the 94 medley version - both of which differ from the key Fez was played on the original SCAM. Musicians, can I get an AMEN ?

FM - You know, people complain about FM.. Yeah.. they've played it live nearly as often as Peg. This song is a very personal one for me and for Steely Dan. This song showcases very well their love, or Donald's love of Henry Mancini. I could keep seeing them play this song for that reason. It's one of their very best.

Gaslighting Abbie - 2000, 2007. I remember seeing them play this live at Sony Studios. 2vN was not yet released. This song was exciting to see that night - definitely one of the strongest tracks post Y2K.

Gaucho - 2008. Just because I haven't seen this one live yet, having missed the 2008 tour - the only one I ever missed since they have resurrected themselves. Hate to say it, but I'm not keen to hear Walter sing, try hard though he might.

Glamour Profession - 1996, 2000, 2008. -- Who gives a shit about this one, eh?. Let's be honest here. And that line about making calls from a car - hate to say it, Don, this line is painfully dated.

Godwhacker - 2003 and beyond. No thanks

Green Earrings - 93,94, 95, 96,2000, 2006, 2007. Always a strong setlist inclusion. Upbeat, sparse lyric, solos. Yes.

Haitian Divorce - 2003, 2007. Please let Don sing this one on Scam night. PLEASE.

Here at the Western World - They better not play the arrangement of this tune that Donald did on his 2006 Morph tour. What a disaster that was. It sounded like a caffeinated Vegas revue overture. All sweetness was lost and replaced with everything I hate about Broadway. YYeecch.
I would hope that if Donald ever read what I just wrote, he would wince, raise an eyebrow and carefully consider a different approach.
Hoops, dare I say that your critique of the 2006 version of this song lacked teeth.

Hey Nineteen - Seen this one on ever tour. YAWN. YAWN. YAWN.

Home at Last - 1993, 1996, 2000, 2003 - It's from Aja and it's not Peg. I wouldn't complain if it was played, but would be hoping against redundancy.

I Got the News - I was so glad they finally trotted this one out in 2006, finally playing live every track of Aja. Upbeat and fun.

Janie Runaway - 2000, 2003 - I love Ted Baker's work on this one live. You could really hear Gershwin's influence on his playing, nicely complementing shades of Mancini on FM. That said, I would skip it in a heartbeat for Brooklyn, Wu or Teeth.

Josie - All tours. I've seen this one so much live, I could take a dump, what with that indulgent drum solo and all. They've since dialed down the solo time. Still a great song. Hate to say it, but I could pass

Kid Charlemagne - All tours except 1993. I only say yes because I know they won't say no.

The Last Mall - Not awful and far from great. PASS.

Lunch With Gina - 2003. I felt lucky to have seen this played live at Roseland 2003. One of the best off EMG, the title track and Green Book being my other 2 faves.

My Old School - Every tour since 1993. I say no because it's predictable. Lose this one, OK ?

My Rival - 2009. I hope they have the good sense to trot out a timbale for a quick solo. I'm not sure I want to hear a live interpretation of this one. The sound / patch on the recorded guitar solos sounds too good. They might ruin this one. I'm only kidding. Play the fucking thing already.

Night by Night - 2000. Jon Herington added some fire to this one. Great live choice and if I had to guess, Pete Fogel may have requested them to include this one. Am I right, Pete ?

Parker's Band - 1994 medley, 2003 babe choir. Lose the girls on lead vocals and we'll talk.

Peg - Every tour since 1993.

Pretzel Logic - NYRSR 1991, 2000 Walking Distance, 2007 - I could see this one again. I only saw them play it once.

Reelin' in the Years (Club Mix) - 1993, 1994, 96 Euro, 2003 - I could do without the somewhat bland rearrangement. Bring back the duelling guitars already.

Reelin' in the Years (Dry and Heavy) - What the fuck will be the difference between these 2 versions. Please clarify.

Rikki Don't Lose That Number - 1996 Art Crimes. I know Donald doesn't like to sing this one. I don't understand why he cares. It's one of their biggest early hits. Swallow your pride, Don and do us fans a favor. Sing it again.

The Royal Scam - 1993/94 medleys, 2000, 2008. I wouldn't tire of seeing this one live.

Show Biz Kids - 2000 band intro (vegas only), 2006, 2008 - They could play this again and I would not mind at all.

Sign in Stranger - 1994. Cool rearrangement. Nice horn break. Bring the old lyrics back. Apparently, they have. Looking forward to seeing this one on Jul 31. I haven't seen them play this since Irvine 1994.

Slang of Ages - I hate to keep dissing Walt's singing, so I won't.

Things I Miss the Most - Not one of my newer faves, I'm afraid. PASS.

Two Against Nature - Saw this one at Mohegan 2007. It's a good live song for the band, but I would scratch it in favor of one they haven't done much.

Your Gold Teeth - Man, this one will be most cool to see live. It may mean seeing 2 nights at the Beacon. I hope they don't tinker too much with it. PLAY THIS ONE EVERY NIGHT, LIKE DR. WU SHOULD BE !!

Date: Wed, June 17, 2009, 05:36:29 ET
Posted by: web search, up early

http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/news/steely-dan-promises-special-shows-on-rent-1003984787.story


No live album, no EMG follow up in the works according to Becker.

Date: Tues, June 16, 2009, 21:38:47 ET
Posted by: Denise, H

Well written and interesting reading, Dean. Thanks for the link. (Waaaay better than that blog of yesterday!)

Date: Tues, June 16, 2009, 21:24:56 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine Beachn

Here's a little something to read, while we wait for reports from Ft. Meyers.

This is a couple of months old, so may have been already posted. i didn't see it, though. It's a nice discussion of Great Pagoda of Funn:

http://www.theplayethic.com/2009/04/donaldfagen.html

Date: Tues, June 16, 2009, 18:56:23 ET
Posted by: hoops, chicago

I commented on this before--so sorry to those who will say I'm redundant:

I heard the Donald Fagen Band 2006 version of "Here at The Western World" live at several shows. I don't think it was funked up--but it was definitely sped up to a very hyper fast tempo and, given the prominence of guitars, there was a tinge of country rock to it, although I could see some disagreeing with that part.

It was interesting the first time but it definitely left me craving the Steely Dan version from 1976. It's about time they played the Steely Dan version, the way it was meant to be. If you heard both, I think you'd probably agree.

Sing this real quick together without taking a breath and I think you get the sense of Donald's solo version.

"HereAtTheWestern,HereAtTheWestern,HereAtTheWesterWorld"

----

KD: DeaconBlues16: I think you have it wrong as to why Walter and the girls sing lead vocals on some songs. A big reason is to give Donald's voice a rest. Even on DF's solo shows, the girls were given expanses to sing...in fact Maxine became a song predominated by the girls except, for example, an amazing show in Minneapolis where there was a guest vocal group on Maxine.

Jim

Date: Tues, June 16, 2009, 18:20:54 ET
Posted by: DeaconBlues16,

I couldn't go to any DF solo show tours and have not seen any videos of it on youtube. I've heard it was part of his setlist and have heard that it was a "funked-up" version of the song.

Date: Tues, June 16, 2009, 18:20:28 ET
Posted by: mikethebaker, the sugar shack in Pennsylvania

it is quite different, it actually took me a while to recognize it... Ive never heard the live SD version... DF version is a much faster tempo

Date: Tues, June 16, 2009, 18:04:26 ET
Posted by: KD, not Orlando

I heard the DF version, but I read that the SD version is closer to the original. Is that right?

Date: Tues, June 16, 2009, 18:01:50 ET
Posted by: mikethebaker, the sugar shack in Pennsylvania

people keep mentioning that they never heard Here at The Western World played live.... DF opened up with it on the Morph tour.....at least in Philly....

Date: Tues, June 16, 2009, 17:53:24 ET
Posted by: DeaconBlues16, Analyzing the setlist, sort of

If you look at the setlist reports from the first four shows, there are 12 songs that have been played every time (except for Peg during the show where they did only one encore but that almost certainly would have been the other encore).

