April, May & June 2014 Posts

Date: Tues, July 01, 2014, 13:53:02 ET
Posted by: search, kb

From a review of the new documentary about Roger Ebert. Good to know SD provided him some comfort in his last days.

Several former colleagues discuss his “only child” petulance, as remembered during the years he did the TV show but also evidenced by defiant footage of his last days — hellbent on hearing “Reeling in the Years” by Steely Dan before he’ll sit still for more treatment.



https://bangordailynews.com/2014/06/30/living/roger-eberts-documentary-tribute-captures-life-itself/

Date: Tues, July 01, 2014, 11:44:26 ET
Posted by: CJB, I-5, southbound and down

Off to PDX for tomorrow night and SEA on the weekend. Catch some of you there! Set lists if the new laptop works.

Date: Tues, July 01, 2014, 03:41:46 ET
Posted by: Hoops McCann, Portland

Hello to everyone out in Greater Dandom,

I'll be at the first show of the new tour tomorrow night, and do my best to let you know what the guys have in store for you this summer. Talk to you soon!

Hoops

Date: Mon, June 30, 2014, 23:35:21 ET
Posted by: YouinyourLark, Dunedin, NZ

Seeing the Nth American tour is close to kicking off, I thought I would share a little clip I made of Donald chill'n with the backing girls back in Auckland 2011.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5UQPnv3dBiE

Greg

Date: Mon, June 30, 2014, 18:41:38 ET
Posted by: hoops, chicago, about to really rain, hail, tornado, whatevah

The latest edition of the Dandom Digest was just e-mailed and is dated June 1-30, 2014. (The Dandom Digest before that was dated April 25-May 31, 2014.)

If you are a subscriber, you should see the latest edition in your email box within an hour of this post. If you don't see them, check your spam filters first; then, if it's not there, please email me.

As I regularly remind subscribers, some people have problems with delivery of the Dandom Digest, usually because of their spam filters, firewalls, etc. That's why this sort of notice is posted here--so you are aware that you should have received the latest edition.

The following are the subject headlines of the Dandom Digest for June 1-30, 2014.

=======

- Pinch me!
- Looking for Tickets to the upcoming Tour?
- Official Jamalot Ever After Tour Merch
- Band BIOSphere
- Donald works the June 2014 Mojo
- Herington interviewed before First Concert
- Twitter Set Lists--maybe
- REDUX: Official Steely Dan eNewsletter
- REDUX: Danfests 2014
- REDUX: Put Your Site on the Steely Dan Web Ring
- RIP: The Hardbop Grandpop

=======

If you are not currently a subscriber but would like to receive the free Dandom Digest email newsletter, please email me at hoops AT dandom DOT com or see http://www.dandom.com/dandomdigest.

For the record, the Dandom Digest is a newsletter with unofficial content written by and for the fans of Steely Dan. The newsletter is independent of, nor to be confused with, the glorious and much more glamorous official newsletters from steelydan.com, walterbecker.com, donaldfagen.com and other sites of Steely Dan associates.

Thanks for your support through the years, especially Pete and Shari, as well as Mr. & Mrs. Winterbottom, and espcially thinking of Mark and Bill, and not to mention one or two people who request anonymity.

Fly low, be cool,

Jim

tions ready!

Date: Mon, June 30, 2014, 15:11:57 ET
Posted by: SDV, up on the hill

the calm before the storm...

Date: Mon, June 30, 2014, 14:28:53 ET
Posted by: Jazzassin, @HouDanFan

This is still a Steely Dan forum, and it's not like you have to wait in line to post your tour-related comment...

I'm surprised myself that we are allowed to keep on with other, not (or only vaguely) dangential subjects without more interruption from the more relevant and tour specific sphere. But don't expect others to come up with the interesting and/ or entertaining tour info before they actually do. If you have anything to share or ask about the tour, please do not hesitate.

Until then, a certain amount of general music/ music technology/ music distribution talk must be expected. When you eventually share something of value about the tour, everyone will undoubtly forget about this other crap that we talk about too much, ok?

Date: Mon, June 30, 2014, 13:56:55 ET
Posted by: HouDanFan, Houston

Tour about to start and not much talk about it or Steely Dan in here. Is this no longer a Steely Dan forum?

Date: Mon, June 30, 2014, 13:04:13 ET
Posted by: Jazzassin, again

More Garrett, here in forward position alongside Scofield in a Scofield original called "Not You Again" - a suitable regard from this poster, if I may say so.
The song is really a twisted variation of the jazz standard "There Will Never Be Another You", written by Harry Warren and Mack Gordon in 1942. At least it's not from the '50s. ;)

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

One more with Scofield, this time live with Steve Swallow, bass and Bill Stewart, drums. The song is another standard; "Someone To Watch Over Me" by the Gershwin Bros, 1926. Not the '50s either, but one of the reasons many of us still thinks old school songwriting is an under-appreciated art form. Those lovely sweet chords, those chromatic bass lines ... I bow in humble respect.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vd2MtTMQ97Q

Date: Mon, June 30, 2014, 13:01:50 ET
Posted by: Jazzassin, @nathan

At the bottom of the page is a link to older posts: December back thru September 2013. I went there and opened the search page function in the browser (Ctrl+S), searched for gnats and found it immediately.

Date: Mon, June 30, 2014, 12:41:33 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine Beach

Jake,

Although I'm not quite the fan of Umphrey's as you, I will admit they seem to be a very enjoyable live act. I haven't seen them live (let's make that clear) but have watched recordings of their live show. Very entertaining, fine musicianship, etc. And no, I don't particularly care for their vocals, but from what I have heard they are better than the "ridiculous singing of Dave Matthews. I do plan to catch them live at some point. I'll need mushrooms.

But when it comes to longevity, I think composition is the key. Sure, they can have some influence on the live performances of future artists, but I just don't see them being a strong influence on the compositions of great artists years down the road.

Date: Mon, 30 Jun 2014 11:42:54 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Michael: Really?

Sounds nothing like c'tail jazz to me - more like an extension of Miles Davis. Blasphemy if that refers to Kirkland's playing. He takes Bill Evans and turns it on another world.

Sing a Song of Songs from the same album - that's a killer recording wqith heavy Miles and Brubeck influences. Live version here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_TtM4i45kQ

Date: Mon, 30 Jun 2014 11:36:42 ET
Posted by: Jazzassin,Gnatsy gnatsy

“whoever” turned out to be Mr LaPage after a quick search here.

Date: Mon, 30 Jun 2014 11:28:01 ET
Posted by: Jake,Nebraska

Have to agree with “have to disagree” about Umphrey's McGee. I'm a hardcore Steely Dan nut and musician and Umphrey's is definitely one of the best bands I have ever seen live”and I see A LOT of live music). I will agree that they are an acquired taste, especially vocally.

What they are doing with improvisation IN A ROCK CONTEXT is mind blowing. Their level of communication on stage is absurd and they fly by the seat of their pants every night, with each show consisting of 60%+ improvised music. And we're talking WELL-STRUCTURED improvisation happening on the fly. These guys can never “phone it in.” Another point is the sounds they sculpt on stage are ridiculous. Socially, what Umphrey's McGee creates is some of the most satisfying sounds I have ever heard live.

If we're talking about songs, of course Umphrey's doesn't stack up to the likes of Steely Dan. The songwriting is not on that level by any means. But if we're talking about amazing bands in a live context, I would way rather see Umphrey's than go to a Steely Dan show if I had a choice, and I've seen both bands many, many times.

Date: Mon, 30 Jun 2014 11:19:49 ET
Posted by: Jazzassin,”under the Helmut ... uh ... helmet, dammit

Dang, I was so sure it was you, Michael that once mentioned A Helmet of Gnats here, but anyway: Enjoy! They're good! And thanks of course to the o.p. of the Gnats link, whoever that was.

Date: Mon, 30 Jun 2014 10:54:10 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Doc Mu, the Tony Williams track has some killer performances but the Kenny Garrett is a little too smooth, like cocktail jazz. I prefer jazz-fusion with a harder edge, i.e. much of the 70's material. Always have, always will.

Jazzassin, listening for the first time to A Helmet of Gnats, they seem to be a good prog-fusion group.

Date: Mon, 30 Jun 2014 09:26:58 ET
Posted by: Jazzassin,by the stream

The good news is the legal streaming services are at least improving. Here in Norway we have a subscription based online streaming service called WiMPWireless Music Player), quite similar to Spotify, only WiMP don't offer an ad-based free version. You have to pay and you don't get commercials. It's owned by the biggest telcom company and the biggest and soon-to-be-the-only music store chain over here.

What's new and even better than what most of the others offer”except for at least one French service - they already offer 24bit), is that WiMP offers a so-called Hi-Fi subscription. It's not MORE Hi-Fi than your old CD rack, but it IS exactly that: 16bit/44.1kHz”lossless FLAC encoded with Dolby Media Generator). And this goes for both the PC/Mac version and for the various mobile platforms. The standard “Premium” subscription gives you AAC 320 qualitya little better than mp3 320for half the price. Premium is 99 NKR, Hi-Fi is 199 NKRappr. $16 vs $32a month.

We can like it or not, but this IS the future of music distribution. In a near future there will be no more CD's, vinyl will survive, paid compressed format downloads from the big companies will diminish and the mass market and connoisseur market alike will enjoy millions and millions of songs and albums in CD quality or better, made available at all times. Hell, even the Zappa Family Trust has given in and accepted the deal, so now most of Franks official releases are available there”63 albums). No big deal for me, I already got most of them, but his family has been amongst the most restrictive.
Also, I like how e.g. Snarky Puppy does it; artists will sell their music in hi res or at least CD quality by download from independent or their own distribution companies. The tendency is that all artists have to rely more on live performances than album sales for bread, and it will continue.

Myself I will probably buy CD's and vinyls for as long as I'm allowed to, but I really, really like the new possibilities as well. Now if only someone would make some good new music, ha ha ha. Joking. There's a lot of great new stuff out there. Snarky Puppy is one of my favs, the new Metheny album with Potter on saxes is so great I lack words to describe it. Also, for a modern prog/jazz-hybrid a think Helmet of Gnatsthank you Michaelis awesome. The list is endless. But not a harsh word about the '50s. So much great stuff happened back then that have influenced the best of what's been done later.

Date: Mon, 30 Jun 2014 08:25:02 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Just to clarify, I never said that music “sucks” now, except perhaps for the crapola “popular” music.

Lutz, recording quality has improved and vastly at that. 96-192KHz, 24-bit recordings are superior to the best vinyl has to offer. Vinyls appeal more to collectors, what with their artsy packaging and gatefold, as well as the warmth of sound produced. Not to downplay vinyls, which I think are great products, well worth the investment. But facts are facts and that sound can easily be replicated in digital. Besides, in the transfer from analog to digital, there is a small degree of distortion. This holds true of digital recordings when you turn the volume way up - there is distortion after a certain point; how soon you notice this depends on the format's fidelity, bit-depth, production quality and of course your sound equipment.

In this day and age storage space is a non-issue. An mp3 is vastly inferior to a wav, period. We're talking 128-320kbps vs 1,440kbps differential. Information in the high and low end is truncated, resulting in severely degraded sonic detail and clarity. Sonic detail is gone and no amount of trickery can get it back. The problem is that people are led to accept compromise in quality far too easily, just so that digital distributors can pinch pennies on storage space and bandwidth. This isn't about audiophile snobbery, it's about the principle of fair and honest business transaction. It's a slap in the face to the consumer who pays a premium and is given far less quality than decades-old technology in return. Shame on them. Lossless audio quality isn't a “luxury item” anymore than a blu-ray movie is. We could be enjoying the EXACT quality of the original studio recordings right now.

Date: Mon, 30 Jun 2014 01:44:29 ET
Posted by: Lutz,SF

Michael, I see your point, I was referring more to the recordings and the sound quality of then and now , especially from Steve's 70's stuff.
A lot sounds a bit cranky to me, in spite of warm LP sounds.
That changed in the early 80's already, with his quartet.
On the other hand I just listened to Billy Cobham's Funky Thide of things - burned from LP to CD-R no less- and it sounds incredible.
Generally I would also say that musicianship and arrangements were stronger then, and a lot what is really strong today was mostly already great back then.
Had high hopes for Lost Tribe, especially after SoulFish.
With a lot of newer bands, including the one mentioned here by Dean, something is missing for me too and it makes one realize what an incredible time the 70's/early 80's were.
On the other hand, Circus Money and such is clearly the new millenium and could have never been conceived in the 70.s

Date: Mon, 30 Jun 2014 01:21:59 ET
Posted by: chris ,nh

man, there's great stuff out there for sure, and i'm not a fan of the tired “music sucks now” argument, but umphree's mcgee and g love are not examples of the best 2014 has to offer, hahahaha

Date: Mon, 30 Jun 2014 00:27:41 ET
Posted by: KD,asdf

I used to sleep on the couch of the house that Umphrey's shared in Chicago a decade ago because I used to get high with the girlfriends of their drummer and manager. Those guys were major, major dorks. Not a fan.

G. Love was one of my favorite bands in high school, and I memorized and could play every note of his first three albums. I'm embarrassed to say that now. It doesn't hold up.

Date: Sun, 29 Jun 2014 22:14:28 ET
Posted by: The Dean,St. Augustine Beach

I've never really been a Vette fanand I like the Audibut which car do you think will still be highly collectable 10-20 years from now?

I'll ask the same question about Umphrey's and G Love. Like what you like. But do you think, years from now, people will still be talking about them the way we do with the classics from years gone by? The reason the “classics” are still classic is due to their influence and longevity. Time will tell if what you like today will still be influential and respected many years from now.

There is good and crap in any genre/any time period. There was bad and mediocre jazz in the 50's. But what we still revere today was the cream of the crop. It served as a major influence for musicians for many years---still does. I'd be shocked if Mr. Love or the members of McGee didn't cite the masters of years gone by as great influences on their music. I kind of doubt many will be pointing to the more modern acts mentioned in 2030 and beyond. Are their transcendent compositions by these bands I should note for future reference? Zappa will still be influential and reveredand I suspect Humphrey's boys will agreebut I suspect the bands you mention will be answers to trivia questions. Those who are still talked about reverentially in the future will be deserving of this discussion. Time makes these decisions.

And, if we are simply talking about personal taste, I'll take Snarky Puppy over the bands mentioned.

Date: Sun, 29 Jun 2014 21:56:00 ET
Posted by: SDV,born in '73

Umphries McGee and G.Love are as good or better than the old standards? and which standards are you referring to???


to each their own, but you're gonna have trouble convincing anyone of that statement.

and i'll take the Vette.

Date: Sun, 29 Jun 2014 17:31:29 ET
Posted by: have to disagree,

Most of you are stuck in the 1950's musically, closed minded and you are hatin on modern jazz.

The output of acts such as Umphries McGee, Thievery Corporation, G Love and others is every bit as good if not better than the old standards. That is if you took time to listen.

And it is better mixed, mastered and such since the instruments and other equipment are far better.

I can understand a nostalgic appreciation for the old stuff. I will still take a Audi TT anytime over a 1955 Corvette.

Date: Sun, 29 Jun 2014 13:09:29 ET
Posted by: Jazzassin,on the dewns

Suedave: What R Cr and bennymania said.

Myself I never really liked surround sound for a pure musical experience, unless it's all in 3-D, like when a cuple of friends and I have a

jam session in

the comfy Eames chair

and the sofa and hanging

from the chandelier.

To me surround sound is basically a cinematic thing, so when I praise the Kama DVD-A it's first and foremost the 2ch stereo mix I'm referring to.

As a curiosity; I actually still think Gaucho is best enjoyed as turntable food.

It was such a relief to get the Kama DVD-A. I was never 100% happy with the old CD soundwise, and when I had listened once to the DVD-A, the CD was a microsecond from being degraded to a scarecrow's eye in the pear tree along with a Kenny G CD that had accidentially found its way to my corner of the woods.

This is a review of the Kama DVD-A from back in 2003 that discusses interesting details regarding the remixing process and has links to relevant articles by Nichols and Schreiner, with whom the reviewer had a dialogue during the writing because of some confusion regarding the true resolution of the new remixes:

http://www.highfidelityreview.com/donald-fagen-kamakiriad-a-dvd-audio-review-by-patrick-cleasby.html

µ: Great links again

Date: Sun, 29 Jun 2014 12:44:15 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Michael: There have been 2 peaks in modern jazz fusion imo.

This

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bveYRBAS4dg

and this

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89nKf1zCSfc&list=PL3F51A56AA95D212A


Arguably, the KirklandRIPsolo is the culmination of everything humans have evolved in music.

Date: Sun, 29 Jun 2014 12:07:29 ET
Posted by: bennymania,just below

I meant to say 'BG' vocals.

'by vocals' are a little different. And only sometimes in the rear.

Date: Sun, 29 Jun 2014 11:12:35 ET
Posted by: bennymania,in the Midwest

@suedave

Elliot Scheiner has a tendency to mix the by vocalsand hornsinto the surroundbackchannels on his SD work. If you have smaller speakers back there and/or a system without equal power to all channels you may be missing out. Then again, your system simply may not be set up properly. I've got Gaucho and the girls are belting it out back there!
“The Cuervo Gold...the fine Columbian. ...etc”

Date: Sun, 29 Jun 2014 08:41:40 ET
Posted by: R Cr,east

Sue Dave - are you listening to the surround sound mix without the proper stereo equipment?

Had to go to the mall last night, something I really despise. Got out of my car and heard a band covering Black Friday. It was coming from a Bahama Breeze restaurant. They had a band playing on the patio during dinner time. I walked over and listened in. They threw in some extended solos and gave it a reggae feel. It made the trip tolerable for me.

Date: Sun, 29 Jun 2014 08:23:52 ET
Posted by: Michael,@Lutz

Do you consider modern jazz-fusion to be as good as it was in the 70'sand early 80's to an extent)? From my perspective the modern stuff has become too smooth and processed. 70's albums featured killer horn charts and more memorable soloing.

As far as Steve Khan's music is concerned, it just seems to me that songs like Some Down Time, Daily Bulls, City Monsters, and The Little Ones have more strength than his subsequent releases. Also, listen to the difference in his guitar tone between then and now - it's like night and day.

First, here we have Daily Bulls. Notice how much more angular Steve's melodic phrasing is, how his tone has more presence and bite. In fact the entire sound is hard-hitting and everyone is really into what they're doing - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arMMNZEssrw
(Watch out for Don Grolnick's killer organ solo at the end.”

Now listen to how much more generic and “smooth” his guitar tone has become on Los Gaiteros”from Parting Shot, 2011- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10Kkn-KgOIk

The overall dynamic of the recording is just not as *there* as it once was. What happened to that great sound and why does everyone today sound the same?

Date: Sun, 29 Jun 2014 00:28:53 ET
Posted by: lorna,United States

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Date: Sat, 28 Jun 2014 19:50:59 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

KD - I wish I had the vinyl version of Morph. Love the live tracking, but the warmth would do it good. gotta replace that cartridge...

jazz - yes, Kama and Nightfly are far more 3-D on DVD-Astereoand closer to what a good vinyl version would sound like.

Date: Sat, 28 Jun 2014 18:21:27 ET
Posted by: Lutz,SF

Michael, I am with SK here.
Even when I still had a high end turntable, most of the 70's stuff to me doesn't sound like his latest batch. Having with James Farber on the controls does not hurt either.
Funny how SK and DF were recording at Avatar at the same time and had a little reunion when Donald was recording Morph.
It's just real good news these guys are still out there - in their 60's.
A few years back, Khan said, before he's all done he wants to do one more with Chambers, which was Parting Shot.
Now another new one,
next week SD live, it's all good.

Date: Sat, 28 Jun 2014 16:53:36 ET
Posted by: suedave,One more week!

You guys really like the Gaucho DVD-A? In my copy of it, the background singers are nearly missing. I can quietly hear them - they are so faint. I've tried it on two players, same thing. Is it just my copy and I need to find another one?

Cool merch. Re: the USB - I went to a Jake Shimabukuro show recently where everyone was buying the USB stickfor $30!!!that got you a key to the show from that night, to be downloaded with a day or two delay - big moneymaker I'm sure. The technology is there, hope to see it with this tour.

Date: Sat, 28 Jun 2014 14:24:48 ET
Posted by: Don Patrol,Mtl

Good to see the Aja tour shirts back this tour!

Date: Sat, 28 Jun 2014 13:50:48 ET
Posted by: Jazzassin,

@Michael: You're of course right when it comes to content. I was just referring to audio quality and production.

Date: Sat, 28 Jun 2014 12:12:56 ET
Posted by: Michael,@Jazzassin

“However, what could theoretically make new re-releases interesting was if they decided to do drastic things in a new mastering process for new formats. It's hard to imagine even that when considering the level of perfection already achieved, but hey ... I never dreamt about Kama sounding like it does on DVD-A, either.”

They could add extra content, as previously mentioned. I can think of a laundry list of content I'd love to see made available, including for preexisting works, to enhance the experience and further entice shoppers, as is being done with other media. But the labels don't seem to care.

“The format timeline is interesting, but vinyl has actually survived and outlived every consecutive format so far, and will undoubtly continue to do so when the .mp3s are history. Today a considerable number of new albums are only available as digital download and vinyl, and what we are witnessing is the end of the CD era. But vinyl stays.”

It was just a linear timeline progression of audio formats for distribution. I don't have an issue with the CD; I prefer to own the physical item rather than digital. Vinyls usually have a warmer feel to them, and in some cases provide better audio quality than standard CD quality, but that is largely dependent upon superior stereo equipment and the mastering process. That said, vinyls do require a higher level of maintenance than CDs, including being kept in a well-regulated climate so as to prevent warping. Also, it's much easier to scratch a vinyl's surface and potentially cause permanent damage.

“I love quality vinyl, but can't say they generally sound better than high resolution digital audio, I just wanted to point out that, probably for both tecnical and sentimental reasons, the format is a stayer.”

Agreed.

Date: Sat, 28 Jun 2014 12:03:43 ET
Posted by: SD,Press

http://www.oregonlive.com/music/index.ssf/2014/06/steely_dan_guitarist_jon_herington.html

Date: Sat, 28 Jun 2014 11:32:19 ET
Posted by: Jazzassin,on the dunes

Re: Kamakiriad DVD-A

It's another album entirely. It made me appreciate Kama a lot more, after struggling a bit to accept and appreciate the production and sound quality.

As for eventual future re-releases on even more and newer formats, I can't imagine there's more secret musical or sonic juice left in the lemon by now that could be squeezed out by new storage formats and playback devices alone. There is a limit to this evolution, and it's called master tapes. SD or SD related albums recorded in the '90s and later will probably not gain much from another pure technical brush-up anyway.

However, what could theoretically make new re-releases interesting was if they decided to do drastic things in a new mastering process for new formats. It's hard to imagine even that when considering the level of perfection already achieved, but hey ... I never dreamt about Kama sounding like it does on DVD-A, either.

The format timeline is interesting, but vinyl has actually survived and outlived every consecutive format so far, and will undoubtly continue to do so when the .mp3s are history. Today a considerable number of new albums are only available as digital download and vinyl, and what we are witnessing is the end of the CD era. But vinyl stays.

So I think maybe the timeline should look more like this:

vinyl > 8-track & vinyl > cassette & vinyl > CD & vinyl > .mp3 & vinyl

I love quality vinyl, but can't say they generally sound better than high resolution digital audio, I just wanted to point out that, probably for both tecnical and sentimental reasons, the format is a stayer.

Date: Sat, 28 Jun 2014 10:19:19 ET
Posted by: Michael,

They could always release an album and include a USB stick preloaded with a high-fidelity version, if they wanted to. USB sticks are cost-efficient and can store gigabytes of data. They could even include a myriad of extra content such as instrumental versions of the songs, i.e. without the vocals.

Movies, video games and other media distribution have improved substantially over the years, offering more bang for the buck in terms of content, features and technologydisregarding quality of the content therein...except for the music industry, the sole exception, which if anything has actually depreciated. Consider:

vinyl > 8-track > cassette > CD > mp3

Perhaps the smaller storage space of mp3s made sense back when computer HDs only stored a couple dozen gigs, but in this day and age it's a travesty, so far as major music production is concerned.

Date: Sat, 28 Jun 2014 00:09:11 ET
Posted by: hoops,Chicago

Yes, it is a USB drive. Also it appears there's an Aja iPhone 5/5s case shown.

Date: Fri, 27 Jun 2014 21:34:46 ET
Posted by: Ross,Philly

Is that a USB flash drive I see on the right side of the Steely Dan merchandise page?

Date: Fri, 27 Jun 2014 20:16:10 ET
Posted by: KD,asdf

The only DVD-A I have are of EMG and Kamakiriad, and the latter especially is absolutely spectacular.

With Morph, even with all its modern benefits, I much prefer listening to the 180 gram vinyl. Gorgeous, rich sound.

Date: Fri, 27 Jun 2014 19:35:22 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,

DVD-A versions of TvN, Gaucho, the Nightfly and even Kamakiriad are worth the price of admission.


The snare is mixed a lot better os DVS-A TvN, the space free-er, and easier to hear the deft interaction between the instruments.


*Gaucho DVD-A removes some of the saturation in the 1999 version. Roger mixed it found and the ceiling is hit on Babylon sisters.


*Nightfly DVD-A sounds warmer and more like my nice vinyl copy

*Kamakiriad DVD-A Less plastic sci-fi but the weird gets weirderCountermoonOpen sounded stuff like Snowbound and On the Dunesboth written in the 80swould spectacular


Sunken Condos could have used a DVD-A version

EMB and Morph the Cat were live tracked a lot and the upgrade is less.



Aja - they no longer have all the master tapes. Not happening.

Date: Fri, 27 Jun 2014 18:57:32 ET
Posted by: steelydoc,near the Tower

steelydan.com has been updated with MERCH pics and a mention of the opening act....

Date: Fri, 27 Jun 2014 18:16:59 ET
Posted by: Michael,@Lutz

Agreed.

Incidentally, I spoke to Steve Khan not so long ago in a short back-and-forth discussion about old recordings vs today. I told him that 70's era jazz-fusion recordings, arranging style and musicianship were generally head-and-shoulders above the modern scene, whereas he felt otherwise. To each their own.

Date: Fri, 27 Jun 2014 16:53:54 ET
Posted by: Lutz,SF

Michael, agreed on the state of popular music.
Poor teens, can't really blame them though. Most have never experienced any real music played live. All this crap from the hard drives instead of a real drum set or a real bass with strings.
The other problem today is sound. Flattened, high pitched with maximum bass, mostly consumed over headphones in MP3 format.
Kids today deserve better, unfortunately this trend does only seem to get worse...

Date: Fri, 27 Jun 2014 16:21:12 ET
Posted by: Hutch,

I just noticed that our good friend Howard Wright has put up a chart for The Second Arrangement...

http://www.hakwright.co.uk/music/tab/second_arrangement.shtml

Date: Fri, 27 Jun 2014 15:43:48 ET
Posted by: KD,asdf

The MCA re-issues are obviously crap. I mean, it's Steely Dan so it still sounds better than 99 percent of what else is out there, but it's comparative crap. The late 90s, early 2000s set of reissues, while chock full of those great new liner notes, in my opinion suffer from loudness/compression issues. Minor issues, again, but still issues. TvN and EMG don't have the same problem because they're not re-issues.

I'm not one of those obsessive, Neil Young types that will tell you with a straight face that vinyl is better quality than a digital hold, but when it comes to the first batch of albums plus Nightfly I'll go to my turntable to listen to Steely Dan every time. The only exception, as someone noted, is the MFSL version of Aja that I have, but I don't bust that out too often for fear of scratching itit got a lot of wear and tear when I was 19).

Date: Fri, 27 Jun 2014 15:31:32 ET
Posted by: Lutz,SF

Hoops, agreed on 19. I have never seen them not play it. You know, it's coming - that's why it may be little harder to get exited about it. Sometime Walt's part gets a little long but you can't really blame him for us running to the show every time like little school kids. Don also needs a break so it's all good.
Going back to Gaucho, don't even want to go to what could have been, but looking at who is on it and who is still on top.
Steve Khan on almost every song with that killer solo GP, Rob Mounsey, Randy Brecker.
Khan just released a fanatstic new album, those guys are on it.
The sound alone will floor you.
Anthony Jackson now plays with Keith Carlock in Mike Stern's Band.
And that's 35 years later, there is hope in spite of that shiny new hip...

Date: Fri, 27 Jun 2014 15:29:44 ET
Posted by: Or maybe it's,Jake FROM State Farm

Date: Fri, 27 Jun 2014 15:17:28 ET
Posted by: What are you wearing?,Jake with State Farm

in Nebraska...


If you've missed the television commercial, disregard.

Date: Fri, 27 Jun 2014 12:54:25 ET
Posted by: Chris,nh

Kind of figured we'd be seeing the standard pre-tour press by now. Not that it matters much, but I still hold out hope for something concrete about a new record”ie “We were in the studio and then we'll go back after the tour” or something). Hell, even seeing how they dodge the question can invite endless speculation.

Date: Fri, 27 Jun 2014 11:15:00 ET
Posted by: myron,R

The problem with hi resolution audio formats is that you need high end equipment to complement it. And the people who can afford it are likely at and age where the sound quality is lost on their diminished hearing. That said I loved the MFSL CD of Aja compared to the first generation MCA CD release.

Date: Fri, 27 Jun 2014 10:40:56 ET
Posted by: Jake,Nebraska

Cool to hear about your tribute group in Des Moines! You guys should come to my neck of the woodsOmahaand play sometime.

Date: Fri, 27 Jun 2014 07:48:33 ET
Posted by: Michael,@SS

Technically, a blu-ray disc can play back audio in 24-bit/96kHz, up from the standard 16-bit/48kHz CD recording. However, in order to tget that quality, the original Aja master tape would have to be equivalent. Whereas the latest motion pictures are typically recorded in high-fidelity, old albums weren't. Roger NicholsRIPdescribed the process to greater effect on his webpage.

Date: Fri, 27 Jun 2014 03:49:08 ET
Posted by: ,HK

Hoops, I don't think Blu Ray Audio is going to give you a better version of Aja than you can get by buying the SHM version or the SHM/SACD version”personally, I prefer the SHM but there are people in both camps).

Coming out soon as well is an SHM/SACD of CTE.

Date: Fri, 27 Jun 2014 03:23:14 ET
Posted by: New Steely Dan Tribute Band,”Des Moines, Iowa

Just alerting anyone here that lives near Des Moines, IA, that a new Steely Dan tribute band is in town: The Midnight Cruisers. We'll be debuting this Saturday at the Des Moines Arts Festival for a 1.5 hour show and playing a 3 hour show next Thursday, July 3, at the Star Bar. If you're available, come check it out! More information at:

https://www.facebook.com/themidnightcruisers

Date: Thu, 26 Jun 2014 12:51:57 ET
Posted by: Michael,@hoops

“Maybe it's how mass society has been brainwashed into thinking the portability of music players trump sound quality. Maybe it's that most music today is so lame--'Yes, teens, most of your 'mus-ick' really does suck.'“

It really does. Although technology has allowed for more fancy editing techniques and micro-adjustments, the artistry and craftsmanship in songwriting have suffered tremendously. Hardly anyone cares about writing indelible songs; scrutiny is confined to manufacturing a catchy beat or cheap melodic riff. Once this is satisfactory, no matter how mundane, everything other musical consideration becomes subservient. It's artistic prostitution.

Date: Thu, 26 Jun 2014 12:20:33 ET
Posted by: hoops,chicago

Lutz: Interesting thoughts about the “Gaucho” album. I hear they are freshening a perennial favorite as “Hey forty-Nine.” “No we can't dance together,” because we're waiting for our deluxe hip replacement. Let's face it, for casual attendees, “Hey Nineteen” is Steely Dan's “Margaritaville.” You may complain about having heard it 25 times in the past 20 years, but remember, Donald and Walter have heard it HUNDREDS of times.

