July 2011 Posts


All Times are Eastern (New York City) Time Zone.


Date: Mon, August 01, 2011, 08:36:35 ET
Posted by: Jazzassin, talkin' to da hand

@Sigma Kauai,

You wrote:
"Messrs Jazzassin and Goblinjazz UK Esquire

Do you two numbskulls really think that Messrs Fagen and Becker would read or more importantly ever care about anything written at this Steely Dan Frat House. You got to be kidding. Just what are two smoking across the way? Hope you will share."

I didn't think so, until I read that review.

And I think the purpose was nothing but a bit of good-spirited fun.

But when similarities and possible connections goes from vague to overwhelming, I just don't think they're random. I think they're intentional.

To me, the whole thing gets even more entertaining when I notice that other fans don't agree / don't want to see it... :D

New York Diesel, btw. A white Avondale would go excellent along with it, I'm sure.


Date: Sun, July 31, 2011, 22:52:42 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine Beach

As Michael notes, Don said he would be mixing the album after the tour. But we all know Don's timelines typically don't pan out. And you KNOW he won't rush the thing (thankfully). So while it is possible the thing might be released before the Dukes tour, I won't hold my breath.

As for playing songs from the new one on the Dukes tour, I seriously doubt that will happen. That isn't what the Dukes' shows are about. (None of the Dukes played any of their new stuff last tour, did they?) And, that really isn't Don's style, anyway. I think he played ONE song from Morph during the Fagen Band concert I saw in Oakland (perhaps he played two). Also remember, The Dan played NONE of Circus Money during their tour in '08. Of course it could happen, but I think it's a real long-shot.

.


Date: Sun, July 31, 2011, 22:07:00 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Well Lurker Ray, let's look at this. Donald said in a recent interview rhat he'd finish mixing the album once the SD tour wraps up. The Dukes tour is early next year, so I have to believe that he'd release the album around the same time or as a prelude to the tour. New album = promotional touring. It's a sure thing that he'll sprinkle in at least a few tunes from the new one.

Otherwise, what's the point?


Date: Sun, July 31, 2011, 18:01:49 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh

So has the Blue hivemind decided that Don is getting high before every show on this tour? I want to believe


Date: Sun, July 31, 2011, 17:52:16 ET
Posted by: Lurker Ray, Malibu

Great new interview with Jon Herington
in Fretboard Journal.

Some really great stuff on recording
and touring with Donald & Walter.

http://www.fretboardjournal.com/features/online/interview-john-herington-steely-dan


Date: Sun, July 31, 2011, 17:17:44 ET
Posted by: Lurker Ray, Malibu

FOXWOODS - The Last Revue You Will Ever Need To Read

Yet another inept reviewer?

"During Friday night's show, the band played all of the songs except "I Got The News" from 1977's groundbreaking album Aja"

Or is this possibly true? Doubtful.

How about a set list Foxwoods?

Seems like the West Coast and Midwest have been much more timely with our reports and set lists this tour.....


Date: Sun, July 31, 2011, 16:45:29 ET
Posted by: Happy Camper, Philly

Speaking of the Borgata (which was sublime), somebody sitting right in front of us in the 2nd row looked like she was capturing some killer video... this is my plea to that person to share it on youtube!


Date: Sun, July 31, 2011, 16:08:07 ET
Posted by: Updraught, Philly area

Set List - Borgata 7/30

Intro � Dizzy�s Bidness
Aja
Black Friday
Hey 19
Your Gold Teeth
Time Out of Mind
Showbiz Kids
Bodhisattva
Monkey in Your Soul (by Walt)
Godwhacker
Dirty Work (by The Embassy Brats)
Papa Don�t Take No Mess Story & Band intros by Walt
Babylon Sisters
Josie
Peg
My Old School
Reelin' In The Years

Encore - Kid Charlemagne

Outro

same as Tanglewood, except Monkey replaced Janie Runaway.

Nice to see everyone before the show at the B-Bar.

Band played very well, Don was more animated than I have seen him in the past, Walt looks like he has a back problem of some sort, sitting on a stool or riser for large parts of the show.

The Sound in the room was excellent tonight. Heard this same comment from a number of people who have seen Steely Dan at the Borgata on past occasions.


Date: Sun, July 31, 2011, 14:55:20 ET
Posted by: Lurker Ray, Malibu

Thanks for the Jon Herington show
report Ghia Girl. Sounds like a
great night. Wish I could have
been there. What 2 Steely Dan
songs did they do?

Michael,

I think you are being very optimistic
with the release date of Donald's new
solo project. Don't forget there is
a Dukes 2 Tour after this tour according
to an interview with Mike McD.

Not to mention, mastering, press,
manufacture etc.

My bet is that it won't see the light
of day until at least early summer,
late spring 2012.


Date: Sun, July 31, 2011, 14:40:40 ET
Posted by: kzkzkz, in the hot sun

This song is making me thirsty-

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_cz5BXCJrFM

Setlists from the casinos?? Anyone??


Date: Sun, July 31, 2011, 09:03:41 ET
Posted by: Ghia Girl, NJ

Luther Ray - I attended the Jon Herington show in CT. It was fabulous to see him play that close. The setting was in a movie theater. Although I did not write a set list, I can tell you that he covered some songs by other artists, played some from his first CD, about 4 songs from his new CD Shine (which I LOVE) and then played two Dan songs. Keith Carlock sat in for Frank Pagano and during the Dan song both Jim Beard and Catherine Russell joined him on stage.


Date: Sun, July 31, 2011, 08:39:14 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Lurker Ray, Donald already explained in an interview that he would finish mixing the album once this tour wraps up (he's finished recording it). That indicates a late 2011/early 2012 release.

Looks like we're just going to have to wait.


Date: Sun, July 31, 2011, 08:23:56 ET
Posted by: Oops, my bad, UK

So sorry, Sigma dude - totally forgot how the light touch of irony and surrealism is often incomprehensible in the colonies !


Date: Sun, July 31, 2011, 04:03:13 ET
Posted by: Foxwoods, Report

http://www.thesunchronicle.com/articles/2011/07/31/go/9959298.txt


Date: Sat, July 30, 2011, 23:28:59 ET
Posted by: Grogster, New York

Thanks Tommy..and yes they are all great...


Date: Sat, July 30, 2011, 23:06:18 ET
Posted by: Steely Dad, Boston

Tanglewood in Lenox was the best Steely Dan experience I have had to date and I go back to the New York Rock and Soul Revue in Mansfield, August 1992. The venue was simple but relaxed and "The Boys" played great. I thought Walter was outstanding. The three hour trip from metro-Boston was worth it and I'm hoping that Lenox becomes a permanent stop on Summer tours. They did not drop the Monkey by the way.


Date: Sat, July 30, 2011, 19:33:12 ET
Posted by: Sigma Kauai, By the keg - Go Tide!

Messrs Jazzassin and Goblinjazz UK Esquire

Do you two numbskulls really think that Messrs Fagen and Becker would read or more importantly ever care about anything written at this Steely Dan Frat House. You got to be kidding. Just what are two smoking across the way? Hope you will share. We have a fresh keg of Avondale if you are interested in stopping by. FYI not to be confused with IGY. Go Tide!


Date: Sat, July 30, 2011, 15:54:10 ET
Posted by: Lurker Ray, Malibu - Off To The Water

Well apparently, even with "no"
money as stated in earlier reports
and past struggles and differences,
Donalds new solo project will in fact
be released by Warner Bros.

It also looks like he was in the
studio with Michael at Sear Sound
right up til tour time. Almost wish
he would take some time off this
summer and finish! ;O)

Especially with Australia/New Zealand
and the apparent Dukes 2 Tour coming up!
This seems to really increase the wait.
Ugg.

Thanks to PGE/RadioDupree for the link:

July 26, 2011 by David Weiss:

Sear Sound has been a beehive for several highly intriguing projects this summer. Highlight sessions include:

NYC denizen Donald Fagen tracked in Studio A on the 8038 Neve with Michael Leonhart producing and Charlie Martinez engineering for Warner Bros. Records."

http://www.sonicscoop.com/2011/07/26/sear-sound-sessions-donald-fagen-classical-frank-zappa-lulu-gainsbourg/

So what's up Foxwoods? No reports
or setlist????????????


Date: Sat, July 30, 2011, 15:30:06 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine Beach

I know it's purely conjecture, but I would call Parker's Band and Boston Rag "likely" for that night. If not likely then very possible. At least IMO, of course.


Date: Sat, July 30, 2011, 14:31:47 ET
Posted by: tommytomato, Columbus OH

@ Grogster

MSG website describes "Dawn of the Dan" as songs from the first 3 albums. If that is the case here are the songs they are currently playing (or have played previously) from those albums:

Dirty Work
Do It Again
Midnight Cruiser (doubtful)
Reelin
Bodhisattva
Boston Rag (doubtful)
Your Gold Teeth
Show Biz Kids
My Old School
Rikki
Night By Night
Any Major Dude (doubtful)
Parkers Band (doubtful)
Pretzel Logic
Monkey In Your Soul

They will most likely mix in some hits. There are several songs from those first 3 albums that have never been played live before so anything is possible. Good luck to you and enjoy the show. Any Steely Dan show is priceless.


Date: Sat, July 30, 2011, 13:17:00 ET
Posted by: Grogster, New York

Caught them in Danbury and Tanglewood..excellent shows...but especially pumped to see them at the Beacon...Early Dan..just qurious as to anyones opinions on what a set list might consist of?....also took my Nephew the first time to see tha Dan...hes a drummer a real good one in a Band..he was Blown away with carlock...he kept shaking his head and saying WOW....his hands move so quick you can hardly see them...i said i told you..he said you were right...


Date: Sat, July 30, 2011, 13:07:39 ET
Posted by: mikemLBI, LBI, NJ

hi people, thinking about Borgata tonight; it's close, but i have no ticket. maybe outside?

anyway, random thought: what are the top bootlegs from each tour? offhand, i'd say the (live in 94), fairfax VA 7/21/96 and PBS 2000. any others? oops, record plant '74 is tops as well.

mikem
LBI, NJ


Date: Sat, July 30, 2011, 10:54:17 ET
Posted by: Re : Dons review satire, UK

Jazzassin : "In addition, I feel pretty sure someone has followed the postings here since tour start, and blended an extract of Bluebook impressions into that sarcastic cocktail, as well..."

Ha ha, well said - I just read that piece and I would say, based on the last months postings here, that it was almost ENTIRELY a satire on Bluebook malcontents !!!


Date: Sat, July 30, 2011, 10:53:29 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine, FL

Ya know, it's possible the reviewer saw more than one show and recalled Monkey from another performance. Just sayin'

Still sloppy, though.


Date: Sat, July 30, 2011, 10:41:40 ET
Posted by: kzkzkz, Knew Yawrk

Monkey... was not played @ T-wood. Wally sang it a few nights earlier @ Canandaigua-

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZeRHf4T6z0


Date: Sat, July 30, 2011, 10:37:44 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine, FL

I remember a review of the Fagen concert in the Oakland CA paper. Not only was it a lame review overall, he specifically said the setlist drew heavily from the new album Morph The Cat. In reality Don played one (or possibly two) songs from Morph. The rest of the review revealed he was either not at the concert, not paying any attention or perhaps he stopped in for a tune or two before leaving.


Date: Sat, July 30, 2011, 10:25:01 ET
Posted by: Young Wu, Buffalo

"Could it be that yet another dumb-cluck reviewer mailed it in after doing a cursory internet setlist search? Without even attending the goddamned show? Has that ever happened? I need an answer."

I've been to concerts where the reviewer doesn't even mention any of the songs played in the review, just a generic praising of the artist.

But in your case, I saw Mark Knopfler last year, and then the review of that show mentioned 2 songs that he didn't play at our show, but that he DID play at a couple earlier shows. The guy got flamed pretty bad on his website. Lazy prick.


Date: Sat, July 30, 2011, 07:40:50 ET
Posted by: Jazzassin, typo troll

opininion = opinion, goddammit!


Date: Sat, July 30, 2011, 06:28:33 ET
Posted by: Jazzassin, bartender

Re: The hilarious mock review on DF.com,

The Dean wrote:

"But I don't think Don was "slamming the casual fan" at all. He was slamming the "write by formula" reviewers."

One doesn't necessarily exclude the other, but basically, I agree.

In addition, I feel pretty sure someone has followed the postings here since tour start, and blended an extract of Bluebook impressions into that sarcastic cocktail, as well... :D

Recipe:

2/6 "w-b-f" review
1/6 casual fan behavior and statements
1/6 Bluebook setlist opininion postings
1/6 D&W themselves

Run all ingredients through a fine mesh irony filter, add 1/6 Cuervo Gold Tequila and serve with a fine colombian jazz cigarette.


Date: Sat, July 30, 2011, 00:23:53 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, El Tesoro Anejo/Toronto

Regarding the poignant question asked earlier today by Forward Girl, I have the same question: Was "Monkey in Your Soul" actually played at Tanglewood?

According to Bluebook poster Charlie Tokyo, it wasn't. See his most recent post for details. He made it pretty clear. That's now two posters here who say "nay".

Could it be that yet another dumb-cluck reviewer mailed it in after doing a cursory internet setlist search? Without even attending the goddamned show? Has that ever happened? I need an answer.

Could this sort of Yellow Journalism be what spawned/inspired the recent hilarious "review" on DF's site?

Did yet another goofball "writer" get a paycheck for sandbagging it while he/she sat at home listenting to "Lady GooGoo" or whatever similar feculence the kids are eating up these days?

Was Frank Zappa right in his assessment of these "rock critics"?

Yeah.....I know...."too many questions".

I expect answers to all of them.

M/O/D/P


Date: Fri, July 29, 2011, 23:06:26 ET
Posted by: yuuirfg, New York

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Date: Fri, July 29, 2011, 23:01:03 ET
Posted by: steelydoc, Borgata bound

I have an extra ticket for tomorrow night's show at the Borgata, face value of course, please email me if interested.


Date: Fri, July 29, 2011, 21:57:38 ET
Posted by: Hutch, oops!

Wow.. sorry, that was my facebook page. Don't know how that ended up there.

Here we go...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFKSyP5pNE0


Date: Fri, July 29, 2011, 21:53:44 ET
Posted by: Hutch, Be-Bop Daddy's

The pro shot of Aja from Pine Knob...

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000135707469

Talk about being "in the zone". .... This is an absolutely perfect performance of this song. It struck me that they must be hearing their monitor mixes almost as though they were in the studio. You can see how relaxed everyone is. That kind of stuff doesn't happen every night. When it does it's magical.


Date: Fri, July 29, 2011, 19:43:47 ET
Posted by: The Dean, Only Half Drunk

Tech-Mo, no problem. I understood your point completely, I think. Yes, some great music was popular because it was actually good. But I wanted to expand on it a a bit (and used your Santana example to make my point) and admit to being one of those who tend to diss the popular stuff as a general rule.

Of course this entire discussion got started because I totally missed Ray's point. Thankfully I didn't post the long rambling post I had started. (Yes, it was longer and more rambling than what I actually posted. That's what I get for posting totally sober.) I realized even I was bored by it, and I was writing it. :#)

The mock review on Fagen was absolutely fabulous. But I don't think Don was "slamming the casual fan" (as stated by Throw out your gold teeth) at all. He was slamming the "write by formula" reviewers. W Pecker is right. The Dan have been highlighting bad/odd reviews for years. The booklet included with Citizen Steely Dan has many bad reviews included. Great stuff, IMO.


Date: Fri, July 29, 2011, 18:13:38 ET
Posted by: Technicolor Motorhome, Southern U S

Attn: the Dean....
My example of Santana was only a small part of the bigger point. That bigger point being that back when albums like Aja were out, the best (now regarded as) classic rock albums got popular back then because they were indeed great works...not because teeny-boppers were jumping on the the bandwagon. They were popular because they DIDN'T suck. Dark Side of the Moon, Abraxas, Aqualung, Houses of the Holy, Bridge of Sighs, I-Robot, and of course Aja. Back then lots of people recognized a great set of songs when they heard them. Unfortunately, there were people back then who liked crap too (Bee Gees, etc.) - but I won't get started on that.


Date: Fri, July 29, 2011, 18:00:39 ET
Posted by: Throw out your gold teeth, AND SELL THEM!

Gold just hit $1637.50 a troy ounce today if anyone is still looking for a way to finance their trip to the Big Honking Apple. I think it's funny that today Donald Fagen slammed the Casual fans who spent the entire show running back and forth to the porti-potties to avoid hearing any music they hadn't heard thousands of times before at the Raytheon Pavillion in Podunk Hollow. Yet they can't even sell out the Beacon shows. From the reviews I've read just about all of these Pavillions in Podunk Hollow havebeen for the most part sold out or near capacity. Even in the current state of affairs and finance me thinks they should have done the Beacon shows in the Pavillions in Podunk Hollow and maybe they would have sold some tickets.

Juz sayin!


Date: Fri, July 29, 2011, 16:35:25 ET
Posted by: CJB, YVR

Beacon Tix, 23 September 2011. Bought mine this morning. Row 11, dead center.

Posting not to brag, but to let fellow fans know that great seats are still available, if you're on the fence.

Countdown to ecstasy...


Date: Fri, July 29, 2011, 15:52:05 ET
Posted by: Ben, Indy

What a trio of shows I'm still Reelin' from: Indy, Cincy, and Toledo! Here's a review from jambase.com.

http://www.jambase.com/Articles/50806/Steely-Dan-Santa-Barbara-Review-Pics

I don't want to fast-forward the summer, but night #1 in Milwaukee's gonna be Funn.


Date: Fri, July 29, 2011, 15:45:21 ET
Posted by: DYLYNFAN, HARRISBURG, PA

Lurker Ray I was just joking with you, I would be stunned if I had
anything that would be considered any type of treasured or hard to
get recordings!!!


Date: Fri, July 29, 2011, 15:17:31 ET
Posted by: Lurker Ray, Malibu

Anyone have a report/setlist from
the special Jon Herington Band show
last night with special guest Keith
Carlock in Mystic, CT ?????????????

DYLYNFAN,

I would NEVER try to get you in trouble
buddy. Remeber Hoops says it's okay
to "talk about" and/or "confirm the existence"
Just don't go blabbing about where they
reside etc......fly low & be cool....

I was just hoping that perhaps you had
gotten a hold of either of those two
very hard to find 1993 DVDs, that's all.

As always, looking forward to the reports
from tonight's & tomorrows casino shows.


Date: Fri, July 29, 2011, 14:53:07 ET
Posted by: W. Pecker,

DF's "review" is just another reason why B&F are so different/special.
You will never/ever have class A/world famous Pop/Jazz-Rock "stars" poking fun at themselves and making light of the performance milieu in a creative and fun/funny way.

Viva La Donny & Waldo!


Date: Fri, July 29, 2011, 14:39:12 ET
Posted by: ForwardGirl, here and there

~~At any rate, Leonhart in particular distinguished himself several times, including a nice solo on "Monkey in Your Soul." ~~

Um, this line from the Berkshire Eagle review confuses me - apparently I had some kind of blackout during the show and missed an entire song. Did anyone else at Tanglewood hear MIYS?


Date: Fri, July 29, 2011, 14:15:50 ET
Posted by: Here strictly for the laughs, Southern Ontario

That review from DF.com made my day. Especially the bit about casual fans spending the entire show trying to avoid hearing any music they hadn't heard "thousands of times before" by hitting the portopotties, and the "reviewer's" repeated mangling of our two heroes' names. Another classic! That Berkshire Eagle piece was also funny in its own way, mostly for the wrong reasons though.

EffZee once wondered "Does Humor Belong in Music?" Nearly 20 years after his thoroughly unwarranted passing, the answer is a resounding "yes" thanks in large part to Becker and Fagen ("Beckstein & Fogelberg/Fagan") and, more recently, some of the hilarious observations posted right here on The Blue. With all this Dan-related activity, and all this funny stuff, it's a great time to be a music lover in general, and a Steely Dan fan in particular.


Date: Fri, July 29, 2011, 12:48:24 ET
Posted by: ygk, nyc

Security Jone: That Boris is one hell of a drummer...


Date: Fri, July 29, 2011, 11:08:58 ET
Posted by: search, woops

http://www.berkshireeagle.com/ci_18564229


Date: Fri, July 29, 2011, 11:07:31 ET
Posted by: search, l

This looks like the review that was apparently one too many for someone over at df.com.

"hey day"
"jazzy inflection."


Date: Fri, July 29, 2011, 10:07:53 ET
Posted by: DYLYNFAN, HARRISBURG PA

GREG M. you must have ESPN, what are the lottery numbers going to be tonight???


Date: Fri, July 29, 2011, 09:16:36 ET
Posted by: Security Joan, Borgata bound...soom

Now that's one beautiful review - thanks for posting, Doc, I'm still laughing. But 'huh', I do believe the correct spelling is not "Karlok" but "Karloff". (He's doing well in his second career as a drummer, no?)


Date: Fri, July 29, 2011, 09:10:18 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh

Especially this line:

"Every single person in the audience had cause to be disappointed about something or other. Becker and Fogelberg refused to play the correct imagined set list that each ticket buyer had spent their life savings to hear. They played too many, and yet, not enough of the old nostalgic hits. Casual fans spent the entire show running back and forth to the porti-potties to avoid hearing any music they hadn't heard thousands of times before, while hardcore fans were again deprived of hearing the obscure tracks the sadistic duo played just two nights ago at the Raytheon Pavillion in Podunk Hollow."


Date: Fri, July 29, 2011, 09:06:39 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh

That concert review is hilarious. Hits all the marks.


Date: Fri, July 29, 2011, 09:05:18 ET
Posted by: DYLYNFAN, HARRISBURG PA

Lurker your not trying to get dylynfan in trouble with the boss are you???? You can e-mail me anytime as can anyone with questions!!
I probably mis-remebered about seeing the medley it was as MR.RAY
said in the two vs nature extras or something to that effect.


Date: Fri, July 29, 2011, 08:54:15 ET
Posted by: fagenism, -

Impressions from the excellent YouTube concert coverage:

- Walter looks like he'd rather be somewhere else.

- Jon is on absolute fire.

- Don seems to be enjoying himself (and the fine Colombian) tremendously.

- Carolyn, will you marry me?


Date: Fri, July 29, 2011, 08:36:07 ET
Posted by: Huh?, e

That is NOT the last concert review I'll ever have to read. It made no reference to the lively, energized, vigorous drumming of Keith Karlok.


Date: Fri, July 29, 2011, 07:22:57 ET
Posted by: Bill Trindle,

RE WB's barf-o-rama prior to the shows: I'm thinkin' they've got it wrongoroo - if anyone's gettin' noivous before the shows it's DF!


Date: Fri, July 29, 2011, 07:21:00 ET
Posted by: steelydoc, Borgata bound

Donald Fagen.com updated with:

"The Last Concert Review You'll Ever Have to Read"

http://donaldfagen.com/feature_items.php?itemID=136


Date: Fri, July 29, 2011, 03:03:06 ET
Posted by: Don Patrol, Mtl

M/O/D/P -I also picked up tickets for Gaucho/Rarities shows.Let me guess,If you're like me,you saw the Royal/Aja shows at Massey.Right? No Gaucho shows in Canada.Hopefully there will be a good contingent of Canuck DanFans for these shows .A great pairing!


Date: Thurs, July 28, 2011, 22:51:01 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine Beach

OK Ray, I think M/O/D/P cleared things up for me.

You obviously meant how could the fans SIT through KC, not how could they sit through it (as in "put up with it"/not walk out). Dunno what I was thinking. I plead stupidity!


Date: Thurs, July 28, 2011, 22:35:00 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, Toronto

Thanks to everybody who took the time to say something complimentary about my recent silly bit on the State of the Average DanFan circa 2011. All of those little vignettes are 100% authentic "as-they-happened", with no editorial interference from yours truly. You just can't make that kind of stuff up. Or at least, I can't.

It's, like this - Thanks for the story about WB's heretofore unknown regular pre-show vomitting schedule - I haven't heard that one before. These knowledgeable fans just keep adding to the existing database here. And don't kid yourself - "Journey" will indeed make it a point to rock this town on August 9th. And I will be certain to stay as far away from them as possible while they do so.

The Dean - You're correct, of course - I did mean Brian Sweet. Brian Sweeney was an older guy I knew back in 1974/75. He was the guy with the 1972 Corvette (454, stick shift) and the massive pet Burmese Python (when they were cool). I must have been remembering him when I wrote the story. It WAS very late, and I MAY have consumed more than one shot of Los Abuelos Anejo during the process. I plead, "typo".

Peteb, UK - You might be on to something with that "spoof documentary" idea! I'll shoot it if we can find someone to fund it.

DYLYNFAN - Thanks for the "A". I'll try hard for an "A+" on my next assignment here. I'm glad you liked the description of the sloppy, ink-marred female fan. It wasn't meant to be malicious, though....just descriptive.

pixeleen - I've been a reader here for several years now, and I only occasionally post something, usually in connection with a recent SD show I've attended. I've got cheap seats for the Gaucho night in NYC as well, so I'll probably throw something up here again in six or seven weeks. Thanks for the encouragement!

still laughing, Southern Ontario - Security actually asked me to park my camera in one of those lockers as well, but I declined politely. "Thanks for the generous offer", I told the goofy rent-a-cop half my age, "But it's a delicate little camera and it has a terrible fear of lockers". As he attempted to digest my silly non sequitur, my trusty Panasonic LX3 and I moved on and blended in with the crowd. Take THAT, buzzkillers!

angel, LA - I sometimes have the same foreboding feeling that you do. Let's hope we're both wrong. I'm definitely up for any sort of get-together Friday or Saturday or even Sunday in NYC, and I'm still debating the merits of attending the Monday night "Aja plus hits" show. I'm "in" if anything's happening.

Lurker Ray - You might just be bang on with your prediction for the "Rarities" show. And really, it could be worse, no? Seven or eight "wormy" hits (all of which I love) combined with an equal or greater number of hidden gems would please me and likely not completely alienate The Guy Who Pays the Freight (he's been told it's a special setlist night, after all). And you're right to wonder how ANYONE could sit down for a rousing rendition of Kid Charlemagne.....even more so at the very end of a great show.......but that is exactly what those folks did. And I never actually thought of it that way - serving up a few more rare nuggets to facilitate those trips to the facilities. These casual fans want their pee-breaks? Let's give 'em one or two more! You're right again.

M/O/D/P
ps - "Journey is gonna ROCK THIS TOWN!!"
pps - "Romantic Steely Dan song"
ppps - "Just the hits, dude!"


Date: Thurs, July 28, 2011, 21:58:04 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine Beach

Tech- Mo, that's a pretty astute observation. I tend to be guilty of a bit of that snobbery that myself. While I like Smooth (and some of the other stuff on Supernatural) I don't think it is of the same quality as some of the earlier Santana material. But as a "pop song" it is fabulous. So I don't bash Santana for Smooth, or Supernatural. As much as it pains me to say it I bash Santana for Shaman and All That I AM. As with many artists, Santana experienced some commercial success with Supernatural and then proceeded to use that same formula several times over. That's pretty much SOP in the music world, and most other fields.

"Get the money; dollar, dollar bill, y'all" - Wu-Tang Clan

I guess Santana deserves to make a bit of cash after a lifetime of making great music, but it hasn't helped my opinion of him, that's for sure.

There are some very select artists who have managed to make some very good and successful commercial songs but maintained some artistic integrity. They seem to grow, change and create based on their muse, and not simply as the means to collect more of the almighty dollar. Steely Dan is obviously one of those exceptions.


Date: Thurs, July 28, 2011, 21:16:02 ET
Posted by: Greg M, White Plains

...perhaps it's the Audience-shot 9-23-93 Albany show?!


Date: Thurs, July 28, 2011, 19:24:21 ET
Posted by: Technicolor Motorhome, Southern U S

Hasn't is always been "cooler" for rock purists to dis the popular songs of great bands? Beatles, Pink Floyd, Doors, Hendrix, Cream, Santana...on and on. Who in our circle of rock die-hards didn't dis "Smooth" by Santana as a "sell-out" because it got popular with a new generation of music fans (which included our kids in some cases)?...when in our hearts knew it did stand up to his more vintage work and was actually very good. Maybe the song "FM" got popular because...well...because it was really good. It liked it when it was out as a hit and I was FAR from a "teenie-bopper" or whatever. I still like it. I bet there are hard-core SD fans who dissed "New Frontier" because the video was on MTV quite a bit for a while back in the day. It was a great song and still is. I was glad it was on MTV during an era of mostly crappy music in the world getting wildly popular.

Bottom line for me: even the most popular Steely Dan (or Pink Floyd or Hendrix or Doors or etc.etc.etc.) is still better than almost anything else out there. End or rant.


Date: Thurs, July 28, 2011, 18:55:41 ET
Posted by: The Dean, Where's My Drink?

Ray I was a bit confused by this remark:

"How do you sit through Kid Charlemagne even if you are a casual fan?"

Are you suggesting you never liked this song? Don't like it live?

As to the "wormy" hits, I think SD's radio hits are all fantastic songs. They are among the few things that are both popular and terrific. Sure many of us have heard them so often we'd love to hear some other stuff. But to say they aren't great songs, especially live, is a bit odd IMO. KC is a wonderful live concert song. Dramatic and with some tremendous guitar licks. Same with Don't Take Me Alive, which I am a bit surprised isn't one of the tunes they play every show.

I thought the Betty Boop was a fabulous touch.


Date: Thurs, July 28, 2011, 17:03:34 ET
Posted by: Lurker Ray, Malibu - Almost Forgot!

DYLYNFAN, HARRISBURG PA:

"Pauly, tears to your eyes, and goosebimps to me every time I
watch or hear that medley from the 1993 tour!!! IMHO the best
opening they have ever done!! The crowd reactions to the ROYAL
SCAM transition to BAD SNEAKERS is incredable!!!"

Just what 1993 show are you "WATCHING"??????

"Live at The Starwood Nashville 16/9/93. Professionally shot."

"Live at Jones Beach NY 25/8/93. Audience shoot."

PLEASE CLARIFY

IF you do have have any of those to shows, we hope that you will surely share!


Date: Thurs, July 28, 2011, 16:09:35 ET
Posted by: Jamie, San Diego

I hope someone here missed me! Like I missed the shows at the Greek! But the boys are coming to back in October so all is well...

Pe@ce. HymroD.


Date: Thurs, July 28, 2011, 15:28:03 ET
Posted by: Lurker Ray, Malibu

M/O/D/P,

So true!!! It is in fact those "wormy"(as Donald has called them) radio hits that are putting the majority of the butts in the seats these days. Do you remember when Donald refused to play Reeling in it's original "wormy" form? Now it's a nightly crowd pleaser and I too love it, but I also like the first live, Dub and Club mix live versions over the years. I still think that they can "shuffle" in and out some deep nuggets for us "obsessive collectors, band archivists, and deranged hardcore DanFans". Hey "The Guy Who Pays The Freight" needs to eventually get up and use the john or grab a beer, so let's service him with some nuggets for a bathroom break. How do you sit through Kid Charlemagne even if you are a casual fan? Sadly, I'm with Hoops, I fear that many of the people you have described will in fact be in NYC on a Saturday night - they are EVERYWHERE. It is still to be determined just how many "hidden gems and lesser-known bits" we might get on Rarities night. My guess right now is that we are still going to get 7 or 8 of those "wormy" radio hits for the "greying, balding, ponytailing gents" and "portly woman who are caked with poorly rendered tattoos" who don't "care about any new stuff!".
So don't be shocked.

And I must say, I find more than few Steely Dan songs very "romantic", but that's just me.

Thanks for the great pictures. I see they even gave Betty Boop her own mic! Though when she was backlit with the smoke behind her it was a bit creepy, like a left over from last years Roger Water's, "The Wall Live"! Your pictures really highlight this year's great lighting design from Jon Pollak. Jon told me before the first night in LA this year, that the moving "white light circles" that occasionally spill on the stage floor, actually bother Walter when he is playing and he has to use them sparingly. I thought that was very interesting.

And remember folks, you can hear that great 1993 live overture that "brought tears to your eyes" which included Royal Scam, Bad Sneaks and Aja on the Cousin Dupree Maxi Single. All recorded in its "glory" live by the late, great immortal Roger Nichols.

Looking forward to the reports from the 2 night swing through the eastern casinos.

Hey, they probably are looking forward to getting some indoor air conditioning for a change! ;O)


Date: Thurs, July 28, 2011, 14:51:51 ET
Posted by: angel, LA

"I'm in straight-trade-for-a-kidney seats for the September 17 "Rarities" concert. Let's hope that everyone who shows up realizes what the show actually is, and is prepared to enjoy some of the hidden gems and lesser-known bits. Let's hope none of the above people, or their friends/acquaintances/progeny/congeners are in attendance at the show, or, if they are, that they aren't sitting near me (or you). I know I just tried to make a case for their subsidizing of this tour, but I'm getting a little too old to be throwing people off the balcony..."


M/D/O/P: That is what I am worried about. If Steely Dan delivers something even close to what we fans want to hear on 9/17, there are going to be some VERY disappointed "light" fans. I am slightly worried that my husband will be disappointed. :-)

Several people have contacted me off list and say they will be in attendance and would like to meet up. Is there anything going to be planned, or already planned, that I don't know about?
It IS a Saturday night, after all.


Date: Thurs, July 28, 2011, 14:38:36 ET
Posted by: Reverend Zen, NY

Looking to buy 1 good ticket to SD at Foxwoods July 29th? Anyone...


Date: Thurs, July 28, 2011, 13:52:53 ET
Posted by: still laughing, Southern Ontario

M/O/D/P - Thanks for the hilarious post. Hands down one of the funniest things I've ever read describing rock audiences. Very revealing and all too accurate, I'm afraid . I was at the same show, and also Canandaigua, and I overheard a few of these fans "informing" each other with their Dan knowledge. It's just amazing what some fans believe about The Dan and I honestly don't know where some of this stuff comes from. Please don't throw anyone from the balcony in NYC, though. You'll end up in a jail cell and I won't get to read your (hopefully upcoming) posts describing those Beacon shows.

Oh and thanks too for the photo link from a few days ago. Nice pics. I appreciate them as I couldn't take my own (security made me put my camera in a locker at the entrance of the TO show, and I didn't bother to take it across the border for the next show). What gives with the security at some of these venues, especially in light of the average age and general good behavior of these summer concert audiences? Buzzkillers.


Date: Thurs, July 28, 2011, 13:25:44 ET
Posted by: Technicolor Motorhome, Southern U S

About the drunk who ranted about "Wet Willie" - the frontman from Wet Willie was and is again none other than the very talented Jimmy Hall. He did go on after WW's heyday to work with great guitarists such as Jeff Beck and others. He is also a great blues harp player and pretty good on tenor sax as well. While he is not connected in way to Steely Dan, he is still doing gig with both Wet Willie and his own band, Jimmy Hall and the Prisoners of Love. They are popular with the jam band crowd and blues crowd.


Date: Thurs, July 28, 2011, 12:31:36 ET
Posted by: Decent , Review

http://www.timesunion.com/living/article/Steely-Dan-shuffles-through-greatest-hits-1620156.php


Date: Thurs, July 28, 2011, 12:21:37 ET
Posted by: Charlie Tokyo, CT, baby

Sparse...? In reviewing the setlists, I meant to say "non-existent".


Date: Thurs, July 28, 2011, 12:17:04 ET
Posted by: Charlie Tokyo, CT, baby

Well, Tanglewood lost Black Cow and Monkey from the previous show in DANbury, but gained Janie and Babylon. I'd say that's a pretty good trade, especially to get a 2VN song squeezed in on this tour. They've been very sparse.


Date: Thurs, July 28, 2011, 11:45:14 ET
Posted by: pixeleen,

M/O/D/P

Was laughing out loud as I read your most recent post !!

What an interesting group of people Steely Dan attracts.

Hope that you are going to more shows; look forward to reading your posts.


Date: Thurs, July 28, 2011, 09:51:25 ET
Posted by: DYLYNFAN, HARRISBURG PA

D/M/O/P as sad and depressing as your essay was, it was very well
written!! I am giving you an A !!!! Nice politcal corrections when
refering to FAT F*CKN COWS!!!! Well done sir!!!


Date: Thurs, July 28, 2011, 09:44:15 ET
Posted by: DYLYNFAN, HARRISBURG PA

Pauly, tears to your eyes, and goosebimps to me every time I
watch or hear that medley from the 1993 tour!!! IMHO the best
opening they have ever done!! The crowd reactions to the ROYAL
SCAM transition to BAD SNEAKERS is incredable!!!PS: I also dont
think the back-up singers had anything to do with the medley!!!


Date: Thurs, July 28, 2011, 08:42:53 ET
Posted by: Peteb, UK

M/O/D/P

That's the funniest thing I've ever read on the blue. There has got to be a spoof documentary in it. My favourite was no.3 (grey pony tail) - "filler" was classic.

I don't think the case can be made any better than that. But in the end it's still true that if D&W had ever wanted to please people like those interviewees they would never have written the songs, or even organised their career the way they did.


Date: Thurs, July 28, 2011, 08:10:37 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine Beach

M/O/D/P

Your story is hysterical and rings all too true. In the past year or two I have met a few "BIG Steely Dan fans", one a local musician who plays some old Dan on occasion. None of them had, or had heard, any of the 21st Century stuff (including the solo stuff). I have since introduced them to the new stuff and all 'cept one are now converts.

Steely Dan met in Wet Willie? No kidding. You see that's the kind of inside info you just don't get from The Blue. (BTW, I think you meant Brian Sweet, not Sweeney.) I suppose Steely Dan may have shared a stage (on the same bill) back in the early days.

"And there's ZZ Top and you can't forget
That old brother Willie's gettin' soakin' wet"
-Charlie Daniels

And I too found the Journey bit very entertaining. Now, if this dude was excited for their very early stuff (pre Steve Perry, let's say the first two albums), I'd give him a bit of credit and shake his hand. But you just KNOW he was waiting to hear "Don't Stop Believing"


Date: Thurs, July 28, 2011, 05:51:52 ET
Posted by: It's, Like This

M/O/D/P - very interesting survey. Love that "Journer is GONNA ROCK THIS TOWN!!!" So bad it's delicious.

I was at an estate sale recently looking at the gatefold cover (gatefold = type of vinyl LP record album jacket) of CBAT. A mid-50ish guy informed me that Walter Becker has intense stage freight and throws up 2 hours before each show.


Date: Thurs, July 28, 2011, 01:03:40 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, Toronto.....one last time.......

I'm back with some more observations from the recent Toronto show. I'm still savouring the two hours of musical ecstasy I got to soak up back on Friday night - don't mind me......

Anyways, I made it a point this time around to speak to as many fellow concertgoers as I could in the couple of hours prior to the show's opening notes. As each conversation played out, I began to realize that the overwhelming majority of paying customers on this particular Friday evening actually came to see the five or seven Steely Dan songs they either knew from their "Classic Rock" radio or perhaps remembered from their mis-spent youth. Then it suddenly occurred to me that those folks are the only reason the rest of us are still able to see ANY version of "Steely Dan" at all. Like it or not (and you're entitled to "not"), without the many thousands of casual fans in attendance, this show (and the entire tour) would not be financially viable. It simply wouldn't have happened.

Yes, I realize that this point has already been made by others. I still enjoy pointing out the obvious to those who somehow continue to miss both the forest AND the trees.

So, for those who would still insist that Donald and Walter should be constructing each of these 2011 "Shuffle Diplomacy" shows to appeal first and foremost to a handful of obsessive collectors, band archivists, and deranged hardcore DanFans (I'm officially included in all three groups by the way), I offer the following all-too-real anecdotes that I believe paint an accurate picture of The Guy Who Pays The Freight circa 2011 :

1) The first guy I spoke to actually approached me because I was wearing a 2008 Beacon t-shirt. He described himself as a "major Steely Dan fan, oh yeah - big time!" and then went on to reveal that he was completely unaware of either "Two Against Nature" or "Everything Must Go". When I offered that they were playing "Your Gold Teeth", that too drew a blank. "Oh, I don't care about any new stuff!", he laughed loudly, adding, "It's just like with The Stones, man - we don't wanna hear new stuff!!".

2) Another self-described "superfan", who claimed to have paid more than $200.00 from a scalper (or "broker" as those dirtbag hijackers now prefer to be called) for his primo seat, informed me that he'd been "into Steely Dan since the 'Wet Willie' days". I wasn't sure what that meant, so I asked him to explain. He went on to regale me with the details, unknown to even Brian Sweeney apparently, of Becker & Fagen's early years writing and peforming with the band "Wet Willie". I tried to correct him, but he would hear nothing of it. "That's where Fagen found Becker - he was already in Wet Willie!", he authoritatively pronounced. At least he knew there wasn't a guy named "Steely Dan".

3) One greying/balding/ponytailing gent told me emphatically that he came to hear "the hits", and that he considered anything else to be "filler". He too had no knowledge of any material recorded after 1980, and was quite clear on how he felt about such silliness. "Just the classics, dude - I don't care about a bunch of boring new songs!". I wonder what he thought about "Godwhacker"?

4) I also heard, for the first time in a while, no fewer than six (6) people (two of them young-ish venue staff, to be fair) refer to Steely Dan as "him". "Oh, I love his romantic song, you know that one song he has?" gushed a portly woman who was caked with poorly-rendered tattoos. I asked her to name the "romantic" number, but she couldn't quite get the title out. "I love his other stuff, too, but mostly the romantic song", she informed me. Could she be another sad victim of the all-too-common confusion between "Air Supply" and "Steely Dan"? Did Steely Dan actually play that "romantic" song? Will we ever know the answer?

5) The couple in the seats to our immediate right appeared mostly confused and/or sedated for most of the show. They clearly recognized "Peg" and "Hey Nineteen", and they seemed dowright excited when Jon Herington ripped into "Reelin' in the Years", but that was it for them. They went back to sitting down for "Pretzel Logic" and "Kid Charlemagne", though. Too much standing isn't good for that lumbago, never mind the gout. Or so I'm told.

6) One of the happy attendees I spoke with on the way out of the show had purchased some sort of heavily discounted "summer package" deal that included this particular Steely Dan show. It also included, he said, tickets to performances by such musical luminaries as "Jimmy Buffett", "Deaf Leopard" (yes....I know.....), "Night Ranger" (?), the limp and obvious "Foreigner", and the desperately foul & loathesome "Journey". Although he appeared to have enjoyed the SD show ("I give it a solid nine out of ten", he opined), it was clear that in his eyes the best was yet to come. "Nobody rocks like Journey!", he shouted to no-one in particular, adding, "Journey is gonna ROCK THIS TOWN!!!".

It appears that we're outnumbered, friends. By a rather wide margin.

I'm in straight-trade-for-a-kidney seats for the September 17 "Rarities" concert. Let's hope that everyone who shows up realizes what the show actually is, and is prepared to enjoy some of the hidden gems and lesser-known bits. Let's hope none of the above people, or their friends/acquaintances/progeny/congeners are in attendance at the show, or, if they are, that they aren't sitting near me (or you). I know I just tried to make a case for their subsidizing of this tour, but I'm getting a little too old to be throwing people off the balcony........


Date: Wed, July 27, 2011, 19:31:48 ET
Posted by: Pauly,

David Robin:

In 1993, Royal Scam was the first part of the overture that included Royal Scam, Bad Sneaks and Aja...

I'm not sure if the girls were part of that but it was a great opening that brought tears to my eyes!


Date: Wed, July 27, 2011, 15:44:50 ET
Posted by: Charlie Tokyo, CT, baby

Date: Wed, July 27, 2011, 13:13:37 ET
Posted by: Grogster, New York


Better Walter ramble on Hey 19 than Danbury...at least he seems to taylor make the ramble from one show to the next...great show..dissapointed with some song choices..ie not hearing..dont take me alive or caves...Bear ,,pretzel...cant complain, two nites in a row was great...


Grogster, you're probably going to have to hit the Royal Scam shows at the Beacon 9/20 or 9/23 or the Wang in Boston 10/1 to hear those first two chestnuts. At least you're pretty much guaranteed to get the complete run-through of what arguably is my favorite album (if you put me on a torture rack and forced me to choose).


Date: Wed, July 27, 2011, 15:28:58 ET
Posted by: Steve M, Scotland

Agreed that the YGT clip that Eric linked to:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4UO210ZD5M

is a bit special. Has anyone else noticed the unselfconscious little shimmy that Carolyn Leonhart does during the piano solo (04.45 on or thereabouts)?

May just be the sweetest thing I've ever clapped eyes on!




Date: Wed, July 27, 2011, 15:00:24 ET
Posted by: david robin, Los Angeles

Does anybody know what tour Steely Dan played The Royal Scam with just the background singers?

Thanks!


Date: Wed, July 27, 2011, 13:13:37 ET
Posted by: Grogster, New York

Better Walter ramble on Hey 19 than Danbury...at least he seems to taylor make the ramble from one show to the next...great show..dissapointed with some song choices..ie not hearing..dont take me alive or caves...Bear ,,pretzel...cant complain, two nites in a row was great...


Date: Wed, July 27, 2011, 09:37:55 ET
Posted by: Jazzassin, smile on the dog

FYI:

On Morcaiden's Youtube channel, "Funky Driver" is falsely labeled as "Gully Water".
GW is nowhere on Youtube, i think.

Thanks for all the great links of lately, and for Ray's rendition of the radio show. I tend to agree Donalds list must've been at least partly tailor made for that particular show.


Date: Wed, July 27, 2011, 07:45:45 ET
Posted by: Black Bob,

He'll = they'll.


Date: Wed, July 27, 2011, 07:44:15 ET
Posted by: Black Bob,

I am surprised too Blue Cow. 95% of everyone at these shows don't even know what 2 Against Nature is. Like he'll they want to hear anything off it. How was the potty break song-- I mean Gold Teeth. Love Gold Teeth but hate when they play it because I get doused with people spilling beer when they go for a run. Rikki! Rikki! Rikki!


Date: Wed, July 27, 2011, 02:09:46 ET
Posted by: Blue Cow, SF

Janie Runaway...they finally threw in a song from Two Against Nature!


Date: Wed, July 27, 2011, 00:18:18 ET
Posted by: Dan-gerous, NY

On the video posted from 7/23/11 in NY I saw a red Les Paul on stage. I have never seen Jon Herington play a Les Paul before at a SD show. For those of you who have seen a show already or saw that show, on which song or songs did JON play the Les Paul?

Go DAN!

DAN


Date: Wed, July 27, 2011, 00:15:03 ET
Posted by: Big Fan, at home at last

Although they did not sing the bear we had a nice 250 lb one run across the road on the way home.

Tanglewood setlist - 7/26/11

Intro � Dizzy�s Bidness
Aja
Black Friday
Hey 19 (had to start twice � cracking in Don�s monitor)
Your Gold Teeth
Time Out of Mind
Showbiz Kids
Bodhisattva
Janie Runaway
Godwhacker
Dirty Work
Papa Don�t Take No Mess Story & Band intros by Walt
Babylon Sisters
Josie
Peg
My Old School
Reelin' In The Years

Encore (only one - bummer)
Kid Charlemagne

Outro


Date: Tues, July 26, 2011, 23:47:28 ET
Posted by: mark, lenox ma

Janie runaway and Babs Sister in Lenoxn


Date: Tues, July 26, 2011, 23:22:06 ET
Posted by: kzkzkz, In the desert

The girls look delicious...but you already knew that!
This video is stunning-
"Dirty Work" 07/23/11 Canandaigua

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i0DjBCgj6QM

RIP Dan Peek : (Former and founding member of America)


Date: Tues, July 26, 2011, 22:39:40 ET
Posted by: The Dean, In his cups

He once was lost, but now he's found:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_W5q1O-_7o&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCHBZHM40l8

http://www.youtube.com/user/Morcaiden


Date: Tues, July 26, 2011, 22:26:00 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, Toronto......again.....

Oh....and big thanks to The Dean for that WB video clip. I've bookmarked that one for future repeated viewing enjoyment. I hope there's more material from this performance available - great stuff!


Date: Tues, July 26, 2011, 21:32:15 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, Toronto

Lurker Ray - Thanks for that transcription - it was new to me. I appreciate your contributions here.

If the song selection seems a bit mainstream to some of us, it could be because in 1990 DF was anything but high-profile or even current (no new product for ten years at that point, and nothing on the immediate horizon either) and he was appearing on a mainstream program. I could be wrong, but I doubt that the producers of the show at the time would have been happy to hear him play a list of tunes that would have been completely unfamiliar to the bulk of the listening audience. My guess would be that he knew full well who he was Desert-Islanding for, and he judged himself accordingly.

Anyways, I've just posted a small number of photos from the Toronto show (including those "Betty Boop" shots) on "Photobucket". These are not professional shots by any stretch, just some fan souvenirs taken with a small compact camera. If you click twice on each thumbnail, you get a full-screen photo, and if you choose the "slideshow" option, you get slighly smaller images that blend together for a nice effect. Note that they are presented here in reverse order, last to first. Here they are in all their point-&-shoot glory:

http://s215.photobucket.com/albums/cc224/MODP/Toronto%20July%2022%202011/

There's no "copyguard" on these images, so feel free to copy any that you might want for your digital collection(s) or maybe even for use as a temporary desktop background.




Date: Tues, July 26, 2011, 20:28:00 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine Beach

This is new to me. Sorry if it has already been posted.

Walter Becker LIVE! Hard Up Case:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WnYkxkRFT-0


Date: Tues, July 26, 2011, 19:04:53 ET
Posted by: angel, LA

Booked Rarities. Can't wait!


Date: Tues, July 26, 2011, 18:31:55 ET
Posted by: The Dean, Manatee Bar. It's Happy Hour!

Eric that really is a great clip of YGT. Thanks for posting.

Ray, I am absolutely stunned by a couple of Don's selections. You Make Loving Fun? Seriously? Wow!

It seems clear to me that Don would probably be more inclined to want some classic jazz and/or R&B on his last (maybe some Bacharach) I have to believe he tailored his list to the format of the show/perceived interests of the audience. I HAVE to believe that or my head will explode. Thanks for the post.


Date: Tues, July 26, 2011, 18:05:34 ET
Posted by: Lurker Ray, Can You Here Me David Wu?

Toby,

Donald Fagen was a guest on the "Desert Island Discs" radio show in April 1990 where a famous rock musician plays an hour's worth of music he would like if stranded on a desert island. Donald decided to devote his picks to songs of the '70's and Metal Leg was quite surprised at some of his choices and you probably will be, too. (But then again, nothing that these guys do should suprise us.)

When I was in Los Angeles -- I was living there in most of the '70s. I guess from '72-'78 there were a lot of good songs being played on the radio. At that time, we were trying to get a band together and get some of our songs on the radio. I remember -- I guess in '77-'76 -- Fleetwood Mac came out with that famous album which had so many great hits on it. This one is called "You Make Loving Fun."

Here's a song from the earlier, or middle '70s. It was an interesting record -- had a lot of sound effects in it. It sounded live, but I'm not sure if it was or not. It's called Bennie And The Jets by Elton John.

Got another song here from the '70s. It wasn't a big hit but it's a great song. I think the words really are great and also have something very interesting to say concerning that period when a lot of the cities were falling apart -- and of course they still are -- but here's the Grateful Dead with Shakedown Street.