I have categorized them as such:
Bet your life that they will play them: Josie, Hey 19, Kid Charlemagne, Peg
Bet a good few years of your life that they will play them: My Old School, Aja (I could see FM replacing My Old School or being added at some point)
Will play because it gives Walter a lead vocal: Daddy Don't Live in That NYC No More
Will play because it gives the girls a lead vocal: Parker's Band
Will play because they have been introducing the band this way: Love is Like An Itchin' in My Heart
So that leaves Bad Sneakers, Black Friday, and Time Out of Mind which I don't think will be replaced but are more likely to replace than those songs previously mentioned.
(Note: As for the Walter/girl leads, it seems to me that they each have a "token" song to sing lead on (excluding ...itchin' in my heart) each year. For instance last year for Walter, it was Gaucho, and recently for the girls, it was Dirty Work. Although Walter could sing Gaucho, Haitian Divorce, Monkey in Your Soul etc, I think he will stick with Daddy for this tour or a portion of it at least)


There are 14 songs by my count that have not been played at all four shows so far.
Two Against Nature, Reelin' in the Years, Here at the Western World, Sign in Stranger, Home At Last, Show Biz Kids, Bodhisattva, Godwhacker, Babylon Sisters, My Rival, Green Earrings, Black Cow, Third World Man, and Don't Take Me Alive. Assuming they continue to play the 12 songs that they've played every night so far, that leaves 7 from this list. Of course that doesn't mean they won't add other songs. I think the most likely candidates are FM, I Got the News, Do It Again, Pretzel Logic, and Glamour Profession. Personally, I would love to hear Deacon Blues (especially if I go to the show June 19th in Alabama), and maybe they'll work out Any Major Dude (because of all the votes its getting for the Boston show). But from the 14 songs so far, I would choose:
Reelin in the Years (really want to hear the reworked arrangement)
Here at the Western World (always wanted to hear this one live)
Black Cow (one of my favorite Dan songs which I've never heard live in person, as in I've only seen it on youtube)
Sign in Stranger (want to see how it differs from AIA)
Home At Last (same as Black Cow although it's not in my top 5 favorites)
Don't Take Me Alive (I had to use a rule for this one. If I was taking a friend to a concert who doesn't listen to that much Steely Dan, I would want him to hear this one out of the remaining songs leftover)

So that leaves one more. Bodhisattva while a fun and great song, I've heard it live a bit too much to include. Same with Green Earrings, and I love the live version of Green Earrings with Guitar-Piano-Sax solo during the instrumental break. Unlike some people on this website, I'm not a Godwhacker hater, but I can't bring myself to choose it for the last song. Although they've just played My Rival for the first time, and it would be fun to hear live for novelty purposes, I'm just not a huge fan of that song (although it's good) and can't choose it over some of the others. Two Against Nature and Third World Man are both good live, but I think the remaining two are better (at least for me at this specific moment). Unfortunately, I couldn't decide between Babylon Sisters and Show Biz Kids. So I decided to flip a coin: heads for Bab. tails for Biz. It landed on heads, so Babylon Sisters it is.


That was fun. Sorry for the long post.

Date: Tues, June 16, 2009, 17:09:32 ET
Posted by: Greg M, White Plains, NY

<<< I didn't time it, but Aja seemed to have been shortened up quite a bit. >>>

What?! This is far from Kosher.

Date: Tues, June 16, 2009, 16:47:18 ET
Posted by: Casual Fan, Orlando, recovering

My personal favorites last night were Aja, TOOM, 2vN, and Show Biz Kids.

I didn't time it, but Aja seemed to have been shortened up quite a bit.

Date: Tues, June 16, 2009, 16:43:45 ET
Posted by: JDJD2004, Orlando

On the subject of the Orlando set list: I was thrilled by the addition of Bodhisattva, Show Biz Kids and Don't Take Me Alive
All three were very well done. The only one I really missed hearing was Babylon Sisters, but a fair trade all in all.

One question: Did anyone else notice Bad Sneakers seeming strangely slow? No one on stage seemed thrown by it, so I can only presume it was an intentional choice, but I found it somewhat off putting.

Still "reeling" from a great show, BTW. First time seeing them after beeing a fan for 25 years.

Date: Tues, June 16, 2009, 16:41:31 ET
Posted by: Nicholas Urfe, Phraxos

Any setlist change that adds Don't Take Me Alive is a setlist change for the better where I'm from.

Date: Tues, June 16, 2009, 16:33:09 ET
Posted by: SteveeDan, At the Ready

To BocaDanFan - -

Thank you. I will interested in seeing those songs with their slightly different (or back towards the studio original) arrangements. I am actually VERY CURIOUS to know if any of the songs they play (on all 4 of these different set list nights) have any radically re-worked arrangements. Usually, their updated arrangements are really tasteful and a treat to hear, especially for the first time.

I wanted to say Hello to Rajah, Hoops, and everyone else. I hope you are all doing well.

Engel - - If my band gets a gig while you and your friends are in Los Angeles, I will let you know where and when we're playing ... and I'll make sure that we perform Dr. Wu for you guys. My band is Pretzel Logic - A Steely Dan Revue and we can be found at www.pretzellogicband.com in case you're interested in checking us out.

I must admit though, it feels a little blasphemous to be playing anywhere in Los Angeles at the same that our heros are in town ... but it might be at a casino near Palm Springs, so, maybe that doesn't count ... yeah ... actually ... I think it does ...

Pretzel Logic just released its first ever LIVE CD !!! Check it out at our website !


SteveeDan

Date: Tues, June 16, 2009, 16:24:45 ET
Posted by: hoops, chicago

Young Wu,

Just like, say, the Wine Country leg of the 2003 tour, or Japan in 1994, the Florida leg of this year's tour is basically all about working out the kinks in the tracks before they go overseas. It's sorta like "Previews" on Broadway before "Opening Night". I highly doubt they have settled on a regular set list yet, if they do at all.

As for playing "Dr Wu" or not playing "Dr Wu" -- please definitely do not hold me to that one as a a certainty as some have. I'm shooting from the hip and even disagree with my own opinion on that one, depending on my mood. On the other hand, when I say, "trust me" on something please do. Right now, "Dr Wu" is not an opinion I should be trusted on.

I'm surprised that they haven't added anymore dates during August. Some awfully big holes in the schedule--unless there are more private shows we don't know about.

Best,

Jim

Date: Tues, June 16, 2009, 16:13:09 ET
Posted by: Young Wu, Buffalo

Wow... that's a lot of changes to the set list.

Bodhisattva
Show Biz Kids
Don't Take Me Alive
3rd World Man
Green Earrings

No more Reelin', or Sign in Stranger, or Here at the Western World?

Those three were looking like the biggest thrill of this tour, at least IMO.


And no Black Cow or Babylon Sisters... hmm... strange.

I wonder if this will be the setlist from the rest of the tour.

Still great, but pretty much the same stuff as the last few years. But

Date: Tues, June 16, 2009, 14:34:56 ET
Posted by: fruitbat368, Boston, MA

I'm quite certain that Boston's setlist will include both "Parker's Band" and "Any Major Dude." Somebody's, um, on a mission.

Be interesting to see if anybody has the stamina to make a run at either track. Long way to go, still.

Date: Tues, June 16, 2009, 14:29:30 ET
Posted by: Vetern Cosmic Rocker (VCR), Orlando

The Orlando (June 15, 2009) concert was my first time to see Steely Dan. I've been a fan for years and it was a "Thrill" to experience the band live! I'm glad to see the release of the Greatest Hits because my box set CDs are about worn out.

I thought the concert was fanstastic. My personal favorite was "Don't Take Me Alive" and the best audience participation was "My Old School."

I spoke to the Orlando Sentinel photographer before the show. Thanks for the pictures, well worth viewing at: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/entertainment/music/orl-steely-dan-picture-gallery-061509,0,2280119.photogallery

Before attending the Orlando show, I printed out the Clearwater Set List as a reference. Thanks for the post! So, here is what I heard and wrote down.....

Time Out Of Mind
Bodhisattva
Show Biz Kids
Bad Sneakers
2 Against Nature
Black Friday
Aja
Don't Take Me Alive
Hey Nineteen
Parker's Band
Home At Last
Daddy Don't Live In That NYC No More
3rd World Man
Band Intros
Green Earrings
Josie
Kid Charlemagne
Encore
Peg
My Old School

Date: Tues, June 16, 2009, 14:24:01 ET
Posted by: Steely Dad, Boston

Certain that Boston request night will include Parker's Band?
Will D & W acknowledge the winner?

Date: Tues, June 16, 2009, 13:05:16 ET
Posted by: SF Dan Fan, Baghdad By The Bay

Talk about stoked!

Have bought my tix and booked my flight to LA to see them at the Gibson Theater on 8/21 and 8/22 (Aja/Gaucho respectively).

Will be keen on show reviews and set lists from the Dandom.

My birthday weekend too!

Looks like a trip to Mr Chow's is in order, for the Schezuan Dumplings of course.

Date: Tues, June 16, 2009, 12:34:07 ET
Posted by: fruitbat368, Boston, MA

Gotcha. I'll make it a point to try and lighten up a bit.

That said, there are one or two posts further down the page that seem to delight in making it personal when it comes to the bloggers. That sort of thing isn't unique to this site, certainly. I would just have expected a more elevated level of discussion from Steely Dan fans, that's all.

Take care.

Date: Tues, June 16, 2009, 12:26:11 ET
Posted by: Casual Fan, Errrr

Fruitbat, I was kidding. Sort of self-mocking our collective delight in being such committed fans. And really my point was fairly similar to yours, which is that for most of the folks going to last night's show, Steely Dan is a band that had some pop hits back in the 70's. And that's about the extent of how much they think about it going into and coming out of the venue.