Of course, I've had the same seven albums for 30 -40 years and I listen and re-buy again and again, still discovering something fresh that I've never noticed during the 39 previous years of listening. When are they going to come out with Blue Ray audio remasters? I'll be first in line with my wallet wide open.

In the same way with the shows, the “song counters” may note how many times they have played a song in concert, but that missed the point. Each year the playing gets fresher and more interesting.

Back to the audio thing. I was thinking how back 20 years ago, we spent so much time in Steely Dan forums debating audio quality and all. For many, as someone stated at the VH-1 Storytellers, Steely Dan albums are the ones by which we judge our stereos. You really don't hear that much about Steely Dan and audio debate these days. Maybe it's how mass society has been brainwashed into thinking the portability of music players trump sound quality. Maybe it's that most music today is so lame--”Yes, teens, most of your 'mus-ick' really does suck.” Maybe it's that previous formats like SACD, DVD-A never really caught on, thanks in part to a lack of cooperation and technology licensing between audio equipment manufacturers. To this day, I still can't get a half-way affordable receiver that produces both SACD and DVD-A without some sort of compromise. Or maybe Donald and Walter have enough on their plate. Or...????

On the thread for Donald Fagen album personal rankingsall great and greater):

1The Nightfly
2Kamakiriad
3Morph The Cat
4Sunken Condos

Between 1and 2I'd put a CD I have long had which compiles DF's one-offs and the like--a disc similar to the bonus disc on his box but not quite the same.

A week away! Whoo hoo!


Jim

Date: Thu, 26 Jun 2014 10:58:48 ET
Posted by: Michael,@JM

Quoting the narrative from On The Road with Duke Ellington, at about 4:54
-----
“The big crowds continued to demand the old, nostalgic songs that have become a part of their lives. But many serious Ellington fans are saddened to see the great Duke, after playing the same old standards for so many years, going out to play them again and again.”

Speaking purely from an artist-centric view, I've always wondered why, after a certain point, were artists content to retread old material in their live acts? In this instance, as in many others, the answer is to give the majority of those in attendance what they came to hear: the familiar.

At about 10:10
-----
“At the end of his day as a performer, Duke is left alone by the crowds and the band and gets down to composing, working out at the piano the musical thoughts that have been generated in his mind all day.”

I guess part of being an artist entails understanding when and where to don different suits, to adapt to circumstances.

Date: Thu, 26 Jun 2014 02:36:05 ET
Posted by: Lutz,SF

Really hoping for a little more Gaucho this time.
Walter was on it, singing Gaucho a few years back I thought.
Of course we'll get Hey 19.
Time Out Of Mind is always a great summer hit live and in 2003 served very well as a bridge from the 70's to the new millenium albums.
Glamour Profession is really the killer live, glamorous for sure.
Carlock loves the groove and it's easy for the band to shine.
Third World Man would come in real sweet too.

Date: Wed, 25 Jun 2014 09:32:36 ET
Posted by: KD,asdf

Walter Becker's liner notes, his obviously WB-sided lyrics, his work on the old SD website, and his various interviews have had more influence me on a writer than anyone I can think of. I miss that terribly and wish he was still as active as he used to be. The man is brilliant.

Date: Tue, 24 Jun 2014 22:18:11 ET
Posted by: Eugene,Fort Worth

The opening act is the same as last year's tour. It was billed as the Deep Blue Organ trio and Bobby Broom had two different musicians with him.

Date: Tue, 24 Jun 2014 21:38:42 ET
Posted by: Nicholas Urfe,Phraxos

Admittedly, it is only a partial presentation, but we're more than even. That was a tasty Eddie J link. Thanks to The Dean.

Date: Tue, 24 Jun 2014 20:55:37 ET
Posted by: Lutz,United States Tour starts in a week. The Bobby Broom Organi-Sation opens on most nights. Guitar Jazz Trio, sounds pretty cool!

Date: Tue, 24 Jun 2014 18:56:01 ET
Posted by: The Dean,Manatee Bar. It's Happy Hour!

Nicolas--finally figured it out.

For making trouble I offer another Eddie J classic:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khyNZ2VVpF8

Date: Tue, 24 Jun 2014 18:37:22 ET
Posted by: The Dean,Manatee Bar. It's Happy Hour!

Nicolas, is that a Walter original?

Great discussion so far guys, I'm really sitting back and enjoying it.

Driving home this afternoon, listening to Afternoon Jazz on the Flagler College radio station and they played a block of the great Eddie Jefferson”who, just yesterday around the same time, I was thinking about/singing my favorites). In honor of the passing of Horace Silver, I thought I should share this nice Jefferson cover of a great Silver tune:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXU4INEa7Pc

Date: Tue, 24 Jun 2014 18:21:07 ET
Posted by: Nicholas Urfe,Phraxos

never gets old...

who deserted their beloved new york metropolitan area
and tried their luck on the coast
where they couldn't even get a decent slice of pizza
who slunked off with their paltry advances
into the alien streets of west l.a.
or back to their oppressive little cell
with its vile rmi piano
who pounded away at painfully arch pop ditties
thick with already antiquated jazz chords
who forced hirsute bar-band players to learn the tunes
as if they actually like this kind of stuff
then into the sad studio
for a mighty ten week flogging
who emerged triumphant, flawless mixes in hand,
only to discover that it was all for nothing
unless they would drag themselves
from the twin cities to dixie and back
performing in gyms for intoxicated teenage boys,
yelling “boogie, boogie, we want to boogie!”

Indeed!

Date: Tue, 24 Jun 2014 15:33:24 ET
Posted by: Jazzassin,some small dive

To write a song like Lush life - no, to write Lush Life, no less, because there IS nothing like it, when you're 16-17 years old ... it's really not fathomable. An unfailing omen of a difficult future life, of course, but man what a composition.

Date: Tue, 24 Jun 2014 14:42:18 ET
Posted by: Jazzassin,Aaaaaaah ... Codeine ... bourbon ... . .

Date: Tue, 24 Jun 2014 14:30:38 ET
Posted by: KD,asdf

The Strayhorn doc is so darn good. I have it “taped” on a broken Tivo that's currently sitting in my garage. Might be worth the hundred bucks to fix it just to re-watch it again.

Date: Tue, 24 Jun 2014 14:03:46 ET
Posted by: Jazzassin,sweet pea field

Re: Duke docu dept.

I'm still extremely curious about the docu on Strayhorn called “Lush Life”, from Independent Lens.

http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/billystrayhorn/film.html

I've tried for years to find this film, with no result - including contacting the company about it. They never answered.

If anyone has an idea or even a copy I would be utmost grateful. My email is included.

Date: Tue, 24 Jun 2014 13:19:06 ET
Posted by: JM,Uk

Some great and thought-provoking posts of late in regard to the Dan aesthetic.

My tuppence worth: no matter how faux-luxe the altered blues is its still the blues,regardless of how many beautiful Sus2 chords manifest.

Further,i was watching the excellent On The Road With Duke Ellington on Youtube last night and was struck again by how much The Don mustve loved and studied him.

The Duke's right hand,in particular,was even more obvious an influence on The Don than id previously realised.

Lets not forget Monk either,those almost atonal abstract angular little motifs.

Awesome stuff.

Date: Tue, 24 Jun 2014 13:13:24 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Oh crap, I just gave away a real brain strainer...particularly because it's based on reality ;

Date: Tue, 24 Jun 2014 13:11:59 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Yeah - check out the Diana Ross recording Love Will Make it Right. The transition to the chorus is classic Fagen from the period. 0:45-0.54; 1:03-1:12. the chords underneath the mini-chours are as rich as Dove dark chocolate with almonds. Bacharach would be proud. It's a brilliant song.


Here's something even more amusing. The main vamp from the TV serial ER was virtually lifted from that Fagen song. It even sounds like the same key! LOL


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fRZlR1EUHnE


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AuoIadsr39U

Date: Tue, 24 Jun 2014 11:45:47 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Take away Donald's distinct vocals and leave just the music. How does one discern the 'Steely Dan sound'? Our ability to perceive a uniformity of character, a style beyond the rigorous confines of theoretical terminology.

Harmonic progression, while an important ingredient, is merely one element of the whole, including structure, melodic phrasing, rhythms and so on. Our ability to recognize their sound amongst a sea of others comes directly from observation, detecting characteristic choices and subtleties throughout. And this ability to perceive similaritiesand hence differencesextends naturally within the SD body of work. Yes, they have a penchant for surprising the listener's expectations; that is a deliberate signature of their composing style. But there ARE recurring characteristics, which explains why an experienced SD/DF listener can listen to, say, Greg Phillinganes' version of Lazy Nina and discern - without even having read the credits - that the song was composed by Donald Fagen. Because that's his artistic style, distinct from other artists, despite its conventional structure and inherent '80's sound.'

Date: Tue, 24 Jun 2014 08:16:23 ET
Posted by: Jazzassin,the cool part of the summer

The Groovessential Fact 2014 Prize

goes to the following comment:

“Christ, these two need to come out with some new songs so you people have something else to talk about.”

-KD

An eloquent recap of what must be considered an eternal truth and a standing order in all of Greater Dandom & Surrounding Facilities, says the jury.
The first part, the one where a claim for new songs is presented, is particulary good and Groovessential, and the jury has made a formal request to the Library of Congress to have the comment added as an attachment to the Aja files in the United States National Recording Registry.

Now, where was I ... oh, yes; however, until TheyD&Weventuelly decide to execute the order, there will undoubtly be new seasons and reruns of The Discussion in all it's glory and minutest details.

It's an interesting subject, and it's of course not a coincidence that so many of us seem to hear so many similarities between these gems.
And despite what I said in my former post”that it's not unambiguously clear that The Nightfly was derived from 2ndA), I note that at least one regular poster obviously hear things in a similar way as Brain Strainer”who initiated this season); namely Michael - who had recently been listening to and decrypting 2ndA in a more than average thorough manner in order to be able to make his midi version.

Personally, I tend to agree with Mu that the vamps from Chain Lightning and Pretzel Logic are more similar than any elements from the two afformentioned songs, but that just shows how we hear things in slightly different ways and with different focus.

A lot of other possible song pairs has been mentioned, and they're all interesting, too. We should enjoy the listening, the similarities and the recognition for what it is. Every time we think we hear recycling of certain typical elements, it means we've developed a better receptive Steely Dan language.

Date: Tue, 24 Jun 2014 03:57:36 ET
Posted by: Casual,Ear

It's part of their genius that they DON'T recycle musical ideas as much as some other musicians - I would guess they ruthlessly discard something if they realise they have come remotely close to it before, regardless of how good it is. They do have a 'house style' when it comes to harmony and that style was trail-blazing and unique back in the day, and it can still surprise even now. That's why we are still picking it over in awe thirty years on !

Date: Mon, 23 Jun 2014 21:11:10 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,

Jazzassasin is on the right track. While some of the chord progressions on 2ndA and Kulee certainly sound kinda similar. They're not really. The vamps from Pretzel Logic and Chain Lighting are more alike.

The bottom line is that Fagen and Becker sound so much different that anyone else, it enhances the illusion that some lines were lifted...except in the case of BNNY and Everything Must Go where an entire music phrase was copied.

...and that period in particular. There's nothing like it with the possible exception of some of Sunken Condos which captures some of the charm

Date: Mon, 23 Jun 2014 14:43:46 ET
Posted by: Flatbush Chuck,That NYC

I'm guessing neither Fagen nor Becker are averse to the occasional winking recycling of a lick/motif; otherwise why would the opening line of New Frontier”Yes we're gonna have a wing-ding””melodically so boldly quote Reeling In the Years, or that first piano cadence under Paging Audrey echo the one under the instrumental part of Aja?

Then there are more processed reworkings that nevertheless still throw echoes. I'd say the horn arrangement on Jack Of Speed bears a family resemblance to the one on IGY. And although the progressions are far from identical, I always hear an echo the bridge climax of On the Dunes in the bridge climax of Everything Must Gothe way those ringing suspensions release the tension).

Date: Mon, 23 Jun 2014 09:23:22 ET
Posted by: KD,asdf

No pun intended, but the real strains that link these sorts of progressions comes from Ellington's orchestra. Not saying that Fagen intentionally cops these things or is outright stealing lines, it's just the rare influence that wears its heart on its sleeve.

Date: Mon, 23 Jun 2014 08:34:34 ET
Posted by: Michael,

The past is pretense. I think it's fair to say that whatever experiences Donald had while working on SD carried over into the body of his solo work, no question about it. We each have our own preferences where it concerns artistic palette and sonic taste. That said, no man is an island, as the saying goes, and everyone picks up ideas by observing what others do and then interpreting and/or imitating.

From my observation, Donald's musical language incorporates a lot of conventional jazz/R&B techniques while employing a variety of unorthodox harmonic choices - that is to say, unorthodox motion, because the sensation of beauty involves arresting the liteners' expectations. There are many ways of accomplishing this, but I fear this discussion devolving into a psychological rant about the nuances of musical approach, so I'll stop there.

Anyone can pinpoint a multitude of similarities between various works, if that is one's intention. I can definitely hear some of The Second Arrangement in The Nightfly, much as many people can hear more than a passing similarity between I.G.Y. and Miss Marlene. Does it matter? Should it matter? That's for you to decide. We all enjoy the music; that's all that really matters in the final analysis.

Date: Mon, 23 Jun 2014 08:38:21 ET
Posted by: Michael,p.s.

Thanks Jazzassin.

Date: Mon, 23 Jun 2014 06:34:39 ET
Posted by: KFF,NA

The verses of 2A and Nightfly are similar. Almost
like you could sing the lyrics of one to the music of the other.

Date: Sun, 22 Jun 2014 19:31:56 ET
Posted by: KD,asdf

Jazzassin has it right. Just because Fagen's go-to intros are a bit more complicated than, say, Malcolm Young's go-to intros, it doesn't mean these things are directly related. It's something you, as a creative person and a musician, fall back on.

Date: Sun, 22 Jun 2014 19:29:37 ET
Posted by: KD,asdf

Just more faux “I was there” stuff from Brain Strainer. 'Second Arrangement' sounds like 'Nightfly' and it also sounds like the intro to 'Deacon Blues' and it also sounds like the intro to 'The Night Belongs to Mona' and several other songs that Donald Fagen's left hand may have had a part in writing.

I enjoy the similarities, but come on. And if it were explicitly re-worked, a drug-addled Walter Becker would have sued Donald and Warner Bros. for royalties when 'Nightfly' came out.

Christ, these two need to come out with some new songs so you people have something else to talk about.

Date: Sun, 22 Jun 2014 15:42:26 ET
Posted by: Jazzassin,

Pallette = palette, of course.

Date: Sun, 22 Jun 2014 15:25:10 ET
Posted by: Jazzassin,

Please ignore some spesifix typos

Date: Sun, 22 Jun 2014 15:19:38 ET
Posted by: Jazzassin,Archipelago days

As for the similarity and suggested connection between 2nA and NF ... I'm really not so sure about that, other than the obvious fact that there is at least one thing all songs have in common in which Don was involvedor alonein the making of: Don himself.

We've been discussing this “is song y the origin of song x”-thing a zillion times through the years, and my opinion is still the same; it's all just parts of any decent artist's highly personal musical voice, or language, or pallette if you like.

Once in a while certain songs seems to be closer connected than others, but remember that writing a melody with harmonies, a basic groove and rough arrangement suggestions is - no matter how complex even a simple first solo piano version really is on micro level - a process that mostly happens spontaneously and comes from a creative flow in the subconscious layers of what we are. It's hard to plan to get a spesific idea before you actually get it, if you follow. And that all songwriters partly repeat themselves is just a logical consequence of the fact that this particular pallette is of limited size, and it's holder has favorite colors. Favorites of this kind is also of course a function of subconcious variables.

If a chord progression like the one in mention from 2nAFmaj7 - B7 - Gmaj7 - C#7 - Cmaj7 - Am7 - D6/9 - C6/9was odd enough, and was repeated in three or more songs by the same composer, I might be willing to finally consider the possibility that it was done on purpose, or at least that the originator was aware of this similarity from the start the third time he or she wrote them down.
However, they're not actually completely similar, and not very odd, only very, very beautiful. And very, very Donald Fagen.
To eventually say it's obvious that one song is based upon the other here even if Mr. Fagen himself doesn't know it, would be like saying that one knows the most intimate details of Mr. Fagen's brain functions and creative processes as they occurred inside his head 35 years ago, I think ... ;o”We don't know these things. That goes for all of us, and it's all just speculation.

And yes! John Tabacco's cover was brilliant!

Thanks to Michael too, for your amusing and clever 8-bit style 2nA tribute. Very good!

Date: Sun, 22 Jun 2014 14:20:45 ET
Posted by: Uncle Fahkwad,MD

My first encounter with the pre-Dan demos was on a late-night radio show in 1983 on an AOR-type station. They played the demo version of 'Brooklyn'. I loved it. I was in junior high at the time, and while I knew and liked some of the Dan hits, I wouldnt have known about an album track like that. I thought it was an unreleased song, and the murky Dylan-like feel is what fascinated me. I still completely prefer it to the more polished studio version.
I recorded the show on casette and still have it, although the part where the announcer talks about it was not recorded. The show was dedicated to “recent new releases”, so it was available at least as early as 1983.

Date: Sun, 22 Jun 2014 13:56:42 ET
Posted by: Howie,San Francisco

The Bobby Broom Organi-Sation organ trio will be the opening act for the Steely Dan tour this year.

Date: Sun, 22 Jun 2014 12:46:52 ET
Posted by: The Dean,St. Augustine Beach

Hutch I see where are on the same wavelength here. I was checking out those very Second Arrangement covers the other day. Both are fine, but I was quite taken with John Tobacco's “homemade” version. His voice is pretty decent for the tune, too.

The horns are a nice touch by 12vA, though he might have mentioned SD used horns in their one live performance, too.

And, while I can certainly hear some of the elements of 2A in Nightfly, I'm not sure I'd go so far as to say that one begat the other, or that without 2A Nightfly wouldn't exist or would sound particularly different. As both originated with Donaldor perhaps Don and Waltit's very possible, if not quite probable, he would have found the elements for Nightfly with or without going through 2A. I might find the logic a little more compelling if 2A had been written by someone else.

Date: Sun, 22 Jun 2014 08:31:56 ET
Posted by: ,

Watching Justified Season 1, there's a “Cousin Dupree” character in an episode. Thought it was a nice reference to a great album!

Date: Sat, 21 Jun 2014 22:17:07 ET
Posted by: Hutch,

And yet another one. This Twelve Against Nature band is really quite good. Now we have a horn arrangement added.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Am0TVhcHYG0

Date: Sat, 21 Jun 2014 21:46:14 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

I don't know if I would go as far as Michael, but the similar chords are at the end of the chorus of 2nA

1:32 - 1:38 of the John Tobacco version Hutch linkedwhich is groovilicious

vs.

near the end of the chorus of the Nightfly

1:25-1:33


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Cd9YJvoQIg


Pretty similar but not exactly the same chords. Fagen was using these rather sophisticated chord sequence throughout Aja, Gaucho, and Nightfly. What a fantastic period of songwriting for Fagen and Becker

Date: Sat, 21 Jun 2014 17:48:37 ET
Posted by: Hutch,

A cover of 2nd Arrangement. A different feel, but I kind of like it. Nice backup vocals on “one last good-bye”. A little different chord voicing there.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ueft748EdwM

Date: Sat, 21 Jun 2014 08:02:21 ET
Posted by: Niles,home

The demos were around on CD when I first got into SD in 86. There's a youtube video of a band covering Don't Let Me In on Merv Griffin in 1981, so I assume they were around then.

Date: Sat, 21 Jun 2014 07:41:40 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Without The Second Arrangement, either The Nightfly would've sounded much different or it might never have existed. Either way, the music world is all the poorer for having lost such a gem, let alone the other outtakes”albeit preserved by the fandom and collectors). However, even we only have a small taste of the original. It's clear from the short snippet of the erased SA that it sounded quite different from the full band outtake we've grown accustomed to.

I've always wondered whether they could get a special team to go over the original master tape and retrieve the original through some painstaking restoration process, not dissimilar to how Picasso works lie hidden beneath other paintings and are retrieved. But that's a long shot.

Regardless, we DO have The Nightfly - one of the greatest albums of all time. Rather than lament what could've been, we should look forward to Donald's new solo album, perhaps by sometime in 2015...

Date: Sat, 21 Jun 2014 01:59:14 ET
Posted by: Brain Strainer,

The most recent Strainer was:

“Tonite's Strainer deals with a tune that has generated much wistfulness over the years since it never was formally released nor played live. The Second Arrangement along with some otherse.g. Kulee Babais such a tune that for some people represents unfulfilled promise, if not, a longed for “What If?”

Well, let's just say that for a tune with such good bones as The Second Arrangement that promise did not go totally unfulfilled as there is a tune that quite likely evolved as a “Third Arrangement” of The Second Arrangement. Name that tune.

Difficulty Level is prolly about 5.5 out of 10.”

EPILOGUE:

There were quite a number of intriguing responses to the basic premise as to which tune”unspecified as to whether SD, DF or WB in order to raise the level of difficulty”most likely was derived or sonically resembles The Second Arrangement. Responses ranged from West of Hollywood to Tomorrow's Girls to Lunch With Gina. All of these tunes were on the right track chronologically, at least, since they were all post-Gaucho.

Some posters corrected my statement that The Second Arrangement was not played live, as I had never seen the total setlist for Rarities Night. Academically this was an important correction, but it would not and did not have any effect on the the eventual outcome.

The tune we were looking for was indeed The Nightfly. As was indicated by the poster Doc Mu, the chord progressions of The Second Arrangement are very similar to those of The Nightfly and from this follows a unmistakable sonic resemblance. However, first with the correct answer was the poster Michael who receives his second Strainer point. Michael's first response was somewhat interrogatory, but he later responded with a more declarative, dogmatic assertion that The Nightfly “clearly evolved” from The Second Arrangement.

As a musician who just recorded his interpretation of The Second Arrangement, Michael, as well as Doc Mu who has performed musical analyses in the past might further shed light on the sonic resemblance of The Second Arrangement and The Nightfly.

One might speculate that since The Second Arrangement was reputed to have been accidentally erased from the original Gaucho master tape, and that The Nightfly appeared on DF's solo effort less than two years later, this would lend credence that The Nightfly is a tweeked version of The Second Arrangement. A Third Arrangement thereof, if you will. Was there ever a First Arrangement?

And for those who lament that The Second Arrangement was never an “official song”, well, consider that the loss of that song from that Gaucho master tape might have powerfully motivated DF. He took what was a good song, reworked it, selected it to be a title track, built his first solo album concept around it, and crafted it into perhaps one of his greatest tunes and gave the world The Nightfly.

Date: Fri, 20 Jun 2014 22:33:33 ET
Posted by: steelydoc,near the Tower

Gerry, I remember buying one of those SD early years CDs at a car wash in LA around 1989-90...that's the first time I ever saw them...

Date: Fri, 20 Jun 2014 18:41:53 ET
Posted by: Hoss,Baton Rouge Better learn to spell correctly, Toni.

Date: Fri, 20 Jun 2014 17:38:19 ET
Posted by: Toni,probably to tired

Hey everyone.
I haven't been reading hear for quite some time. But at least this site survived my last time wasting bookmarks blow out. Now don't get me wrong I love the Blue Book as it is. It is easy and fast. However there is to my mind an ancredible amount of knowledge concerning links, facts, notes etc. in hear which is all lost because no on will be able to find it after a few weeks.
We should do some sort of wiki I guess it should be qite easy nowadays. Nothing strik but who ever finds a comment worthwhile should be able to safe it there combined with a bunch of hashtagshate that wordanyway probably much to complicated to manage it for real. Just putting it in hear to see what you think.
Wish you all a wonderfull day and looking so forward to the tour

Date: Fri, 20 Jun 2014 11:40:15 ET
Posted by: Gerry,Delaware

In which year did the the pre cbat demos first become available to buy?

Date: Fri, 20 Jun 2014 10:01:52 ET
Posted by: DJ,US Strainer didn't say that The Nightfly was wrong.

Date: Fri, 20 Jun 2014 00:01:22 ET
Posted by: The Dean,St. Augustine Beach

Hutch, just beautiful indeed. A fucking masterpiece.

Date: Thu, 19 Jun 2014 23:54:55 ET
Posted by: The Dean,St. Augustine Beach

Let me clarify my last post. Brain Strainer never mentions whether the completed song is a SD song or a DF song.

For those who consider this exercise worthwhile, I suppose either could be a possibility.

Date: Thu, 19 Jun 2014 23:52:43 ET
Posted by: The Dean, More importantly, when did Brain Stainer ever mention Nightfly, or a DF song, in this question? His question is about a song--based on Second Arrangement--that was turned into a completed song.

Some have guessed it is Nightfly, which is a DF song, but that wasn't The Strainer.

Date: Thu, 19 Jun 2014 22:45:47 ET
Posted by: SDV,in the trees so The Nightfly was co-written by Walter... how do you figure?

Date: Thu, 19 Jun 2014 20:10:53 ET
Posted by: hemiola,

re recent brainstrainer, and I'm being a little picky and literal, but if the answer is the nightfly that would be a DF and WB composition, not solely Fagens'. Awaitingpick apartresponses.
cheers to all

Date: Thu, 19 Jun 2014 19:59:27 ET
Posted by: Hutch,

Just beautiful...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rhi8In1QRlI

Date: Thu, 19 Jun 2014 14:16:05 ET
Posted by: Flatbush Chuck,That NYC

Just noting the passing of legendary hardbop composer/pianist/saxist Horace Silver at 85. As one might expect, several obits are noting that Steely Dan “borrowed” the opening of “Song For My Father” for Rikki”I hope they remembered to give it back). But some also quote Silver recalling that SFMF was inspired by the folk rhythms and figures of his native Cape Verde-- perhaps lending weight to the idea that the simple root-fifth piano/bass figure that links the two songs is more like a longstanding Latin-folk clich√à, arguably a public domain musical device?

Date: Thu, 19 Jun 2014 13:49:02 ET
Posted by: Scuttlebutt,Madison

I don't think so. I think they will obtain unknown local bands/artists to fill up the opening act time slot.

Date: Thu, 19 Jun 2014 12:22:53 ET
Posted by: tact, poise and reason”,day gig

Less than 2 weeks until the tour starts. Kinda late for announcement of an opening act. Can't recall seeing them before with no opening act. Should we expect a longer show, maybe 2 sets with intermission, any thoughts?

Date: Thu, 19 Jun 2014 10:53:19 ET
Posted by: Michael,

@Brain Strainer I'm still going with The Nightfly as it clearly evolved from The Second Arrangement.

Date: Thu, 19 Jun 2014 10:21:18 ET
Posted by: R+R Hoochy koo,NY City

R+R HOF Performance: the one on the left is Amy Helm. The other woman, I knew for sure once, but I seem to recall it was someone like “Melissa Manchester's daughter”.. ? .. Pete, how far off is that?

Date: Thu, 19 Jun 2014 06:22:33 ET
Posted by: KD,asdf

Did we ever figure out who sings backup for SD during the RR HoF gig? Was that Libby and Amy Titus?

And has Walter MF Carl Becker ever played better? Holy lord.

Date: Thu, 19 Jun 2014 03:31:07 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

NOT sure


fwiw, some of Stand by the Seawall ended being incorporated into Aja.

Date: Thu, 19 Jun 2014 03:09:01 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,

I'm nor sure what Brain is asking. Chord Progressions similar, but not the same, as 2nd A ended up on the Nightlyas Michael threw in via Jeopardy-speak

Were you Blind That Day according to Larry Carlton was recorded during the Royal Scam sessions. Drums, guitar, bass, are the same. New lyrics and Voila.

Can't Write Home About You is one of their strongest songs. Bridge and chorus to die for.

The Bear is potent indeed...and also has a flavor we'd hear in the Nightfly

Kind Spirit and Talkin' Bout My Home are unfinished, with the later having a little more potential and Kinda sounds like Ride with the Wind

The chord progressions on the Nightfly title track sound most lie the Gaucho outtakes - good enoughN

Date: Thu, 19 Jun 2014 03:09:01 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,

I'm nor sure what Brain is asking. Chord Progressions similar, but not the same, as 2nd A ended up on the Nightlyas Michael threw in via Jeopardy-speak

Were you Blind That Day according to Larry Carlton was recorded during the Royal Scam sessions. Drums, guitar, bass, are the same. New lyrics and Voila.

Can't Write Home About You is one of their strongest songs. Bridge and chorus to die for.

The Bear is potent indeed...and also has a flavor we'd hear in the Nightfly

Kind Spirit and Talkin' Bout My Home are unfinished, with the later having a little more potential and Kinda sounds like Ride with the Wind

The chord progressions on the nightfly title track sound most lie the Gaucho outtakes - good enoughN

Date: Thu, 19 Jun 2014 00:30:08 ET
Posted by: Brain Strainer,

The most recent Strainer was:

“Tonite's Strainer deals with a tune that has generated much wistfulness over the years since it never was formally released nor played live. The Second Arrangement along with some otherse.g. Kulee Babais such a tune that for some people represents unfulfilled promise, if not, a longed for “What If?”

Well, let's just say that for a tune with such good bones as The Second Arrangement that promise did not go totally unfulfilled as there is a tune that quite likely evolved as a “Third Arrangement” of The Second Arrangement. Name that tune.

Difficulty Level is prolly about 5.5 out of 10.”

CLARIFICATIONS:

A coupla key points before the answer is revealed:

The Second Arrangement was indeed played on Rarities Night, which for me came and went without my seeing the setlist. As stated, it has not been an “official” release. Rarities Night took place I believe in 2011 when there were long stretches that I spent in East Africa and Nunavut where I was out of contact with The Blue and pretty much everything else.

To the poster Michael and others: Are you asking or telling? Responses should be in declarative sentences in order to qualify.

And....this Strainer has turned out to be a real stem-winder....

Date: Wed, 18 Jun 2014 21:50:57 ET
Posted by: The Dean,St. Augustine Beach

Dave(from acquisitions), I may be mistaken but I believe Strainer is referring to Second Arrangement as the tune not finished and never having been played live. Of course he is mistaken when he says it has never been played live, as it has--once for sure. I believe he is asking about a tune that was released he believes is a result of a reworking of SA.

This is the first I have heard of Horace Silver's passingthanks John). Silver was a jazz Giant and obviously an influence on Don and Walt. RIP Horace. You will be missed.

Date: Wed, 18 Jun 2014 20:56:58 ET
Posted by: CC,B

Watching the Levon Helm doc Ain't in It for My Health on Netflix. Libby Titus is interviewed about 10 minutes in. Will look for an appearance from The Donald.

Date: Wed, 18 Jun 2014 18:22:17 ET
Posted by: Dave (from acquistions),Philadelphia

I don't understand the responses to brainstrainer. Isn't he saying this tune was never released or played live yet all the answers are songs that have been one or both? I'm interested to hear the correct answer. In other unreleased tune news, how good is “Runnin Child”? I'd kill to even be able to write one of their throwaways.

Date: Wed, 18 Jun 2014 17:50:36 ET
Posted by: John Granatino,Dallas

RIP, Horace Silver.

http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2014/06/18/323346744/jazz-pianist-composer-horace-silver-dies-at-85

Date: Wed, 18 Jun 2014 16:17:26 ET
Posted by: Jake,Nebraska

Brain Strainer:

My guess: “Were You Blind That Day” as it evolved into “Third World Man.”

Date: Wed, 18 Jun 2014 14:43:49 ET
Posted by: Lazlo,CO

Brain Strainer:

Lunch with Gina

Date: Wed, 18 Jun 2014 14:28:34 ET
Posted by: Bill,CT

Are you saying 2A hasn't been played live, or the song that is the answer hasn't? 2A was played at rarities night

Date: Wed, 18 Jun 2014 14:11:14 ET
Posted by: Zach,North

Tomorrow's Girls re: strainer

Date: Wed, 18 Jun 2014 13:59:22 ET
Posted by: My Guess,dd

West of Hollywood.