The next song I wanna play here is by Dr. John. It's called Right Place, Wrong Time. The words on this are sinful. I played with Dr. John, also known as Mac Rebenack, a few times and he'd call me on the phone and say things like "Meet you at the gig-a-roo," and all that kind of thing, so he's quite a character. Here it is: "Right Place, Wrong Time."

Mark Knopfler is a very talented singer and guitar player. I worked with him -- I guess it was about '76 on the Gaucho album when I was still with Steely Dan and he played on a song called "Time Out Of Mind" and he did a great job, too. This song is called "Sultans Of Swing."

The '70s, Nixon and China, Watergate, Sam Ervin, The Godfather, Star Wars, Feminism. And here's a song that was big in the '70's called "Golden Years" by David Bowie.

Another song that would make life on a desert island more bearable is one by Rickie Lee Jones called "Chuckie's In Love". Her recent album actually is produced by my former partner Walter Becker, so I'm really happy to play this one. Listen to this guitar part.

Anyone familiar with the creative process knows there's a kind of manic terror involved when you really get rolling writing a novel or song or whatever. Here's the Talking Heads from their second album "More Songs About Buildings And Food" with a song about the creative process called "Artists Only: I'm Painting! I'm Painting Again."

They just keep rolling on: The Rolling Stones. During the '70s, one of their greatest albums was "Sticky Fingers" and here's a slow ballad by Mick Jagger in the Otis Redding tradition called "I Got The Blues."

When my partner Walter Becker and I first moved out to Los Angeles, one of the first big songs at the time was "Heart Of Gold." I remember hearing it playing driving along the freeways. Nell Young is a really original artist and I think his honesty and originality are something you hear in this great song, "Heart Of Gold."

Here's a song by John Lennon I think is from 1970. It's definitely from the very early '70s. I guess some people would still call it the '60s, if they're talking culturally and psychologically and so on, It's a very interesting song, really original in John Lennon's later style using a lot of echo and all that kind of stuff that he started using during the '70s. John Lennon died in 1980, so this was ten years before. Here's "Instant Karma."

Let's see now, we've played some David Bowie, some Dead, one by the Rolling Stones, some Lennon. Here's one by the band War, which I understand is still around. When I lived in Los Angeles in the '70s, everyone would see these cars riding along with the incredible lowering job on the back fender. And this one is by War, really driving tune, it's that LA culture in the '70s, extolling that kind of vehicle called "Low Rider."

I hope you've enjoyed spending the last hour with me listening to the records I'd take to a desert island. A lot of people think the '70s were a pretty vague era, but I hope this brought back a lot of good memories and, hopefully, not too many bad memories, I know I've had a lot of fun on this desert island here with these palm trees, coconuts and all that. And I'll see you next time.

http://granatino.com/sdresource/14desert.htm

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/features/desert-island-discs/find-a-castaway/music-artist/70047e57-0153-4117-b0fc-a1d2e322e5ef/artist-name/donald+fagen


Date: Tues, July 26, 2011, 17:45:52 ET
Posted by: Eric, Portland, OR

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4UO210ZD5M

One of the best clips I have found on youtube yet. 7-23-11 a performance of Your Gold Teeth.


Date: Tues, July 26, 2011, 17:42:06 ET
Posted by: Toby, "hats"

Reading Don Breithaupt's excellent must-read-for-Dan-fans "Aja" (http://www.amazon.com/AJA-Don-Breithaupt/dp/0826427839), Don mentions that Donald Fagen was a guest on the BBC's long-running "Desert Island Discs" radio show in 1990.

This show does not appear on the BBC's DID archives page (http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/features/desert-island-discs/find-a-castaway)

I wonder if any Bluebook people know any more, or perhaps even have a copy of the programme they might like to share?

Cheers
Toby


Date: Tues, July 26, 2011, 15:46:25 ET
Posted by: Lurker Ray, Malibu

Thanks for all of the great further
details from Danbury.

So great that they are changing up
the band intro track at least.

Surprised that with Eliot Schiner
and Pete Fogel in the crowd there
wasn't a deeper nugget.

I wouldn't mind Walter's Hey 19 rap
if they added another song to the setlist.
It just seems to eat up a lot of set time.
Just like the band intros in my opinion.

Best nice & short band intros?

Donald Fagen 2006 Solo Tour.

Have a great time in Tanglewood all!

Really wish I could be there, I really
love that place.

Hope that heat has finally broken.


Date: Tues, July 26, 2011, 15:44:37 ET
Posted by: Techinicolor Motorhome, Southern U S

Walt's rant was well received at the Winstar gig but it did go on for a tad too long. I liked the part about "living at the motel 5 and 1/2 for 18 months now." The crowd laughed.

I still would have rather had "Cousin Dupree" as the "let's make fun of middle America" part. (while keeping a no-gimick version of Hey 19)


Date: Tues, July 26, 2011, 15:41:48 ET
Posted by: Big Fan, Home at Last

Packing up for Tanglewood. I was hoping for a less hit heavy setlist similar to some of the ones from the beginning of the tour. Doesn't look too good for the Bear. Weather is just perfect!


Date: Tues, July 26, 2011, 13:41:05 ET
Posted by: Greg M, White Plains, NY

Another thing.

Freddie Washington sat on the drum riser during Dirty Work. And for some reason, that was a very nice touch.


Date: Tues, July 26, 2011, 13:18:05 ET
Posted by: Dan Belcher, Louisville, KY

Just because I'm not dancing doesn't mean I am not enjoying the show. I don't dance anywhere for anything. Period. I simply don't feel motivated by music to lumber around or attempt to shake my ass. Doesn't do anything for me. I'll bob my head or tap my fingers and toes, but that's it. That said, I also don't yell at people to sit down at a concert. When everyone else is standing up, I have no problems standing up too. But hey, if you're the ONLY person around standing for three songs in a row, maybe you should try to blend in with the crowd a little more?


Date: Tues, July 26, 2011, 12:39:21 ET
Posted by: Charlie Tokyo, CT, baby

Quick update on the DANbury show on Monday night. Having been around the world, and been to the Washington Zoo, at least having been to one or more shows on every tour since 1994 (with the exception of Rent Party), this was one of the best I've seen. There were a couple of changes from the most recent setlists, and I've dropped the Danbury shows setin at the end of this post. Biggest change was dropping Lee Dorsey's "Neighbor's Daughter" during the band intros in favor of a very inspired cover of James Brown's "Papa Don't Take No Mess", with Walt saying 'Take me the bridge' each time a band member got to step out and do his or her solo thing.

Some of the highlights were an extraordinary jam on YGT - I swear to God, it was probably the best I've ever seen, and, alone, worth the price of admission. Michael Leonhart just blew it away on trumpet for that one, as did the whole horn section for a heavily brassed up version of Godwhacker that just blew me away as Don and Walt ran through the melodica/guitar duel.

Showbiz Kids was very "funked-up", and an interesting take on the song that bridged towards the end to the more familiar sounding version we all know and love. The Hey 19 rap from Walt, which judging by previous posts changes storylines pretty regularly, was a bit of a ramble of a supposedly older protagonist doing his best to get it on with his younger date in the limo ride home from the SD show, kind of striking out until he gets out the shot glasses and that hip flask with - you guessed it - Cuervo Gold, which the Brats did a fine job with.

The encore dropped Pretzel Logic in favor of Black Cow, and the crowd went wild from School through Reelin' and the encores. What was supposed to be a night potentially marred by thunderstorms and downpours turned out to be quite pleasant - at one point during Josie, I nudged my son and pointed up to a star-filled sky. It was also quite crowded. Some folks around me who were regular attendees at the Ives said it was the largest crowd they had seen there.

So, now I have to wait two months to the Boston "Royal Scam" + show at the Wang. In the meantime, I have a trip to NYC next month, and will be making a pilgrimage to the city's best dive bar, "Rudy's" (of Black Cow fame) in Hell's Kitchen, for cheap drinks and free Hebrew National hot dogs, after which I will point my car down Seventh Avenue, if I don't go stomping on the Avenue by Radio City.

Danbury setlist - 07/25/2011

Intro � Dizzy�s Bidness (The Band)
Aja
Black Friday
Hey 19
Your Gold Teeth - awesome jam
Time Out of Mind
Showbiz Kids � funky!
Bodhisattva
Dirty Work � the Brats sing
Godwhacker � heavy horns, great touch
Papa Don�t Take No Mess (James Brown cover)/ Story & Band intros by Walt
Monkey In Your Soul - Walt sings
Josie
Peg � they�re starting to stand up
My Old School � now they�re dancin in the aisles
Reelin' In The Years � still dancing!

Encore
Black Cow
Kid Charlemagne

Outro � Last Tango in Paris (The Band)

Showtime � 2:05


Date: Tues, July 26, 2011, 12:25:28 ET
Posted by: Don Patrol, Mtl

Does anyone know if the pre-show music was Cat's third album?


Date: Tues, July 26, 2011, 12:22:33 ET
Posted by: luke, Westport, CT

Saw the show in Danbury last night. I sat in between Eliot Schiner and Pete Fogel! Your Gold Teeth was unbelievable live!


Date: Tues, July 26, 2011, 12:16:58 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine Beach

Thanks to all for the concert reports. Keep em coming.

Greg M and Dylynfan, I too have grown weary of Walt's ramble. I think it may have been interesting/funny on a couple of occasions. But mostly it seems a bit forced to me. What is interesting is the professional reviews have tended to view it positively.

On the matter of standing/dancing at concerts, there are many factors to consider, IMO. I know we have beat this horse to death many times over the years, but indulge me in a brief comment or two. I only revisit this because of a couple of Young Wu's remarks.

"I'm so sick of these people buying tickets to shows like this and then refusing to enjoy it."

First of all, it is simply wrong to assume those sitting are not enjoying the show. I enjoy the shit out of the shows but don't feel the need to get up and shake my ass on every song. Of course, I have mastered the art of "chair dancing" as I practice regularly while driving. :#) You might also want to consider not everyone (young or old) is capable of standing for long periods of time.

But those who prefer to sit also need to understand this isn't the opera, some in the audience will feel the music and get the urge to dance a bit. To me, that is perfectly acceptable.

Everyone (or at least most folks) have paid for their tickets and should be able to enjoy the show. Those who like to sit should not have to look at your ass the entire show. (Even more importantly, they certainly didn't pay to hear you sing or talk.) Of course, those who want to enjoy in a more obvious manner should be allowed the opportunity to let loose a bit. Of course, all rules tend to go out the window during encores. That's just the way it is.

"I had some woman yelling at me to sit down from like 4 rows behind me. I had finally reached my boiling point with these sad, boring, ugly mutants"

It really isn't that complicated in practice. If you've been dancing for several tunes (and it looks like you are pretty much the only one in your area standing) you might want to give it a rest for a while--particularly is someone asks you to stop. There is no reason to be rude in this matter. Try a bit of respect and compromise. Maybe you can move to the back/side/etc for a time, where your obvious jubilation won't impact the enjoyment of others. Keep in mind, because they don't display their joy in the same manner you choose, they are not necessarily boring or sad.

And sometimes you simply have to take your cues from the crowd. If the crowd begins standing/dancing/singing and you are one of the few sitting, don't complain. Join in or shut the fuck up and relax. My last SD show in St Augustine, the crowd was VERY animated. Actually a bit too much for my liking. But they set the etiquette for the night and they were obviously very happy and into the show. While I would have preferred to hear Donald and the girls, and not the girl in front of me singing off key, I would have been trying to impose my standards (in the distinct minority here) on those who have clearly set the tone for the show.

So, that's it. Try to have a bit of respect for others while enjoying the show yourself. And remember, people demonstrate their enjoyment and happiness in very different ways.


Date: Tues, July 26, 2011, 11:33:10 ET
Posted by: DYLYNFAN, HARRISBURG PA

Greg M. I am with you 100 percent on the Walt ramble on Hey 19
it is time to finally drop this tired routine!!! It is PISS-BREAK
time for me at shows, and fast forward on the dvd!!! It is the only
complaint I have ever had with them during a show, which is almost
always flawless!!! RANT-OVER


Date: Tues, July 26, 2011, 10:56:54 ET
Posted by: Mikey, North of the Border

Yes, Donald was stoned & gets stoned. Great show in Toronto.

Donald was baked however someone mentioned he was smoking, no really just a vapor cigarette. Its part of his shtick just like WB hey 19.

Great crowd and fun time.

Not sure if DF was "chasing the Dragon" or on "columbian gold"
I've never seen him more talkative or animated as he was in Toronto.

I know. I have sen them to many times to count.

DF still parties. who knew??


Date: Tues, July 26, 2011, 10:47:27 ET
Posted by: Young Wu, Buffalo

Ghia Girl, that is so awesome! I watched you dance through the entire performance of Peg... I had never seen someone enjoy a Steely Dan concert so purely. It lifted my spirits.

I wanted to bash that fat ass baby boomer over the head who screamed at you to sit down. I'm so sick of these people buying tickets to shows like this and then refusing to enjoy it. I went to Detroit the next day to see Paul McCartney, and I had some woman yelling at me to sit down from like 4 rows behind me. I had finally reached my boiling point with these sad, boring, ugly mutants... so I kinda told her off and she left the show halfway through. Oops. Too bad. Next time stay at home with your iPod on if you want to sit, drink, and text.


Date: Tues, July 26, 2011, 10:24:58 ET
Posted by: DYLYNFAN, HARRISBURG PA

Supposed to say SORRY!!! Thats it, I am done waking and baking!!!


Date: Tues, July 26, 2011, 10:23:28 ET
Posted by: DYLYNFAN, HARRISBURG PA

Chia is her pet name!!! Sorrt that was prety bad!!!


Date: Tues, July 26, 2011, 10:19:05 ET
Posted by: grogster, New York

Sorry Ghia..not Chia...


Date: Tues, July 26, 2011, 10:18:02 ET
Posted by: grogster, New York

Hi Chia..i sat right next to you and commented on your great cant buy a thrill bag..yes that stunk when the sec guard said you could not dance....great show..we showed them when my old school was played everyone rushed the stage...seeing them tonite hope a little change in the songs


Date: Tues, July 26, 2011, 09:21:25 ET
Posted by: Nicholas Urfe, Phraxos

Chris - the U. S. release of that Herbie Hancock CD (I don't know about the original album) doesn't have YGTII. You have to order the U.K. release. And even then, it doesn't show up in the liner notes, at least not on mine. But it's on the CD.


Date: Tues, July 26, 2011, 08:41:43 ET
Posted by: Ghia Girl, NJ

Greg M - thanks for the heads up on the last minute seats. I had the whole front row to myself for the first few songs, then people got moved up. The band was so tight last night. What a great show!

Young WU - yeah that was me. I was told by security that there was no dancing, but at the end of the show everyone was up.


Date: Tues, July 26, 2011, 08:41:40 ET
Posted by: Ghia Girl, NJ

Greg M - thanks for the heads up on the last minute seats. I had the whole front row to myself for the first few songs, then people got moved up. The band was so tight last night. What a great show!

Young WU - yeah that was me. I was told by security that there was no dancing, but at the end of the show everyone was up.


Date: Tues, July 26, 2011, 01:02:06 ET
Posted by: Lurker Ray, Malibu

M/O/D/P,

Thanks for great Toronto report and
for finally clearing up the Betty Boop
story. And YES, we would LOVE to see
your pictures!

Greg M,

Thanks for the Danbury report.

Donald Fagen stoned?

Hey, nothing wrong with that.

Or maybe it was the heat........


Date: Tues, July 26, 2011, 00:44:43 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, Toronto

Yet another (somewhat belated) Toronto show post........

It was with a certain amount of trepidation that I headed down last Friday afternoon to the Molson Armpit-Theatre to see our musical pals Steely Dan. Not that I don't love the band, especially as a live act - I most definitely do. I've been to every Toronto, western New York State casino and Montreal show in the past decade and a half or so, and I've even made the trek to The Beacon in NYC a few times.......AND I'm headed back there for several shows including the much anticipated "Rarities" night in September. I'm a big fan. What I wasn't looking forward to was the venue (a generally terrible place to listen to music) and the usual inattentive, self-involved (read: "rude and disconnected") Toronto crowd. And I'd come to the conclusion from some of the posts here on the Blue that I wasn't going to get "Everything Must Go" or "The Bear". But, really, "Any Steely Dan show is worth seeing", I told myself, and so I parked my misgivings and headed to The Mistake By the Lake.

It turned out to be the most enjoyable evening of music and musicianship I have experienced since, well, the three SD shows in one week back in 2009 (Toronto/Toronto/Montreal). Absolutely stellar.

Admittedly, I had exceptionally good seats (16 rows from the stage, near centre), so the sound was better than the usual weak, muddy mess that passes for acceptable at this awful "we're-only-here-to-sell-you-beer" cupholder-filled dump. The set list and the concert itself have been well described elsewhere, so I won't rehash them. What we got here on Friday night was a very well-balanced show that at times crackled with energy and grabbed the casual "radio hit" fans and at other times made the two dozen or so serious fans' jaws drop just a little. WB's wacky story during "Hey Nineteen" involved a burnout couple on the dole ("you", he jabbed) living in a motel ("for the past six months", he hooked) and an attempt to replicate a well-known mass-market tequila by combining gin, some household cleaning fluid, and Lavoris mouthwash. The bit was worth the price of admission alone. DF was rather animated during "Time Out of Mind" and "Godwhacker", and appeared at times to be really having fun. Go figure. Later, a larger-than-life Betty Boop inflatable made an appearance during the encores. I was told by a security guy after the show that she was from the venue's prop room, and that she is a regular part of one particular (un-named) yearly concert/event. Apparently someone from the SD crew found her and added her to the festivities in a fit of spontaneity (I have a few decent wide-angle pictures of the band with Ms. Boop if anyone's interested). All in all, a tight, crowd-pleasing show with nary a chum-bucket in sight.

Amazingly, this was the first time an a very long time that I found myself in a section filled with folks who actually paid attention to the proceedings on the stage. Sadly, that concept has become a novel one in recent years, but I happily did not get exposed to the usual chatty cell-phone-iPod-PSP-Blackberry-types, and for the first time in years I wasn't forced to choose between the band and the riveting conversations around me. It was the best seating, crowd-wise, that I have had at a Steely Dan show, ever. So, even though we didn't get some of the choice cuts that were being played earlier in the tour, we did get "Your Gold Teeth" and "Monkey in Your Soul". Both songs scored points with the cognoscenti, and each song created a mass exodus to the terlets, at least in the rows I could see.

I guess there's no accounting for taste and/or timing.........


Date: Tues, July 26, 2011, 00:34:57 ET
Posted by: Greg M, White Plains, NY

A few Danbury notes:

-Donald smoking a cigarette

-Capacity Crowd

-The band never really "left the stage" for the encore. There was no where to go on the floating stage/gazeebo. They just hung out behind the drums for about 2 minutes.

-Donald was way more talkative than usual and said some unusual things. Like after the first song: "I'm Donald Fagen..." He rambled a bit too. I really think he was stoned...All goooood.

-Walt's hey 19 rant was LONG and rather pointless.

-gestapo-like security at the venue

-crowd rushed the stage for My Old School

-your gold teeth was VERY GOOD.


Date: Tues, July 26, 2011, 00:13:59 ET
Posted by: Grogster, New York

Just got back from Ives...Great show!.nice venue..lucky enough to sit front row..great venue to do that..acoustics started out a bit rough, but got ironed out..crowd went crazy for school, and reelin..nice to hear Gold teeth and show biz for a change...wish they could have sub for peg...like dont take me alive or the Bear..anyway looking forward to tanglewood..oh i think the only difference from their previous show was Black cow tonite and no p Logic....


Date: Mon, July 25, 2011, 23:51:01 ET
Posted by: web link, wl

http://www.blogto.com/music/2011/07/steely_dan_shows_how_a_rock_band_ages_gracefully/


Date: Mon, July 25, 2011, 23:39:52 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh

There was some talk of covers of Steely Dan a few weeks back ... at the time I posted a cover that I correctly assumed no one would like, and that I only did for circumstancial reasons ...

Here's something that I think you'll all like if you haven't heard it already. Herbie Hancock doing Your Gold Teeth II. I swear I own this album, but not this tune. Very interesting to see how and where Herbie chooses to reharm.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzaaHwvgee0&feature=related


Date: Mon, July 25, 2011, 22:13:18 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine Beach

Don Patrol, thanks for the reports. It seems like the heat is following The Dan this tour.


kzkz, thanks for posting the links to those vids. Pretty good, for the most part. I certainly don't see Walt and Don going through the motions, as Young Wu claimed. At least not in these vids. Walt does like he may be having some back trouble, as was noted by another poster.

I hope to be attending at least one show this tour (still can't be sure which one). The one song I really hope is still on the setlist is YGT. Night by Night would be great, too. I kind of laugh when some are peeved they didn't get to hear "The Bear". One poster almost made it sound as though not hearing The Bear ruined the concert for him. Now, don't get me wrong, I'd love to hear The Bear. But think back a year ago---how many people here would have listed The Bear as one of their "must hear" songs? I know there is at least one poster who might be able to make that claim--but there aren't too many of us, that's for sure. Yes, I get the point that they were playing an unreleased track and that in and of itself was something special. I get that part. But I don't really see how one song makes or breaks a Dan concert, particularly when it is The Bear.

Finally, for now, I noticed Fagen is still sporting the picture of Duke Ellington (and band). But I didn't notice King Tubby. How about it concert-goers: has King Tubby disappeared?


Date: Mon, July 25, 2011, 22:11:55 ET
Posted by: Young Wu, Buffalo

Don Patrol, I was on the lookout for your classic Aja shirt. Alas... it was not meant to be.

Ghina Girl... were you the one who got up and went nuts dancing during Peg!? And then some asshole behind you was screaming at you to sit down?


Date: Mon, July 25, 2011, 21:39:23 ET
Posted by: Don Patrol, Mtl

Just back from our Lake Ontario loop.I would like to add our opinions about the T.O.and Canandaigua shows.My wife and I thought the sound at Molson Amp to be exceptionally good.Too hot to stay in our seats,so we moved all around the venue with no loss of sound quality.But we were saddened by the size of the turnout.After cancelling the last show of the '09 tour in Mtl,due to soft ticket sales,and what seems to be diminishing crowds in Canada,we may have to go to more shows Stateside.Having said that,we have only great memories of the Marvin Sands Amp.An absolutely wonderful venue in our opinion."Up on the hill"was agreat place for us.Back and forth from our seats to the cool breezes on the hill.But for me,one of the best things was the turnout,We estimated it to be at LEAST twice the amount of people than in T.O. Plus great tailgating.I think sometimes we Canadians are too reserved for our own good!But after all is said and done,two shows,back to back nights,A heat wave,with Niagra Falls squeezed in between, is agreat way to spend afew days.Appetite whetted for now, but great anticipation for the NYC shows in Sept.Young Wu sorry we missed out on meeting you.Peace to all!


Date: Mon, July 25, 2011, 20:39:57 ET
Posted by: kzkzkz, N-Why_Sea

Very nice captures from Canandaigua, 7/23/11:

Aja- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2hVuQjjagg
YGT- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y9WolW-q7ok&feature=related
TOOM- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTyMu1wOt1w&feature=related


Date: Mon, July 25, 2011, 18:46:33 ET
Posted by: Alkali, NYC/CT

Off to the Ives Center to see Steeley Dan, yes that's the concert billboard spelling.
I just hope they're half as good as the real thing.

see you there and I'll try to remember the setlist.

piece out:-)~


Date: Mon, July 25, 2011, 11:27:50 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine Beach

RDRR,

I'd agree with you if the description was limited to a sentence or two. IMO the degree to which he went to setup that point was far overdone and took far too much real estate given the length of the piece.

Like I said, it was just a small nit that I decided to pick.

Steely Dan is all substance. 'Nuff said


Date: Mon, July 25, 2011, 10:35:52 ET
Posted by: RDRR, P

One could argue that describing their unfashionable sense of dress serves to validate his declaration that it's about the music.


Date: Mon, July 25, 2011, 10:11:00 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine Beach

The Toronto Globe and Mail review was very good (and quite positive as nearly all the reviews have been this tour). But I have one nit to pick:

The reviewer notes that for Steely Dan it's the MUSIC that is important, not the other bullshit. Yet he spends two paragraphs describing what Walt and Don were wearing and how they looked. Who gives a shit what they were wearing?


Date: Mon, July 25, 2011, 09:56:19 ET
Posted by: BD Dudley77, Danbury

Re; The Ives Concert Park tonight:
Ok, the pavilion, golden circle, whatever - its not great; the site lines are tremendous, yes, but you are on folded chairs tied together, and the acoustics are...ok. However, as a budget alternative, the GA tix are tremendous. For reasons that I cannot fathom, the acoustics are great on the lawn, and if you can live with seeing the band on a video screen, it is really a very relaxed, picnic-like atmosphere. I believe that no drinks are allowed, but food is.


Date: Mon, July 25, 2011, 09:52:54 ET
Posted by: DYLYNFAN, HARRISBURG PA

Deacon Blues 16 I am prone to agree with you , albeit based on
very limited evidence, of all the shows I have been to or
heard there is nothing to compare to TONIGHT LETS PLAY TWO
in Boston, simply stunning, crowd on fire, responding like
a Grateful Dead audience several different times!!! And
last but not least 5 friggin encores!!!!To me it is an
all-time concert for the ages!!!


Date: Mon, July 25, 2011, 08:17:12 ET
Posted by: (Another) Toronto, Review

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/arts/music/jazz-rock-ambassadors-bring-shuffle-diplomacy-to-toronto/article2107936/


Date: Mon, July 25, 2011, 08:11:13 ET
Posted by: Jazzassin, Ringo, most likely without a little help

@Michael

Re: Purdie vs common sense

+1


Date: Mon, July 25, 2011, 07:06:09 ET
Posted by: Michael,

purdie, "Yes Micheal, I did "bother" to read your link.
It says one thing, Bernard says he overdubbed on the American-only releases. Two sources, two opinions. No answer."

Apparently not, or you just skimmed through it.

An excerpt:
In his book "All You Need Is Ears" George Martine writes, "When The Beatles arrived in 1963, I was still forced to record all their early songs using twin-track ... with the rhythm on one track and the vocal on the other".

In other words, the drums were combined with the guitars and bass onto one of two available tracks, rendering the drums inseparable from the other instruments. While it would have been possible to "overdub" more drums later, the original drum performances could not be be erased. If Purdie does appear on any early Beatle recordings, then two drums kits (or parts thereof) would be clearly audible ... and nowhere is this apparent.

purdie, "Bernard never said he replaced Ringo's drum parts or played with the Beatles. He overdubbed on top of Ringo. Nobody ever asked him exactly what he played. He could have just added some bass drum and snare to affect the feel, adding to Ringo's classic parts."

First he claimed that Ringo didn't play on anything, then he said that he overdubbed his playing -- a contradiction. Furthermore, why would a record label pay what is tantamount to 'hush money' (over $10,000 no less!) to Purdie to "fix" Beatles tracks when nobody knew with any certainty that they were going to be so huge? Maybe they're clairvoyant or something? How could they know in advance that The Beatles were going to be so big that they'd willingly shell out such a high paycheck (for the day) to a session drummer from overseas? Why allow Ringo to perform live if he was supposedly so incompetent, and why are his live performances the same as the album performances? That alone negates Purdie's claims, let alone all the other evidence listed.

If he had done overdubs on some insignificant tracks 14 months or more before Ringo joined and a year before George Martin came into the picture, that's not as far-fetched a notion, yet still wouldn't require all the supposed secrecy and hush money. To this day, nobody that was in the know has come out and said a single thing to confirm Purdie's story. Ultimately, this is a slap in the face to Ringo's artistic integrity and I'm not buying it.


Date: Mon, July 25, 2011, 00:51:21 ET
Posted by: hoops, chicago

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

TICKET EXCHANGE

-----------------------------------------------------------------
From: Brian Morris <nysice AT nycap.rr DOT com>
Subject: NEW! 2 Tix for Tanglewood
Date: Fri, 22 Jul 2011 22:03:46 -0400

I have unexpectedly come into possession of a pair of tix for Steely Dan at Tanglewood, this Tuesday July 26 Section 3 Row J (really good seats.) E-mail me immediately at the address below if interested. Probably do transaction at Tanglewood. Don't miss the opportunity!

Brian Morris
nysice AT nycap.rr DOT com


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Subject:2 tickets for Tanglewood for sale
From: PaulaJo McC <paulajomcc315 AT gmail DOIT com>

Sadly I am offering up for sale my two precious Tanglewood tickets. Section 18, Row B, seats 7 and 8. This because my date cancelled to pursue a relationship with a girl who has far better credentials tho is not half as attractive. I was going to go solo but I don't want to suffer through this show wondering what might have been. $120.00 for the pair. I hope someone will buy these and have as great a night as I should have had......please email me for details!!!! I really want to unload these now and get on with my summer. And to the guy who cancelled on me and ruined my summer: If your out there you bastard I hope you lose your bid for state supreme court justice. Jerk.

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Date: Mon, July 25, 2011, 00:50:16 ET
Posted by: hoops, chicago

The latest edition of the Dandom Digest was just mailed and you should receive in the next 12 hours. This one covered from July 10-24,2011.

If you are a subscriber, you should already see it in your email box If you don't receive it, check your spam filters first; then, if it's not there, please email me.

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 in the Blue.

The following are the subjects of the Dandom Digest for July 10-24, 2011:
=======

- Donald Fagen Performs At The Historic Apollo (this past May)
- Amy Winehouse


- TICKET EXCHANGE
- NEW! 2 Tix for Tanglewood
- NEW! 2 tickets for Tanglewood for sale

- SPOILER: 7/9-Greek Theatre, L.A.: "masterfully delivered"
- SPOILER: 7/9-Greek Theatre, L.A.: "purely amazing"
- SPOILER: 7/12-Tulsa: "An Excellent Show!"
- SPOILER: 7/13-Winstar Casino, Thackerville, OK: "superb"
- SPOILER: 7/15-Indy: "A Country Dance"
- SPOILER: 7/16-Detroit: "The band was hotso!"
- SPOILER: 7/19-Cincinnati: "Incredible night!"
- SPOILER: 7/19-Cincinnati: "Band sounded amazing"
- SPOILER: 7/22-Toronto: "tight as usual"
- SPOILER: 7/20-Toledo Zoo: "professional and passionate"
- SPOILER: 7/23-Canadaigua: "The best...always magical"

=======

If you are not currently a subscriber but would like to receive the free Dandom Digest email newsletter, please email me 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 and not 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, Gus and John and remembering Mark and Bill.

Jim


Date: Sun, July 24, 2011, 22:16:47 ET
Posted by: steelydoc, near the Tower

DYLYNFAN:

I did NOT receive your emails, please try again...thanks!


Date: Sun, July 24, 2011, 20:41:48 ET
Posted by: beachwood45789, Cleveland

2 for 2 in the front row..first at Fox Theater for the Boz/Donald/Michael show and then last week in Cincy (my son works for Tmaster)...seventh time I have seen the Dan going back to 1974 in Toledo with Skunk, Diaz, Palmer, Hodder and the whole crew. I am a huge fan of horn bands, from Southside and the Jukes, to the lastest iteration of Bruce and ESB, to legitimate big bands...but I have never heard a tighter musical ensemble than the current SD line-up. Aja, HAL, MOS, and Reelin were almost LP perfect...John H owns both of those...he is amazing.

We were stage left and my son had a direct sight line to Carolyn (which he may never recover from..the crush may be just too much) which I was able to watch Donald and had direct line to KL. I am a frustrated drummer and I have had the fortune to see the great ones..Buddy, Krupa, Jones, Gadd, Seraphine, Bellson, Peart, Moon, Watts...and I would respectfully submit that Keith is in this company...what tasty chops and lockstep timekeeping..always in the pocket..and the horn section rivals any I have ever seen...

Are Donald and Walter going through the motions?...hard to tell...how would we know if they weren't? My feeling as we were driving out of the lot was...okay..now my son has seen the Dan..I can probably close the book on doing this again....not living in a major metro means I will get the same list as last time...and I'm getting too old to have beer spilled on me by 60's reject hippie chicks trying to relive their wasted college years...but I am glad my son and I got to experience it together...


Date: Sun, July 24, 2011, 17:14:03 ET
Posted by: bob, not your Uncle

Big Fan- I think the Ives Center blows. And those folding chairs suck!

Hutch- Kulee Baba? Better chance it snows in Maui.


Date: Sun, July 24, 2011, 13:11:19 ET
Posted by: purdie,

Yes Micheal, I did "bother" to read your link.
It says one thing, Bernard says he overdubbed on the American-only releases. Two sources, two opinions. No answer.

Bernard never said he replaced Ringo's drum parts or played with the Beatles. He overdubbed on top of Ringo. Nobody ever asked him exactly what he played. He could have just added some bass drum and snare to affect the feel, adding to Ringo's classic parts.


Date: Sun, July 24, 2011, 13:00:26 ET
Posted by: peteb, UK

thanks DeaconBlues16 for that database type list of when each SD track has been played live. I was amazed that With a Gun has never been aired - whatever motivates D&W to play a song live, it ain't popular appeal. I was in a supermarket in rural France a couple of years ago and With a Gun came on. Not only did the supermarket not empty as the punters decided it was time for a potty break but I never realised what a nourishing environment a supermarket could be - particularly in France, (where the piped music usually has me counting the seconds until I can get out of there and cutting all non-essential purchases in the process.) Conclusion: SD deep cuts make mainstream commercial sense! ;>.


Date: Sun, July 24, 2011, 12:45:42 ET
Posted by: Jazzassin, MDOS (Calling all puppets)

@It's Like This & anyone who cares

�What is REALLY the purpose of SD tours of late?�

It's like this: The purpose is of course to pester us, no less.

We're puppets, and they're masters, and they have evilly manipulated us into thinking it's the opposite way. Our disappointment when they suddenly pull a string or two just to remind us of the true nature of reality is of course massive, and they feed off that negative energy.

Their evil manipulation started almost 40 years ago, and continues to this date. The technique is to make fantastic songs, have them recorded by the worlds best performers, let the best producers and engineers with degrees in nuclear physics make sure the final product will be of a superior quality not found anywhere else.

Repeted listens to those records will gradually fog our minds and make it impossible to think rationally about anything. They drug us with aural pleasure.

They also refrain from live performances for years, so that our expectations of that ever happening again will be reduced to almost zero, then once again actually going on the road to ensure we will still suffer from Mental Dan Overload Syndrom (MDOS), and never ever recover.

One of the typical symptoms of MDOS is that we will tend to forget that when we bought their albums, singles and T-shirts, we got what we paid for once and for all. Even if the evidence is probably physically within an armlength's distance much of the time, we will forget they actually don't owe us anything more for our money.

So, when a person with MDOS buys a ticket to a Steely Dan show, he will likely think that he, as a �Royal Loyal Fan� is in the position to dictate what should be played, and what should not. He will justify his demands by saying things like:

�I have used x $ on their records, merch and previous shows, so I think it's time the boys listen to me and give me full value for my money by playing my ideal setlist. This setlist of course contains a lot of rarely heard or played songs, because I already know their official catalog so well I'm easily bored when I have to hear those songs once more. I've been to twohundred and thirty-seven shows, so I know what I'm talking about. And I can't just look the other way, stay at home and keep on with my own life, because I no longer have one. I'm a Steely Junkie, and I need a bigger fix than ever.�

When those expectations is eventually not fulfilled, we will visit a certain web page, where we can tell everyone how stingy and greedy our pusher has become.

Walter Becker and Donald Fagen, those mean sadists, of course thinks this is great, and bends over from laughing cruelly when the results of their efforts to torment us is as successful as it is.

It has been mentioned that Fagen hates to play certain songs, which is true, of course, and what more; he actually hates to play or make music in general. He hates music, period.
But that's the price he and Becker has to pay to have the immense pleasure of having their stupid MDOS infected puppets wriggle at the other end of the strings, which is what it's all about.

Don't believe me?

They have now taken the humiliation of us to a new level by introducing an inflatable Betty Boop doll on stage.
She is a symbol of their MDOS puppets' inflated egos and expectations.
Seeing us wonder what the fuck she is all about makes their perverted, filthy minds jump with joy with a previously unmatched intensity, of course.

MOOOOOHAAHAAHAAAA!!!


Date: Sun, July 24, 2011, 11:54:56 ET
Posted by: Tangled-up in wood, my local rag


I agree its a generally thoughtful article at
http://www.berkshireeagle.com/artsandtheater/ci_18529889

but ...

"Then there are the lyrics, typically penned by Fagen ..."

This is the 3rd time I've seen this casual 'fact' in press in recent months...and this article is clearly written by someone who otherwise 'knows' the Dan. People, what is going on here?

"typically penned by Fagen" ?!


Date: Sun, July 24, 2011, 11:32:30 ET
Posted by: SWANG, Lurkerville

Purdie overdubbed on a Tony Sheridan featuring The Beatles release. So while technically he never played WITH the fab four, he is featured on a recording attributed to them.

Just fyi...


Date: Sun, July 24, 2011, 11:20:18 ET
Posted by: Hutch,

Raindrop - You'll have to be at 2124 Broadway in NYC on Saturday, September 17th if you want to hear Kulee Baba and The Second Arrangement. Otherwise you're out of luck.

Unfortunately that's just the way it is.


Date: Sun, July 24, 2011, 11:06:35 ET
Posted by: Big Fan, Home

For those who haven�t been to the Ives Center on the campus of Western Connecticut University, we saw the he Dukes of September Rhythm Revue there last year. It�s a very small and rustic wooded venue � all outside, the seats are folding chairs. The stage is actually on an island in a pond, the front row has a small moat between you and the stage. Tickets were very expensive for that show in the golden circle � don�t know what they were like for the SD show. I would bring bug repellent because you are so close to the water and woods. You can�t bring your own beer or wine but they had excellent selection and a pretty good BBQ vendor. Have fun!


Date: Sun, July 24, 2011, 10:33:52 ET
Posted by: EE, A

One of the more thoughtful newspaper stories about an upcoming concert.

http://www.berkshireeagle.com/artsandtheater/ci_18529889


Date: Sun, July 24, 2011, 10:32:31 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine Beach

ghia girl,

I saw The Dan in Canandaigua a couple of tours ago. While I have never seen a bad Steely Dan show, it was certainly among the least impressive. Also, the Constellation Brands - Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center was really nothing to write home about, as I recall. I remember I wasn't impressed by the venue, but I can't recall if the acoustics were good.


Date: Sun, July 24, 2011, 09:37:24 ET
Posted by: It's, Like This

What is REALLY the purpose of SD tours of late?


Date: Sun, July 24, 2011, 09:35:13 ET
Posted by: Steelyfez, CT

Looking forward to Danbury tomorrow night. The Dan playing a mere 15 miles from my house, pretty cool.


Date: Sun, July 24, 2011, 08:34:04 ET
Posted by: ghia girl, NJ

I was just at the Canandaigua show last night. It definitely was not the best show that I have seen them perform, but with that being said listening to the best band in the world perform live is always magical. It is all about the attitude you put out there. They feed off that energy. My question is why does nobody dance anymore? Am I sanctioned to only dance in my living room while cleaning my house? Come on people, get up and dance! See you in Tanglewood. I will be the only one dancing.


Date: Sun, July 24, 2011, 07:50:22 ET
Posted by: J Fraaaazier,

Bernard Purdie: The Muhammad Ali of the drums.:)


Date: Sun, July 24, 2011, 07:02:19 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Tanglewood, the Purdie discussion is relevant for two reasons: 1) He's a session player who's worked with Steely Dan, and 2) on the Making of Aja just as it begins to fade him out while he's listing artists he's worked with, he says "The Beatles."

Someone said that he overdubbed the US versions. If you bothered to read the link I posted, the article writer (who, incidentally, is a drummer) says that there is no difference between the US and UK versions of the Beatles songs in question -- both are Ringo.

Raindrop, let's face it, Don & Walt are going to reserve the material both you and I want to hear exclusively for the Rarities concert. It won't do you any good to air your disappointment here, as you've perhaps noticed.


Date: Sun, July 24, 2011, 07:00:21 ET
Posted by: DaDan, Buffalo Set List????

Young Wu posted a set list labeled BUFFALO.
Is that a setlist for the Toronto show or the Canandaigua, NY show?
Both Toronto and Canandaigua, NY are; at least, a few hours from Buffalo.
Any idea which show this set list labeled Buffalo is for?


Date: Sun, July 24, 2011, 04:19:17 ET
Posted by: bob, not your Uncle

Young Wu- "Pretzel Logic absolutely saved the show"

Can you plesae tell me what the f&*k you mean by that?


Date: Sun, July 24, 2011, 01:43:29 ET
Posted by: Lutz, SF

DocMu,
I have the same impression.
Most folk that have heard of Purdie wouldn't have if it wasn't for Don & Walt. He's getting a little greedy with his memories. Great groove and time for sure but it took these great songs for him to shine. His solo stuff is rather boring and mediocre.
And he seems bitter they haven't called him back.
Why doesn't he put together a jazz or funk quartett and plays the clubs?
Steve Gadd does it, and he just blows everone away, and likely it's not because he needs an extra paycheck.


Date: Sun, July 24, 2011, 01:30:52 ET
Posted by: Greg M, White Plains, NY

The view would be something like this at the Ives Center in Danbury: http://www.flickr.com/photos/spacecaptain/3782805616/

I've found that typing a venue name into the "search" feature of Flickr is a great way to scope out what venues (and seats) are like.... People post their pictures of various shows etc etc...


Date: Sun, July 24, 2011, 01:27:23 ET
Posted by: Greg M, White Plains

As of this moment: FRONT ROW Seats available at FACE VALUE for Monday's Danbury, CT show! They are off to the left side a bit but...front row!!

http://www.premierboxoffice.com/events/146168/STEELY%20DAN%20/%20Tour%202011

That's the official ticketing page (this is not a Ticketmaster venue).

Important: When you select the ticket price point (highest one), the site will give you a seat, but click the button: "change seats" and select the seat you want, like getting a plane ticket. FRONT ROW!!!

See you there.


Date: Sun, July 24, 2011, 00:55:56 ET
Posted by: Young Wu,

Oh, and also... watching all you middle age men and women dance in your seats and in the isles is fantastic!


Date: Sun, July 24, 2011, 00:49:52 ET
Posted by: Young Wu, Buffalo

Aja
Friday
Hey
Teeth
Time
Show
Bod
Dirty
God
Daughter
Monkey
Josie
Peg
School
Reelin'

Pretzel Logic!
Kid C

Quick review:
- Keith, the horns, and Jon are all still fantastic
- Don and Walt are going through the motions
- Don sang only about half the words to Aja, very annoying
- Time Out of Mind was fantastic
- Pretzel Logic absolutely saved the show
- In the end, good not great.


Date: Sun, July 24, 2011, 00:14:24 ET
Posted by: TO Danfan, Hey it's Betty Boop!

Lurker Ray

That's what I said to my wife when Betty was hauled out and placed to the right of the girls onstage for the encore Pretzel Logic & Kid Charlamagne. They giggled about it a bit but we could not figure out her reason for being there. It really looked like the boys were contemplating a third song for the encore but alas it was not to be. Betty was left on stage to watch us file out. Sorry didn't get any postable pics with my lousy phone cam.

My first time seeing SD perform Pretzel Logic and it was superb. We also saw Don do it at Massey Hall March 13, 2006. A great show that night but too short....only 80 min.

Santa Claus? I know Janey really likes Steely Dan. Maybe she was having a Christmas fantasy about Walt....LOL!


Date: Sun, July 24, 2011, 00:05:01 ET
Posted by: Raindrop, Seattle

What a disappointing tour this is turning out to be. It started out great with 'The Bear' being played at the first two shows. I was hoping we might see sprinklings of all the songs that would be played at the upcoming NY rarities shows, so even for those who couldn't make that one show, we might get a tune like 'The Bear' or 'Kulee Baba' or 'Second Arrangement' at any other given show.


Date: Sat, July 23, 2011, 22:57:45 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu, Meat Stir Five


C'mon - Let's get with the program. Purdie snuck in and composed then recorded Sgt. Pepper while the Beatles were tripping on LSD. Becker and Fagen were music illiterates. Purdie and Rainey turned punk-rock like demos into sonic masterpieces. They've been plagiarizing the templates since then.


Date: Sat, July 23, 2011, 21:03:25 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine Beach

Oops. Half-drunken mistake. Forgot to include the url for that last quote:

http://www.portlandmercury.com/portland/steely-dan/Event?oid=4194606


Date: Sat, July 23, 2011, 21:01:14 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine Beach

I'm not quite sure why anyone would complain about some interesting conversation about Bernard Purdie as clearly it is "Dangential". But whatever.

You want concert-related stuff, here's some. I think most of these reviews have been posted, but here are several all in one place. Enjoy!

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/steely-dan-at-greek-theater-209442

http://www.cokemachineglow.com/feature/6329/concertreview-steelydan-2011

http://theoaklandpress.com/articles/2011/07/18/entertainment/doc4e248ed81c703006448883.txt

http://www.musicnewsnashville.com/concert-review-steely-dan-brings-%E2%80%98aja%E2%80%99-to-vivid-life-at-the-greek

http://jam.canoe.ca/Music/Artists/S/Steely_Dan/ConcertReviews/2011/07/23/18459356.html

http://www.examiner.com/dj-in-santa-barbara/steely-dan-live-at-santa-barbara-bowl-review


This isn't a review, rather an annoucement of the concert. Still it has one of the greatest lines re: Steely Dan ever:

"You either love Steely Dan, or you hate music."


Date: Sat, July 23, 2011, 18:03:11 ET
Posted by: Tanglewood Oh Yeah!,

And just what the fuck did Peter Falk ever over dub for the Beatles?

Could we please get back to Steely Dan and the tour!

Be there next week! Oh baby! Close your eyes and you will be there!


Date: Sat, July 23, 2011, 17:47:48 ET
Posted by: purdie,

Seems Purdie only overdubbed for the American releases, not the British ones.
He said he overdubbed on already released material in New York. Would be interesting to get versions to compare.


Date: Sat, July 23, 2011, 17:29:32 ET
Posted by: Jazzassin, revolving

Dean,
Geoff Emerick also gives Ringo credit for being a good time-keeper in his book.
When George Martin brought in Andy White for the recording of Love Me Do and PS. I Love You, it was mostly because Ringo was too young and too nervous to get it perfect in a few takes. He soon got more confident and showed what he was really good for.

Btw, it does excist two versions of Love Me Do. One with Ringo drumming, and the official one with Andy White.
It's easy to say which is which, because on the Andy version Ringo plays Tambourine.

I always thought Ringo's style suited the Beatles very good, and that he grew along with the music which developed to more sophisticated stuff as the years went by.

The ever sarcastic Lennon once said, when asked for a comment to the fact that some diehard fans had claimed that Ringo was "the worlds best drummer":

-Ringo? Ringo isn't even the best drummer in the Beatles!

I think he meant that Paul was. Paul was probably technically the best musician on all their instruments.

Nowadays, Sir Paul is not my first choice either. Boring.

Well, I'll better stop befor this becomes the Blue Meanie Book.


Date: Sat, July 23, 2011, 17:27:49 ET
Posted by: Lurker Ray, Malibu

Thanks for the reports from Toronto and all of the great links.
But I have not seen anyone here mention this! -

"And if anyone can tell me the significance of the life-size blow up Betty Boop doll which was trotted out alongside the backup singers right before the encore, please tell me."

YES, PEASE TELL US FOLKS! And how about some pictures! This IS new.

"Becker, who recalled Santa Claus with his beard, glasses and tummy and stationary stance"

??????Huh? Mayor of Whoville, yes, but Santa Claus??!!

So great to see Pretzel Logic finally making an appearance.

Am I correct? Is this the first time we have seen Pretzel Logic hauled out since the San Jose Internet Request Night in 2009? I know some of us speculated that we might see it last year during the Dukes tour with Mike McD singing the stop-time at the end, but that never materialized.

DB16,

I think you should count yourself as very fortunate to have seen Bad Sneakers played twice since 2007. I know I would. I think you can safely add Any World as a tune we probably aren't going to see Donald
Fagen sing live anytime soon either. Donald did in fact give it go once. The start of the 2006 tour in Milwaukee and it was quickly
jettisoned until as you correctly listed Jeff Young gave it a go twice
later in the same tour at Soboba & San Diego, the last 2 sets shows on record.

Young Wu,

Enjoy the shows. Is this your first time seeing Sir Paul? If so you are in for a treat. He's a marvel and a pure joy live. I watched grown men weep when he played Fixing A Hole once and I was one of them. No to mention you sure will get your money's worth. He'll easily still play for nearly 3 hours.

Looking forward to the reports from tonight.

Stay cool out there...


Date: Sat, July 23, 2011, 16:55:22 ET
Posted by: The Dean, Where's the bartender?

Michael, great link. VERY entertaining.

I'll go ahead and play devil's advocate here and suggest a scenario. Understand I'm not saying I believe this scenario to be the truth, just that it is a possibility:

It could be Epstein brought in Bernie on his own (without any knowledge of the others) in an attempt to prove to the band and Martin he really did know music, by showing them an improved product. He may have had Purdie (and possibly other studio players) overdub some songs to see if they improved the final product. If something like that indeed happened, I can see how in Bernie's mind he thinks all the drumming on the records was his.

But it's likely Pretty is just a bit of a blowhard. He's still a very fine drummer.

And, speaking of fine drummers, Ringo has to be one of the most maligned drummers around--or at least he was back in the day. While he may not be Steve Gadd, Ringo is actually a pretty decent musician, IMO. I don't think I have ever thought his drumming was bad. I have some hard-core Beatles fans who claim he BECAME a better drummer over the years but wasn't so hot at first. I tell you what, I'd go see Ringo and the All Stars before I'd see McCartney. But that's just me, I guess.


Date: Sat, July 23, 2011, 15:29:26 ET
Posted by: Michael,

The sad part is he's so obviously talented and has such an amazing track record. Why he feels the need to fabricate stories about The Beatles, I don't know. Massive ego trip?


Date: Sat, July 23, 2011, 15:10:45 ET
Posted by: Jazzassin, 21 tracks

Oh dear. I'm speechless. Should we cry or laugh?

Thanks for the link, Michael. Very nice article, even if the content leaves us a bit embarrassed on Purdies behalf.

Many famous musicians shouldn't talk, only play....


Date: Sat, July 23, 2011, 14:28:16 ET
Posted by: Michael,

*note to self* Wikipedia doesn't contain the whole truth.

http://www.jimvallance.com/03-projects-folder/purdie-project-folder/pg-purdie.html

According to Purdie, Ringo never played on anything. The site shows interviews and quotes from Bernard and then establishes key facts and time-significant questions regarding the alleged "sessions."

An excerpt:
First Purdie says, "Ringo played on nothing", then he says, "I would listen to what Ringo had played and then overdub on top of it". Let's hope this never ends up in court. Even a first-year law student would have a field-day with Purdie's conflicting testimony!