Nothing wrong with that at all. Its a big part of the reason they sold 30 million records.

Date: Tues, June 16, 2009, 12:21:14 ET
Posted by: fruitbat368, Boston, MA

Whoa. "Morally superior?"

Um, yeah. A middling concert review or two? That's all it takes to work the "morally superior into a lather?" Wow. If so, then all apologies, Mother Theresa.

These are pop songs, folks. Impeccably played, certainly, by some of the most talented musicians around. And with more bite, lyrically, than much of what's drifted over the airwaves throughout the years. But they're pop songs nonetheless.

This "witch" nonsense, and the slagging of anybody that doesn't genuflect to the band in a way that you find satisfying, is both mean-spirited and creepy. I mean, c'mon ... "a witch?" Really? Because she had a half-assed time at a Steely Dan concert? God help us.

Date: Tues, June 16, 2009, 11:35:44 ET
Posted by: Rajah, Oy, Philly!

Sono qui, caro, culberardoatyahoodot com

Ci vediamo a piu presto...

Date: Tues, June 16, 2009, 11:15:14 ET
Posted by: Casual Fan, Orlando

Young Wu, I understand your outrage at the review passing off the complexity and spirit of their music as just slightly above whatever comprises pop music. Those of us who appreciate the tremendous musicianship, the sardonic wit, etc., can't abide such trifling comments. But for the 98 percent of the rest of the music consuming world, that review is just about right.

Are we morally superior to them?

Yeah, pretty much. But they outnumber the hell out of us.

Date: Tues, June 16, 2009, 11:08:11 ET
Posted by: Young Wu, Still waiting for last night's setlist...

Last line from the review of the show last night:

"It’s not genius, but after all these years it’s still highly elevated pop."

Not genius!? Elevated POP!?

This isn't Phil Collin's Genesis... this is Steely goddamn Dan!

This guy seriously thinks the song Aja is elevated pop music?

Sometimes I don't get these professional reviewers... are they trying to put down the band, or do they not just get the glory of it all?

Date: Tues, June 16, 2009, 10:34:52 ET
Posted by: Casual Fan, Checking in

Greetings and Salutations from O-town!!

First, before anyone asks, I will leave to someone else the task of providing an Orlando set list. Although I always start off with the best of intentions, I am terrible abotu keeping track of such things, particularly when my date demands some attention, and trust me she did. I can say, however, it was standard fare and no surprises, seems to have followed what has been reported earlier. No Wu, for those obsessed with it (and you know who you are).

Now on to my review.

This is the sixth time I've seen them, and I would rank it as #2 in my list, right behind last year's Clearwater show, which I have simply come to understand is probably never going to be unseated from my personal top spot. The show last night was vibrant, smooth, and expert. The crowd -- especially for a Monday night -- was exuberant and appreciative.

Top individual honors definitely go to Messr. Becker, who took a surprising amount of lead. Really I'd say 80 pct. of it. Herrington shone on Aja, but Becker started off strong on TOOM and remained hot the whole time. No stool for his bad back, by the way -- and it looked to me like he's lost a bit of weight.

The back-up singers last night were much more subdued than I'm used to. Did they read that review from Friday's Clearwater show? I hope not because they don't deserve to be panned at all.

Fagen's voice was excellent -- very strong. My date kept asking me what that was that he was playing (the melodica). I think she thought it was just kind of cool looking, this old fart preening around playing the heck out of the thing.

Horn section was fairly light, I thought. Not in terms of expertise, of course, but just sort of taking a back seat to the percussion and guitar.

Carlock was, as usual, simply amazing. No true solo, but he had his moments of focus and the crowd greeted him with the enthusiasm he deserves as obviously one of the top drummers in the world. Unfortunately for me (or fortunately, depending on your point of view), my seats in the center of the fifth row made it tough for me to completely see him behind a couple of ginormous cymbals.

As for the venue, from where I was, I have to say it is also #2 on my list behind Ruth Eckerd Hall. Spacious seating, I'll definitely give them that. Easy access to bathrooms and a couple of spots for pre-show and during-the-show adult beverage refreshments. I did the valet at the Marriott, which ended up costing me a fortune, but I was first in and first out and so cannot complain.

My overall score for the show, on a scale of 1 to 100, would probably be a solid 85. I guess at this point that I've seen them so often over the last five years that a bit of the novelty is frankly wearing off for me. That is no fault of theirs, I think its just the reality of the situation of them touring so frequently (relatively speaking). Having said that, if they offered to come back tomorrow, I'd pay twice what I paid last night to see them again.

For those folks seeing them on down the line a bit, I trust you know what to expect, which is exactly what you are going to get. And I think once you settle into the notion that its going to be like it has been, and that its darn near perfect as is, you can really enjoy it not figuring on any surprises so as not to be disappointed.

CF

Date: Tues, June 16, 2009, 10:01:29 ET
Posted by: JDJD2004, Orlando

Can anyone post a set list from the Orlando show?

Date: Tues, June 16, 2009, 09:44:37 ET
Posted by: Philippe, Pau, France

Hello Rajah, I'm trying to contact you but the two adresses I have are not valid anymore, could you please send me an e-mail next time you manage to get a connection ?
Thanks a lot
Philippe

Date: Tues, June 16, 2009, 09:01:54 ET
Posted by: Rajah, Italia Dandom

Just sent out an email to the address you provided, Hoops, thank you. You must understand that up in these Abruzzo earthquaked mountains we don't exactly have a state of the art WiFi thing goin' on. I have to bring my laptop out to the balcony, point it at the transmitter on the hillside and hope for a connection.

Not giving us Dr. Wu would be a major diplomatic blunder at this point. They surely must have known and Mr Azoff surely must have told them what consternation would ensue should popular demand be shunned. We're merely responding to an offer here. Reneging now would be embarassing, what?

Date: Tues, June 16, 2009, 08:19:38 ET
Posted by: web search, here

Review of Orlando show.

http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/entertainment_music_blog/2009/06/steely-dan-still-smart-pop-at-carr-performing-arts-centre.html

Date: Tues, June 16, 2009, 07:26:48 ET
Posted by: pixeleen, LOL

Hoops:
LOVE the new dandom.com artwork in progress :-)
Pure Genius !!

Date: Tues, June 16, 2009, 07:20:20 ET
Posted by: pixeleen,

Not sure if the "witch" and Thom Smith attended the same SD concert last saturday night, but Thom has a very nice review and photo over at pbartspaper.com/2009/06/music-review-steely-dan-still-tight.html

Date: Tues, June 16, 2009, 06:37:07 ET
Posted by: Engel, Melbourne, Australia

And one more thing . . .
I'm coming all the way from Australia to see four shows in LA; please, please, please tell me I might get to hear Dr Wu at least once.

Date: Tues, June 16, 2009, 06:33:34 ET
Posted by: Engel, Melbourne, Australia

As The Dean said earlier in the thread:

She probably isn't that different from many concert attendees who know Steely Dan from top-40 radio (or classic rock stations), and this is just another 70's rock concert for her. She doesn't realize that, despite their commercial success in the 70's, Steely Dan isn't simply a "70's rock band".

It's hard for a lot of people to see past the hits - as great as they are. But so many artists suffer the same fate. A little chart success can often define a band for better or worse. I still rail against the injustice of Thin Lizzy being solely defined by The Boys Are Back In Town or even The Beach Boys by their early pre-Pet Sounds hits and Good Vibrations.

The critic in question is probably still in the grip of alternative/indie rock fever and her criticisms centered on some of the basic tropes used by non-Dan-fans: too slick, cheesy etc.
People who otherwise pride themselves on their "open" ears and catholic tastes still cling to this idea that well-produced, well-played music is somehow less authentic than rough and ready sounding stuff.

Ok, I think that's quite enough now, don't you! Phew!

Date: Tues, June 16, 2009, 01:00:18 ET
Posted by: ,

It could be that Don/Walt have a hand in what those poll percentages show. It wouldn't exactly come as a surprise.

As for the negative reviews, well, that's her choice. At least she admitted to not being a fan, which is better in a way than hearing a hard-core fan lamenting the show. Nevertheless, I would much rather that DF play a synth than the melodica. It's apparent that people on both sides of the fence simply don't like it. Also, it would be one less thing for people to complain about and would also change the vibe in a good way.

Even if they're intent on not playing Wu, they could try something unorthodox (for a SD show) such as playing a medley of several songs (their catalog certainly is packed enough to warrant it), or perhaps write a new tune or two to add surprise and dimension to their shows.

Date: Mon, June 15, 2009, 23:28:50 ET
Posted by: fruitbat368, Boston, MA

I'm getting a huge kick out of the person (or persons) that's stuffing Boston's ballot box with votes for tracks from the last record.