Date: Wed, 18 Jun 2014 12:03:40 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Michael,

Yeah, the demo and full length version 2 sound a little different


It could be

e f e d c d then a c#d slur


Anyway, it's a shame CD length albums weren't around yet, and 2nd A, The Bear, and Kulee Baba may have appeared in all their glory

Date: Wed, 18 Jun 2014 11:41:48 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Heh, it's likely that no one would recognize the song anyhow. Heck, most probably wouldn't recognize anything outside of the staple hits. That's how the cookie crumbles.

Date: Wed, 18 Jun 2014 10:58:40 ET
Posted by: The Dean,St. Augustine Beach

Michael, perhaps Doc Mu has it right---I don't know. I can say I hear nothing odd in the backing track. And now, after a couple more listenings to the full track, I still hear the odd note, but I simply can't say if it is “wrong” or just a bit different. It doesn't bother me anymore at all.

I like that you titled the backing track as “karaoke”. I now imagine bringing this track to Karaoke Night at a local watering hole and singing ityea right). But mostly I have a vision of the WTF? looks on the faces of the ever diminishing crowd as they rack their brains for some sign of recognition.

Date: Wed, 18 Jun 2014 10:51:16 ET
Posted by: Michael, Doc Mu, you may be right. The word 'regrets' sounds like it could be a slur from D to D#, but it's still unclear.

Thanks for listening.

Date: Wed, 18 Jun 2014 10:46:31 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

one more note:

“a new address”

That sounds about right to me

Date: Wed, 18 Jun 2014 10:43:11 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Michael: I may be mishearing the key, but the melody for that phase should be

e f e d c d b

I hear something like

e f e d c d d#



Great job overall though. Very lively. Somewhere between the 2nd almost finished version and that 15 sec snippet with Poracro on live drumsListen to Boz Scaggs Miss Sun for a comparison

Date: Wed, 18 Jun 2014 07:33:47 ET
Posted by: Michael,

@Brain Strainer Could it be The Nightfly?

Date: Wed, 18 Jun 2014 07:32:49 ET
Posted by: Michael,

The Dean, thanks for bringing this to my attention. If you suspect a wrong note in the chorus, where Donald sings “with no regrets,” well, maybe there is. Here's the arrangement w/o melody.

http://www.motifator.com/index.php?ACT=39&fid=130&aid=14577_UKyjeJRap2riXIJ1EDNV&board_id=1

Date: Wed, 18 Jun 2014 01:18:10 ET
Posted by: Brain Strainer,

Tonite's Strainer deals with a tune that has generated much wistfulness over the years since it never was formally released nor played live. The Second Arrangement along with some otherse.g. Kulee Babais such a tune that for some people represents unfulfilled promise, if not, a longed for “What If?”

Well, let's just say that for a tune with such good bones as The Second Arrangement that promise did not go totally unfulfilled as there is a tune that quite likely evolved as a “Third Arrangement” of The Second Arrangement. Name that tune.

Difficulty Level is prolly about 5.5 out of 10.

Date: Tue, 17 Jun 2014 23:20:18 ET
Posted by: The Dean,St. Augustine Beach

Michael, once again very impressive. I've only listened twice. I liked it better on the second listen,

The first time through, the effect on the lead seemed a bit heavy and a little distracting, but I have to admit it didn't bother me the second time around”much later in the day).

Also I thought there were a couple of odd sounding notes on the first listen, on the second listen I tried to mark the times when they occurred. It wasn't as obvious to me then, but I think they occurred around 1:07-1:08 and then again at about 3:20. I'm not saying they are wrong, and I haven't compared yours to the original. But at first listen they were a bit jarring. I'm really picking nits here, though.

Thanks for sharing.

Date: Tue, 17 Jun 2014 07:14:39 ET
Posted by: Michael,at last

The Second Arrangement

http://www.motifator.com/index.php?ACT=39&fid=130&aid=14574_hyv0BKyHN8DGG6j9JRSG&board_id=1

Date: Tue, 17 Jun 2014 02:28:05 ET
Posted by: Fagenism,

One addition to my previous MOJO writeup, just to put any remaining Eminent Hipsters grudges to rest:

MOJO: Eminent Hipsters contains gloomy observations on your audience's decreptitude. Were you exaggerating for comedic effect?

DF: When I made various remarks about the audiences, I was suffering from a state of paranoid delusion. Paranoids are realists, but because of my disorder, after a few weeks on tour I started exaggerating things, and then in the book I exaggerated some more to get a laugh.

*

Morph The Cat is sounding good this summer. You know, the aforementioned The Great Pagoda Of Funn and The Night Belongs To Mona - it could be that the Maestro finally solved some kind of mind/body/groove paradox with those cuts. There is definitely some alchemy going on.

Date: Tue, 17 Jun 2014 01:49:24 ET
Posted by: Lazlo,CO

I'd love to hear Negative Girl. Such a dense and interesting song ... be great to see what a horn chart would do to this, especially with Rosenberg's baritone.

Maybe one for the girls may be Rose Darling, could see them doing something similar as they did with Razor Boy.

And maybe Walter could pick up something like Throw Back the Little Ones or My Rival, maybe even revive Slang of Ages.

I guess we'll see soon enough.

Date: Mon, 16 Jun 2014 23:32:41 ET
Posted by: Shark DeVille,up on the hill

seems likely that rehearsals are under way for the summer trek...

the boys have been good about playing a new song or two most every tour, even if they eventually drop it from the setlist. so if you could hear one song that they've never performed live to date, what would it be?

i'd probably go with Your Gold Teeth II

Date: Mon, 16 Jun 2014 22:38:34 ET
Posted by: CJB,YVR

Night #3 in Port Chester, on sale now.

Date: Mon, 16 Jun 2014 16:43:15 ET
Posted by: Zippy,Skip

September 2 may get booked.

Date: Mon, 16 Jun 2014 13:02:10 ET
Posted by: casual fan,orlando

Re more dates, there's not much room. Keith Carlock's site, for example, lists him as going on tour at some point in October”not with SD). Last show currently is 9/20, so there'd have to be a lot of incentive to make the trek back down to the southeast in adding some more dates. I just don't see it. Unfortunately.

Date: Mon, 16 Jun 2014 11:25:49 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Pardon, I meant down from Eb to D on the Rhodes.

Date: Mon, 16 Jun 2014 10:30:51 ET
Posted by: Michael,

The Second Arrangement is almost finished. The middle section, in the measure where Donald sings “Right now,” that gave me the most trouble. There's a strange dissonant motion from the Adim7/Bor B7b9moving to an Em7(?and the melody line. But I can disern the Rhodes move from an E down to D# in the right hand notes, whereas there's a D in the rhythm guitar and piano. Needless to say it's baffling.

Date: Mon, 16 Jun 2014 09:04:49 ET
Posted by: Bookkeeper's Son,Florida

Yes, there is still a glimmer of hope for Florida shows this year.

Date: Mon, 16 Jun 2014 03:17:45 ET
Posted by: Speedy,Tampa

That's good. Maybe they might add shows in Florida.

Date: Sun, 15 Jun 2014 22:50:15 ET
Posted by: Steelydoc,Near the tower

The word FINAL has been removed from “Final show added” on SD.com

Date: Sun, June 15, 2014, 15:37:51 ET
Posted by: ..., ...

RIP, Jimmy Scott.

Date: Sun, June 15, 2014, 11:56:15 ET
Posted by: Jives Miguel, Earth

Ive always thought Walter had great,unique and instantly identifiable chops-which is rare indeed.

Solos on Black Friday,Josie,Snowbound to name but three.

And anyway it was never really about chops wjth these guys;sure they can add alot but The Song was always the primary focus.

Date: Sat, June 14, 2014, 11:41:39 ET
Posted by: AJ Fontell,

RE The isolated tracks: Do you think DF sang his parts along w/ the rhythm section or do you think he sang them to a click track?

Date: Fri, June 13, 2014, 21:02:11 ET
Posted by: great find!,

great find on those isolated tracks! really interesting to listen to!!

Date: Fri, June 13, 2014, 16:25:01 ET
Posted by: B. Checazzo,

I never thought Walter had great "chops" on either bass or guitar.

However, he sounds/plays GREAT on this.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j5uZx-H9DlE&list=PLCEA72bqhrb4vIHz0lW3ok8NotfeCFUXj&index=9

Date: Fri, June 13, 2014, 15:09:32 ET
Posted by: Lazlo, CO

YEAR OF THE DRAGON

Year of the Dragon was a perfect mid-show break. I was there. I was sceptical at first, but once I'd locked in to what the band was striving for, I realised just how close the harmonies were to those that DF achieves. Year, it was a woman playing an acoustic guitar centre stage, but I'd have expected even the most casual music lover to be able to see past that. Listen. It's worth your while. Beautiful song ... I believe Don described it as: "Scary." Which it also was. I managed to find the audio of it the other day ... am listening to it now. Really enjoying the whole show, and Year of the Dragon is very much a part of that enjoyment.

My two cents, I suppose.

Date: Wed, June 11, 2014, 21:49:56 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine Beach

Funny thing about Year of the Dragon---

I had read all of the horrible reviews of Martha's performance but had never heard that show. Not having heard much of her music, I had no real context for the discussion (other than it being odd for a DF/SD show to be broken up by the performance of someone else--especially someone so dissimilar in music style).

Well, fairly recently I finally got to listen to that show. And, yes, the song was way out of place for that show. But I didn't think the song was too bad. I actually sort of liked it--just not in the middle of a Fagen concert.

Date: Wed, June 11, 2014, 13:53:44 ET
Posted by: TYX, NY

Either you went out for a drink during Year of the Dragon, or you needed two after listening.

Date: Wed, June 11, 2014, 11:05:15 ET
Posted by: KD, asdf

The first two setlists are always the best, because even if the band isn't in top gear during that first week, they always feature the deep and weird cuts that are later dropped from the setlist because everybody's aunt leaves their seat during the tune to go buy an 11-buck margarita.

Date: Wed, June 11, 2014, 00:17:47 ET
Posted by: Hutch,

Hoops... EMG and Circus Money. Those were great Tuesdays weren't they?

Date: Tues, June 10, 2014, 21:56:48 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago

11 years ago today...

Six years ago today...

Date: Tues, June 10, 2014, 18:05:08 ET
Posted by: Brown, Shellytown

I agree. Please wait until July 2 at the first show in Portland, OR where the real setlist will finally be revealed.

Date: Tues, June 10, 2014, 14:14:31 ET
Posted by: 4, real

Posting lists may be therapeutic, but nobody remembers it 30 seconds later because it's just like all the other lists they've read.

Date: Tues, June 10, 2014, 11:22:40 ET
Posted by: Fantasy Setlist, Fantasy

The Fez (Instrumental Intro)
Green Book
My Rival
Aja
Bad Sneakers
King of the World
Time Out of Mind
Godwhacker
Charlie Freak (Sung by Walter)
Josie
Razor Boy (Sung by the Girls)
Glamour Profession
Band Intros
Don't Take Me Alive
New Frontier
My Old School
Reelin' in the Years

Encore:
Peg
Kid Charlemagne
Untouchables

Date: Tues, June 10, 2014, 07:13:07 ET
Posted by: Michael, just to clarify

I wasn't "whining" about SD not playing the aforementioned outtakes.

Rajah had a seminal means of articulation, often employing colorful, off-beat references. Very sharp.

Plus, neither of us enjoyed the Eagles, which is always a bonus.

Date: Tues, June 10, 2014, 07:00:44 ET
Posted by: Bren, London UK

Does anyone know the presale/promo code for the third Port Chester concert? (on sale tommorrow) Thanks Bren London UK

Date: Tues, June 10, 2014, 03:53:49 ET
Posted by: What, the?

I just farted

Date: Mon, June 09, 2014, 21:44:42 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh

Thanks to all for the Rajah reposts. I miss seeing his posts here.

Date: Mon, June 09, 2014, 20:56:29 ET
Posted by: Ida Lee, Idaho

Looking a the fantasy setlists, there are a lot of repeats. Most of them are songs they have played over and over anyway.

They are going to play most of the hits. The casual fans who make up the bulk of the crowd paid to hear them. Thank god they don't ever play them all, or there would not be room for much else.

Having said that, my hope is that (unless in a multi-night run at the same venue) they scrap the non-hits that they have played to death. Substitute songs that they have played on only one or two tours. Songs like Boston Rag, Royal Scam, Countermoon, Dr. Wu, Gaucho, Wet Side Story, Blues Beach, Cash-Only Island, even Midnight Cruiser. The charts are sitting someplace, so it won't be like starting from scratch.

As for the Brats' song, Razor Boy was nice last year. Dirty Work has been beaten to death. A great one would be American Lovers.

Candidates for new songs of the year would be Throw Back the Little Ones, or My Rival, which has a great groove. Or Three Picture Deal, Darkling Down, Somebody's Saturday night, or something off Sunken Condos.

Finally, since everybody on this book seems to whine about what was not played, and easy opportunity to get in at least 2 more Dan tunes would be to scrap the non-Dan intro and outro. I'd much rather hear an instrumental version (the glass is half full) of a Dan song that the duo just can't bring themselves to play, like Second Arrangement, than some obscure non-Dan item. And an instrumental version of Through With Buzz certainly beats Hank's Pad.

.....and from the 'we can always hope' department.......how about "here's a new tune Donald and I wrote this spring, that will be on our new album coming out early next winter, or some subsequent season".....

Date: Mon, June 09, 2014, 20:05:10 ET
Posted by: straw, drink

http://youtu.be/DeUO4qDNQG8?t=5m6s

Date: Mon, June 09, 2014, 19:42:32 ET
Posted by: DS, E

Here's Rajah's appreciation for SD concerts, in stark contrast to the set list whiners.


...for me seeing Steely Dan play live fulfills an emotional need. The musicianship is impeccable, yes certainly that's true; the compositions, home-grown and honed bespeak of players with an historical perspective of 20th century American music. At a Steely Dan concert you're hearing bits and snatches of everyone from Jelly Roll Morton to Duke Ellington, Miles, Ennio Morricone, Burt Bacharach, heck, all the way back to Johann Sebastian Bach if you know your stuff. And they deliver it without histrionics, the epitome of cool in my book. And witnessing something that well done, with such attention to detail, with so much pride in their work, well, for me it gives out a sense of well being. So many things in our lives are hurried and sometimes slap dash, rush to work, to the store, fix stuff that's broken and these days even just making ends meet. But for two hours at a Steely Dan performance, everything stops and falls away, like when Klattu puts the pause button on the world in The Day the Earth Stood Still. You breathe, you have a respite from the banalities of life and you're left to ponder deeper things. Things like maybe how much you love the good things, your wife or loved one, children and parents and friends.

When I saw Steely Dan in Rome with a group of Italian friends and relatives one of them noticed how quiet I got before the show and he said to me, "you're very moved to see them aren't you?" Me, I said, nah, seen them dozens of times, no emotional upheaval going on here. But I was lying.

Date: Mon, June 09, 2014, 17:27:53 ET
Posted by: Flatbush Chuck, That NYC

Thanks, ..., my mistake. Boston Rag it was. I thought Rajah was in on it; maybe I'm conflating people.

But this much I do recall (and that "straw that stirs the drink" line brought it back):

Rajah's own comments back then about what DF & WB brought to SD probably account for the sense of deja vu I felt when writing my own recent post on the matter. So I looked up an early '09 thread and quickly turned up these three Rajah excerpts:

"Nobody's slamming WB, he is what he is, a singular artist who is an acquired taste. He's just not the craftsman of melody Donald is, someone who spins gold and comes along every generation or so. Gershwin, Porter, Rogers & Hart, Bacharach, John & Paul, that's the lofty company he keeps. Walter's genius lies in his ability to make Donald's work even better. Walter is the ultimate music Consigliere. The George F. Kaufman of song-doctors. The Don Zimmer, if you will, of bench coaches." (1/25/09)

" ... Donald's music is NEVER behind the curve. But he is not the wordsmith Walter is, this, "Do Me," offering notwithstanding. George had Ira, Rogers had Hart, McCartney had Lennon, Bacharach had Hal David. Cole Porter, well, he had Cole Porter and as a complete tunesmith, maybe the greatest of them all." (1/27/09)

"If I may, 'merely an essential ingredient,' is a contradiction in terms. If something is essential, it could never be merely essential. But I think we get your drift. Now if you're using that phrase as a deliberate rhetorical device like, 'deafening silence,' then, ok, it's an oxymoron. And in that case, yes, Walter's contribution to Steely Dan is merely essential." (2/1/09)


Yes, Raj could write. And if you glance through the thread, you hear him at times reconsidering his assertions (at the margins, anyway) in response to other comments.

The best sort of co-enthusiast to listen to/debate with.

Date: Mon, June 09, 2014, 16:54:15 ET
Posted by: casual fan, orlando

And site says that the additional Port Chester show is the "final show added."

So whatever lingering hope we Floridians for a detour in our direction had is now officially gone ....

Date: Mon, June 09, 2014, 16:30:04 ET
Posted by: Y Filly, not the beacon

third Port Chester show added on steelydan.com

Date: Mon, June 09, 2014, 14:35:38 ET
Posted by: ..., ...

Flatbush Chuck:

It was Boston Rag aka Mark Drinan who had the "Do The Wu" campaign complete with Mountain Dew logo T-shirts re-branded to "Do The Wu". Rajah had little, if anything, to do with it.

Date: Mon, June 09, 2014, 11:56:09 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Of the Aja/Gaucho outtakes, there are a few which have never been performed live, most notably:

Kulee Baba
I Can't Write Home About You (no arrangement)
Kind Spirit (unfinished lyrics)
I Got The News (alternate outtake)
Stand By The Seawall (instrumental)

Cool MIDI version of SBTS - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aVqXJmYcAEo

Date: Sun, June 08, 2014, 21:13:38 ET
Posted by: CJB's, Fantasy Setlist

St. Thomas (Sonny Rollins; instrumental opening; band only)

The Boston Rag
Bad Sneakers
Deacon Blues
Chain Lightning
The Bear
Weather in My Head (DF)
Home at Last
What a Shame About Me
Paging Audrey and/or Book of Liars (WB)
Here at the Western World
Josie
Peg
IGY
Don't Take Me Alive

FM
The Second Arrangement
This All Too Mobile Home

Last Tango in Paris (outro; band only)

Date: Sun, June 08, 2014, 20:41:44 ET
Posted by: T. Raymond,

KD and the Sunshine Breath -

Don't git cocky, pu pu.:)

Date: Sun, June 08, 2014, 16:09:51 ET
Posted by: KD, asdf

J Matthias,

correct, and that's, what ... 70 percent of the book?

Date: Sun, June 08, 2014, 16:01:15 ET
Posted by: Surely, the best setlist would be

Everyone's Gone to the Movies/The Fez (Overture)
Green Earrings
Bodhisattva
IGY
Josie
Hey 19
Downtown Canon (WB)
Chain Lightning
Green Flower Street
Home at Last
Black Friday
Deacon Blues
Tomorrow's Girls
Babylon Sisters
Reelin' in the Year
I Want To (Do Everything for You)
Peg
Razor Boy
Countermoon
Teahouse on the Tracks

Encore:
My Old School
Untouchables

Date: Sun, June 08, 2014, 13:50:27 ET
Posted by: Lazlo, CO

I think this year will be the most exciting tour of all.

Would love to hear something new but, hey, these guys get better every year so who cares?

Let's be honest: if they play Josie, Peg, Hey 19, Babylon Sisters etc ... it will be the best performances of them ever. Simple.

Date: Sun, June 08, 2014, 11:07:59 ET
Posted by: Art, Chive

In remembrance of Rajah, one of the faithful here should retrieve his post comparing SD's "touring machine" of late to Frankenstein's monster (great stuff). For those who never tasted Rajah's "lash", he could please and punish like no other...but always with great insight.

Date: Sun, June 08, 2014, 10:48:50 ET
Posted by: Flatbush Chuck, That NYC

And among many other things, wasn't Raj central to the "Do the Wu" groundswell campaign that finally brought that number to the stage?

Date: Sun, June 08, 2014, 10:35:05 ET
Posted by: Flatbush Chuck, That NYC

Hemiola: I sure do remember Rajah. He was one of the big presences on this page when I first stepped from lurker to occasional poster long about '06, and I think he might have been the first to acknowledge me. To your nailed descriptions of him, enthusiastic and astute, I'd add that he listened-- you could dialogue with him, he'd entertain a different opinion if he heard merit in it. I'm glad to have been reminded of him.

Date: Sun, June 08, 2014, 09:17:56 ET
Posted by: J Matthias,

I meant "articleS", sorry.

Date: Sun, June 08, 2014, 09:14:12 ET
Posted by: J Matthias,

KD -

Regarding EH - The only new actual essay/article I can seem to find in EH is "Boswells' Version" and "Class of '69". Everything else that's new seems to be "road reflections", I think.

Date: Sun, June 08, 2014, 07:24:12 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Doc Mu, it's fascinating how most other songwriters start with a flash of inspiration and then crash and burn, yet DF and WB continually improved their craft. Even their outtakes are incredible. Speaking of which, I'm thinking of trying out some full arrangements for I Can't Write Home About You at some point in the future.

kuleebaba, thanks. Once it's finished, I'll post, although don't be surprised if it doesn't happen until a week or so from now given how involved and time-consuming the process is.

Date: Sun, June 08, 2014, 02:49:39 ET
Posted by: The Bending End, RI

Haven't posted here in years. Good to see it's still here.

Heading to the Providence show on Sept. 8th. My wife's idea for our 25th wedding anniversary.

Date: Sun, June 08, 2014, 00:30:42 ET
Posted by: kuleebaba,

Michael,

That's awesome. Please keep it up.

Date: Sat, June 07, 2014, 19:30:29 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Michael: Nicely done. It's pretty fitting that the clip is unfinished.

It's pretty remarkable what was left on the cutting room floor with Gaucho:

2nd Arrangement
Can't Write home About You
Kulee Baba
The Bear

and the more unfinished

Kind Spirit
Talkin' Bout my Home



Before writer's block, Fagen was at a songwriting peak.

Date: Sat, June 07, 2014, 14:09:53 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Again, thanks. I get to appreciate the complexity of one of their more complex tunes first-hand. The hardest part is discerning the different instruments, given the somewhat poor fidelity of the original recording.

Date: Sat, June 07, 2014, 12:57:20 ET
Posted by: hemiola,

adding to Flatbush Chuck comment the duos contributing charateristics, DF being the structure guy, WB being the texture guy, brings to mind a post a few years ago by Rajah, a very enthusiastic and astute poster(now deceased and missed by those who remember him)that Walter is the straw that stirs the drink.

Date: Sat, June 07, 2014, 11:46:26 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine Beach

Very hip, Michael. I like it.

Date: Sat, June 07, 2014, 11:37:27 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Thanks, glad you like it.

Date: Sat, June 07, 2014, 08:13:13 ET
Posted by: E.C., W

Thanks Michael. I liked it.

Date: Sat, June 07, 2014, 08:00:08 ET
Posted by: Michael,

I've been working like a mad man on a version of The Second Arrangement. It's much more difficult than I had anticipated, taking an hour just to complete one or two measures. Here's a preview.

http://www.motifator.com/index.php?ACT=39&fid=130&aid=14542_BXld2V2kwfBkUrcvRgw7&board_id=1

Date: Sat, June 07, 2014, 04:54:42 ET
Posted by: Dream Setlist, Heaven

Jazz Intro
King of the World
Two Against Nature
Josie
Black Friday
Green Earrings
Aja
Babylon Sisters
Godwhacker
Time Out of Mind
Gaucho
Band Intros
Peg
Hey 19
My Old School
Reelin' in the Years

Encore:
Kid Charlemagne
Outro

Date: Fri, June 06, 2014, 19:33:14 ET
Posted by: hoops, chicago, really on the quick, as usual

A Beast:

Actually, not in quite some time.

Moreover, more varied than people seem to think.

Gotta run,

Jim

Date: Fri, June 06, 2014, 16:24:22 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh

Starts at about 4:59 here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sq6D0Gl6zp4

Date: Fri, June 06, 2014, 16:23:08 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh

Don, same here. I get a little disappointed when it's not there.

I'm also a fan of the ending they tacked on a few years ago, quoting a Dexter Gordon tune I believe.

Date: Fri, June 06, 2014, 15:08:38 ET
Posted by: A Beast, Without a Name

= NYB much of the time.


Same as it ever was.

Date: Fri, June 06, 2014, 15:08:32 ET
Posted by: DonBreithaupt, Los Angeles

That beboppy horn line that got added to the chorus of "Kid Charlemagne" in 21st-c editions of the Dan is sofa king good that I now hear it in my head even when I'm listening to the original record. 'Twas a Michael Leonhart invention, methinks...

Date: Fri, June 06, 2014, 11:22:57 ET
Posted by: Just, sayin;

KD, you don't exactly persuade people to want to relinquish their anonymity (calling them assholes, telling them to go fuck themselves.)

Date: Fri, June 06, 2014, 10:26:01 ET
Posted by: KD, asdf

Yes, anonymous Bluebook asshole that won't commit to a single name, Donald Fagen wrote about 70 percent of 'EH' specifically for the publication.

Date: Fri, June 06, 2014, 07:48:09 ET
Posted by: Cash Only Donald,

RE Eminent Tripstars: Did DF write anything new exclusively for the "book"?

Date: Thurs, June 05, 2014, 13:54:40 ET
Posted by: The Truth,

From Mojo:

"Last year's half-memoir, half-tour diary Eminent Hipsters was universally acclaimed.."

The truth?

Last year's half-memoir, half-tour diary Eminent Hipsters was universally acclaimed by some, but collectively had mixed reviews."

Date: Thurs, June 05, 2014, 10:33:23 ET
Posted by: Jazzasssin, in hope and excitement

This was very promising news. Thanks a lot!

Now, if only that Becker, etc. Oh, and bring Klein too, Walter. The two of you can produce this one, ok? ;-)

Date: Thurs, June 05, 2014, 10:00:54 ET
Posted by: 7-10, Split

Before Miss Marlene there was Beer Frame Judy. The guy who cut it said he wrote it because there were no pop songs about bowling. Interesting that both songs involve chicks and alcohol.

http://www.amazon.com/Beer-Frame-Judy/dp/B00GNUG4AQ

Date: Thurs, June 05, 2014, 09:54:22 ET
Posted by: fagenism, She go (I cry)

MOJO tidbits (the rest of the piece is old fluff):

"Last year's half-memoir, half-tour diary Eminent Hipsters was universally acclaimed as one of the very best books ever written by a practicing rock star, and Donald is assembling a follow-up collection of pieces about his interest in movies and music while also writing songs for a solo album to follow up the hardly less acclaimed Sunken Condos."

[...]

"Fagen's Fix: Donald's top LPs.1) The Miles Davis Quintet - Cookin', Relaxin', Steamin', Workin'; 2) Sonny Rollins - The Bridge; 3) Ray Charles - The Atlantic Years; 4) Robert Johnson - Complete Recordings; 5) The Band - Music From Big Pink."

Date: Wed, June 04, 2014, 18:15:43 ET
Posted by: kent, promising news

A previous poster mentioned an interview with THE DON in latest mojo magazine, but did not reveal all.

1- Donald will follow up eminent hipsters with book on movies and music that he is interested in.

2- Donald is writing songs for follow up to sunken condos

3-long live the Daniel, or whatever parts we can get!

Date: Wed, June 04, 2014, 18:00:14 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Weiskopf's new one has a taste of Kenny Garrett in it.


Here's one of the great(est) performances of one of the great(est) tunes from a classic modern jazz album


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_TtM4i45kQ


Kirkland (RIP) absolutely kills.

Date: Mon, June 02, 2014, 20:50:17 ET
Posted by: TO Danfan, on the deck

Hutch

I was at that Massey Hall show and it was wonderful.

They did 3 from Morph, 4 Dan tunes, hits from Nightfly & Kami and 2 others. Hilites for us were Misery and the Blues, Black Cow, The Nightfly, New Frontier, IGY. Every song they did was just cookin' and I've never seen the band seem to have so much fun up there. Maybe they built on Don's early "feelin' groovy baby" answer to a shoutout "how you feeling?" (he came in battling a cold).

I found the whole concert online (audio only) and it must have been recorded from the soundboard. The audio quality is excellent. So where I got it is legal up here in the Great White North but maybe not in the USA. Not sure. Is file sharing a concert unavailable anywhere else illegal down there?

Cheers

ps: it would be so great if they each did a tune from their solos this time around. My choices would be Paging Audrey and Memorabilia. Yeah I know....as if

Date: Mon, June 02, 2014, 13:06:41 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Hutch - the 2006 DF and 1993 SD group are probably my favorites.


The little nod Donald gives that Paparazzi is priceless:

Yeah, you're there and I'm here...See Ya!

Date: Mon, June 02, 2014, 12:54:25 ET
Posted by: hoops, chicago

The latest edition of the Dandom Digest was just e-mailed and is dated April 25-May 31, 2014. (The Dandom Digest before that was dated April 12-24, 2014.)

If you are a subscriber, you should see the latest edition in your email box within an hour of this post. If you don't see them, check your spam filters first; then, if it's not there, please email me.

As I regularly remind subscribers, some people have problems with delivery of the Dandom Digest, usually because of their spam filters, firewalls, etc. That's why this sort of notice is posted here--so you are aware that you should have received the latest edition.

The following are the subject headlines of the Dandom Digest for April 25-May 31, 2014.

=======

-  UPDATE: TICKETS NOW ON SALE:  Port Chester, NY added
-  Donald Fagen to play Bob Dylan tribute in Woodstock
-  Official Steely Dan eNewsletter
-  REDUX: Danfests 2014
-  Put Your Site on the Steely Dan Web Ring

-  Steely Dan in Europe
- Chuck Rainey to Headline Dallas Fusion Festival
-  40th Anniversary of Pretzel Logic
-  Open Letter to Donald Fagen

=======

If you are not currently a subscriber but would like to receive the free Dandom Digest email newsletter, please email me at hoops AT dandom DOT com or see http://www.dandom.com/dandomdigest.

For the record, the Dandom Digest is a newsletter with unofficial content written by and for the fans of Steely Dan. The newsletter is independent of, nor to be confused with, the glorious and much more glamorous official newsletters from steelydan.com, walterbecker.com, donaldfagen.com and other sites of Steely Dan associates.

Thanks for your support through the years, especially Pete and Shari, as well as Mr. & Mrs. Winterbottom, and espcially thinking of Mark and Bill, and not to mention one or two people who request anonymity.

Date: Mon, June 02, 2014, 12:20:47 ET
Posted by: df live,

thanks, Hutch. Remember seeing videos from a Beacon show on Youtube a long time ago, and have missed them since.

Date: Mon, June 02, 2014, 11:39:09 ET
Posted by: Hutch,

From time to time I scour youtube hoping that someone will offer up the entire DF Band show from 2006 at Massey Hall in Toronto. In my mind it's a legendary performance right up there with the SD Manassas show from '96.
Partial success today as I've found three songs from that show. Unfortunately The Nightfly, with Wayne Krantz's jaw dropping solo is yet to be found. I'll take what I can get in the meantime...

Black Cow
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwqgjzPdEV4

Green Flower Street
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B6dZ0H1XYZ8

IGY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a4d2QmpQ68A

Now this is interesting. This claims to be The Nightfly from an SD show from 2000 at The Beacon when it's obviously from the '06 DF Band tour, but it's not from the Massey Hall show.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OKHPMcD0H1E

Date: Mon, June 02, 2014, 11:20:04 ET
Posted by: Hutch,

The paparazzi and the reluctant pop star...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7VD4tta3wzo

Date: Mon, June 02, 2014, 02:41:07 ET
Posted by: Greg, Peter, Bobby, Marcia, Jan, Cindy

Emmy-winning actress Ann B. Davis, who became the country's favorite and most famous housekeeper as the devoted Alice Nelson of "The Brady Bunch," died Sunday at a San Antonio hospital. She was 88.