Date: Sat, July 23, 2011, 13:36:16 ET
Posted by: Jazzassin, still learning

Re: Purdie

I now re-read the Wiki on Purdie, and found this which was probably what BP meant:

"In 1961 he moved from his home town of Elkton, Maryland, to New York. There he played sessions with Mickey and Sylvia and regularly visited the Turf Club on 50th and Broadway, where musicians, agents, and promoters met and touted for business. It was during this period that he played for the saxophonist Buddy Lucas, who nicknamed him 'Mississippi Bigfoot'. Eventually Barney Richmond contracted him to play session work. In the same year original Beatles drummer Pete Best and guitarist Tony Sheridan recorded tracks in Hamburg with the Beatles. Later Bernard Purdie added drum overdubs to tracks from these sessions, including "Ain't She Sweet", "Take Out Some Insurance on Me Baby" and "Sweet Georgia Brown". The main reason for this was to give them a punchier sound for the US market. These tracks were eventually released on January 31, 1964 by Polydor. Ringo Starr's physical approach to drumming was probably influenced by Purdie's Motown style."

So it seems he actually HAS laid down some drums on some "Beatles" tracks afte all, but I use quotation marks because that was before the Beatles became The Beatles, and the recordings were done before they got their contract with EMI. And those early recording is not listed as official Beatles records, rather as rarities.

STILL, I WILL APOLOGIZE for excluding the possibilities of him ever playing on a Beatles track. It's a half truth, at least.


Date: Sat, July 23, 2011, 13:20:25 ET
Posted by: Young Wu, Buffalo

Wow... Pretzel Logic? Nice. Please keep that one in just for tonight!
Steely Dan and Paul McCartney within 24 hours. Not too shabby.


Date: Sat, July 23, 2011, 13:02:24 ET
Posted by: DeaconBlues16,

I'm glad that posts are appearing here again. Anyway, in my recent posts, I focused on Bad Sneakers, on the which songs they may or may not like to play and the possible reasons for that, and how difficult it might be for them to actually choose a setlist and the complacent approach that they might've taken for this tour. Now I want to go back to a post that I wanted to reply to, but I was so focused on that other stuff I mentioned that I neglected it.

Someone said the 2000 tour will never be beaten in terms of variety, and that might be true. I was looking back at the setlists of the four shows I've attended, and the show I attended in 2008 had a pretty good setlist, maybe the best out of the four shows I've attended. For some reason, however, I think that tour has a perception of being a bland setlist tour. Well here's the setlist for the 2008 Atlanta show:

1. Everyone's Gone to the Movies/The Fez Instrumental Medley Intro
2. The Royal Scam
3. I Got the News
4. Show Biz Kids
5. Everything You Did
6. Two Against Nature
7. Hey Nineteen
8. Godwhacker
9. Babylon Sisters
10. New Frontier
11. Gaucho
12. Glamour Profession
13. Parker's Band
14. Black Friday
15. Green Earrings
16. Josie
17. Love is Like An Itchin' in My Heart/Band Intros
18. Peg
19. Kid Charlemagne (Encore)
20. FM (Encore)

Here are the highlights in terms of "rarity:"

- The Royal Scam opens the show, first time it's been played since 2000
- Everything You Did - debuts on this tour
- Two Against Nature and Godwhacker - not necessarily rare, but you get two cuts from their most recent albums
- New Frontier - only played on 2008 tour I believe, excluding Donald Fagen's '06 solo tour
- Gaucho - sung by Walter Becker, debuts on this tour, and I believe this particular show was its first performance
- Glamour Profession - one of those semi-rare "deep cuts"

Plus, I think this was the first year they did the "Texas-style" Black Friday, and it was the first year they did The Supremes song, which was very interesting at the time because up until then I think they had only done instrumental covers. And Show Biz Kids and I Got the News were fresher then than they are now. As you can see, though, they didn't really play many hits (or what I would call hits) relatively speaking, just Hey Nineteen, Babylon Sisters, Black Friday, Josie, Peg, Kid Charlemagne, and FM.

But even if the 2008 show was the "rarest" show I've seen in person, that doesn't necessarily mean it's my favorite setlist. The 2009 Atlanta show, I got to see the 09 Reelin' in the Years (club version) which I liked a lot, the original Reelin' in the Years, Any Major Dude Will Tell You, Black Cow, and Bad Sneakers. The point is, just because I got to see Glamour Profession live doesn't mean I would've rather heard it than the songs I listed above.

Now, I'm inclined to believe that if not their best, their "coolest" individual setlist was from the first album night back in 2009 (first album night ever) - their Boston "Aja" show on 7-22-2009. The entire album of Aja in sequence for the first time, then the awesome surprise of playing the entire album of The Royal Scam in sequence for the first time, then a 5 song encore including The Boston Rag (first and only time it's been played since 2000 I believe) and Dirty Water.

Finally, this post could lead to another discussion. What's everyone's favorite setlist out of the shows they've been to in person? I know most people here have been to many more shows than I have, so it might be more difficult to choose.


Date: Sat, July 23, 2011, 12:57:18 ET
Posted by: Jazzassin, (not) shot all in digital video

@fagenism:
Thanks. I'm fine and so are all family members and friends. My ex, mother of my oldest son, actually works in one of the buildings that was damaged, but managed to get out unwounded.

@ BP,
I know about the Purdie connection to the Sgt. Pepper movie soundtrack, and included that in one of my previous posts. Scroll a bit down. Nowhere in that Wiki it says he ever played with The Beatles.
They had nothing to do with the Sgt. Pepper Movie soundtrack.

If someone don't want to believe that Purdie ever said he recorded with The Beatles, I will gladly pick up the vhs from where it is at this point of time in a few days, digitalize it and upload the Purdie part to Youtube.


Date: Sat, July 23, 2011, 12:45:28 ET
Posted by: Bob,

RIP, Amy Winehouse. She's someone a segment of Danfans here have argued as The Next Thing. I guess she will never guest with Steely Dan.


Date: Sat, July 23, 2011, 12:43:30 ET
Posted by: BP, X

Bernard's Wikipedia page explains his involvement with the Beatles.


Date: Sat, July 23, 2011, 12:41:02 ET
Posted by: fagenism, -

Jazzassin:

Needless to say, my thoughts have been with you and your countrymen recently. Hope you and yours are doing okay.


Date: Sat, July 23, 2011, 12:29:03 ET
Posted by: Jazzassin, slave to the rhythm

Well, it seems that in the Aja Docu DVD from which the youtube clip is taken, they have actually edited away the part where Purdie name-drops The Beatles.
I have the program in it's first version as broadcasted on the telly on a vhs cassette, and he actually did mention them, too.
Guess they got too many complains about that part, so they cut it in the new version...

Personally I'm quite indifferent towards Stones, but I love the Beatles, and thinks the differences between them are just as big as the difference between Steely Dan and Steeleye Span.
On the other hand, I can see where you com from, because in the big picture they do have a lot in common, of course. '60s, England, partly overlapping audience, teeny-bop pop, bass-drums-2xGuitars etc.

My main motivation was not to nail Purdie as a straightforward liar or anything like that, I was just curious if he had actually played with the Beatles in any other context than the recording studio at EMI's, since that seems to never have happened after all.

Whether Purdie exaggerated his merits a bit, or just had the Beatles mixed up with some other act in his head I don't know, and it's of no importance to me.
I'm quite good at disregarding the eventual negative side of things when it comes to musical favorites, and rather focus at what I like about their music. :D
That goes for i.e. repetitive SD setlists as well. I'm just glad they still play, and that they do it like no one else. And that what they play is songs from the finest catalog of jazz influenced rock music there is.
Proud to be their slave!

Viva La Dan!
Viva Bernard!

♪♫ I just can't get enough, uh, uh, uh! ♪♫


Date: Sat, July 23, 2011, 12:16:17 ET
Posted by: BP, east

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pXfdxlsc9hA

FFWD to 2:53


Date: Sat, July 23, 2011, 11:23:57 ET
Posted by: It's, Like This

Precisely. I'd venture PB backed so many (memorable and forgettable) outfits over the years that a blur would be blurry. I, as well as many others, happen to think the Stones and Beatles are largely interchangable in the grand scheme of things musical..perhaps BP does as well.


Date: Sat, July 23, 2011, 11:05:31 ET
Posted by: Jazzassin, Purdiplomacy II

@It's:
I don't have the old vhs with the Aja documentary at hand right now, but I'm pretty sure he lists the Stones as well....


Date: Sat, July 23, 2011, 11:03:02 ET
Posted by: Jazzassin, Purdiplomacy

Re: Ringo/Purdie

It's often better not to know everything about one's heroes. Else you wouldn't have any heroes left, I suppose.

Purdie's drumming was out of this world anyway.

But even if he never sat in for Ringo or in any other way was anywhere near Abbey Road Studios when The Beatles recorded their music, he was actually involved with a kind of Beatles-related project in '78, eight years after The Beatles broke up.
It was the soundtrack to a quite bizarre Beatles tribute movie called "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band", which featured Beatles covers by several big names like The Bee Gees, Peter Frampton, Alice Cooper, Steve Martin(!?!) and more.

The soundtrack was produced by George Martin and Purdie played on the title track.

I can't imagine he thought he recorded with The Beatles at that occasion in -78, so it doesn't change facts.


Date: Sat, July 23, 2011, 10:48:57 ET
Posted by: It's, Like This

Bernard probably confused The Stones with The Beatles. Despite how different YOU may think one band is from another, there probably was (and still isn't) a great deal of difference between the two bands in Bernard's mind. Just think of the sheer numbers and diversity of the acts he has backed. Completely forgivable.


Date: Sat, July 23, 2011, 10:33:35 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine Beach

The Purdie/Beatles story is a real shocker to me. I understand Bernard is more than a bit self-aggrandizing, but I never suspected he outright lied about playing for the Beatles.

The funny thing is, I recall reading (or hearing) something that referred to Purdie as "The Fifth Beatle" (I might be confused about that--I drink, you know...) Of course, if you add up all the so-called Fifth Beatles you'd have the fantastic fifty, instead of the Fab Four.

Good work, Jazzassin.


Date: Sat, July 23, 2011, 10:21:28 ET
Posted by: Michael,

@Jazzassin, you'd be correct: Bernard "Pretty" Purdie claimed that he sat in for Ringo which was a bold-faced lie. I understand that he eventually conceded that he did not participate in any way, shape or form.

That ugliness aside, he's an incredible time-keeper behind the wheel, but then, would Don & Walt have it any other way?


Date: Sat, July 23, 2011, 09:12:57 ET
Posted by: Jazzassin, still rainbound

FYI:
The 2nd half of DB16's long post appears to be mine. It's not. I guess Hoops will fix that when he finds the time.

@AMD:
You may be right. I don't really know why I tried to figure out the meaning of AAAAJA, since the actual plate said MAAAJA. A bit absent-minded I guess. My bad.


Date: Sat, July 23, 2011, 09:02:28 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine Beach

The Stevie Wonder tribute sounds perfect for the Dan (though teaming with Darius Rucker sounds less likely). But according to the article it is scheduled for October 29th in Old Greenwich Ct. I believe the boys are playing a concert in Australia that same night.

The real announcement at MMRF's website does not list Steely Dan as performing in that concert.

http://www.themmrf.org/about-the-mmrf/powerful-news/press-releases/stevie-wonder-to-be-honored-with-tribute-concert-at-the-multiple-myeloma-research-foundation-mmrf-15th-annual-fall-gala.html

Nice review in the Toronto Sun. Thanks for the link.


Date: Sat, July 23, 2011, 08:27:27 ET
Posted by: SD, news

SD to perform at Stevie Wonder tribute.

http://www.allaccess.com/net-news/archive/story/94136/darius-rucker-to-honor-stevie-wonder


Date: Sat, July 23, 2011, 08:23:13 ET
Posted by: Toronto, Review

http://www.torontosun.com/2011/07/23/cool-steely-dan-jazz-rock-on-hot-night


Date: Sat, July 23, 2011, 04:02:04 ET
Posted by: MikeA, Seattle

Nice to see Monkey return. Always one of my favorites and brings back memories of my kids playing air saxophone to it.


Date: Sat, July 23, 2011, 01:00:12 ET
Posted by: TO Danfan, TO Setlist

Here's the setlist from Toronto.

Dizzy Intro
Aja
Black Friday
Hey 19
YGT
Time Out of Mind
Showbiz Kids
Bodhisattva
Dirty Work
Godwhacker
Neighbor/Band intros by Walt
Monkey In Your Soul
Josie
Peg
My Old School
Reelin' In The Years

Pretzel Logic
Kid Charlemagne

They came on at 9 and played for 2 hr.

We were 37 rows back just left of centre. The sightline was excellent
but we did find the mix was off a few times. That said, the band was tight as usual, the ladies were wonderful, and D&W were in fine form.
It was great to hear YGT and Pretzel Logic.

The crowd was quiet and didn't get up until Reelin'. I was up boogyin' for School with a few others. People were up & down all night with no respect to others when they returned to their seats. They were actually selling beer in the aisle like at a ball game(during the concert). Never seen that before.

I would say the place to be to hear something different is the rarities show at the Beacon. Relative to the tour so far 200 bucks for a ticket to that may not be a bad price. Assuming they come thru with some nuggets of course.

Cheers


Date: Sat, July 23, 2011, 00:57:53 ET
Posted by: The Dean, Beddie Bye

Here's the link to the video of sd crew setting up. mentioned in an earlier post:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYOAqL-L-zw


Date: Sat, July 23, 2011, 00:36:17 ET
Posted by: Danfan,

Here's to Steely Dan!


Date: Fri, July 22, 2011,  8:36 pm ET
Posted by: Big Fan, Home at Last 100F

I'm so excited to be going to see SD at Tanglewood next week. Who else is going? Just the thought of them playing at Tanglewood almost brings tears to my eyes. For those not familiar Tanglewood is an estate and music venue in Lenox and Stockbridge, MA. It is the home of the annual summer Tanglewood Music Festival, arguably the premier music festival in the US, and the Tanglewood Jazz Festival, and has been the Boston Symphony Orchestra's summer home since 1937. The Boston Pops plays there every 4th of July and always play the William Tell Overture complete with fireworks. The list of famous musicians both classical and popular that have played there is too long to list. The grounds are pristine, the sound quality in the shed spectacular and the overall experience is something you just canít find anywhere else. I've been saying for years that once SD started playing smaller venues wouldnít it be great if they played at Tanglewood. My co-worker in the cube next to me waxes poetically about seeing The Who there in 1970. In 1969 The Who and Jefferson Airplane played there the week before Woodstock. (As the crow flies they are very close.) The Who returned in 1970 and after playing a full concert announced that they were going to play the entire rock opera Tommy as their finale. Tommy had just recently been released. I'm guessing that with their love of jazz music and musical history in general that Don and Walt are looking forward to playing there as well.

As a side note I can no longer get into the Bluebook as work because our CSC group has recently flagged it as a social networking site. The Bluebook and Facebook linked together in cyberspace.

Date: Fri, July 22, 2011,  7:34 pm ET
Posted by: bob's, your uncle

?

Date: Fri, July 22, 2011,  7:14 pm ET
Posted by: Young Wu, Buffalo

Quick question... what time does Steely Dan come on stage?

Date: Fri, July 22, 2011,  7:11 pm ET
Posted by: MikeA, Seattle

Geeez...last time I was on here was right after the opening Seattle show. It was so orderly and mellow then. Now we have all these flaming "love letters" slapped up on the wall.

My two cents: I don't care what Steely Dan is playing as long as they keep the playing fresh. I believe they are doing a great job with that. My only bitch these days is the sound quality of the venue. Serviceable acoustics and I am good to go. I'll trust the band to kick ass from there...

Hoping to see the Dan in St. Louis but I have no ticket. Hopefully can pick one up on the street, day of show.
Peace,
MikeA

Date: Fri, July 22, 2011,  1:58 pm ET
Posted by: ., road

nice video of sd crew setting up -- link on sd.com!

Date: Fri, July 22, 2011,  12:54 pm ET
Posted by: bob, anytown

Any guesses on what the set list is going to look aug 13

its request nite at the ravinia

Date: Fri, July 22, 2011,  12:19 pm ET
Posted by: DeaconBlues16,

If this post makes it past moderation, I just want to apologize if my recent posts regarding Bad Sneakers and the entirety of Steely Dan's live catalog forced Hoops to make his post about moderating the posts. While I didn't intend for anything in my posts to be interpreted as mean-spirited, I did write some stuff in what I meant to be a sarcastic tone, and I realize that could be considered mean. I'm sorry to anyone who I've offended, and I'm also sorry to the greater dandom community if my recent posts were the "final straw" leading to the moderation.

Having said that, I still think this discussion about setlists, about what songs they like or dislike playing, and about how they have to balance setlists for mainstream fans, hardcore fans, and themselves is an interesting one. I hope it can continue without the personal attacks and whatever else made Hoops decide to moderate the posts in a tighter manner.

Date: Fri, July 22, 2011,  11:07 am ET
Posted by: Young Wu, Buffalo

So apparently since Glamour Profession has been soundchecked a few times already, and since it seems to appear every so often in the set, anyone think we might see it pop up this tour? Preferably Saturday night? If I get Glamour Profession, my "white whale"... I'll shut up about the setlist.

Date: Fri, July 22, 2011,  11:04 am ET
Posted by: DYLNFAN, HARRISBURG PA

DEACON BLUES 16 goddang youre good, thanx so much for that list

WELL DONE

Date: Fri, July 22, 2011,  10:16 am ET
Posted by: DYLNFAN, HARRISBURG PA

Sorry Hoops just read your post!!!

Date: Fri, July 22, 2011,  10:14 am ET
Posted by: DYLNFAN, HARRISBURG PA

STEELY DOC you have my right e-mail,great to here from ya
dont know if my 2-emails got to you????Anyhoo my license
plate reads STLYDAN with no seperation, I was shocked
nobody in PENNSYLVANIA alredy had it!!!You were on the
money in regards to Frank Picas, it rocked!!!

Date: Fri, July 22, 2011, 9:51 am ET
Posted by: fagenism, -

Larry Carlton confirming once and for all that Third World Man is the replacement for The Second Arrangement on Gaucho. Sorry if this has been posted before.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKr1oTERqh4

Date: Fri, July 22, 2011, 9:08 am ET
Posted by: AMD, With Intel surely

I always took MAAAJA to be a Major (Dude)/Aja hybrid.

Date: Fri, July 22, 2011,  8:16 am ET
Posted by: Danfan, Toronto

Looking forward to a "HOT TORONTO" show at the amphitheater tonight.

Date: Fri, July 22, 2011,  7:47 am ET
Posted by: Mr. Fugazi, Gainesville

Before the tour started there was somewhere here who assured those of us in Florida that they'd be coming to Florida (said person also made note of an Australian leg before that had been announced). Has anyone heard anything else about Florida dates? Maybe in that week after Boston?

Date: Fri, July 22, 2011, 6:27 am ET
Posted by: Jazzassin, rainbound

Not a time-sensitive or set list post... So it might not be published - which is no problem, as it's not important in any way.

Hoops, if you choose to let this one pass, please feel free to edit away this intro. You have my deepest sympathy in this situation. Your patience is that of an angel.

Steelydoc,
Thanks a lot for the explanation to that cryptical plate saying RWK DBS.
Like The Dean, I struggeled to get that one. My efforts bearing no fruits.
Like you two, I can't figure out the AAAAJA plate either, but one thing seems obvious: It's not a real plate, as you can clearly see that the last three letters AJA are edited into the original image.
Could it be that AAA means "Triple A", a kind of "first class rating"?

Dean,
I agree 200% to your praisal of YGT II, Diaz's solo and his contributions in general. One of my biggest all-time musical heroes and inspirations.

And now for something completely different:
I guess many people here have seen the TV documentary on the making of AJA. In this documentary Bernhard Purdie makes a very entertaining appearance, but one thing always bothered me a bit: He boldly lists up a dozen top artists that he's been recording with, most of them certainly correctly. He really was Bernhard "Pretty" Purdie, the no.1 hitmaker for some years. At least his contributions were obviously lifting many classic recordings by great artists to an even higher level with his superior drumming.
So it seems pretty unnecessary for him to boast his merits by adding artists to that list which aren't true.
Anyway, he lists The Beatles as one of those bands/artists that he has recorded with. I have tried to investigate this claim, using all sources I could find to try to find out what the hell he meant by that. There is no evidence of him ever recording anything with The Beatles to be found anywhere it seems.
In the utmost interesting and entertaining book "Here, There and Everywhere - My Life Recording the Music of The Beatles" by Geoff Emerick (G.E. was a recording engineer at EMI's Abbey Road Studios in London, starting as an assistant at age 15, and was involved with the recording of The Beatles' singles and albums throughout their whole carrier), Emerick confirms what I had always thought, that the only time a session drummer was hired to replace Ringo in the studio, was at the very beginning when they recorded "Love Me Do" / "PS. I Love You". That drummer was Andy White.
Quote:
"Andy White has the distinction of being the only outside musician to ever usurp the role of one of the Beatles on record, but it was the first and last time Ringo was supplanted from the drum chair on a Beatles recording, apart from the few times in later years that Paul - an accomplished drummer himself - took the sticks."
(My note: Clapton's solo on While My Guitar Gently Weeps does not count in this context, as he was not hired to replace Harrison. He was reluctantly persuaded by his friend Harrison to do it, and got the full credit for it.)
So, either Bernhard was having trouble with his memory on the AJA documentary, or he simply threw in The Beatles for good measure even if it wasn't true. Another possibility is that that he could hypothetically have been sitting in with The Beatles at some point in a live situation when they visited the US, but I strongly doubt it.
Regardless, the way he just lists The Beatles along with other artists that he has in fact recorded with, is suited to mislead the viewer to think he actually recorded with them. He did not.

If anyone here has any info about Bernhard Purdie ever jamming/sitting in with The Beatles on one or more occasions in the US, I would be gratful if you shared that info here.

Emerick's book is highly recommended to everyone with more than a brief interest in The Beatles's music, the development of recording technology or both. It's stuffed with extremely detailed descriptions of the recording processes at EMI and fantastic anecdotes, some of them so hilarious I had to take breaks to wipe tears from laughing uncontrolled during the reading. It's also an incredible story of a young man's long road from being a kid with a very early developed interest for music recording to his position as The Beatles permanent balancing engineer/studio wizard. Everyone knows George Martin's role as a producer was important, but Emerick's work and creativity was of no less importance. His book is is a gold mine.

Date: Fri, July 22, 2011, 2:55 am ET
Posted by: Mark, VA

Jim..Please don't do this to us. We can always get the setlists from a site like setlist.fm. I love coming here everyday to read everybody's different posts. Please reconsider. Thanks!

Date: Fri, July 22, 2011, 00:01:25 ET
Posted by: Jazzassin DeaconBlues16, rainbound

(continued from previous post)

So, if my fairly simply and inexact summary of how often these songs have been played is correct, then I think you can make a case for about 27 songs from 1972-1980 that have been featured more than Bad Sneakers and some of them are arguable... but here's the list:

1. Do It Again
2. Dirty Work
3. Reelin' in the Years
4. Bodhisattva
5. Show Biz Kids
6. My Old School
7. Parker's Band
8. Pretzel Logic
9. Monkey in Your Soul
10. Black Friday
11. Daddy...
12. Chain Lightning
13. Kid Charlemagne
14. Don't Take Me Alive
15. Green Earrings
16. Black Cow
17. Aja
18. Deacon Blues
19. Peg
20. Home At Last
21. I Got the News
22. Josie
23. FM
24. Babylon Sisters
25. Hey Nineteen
26. Time Out of Mind
27. Third World Man

So, if Donald definitely likes playing all those songs better than Bad Sneakers, which I still think is arguable, there are 36 more songs from 72-80 (included on the Citizen Steely Dan box set) that have not been performed more than Bad Sneakers. So how do you answer that one? Does Donald just hate playing every song besides the 27 listed above? Maybe he hates playing Steely Dan songs, would rather be playing Grateful Dead and Beach Boys covers, and only does it for a paycheck. That's a possibility, but I think that's true of any successful music artist really... that they like playing covers of other musicians more so than playing their own music, especially if they might not even remember why they wrote the songs they did or what they were about.

Additionally, there surely is a lot more that goes into a Steely Dan setlist than what Donald wants or his personal satisfaction with an individual song. Dean made a post about this recently, which covers everything, so I'm not going to repeat it here. But choosing a setlist is probably more difficult than we make it sound, and I think they're satisfied with their current setlist and have become complacent with it rather than create a new one or spice it up a little, much to the chagrin of several posters here.

Back to Bad Sneakers, I think it's been played enough over the years to justify it not being considered a "hated" song by Donald Fagen... just my opinion of course. First of all, he's at least comfortable singing it, unlike with some songs that Walter sings such as Monkey in Your Soul. Secondly, there are other songs that have never been played such as Through with Buzz, Rose Darling, and Turn that Heartbeat Over Again, which I think you can make a much better case for Donald Fagen not liking those songs than Bad Sneakers. Thirdly, if you want to bring up "Hoops' recent audit of the most purchased Steely Dan songs on i-tunes" in order to make a point about how they're playing less popular songs more often than Bad Sneakers, feel free to do so. But I wouldn't advise using that as the ultimate source of Steely Dan songs popularity. Do you really think that Rikki Don't Lose That Number, My Old School, FM, and Kid Charlemagne are less popular than I Got the News? Additionally, how are we separating their most popular songs and their most frequently played songs live? Everyone clamors for "deep cuts." But what do you call Green Earrings, Show Biz Kids, and Time Out of Mind? I don't consider any of those hits, yet they are frequently played live. So those songs are less popular than Bad Sneakers and played much more than Bad Sneakers live. They're also played more than Rikki Don't Lose that Number live, which is one of their biggest hits. They're probably played more than Do It Again and (the original) Reelin' in the Years as well. Those are the deep cuts they play live; just because we've heard them so many times now doesn't take away from the fact that they're genuine deep cuts.

Steely Dan has a relatively small catalogue. There only 82 officially released tracks, not including solo albums. They've played probably at least 3/4th of those songs live since 1993 at least one time. They've played some solo tunes over the years, some covers here and there, some songs they've written that they've premiered during tours, some interesting rearrangements, and even some never officially released tunes on this tour with the inclusion of The Bear. They can only add so much more while also selling tickets and keeping audiences engaged and attending their concerts. They're more adventurous and risk-taking than people give them credit for; sure they've opened with "safe" songs over the years such as Aja, Bodhisattva, Black Friday, Do It Again, and Time Out of Mind but they've also opened with The Royal Scam, The Boston Rag, Your Gold Teeth, Two Against Nature, Green Earrings, and a completely reworked version of Reelin' in the Years. I wonder how hard it was for them to include a song like The Bear in their setlist, considering they had never really acknowledged it and they've dismissed many of their other unofficially released tunes, despite how awesome it sounds live, or maybe they actually really wanted to play it. But I think people need to stop acting like they know what songs Donald and Walter really love or hate to play, unless it's pretty clear that they don't like playing a song from interviews and whatnot. I mean, people have said stuff like they only play their hits to appease the mainstream fans. Well, maybe they actually like playing their hits, and maybe their hits are some of their best songs. For instance, Walter Becker has said that his favorite song to play live is Josie, and Kid Charlemagne is one of the best songs of all time (not just Steely Dan songs... any song), in my opinion. So, it's not like their hits are garbage played by a crappy band. And if they really were simply trying to appease a bunch of mainstream fans, they probably would play Rikki Don't Lose that Number every night. But that's a song Donald Fagen has actually stated he's uncomfortable with (at least the lyrics of it), and it's hardly ever played.

The setlists may be repetitive, and the fact that all of us come to this forum to try find setlist reports after every show doesn't help matters. But they're playing songs they're comfortable with, that are good songs, that are well-played by a tight band, that just happen to be mainstream hits. They'll throw a few deep cuts in there that they're also comfortable with, that are also good songs, that are also well-played by a tight band, but we've heard most of them so much that we don't consider them deep cuts as much as simply overplayed songs. And it certainly is possible that Donald Fagen likes playing all of those songs better than Bad Sneakers, and that's obviously his preference to choose. But I don't think there's any indication he hates playing Bad Sneakers, unless there's an interview I missed, or some secret discussion Donald Fagen had with certain people where he confided that fact. And truthfully, I think he likes playing that song more than a lot of other songs... but as always, I could be wrong.

Nevertheless, I'll restate my question, and this is for other people to answer. Does anyone else who posts here, besides Lurker Ray, believe that Donald Fagen hates playing Bad Sneakers?


Date: Fri, July 22, 2011, 00:00:04 ET
Posted by: DeaconBlues16,

I'm going to divide this into two posts because it's so long.

"I and MANY people here realize that Donald Fagen does not like to play Bad Sneakers"

"Perhaps you should revisit Chip's earlier post reguarding Bad Sneakers. 2 times in 18 years. Lotta "love" obviously for that tune. "

So, how many people qualify as "many people" these days? Just two? And I looked at Chip's post, and he made what I thought was simply an observational comment about not hearing that particular song over the course of many years. But nowhere in his tone or in the content of his words does it come across as him realizing that Donald Fagen doesn't like playing Bad Sneakers, in my opinion. Now, it's obvious that you realize that Donald Fagen does not like to play Bad Sneakers, and it's possible that Chip believes that too, even though I didn't get that from his post. And it's possible that your statement that I quoted at the beginning of this post, depending on how the term "many people" is defined, is completely valid and true, in the sense that they've come to the same "realization" as you. But as to the validity of the realization itself, that's another matter entirely... although once again, you could be absolutely right, and Donald Fagen hates playing Bad Sneakers.

Now, let's try to keep an open mind here, regardless of what discussions you've had with hypothetically prominent people who I guess have gone into great detail with you (in your seemingly numerous conversations with them) about how Steely Dan decides to hash out a setlist on a nightly basis. (I don't see why you don't post the details of these apparent conversations, particularly about the setlists, as I'm sure they would be of great interest and value to this forum... just my opinion of course). So, you referred me to a post made by Chip that indicated how infrequently they've performed Bad Sneakers over the course of their reunion. That's what I would call anecdotal evidence. Well, I've got my own anecdotal evidence. Over the course of only four years, they've played Bad Sneakers at two shows that I've attended. They've played Deacon Blues a total of zero times at shows I've attended in person. I don't see any arguments that Donald Fagen hates playing Deacon Blues. I've only attended a mere four shows, which of course is nothing compared to how many times most people on this forum have seen them live. All of these shows have been since 2006, and I haven't been to a show yet this year. Bad Sneakers was played in 2007 and 2009 shows I attended. That's my anecdotal evidence.

Of course, anecdotal evidence won't cut it. Ideally, there would be a database with every Steely Dan setlist since 1993 and with that, an easy way to search for the frequencies of songs played live. Unfortunately, that doesn't exist as far as I know, and as much as I'd like to have solid numerical evidence that could sway this argument to either side (i.e. they've played Bad Sneakers more than you think or they've played it less than I think), it's too painstaking of an effort to try to gather all this data, even for me. But why don't we examine each song from Citizen Steely Dan, the most complete collection of their "legitimate" music from 1972-1980 and try to guesstimate how often each song has been played? (There's not much point in including TVN and EMG, as I don't think anyone would argue that Donald Fagen hates playing those songs; they just don't play them for different reasons). Without further ado, and please correct me if I'm wrong (and this is only since the 1993 reunion):

Do It Again - reintroduced in 1996, played prominently in 2006, sprinkled in to every tour since 1996 here and there
Dirty Work - reintroduced in 2000 as vehicle for background vocalists, played in '06, '07, maybe '08, '09, and '11
Kings - never been played
Midnite Cruiser - 1996, sung by Walter Becker, never been played since
Only A Fool Would Say That - never been played
Reelin' in the Years - reworked version 1993 and 1994, sprinkled into a few setlists after that, new reworked ("Club") version in 2009, original version played many dates in 2009 and now a setlist staple
Fire in the Hole - never been played
Brooklyn - never been played
Change of the Guard - never been played
Turn that Heartbeat Over Again - never been played
Bodhisattva - staple since 1993
Razor Boy - never been played
The Boston Rag - opener in 2000, played once in Boston since then
Your Gold Teeth - reintroduced in 2011, staple of this year's setlists
Show Biz Kids - reintroduced in 2006, staple since then but much different than album version
My Old School - staple since 1993
King of the World - never been played
Pearl of the Quarter - never been played
Rikki Don't Lose that Number - 1996 tour with sax solo, only been played as part of '09 request nights since then
Night by Night - reintroduced in 2000, only been played at a few 2011 shows since then
Any Major Dude - 1996 tour, only been played at some '09 shows since then
Barrytown - never been played
East St Louis Toodle-Oo - 1996 tour
Parker's Band - reintroduced in 2003 as vehicle for background vocalists, interchangeable with Dirty Work as background vocalists' "token song" since then
Through with Buzz - never been played
Pretzel Logic - not sure if this song has ever been a setlist staple but it seems like it has been sprinkled in many shows since 1993
With A Gun - never been played
Monkey in Your Soul - reintroduced in 2000 as Walter Becker song, has been interchangeable with Daddy Don't Live in that NYC No More as token Walter Becker song since then, excluding 2003 (Slang of Ages and Haitian Divorce), 2006 (no Walter vocals for the most part), and 2008 (Gaucho)
Black Friday - staple since 1993 (although not played as much in 1996 and 2003)
Bad Sneakers - well here's the one we've been waiting for... in 1996, 2007, and 2009, it was a prominent part of the setlist (and while it was dropped from the special setlist nights, it was played at many "non" special setlist nights in 2009 including some regular shows after the first batch of special setlist shows, such as the August 14th Memphis show and the August 15th Atlanta show, which I was at). Additionally, I know it was played at few shows in 2000... for instance, in Denver on June 21st 2000 and as part of the "plush jazz-rock TV party" or whatever that was called. And don't forget it was also part of an instrumental medley in 1993.
Rose Darling - never been played
Daddy - see Monkey in Your Soul
Doctor Wu - only a few shows in 2009... now this is a song that I would say Donald Fagen feels uncomfortable playing, considering its lack of frequency to popularity ratio and the fact that he's actually said he's uncomfortable playing it, at least the lyrical part of it.
Everyone's Gone to the Movies - co-lead vocals with Becker and Fagen in 1996, weird bridge ("voices beckoning," I think it was?), only as part of 2008 instrumental medley since then
Chain Lightning- 1993 and 1994 tours, sprinkled in setlists since then
Your Gold Teeth II - never been played
Any World - I think it was played at like two shows in 2006 with Jeff Young on lead vocals?
Throw Back the Little Ones - never been played
Kid Charlemagne - staple since 1994
The Caves of Altamira - reintroduced in 2003, featured in 2007 and played at Royal Scam shows in 2009
Don't Take Me Alive - reintroduced in 1996, semi-staple since then (it was at least prominent in 2000, 2003, 2006 and played fairly often in 2009)
Sign in Stranger - slightly different version in 1993/1994, only played since then at 2009 Royal Scam shows and a few other shows that year
The Fez - featured as part of instrumental medley a few years, never been sung by Donald or Walter, and only time vocals were included were by background vocalists at 2009 Royal Scam shows
Green Earrings - staple since 1993
Haitian Divorce - reintroduced in 2003 with Walter Becker on lead vocals, only played since then in 2009 with Donald on lead vocals at Royal Scam and a few other shows
Everything You Did - reintroduced in 2008, only tour it was prominently played on and otherwise played at Royal Scam shows in 2009
The Royal Scam - reintroduced in 2000, opened 2008 shows, played at Royal Scam shows in 2009 and I think one Internet Request Night show that year
Here at the Western World - played at a few shows in 2009
Black Cow - reintroduced in 1996, semi-staple since then
Aja - reintroduced in 1994 (previously part of instrumental), staple since then
Deacon Blues - prominent in 1993, 1994 and 2000 tours, sprinkled throughout shows in other tours
Peg - staple since 1993
Home at Last - see Black Cow
I Got the News - reintroduced in 2006, semi-staple since then
Josie - staple since 1993
FM - staple since 1993
Babylon Sisters - staple since 1993, although not prominent in 1996, 2006, and 2007 (and maybe 2000?)
Hey Nineteen - staple since 1993 (probably the biggest staple of them all)
Glamour Profession - reintroduced in 1996, part of 2000 and 2008 tours and 2009 Gaucho shows and maybe sprinkled in some other shows as well
Gaucho - reintroduced in 2008 with Walter Becker lead vocals, part of 2009 Gaucho shows with Donald Fagen on lead vocals
Time Out of Mind - big staple since being reintroduced in 2003
My Rival - played at 09 Gaucho shows and a few other shows that year
Third World Man - reintroduced in 1993/1994 and sprinkled in throughout shows since then


(continued next post)


Date: Thurs, July 21, 2011, 23:27:17 ET
Posted by: Steelydoc,

Dean:

You got me on the MAAAJA plate...I can't figure that one out...

Doc


Date: Thurs, July 21, 2011, 23:12:38 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine Beach

Young Wu,

Regarding "Lighten up Francis", it's a classic:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LrllCZw8jiM


Date: Thurs, July 21, 2011, 23:03:00 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine Beach

Doc, thanks for the Walk Between the Raindrops translation. (To tell the truth, it took me a few minutes AFTER your explanation to get it.)

Now I know I will be smacking myself in the head after you explain it, but what exactly does the MAA in front of AJA mean in the plate MAAAJA?

Thanks in advance.


Date: Thurs, July 21, 2011, 22:57:33 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine Beach

HouDani,

Had anyone suggested, before 1975, there would be a sequel to YGT that would be better than the original I would have bet any amount of anything against it. But I would have lost my ass (or whatever else was at stake). As fine as a song as YGT is, YGT II surpasses it, IMO.

The chord changes during the intro are sublime. Seriously some of the finest things I have ever heard in my life. As you note, Denny's solo is something very special. I assume you have heard the outtake with Don(or Walt) commenting as Dias plays the solo on the overdub. It used to be easily available online, but I think that site is now defunct.

For those who have never hear it: Right before Denny's solo a voice Don(I think) says "Let me hear the guitar solo." Then about halfway through he belts out (obviously in sheer joy) "Ah! Holy fuck, that's great." A bit later he lets loose with another "Ah!".

It remains one of my favorite unofficial recordings. Don (or whoever) is experiencing this solo just like one of us, for the first time.

To this day I think Denny Dias is one of the most underrated/under-appreciated guitar players of our time. If there is one player I wish stayed with Don and Walt through the years, it is Denny Dias.


Ray, I think the reviewer's comment about Becker's singing could be viewed as a negative dig. The other comments seem simply like observations to me.


And, I'm not quite sure how you can suggest he is asking for "for more deeper and varied cuts and longer set lists" since he clearly notes ""fans may have groused at hearing an obscure R&B cover instead of "F.M.," "Do It Again," or "Rikki Don�t Lose That Number." Yes he mentions they did not play any tunes from the two latest albums, but nowhere does he suggest anyone (including him) gives a shit.


Date: Thurs, July 21, 2011, 22:35:00 ET
Posted by: steelydoc, near the Tower

RWK DPS was a license plate that someone had, it translates to "Walk Between Raindrops"


Date: Thurs, July 21, 2011, 22:29:42 ET
Posted by: drewslo, San Luis Obispo

I always have troubles with abbreviated song titles etc.
What does RWK DBS stand for?


Date: Thurs, July 21, 2011, 22:21:33 ET
Posted by: Young Wu, Buffalo

No actual setlist from last night yet?

And Ray, "Lighten up Francis"?? Who is Francis? Forgive my ignorance.


Date: Thurs, July 21, 2011, 22:06:41 ET
Posted by: steelydoc, near the Tower

Ray

just to clarify: I was a PA when I started out, finished as a Production Coordinator, and a great one at that.

What do you do for a living? I know you won't answer that one.

Turn and cough, and call me, Man Without Balls,

D


Date: Thurs, July 21, 2011, 19:48:54 ET
Posted by: Lurker Ray, Malibu

Thanks for all the reports from Toledo. So great to see that Walter is finally hauling out "Monkey". I was lucky enough to hear it 2 times in SoCal this tour. How was Jim Beard during it last night? I thought his work on it was just amazing. Looking forward to tonight's reports.

I don't know Angel & Klaus, that Toledo reviewer seemed like he just had to throw in more than a couple of negative digs into his piece:

"Monkey in Your Soul," the latter of which featured the vocal work of Becker. (There�s a reason he leaves the singing to Fagen.)"

"fans may have groused at hearing an obscure R&B cover instead of "F.M.," "Do It Again," or "Rikki Don�t Lose That Number."

"Also missing was any acknowledgement of Steely Dan�s two most recent albums, 2000�s "Two Against Nature" and 2003�s "Everything Must Go."

"Despite the brevity of the number of songs in the set"

So now even the reviewers are asking for more deeper and varied cuts and longer set lists?

What a whiner.

Someone earlier posted about Walter resting on the drum riser and playing. I saw that in LA too. I hope his back and or legs are holding out. Was Walter still occasionally sitting on the drum riser last night?

Michael,

Welcome to The Blue circa 2011. Nowhere did I say that Donald said that in that quote. Other sources have stated that, Donald "hates" playing certain songs. Keep up the good fight.

DB16,

Perhaps you should revisit Chip's earlier post reguarding Bad Sneakers. 2 times in 18 years. Lotta "love" obviously for that tune.

Steely Doc,

This will be my last post to you also. Hoops has asked us to ingnore attacks, but when Hoops let's your buddy make threats here on the Blue, some of us are going to fight back. Why in the world would I ever question what you did for a living?! You told me years ago that you were a PA (That's Production Assistant for those not in the biz).
I was refering to the fact that you call yourself a "Doc" here on the Blue. And BTW "Doctor", my balls are fine. Let me know the next time you want me to turn my head and cough for you.

Oh and Lonnie,

I was wrong. There is no vagina in the world that would have you.


Date: Thurs, July 21, 2011, 18:18:30 ET
Posted by: rights and positions,

Michael, you said you felt you had the "right" to defend your "position". That's funny stuff. There are no rights on fan sites, and you were never arguing a position anyway, so it doesn't matter.


Date: Thurs, July 21, 2011, 17:54:11 ET
Posted by: Steve M, Scotland

'Dallas' was also a (fine) Jim Hodder vocal


Date: Thurs, July 21, 2011, 17:36:46 ET
Posted by: Michael,

@Hoops, Sorry that it had to drag on as long as it did but I believe I have the right to defend my position. There are other ways to discuss an issue without resorting to name-calling, but that would require maturity.


Date: Thurs, July 21, 2011, 17:34:42 ET
Posted by: HouDanFan, Houston

Been listening to Your Gold Teeth I and II and bunch since this tour kicked off. Two outstanding songs, but different. While I love both, II is my fsvorite. The Dias guitar solo is outstanding. Verry jazzy tune.


Date: Thurs, July 21, 2011, 17:08:53 ET
Posted by: tommytomato, Columbus OH

To Klaus: hats off to your prediction! (Monkey...Toledo) You were correct.

Pleasure to meet you...hopefully we'll see you in the future.

tt


Date: Thurs, July 21, 2011, 15:32:27 ET
Posted by: Jazzassin, & Hodder

Dean,
That's right. Thanks!
My bad.


Date: Thurs, July 21, 2011, 15:30:43 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine Beach

Quick correction to the correction:

Jim Hodder sang Midnight Cruiser.


Date: Thurs, July 21, 2011, 15:28:26 ET
Posted by: Jazzassin, & Palmer

@It's like this:

Indeed.
In addition to the two mentioned in the Toledo review; Slang of Ages from EMG & Dirty Work from CBAT, there's two more from CBAT: Midnite Cruiser & Brooklyn. The three songs from CBAT all had David Palmer on lead vocals.

Live, there's been a handful of songs sometimes sung Walter, Monkey and Haitian Divorce i.e.


Date: Thurs, July 21, 2011, 15:09:08 ET
Posted by: It's, Like This

Aren't there more than 2 SD tunes that have lead vocals sung by someone other than Fagen?


Date: Thurs, July 21, 2011, 14:19:35 ET
Posted by: angel, LA

That was a great review. Glad to see someone who understands us. :-)


Date: Thurs, July 21, 2011, 14:02:48 ET
Posted by: Young Wu, Buffalo

Don Patrol... I'll be there Saturday, man!


Date: Thurs, July 21, 2011, 13:28:20 ET
Posted by: Chiprdr, Cuyahoga Falls

Went to the show at Toledo Zoo last nite.Usually do a set list but not this time too hot.The guys were great, never made reference to the heat.They are truly professional and passionate about the music.Despite how uncomfortable it was the crowd was really into it.They played Your Gold Teeth" Had never heard it live before. Monkey In Your Soul by Walter was good to hear.Seeing them live never gets old!

Peace,

Chip


Date: Thurs, July 21, 2011, 13:16:07 ET
Posted by: Don Patrol , Mtl

Just heading out on our Steely road trip.Back to back nights,T.O.and Canandaigua.Hope to maybe see Young Wu somewhere in the ether.Old hippie in 93 Aja shirt. This ought to be great!


Date: Thurs, July 21, 2011, 13:13:14 ET
Posted by: Steelydoc, Near the tower

Dylyn fan, you went to Frank Pica's for their legendary square pie, one of my favorites!

My email is here, click on my name...


Date: Thurs, July 21, 2011, 12:39:54 ET
Posted by: Klaus and the rooster, Ohio

Thanks Jazz/ I have met some nice folks on this board including Jazz/ Dean and the late great Rajah. Ive met some in person including my two new Steely buddies Tommy and Doc and I wont forget Lil Wild one and Ed. I dont understand why this stuff becomes a cage match at tour time when we all agree that this is one of the best bands and tightest musicians of our lifetime. Lighten up guys and I will buy you a couple of beers at a future Danfest that I hopefully meet you and make a couple of new Steely friends / we all have something to offer/ our experiences our memories or our opinions. Klaus


Date: Thurs, July 21, 2011, 12:30:23 ET
Posted by: Jazzassin, ---

Here:

http://www.toledoblade.com/Music-Theater-Dance/2011/07/21/Despite-heat-Steely-Dan-nearly-sells-out-zoo-amphitheater.html


Date: Thurs, July 21, 2011, 12:21:01 ET
Posted by: Klaus and the rooster, Ohio

Nice review at Toledoblade.com of the show last night.


Date: Thurs, July 21, 2011, 12:13:33 ET
Posted by: Klaus and the rooster, Ohio

Jack/ I dont want to start another pissing match on here but who cares? What does that have to do w/ the music?


Date: Thurs, July 21, 2011, 12:10:12 ET
Posted by: jackofspeed, westtwon

Do you think that DF or WB still get high?


Date: Thurs, July 21, 2011, 12:03:24 ET
Posted by: Klaus and the rooster, oHIO

I am not good at remembering the exact setlist but I will try to remember some Aja/ Black Friday Neihbors Daughter/ Home at Last/ Nineteen/ Time out of mind/Bhodi/Monkey/Josie/Peg/Reelin/ Kid C all in all they were tight as hell like we would expect. Donalds voice is in good shape and the girls were great. My brothers were knocked out by Jon as was most of the crowd. One thing I noticed that caught me by suprise was Walt using a Marshall half stack/ I could be wrong but I dont think thats his usual choice. Michael/ Whats this about the tour next year or were you just jesting? Nice to meet Tommy and Doc [Dan] next time Toledo or Cleveland we get together for a few beers for sure. P.S. I forgot dirty work the gals were great!


Date: Thurs, July 21, 2011, 11:56:55 ET
Posted by: DYLYNFAN, HARRISBURG PA

Thanx Steely Doc, I am not sure how to find peoples e- mail on
this site??? When posting I put mine in, maybe you could contact
me from that?? Would luv to here from you, me and 4 friends are
going to the Tower shows and it would be cool to hook-up for
a drink!!Finally the last time they played the Tower in 2009
I was able to go to AJA night, and we partied at a place near the Tower that had really good square pizza, cant remember the name??


Date: Thurs, July 21, 2011, 11:05:59 ET
Posted by: steelydoc, near the Tower

DYLYNFAN:

please send me an email, my address is on here....

I thought i had STLY DAN, or STLY DN, have to check. Hoops forgot to mention that I have a collection of Steely Dan related license plates, for those who were lost on the license plate reference.

I got my first in 1995 and keep getting different variations. I have had most of the SD touring bands sign them, and have also gotten autographs from Roger Nichols, Larry Carlton and Bernard Purdie.

For some reason, these license plates bother some people, but that's their loss.

During a SD show at Turning Stone Casino in 2007, Walter Becker was introducing the band, and was half-way through his introduction of DF, when he said: "Wait, wait a minute, I have to say hi to the guy with the Steely Dan license plates!" I was shocked! They turned on the house lights and the stage lights that pointed into the crowd. Walter said that my car was being towed from the garage right now. Then I reached for my CARLOCK plate, and Walter said "Wait, he has another, Carlock, Keith Carlock!" and the crowd roared...!!! Then WB said "Thanks a lot for coming, but you're freaking out our drummer!" and then he went back to his introduction of DF. My most memorable SD experience by far.


Date: Thurs, July 21, 2011, 10:17:43 ET
Posted by: It's, Like This

@Jazzassin - bingo re: PF


Date: Thurs, July 21, 2011, 09:59:00 ET
Posted by: hoops, chicago

RWK DPS was a real plate that fan had on her car. She's since passed away but a week before her state (MO) sent her new design plates and she gave me one of her old ones.


Date: Thurs, July 21, 2011, 09:55:47 ET
Posted by: hoops, chicago

A few things:

Regarding Peter Falk and other death notices. The point of more than a few of those posts on Peter Falk was to mock how fucking stupid it was to post that here, regardless of how much we like him. Mr. Bob, leader of the Chicago's Bozo's Big Top Band has an obit today. Should we post. No.

Let's not also forget that downloadable music has transformed the way and the frequency with which people listen to an entire album. Today, many people hear a song and buy it; they don't buy an entire album and miss out on the tracks that lack immediate accessibility but have a payoff of developed appreciation over time. I spent eight years in college design studio in the 1980s. We had a stereo in our studio and I listened to and learned to appreciate songs and albums I would not have listened to had someone else not brought it in and played it in studio. That's how I became a fan of Van Morrison, The Grateful Dead and many more. In today's studios, everyone has their own personal digital audio player with headphones. There's that isolation and lack of exposure. And sorry, I don't think shared playlists make up for the lack of common listening. And of course, let's think back to the 60s and 70s when we'd share a single radio playing Diana Ross and the Supremes followed by Led Zep followed by Steely Dan followed by the Bay City Rollers. Now that was diversity.

That said, I supposed Steely Dan could offer a new album night, "Decade played in it's entirety." Of course, it was never out on vinyl so Carolyn wouldn't have to flip sides midway through the performance.

Regarding the license plates, here's three web pages from circa 1996-1997:

http://www.dandom.com/essayssatire/danvanplate/index.html

http://www.dandom.com/essayssatire/danvanplate/walkdawalk.html

http://www.dandom.com/essayssatire/danvanplate/danvanplates.html

Regarding the Saturday, September 17 concert at the Beacon, my biggest concern isn't that Steely Dan won't play enough rarities; rather it's that I will be surrounded by a bunch a drunks who have no idea about the special show's theme and keep shouting for Rikki and Reelin' and then on the way out bitch that the show sucked. BTW: I expect that they will probably play "Bear" that night but I also am mindful that their box set only had one un-released track.

Really, if you want someone to stop their nonsense here, the best thing to do is to ignore if you can. I myself can't always do that.