I'm just wondering whose mouse is gonna give out first - his/her's, or mine?

"Early and often" is the key. Best of luck!

Date: Mon, June 15, 2009, 23:03:03 ET
Posted by: Forward Girl, Recklesstown

OK, I love Everything Must Go as much as anyone; in fact, I've thrown a couple of votes that way because I'd love to hear it in Boston. That song coincided with my department at work being scuttled and sent to Providence in the summer of '03, so the lyrics were especially apt for me. So, again, love the song.

But it's beating Wu? Seriously? How can this be? Is Hoops correct in his dire predictions? Are we being played here? Is there a Bizarro Bluebook out there in the ether urging its members to vote early and often AGAINST Wu??

Talk about 'arcane paranoia'...

Date: Mon, June 15, 2009, 20:27:41 ET
Posted by: Young Wu, Who cares... I ain't in Florida...

Casual Fan... can we expect a setlist tonight??

Have a great time tonight!

Date: Mon, June 15, 2009, 20:05:04 ET
Posted by: steelydoc, watching TV

on the Food Channel right now: Good Eats with Alton Brown....tonight's episode: "Pretzels Logic"

Date: Mon, June 15, 2009, 19:47:05 ET
Posted by: Casual Fan, orlando, minutes away

O, Danfest lightly attended, as in 4. But, we befriended numerous neophytes. Everyone is excited. Guy told me his last SD album was on 8 track.... He has no idea what he's in for.

Date: Mon, June 15, 2009, 18:55:53 ET
Posted by: hoops, chicago

Paging RAJAH!

You have been requested by the minions at the Dandom Italia email list.

Contact me privately or something via email.

Jim

Date: Mon, June 15, 2009, 18:54:34 ET
Posted by: hoops, chicago

The Florida Danfests Schedule is filling in nicely: check out the latest updates if you are headed to one of this week's shows.

http://dandom.com/danfests/florida

Date: Mon, June 15, 2009, 18:33:13 ET
Posted by: BocaDanFan, Boca Raton

To SteveeDan: I posted the set list from Boca on Sundsay morning. RITY is a completely different slowed down version than AIA. As a Dan-a-holic, I enjoyed the variation. I heard some casual fans moan considerably as it is quite far from the original and AIA. Sign in Stranger is much more like the studio version with the "scurvy brother" line and the majestic horns and guitar interplay at the end.

For those anticipating future dates, Boca thank goodness wasn't a greatest hits show (much to the chagrin of the drunken, talkative "pop 10" set). It has a nice broad stroke of tunes that true Dan Fans can appreciate. I had never heard Western World, 2VN or Godwhacker so I was jacked. And the band is tight as ever.

Check out my set review to see more details.

Date: Mon, June 15, 2009, 18:03:12 ET
Posted by: Joey ,

" I don't think they will do Dr. Wu at all. "

" I don't think that many will vote for Wu. "


This makes Joey cry ....... like baby !!!!

Date: Mon, June 15, 2009, 17:09:09 ET
Posted by: Klaus and the rooster, OHIO

Casualfan' I hope you are enjoying a beverage right now and amping up for the Breadline band; in 3 more hours you might have to change your handle from Casualfan to Rabidfanatic. Enjoy the show/ I still have 81? days to go but I can hear the choppers warming up if I listen hard. Have a good time and post the setlist after if you can

Date: Mon, June 15, 2009, 16:50:49 ET
Posted by: hoops, chicago

As it happens, some folks just discussed on the Dandom-Italia email list how EMG was released in the USA on June 12, 2003; Circus Money was released on the USA five years later on June 12, 2008.

PG just point out in the Dandom Digest email list that the upcoming European "Very Best" compilation has the same track list as the Show Biz Kids compilation that came out in the USA about eight years ago--it just has new artwork. I wonder if it has been remastered.

By conincidence, the artwork has a vague resemblance, as it turns out, to the new upcoming look of dandom.com (preview each here):

NEW COMPILATION:
http://tinyurl.com/knb9ns

NEW DANDOM.COM home:
http://dandom.com/newddhome.jpg <--still in progress, the SD concert poster and album cover will go away, as will the MJB, etc.

We were yukking it up how we had a name-the-next-Dan-compilation-CD contest. The winner was something like:

""Steely Dan A-Z"
"Tracks Digitally Alphabetized by Name for the very first time!"

Date: Mon, June 15, 2009, 16:49:45 ET
Posted by: Casual Fan, Orlando, down to 3 hours, 15 minutes

Klaus, you know, I was worried I would offend someone with that metaphor for RITY on AIA, but you've got that nice keyboard solo intro, kind of light and airy, almost playful. Bop your head back and forth kind of thing.

And then those horns are just so startling coming in like that. Its just the image that came to mind at the moment.

Date: Mon, June 15, 2009, 16:44:30 ET
Posted by: Denise, Hinktown cubicle

Fezo,

This page on the SD website says "in stores 6/10/03"

http://www.steelydan.com/emgpromo.html

Date: Mon, June 15, 2009, 16:39:30 ET
Posted by: Klaus and the rooster, OHIO

Casual fan/ The horns coming in like a apache helicopter ready to drop some napalm!! That is or should be a proper review my friend. You should take that witch in Fla; job. With your permission I will use that line the next time i have to defend the AIA version.

Date: Mon, June 15, 2009, 16:26:31 ET
Posted by: Klaus and the rooster, OHIO

fezo/ EMG was released in 2003 but Ill be damned if i can find the month; hang'tight Im sure someone here will know

Date: Mon, June 15, 2009, 16:22:50 ET
Posted by: pixeleen, hmmmmm

According to the Radio Dupree site, there will be a "new" SD compilation CD released on June 29; European release only.

Does not appear to be anything "live" and seems to be just the same oldies but goodies of previous compilations.
New cover artwork though......

Date: Mon, June 15, 2009, 16:20:52 ET
Posted by: Casual Fan, Orlando, less than 4 hours away now

Stevee, I believe I read below in regards to the Sign in Stranger tune played at one of the earlier venues, it was different than AIA. I had the same question you did about whether the RITY redux would be as it was on AIA, with that groovy keyboard intro and then the horns coming in like an Apache helicopter about to drop some napalm.

In my experience (tonight will be Dan show # 6 for me) even when they play the standards, they have always goofed with the arrangement at least some. Enough for my untrained ear to pick up on it, anyway.

I'd count on something worth listening to, in any event.

Date: Mon, June 15, 2009, 16:14:16 ET
Posted by: SteveeDan, In Possession of tickets for 2 L.A. shows

Can anyone tell us if the versions of Reelin' In The Years and Sign In Stranger are the same or different from the "Alive In America" versions from 1993/1994 ? Or, are any other songs re-arranged ?

Date: Mon, June 15, 2009, 16:07:52 ET
Posted by: fezo, on the JM watch

lazy question:

what year and month was Everything Must Go released?

long story short: this info will potentially assist me in obtaining a great new job

Date: Mon, June 15, 2009, 16:05:13 ET
Posted by: Klaus and the rooster, OHIO

Hutch/ I read the blog and the review; cant wait till Donald torches [or tortures] her. The Klaus and the rooster who posted on that blog was not I. Please dont tell me that Ill need a new handle/ hell; I agreed and enjoyed his and the roosters opinion/ maybe Ill just lay low and take the credit.

Date: Mon, June 15, 2009, 15:55:25 ET
Posted by: Pearl of the Quarter, South Florida

THIS HURTS-Mizner set started over an hour late and just did not have the energy expected for such an early in the tour show.I am not a fan that only goes for the "hits" I like the delving into the unexpected. Just no oomph whatsoever. Sorry.

Date: Mon, June 15, 2009, 15:24:41 ET
Posted by: Casual Fan, Orlando

Big Fan, I'm going tonight and will make it a point to get a gander at the swag and include it in my report on the show tonight or tomorrow.

Date: Mon, June 15, 2009, 12:21:26 ET
Posted by: Big Fan, at work

Can anyone please give a lowdown on the merch available at the shows.

Thanks!

Date: Mon, June 15, 2009, 11:23:53 ET
Posted by: joeNC, hey dean

dean, sadly, no - and you'll see why when ya read the prices below.
i had wind of it some months back. a co-worker knows one of the MWF organizers, but the organizer was all mum, on either side of the show.
here's how MWF works:

LIKE TONY BENNETT? JOIN THIS MUSIC CLUB
MUSIC WITH FRIENDS GETS YOU VERY CLOSE TO LEGENDS, FOR $2,000

JEFF ELDER, Staff Writer

What if you could join a club that brings legendary musicians into the intimate McGlohon Theater? Oh, and you also get VIP cocktail parties before the show, filled with some of Charlotte's most interesting people.

Want to join? Great! It's $500 to join and $1,500 a seat for three shows a year. That's what it costs to get that close to a legend.