RIP

Date: Sun, June 01, 2014, 16:16:52 ET
Posted by: casual fan, orlando

Nope, he has a new CD out.

I'm afraid hoping for more SD dates this tour is just wishful thinking. About as close as we may come down here in the Sunshine State is Umphrey's McGee end of August.

Date: Fri, May 30, 2014, 17:09:07 ET
Posted by: Jimmie, k

Walt Weiskopf tweeted big news coming Sunday. SD related?

Date: Fri, May 30, 2014, 11:02:41 ET
Posted by: home at last,

wonder if they would be the same for babylon sisters?

Date: Fri, May 30, 2014, 09:24:29 ET
Posted by: HAL Transcriptions,

I've scoured the internet, but haven't been able to find a transcription of the guitar or bass parts in Home at Last. Anybody know of one? No tabs please. Thanks!

Date: Thurs, May 29, 2014, 14:53:13 ET
Posted by: Flatbush Chuck, That NYC

If there's one thing I DIDN'T mean to imply, it's that Fagen is in any summary way Becker's inferior as a lyricist. (E.g.: I think The Nightfly's letter-perfect.)

Nor did I mean to suggest that Becker, as a solo writer, isn't into narratives and coherent premises; most of his solo songs do paint vivid (and generally clear) situations and denouments.

I probably ought to pare down my speculation viz. lyrics to this: In the context of Steely Dan, it's easy to suspect that Becker contributed more than his share of those scintillating images, asides, turns of phrase and argot that make the lyrics stick the way they do. My evidence for this? Mostly it boils down to an impression derived from (1) the role Walter tends to assume in joint interviews, and (2) the verbal vividness of his solo work.

Date: Thurs, May 29, 2014, 07:34:54 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Donald Fagen's lyrics are great. 'Nuff said.

Here's my latest, titled Bingo Lingo. Why, I don't know.

http://www.motifator.com/index.php?ACT=39&fid=130&aid=14499_RjFKPupPROuAe4hz7InZ&board_id=1

Date: Wed, May 28, 2014, 20:01:39 ET
Posted by: kama questions,

Agree that the coda of "On the Dunes" is a nice change of pace and great idea, and also like the comment about it feeling like 'waves crashing and receding,' but just don't think it was executed well - in my opinion.

Date: Wed, May 28, 2014, 13:35:19 ET
Posted by: SteelyDon, RVA

I get a little annoyed when DF gets slammed for being an inferior lyricists. Sure, there is a song here and there that might not have a perfect phrase or perhaps a lyric pairing that we've seen before, but overall I think his lyrics stand up just fine to WBs. I've been listening to The Nightly a lot over the past few days. Talk about an album that simply does not age. I personally think the lyrics in IGY are amazing. They truly paint the picture of a "beautiful world." The imagery is amazing and it really gives you a sense of optimism after listening to it.


I really like the lines that end the song:

On that train all graphite and glitter
Undersea by rail
90 Minutes from New York to Paris
(More leisure for artist everywhere)

A just machine to make big decisions
Programmed by fellas, with compassion and vision
We'll be clean when their work is done
We'll be eternally free, yes and eternally young...oooh

New Frontier does the same thing. I think the lyrics again paint a picture of the paranoia of the time and awkwardness of a teenager trying to make it with a girl.

Finally, Maxine's lyrics are simply but again the imagery is there and for me that's what I want. I want to be able to listen to the song and visualize a story in my head. I think his lyrics do this as well as any artist I know.

Date: Wed, May 28, 2014, 12:46:49 ET
Posted by: I won't take your bread, NY

Be sure to visit Katz's deli on Houston Street in NY. The egg salad is great.

Date: Wed, May 28, 2014, 12:16:51 ET
Posted by: steelydoc, near the Tower

Gary Katz had a record label, Jake Records, around 1998-2000 with a friend of mine, Gary Stromberg, who was Steely Dan's first publicist. I'm not sure what became of the venture...

Date: Wed, May 28, 2014, 11:25:58 ET
Posted by: hemiola,

excuse me, handle corrected... Doc Mu.

Date: Wed, May 28, 2014, 11:22:08 ET
Posted by: hemiola,

Re the drums on "on the dune", I'm with Greg M, Dr Mu and drewslo. Chris Parkers' drum part is the only sd part(coda) that is actually blowing that I can think of, aside from Gadds' aja albeit sight read.

Date: Tues, May 27, 2014, 23:57:50 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Four of a Kind: Queen of Soul, Stevie Wonder, Chuck Rainey, Bernard Purdie

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IaTo5iqTH5s

Date: Tues, May 27, 2014, 20:38:40 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Another nice Eye to Eye tune:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R20WSiPoVB0



Katz and Fagen owned River Sound studios together in the early 90s. My guess is that they communicated frequently. Whether the studio had a hand in a falling out, I'm not sure...

Katz seemed to be busy with other artists including 10cc and Laura Nyro.



http://granatino.com/sdresource/17news.htm






Fagen then decribed producer Gary Katz's role in Steely Dan as very important as he and Walter were new in Los Angeles at the start, and "Gary knew all the best players" and "Gary could also talk about sports and hockey to the players and get them relaxed."

Date: Tues, May 27, 2014, 20:26:01 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Brutus - Yes. Those fills are real and they're spectacular!


Regardless of who rubbed off on who - Katz took a Dan-ish attitude with some of the same cast of musicians to Eye to Eye and Laura Nyro, particularly the attention to harmonies:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GMcvWh4xdHU&index=2&list=ALBTKoXRg38BC84QedvET4u9ubazYO-UCg

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


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrh0fcvwjMs

Date: Tues, May 27, 2014, 20:18:30 ET
Posted by: drewslo, san luis obispo

I love the drumming on "On The Dunes". If you visualize the scene, the drums and cymbals reproduce the sound of the waves crashing and receding. Sublime.

Date: Tues, May 27, 2014, 18:34:56 ET
Posted by: Brutus Charisma,

It's Chris Parker who plays the drum solo on "On The Dunes".

Date: Tues, May 27, 2014, 14:30:07 ET
Posted by: Greg M, Dunes

Also, during this section of On The Dunes, the block chords very slyly move from the Piano (maybe DX7?) to a Wurlitzer.

It's like: let's let our hair down now and jam like a band. Which IMO is long overdue after 7 songs.

Date: Tues, May 27, 2014, 14:24:09 ET
Posted by: Greg M, ny

<<But the end drums fills in "On the Dunes" are especially perplexing to me. Poorly articulated, lack of precision, sloppy on the hits, nearly out of time,I am amazed Donald accepted all that, given his perfectionism.>>>

Wow, the On the Dunes coda taking a major hit here! To me, it's mostly lively part of this album, which to me suffers from robotic overly fake-sounding drums. Here, we actually have some real playing. A guy improvising - brings the song to life. Sure it's not Lawson or Gadd, but it's not particularly bad, either. It's rather spicy.

Could it be Walter messing around on a kit????

Date: Tues, May 27, 2014, 13:32:20 ET
Posted by: KD, asdf

No, I won't. Glomming onto a tragedy to make up a Donald Fagen trivia question is a bit much.

---

I'm not calling Fagen a careerist, far from it, and I'm not dismissing Katz's impact. Gary and Don and Walt were good co-workers and buddies, back in the day, and by the time New York Nights and the Revue started to take off some seven or eight years after Nightfly, Katz and Fagen just weren't working in the same circles anymore. And despite the rotating cast of musicians The Two went through in the 1970s, it's all about who you're most familiar with working with. To Don and Walt, at least.

By the time it was time to finish Kamakiriad off, Fagen had been on tour with Walter with the Revue and had been communicating with him for years via that expensive phone line. The same can't be said for Katz, because there was no need to with no recording dates or songs in place. And Gary's lack of a presence on Kama (and all the albums that followed) just makes sense -- Katz may have been back in NYC, but he wasn't in Don and Walt's circles. That's why they made the non-decision to not bring him around in 1992, and onward.

The same goes for others. Larry Carlton, Rick Marotta and Steve Gadd hadn't lost a step, at that time or in the two decades since. Joe Sample can still make a gorgeous noise with his electric piano. All the guys (save the late Porcaro) who contributed in 1976 were just as primed in 1991 and 1992, it's just that they weren't around Don's range of sight -- as he went from apartment to small club to studio to tour of the midwestern sheds. And it wouldn't have been about money in hiring those old studio guys, because Reprise was tossing quite a bit of change at Fagen's second solo disc.

I don't want to overstate or diminish Katz's influence, but he was an executive producer, speaking on behalf of two guys in Don and Walt that were still figuring out how to work through their muso frustrations without heavy bouts of anxiety, sunglasses on in the indoors, or narcotic influence. But to call him a glorified gofer that was there to get the moo shu pork order correct would be incorrect on the way toward making a bad joke.

It should be noted that while there are consistent hallmarks in the seven Don and Walt discs (not counting the live album) in the last 20-plus years, there are varying sound and production approaches that swing both good and bad.

Kama: Odd click vs. real drum takes, poor initial lead vocal mix.
TvN: Gorgeous, but the ubiquity of the sound stays constant, heavy on the Pro Tools.
11ToW: Those damned programmable drums and synths.
EMG: Not enough Walter, as guitarist and bass player, in the mix.
Morph: Loudness and compression issues on 'Brite Nightgown;' but that's pushing it. Fantastic overall mix.
Circus Money: Same. No static at all, if I'm honest.
Condos: Not a lot of room to breathe or depth for the instruments that need it most.

Not blaming the absence of Katz for that, and we are talking a 21-year stretch (as opposed to the initial eight-year run), but it is worth discussing.

If anything, and I'm no reggae fan, 'Circus Money' might be the most consistently brilliant sounding album of the lot.

Date: Tues, May 27, 2014, 12:12:21 ET
Posted by: No more pissing contests, East

KD. It referred only to a YouTube video. let it go.

Date: Tues, May 27, 2014, 11:43:44 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine Beach

"Chinese Takeout"---funny stuff, Doc.

But truthfully, there very well might not be Steely Dan, as we know it, without the involvement of Katz, from what I understand. He was the guy who believed in the weird stuff Don and Walt were creating, and the power to do something about it. Without Katz they could have easily been discarded by music industry forces.

Calling Katz a "member" of SD is preposterous. But I think it is equally ridiculous to completely discount his contribution to the project, especially in the early days. It was nice (and probably mutually beneficial) for Don and Walt to keep Gary on as producer as they became successful enough to handle that role themselves. I'm guessing it was good for Don to have him around during the Nightfly sessions, since Walter wasn't in the picture at the time.

Date: Tues, May 27, 2014, 11:22:36 ET
Posted by: Jake, Nebraska

I totally agree with kama questions. There is something about the feel and groove that just doesn't sit well with me. There's a big difference between the sound of the grooves on kama vs. Morph or The Nightfly.

Great songs are great songs regardless of the groove quality and Kama has amazing songs. Wish that groove was stronger though. They seemed to do a pretty great job with grooves on Condos, despite a lot of programming being involved. I'm of the opinion that nothing beats a real drummer playing on tracks, and I would love to hear what Sunken Condos would sound like with Mr. Carlock on the skins.

Date: Tues, May 27, 2014, 10:35:26 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Chinese Takeout.

"What do you reckon Gary Katz brought to the table?"

Date: Tues, May 27, 2014, 06:08:43 ET
Posted by: KD, asdf

Hey Stan,

do you really think it was appropriate to make something Dan "tangential" out of that shooting before the blood has even been washed off the sidewalk?

If so, kindly go fuck yourself.

Date: Mon, May 26, 2014, 23:14:11 ET
Posted by: hoops, chicago

Thank you, Hutch.

Been sick--sorry to just get here now to take out the spam.

Maybe this will take care of it for a while. I hope so. If your post from the past day or two is missing, let me know. I think I can restore it.

Many thanks to all for your patience.

Jim

Date: Sun, May 25, 2014, 19:54:49 ET
Posted by: kama questions,

Interesting. Thanks, Hutch.

Date: Sun, May 25, 2014, 16:25:54 ET
Posted by: Hutch,

Some insight on the Kama recording process...

http://books.google.com/books?id=HDrIjd5FQ8QC&pg=RA1-PT39&lpg=RA1-PT39&dq=kamakiriad+programmed+drums&source=bl&ots=fS3ITG9hE3&sig=kbAIjYxZdcgf7UzTe2aOmsRzORI&hl=en&sa=X&ei=bFCCU8b6KuiqsQTh84HoCg&ved=0CEgQ6AEwBQ#v=onepage&q=kamakiriad%20programmed%20drums&f=false

Date: Sun, May 25, 2014, 15:05:28 ET
Posted by: kama questions,

Does anyone know who plays the drums on "On the Dunes," or is it mostly programmed?

Regardless, it feels like a significant proportion of that album has programmed drums, and it just doesn't sit well in the pocket for me. I don't know if it's not quantized well, or the human musicians didn't lock in properly, or what. It just doesn't groove a lot of the time.

But the end drums fills in "On the Dunes" are especially perplexing to me. Poorly articulated, lack of precision, sloppy on the hits, nearly out of time� I am amazed Donald accepted all that, given his perfectionism.

Date: Sun, May 25, 2014, 11:43:36 ET
Posted by: Stan, US

Strainer wins!! What difficulty level would you rate that (considering I didn't specify SD or solo)?

Date: Sun, May 25, 2014, 11:29:38 ET
Posted by: Brain Strainer,

On The Dunes

Date: Sun, May 25, 2014, 10:27:55 ET
Posted by: Flatbush Chuck, That NYC

Hutch: Great Katz interview, not least for his take on particular songs.

Excerpt on a previous topic:

GK: ...I really have nothing to do with creating the [SD] music as such. I really don't.
DM: You produce it.
GK: Yes but I don't write it or arrange it. Once the music is written and somewhat put together by Donald & Walter, then it becomes a three-man operation, choosing players and places and things we're going to do and how we'll do it, but they create the music entirely.

I'm guessing that more than most songwriters B&F conceive songs as arrangements. If you listen to, say, the early demo of "Parker's Band," you can hear Fagen banging out on piano a sort of proto-draft of much of the eventual arrangement, cross-rhythms, etc. They (especially DF) grew up listening to Gil Evans, Sautert & Finnegan and that sort of "arrangement" jazz; you can tell that a lot of the melodic energy is invested in instrumental ideas beyond the vocal line.

Of course, the session players contribute ideas (for bass lines, say, and naturally for solos). But the two auteurs determine what belongs.

It sounds like Katz was a great expediter and coordinator but may never have chosen a note. Compare that with George Martin, who early on would occasionally mess with the Beatles' skeletal chords & melody (on "She Loves You" & "Can't Buy Me Love" he borrowed from what were originally bridges to refashion opening/closing choruses), and sometimes rewrite a solo ("Michelle") or contribute one ("In My Life");and later would do scoring/arranging for horns, strings, etc.

Date: Sun, May 25, 2014, 08:24:32 ET
Posted by: Stan, US

We haven't heard from Strainer in a while, so if I may.

In this youtube video posted by the California gunman, he describes the beautiful beach setting with lovers sitting on benches and reflects on his own loneliness and despair.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9qe7ikxzqe0


Name the song that is most reminiscent of this commentary.

Date: Sun, May 25, 2014, 07:15:51 ET
Posted by: Casual, Observer

See - this is what I was talking about. The Blue finally gets up a head of steam with in-depth discussion and opinion on a great topic.
All adults together. Then some snotty infant sidles across the playground with a smug, superior sneer and says " I know something you don't know, but I ain't gonna tell" .... and we're lost again.

Date: Sat, May 24, 2014, 22:15:13 ET
Posted by: Old enough, to be cynical

Experience has shown some of us that sometimes when someone claims to have "inside information", he or she is actually playing it straight. Presenting as such on a board where anonymity can pretty much be guaranteed (and the interest from the readership is most definitely there) and then refusing to follow up with any "inside information", though, exemplifies the very worst of the internet. It's backwards bragging, without any backing-up. "Hey, everybody - look at me!! NOOOOO, "Don't look at me - you wouldn't want to!!"

In a semi-related case, someone I know followed up on those mysterious eBay Steely Dan reel-to-reel outtakes (the ones that were mentioned here around a year ago or so). The guy who was selling them was full of "inside information". He had "stories". After several back-and-forth emails, he offered to do a disc of all those auctioned & sold tapes from his saved files for a substantial (but at the time also seemingly reasonable) fee. "No eBay", he said. "No paypal", he said. "Let's keep this private", he said. A money order was sent, and a bank trace shows it was cashed by the payee. Guess what happened?

No disc was ever received. Dozens of follow-up emails (both eBay internal and Hotmail-to-Hotmail) went unanswered. Three separate snail mail enquiries sent to the physical address came back as undeliverable. And, no feedback was ever left on eBay for any of those SD tapes, by buyer or seller, mysteriously.

The moral of the story? Everybody's got a story. We would actually love to hear your stories. But if you can't put up, you should really shut up. There's nothing worse than an internet fraud artist.

Date: Sat, May 24, 2014, 21:38:20 ET
Posted by: KD, asdf

Why don't any of you weirdos put real names/consistent handles to your words?

Date: Sat, May 24, 2014, 19:26:47 ET
Posted by: Flatbush Chuck, That NYC

You Wouldn't Care: Give us more credit than that. Everything I venture here is IMHO; I'll take better information wherever I can get it.

Date: Sat, May 24, 2014, 18:23:26 ET
Posted by: matt, New York

NM08UN http://www.QS3PE5ZGdxC9IoVKTAPT2DBYpPkMKqfz.com

Date: Sat, May 24, 2014, 17:56:49 ET
Posted by: You wouldn't care, Way more In

reading the analyses with interest, I agree it is interesting and thoughtful. I disagree that it is "well -informed". I have gone back and forth about injecting more information into the discussion, but I sorta know I would be creamed hard, so i don't bother. Too bad though.

Date: Sat, May 24, 2014, 16:10:33 ET
Posted by: Hutch,

An interview with Gary Katz...

http://www.granatino.com/sdresource/17katz.htm

Date: Sat, May 24, 2014, 14:30:56 ET
Posted by: Flatbush Chuck, That NYC

Steve: I recall an interview with Roger Nichols where he claimed that Gary Katz excelled at coaxing Fagen's best efforts as a studio vocalist-- but that, apart from that, Katz could best be described as an executive producer. Even if that's so, surely Katz deserves eternal credit as the guy who "made it happen" career-wise for B&F: he heard the potential in those early demos, hooked them up with ABC as staff songwriters, and helped assemble the original band. His musical tastes were obviously simpatico with theirs. I don't know how much credit to give him for the sheer polish of SD records, but I wouldn't be surprised to learn it wasn't negligible.

As to Nichols, his contribution seems clearer: he made their sonic "vision" incarnate. He was the ideal technical innovator for B&F's (especially Walter's) hi-fi aspirations, and to provide a sonic canvas for their clean-and-spacious mix ideals. I know there's a lot of folks on this page with the tech/audio/music chops to parse Nichols's talents way better than I could.

Date: Sat, May 24, 2014, 08:36:33 ET
Posted by: Michael, @Flatbush Chuck

That was a excellent, well informed read. Thanks.

Date: Fri, May 23, 2014, 18:09:02 ET
Posted by: Schlock, Meister

Apparently ripped from the 7" vinyl 45, no less...so delicious a train wreck, it's delightful:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zztH-vcSRI

Date: Fri, May 23, 2014, 17:53:34 ET
Posted by: Steve M, First person singular obtaining colloquial orgasm within a Caledonian sandwich.

Likewise, fine post Chuck. What do you reckon Gary Katz brought to the table?

Date: Fri, May 23, 2014, 15:38:34 ET
Posted by: KD, asdf

Fantastic post, Chuck. Cheers.

Date: Fri, May 23, 2014, 15:34:41 ET
Posted by: Flatbush Chuck, That NYC

Casual: Thanks.

I feel funny having made no reference to Walter's albums (both of which I consider gems). I know they've been discussed plenty on this page.

Folks here sometimes speculate about Who Brought What to Steely Dan?-- what talents, edges, & tastes did Don & Walt, respectively, tossed into the brew. Of course it's a dicey question, and no doubt there's way more sheer overlap than some analysts whose tastes run toward the cut-and-dried would prefer to think. ("We tend to see things in the same way" I recall B&F saying in an interview.)

But all caveats duly noted, here's a hypothesis for consideration/destruction:

DF: Structure Guy
WB: Texture Guy

Music:

In several interviews Fagen has said that musically he would typically come up with the basic structural outline for an SD song. Becker has never disputed this, and has copped to lacking Fagen's "harmonic ability" and "compositional ability."

Do the solo albums reinforce this notion? To these ears, Fagen's material sounds more conventionally "composed"; inventive as it is, one recognizes a harmonic idiom that is more "sophisticated" than simply iconoclastic. Fagen once admitted that paradoxically Becker, perhaps because he is a guitar-based composer, will on occasion come up with chords and sequences that are more outr� than anything he (Fagen) would try. Left to their own devices, Fagen seems to draw on a broader and deeper pool of established method and theory; whereas Becker, with less formal compositional fledging, comes across as more of a free-form explorer. (I mean compositionally; he is a method-fledged pro viz. arrangement and musicianship.)

If Fagen's solo stuff often lacks or forgoes a dash of SD spike and quirk, Becker's solo stuff (especially 11 Tracks) is disproportionately spike and quirk. He never attempts the sustained melodic-harmonic structures of songs like "Maxine," "Raindrops," "Dunes" or "Pagoda"; at times Becker's songs feel like lyrics-with-arrangements, not unlike beat poetry. Walter knows his way around hooks, to be sure-- although it's typical of his mischief that he subverted probably his best chance for a "hit" ("Junkie Girl") by detonating an f-bomb right in the hook.

My best guess would be that, compositionally, in SD Becker was typically something like a very active and contributing editor for Fagen (who's said something like, "I have trouble finishing a song; he has trouble starting one").

Lyrics

Fagen recently said: "Walter's a killer lyricist," adding, "I'm no slouch either." Fagen seems to be the one with more formal literary impulses (hence three out of four albums being concept albums). Becker has said that he's more intrigued by color, texture, patois, slang, inspired obscurantism-- bits of situation and impression that may or may not have any logical relation (or at least necessity) to the larger story.

I think many of us here sense the extent to which Walter's the silver tongue behind a lot of what grabs the listener in SD verbiage and scene-painting. Donald can certainly do it by himself ("The Goodbye Look" comes to mind) but on the whole is too instinctively well-behaved in the make-literal-sense department to have invented the SD lyric style alone. I'm guessing they had some of their best times with Fagen trying to make sense out of a narrative while Becker was tossing in inspired non-sequiturs that were just too good to resist.


All right. Trash me. ;)

Date: Thurs, May 22, 2014, 08:10:29 ET
Posted by: harmolodic, guatemala city

Donald's solo albums--


As a teenager in the 70s, I was severely addicted to Steely Dan. So like many of us I really looked forward to The Nightfly and bought it as soon as it came out. Loved it then and still love it.

But I hadn't heard any of Donald's other solo albums until less than two years ago, when my Steely Dan interest peaked again with the release of Sunken Condos (which I learned about here!). I love that album too, but could live without Out of the Ghetto...lots of good tunes on there otherwise.

Then I bought Morph and it took a few listens to get into it, but it might be my (current) favorite solo Fagen. And I like H Gang very much :)

Most recently I got Kama and am still not that into it--but that could change with more listens. It sounds oddly more dated than Nightfly and the grooves seem to lack variety. But again, that could change...

Date: Thurs, May 22, 2014, 07:41:14 ET
Posted by: Michael, @Phil

I was only looking to see if the album was still available for the sake of informing interested parties here on the Blue. Hopefully someone will take you up on the offer because it's definitely an album worth owning. Regardless, thank you for the generous offer, it's much appreciated.

Re: Donald's solo catalog discussion. How's this qualify for intellectual appraisal: I like them all. Here's hoping for a dozen more.

Date: Thurs, May 22, 2014, 05:43:39 ET
Posted by: Casual, Observer

Flatbush Chuck : Ah, if only all the posts here were as well written as your quick appraisal of Fagen's solo catalogue. Hardcore fans expressing themselves with intellectual rigour and emotional intelligence.
Fool Me Once : And you sir, represent the opposite of that.

Date: Thurs, May 22, 2014, 02:43:24 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Nightfly - one of the best 10 albums of the 20th Century (all genres)

Condos - Don has his mojo back

Morph - very underrated; Mona is possibly best song he's written and Pagoda not far behind

Kama - like some old cartoon; magnficent horn charts

Date: Wed, May 21, 2014, 21:23:29 ET
Posted by: CJB, YVR

Oh no! An anonymous, spelling-and-grammar-challenged post on an Internet message board says I should reconsider a decision I made. GETTING RIGHT ON THAT.

Date: Wed, May 21, 2014, 18:11:13 ET
Posted by: Fool me once, shame on you

Sum of u con artists should be ashamed if you're going to any shows this tour.

Date: Wed, May 21, 2014, 11:09:57 ET
Posted by: DYLYNFAN, Harrisburg, Pa

Let me preface this with they are all epic. Morph
10 Extras
Nightfly
Sunken Condos
Kama

Date: Wed, May 21, 2014, 09:11:59 ET
Posted by: Steve Gennarelli, Tampa, FL

I can remember when "Kamakiriad" came out in the 90's and how exciting it was to hear NEW "Steely Dan" style music.
At that time I thought it was the perfect album. Every tune on the album was so enjoyable.
"Morph the Cat" captures some of that brilliance but it also has some of the darker tone/texture post 9/11 that "Everything Must Go" had.
To me, "Sunken Condos" is a more playful album with whimsical tunes like "Memorabilia" and the superb "I'm Not the Same without You". Fagen seemed to have found his sweet spot again with this album.

Date: Tues, May 20, 2014, 14:07:07 ET
Posted by: KD, asdf

Morph is inconsistent, but its highest highs have me putting it over Nightfly. I know, I'm weird.

KAMA
MORPH
NIGHTFLY
CONDOS

Date: Tues, May 20, 2014, 12:48:39 ET
Posted by: Flatbush Chuck, That NYC

My 2 cents re DF solo albums:

All have the it-goes-without-saying hallmarks: dense and subtle arrangements (impeccably played) and a harmonic sophistication rare for "popular songs." But as to further content, here they are chronolgically with my [rankings]:


NIGHTFLY [1] The album I refused to buy for weeks because it signalled the apparent passing of Steely Dan is now, 32 (!) years later, my gun-to-my-head-name-a-perfect-album choice: the most durable concept album I know, and maybe in its understated ways the most evocative as well. "I put everything I know into that one" Fagen has said. Amen.

KAMA [4] Underneath the sci-fi-odyssey veneer, this mid-life-crisis essay basically extols tight-groove jamming as autotherapy. The exception to almost everything here, the marvelous "On the Dunes" with its Nightfly melodicism and openness, dates from '84 I read. A just-fine album by industry standards; a water-treader for DF.

MORPH [2] The intimations-of-mortality album combines a welcome return to melody with the most textural/timbral sonic variety of any Fagen solo. More uneven than NF (and yep, "H-Gang" should have been ditched, maybe in favor of that Al Green cover "Rhymes"); but on the whole a worthy (and suitably spooky) bookend to the, ahem, trilogy.

CONDO [3] Again, his melodic gifts just get too eclipsed here; but I like the post-"morte" resillience, the topic-miscellany and the demonstration that quality rock-era songwriting can be age-neutral-- a 65 year old man doesn't have to pretend to be a perpetual youth to remain a live wire.

Date: Tues, May 20, 2014, 10:59:38 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh

Morph The Cat frustrates me because the title track, Mona, and Funn are classics but the rest ... isn't. Brite Nitegown, What I Do and Mary Shut the Garden Door are solid songs that could have used an editor, Security Joan is fun but trifling, and H Gang honestly should have been left off the album. I think Sunken Condos is superior overall. I'd rank:

Nightfly
Sunken Condos
Kama
MTC

Date: Tues, May 20, 2014, 10:27:10 ET
Posted by: Jake, Nebraska

I agree with Howie. Every song is genius. The Night Belongs to Mona. The Great Pagoda of Funn. Morph The Cat has given me more goosebumps moments than probably any other Steely Dan / Fagen material.

Date: Tues, May 20, 2014, 08:12:00 ET
Posted by: horny, New York

CUmaVg http://www.QS3PE5ZGdxC9IoVKTAPT2DBYpPkMKqfz.com

Date: Mon, May 19, 2014, 15:34:39 ET
Posted by: Howie, San Francisco

Morph the Cat is Donald's best album. It's a masterpiece.

Date: Mon, May 19, 2014, 13:23:38 ET
Posted by: Phil, Pau

Message for Michael looking for an Eric Tagg album, I've just read your post. I may help you if you wish, just drop me a line.
Philippe

Date: Mon, May 19, 2014, 13:00:14 ET
Posted by: KD, asdf

I know just about all of you will disagree, but I still rank 'Kamakiriad' as my favorite Fagen album.

Date: Mon, May 19, 2014, 12:02:45 ET
Posted by: HeyMike, Hoops - Lighten the Hell Up

May Nineteen - Happy National Steely Dan Day

Date: Sun, May 18, 2014, 22:05:45 ET
Posted by: Hutch,

Jim Taylor - Here's Countermoon and Teahouse from '93. Don't know if it's the Nashville show or not. But yes, the trade offs between Zingg, Becker and Fagen.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9LlvghY_vvQ

What a freakin' band! The vibes really add that different element to their sound and the solo here is off the charts.

Date: Sun, May 18, 2014, 15:16:02 ET
Posted by: Jim Taylor, Hello, Baton Rouge

There is actually a video of it out there somewhere, God help me!

Date: Sun, May 18, 2014, 15:14:23 ET
Posted by: Jim Taylor, Hello, Baton Rouge

I saw the '93 tour in Nashville at Starwood. As I remember it, Teahouse On The Tracks was their last number before MOS as the encore. The outro featured Donald on Keytar and Drew Zingg trading licks.

Date: Sat, May 17, 2014, 19:54:13 ET
Posted by: bikemann, nj

Nightfly93, Guess you are talking about On The Dunes. They did play it only one time at Roseland NYC 95 I think. If you have never heard it, it was not the best job as a live cut. You could tell it was not well rehearsed. Been waiting a long time for a great live version myself. One of his best by a long shot.

Date: Sat, May 17, 2014, 19:50:32 ET
Posted by: Nap, C

The outro to Teahouse in '06 was all about Cindy Mizelle.

Date: Sat, May 17, 2014, 17:51:07 ET
Posted by: SDV, up on the hill

Donald did Teahouse on his solo tour in 06, and Steely Dan played it live back in the early 90s, but they've kind of shied away from their respective solo material as of late.

but I'm anxious to see what surprises they might have up their sleeves this go-round.

Date: Sat, May 17, 2014, 17:22:54 ET
Posted by: TheNightfly93, South Jersey Grid of Desire

Hello one and all,

So I was listening to Kamakiriad just now, straight through. When I got to the end, I was kind of hypnotized by the groove for a minute, and it was great. For one, I love how Donald incorporated the "live" solos from the trombone, which made the recording sound like a small live jazz/rhythm and blues ensemble. To add to that, I'd like to point out the trombone player, as he is of course featured primarily on this track. Well, I was thinking this would be a great track for them to dig up and play live. Handing the ending or the outro, to none other than Jim Pugh (trombone) or maybe transitioning into different solos with the horns section would work. It's a great track and it would chill the audience for sure in my opinion. As Donald would say, "you know", I'm just curious as to what others think about incorporating this song into the tour SOMEWHERE!Any Thoughts?