Fly low and be cool,

Jim


Date: Thurs, July 21, 2011, 09:53:39 ET
Posted by: DYLYNFAN, HARRISBURG PA

Steely Doc sorry about your accident, hopefully you are at least on
some kiler meds??? And i dont mean Tylenol???I am sure I will see
you at the Tower shows, just a hunch??? As for your license plates
that is really cool, BTW I have a STLYDAN plate on my car, and was
very suprised two years ago that no one in PA already had it???
Cant wait for the shows just 6 weeks left!!!


Date: Thurs, July 21, 2011, 09:29:10 ET
Posted by: Michael,

@Jazzassin, whatever the case may be, I wasn't around when people were talking about Peter Falk, what with being busy doing other things at the time. It's not exactly uncommon for people to mention whenever some well-know personality or musician passes on, regardless of the forum/board in question.

As for people around here beating on each other, it does seem to get out of hand sometimes, especially with all the name-calling and labeling (e.g. whiners, complainers, etc.), and all this because some people lament the fact that SD is just playing the casual fanbase.

I may be one spoke on the wheel but nevertheless am still part of the overall SD fanbase. If some people are going to condemn others on account of wishing for something a little different in regards to SD's usual rent-a-playlist, that's pretty sad, but what's more sad is when certain individuals become overly defensive about the group as if their personal reputations were at stake. That's just embarassing (and more than a little creepy).

Don & Walt are older gentlemen now with a tour to finish. Once it wraps up, Don has to finish mixing his 4th solo album, then get set to hit the road again early next year. That's admirable work indeed.

Regardless, if they're going to be selfish with their material by throwing in just one oddity into an otherwise stale setlist, honestly, there's no point in me stepping out the front door. They'll continue making money just fine without my presence. It's unfortunate but there's really nothing more I can do as they clearly don't care.


Date: Thurs, July 21, 2011, 08:42:46 ET
Posted by: DaDan, Montana

Anyone have a setlist from the Toledo show?


Date: Thurs, July 21, 2011, 08:18:57 ET
Posted by: Jazzassin, should I hide or eat my pride

Michael,

I think the recent Peter Falk post was a hint regarding the fact that a handful of otherwise knowledgeable posters now has been verbally beating eachother with toy spades like tottlers in the sandbox for a while. Personal attacks and all. Not cool.

And just a few weeks ago when Peter Falk died, you could scroll through several yards of Peter Falk posts here at the Bluebook (at least one of them was mine, I'm afraid), which made other posters quite fed up with the whole subject.

So, this new PF post was probably just someone begging for less off-topic posts and more Dan related stuff, I guess. :D

All,

I know it can be hard not to take offense and refrain from taking the next step when you feel you're being unfairly attacked, but I really think we all should strive to stay cool and not embarrass the whole community by jumping into the trenches and start firing at eachother at the first sign of disagreements.

So I suggest from now on we change the name & rules of the game from "How Big Is Your Mouth?" to "How Cool Are You, And How Low Is It Possible To Fly?"

I know that I too need to censor my impulses somewhat at times, and promise to try really hard to always be polite and friendly in the future.

What the world needs now, etc etc... This board is no exception, imho.


Date: Thurs, July 21, 2011, 08:07:47 ET
Posted by: Dan Belcher, Louisville, KY

Damn. Missed seeing Monkey by one night! That would have been a treat. I was humming that song yesterday afternoon for some reason too!


Date: Thurs, July 21, 2011, 07:10:50 ET
Posted by: Michael,

"Anyone remember Peter Falk?"

Yup. Columbo is legendary. Love all of those 70's episodes. (Was everything better back in the 70's rather than today? Sure seems that way.)

Lurker Ray, Don was dismayed by the fact that people only pay to hear radio hits (uneducated listeners who never look beyond the surface); nowhere did he make mention that he "hates" performing those songs. We know that he is apprehensive, for lack of a better term, to play Dr Wu, but that's about it. They're also known to not be so fond of some of their earlier material.

What is all this talk about license plates? I'm missing something here.

Glad to hear they played Monkey In Your Soul, but that's just one song. They'll service the casual, radio-friendly crowd with a full-course dinner, whereas all the SD enthusiasts are left with scraps.

Hard times befalling the sole survivors...


Date: Thurs, July 21, 2011, 03:44:11 ET
Posted by: HouDanFan, Houston

"vaginal wart with an inferiority complex and a bad haircut". Man I can't wait to use that one with my buds. You two keep it up I'm getting some great lines here.


Date: Thurs, July 21, 2011, 01:08:19 ET
Posted by: Moonrider, MA

Glad to hear they pulled out Monkey in Your Soul. One of my favorites. Maybe Walt took a peek at the recent BlueBook postings.


Date: Thurs, July 21, 2011, 00:43:44 ET
Posted by: Lutz, SF

Wow, would have love to see Monkey, Walter always sings this live , right?
Checking in here and what's going on?
Not much talk about Steely Dan and the current tour,
it's all about Lurker Ray again.
This guy has issues and he is like a cancer to this board, WTF?
Or to sound like him, WTF??????
Ignoring is best, agreed.


Date: Thurs, July 21, 2011, 00:29:38 ET
Posted by: hoops, on the quick

Danfest page updated for Borgata Danfest with Fife and Doc.

http://www.Dandom.com/Danfests

Thanks Fife and Doc! I'm sure it's going to kick.

Best,

Jim


Date: Thurs, July 21, 2011, 00:00:41 ET
Posted by: The Dean, Beddie Bye

Monkey in Your Soul? Excellent. Walter on vox, I presume?

And only HALF drunk?

Looking forward to your report in the morrow.


Date: Wed, July 20, 2011, 23:48:11 ET
Posted by: Klaus and the rooster, Ohio

Dean/ Just got home/ Im half drunk but a pretty good show' Herrington and Carlock were smokin and Don and Walt were there cool selfs. Normal setlist except Monkey in your soul which I predicted And it was fricken hot. Must go to bed/ will post in the AM.


Date: Wed, July 20, 2011, 23:03:27 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine Beach

You got that right, Don. Sad and pitiful, really..

Looking forward to the post concert reports from Toledo.


Date: Wed, July 20, 2011, 22:58:19 ET
Posted by: Don Patrol, Mtl

No it's not really.


Date: Wed, July 20, 2011, 22:39:17 ET
Posted by: This, my friends, is some really good shit!


Date: Wed, July 20, 2011, 22:12:24 ET
Posted by: Lonnie THE Kingpin, Away from Ray

Lurker Ray,

Did that make you feel better? Probably not because you seem to be a sad individual and a legend in your own virtual mind.

Still waiting for some seat numbers and locations so I can come pay you a visit.

Lonnie


Date: Wed, July 20, 2011, 22:09:42 ET
Posted by: HouDanFan, Houston

"vaginal wart with an inferiority complex and a bad haircut". Man I can't wait to use that one with my buds. You two keep it up I'm getting some great lines here.


Date: Wed, July 20, 2011, 21:09:38 ET
Posted by: steelydoc, near the Tower

ok Ray:

I have read most of your posts, I think you are a whiner. I didn't jump on your back, I just said to chill out and enjoy the music. You think everyone is jumping on you, not true. You, however, are more insulting to people than people are to you. Please reread your posts.

You are telling me to stay on topic, but you are the one who doubted that I worked in show biz. you doubted, so I told you what I did, and my credits are available on imdb, I posted the link. My car accident ended a nice career. It was on topic, so I told you about it.

As for "the 44" I think the name is stupid. My opinion. Why do you worry so much about what I say or do? I don't give a shit about your private life or your Steely Dan -related life. You just seem too easily agitated, and you are so damn negative most of the time.

Yes, I still think you bring nothing worthwhile to the SD Bluebook. I'm not a fan of your writing style, my opinion again.

I read your posts, and Lonnie's posts, and I just think you get a little too sensitive. Grow some balls, and lighten up.

This is my last post re: YOU. I know you love the attention. I'm through with your attention seeking. Talk to your therapist and see if he likes "the 44." His confirmation will make you feel dandy.

Please post when you grow some balls. You have my number.






Date: Wed, July 20, 2011, 21:00:19 ET
Posted by: Don Patrol, Mtl

Any Canuck Bluebookers off to see the boys at the Molson Amp? Or Sat. at Canandaigua?


Date: Wed, July 20, 2011, 20:56:28 ET
Posted by: steelydoc, near the Tower

Ray:

Since you seem to doubt that I worked in the entertainment business:

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0091944/

plus, five years in the music biz, in concert production.


Date: Wed, July 20, 2011, 20:27:59 ET
Posted by: DeaconBlues16,

Who else besides Lurker Ray thinks that Donald Fagen "hates" playing Bad Sneakers?


Date: Wed, July 20, 2011, 20:14:00 ET
Posted by: Lurker Ray, Malibu

Steely Doc,

You agreed with Lonnie's post because I need to chill????
Need to chill what? I said nothing NEGATIVE. Nothing to you or Lonnnie.
I simply wrote why I thought Donald Fagen does not like playing certain songs and then I was challenged and attacked.

I am sorry to hear about your accident, but please follow the original thread! And the ONLY reason I brought up your vanity plates was because
YOU joined in and attacked me! PLEASE READ all of my posts recently.
I had said nothing negative about the setlist UNTIL I was challenged and attacked and piled on by people like you.

And as far as the "44" goes, Jon fucking loved that name. So there.

And you see no worthwhile contributions coming from me, either. Well then that's your loss or should I say ignorance.

And your FRIEND Lonnie, he's a vaginal wart with a bad haircut and inferiority complex.


Date: Wed, July 20, 2011, 19:43:17 ET
Posted by: steelydoc, near the Tower

Ray:

All I wanted was for you to stop whining. That's it, period. Ok, I let out your real name, sorry about that. If I wanted to be a prick, I would have posted your last name and your address, but I didn't do that. Mine is Thomas Boguski and all of you can go steal my identity or whatever the heck else you feel like doing.

Ray, you just have to lighten up. Remember, you were the one who first started shit with me long ago when you got tired of seeing/hearing about my license plates. You don't like them, Fine. But you sure as hell seem pretty bothered about them for some reason...may I ask why? Am I enjoying myself too much at the shows?

And now, you're pissed because I recounted some stories that happened to me while I worked in the film business? Why do you question what I do now? I'm out of the biz, haven't worked in a while, and I'm recovering from a car accident. I can barely walk, if that makes you feel superior.

What have I contributed to the greater Steely Dan community? I have no idea. I've made some good friendships, maybe I posted some info that I knew, but aside from that, I used to just post on occasion. That is, until I got reamed for my mid-life crisis set of license plates that bug you so....and then I was reamed for offering to host a Danfest at the B-Bar at the Borgata along with Fife. Then someone got pissed because they wanted to start their own Danfest at a place farther away from the Tower. I'm pretty tired of the Blue, and of you, too, unfortunately. I thought you were a nice dude, and I have stood up on your behalf on many occasions, but you forget that.

I agreed with Lonnie's post because you need to chill. And I stand by my statement that Lonnie is a good friend of mine, and he's a good person.

I see no worthwhile contributions coming from you, either. You used worn, tired cliche phrases to describe your Steely Dan concerts, try to act like a big shot saying you were at a soundcheck, when anyone within earshot of an outdoor venue can claim the same thing. Oh, maybe your greatest contribution was naming the LED backdrop from a recent tour "The 44." If that doesn't sound like the dumbest thing I've heard on the Blue, then I don't know what is.

If you want to duke it out over the phone, call me, 610 449 2560.....there, I'm all out in full view, I bet you don't have the balls to call me and have a rational discussion.


Date: Wed, July 20, 2011, 19:42:39 ET
Posted by: Lurker Ray, Malibu

CJB,

I'm sure people have found your links to the Wayne Shorter annedotes or Donald Fagen interview. They are up there for all to see. You know you can scroll by posts any time you want to. You dan't have to read everything.

But IF you did take the time to READ you would have seen that I in fact
I was saying nothing NEGATIVE simply defending myself after I was attacked and challenged as to why I thought the Bear would not be played in Detroit and as to why I and MANY people here realize that Donald Fagen does not like to play Bad Sneakers and other tracks.

I am not asking for thanks from nobody and I am so sorry that the world is not all cotton candy, fuzzy rainbows and unicorn licks on your cinnimon stick snookums.


Date: Wed, July 20, 2011, 19:13:14 ET
Posted by: CJB, YVR

Ray, you wrote some very good reviews of recent LA shows, and have generously shared some rarities with us, and most of us are properly thankful to you for them. But this constant calling out of everyone else here/bitching about ticket prices/the setlist/your in-depth chat with the lighting guy, etc. makes it seem like your life is a lot smaller than it probably is, and also makes tiresome reading for those of us who are more interested in Wayne Shorter on Aja, Donald in "Jazz News," the new WSJ.com interview, etc., than in some 3000-word disagreement you've been having with some other guy for what feels like months now. Seriously, dude. How can you call yourself a Lurker when you NEVER LEAVE?


Date: Wed, July 20, 2011, 18:31:12 ET
Posted by: It's, Like This

Anyone remember Peter Falk?


Date: Wed, July 20, 2011, 18:21:13 ET
Posted by: HouDanFan, Houston

Bob...Thanks for posting the 2000 setlist. That was the best tour by far. Three TVN songs, Boston Rag, Royal Scam and Don't Take Me Alive. Most will dis-agree with me but I also think that was their best touring band.


Date: Wed, July 20, 2011, 17:58:36 ET
Posted by: Lurker Ray, Malibu

LONNIE THE BOWLING PIN,

Please forgive me. I did not realize that you were illiterate. Cuz after rereading my last post, I can't find anywhere where I said,
you were "hiding" and I sure as hell don't know who Mr. Soundcheck is?
So you want to "straighten" some "shit" out in NYC? And you want to find people's seats location so you can find them? So now Lonnie The Clothes Pin is threatening violence. I don't need to say another thing. You just clearly let EVERYONE here know just what kind of a small, little, infantile person that you really are. And yes I surely do not want people coming up to my seats during shows. Anyone in the know "knows" why we "fly low". Which brings me to my final point Lonnie, "What have you given back to the greater Dandom Community other than your blowhard posts every tour?" At least after turning 40 this year I have made a conscious effort to start sharing and giving back to the Greater Dandom Community. Great and amazing stuff that will live on long after your tiny persona is gone.

Steely Doc,

I thought we had patched things up also. I had said NOTHING to you yet you found it necessary to jump on Lonnie's pile on and throw me under the bus. Lonnie just showed us ALL his true colors today and if you consider him a good friend then that says a hell of lot of what kind of person you really are also. And I surely now wouldn't waste my time or money buying you a drink. And I surely wouldn't be as petty as you and use your real name or what you do or currently "don't do" for a living etc. So maybe try and be a better person "Doc".
I had said nothing about the setlist, just replying to hoop's claim that "surely The Bear will be played in Detroit". And people here should be free to complain about ANYTHING Steely Dan if they want to.
Last time I checked it is a still a free country. There is going to be "negativity" in our lives Doc and people are free to have opinions. One can choose to deal with life or bury our heads in the sand and hope it all goes away. I don't know if you recall, but earlier this year after defending Donald & Walter I was accused of being a Steely Dan Pollyanna, and now you say I whine to much and it's too negative around here. Go figure.

People like you around here forget that Donald is on record as saying this after a show,

"Also, I guess they've never been to a jazz club, no interest in soloing as an art, no attention span, really. They don't have a clue. They're waiting for some old wormy radio hits from when they were humping some girl on the hood of a Datsun Z car. I wish I was dead."

Well maybe some folks here think that lately the setlist is getting
stale. Because now in fact they are playing those same "old wormy radio hits" night by night. "I wish I was dead" and some people here
challenge or attack me when I dare to say that yes Donald Fagen hates to play some of those "wormy old radio hits". In fact he wishes he was dead.

Oh and by the way "Doc" your goofy manchild vanity plates will not block my view on Rarities Night. I would never waste my money on seats in the far left or right stalls at the Beacon. The site lines and sound is bad enough in the Beacon besides having to deal with that challenge all night. And as I asked Lonnie, "What have you given back to the Greater Dandom Community other than your vanity plates?

Young Wu,

Lighten up Francis. You obviously can't take a little joke either.
Again, you were the one who inferred that I didn't realize that they played Bad Sneakers a few times early on in 2009. And remember kiddo,
I don't need anyone in my corner nor do I come here looking set a play date and make new friends.

Thanks for the reports from Cinci.

Looking forward to perhaps something new tonight.

Keeping it real Port, as real as I can.......





Date: Wed, July 20, 2011, 16:16:33 ET
Posted by: Klaus, Ohio

Dean/ Thank you my Steely Bro/ I am out the door now for the drive/ will post tamale. P.S. A couple of bluebook bros are gonna meet at my Brothers house by the venue for a few beers. Ah Steely Dan it gets no better than this!.


Date: Wed, July 20, 2011, 16:11:31 ET
Posted by: The Dean, Cocktail Time!

Klaus,

If it's of any comfort (I doubt it will be) the last time I saw SD was at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre in 2009. It was incredibly hot and humid. I'm thinking it might have been 95 degrees plus--hell it might have been 100.

The band was on fire, for sure and the crowd was off the chain. I have never experienced a crowd this into the concert in my life. It was actually a bit annoying, as I recall, as they sang along and screamed, etc. But it was hard to be too upset because they were REALLY enjoying the show. Brief review:

http://jacksonville.com/entertainment/2009-06-18/story/steely_dan_cool_on_a_hot_st_augustine_night

This experience combined with the reports from other hot-weather shows (Soboba for example) leads me to believe you may be in for a very good show. I look forward to your post-show account.


Date: Wed, July 20, 2011, 15:57:41 ET
Posted by: Klaus and the rooster, Ohio

I always told people I would walk thru hell w/ a gasoline suit on to see Steely Dan. Well tonite I have to prove it. still 90 plus at 10 pm when the show will be over! No roof on the fricken zoo/ oh Lord what an obsession! I hope our Boys are hotso cause I know we will be. Off Tamale vacation day thank the lord first then my boss. Third row and may have to hang back some to stay out of the sun/ next year hopefully only indoor venues.


Date: Wed, July 20, 2011, 13:57:33 ET
Posted by: Lonnie THE Kingpin, Here

LURKER RAY ~

My cowardly posts? Really, Mr. Soundcheck and I know all about the Dan? I would love to meet you at a venue and straighten some shit out. Until then, keep pretending to be somebody. I am going to tune you out. Oh, any by the way, how am I hiding? Do share. I show up at the shows and meet people here on the Blue. I will be at some shows next in NYC. I will be glad to tell you where I am at so you can come find me. I have heard from others on the Blue over the years, however, that you have ducked others from finding you at shows when they have asked for your seat location, etc. Maybe best to just find you out lurking around the soundchecks? If you were such an insider, then I guess you would be in the venue or off in the wings watching the soundcheck.

Lonnie THE Kingpin


Date: Wed, July 20, 2011, 13:43:55 ET
Posted by: Casual Fan, Orlando

My moniker says it all. Aja was first album I ever bought (as a Seventh Grader). And, I've seen them now 4 or 5 times since 2000.

Like any band, Steely Dan became popular and made money off their hits. That is still what is generating interest in going to see them play live, today. I therefore just can't understand why anyone would be surprised that they would play what they think (pretty much correctly) made them such stars that people will pay a decent price to go see them decades later.


CF


Date: Wed, July 20, 2011, 12:25:59 ET
Posted by: Ports, Minnapolis

One story I can tell about the difference between what I would call the fans on this site (the 1 percent of the audience) and the rest of the "casual" fans (the 99 percent of the audience). A fellow coworker said he got tickets to the Minn State Fair gig and was totaly pumped since he was such a big Steely Dan fan and had not seen them. He knew I was a big fan and asked what my favorite song was. I told him I didn't really have a favorite. He pressed on...Hey 19?, Old School?, Peg?, Josie? I eventually relented and said Dr Wu.

His response...What is that!?!

So even people who say they are "big" fans are really fans of Decade Greatest Hits. I would say that is normal for most bands fans. So I feel very lucky to have this site to vent our overly critical ups and downs of the "Dan" tours and setlists. Thanks to Hoops for this site and putting up with all of us.


Date: Wed, July 20, 2011, 12:11:53 ET
Posted by: tom, texas

bob, anytown,...
You're right, that was a great setlist. I saw it in AlbIquirky NM.


Date: Wed, July 20, 2011, 11:38:47 ET
Posted by: Bob, anytown

Never going to be better than 2000 set list



The Boston Rag
Bodhisattva
Night by Night
Janie Runaway
Josie
Black Friday
Daddy Don't Live in That New York City No More
Glamor Profession
Jack of Speed
Hey Nineteen
Set 2
Hank's Place
The Royal Scam
Deacon Blues
Cousin Dupree
Monkey in Your Soul
Dirty Work
Peg
Kid Charlemagne
Don't Take Me Alive
Encore:
My Old School

Deep cuts
Boston Rag
Night by Night
Glamor Profession
DTMA
Royal Scam


on another note: their ad lib lines were well rehearsed .

1. WB what a great fu@king Crowd
2. DF thank you very much appreciate it
3. WB Hey Nineteen Story
4. DF smoking a fake cigarette starting the encore. Do you guys remember that? lol

Come on boys let loose its not that serious

even though they played DTMA & Royal Scam they are still deep cuts :)


Date: Wed, July 20, 2011, 11:17:44 ET
Posted by: steelydoc, near the Tower

Young Wu:

Well said! I know I may have been one of the "love it or leave it" voices, but I know everyone has a right to their opinion, I just wish the negative tone around here would settle down.

When I was relatively young, I thought I would NEVER see Steely Dan perform. I thought that I was lucky enough when someone I worked for in the 1980s introduced me to Jeff Baxter, figuring that was the closest I would ever get to see or hear SD. Then I worked for a film producer who was Steely Dan's publicist in the early days, and hearing his stories made me feel, again, some small connection to SD. But, I still knew I would never see them.

So, when the mighty SD started performing again, I figured I would see them as many times as I could, since you never know when they will stop performing.

The license plate thing is purely for fun, but I guess it pisses some people off, but so what, I have a nice collection to put in my Steely DEN.

So, thanks, Young Wu, for your post, perhaps we shall meet this SD season.


Date: Wed, July 20, 2011, 10:58:19 ET
Posted by: DYLYNFAN, HARRISBURG PA

I promise I am done for the day after this, YOUNG WU FROM BUFFALO
you have just hit a tape measure home run on your comparison
about the love it or leave it line!!! Wish I had said it!!
WELL DONE SIR!!!


Date: Wed, July 20, 2011, 10:52:09 ET
Posted by: DYLYNFAN, HARRISBURG PA

Sorry PORTS FROM MINNASODA, I repeated much of what you said.
When it comes to HEY 19, I like it, but forgodsakes drop the
Walter story already, how F*CKN LONG HAVE THEY BEEN DOING THAT???
TOO F*CKN LONG (IMHO) Feel free to disagrea and I am sure call me
a whiner or complainer and if I am lucky both!!!


Date: Wed, July 20, 2011, 10:49:12 ET
Posted by: Dan Belcher, djbelc01 (AT) gmail (DOT) com

Are the prices at other venues really that bad? I paid $50 AFTER Ticketbastard/Live Nation fees for my seats last night in the cheap section dead center near the back, where the view isn't great but the audio is outstanding. I paid $100 for my Louisville Palace ticket that's only 8 rows from the stage. That's pretty reasonable in my opinion when I've paid the same basic prices to see Boz Scaggs and Alison Krauss in the past, for example.


Date: Wed, July 20, 2011, 10:46:48 ET
Posted by: It's, Like This

I can see both sides of the argument...just a shame that it won't compel me to buy a ticket.


Date: Wed, July 20, 2011, 10:41:50 ET
Posted by: DYLYNFAN, HARRISBURG PA

Michael you make some excellent points, even though I love the
set-list from the tour so far!!! rather than everyone bitching
about the complainers just answer tham back with your point of
view without casting aspertions on them!!Me-thinks this topic
always makes for an interesting discusion!!But w.t.f do I know??


Date: Wed, July 20, 2011, 10:34:33 ET
Posted by: Young Wu, Buffalo

Wow... there are some serious holier-than-thou attitudes on the Blue these days. As if someone critiquing the setlist will make Don and Walt convulse into crying hysterics.

So, first of all, all this nonsense about how they have to go out and make a living. Yeah, as if putting 4 or 5 album cuts in a setlist of 18 songs would scare the causal fans away. They�ve toured 5 of the last 6 years, and their prices are upwards of ridiculous. They aren�t starving.

And I also like this �Don�t like it? Then don�t go!� attitude some people have. It reminds me of the right wing redneck �America, love it or leave it!� bullshit that we all shake our heads at. I forgot that I�m not allowed to voice dissent about this monumentally important topic. �Don�t critique the setlist, it�s hurting the troops!�

I�m well aware that most people come to hear the hits. Stating the obvious does not give you some moral high ground in an �argument�. But Steely Dan isn�t playing in a vacuum. There are plenty of classic rock bands who go out and mix a setlist of the mega hits, fan favorites, and a handful for the diehards. Of course, that could require them to maybe, juuuuust maybe, possibly attempt to play a show that dares to include 18 or 19 Dan songs. And they also aren�t playing stadiums and arenas every night and have to keep the unwashed masses happy. It is a couple thousand people a night. They can change it up a little.

So I�m sure this will all be thrown away as wussy crybaby whining blah blah yada yada, but whatever. I just don�t understand how people defend this setlist like it�s their children. I like every one of these songs, and I�m sure I�ll enjoy the show. But don�t pretend it�s not a boring, stale set. One �rare� song in Cincinnati. One. That would cause an uproar for most fansites of other bands. But here you get a stern talking to.

Thank you for your time.

(And Ray, tone it down a tad. I made a little joke. I�m apparently one of a few people who can stand you on this site, so no need to get upset. But thanks for trying to use my age as an insult. I�m not a middle age burnout, so I must be a dumb ass kid with his pants on the ground. Good one.)


Date: Wed, July 20, 2011, 09:55:16 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh

Hoops has a good point about the way the band plays the "standards" changing from year to year. Something new for the band that the obsessives like us can enjoy. They even added a little something new to Bodhisattva this year - did anyone else catch that?

I haven't been to a show yet; I've been living vicariously through tapes. But I've hit up a show per tour since 2000 and the band sounds better and better every year.

Look - they've straight up said they do this for the money and the love, in that order. They travel comfortably, they play with crack musicians, and once in a while they vibe on a great audience. They also execute complex tunes flawlessly night after night, with living and breathing musicians. They certainly could pull off using some backing tracks here and there - just about everyone else does these days - but they don't. Synth line in a song? Rearrange it for the horns.

BTW, I found the line in the press release that was mentioned. It's a throwaway line that shows up every year, and the fact is there are always tunes that one could call "deep cuts" on the setlist night after night.


Date: Wed, July 20, 2011, 09:52:23 ET
Posted by: East, St. Louis

SD will be the first post-renovation show at the Fox Theatre.

http://www.stltoday.com/entertainment/music/kevin-johnson/article_40514b26-b245-11e0-a7bd-001a4bcf6878.html


Date: Wed, July 20, 2011, 09:48:06 ET
Posted by: Jazzassin, oh no, not me again

Michael,

Of course it's ok to be disappointed.
I'm disappointed because there is no European leg this year.

But if almost every possible setlist of SD songs isn't a good enough setlist, I still think you have been overkilled by too many shows in the past.
They're Steely Dan, and they play Steely Dan songs. To me, not many songs can be regarded as "rarities" exept from unreleased material.
I know all the songs in the official catalog in and out, so what I'm after isn't new or unheard stuff (allthough that would be fantastic, of course), but rather the performance itself, re-arrangements included.

I won't go into a lenghty discussion with you or others about this. I think we both have made our points pretty clear already.

But two things deserve a reply:

"They're not on the threshold of poverty, so it's clear that money is the main motivation for them hitting the road again."

This statement makes no sense to me. Are you sure you didn't leave out a "not" in there somewhere?
Or do you really mean that if, hypothetically, they WERE close to poverty, they would NOT hit the road to try to fix the economy? And since they're NOT close to poverty, that's why money IS the main motivation?
I won't argue about anything of it, just looking for a bit of logic in the statement.

I don't think they're poor. I hope they're multi-millionaires.
And I guess touring is a love/hate project for them. But their music is their lives, and as Donald says: "That's what I do".

Economically, D & W are not the only two that has to make money from a Steely Dan tour to make it worthwhile.
The band, the crew, the management, the venue owners and TicketBastard also needs their share, and there are quite big expences in this business.
So they adapt to reality and plays a safe game.
I'm sure there will be more than The Bear to the definition of a rarities night, though, but I wouldn't count on either 2nd Arr or Kulee Baba, I'm afraid.

"Wow, so they're being adventurous with the same tunes, even going so far as to add an F(!) note in part of the tune. ARE YOU SERIOUS?"

Indeed I am.
When I hear even the smallest changes from the original arrangements, like that F, I get goosebumps and immediately picks up a guitar and try to play along to get a deeper impression of the nature of the change. And those changes are the first thing I'll hear when presented to a new version. It strikes like lightning in my ear, and I couldn't miss out on it if I tried.
I guess I'm quite sensible to such details, and can assure you that it's a blessing. Makes it possible for me to enjoy good music even more. The drawback is I can't stand to hear things that are unintentionally out of pitch.

But you know, trying to explain the pleasure of being able to recognize those things is like explaining the color "red" to a person born blind.

Again, I ain't sayin' YOU'RE blind, it's just the principle of it.

But I do wonder... if you're indifferent to such small variations, then what's your pleasure from listening to Steely Dan's music? To me the originality of their songwriting and arrangement capability is much of what makes them what they are.

I wish you and everyone else a great Dan filled summer, and hope the pleasures of the shows exceeds by far the disappointments of not being able to influence on the setlists.


Date: Wed, July 20, 2011, 09:02:06 ET
Posted by: Ports, Minneapolis

Wow, always a lot of back and forth in the Blue when a new tour begins. I think it just shows the passion on the fans on this site. I don't post much at all but I read it almost every day and I am amused/entertained by both sides of the discussion.

I wasn't going to go to a concert this year since I had seen them twice in �09. Once at Chicago request nite, where I was totally happy with Rikki, Major Dude, and Dr Wu. You can't expect more than that for rarities based on setlist history (Dr Wu REALLY). Then again in Minneapolis for Aja Night.

But once I heard they were playing Your Gold Teeth I signed up for the Minn State Fair. I am an admitted Steely Dan rube and will be happy to listen to Josie and Peg for the 10th time in order to hear YGT and hopefully Night by Night or The Bear (or fingers crossed Second Arrangement).

I am a little bewildered by some comments that have been overheard regarding YGT. Like �what�s this song� or taking a potty break during the third song in the set. I always regarded YGT and a recognizable tune to anyone that followed Steely Dan. The opening riff should at least make casual fans go � Oh yeah I forgot about this song. And even if they don�t know it they should listen and say this is a great tune played by a great band. But as has been brought up here in the past going to concerts is a different experience in the twitter world. People talk to each other and pay no attention to the players and what is going on until they here the opening riff to Hey 19. I can really do without that song again�but I love them and will always end up going and having a great time. I tune out the crowd distractions and listen to my favorite band.

P.S.- Lurker Ray don�t let he haters get you down� ha ha I have a feeling you won�t.


Date: Wed, July 20, 2011, 08:23:48 ET
Posted by: Dan Belcher, Louisville, KY

SoulMonkey's comments on the Cincinnati show were pretty much right on. Sonofabitch was it ever hot. During the show Donald also made a comment wondering if someone had opened the door to Hell because it was so hot on-stage. And the brief rain storm didn't do much to cool things down. I was still drenched in sweat by the end of the night.

Yes, it was absolutely a "play the hits!!!" crowd, and the setlist really reflected this for the most part. Your Gold Teeth was just ridiculous. The band absolutely killed, and that groove is infectious, so you would assume people who aren't familiar with the song might enjoy it anyway. Nope. Mass exodus for the beer and bathroom lines. The couple next to me said they were "big" Steely Dan fans, but even they still were a bit disappointed not to hear Rikki or Deacon Blues.

Walt's ramblings in Hey 19 were pretty amusing. Man and woman drinking in a bar, realizing that last call is like the end of the world (the whole "asteroid hitting the Earth" thing) and "You gotta get everything while you still can. Not just a piece." The couple wonders what to do, but they're absolutely dead broke, so they go back to the guy's place and find one lone bottle of alcohol up on the shelf.

Band sounded amazing. I do not understand how Keith Carlock does some of the things he does on a drumset, and that's coming from someone who dabbles in the art of percussion. Dizzy's Bidness started at roughly 8:50 and the Last Tango in Paris ended around 11:15, so I certainly can't complain about the length of the set. And as far as my personal opinion on the setlist goes? I would have liked to have heard The Bear and some other stuff since I've heard most of these songs the past couple years, but then again, I would have paid my $50 just to hear them play two hours of the blues, or just play Black Cow twenty times in a row. With a band that talented that can interplay so well, it almost doesn't matter what the song is, they're going to make it sound fresh and exciting.

To sum it up: it was worth sitting in traffic for three hours (even if it's normally only an hour and a half trip from Louisville to Cincy!) and worth sitting in the heat. Disappointed I wasn't able to make it up in time to pre-game with Tommy Tomato and his crew, but I talked to them on the phone for a while, and that was a nice treat. Unfortunately, I had no idea they were doing that much construction on I-71, or I would have gone another way.

Four more weeks until the Louisville Palace show...


Date: Wed, July 20, 2011, 07:21:26 ET
Posted by: Michael,

@Jazzassin, it's probably true that all the protesting won't change a thing, but that still doesn't change my opinion that it's very disappointing.

It goes without saying that some SD fans will be excited simply to have the boys out on the road again, which is well and good, but considering how long they've been at the game, it's hard to sit there and justify the 15 song 'greatest hits' packages, even if they're gift-wrapped with some of the finest, tightest performances to be found.

Their entire catalog doesn't consist of a mere 15 songs, so that's not working. If you looked at my playlist, I was sure to include tracks from both TAN and EMG, so their newer material was not neglected either. There's nothing unreasonable about fans wanting something apart from the routine dinner course.

"So, in that context, they may as well just put together the setlists that will ensure that the economic side of the circus is well taken care of. Money was indeed never their main motivation when they started. Music was. But the train can't be stopped, and the day that THEY will have to pay for OUR beers instead of the opposite, that will be the day they retire."

You're getting way ahead of yourself, making it sound as though they're on the verge of hitting rock-bottom. They've collected (and still do) royalties for all of their albums, enough that they're able to live comfortably for the rest of their lives (unless they squandered it, in which case that's entirely their fault). They made bread through touring and merchandising. They're not on the threshold of poverty, so it's clear that money is the main motivation for them hitting the road again.

"As Hoops said, their old business of selling records is no longer an option for a survival strategy."

Maybe so, but they already made a boatload of money since well before the internet took off and continue to do so. Their back catalog + touring/merchandise ensures them a healthy retirement. How about giving us something back for all those years of support? It costs them nothing to add a few different tunes to the mix.

"But I guess if they had had the slightest idea that some fans would actually take the whole thing so bloody serious as to get angry with them because it isn't even more rarities and variation in the setlists from day one on the tour, they wouldn't have bothered to even try to meet our expectations, but rather concluded that they don't really have a musically curious, but loyal fanbase after all, and that all that counted was the bottom line."

This is pure nonsense. Loyalty does not equate to blind acceptance of everything they decide to do. Fans asking for a few different tunes makes them unloyal? What planet do you come from?

"When I hear re-arranged versions of the songs I love so much, I always get very excited, and even little details like the one I mentioned a few days ago (Freddie's low F on "found" in "Home At Last") appears to be extremely interesting to my ears. No eye-rolling, just pure musical pleasure for me.
They say they hope their fans are more or less like themselves, and will appreciate what they appreciate. I sure do, at least."

Wow, so they're being adventurous with the same tunes, even going so far as to add an F(!) note in part of the tune. ARE YOU SERIOUS?

If by "appreciate what they appreciate" means just sucking it up and paying to hear the same material over and over again, then no, I guess I don't appreciate what they appreciate. They're just whoring the Steely Dan moniker for some quick bread and it's sad to see so many people blinded that they don't even care.

"For you who whine about setlists, I really, really suggest you stay away from any shows this year. It will only get worse. Next time you will hate them. Promise yourself not to go for at least 5 years. Then you'll MAYBE be able to enjoy the worlds greatest band in the way they and you deserve.
If they stop touring within those years, it will mean that you have already been to your last Steely Dan show, but what the heck... You can probably still brag about having been to more shows than most of us alltogether. So many you got tired of them. Because that's what you are. That's your own fault, not Steely Dan's."

Utterly ridiculous. As was said before, some of you will defend their every action, no matter what. It's not our fault that we keep being hit with the same rent-a-playlist over and over again. It's not our fault because we didn't even have a choice to begin with. Even those fan voting nights are an utter crock. That you refuse to recognize that is nothing short of astounding, but then some people simply don't care. You get what you bargain for.
------------------------------------------------------
HouDanFan, "I bet if the Eagles/Stones/M-Blues/etc opened a concert with a deeper cut the whole place would be looking each other going WTF is this? SD opens up their 2000 grammy tour with Boston Rag. I bet 90% of the people who attended these shows didn't even know the song. They could have opened with one of there hits but they choose a song that was not even on the charts. That takes balls. They spoiled some of you."

So what does that mean? That 90% of attendees aren't really fans after all?
------------------------------------------------------
whiners, "Michael - that is an excellent setlist, no doubt.

But the point is: from the bands perspective on the stage, they need an engaged audience to perform at their best. If that means playing the popular songs, that's what they're going to do. It's more fun to play the same song over and over and see a great reaction than to play a great but obscure song that makes the audience remember they need to pee."

Who's fault is it that people don't appreciate good music? Also, and I brought this up before, in what way did the inclusion of You Got The Bear and Your Gold Teeth harm the overall concert? The playlists ought to include at least 17-18 songs; there's no valid excuse why they can't allow for the inclusion of three or four different tunes.

"Where was it advertised this was going to be a diverse tour?
Maybe Steely Dan is playing cities that they know from past experience doesn't respond well to diversity."

Already answered that.

"Whining is not the same as having an opinion."

Oh please. Anytime somebody brings up something that they find disappointing, they're immediately labeled a whiner and a complainer.


Date: Wed, July 20, 2011, 07:06:49 ET
Posted by: SoulMonkey, Louisville

Dizzy
AJA
Black
19
YGT
Cow
TOOM
Green
Biz
Bodhi
Dirty
Home
Intros
Josie
Peg
School
Reelin'

E:
Kid
Tango

Walter commented that with Cincy being in such close proximity to Louisville that we should fear an asteroid strike and some mumbling about currency. Man, he was rambling, even more than usual. It must have been the heat. Donald mentioned that during the soundcheck that he thought he had "walked into the mouth of hell." It was brutally hot, and everything seemed to go in slow motion. Glad the almost capacity crowd was covered, because it poured for a while. It was a "hits only" crowd. When presented with YGT, it was like the air was sucked out of the place. They looked more confused than Jay Carney after the second question. Oh yeah, to the guy who kept yelling for Donald to play Ride My See-Saw, you kept me entertained, you dumb bastard. Only one month till the Ville! Shake it up guys, the sets are stale.


Date: Wed, July 20, 2011, 05:16:58 ET
Posted by: Purple Pig, Bay Area

So where is the setlist for the PNC Cincinnati show? Did anybody post it yet? Or maybe it doesn't matter anymore....


Date: Wed, July 20, 2011, 04:58:37 ET
Posted by: KD, asdf

I'm embarrassed as to how poorly that was written, but without contacts in and in a too-hot house that even central air can't conquer, I should have given that a read before posting. Ugh, terrible writing.


Date: Wed, July 20, 2011, 04:55:33 ET
Posted by: KD, asdf

Jazzassin,

I'm not complaining. I'm disappointed, but I also have to wonder how much it kills (without in-ear monitors making all the chatting go away) to play the unheralded bits to a chattering crowd. I'm listening to YGT on a popular video site right now, and morons around the bootlegger are chatting away, as if this wasn't the tightest that Steely Dan has ever -- EVER -- been. These El Lay fuckers don't even applaud the solos.

It just seems like every year Don and Walt make some hep cat, hipster comments to the press about the new and the blue, and it all disappears one fortnight into the tour.

This time around, regrettably, I had to give it a miss. I honestly would have paid 95 bucks (gas, a pretzel and a beer) for EMG or "The Bear" alone. Don and Walt decided not to stick it out. I can understand why they didn't, but I hope other fans understand why I had to pass.

I saw these guys four times in 2009 and I'm still paying for that largesse; and I've nary a regret. It was brilliant. To have these guys partying like it's 2007, or 2008, though? Too tough to take.

Not complaining, well aware, just passing this time around.

The first 20 years of my life were spent without a new Steely Dan album. I've enjoyed three LPs in the last eight years from this crew. Hopefully this is the last go-round before these Two decide that trad blues licks and vamping grooves (so much fun on their own, and all I play on my own) can't possibly top the high of nailing a perfect Dan-like amalgamation in a studio.


Date: Tues, July 19, 2011, 23:04:38 ET
Posted by: Jazzassin, should go to sleep for a few hours

Dean,
You're probably right about some songs being particulary well suited for live playing, an that those would be included anyway.

That said, I guess not many SD songs was originally written with "live-factor" in mind - they were always made in a studio for the stereo/Hi-Fi equipment and the ears of a listener who really pays attention. But some of them turned out to be particulary good live songs, as well.

I assume if they rehearsed the never played songs from 2VN & EMG with the band they have now, they could actually all be great live songs.
At least I can't imagine which wouldn't be. But I don't demand a traditional rock circus when I go to see SD.

That's why I really loved your idea about a live in the studio - DVD!
100 dedicated fans as an audience.... Perfect SD format.

Hutch,
Thanks a lot. (",)


Date: Tues, July 19, 2011, 22:29:00 ET
Posted by: The Dea n, St. Augustine Beacb

Jazzassin,

An excellent post, with first-rate observations, as usual.

I think you are right about what Don and Walt would chose to play if audience wasn't a consideration, with this caveat:

I wouldn't be surprised if they played more of the 21st Century stuff, but I think they would continue to play the older songs that are great live tunes. IMO some of the newer stuff (as with some of the older stuff) probably isn't the greatest live material, at least in the eyes of Don and Walt. Of course I am just speculating here. But I think the boys like a certain vibe for their live tunes.

Don't get me wrong, I'd love to hear Almost Gothic. Negative Girl and/or Green Book live (to name just three), but somehow I don't think they are the kind of songs Don and Walt usually play live.

Just a thought.


Date: Tues, July 19, 2011, 22:27:43 ET
Posted by: Hutch,

Jazzassin - That was a great post. Insightful. Right on the mark.

Hutch


Date: Tues, July 19, 2011, 22:03:37 ET
Posted by: Nicholas Urfe, Phraxos

Jim - Please shut this repetetive claptrap down for a few days and just post the setlists from the actual shows. The trolls just keep repeating themselves, but now that they've been fed, their posts are getting longer.


Date: Tues, July 19, 2011, 21:59:41 ET
Posted by: The Dean, Planning my next move

Dan, it's nice to hear some comments about the opening act. Thanks.


El Sup, to eliminate that 1/4 potty break annoyance you might try one of these"

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stadium_buddy

What the hell, pair it with one of these:

http://www.camelbak.com/

A version of throughput, perhaps?

:#)


Date: Tues, July 19, 2011, 21:58:15 ET
Posted by: Jazzassin, Krager�, Norway, planet Dan

"Either you agree with everything Steely Dan does or you agree with everything Steely Dan does."

Eeh... well, it's a FAN forum after all, isn't it?

I don't say we're not entitled to an opinion on setlists at all, but it's just opinions, and as we all know they're like assholes: Everybody's got one.

My point being we can always protest against the sun rising in the morning, or aging, or whatever it is that we don't like, but can't influence. But it won't change anything.

Don & Walt will do what they do for every other reason than what's hot and what's not on the Bluebook. It could've been otherwise, but:

After making 7 albums in a 8 year period, and then 2 more in a 3 year period - 20 years after the first creative period, I think that if they ever looked this way to check what we self-proclaimed diehard fans would like to hear, they'd be surprised and even a bit disappointed by the fact that we generally want to hear the seventies stuff + some rarities + a small handful of the more recent songs.

I don't think those wishes are THAT far from the wishes of the not-so-diehard crowd that they get spanked for pleasing... ;)
The whole catalog IS limited, and the differences between the crowds demands and the average Bluebooker-setlist isn't exactly overwhelming.

What would they like to play if money didn't matter at all?
I don't know for sure of course, but a reasonably qualified guess would be: The songs from 2VN and EMG + some older personal favorites that they're particulary satisfied with and proud of.
I'm sure they would love the so called diehard fans to follow them on their musical journey - after all they've come quite a long way since CBAT musicwise, and all serious artists are personally most into their latest stuff, often having laid the past behind them, and not wanting to look back too much.
Quite a few great artists don't stand to hear anything from their own old records at all. It's always the new stuff that they really feel strongly for, and wish to share.
"That was then and this is now", if you get my point.

Besides, playing new material until recently used to be a way of making people aware of the newest records.

But no, not even here is it too much enthusiasm about the recent material except for some few chosen favorites...
And it can't be because those songs aren't up to their standards, because they are - 100%.
Even Donald himself calls EMG "a bit under-appreciated".

If diehard fans collectively insisted that they play mostly songs from the newest albums, and that we gladly would refrain from demanding they play Babylon S. or My Old School for the thousand time, I'm pretty sure they would have loved that kind of real interest in what they have been cooking up for us in the near past, and our ability to stay open-minded to new music instad of clinging to our own memories of days gone by.
Their answer would still be "no, that's not possible" of course. "You guys are simply too few, and we HAVE to play the songs that the average crowd knows to fill up every seat".

But the fact that not even diehard fans seems to care more for the "new" stuff than does the crowd, must be a bit of a disappointment, and probably makes them feel more like a pathetic retro act than they're comfortable with.
Of course it's essential that the audience responds in a positive way, and as someone said earlier - that's when it's FUN to play live. Only it gets a bit schizoid when what really gets a crowd wild - diehard fans included, is mostly the seventies stuff that the artists themselves probably was more or less finished with 20-30 years ago...

So, in that context, they may as well just put together the setlists that will ensure that the economic side of the circus is well taken care of. Money was indeed never their main motivation when they started. Music was. But the train can't be stopped, and the day that THEY will have to pay for OUR beers instead of the opposite, that will be the day they retire.
As Hoops said, their old business of selling records is no longer an option for a survival strategy.

So what do they do to not bore themselves or their most loyal fans?
They re-arrange songs and they vary the setlists as best they can without compromising on the economical side of it. And the advertise special setlists nights.
But I guess if they had had the slightest idea that some fans would actually take the whole thing so bloody serious as to get angry with them because it isn't even more rarities and variation in the setlists from day one on the tour, they wouldn't have bothered to even try to meet our expectations, but rather concluded that they don't really have a musically curious, but loyal fanbase after all, and that all that counted was the bottom line.

When I hear re-arranged versions of the songs I love so much, I always get very excited, and even little details like the one I mentioned a few days ago (Freddie's low F on "found" in "Home At Last") appears to be extremely interesting to my ears. No eye-rolling, just pure musical pleasure for me.
They say they hope their fans are more or less like themselves, and will appreciate what they appreciate. I sure do, at least.

Such details should never be under-appreciated. If people don't get a kick out of them, they can't possibly be that into the pure musical aspects of what SD is all about. Quoting Hoops again; the devil is in the details. (Or was that Gabe? :D)
There is nothing like SD out there, has never been and will never be.
They're a proof of miracle's existance, and we should be utmost grateful for all their fantastic music.

If anyone starts to take anything like that for granted, and gets bored with this years setlists, it only proves that to much of a good thing is still to much of a good thing, and that those folks have probably been to more shows than was healthy for their judgement ability.
I listen to SD every day of my life, have been since '77, and haven't got bored with one song yet. But then again, I really appreciate both the subtle details and the whole of a song. How can you not? They're superior to every other "rock band" that ever existed!

If I could make up the setlist for one single show, it would be the full 2VN and EMG albums + Aja, but that won't happen.
So instead, I would be perfectly happy with any setlist if they came this way once more in my life. 2 shows in 34 years is not by any means enough for me. I'm still not sure I will not come over to see a couple of shows in NYC.

For you who whine about setlists, I really, really suggest you stay away from any shows this year. It will only get worse. Next time you will hate them. Promise yourself not to go for at least 5 years. Then you'll MAYBE be able to enjoy the worlds greatest band in the way they and you deserve.
If they stop touring within those years, it will mean that you have already been to your last Steely Dan show, but what the heck... You can probably still brag about having been to more shows than most of us alltogether. So many you got tired of them. Because that's what you are. That's your own fault, not Steely Dan's.

@HouDanFan:
When the started the 2000 show with Boston Rag, I went bananas. And what a way to start that song! The heaviest bass line imaginable from Mr. Barney... Oh, man, I was so happy. And so surprised. And didn't get the least bit spoilt, either :D


Date: Tues, July 19, 2011, 20:28:08 ET
Posted by: Dan Belcher, Louisville, KY

Made it to the PNC Pavilion 5 minutes before Deep Blue Organ Trio started. I-71 northbound was a mess thanks to construction and the trip took TWICE as long as I expected. But I made it! The opener was great. Played The Champ, Jesus Children of America, and Tell Me Something Good. Great way to start the show even if it's 784 degrees out here!


Date: Tues, July 19, 2011, 20:14:57 ET
Posted by: El Sup, Louisville, KY

Chip -

I was at that Toledo show in 2007. Interesting experience. If it were a mixed drink it would be made as follows:

1/4 Unique Setting
1/4 Rain
1/4 Horrible lines to the urinals
1/4 Great show

Dash of spice ( I ran into Pete and Shari at the show)

Serve in a chilled poncho.

Toledo Zoo show 2007.

That was as close as they came to Louisville that year so I had to make the trip.

Fun times,

El Sup


Date: Tues, July 19, 2011, 19:52:25 ET
Posted by: HouDanFan, Houston

I bet if the Eagles/Stones/M-Blues/etc opened a concert with a deeper cut the whole place would be looking each other going WTF is this? SD opens up their 2000 grammy tour with Boston Rag. I bet 90% of the people who attended these shows didn't even know the song. They could have opened with one of there hits but they choose a song that was not even on the charts. That takes balls. They spoiled some of you.


Date: Tues, July 19, 2011, 19:22:13 ET
Posted by: walter on stage,

What's the deal with Walter in the latest videos?
Looks like he's being held up by his belt loops and his feet are dangling. Someone should get him a proper guitarists chair, you know, like the one Robert Fripp uses.


Date: Tues, July 19, 2011, 19:15:12 ET
Posted by: steelydoc, near the Tower

Ray:

you are the one who said you didn't want to meet up in NYC, giving what I thought was a LAME excuse. Plenty of time after the show, kiddo. New York is open all night.

And, you're going back to your old comments about how my license plates are stupid...I don't care what you think. I happen to know that several band members and lighting directors and sound mixers happen to like them. So, I don't give a shit about your lame opinion. I guess you're jealous because Walter Becker never stopped the band introductions and pointed YOU out in the audience during a Steely show!!!!!

I'm just saying, Scott, if you don't like the setlists, don't go to the show. You whine too much. You take the joy out of the Bluebook for many, like that NY Bill scrotebag did.