The members-only club Music With Friends is bringing Tony Bennett into the McGlohon on Tuesday night. And while Tony left his heart in San Francisco, other cities are perking up their ears at the unique Charlotte-based club.
Attorney Jeff Davis and buddy Larry Farber, a Charlotte booking agent, are behind the club. About 580 Charlotteans - including top bankers, a NASCAR champion and former pro athletes - are members. "It's the best thing to happen to the Charlotte music scene in the 38 years I've been here," proclaims member Bill Diehl, the city's most unforgettable barrister.

"It's just amazing to be that close to a legend, in that fantastic venue, with that group of people," says Steve Cummings, Wachovia's head of corporate and investment banking.

Bob Rhein, a developer based in Cincinnati, is coming to Tuesday's show to scout things out. "It's intriguing, to say the least," says Rhein, who's developed The Palisades and other major Charlotte projects. If it's a good fit, Rhein would like to partner with Davis and Farber to bring Music With Friends to Ohio. Potential partners from Charleston and Spartanburg are also coming to the show.

The Tony Bennett concert is the third show of this first season. Doobie bro Michael McDonald played a Music With Friends show April 11 at the McGlohon, and Gladys Knight pipped and quipped Sept. 5.

How much do you have to pay an act like Michael McDonald, Gladys Knight or Tony Bennett for one show?

"In the 200,000s," says Farber.

It ain't cheap to put on the shows, and it ain't cheap to go. "But you can always go to a larger show somewhere, without the VIP party, and pay a lot less," Davis points out.

The McGlohon is part of the show. Davis and Farber think of the restored church, with its glowing stained glass windows, as a third partner.

"And we love having them," says Douglas Young, director of theatrical planning for Spirit Square. You might recall that the county has considered the possibility of closing the McGlohon as a theater, and Young points out that the VIP club has thrown some serious weight behind keeping it open.

There are about 700 seats in the theater, and yes, you can still join Music With Friends. No, Davis and Farber do not take checks on the day of the show. (Occurred to you, didn't it?)

Oh, I happen to have an extra ticket for Tuesday night. Want to go?

Go see Tony Bennett with Jeff!

In 50 words or less (lengthy entries won't be read), tell why you should get to go see Tony Bennett. Include your name and a phone number where you can be reached today. E-mail jelder@charlotteobserver.com.

Want to know more?

www.musicwithfriends.biz

Date: Mon, June 15, 2009, 11:16:24 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine Beach

joeNC,

Thanks. That's very fucking cool. Were you there?

Date: Mon, June 15, 2009, 11:12:18 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine Beach

I'll be slightly surprised if Donald has much of a response to the creativeloafing.com review.

I mean, c'mon. It does a good job of mocking itself...unintentionally, of course. This poor clueless woman is so far over her head, musically, at a Steely Dan concert, it's laughably sad that she felt qualified, and compelled, to write "a review".

But I think her reaction is instructive to some here. People go to concerts with far different backgrounds, knowledge, expectations and attention spans, than many of us hard-core Dan fans. She probably isn't that different from many concert attendees who know Steely Dan from top-40 radio (or classic rock stations), and this is just another 70's rock concert for her. She doesn't realize that, despite their commercial success in the 70's, Steely Dan isn't simply a "70's rock band". A full appreciation of SD takes some musical acumen and a little work (and an open mind), particularly on unfamiliar tunes.

I will say I feel sorry for this gal's husband, though. It has to be embarrassing and challenging to put up with someone as mind-numbingly shallow as this woman (if this review is a true indication of who she is). Then again, he could be a "pop songs" Dan fan, too.

Date: Mon, June 15, 2009, 10:55:20 ET
Posted by: joeNC, last week's private show

was here in charlotte at this verrrry cool venue, formerly a chuurch sanctuary, nice balcony, every seat is great. it's widely regarded as one of the top venues in town to see a show.
http://www.blumenthalcenter.org/default.asp?blumenthal=135&urlkeyword=theater_detail&objId=9

now see here:
http://www.musicwithfriends.biz/

it's a membership deal, something well into 4 figures per year.

Date: Mon, June 15, 2009, 10:49:02 ET
Posted by: Leilani Polk, Clearwater, FL

Leilani Polk — Music and Events Editor
Leilani’s been writing for CL since she was an intern back in ’03, before she earned her Mass Communications degree at USF and used it and her wits to get a full-time position at the paper. She is quiet and unassuming, except when it comes to food (chocolate and sushi), travel (the farther the better), sci-fi (books, movies and some TV), dancing (the girl can tear a rug) and music (from pleasant to dissonant). These diverse interests collided for her in the perfect storm of ear-opening music otherwise known as Phish. This has been both a blessing and a curse – the knowledge that she is superior in her musical evolution is counterbalanced by the fact that she is mocked by most who consider themselves fellow critics. Persevering through this musical McCarthyism has left her confident, however, that she has an unfiltered, all encompassing love of sound and she’d like to spread it ‘round.

email: leilani@creativeloafing.com

Yikes! Check out the pic!!!!
http://blogs.creativeloafing.com/tampacalling/leilani/

Date: Mon, June 15, 2009, 10:46:13 ET
Posted by: pixeleen,

Loved the photo of Walter, in his shorts and Bad Sneakers,
from the Mizner Park show !!!
Too funny :-)

Thanks to all who have posted their impressions of the shows and the set lists so far.
Looks like good times .....

Date: Mon, June 15, 2009, 10:35:26 ET
Posted by: zzzzz, out there

Funny world we live in. A Google news search returns this blog and it's getting exposure it doesn't deserve.

Date: Mon, June 15, 2009, 10:24:54 ET
Posted by: Hutch, rva

Oh boy! The comments are up and running on Ms. Polks review.

Our boy Klaus chimed in and... Chris, I hope you don't mind but I put your comment up cause I thought it was funny as hell!

http://blogs.creativeloafing.com/tampacalling/2009/06/14/concert-review-steely-dan-at-ruth-eckerd-hall/#response

Only a matter of time before DF slams her. Probably before the end of the day.

Date: Mon, June 15, 2009, 08:52:17 ET
Posted by: Sarah Palin,

DC - Thanks so much for bringing your right-wing rhetoric to the discussion.
We can always count on you!

Date: Mon, June 15, 2009, 08:42:30 ET
Posted by: Newerkes, delmarvelous delmarva

Thx hoops for emailing the Digest . . . reading along and wish to send a big thanks to TampaDAn and Oleander for writing. Nwk Now, what's happening here in the blue? let's see here . . .

Date: Mon, June 15, 2009, 08:18:12 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh

Steelydoc: Review summary: "Hi, I've never liked Steely Dan. I went to see them live and I also didn't really like it, except for a few songs. I think backup singers are stupid."

Date: Mon, June 15, 2009, 06:02:20 ET
Posted by: Rajah, I ain't Ruben

but I do appreciate his turn of phrase in English.

Date: Mon, June 15, 2009, 02:09:03 ET
Posted by: Gus Winterbottom, Torrance, CA

Thanks, steelydoc for posting the link to the "insane" review. I did enjoy the photos.

Thanks also to those posting the setlists to start the tour.

GW

Date: Mon, June 15, 2009, 00:19:59 ET
Posted by: Forward Girl, here and there

SteelyDoc, that creativeloafing gal needs to set her poor hubby free to find happiness with someone who doesn't have a tin ear.
Meanwhile, I found this one noteworthy as well:

http://blogs.creativeloafing.com/tampacalling/2008/12/26/steely-dan-shogun-steely-shodan/

Date: Sun, June 14, 2009, 22:04:42 ET
Posted by: Provincial Reuben, Tall County AR

Hooliganism at the show. It's a good thing my favorite band performs rock concerts as: counterpoint/ counter-melody; message/story knished into insane, sick chord progression; musical craftsmanship; and, for quite a while, non exixtent non-studio corpus aside, they are America's greatest Rock and Roll band.
There was a time that I thought I might sue Deacon Don if he ever worked out his timing on the "travelogue" in 'Hey 19,'but I decided it was his game, and I was just lucky to have been called up. I believe that his lyric gaffe on 'Reeling in the Years' in Memphis a couple of years ago seriously impacted his rest of show. But, once again, I felt like Ringo in the BlueBook.
I heard a guy say that he's noticed that many aging vocalists grow to sound more and more like some corpus named Bon Scott. I don't expect the 'Rent Party' to turn into a 'Big Balls' any time soon.
Hard to imagine as it may be, I live in a whole town of Matt Foleys.
Sorry to be so pridefu... I mean arrogant.