Thanks,

The 20 year-old Nightfly

Date: Sat, May 17, 2014, 16:15:14 ET
Posted by: kzkzkz, nycnycnyc

http://theiridium.com/iridiumlive/

Reminder : tonight @ 8:30 & 10:30est

Oz Noy w/ Keith Carlock & Oteil Burbridge (Allmans' bassist)

Enjoy!

Date: Sat, May 17, 2014, 06:48:17 ET
Posted by: bennyman, somewhere the Midwest

I reckon since they're playing some different venues such as Appleton and the Illinois state fair for example, that the set list may feature heavily on 'hits' rather than the album nights with more obscure numbers. As much as I'd like hear The Bear or 2nd Arrangement, I'm fine this time as I'm bringing along some young'uns unfamiliar with the band.

Date: Fri, May 16, 2014, 22:39:54 ET
Posted by: SDV, up on the hill

recent tweets from Aaron Freeman (aka Gene Ween), resident of Woodstock:

"I'm at my kids soccer game with the dude from Steely Dan...pretty funny"

"Just scored 2 goals on Fagen...he's pissed"

"Dude from Steely is blowin it in the second half"

:D

Date: Fri, May 16, 2014, 08:52:29 ET
Posted by: bennyman, somewhere the Midwest

I reckon since they're playing some different venues such as Appleton and the Illinois state fair for example, that the set list may feature heavily on 'hits' rather than the album nights with more obscure numbers. As much as I'd like hear The Bear or 2nd Arrangement, I'm fine this time as I'm bringing along some young'uns unfamiliar with the band.

Date: Thurs, May 15, 2014, 23:06:21 ET
Posted by: Jim Taylor, Hello, Baton Rouge

And SDV, we would be remiss if we did not remind everyone that the DF interview you referred to was conducted by the Blue's own Security Joan!

Date: Thurs, May 15, 2014, 22:55:18 ET
Posted by: Jim Taylor, Hello, Baton Rouge

SDV, I felt like I came close to CDTE in Louisville in 2013. They played everything except Boston Rag and POTQ. Sure would like to hear those numbers. And it would be sweet to hear them Play POTQ in New Orleans.

Date: Thurs, May 15, 2014, 22:05:17 ET
Posted by: SDV, album of choice

I'd like to hear them do Countdown at any point on the tour, now that we know they can and since Donald alluded to doing it last time around. or any of the albums they haven't done yet.

I don't know if we're going to see Album Nights this tour or not. and I'm ok with that.

I do hope we get some new surprises though!

Date: Thurs, May 15, 2014, 20:14:48 ET
Posted by: Jim Taylor, Hello, Baton Rouge

Thanks, Chris. I just could not remember how the album nights were announced. I have tickets for New Orleans (4th row from today's pre-sale)and Nashville.

So a fun game might be, what album would you like to hear for the nights you have tickets? I'll go first.

For the second Nashville show, I would have to say Aja, because that is where I was living when Aja came out, and where I first heard the record. Also, when I last saw SD in Nashville, they opened with Black Cow and then Aja, which gave me hope for the entire record! It was just such a joy of an opener.

For New Orleans, which is a week earlier, Gaucho. New Orleans is an exotic city and Gaucho is an exotic album.

I'd be interested to hear from different cities what you would like to hear for album night.

Date: Thurs, May 15, 2014, 11:15:28 ET
Posted by: kzkzkz, NYC

The Iridium Jazz Club will be having a live video stream of this Saturday's (May 17) Oz Noy concert featuring Keith Carlock & Oteil Burbridge. 2 shows; 8:30 & 10:30 est.

http://theiridium.com/iridiumlive/

Date: Thurs, May 15, 2014, 09:04:34 ET
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Date: Thurs, May 15, 2014, 08:39:46 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh

Jim, IIRC they've been announced a few weeks after the tour dates, however, it's usually not this long after.

Someone posted a rumor regarding an Xmas/NYE run at the Beacon this year -- perhaps they're saving album nights for those shows.

Date: Wed, May 14, 2014, 19:38:17 ET
Posted by: Jim Taylor, Hello, Baton Rouge

Unless I missed it, I still haven't heard any theories about the lack of album nights. I was wondering about this a couple of weeks ago and heard no facts (or even theories) about the status of album nights. Is this just something they will announce later? If I remember correctly, the album nights were announced as the dates were announced last year. I may just be out of the loop.

Date: Wed, May 14, 2014, 19:08:52 ET
Posted by: Hank, Tarrytown

How can you compare Steely Dan to Jimmy Buffet? I can't stand Jimmy Buffet. His music never appealed to me.

Date: Wed, May 14, 2014, 15:00:17 ET
Posted by: true, story

A few weeks back I posted that my boss told that Steely Dan was from Florida, that he had seen them at a bar in Tampa in the 70s, and that "they were a little like Jimmy Buffet back then."

After an intense debate among friends regarding which band my boss had actually seen, we determined, through the principal of Occam's Razor, that it was actually Jimmy Buffet.

Date: Wed, May 14, 2014, 01:43:38 ET
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Date: Tues, May 13, 2014, 07:42:47 ET
Posted by: Michael,

FWIW, here's the finished Jackal Flynn.

http://www.motifator.com/index.php?ACT=39&fid=130&aid=14458_VJ8UZ9I4rLcimX6yRF6L&board_id=1

Aja for Synthesia.

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

Date: Tues, May 13, 2014, 07:08:41 ET
Posted by: Michael,

KD, that goes without saying. Music isn't a competition; however, I do discriminate against bad music. ;)

Action Jackson, I just heard You Can't Get What You Want by Joe Jackson on YT. It's a nice pop tune with a great horn chart. I agree with one of the comments that compared it to Sonic CD (import), a video game for the Sega CD (Mega CD in Japan, FYI). Actually, that JJ tune kind of reminds me of Luis Miguel. Check it out.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=StAlYmx0nNw

Date: Mon, May 12, 2014, 21:51:14 ET
Posted by: f, u

Ride the train through the misty nighttime.

Undersea by rail.

It's raining boxcars

She's on a train
To somewhere up by Fordham Road

Take the T-line
To Bleak and Divine

The Double A down to Sheridan Square

I waited for my baby
But she never made the train

Date: Mon, May 12, 2014, 20:48:47 ET
Posted by: kzkzkz, Whoa, Canada

RIP Nash The Slash
One of my musical heroes has left us.

Date: Mon, May 12, 2014, 18:51:30 ET
Posted by: Action Jackson,

@Michael the Musician

You need to get into Joe Jackson ASAP. You do produce some pretty good stuff as a performer. But I find it somewhat baffling that you have never heard much of Joe Jackson, much less haven't got into it. I'd advise you to to open that You Tube link Jim Taylor of Baton Rouge put out about 10 posts back. Don't delay. Do it today!

Most of his best, most popular stuff is right there. Listen to You Can't Get What You Want, which I can't believe you haven't heard of. Crank it up to about 9. It will make you feel great and motivated.

As a stage performer Joe Jackson is like a one man band. He usually brings one or two guys with him. By mastering multiple instruments they can pump out a lot of different kinds of music. Kind of like Neil Young, who plays harmonica and guitar at the same time. But Joe Jackson's voice is much more listenable and versatile. He has done music of most any genre, kind of like Paul Simon. He has done reggae, punk, jazz, African stuff, you name it.

Someone said earlier about Joe Jackson being one of the greatest artists of the century. Well, I don't know about that. But even if if you are in the anti-Joe Jackson camp and even if it is an out and out hatred, you can't deny the guy's vocal range and style and his profound musical repertoire.

Date: Mon, May 12, 2014, 15:23:22 ET
Posted by: Technicolor Motorhome, SE USA

That "Naked Lunch" band is not as good as "12 Against Nature" but that version of Green Earrings wasn't horrible. 12 Against has better horn players and better vocals.

Date: Mon, May 12, 2014, 12:49:17 ET
Posted by: KD, asdf

It's never about being "as good as." It's only about, "hey, isn't it cool to hear talented people covering a very good song I'm familiar with and like a lot?"

Much in the same way it was cool to hear Don's sped-up version of "Western World" in 2006, or any of Walter's live re-takes on SD songs like "Monkey" or "Jack of Speed." Although I guess the latter was a prequel of sorts.

Date: Mon, May 12, 2014, 11:46:17 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Hoops, it's all subjective. Truth be told, I'm not all that familiar with Joe Jackson's work outside of Stepping Out and maybe a couple of others.

Date: Mon, May 12, 2014, 10:47:40 ET
Posted by: hoops, chicago, on the quick

Michael: I don't think it's a cover as good as the original. Rather I think it's different, alternate version that's just as creatively worthwhile.

Date: Mon, May 12, 2014, 07:06:27 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Thanks Jim. I need to make the snare less prominent and refine the arrangement a bit more.

I have never heard a cover of a Steely Dan tune that sounded just as good if not better than the original. That's a tall task for any man left on the Rio Grande.

Date: Mon, May 12, 2014, 06:44:05 ET
Posted by: Vern, Del.

Thanks Kzkzkzz. Let's quote some train traveling lyrics.

When you put me on the Wolverine up to Annandale.

Date: Sun, May 11, 2014, 23:47:16 ET
Posted by: Jim Taylor, Hello, Baton Rouge

How does that work from Brooklyn/Flushing Meadows? Got friends and relatives up that way. Imma just sayin'.

Date: Sun, May 11, 2014, 23:36:51 ET
Posted by: Jim Taylor, Hello, Baton Rouge

Very nice, Michael!

Date: Sun, May 11, 2014, 23:16:35 ET
Posted by: kzkzkz, 42nd @ mad

Take Metro North from Grand Central to Port Chester. 50 minutes and $9- e/w. Walk 2 blocks to Capitol.

Date: Sun, May 11, 2014, 22:48:40 ET
Posted by: hoops, chicago

All I posted was that about the only cover or alternate take of a Steely Dan song that I think is arguably as good (if not better) than the original Steely Dan song is Joe Jackson's version of "King of the World". I didn't say anything about any of his other three or four SD covers and his cover of Junkie Girl, all of which he's done as one offs or at most countable on one hand. As a runner up in the worthy cover list is Rickie Lee Jones' "Show Biz Kids" (featuring, non-essentially, Joe Jackson). I think it's thrilling when someone who's quite talented goes out of their way to tribute Steely Dan. I wouldn't put Joe in the top ten or twenty artists of the 20th Century. But what counts is that Joe himself has written such that clearly HE THINKS DOZENS are better than him--especially Elvis Costello and Steely Dan. I'm not debating Elvis Costello but he responded to an interview where he was said to rank with Costello. He said he's flattered but he didn't think so. Walter has said he really likes Joe Jackson--no word from Donald. But back to the best spirit of our discussion: he's not a poser and definitely a lover of our favorite kind of music--so why do people have to be anons at their worst--tearing up someone who applauds and homages what we like? Back to JJ's "King of the World," as someone astutely pointed out, Joe does it on an acoustic piano and has a John Cage thing going on. It really comes off well. Not every Steely Dan fan will or should like it, but you know, it's respectable and better than a cover band. A couple of other people also offered some intelligent dialogue in response. But to the rest of you, if someone doesn't release something officially, then they don't deserve to criticized as if they had done an official release. That group of people posted like jackasses who can't read or respond to what's said--some of you give Steely Dan fans a bad name.

I wait all night for calls like these.

Jim

Date: Sun, May 11, 2014, 16:34:32 ET
Posted by: Jim Taylor, Hello, Baton Rouge

There are no Beacon dates. Go to "Blues Beach" for mass transit details.

Date: Sun, May 11, 2014, 07:31:36 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Here's my latest work.

Jackal Flynn (working title)

http://www.motifator.com/index.php?ACT=39&fid=130&aid=14455_06OGaun7aCIKoSj2gauJ&board_id=1

Date: Sun, May 11, 2014, 06:42:12 ET
Posted by: Vern, Delaware

If there's no Beacon shows, anyone know what's involved in getting to the Capitol in Port Chester from the city via mass transit? Thanks.

Date: Sat, May 10, 2014, 21:27:55 ET
Posted by: Steve Gennarelli, Tampa, FL

Forgive me if this is old news, but someone this month posted on YouTube a link to a different (not Manassas) version of "Wet Side Story".
The audio has more clarity and it seems slightly different than the other version as far as the lyrics..but I really enjoyed both versions.
Hope this and the 2011 live version of "The Second Arrangement" make it to a future SD album.
Check it out. I don't have a mouse on this, otherwise I would post the link.

Date: Sat, May 10, 2014, 20:04:52 ET
Posted by: In 2 Tull, living in the past

Checked out that You Tube link for Joe Jackson. Quite a body of work the man has and it is all there compiled nicely in one spot. But look at the related artists column on the right. Says Joe Jackson's music is some how related to Tull, while at the same time it is also related to Michael Jackson. I am big into Tull. CTE could just as well have been a Tull record, but I don't see how Joe Jackson is a related artist. Joe and Michael share the same last name, but that is about it.

I don't know where they get this related artist stuff from. Some of it is obvious, but most of it makes no sense. Anybody got any ideas?

Date: Sat, May 10, 2014, 18:19:36 ET
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Date: Sat, May 10, 2014, 16:37:04 ET
Posted by: Jim Taylor, Hello, Baton Rouge

But then:
http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=Joe+Jackson+You+Tube&FORM=VIRE5#view=detail&mid=7BD786AF7BF8969EBE1D7BD786AF7BF8969EBE1D.

Date: Sat, May 10, 2014, 16:03:13 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Here's another cover from back in the 70s by some obscure band:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=olWB0VvRj6I


Joe Jackson's KotW cover is fantastic. I like his Reelin' interpretation, particularly the shredding with his Keytar thingy.

Body and Soul is a great album, and the live recording strategy is sharp.

Date: Sat, May 10, 2014, 15:38:30 ET
Posted by: Jim Taylor, Hello, Baton Rouge

Like this: http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=Joe+Jackson+You+Tube&FORM=VIRE5#view=detail&mid=88D21BDBDE84E3B0EEF288D21BDBDE84E3B0EEF2.

Date: Sat, May 10, 2014, 15:34:40 ET
Posted by: Jim Taylor, Hello, Baton Rouge

Actually, I prefer to listen to Joe Jackson singing Joe Jackson Songs.

Date: Sat, May 10, 2014, 14:47:50 ET
Posted by: Ports, Minneapolis

Cover of "Only a Fool Would Say That" by Ivy...sounds like a good option
for the Choir.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DS-9BXdeSaE

Date: Sat, May 10, 2014, 14:21:30 ET
Posted by: Lutz, SF

"I would like to see Joe Jackson do a whole album of Steely Dan songs"
I would like to see Steely Dan do a whole album of Steely Dan songs. New ones. Otherwise I prefer the originals.
Covers work fine live sometimes, but enough already with all the "new" versions being recorded.
Listening at home they usually don't cut it for me.

Date: Sat, May 10, 2014, 14:02:08 ET
Posted by: Chet, N

Lay down your Jackson and pick up some Steely Dan.

Date: Sat, May 10, 2014, 11:24:52 ET
Posted by: Bluebook Police,

KD - It's either a SD cover or it's not. Please don't confuse the newbies

Date: Sat, May 10, 2014, 09:00:52 ET
Posted by: KD, asdf

Joe Jackson's best Steely Dan cover is probably "You Can't Get What You Want." At the very least it's his best Donald Fagen cover. Fantastic, Dan-ish song.

I don't want to quibble or get into list-making or anything like that. Can we just appreciate how great the guy is? Outside of Steely Dan, he's the only artist I've seen twice in one tour -- Chicago was lucky to be graced with his presence twice in 2003.

Date: Sat, May 10, 2014, 02:51:00 ET
Posted by: Haha, Yeah

Joe Jackson has firmly cemented his legacy as probably one of the top ten musical artists of the 20th century.


Oh boy.

Date: Sat, May 10, 2014, 02:49:32 ET
Posted by: Jim Taylor, Hello, Baton Rouge

LOL, not "day of the show," but "day of the Pre-sale." now THAT would be a mad scramble!

Date: Sat, May 10, 2014, 02:47:03 ET
Posted by: Jim Taylor, Hello, Baton Rouge

The New Orleans UNO Lakefront Arena pre-sale will commence at 10:00 A.M. on May 15. The word on the street is that the Password is "DanSteely", not case sensitive. The link will probably be in an e-mail from "Lakefront Lagniappe," which I posted about previously. I was told by the box office that the link will be e-mailed the day of the show. So I would definitely sign up out of an abundance of caution. During the Nashville pre-sale, if I went directly from the Steely Dan page, I was redirected to a package deal that I was not interested in, and I eventually got a front row seat using the Ryman Auditorium's link. So, I would recommend going with the venue's link. The AmEx pre-sale commences on the 14th. Good luck!

Date: Sat, May 10, 2014, 02:32:18 ET
Posted by: Juno, Joplin

I don't think Joe Jackson ever put his version of Reelin' on an album. I don't blame him. I don't particularly care for his latin mambo arrangement of this song. I much prefer his stripped down straight ahead version of King of the World.

Date: Fri, May 09, 2014, 23:21:34 ET
Posted by: Steve,

On what album does Joe Jackson cover Reelin?

Steely Dan's King if the World is driven by some sort of synth/keyboard/organ. JJ's featuresvwhatbsoubds like a baby grand. He plays it like John Cage.

Date: Fri, May 09, 2014, 22:41:39 ET
Posted by: let's get a few things straight here,

First off, although he has slacked off somewhat in the new millenium, Joe Jackson has firmly cemented his legacy as probably one of the top ten musical artists of the 20th century.

Having said that, Joe Jackson's interpretation, not "reinterpretation" of King of the World is indeed stellar. And the reason it is so good is that King of the World fits Joe Jackson's general style which is piano oriented and generally jazzy which serves an artist well when taking a crack at covering King of the World.

Now having said that, Joe Jackson's attempt at covering Reelin In The Years, which is primarily a screaming guitar oriented song, with piano in its verses is pretty shitty. The Joe Jackson interpretation attempts to warp the fairly hard driving Reelin into some sort of bossa nova lounge arrangement which is horrible to say the least and does not do Reelin justice. If it were an instrumental interpretation it would be unrecognizable as Reelin. Only Joe's vocals provide a clue to what song it is supposed to be.

Joe is great man and artist, but he fucked this one up. And even the great ones have a few of those in them. Just like his namesake Shoeless Joe Jackson, who was banned from baseball for life for his involvement in the 1919 Black Sox scandal. And what Joe did on his rendition of Reelin was in fact scandalous.

Date: Fri, May 09, 2014, 19:19:35 ET
Posted by: B. Lamplear,

Wow - Speaking about Joe Jackson, I think I'm likin' his version of "Reelin'":

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j78noy06D2w

Date: Fri, May 09, 2014, 17:22:31 ET
Posted by: Howie, San Francisco

I agree. I would like to see Joe Jackson do a whole album of Steely Dan songs.

Date: Fri, May 09, 2014, 16:02:49 ET
Posted by: hoops, on the quick, in chicago

Joe Jackson's reinterpretation of "King of the World" is the best. For whatever my opinion is worth, it's the only time the remake stands along the original.

Jim

Date: Thurs, May 08, 2014, 23:37:46 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine Beach

Wow Greg, I don't know WTF is going on there, and I doubt the "musicians" do either. Punk Rock Steely Dan--a horrible combo. I'm still laughing between my puke sessions. I'm not sure my ears will ever recover.

I kind of liked the Naked Lunch cover though. Not a note-for-note cover and the lead singer didn't totally suck.

Date: Thurs, May 08, 2014, 22:40:58 ET
Posted by: CJB, Posting drunk again

*Fagen, *Rickie

***hic***

Date: Thurs, May 08, 2014, 22:39:04 ET
Posted by: CJB, YVR

That Naked Lunch guy, every other Fagan wannabe on the planet, is simply trying too hard.

Ricki Lee Jones has the only aesthetically credible SD covers I know.

Date: Thurs, May 08, 2014, 22:25:24 ET
Posted by: Greg M, ny

And here is a weird, CRUNCHY version of Black Friday by a band called OIL. WTF is going on here?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMsji9fAW_w&feature=youtu.be

Date: Thurs, May 08, 2014, 22:16:50 ET
Posted by: Jake, Nebraska

I must say, that Green Earrings cover starts at an awfully slow tempo compared with the original (or even the Alive in America version). Seems like the drummer counts it off in the right tempo but the keyboard player slows it down a bunch.

Date: Thurs, May 08, 2014, 20:17:27 ET
Posted by: Hutch,

Nice rendition of Green Earrings. To my ear these folks don't sound sterile at all. They're putting something into it. And the singer probably comes closer to DF's sound as any I've heard.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUqLPtgR1qo

Date: Thurs, May 08, 2014, 16:14:17 ET
Posted by: Abu, SoCal

The Dean and Bookkeeper's Son -

I believe we all agree almost 100 percent. Kudos to Jon Herington for his original (and great) solos. To me, even the drummer here in LLB is somewhat mechanical as well. Listen, to his drumming in their cover of China Grove, for instance. Something lacking from the kick-ass drums and groove of the original Doobies tune. The organ in Listen to the Music is a nice touch, though. The horn arrangements seem to be slightly more "original" in a few places in the Dan covers, however. Overall, as stated, some of the better covers I have heard, with some nicely-directed video work, too.

Abu

Date: Thurs, May 08, 2014, 07:18:06 ET
Posted by: Phil, ici

Donald interview in the last issue of MOJO magazine. Nothing really new, they mention a "Steely Dan North America summer trek" so I guess we, in Europe can forget about a tour in the old continent.

About Eminent Hipsters he says:

"When I made various remarks about the audiences, I was suffering from a state of paranoid desilusion. Paranoids are realists, but because of my disorder, after a few weeks on tour I started exagerating things, and then in the book I exaggerated some more to get a laugh".
They used an old photo and the text is not very long but sorry, I don't have the time to reproduce it all.

Have a nice day

Philippe

Date: Wed, May 07, 2014, 18:27:20 ET
Posted by: The Dean, Manatee Bar. It's Happy Hour!

Bookkeeper's Son,

Complete agreement on all points.

Date: Wed, May 07, 2014, 15:50:32 ET
Posted by: Bookkeeper's Son, Florida

Dean:

I guess the point of LLB is to replicate note for note. To show it can be done. It is a bit strange. I did notice in the KC solo he was hitting the notes but some of time he missed the nuance or feel of the original.

That is why I am blown away by Jon Herington. He pays homage to the original, but adds fresh and tasty sections when he solos. Such a pleasure to see him dig into those SD solos live.

Date: Wed, May 07, 2014, 14:50:56 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine Beach

Correction:

Obviously "He is playing someone" should have read "He is playing something"

Sorry.

Date: Wed, May 07, 2014, 12:30:24 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine Beach

Bookkeeper's Son and Abu,

I have to agree the band is smoking and the vocals are far from terrible. Like you guys, I typically find the vocals to be the weakest link in most Dan covers. I actually kind of like this guy's voice, but as BS notes, his style is a bit jarring at the start of the tunes. With Don it's about attitude and phrasing. IMO most of these imposters over-sing--if you get my drift.

And, as far as note-for-note covers go, LLB has to be among the best I've heard. But does anyone else find note-for-note covers just a bit creepy? LLB's guitarist nails the solos-but at times they almost sound/feel mechanical. That's nothing against his playing--but just something I feel when I hear note-for-note recreations. He is playing someone what someone else felt (be it the original guitarist and/or Walt and Don in editing) and creating instead of playing something that comes from him. That is why I like what SD does with their musicians: keep the feel of the original (and maybe an iconic intro to the solo) but make it your own.

Date: Wed, May 07, 2014, 10:09:28 ET
Posted by: ccw, dc

What is the presale code for the Capitol Theatre presale going on right now? I feel stupid, but I can't figure out how to access. Thanks. I don't see it mentioned on their website, or this forum.

Date: Wed, May 07, 2014, 09:14:22 ET
Posted by: Bookkeeper's Son, Florida

Abu:

I agree entirely with the originality of Donald Fagen's singing voice. Maybe I should restate what I was trying to say. The instrumentation is cooking with such accuracy that I really expected the vocal to be Donald. The fact it was not caused my reaction of surprise, for lack of a better term. The singers vocals are not bad, just not spot on to SD as the rest of the performance.

Date: Wed, May 07, 2014, 09:10:08 ET
Posted by: Dude, up on the hill

Secret codes from Aja?

Date: Wed, May 07, 2014, 05:31:44 ET
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Date: Tues, May 06, 2014, 18:37:21 ET
Posted by: Lutz, SF

In 08 they played Florida first, NY, Canada, Midwest, West and came back after a short break with more Midwest, TX, Ca.
Saw them at Saratoga twice within a month.
Keep your fingers crossed...
I am a little surprised by the extend of this tour and I'll take it.

Date: Tues, May 06, 2014, 17:03:19 ET
Posted by: best covers,

I think the most impressive covers from cover bands I've seen are by Tributosaurus. I recall I.G.Y. (done properly with 4 synth players), Mary Shut the Garden Door, The Goodbye Look, etc.

Date: Tues, May 06, 2014, 17:01:21 ET
Posted by: KD, asdf

ss,

The Heat's season could end as quickly as early next week (though that's doubtful) and as late as the second week of June, so it can't be that.

I'm not exactly that state's biggest fan, I hate having to work there in the spring/summer, but I am surprised they passed on Florida this time around.

Date: Tues, May 06, 2014, 15:27:34 ET
Posted by: Tracy H, Valhalla, NY

Does anyone know how to get access to the pre-sale tomorrow for the Capitol Theatre shows? Password, etc. Thx

Date: Tues, May 06, 2014, 14:56:19 ET
Posted by: casual fan, orlando

In addition to Clearwater, I've seen them at the St. Pete Times Forum, the Amphitheater in Tampa, the Hard Rock in Orlando (2 X), and the Bob Carr in Orlando. It was always my impression they sold them out, or very close to it.

The show last year at Hard Rock was sold out I believe.

I also saw Dukes show in St. Augustine a couple of years ago -- I missed the Dan there last year, but thought I read they had sold out there, too.

The only thing I can figure is that, with the combination of such a tight schedule at these other venues, plus the fact that it must cost a bit to venture down the peninsula, the decision was made that its just not practical.

I guess I can hope that they are going to add some dates on and maybe get down here when its cooler. But with the schedule they have and the dates in La. and Ala. then swinging back up north it would seem that it would only make sense if it was part of a MAJOR extension of the tour.

I just don;t see any reason to think that's the plan.

Date: Tues, May 06, 2014, 14:15:55 ET
Posted by: Bookkeeper's Son, Florida

Checked out the SD covers by Lexington Lab Band. The instrumentation is really nice. The vocalist is not very close to Donald Fagen. In fact the first line or two of each song sounds odd. Then after it gets rolling the vocals blended better. Or I became used to them.

As for no Florida dates so far this tour (fingers crossed), we know Clearwater always sold out. Wonder if the other cities in the state they frequented (West Palm) did not do as well. Anyone out there go to the Florida shows other than Clearwater who can comment on the turnout?

Date: Tues, May 06, 2014, 11:55:47 ET
Posted by: ss, Q

I wonder if it's the heat keeping them out of Fla. Or maybe The Heat?

Date: Tues, May 06, 2014, 09:23:57 ET
Posted by: Bookkeeper's Son, Florida

To the best of my recollection SD always sold out Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater. In fact one year they added a second show.

Date: Tues, May 06, 2014, 09:09:52 ET
Posted by: Abu, The Covers Guy

Some first-rate covers were recently posted on Youtube by a group called Lexington Lab Band. They are a group of musicians from Kentucky who are "tackling some of the most iconic artists of the last 50 years", according to their webpage. This includes Steely Dan. They say they have done five Dan tunes, but as of this writing only four have been posted. Black Friday was just posted about 24 hours ago, as well as Peg, My Old School, and Kid Charlemagne. The guitar work is very good, as well as the rest of the musicians. The lead vocalist is alright, subject to some debate perhaps. First rate video production as well, IMHO. They have also covered (so far) some tunes by the Doobies, Aerosmith, U2, and The Cars, and the list evidently will expand.

I have posted My Old School on my Facebook page Steely Dan Covers. Their web page is lexingtonlabband.com, and as mentioned, their stuff is appearing on Youtube. Check them out!

Abu

Date: Tues, May 06, 2014, 00:05:15 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

SDV, Greg M - Thanks. Best audio versions of both Wet Side Story and Cash Only Island.

Both are really lively and worthy of studio releases. Cash really has that Little Feat groove. I think Krantz works really well with Ambrose - I appreciate the way he turns a song sideways more than ever.

Date: Mon, May 05, 2014, 19:45:18 ET
Posted by: Lee, Down in Tampa

In Clearwater, at Ruth Eckerd Hall, the show was sold out far in advance, and tickets were in such demand that I could not find any through my contacts at the major radio stations, even though I was willing to pay.

Date: Mon, May 05, 2014, 19:28:31 ET
Posted by: Juno, Joplin

How come they aren't playing Florida this year? Was the crowd turnout low on last year's tour?

Date: Mon, May 05, 2014, 10:22:32 ET
Posted by: Bookkeeper's Son, Florida

I want to complain. Complain about anyone complaining about the set list as a reason to not buy tickets for dates on this tour. You have a chance to go to see one of the best bands, live and recorded....ever. I most likely will not, since there are no dates in Florida this go round.

Date: Mon, May 05, 2014, 10:06:50 ET
Posted by: holycats, the midwest intelligentsia

Whoo hoo!
Got tickets to see Steely Dan @ the Illinois State fair.
Can't wait to hear him play 'Year of the Cat'.

Date: Mon, May 05, 2014, 06:26:17 ET
Posted by: Kenny, U

And so they start to fill in the dates up to the Beacon run in late December.

Date: Mon, May 05, 2014, 04:29:00 ET
Posted by: Steelydoc,

Make that Sept 19 & 20

Date: Mon, May 05, 2014, 04:16:13 ET
Posted by: Steelydoc, Near the Tower

two dates added at Capitol Theater in Port Chester NY Sept 20-21

Date: Sun, May 04, 2014, 19:17:35 ET
Posted by: Rumour Boy, New York

X-Mas - New Years Eve Run at the Beacon.

Dec. 22, 23, 24, 27, 28, 30, 31.

Date: Sun, May 04, 2014, 11:01:55 ET
Posted by: Jim Taylor, Hello, Baton Rouge

What Jim said. Exactly what do you want? In 2013 I heard them play King of the World and Razor Boy. That is in addition to Your Gold Teeth and Godwacker. All deep cuts. BTW, I believe they play the latter 2 numbers because it gives them the opportunity to stretch out the band. A Good thing. But I have never been to a show where they didn't play Peg and Josie. I was shocked the first time I saw them not play Deacon Blues. I will be in New Orleans and Nashville. Hopefully, if they add Beacon dates, I'll be there as well. This is a great time to be a Steely Dan fan. rejoice!

Date: Sun, May 04, 2014, 09:47:36 ET
Posted by: Michael, Re: England Dan & John Ford Coley

'Love Is The Answer' is that easy listening AM gold stuff. I don't mind the first half of the song, despite its somewhat corny lyrics. Fitting for going out driving late at night in the 80's, right down to the local supermarket. Thanks guys. *ahem* As far as easy listening, I really like Marzipan by Eric Tagg (with Lee Ritenour on lead guitar, who also produced[?] the album). Unfortunately it was only available on the import album Dreamwalkin' from Japan and is conspicuously not available even for purchase as an mp3. Odd. Anyway, here it is on YouTube.

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

Date: Sun, May 04, 2014, 01:45:46 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago, from a smartphone so it's harder to post

Missouri poster:

I addressed what you talk about a month ago. Go look but the short of it is those complaining about repetition should lead the way by skipping the repetitious complaints about setlists. More to it than that--not sure if you will go back and consider what I said--but the bottom line go complain elsewhere.