You and I had our differences years ago, and I thought we patched things up. Guess not. Your loss. I have defended you on many occasions here, but I guess you forget that.

If you ever have the pleasure of meeting Lonnie, you would agree that he's one hell of a nice guy, a true Kingpin in my eyes. He's a good friend and we share a common love of Steely Dan, along with many other friends whom I have met through the Blue.

ps if you're going to post your pseudo-intellectual bullshit, learn how to spell.

May I block your vision on Rarities Night with all of my license plates. Then you can have something to bitch about!


Date: Tues, July 19, 2011, 19:11:40 ET
Posted by: whiners,

Michael - that is an excellent setlist, no doubt.

But the point is: from the bands perspective on the stage, they need an engaged audience to perform at their best. If that means playing the popular songs, that's what they're going to do. It's more fun to play the same song over and over and see a great reaction than to play a great but obscure song that makes the audience remember they need to pee.

Where was it advertised this was going to be a diverse tour?
Maybe Steely Dan is playing cities that they know from past experience doesn't respond well to diversity.

Whining is not the same as having an opinion.


Date: Tues, July 19, 2011, 19:06:06 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Sorry for the double-post; my original got truncated.

--------------------------------------------------------
@Hoops
--------------------------------------------------------

"Man...the whining is so bad, I can't even stand to read much of my own forum..."

Again with the ridicule. You're taking issue with fans who are vocal about their displeasure with the current setlists.

"I don't speak for them nor do I know anything remotely intimate about their private life and finances, but I'd say, they their old job--selling CDs--is on the rocks these days. Can you blame them for wanting to make a living?"

Again, not relevant to the subject. Nobody is debating that they shouldn't make a living doing what they love. The current setlist is the issue.

"Don't like it? Don't buy their product or move on and do something positive."

Your position on this matter is either accept what they're doing and support them or go away. Been there, done that. Sorry, I for one am not towing that line. They advertised this tour as if it were more diverse, thereby doing fans a service, you know, the ones who own all of their albums (not just 'A Decade of Steely Dan') and listen to songs beyond Reelin' In the Years and Josie. What are we given? Setlists comprised of 15 songs with little-to-no variety. Gee, that's just wonderful. But then, what can they do wrong? Apparently nothing. I've come to the realization that some people will defend everything Don & Walt do, no matter what. They could walk into a studio, fart into a mic and many of you would call it a masterpiece.

"You know what? Most attendees at a Steely Dan concert want to hear the stuff off of "Decade"--go look at my tweets from Indy ... Then it turned to potty time when they played what us hard core fans want to hear--people went for beers or started talking and the like during "Gold Teeth," "Night By Night," etc. What did I hear most among the exiting crowd? "I can't believe that didn't play Rikki or Do It Again!" Over and over again!"

So what? Is there a law that states that they MUST always pander to the generic radio-friendly crowd which only knows Steely Dan for their hits? And anyway, what are you doing defending those REAL whiners who just want to hear the same thing ad nausea? You defend them, yet whenever somebody wants to hear "deeper cuts" like Almost Gothic or whatever included somewhere within their paltry 15 song setlist, that person is cast as a complainer, a whiner who is "out to ruin it for the rest of us," right?

"But to say they are phoning it in because they are doing the same songs is totally wrong. If you are a true Steely Dan fan and have attended the show this year, you surely have noticed that these tracks--even the likes of "Hey 19" have new details, figures, twists, etc."

Because they added a new outro to Home At Last or whatever, that warrants the price of admission?

"If I grokking correctly, it seems "Shuffle Diplomacy" is an allusion to making everyone happy--playing the same-old hits that 98% want to hear again while also doing something to make hardcore fans and themselves happy by mixing up the set list and also twisting the songs themselves a bit. Personally, I'd call it "The Devil Is In The Details" tour because their attention to little details to spice it up a bit is really amazing. "

Yeah, really amazing that they added or altered one or two measures of music composition. *rolls eyes*

Here is a setlist which should be utilized but never will because, I guess, there's too much quality being put on display. And look at that -- there's even many "fan favorites" thrown in for good measure.

Black Cow
Kid Charlemagne
Any Major Dude Will Tell You
Green Earrings
FM
Almost Gothic
Reelin' In The Years
Through With Buzz
Hey Ninteen
The Second Arrangement
Peg
Josie
Lunch With Gina
Your Gold Teeth II
Bodhisattva
I Can't Write Home About You

*encore*
My Old School
Aja

Through With Buzz clocks in at less than two minutes, so it doesn't hurt to include it. There seems to be an unwritten rule that both Peg and Josie be included. Sure beats the crap out of the usual setlist, doesn't it? If attendees with unmusical ears want to get up and grab a beverage during great cuts like The Second Arrangement or Your Gold Teeth II, oh well -- their loss, not mine.

--------------------------------------------------------
@whiners
--------------------------------------------------------
"What is this advertising you speak of?"

As was said before, 'greatest hits & deeper cuts.' Note that there's an '&' included, as in "perform both hit songs AND some rare ones as well."

"Going through the motions??? Maybe they're not Mick Jagger, but they're older guys out on the road. It might be great work to have, but it's still takes a lot of energy to do. They have to make decisions for the overall crowd enjoyment, not for the few who want to hear something rare."

Then they shouldn't go touting deeper cuts. Just call it something like 'business as usual' which is more appropriate. All you're doing is excusing their current lack of variety. Why don't you explain to me why it's problematic to throw a few different tunes in and mix things up a bit? You're going to tell me that they cannot put on a good show unless they drudge up Josie, Kid Charlemagne and Do It Again?

"I agree it would be great if they played only rare songs, but reality always dictates what happens. I've also found that hearing the band live outweighs the contents of the setlist. Of course, I don't know what it's like to go to multiple shows each tour. Maybe it gets tediously boring. Maybe we should pool our resources and hire them to play a Bluebook-only request show, and tell them what to play, how to play it, and what guest artists they have to bring in."

I'm not saying that every show this tour ought to focus on rare songs; I'm saying that their current setlist leaves a lot to be desired and it wouldn't hurt to include a few different tunes, maybe one or two rarities. As it stands, this tour has been little more than a condensed 'greatest hits' package. The only exceptions were You Got The Bear and Your Gold Teeth, and even then they were scarcely performed. Ironic that this board went ecstatic when those songs were performed which, incidentally, didn't hurt the concert in any way, yet because I asked for a little variety, I'm in the wrong.

Either you agree with everything Steely Dan does or you agree with everything Steely Dan does. No other opinion matters around here.

--------------------------------------------------------
@HouDanFan
--------------------------------------------------------
No, I didn't miss your point. And I'm sorry but Peg isn't what I'd consider a "deeper cut."


Date: Tues, July 19, 2011, 19:03:49 ET
Posted by: Michael,

rocks these days. Can you blame them for wanting to make a living?"

Again, not relevant to the subject. Nobody is debating that they shouldn't make a living doing what they love. The current setlist is the issue.

"Don't like it? Don't buy their product or move on and do something positive."

Your position on this matter is either accept what they're doing and support them or go away. Been there, done that. Sorry, I for one am not towing that line. They advertised this tour as if it were more diverse, thereby doing fans a service, you know, the ones who own all of their albums (not just 'A Decade of Steely Dan') and listen to songs beyond Reelin' In the Years and Josie. What are we given? Setlists comprised of 15 songs with little-to-no variety. Gee, that's just wonderful. But then, what can they do wrong? Apparently nothing. I've come to the realization that some people will defend everything Don & Walt do, no matter what. They could walk into a studio, fart into a mic and many of you would call it a masterpiece.

"You know what? Most attendees at a Steely Dan concert want to hear the stuff off of "Decade"--go look at my tweets from Indy ... Then it turned to potty time when they played what us hard core fans want to hear--people went for beers or started talking and the like during "Gold Teeth," "Night By Night," etc. What did I hear most among the exiting crowd? "I can't believe that didn't play Rikki or Do It Again!" Over and over again!"

So what? Is there a law that states that they MUST always pander to the generic radio-friendly crowd which only knows Steely Dan for their hits? And anyway, what are you doing defending those REAL whiners who just want to hear the same thing ad nausea? You defend them, yet whenever somebody wants to hear "deeper cuts" like Almost Gothic or whatever included somewhere within their paltry 15 song setlist, that person is cast as a complainer, a whiner who is "out to ruin it for the rest of us," right?

"But to say they are phoning it in because they are doing the same songs is totally wrong. If you are a true Steely Dan fan and have attended the show this year, you surely have noticed that these tracks--even the likes of "Hey 19" have new details, figures, twists, etc."

Because they added a new outro to Home At Last or whatever, that warrants the price of admission?

"If I grokking correctly, it seems "Shuffle Diplomacy" is an allusion to making everyone happy--playing the same-old hits that 98% want to hear again while also doing something to make hardcore fans and themselves happy by mixing up the set list and also twisting the songs themselves a bit. Personally, I'd call it "The Devil Is In The Details" tour because their attention to little details to spice it up a bit is really amazing. "

Yeah, really amazing that they added or altered one or two measures of music composition. *rolls eyes*

Here is a setlist which should be utilized but never will because, I guess, there's too much quality being put on display. And look at that -- there's even many "fan favorites" thrown in for good measure.

Black Cow
Kid Charlemagne
Any Major Dude Will Tell You
Green Earrings
FM
Almost Gothic
Reelin' In The Years
Through With Buzz
Hey Ninteen
The Second Arrangement
Peg
Josie
Lunch With Gina
Your Gold Teeth II
Bodhisattva
I Can't Write Home About You

*encore*
My Old School
Aja

Through With Buzz clocks in at less than two minutes, so it doesn't hurt to include it. There seems to be an unwritten rule that both Peg and Josie be included. Sure beats the crap out of the usual setlist, doesn't it? If attendees with unmusical ears want to get up and grab a beverage during great cuts like The Second Arrangement or Your Gold Teeth II, oh well -- their loss, not mine.

--------------------------------------------------------
@whiners
--------------------------------------------------------
"What is this advertising you speak of?"

As was said before, 'greatest hits & deeper cuts.' Note that there's an '&' included, as in "perform both hit songs AND some rare ones as well."

"Going through the motions??? Maybe they're not Mick Jagger, but they're older guys out on the road. It might be great work to have, but it's still takes a lot of energy to do. They have to make decisions for the overall crowd enjoyment, not for the few who want to hear something rare."

Then they shouldn't go touting deeper cuts. Just call it something like 'business as usual' which is more appropriate. All you're doing is excusing their current lack of variety. Why don't you explain to me why it's problematic to throw a few different tunes in and mix things up a bit? You're going to tell me that they cannot put on a good show unless they drudge up Josie, Kid Charlemagne and Do It Again?

"I agree it would be great if they played only rare songs, but reality always dictates what happens. I've also found that hearing the band live outweighs the contents of the setlist. Of course, I don't know what it's like to go to multiple shows each tour. Maybe it gets tediously boring. Maybe we should pool our resources and hire them to play a Bluebook-only request show, and tell them what to play, how to play it, and what guest artists they have to bring in."

I'm not saying that every show this tour ought to focus on rare songs; I'm saying that their current setlist leaves a lot to be desired and it wouldn't hurt to include a few different tunes, maybe one or two rarities. As it stands, this tour has been little more than a condensed 'greatest hits' package. The only exceptions were You Got The Bear and Your Gold Teeth, and even then they were scarcely performed. Ironic that this board went ecstatic when those songs were performed which, incidentally, didn't hurt the concert in any way, yet because I asked for a little variety, I'm in the wrong.

Either you agree with everything Steely Dan does or you agree with everything Steely Dan does. No other opinion matters around here.

--------------------------------------------------------
@HouDanFan
--------------------------------------------------------
No, I didn't miss your point. And I'm sorry but Peg is not what I'd consider a "deeper cut."


Date: Tues, July 19, 2011, 18:54:06 ET
Posted by: Chip, Cuyahoga Falls

Looking forward to The Toledo Zoo tomorrow evening went there in '07 a rather interesting and unique setting, it will be a "hot show".For the record, I have heard Bad Sneakers maybe twice in 18 years of touring.

Peace


Date: Tues, July 19, 2011, 18:26:43 ET
Posted by: Lurker Ray, Malibu

I love how some people think I would have to hide and post under some other name to defend myself from so many anon dweebs, losers and douches who often troll around here! Like Lurker Kurt who only posts to pile on between jerking off to his anime collection. And who doesn't even know that I don't own a mansion, I live near the water in a very small place, but I do own a convertible, it's a 1998 Volkswagen Cabriolet. Again, it's always after I am attacked or insulted by a variety of old moss that these pile on anons love to come out of the wood work. Like I have no life and only sit at my computer at night and post to the Blue. Well, I was out last night so I will take time out of my busy day and respond because I sadly will be out again tonight.

First off Deano & DB16,

I certainly don't have to explain myself to you two. But I will lastly say this. I only have talked about certain songs here. Period. And for instance when I asked why the Bear wasn't played after the Santa Barbara show, I was given a direct answer. As for the other songs, I simply asked if we might hear them over the two night stand at the Greek and what a joke the I thought the "voting" was. I was given again, very direct answers. Do I think many overplayed tunes are chum? Obviously, yes I do. As do many others here and their numbers are growing. Does that mean I don't like Steely Dan,
obviously, no. So I think they are chum, but when I see and hear about crowds running for beer or bathrooms during deep cuts, I can see why these shows lately are "chum bucket" set lists. We are in the minority here wanting deep cuts. But people are allowed an opinion. This is still America isn't it?

But rest assured there are still anons here like fuck face who think that the Fan Voting setlist, was accurate! Or even "real" for that matter. Fuck face "me" probably thinks Florida voting is accurate also. How could it even be accurate fuck face?! Anyone could vote for starters. The whole process is fake and tainted. It's a marketing joke. Just compare the setlist from the Greek Saturday Night to the last 4 nights! If you are such a big macher then post and show yourself and don't be an anon pussy loser who just like the others finds an easy pile on. "Me"? "Me" again? You are nobody. Nobody but a anon pussy loser.

Lonnie The Lynch Pin,

Again Lonnie, I simply shared some info never telling where I got my info, then I was attacked. There was no crying out, I was challenged and rather than crawl into their dung and hide, I explained my statements. As for the number of times you say you have heard Bad Sneakers, Chicago, LA, Phoenix, Tucson, San Diego, Mountain View, Boston - What years? So I missed Lucca 2007? Please accept my apology, I indeed did miss Lucca 2007. Let's just say for arguments sake that you are right about the other shows too. You still have proved my point. Donald has only sung Bad Sneakers a few times in 15 years. I'd love to see how many times Black Friday has been done live in the last 15 years versus Bad Sneakers. You obviously did not pay attention to hoop's iTune audit of most downloaded Steely Dan songs. Again Bad Sneakers is a CLEAR top vote getter. So yes Lonnie Donald Fagen clearly has a disdain, aversion, apprehension, dislike or what ever term you like, to playing Bad Sneakers live in the last 15 years. Do the math if you are able.

Anyone is free to listen to a soundcheck Lonnie. It's often quite fun and a chance to talk to other true & real fans also enjoying it. And the only thing that sucks around here is you and your cowardly pile on and blowhard posts every Steely Dan tour.

Steely Doc,

Et tu? Where in Lonnie's attack on me did he once say, "Let's all just enjoy the music"? He just attacked me an so did you in your cowardly pile on. Hoops said the other night that for sure they would play the Bear in Detroit and I posted why I thought it wasn't a nightly setlist song. That's all. Then I got challenged and or attacked and piled on. So if you are going to side with Lonnie and pile on and attack me too then you REALLY don't want to meet me in NYC. Lonnie IS the Kingpin? Please. He's as douchey as those license plates of yours that you carry into and hold up at every show you go to.

Young Wu,

"Date: Mon, July 18, 2011, 14:02:03 ET
Posted by: Lurker Ray, Malibu - Turned Out To Be Carmaheaven

Joey,

You just proved my point yourself.
Just how many times since the 1996
Art Crimes tour has Bad Sneakers
been played?

It was only played at a handful of
times and ONLY early on during the
2009 Rent Party Tour and then dropped.
It didn't even make it on to any
of the 2009 special setlist nights.

That's a few shows in 15 years Joey."

Why not take the time to read ALL of the posts young'in before you join in.

Looking forward to the reports from Cinci tonight. Could be a special night if members of Donald's family are in the crowd.

But then again only Donald's hair dresser or Lonnie would know for sure.










Date: Tues, July 19, 2011, 18:25:26 ET
Posted by: The Dean, Manatee Bar. It's Happy Hour!

Just wanted to add to what Hoops and peteb say about new twists on the same tunes. The clip posted earlier by Techincolor Motorhome:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6WJEHlhhh0

Yes, it's Black Friday but it isn't the Black Friday we know from the album of from most of the times I have seen them live. To simply discount this as "played Black Friday, as always" is missing the point, I think. Hey, I'd love to hear some different songs in the setlist but I think there have been surprises (tunes, arrangements, special guests, etc) at every Dan show I've attended.

You can complain about the setlist if you wish, but saying they are "going through the motions" is absurd, IMO. I was dragged to a Chicago concert last year (or was it in 2009?) and that was a band going through the motions. I have never felt that at a SD concert.

Whine if you want to. Most of us will simply enjoy.


Date: Tues, July 19, 2011, 18:20:30 ET
Posted by: HouDanFan, Houston

Michael�You missed my point but that�s cool. I mean let�s face it folks, Steely Dan only made 7 albums in the 70�s/80�s. That�s nothing compared to most of the successful bands of that day. Furthermore, I looked it up and 7 songs actually made some headway in the charts. So if they play a concert of 15 to 20 songs aren�t they playing mostly rarities? Just my observation, which I know won�t appease the critics. Plus, they definitely do not play the same set lists every tour. They do mix it up.


Date: Tues, July 19, 2011, 17:51:34 ET
Posted by: peteb, UK

Just picking up what Hoops said about the devil in the detail etc -

Whilst the songs are the same, the improvisations are definitely different - at least they were on the 07 tour when I saw several shows. And whilst, sure, a new album would be great, the whole SD vibe as they age gracefully is going towards jazz and away from the *comparatively* highly arranged effects of rock.

Now, I was brought up listening to Dixieland revival (my parents were part of that scene) and I can't count the number of times I heard "Sweet Georgia Brown" "Aint Misbehavin" etc etc, but they were only vehicles for the band, because it was the players themselves who everyone had come to see. It was a subtle thing, but it was the right thing to be looking out for and the fact that everyone (including the audience) knew the basic tune backwards was actually necessary for us all to get into the more subtle realms.

Just a thought.


Date: Tues, July 19, 2011, 17:11:14 ET
Posted by: Eric, Portland, OR

Yeah you know I've never understood the whining either. This is the 4th time I've seen Steely Dan (this past July 3rd, and 2000, 2003, and 2006). Also a Fagen solo show in 2006. I've never been disappointed. They have been my favorite group since 1978, and to be able to see them live this many years later is such a blessing. When I take into context the fact that there are many others, especially abroad that will never get to see them at all, it also makes me grateful that much more.


Date: Tues, July 19, 2011, 16:37:24 ET
Posted by: hoops, chicago, on the quick

Ok...maybe not so evident in the posts...


Date: Tues, July 19, 2011, 16:34:07 ET
Posted by: hoops, chicago, on the quick

Man...the whining is so bad, I can't even stand to read much of my own forum...that's why I've been working on a whole new forum that I hope (really!) to have up in the next week or two that's Wordpress based where, yeah, people will offer the accolades along with constructive criticism.

Yeah, the guys are touring because they need to make money and it's what they like to do best. Keeps their minds going. I don't speak for them nor do I know anything remotely intimate about their private life and finances, but I'd say, they their old job--selling CDs--is on the rocks these days. Can you blame them for wanting to make a living? They could stay home and sell insurance or something but....here they are. Don't like it? Don't buy their product or move on and do something positive.

You know what? Most attendees at a Steely Dan concert want to hear the stuff off of "Decade"--go look at my tweets from Indy ( http://www.twitter.com/DandomDOTcom ) What got people most excited? "Hey 19," "My Old School," "Josie". Then it turned to potty time when they played what us hard core fans want to hear--people went for beers or started talking and the like during "Gold Teeth," "Night By Night," etc. What did I hear most among the exiting crowd? "I can't believe that didn't play Rikki or Do It Again!" Over and over again!

But to say they are phoning it in because they are doing the same songs is totally wrong. If you are a true Steely Dan fan and have attended the show this year, you surely have noticed that these tracks--even the likes of "Hey 19" have new details, figures, twists, etc. If I grokking correctly, it seems "Shuffle Diplomacy" is an allusion to making everyone happy--playing the same-old hits that 98% want to hear again while also doing something to make hardcore fans and themselves happy by mixing up the set list and also twisting the songs themselves a bit. Personally, I'd call it "The Devil Is In The Details" tour because their attention to little details to spice it up a bit is really amazing.

Gotta run!

Jim

P.S. I read something about a Danfest for Cinci with Tommy Tomato? If you want a Danfest see http://www.Dandom.com/Danfests. In about 10 days, Keith and Janet put together a fan meet-up that went from 3 to 24 attendees and Indy hasn't even had a show in 18 years. Go see http://www.dandom.com/Danfests if you want to a Fan-meet-up or Danfest...explains it all. Just belching about it here on the Blue won't organize much at all. Last I saw, the Danfest lists had something like 12 people interested in a fan meetup.

Bests.

Jim


Date: Tues, July 19, 2011, 15:50:12 ET
Posted by: angel, LA

On a good note. One who disappeared a few weeks ago, is back again. Don't create conversation about it, but enjoy. :-)


Date: Tues, July 19, 2011, 15:44:05 ET
Posted by: whiners,

"they advertised this tour as being something it's not"
What is this advertising you speak of?

"Just go through the motions and watch the cash roll in"
Going through the motions??? Maybe they're not Mick Jagger, but they're older guys out on the road. It might be great work to have, but it's still takes a lot of energy to do. They have to make decisions for the overall crowd enjoyment, not for the few who want to hear something rare.

I agree it would be great if they played only rare songs, but reality always dictates what happens. I've also found that hearing the band live outweighs the contents of the setlist. Of course, I don't know what it's like to go to multiple shows each tour. Maybe it gets tediously boring. Maybe we should pool our resources and hire them to play a Bluebook-only request show, and tell them what to play, how to play it, and what guest artists they have to bring in.


Date: Tues, July 19, 2011, 15:26:05 ET
Posted by: ScottyA, Columbus

Anyone in Columbus looking for tickets to the show tonight? I can't make it and have 2 tickets PIT L Row J Seats 17-18. Email if interested.


Date: Tues, July 19, 2011, 14:50:37 ET
Posted by: Michael,

I'm Michael, not Lurker Ray. Sorry to disappoint you. (Have Hoops verify it fi you prefer.)

Like I said, if you're all gung ho about hearing the same 15 songs over and over again, hey, have a blast. However, not everybody shares that mindset, myself included.

It's not my problem that they advertised this tour as being something it's not. As was said before, that they're performing rarities at one show in one venue hardly qualifies for a diverse tour. A diverse show, yeah, that it is. But it's relegated to one show out of, what, 48?

Making some bread this tour with their generic 15 song setlist? Why not. After all, what do they care? Just go through the motions and watch the cash roll in.

Anybody who voices their opinion around here is labeled a complainer, a whiner. As usual. Criticize people for wanting a little more variety in a tour which is described as including "deeper cuts."

Why don't you just get it over with, be rid of all your SD albums and just purchase one of their greatest hits albums? After all, that's all you seem to want to hear.

HouDanFan, do you hear the contradiction in what you're saying? Steely Dan fans walking out of a Steely Dan concert because they decided to play Steely Dan tunes. The horror! In all seriousness, anybody who walks out of a concert altogether is clearly not a fan. As for 'increasing their fanbase,' that's presumptuous at best. I'm sure that over 99% of the people who show up at a SD concert know full and well who they're going out to see.


Date: Tues, July 19, 2011, 14:23:47 ET
Posted by: Michael/Lurker Ray,

Michael = Lurker Ray, defending himself.
Nice try.
It's not so much the message either, rather how it's delivered.


Date: Tues, July 19, 2011, 14:20:50 ET
Posted by: Young Wu, Buffalo

Yeah, the nerve of some people to have dissenting opinions and express them calmly on an internet forum dedicated to talk about these very topics. How awful.


Date: Tues, July 19, 2011, 13:11:25 ET
Posted by: angel, LA

Jeez, stop your whining. Really.

Over the decade I have been around the Steely Dan world, I have heard an incredible amount of their catalog and thank them so much for that.

The Moody Blues, I stopped going to their concerts in the mid 90's and have never returned, because I couldn't take that same set list every time (and I named my son after one of the performers).
This tour Steely Dan mixed it up, especially toward the end. That helps.
Have I been here too long, I remember when I would have died to hear the title cut from Aja. Now it is old and tired...seriously?

Some songs get played every time because Donald and Walter LIKE TO PLAY THEM! I have no problem with that, it's their show.

Otherwise, go out to a show and enjoy what only Steely Dan can give you.




BTW: Watched the latest Live From Daryl's House with Booker T and one of the comments was that the person would love to see Daryl with Steely Dan as guests. Yeah, I could get into that. lol


Date: Tues, July 19, 2011, 13:11:09 ET
Posted by: whiners,

What is it, maybe 10 people out of an audience of 5000 that want to hear unknown music? Or 10 Monday-morning quarterbacks here on the Blue?

Seems Donald and Walter get a direct audience reaction every night and know what the majority of people respond to, and will play those same tunes at the risk of pissing off the 10 people who want to hear something else. The band want to see excited faces, not the backs of people on their way for beer. It's no fun playing for the inattentive and non-cheering.

Why not look forward to the shows that specifically promise rare cuts? If they don't deliver there, then let them have it. But these same complaints about set-lists year after year by people who aren't required to make the sorts of bandstand decisions as Donald and Walter are boring.


Date: Tues, July 19, 2011, 12:58:40 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh

Did they advertise this whole tour as one with rarities and deep cuts? As far as I know, there's only one night where they've guaranteed that. And I'll be there.


Date: Tues, July 19, 2011, 12:15:13 ET
Posted by: HouDanFan, Houston

It's interesting how Bad Sneakers seems to be a song that a lot of people say they've never heard, yet it's been played a number of times. I have been to nine SD concerts and honestly only remember hearing it maybe once, although I'm sure it was played more. Oh well. I don't give a shit what they play. I still get a 13 piece band that brings it all to the table. If they came out and played St Louis Toodle Lo, Change of the Guard, Fire in the Hole and Only a Fool Would Say That, most of the concert hall would file out saying "what the hell is this shit". I was a big fan of SD in the 70's but really only knew there hits. When I went to my first live concert in 2000 I dug deeper into the catalog and within a few months had every album. And that's why they tour to build a customer base. They try to please the diehards to a degree, but lets face it, its about building their brand and making cash. They deserve ever bit of it too.


Date: Tues, July 19, 2011, 10:54:18 ET
Posted by: Michael,

So let me get this straight. They advertise their tour as being more diverse, i.e. mix greatest hits with deeper cuts (their terminology, not mine). When they fail to deliver and fans complain about it, people like you label us "whiners"? Really? Do you possess common sense? Are you able to look at a situation and assess it in a logical fashion? One venue doesn't qualify a whole tour as being more diverse.

You're satisfied with the complacency of their current setlist? Hey, bravo to you. But maybe not everybody is satisfied with every show being a greatest hits package. That's not what they advertised this tour as being. They have much more material than the same 15 or so songs that they bring to the table almost every night.


Date: Tues, July 19, 2011, 10:54:16 ET
Posted by: Young Wu, Buffalo

I was just looking at some of the early 2009 setlists before the full album shows really set in, and they aren't too damn bad. First they were all 17/18 Steely Dan tunes long, and they had a nice little variety in them:

Two Against Nature, Godwhacker, Here at the Western World, Pretzel Logic, Gaucho, Parker's Band, Deacon Blues, Sign in Stranger, Reelin' in the Years (first time in years), Bad Sneakers (despite what a certain infamous posters says), I Got the News, Daddy Don't Live in that New York City No More, Don't Take Me Alive.

This year, what do we have left? 15 songs. And the variety? Your Gold Teeth. That's it... and Night By Night if you're super lucky. I mean, they even dropped Everything Must Go. And I'm sorry, but we already have 3 Countdown to Ecstasy songs in the set. Would it kill them to play the vastly more popular Your Gold Teeth II? But that's just bitchin' for the sake of bitchin'.

I'm going Saturday. And for the first time ever, I'm not super pumped. I hate complaining about setlists like an asshole... I just wish they didn't make it so easy.
-------------------------------------

I'm also seeing U2 and Paul McCartney this summer. All the U2 die hards are pissed because out of 24 songs a night, less than 10 are new or "deep cuts". And the McCartney fans are pissed that he only added 6 new songs to a nightly setlist of 37 friggen tunes. Some people don't know just how lucky they are.


Date: Tues, July 19, 2011, 10:46:44 ET
Posted by: Nicholas Urfe, Phraxos

They aren't going to change the setlist bacause of any bellyaching on the Blue. Why rain on the parade of everyone who is trying to look forward to a show by constantly carping, bellyaching, and pecker-measuring? At least consider making a point one time and then consider it made (we read it, we heard you), rather than recycling it after every setlist that one deems unsatisfactory.


Date: Tues, July 19, 2011, 10:41:41 ET
Posted by: FF, X

Michael,

It happens every tour that someone comes on here and makes the types of complaints you do. It's as tiresome as you find the setlist to be.

There aren't too many acts out there who would forgo signature songs on par with Rikki and Do It Again. It could be a lot "worse."


Date: Tues, July 19, 2011, 10:22:54 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Sounds to me like you're trying to excuse their lack of imagination and variety. Nobody is asking of them that they quit music -- that's absurd. They advertised this tour as something different; so far it's been by-and-large the same thing. THAT'S the issue. Some of you try to make villains out of people. For what? Asking for more song variety? Oooh, big crime.


Date: Tues, July 19, 2011, 10:14:33 ET
Posted by: DYLYNFAN, HARRISBURG PA

RAJAH, the ultimate wordsmith!!! Miss him dearly!!! Great to
party with, the ultimate iconaclast!!!


Date: Tues, July 19, 2011, 10:07:54 ET
Posted by: Copy, & Paste

As Rajah typed in 2007....


Mr. Steely Dan back in the day was a dark, dangerous and solitary young man with no steady girl and a penchant for fucking up. Constantly searching for a new high only to come crashing back to earth into a heep of doo-doo. He lived in the shadows, cavorted with unsavory people, kept secret sorrows. And the fact they didn't tour back then made this guy even scarier. His creators, who were they, what demonic brew did they conjure up in those dark and musty old studios? I still like to think of Don as Dr. Frankenstein and Walt as Igor. The former inserting a bolt into the monster's neck while the latter searches the lab for a brain marked Abbie Normal. And the monster they created? You know who...

That Dan is no more.

Over, they now wheel Dan around the produce aisle, up and down elevators, they take him to the Toledo Zoo and desert casinos, they show up and receive awards and make acceptance speeches. They guest host smooth jazz radio shows. They're big stars. Steely Dan's name is bandied about in movies, he endures getting poked fun at by a younger generation who has made him poster boy for antiquated art-rock, more like old fart-rock that all sounds the same and goes nowhere. There goes another song with the mu chords.

Then there's that Bluebook, all those geeks alternately praising and criticizing every move. Yeah, those whiners are a total pain in the ass but, dagnabbit, when they drag themselves out to an Indian Casino in the middle of nowhere, more like the edge of nowhere, in January or the umpteenth remaster comes out they are all over it. Ka-ching, gotta love that. They even still have Stage Door Betties, a tad older but not unappealing.

Life, in short, is good these days for our hero. The days of Recluse Dan are over, the Lone Ranger and Zorro have pulled off their mask to reveal two lunchpail middle aged guys with potbellies and sagging shoulders who are good enough and lucky enough to have this enduring success.

A 10th Steely Dan record in the far-flung future, why not? More touring, why not? Pack it all in, join a quilting circle, keep bees in Sussex as Sherlock Holmes once threatened, go gently into that goodnight and what, give up show biz? Now what would be the point of that? Plus they did that already. It didn't work out.


Date: Tues, July 19, 2011, 09:49:05 ET
Posted by: Michael,

It's funny because one of the main allures of the jazz scene back in Don and Walt's youth was how they clashed with popular culture. They were unconventional risk-takers who dared to venture into new territories, and this trait was, I'll assume, very noticeable and appealing to Don & Walt. The "vanilla pop" which became a staple of the airwaves felt fake, unintelligent and manufactured.

Now, we look at Steely Dan today. They retread the same setlist over and over again, while maybe throwing the more enthused SD fan a bone or two every once in awhile (You Got The Bear or Your Gold Teeth, take your pick). It's sad to see the boys conform to popular trend. They have such an amazing back catalog of music which they've worked tirelessly to produce yet is relegated to the backseat because songs like Aja and Kid Charlemagne just HAVE to be included.

Regardless whether guys like Lurker Ray at times act pompous or arumentative, the fact remains that a lot of people want a little more variety injected into the setlist. Yeah, I know, it's a crime to ask for such a thing, right? If they added Any Major Dude, Bad Sneakers and Kulee Baba into their next setlist, what damage would that cause? What, are they incapable of such a lofty feat? Deeper cuts... where?


Date: Tues, July 19, 2011, 09:24:46 ET
Posted by: DYLNFAN, HARRISBURG PA

I have to defend LURKER RAY not that he needs it, he is a BIG boy!!!
But at least he is bringing something to the table (ie the blue)
I long for the days when there were 50 something post every day!!!
And I think the snark and arguing are both funny and entertaining!!
Dont believe me , just look back thru the old archives for some
all-time classics THE DEAN V RAJAH also known as the THRILLA IN
MANILLA just to name one!!Have at it people, it sure beats the hell
out of 6 post every week!!!


Date: Tues, July 19, 2011, 09:03:12 ET
Posted by: Michael,

The people who complain about the current tour's clich� setlist do have the right to express their views and concerns. For months SD has been touting "deeper cuts" as an allusion to songs which are rarely played, if at all. Saying that it all boils down to Don and Walt's decision is just stating the obvious. The point is that this tour's setlist has been for the most part the same as previous tours, and this "more of the same" atmosphere is what some fans find disappointing. Fan camraderie is good and all but surely people aren't paying top dollar just to go BS with a bunch of SD heads.

There is also the reverse argument that says "Nobody is forcing you to attend," which is certainly true. But it doesn't help SD's cause that they're acting like the typical 'golden oldies' band, satiating nostalgic fans who just want to hear Peg and Black Friday for the thousandth time, then take their paychecks and ride off into the sunset. Consider all of the (great) material they don't play: Any Major Dude, Here At The Western World, Almost Gothic, The Second Arrangement, Don't Take Me Alive, Only A Fool Would Say That, Throw Back The Little Ones, The Caves Of Altamira, etc. etc. I'm aware that the Beacon shows will include most of the material, and that's all well and good, but that's one venue out of how many? If people are getting up to go to the bathroom or concession stand whenever SD performs a tune they're not familiar with, what kind of fans are they? There's more to Steely Dan than Josie and Reelin' In The Years ...a LOT more.


Date: Tues, July 19, 2011, 06:31:02 ET
Posted by: steelydoc, near the Tower

Lonnie is right. Let's just enjoy the music.

If you don't enjoy the music, then you met out on a damn good thing...Lonnie IS the KINGPIN!!!!!

SD
Steely Doc


Date: Tues, July 19, 2011, 02:04:22 ET
Posted by: me again, ..

Lonnie ---well put my friend. Exactly right.. thanks!
me


Date: Tues, July 19, 2011, 00:52:48 ET
Posted by: Lonnie THE Kingpin, Here, there . . . everywhere!

LURKER RAY ~

It seems you need attention in this forum. Not sure why, but that is for you to figure out.

I have been on this forum for a very long time and there are many other like me who just love the music, love the camaraderie amongst fans of this great music, who like each other and who see each other out there at various venues. That is what it is all about for me. There are many of us who have links to the inside and who have great stories to share. We tend to keep those privately shared moments to ourselves or we share them with discretion. You seem to cry out -- look at me! It is annoying, to say the least.

For the record, you are SO WRONG about the Dan not playing Bad Sneakers often. I have heard it at numerous shows beyond the years that you mentioned. I have heard it in Chicago, LA, Phoenix, Tucson, San Diego, Mountain View, Boston and I also heard it when I was at the amazing show in July 2007 in Lucca, Italy. You can you tube that one and see it. It is also on my camcorder at my home. Being a fountain of misinformation and b.s. is NOT cool.

I hope Freddie, Jon Pollak and others on the tour can survive without having you sucking around on a daily basis and listening in on soundchecks.

L T K


Date: Mon, July 18, 2011, 23:55:14 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine Beach

Tech-Mo,

Very hip version of Black Friday.

Thanks.


Date: Mon, July 18, 2011, 23:18:02 ET
Posted by: Hutch,

After the recent posts I think I've finally figured it out.
Lurker Ray is actually Charlie Sheen!!


Date: Mon, July 18, 2011, 23:17:47 ET
Posted by: Techincolor Motorhome, Southern U S

If you booked your room when tickets when on sale for Winstar, the rooms were still 99.00 a night.

Anyway - found recently on youtube...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6WJEHlhhh0

The "Pretzel Logic" style version of Black Friday.

I liked it. (would have enjoyed hearing "godwacker" live and maybe something from 2-against as well) But I thought the show was great.


Date: Mon, July 18, 2011, 22:28:45 ET
Posted by: Dan Belcher, Louisville, KY

Well, I haven't heard from anyone except Tommy Tomato who's going to the Cincinnati show tomorrow night. Anyone else who's going, if you want to get together before the show at the wine tasting deal incuded in your ticket, just drop me an e-mail. Or you might just see me. I'll wear a phenomenally bright yellow golf shirt and khakis so I'm something of a standout in the crowd.


Date: Mon, July 18, 2011, 21:38:10 ET
Posted by: Bob's, Your Uncle

Speaking of "Lights" and "Setlists"
I was at the Thackerville show and must say I was very disappointed to not hear "you got the bear". I'm assuming they simply played it early in the tour to make sure it worked before the rarities night. (Donald did say thanks for coming - we're gonna play some rare gems. - not)
I love Steely Dan more than the next guy, just ask my friends who are sick of hearing about it. But, there are still so many casual fans who have not seen their live shows and they seemed pleased. In fact some of the tunes that are extremely commonplace to us seemed to be over their heads as well. I've seen only 8 shows but still get thrilled when I attend. The set list is always the same. The biggest thrill was the 93 show when they first got back together and the Donald Fagen band show in Vegas. Other than that, good songs but same songs.
Regarding the lighting design; There were several moments in the show at Thackerville I liked the lights, when Walter spoke his hilarious dialogue during Hey 19, and when the horns were highlighted. These moments were blue curtain behind and white light on the subject. Other than that, I thought the fog in the yellow and reds appeared as muddy.
The lights just were not crispy to me.
Round trip air from Lubbock texas to Dallas? 175.00
Rent car from Dallas to Thackerville okla.? 100.00
Hotel room after show? 139.00
Gambling losses? 82.50
Steely Dan live? would have been priceless to hear the Bear,...


Date: Mon, July 18, 2011, 19:44:19 ET
Posted by: forget about it, fuckface central

Ray is exceeding his own incredibly high standards for first class douchnozzle. Anybody who ever-more0urgently pulls out the "I had long conversations with deep insiders" has just written his own mighty obit. There are a dozen reasons why that's so...but I won't give him the false pleasure of yet another conversation with a deep insider...yeah, which I am, bud. Oh, that's right, if I gave you my name you'd have some argument for why I'm not an insider! And that, my friends, would be a glorious sight. Man....you are just to sharp for us!

A few days back, I was going to write a response to his absurd 'vote setlist" pronouncements, as it was a topic that had objective data to which his demented blatherings could be compared. Did you have the vote tallies Ray? Did you see them? Know were they came from? Know how they were used? Oh....that's right....if you knew any of that, you'll discount the validity of the voting methodology! Man...you are just too sharp for us!!!.

I don't know what happened to him this last 12 months, friends, but, hey, everybody should aspire once in a lifetime to the title of king needledick.

This guy is not even worth the skin cells spent to squish him under thumb.


kisses!!

me


Date: Mon, July 18, 2011, 19:25:14 ET
Posted by: Lurker Kurt, Lurker Ray's Mommy's basement

I think they when the soundman tells the lighting guy who then tells Freddie that Lurker Ray is in the audience is when they change the setlist.
They take out Bad Sneakers, Dr. Wu, Gina.
In turn he can jack off, tell others what a genius he is and shit in their cornflakes here.
It's a win win!
Except this board used to be fun before this condescending psycho started typing down to us poor people from his Malibu mansion high above the cliffs with his convertible out front.
Or whatevah...


Date: Mon, July 18, 2011, 19:22:36 ET
Posted by: The Dean, Manatee Bar. God knows the service could be better.

"As I recall you have not even been to show since 2009..."

You are correct, Ray. Which means I have not been to a show on this tour, yet. Steely Dan did not tour in 2010. But I really have no idea how that relates to this issue.

As for assumptions, I make few. I presented a short list of possibilities, all plausible, for why any particular song might not be in the playlist.

I'm a bit curious about one thing, though. How did Freddie, the lighting designer and soundman react when you told them why Donald chooses not to play certain songs? Also, I take it you let them know you refer to most of the playlist of fine Steely Dan tunes as "chum".


Date: Mon, July 18, 2011, 17:38:57 ET
Posted by: DeaconBlues16,

Well if the lighting designer, the soundman, and Freddie Washington specifically said as part of a lengthy conversation, "Steely Dan does not include Bad Sneakers as part of their setlist because Donald Fagen, who we all know extremely well and discusses these things with us on a daily basis, simply and obviously HATES playing Bad Sneakers live... and that's all there is to it," then why didn't you just tell us that in the first place?

And if you had the ear of these highly influential people for a lengthy period of time, did you happen to ask them why approximately 50-60 other songs from the official Steely Dan catalogue (not including solo albums or "bootleg" recordings) aren't played very often, or is it plainly obvious that Donald Fagen hates playing those songs too?


Date: Mon, July 18, 2011, 17:05:04 ET
Posted by: Lurker Ray, Malibu

Deano,

As I recall you have not even
been to show since 2009, not
to mention you have not had the
good fortune to have lenghty
conversations with this year's
lighting designer, soundman or
even Freddie Washington for that
matter, about many things including
Steely Dan songs and why we don't
hear them that often.

So yes, it would be a bit naive
and more than a bit arrogant for
you or DB16 to assume anything.


Date: Mon, July 18, 2011, 16:54:21 ET
Posted by: Shaggy, PA

That stinks! Just look at the recent setlists. The tour started started off really strong in Seattle with a diverse and surprising set. But now they are back doing the same predictable songs we always hear.


Date: Mon, July 18, 2011, 16:09:24 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine Beach. Heading to Happy Hour

I think it's a good possibility that a song isn't played because Donald hates playing (or singing) it. But clearly that isn't the ONLY possibility (as DeaconBlues notes). Many of us (including myself at times) simply assume Donald makes all these decisions. But I would imagine Walter has some say as well. He may not be crazy about playing a particular tune.

It is also possible Don or Walt (or both) notice fans taking potty breaks, lack of enthusiasm, etc on certain songs and decide to nix them from the playlist. Also it's possible they just don't like what they hear (on stage or from the soundboard recordings) on certain tunes. Remember these are guys who have a pretty long history of idiosyncratic behavior and demanding things be played a particular way.

They may not use 10 drummers to get one take anymore, but I imagine they remain quite fussy about what they want to hear. Maybe Don/Walt don't like the way Keith/Jon/Freddie plays a particular tune. That's not taking anything away from these players, they are all exceptional. But we know many very fine players have found their contributions on the cutting room floor in the past.

One more thing to consider is the boys may feel a particular song breaks the rhythm/flow of the concert and they can't find a place they like for it in the playlist. One of the reasons the playlist tends to settle in might be they simply are convinced that playlist has the best flow for the concert.

The point here is it is a bit naive (and more than a bit arrogant) to assume we know the reason why a song isn't played, or has been eliminated from the playlist. Unless they specifically cop to a particular reason for not playing any particular song (as Don did with regard to Dr. Wu) all we can do is speculate.


Date: Mon, July 18, 2011, 14:50:04 ET
Posted by: DeaconBlues16,

I guess any song that isn't played very often means that Donald hates playing it. There surely aren't any other reasons why a certain song may be excluded from a setlist on a certain night.


Date: Mon, July 18, 2011, 14:02:03 ET
Posted by: Lurker Ray, Malibu - Turned Out To Be Carmaheaven

Joey,

You just proved my point yourself.
Just how many times since the 1996
Art Crimes tour has Bad Sneakers
been played?

It was only played at a handful of
times and ONLY early on during the
2009 Rent Party Tour and then dropped.
It didn't even make it on to any
of the 2009 special setlist nights.

That's a few shows in 15 years Joey.

So yes Donald obviously HATES
playing Bad Sneakers. Period.
You can also add Rikki & Any
Major Dude to that list also.

Obviously you didn't even pay
attention to hoop's audit of the most
popular Steely Dan iTunes downloads.
Bad Sneakers is a clear fan favorite.

And yes Joey, without LA there would
not be a Steely Dan. They moved to
LA, started a band, had to pick a name
and Steely Dan was born. Period.
But I do agree that with their talent
they probably would have surfaced in
some sort of song writng conglomerate.

But it would not have been Steely Dan.


Date: Mon, July 18, 2011, 13:10:39 ET
Posted by: Young Wu,

Perhaps I should clarify... 15 Steely Dan songs... and then take the money and run.


Date: Mon, July 18, 2011, 12:13:26 ET
Posted by: Young Wu, Buffalo

Come on, Bob... don't be ridiculous... 16 songs?
It's 15 songs and cash the check.


Date: Mon, July 18, 2011, 10:41:49 ET
Posted by: bob, anytown usa

come on lets be honest, this is a cookie cutter setlist

play 16 songs and cash the check.

sadly disappointed :(


Date: Mon, July 18, 2011, 09:56:25 ET
Posted by: Technicolor Motorhome, Southern U S

To anybody who had concerns about casino shows...the show at Winstar was great. Very good enthusiastic sold out crowd. SD played superbly. The hotel was good - who wanted to drive back 90 or 120 minutes back to DFW after this show instead of hanging out in the world's 5th biggest casino and then going upstairs to a not bad hotel room??? Places they are going to play outside such as Atlanta and Nashville this summer not only can have crushing heat waves, they also get thunderstorms with lightning, hailstorms, tornadoes, etc.


Date: Mon, July 18, 2011, 09:46:04 ET
Posted by: DYLYNFAN, HARRISBURG PA

Daniel the whole quote is something to the effect of even bad pizza
and bad sex is still pretty damn good!!!Which I think you are dead-on
about concerning any Steely Dan show.Could someone please update
the songs Steely Dan has never played live??? No solo efforts please!
The list is dwindling!!!


Date: Mon, July 18, 2011, 07:07:48 ET
Posted by: ghia girl, NJ

Is there any plans for a Danfest in Canandaigua, NY on Saturday or for the Tanglewood show? I am coming from NJ, so I am not familiar with places to meet.


Date: Sun, July 17, 2011, 23:16:21 ET
Posted by: Joey, New York City

Lurker Ray- What makes you think that DF doesn't like to sing Bad Sneakers? Take a look back at the set lists from all the previous tours from 1993 on He's played that classic a ton!


Date: Sun, July 17, 2011, 22:13:00 ET
Posted by: Swan, LA

I'm really sick of hearing Black Friday. But somehow they always manage to slide it back in the setlist for each tour.


Date: Sun, July 17, 2011, 16:53:29 ET
Posted by: Small Change,

Oleander - It's YGT not YGT 2 this tour.:)


Date: Sun, July 17, 2011, 16:14:03 ET
Posted by: Lurker Ray, Malibu - 405 Open Early

Thanks for the report from Detroit.

I think The Bear is just like
Bad Sneakers & Dr Wu -

Donald hates playing them.

Bob,

I thought Green Earings was one of
stronger songs in Santa Barbara.


Date: Sun, July 17, 2011, 10:49:51 ET
Posted by: Bob, ABC

Watching Christianne Amanpour on ABC This Week right now.

I think she's trying to send a subliminal message that Donald & Walter need to add Green Earrings to the setlist.


Date: Sun, July 17, 2011, 09:23:40 ET
Posted by: Young Wu, Buffalo

Haha, now it's just funny... I mean the shows are shorter from this past weekend then when they were playing casinos earlier in the tour!


Date: Sun, July 17, 2011, 07:58:11 ET
Posted by: Daniel, Steel

Of course we know SD is like pizza - "even when it's bad..." or left over the next morning for breakfast.

But imagine, just for a moment, if the Apple company evolved its productive output on a par with SD's recordings or performances of late.


Date: Sun, July 17, 2011, 00:18:26 ET
Posted by: h, C

O!

THX!

----h�


Date: Sat, July 16, 2011, 23:26:13 ET
Posted by: oleander, motown

From the fabulous Fox Theatre:

Intro by band as previously noted
Aja
Black Fri
Hey 19
YGT 2
Night By Night
Time Out of Mind (Mr. Becker trading fours with Mr. Fagen)
Show Biz Kids
Bodhisattva (which, BTW, Fox Noise played a clip of this morning. Random!)
Dirty Work
Home At Last
Bro loves the neighbor's daughter interlude w/ recessionary band intros by Mr. Becker
Josie
Peg
My Old School
Reelin'
Encore: Kid C

As the Permasqueeze noted, an upbeat evening. The band was hotso!

I must say: if there were anyplace on the planet where that song about the bear would have been more appropriate, more poignant, or more summative than Detroit, I would be unable to name it. Sadly, it was not to be.


Date: Sat, July 16, 2011, 21:15:00 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu, with Doctor Who


Set list settling in until the fun times of September. The 17th and 23rd look particularly exciting.


Date: Sat, July 16, 2011, 16:41:45 ET
Posted by: Lurker Ray, Malibu - Waiting Out The So Called Carmegeddon

Thanks to all for the Indy reports.

Looks like the "surprises" have
perhaps plateaued.


Date: Sat, July 16, 2011, 13:48:24 ET
Posted by: Dan Belcher, Louisville, KY

Kid Clean, are you coming to the Louisville and/or Cincy shows?


Date: Sat, July 16, 2011, 12:00:37 ET
Posted by: Kid Clean, New Albany, IN (currently)

1st of 5 shows last night in Indy. Awesome. Band sounded great and the crowd was joyously boisterous. A ton of energy on both sides of the stage. What a treat to hear YGT. Thought we might not get it after they opened with Aja. Thanks to Keith & Janet for picking a great venue for the pre-show wing ding. Great to see Hoops, Joe, Lee and meet some new friends. The Power of Steely Dan!

KC


Date: Sat, July 16, 2011, 10:27:37 ET
Posted by: hoops, on the quick...i'm late...

BTW:

Thanks in advance about the spam issues being back. I won't be able to fix this in a timely fashion until tomorrow. So please be patient and thank you.

Jim


Date: Sat, July 16, 2011, 09:20:24 ET
Posted by: Jazzassin, 4 little interview clips...