Date: Sun, June 14, 2009, 22:02:06 ET
Posted by: Casual Fan, Tomorrow's venue

Well, reading these somewhat critical reviews and the rather lukewarm reception so far, I'm thinking that the band going into the deeper catalogue is just not going over that well, at least with the more haphazard concert goers. They don't get their Peg (which I still love), and instead get maybe Sign In Stranger or the like, they just aren't going to get it. What's interesting to me is that the fans who post here seem to think that the musicianship is still at the highest levels. And I would expect that, really.

So, tomorrow night, on a Monday here in Orlando, I'm thinking that the crowd is going to be a bit more "in the know," sophisticated, etc., and that we won't have the drunkards or out of control types causing mischief.

Here's hoping, anyway.

Date: Sun, June 14, 2009, 21:25:53 ET
Posted by: Klaus and the rooster, OHIO

Hey Dean/ If what Zombie said is true; dont seem right; Ive bn strung out here all nite/ Ive bn waitin for the taste you said you would bring to me!!

Date: Sun, June 14, 2009, 20:50:23 ET
Posted by: zootnewton, Upper Custerdome

The walk-on instrumental jazz number is "Teenie's Blues" composed by Oliver Nelson

Date: Sun, June 14, 2009, 20:41:48 ET
Posted by: DC, Dc

Why do people get upset about Fagen being a stuck up?
It shouldn't bother anyone as long as they deliver.
Uptown boys can't help but feel aloof to the beer drinking red state crowd. They despise them when they invade "their" territory NYC as in Mar shut the garden door. They feel contempt for anyone who might have voted for the old gnarly guy, not the rookie. The only appear on likeminded media.
They feel guilty because they have not worked a day in their life and have not donated much to the socialist cause.
They have no shame cashing that check however, as any good Limousine liberal will do.
Still a good show and keeps all the great musicians employed!

Date: Sun, June 14, 2009, 19:47:20 ET
Posted by: steelydoc, near the Borgata

I'm sure that there will be some mention of this insane review on DF.com:

http://blogs.creativeloafing.com/tampacalling/2009/06/14/concert-review-steely-dan-at-ruth-eckerd-hall/

Date: Sun, June 14, 2009, 18:25:49 ET
Posted by: BocaDanFan, Boca Raton

I posted the set list earlier on the Boca show.

There's no doubt that the crowd was drinking and talking a little too much last night. Maybe that's symptomatic of a festival atmosphere or of a crowd not into some of the deeper cuts. The fact is when you're a true afficianado of the Dan, you are into every song. 2VN was incredible - is there any way a "pop 10" seeker is going to appreciate that? Absatively not. It is hard to see DF vocally reach for the notes and sometimes not get there? Of course. Let's face it, most lead vocalists from that era are not as "athletic" (for the lack of a better term) as they were in their prime. (Jon Anderson, Ian Anderson...etc.) But shit, you have to hand it to him - he's still giving it his all - I'll listen to him if he's singing into his 90s. He's still extremely fluid on some songs compared to others. The outdoor venue and weak sound system did not help. As for the instrumental quality - as good as any tour I've seen. I'm proud - and perhaps selfish - to say that I don't care if anyone around me doesn't appreciate the unique vibe that the Dan is all about. The minute I try to look through their eyes - glassy from booze or crossed from cackling incessantly - it takes away from my unique connection to and from Sirs Snarky.

Date: Sun, June 14, 2009, 17:51:39 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Chambers was too busy turning on his metronome.


------------------------------
Brutus Charisma,

Hey don't get mad at DF for "blowing" a line.

MORE IMPORTANTLY:

Listen to the band/DF RECOVER from a missed/"blown" beat (in the 3/4 measure) of the Intro by the drummer just before DF has to sing!!!!!!!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m2lby7P0EjM

Wow - now THAT could've been disastrous.

Date: Sun, June 14, 2009, 17:24:07 ET
Posted by: Lurker Ray, Malibu

ben rose, aberdeen scotland -

Listening to a litle "Love & Money"
on a lovely SoCal afternoon!
I think you should also want to
hear "Babylon Sisters" when SD
hit town. Since you would get to
hear Marvin Stamm cut loose and
see what he has to bring to the
table. I like Michael, but I
would love to hear Marvin this tour.

Date: Sun, June 14, 2009, 17:20:22 ET
Posted by: HouDanFan, Houston

"Becker, dressed in T-shirt, shorts, white socks and sneakers, looked like he had just wandered in from Mizner Park’s shopping promenade (all he needed was a fanny pack and some bottled water to complete the costume.) But don’t let that studied nonchalance fool you: He was peeling off jaw-dropping guitar solos on every other song."

This is pretty funny from the review last night. WB did look a bit out of place in the photo. But who gives a rats ass...he does play his ass off.

Any time you have a Saturday concert the chance of more than ur share of rowdy drunks is a possibility. Thats always been part of the concert going experience. Just got to live with it folks.

Date: Sun, June 14, 2009, 16:12:05 ET
Posted by: Provincial Reuben, Tall County AR

Whew. I'm so releived. So we DO all agree.
Yeah. Poor choice of words. Forget the connotation. I only meant taking a small $um in exchange for agreeing to provide entertainment when I typed the "p" word.

Date: Sun, June 14, 2009, 15:26:28 ET
Posted by: Klaus and the rooster, OHIO

You gotta love the blue' sometimes I feel like I missed something. It gets pretty far off track[ the Boston tea party instead of the Boston rag]? No wonder Hoops has to reign us in sometimes.

Date: Sun, June 14, 2009, 15:07:25 ET
Posted by: Tom Hayes, San Diego

Provincial Reuben I'm not quite sure what the F you are talking about.

Me, I just want to enjoy the show without some drunken, fat, obnoxious idiots talking or constantly bumping into me. (If it's a beautiful woman then it's less bothersome - but its still bothersome.)

I think our society's manners are actually better now than they've ever been. It was awfully rude to lynch "negroes" in the south, to deny women the right to vote, to own slaves, and to dump someone else's tea into the bay while dressed as Indians - all were much ruder than someone acting up during a concert.

I do not feel that the audience needs to have tea and crumpets served during the concert, nor am I demanding that when requesting an encore that they raise their lighters aloft with their pinkies held high - I just want to watch the f*ing concert.

People having a good time, maybe a little dancing, maybe some singing along during a rousing chorus - sure. Hell if they took drugs that calmed them down (or placed them in a catatonial state ) I'd be all for it. Black Cows w/ Ritalin for all!

The sound I want to hear is the BAND's sound. the sights I want to see is the performers on stage. It's the difference between the two concert films: Stop Making Sense by The Talking Heads and The Synchronicity Concert by The Police.

That's all I'm saying.

Date: Sun, June 14, 2009, 15:01:56 ET
Posted by: zootnewton, Wherever the music's right

Thanks Klaus! That's pretty much what I was already doing. I was interested in the fidelity of the live shows. I know they have a new mixer and was curious how the shows have been sounding.

Date: Sun, June 14, 2009, 15:01:28 ET
Posted by: Klaus and the rooster, OHIO

Hey Reuben/ I dont know when or where you were born; but where I came from and being no stranger to drugs or alcohol we always took pride in being able to indulge and still act like a man. I f you guys are going to keep accusing S.D. of whoring/stay out of the western world whorehouse.

Date: Sun, June 14, 2009, 14:48:59 ET
Posted by: Provincial Reuben, Tall County AR

So we're all agreed then: Society has devolved to the point where a body thinks the pittance for his admission (tax; title; license to master tickets not included) puts him (or) into a position where the venue is his to oil, soil, or despoil as he pleases even up to and including raising his body temperature with alcohol on a sub-tropical Spring night in an outdoor setting and showing his ass. Unfortunately we've also evolved to a place where the true believers don't sully the altar by vigilante-ing the guy's obnoxious butt unobtrusively into the narthex. Further, more-mature entertainment icons, despite whatever obligation they might have accidentally pocketed by prostituting themselves to the whim(s) of the crowd, should not have to put up with same . NOBODY should have to. Course now, if you don't admit it's a more and more oftener occurring happenstance in our neck of the continent, and that it doesn't come as a surprise, then my hat is off to you as I'm thinking you came more direct from Lhasa.
Or maybe we're not agreed. Some people just don't know how to behave. Folks are just lightweights anymore about altering social constructs. Me? I won't behave, but I don't ever get drunk-- I always throw up and pass out first.

Date: Sun, June 14, 2009, 14:48:38 ET
Posted by: Klaus and the rooster, OHIO

Hey Zoot/ Welcome!! Scroll down to Chris from Ct for the review from last nite. The others I usually google the local newspaper.

Date: Sun, June 14, 2009, 14:33:05 ET
Posted by: zootnewton, Wherever the music's right

Klaus (and others),
I am brand new to this site so excuse the noob question. Where can I go to see reviews of the Boca Raton show and the other shows?