Jim

Date: Sun, May 04, 2014, 00:02:50 ET
Posted by: I'm From Missouri on this tour, SF

Hey Dipsh&t -
Just telling the truth.
SUCK IT!!!!

Date: Sat, May 03, 2014, 20:02:25 ET
Posted by: Irving Azoff, LA/NYC

Just this morning, all of us here at Azoff Associates were sitting around asking ourselves, "Why are Missouri ticket sales so soft?"

NOW WE KNOW!

Discerning consumer "I'm From Missouri" (but actually from some CA address, like every other troll on this board) is waiting to see if W&D retool the set list.

Thanks, Missouri, for updating all of us here on your plans. It's tough to be held on tenterhooks like this in advance of your big decision, because so much related to the 2014 Jamalot tour is riding on it, but I guess we'll just have to somehow struggle through.

Date: Sat, May 03, 2014, 16:08:02 ET
Posted by: I'm From Missouri on this tour, SF

Regarding attending this summers' tour -
Definitely will find out setlist from early tour engagements before committing to buying tickets. Don't want re-run of last yrs. set - would be a total waste of $$$. As of now, tons of seats available for Concord CA show in July in all sections of the pavilion.

Date: Sat, May 03, 2014, 14:33:49 ET
Posted by: KD, asdf

"I hearby propose,"

dude, your favorite band has the nastiest lyrics this side of a Lenny Bruce LP. You've no room to talk, old man.

Date: Fri, May 02, 2014, 21:05:33 ET
Posted by: I hereby propose, a new band...

..."Steely Dan & John Ford Coley".

A bad mix? Maybe. But nowhere near as awful as the new Jennifer Lopez single wherein she performs a wretched tune ("produced by Diplo") with vulgar lyrics "celebrating womens' curves" [sic] called "Big Booty". It's all about her 40+ year old worn-out caboose. True story, unfortunately.

Steely Dan & JFC doesn't sound quite as bad with that latest pop offering in mind.

Date: Fri, May 02, 2014, 20:54:51 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, A Town Without A Mayor

KD - Your poignant, touching Indianapolis story is pretty damn close to being my new favorite SD misconception/fact-mangling tale. Just reading "England Dan & John Ford Coley" in a Steely Dan context made me laff harder than I have in many weeks. I've already added it to my always-growing list of such charming idiocy - thanks!

Date: Fri, May 02, 2014, 20:26:08 ET
Posted by: Jim Taylor, Hello, Baton Rouge

I've seen some shows where they didn't bring the supporting act. Pearl 2011 in Lost Wages comes to mind (No Sam Yahel). (He did show up in Nashville.) Deep Blue was announced from the beginning in 2013. Sam Yahel was announced in 2011. The thing that intrigues me is that no album nights have been posted. Anybody got any intel on that?

Date: Fri, May 02, 2014, 14:22:29 ET
Posted by: KD, asdf

"Stuck in the Middle With You" was one of the most popular results after searching for "Steely Dan" on Napster in 1999-00. Thank god for Andy Metzger's site.

I remember being accosted by a homeless man at an Indianapolis bus station who kept talking up "England Dan and John Ford Coley" while wearing my Steely Dan shirt from the 2000 tour. I guess he was illiterate, could only read "Dan," and really liked England Dan and John Ford Coley.

Date: Fri, May 02, 2014, 13:08:24 ET
Posted by: Nope, c

They stopped doing Stuck in the Middle after Donald Fagen died. Just wasn't the same without the original lead singer.

Date: Fri, May 02, 2014, 12:58:24 ET
Posted by: BIG, FAN

I got 2 great seats for $135 ea to see Steely Dan in Toronto.
We are huge lifetime fans of his and can't wait to hear Stuck in the Middle With You played live.

Cheers ;o)

Date: Fri, May 02, 2014, 12:12:18 ET
Posted by: true , story

To be fair, there's compelling evidence for the "gay" theory if you assume This Moody Bastard was written about Donald.

Date: Fri, May 02, 2014, 11:56:03 ET
Posted by: harmolodic, the western slopes

And, Steely Dan is a cool guy; Rikki Don't Lose That Number was written for Rickie Lee Jones; Chevy Chase was Steely Dan's first drummer; they're gay; Don can't read music; Skunk is a white supremacist; and a thousand more i can't remember now.

Date: Fri, May 02, 2014, 10:22:56 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, Storytown

True Story, every true SD fan knows that your boss's story is true! Did you also know that Don & Walt used to be in the band Wet Willie, and in fact that's where they originally met up? I heard that one from a Knowledgeable Expert at the 2011 Toronto show. And the reason your boss linked then with Jimmy Buffet is that the guys from Steely Dan actually wrote most of Mr. Margaritaville's first few albums. I heard that particular true story from a Licensed Musicologist at a rib-fest last summer. That guy sure knew his pop music history.

Once, an old guy working in a local used record store complimented me for my taste in music, because I was looking at a vinyl ("still sealed!") copy of the FM soundtrack. I told him that SD was a favourite of mine and that I had just seen them live at the Beacon in NYC recently. "Not Steely Dan, you didn't", he told me emphatically. "Those guys never played live, they were strictly a studio act. Maybe you saw a cover band, but no way you saw the real Steely Dan! It was never a band, anyways - just two guys and a bunch of session musicians", he added, singlehandedly ruining my memories of three shows in four nights. Like you, to avoid more pointless conversation I conceded that the Steely Dan Expert probably knew a lot more than I did - after all, the guy worked in a used record store.

There's enough fascinating stuff that Brian Sweet missed in his book to fill a second book. The title of that book would be "Book of Liars".

Date: Fri, May 02, 2014, 10:07:50 ET
Posted by: TaTa, Japan

Carlock seemed so "watered down" in that and the other Toto videos on youtube.

Date: Fri, May 02, 2014, 09:16:46 ET
Posted by: true, story

yesterday my boss told me steely dan was from florida and that he saw them in tampa in the 70s at a tiny bar and they were kind of a jimmy buffet type band back then and i just said "oh i didn't know that"

Date: Thurs, May 01, 2014, 13:31:40 ET
Posted by: Stanley, C

Carlock doing the legendary Rosanna shuffle.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LTCHcrg_Eo0


Given that Porcaro said it was lifted from Home at Last and Babylon Sister, he should be pretty good at it.

Date: Thurs, May 01, 2014, 11:06:09 ET
Posted by: Jake, Neb

I definitely hear the difference. It isn't perfectly spot on rhythmically with what is written. I'll make a pretty strong guess that these guys are not reading, it's more likely they listened to each part and learned it from ear (which these guys are typically pretty fantastic at). These guys have a background in improvisation, and he's playing a part that was written for horns on a guitar. Nonetheless, I'm sure they intended to respect the part and respect the music.

Date: Thurs, May 01, 2014, 01:35:14 ET
Posted by: Will, F

This sounds familiar

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=edccEJPpi1w

Date: Wed, April 30, 2014, 19:14:14 ET
Posted by: Brutus Charisma,

Jake -

The guitarist solos are great and he knows the changes, voicings, etc.

HOWEVER, the WRITTEN portions, as in the instrumental intro, were written out for the SD session players and played accurately. Please listen to the syncopated rhythms executed in the intro by this guitarist and then compare it to either the studio/"live" versions of SD and you will hear the difference.

Date: Wed, April 30, 2014, 17:03:04 ET
Posted by: KD, asdf

I used to work with the girlfriends of the Umphrey's drummer and manager (so to speak) years ago, and crash on their band-house couch every so often. Those dweebs were pretty annoying.

Date: Wed, April 30, 2014, 16:18:33 ET
Posted by: Jake, Nebraska

Funny you should say that, Brutus. Umphrey's drummer, Kris Myers has a masters degree in Jazz drumming from DePaul in Chicago, and studied with Ep Soph (who Carlock studied with). Your criticisms weren't targeted at the drummer, but these guys are no slouches musically. I agree the vocals could be delivered better, but instrumentally they are on point (and that's coming from a seasoned musician).

Date: Wed, April 30, 2014, 15:37:12 ET
Posted by: Brutus Charisma,

RE Umphrey's McGee -

Beside the lead singer's unsteady vocal delivery(both melodically and rhythmically), the guitarists and keyboard players are not playing accurately either.

For all "reading" musicians here @ the "Blue", you know what I'm referring to. For example, listen to the way in which the guitarist rushes the sixteenth notes in the intro section. DF/WB and all serious/"reading" musicians would immediately pick up on their inaccurate playing of those rhythmic figures. Pros play those figures w/ consistent accuracy. If those guitarists are "readers", they are not accurate ones. Hence, they would NEVER, EVER make it as 1st call studio musicians.

Date: Wed, April 30, 2014, 11:24:26 ET
Posted by: casual fan, orlando

Have Dan, thanks for that link. Pretty good cover, especially with no horns.

Meanwhile, those of us in the boonies here in Florida continue to sit and wait, hoping they somehow add in some shows down here. Not looking good, unless they squeeze one in one night at about 3 a.m.

Date: Wed, April 30, 2014, 10:16:25 ET
Posted by: Jake, Nebraska

Umphrey's is an amazing band. Back in 2009 at a NYE show, they played Reelin' in the Years. They did it in an interesting way - They started off playing the original version from CBAT and then went into the intro from Alive in America, then went back to the original version for the verses and choruses. I believe the ending / outro was from Alive in America as well. Unbelievable band in the live setting.

Date: Wed, April 30, 2014, 09:51:50 ET
Posted by: Have Dan Will Travel, Louisville

I like Umphrey's Mcgee, and now they've covered Peg.

http://www.jambase.com/Articles/121507/Cover-Alert-Umphrey's-McGee-Performs-Steely-Dan's-Peg

Date: Wed, April 30, 2014, 06:56:23 ET
Posted by: harmolodic, santiago sacatepequez

Greg M--many thanks! That's amazing. I wish I'd gone to that show. I did see them in Manassas (Nissan or Jiffy Lube or AstroGlide Pavilion or whatever it's called) but it was a few years before that...maybe '93?

This rendition sounds a little tighter than the other one. Very cool.

Date: Wed, April 30, 2014, 04:03:38 ET
Posted by: gaucho,

Come to think of it - the Sterling episode is the story in Gaucho come to life.

Date: Wed, April 30, 2014, 03:58:32 ET
Posted by: KD, asdf

Even worse, I'm sure all the African-American NHL players will really like hearing that they've suddenly turned white.

Date: Wed, April 30, 2014, 01:31:59 ET
Posted by: CJB, YouTube Search

Some interesting new DF solo stuff up recently:

Instrumental Ray Bryant "Madison Time" cover from the Rock & Soul Review:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVS8d_PwvtU

Lonestar Roadhouse dates, 1991:

Deacon Blues:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDFrHhWPM9o

Green Earrings:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwUCPnd-jik

DF Band 2006, Massey Hall, Jeff Young on keys:

IGY:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a4d2QmpQ68A

Black Cow:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwqgjzPdEV4

IGY & Deacon Blues particularly pretty.

Date: Wed, April 30, 2014, 01:09:47 ET
Posted by: Hutch,

Greg M - That Va. Beach show was my first SD concert. We got to hear Cash Only Island, Wetside Story and Jack of Speed with Walter singing. Three new songs at one show.
It'd be cool to hear two or three new ones at the shows this Summer. One can only hope.

Date: Wed, April 30, 2014, 00:28:22 ET
Posted by: Greg M, NYC

Re: Wetside Story:

Harmolodic writes: <<It's kind of amazing that there appears to be exactly one recorded version anywhere on the internet...>>

Not anymore, sir. See here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrAr6jSbvJk&feature=youtu.be

a DIFFERENT LIVE VERSION of West Side is indeed out there.

From 1996-07-06 - Virginia Beach, VA. The "video" consists of photos of various clam shacks from around the USA, in honor of "Steamer Heaven." This one goes out to Mickey and the lovely Jeanine.

Date: Tues, April 29, 2014, 22:29:39 ET
Posted by: SDV, one more thing

no one laughed

Date: Tues, April 29, 2014, 22:27:51 ET
Posted by: SDV, ???

Seth Meyers=fucking idiot

Date: Tues, April 29, 2014, 18:17:29 ET
Posted by: link, 2

better link

http://www.nbc.com/late-night-with-seth-meyers/video/couple-things-donald-sterling/2777586

Date: Tues, April 29, 2014, 18:13:47 ET
Posted by: Watch it, Here

http://www.nbc.com/late-night-with-seth-meyers

Date: Tues, April 29, 2014, 16:46:49 ET
Posted by: Louie Bell's, Son

Sheesh, that kid sure owns Carlock on that rendition of KC.

Date: Tues, April 29, 2014, 16:28:35 ET
Posted by: Bad Seth Meyers,

Seth Meyers made a horrible joke last night saying that if Sterling didn't like black people he should have bought a hockey team or the band Steely Dan. What the hell?

Date: Tues, April 29, 2014, 14:12:40 ET
Posted by: jungle, jim

Somewhat Dangential to the Sterling controversy, Chumash casino cancelled their sponsorship of the Clippers.

Date: Tues, April 29, 2014, 11:40:47 ET
Posted by: harmolodic, guatemala

Do we know for sure the lyrics to Wet Side Story are solely Walter's? I get a Donald vibe in there.

But I do think the song is unfinished (in fact, there's a version of the Manassas video on a Japanese site and Donald says afterward, "We're still working on that") and the opening bluesy vamp sounds somewhat like the vamp in Cousin Dupree.

Anyway I sure with they'd dust if off. I dig it.

It's kind of amazing that there appears to be exactly one recorded version anywhere on the internet...

Date: Tues, April 29, 2014, 11:08:45 ET
Posted by: A, 6:05

The LA Concession!

Date: Tues, April 29, 2014, 02:05:22 ET
Posted by: Donald Sterling, high in the Custerdome

Please, please, please--no more pictures with your "gaucho" amigo, I'm beggin' ya. And no, he can't sleep on the floor.

What do you thing I'm yelling for?!

Date: Tues, April 29, 2014, 00:01:00 ET
Posted by: SDV, re. Wet Side Story

Walter's lyrics?

Date: Mon, April 28, 2014, 20:30:40 ET
Posted by: Hutch,

Channeling Mr. Purdie. Well done...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFgJQ8clh4Q

Date: Mon, April 28, 2014, 17:25:19 ET
Posted by: KD, asdf

Since The New One became "TvN" and it was revealed 'Wet Side Story' wasn't going to be on, I guess it just seemed like the perfect sort of live song that just doesn't carry over to the in-studio Steely groove. Great song, one of the cherished fin de siecle Steely Dan bootleg mp3s, and Walter's lyrics are fantastic.

I can sort of get why it didn't make the transition.

Date: Mon, April 28, 2014, 07:50:46 ET
Posted by: harmolodic, interzone

Hey SDV! Many thanks. What a great song...I wonder why they didn't record it. I'd love to hear a great studio version of it.

Those lyrics look right...Donald seems to fluff a few lines on the only recording of it I can find (Manassas 1996). But this live cut has tons of energy and a killer hook.

And thanks for the link to Cash Only Island...off to check it out now.

Date: Sun, April 27, 2014, 21:36:46 ET
Posted by: Chester, Norwalk

No way! If they did play two sets, then it would be billed as "An evening with Steely Dan". Believe me, there WILL be a supporting act for this tour.

Date: Sun, April 27, 2014, 08:23:37 ET
Posted by: Here's a thought///, ....

... has a support act been announced yet?

Maybe there won't be one ...

... back to the 2 set shows?

Hmmm...

Date: Sun, April 27, 2014, 01:22:12 ET
Posted by: T-Mo, SE USA

I almost forgot... this little group of Nashville studio musicians/vocalists will be playing May 3rd for the first time in a while (3rd & Lindsley Bar)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kzWv9Dr6rLc

Date: Sun, April 27, 2014, 01:17:33 ET
Posted by: Technicolor Motorhome, SE USA

The Ryman is really cool. People I've seen there in concert: Jeff Beck, Cake, Bonnie Raitt, Brian Setzer Orchestra, Peter Frampton, Robert Cray, Ringo Starr's All Star Band, Pat Benatar, Jethro Tull, Old Crow Medicine Show, Earth,Wind&Fire, Bob Weir/Chris Robinson/Jackie Greene, Dispatch, Allen Stone, etc.

I also have tickets to see Yes there the week before the Dan shows.

Date: Sat, April 26, 2014, 13:55:12 ET
Posted by: CJB, Still gloating

What Gus said! I too used Jim's trick & had a strongly positive experience on two non-Ticketmaster sites. Being choosy has its benefits.

Date: Sat, April 26, 2014, 13:35:47 ET
Posted by: Gus Winterbottom, Torrance, CA

Two days ago, Jim Taylor wrote: "The thing about Ticketmaster is when you choose "best available", they try to steer you to shitty seats. So you have to keep trying different combinations of location section and price." Sound advice; thanks Jim. I just had a similar experience getting seats for the July 12 Forum show, but it only took two tries; after rejecting some seats near the back of the floor, I got some in the fourth row.

Date: Sat, April 26, 2014, 13:14:01 ET
Posted by: Jim Taylor, Hello, Baton Rouge

Shark De Ville: We are putting together an awesome Danfest for Nashville! Will Keep you in the loop for details.

Date: Sat, April 26, 2014, 12:00:07 ET
Posted by: CJB, 4th row Marymoor...

...dead center on Sunday. Yikes!

Date: Sat, April 26, 2014, 11:53:30 ET
Posted by: CJB, Portland, Row 10, dead center!

SD site link for Portland tix still not loading, but I just purchased great seats by going directly to Arlene Schnitzer Hall's website. I also note a number of reserved "Platinum Seats" dead center & close to the stage for $375-675, protected by a password code. See y'all there!

Date: Sat, April 26, 2014, 07:54:14 ET
Posted by: Just FYI to whom it may concern, Anywhere USA

Bearing in mind the in-house rules here not to discuss WHERES, WHENS, and specific HOWS of actually doing it or pointing folks specifically TO bootleg recordings, the following is just a general short piece on the modern ethics of bootlegging... You know, if you're into that sort of thing...

The Good Listener: Is It OK To Bootleg Concerts?

http://www.npr.org/blogs/allsongs/2014/04/25/306519670/the-good-listener-is-it-ok-to-bootleg-concerts

by STEPHEN THOMPSON
April 25, 2014 2:07 PM ET

Date: Sat, April 26, 2014, 01:39:46 ET
Posted by: SDV,

harmolodic-
here's the lyrics to Wet Side as provided by an unnamed band member from the '96 tour. and check this one out while you're at it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndJxYuf0310


WET SIDE STORY

Count Mickey gets hungry
bit wrangler's gotta take a break sometime
got to feed the machine

Steamer Heaven is empty
a couple of kids and behind the counter
the lovely Jeanine

As soon as he walks in the door she's smiling
covers his eyes with his hands

'Cause everyone knows that it's scary out there
when you jump to the wet side
where it's colder, it's louder, it's screaming with life
and it's way complex
hacking through all the harsh effects

Mick goes for the bomb
one of those wax-looking angel food wheelies
with the gunk on the top

She gives him back a quarter
her hand touched his and you could feel the flames archin'
all over the shop

For a moment they spun on the edge of history
and fell into animal time

(chorus)

Back out on the tarmac
it was alive with the sweet sounds of summer
oh the Steamer's alright

Mick tries to remember
something kinda cool but it's already faded
back to straight black & white

Maybe I needed a hit of downtime
covers his eyes with his hands

(chorus)

Date: Sat, April 26, 2014, 01:36:06 ET
Posted by: Shark DeVille, up on the hill

got my Nashville tickets this morning and saved about 20 bucks in Ticketbastard service charges by calling the Ryman box office directly. I still can't believe our boys are playing the Mother Church of country music. how cool would it be if they got a killer Nashville pedal steel player to play the parts on Pearl of the Quarter or some such tunes?? (i'm a steel player, so humor me!)

they're also playing about 2 miles from my home in Asheville, but I couldn't pass up the chance to see them at the Ryman as well. been meaning to make a trek to Music City anyway and check out the Bakersfield exhibit at the CMHOF.

I've seen Bill Monroe and Ralph Stanley at the Ryman, Brian Wilson, and now the Dan. dreams really do come true...

Date: Fri, April 25, 2014, 17:04:04 ET
Posted by: chuckfarley, Texas

I just can't believe Oklahoma gets the Dan and Texas doesn't. (No offence intended Okies)
I am crying squonk's tears!

Date: Fri, April 25, 2014, 15:18:27 ET
Posted by: Technicolor Motorhome, SE USA

Tickets for both nights at the Ryman in Nashville went on general sale 4 hours and 19 minutes ago and both nights are almost sold out.

If you want Nashville tiks - buy now or forever hold your peace.

Date: Fri, April 25, 2014, 13:10:57 ET
Posted by: harmolodic, the wetside

Anyone got the real lyrics to Wet Side Story? I've only just become aware of this fantastic song, but the lyrics look iffy on the few links I can find.

Wouldn't it be amazing if they'd go back into the studio and do this one, The Bear, Kulee Baba, The Second Arrangement, etc., and release a new album?

Date: Fri, April 25, 2014, 12:35:14 ET
Posted by: Still Sparkin', Hong Kong

Well, I've just bought two tickets to see the show in Montreal Aug 27. That'll be me and my friend from Quebec who now runs a resort in the Philippines.

Looks like a nice little venue, the 2200 seat St. Denis theatre in the Latin Quarter, built in 1915.

Date: Fri, April 25, 2014, 11:03:11 ET
Posted by: HOOTEROLL, TIME OUT OF MIND

So...just procured front row for the Bangor, ME show. Should put me just about right in front of Donald. @ $122, this to me, was a steal. Presale password BACKJACK was yesterdays FYI.

Anyways, have attended many, many concerts, this will be my first actually in the front row for SD. My question concerns sitting vs. standing? Whats the usual been at these show. All previous SD shows I have been stageside, guests of the promoter or the venues GM,etc...so it was not an issue.

Really not sure I'll be able to sit down the whole show, or at all.

Any recent show feedback would be helpful. Thanks.

Date: Fri, April 25, 2014, 00:15:34 ET
Posted by: Tech-Mo, SE USA

Jim Taylor - I bought a two-night-run pass also in your section about 6 rows behind you at the Ryman. Not sure if I will sit in Main Floor 7 on Friday and then use my best seats in the house row AA's on Saturday or sit in MF-7 both nights and use my AA's as trade bait vs. some elite $300 Paul McCartney seats in Bridgestone if somebody in the Nashville area bites on it. I saw Paul at FedEx Forum in Memphis last year and it was pretty darn good. (I also have some cheaper McCartney tiks as a backup plan if needed)

Date: Thurs, April 24, 2014, 21:22:40 ET
Posted by: Jim Taylor, Hello, Baton Rouge

BTW, if you want to get in on the New Orleans presale, you must go to the UNO Lakefront Arena website and sign up for the "Lakefront Lagniappe." The link is on the home page to the right. Be sure to check the box for the newsletter AND the box for "Onsale/presale announcements." there is also a box for discounts, so you might as well check that as well...

Date: Thurs, April 24, 2014, 21:04:40 ET
Posted by: Gus Winterbottom, Podunk Hollow

Bookeeper's son,

Apparently one way to get on to pre-sale lists is to have been a past purchaser. Today I got a pre-sale notice from Live Nation for the July 12 show at the Forum; this starts tomorrow at 10:00 AM, one day before the general sale date. The password they sent me is "priority", the same as was posted for the Columbus show. I guess that could be a coincidence, since when I clicked on that link from steelydan.com I was directed to Ticketmaster and not to Live Nation. Or have they merged? I don't know. If this is not a coincidence, this might be a good password to try at other venues if you are going in blind.

Anyway, I will "try again tomorrow" for Forum seats; my attempt on Monday during the American Express pre-sale yielded unsatisfactory results.

Date: Thurs, April 24, 2014, 20:12:38 ET
Posted by: Jim Taylor, Hello, Baton Rouge

Hey Technicolor Motorhome, I am in section 7, Row B Seat 3, which is the front row of the "Walter" side of the stage. It took me about an hour to get the seat. The thing about Ticketmaster is when you choose "best available", they try to steer you to shitty seats. So you have to keep trying different combinations of location section and price. I rejected about 5 or six pretty good seats, when all of a sudden, the front row popped up. Couldn't believe it. 5th row at the Pearl was the best I had ever done before. I feel like I won the lottery. We are going to have an awesome Danfest, and you are welcome to join. Don't know where yet. also, El Sup, if you are coming down from Louisville, we will try to match your hospitality from the Palace show of 2013.

Date: Thurs, April 24, 2014, 19:41:15 ET
Posted by: almost gothic negative girl, monterey

Washington password is marymoor. They're clever like that sometimes. It is the first word I tried and voila. So, there you have it. Have a wonderful time!

Date: Thurs, April 24, 2014, 17:57:44 ET
Posted by: CJB, YVR

Hey West Coast friends!

Pre-sale password, Oregon or Washington?

Date: Thurs, April 24, 2014, 17:56:30 ET
Posted by: Bookkeeper's Son, New Haven

How do you get signed up for the Pre-Sales? Anybody know the password for the Wallingford, CT show on Sept 16th? Pre-Sale is next Wed 4/30

Date: Thurs, April 24, 2014, 15:57:23 ET
Posted by: tact, poise and reason, grinding through my day gig

Thrilled to be attending the Baltimore show this year at Pier Six Concert Pavillion. Venue seats 3000 in the pavillion, another 1000 on the lawn, by far the smallest venue they've played in the Balt.-Wash. area that I can recall. Ticket price range is $45-$100. Mine cost $70 each for excellent seats. I'd probably pay double that for Two Against Nature Night. Can't wait!

Date: Thurs, April 24, 2014, 11:15:01 ET
Posted by: technicolor motorhome, SE

Columbus code was "priority" if there are any left.
I got front row for the Sat. night show in Nashville !!!!!!!!
WOO-HOO x 1000 !!!!!!

Date: Thurs, April 24, 2014, 10:18:01 ET
Posted by: Paul, Columbus OH

Does anyone know the presale code for the Columbus OH show?

Date: Wed, April 23, 2014, 20:58:51 ET
Posted by: Jim Taylor, Hello, Baton Rouge

As I view the schedule, the last announced gig is September 17 in Baltimore. Friday and Saturday night at the Beacon are held down by the Tedeschi Trucks Band. Enrique Bunbury plays on Sunday the 21st. There is then a 4 day window starting Monday, September 22 through Thursday September 25 that is not booked. Not much room there... Mood Swings had 6 dates between October 1 and the 8th at the Beacon. There is also a huge booking gap between October the 4th and October 18th at the Beacon. So there is room there. Maybe they have Philly in mind and then the Beacon. This is all just information with no conclusions, and a little bit of speculation.

Date: Wed, April 23, 2014, 19:56:33 ET
Posted by: Bookkeeper's Son, New Haven

Beacon Shows? Hmm? They're glaringly absent at this point. Thoughts? Opinions? Who's "got the news?"

Date: Wed, April 23, 2014, 19:01:56 ET
Posted by: Jim Taylor, Hello, Baton Rouge

Last year, someone shared the Presale password for Houston and I got great seats and I will return the favor. The Password for Nashville is DIRTY. Starts at 10 AM Thursday April 24. Just don't take my seat, LOL!

Date: Wed, April 23, 2014, 16:38:19 ET
Posted by: Technicolor Motorhome, SE USA

Anybody else think Donald would be a good next band leader for the Late Show when Dave and Paul retire in 2015? He's a native of the area. I think it would be a good fit: "The Late Show starring Stephen Colbert with Donald Fagen and the new Late Show Band."

Somebody call Les Moonves!!

Date: Wed, April 23, 2014, 16:33:21 ET
Posted by: Technicolor Motorhome, SE USA

Is the Live Nation pre-sale code going to be the game in the morning for Nashville as it is for Columbus?

I want to see them both places. I'm not familiar with the venue they are playing in Cincinnati but the Ryman in Nash. and the Palace in Columbus are both really nice. I might even buy the 2-night-run pass for the Ryman. The acoustics in that place are primo.

Date: Wed, April 23, 2014, 14:11:13 ET
Posted by: almost gothic negative girl, monterey

Presale for Mountain Winery in Saratoga, CA began at 10am today. Presale code is winery. Have fun at the shows!

Date: Wed, April 23, 2014, 08:01:51 ET
Posted by: KD, asdf

I was never a big Vernon Reid fan as a player (though he's a sweet dude, I worked a show of his when he was out with Jack Bruce), but some of these clips on YouTube are [frigging] dope. Loving this stuff.

Britt Robson is a brilliant writer, he knows jazz better than most of us, and he'll be covering the Minnesota show. Do make a point to click on his take.

Date: Tues, April 22, 2014, 22:30:34 ET
Posted by: Jim Taylor, Hello, Baton Rouge

Hey Don: Looking forward to the new Monkey House record. As I remember, it was tentatively titled "Left." Can't wait. Working on my own CD right now, but I have other projects in line with other folks that I am committed to. We shall See.

Date: Tues, April 22, 2014, 22:25:39 ET
Posted by: Jim Taylor, Hello, Baton Rouge

Thanks for the heads up, Duncan. I signed up and am told that the e-mail goes out the day before the internet pre-sale. They are doing an Am-Ex Pre-sale the day before the internet pre-sale, so I am not confident of getting the best seats, but I will enjoy whatever seats I get.

Date: Tues, April 22, 2014, 17:50:48 ET
Posted by: TO Danfan, at home

So I too am looking forward to the Sony Centre shows. A much better venue than the mistake by the lake where have played the last few times.

The last time the boys played 2 nights here it was album nights at Massey Hall in Nov '09. I'm thinking that because Sony is half the size of the usual summer shed,and it is not album nights, they will play the same set both nights. Maybe change up a song or 2 (or not).
Probably going to both...waiting to see ticket prices.

As for it being the last tour, I kind of doubt it. I mean wouldn't it be natural for a well known band like SD to hype the livin' daylights out of their farewell and make it a big global one as well?

Cheers

Date: Tues, April 22, 2014, 16:07:58 ET
Posted by: hmm,

DanFan - does he have insider promo information or just going off his gut like the rest of us?

Date: Tues, April 22, 2014, 15:27:04 ET
Posted by: SF, C

I had a dream last night I was watching the making of Aja doc, and it had actual studio footage from when they recorded it and Don chain-smoked.

I think it has to do with Michael Phalen's liner notes when he talked about the tape he made at the Aja sessions that Don & Walt seized.

Date: Tues, April 22, 2014, 13:32:46 ET
Posted by: Danfan, Toronto

Hey Fans...Both Toronto shows going on sale tomorrow...April.23.Pre.Sale on the 24...General Public on Fri.25 @ 10:00am.
The Sony Centre only seats just under 32 so the orchestra floors will sell fast.

For what it's worth...a friend of mine for over 25 years & works with promotion at Live Nation has told me that there is a better than 70% chance that this could very well be the last tour for the band that we all love.

Looking forward to a great weekend in Aug.

Date: Tues, April 22, 2014, 11:04:39 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine Beach

Regarding Vernon Reid and Burnt Sugar, I can't say I love their treatment of every Dan tune. But after listening to a few covers, I don't agree Reid doesn't "get" Steely Dan (though I kinda thought that at first, too). Now I think he does get the music, but has decided to amp up the funk/soul influences and turn the cool way down. But I think he is doing that in a very conscious way---with varying results.

Their version of Black Cow may be a bit over-the-top for some. Since I dig funk, I kinda like it, but don't necessarily think it is a great cover. OTOH, their pumped up version of Haitian Divorce works for me a bit better.

I wouldn't travel to catch the show, but if I bumped into Burnt Sugar doing a Dan set, I'd probably enjoy the shit out of it.

Date: Tues, April 22, 2014, 10:53:15 ET
Posted by: steelydoc, near the Tower

steelydan.com was updated this morning, it looks like pre-sale dates were filled in for some of the shows. Does not look like any shows were added or deleted.