...on msg.com:

http://www.msg.com/events/steely-dan

@Michael:
That sounds like Beacon Blues.


Date: Sat, July 16, 2011, 09:20:15 ET
Posted by: hoops, waking up after Indy

Great Show last night. They played really tight. The Danfest was as great, if not better--thanks Keith and Janet!

Here's the set list in case you couldn't follow the tweets.
The SD segment of the Show started at 8:22 pm local time and the band left the stage at 10:23 pm.

- Dizzy's Bidness -- each member of the horn section rotated through a couple of rounds with a solo at the edge of the stage.
- Aja
- Black Friday
- Hey Nineteen - Crowd went nuts for this; Walter started his hilarious rant introducing a poem about a "Country Dance" that quickly devolved into reminiscences about an S & M den in a large closet at the back of Walter's dorm room in college.
- Your Gold Teeth (from "Countdown to Ecstasy") -- A lot of potty runs.
- Night by Night -- more potty and beer runs.
- Time Out Of Mind -- crowd went nuts for this.
- Show Biz Kids -- 2007 version with great Walt Weiskopf solo at intro.
- Bodhisattva -- a little hook in there.
- Dirty Work -- Great applause from the audience.
- Home At Last -- nice new solo intro by DF.
- Brother Loved Yor Neighbor's Daughter featuring band intros by Walter.
- Josie
- Peg
- My Old School
- Reelin' In The Years - 1972 version. Jon Herington owns the solo on this one now.
Encore:
- Kid Charlemagne
- Outro: Last Tango In Paris

Only disappointment was no "Bear" -- especially because, if I remember correctly, there were no rarities after Donald made the remark that they would be playing rarities and surprises. There were none after that, as I recall. I'm sure "Bear" will be played tonight in Detroit.

Finally: A new rule here on the Blue: MANY THANKS to kzkzkz (your kindness is appreciated) for the Setlist info. But the new rule is no set lists here from other non-Dan-specific sites until 24 hours without a set list. Why? We don't want to discourage fans here from posting set lists which are often more accurate and detailed that what is offered at non-fan setlist sites.

That said, I hope someone goes tonight and also posts or tweets the set list.

Hope to write more and catch up on info later. Many thanks for reading.


Date: Sat, July 16, 2011, 09:20:15 ET
Posted by: kzkzkz, soon

(from setlistfm.com)
Indy 07/15/11

Intro Dizzy's Bidness
Aja
Black Friday
Hey Nineteen .
Your Gold Teeth .
Night by Night .
Time Out Of Mind
Show Biz Kids .
Bodhisattva .
Dirty Work.
Home At Last
Neighbor's Daughter
Josie
Peg
My Old School
Reelin' In The Years
Encore:
Kid Charlemagne
Outro: Last Tango In Paris


Date: Fri, July 15, 2011, 22:03:34 ET
Posted by: tommytomato, Columbus OH

@ Dan Belcher

What's the word on the Cincinnati show coming up Tuesday? Anybody planning on getting together for a mini Danfest before-hand? (I see there's a free wine tasting before the show at the Pavilion...)

You name the place and I'll be there. Gotta do a mini danfest if possible.

email me at tommytomato1962@yahoo.com if something comes up.


Date: Fri, July 15, 2011, 19:05:43 ET
Posted by: hoops, Indy

Follow Indy Danfest (& setlist if I get a ticket) starting now. Http://www.twitter.com/dandomDotcom

Bests,

Jim


Date: Fri, July 15, 2011, 18:57:21 ET
Posted by: The Dean, Manatee Bar. It's Happy Hour!

Thanks to all for the links to article and clip.

Klaus, sorry I missed your question earlier. I'm not sure what pics Walt and Don are sporting this tour, but in the past Don had a picture of Duke Ellington and Walt paid tribute to King Tubby.

I think this is the pic Walter used:

http://userserve-ak.last.fm/serve/_/34861/King+Tubby.jpg

I don't remember which pic of Duke Fagen used.


Oh, and to answer the next question...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King_Tubby


Date: Fri, July 15, 2011, 18:33:36 ET
Posted by: Goldfine, nyc

Article at JazzWax

http://www.jazzwax.com/2011/07/how-steely-dan-got-wayne-shorter.html


Date: Fri, July 15, 2011, 18:14:37 ET
Posted by: tommytomato, Columbus OH

Klaus, my 8th show will be Cincy, 9th is Toledo and 10th and 11th will be the last 2 nights in NYC. I live for this stuff as well. (Saw the Grateful Dead 59 times). I am really looking forward to this venue as I have never been there. I know it has no roof and the hotter the better, just hoping for no rain. We will be seated in the center section row 21, seats 1 and 2 on the aisle in front of Don. We will be staying at the Country Inn & Suites 9790 Clark Rd Rossford OH. Maybe we can get together before or after the show. Shoot me an email at tommytomato1962@yahoo.com and I will give you my cell #.

Take care, tt


Date: Fri, July 15, 2011, 17:27:45 ET
Posted by: kzkzkz, nyc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e4rtJDoTOag

Very nice FM - Thackerville


Date: Fri, July 15, 2011, 17:07:37 ET
Posted by: Klaus and the rooster, Ohio

Tommy Tomato/ Where will you gents be sitting? and to anyone out there Once again whose pictures are Don and Wally sporting on the equipment? No rain predicted for wed Tommy but hot hot hot! I dont know if you have ever been to the zoo but there is no roof so make sure you wear a hat if you are thin on the top like myself. It should be Quite nice by the mid of the show and if I remember right A SHOW MAY NOT GO PAST 10 PM AT THE ZOO. All in all looking foreward to my 10th Steely Dan show. I live for this shit!!


Date: Fri, July 15, 2011, 14:49:14 ET
Posted by: Read It, comes on seeking no acclaim...

...and reminds of what's best about the Blue: Useful information, freely shared.


Date: Fri, July 15, 2011, 14:32:35 ET
Posted by: Read, It

http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/news.php?id=84274


Date: Fri, July 15, 2011, 13:44:15 ET
Posted by: Michael,

DYLNFAN, yeah, obviously. I don't think that they'll show up at a show titled 'Rarities' and break out such obscure numbers as Peg, Josie, Black Friday, et al. (although they will in all likelihood include those as well).


Date: Fri, July 15, 2011, 12:07:04 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine Beach

Good call, Nicholas.

Wes' solo on If You Could See Me Now is simply fantastic.

Smokin' at the Half Note was one of the two or three Wes Montgomery albums my brother had when I was growing up. While I always liked hearing it, I don't think I had any idea what a genius Wes was at the time.


Date: Fri, July 15, 2011, 11:10:46 ET
Posted by: Nicholas Urfe, Phraxos

Just heard Wes Montgomery - If You Could See Me Now on XM Real Jazz. It had some echoes of Great Pagoda of Funn. Nice tune. Worth a listen.


Date: Fri, July 15, 2011, 09:27:09 ET
Posted by: DYLYNFAN, HARRISBURG PA

Michael you are being sarcsatic r u not, no way that will be
anywhere close to a rarities set-list????


Date: Fri, July 15, 2011, 07:57:38 ET
Posted by: kclxiwkz,

6osiuE <a href="http://sgffyxowyeai.com/">sgffyxowyeai</a>, [url=http://cshjthihpfju.com/]cshjthihpfju[/url], [link=http://zxdpvxlqzrpk.com/]zxdpvxlqzrpk[/link], http://zhzikoylemkl.com/


Date: Fri, July 15, 2011, 07:30:52 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Watch. People are gonna go to that Rarities show at the Beacon and the setlist will look like this:

Aja
Your Gold Teeth
Black Friday
Hey Ninteen
Dirty Work
FM
Show Biz Kids
Bodhisattva
Home At Last
Peg
Josie
My Old School
Reelin' In The Years

*Encore*
Kid Charlemagne
You Got The Bear
Last Tango (walk out)


Date: Thurs, July 14, 2011, 23:58:06 ET
Posted by: hoops, chicago

Don't forget about the Indy Danfest tomorrow night hosted by Keith and Janet. I'm hoping I get healthy enough to attend...but it is a four hour drive.


Details:

http://www.Dandom.com/Danfests



I understand that we may have set lists tweeted too. If so, look for @DandomDOTcom tweets to appear at the top of this very page.
Best wishes,

Jim


Date: Thurs, July 14, 2011, 16:53:56 ET
Posted by: De Roux,

Chris NH -

That would be incredible.


Date: Thurs, July 14, 2011, 16:15:17 ET
Posted by: The Dean, Finally Back in St Augustine. Beach. Manatee Bar, Anyone?

A big thanks to all who have posted setlists and reviews. I tried to check in on occasion, while on vacation and it was a real treat to get some info.

Just to tack onto the casino discussion, while the shows tend to be shorter and more "mainstream" (maybe not the best term, but I think you get my drift), they are great places to get last minute tickets. Casinos typically save a chunk of seats, some of those VERY good seats, for gamblers. Also, some ticket holders go early and get too involved in gambling, or too drunk, and are willing to part with their seats.

If you like to gamble, then it's a bit easier to score these tickets. Approach the pit boss for the tables you are playing (craps and blackjack have always been good to me, but I think any game will be fine if you are betting and playing). Let him/her know you are interested if any seats become available. Tip well. Don't be a jerk, etc. If possible schmooze a bit with the other players, preferably the higher rollers. They may get the ticket offer and pass them onto you.

But even if you don't gamble they can be had. The main bar, or the one nearest the bigger money tables, is a good place to hang. Let the bartender know, smoothly, what you are trying to do. Drink good stuff and tip well. Don't be an asshole (I can't stress this enough).

Finally, just go near the entrance before the start of the show and you may find desperate ticket holders who need the cash, or are simply having too much fun gambling (or are too blasted) to go to the show. Worst case scenario (in my experience) is you pay face value.

I have worked at a casino (bartender) and have used these methods to get tickets as a customer. I can't guarantee you a ticket every time, but in my experience it is the best bet in the casino.


Date: Thurs, July 14, 2011, 15:18:58 ET
Posted by: Gus Winterbottom, El Segundo Cubicle

Hoops,

Thanks for pointing out that the length of the show is set by the casino and is therefore "venue-specific". I have no doubt heard that before but forgot about it last night. That might explain why the Dukes show at the Hard Rock last October was full length. Since the Hard Rock is a music-themed hotel/casino, they might be less likely to tinker with the length of a show, in contrast with a typical casino.


Date: Thurs, July 14, 2011, 15:10:04 ET
Posted by: Lurker Ray, Malibu

Thanks for the reports & setlist
from Thackerville.

Let's see, tickets were only
$50 & $60 and for only $90
you could secure a VIP seat
guaranteed in the first five rows.

Sounds like a great bargain to me.

Not to mention you got to get out
of the deadly heat & humdity
choking that part of the country.

Sounds like a "cool" evening"
either way.

It will be interesting to see
what Indy & Detroit bring.
And if indeed they are starting to
zero in on certain set list.


Date: Thurs, July 14, 2011, 13:13:57 ET
Posted by: hoops, Really on the quick, from my smart phone

Please remember that casino shows are almost always shorter than typical shows at the insistence of the venue/casino. They want you to come see SD but then have a little extra time to gamble. That's how it works.

Bests,

Jim


Date: Thurs, July 14, 2011, 13:06:13 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh

De Roux - Yes, but ... he still did it. My point being, they'll make concessions to pull off a tune.

Personally, I'd be pretty surprised if The Second Arrangement wasn't played in NYC.


Date: Thurs, July 14, 2011, 12:35:44 ET
Posted by: hoops, Really on the quick, from my smart phone

Please remember that casino shows are almost always shorter than typical shows at the insistence of the venue/casino. They want you to come see SD but then have a little extra time to gamble. That's how it works.

Bests,

Jim


Date: Thurs, July 14, 2011, 12:16:58 ET
Posted by: tommytomato, Columbus OH

@ Klaus: Whose pics are on Dons keyboard and Walts monitor? Third row at the Zoo Yahoo! Look me up Tommy Tomato!!!


I will try to locate you (3rd row in front of Jon).We will be hard to miss: 2 big fat old guys with gray beards.


Date: Thurs, July 14, 2011, 11:46:00 ET
Posted by: De Roux,

Chris NH:

Most of the time the reason composers put songs in certain keys is because they sound best/most effective there. Notice how relatively lackluster the AIA version of "Josie" (in D Minor) sounds compared to the studio version (in E minor). DF rearranged a whole step down and it just doesn't sound "right".


Date: Thurs, July 14, 2011, 11:27:39 ET
Posted by: Young Wu, Alright...

...this is getting ridiculous.

Now only 16 songs? No more The Bear, Night by Night, or Everything Must Go?

For the first time ever, I'm really disappointed.


Date: Thurs, July 14, 2011, 10:54:43 ET
Posted by: The X Factor, Minneapolis

Wish they'd play Things I Miss the Most opposed to Everything Must Go. I think Things I Miss the Most is one of the best songs on that album (along with Godwhacker and Lunch With Gina) and stands up well with their other good old stuff.

Also, it would be nice to see Gaslighting Abbie live.

Not holding out a ton of hope, but you never know I guess :)


Date: Thurs, July 14, 2011, 10:35:48 ET
Posted by: DYLYNFAN, HARRISBURG PA

What an outstanding set-list from last night !!!!!!!!!!!!
IMHO the song selection has been incredible so far!!!!
Cant wait for the Tower shows!!! Off to see U2 at the Linc!!!
Updated top 5 of all-time 1-BOB DYLAN
2- STEELY DAN
3- FRANK SINATRA
4-U2
5- THE REPLACEMENTS


Date: Thurs, July 14, 2011, 10:01:56 ET
Posted by: Dan O'Rack, Leeds, W.Yorks, UK

"Can't afford these sort of prices for the same show I've seen endless times."

KD. Sir/Madam. Whilst I appreciate your financial inability to see your favourites in person you are still fortunate enough to witness regular Steely Dan tours. We in the UK are starved of their musical genius - only 2 tours in the past 5 years. What maybe a routine setlist to you certainly wets the appetite for the UK Dangsters.


Date: Thurs, July 14, 2011, 09:32:45 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh

De Roux - Ever hear of transposing?


Date: Thurs, July 14, 2011, 09:23:32 ET
Posted by: Nicholas Urfe, Phraxos

Thackerville. Northwest of Dallas just past the Texas border into Oklahoma at a casino. 3,000 seats. They could have mailed it in. They could have said, "We're out here in the sticks, they'll take whatever we give 'em." Yeah, they could have - but they didn't.

They brought it. The playing was fantastic. The attitude was spirited. The songs they played, they played like they meant it. Quibble with the setlist if you will, but I walked away from my fourth SD show with an indelible memory of cool cats performing music they enjoyed.

I'll leave the detailed analysis to those who know more than I, but let's just say that when Jon Herington or Keith Carlock fire it up, it has been fired up indeed!


Date: Thurs, July 14, 2011, 07:06:05 ET
Posted by: De Roux,

RE Outtakes in concert: See ya!

They'll NEVER do Kulee or Second in concert - DF can no longer sing 'em!


Date: Thurs, July 14, 2011, 01:11:38 ET
Posted by: Gus Winterbottom, Torrance, CA

To Cruiser,

I'm not sure how long you have been reading the board, so my apologies if this is old news to you, but "casino" shows have long been a topic of discussion here. There does not seem to be a firm rule, but some casino shows have been shorter than the non-casino shows on a given tour. The casino shows I personally attended on the regular tour in 2007 (Mohegan Sun) and 2008 (Palms LV) were about the same length as the rest of the tour. The Chumash 2007 show was only 13 songs, if memory serves, but I don't consider either that or the Friant show part of the regular tour. And it could be argued that what the band did 3 or 4 years ago is irrelevant. So I won't add Soboba to this list.

By 2009 the show at the Palms was shortened to 14 songs, while the numerous "special setlist" shows that tour were between 18 and 20 songs, again going from memory. Later in 2009 the Pechanga Casino show was 15 songs. But the sound is so good at the Pechanga that it was well worth attending even though we expected a short show. That brings us to tonight, where the setlist at Thackerville was the same length as the previous two non-casino shows. So maybe the best thing to do is to watch what happens as the tour progresses through Foxwoods and Borgata. One other thing about the Palms: From where I sat (the front balcony in 2008 and the ninth row of the floor in 2009) everything sounded fine, but in 2009 I remember that one Bluebook poster thought the sound was terrible. I think he was under the balcony, but I am not positive.

Hope this helps.


Date: Wed, July 13, 2011, 23:59:28 ET
Posted by: Doc Kelly, Thackerville

Tonight's set list:
Dizzy's Bidness
Aja
Black Friday
Hey 19
Your Gold Teeth
FM
Time Out Of Mind
Show Biz Kids
Bodhisattva
Dirty Work
Home At Last
Neighbors Daughter's
Josie
Peg
My Old School
Reelin
Black Cow (encore)
Kid Charlemagne (encore)
Last Tango (walk out)


Date: Wed, July 13, 2011, 18:50:00 ET
Posted by: Technicolor Motorhome, Thackerville OK (Winstar Casino Hotel)

Isn't "you got the bear" a stock market thing like black friday?

If so, I can see why they don't do both on the same night.

Counting down the minutes to this show...
They told my daughter the doors to the concert hall will
open at 6:30 instead of 7:30 as is stated on the tickets.
If you are in that part of the casino, they can print your
ticks out right now if you want to avoid lines later.

Also glad the a/c is working good here.
It was like 109 at the Stockyards in Ft.Worth at lunch today.




Date: Wed, July 13, 2011, 18:35:48 ET
Posted by: Lurker Ray, Malibu

A GREAT NIGHT IN HARLEM
MAY 19, 2011

Donald Jay Fagen gave back to the music he loves by performing live
at the great Apollo Theater in Harlem on May 19.

The Jazz Foundation presented its 10th annual "A Great Night in Harlem" gala concert to benefit the Jazz Musicians Emergency Fund.
The evening raised money to assist countless elder jazz and blues musicians in crisis across the country, artists who have spent their lives making ours richer with their music. Amen to that.

Other performers included Dr. John, Macy Gray, Ronnie Spector, Lou Reed, Christian McBride, Nicholas Peyton and more.

Donald was backed up by the reunited all-star band seen and heard throughout Robert Altman�s criminally underappreciated "Kansas City". The KC band included Nicholas Payton, Mark Whitfield, Geri Allen, Don Byron, and Christian McBride.

Unfortunately I cannot find what Donald played.

http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/gallery_image.php?id=66797

http://www.flickr.com/photos/wwwrichardcondephotography/5759660467/

http://jbspins.blogspot.com/2011/05/great-night-in-harlem-2011.html

Just look at how close ALL of the seats are at the Apollo.
Now that is place to hold a Steely Dan NYC extended run! -

http://www.jazzfoundation.org/Apollo2011






Date: Wed, July 13, 2011, 17:38:09 ET
Posted by: P.Took,

Who is The Bear about? Anyone have a guess/clue?


Date: Wed, July 13, 2011, 17:27:05 ET
Posted by: Klaus and the rooster, Ohio

Whose pics are on Dons keyboard and Walts monitor? Third row at the Zoo Yahoo! Look me up Tommy Tomato!!!


Date: Wed, July 13, 2011, 16:03:22 ET
Posted by: Cruiser, Bellingham, WA

Seattle show was very good. Opening act, a jazz trio, was more of a sound check than a performance but decent enough... Sound could have been better but overall a very enjoyable show. WAMU theater, I have no idea why it's still called that, not the ideal venue. As it was the opening night I hoped there would be some surprises, i.e. Michael McDonald, Jeff Baxter or Larry Carlton showing up, but no surprises... Still a decent show and we hope to make it to the Las Vegas or San Diego show before they head off to Australia.


Date: Wed, July 13, 2011, 15:28:26 ET
Posted by: Bobbo, wondering out loud

Hey Y'all,

If anyone has extra tix for Winstar at Thackerville, give me a shout, wouldja? Thanks much, hope to see you at the show! 'Bye for now.


Okay,
Bobbo


Date: Wed, July 13, 2011, 14:30:20 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh

Hey The Bear, mind shooting me an email when you have a sec?


Date: Wed, July 13, 2011, 12:05:06 ET
Posted by: KD, O

So, when it all shakes out, we're going to get one new song (albeit a long-awaited one) consistently played in the typical setlist. Sigh.

Pass for 2011, Steely Dan. First time since I became a rabid fan. Can't afford these sort of prices for the same show I've seen endless times.


Date: Wed, July 13, 2011, 10:11:20 ET
Posted by: bob, anytown

BS Setlist no Royal Scam Or DTMA

Ill pass on this rubbish

I spend my $$ on Sade

thank u very much :)


Date: Wed, July 13, 2011, 09:02:15 ET
Posted by: Hutch,

Really enjoying the comments, reviews and videos from the shows so far. The band sounds awesome. Some relly cool new arrangements.

So based on that interview with DF (which was outstanding) it looks like we won't see his solo album till Christmas. Oh well.


Date: Wed, July 13, 2011, 08:31:19 ET
Posted by: Bill Deffin,

Anymanleft: Piano intro to "Sign" is by Paul Griffin not DF.


Date: Wed, July 13, 2011, 08:12:52 ET
Posted by: Santa Barbara, Review

http://www.independent.com/news/2011/jul/12/steely-dan-santa-barbara-bowl/


Date: Wed, July 13, 2011, 05:29:40 ET
Posted by: Atom, SF

Sounds like the setlists are becoming complacent. Are they phasing out the rarely played tunes like The Bear, Night by Night, Everything Must Go, etc?


Date: Wed, July 13, 2011, 04:24:42 ET
Posted by: ThoseFreneticLicks, inGreenEarrings

Aja, Black Fri, Hey Nineteen, Gold Teeth, FM, Time Out of Mind, Showbiz Kids, Dirty Work, Bodhisattva, Home At Last, Neighbor's Daughter with Intros all around, Josie, Peg, Reelin' In The Years, My Old School, Do It Again, Kid Charlemagne.

The limo was a nice touch. Thanks Wolf.


Date: Wed, July 13, 2011, 01:17:23 ET
Posted by: Doc Kelly, Tulsa

An excellent show tonight!! They played the same set list here in Tulsa that was played at the Greek... except Home At Last was substituted for Babylon Sisters.


Date: Tues, July 12, 2011, 22:55:54 ET
Posted by: The Bear,

Chris just wait until later this month when the money recording from the Greek hits the streets from what I'm told. Until then, what about Beard on Home At Last?!!

Go Okies


Date: Tues, July 12, 2011, 21:27:16 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh

Anyone else fortunate enough to hear THE BEAR from the latest tour? Found a great recording, Jim Beard absolutely kills the intro, band kills the whole thing.

Still can't get over the fact that they're playing this tune live. We're a lucky bunch.


Date: Tues, July 12, 2011, 19:58:35 ET
Posted by: WhiteStetsonHat, Austin

Austin to Thackerville 5th row. This will be my first Steely show...I feel like a kid on christmas. Thanks for the setlists and helpful posts everybody.


Date: Tues, July 12, 2011, 19:02:52 ET
Posted by: ThoseFreneticLicks, inGreenEarrings

Yes, well, ... ahem... driver will take me where the music plays soon in georgeous recently-rained-on asluT. I will not later mention fleeting impressions of what may lie behind that which the silver key opens. Do do so would be Provincial, and Rubenesque, all doubters to the contrary.


Date: Tues, July 12, 2011, 17:08:25 ET
Posted by: Lurker Ray, Malibu

Just realized that for the first
time ever Aja was performed in
it's entirety "outside" beneath
the stars last Friday night in LA.
Very fitting.

X,

Sound checks for the last 3 shows
started around 4PM. I would think
a State Fair would be an easy place
to hear a sound check.

Living On Tulsa Time?

How about some timely reports and/or
set lists from Tulsa tonight people?


Date: Tues, July 12, 2011, 14:44:41 ET
Posted by: Storysouth Million Writers Award, The Green Book

http://www.sfsite.com/news/2011/07/12/storysouth-million-writers-award/

Adam-Troy Castro's short story "Arvies" won this year's Storysouth Million Writers Award. The award is presented for stories first published on-line. First prize includes $600 plus a $100 gift certificate from ThinkGeek. This year's honorable mention also went to a genre author, Amal El-Mohtar for the story...

"The Green Book"
________________

Great title, anyway. I have no idea what it's about, but wouldn't it be neat if it was sorta kinda reminiscent of the song in some way(s)?


Date: Tues, July 12, 2011, 13:53:46 ET
Posted by: The X Factor, Minneapolis

Lurker Ray (or anyone with knowledge, really)-

I'm new to the sound check game. How early do you have to arrive to hear the band? Sounds like a great way to get a little extra Dan!

Looking forward to the show at the MN State Fair this year!!

The X Factor


Date: Tues, July 12, 2011, 13:01:07 ET
Posted by: anymanleft, rio grande

Great Fagen article. I especially liked the way Don explained his playing style and lack of quick fingering on the keys. I always thought he was more Monk like and less like his favorite Red Garland. The piano intro to Sign In Stranger is very Monkish as a matter of fact.

As for a favorite set list, I will probably be using a lot of the same songs as previous prescribers. But order is important too. So here goes:

Intro-something swingin from a classic big band, like Ellington's
Don't Take Me Alive
Any Major Dude
Rose Darling
Deacon Blues
Two Against Nature
Boston Rag
Everyone's Gone To The Movies(Ladies singing lead)
IGY
Gold Teeth(original)
King of the World(Beard on the synth ending)
Brooklyn(Walt's lead)
Royal Scam
Doctor Wu
Night By Night
Aja
Reelin in the Years
Encores Kid Charlemane, Bodhisattva
Outro--something by Brubeck,maybe Take Five


Date: Tues, July 12, 2011, 11:50:14 ET
Posted by: Fagen, Interview

http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/news.php?id=83938


Date: Tues, July 12, 2011, 10:14:06 ET
Posted by: tom, texas to Thackerville

Hey I've got my fingers crossed that there are more listeners than talkers at Thakerville show. I will buy my beer in Texas due to Okla's weak brew. Row seven baby.


Date: Tues, July 12, 2011, 07:38:58 ET
Posted by: ygk, nyc

Gus/Anthro: while there undoubtedly are multiple exceptions, I would theorize in a general, unscientific way, that American audiences just weren't taught "how" to listen...in comparison to their European counterparts. And as the years click by, those that do become a smaller set of folks.
But, being a "jazz-rock" show, you'll have your jazz ears as well as your rockers...tis a quandry...

ygk


Date: Tues, July 12, 2011, 01:48:08 ET
Posted by: Gus Winterbottom, Torrance, CA

To the Anthropologist,

I am sorry to say it, but I think that the answer to your question is simply a lack of training resulting in thoughtlessness, and manifested in poor manners. It is more common in the U.S. than it should be.

In this regard the Santa Barbara crowd hit a new low, for us anyway; my wife and I were as disgusted as were the others who posted on this topic. It seemed as though people were conversing non-stop throughout the show. Or perhaps this was the most knowledgeable crowd in SD history, and we were treated to a 2-hour homage to the end of Show Biz Kids? There were still quite a few serious fans at the bowl, but far too many people who had nothing better to do than distract those who wanted to listen.

Despite the above points, SD crowds have usually been much better behaved than those at other shows, in my relatively limited experience.


Date: Tues, July 12, 2011, 00:51:34 ET
Posted by: Dave,

Enjoying the Steely reviews. Thank you.


Date: Mon, July 11, 2011, 21:21:47 ET
Posted by: W1P, Get 'em to the Greek

Yeah, Chris I was going to post that link. He likes Herrington but loves Carlock! http://lefsetz.com/wordpress/index.php/archives/2011/07/10/steely-dan-at-the-greek/


Date: Mon, July 11, 2011, 21:16:03 ET
Posted by: bassist,

Tom Barney mostly used a J-style 5 string ESP bass through Eden amps.

Freddie Washington uses an old 4 string Fender P-Bass and occasionally a 5 string Ken Smith, both through a Aguilar amp.

Both players are totally phenomenal, with Freddie playing a tad more in the background than Tom.


Date: Mon, July 11, 2011, 21:13:52 ET
Posted by: Steelydoc, Near the tower

Las Vegas date at the Palms added October 13, tix on sale July 16


Date: Mon, July 11, 2011, 19:30:50 ET
Posted by: Mike, Here

Freddie is and has been Steely Dan's bassist for five years. Tom hasn't been for at least five years. SD always has great bassists and they pick the one that suits their sound and vision at a given time.


Date: Mon, July 11, 2011, 18:40:25 ET
Posted by: fagenism, -

What do fellow steelers have to say about Ready Freddie Washington versus Tom Barney?


Date: Mon, July 11, 2011, 18:33:09 ET
Posted by: Anthropologist, UK

Grateful for tour clips posted on youtube. Lucky enough to see the band in the UK on a couple of European tours. Couldn't help noticing the contrast between intense audience background noise/activity during tunes at USA gigs and a tendency to religious silent attention over here. Why is that ?


Date: Mon, July 11, 2011, 11:36:26 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh

Anyone catch this review from Lefsetz of Steely Dan at the Greek?
http://lefsetz.com/wordpress/index.php/archives/2011/07/10/steely-dan-at-the-greek/


Date: Mon, July 11, 2011, 10:17:47 ET
Posted by: DYLYNFAN, HARRISBURG PA

MY dream set-list for the tower shows is as follows:
1 royal scam
2 your gold teeth
3 home at last
4 throw back the little one
5 everytrhing you did
6 boston rag
7 every major dude
8 dr wu
9 glamour proffesion
10 caves of altimira
11 nightfly
12 the fez (donald on vocals or forget it)
13chain lighning
14time out of mind
15what a shame about me
16razor boy
17bad sneakers
ps: realize i didnt follow the rules but it was too confusing
for this drug ravaged brain of mine


Date: Mon, July 11, 2011, 01:20:18 ET
Posted by: Technicolor Motorhome, Southern U S

You missed one on there...

http://www.youtube.com/user/Hipster73#p/u/1/sc9oPZsk56w


Date: Sun, July 10, 2011, 20:54:49 ET
Posted by: Jive Miguel, Bogata

A few hours ago:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Naq2D6QYQMg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KlOMVTCuH8I


Date: Sun, July 10, 2011, 17:38:43 ET
Posted by: Doc Kelly, still lurking here at the dude ranch

Deacon: I wish I had the time to play the game... but I don't. Having said that I believe Aja must included as a "given" to ensure Keith Carlock's presence.

I will be in Tulsa and Thackerville... and will post setlists if somebody doesn't beat me to it.


Date: Sun, July 10, 2011, 12:45:59 ET
Posted by: Jive Miguel, Bogata

Donald's nailing all the notes, Cynthia's back, Jim Beard's a monster talent, horns are as tight as ever, Carlock rock steady, Jon never, ever disappoints, and some tasty "new" selections like Bear and Gold Teeth are rockin'. IF Don's pipes can handle the demand, this could be their best season yet.


Date: Sun, July 10, 2011, 11:10:25 ET
Posted by: LA, Reviews

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/steely-dan-at-greek-theater-209442

http://www.nbclosangeles.com/the-scene/events/Its-only-Rock-and-Roll-but-We-Still-Like-It-125269264.html


Date: Sun, July 10, 2011, 11:08:31 ET
Posted by: Young Wu, Buffalo

Well, I love the fact that they are sound checking Glamor Profession... but come on, is anyone else royally bummed out at this "Popular Demand" set?


Date: Sun, July 10, 2011, 05:20:04 ET
Posted by: Gus Winterbottom, Torrance, CA

Before I get started, thanks to Lurker Ray for setting the record straight about Walter's Cuervo Gold speech last night.

Steely Dan at the Greek Theatre, July 9, 2011
Setlist and brief report


Intro: Dizzy's Bidness
Aja
Black Friday
Hey 19
Your Gold Teeth
FM
Time Out Of Mind
Show Biz Kids
Bodhisattva
Dirty Work (Ladies' vocals)
Babylon Sisters
Neighbor's Daughter/band intros
Josie
Peg
Reelin' In The Years
My Old School

Encores:
Do It Again
Kid Charlemagne
Outro: Last Tango In Paris

There might have been some imperfection in tonight's show, but I can't think of one. From the outset, Aja was masterfully delivered, and the band built from there. I am really warming up to the updated version of Your Gold Teeth. The long keyboard solo has been replaced with multiple solos by Rosenberg, Michael Leonhart, and Beard; all were excellent tonight. A short time later, Weiskopf opened Show Biz Kids with a killer solo of his own. Bodhisattva got the crowd really going for the first time, with an assist (IMHO) from a "cheerleader" who zipped past security and made a couple of visits to the front of the house. From where I sat, the crowd seemed to settle down a bit through the band intros, but starting with Josie, we were on our feet to stay. I should add that for this show I was lucky enough to land seats in the pit, about 5 rows from Jon Herington, so I can't be the best judge of overall crowd reaction. That said, I think tonight's show clearly surpassed Friday's in audience energy.

I am trying not to let my location bias this report, but it is a pleasure to watch Herington nail solo after solo. If I had to pick one particularly exceptional number it would be Reelin' In The Years.

Given my current state of fatigue, I have probably gone on too long already; I think that tonight's show was about the same duration as last night's, even though I believe we got one more song last night. I will refrain discussing "By Popular Demand" nights in general until I am more coherent.




Date: Sun, July 10, 2011, 04:41:02 ET
Posted by: Lurker Ray, Malibu - Home Sweet Home

SET YOUR iPODS TO SHUFFLE DIPLOMACY
Steely Dan - Greek Theatre Los Angeles - July 9, 2011
By Popular Demand Night, Or Demand The Popular or Damn The Popular

I'd say the crowd tonight at the Greek was the most energetic I've seen in the last 3 shows but Friday night the show was better and the band was tighter I thought.

I'm not going to go into what a sham Fan Voting is again this year, but I will say this, don't worry about it if you are not going to one of the voting nights this summer. You are actually better off seeing a regular show if you want the more deeper cuts. If you are going to miss the voting night in Chicago, Milwaukee or NYC, don't sweat it. The show tonight was actually a tad bit shorter than the last 2 shows. I actually feel very lucky. In the last 4 days I have seen 3 shows with completely different set lists so looking back now I am happy I was able to hear so many different and sometimes deeper cuts in those 3 days.

Finally got to meet Freddie Washington tonight, such a class gent. And got to briefly chat with Jon Pollak again. He told me that the band and crew thought that Friday night was the best show of the tour so far. No one I think would disagree with that. Had to stop myself from talking to Michael because I know I would have just wanted info on the new Fagen CD.

This crowd tonight I thought was going to be "attentive listeners" like Friday night which was great, but Andy Dick's doppelganger got the crowd going during Bodhisattva by playing cat & mouse with security at the front of the stage. He wanted people up and they responded for the rest of the night. It has been a long time since I was able to stand and dance for such a long time at a Steely Dan concert. Hell, we danced more tonight then at the Dukes show last year. That made it fun and was a nice blow out to the 3 game series. So the way I score it is Steely Dan takes the series 2 games to 1. They were not quite on their A game yet Wednesday night and as I said Thursday, that Santa Barbara crowd did not help matters.

I’ve actually seen 4 shows in 4 days when counting the great 3 sound checks I saw. All of these great tunes were played in their entirety at the various 3 sound checks -

Lunch With Gina
YGT
Glamour Profession
Black Cow
Home At Last
Deacon Blues
I Got The News
The Bear
Babylon Sisters
Reeling In The Years (With Donald's Old Piano Intro and instrumental takes sans vocal)
Do It Again
Monkey In Your Soul (Twice, Jim Beard was just killer yesterday)
Dirty Work
Black Friday

I'll let Gus or somebody else post the set list, which included My Old School. I'm beat and off to bed after 4 long days on the road with one of the greatest touring bands ever to hit the pavement. And my dogs are tired. Anybody going the distance and seeing all 7 shows in NYC, let me give you a little tip, pace yourselves. 7 shows in 10 days, definitely pace yourselves.



Date: Sat, July 09, 2011, 21:23:42 ET
Posted by: Klaus and the Rooster, Sydney Australia

As a collector of Steely Dan Memorabillia here is Australia is any there sites I can go to that can help me build my collection besides Ebay with purchasing items i am still chasing? any help would be appreciated.


Klaus and the Rooster.


Date: Sat, July 09, 2011, 20:35:34 ET
Posted by: bob's, Your uncle

thanks, I found this and it converted the youtube video of "the bear" to mp3.
worked great.

http://download.cnet.com/free-youtube-to-mp3-convertor/3000-2194_4-10665553.html


Date: Sat, July 09, 2011, 20:12:59 ET
Posted by: Jazzassin, online tools for everyone

@Uncle Bob:

http://www.flv2mp3.com/


Date: Sat, July 09, 2011, 20:09:54 ET
Posted by: Bob's, Your uncle

Can anyone here change a youtube video into an mp3?
I want to make a roadtrip disc of the setlist for my
trip to the Steely Dan show and I want to include "The Bear".
http://youtu.be/i9Qpo4hxJys.


Date: Sat, July 09, 2011, 18:50:40 ET
Posted by: MM, P

There was a young lady from Wheeling
Who professed to no sexual feeling
Till a cynic named Boris
Just touched her --------
And she had to be scraped off the ceiling


Date: Sat, July 09, 2011, 18:48:32 ET
Posted by: jammin joe, Hollywood ( just west of the Greek)

Was at the Greek last night- Going back tonight again for round 2. last night was amazing- I was expecting a 90-100 minute set- The Dan went on at about 8:20, and played till 10:30- A solid 2 hour plus set- that was the longest I have seen them play.

Was great as usual- nice to hear "the bear" - Walter was funny during 19- the band continues to get tighter every year- if that is even possible. Not sure what to expect tonight- I am sure a mix of "hits" and old ones that will be great- Night by Night maybe? Any Major dude? Wu? I am hoping for some Glamour Profession or maybe What a Shame about me.


Date: Sat, July 09, 2011, 18:02:30 ET
Posted by: Technicolor Motorhome, Southern U S

Glad to hear it went so well at the Greek. Any predictions on how the setlist will change when the tour resumes in the midwest next week? I'm pretty sure Tulsa and Thackerville (Dallas/Ft.Worth) are sold out. I've never been to Tulsa, but rest assured - Texans know how to party...that show at the Winstar will be WILD & CRAZY!! I am thinking Tulsa might be the night Cuz Dupree shows up as there hasn't been a single 2 vs. nature song played yet. Sure, "Dupree" is a friendly poke at middle-America, but we can take it. I hope they open with it!!!


Date: Sat, July 09, 2011, 17:48:26 ET
Posted by: Oh my..., :-O

"I try to remain calm as a vision of dangerous flying dildos passes through my mind."

http://www.nj.com/insidejersey/index.ssf/2010/04/science_consciousness_and_the.html


Date: Sat, July 09, 2011, 17:29:12 ET
Posted by: LA, Review

http://www.ocregister.com/entertainment/dan-307684-aja-steely.html


Date: Sat, July 09, 2011, 17:07:56 ET
Posted by: Lurker Ray, Malibu - Heading Back Out To The Greek

A very inspired Walter Becker from last night -

"You know how hard it gets people. Now I could give you the same cornball rap about bringing your girlfriend down to the Steely Dan show etc, etc, etc. But this is Hollywood and you know in reality things are a lot weirder than that. Not here. A more than likely scenario would be you go on down to the disco and meet up with a friend triple Z and a small exchange takes place and you bug on out of there and head back to the house in the hills with a package of some kind newly minted psychedelic that is supposed to be the most incredible aphrodisiac since the beginning of time. In reality it�s a mixture of baking soda and other common ingredients. You don�t know that, so about 45 minutes after takeoff you and your beloved are lolling around on the shag rug looking out at the UFO�s coming in for a landing pattern at LAX. Talking about parallel universes and you know you actually have a clitoris in your brain and why don�t we call your sister and stuff like that. Another guy is already heading up with another package of baking soda incase the party starts to sag a little bit. About this time you are getting that dry mouth thing and it could be from sucking on various body parts or it could just be the baking soda. So you go into the kitchen and look for some liquid�..I mean really who do you have to screw to get laid around here?

Spotted in the crowd last night the WORLD famous Moe Szyslak.

It was ONE of those nights.

Is Mike Rotch here? Mike Rotch?

Is Hugh Jass here? Hugh Jass?


Date: Sat, July 09, 2011, 16:56:58 ET
Posted by: Steve M, Scotland

RE:

"Apparently, more than a few ISP's auto-monitor what you read.

Gus had a great review in the most recent Digest dated July 6-9 that I just sent out where it conveyed Donald's remark mentioning the word "clitoris."

So maybe 10% of the digests (or about 340 of them) came back auto-refused for the "profanity" in the form of "clitoris." So I will re-send to everyone a little later on with the word "C - L - I - T - O - R - I - S" instead.

Best,

Jim"

I'm just amazed they found it!

rimshot..............eyethankewe!


Date: Sat, July 09, 2011, 16:03:39 ET
Posted by: Jazzassin, low F

Re: H@L

Thanks for the clips!

What I find even more exciting than the new ending to H@L, is the fact that on the phrase "....FOUND my home at last...", Freddie plays a low F on the bass on "found", whereas the original has a C/G combination.
Nice variation.

Sounds like an extremely tight band, btw. Sounds like Steely Fuckin' Dan, actually. It don't get any better.


Date: Sat, July 09, 2011, 15:59:05 ET
Posted by: wow,

Thank you to everybody posting reviews and clips!

Donald sounds fantastic.
The horns on the end of YGT are bringing that Steely attitude. Tight. Staccato. Excellent.

I can't see any shows, so you fantastic BlueBook people are doing a great service. Hoops/Jim - a big Steely hug.


Date: Sat, July 09, 2011, 15:54:33 ET
Posted by: hoops, chicago, on the quick

Apparently, more than a few ISP's auto-monitor what you read.

Gus had a great review in the most recent Digest dated July 6-9 that I just sent out where it conveyed Donald's remark mentioning the word "clitoris."

So maybe 10% of the digests (or about 340 of them) came back auto-refused for the "profanity" in the form of "clitoris." So I will re-send to everyone a little later on with the word "C - L - I - T - O - R - I - S" instead.

Best,

Jim


Date: Sat, July 09, 2011, 15:42:40 ET
Posted by: hoops, chicago, on the quick

There have been, thus far, two editions of the Dandom Digest emailed out this week, in case it matters or anyone is askin'.

One was mailed earlier this week and covered June 5-July 5, 2011. The latest edition of the Dandom Digest was just mailed in the past 20 minutes and you should have it within the next 12 hours if not already. This one covered from July 6-9, 2011.

If you don't receive it, check your spam filters first; then, if it's not there, please email me.

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 in the Blue.

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

For the record, the Dandom Digest is a e-newsletter with unofficial content written by and for the FANS of Steely Dan. The newsletter is independent of and not 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 and Gus and especially remembering Mark and Bill.

Jim


Date: Sat, July 09, 2011, 15:37:57 ET
Posted by: Jive Miguel, Bogata

30 minutes ago on You Tube, Gold Teeth:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJUg6LZ_Akk


Date: Sat, July 09, 2011, 14:50:45 ET
Posted by: kzkzkz, you know

Another view of H@L from last night. This one complete with the idiots who can't shut the eff up during a song/show. This poster has quite a few from the gig, previous linked uploader has 2. The bands sounds wonderful. Can't....wait....for....September.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9neKtUyH5E


Date: Sat, July 09, 2011, 14:40:58 ET
Posted by: kzkzkz, east coast left coast

Nice review Ray -"Really neat new ending to Home at Last"

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

Yes it was!!

Quite a few nice clips posted by this uploader.


Date: Sat, July 09, 2011, 14:17:42 ET
Posted by: Joey , NYC

Lurker Ray- Nice review. Glad you had a great time. However, I have to disagree with you on one thing you said. There would have been a Steely Dan without LA. It just would have happened a bit further on down the road. Nobody could have held those guy down. It eventually would have happened.


Date: Sat, July 09, 2011, 11:26:33 ET
Posted by: tommytomato, Columbus OH

Thanks to LRay for your review of the first night at the Greek. If you say that the band sounds that good...I'll take your word for it. Thanks to all the other folks who have posted set lists and related. Helps build anticipation for us folks as we wait for the circus to come to town...waiting for Cincy, Toledo and NYC.


Date: Sat, July 09, 2011, 07:45:16 ET
Posted by: NY Time, on Carolyn Leonhart

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/10/fashion/weddings/from-solos-to-duets-state-of-the-unions.html


Date: Sat, July 09, 2011, 07:11:26 ET
Posted by: Jazzassin, drooling on my keyboard

Thanks, thanks, THANKS!!

Gus & Ray,
Those were immensly entertaining reviews!

And Ray, I'm really happy you had such a great night! After all you have been THE one poster with most serious concerns and worries regarding some aspects of this years tour...
It's fantastic to feel how your true feelings about this band and this night in particular really shines through when I read your well written review!
And thank you very much also for your lighting links. I'm in the same "bidness" as Mr. Pollack, more or less, though mostly doing stageplays, and it's always interesting to read what gear and software systems others use for different purposes. And a combination of Dan related stuff and stage lighting stuff is as interesting as it gets, I'd say.
No big surprises in Pollack's choice of gear, but very entertaing story about the challenging conditions he and his crew worked under during the 2009 tour. Been there... ;D

Again, thanks a lot for great reports from the Greek Theatre!

Maybe I must give my decision not to go to NY for one show a second thought. It's gonna be freakin' hard sitting in Norway reading reviews from one great night after another through the summer and not go.


Date: Sat, July 09, 2011, 05:04:26 ET
Posted by: Lurker Ray, Malibu

EXIT: PURSUED BY A BEAR � Steely Dan Live Greek Theatre LA 7/8/2011

If Santa Barbara was 65 miles an hour, last night was a black Trans Am doing 125. Peddle to the metal. Night and day from the SB crowd. On their feet as soon as Donald & Walter walked on stage and from then on the standing o's just kept coming. They sat and listened and cheered for every song as Aja played and nothing like the mass exodus during songs in SB. You could really tell D&W and band were really feeding off of the attentive crowd. Really neat new ending to Home at Last they work-shopped at sound check and just a killer take of EMG and you could just see this amazing band on fire during Godwhacker. A fire that was clearly absent in Santa Barbara on Wednesday night. YGT rolled up like cop on a perp with all of it's lights and sirens finally flashing.

Easily THE greatest sound check I have had the pleasure to witness. Just 4 songs all the remaining songs from Aja that they have not yet played, Home At Last, Deacon Blues and I Got The News and then The Bear. I've now had the extreme luck to hear the Bear live twice now and I have not yet even stepped foot in NYC. I did find Jon noodling with Third World Man at one point.

After the incredible Dukes show last September, I said to myself the Greek should be your LA home if you ever do another extended LA run. Though we only got two LA shows this year (so far) it was clear now that the Greek IS the place to enjoy Steely Dan in LA as far as I�m concerned. It's been a while since Steely Dan played the Greek and it was well worth the wait. Donald has been in really terrific voice so far this tour and I hope it lasts all the way into NYC & October.

Saw Michael and Carolyn and her adorable son just before show time and had the extreme pleasure of meeting and having a nice long chat with lighting designer Jon Pollak.

www.upstaging.com/documents/SteelyDan2_000.pdf

http://www.lightingandsoundamerica.com/directory/entry.asp?ID=IBFYIM

Found out that the "44" from the 2008 tour was in fact designed by Donald!! He confirmed that indeed the Bear would not miss the train tonight. Still no confirmation as to what if any songs they might do with Steve Winwood down under or what exactly we can expect in NYC. Still no USB drives for sale. Let�s hope that they are strongly considering releasing some live shows.

I got emotional during the playing of Aja last night when I realized that this was the first time since Roger Nichols passed away that his masterwork was being performed in it's entirety. In LA to boot and we got that 8th song that never made it onto Aja. It easily surpassed the rapture in Hollywood in 2009. I think Roger would have really enjoyed tonight. The crowd really seemed to enjoy the Bear even though many were not familiar with it. It's a badass tune and Beard's intro is mesmerizing. The crowd ate it up like when Walter did "Jack Of Speed" in 1996. It's got a killer groove. A bear in the air. Smokey and the Bandit, a shoot 'em up car chase summer spectacular. 10-4 good buddy. Tonight Donald had that shit eating Burt Reynolds grin. He was clearly having a great time and by Walter�s lengthy monologue during Hey 19, you could tell he was as happy as Texarcana trucker with a load full of Coors.

We needed something extra special, a block buster and tonight even though I knew the Bear was coming it was as thrilling as seeing a great movie for the second time and finding even more things to surprise and entertain. The whole show was a juggernaut that speed through DW Griffith�s beautiful gift to us all. All back home in LA. Love it, hate it or indifferent, without LA there would not be a Steely Dan. And last night it was clear that Donald Fagen & Walter Becker, know that, feel that and gave us one hell of a homecoming present under the trees of Griffith Park.


Date: Sat, July 09, 2011, 05:03:52 ET
Posted by: Gus Winterbottom, Torrance, CA

Bear Sighting in Griffith Park

Steely Dan at the Greek Theatre, July 8, 2011, setlist and brief report:


Intro: Dizzy�s Bidness (band's setlist spelling)

Aja (Album)
Your Gold Teeth
Hey 19
Everything Must Go
Time Out Of Mind
Godwacker
Show Biz Kids
Neighbor�s Daughter/Band Intros
The Bear
Reelin� In The Years
Bodhisattva

Encore: Kid Charlemagne

Outro: Last Tango in Paris

For the third time in my �Steely Dan Life�, I felt as though I got my money�s worth before the band wrapped up. Side one of Aja, played to perfection, did the trick, capped by Weiskopf�s sax work on Deacon Blues. I think that in 2009 the closing Deacon Blues solo was by Becker on guitar; I am happier with tonight�s closer-to-the-original version.

From the opening of Black Cow, Donald�s vocals were strong tonight. He did struggle a bit with the four high notes of EMG, but that�s about the only trouble spot that I can recall. In any case, I am thrilled to have EMG as a �standard� number this tour; introduced by Donald tonight from their �under-appreciated� album. Amen to that.

Donald was clearly in very high spirits tonight. In contrast, the heat could have been affecting Walter a bit, at least at the start of the show. He really came alive during the �Cuervo Gold� soliloquy, however. I am going from memory here, so I hope that a transcription appears sometime. Walter started by saying something along the lines of attending a Steely Dan show is usually a strange thing to do, and then he said something like, �But this is Hollywood, and that is much weirder.� He then proceeded to go Hollywood one better, culminating with the phrase, �a clitoris in my brain�. I didn�t notice, but according to Mrs. GW this had some other band members in near-hysterics. For myself, I was only thinking, �He said what?� Sorry I can�t remember much else.

This crowd (sellout or very nearly so) was much more appreciative and attentive than those at the Santa Barbara Bowl two days ago. That said, I think that there was more crowd energy at the Dukes of September show here last year than I saw tonight. �The Bear� got a respectful and attentive silence from the crowd, as it should have.

The perfect cap to the evening was Mrs. GW getting Roger Rosenberg to autograph her copy of �Baritonality�; Thanks, Roger.


Date: Sat, July 09, 2011, 03:03:59 ET
Posted by: Thomas, SF

Just returned from a great show at The Greek in Los Angeles. Hearing The Bear really made my night! Sure glad they decided to play it!