Date: Sun, June 14, 2009, 14:30:50 ET
Posted by: Klaus and the rooster, OHIO

To Tom in San Diego/ Ive been thinking about this all day and the truth is manners are lacking in this day and age. I go bowling and the young guy next to me jumps up and throws his ball at the same time. I go golfing and am shocked by the damage that people do to the golfcourse. I was born in the time when you were taught how to behave like a gentleman and i have a feeling that you were also/cant change the Santa Ana winds my friend. How is the west coast/ used to live up the coast from you [San Clemente] in 1980; still miss the golden state. I have a steely buddy whom I just let know about Vegas. He WONT be the drunk bastard causing havoc. Enjoy the show!!

Date: Sun, June 14, 2009, 14:23:00 ET
Posted by: Pop , Idell

What could have been one of my top ten shows of all time was FUKKING ruined by folks - who I have to imagine took every intoxicant known to man - who "sat" next to me. I am SO GLAD that I got to hear the soundboards from that Fagen tour to hear what I missed

Bob Birne

Date: Sun, June 14, 2009, 14:07:01 ET
Posted by: Tom Hayes, San Diego

>Zombie' I respect your opinion but I would like to point out that Its not a ballgame but a >concert and drunken loud behavior can ruin the show for the rest of us.

I *TOTALLY* agree with this. I saw DF on the Morph the Cat tour and the drunken dancing of the group of fat (hey, I'm fat), drunk guys who talked through 90% of the concert pretty much ruined it for me.

I like to see the *performer* and prefer not to have people bumping into me and singing along while I'm trying to watch and listen to the concert. (If the band wants people up, or singing along it's all good - but during SLOW SONGS???!!??)

I expect that kind of behavior at a festival concert maybe, but in a theatre I find it downright rude.

I hope and pray that when I see them in Vegas that the audience is attentive to the show and not lost in drunken revelry of years past. - because it's not a cheap concert by any measure (tickets + travel+ hotel.)

Date: Sun, June 14, 2009, 13:40:14 ET
Posted by: Klaus and the rooster, OHIO

Zombie' I respect your opinion but I would like to point out that Its not a ballgame but a concert and drunken loud behavior can ruin the show for the rest of us.As far as the gate returns go/ thats agreed upon ahead of time and nobody forces anyone to go. The artist has the right to play whatever they want'its their gig. 7 dollar beers! Maybe I ought to go down south; the sheds up here are ten dollars!!!

Date: Sun, June 14, 2009, 13:23:18 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine Beach

Zombie,

The Center for the Arts at Mizner Park, in Boca Raton bears little resemblance to a "shed". Perhaps you should take a peek at the venues The Dan is visiting this tour, before making such a comment. This tour is full of fairly high-end, smaller venues.

And let's not pretend to be so puritanical. Is the availability of alcohol really an excuse to get so plowed you act like an asshole? Is it the band's fault that some people can't, or refuse to, handle their liquor? Is the solution to the problem a prohibition on alcohol sales at the venue? Or do you think the problem is the band sharing in the revenue?

Date: Sun, June 14, 2009, 12:40:14 ET
Posted by: Klaus and the rooster, OHIO

Hey folks' you might want to read the posts at the end of the review for Boca. By more than a few accounts/ a drunken rude crowd that Donald at one point told a loud drunk[I wont call him a fan] to shut up and then flipped him off.Way to go Boca; If this keeps up we can kiss Wu goodbye once more. Im sure there were good fans at the show'next time grab a few Steely bros and tell the drunken sot to button it so Don or Walt wont have to.

Date: Sun, June 14, 2009, 12:12:12 ET
Posted by: ben, re: internet setlist

doh !

Date: Sun, June 14, 2009, 12:11:29 ET
Posted by: Joey,

" i am suspicious about the internet request night at boston.
when i looked on friday dr wu was at 5.75% of the vote
today it is at 5.23%
anyone got any idea why this should be?
maybe don and walt just dont want to play it?? "


Walter Becker is just as much a part of Steely Dan as Donald .


If Don does not want to sing Dr. Wu then I am quite sure Walt will step up and provide the vocal .......... and then ALL will be right with the World .


J FLY ! ™

Date: Sun, June 14, 2009, 12:08:40 ET
Posted by: Josey, St. Simons Island

Just read the review posted. No Peg. Never thought I'd see that.

Date: Sun, June 14, 2009, 11:44:16 ET
Posted by: Chris, CT

Review, pics and comments from Boca

http://www.pbpulse.com/music/2009/06/14/concert-review-steely-dan-reels-through-years-hits-at-mizner/

Date: Sun, June 14, 2009, 11:23:54 ET
Posted by: math teacher, my old school

um, those percentages can go up or down based on the amount of votes Wu has received compared to the other songs.

Date: Sun, June 14, 2009, 11:05:34 ET
Posted by: ben rose, aberdeen scotland

i am suspicious about the internet request night at boston.
when i looked on friday dr wu was at 5.75% of the vote
today it is at 5.23%
anyone got any idea why this should be?
maybe don and walt just dont want to play it??
i was hoping they might play it in at the early u.s. dates and treat
us brits to it when they hit the uk !

Date: Sun, June 14, 2009, 11:04:06 ET
Posted by: Josey, St. Simons Island

BocaDan - I noticed "Peg" wasn't mentioned in the setlist. Is this correct?

Date: Sun, June 14, 2009, 10:42:59 ET
Posted by: mikethebaker, the sugar shack in Pennsylvania

Ready Freddie's Facebook post last night....

"Freddie Washington I had a GREAT!! show with Steely Dan tonight in Florida. THe Groove was DEEP!!"

Date: Sun, June 14, 2009, 09:28:56 ET
Posted by: Geoff,

The Boca show was hot! The whole band was SD tight! Carlock was in his usual smokin form. Wish I was going to the other Florida shows but hoping to be in Atl in Aug. BocaDanFan, thanks for posting.

Date: Sun, June 14, 2009, 02:13:20 ET
Posted by: I am you, You are me, Together we're the same

Greg M - "Walt W. is a questionable choice because his playing is boring and non-soulful. My guess is Don+Walt use him because he is reliable and has good intonation."

Yeah, you're pretty reliable when you've got nothing else going on, except that you're in demand from the best group alive. Nevertheless, I agree that his playing lacks soul, or genuine character. Not sure what the boys see in him but if that's their choice, so be it.

My favorite sax solos? Jeez, pretty much anything from their 70's period. I guess that's too much.

Here's my dream set-list:

Night By Night
Only A Fool Would Say That
Almost Gothic
Through With Buzz
The Second Arrangement (yeah, right...)
Doctor Wu
My Old School
Glamour Profession
Throw Back The Little Ones
Your Gold Teeth
Your Gold Teeth II
Deacon Blues
The Caves Of Altamira
Any Major Dude Will Tell You

Encore:
FM
Black Cow

But since they'll never play this setlist, I'll just have to dream.

Date: Sun, June 14, 2009, 01:24:19 ET
Posted by: Tom Hayes, San Diego

I bought tickets for The Pearl show on August 28th. I can't wait. The Pearl has great sound, and I got a skybox seat (non-private) so no one will bump into me or get in my way :)

Date: Sun, June 14, 2009, 00:41:15 ET
Posted by: BocaDanFan, Boca Raton

Just got back from the Boca show at Mizner Park - an almost two-hour gig that rocked the downtown. This band is seasoned and incredibly tight. Arrangements were superb. DF and WB were solid.

Jazz Intro - All horns on deck with one-by-one solos!

Time out of mind - Great Walt and Don (melodica) duel

Godwhacker - Superb

Reeling in the years - Interesting slow version, girls with some smooth harmonies

Bad sneakers - Walt cooks

2 against nature - Great to hear this, girls were wicked in the final chorus, horns fluid

Black friday - solid as ever

Aja - Carlock in the zone

Sign in stranger - More like the original studio version than "Alive" CD, love the horn/guitar build at the end

Hey 19 - Let's all sing along while Walt narrates romantic interlude leading up to "Cuervo Gold" chorus by the ladies

Parkers band - girls take over with strong vocal, horns fly

Babylon sisters - tight as ever, amazing trumpet

Daddy don't live in NYC no mo - WB snarks nicely

Here at the Western World - Great to hear this old album-less single

Band intros to "itchin my heart thing" by the girls

Black cow - "So outrageous" sing-along

Josie - As solid as ever, don strong and animated with some great
runs

Kid Charlemagne - There definitely was still "gas in the car!"

End set

Encore

My old school - Strong, but only encore song (Maybe it was the heat that cut the show short as Donald mentioned how hot it was toward the end of the main set)

I haven't seen SD in the past few tours so I haven't heard them play Whacker" and "2VN." That, plus "Western World" was refreshing for me, but some of the old favorites are getting a little repetitive.

I do hope there is another live album from this tour and maybe some more studio stuff.

DF/WB may be reeling in the years, but they're still rockin'!!!