Date: Tues, April 22, 2014, 10:34:29 ET
Posted by: Steve,

Looking forward to the summer tour. These should be some interesting locations with a higher number of "Steely Dan virgins" in for a memorable experience!

Date: Tues, April 22, 2014, 02:27:25 ET
Posted by: hoops, chicago

I agree with "Someone Here".

The post on April 4th was by"Yay, Woo" who made a "funny" at the expense of some of us fools (including myself) as the official Steely Dan page said "More to Come" -- meaning "More tour dates to come." Of course, fans like myself DIDN'T look at the Official Dan Page and took it at face value. Belated congrats to "Yay, Woo!" for a clever and effective April Fool's joke.

All that said, you never know if Donald and Walter will whip out something obscure, but I doubt it. And they actually never indicated that they would play pre-CBAT demo tracks that weren't eventually re-recorded 1972-80.

Best,

Jim

P.S. Thanks to Doc for the spam report.

Date: Mon, April 21, 2014, 22:38:55 ET
Posted by: Updraught, Philly

Moe, to answer your question, Steely Dan cannot replace Keith Carlock as their drummer only because they want their drummer to be Keith Carlock.

Date: Mon, April 21, 2014, 15:39:53 ET
Posted by: someone here,

it was a commenter here, and i'm pretty sure it was a joke. before all the tour dates were up, the page said "more to come," and someone interpreted that as suggesting they'll play pre-CBAT ("more to come" is a pre-CBAT song). hardly likely.

Date: Mon, April 21, 2014, 15:12:36 ET
Posted by: Shoegazer, Barrytown

Who started this Pre-Dan song rumor for the upcoming tour? It's not mentioned on Steely Dan's website or Facebook page. Donald and Walter have not mentioned this on the press releases either.

Date: Mon, April 21, 2014, 13:58:49 ET
Posted by: Don't Forget...,

There was talk that they'll be performing a pre-Dan song on this tour!! So there's that.

Date: Mon, April 21, 2014, 13:35:02 ET
Posted by: Have Dan Will Travel,

Thanks SteelyDoc � So I go in to the DMV to pick it up, and my clerk says �we�ve been talking about that plate all day! Nobody could figure it out except for Mary (the next clerk over). Mary says, �is that the steely dan man?� My clerk says they�ve been guessing what I would look like. I asked if I looked like they imagined and all she said was no, so I didn�t press her. The gey getting his tags next to me said he was going to have to download some dan today.

Date: Mon, April 21, 2014, 12:30:49 ET
Posted by: steelydoc, near the Tower

nice plate!

Date: Mon, April 21, 2014, 12:05:34 ET
Posted by: Have Dan Will Travel, Louisville

Any chance of more dates being added? Also, be sure to check out my new license plate -

http://instagram.com/p/m8dY5HN_XW/#

Date: Mon, April 21, 2014, 09:33:12 ET
Posted by: DonBreithaupt, Los Angeles

Hey Lutz in SF � thanks! We start the next Monkey House album in Sept; songs are already written. More special guests this time around...

Date: Sun, April 20, 2014, 19:41:58 ET
Posted by: Moe, Eugene

How come Steely Dan can't replace Keith Carlock with another drummer if they did decide to tour Europe? They could recruit Shannon Forrest after he finishes up his gigs with Toto.

Date: Sun, April 20, 2014, 18:20:47 ET
Posted by: Lutz, SF

Seats at Concord Pavilion start at $ 44 plus fees.
Not the closest to the stage but way better than on the grass up there with the clueless stoners.
That's basically the cost of a lawn ticket, or how much should they cost, $ 12?
It's not your high school band's rehearsal.

Date: Sun, April 20, 2014, 18:20:47 ET
Posted by: Lutz, SF

Seats at Concord Pavilion start at $ 44 plus fees.
Not the closest to the stage but way better than on the grass up there with the clueless stoners.
That's basically the cost of a lawn ticket, or how much should they cost, $ 12?
It's not your high school band's rehearsal.

Date: Sun, April 20, 2014, 17:04:48 ET
Posted by: Hutch,

Dillon D. - Doesn't look good for any shows in Europe. The press release seems to say that the tour dates are set in stone with nothing to be added. Since Keith Carlock is scheduled to join Toto after this SD tour I doubt any last minute changes will happen.
The best news we can hope for is that they've written some great songs for the next Steely Dan album and they'll be taking the Fall and Winter to record for a Spring 2015 release.

Date: Sun, April 20, 2014, 15:29:33 ET
Posted by: Walker, Hughes

I agree with Hutch. I can't stand Vernon Reid's rendition of Steely Dan tunes.

Date: Sun, April 20, 2014, 14:59:36 ET
Posted by: Russ, H

If I go to a show at Count Basie, I'm bringing a huge picture of a toilet to hold up for Fagen to see. (Aug 4. from his tour journal)

Date: Sun, April 20, 2014, 13:16:59 ET
Posted by: DillonDipthong, Newark UK

Has anybody heard if there will be any European (specifically UK)dates coming through?

Date: Sun, April 20, 2014, 12:18:48 ET
Posted by: H,

There's a post on DF's facebook page about the Jamalot tour.
Scrolled down reading some of the fan comments and ran across this one:

Dear Mr. Fagen please contact me re: hanging out for a day and explaining the meaning behind all your songs. I will get you some beer in exchange. Sincerely, TV Baby

Date: Sun, April 20, 2014, 10:39:54 ET
Posted by: Hutch,

I don't think Vernon Reid "gets" Steely Dan.

Date: Sun, April 20, 2014, 09:05:34 ET
Posted by: search, kb

A not so run of the mill SD cover band. Can be found on youtube.

http://www.startribune.com/entertainment/music/255703281.html

Date: Sat, April 19, 2014, 20:44:16 ET
Posted by: ticket prices,

If ticket price inflation has truly exceeded the general inflation rate, I wonder how much of that reflects a cost-shifting to concert sales from album sales, which have suffered from piracy. Also, it would seem a lot more production and technology goes into tours these days.

Date: Sat, April 19, 2014, 20:22:58 ET
Posted by: Duncan, Brentwood

Jim, have you signed up for the Ryman Auditorium mailing list? The newsletters usually contain the passwords for those presales. Just trying to help. Good Luck.

Date: Sat, April 19, 2014, 18:41:57 ET
Posted by: Jim Taylor, Hello, Baton Rouge

Well, I see some things never change. If anyone knows the password for the Nashville pre-sale on April 24, I would appreciate it. I will also try to host a Danfest in New Orleans if anyone is interested!

Date: Sat, April 19, 2014, 18:40:57 ET
Posted by: Wazz, Up

Hey Concert Prices - That's interesting, for sure. I just checked the internet, and using your example in 1982, min. wage was $3.35, so a kid working at McDonald's would have to work slightly less than 4 hours to go to a concert; basically, for a teenager, 1 shift at work.

Today, at $7.25/hr, that same kid would have to work nearly 14 hrs, or about 3 to 4 shifts, which is about all any high school student might work in a typical week during school.

So, 1 night vs. a week. Crazy!

Date: Sat, April 19, 2014, 18:36:16 ET
Posted by: Jim Taylor, Hello Baton Rouge

Date: Sat, April 19, 2014, 18:26:58 ET
Posted by: Concert, Prices

Shed Hater - I agree with your comments about lawn seats; they're really not worth the price of admission if you are wanting to see the band, and, of course, you're completely reliant on good weather.

However, it's a shame that we've become so willing to pay $100 or more for a concert. My first big-name concert in 1982 was $12.50 (with a 25 cent service charge). Using one of the Inflation Calculator's on the web (which only went up to 2013), it says that would be the equivalent of $29.71 in 2013. Can you imagine paying $30 to see a concert today?! Heck, No! I don't think any of us can. That seems ridiculous, yet, that's about what we should be paying, but we've all come to accept 100 bucks per show as the standard going rate.

Date: Sat, April 19, 2014, 09:59:22 ET
Posted by: Shed hater, get off my lawn

Hard to imagine anyone over 16 lamenting the loss or lack of availability of lawn "seats" no matter which venue we're talking about. They're always way too far from the stage - bad sound & sightlines - and the lower ticket prices always guarantee lots of distracted, disinterested people who show up for the party and who mostly ignore the band while enjoying their little picnic. Lawn seats/rear general admission are a great way to waste money and not enjoy a show.

Instead of going to a bunch of concerts you don't really care about just because you can get in cheap, if you're a big fan of one or two bands, isn't it better to see fewer acts, pay a bit more for them, and do it right? It's 2014, and really if you can't budget $100-$200 per year for live entertainment you probably have bigger problems to tackle.

Date: Sat, April 19, 2014, 01:40:00 ET
Posted by: bcbill, BC

Buzzy, last couple of years they closed the lawn of a bigger shed bout 80% of the time . Big deal. Some other acts do the same.

Guys like you make everything sound like shocking shameful secrets that you've sniffed out. It's a bad look on you. On anybody. My in-law is in promotion and he just laughs when I show him posts like that. SD may be playing smaller venues but their "guarantees" -- and other markers of predictions of sales -- is off the charts after so many years.

sorry, hoops, just had to say �"yuuuck".

Date: Fri, April 18, 2014, 18:58:47 ET
Posted by: Buzzy, Berkeley, CA

I notice they aren't selling any cheap general admission lawn tickets at the Concord Pavilion show. Why? Because they know they can't fill up the seats at this huge outdoor shed. Even Steely Dan know they have limits on how well they can sell out tickets at certain venues.

Date: Thurs, April 17, 2014, 17:12:51 ET
Posted by: Dave (from acquisitions), Philadelphia

No Philly dates? Really hoping they're going to do a stint at the tower and stint at the beacon and just haven't released it yet.

Date: Thurs, April 17, 2014, 11:38:53 ET
Posted by: Stanley, n

I wonder does she follow rule 1 or 2 with SD?

http://www.northjersey.com/arts-and-entertainment/music/singer-from-bergen-back-on-the-road-with-springsteen-1.686056

Date: Thurs, April 17, 2014, 10:57:08 ET
Posted by: Stanley, n

Cindy Mizelle is back this year. Bruce doesn't have anything scheduled after May.

http://brucespringsteen.net/the-band/cindy-mizelle

Date: Thurs, April 17, 2014, 10:13:28 ET
Posted by: casual fan, orlando

FYI, the steelydan.com website updated with some press materials and indicates no more dates beyond those already posted as the tour ends in Maryland. So no NYC shows and no Florida shows.

Date: Thurs, April 17, 2014, 08:02:25 ET
Posted by: Matt, NC

Hey Ken B - Don't go then. You won't be missed...

Date: Wed, April 16, 2014, 23:17:14 ET
Posted by: CJB, YVR

Delighted to be given the chance to see my favorite live band play once again.

Delighted that date #1 is in the PacNW, & that we might get "Green Book," "Bear," "Western World" or something else of that calibre (didn't Jeff Young sing "Shame About Me" on night #1 once, years ago?).

Not so delighted by the setlist gang. JAZZ-rock-soul-funk big-band, kids. Would you bitch out Miles & Co. for breaking out "So What" once more in performance? Well, actually, yes, this batch of chronic whiners might, but you get the picture...

Not so delighted by those opining Walter Carl Becker can no longer play. Walter walks a little roughly now but I saw them three times last year and Walter's playing & singing & general master-of-ceremonies demeanor was on fire. I'd like to know which shows these Walt haters were at, and how close to the band.

Date: Wed, April 16, 2014, 22:44:00 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh

Ticket prices range from reasonable to very reasonable for the 3 venues near me for this tour. In fact, closest seats for the NH show are around 80 with fees. I may sub out my gig that night so I can do it, in fact. In my 14 years of seeing Steely Dan, I haven't yet been able to afford seats close to the stage, excited that I'll be able to do so in my home state.

Date: Wed, April 16, 2014, 22:39:55 ET
Posted by: Ken B.,

I think that the Jamalot tour seems like a "let's get this pain over with quickly with 53 dates in 2 months and rake in this last bit of money" type of deal. We especially know how much agony Fagen suffers on these tours by now. Someone posted earlier that they did this tour this way and will keep the same setlist was to get back at the fans because of the low sales of EMG, Morph the Cat and Circus Money.

The truth is that Jamalot will maximise profits within a short amount of time. It takes time and effort for the band to learn and rehearse different songs. It takes no effort to keep cranking out the same setlist. There is barely enough time between concert dates to travel. Learning songs and rehearsing on the road will be out the window.

Why would they put out all this extra effort especially when changing the setlist might actually turn the majority of fans off who come for the wormy old radio hits, which was on Fagen's web page when he was angered during his solo tour. The fans keep coming for the spam anyway.

All indications indicate that a better, more accurate title for Jamalot should be Spamalot.

Date: Wed, April 16, 2014, 17:22:12 ET
Posted by: Napoleon, U.K

I understand if Walter Becker may have been disappointed with the sales of or reaction to Circus Money (is there actual proof of this?)... it's still out there to buy. I bet it cost a pretty penny to make but if you're not going to put the promo muscle behind something, what do you expect?

I personally think it's a great record but surely people couldn't have expected the album, in a time when 'the album' in it's entirety doesn't sell, to compete with all the young up starts of the day. You've got to go out and show it to people.

Date: Wed, April 16, 2014, 11:07:18 ET
Posted by: Hutch,

Oleander - I thought about you when I saw that Asheville date.
Your patience has paid off. Have fun at the show!

So far nothing very close to Richmond.

Date: Wed, April 16, 2014, 10:38:36 ET
Posted by: oleander, home at last

I've seen Rahsaan play "Inflated Tear."

I've seen Dylan do "Ramona."

I saw "Second Arrangement" at the Beacon.

I just saw the Zombies do "Tell Her No" and "She's Not There."

I've seen attack ships on fire off the shoulder of Orion....

And now, to cap my musical epiphanies, the Dan will be in my home town at last.

Y'all come. July 31.

Date: Wed, April 16, 2014, 09:26:58 ET
Posted by: Bookkeeper's Son, Florida

Does anyone who listens to a recorded song more than once have a torpid mind? If that is the case there are a lot of wasting minds out there in the world. I understand the point that variety is the spice of life, but wearing out the grooves on an album is not inherently bad.

I find nuance in live music. Live music invigorates more so than recorded music due to the added visual aspect. Would I prefer to hear an entire night of deep cuts never or seldom performed live from SD. You betcha! But I would rather attend a concert with repeated tunes and a few newer offerings than not go at all.

Date: Wed, April 16, 2014, 08:13:57 ET
Posted by: KD, asdf

Also, never listen to Steely Dan on an iPod. What kind of monsters are you?

Date: Wed, April 16, 2014, 08:12:52 ET
Posted by: KD, asdf

The issue here, MODP, is that nobody came close to this comment during last summer's tour or the 2011 run:

"As a true fan, I lost the ability to enjoy their live shows a long time ago. I'm bored to tears with their repetitive back catalog and I absolutely never play any of Steely Dan's music at home, on my iPod, or in the car. It's not always easy for me to truly express my utter contempt for this brilliant songwriting duo and their crew of stellar backing musicians, but it's comforting to know that The BlueBook is always there whenever I feel the uncontrollable urge to repeat myself."

Nobody is bored with things. The hair stood up on the back of our neck during "Aja" last summer, after being given free tickets.

Some of us are just trying to find the nuance, here. Some of us don't have German sedans, and we won't be going back to Steely Dan shows that cost us a car payment, just to hear "Peg" again and our Favorite Guitar Player Ever (Walter Carl Becker) barely playing. It's OK to point these things out.

If this ruins your night out, oh bloody well.

Date: Wed, April 16, 2014, 04:25:36 ET
Posted by: Actually Actually,

Actually Actually, most readers probably just roll their eyes at your brown-nosing and excessive fan-boyism. It'd probably make even Fagen sick, though he will nonetheless continue laughing his way to the bank.

Date: Tues, April 15, 2014, 21:38:19 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, This Reporter/On Location/Live

I wrote this at the end of last year's tour as a straightforward AP-style outsider's view of things here on The Blue. It prolly works a bit better with the correct fonts applied, but in light of the latest outburst of predictable negativity from the Whiners and Complainers (W&C), I thought maybe a few people might just get a small larf from it anyways...


HEADLINE: "Amazing Live Band Vehemently Despised By Its True Fans"


The Internet Times-Tribune, October 10 2013 - New York City, NY - Steely Dan, a jazz-rock act with a core membership consisting of writer/keyboardist Donald Fagen and writer/guitarist Walter Becker, have just concluded another successful North American tour that began back in July of this year, and once again the band's most devoted fans simply couldn't be more unhappy.

Most of this year's 53 shows were filled to near-capacity. Concertgoers danced in the aisles and many were heard to say they felt it was the best show they'd been to in years. Mainstream media and blogger reviews were overwhelmingly positive, with reviewers drawing attention to the unsurpassed musicianship of guitarist Jon Herington, the four top-notch horn players, the bass playing of Freddie Washington, the keyboard wizardry of Jim Beard, the delicious vocal infusions of the trio of female backing vocalists, and the drumming of Keith Carlock, who was often referred to in reviews as one of the world's greatest living drummers.

But on an internet fan site known as the Steely Dan BlueBook, regular contributors let it be known that they couldn't be more disgusted and disappointed with the band they named as their favorite musical act. As one poster angrily put it, "They keep playing these songs that people recognize and enjoy - why would they do that?" Another livid fan was so enraged after reading about the songs the band had selected to play at an out of town concert he hadn't attended, that he angrily posted he would, "Continue my long standing tradition of reviewing but not attending shows by this band." Yet another disgruntled Steely Dan fanatic wrote that, "I was so upset when I read on the internet that they didn't play Do It Again [editor's note: this is one of Steely Dan's best known radio hits] at The Beacon [Theatre] on Request Night that I couldn't even think straight. I'm still angry days later, even though I really don't like that particular song very much and I certainly wasn't at the show."

In stark contrast to the happy, music-loving concertgoers in the seats, from July to October the super-fans and band history experts on the BlueBook took exception to virtually everything their favourite musical group had or hadn't done in the past decade or so, was currently doing, or was planning to do in the future. While the many people who chose to leave their computers behind for a few hours got to bask in the glow of one of the planet's finest live acts, the true Steely Dan fans stayed home in protest and took to the internet to vent their hatred for the band they love. One after the other, they railed against everything from ticket prices to concert venues to the band's song choices. As one mega-fan put it, "Unless I can read that they played a set dominated by songs most people wouldn't recognize and couldn't possibly enjoy at a show over a thousand miles away from where I live, I'm going to be one unhappy Dan fan."

One thoroughly fed-up poster summed it all up when he wrote, "As a true fan, I lost the ability to enjoy their live shows a long time ago. I'm bored to tears with their repetitive back catalog and I absolutely never play any of Steely Dan's music at home, on my iPod, or in the car. It's not always easy for me to truly express my utter contempt for this brilliant songwriting duo and their crew of stellar backing musicians, but it's comforting to know that The BlueBook is always there whenever I feel the uncontrollable urge to repeat myself."

Date: Tues, April 15, 2014, 20:23:52 ET
Posted by: kzkzkz, NYC

Seems Carlock is playing a week or so in Japan with Toto at the end of this month.

Date: Tues, April 15, 2014, 19:41:08 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Napoleon, you said "Imagine an album and rarities night so unique that Steely Dan perform a brand new album they've been working on, start to finish but then never release. You hear it once and that's it."

Now THAT is a novel idea!

Date: Tues, April 15, 2014, 16:06:46 ET
Posted by: GW, PH

Sorry for the typo; that's "Madison".

Date: Tues, April 15, 2014, 16:03:42 ET
Posted by: Gus Winterbottom, Podunk Hollow

To Askin':

Yes, this is the same building, but it has apparently been remodeled for stage perfromances only. If I recall correctly, it was reopened a few months ago with several shows by the Eagles. I believe that the review of the venue acoustics in the LA Times was quite positive. Mrs. GW reminded me that it is owned by the same people who own/run the Madision Square Garden. Is this tied in some way to Azoff? I don't recall, but that might explain SD booking a date there.

Date: Tues, April 15, 2014, 14:13:56 ET
Posted by: Askin', Q

They will be playing The Forum in Los Angeles. Is that the same Forum where the Lakers used to play?

Date: Tues, April 15, 2014, 13:39:56 ET
Posted by: monty python,

Desperately Dull and Boring these past several tours.

Date: Tues, April 15, 2014, 13:35:54 ET
Posted by: JL, Owensboro

That's funny. Maybe they have do have it in for the whiners.

Still, it takes a torpid mind to be contented with same thing again and again and not have an instinct for some variety.

Date: Tues, April 15, 2014, 13:24:31 ET
Posted by: Jake, Nebraska

I think the reason they are going to cities they haven't been to before is to tap markets they haven't yet tapped. This seems to be a pretty common tactic among touring bands. They toured a lot of the same places in '11 as they did in '13. Some would say they are leaving money on the table by not going somewhere they know they can sell out every time. Touring in new places does allow them to get out to a different set of people which widens their reach and will help to keep the fan base engaged.

Date: Tues, April 15, 2014, 13:07:56 ET
Posted by: Bookkeeper's Son, Florida

Maybe WB and DF are getting even with the repetitive set list whiners and complainers by avoiding the cities where those whiners and complainers (W&C) live or attend concerts. I am sure, even if this tour comes no where close to a city they can make the show, the W&C will still rant on and on.

I personally have the same complaint as a few already voiced about not coming to Florida. Looking at the dates, it will difficult for me to make a show this go around. Hoping for additional dates.

Date: Tues, April 15, 2014, 12:54:31 ET
Posted by: uiuiuiuiu, on location

When asked what differentiates SD from other bands, Walter said it's how many good songs they have. Most bands don't have enough good songs, he opined, and focus on 2 or 3 songs per album to be singles.

I would agree 100%

It also explains the frustration with all the concert staples.

Date: Tues, April 15, 2014, 12:14:59 ET
Posted by: It's not, "insanity" at all

I go to my favorite restaurant several times a month, and not because I'm hoping for changes.

I don't hope that things have changed radically when I return to my favorite vacation spot after a year's absence.

I've never given up listening to a brilliant CD/album because I've already heard it.

Maybe the real insanity is obsessing over minor details beyond your control and denying yourself a rich musical experience as a result.

Date: Tues, April 15, 2014, 12:06:16 ET
Posted by: yeah, that track about covers it, and it didn't end well did it?

Date: Tues, April 15, 2014, 11:25:20 ET
Posted by: LQ, 1

So the lead track on the debut album was about insanity?

Date: Tues, April 15, 2014, 11:06:47 ET
Posted by: are you going again?,

a definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again expecting a different result.

Date: Tues, April 15, 2014, 10:56:36 ET
Posted by: casual fan, orlando

Yeah, looking at the tour schedule I'm pretty sure we in the Sunshine State are screwed on this one. If they were coming here it would have been on the leg through the South. No time left between those dates, it would seem.

Quite surprising as they typically made 2-3 and sometimes 4 stops here, and always sold out, it appeared.

Date: Tues, April 15, 2014, 10:54:49 ET
Posted by: Here's Why, They Stop at 53

54 makes Walter depressed.

Date: Tues, April 15, 2014, 10:36:12 ET
Posted by: This might be it, for tour dates

Tour 2013 - 53 dates total, including dates added later (Boston & NYC).

Tour 2014 - 53 dates already announced, with no "more to come" statement on the official website.

Just a coincidence? Hopefully, especially for the people in Florida and The Big Apple.

Date: Tues, April 15, 2014, 08:31:36 ET
Posted by: harmolodic, in a silent way

Speaking of Miles--I caught him a number of times in the 1980s. Absolutely killer concerts; his live bands then were amazing. I wish I'd heard him in the early to mid-70s but I was too young then to appreciate that deep sonic maelstrom.

I was on my way to a gig in September '91 when I heard on the radio that he'd passed away. When I got to the gig (I was a salsa musician in those days) the announcer gave the crowd the bad news in Spanish. There was a moment of silence. Everyone knew who he was...

I haven't been to a Steely Dan concert since the 90s but I'm going this year.

Because you never know.

Date: Mon, April 14, 2014, 23:03:38 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine Beach

Hoops said

"Repetitious and boring.
"No. Not the Steely Dan shows because every time I listen I hear something new that I had not heard before..."

Well, Jim that's because you actually listen to the music and don't form your opinion based on a printed setlist.

And, Chris and M/O/D/P, of course you are right. What is there to complain about days after learning SD is touring once again? Some people will find something to complain about no matter what the situation. My mother would complain about the taxes if she won a multi-million dollar lottery. Oh well.

With that said, I have one serious complaint. Given the tour schedule-to-date, I can't see how I will make a show this time. I'm hoping there will be more dates (and I honestly think there will be some). But if not, I'm pretty screwed. But I will be trying my best to make at least one show. And if I don't , it will be due to lack of time and cash to travel. Not due to some complaint about the setlist.

Date: Mon, April 14, 2014, 22:42:43 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh

Such strange reactions to a band everyone here loves going on tour.

Date: Mon, April 14, 2014, 21:42:39 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, Toronto

Another summer tour by my favourite live musical act? How could I be anything but ecstatic??

I'm planning/hoping to see four shows this time - Niagara Falls NY, Toronto (2), and Montreal. If they end up tacking on another run at The Beacon in September, I will juggle the books (again) and make it to NYC for 3 or 4 more shows there. This band is the only outfit I would spend this kind of money and effort on - no one else even comes close for me. The sad truth is that now most of the acts I'd like to see (again or for the first time) are permanently inactive or just plain dead. I passed on Miles the last time he came through my neck of the woods, and I've lived to regret the decision. You guys know he's dead, right?

I plan to enjoy soaking in every musical moment of every 2014 SD show I get to see, since virtually nothing this band has ever released could ever be called filler. The popular stuff is really, really good and it stands up to repeated listening. The lesser known material, no matter how many times I hear it or see it, is even better. We already know they will play what they wanna play, and frankly that's just fine with me because hearing this ensemble live is an experience I never tire of. I will make no apology for being so unjaded.

So, yeah, I'm willing to put up with the inevitable talk 'n' text & talk 'n' eat & drink 'n' belch & talk 'n' get-up-and-pee-six-times-in-two-hours crowd. I'm willing to put up with all the yappy Classic Rock experts who don't know about or care about anything their childhood favorite Mr. Steely Dan may have done post 1980. I'm even willing to witness hundreds of obnoxious "selfies" being created while the musicians work on stage. Hell, I'm willing to get angry (again) at the built-in cupholders filled with $15 Big Gulp beers and I'm willing to be inconvenienced by the drunken, clumsy peanut-bladder semi-geriatric idiots who carelessly and oafishly block my view of the proceedings.

That's how much I love this band.

Oh....and I want a "Jamalot Forever" $25 coffee mug.

Date: Mon, April 14, 2014, 20:25:52 ET
Posted by: hoops, chicago

Repetitious and boring.

No. Not the Steely Dan shows because every time I listen I hear something new that I had not heard before, even if it is a similar set list. And their playing keeps getting more and more interesting.

The repetition and boredom comes from the same fans who have the same complaints year after year.

Look, they are going to different towns. They can't finance a tour for 300 obsessive fans. Moreover, instead of the Dukes, they're playing towns where many haven't heard them before, that's all. Otherwise, it's a year to skip the usual cities (Chicago, etc.)

I don't think the tour date list is entirely done. I could see a stand at the Beacon --remember last year wasn't announced until much later.

Last tour? I think it's crossed their mind every year since 1974. And the realities are that there are fewer years of large scale touring ahead than there are behind them. Heck, with their sense of humor it wouldn't surprise me that a question of finality is an intentional consideration in this and every tour name of late. What do expect of the masters of irony? Cher keeps having final tours--but at least Donald and Walter can still move their facial muscles.

Keep it light, have some fun. I hate to have stop reading this place so I can look forward to the tour.

Fly low and be cool.

Jim

Date: Mon, April 14, 2014, 19:31:07 ET
Posted by: Hey,wait a minute.. , NYC

So, no NYC shows?
No 7+ night stand at The Beacon?
I'm not buying it.
And I'm not buying into the whole last tour b.s.

Date: Mon, April 14, 2014, 18:56:44 ET
Posted by: KD, asdf

I'll check back in when the tour starts up, to see if I'm proven wrong. Hopefully by then you'll have the guts to post under your own name.

Date: Mon, April 14, 2014, 18:40:46 ET
Posted by: Speaking , of "downers"

Leave it to the downers here to crap all over what might just be the last time out for Steely Dan as we know it. We don't even have a single song listed (or played, for that matter) from the first show, and already it's been decided that the whole affair will be a waste of time and money.

What a bunch of sour, negative bunts.

Date: Mon, April 14, 2014, 17:46:27 ET
Posted by: KD, asdf

Even the press release is milquetoast. Usually you get some Don + Walt turn of phrase or idiom or some semblance of Steely humanity, but they didn't bother this time.

I understand them being crass about things. The relative failures of EMG, Morph, Sunken Condos and especially Circus Money must have really gotten to these guys. I'm sure they'll give it their all and I definitely know hearing the title track from Aja will bring chills to anyone that is paying attention, but this whole affair is a bit of a downer.

Date: Mon, April 14, 2014, 17:28:48 ET
Posted by: Conspiracy Theory, Everything they did, baby

When DF was questioned at the book signing about an SD tour he said something to the effect that an SD tour might not be for a few years and that SD was getting over exposed. Or something like that. Now we see that there will be a 2014 tour.

Looking at the cities and venues on this tour, the lack of major market venues and inner cities is pretty obvious. This factor and the timing and bunched up schedule for this tour provide some insights into the future of SD as an entity. The reasons for this seem to be as follows.

WB might be deteriorated within a few years to the point he might be unable to tour. No SD w/o WB. And a DF solo tour has already been not proven to be a profitable fan draw, even though it was a great show.

DF's comments were on the mark about SD over exposure. In the major cities and venues, that is. With the same set list, and having appeared multiple times in the major cities, people probably will not return for a 4th time. That money stream has dried up, though not completely.

Where there is indeed "under" exposure is in the small cities and venues that the rural SD fans can access, but not too far for a rabid SD fan in say, Chicago to drive to northern Indiana for a show for example.

A small venue with jacked ticket prices will bring close to the same pot of money per show. Bleeding 3000 fans for $200 each is about the same as bleeding 10000 fans for $70.

What might all of this mean?

This could be the last hurrah for SD. These guys are getting up there age wise, and WB especially is showing signs of wear. This one last money grab tour seems designed to squeeze one last bit of juices from a previously untapped rural population which was not the low hanging fruit of the past years such as the Beacon Theatre, United Center etc. The same setlist will therefore do just fine. There will be no reason to change it since many of these shows will be drawing many SD fans for the first, and probably final time. It is all very efficient.

This tour is a stroke of marketing genius the likes of what DF and WB are in an artistic sense. At this stage they truly need it.

Not even the Grinch who stole Christmas would be able to come up with such a calculated, crafty scheme.

Date: Mon, April 14, 2014, 17:22:08 ET
Posted by: my, guess

With the cities they have not been to ever or in awhile, we should not expect a setlist surprise

Date: Mon, April 14, 2014, 13:03:40 ET
Posted by: Tecnicoloe Motorhome, SE USA

WOO-HOO!! Just saw back-to-back nights are now listed at the awesome Ryman Auditorium in Nashville for August. Do you think it will be the same show both nights or different?? I'm afraid the ticket prices might be too high to go both nights based on what Santana tickets went for.

Date: Mon, April 14, 2014, 11:41:16 ET
Posted by: Aja1, Newton (formerly Wallingford)

Chris,

The Oakdale Theater in Wallingford is more like a typical theater. I saw SD there once and thought the sound was pretty good. But is is low-frills. Wallingford is about 20 minutes north of New Haven and 35 minumtes south of Hartford on I-91. There are a few decent restaurants in the area for pre-show meals. The Oakdale used to be a theater in the round, but that was a long time ago.