Date: Fri, July 08, 2011, 23:41:09 ET
Posted by: ojmyjgbjgjn, New York

JEGyho <a href="http://iaokjifyakpt.com/">iaokjifyakpt</a>, [url=http://yuscfstfdrgd.com/]yuscfstfdrgd[/url], [link=http://gpzeegevkdxc.com/]gpzeegevkdxc[/link], http://rupklksgpjgm.com/


Date: Fri, July 08, 2011, 22:56:19 ET
Posted by: Eric, Portland, OR

Hey Hoops, I'm sorry I got your email late. I emailed the set list to you. It was also posted on here a few days ago. I'm still in the stone age, and have a cheapo phone lol. I need to get me an iphone or android soon. Which one is better? :-P


Date: Fri, July 08, 2011, 15:43:53 ET
Posted by: DollarBill, SE-PA

How'bout this one?

1.Intro
2.Night by Night
3.Aja
4Jack of Speed
5.The Royal Scam
6.God-Whacker
7.Time Out of Mind
8.Dr.Wu
9.Peg
10.Reeling in the Years
11.Deacon Blues
12.Band intro's
13.Lunch With Gina
14.Bodhisattva
15.Josie
16.The Boston Rag
17.Don't Take Me Alive
18.Kid Charlemagne
Encore's
19.Pretzel Logic
20.FM
21.Outro

$$


Date: Fri, July 08, 2011, 15:43:12 ET
Posted by: Lurker Ray, Malibu - Off To The Greek In A Bit

It's Like You Know Nothing,

Even Donald KNOWS that 98% of
merchandise sales happens before
and after the show.

Speaking of merchandise, I inquired
about the Steely Dan USB Jump Drive
in Santa Barbara. They didn't have it
nor did they know anything about it.

D.L. - Bridlingstoke,

Walter worked on "Monkey" at sound
check before the Santa Barbara show.
Like "Lunch With Gina" it was not
played.

Also in the Wall Street Journal,
Steely Dangential:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303365804576429922207748078.html?mod=WSJ_ArtsEnt_LifestyleArtEnt_4


Date: Fri, July 08, 2011, 15:21:18 ET
Posted by: From Late , to Later

I have followed for some time the discussion here about why D+W don't more often play lesser known songs, either older, deeper cuts or material from the last decade. I have seen SD perform 10 times over the past 8 years, mostly in different places, different venues. I went to the show in Seattle this past weekend that served as the tour opener and was both interested and highly frustrated at what I saw around me. One guy sitting next to my wife was clearly so agitated that they weren't playing the songs he wanted to hear that he was yelling and disrupting the people around him, which was detracting from their enjoyment. He was making infantile comments about not knowing the songs. At one point he got into a shouting match with someone near by. Thankfully he left altogether about half way through. Another guy in front of me was constantly standing and sitting, in his own world, recording the show on his phone, either not caring or not noticing that others might find that distracting.

When they played the Bear ( I hadn't heard the song before, but was more than happy to hear it for the first time) people were choked and acting badly. I was in the 18th row and there was lot's of yelling, drunkeness and generally bad behaviour. It occured to me that for many these shows are about another time in their lives. It is almost like they want to be transported back 30 years. And they are not happy to be open to new sounds that don'g deliver on that. I'm sure many are there like I am, happy to hear this music live after all the years thinking it would never happen, and mesmerized by the sheer talent and quality of the musicianship, especially if you like the music itself as much as I do.

But I did get a clearer picture as to why D+W might not always be willing to put up with the crap they get from the fans that want nothing to do with their new stuff, good as it is. Or deeper cuts for that matter. I was thrilled to hear Your Gold Teeth to start the show, hadn't heard EMG live until then or Night by Night. For me it was amazing. For many around me it was time to take a break, talk or generally act out. If you are trying to perform at their level, this must be very disappointing to see in an audience. I was more that a little ashamed to be sitting amoungst it. I'd be lying if I said it didn't impact my enjoyment to some degree. I have seen some of this at other shows but not to the same degree. For me, this show veered further away from their classic stock in trade setlist more than any other I have been to. I can't help but wonder if the surliness of the audience wasn't connected to that in some way.

One other comment about that show. I have always been super impressed with the quality of sound they are able to reproduce, no matter the venue indoors or out. They have always got it right, even as the show progresses, making adjustments on the fly. That is, until Seattle at the WaMu "theatre". They just couldn't make it sound anything close to what I have experienced at other shows. And its not hard to understand why once you are in the place. Basically it is a huge, flat covention hall, surrounded with curtains to make it feel more intimate. But there is no disgising what it really is, which is a larger, glorified high school gymnasium with a concrete floor. I know they were trying desperately to improve the sound and were able to make it a bit better as the show progressed. But even their technicians couldn't make it good enough unfortunately. The song Aja sounded so bad I couldn't stand it, and it is always a highlite for me. I hope they don't go back there. Those guys deserve a place that showcases their talents and this isn't it. It is not up to their standards. So this is where I will put in a plug for a show in Vancouver, Canada. Maybe some day????

Cheers to all.

Cam


Date: Fri, July 08, 2011, 11:59:31 ET
Posted by: Here's , a Q

If they love people getting up so much, why was Martha Wainwright never invited back?


Date: Fri, July 08, 2011, 11:57:38 ET
Posted by: kzkzkz, en why sea

Sorry, YGT was already posted. Oh well. Here's EMG. Seems the uploader has the entire show up, sadly in sh*tty sound quality. Oh well. It's still pizza!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=roM1ofp80iM


Date: Fri, July 08, 2011, 11:51:06 ET
Posted by: kzkzkz, nynyny - see?

Nice loooong version of YGT. Too bad the sound stinks. Sorry if already posted. Enjoyable nonetheless.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9GATgdjV0I


Date: Fri, July 08, 2011, 11:47:26 ET
Posted by: It's like, this

D&W told me that they absolutely LOVE people getting up during the show...the quote was "We love audience members getting up during the show. The more people there are getting up, the more money they're spending on merchandise. After all, that IS what it's all about."


Date: Fri, July 08, 2011, 11:07:37 ET
Posted by: DYLNFAN, HARRISBURG PA

Great call TECHNICOLOR MOTROHOME they really do have something
in common IMHO!!!


Date: Fri, July 08, 2011, 10:53:13 ET
Posted by: Up & Down, Left & Right

I agree that the parade of people coming and going throughout a show is extremely annoying whether it's for booze, food, cigarette, or bathroom breaks. Myself, having been to at least a handful of SD shows (including one solo Fagen) I plant my butt in the seat (*) before the lights go down, turn off the cell phone, and stay there till the lights come up again.

But in the interest of fair and balanced reporting, I feel it's important to point out that maybe not everyone at a Steely Dan show is necessarily all that into Steely Dan (even aside from the casual nostalgic "Play Reelin', Rikki, Peg, & Josie" greatest hits crowd). "Huh?" you say...

What percentage of an audience do you think is there not because they love SD, but because their spouse/significant other (or kid or grandma or other whoevers) loves SD, but just wanted/needed someone to go along? That being the case I can understand if maybe they want to go get a beer or two or hit the bathrooms once, especially during a song they don't know (and therefore don't care about or can't appreciate in the immediacy of the moment, what with a full to bursting bladder and all). It's even possible that they may not actually like a certain song or two for some reason, so it's a perfect time for them to tend to more pressing bodily needs.

Also, remember (as has often been pointed out) that probably most are not habitual hardcore SD-goers and may be attending their very first (even only) SD show ever. And in such cases, maybe (just maybe) for whatever reason(s), the show turns out to not be living up to their expectations/desires, perhaps due to song selection, or maybe they don't care for the re-arrangements of some hits, wanting instead "studio" versions indistinguishable from the recordings. Whatever. As the saying goes, diff'rent strokes & folks...

(I know through the years when I may mention my love of SD to others or play some SD for them, often the reaction is a polite essence of "Eh, they're OK, but not really my thing." Then again, the other person's favorite band may be "A JUXTAPOSITION OF COMPLETELY UNRELATED RANDOM WORDS AS A BAND NAME" and they play "psychedelic grunge rock-a-billy polka.")

Anyway, some people do carry their trafficing in & out to extremes to the point of making me wonder why they even bothered agreeing to attend if they don't actually have ANY interest in the music or at least giving it a fair try. And if they're absorbing that much booze I sure HOPE they're not the driver of their group!

Also, yes, it's unfortunate to be stuck on the end of an aisle and have to suffer the constant in & out stream of mere casual hits-based fans (or even completely indifferent attendees, though I would hope and imagine they're extremely few).
__________

(*) Note: I'm not a dancer/mover/shaker and though outwardly I may not **appear** to be enjoying a show all that much, inwardly I'm transported to a joyful place in my soul. Also, if I *were* a dancer-type I would respect the other attendees enough to NOT want to be the only one standing/dancing in front of someone, thereby allowing MY enjoyment to diminish THEIRS. Please note I'm not intending to start THAT old debate/argument again, just sayin'... off to the side is optimal for that sort of thing if one has simply "gotta dance." Kudos to those considerate enough of others to recognize that.


Date: Fri, July 08, 2011, 10:38:27 ET
Posted by: Technicolor Motorhome, Southern U S

Dylan Fan...funny you should mention "Shakedown Street"...I was listening to Trans-Island Skyway the other day and it struck me that the grove on it reminded me of Shakedown Street a bit.


Date: Fri, July 08, 2011, 09:55:23 ET
Posted by: DYLYNFAN, HARRISBURG PA

I am pretty wasted, so i hope im at the rite site, my dream
set-list is as follows: 1shakedown street
2 jack straw
3ramble on rose
4 cassidy
5 they love each other
6 desolation row
7 the wheel
8 good lovin
9 bertha
10 me & my uncle -
11 big river
12 st. stephen -
13 the eleven
14 scarlet-
15 fire
16 althea
17tennesee jed
I know i will get flamed for this, but its a little humor
(granted very little) ps I LUV THE DAN AND WILL BE AT BOTH
TOWER THEATER SHOWS I AM OUT


Date: Fri, July 08, 2011, 09:21:00 ET
Posted by: You Might Know Me As..., Or Maybe Not

@Ben, Indy:

If you're going to the show in Indianapolis next Friday (as I am), you should be very worried about a similar scenario happening at the Murat. My wife and I went to see David Gray there on Wednesday night and here were my observations:
1. There was a never-ending parade of up and down, in and out traffic to and from the bar and/or bathrooms. Thankfully (?) the ushers won't let people back in to their seats during a number but that only created what seemed like an even bigger problem, with a large crowd of people coming back in at the end of a song, many of which were still trying to get back into their rows/seats after the beginning of the next song. The ushers should hand out antihistamines to everyone upon arrival (my trick too, BTW).
2. People were W A S T E D! It was a David Gray show in an historic theatre on a school night for Christ's sake but people were tearing it up like it was Kid Rock with free beer at the state fair on a Saturday night. The Dan show is on a Friday night. WooHoo!
3. To the best of my knowledge, SD has not played Indianapolis in 18 years. I am not sure if this is good news or bad news. It should make for a very interesting and hopefully interested crowd but might make for a pretty standard-fare set list, with a lot of screaming for Rikki. Or Freebird. Or Bawitdaba.



Date: Fri, July 08, 2011, 08:40:29 ET
Posted by: No No, New York

D.L. - allow me to correct a portion of your "revelation"...Gaucho was first played/sung by Walter in Atlanta @ Verizon Amphitheater.


Date: Fri, July 08, 2011, 08:14:01 ET
Posted by: The Dean, Hole-up in Niagara Falls

Joan, I agree with you about Donald, for the most part. In recent tours Donald seems to be very into performing. Sometimes he seems to channel Ray Charles up on stage. But I have also seen him look a tad disinterested in the past. "Disinterested" is probably a poor choice of words, as you can always tell he is very into the music. Clearly though, some people think a frontman must be interacting with the audience and such. I consider The Dan's performance style a bit more dignified than most.

I won't post my setlist here, but wanted to say I find Two Against Nature to be one of the best live songs in their repertoire. Dunno why I felt the need to post that, but I don't think it gets enough love, in general.


Date: Fri, July 08, 2011, 08:10:01 ET
Posted by: Michael,

If Don is taking his solo show on the road come early next year then that would indicate his 4th solo album will be out sometime later this year after the SD tour concludes (i.e. he'll have time to finish mixing it).

My ideal setlist; no rules apply.

01 - Night By Night
02 - Glamour Profession
03 - Parker's Band
04 - Only A Fool Would Say That
05 - Kulee Baba
06 - King Of The World
07 - Throw Back The Little Ones
08 - I Can't Write Home About You
09 - Lunch With Gina
10 - Black Cow
11 - The Caves Of Altamira
12 - Almost Gothic
13 - Kid Charlemagne
14 - Babylon Sisters
15 - Peg
16 - Josie
17 - Time Out Of Mind
18 - Reelin' In The Years
19 - Kind Spirit
20 - The Second Arrangement


Date: Fri, July 08, 2011, 07:57:16 ET
Posted by: Jazzassin, spending a quarter shining the silver bowl

I'm re-posting my list.

No changes to the content or order of it, just fixing some small errors in relation to the labelling of the songs.
Like Security Joan, I used an external program to solve this puzzle, and copy/pasted to post it.
However, due to the fact that it was 02:09 AM over here when I posted, I obviously pasted/posted a version which wasn't edited like I intended the final version to be. And too sleepy to realize what I did, some f***ups occurred regarding labelling and general readability.

I guess most of you couldn't care less about those details, but I love strictly organized lists just as much as I love hedonism, so here we go:



1. Intro: Dizzy's Business (Mandatory/Default order)
2. Your Gold Teeth (Mandatory/Default order)
3. Home At Last (Optional Hits list 1)
4. IGY (Optional Hits list 2)
5. Peg (Mandatory 1)
6. Downtown Canon (Unrel. or B/F Solo song 1)
7. Black Cow (Optional Hits list 3)
8. The Bear (Optional Hits list 4)
9. Josie (Mandatory 2)
10. Hey Nineteen (Mandatory 3)
11. Dirty Work (Mandatory 4)
12. Band Intros: Neighbor's Daughter (Mandatory/Not default order)
13. Black Friday (Optional Hits list 5)
14. King of the World (Personal fav 1)
15. Kid Charlemagne (Mandatory 5)
16. Green Book (Personal fav 2)
17. Brite Nightgown (Unrel. or B/F Solo song 2)
18. Your Gold Teeth II (Personal fav 3)
19. Encore: Dr. Wu (Personal fav 4)
20. Outro: Last Tango in Paris (Mandatory/Default order)


@DeaconBlues16:

Thanks for the initiative. It was good fun!

Oh, and thanks for the WSJ Donald interview link too. Very interesting reading, indeed.
I was particulary moved by what Donald said about his and Walter's relationship:

"Our relationship is based on entertaining each other, so it works."

True companions... ;)

And now I really can't wait to hear what Donald's new solo album will sound like. "There are characters." Introduce us to them! I have a strong feeling this will be a no less than unimaginably good album!
Already looking forward to the discussions here when it finally arrives.

Regarding reviews and complaints about setlists, I agree with Security Joan, and I never saw the point of reviewing music, litterature or whatever form of art based on what it's NOT.
Historians call it "counterfactual history writing" when their collegues are speculating about alternative outcomes that never became reality.
I understand that some may be disappointed when songs they'd hoped to hear is not played, but it only serves to inform others about your expectations, not about what in fact happened on a given night.
Both aspects are interesting of course, but never judge a concert by what it was not or what songs were not played.


Date: Fri, July 08, 2011, 06:21:31 ET
Posted by: D.L., Bridlingstoke

Something I've spotted that may interest all those interested in setlist developments is that there is, as yet, no song that WB sings. In 2008 there wasn't a WB voc song till the Beacon, whereupon they brought out Gaucho. Just sayin', might be worth waiting to see. Usually, if it's Daddy or Monkey, Walter's singing from the start.

D.L.


Date: Fri, July 08, 2011, 03:38:52 ET
Posted by: DRHey19, Chicago, IL

I'm not sure if anyone has seen this video on Roger Nichols Facebook page made by his daughter outright trashing Donald and Walter. http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=10150224389406712&comments
I'm going to sum it up in the comment I posted on the link on Roger's page. " I will admit that Donald and Walter are not the most generous men in the world. I've never met them personally but have met people who have worked for them. They seem to drive a hard bargain, but I've always heard that they are personable guys. Quite a few members of the Steely Dan fan community donated to help Roger out. Sadly we lost him, and hope his family can be at peace knowing that he is no longer suffering. It's interesting the video mentions that he was ignored by Becker and Fagen since 2002. However, he mixed their 2003 release "Everything Must Go." I do find them to be the greatest musicians of all time, and will admit that I am biased, but shame on Roger's family for attempting to ruin his good name by trashing Don and Walt in order to attempt to make a dime due to their lack of financial responsibility over the years." I understand the man was very sick but and his medical bills were atrocious, I honestly doubt that SD was not compensating him in a fair manner for the services he preformed. He had to make well over a middle class income working with them over the years and was better off then most people. I'll admit the whole 2002/2003 release thing is rather anal and that I know EMG was recored and most likely mixed in 2002, but I was rather frustrated. Also, if he worked with so many other well known musicians, then why were they not asked to speak on NPR or help him out? Becker and Fagen have always been excellent businessmen and should not be blamed! That's how life works. This will not leave a sour taste in my mouth in regards to Roger but certainly when it comes to his children.


Date: Fri, July 08, 2011, 02:08:02 ET
Posted by: angel, LA

Security Joan: In your question on Donald, I totally agree. After seeing him playing the Fender Rhodes last night, he was definitely enjoying going where his fingers took him. It was my favorite thing to watch. :-)


Date: Fri, July 08, 2011, 00:57:21 ET
Posted by: suedave, SD geek

Ben - lol

Security Joan, I agree with your assessment. I think Donald was being gracious with the interviewer and agreed with him to make sure he didn't feel bad. I remember at an SD show many years ago at the Gorge, Donald or Walter stated that they may not *look* like they are having a good time, but insisted they were nonetheless.

Jazzassin, great choice in the 4 (King of the World, Green Book, YGT II, Dr. Wu), they are also my favorite choices, but my list is somewhat different than yours.

I�m trying to live by the rules. These be the rules

4 Mandatory: Dizzy�s Business, Last Tango, Neighbors Daughter, Your Gold Teeth 1
6 Freedom, with limits
5 Mandatory: Peg, Kid C, Josie, H19, Dirty Work
5 Mandatory: 5 of the big 10 hits

This is tough! I really would prefer at least one more Freedom choice.

1. Intro: Dizzy's Business (Mandatory)
2. Your Gold Teeth (Mandatory. And I�m good with this as mandatory.)
3. Rikki Don't Lose that Number (Hits list 1, not for me, but to appease the people who want to hear it so desperately, just get it out of the way and let those people be high for the rest of the show, or let them leave if they want to go celebrate that they can die happy because they saw Steely Dan play Rikki in concert. Alternately, make them feel like they need to go to another show when they find out they missed the song, because they showed up late. LOL.)
4. Do It Again (Hits List 2)
5. Peg (Mandatory, Hits List 3)
6. Show Biz Kids (Freedom 1) Love the way they do this tune live
7. Deacon Blues (Hits list 4)
8. The Bear (Freedom 2) Unbelievably awesome to hear in Seattle with a nice chunky groove. My friend who didn�t know the song said she liked hearing it. I�d like to think I�ll get to hear it again on this tour.
9. Josie (Mandatory, Hits list 5)
10. Hey Nineteen (Mandatory, Hits list 6)
11. Dirty Work (Mandatory, Hits list 7)
12. Band Intros: Neighbor's Daughter (Mandatory)
13. Bad Sneakers (Hits list 8)
14. King Of the World (Freedom 3)
16. Green Book (Freedom 4)
17. Chain Lightning (Freedom 5, with extended jam throughout the song)
18. Dr. Wu (Freedom 6)
19. Bodhisattva (Hits list 9)
15. Encore: Kid Charlemagne (Mandatory, Hits list 9)
20. Outro: Last Tango in Paris (Mandatory)


Date: Thurs, July 07, 2011, 23:39:29 ET
Posted by: Ben, Indy

With several reviews mentioning the distractions caused from people/"fans" making pit stops, ya gotta plan ahead! These smaller venues have fewer facilities, so plan ahead. Eat beforehand (plan or attend a DanFest for dinner), double-fist your drinks at your seat (what better time than a SD concert to dust off the flask?), and fellas sport a Depends and babes grab a Poise pad! If ya can't sit through a two hour Steely Dan show, there's an issue!


Date: Thurs, July 07, 2011, 23:21:48 ET
Posted by: Upgraught, Philly Area

Security Joan - Your counterpoint to the WSJ article is correct.

However, Donald is not a "natural" performer, like a Jimmy Buffet for example. He may very well be having a good time and enjoying himself, but he seldom appears "relaxed" on stage. I would think that is what the WSJ writer sees, and interprets this as "uncomfortable".

Considering his performances of the last few years with Steely Dan, The Donald Fagan Band, Levon Helm, and Dukes of September, if Donald was actually uncomfortable on stage, he most likely would be doing something else.

Looking forward to your next Dan article.


Date: Thurs, July 07, 2011, 22:29:13 ET
Posted by: Security Joan, Philadelphia

Re: the WSJ interview with DF, which I thought was overall very interesting, I was struck by one comment that ran counter to my personal impressions: The interviewer stated that he thought Donald looked "uncomfortable" in live performances; my opinion, from seeing many SD as well as DF's other recent performances (e.g. Dukes) is that he really seems to be *enjoying* performing live... in fact he seems downright ebullient at times, IMO. Anyone else have an observation on this


Date: Thurs, July 07, 2011, 21:20:52 ET
Posted by: drewslo, San Luis Obispo

I was in the fourth row in Santa Barbara on the very right side. Donald was angled to his right, so I could see everything he played on the keys. This added alot to my appreciation of the show. Donald is a soulful dude. He doesn't get credit for this.

I was disappointed that "The Bear" wasn't played but that doesn't take away from my enjoyment of the show. My biggest complaint from my vantage point was that the sound was turned up really loud and became distorted sometime during Black Cow until the end of the show. It may be because I was so close to the speakers that I noticed this. Before that, the sound was pristine. My favorite performance was for Godwhacker which also lead to the biggest mass exodus of the evening (bathroom, food, drink etc.) It did get a big response anyway at the end.

I have no problem with a greatest hit show and would love to see Rikki, Deacon Blues and Do It Again brought out as well.


Date: Thurs, July 07, 2011, 21:04:34 ET
Posted by: Technicolor Motorhome, Southern U S

Lurker Ray, I understand where you are coming from. If I saw people acting like bored yuppies and a Dan show, it wouldn't sit good with me at all either. I think the most fanatical crowd might be at (of all places) Thackerville Oklahoma next week. Not a misprint. Imagine 3000 of the most die-hard Dan fans from Dallas/Arlington/Ft.Worth Texas all driving anywhere from 90 minutes to 2 hours to the show and stoked for some Dan by the time it kicks off. I predict a kicka55 crowd.


Date: Thurs, July 07, 2011, 21:01:07 ET
Posted by: wsj interview,

Excellent interview with Donald.
Interesting news about possible "2012 40 year anniversary greatest hits" release. Maybe there will be room for some live Bear, Kulee, and 2nd Arr.

Also interesting about his new album being from characters POV and no longer autobiographical.

Also nice he reiterates how he and Walter do what they hell they like and assume the fans will like it too, and if they don't... too bad.


Date: Thurs, July 07, 2011, 20:52:38 ET
Posted by: DeaconBlues16,

Young Wu:

Just to be clear, there's a difference between what I would call greatest hits and frequently played songs. For example, they've played Green Earrings on all of their tours pretty much, but I've never considered that a big hit. (maybe some people do?) In contrast, Rikki Don't Lose that Number is one of their biggest hits, but it's not played very often. Think of it this way; if the audience were to hear the opening notes of song "x," would they cheer loudly, stay in their seats, and sing along to the lyrics? If so, I think that qualifies as a big hit. And I think IGY fits that mold, but as always, I could be wrong. As for Reelin', did you mean why didn't I make that a mandatory song? Like most people here I'm sure, I believe that it will be played on every night of this tour, so it definitely could have been included in that category. But because they only reintroduced it in 2009, I feel like it's fresh enough still to be considered an "optional" hit.

Dash LaRue:

I would certainly rather hear The Bear than FM live, if I had to choose between those two songs. But I guess part of the point I was making is that it shouldn't be looked at as only a choice between those two songs. They're going to play approximately 17 Steely Dan songs each night, and I'd rather hear The Bear than most of them. But if I already know the other songs they're playing, and my satisfaction hinges simply on hopes that they'll play a rather obscure song that they were probably reluctant to play in the first place, then I probably wouldn't go to the concert. I can't speak to your personal experience of course, so I'm sorry that the Santa Barbara show wasn't up to par. But if all things were equal and it was a good show otherwise, the fact that they didn't play a song that I hoped they might play wouldn't make me writeoff the entire show as a waste of time or lame or anything of that sort. If I felt that way, I would probably be crazy, and probably not be a big Steely Dan fan. I apologize if it sounds like I'm telling people how they should feel about things; that's not my intention.

Security Joan:

To be honest, I wasn't even trying to make a point about the setlist with the game; I thought it would just be a fun exercise. I appreciate that one came across though, and I'm glad you were able to make a list.

As for the game itself, I just want to make it clear... you actually have free choice on 6 songs total; you don't have to choose an unreleased or Becker/Fagen solo tune if you don't want. I just assumed everyone here would want to do that; you could even include optional hits for the 6 remaining songs if it suits your fancy.

I'm glad that some of you have enjoyed the game, but a lot of people have overlooked this post of a Wall Street Journal interview with Donald Fagen, in which he confirms the fact that he is making a solo album ("just completed, won't have time to mix it until the fall): http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304657804576401954093056020.html


Date: Thurs, July 07, 2011, 20:39:14 ET
Posted by: KD, OLL

Hoops,

Good call on 'Western World,' context really does matter.

Again, I really am not criticizing. This board is fantastic, us SD freaks are the best, but we're such a small percentage not only the entirety of the fandom, but also the smaller percent that attend these shows. And if "You've Got the Bear" (or whatever the unofficial title is; mine's from a package downloaded in 2002 or something) was typical of the needs of the typical Steely Dan fan, then thousands of phones would have flipped on during those two NW shows, and there would be dozens of captures of it on YouTube by now. Or Tuesday.

I'm not complaining. I'm just bummed. I would pay 75 bucks that I don't have, honestly, just to hear that song live. I listen to 'Gaucho' outtakes more often than I do 'Gaucho' or even 'Aja,' these days. These years. Have for years. New stuff, y'know?

That said, formulating plans to drive 13 hours round trip to see the boys in Detroit with my brother. Love is love. It's growing.


Date: Thurs, July 07, 2011, 20:09:45 ET
Posted by: Jazzassin, listing

I'm trading FM for The Bear, for the thrill of hearing an until now very rare cut, and besides it must now count as a realistic cut.

So, with 9 Mandatory songs including In/Outro, YGT and Band Intros, 5 songs from the Optional Hits list + 2 B/F Solo songs, the criterias gives me a free choice of 4 songs.
Hard one, but I landed on these 4:

King Of the World
Green Book
Your Gold Teeth II
Dr. Wu

And this is my complete list:

1. Intro: Dizzy's Business (Mandatory)
2. Your Gold Teeth (Mandatory 1)
3. Home At Last (Optional Hits list 1)
4. IGY (Optional Hits list 2)
5. Peg (Mandatory 2)
6. Downtown Canon (Unrel. or B/F Solo song 1)
7. Black Cow (Optional Hits list 3)
8. The Bear (Optional Hits list 4)
9. Josie (Mandatory 3)
10. Hey Nineteen (Mandatory 4)
11. Dirty Work (Mandatory 5)
12. Band Intros: Neighbor's Daughter (Mandatory)
13. Black Friday (Optional Hits list 5)
14. King Of the World (Personal fav 1)
15. Kid Charlemagne (Mandatory Hits list 5)
16. Green Book (Personal fav 2)
17. Brite Nightgown (Unrel. or B/F Solo song 2)
18. Your Gold Teeth II (Personal fav 3)
19. Encore: Dr. Wu (Personal fav 4)
20. Outro: Last Tango in Paris (Mandatory)


Date: Thurs, July 07, 2011, 20:01:32 ET
Posted by: Security Joan, Land of the Lost

This was a great exercise... I found myself abandoning many of my "wish they'd play" items like West of Hollywood, Surf and/or Die, The Bear, Chain Lightning (which is a great band intro number), Second Arrangement and thinking about keeping an audience energy & interest level up without being too pandering to the hit parade. I decided everything noted above w. exception of Chain Lightning could conceivably fall into the "Rarities Night" category, so ultimately came up with this:

1 Dizzy's Business (intro)
2 Your Gold Teeth
3 Aja
4 Bodhisattva
5 Godwhacker
6 Josie
7 Dr. Wu
8 Kid Charlemagne
9 Hey Nineteen
10 King of the World
11 Dirty Work
12 Neighbor's Daughter / Band Intros
13 Deacon Blues
14 Lunch With Gina
15 Babylon Sisters
16 Pretzel Logic
17 Don't Take Me Alive
18 Reelin in the Years (encore song 1)
19 Peg (encore song 2)
20 Last Tango in Paris (outro)

Of the frequently performed but non-hit songs, I feel Godwhacker is almost a must because it is such a showcase for the full horn section. I also would have loved to include Bad Sneakers, Night by Night, Any Major Dude, New Frontier or IGY, 2VNature, Janie Runaway, Security Joan :)... I have to stop there before I list everything.


Date: Thurs, July 07, 2011, 19:21:09 ET
Posted by: untlkzicxs, New York

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Date: Thurs, July 07, 2011, 19:12:48 ET
Posted by: CJB, YVR

Okay, I'll bite, but want to use "any of the more frequently played songs from the last 10 years" as Optional Hit fodder

Intro: Dizzy's Business
1. Your Gold Teeth
2. Night by Night (OH #1)
3. Hey Nineteen
4. Everything Must Go
5. Here at the Western World (Deep Cut #1)
6. Home at Last (OH #2)
7. The Bear (which I heard in SEA and PDX, and which sounded great live, and which surely must return)
8. What a Shame About Me (Deep Cut #2)
9. Godwhacker
10. Bad Sneakers
11. Do It Again
12. Pretzel Logic
13. Dirty Work (sung by the Embassy Brats)
14. Neighbor's Daughter / Band Intros
15. Josie
16. Peg
17. Reelin' in the Years
18. Kid Charlemagne
19. Don't Take Me Alive (Encore)
20. Last Tango in Paris (Outro)

Would I like to hear The Second Arrangement? Sure. Do I think there's a snowball's...? No.

A couple points about the live experience: it must suck to be WB or DF, or any member of that great band, and to witness people strolling up the aisle the minute you launch into anything not on radio in the 70s. A lot of the audience seems motivated by boomer nostalgia, which sucks, because the band has gotten even better over time. Example: the big bald dumb-ass in front of me in Seattle who bitched about "Dirty Work" being sung by "the black chicks" and not DF. Ya, three very talented vocalists with lots of touring/Broadway work. Becker was in fine form and mixed nice and high both nights, a sparkling, effervescent sound. Jon Herington's good on lead guitar. This year's pianist, Jim Beard is tall and plays like Monk, a kind of banging, percussive style. His own albums are super good. DF's vocals were spot-on both nights. Anyone know who the photo is on WB's monitor, the doppelganger of DF's Count Basie? And, yes, sorry to say, "The Bear" sounds FUCKING GREAT live, with a deep bass beat, and everyone that I saw sat in their seats and listened, even if it was obvious that they didn't have a clue what they were actually hearing.

In short: anyone bitching about the "mediocre setlist" should remember that that set is played by an absurdly tight band.


Date: Thurs, July 07, 2011, 18:48:18 ET
Posted by: Security Joan, Philadelphia

DeaconBlues16: I already have a headache...It's a difficult exercise in deciding which of your favorites you must let go of. I believe you amply made your point about how hard it is to tool a setlist when there are certain must-play hits and tight parameters (i.e. stop belly-aching about which songs were *not* played). That said, I can't let this one go w/o my two cents, so I've plugged everything into an Excel spreadsheet and am determined to post my list shortly :)


Date: Thurs, July 07, 2011, 18:32:40 ET
Posted by: Wall St Journal, Interview

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304657804576401954093056020.html


Date: Thurs, July 07, 2011, 17:57:07 ET
Posted by: Dash LaRue, Need Sleep

Deacon Bluesman ---

You would be happy hearing FM instead of the Bear??? You got to be kidding me dude. And yes the Santa Barbara crowd and nazi storm trooper
security sucked the air out of what could have been a much better night. Between all of the people getting up sitting down, getting up sitting down repeat ALL NIGHT, or people not watching the show and surfing the internet on their iPhones or just talking loudly all through the show
how could anybody have a good time? The crowd and atmosphere was WAY too annoying to really have a great time last night. And that was not Steely Dan's fault.


Date: Thurs, July 07, 2011, 17:19:52 ET
Posted by: Young Wu, Buffalo

DeaconBlues16... I love stuff like this, man. Awesome.

Although I find it strange you put IGY in the Greatest Hits section. When's the last time they played that? Not since the 90s, right? And, I think you missed Reelin' in the Years.

Fair warning to everyone, I'm using Time Out of Mind as a Greatest Hit.

Intro: Dizzy Business
1. Your Gold Teeth
2. Bad Sneakers
3. Hey Nineteen
4. Everything Must Go
5. Sign in Stranger
6. Time Out of Mind
7. Doctor Wu
8. Glamour Profession
9. Home at Last
10. Dirty Work
11. Neighbor�s Daughter/Band Intros
12. Gaucho
13. Josie
14. Peg
15. My Old School
16. Reelin� in the Years

17. Pretzel Logic
18. Kid Charlemagne
Outro: Tango in Paris

Don't Take Me Alive should be in there somewhere, but I can't figure out where or how yet...


Date: Thurs, July 07, 2011, 16:45:39 ET
Posted by: DeaconBlues16,

Does it seem like some people are overreacting to the fact that You Got the Bear hasn't been played the past two nights? Last night was almost the exact same setlist as opening night, except with FM instead of You Got the Bear, so I can't believe that one song being left off, no matter how rare and awesome it is, could make that much of a difference to one's perception of the setlist. Basically, if you already had seen the setlist and are cognizant of the fact that Steely Dan only makes subtle changes to their sets on a nightly basis (generally speaking), then I feel like it's absurd to complain about them not playing one song if you weren't complaining when you first saw the setlist (especially considering they still played Your Gold Teeth, Everything Must Go, and Night by Night). Look, I would like to hear their rarer material live as much as anyone else here, but one song doesn't make or break a show. And to be honest, for the one show I'm planning to go to now, I wouldn't care if they played Hey Nineteen and Josie twice each; I still think I would enjoy the show and not worry about the set that much or feel slighted because they didn't play a song that was formerly only available in bootleg form.

Having said all that, it gives me an idea for a potentially fun discussion. Looking at the setlists so far from this year, they are playing exactly 20 songs, including the intro, outro/walkoff, and band intro cover song, which means 17 Steely Dan songs. Of those 17, about 10 of them are what I would call their hits or more popular songs. So, here's the game... make what I would call your "ideal but realistic (2011 tour) setlist." That means you must make a 20 song ideal setlist that could potentially actually be a real setlist. But of course, there are going to be some specific parameters. Keep in mind that this is specifically an "ideal but realistic show" for the 2011 tour, meaning what's realistic for this tour wouldn't necessarily be realistic for prior tours, i.e. 1993 or 1994.

1. You must include Dizzy's Business as the intro, Last Tango in Paris as the outro, and Neighbor's Daughter as the Band Intro
2. You must choose exactly 17 Steely Dan or Becker/Fagen solo tunes (the solo tunes rule will be explained in another parameter)
3. You must include 10 of their most popular songs and of those hits, four of them must be Peg, Kid Charlemagne, Josie, and Hey Nineteen, because it would extremely unusual for any of those to not appear in a show.
4. You must also include Dirty Work as one of their hits, as it's the song that they are using to feature the background vocalists on this tour, and I think it qualifies as a hit.
5. That means you must choose 5 more of their hits. They can be any of their more popular songs, but for the purposes of this exercise, you must choose from the following:

- Deacon Blues
- Black Cow
- Aja
- Home At Last
- Babylon Sisters
- FM
- Rikki Don't Lose that Number
- Do It Again
- My Old School
- Bodhisattva
- Black Friday
- Bad Sneakers
- IGY

Note that I didn't include Time Out of Mind or Show Biz Kids. If you feel like those songs or others that I didn't include deserve to be in the big hits category, feel free to include them, but please make sure that you make other posters aware that you are adding them to the "hits list."
6. You can choose 2 unofficially released songs OR Becker/Fagen solo tunes (excluding IGY) OR 1 of each, but no more.
7. If you want, you can choose all hits or songs that they play a lot for the majority of the setlist even when you aren't strictly required to do so, but I don't expect most posters here to do that.
8. You have to open with Your Gold Teeth (after Dizzy's Business).

I hope those are enough parameters, and I hope that this exercise makes sense and that my "parameters" make sense. Here's my "ideal but realistic" setlist for the 2011 tour (order will be kind of similar to the actual order of songs but it will deviate in spots):

1. Dizzy's Business (Intro)
2. Your Gold Teeth
3. Black Friday (Optional Hit 1)
4. Hey Nineteen
5. Everything Must Go
6. The Night Belongs to Mona (Unreleased or Becker/Fagen Solo song 1)
7. Almost Gothic
8. Black Cow (Optional Hit 2)
9. Doctor Wu
10. This All Too Mobile Home (Unreleased or Becker/Fagen Solo song 2)
11. Deacon Blues (Optional Hit 3)
12. Dirty Work
13. Neighbor's Daughter/Band Intros
14. Gaucho
15. Home At Last (Optional Hit 4)
16. Josie
17. Peg
18. Reelin' in the Years (Optional Hit 5)
19. Kid Charlemagne (Encore)
20. Last Tango in Paris (Outro)


Date: Thurs, July 07, 2011, 15:55:44 ET
Posted by: Lutz, SF

Bear:
Remember that those LP's were limited to about +/- 20 Minutes each side.
Surely, many songs have been left off LP's by all kinds of bands off that would make it on to cd's nowadays.


Date: Thurs, July 07, 2011, 15:24:45 ET
Posted by: Security Joan, Philly

Doc, now that's news - hadn't heard about it yet! Especially considering SD is touring into November... If it's really early in the year (like Jan.), Fagen should get some kind of official award for boundless energy.


Date: Thurs, July 07, 2011, 14:52:14 ET
Posted by: steelydoc, near the Tower

Dukes of September/December/January set to hit the road early next year:

http://blog.al.com/entertainment-press-register/2011/07/micheal_mcdonald_interview_boz_scaggs.html


Date: Thurs, July 07, 2011, 14:46:27 ET
Posted by: angel, LA

Santa Barbara Shuffle Diplomacy Review

WHAT A NIGHT!

The End.

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

Actually, I loved the venue. Santa Barbara Bowl is just beautiful. Lots of money going into the renovation of it and it shows.
On a personal level, I just couldn't get over being just 12 rows from The Donald and for the first time, I could see him playing his keyboard. It was mystical and wonderful and just added to the magic of the evening. The only bad part is that I was the last seat in row 12 and that meant that I had to keep getting up to let people in and out and more importantly, I had to not use my camera, because security was OUTRAGEOUS! My Husband (many on you know how even tempered he is) finally got into a shouting match with the security guard, because he kept shining the flashlight at him, to check out the lady with a cell phone next to him. She had a set list and was checking it each song. She was not taking photos, but he kept coming at her anyway. It was truly a royal pain!

Me and 4 others behind me danced the entire show. We were the people over on the far camera right totally enjoying the evening. Some guy passed us by and said he wanted to come over for our after party. We thought that was pretty funny, actually.

EMG being played for the first time since 2003 (if memory serves) was just Masterful! Folks, it was an interesting song in 2003, but the words now days just show that Steely Dan was 5 years ahead of their time with this song. You couldn't write a better song about this current depressing economic downturn.

I enjoyed the way they shifted the songs around, I had seen the set list, but didn't have it memorized, so it was a nice change for me. I think Paso Robles was the only other time I was so clueless about the set.
I would have liked them to try out something else that they plan on using, later on in the tour, but it was not to be.

Place was packed. I was surprised, since it was a small town and a Wednesday night.

Special thanks to my "Steely Dan Friend" who made my night...Gus.


Thanks guys and girls...or is that ambassadors and brats. ;-)


Date: Thurs, July 07, 2011, 12:22:53 ET
Posted by: jeez,

Hey Lurker Ray
You sure do complain on a major league level.
How can you live in Malibu and be so damn bleak?


Date: Thurs, July 07, 2011, 11:04:54 ET
Posted by: hoops, on the quick

KD:

It's true that typical concert goers generally want to hear the hits and run for drinks or the bathroom during the new stuff--or even the lesser known stuff. As I've noted before, even when Gaucho was played in its entirety in Chicago, people took breaks during My Rival, which is probably the least known track on that album.

But there are also exceptions -- if the song is new and has an instantaneous groove or hook, people will stick around even if they don't know it. In the mid-90s, people ran out on the likes of Fall of 92, Our Lawn and even True Companion. On the other hand, the crowd went nuts for Jack of Speed '96 with Walter on lead vox. Why? That version was so energetic and kick ass. Everyone got into it. If a song is really good and hooky, the crowd will still get into it.

Now sadly, I was not at the two shows where Bear was played. I can't gauge audience reaction. But when I first heard Bear, I instantly got into it. It's got a groove and a great hook. I think it's one of those tracks that any audience, even one filled with casual fans, could really get into.

Also, someone else (off Bluebook) was saying that Bear must have been left off for a reason, as if it wasn't good enough. I think it's great, that it simply wasn't in the same vein or mood as the rest of Aja. There could be all sorts of other reasons not obvious to us as to why it was not released. Consider just as one possibility that Aja was recorded for ABC Records and it was hoped that Gaucho was going to be on Warner's which would be an issue of ownership. Also consider that Western World was left off of Royal Scam...for some reason, the mood of Western seemed more aligned with that of Katy Lied.

Gotta run...


Date: Thurs, July 07, 2011, 05:13:12 ET
Posted by: Gus Winterbottom, Torrance, CA

Santa Barbara Bowl, July 6, 2011

Too tired for comments, but in the interest of completeness I edited Mr. Newton's Saratoga setlist for the Santa Barbara show. The only change appears to be Black Cow replacing Babylon Sisters; I am relying on the recent posts for the Intro and Band Intro numbers.


INTRO: Dizzy's Business
Your Gold Teeth
Aja
Hey Nineteen
Green Earrings
Everything Must Go
FM
Time Out Of Mind
Godwhacker
Show Biz Kids
Black Cow
Dirty Work
Neighbor's Daughter/Band Intros
Night By Night
Josie
Peg
Reelin' In The Years
Bodhisattva

ENCORE: Kid Charlemagne
OUTRO: Last Tango In Paris


Date: Thurs, July 07, 2011, 04:48:34 ET
Posted by: Lurker Ray, Malibu

Steely Dan July 6, 2011 Santa Barbara, CA � Welcome To Amityville

A few weeks ago on June 20th, it marked the 36th anniversary of the
release of the first summer blockbuster, 1975's JAWS. Last night
in Santa Barbara sadly there was no such blockbuster at the drive-in know to locals as the Santa Barbara Bowl.

It was such an idyllic drive up along the coast and pulling into Santa Barbara it felt like 1975 and I was in Amityville all over again. The water and the haze were just like the images in the movie.
Unfortunately the only member of the original crew left is Richard Dreyfuss. And last night he was at the Rhodes taking over for Brody and throwing us chum into the waters that sadly have been heard so often in these here parts.

After giving Seattle & Portland some badass Mama Grizzly, we got the chum. I talked to the soundman after the show last night and he & the entire band would love to keep seeing The Bear in the setlist or some other rarity but Drypuss pulled the plug after just 2 shows.

I think the drive-in in my hometown in 1975 had bigger speakers that you rested on the windows of your car than last night at the Santa Barbara Bowl. I�m sure some dorm room stereos in UCSB have more watts. Because of the PC neighborhood this puny rig could barley emit enough sound to be heard over the din of the constant conversations around me. It was like Steely Dan was entertaining at a cocktail party. What a lame crowd. It was like they gave out Lunestra at the door. You could even dance if you wanted to! Yet 97% sat motionless in their seats. It wasn�t till Peg at the end of the night that the shark actually bit them in the ass and we saw motion.

"Let�s All Go To The Lobby" must have been playing in many of these zombies heads, because it was a steady stream up and out of the Bowl for the entire show for beer, popcorn, pizza, ice cream and corn dogs. So they missed the best parts of last night's movie? Not really. Some inspired moments but it all played like a feature film that we have all seen before. Too many times and for a lot less at the late, late show. My favorite part of the show last night was "Lunch With Gina". Unfortunately they only played that rarely heard gem at sound check. Talk about a double feature chain yank. No Bear and no Gina.
No lunch. No soup for you.

We need a bigger boat. With bigger surprises. Surprises that will push us back in our seats or make us stand up and scream. We need
a blockbuster.

And then we will cheer like lunatics this summer when Drypuss tells the shark and the audience to, "Smile you son of a bitch.



Date: Thurs, July 07, 2011, 04:30:42 ET
Posted by: KD, OLL

I'm not dismissing, nor criticizing. I can't imagine what it would be like to play an unreleased demo track (as much as I love "The Bear," I truly do, have for years) to a crowd that is 70 percent made up of people waiting to hear "Peg." It can't be easy.

But I'm broke, and already made the semi-decision to not go to a show this year. After the first two shows? I thought about trying to grab a last row sort of thing at the venue closest to me, about a week and a half from now. After the last few shows, though? I don't know.

I've defended these setlists, and their minor additions (from 2003 onward) for years. Not saying this is something that should change, just typing out loud with nobody to bat this around with right now. Damn, do I want to see this band. But I might have to sit out my first SD tour since 1996.

There's nothing wrong with wanting to replace polite applause ("The Bear," or any other rarity they wanted to throw out for us folk that can't force our donkeys to hoof it to the Bee-kuhn) with a knowing and sustained bit of whooing ("Time Out of Mind," great song, but something among those lines). It's not easy to break out the rough stuff.

Just kvetching, kind of. Still lovely to see these guys on tour, hopefully making money for The New One.


Date: Thurs, July 07, 2011, 03:15:36 ET
Posted by: Adorable ghost, Solvang

Santa Barbara was sublime! I haven't seen the boys since 07 and they've aged ever so slightly like I have in a good way. Walter chillin out tonight and Don groovin out a bit more than usual- setlist pretty much the same but no "bear"- I hadn't heard "Reelin" live in a while and it was timely for me so I enjoyed it. The crowd got dancing from "Peg" onward until "Last Tango" played us out.... So who was wearing the "Are you with me Dr. Wu shirt I commented on at the restaurant at dinner before the shoooo?


Date: Thurs, July 07, 2011, 02:55:19 ET
Posted by: drewslo, SanLuis Obispo

Santa Barbara had same setlist as Saratoga. Sadly, no bear tonight.
Still, a great show. The highlights for me were the two Everything Must Go songs.


Date: Wed, July 06, 2011, 21:22:08 ET
Posted by: Technicolor Motorhome, SouthEast U S

I like the setlist as well...plenty of Royal Scam and Aja and Gaucho...however...still want to hear some 2 vs. Nature especially Gaslighting Abbie or Janie Runaway or Cousin Dupree (in the midwest and south wouldn't they feel compelled to play Cuz Dupree - LOL!!)


Date: Wed, July 06, 2011, 20:56:34 ET
Posted by: Young Wu, Buffalo

Well, this last setlist doesn't look too promising. Losing You Got the Bear? Hmm....

Is it me or does it seem that there is no rhyme or reason to these current setlists? Just greatest hits thrown around.

Everything Must Go and Your Gold Teeth are great, but I REALLY hope something changes fairly soon.


Date: Wed, July 06, 2011, 18:50:16 ET
Posted by: Angstrom P Newton, California

Saratoga setlist:

Dizzy's Business
Your Gold Teeth
Aja
Hey Nineteen (with a spectacularly inspired Walter Becker)
Green Earrings
Everything Must Go
FM
Time Out Of Mind
Godwhacker
Show Biz Kids
Babylon Sisters
Dirty Work (girls all sang)
Neighbor's Daughter (band intros with Catherine Russel on vocals)
Night By Night
Josie
Peg
Reelin' In The Years
Bodhisattva
encore: Kid Charlemagne
walkoff: Last Tango In Paris


Date: Wed, July 06, 2011, 18:49:28 ET
Posted by: Hutch,

DeaconBlues16 - Thanks for that. Short but very nice. Donald sounds strong and pitch perfect. I love that song... learned to play it on guitar by consulting our good friend Howard Wright's transcriptions.
Very subtle changes in the middle eight.

It was a surprise to me that they played The Bear (or any unreleasted tracks) at one of the "non special nights" dates.
Monitoring the setlists carefully.

So what's the deal with this new solo effort from Donald?
I got the impression awhile ago that it was in the can ready to release. Frankly I expected it this Spring or early Summer based on what sparse quotes we gleaned from DF interviews. Will he wait until they finish the US leg of the tour and go for a release date around the end of year holidays?

I really want to hear this one.


Date: Wed, July 06, 2011, 18:37:41 ET
Posted by: Another, Scurvy Brother

I, sadly, missed the only Bay Area show last night. But felt responsible to deliver a setlist anyway. I found one in Twitter format, courtesy of @aisolani:

Playlist:Goldteeth;Aja;Hey19;Evrthingmstgo;Timeoutmnd;Godwacer;Shobizkds;Bablnsistr;Drtywork;Nitebynite;Josie;Peg;Reelnyrs;Bodstva;KidChrlmn


Date: Wed, July 06, 2011, 18:19:39 ET
Posted by: Security Joan, Philadelphia

Hey Alan Tress, never fear, I didn't forget about Jim Pugh (or forget that Jon Herington for that matter has also been playing since 2000 tour), sadly I just couldn't mention everyone so I took the 'least" and "most" approach for that sentence. There was actually quite a bit I had to edit out to meet my 800 word guideline. (Word limit is always a challenge.. I went a bit over on this one in fact!)

And thanks Lurker Ray for your comments also - note that for the same reason (800 words...) any comments on various shows / unusual set lists (NYC) fell on my last draft "editing room floor." But the good part is, for that reason I'll probably do a follow up piece.


Date: Wed, July 06, 2011, 14:40:42 ET
Posted by: Young Wu, Buffalo

Come on, die hards on the West Coast... we need at least one Dandom poster at every show!!
We need these setlists. Pull your weight! I'm dyin' here...


Date: Wed, July 06, 2011, 14:19:13 ET
Posted by: DeaconBlues16,

I can't give a setlist from last night (and would very much like to see one), but I can say that it looks like they broke out FM for the first time on this tour last night:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8pKiAglLC7w


Date: Wed, July 06, 2011, 14:09:41 ET
Posted by: Lurker Ray, Malibu - Santa Barbara Bound In The Golden "Bear" State

So with all of the chatter
concerning the Saratoga Winery
show, "It's a good venue...
it's a bad venue....etc" Yet
no one can give us a report
and/or setlist from last night
?????????????????????????????