Date: Sat, June 13, 2009, 21:58:02 ET
Posted by: flashanddash, thecouch

I'm with ya KD. I keep checking YouTube to see/hear 'Western World', the re-worked 'Reelin'' and 'My Rival'. It figures that someone would go to the show, record it and post 'Peg' and 'Josie'. woo-hoo.

Date: Sat, June 13, 2009, 21:35:05 ET
Posted by: Greg M, White Plains

<<<yeah, he butched "rip and chop and slice" in ATL in '03...>>>

Yes, I remember someone writing here that he sang "rip and slice and chop...."

Which stuck in my head, and I often sing that flub to myself when the song is on cause it's kinda funny.

Date: Sat, June 13, 2009, 19:52:07 ET
Posted by: King of the World, Tampa

Went to the Clearwater show last night. Great show as always. The new Reelin in the Years arrangement was amazing.

Date: Sat, June 13, 2009, 19:28:00 ET
Posted by: Provincial Reuben, Tall County AR

Sorry you'n's, but the self-imposed exile is over.
Naturally, I didn't research, but I figure this has been hashed unto potted pate, but does anyone else reckon that "internet request" setlists will miraculously produce setlists that are charts that have already been worked up by the band as parts of setlists?
Reads like making the rent will be good times had by all.

Date: Sat, June 13, 2009, 18:02:18 ET
Posted by: KD, not from ORL, but stuck in ORL

Yeah, I saw those as soon as I posted. Whatta dope, I.

Really after "Here at the Western World," if I can get specific. Not the well-worn standards.

Date: Sat, June 13, 2009, 16:18:08 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine Beach

Jive,

Thanks.

Date: Sat, June 13, 2009, 16:13:08 ET
Posted by: Jive Miguel, DC

KD from Orlando,

I found 8 clips on YouTube from oneamongmany10 :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Y_AKjRy2GM

Cheers

Date: Sat, June 13, 2009, 15:49:29 ET
Posted by: KD, Orlando, ugh

I'm sure I'm not alone when I mention that I've been checking YouTube after every show waiting for some lo-fi clips, and disappointed.

Come on, lucky ones ... flip those phones open!

Date: Sat, June 13, 2009, 15:32:23 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine Beach

Steely Dad,

I just voted for the Britney Spears' version of Deacon Blues. :#)


OK, just kidding. But I needed a segue to post this very funny ditty, from the very talented Richard Thompson:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rAS4ltt7DzI

Enjoy!

Date: Sat, June 13, 2009, 15:26:54 ET
Posted by: Steely Dad, Boston

Can't wait for request night in Boston. song request stuffing for any version of Deacon Blues is alright with me

Date: Sat, June 13, 2009, 13:52:26 ET
Posted by: jooonbg, LA

Can't wait to see SD doing Royal Scam in LA in Aug! Got tix last year when they were here and didn't go...worst mistake of our lives! Did the "we're old, we've seen them" thing...but SD is timeless!

Date: Sat, June 13, 2009, 13:14:48 ET
Posted by: angel, Lost Wages

I am in for all 4 nights in LA. My hubby is going to kill me... ;-)

Date: Sat, June 13, 2009, 13:12:55 ET
Posted by: Bob, Atlanta

Thanks, Brutus...I can only imagine the ass-chewing that he got after that show (Erskine or Chambers?)...maybe that's why they call the drums "battery" in some parts of the world.

Date: Sat, June 13, 2009, 12:59:17 ET
Posted by: Lutz, SF

Looks like a decent setlist, not too exiting for us fans who have been there every year. Agree with Dean, it's the band as much as D+W.
Understandably they have to play the hits, but they could throw us a bone from EMG or 2VN here and there.
2VN is hardly a fan favorite and doesn't hold up that well in the long run imo. Wish it was '03 again!

Date: Sat, June 13, 2009, 12:47:53 ET
Posted by: Brutus Charisma,

Hey don't get mad at DF for "blowing" a line.

MORE IMPORTANTLY:

Listen to the band/DF RECOVER from a missed/"blown" beat (in the 3/4 measure) of the Intro by the drummer just before DF has to sing!!!!!!!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m2lby7P0EjM

Wow - now THAT could've been disastrous.

Date: Sat, June 13, 2009, 12:47:51 ET
Posted by: Brutus Charisma,

Hey don't get mad at DF for "blowing" a line.

MORE IMPORTANTLY:

Listen to the band/DF RECOVER from a missed/"blown" beat (in the 3/4 measure) of the Intro by the drummer just before DF has to sing!!!!!!!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m2lby7P0EjM

Wow - now THAT could've been disastrous.

Date: Sat, June 13, 2009, 12:44:41 ET
Posted by: I am with you, you Dean

If Donald blows a word or two who cares even the best make mistakes.When they get to LA that will make 27 times seeing them with my wife same songs or not they are great.

Date: Sat, June 13, 2009, 11:44:05 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine Beach

Thanks, T-Dan. I'd have to guess "Dry and Heavy", too. I don't know that I've heard the two different versions, but I expect "Club Mix" would be pretty easy to identify. And, I certainly understand having high standards for the boys. I have never been disappointed by a SD concert, but I notice the qualitative differences between shows, that's for sure. Never had a bad time, though.

The St Augustine Amphitheater is newly remodeled. It is small for an outdoor venue. Nice, but nothing all that special, IMO. It's great that it is right down the street from where I live. It is in a fairly residential neighborhood and you can drive past it without even noticing it's there. (Actually, it's perfect for St Augustine.) And yes, they have been booking some decent acts. In some tours of the past, this might be among the better venues. But looking at the spectacular venues they are playing this tour, St Augustine is probably among the lesser stops.

And "donald" nobody spends $50, let alone $200, "for Donald to blow the lyrics". They spend the money to see the the great and powerful Steely Dan play their wonderful music. If Don changes, or forgets, a lyric, what's the big deal, really? Grow up.

Date: Sat, June 13, 2009, 11:42:01 ET
Posted by: neda, fix

hear a very cool version of WU when these guys take the stage at black eyed sallys tonight!


http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=56133237

Date: Sat, June 13, 2009, 11:24:46 ET
Posted by: TampaDan, Tampa, FL

Hey Deano, hope you're doing well. Must be a nice new venue you guys have in St. Aug, I'm seeing a lot of nice shows being scheduled there. May have to pay you a visit oneday...wow, club or dry 'n heavy? Getting a little esoteric for me now, but I'd have to say dry 'n heavy. The best part for me is the chorus as sung by the ladies, which comes across as this lush, beautiful wave of sound, totally unlike anything I've ever heard from them. Still a fun evening, don't get me wrong, but my standards are high for SD as they should be, and I've simply heard them in much better form on previous occasions.

Date: Sat, June 13, 2009, 11:23:52 ET
Posted by: donald,

is it worth over $200 for donald to blow lyrics?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGVxen0RfTo&feature=channel_page

what a shame!

Date: Sat, June 13, 2009, 10:55:30 ET
Posted by: pixeleen,

Thanks for the set list, TampaDan.
Would love to hear the re-worked "Reelin", and, Bad Sneakers and Daddy have always been personal favorites :-)

Date: Sat, June 13, 2009, 10:37:16 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine Beach

Thanks, Dan.

What a great setlist. Sign In Stranger? Outstanding!

Anyway, sorry to hear you didn't find them in top form.

BTW, what version of Reelin' did they perform (Club Mix or Dry and Heavy)? Maybe you can venture a guess.

Thanks, again.

Date: Sat, June 13, 2009, 10:03:25 ET
Posted by: DeaconBlues16, Wherever

So, it looks like they replaced My Rival and Home At Last with Sign in Stranger and Two Against Nature for the show last night.

Date: Sat, June 13, 2009, 09:45:09 ET
Posted by: TampaDan, Tampa, FL

Sorry for not posting a list last night; long day and I'm on the way to work now. First, general impressions: not the greatest Dan performance I've ever seen, quite honestly. It had very much the quality of the second show of a tour, with numerous mangled/mumbled/unintelligible lyrics, especially from Mr. Fagen. Also, even though I've never heard Circus Money, I feel like I have now, since the arrangements last night had a definite round, lilting reggae feel that worked better for some songs than for others. But you know what they say about opinions...enough blathering, here's a list:

Jazz Intro
Time Out of Mind
Godwhacker
Reelin' In the Years (love the new arrangement!)
Bad Sneakers
Two Against Nature
Black Friday
Aja
Sign In Stranger
Hey Nineteen
Parker's Band
Babylon Sisters
Daddy Don't Live in That NYC No More (Becker vocal)
Here at the Western World
Itchin' in My Heart (not sure of title - band intros took place here)
Black Cow
Peg
Kid Charlemagne

Josie
My Old School

Great to hear Sneakers, Sign In and especially Western. I'm sure that later shows in the tour will be suitably fabulous, but when it comes to live music, you just can't win 'em all.