I agree with you on the BoA Pavilion (though it is now called somethnig like Blue Hills Bank Pavilion).

Never been to the Providence venue, but I may go as I can't make the 9/6 show.

Date: Mon, April 14, 2014, 10:51:28 ET
Posted by: Skippy, o

6 shows in 7 days Aug 11-17. That's probably a first.

Date: Mon, April 14, 2014, 10:23:13 ET
Posted by: casual fan, orlando

Wow, not a single Florida date. Given the demographic of their fans, I'm surprised.

Date: Mon, April 14, 2014, 10:11:12 ET
Posted by: Here ya go, All over

Jul 02 Portland, OR Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall
Jul 03 Bend, OR Les Schwab Amphitheatre
Jul 05 Redmond, WA Marymoor Amphitheatre
Jul 06 Redmond, WA Marymoor Amphitheatre
Jul 08 Saratoga, CA The Mountain Winery
Jul 09 Saratoga, CA The Mountain Winery
Jul 10 Concord, CA Concord Pavilion
Jul 12 Los Angeles, CA The Forum
Jul 13 San Diego CA Humphrey's
Jul 15 Phoenix, AZ Comerica Theatre
Jul 16 Albuquerque, NM Route 66 Casino
Jul 18 Thackerville, OK Winstar Casino
Jul 19 Kansas City, MO Starlight Theatre
Jul 21 Oklahoma City, OK Chesapeake Energy Arena
Jul 23 Tulsa, OK Brady Theater
Jul 24 Rogers, AR The Wal-Mart Amphitheater
Jul 26 New Orleans, LA UNO Lakefront Arena
Jul 27 Birmingham, AL Birmingham Jefferson CC
Jul 29 Columbia, SC Township Auditorium
Jul 31 Asheville, NC Biltmore Estate
Aug 01 Nashville, TN Ryman Auditorium
Aug 02 Nashville, TN Ryman Auditorium
Aug 04 Greensboro, NC War Memorial Auditorium
Aug 06 Bethlehem, PA Musikfest
Aug 08 Niagara Falls, NY Seneca Events Center
Aug 09 Erie, PA City Fest
Aug 11 Pittsburgh, PA Benedum Center
Aug 12 Cincinnati, OH Taft Theater
Aug 13 Columbus, OH Palace Theatre
Aug 15 Springfield, IL Illinois State Fair
Aug 16 Madison WI Overture Hall
Aug 17 Hammond, IN Horseshoe Casino
Aug 19 Appleton, WI Fox Cities PAC
Aug 20 Interlochen, MI Kresge Auditorium
Aug 22 Windsor, ON Colosseum at Caesars
Aug 23 Toronto, ON Sony Centre for PA
Aug 24 Toronto, ON Sony Centre for PA
Aug 26 Ottawa, ON National Arts Centre
Aug 27 Montreal, QC St. Denis Theater
Aug 29 Bangor, ME Waterfront
Aug 30 Gilford, NH Meadowbrook
Aug 31 Saratoga Springs, NY Saratoga PAC
Sep 03 Red Bank, NJ Count Basie Theatre
Sep 04 Red Bank, NJ Count Basie Theatre
Sep 06 Boston, MA Bank of America Pavilion
Sep 07 Providence, RI Providence PAC
Sep 09 Morristown, NJ Mayo PAC
Sep 10 Morristown, NJ Mayo PAC
Sep 12 Atlantic City, NJ Caesars
Sep 13 Huntington, NY Paramount Theater
Sep 14 Huntington, NY Paramount Theater
Sep 16 Wallingford, CT Oakdale Theater
Sep 17 Baltimore, MD Pier Six Pavillion

Date: Mon, April 14, 2014, 10:09:47 ET
Posted by: Num Cruncher, 101010110001

7 runs of shows on 3 consecutive nights. Only 1 two-day break. They are really packing it tight.

The cool things you can figure by copying the schedule off the home page and pasting it into Excel.

Date: Mon, April 14, 2014, 10:08:18 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh

Lots of different venues in my area this year. Back at the BoA Pavilion in Boston. Not a fan of that venue - obnoxious security, shitty sound. Beautiful setting though. Haven't been to Meadowbrook in over a decade; I understand they've made a lot of improvements in the past 5 years. Odd to see Steely Dan there as it's more of a country venue. Does anyone have insight into the Providence, Bangor, and Wallingford CT venues?

Date: Mon, April 14, 2014, 09:39:22 ET
Posted by: kzkzkz, on the LIRR

Huntington, NY @ the tiny Paramount!! Better get those tix fast.

Date: Mon, April 14, 2014, 09:22:12 ET
Posted by: Hutch,

Two nights at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. That's a first.
Bunch of new dates on the site.

Date: Mon, April 14, 2014, 08:59:01 ET
Posted by: steelydoc, near the Tower

the official Steely Dan newsletter was sent out overnight, and the website has been updated with a total of 47 dates for the US summer tour!

Date: Mon, April 14, 2014, 05:35:01 ET
Posted by: Peter, Devon, UK

In case this hasn't been posted before.

"Erudite" doesn't cover it.

http://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/comment/articles/2014-02/12-/donald-fagen-steely-dan-aja

Date: Sun, April 13, 2014, 18:06:33 ET
Posted by: uh, no

Somehow I don't see the girls singing about their steaming sounds of love with Rose. Asking her to make their wildest dreams come true. Pete Rose maybe.

Date: Sun, April 13, 2014, 17:02:16 ET
Posted by: Napoleon, U.K

Imagine an album and rarities night so unique that Steely Dan perform a brand new album they've been working on, start to finish but then never release. You hear it once and that's it.

What are people expecting? That said, the ticket prices are silly. It's a shame that Donald and Walter haven't toured their own material. I think that would've heeled the grievances in the old songs/new songs debate.

Date: Sun, April 13, 2014, 16:50:04 ET
Posted by: You're the bloody fool, His name is Donald McFagen

Date: Sun, April 13, 2014, 16:22:35 ET
Posted by: Steve Gennarelli, Tampa

Here's my prediction for this year's set list...
with minor changes throughout the tour.

King of the World
Weather in My Head
Black Cow
Night by Night
Black Friday
Midnight Cruiser (sung by Walter)
Peg
Rose Darlin'(Sung by the Ladies)
Pearl of the Quarter
Miss Marlene
Don't Take Me Alive
Encore
Kid Charlemagne
My Old School

I'm hoping that "Peg" and "Hey Nineteen"
get a much needed rest on the bench. This list has enough of the regular stuff and enough "variety" to make it a great night for all.

But as a guilty pleasure, I'd truly love to see "Here at the Western World" or "The Second Arrangement" added in.

Date: Sun, April 13, 2014, 16:19:24 ET
Posted by: Fellow Fisherman, on the Blue

Sam, looks like you caught one.

Date: Sun, April 13, 2014, 16:18:21 ET
Posted by: you bloody fool, that was Michael McDonald as guest on those songs

Date: Sun, April 13, 2014, 16:15:45 ET
Posted by: you bloody fool,

Date: Sun, April 13, 2014, 14:39:52 ET
Posted by: Sam, C

Surprised he wasn't able to get Fagen to sing. He's been pretty accommodating as a guest vocalist over the years. He was great on Ride like the Wind and This Is It.

Date: Sun, April 13, 2014, 13:20:05 ET
Posted by: casual fan, orlando

Apologies if this has been discussed before. Williams gave an interview and SD came up and specifically his appreciation for Fagen.

http://www.vulture.com/m/2013/06/pharrell-williams-interview.html

He wanted Fagen to sing one of the Despicable Me songs.

Date: Sun, April 13, 2014, 10:23:32 ET
Posted by: casual fan, orlando

CBS morning show Pharrel Williams is on (singer of hit Happy and has produced for bands like No Doubt and working with Snoop Dog and Madonna) and he referenced Steely Dan and specifically Fagen as singing about something, having a purpose, as an influence. Remarkable interview if you can find it.

Date: Sun, April 13, 2014, 08:08:03 ET
Posted by: Mpls Dan Fan,

KD and Doc Mu - thanks!

Date: Sun, April 13, 2014, 05:28:25 ET
Posted by: Steve M, Scotland

Re: "Keep touring guys and how about some UK dates perhaps with one of our favourite Englishmen Joe Jackson as support ?!! "

Also, that way we'd have a chance of hearing 'King of the World'!

Date: Sun, April 13, 2014, 04:09:40 ET
Posted by: Pete Evans, Manchester UK

Keep touring guys and how about some UK dates perhaps with one of our favourite Englishmen Joe Jackson as support ?!!

Date: Sun, April 13, 2014, 02:07:06 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

jeebus - have Kama DVD-A on headphones. I can see the coils on the bass guitar strings vibrating. It's rich living in the middle

Date: Sun, April 13, 2014, 01:42:37 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Mpls: The 2vN DVD-A is fantastic. The drum fills really blossom - the intro to what a Shame about me is sublime. The snare is less Whack and 2-D, the horns richer. Very much worth it.

Date: Sat, April 12, 2014, 21:50:12 ET
Posted by: Actually,,

Mr. Jackson's commentary was both timely and hilarious. The poster "Hector E." has rarely (never?) contributed anything even remotely positive here. Like a handful of other bitter malcontents, he just pops in every once in a while to repeat the same tired mantra. It doesn't make for interesting or informative reading, and it is never redeemed with anything approaching humor. Unlike Mr. Jackson's bit, which just made a room filled with Steely Dan fans/general music lovers explode with laughter.

Date: Sat, April 12, 2014, 19:50:39 ET
Posted by: Hey Joe,

And thanks for also reminding us there's always someone to express their indignation with other fans' dissatisfaction!

You're just the same.

Date: Sat, April 12, 2014, 17:43:26 ET
Posted by: KD, asdf

Mpls,

The EMG is damn good, but I don't know what the current going rates are. Don't have the 2vN one.

Would really love to get EMG on vinyl, but the prices are pretty outrageous. Really happy that I got Morph on vinyl right when it came out, so good to crank up and make those transistors work.

Date: Sat, April 12, 2014, 12:51:02 ET
Posted by: Joe Jackson, Stepping Out

Hector E., thank you for reminding us that you won't be going to ANY!!! shows unless there is a significant change in the setlist. Just last week, I was thinking to myself that Hector E. probably wouldn't go to any shows unless there were some changes, but I never dreamed that you wouldn't go to ANY!!! shows. Thanks for clearing that up.

You've said it before, as you say, and now you've said it again, so in the future when you post the same damn thing, please keep us updated as to just how many times it is that you've said it. We want to stay current.

And I hear what you say about a lot of old bands being on tour - thanks for that observation, too. I checked, and as it turns out, my favorite band is touring this summer. Some of the band's fans are whiny bitches, but they keep playing for the rest of us anyway.

Date: Sat, April 12, 2014, 09:12:45 ET
Posted by: Mpls Dan Fan,

I've been thinking about getting the 2vn and EMG DVD audio discs, but they are a bit pricey. Does anyone have them and if so are they worth getting? I love Gaucho and the Nightfly Trilogy 5.1 mixes, how do 2vn and EMG stack up against those? Thanks!

Date: Sat, April 12, 2014, 07:55:02 ET
Posted by: Ned, P

Looking at the schedule, I would guess Foxwoods or possibly Mohegan Sun on Sep 6.

Date: Sat, April 12, 2014, 00:42:25 ET
Posted by: Hector E.,

I'll guarantee you this, and I have said it before, I will not go to ANY!!! Steely Dan shows unless there are significant changes to the setlist. I would rather go to Toto, Steppenwolf, KC and the Sunshine Band or any other, you name it, of the bands now out there touring.

And you'll find that there is probably greater than a 50/50 chance your favorite 1970s/1980s band is out there touring in some form if you look.

Date: Fri, April 11, 2014, 21:19:26 ET
Posted by: KD, asdf

I'm sure there might be some album nights, but I agree at this point in the game (11 years after an album that didn't sell, touring just about every year) that there's no way they can't trot out the same old set list.

I don't blame them. Just don't blame some fans, working from paycheck to paycheck, to skip the tour for the third run in a row.

Date: Fri, April 11, 2014, 20:13:11 ET
Posted by: Whopper Jr., Anytown

No way are they going to do album gigs on this tour with the exception of Aja. That's just wishful thinking for the die-hard fans. It's gonna be your standard Steely Dan setlist and you know it.

Date: Fri, April 11, 2014, 19:57:20 ET
Posted by: album gigs,

to switch it up, Countdown or Katy Lied would be awesome. you'd please both the radio hits crowd and the deep fans.

Date: Fri, April 11, 2014, 19:49:28 ET
Posted by: Shane, Oakland

The last time Steely Dan played at a big outdoor shed here in Northern California was in 2006 at the Shoreline Amphitheatre with Michael McDonald. The highlight of that show was when Bonnie Raitt came onstage to sing Dirty Work. I hope they can fill up the Concord Pavilion this Summer. I wonder who will be the opening act for this tour?

Date: Fri, April 11, 2014, 19:04:04 ET
Posted by: Mt. Belzoni, Portland OR

Noticing that gap between Redmond (7/5-6) and Concord (&/10) at the outset of the tour, and hoping that they're saving that nice July 8 date for a show in the Portland area. Also hoping that they pick a decent venue this time around. Both the Keller and Schnitzer theatres (each holds a tad under 3,000) have been great for them before, but the iffy sheds on the outskirts of town have had lousy sound, access, etc.

I also agree that to make the tour worthwhile, they need to add 4-5 new things to add to the body of work they've performed during the past few tours. Their repertoire is far from exhausted, especially if they include their solo work, and perhaps even a cover (not just for band intros). The highlights of many past tours have been the one-ofs (Boston Rag, Tomorrow's Girls, Caves of Altamira, Glamour Profession, King of the World), these are what excite longterm fans like us. So let's please have Dr. Wu, Confide in Me, Century's End, Paging Audrey, Any World, Rose Darling - rev up that great imagination guys!

Date: Fri, April 11, 2014, 15:25:31 ET
Posted by: Lutz, SF

Concord Pavillion, wow. Holds 12500. Last time they played there was in 2003 I believe. That night Lunch with Gina was on the set list.
It went over very well, people loved it.
It's understood that they have to play the hits. Why not mix up the couple of songs that are not hits a bit?
They've played Godwhacker hundreds of times, LWG maybe 3 times?

Date: Fri, April 11, 2014, 15:23:27 ET
Posted by: casual fan, orlando

re album shows or the usual slew of hits and a few oddballs ....

Being in Florida I personally wouldn't mind the album approach down this-a-way. I've seen them I guess six times down here now and its always the hits show because they've saved the album approach for stops in major cities.

Royal Scam at St.Augustine Amphitheatre would be delightful.

If they'd play TvN or EMG all the better but I don;t see that happening, down here or elsewhere.

Date: Fri, April 11, 2014, 14:37:47 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh

I'd bet album gigs will happen, and they'll be announced with the full slate of tour dates.

Date: Fri, April 11, 2014, 14:29:52 ET
Posted by: hoops, Mariano's wine bar

The latest edition of the Dandom Digest was just e-mailed and is dated April 1-11, 2014.

If you are a subscriber, you should see the latest edition in your email box within an hour of this post. If you don't see them, check your spam filters first; then, if it's not there, please email me.

As I regularly remind subscribers, some people have problems with delivery of the Dandom Digest, usually because of their spam filters, firewalls, etc. That's why this sort of notice is posted here--so you are aware that you should have received the latest edition.

The following are the subject headlines of the Dandom Digest for April 1-11, 2014.

=======

- UPDATE: Steely Dan Jamalot Summer Tour 2014
- Official Steely Dan eNewsletter
- Carlock/Porcaro/Toto
- Herington & Monkey House
- Two Types of Camps
- REDUX: Danfests 2014
- UPDATE 2: Put Your Site on the Steely Dan Web Ring

=======

If you are not currently a subscriber but would like to receive the free Dandom Digest email newsletter, please email me at hoops AT dandom DOT com or see http://www.dandom.com/dandomdigest.

For the record, the Dandom Digest is a newsletter with unofficial content written by and for the fans of Steely Dan. The newsletter is independent of, nor to be confused with, the glorious and much more glamorous official newsletters from steelydan.com, walterbecker.com, donaldfagen.com and other sites of Steely Dan associates.

Thanks for your support through the years, especially Pete and Shari, as well as Mr. & Mrs. Winterbottom, and espcially thinking of Mark and Bill, and not to mention one or two people who request anonymity.

Date: Fri, April 11, 2014, 13:34:54 ET
Posted by: Jimmie, R

Cas. Fan,

If I recall, album dates were always promoted as such from the get go.

The Wellmont Theater dates in 2008 were back to back and were not album shows. SD is a better draw than most acts playing these size venues. They are probably confident they can fill two dates without playing the album card.

Date: Fri, April 11, 2014, 13:24:32 ET
Posted by: casual fan, orlando

Of the venues announced, they are doing back-to-back shows at three of them. Suggests more of the album cover-to-cover approach this tour.

Date: Fri, April 11, 2014, 11:58:37 ET
Posted by: Zip, Skip

The Morristown, NJ place holds 1300.

Scaled down band this tour I wonder? They usually post a roster, but I don't see one so far.

Date: Fri, April 11, 2014, 11:22:03 ET
Posted by: kzkzkz, red bank?!

Count Basie Theatre? Wow, tiny room. Cool.

Date: Fri, April 11, 2014, 08:40:20 ET
Posted by: huh?, don't get it

Let me get this straight. Roughly 28.6 percent of EH was allocated to trashing the Count Basie theater, and he's back for a 2 night run?

Date: Fri, April 11, 2014, 08:14:19 ET
Posted by: steelydoc, near the Tower

more dates added to steelydan.com today!

Date: Thurs, April 10, 2014, 14:11:03 ET
Posted by: Jazzy Jeff, Upstate

My favorite Steely Dan covers:

Woody Herman: Side 2 of "Chick, Donald, Walter & Woodrow" album
Rachel Z: Kid Charlemagne
Don Braden: Kid Charlemagne
Katie Patterson's Steely Dan Big Band
Mark Masters Ensemble: "Everything You Did" Album
The Royal Dan: "A Tribute" album

Date: Thurs, April 10, 2014, 13:44:46 ET
Posted by: one guitar,

Thanks for that Nicholas. It's from an entire CD of SD songs on solo guitar.
Here's Reelin' In The Years with all the melody, bass and Elliott Randall parts covered on one guitar.

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

Date: Thurs, April 10, 2014, 12:59:53 ET
Posted by: search, kb

Apparently a pre sale for a (yet to be announced?) Atlantic City show.

http://www.presalepasswordinfo.com/getevent.php?id=160166

Date: Thurs, April 10, 2014, 09:45:42 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Nicholas, thanks for sharing. He's really good, utilizing an almost classical style in order to replicate Josie's arrangement.

Because Denny Dias said that Aja absolutely could not be played on the guitar, I learned it on classical guitar. Wasn't all that difficult to be honest, although I didn't bother trying to emulate the guitar/sax solos because it's useless.

Date: Wed, April 09, 2014, 22:33:06 ET
Posted by: SteelyDon, RVA

Was listening to Howard Stern this morning and Rob Lowe was on as a guest. He was promoting a book and was saying that he likes to read authors who take him behind the scenes to somewhere he would never get to see or experience. Surprisingly he mentioned he was currently reading Eminent Hipsters by DF and thought it was great because of the inside look into touring.

Date: Wed, April 09, 2014, 22:10:12 ET
Posted by: Nicholas Urfe, Phraxos

This guy gets a lot done with one guitar. Like it or don't like - but his guitar playing won't leave you cold.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ok6KGXVv8M

Date: Wed, April 09, 2014, 18:34:03 ET
Posted by: The Dean, Manatee Bar. It's Happy Hour!

While I'm sure many will agree with you, Rhonda (and Hutch) I think Hemby's idiosyncratic technique works well on Third World Man. In most cases, I'd probably agree that this guitar treatment is a bit over-the-top. But in this particular instance, as the tune is very haunting to begin with, the "slippery stuff" (nice imagery, Hutch) really fits in. IMO anyway. I didn't find it distracting, rather I thought it added a little something to save this from being a rather ordinary smooth jazz treatment.

Date: Wed, April 09, 2014, 18:11:20 ET
Posted by: Hutch,

Rhonda - I had the same impression. A lot of bends with pinched harmonics. Good phrasing, but that slippery stuff is distracting.

Date: Wed, April 09, 2014, 17:12:02 ET
Posted by: Rhonda, Planet D'Rhonda

I don't get what Tom Hemby is going for with his guitar work. Seems a bit wanky. The other musicians there sound great. Upchurch does a pretty good job with Jack of Speed (really not too smooth jazzy, it has a bit of that vibe going on though).

Date: Wed, April 09, 2014, 16:01:44 ET
Posted by: The Dean, Manatee Bar. It's Happy Hour!

Hutch, very nice. Vinnie on Third World Man and a great job by Upchurch.

The Stolen Van stuff is nice, too.

Steely Joe, are you saying A) Kiss covered Reeling and B) It is good? Or is this more sarcasm I'm missing? Or did I just misread the post? Just getting my first drink, so perhaps I'm simply not in the right frame of mind--yet.

Date: Wed, April 09, 2014, 15:44:31 ET
Posted by: H, Another nice one...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=diBaB9_KEhg&list=PLglOr86WgTyewd0oW1AzP1xQO8pzEf66h

Date: Wed, April 09, 2014, 15:33:47 ET
Posted by: Hutch,

Here's a nice cover of Third World Man. Very well done I think.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QltAXKfCJjw&list=PLglOr86WgTyewd0oW1AzP1xQO8pzEf66h

Date: Wed, April 09, 2014, 10:56:36 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh

I've always like Wilco's cover of Any Major Dude, but I am a fan of theirs.

Date: Wed, April 09, 2014, 10:40:39 ET
Posted by: Good King John, UK

I could tell you were being sarcastic - The Darcy's Aja cover is pretty controversial around these parts. I don't have much of an opinion on it because I couldn't get through more than 30 seconds of it.

I really enjoy Stolen Van's covers of Steely Dan stuff. Stolen Van is led by Sean Wayland who is a NYC jazz musician who frequently features greats like Carlock, Lefebvre, Adam Rogers, James Muller, etc. on his albums. Very fresh stuff. Here's some of the Stolen Van stuff, with which some of you may already be familiar.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nXVmf8nm1R8 - Rose Darling
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7ki9Cw35kc - Here at the Western World
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RfupPPeEInc - Caves of Altamira

Date: Wed, April 09, 2014, 10:24:40 ET
Posted by: Steely Joe, Philly

Steely Dan covers

The Best Reeling in the years
Kiss Reeling in the years
Joe Jackson Any Major Dude,King of the world,Reeling in the years
Ben Folds Barrytown

Date: Tues, April 08, 2014, 23:34:59 ET
Posted by: The Dean, Walk of Shame

Alas, I'll take the hit on missing the sarcasm. I posted before my first drink. After a couple, and revisiting your post (and seeing all the Darcy references in the header), I thought that it may indeed have been sarcasm. But the Darcy cover was not without its fans here---or whatever.

My bad.

Date: Tues, April 08, 2014, 21:13:11 ET
Posted by: Alas, again

Sarcasm doesn't translate into writing. I though that any sentence that begins with "Everyone on the blue..." would be suspect. We could have sent Mr. Belzoni scurrying to listen to the Darcys and the, just when he reached the point of despair, rewarded him with the fine selections that The Dean listed - fine choices indeed. Now, though, he gets those gems with no work at all.

Date: Tues, April 08, 2014, 20:50:42 ET
Posted by: ken,

The Darcy's should stay away. Especially from SD music!

Date: Tues, April 08, 2014, 19:17:46 ET
Posted by: The Dean, Manatee Bar. Still Drinkin'

Sorry for the double post. Fast fingers.

Date: Tues, April 08, 2014, 19:16:31 ET
Posted by: The Dean, Manatee Bar. It's Happy Hour!

I thought the Darcy's Aja cover was, at best, "interesting" or perhaps "unusual". But to me it is also basically unlistenable. I admire the ambition but can't say the same for the result.


But I also think it's true the best Dan covers have some interesting twist and/or are jazz instrumentals. Why just make a second rate copy? And typically the vocals are sung so over-the-top they ruin the lyrics.

So with that said, here are a couple artists I recall whose covers I liked (ie: can actually listen to):

2ofUS covers
http://www.youtube.com/user/2ofusmusic

Sara Isaksson & Rebecka T�rnqvist
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=sara+isaksson+%26+rebecka+t%C3%B6rnqvist+steely+dan

There are more, but those are the ones I thought of first.

Date: Tues, April 08, 2014, 19:16:19 ET
Posted by: The Dean, Manatee Bar. It's Happy Hour!

I thought the Darcy's Aja cover was, at best, "interesting" or perhaps "unusual". But to me it is also basically unlistenable. I admire the ambition but can't say the same for the result.


But I also think it's true the best Dan covers have some interesting twist and/or are jazz instrumentals. Why just make a second rate copy? And typically the vocals are sung so over-the-top they ruin the lyrics.

So with that said, here are a couple artists I recall whose covers I liked (ie: can actually listen to):

2ofUS covers
http://www.youtube.com/user/2ofusmusic

Sara Isaksson & Rebecka T�rnqvist
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=sara+isaksson+%26+rebecka+t%C3%B6rnqvist+steely+dan

There are more, but those are the ones I thought of first.

Date: Tues, April 08, 2014, 18:58:45 ET
Posted by: Mr. Darcy, Darcyville

Mr. Belzoni, I think that everyone on the blue loved the Darcys' cover of Aja - the entire album.

Date: Tues, April 08, 2014, 14:41:51 ET
Posted by: mr belzoni, funway wesr

Hi fans: I am looking for some of your favorite steely dan covers for my collection. Any ideas?

Date: Tues, April 08, 2014, 11:41:41 ET
Posted by: Big Fan, raining

I was at the last SD concert at Saratoga with Jane Lightning et al. Terrible thunderstorms. Rain blowing in from the sides. Nice enough venue. Worst performance by the band I have ever seen. There were some power blips because of the weather. They shortened the setlist and only played one encore song. They couldn't wait to get off the stage. The tour buses were rolling before we could get to our cars.

Date: Tues, April 08, 2014, 09:38:00 ET
Posted by: KD, asdf

John, thank you so much for your work on our behalf. Cheers.

Date: Tues, April 08, 2014, 09:36:24 ET
Posted by: John, Dallas

I've been adding more and more new (old) articles to the SteelyDanReader.com web site, including four over the weekend that date back 20-30 years. I'm now up to 350 articles, interviews and reviews, arranged chronologically. I'm always interested in copies of Dan-related articles (especially those from the 1970s), so if you happen to have some you'd like to share with fellow addicts, please contact me at steelydanreader@gmail.com

If you'd like to get a notice whenever I publish a new article, you can follow me on Twitter at @steelydanreader, or Like my site page on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/steelydanreader

Here are four articles posted this weekend:

The Reinvention of Walter Becker (1994)
http://steelydanreader.com/1994/09/14/reinventing-walter-becker/

Gaucho Review (1981)
http://steelydanreader.com/1981/01/18/gaucho-sardonic-style-steely-dan/

Steely Dan returns after 20 years (1993)
http://steelydanreader.com/1993/08/22/two-decade-countdown-ecstasy/

Metal Leg 22 (August, 1993)
http://steelydanreader.com/1993/08/01/metal-leg-22/

Date: Tues, April 08, 2014, 08:44:50 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh

Didn't know SPAC was a subscription place. Makes more sense now.

Date: Tues, April 08, 2014, 08:41:42 ET
Posted by: history 101, ny state

The point was that Saratoga Springs PAC is a subscription venue in a concert-=going area. Like Raviinia. Historically SD have filled up those types, because the season holders choose to go. That plus open tix can fill up the shed.Their history in Saratoga is good

Date: Tues, April 08, 2014, 08:17:08 ET
Posted by: mktg, 101

Selling out a shed in a market big enough to support all four major sports is a little easier than doing the same in Saratoga Springs.

Date: Mon, April 07, 2014, 19:47:37 ET
Posted by: AC, bound

If the Caesars date turns out to be accurate, they'll be playing a much smaller venue than anywhere else they've played in AC. Capacity is just 1600. Revel (where they played last year) seats more than 5,000.

Date: Mon, April 07, 2014, 19:34:48 ET
Posted by: DYLYNFAN, HARRISBURG PA

Steely Doc is correct, I was at The Mann in a torrental downpour
and there was well over 10,000 strong there, not a seat to be had.

Date: Mon, April 07, 2014, 19:24:50 ET
Posted by: steelydoc, near the Tower

SD filled up the Mann Music Center in Philly last summer....that's the shed where all the acts played before the Susquehanna Bank Center was built. They easily had a crowd that was larger than their usual two night stand at the Tower....

Date: Mon, April 07, 2014, 16:46:08 ET
Posted by: Ivana, Jamalot

Jul 05 Redmond, WA Marymoor Amphitheatre April 25
Jul 06 Redmond, WA Marymoor Amphitheatre April 25
Jul 13 San Diego CA Humphrey's now
Jul 21 Oklahoma City, OK Chesapeake Energy Arena April 11
Aug 06 Bethlehem, PA Musikfest April 18
Aug 08 Niagara Falls, NY Seneca Events Center April 25
Aug 12 Cincinnati, OH Taft Theater April 24
Aug 16 Madison WI Overture Hall April 25

Date: Mon, April 07, 2014, 16:42:15 ET
Posted by: saratoga sam, upstate

they sold out Ravinia (which is MASSIVE) a couple of times in the last few years. I think they can and do bring out big numbers in certain subscription cities

Date: Mon, April 07, 2014, 16:31:01 ET
Posted by: Harpo, Concord

I don't think Steely Dan can fill up SPAC. They haven't played at those huge outdoor sheds in years. They no longer have the big drawing power of other classic rock acts like Fleetwood Mac or The Eagles. Of course, I could be wrong. We'll just have to wait and see.

Date: Mon, April 07, 2014, 14:46:36 ET
Posted by: 1 more, I can't stop

Steely Dan at King County's Marymoor Park
Sunday, July 6 at 7:30pm in PDT
Marymoor Concerts in Redmond, Washington

Two night stand apparently.

Date: Mon, April 07, 2014, 14:42:42 ET
Posted by: PA, Date

Steely Dan at Musikfest
Wednesday, August 6 at 8:30pm in EDT
Musikfest in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

Date: Mon, April 07, 2014, 14:40:14 ET
Posted by: Another One, In

Steely Dan at King County's Marymoor Park
Saturday, July 5, 2014
7:30pm in PDT

http://www.facebook.com/events/623233837768835/

Date: Mon, April 07, 2014, 14:00:07 ET
Posted by: CC, Q

Atlantic City date has disappeared from Live Nation.

Date: Mon, April 07, 2014, 12:02:34 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh

Interesting that they're playing SPAC, they haven't played too many large outdoor sheds for a few years. I'm also kinda wondering if they can fill it..

Date: Mon, April 07, 2014, 11:35:02 ET
Posted by: Freddie, AC

The AC Danfest should be called Geezers at Caesars.

Date: Mon, April 07, 2014, 10:13:01 ET
Posted by: Here's more, dates

http://www.livenation.com/artists/97592/steely-dan

Aug 31

Sunday @ 7:30pm
Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC)
Saratoga Springs, New York

Sep 12

Friday @ 8pm
Circus Maximus Theater at Caesars Atlantic City
Atlantic City, New Jersey

Date: Mon, April 07, 2014, 10:06:19 ET
Posted by: Found this, Fun

http://www.boxofficehero.com/boh-event/441026-steely-dan-cincinnati-oh-08-12-2014-tickets

Date: Tuesday, August 12th, 2014
Time: 7:30pm
Venue: Taft Theatre
Address: 317 East 5th Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202, US Show Map
Appearing: Steely Dan

Date: Sun, April 06, 2014, 23:09:05 ET
Posted by: The pre-CBAT song,