Date: Wed, July 06, 2011, 12:48:33 ET
Posted by: mikethebaker, the sugar shack in pennsylvania

@jazzassin, thanks for taking the time to respond!


Date: Wed, July 06, 2011, 11:32:47 ET
Posted by: vasu, chapel hill, nc

Hey, I heard that they played a song from Aja that didn't make it to the album, called, "you got the bear". would love to hear what it sounds like. Anyone have any ideas?


Date: Wed, July 06, 2011, 10:35:12 ET
Posted by: Ann, Borneo

Travelling Minstel and Hoops: Many thanks for the info re-Oz shows, etc

I've done Sin_Adelaide before (Great city!! Very civilised :)
but I have to be back in darkest Borneo by Sunday evening unfortunately, so will have to look at other venues.....grrrrrr!!
...and I currently have more airmiles with RBA than with SQ....
Ah well.... dream on.....


Date: Wed, July 06, 2011, 10:04:46 ET
Posted by: The Dean, On the road

Hoops,

According to the setlist linked below by Dan B, Dizzy's Business was the intro song and the Dorsey tune was played during the band intros.

http://www.setlist.fm/setlist/steely-dan/2011/wamu-theater-seattle-wa-33d36c01.html

I linked a live version of Canonball's band playing Dizzy's Biz below, too.


Date: Wed, July 06, 2011, 10:00:07 ET
Posted by: DYLYNFAN, HARRISBURG, PA

I have to concede more post from "THE DEAN" is in fact a good
thing, he is not only interesting and knowledgeable but also
contreversial, not a bad combo platter!!!


Date: Wed, July 06, 2011, 09:24:09 ET
Posted by: Rusty, Nail

Happy Birthday to Mr. Fagen's hot piece of ass and adorable, cuddly wife, Libby Titus.

May they continue to enjoy life in their Great Pagoda of FuNN.


Date: Wed, July 06, 2011, 08:55:45 ET
Posted by: george, NYC

HEY!! News on guitarist DREW ZINGG? Check these two sites out:

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1411498664/the-drew-zingg-debut-cd-and-dvd-project


and...

www.dzdap.com


Date: Wed, July 06, 2011, 06:03:56 ET
Posted by: Jazzassin, purdie shuffle diplomacy

@Zippy,

Yes, someone who is also visiting this board once in a while, actually posted those rarities.
However, it did not miss our attention, as he/she put up a link here to the Youtubeclips a couple of weeks ago, and there was a following discussion about certain aspects of the lyrics to PTBYS.

Scroll down to read... ;)

@mikethebaker,

My guess is "Musical Director" in the case of the SD orchestra means pretty much the same as it always did; the person in the band being in charge of group rehearsals, writing out charts, instructing other band members and generally taking care of things in D & W's absence.
The Musical Director must of course be utmost familiar with every detail of all songs and arrangements, and is more or less acting as a band leader on D & W's behalf.

Larry Carlton was the first Dan affiliate to fill those shoes, it was back in the '70s during the Aja studio sessions, and for the last tours it's been Jon.


Date: Wed, July 06, 2011, 03:22:25 ET
Posted by: acknowledging bootlegs,

Not sure why playing their own songs is cast as being comfortable acknowledging bootlegs. I would think they hate the boots as much as ever.

What probably happened was that the band members finally felt comfortable asking to play some new material, and Don and Walter probably asked who was going to make the charts, and every band member said they already had all the charts finished and had known all the old forbidden songs for years.


Date: Wed, July 06, 2011, 03:00:25 ET
Posted by: Art, Burbank

Any reports/setlists for the Mountain Winery show in Saratoga?


Date: Wed, July 06, 2011, 02:19:38 ET
Posted by: Lawrence Welk, and a one

on the Rarities Events, boyz. Request that funky music, the Gaucho Outtake tunes. The Lennon Sisters will shake it 'till the cows come home.


Date: Wed, July 06, 2011, 00:39:29 ET
Posted by: Eric, Portland, OR

Brother loved your neighbor's daughter was played more than halfway into the concert, when the band members were introduced. I have since learned that the intro when Don and Walt first walk out was the tune "Dizzy's Business". It's a great jazz instrumental.


Date: Wed, July 06, 2011, 00:08:47 ET
Posted by: mikethebaker, the sugar shack in pennsylvania

Regarding "Brother Loved The Neighbors Daughter." I saw JH Band perform that song at The Note in West Chester, Pa. a few months ago. And during band intros at SD shows, WB sometimes refers to JH as "musical director." What does that actually mean? Do you think Don and Walt liked that Jon was covering the song and decided to include it into SD shows? Did Jon suggest it? Or did Jon get the idea from Don and Walt? Really just wondering if the title "musical director" they have given Jon actually means just that...


Date: Tues, July 05, 2011, 23:46:59 ET
Posted by: hoops, on the quick

Looking back on Eric & SueDave's posts, could someone clarify if the Lee Dorsey tune was the opener or played during the intros or both or...???

Here's the link to John Fisher's review:

http://blogs.1037themountain.com/johnfisher/2011/07/04/coming-down-from-a-steely-dan-high/


Date: Tues, July 05, 2011, 23:33:45 ET
Posted by: hoops, on the quick

John Fisher has a review and set list for Saturday evening's opening show. There he gives the name of this year's opening instrumental, the Lee Dorsey cut, "Brother Loved the Neighbor�s Daughter." So there.

Sorry if this has been posted...


Date: Tues, July 05, 2011, 22:33:38 ET
Posted by: Beast w/o A Doubt, Rarities Momento, NJ

Could it be that the flash drive thingy might just well be a same-night recording. An instant souvenir ?

Peter Gabriel, since 2003, has offered undoctored recordings of his shows. So has The Who and Pearl Jam.

Could we finally be seeing a new avenue of fan-centric musical merchandising by D+W ?

Just in time for their full career retrospective at The Beacon.

Hopefully no tissues will be placed next to that damned ever-present Coke can. Take some of that Echinacea on the road with you, Donald.

Beast.


Date: Tues, July 05, 2011, 22:20:26 ET
Posted by: Beast w/o A Clue, Still Ticketless, NJ

Merch still looks underwhelming. I like the retro-logo and the resurrection of the dual-nerd logo from the Fresh for 93 maiden voyage re-birth.

Ummm. Anyone know or care to comment on that flash-drive thing-a-mu-bobby ?? What's it do ? Just a blank or is it filled with goodies ?

Sept 17 or bust.

Beast.


Date: Tues, July 05, 2011, 22:20:25 ET
Posted by: Alan Tress, sd

Hey Joanie K. -

"Nobody on the band has played less than three tours with Steely Dan; some have had a much longer connection, such as siblings Michael Leonhart (trumpet) and Carolyn Leonhart-Escoffery (vocals).

Don't forget Jim Pugh on trombone - 2000-11.


Date: Tues, July 05, 2011, 22:13:54 ET
Posted by: Lurker Ray, Malibu

Nicely done Security Joan.

I realy liked the the individual
band members take. Some real nice
insights. You can tell when they
play together that they are one
big family.

I know you said it was for the
"pedestrian" Steely Dan fan,
but just curious, why no word
of the ultra tr�s chic NYC shows?

Looking forward to the reports from
Saratoga tonight where the temp at
showtime should be a lovely 68 degrees
with no humidity. The reeds love
that. Especially Donna.


Date: Tues, July 05, 2011, 21:19:09 ET
Posted by: Security Joan, Philadelphia

Chris, I totally agree about their possible comfort level w. acknowledging bootlegs of unreleased work, which I think goes hand in hand w. their increasing comfort with (no, actually complete and utter enjoyment of) live performances.

Speaking of live performances, I just did this piece on HuffPo about the touring band... target audience is general public (i.e. not music people) so there are some obvious comments, but thought I should share here:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/joan-k-smith/steely-dan-tour_b_889917.html


Date: Tues, July 05, 2011, 20:12:51 ET
Posted by: steelydoc, near the Tower

steelydan.com has been updated with a link to a page that shows this year's merch:

http://www.steelydan.com/tour11merch.html


Date: Tues, July 05, 2011, 19:28:53 ET
Posted by: Travelling Minstrel, The Southland

Hey, Ann from Borneo

Don't forget about Adelaide- Singapore Airlines flies direct from Singapore to Adelaide- a very pleasant 6 1/2 hour flight. We have a newish international airport that works pretty well.

Steely Dan are playing at our Entertainment Centre on Sunday 30 October (with Steve Winwood), the promoters having recently moved the show there from a winery south of Adelaide.

Let me know if you can make it!


Date: Tues, July 05, 2011, 18:59:47 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Thanks for posting You Got The Bear. Don looked like he really had a great time playing that one.


Date: Tues, July 05, 2011, 17:13:40 ET
Posted by: BillfromPgh,

SD in your fridge?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s81RJ2fAM8Y&feature=related
Had to laugh at this - it's even in the right key.


Date: Tues, July 05, 2011, 15:57:23 ET
Posted by: peteb, UK

Thank you Dan Belcher. Now I can grow up.


Date: Tues, July 05, 2011, 14:40:31 ET
Posted by: hoops, chicago

BTW: I'm not sure I follow some of the recent speculation on the "I Got The Bear" demos and performance. Granted I'm highly susceptible to fever dreams these days, but am I right reading that some think fans deserve credit for D + W "copping" "You Got The Bear" from their own demos? Maybe I'm not the only one having fever dreams.

Best wishes,

Jim


Date: Tues, July 05, 2011, 14:35:47 ET
Posted by: hoops, chicago

Ann--

Bruce and Don Cameron--The Cameron Brothers--will be there from Christchurch, New Zealand. They of course, helped pioneer what is today's Dandom.com back circa 1993 and Bruce came up with the concept for this year's Danfest graphic, not to mention the Blue Viagra Cakes of Dandom satire and a few other things. I"ve never met them in person but they are some of my favorite Danfan internet collaborators.

Two weeks of a respiratory infection...I should have bought stock in Kleenex!

Best,

Jim


Date: Tues, July 05, 2011, 14:33:56 ET
Posted by: video!,

Very large thank yous for video posting.
Fantastic to hear Gold Teeth and Bear.

As for some Steely statement on the legitimacy of bootlegs, I think that's a stretch. The song arrangements were pretty well along as represented by those recordings, so why change something that works so well? The style of music was less groove based back then, so the old recordings are probably a lot more difficult to re-arrange than the newer stuff - it would change their essential character.

Bodes well for 2nd Arrangement, Kulee. Man I'm still hoping for Mobile Home too. I can't see any shows, so I'm relying on you incredible people to post details.

I believe that they're playing the unreleased material is a sign of intense respect for the fans that have stuck with them for so long.


Date: Tues, July 05, 2011, 13:15:57 ET
Posted by: Ann, Borneo

Is anyone on here going to be travelling to down under for some shows (apart from the immortal Alan and Jeri, who are already there)?
Trying to scrape together some airmiles to get down there and had a nasty blow that our national carrier has just scrapped their Brisbane and Perth direct services. Only Melbourne left now.... dang!
I'm still hoping that one day our boys might see the wisdom of playing Singapore!
Peace :)
Ann


Date: Tues, July 05, 2011, 11:55:16 ET
Posted by: Dan Belcher, Louisville, KY

The first Youtube vids I've seen of the full performances of these two songs. The sound quality of these clips is pretty dreadful, but it's still better than nothing.

The Bear: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Enz8Avd5p5I
Your Gold Teeth: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9GATgdjV0I


Date: Tues, July 05, 2011, 10:37:10 ET
Posted by: Zippy, Fantasyland

Two incredibly rare Steely Dan items!

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

The FULL VERSION of the very rare "Runnin' Child" SUNG BY STEELY DAN!!

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

"Proud to be your slave" written by Becker and Fagen and performed by DiamondHead!


Date: Tues, July 05, 2011, 10:17:32 ET
Posted by: DYLYNFAN, HARRISBURG PA

AS much as it pains me, have to agree with"THE DEAN" he is spot on!!
Peolple, please stop complaining the set-list are awe-inspiring!!


Date: Tues, July 05, 2011, 09:56:46 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Chris, they're aware that the fandom have heard these gems for quite awhile and thus would be doing themselves a huge disservice by not acknowledging their own material (and such high-quality material to boot). With the addition of rarities/outtakes, they have an even greater repertoire to draw upon.


Date: Tues, July 05, 2011, 09:43:57 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh

Anyone else struck by the fact that the band was CLEARLY working off the same boot of The Bear that we all know and love?

Does anyone else find it interesting that the band is essentially acknowledging the legitimacy of this bootleg and will probably be acknowledging the legitimacy of other beloved bootlegs in the future?

Not a complaint - in fact, I'm thrilled - but a seismic shift in how they generally run things.


Date: Tues, July 05, 2011, 09:24:18 ET
Posted by: opener, boston

Does anyone know who is playing with Sam Yahel?


Date: Tues, July 05, 2011, 01:06:19 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine Beach

One more thing. A hidden gem in that setlist.fm link Dan provided is this version of Neighbor's Daughter by the Jon Herington Band. No shit!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=buMQ2fwdLEE&feature=player_embedded#at=44


Date: Tues, July 05, 2011, 00:50:00 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine Beach

Dan, thanks for that setlist. I still have yet to see a review of the concert, other than those here on The Blue.

Dizzy's Business is a Gillespie tune from the 50's. Canonnball Adderley regularly played this in concert. Here's a live version of Cannonball (and his band) belting in out in 1963:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Riz6-3tuVo8

Great choice for an opener, but I'd really like to see them use a reworked version of Rapunzel one tour:

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



Date: Mon, July 04, 2011, 23:41:28 ET
Posted by: Dan Belcher, Louisville, KY

Also, the jazz opener is Dizzy's Business, according to this link: http://www.setlist.fm/setlist/steely-dan/2011/wamu-theater-seattle-wa-33d36c01.html


Date: Mon, July 04, 2011, 23:26:42 ET
Posted by: Dan Belcher, Louisville, KY

Holy. Shit.

I am groovin' to that Youtube clip of The Bear for about the fifth straight repeat playing. The Cincinnati and Louisville shows can't come soon enough! I had zero expectations for hearing something like this outside of the Rarities show. I'm also looking forward to hearing Your Gold Teeth and any other gems they will be shoving into the setlist, if they feel so inclined. (Second Arrangement, anyone?)


Date: Mon, July 04, 2011, 21:54:33 ET
Posted by: TO Danfan, On the deck with SD

Happy 4th to all my American pals. Great to see the boys offering up some gems right from the get go.

3 years ago tonight we were at Casino Rama north of Toronto for the SD concert. Here's what they played then:

Intro Everyone's Gone, Fez, Royal Scam
I Got The News
Showbiz Kids
Everything You Did
TVN
Hey Nineteen
Do It Again
Glamour Profession
New Frontier
Gaucho
Home At Last
Parker`s Band
Josie
Third World Man
Aja
Peg
FM
Kid C

A great set for a casino show. The big bear came out & kicked them off the stage for running late.

Cant wait for the show here on the 22nd. Still might make it to the Rarities. It will be the ``legendary show`` for sure.

Enjoy the tour everyone......Cheers!


Date: Mon, July 04, 2011, 20:23:15 ET
Posted by: Shecky, hickville

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

The elusive "Runnin' Child" written by Steely Dan in 1972!!!!!!!!


Date: Mon, July 04, 2011, 13:00:35 ET
Posted by: suedave, in the sun

Eric's probably right about the piano solo before the Bear, but when it initially started, I recognized it right away. I grabbed my husbands arm and said OMG its an unreleased track!!! Other folks behind me also recognized it and hooted after they picked up their jaw from the floor.


Date: Mon, July 04, 2011, 13:00:05 ET
Posted by: The Dean, Looking forward to the fireworks

A Scurvy Brother,

I was confused, but now I see the live Bear link is on Cheebacabra's channel. I didn't notice that earlier. I thought you were saying Cheebacabra played the song live. My bad.

I know nothing of Cheebacabra, but it makes sense that a guy who calls himself "Aja" might be a Dan fan.

Wishing you all a great 4th. Live it up!


Date: Mon, July 04, 2011, 12:50:38 ET
Posted by: Another, Scurvy Brother

@Dean et al:

Sorry for that weird link, it was copied directly from the browser. Should have double-checked before posting.

But yeah, the one everyone's been watching was posted by Seattle instrumentalist Cheebacabra, who I always suspected was a fan of SD.


Date: Mon, July 04, 2011, 11:56:01 ET
Posted by: Jive Miguel, Bogata

Great to see SD performing 'The Bear' on You Tube this morning.

I know that they almost exclusively perform music that they have written, but one exception I'd love to hear is Donald's interpretation of Bright Lights, Big City.

Check it out at the 4:06 mark -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5xYvjXV_qk&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL


Date: Mon, July 04, 2011, 11:54:39 ET
Posted by: peteb, UK

Help. That clip of The Bear on Youtube cuts out a few seconds before the intstrumental. There's some tantalising new ideas on the backing vocals, everything is looking good. My problem is, I am stuck here in the UK without the prospect of getting to see the tour this year, and for years and years I've been wondering what was supposed to happen in that instrumental break - the demo gets very sparse there and I've always thought there was going to be some great tangental thing that they never got around to realising. Now all of a sudden the truth is out there somewhere, but I can't get to it! Please someone, either post a meticulous note-by-note description of what they've done or post a clip of it somewhere...please...


Date: Mon, July 04, 2011, 11:23:14 ET
Posted by: Eric, Portland, OR

"The Bear" in Portland last night started off with a really nice piano solo from Jim Beard, maybe a couple minutes or so. Then the full band came in.


Date: Mon, July 04, 2011, 11:17:21 ET
Posted by: bear questions,

Thanks so much for posting the Bear video!

Did it start with the waltz-time bit?
How was the audience reaction?

Very exciting development.


Date: Mon, July 04, 2011, 10:08:55 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine Beach

Sorry, I didn't notice kzkzkz already posted the link to The Bear.


Date: Mon, July 04, 2011, 10:06:41 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine Beach

Thanks so much for the setlists. Eric.

Another Scurvy Bro, the link you posted took me to a search results page. Neither Cheebacabra nor The Bear were on the page. I'm not quite sure what you were trying to link there.

But I did find a SD live version of The Bear from Seattle. Pretty good for an audience vid, IMO. Also the song sounds terrific live:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MoLPxblBbr8


Date: Mon, July 04, 2011, 09:22:53 ET
Posted by: kzkzkz, Can't .wait.....

A small taste of a bear from opening night.
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MoLPxblBbr8


Date: Mon, July 04, 2011, 08:40:05 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Was watching MSG Network and they had a commercial for SD's upcoming Beacon Theatre shows. Went to check on their website and they describe all the shows, including Rarities live. So it looks like we'll finally hear The Second Arrangement, Kulee Baba, I Can't Write Home About You, Kind Spirit, You Got The Bear (obviously), and more live.

Then, after the tour concludes, we'll look forward to Don's new solo outing and, perhaps, a new SD album.

Life is good.


Date: Mon, July 04, 2011, 05:57:38 ET
Posted by: SS, HK

Brian Gius...your off-the-cuff stuff was good value.

As for The Bear, I'm thrilled that it has been included on the tour.

AND, it is my least favourite of all those unreleased mid to late 70s tracks.


Date: Mon, July 04, 2011, 05:19:41 ET
Posted by: Brian Gius, Los Angeles, California

About those Steely Dan covers I did live.. I realize all of their faults, don't think I don't. They are far from perfected, I did all of those from sheet music in a 4-5 hour period. I learned most of those that day, and they were meant for my friends.. not for Steely Dan aficionados necessarily.. I just played them for fun. heh

If you guys want to hear some of my stuff that I actually find presentable outside my circle of friends check out

http://soundcloud.com/briangius/sets/fully-mixed-covers/

or all of the improvisational piano on my website

http://briangius.com/#improvisations


I absolutely love Steely Dan Btw. Saw them @ the Gibson (universal) Amphitheater

Thanks for listening either way, there no such thing as bad press : )

-Brian


Date: Mon, July 04, 2011, 03:59:46 ET
Posted by: the_fine_columbian, Portland, OR

Steely Dan

2011-07-03

Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, Portland, OR.

http://imageshack.us/g/6/img6738z.jpg/


Date: Mon, July 04, 2011, 03:29:53 ET
Posted by: MikeA, Seattle

Thanks Eric--Nice job with the report, glad you had a great time!


Date: Mon, July 04, 2011, 03:28:39 ET
Posted by: Lurker Ray, Malibu

Thanks for staying up and taking
the time to check in Eric.

Much appreciated.

Have a great & safe 4th all.


Date: Mon, July 04, 2011, 03:21:38 ET
Posted by: Another, scurvy Brother

Seattle's own Dan-infleted musicians Aja West and Cheebacabra are the first to give us a live taste ofthe Bear:

http://m.youtube.com/index?desktop_uri=%2F&gl=US#/watch?v=MoLPxblBbr8

Thanks Cheeba!


Date: Mon, July 04, 2011, 02:58:26 ET
Posted by: Eric, Portland, OR

Just got back from the Portland show. The crowd was electric!!
The set list somewhat followed the previous show, if it wasn't exact. My head is still spinning so I can't remember what last night's was LOL. Nevertheless, here is the set list for July 3, 2011 in Portland:

-Intro Jazz instrumental (I don't know the name of it)
-Your Gold Teeth (from CTE)
-Aja
-Hey 19
-Green Earrings
-Everything Must Go
-You Got The Bear (this sounded so beautiful live)
-Time out of mind
-God Whacker
-Show Biz Kids
-Babylon Sisters
-Dirty Work (with the ladies alternating vocals)
-Instrumental piece with band intros (Brother and your neighbor's daughter?) The exact title is in the previous setlist.
-Black Cow
-Josie
-Peg
-Reelin' in the years (original version)
-Bodhisattva
-Kid Charlemagne
-Last Tango In Paris (Don and Walt exit)

So 17 Steely Songs, plus other music.
It should be noted that Sam Yahel trio opened up with 3 songs, and they sounded really good, but the audience clearly was aching for the Dan!
Beautiful night and memories that will last a lifetime. :-)


Date: Mon, July 04, 2011, 02:26:57 ET
Posted by: fphklakrc, New York

YlJRwV <a href="http://yzitvfwxwjfz.com/">yzitvfwxwjfz</a>, [url=http://klfduindlodn.com/]klfduindlodn[/url], [link=http://xkkaetyheoeq.com/]xkkaetyheoeq[/link], http://ticipdvjglaa.com/


Date: Mon, July 04, 2011, 01:58:06 ET
Posted by: MikeA, Seattle

Say, what the hell's going on in Portland tonight? Any reports???


Date: Mon, July 04, 2011, 01:55:26 ET
Posted by: MikeA, Seattle

Me: As for Merch, last night in Seattle they had a hoodie, 3 differnt men's t shirts, 1 ladie t shirt, some magnets, a hat and coffee mug. The t designs shirts were way better than last tour and were 35 bucks (40 for XXL) Hoodie was 90


Date: Mon, July 04, 2011, 00:37:50 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine Beach

Technicolor Motorhome,

I'd be a bit surprised if some 2VN songs don't make it into the setlist over the course of the tour. After all, they are doing a 21st Century show later in the tour.

IMO, the title track from 2VN is one of the best live tunes they play. It is fucking awesome live.


Date: Sun, July 03, 2011, 21:10:21 ET
Posted by: Technicolor Motorhome, Southeast U.S.

Nothing from Two Against on this year's setlist? What? No Janie Runaway, no Cousin Dupree, no Jack of Speed, wassup with that??? I have tickets to see them in a couple of week and can't wait but a song or two from 2 vs. Nature would have added to what will already be an incredible show. Also, since Owsly S. passed recently, wouldn't it be cool if they opened with Kid Charlamenge? Just sayin' But for them to tour again is really excellent. I CAN'T FRIGGIN WAIT!!!


Date: Sun, July 03, 2011, 20:26:53 ET
Posted by: Me,

Any word on what swag they had for sale for this year?


Date: Sun, July 03, 2011, 20:07:21 ET
Posted by: Young Wu, Buffalo

So... is there an opening band? A poster a few hours ago insinuated that there was none. That would surprise me seeing as though the concert (at least according to the twitters) started around 9 local time. That seems late without an opener.

Oh and thanks to whoever tweeted the thing last night. Anyone doing it tonight?


Date: Sun, July 03, 2011, 19:46:33 ET
Posted by: Jive Miguel, Bogata

Anyone know what jazz tune SD opened with in Seattle? Last tour's open was Oliver Nelson's Teenie's Blues, and a few years back was Ray Bryant's Cubano Chant.

I suppose we'll find out soon!


Date: Sun, July 03, 2011, 19:40:42 ET
Posted by: poppy,

question: was there an opening instrumental or was it the first part of YGT then donald started the vocals (like he did with royal scam)?

also, how did the horn section fit in with YGT (probably pretty nice)


Date: Sun, July 03, 2011, 18:55:10 ET
Posted by: The Dean, Manatee Bar. In my cups.

SueDave,

Thanks for the clarifications and update.

Neighbor's Daughter, Lee Dorsey:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9O1nIv3nBEM


Date: Sun, July 03, 2011, 18:22:53 ET
Posted by: Lurker Ray, Malibu - Heading to The Pool To Beat The Heat

SueDave,

Thanks for your button dexterity
and for clearing up the setlist.

Brother Loved the Neighbor's Daughter!
Gotta LOVE Lee Dorsey!

Looking forward to the reports tonight.

Here's a little som'tin to wet your
wistle while we wait.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vFirz2tsWxM


Date: Sun, July 03, 2011, 18:15:40 ET
Posted by: Eric, Portland OR

Majordude, the show is scheduled to start at 8pm. I have not heard of an opening act. So be sure and get there before 8!


Date: Sun, July 03, 2011, 18:12:01 ET
Posted by: Earthbound Keith, Indiana

Indy Danfest Danfan Meetup on July 15.

See http://www.dandom.com/Danfests for details.

Sign up for the Indy At Dandom Dot Com email list.


Date: Sun, July 03, 2011, 17:32:35 ET
Posted by: suedave, Sunny Seattle

What a great effin show last night - still high off the fumes of hearing Your Gold Teeth & The Bear. Plus, the band was in fine fine form last night - you can tell they've played together before and knowing the band will get tighter as the shows continue is exciting.

My phone sometimes did take control over what I typed, but I'm sure I fed my keyboard some doozies too.

Beats Jamming should be Beard's jamming - nice little jam in Green Earrings
The song used to introduce the band is "Brother Loved the Neighbors's Daughter"
Masterful from solo to ending should be Masterful drum solo to end Do It Again

The only complaint I heard about the show was from a drunk gal who wanted to hear Rikki...after last night I can't see any reason to whine.

Thanks to Hoops for making it all possible.


Date: Sun, July 03, 2011, 17:10:01 ET
Posted by: Klaus and the rooster, Ohio

KD/ Ah God Bless damn if you dont sound like me I hope you find a way to see the band this year. Dentists ans Docs can wait/ the soul is more important'throw out your gold teeth and see how they roll! Every year I think I am going to leave it be until the news that they are coming and then I get so excited you would think the circus was coming to town/ I read the setlists [ Thanx SueDave] and get so excited that my brain turns to applesauce like Coucin Duprees and I swear I feel younger than the 52 years young that I am. God Bless SD and God Bless my friend KD

<


Date: Sun, July 03, 2011, 16:15:58 ET
Posted by: Dave, Seattle

Fezzie- I get it. Everybody has an opinion. I understand that. Yours was obviously wrong.


Date: Sun, July 03, 2011, 15:54:51 ET
Posted by: majordude, Portland, OR

Long time fan here--and my first Steely Dan show tonight in Portland! Really looking forward to it! Does anyone know if the show is going to start right at 8pm or if there is an opening act? I'm gonna be down at the Waterfront Blues Festival until showtime and I don't want to miss a note. It seems like they went on at 9pm in Seattle last night? I guess I will plan on being at my seat at 8pm!


Date: Sun, July 03, 2011, 15:50:12 ET
Posted by: Lurker Ray, Malibu

It's been what about 2 years now
since "Gullywater" first surfaced?
I'm pretty sure just about everyone
here must have heard it by now.

I wonder if they are willing to do
"You Got The Bear", how about doing
"Gullywater"? Personally I think
it's badass. Donald owns it vocally
and if you like, "You Got The Bear",
how can you not totally dig,
"Gullywater"?! Really a shame it
didn't make CBAT and even a bigger
shame it didn't make CITIZEN.

Not sure why so many folks are suprised
that "My Old School" was left off the
setlist last night? Many if not most
of the shows in the second leg of 2009
they droppd it for the new "original"
"Reeling In The Years".

And remeber it was Donald who once said
so many years ago, that he would NEVER
do "Reeling" in it's original "wormy
radio hit" form.


Date: Sun, July 03, 2011, 15:45:32 ET
Posted by: fezzie, Boston

Dave,You are not the only "Fan" who has raked me over the coals on this one!!!lol. I have heard the demo maybe twice forgive me for not getting all warm and fuzzy!!pun intended!! I look forward to seeing how i like it played live.As to how i can be a fan and not like BEAR,well that does not even deserve a response so i will leave it alone. best wishes,Fezzie


Date: Sun, July 03, 2011, 14:37:27 ET
Posted by: Lonnie THE Kingpin, Lying in Wait on West coast for LA gigs

Lonnie is in the house. Love the addition of The Bear. It was part of the AJA sessions and it almost made the cut and then was never officially released. The funk on this tune will surely be expanded upon by the boys. I wish DF and WB would take up my idea that I have been spouting for free now for 11 years -- to open the show with a kick ass version of YGT II and/or merge it with the "Record Plant" version of YGT that is SMOKIN'! Maybe in 2012? Waiting for them to roll out Kind Spirit, Dallas, Second Arrangement and Brooklyn (great one for the ladies instead of Dirty Work).

LOVE the Dan cuz once they are gone ain't no one doin' what they do. Quit moaning about the set list. Just love whatever they play!!

Peace. love and DAN!

L T K


Date: Sun, July 03, 2011, 14:30:18 ET
Posted by: Another, scurvy Brother

Bad Vocals -- nice shot at stirring the pot. Go back under your bridge.

Everyone else -- "the Bear"? "YGT"? My decision to pass on a GA Ticket for Saratoga seems sadly shortsighted now. Now scouring for a ticket!


Date: Sun, July 03, 2011, 13:07:03 ET
Posted by: KD, Ooh, la la

Don and Walt,

I've no money. My lovely wife just opened up a small business, we're still in debt by the thousands from our wedding from last summer, and I've a good feeling I won't see a dentist nor a doctor between now until the end of my life.

I've also seen you, solo or otherwise, on every tour since 2000. And 2011 was supposed to be the year that I stopped. That I got it together. That I saved my bread.

Fuck it. With my better half's blessing, based on the additions to the setlist, 80 bucks is coming your way in Indy in a couple of weeks. OK, maybe not 80 bucks, but a good enough percentage. Thanks for keeping it on edge.

Life is unreal,

KD


Date: Sun, July 03, 2011, 12:38:49 ET
Posted by: Dave, Seattle

Fezzie- No offense but.... I'm not sure how anybody could claim that they're a SD fan and not like You Got The Bear! The demo (even raw and unfinished) is spectacular! One my mt favorite SD songs ever! Demo or not!


Date: Sun, July 03, 2011, 12:32:21 ET
Posted by: Bad Vocals, and a Drum Machine

Here's some "Shuffle Diplomacy"...let's get rid of the 3rd b/g singer AND Walter (neither would be missed).


Date: Sun, July 03, 2011, 12:28:38 ET
Posted by: Beast w/o A Name, Lawn Guyland

Very interesting to see Your Gold Teeth and You Got The Bear in the 2011 setlist. I guess I'll be seeing both of these performed at the Rarities gig in a couple of months, where they will hopefully be playing other, never-before-played chestnuts, as opposed to... warhorses.

Did anybody see the MSG channel on Friday night ? I just saw a listing for a half hour Steely Dan special. Is this the very same show from the 2009 tour ? Or is it a new one ???


Date: Sun, July 03, 2011, 12:10:27 ET
Posted by: Jive Miguel, Bogata

dkoemans has a few brief clips of Seattle on You Tube

Jon's mastery of the solos continues to evolve. In the few seconds we hear Donald, he's right on point.

Gonna be a beautiful summer.


Date: Sun, July 03, 2011, 11:41:31 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine Beach

I forgot to thank Hoops earlier for his work in getting us the setlist. Sorry about the oversight.

I wouldn't assume My Old School (and/or Black Friday) are gone from the setlist for good. But if they start including more unusual cuts, something is going to be cut on any given night.

I was chuckling a bit when reading the setlist last night. As excited as many of us here will be at some of the selections in the setlist, I have the feeling many mainstream fans (and critics) won't be as thrilled with the inclusion of The Bear at the expense of My Old School (for example). A regular complaint (among those less SD obsessed) about SD live shows is they play too few of their hits (typically focusing on one or two early songs) and they play too many obscure songs.

And Arne, you ask "do we REALLY need 3 b/g singers?". By "we" do you mean SD or the audience? In a recent interview Walter made it very clear he thinks 3 b/g singers is best for live performance. He also said there are songs when 4 b/g singers would be better. I think my question is "why would a fan/audience member complain about having too many b/g singers?" I assume you were suggesting 3 was too many, not too few.

Finally, the "beats jamming" tweet. I was a bit confused by that in real time, but decided it was probably a typo and was meant to read "Beard's jamming". Now DeaconBlues 16 has me rethinking my interpretation. SueDave, what were you referring to?


Date: Sun, July 03, 2011, 11:30:02 ET
Posted by: Omigosh, sd

Why would I want to listen to Brian continue butchering the SD catalog?

Wrong chords, inaccurate singing, affected vocal timbre - are enough reasons not to punish myself further.


Date: Sun, July 03, 2011, 11:25:57 ET
Posted by: Young Wu, Buffalo

Ya know, I gotta say, I'm kinda disappointed in that setlist. Only 16 songs. Nothing from Katy Lied, one from Pretzel Logic... and why do we need Showbiz Kids, Green Earrings, and Dirty Work again??? Who are they playing these songs for? Can't the girls sing something else?

Your Gold Teeth, You Got the Bear, and Everything Must Go are very cool, but everything else is just boring. Hopefully they switch it up just a little.


Date: Sun, July 03, 2011, 11:14:51 ET
Posted by: DeaconBlues16,

I don't know if this is the last time they didn't play My Old School, but they didn't play it at the Atlanta show in 2009 (or at the Atlanta show in 2008, according to the setlist I have). However, it does seem like they would have played one more song than they did last night, mainly because it doesn't appear as if Walter Becker got his one song (i.e. Daddy Don't Live in that New York City No More or Slang of Ages). Also, I think it's a little surprising they didn't do Black Friday, considering that has been a staple of recent tours. But Your Gold Teeth seems like a really cool song to open with, especially considering that it's never been played live before as far as I know, at least since the 1993 reunion. Of course, I think the fact that they played "You Got the Bear" answers the questions we had concerning what they would play on rarities night, so that's awesome. The beats jamming tweet... that was part of Green Earrings right? Or was that something else?


Date: Sun, July 03, 2011, 10:27:24 ET
Posted by: @P.Omigosh, Why settle for one cover when...

...you can have his take on two whole albums? Here's Gaucho and Aja as Brian make them sound:

http://briangius.com/blog/2011/06/steely-dan-aja-gaucho-covers/

Adjust and sculpt your receptors accordingly.

/PGE
(downloading but yet to hear)

++++++++++++++++

Back to last night's show:
When was the last time they skipped My Old School at a gig? (Thnx to Arne for pointing it out.)

And have fun tonight'in Portland!

/PGE


Date: Sun, July 03, 2011, 09:48:36 ET
Posted by: P. Omigosh, sd

Is this guy kidding?:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4WQJG0TESA4


Date: Sun, July 03, 2011, 09:03:21 ET
Posted by: Arne Duncan, MOS

Interesting they nixed My Old School...who'd have thunk it.

I'll be the party-pooper and say SD should have added this sprinkling of deep(er) cuts on each of their tours starting several years ago (what was the BFD?...was it a case of getting to critical mass in terms of their war chests?). On the bright side, if they've added these cuts to a garden-variety setlist, imagine the tunes on the special nights.

Due to the bad feelings I have for this band's decision making re: live shows (we won't even examine the never-changing drummer/bassist/guitarist [do we REALLY need 3 b/g singers?]), I couldn't be more disinterested to see them live and that is a monumental statement coming from this huge fan.


Date: Sun, July 03, 2011, 08:45:41 ET
Posted by: fezzie, boston

Dave in Seattle,What i said was based on a short sampling of what you have now heard as a finished product,Also based on Donalds own words that SOME of the OLD songs were dated lyrically IE Dr. WU which was played in 2009 and the lyrics were changed big time.You have the Boston show i believe from 2009,take a close listen to it.YOU are correct,i did not care for what i heard earlier this year,i also did'nt like BEER until i had a few!!!give me the same opportunity to hear how the boys have re worked the tune and i'll be happy to give you my honest opinion.Then i will fly out to seattle and Kick your ASS lol...best wishes Fezzie.


Date: Sun, July 03, 2011, 05:51:57 ET
Posted by: Jazzassin, You Got The Bear!!

Wow!
So they're actually playing EMG and GWacker on a not-supposed-to-be Special Setlist Night! That's very cool. And Seattle even got the Bear!!
This is great news. I guess it's allowed to further heighten one's expectations regarding the Dawn, Rarities and 21st C. nights, too..!

I'm really looking forward to read more setlists, tweets and reviews here in the near future.

And thanks for the Walter interview links.

Enjoy a Dan filled summer, everyone! ;)


Date: Sun, July 03, 2011, 04:14:34 ET
Posted by: KD, Ooh, la la

"EMG," too. Dang.


Date: Sun, July 03, 2011, 04:04:42 ET
Posted by: KD, ooh la la

"Your Gold Teeth," the first? "I Got the Bear?" Come to think of it, both these songs are right in Don and Walt's more recent, RnB-tinged wheelhouse these days, so it makes sense. Thanks to Sue for the updates, and Hoops (get well soon) for Tweeting along.

Very cool. I hate seeing phones out, recording, when I go to shows; but I'll be anxiously refreshing YouTube over the next few days waiting to see those gems. Plus Jon going nuts on "Reelin'."


Date: Sun, July 03, 2011, 03:42:54 ET
Posted by: MikeA, Seattle

Folks, I'm here to tell you, a frickin freight train roared through Seattle tonight. A freight train named Steely Dan. Amazing, agressive show with a fresh feel to it. Even though most of these tunes are road worn, there were surprises and new tweaks in most of the material. The venue sucked and the acoustics were subpar. The Dan rose above all that though. Truly one of the great shows in Dan history and the rapport between band and audience was awesome. Don shreaded on the melodica. Obvious hes been working on that. I was blown away by his solos on that instrument. Overall, there was alot more emphasis on individual solos by all. Horns had numerous open spots throughout and the guys simply killed. Tonight was my 10th Dan show and this was in many ways the best show ever. These guys have clearly embraced the concept of continuous improvement. Donald and Walter were clearly excited and played as never before. Wish you all could have been there!!! Now I am trying to figure out what future shows I can somehow make it to....
Cheers,
MikeA


Date: Sun, July 03, 2011, 03:09:26 ET
Posted by: Dave, Seattle

Fezie- Remember when you said how you hated "You Got The Bear"? You said it wasn't a good SD song. Well, apparently D&W didn't think so! Fail!


Date: Sun, July 03, 2011, 02:50:41 ET
Posted by: mikethebaker, the sugar shack in pennsylvania

Wow, even though there are a couple songs on that list I could do without (not because I don't LOVE them)....I think I am going to love this tour just as much(and prob more) than previous ones...September can't get here soon enough!!


Date: Sun, July 03, 2011, 02:19:19 ET
Posted by: Biff, P

Considering how stingy they've been on 21C material, I'm perplexed that Godwhacker has become as certain as death in Texas.


Date: Sun, July 03, 2011, 02:06:26 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine Beach

SueDave :

Thanks so much for doing the work.

I will have to find a place to catch the tour this year.


Date: Sun, July 03, 2011, 02:02:12 ET
Posted by: Setlist from SueDave's Tweets, from Seattle

Setlist from Seattle as tweeted by SueDave--THANK YOU, SUEDAVE!

- Opening instrumental
- Your Gold Teeth 1 (321 XTC track)
- Aja
- Hey 19
- Green Earrings
- EMG
- Night By Night
- Time Out of Mind (TOOM)
- Godwhacker
- Show Biz Kids
- You Got The Bear (unreleased track from Aja sessions)
- Dirty Work
- Intros with unknown instrumental
- Do It Again
- Josie
- Peg
- Reelin' In The Years
- Bodhisattva
- Kid Charlemagne
- Outro (probably Last Tango In Paris)


Date: Sun, July 03, 2011, 02:00:43 ET
Posted by: angel, LA

Thanks so much, Suedave. A pleasure to watch the setlist unfold. Cool things added this time around. :-)


Date: Sun, July 03, 2011, 01:37:09 ET
Posted by: Gary, Atlanta

You Got The Bear - That's UNBELIEVABLE!! Wow, what a wonderful surprise!


Date: Sun, July 03, 2011, 01:28:24 ET
Posted by: tom, h

come on, play something from Circus Money. :)


Date: Sun, July 03, 2011, 01:16:37 ET
Posted by: Lurker Ray, Malibu

You Got The Bear!!!!!

July 2, 2011

Thanks SueDave!!!


Date: Sun, July 03, 2011, 01:16:01 ET
Posted by: XX, F

I use the Twitter client for Mac. It's free from the app store. I recommend it.


Date: Sun, July 03, 2011, 00:55:05 ET
Posted by: showbizkid, south of hollywood

YOUR GOLD TEETH
Got a feeling I've been here before
Watching as you cross the killing floor
You know you'll have to pay it all
You'll pay today or pay tomorrow
You fasten up your beaded gown
Then you try to tie me down
Do you work it out one by one
Or played in combination
You throw out your gold teeth
Do you see how they roll
I have seen your iron and your brass
Can't you see it shine behind the glass
Your fortune is your roving eye
Your mouth and legs
Your gift for the runaround
Torture is the main attraction
I don't need that kind of action
You don't have to dance for me
I've seen your dance before
Do you throw out your gold teeth
Do you see how they roll

Tobacco they grow in Peking
In the Year of the Locust
You'll see a sad thing
Even Cathy Berberian knows
There's one roulade she can't sing
Dumb luck my friend
Won't suck me in this time

Got a feeling I've been here before
Won't you let me help you find the door
All you got to do is use
Your silver shoes
A gift for the runaround
Use your knack darlin'
Take one step back darlin'
There ain't nothing in Chicago
For a monkey woman to do
Do you throw out your gold teeth
Do you see how they roll


Date: Sun, July 03, 2011, 00:48:45 ET
Posted by: ?, ?

Anyone reading those tweets above? Keep hitting reload or refresh.


Date: Sun, July 03, 2011, 00:12:34 ET
Posted by: fezzie, boston

Hoops,any set-list news out of the venue 12:12 am here in boston. thanks.......Fezzie


Date: Sat, July 02, 2011, 23:57:21 ET
Posted by: tom, here

Thanks danfan.


Date: Sat, July 02, 2011, 23:33:45 ET
Posted by: danfan,

Tom--

The tweets show up on this page, above this post, right below the "With Love..." part. I don't think Steely Dan's set has started yet. As I write this, you currently see the last five tweets from DandomDOTcom, one or two of which go back a month or two. Press your browser's reload or refresh button every now and then.

That said, the tweeting has not begun. There is also a chance that technical difficulties could cause problems. If so, look for a post here (instead of tweets) in 2-3 hours.


Date: Sat, July 02, 2011, 23:20:59 ET
Posted by: tom, here

where's the texts? do i need to sign up for an account on twitter? i thought i'd see show texts here. help?


Date: Sat, July 02, 2011, 22:34:16 ET
Posted by: Chiprdr, Cuyahoga Falls

Definately waitng for the first set list in over a year!How will they open??

Chip


Date: Sat, July 02, 2011, 21:19:00 ET
Posted by: Jive Miguel, Bogata

How sweet is it to have sultry Cynthia Mizelle back in the mix?


Date: Sat, July 02, 2011, 20:00:58 ET
Posted by: So when's the show?,

Did a bit of counting for all European fans eager to follow the tweets from the Seattle premiere.
With the show starting 8 p.m. local time it means 5 o'clock Sunday morning CET/Central Euopean Time.

Looking forward to the 2011 playlist!

/PGE


Date: Sat, July 02, 2011, 18:25:42 ET
Posted by: Lurker Ray, Malibu - Poolside Beating the Heat

Hope you are feeling better hoops
and I hope you enjoyed your Bluebook
anniversary gift. I know I speak for
all of us here when I say I hope you
make it to NYC. Maybe we need a new
"Send Hoops TO NYC" PayPal link?

Looking forward to the first reports
from the start of the tour tonight!
Could some kind souls also post the
tweets here for those who don't tweet?

While you are waiting for the start
tonight, why not pour yourself a
Cuban Breeze and relax at the place
where your old Uncle Bob might enjoy
his books and cigars.

Enjoy!

-Luker Ray


Date: Sat, July 02, 2011, 17:46:25 ET
Posted by: hoops, chicago, wishing i was in seattle

The 2011 Danfests Page is ready...I've been ill....so thanks to all who pitched in or gave input, but especially, among others, Ole Ander, Bruce Cameron, and Denise Hinktown.

The page is at www.dandom.com/danfests/index.html and it spells out how things work in this age of classic web pages, email lists, Twitter and, of course, Facebook.

The idea is to include as many as reasonably possible, without having to be a member of Twitter or Facebook.

So far we have active lists for Seattle (Pacific Northwest); New England; Chicago; Philly; NYC; and Boston. More added by request.

Hope to see you at shows this year. I'm shooting for Chicago and NYC (9/17) as funds, work (or lack thereof), health and family permit.

Best wishes, many thanks and much love to all.

A last minute detail:

Sue and Pat inform us (THANK YOU!) that there will be a fan meet-up before tonight's show as follows:

" For those of our kind, we're meeting up at the Elysian Fields http://www.elysianbrewing.com/elysianfields.html before the first show of the tour. I'm looking forward to whatever surprises come our way. "

Pat also informs us that there will be a pre-show Danfan meetup in the parking lot before tomorrow night's Portland show.

I'm not even there and I'm excited about tonight.

Best,

Jim


Date: Sat, July 02, 2011, 17:37:54 ET
Posted by: hoops, chicago, wishing i was in seattle

SueDave has graciously agreed to text me the set lists; I will tweet them along.


Date: Sat, July 02, 2011, 10:26:42 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Walter brought up Donald's new solo album, plus that he's been doodling around a bit himself. His message was essentially that the future hasn't been written in stone and anything could happen (he's leaving the door open to a possible new SD album).

About the unfinished 70's material: he's probably referring to reworking some of those outtakes we've heard to be suitable for live performance. That means that there's a possibility that we'll hear songs like Second Arrangement, Kulee Baba, I Can't Write Home About You (imagine this with a full band...), et al. and/or unheard demos.

The future sounds (surprisingly) promising.


Date: Sat, July 02, 2011, 09:17:35 ET
Posted by: DeaconBlues16,

Will there be any live-tweeting of the setlist tonight? If not, are there any posters here going to the show tonight in Seattle planning to post a review or anything? Thanks in advance.


Date: Sat, July 02, 2011, 00:06:04 ET
Posted by: Eric, Portland, OR

Only 2 more days until the Portland, OR show! If people want, I will try and post a set list :)


Date: Fri, July 01, 2011, 17:10:25 ET
Posted by: Lutz, SF

Some "new" old songs would be nice but don't hold your breath.
And it's really at no blame to Walt and Don.
In 2000, 2003 they rolled out quite a bit new and unplayed older material, only to find out that many folk gathered at the Budweiser stand and then came back in when My old school came on.
It is what it is, and it's still great, especially with Jim Beard in the mix.


Date: Fri, July 01, 2011, 16:19:12 ET
Posted by: Finish the unfinished,

So does the finishing/realizing "unfinished" songs from the 70's mean we'll get some of the not-liked-by-D-and-W demos that has been released one or two million times in different collections?

Or could it be something unheard?

And will they pop up during the Dawn of the Dan dates or Rarities dates..? Or both? Maybe even regular shows.


Date: Fri, July 01, 2011, 15:46:46 ET
Posted by: walter the politician,

Casual Fan -
I don't think Walter should run for office. He was clearly telling the truth!

He has the kind of life where he no longer needs to plan for the future and really doesn't know whether they'll make a new album or not.

Why should he care? We're the ones who want to hear new material, not them.


Date: Fri, July 01, 2011, 15:16:37 ET
Posted by: Greg M, sfsdaf

[BTW that Kulee Baba thing is my quote not WB's]


Date: Fri, July 01, 2011, 15:15:45 ET
Posted by: Greg M, adfsd

In that interview, I find it fascinating, Walter discussing (albeit briefly) the fact that instead of writing new material, D+W have focused some creative energy on finishing "unfinished" songs that date back to the 70's for the tour.


"Kuuuuuulee Babaaaaaa, coming your way (on the 2011 tour)...." ?????


Date: Fri, July 01, 2011, 15:02:39 ET
Posted by: Casual Fan, Orlando

Re: the third part of the interview with WB and the question of whether there's a new SD album in the works ....

Becker missed his calling. He should have run for office.


Date: Fri, July 01, 2011, 12:50:23 ET
Posted by: Greg M, White Plains, NY

part 3 of Walter's interview is up:

http://blogs.1037themountain.com/johnfisher/

scroll down a bit


Date: Fri, July 01, 2011, 12:16:07 ET
Posted by: Lurker Ray, Malibu

Selfish Gene,

Lurker Ray, Ray or LRay all
work fine for me.

How about you, "Selfish Gene"
seems a bit forced.

How about "Lonely Douche"?

Yeah, that has a more "true"
ring to it.

You should get out of the house
more bunky. Try and enjoy yourself
and not be so concerned with what
other people do.

Perhaps your bedroom reeks from the
CPAP gear you have to wear every
night? Maybe think about losing some
weight? And don't worry what other
people think of you.

Stay positive.

-LRay


Date: Fri, July 01, 2011, 09:44:31 ET
Posted by: DYLYNFAN, HARRISBURG PA

Fagenism your dating yourself, some of us have never played or held
a STEELY DAN album!!!That said by default it would have to be one
of the sides to CANT BUT A THRILL imho there weakest effort!!
Albeit still DAMN GOOD!!SEYA AT THE TOWERS SHOWS!!!


Date: Fri, July 01, 2011, 09:43:41 ET
Posted by: Matt, Chattanooga, TN

I had my iTunes on shuffle earlier, and Trans-Island skyway came on right after Wu-Tang clan, and I was struck by the bass line for the two songs. I image both are takes on Syl Johnson's "Different Strokes", with Walter playing around with it and changing with chord changes, and Wu-Tang sampling. Also the Wu-Tang song also samples Thelonious Monk's cover of Ellington's Black and Tan Fantasy, so there's some extra credit, I guess:

Trans-Island Skyway:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FvoKSWycKJc

Wu Tang -Shame on a N****
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NVGI6mhfJyA
(I used a My Little Pony version, because why not)

Syl Johnson - Different Strokes
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ukqHlytRlcE




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