Date: Mon, December 09, 2024, 20:03:17 ET
Posted by: Mt. Belzoni, Portland OR

I enjoyed the Yacht Rock documentary. I was impressed that they included so much relevant footage, sound clips and the like. I wish they'd included a few other artists who came early to the field, like Michael Franks, Basia, Nicolette, Livingston Taylor, Stephen Bishop and even a few foreign artists combining similarly complex chords with lyrics in their native tongue. They also shouldn't have ignored The Nightfly LP.

To many, YR has simply settled in as a term of affection for music we enjoy, however misleadingly, as appealing to the yacht crowd was far from the minds of those who created the music to begin with.

Date: Mon, December 09, 2024, 18:51:42 ET
Posted by: Michael,

I watched the 'yacht rock dockumentary' and honestly didn't think much of it. While it did a serviceable job presenting the music as is, it got bogged down with too many opinions presented as hard fact, in a backhanded way belittling the artists by painting them as mere interlopers deriving from artists before them, but art doesn't exist in a vacuum. *Every* artist is influenced to some degree by those who preceded them.

To my mind yacht rock is a catch-all label for smooth AOR or jazz-pop from around the late 70s through mid-80s. As such, it doesn't really mean much of anything. The music artists such as Steely Dan, Christopher Cross, Toto, Michael McDonald, and Kenny Loggins were making around that era was the natural progression out of what came before, doing what they had to do to remain relevant, get some airplay and etch out a spot for themselves in the contemporary music scene.

MTV was the death knell of that style of music, at least until its revivalism within the current indie music scene. There's a plethora of modern artists adopting similar styles, creating plenty of great music with a sophisticated edge.

Date: Mon, December 09, 2024, 14:22:46 ET
Posted by: Witness, witness

We were all there.

We all saw 'em wear the hats.

Date: Mon, December 09, 2024, 14:19:00 ET
Posted by: kuleebaba,

Steve M,

I tend to agree with you, especially as we know SD had a sense of humor towards the original Yacht Rock creators: "Donald and Walter thought the whole thing was pretty funny. Walter convinced Donald and Michael McDonald to wear captain’s hats for a show they knew JD Ryznar and a few of the other Yacht Rock guys were at."

Although maybe that was all Walter.

https://www.reddit.com/r/Yachtrock/comments/1c2ebbd/til_that_i_am_an_idiot_for_calling_steely_dan/

Date: Mon, December 09, 2024, 13:38:11 ET
Posted by: Steve M, Scotland

I refuse to believe that the exchange between DF and the YR director wasn't set up by both parties in advance.

Also, as I was posting here on the Blue, I genuinely just realised that I once hooked up the sound system on a yacht to play a self-made Steely Dan comp via my MP3 player.....sounded sooo good, so maybe there's something in it! (Marina Rubicon, Playa Blanca, Lanzarote circa 2012 and weighted towards post Pretzel Logic/pre TvN material although 'Almost Gothic' would have certainly made the cut.......)

Date: Mon, December 09, 2024, 09:40:32 ET
Posted by: kuleebaba, Fagen "Yacht Rock Dockumentary" audio clip

Here's the audio clip of Fagen cursing out the "Yacht Rock Dockumentary" director:
https://www.cnn.com/2024/12/06/entertainment/video/steely-dan-donald-fagen-rejects-yacht-rock-documentary-cprog-digvid

Date: Fri, December 06, 2024, 07:00:48 ET
Posted by: Jimmie, drone land

Around the time of the release of Kamakiriad I stumbled upon Ho Jo's greatest hits CD. I flipped to the back cover to see the track listing and noticed IGY. My initial thought was "why would anybody need to cover it?" and I wasn't interested in hearing it despite being a huge fan of The Nightfly. Years later I gave it a listen on youtube and it confirmed my reasons for being disinterested.

Date: Thurs, December 05, 2024, 10:48:14 ET
Posted by: Howard Jones, AC, NJ

HJ professes his love for SD & DF before covering "IGY" 2 weeks ago-

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


:: He mentions seeing that they will be playing there soon (???) ::

Date: Wed, December 04, 2024, 08:39:19 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Thanks for sharing Abu. 'Third Time Lucky' is a nice light bossa tune. I'd heard Basia Trzetrzelewska's 'Time and Tide' but never took a deep dive into her catalog. Listening to a few of her tracks from her newest albums, my impression is that it's jazz-infused pop. 'An Olive Tree' is an interesting listen with its Brazilian samba sound.

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

Gareth Donkin released a new EP a couple months ago titled Suite Escape. Think Stevie Wonder + Michael Jackson. You'll definitely want to hear this.

Suite Escape

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gh8zqTvbAyE

Nobody's Perfect

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

Somewhere, Somehow

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

Date: Wed, December 04, 2024, 00:49:53 ET
Posted by: Abu, Chillin'

.
Michael, I played four songs (so far) by Basia Malecka. At first when reading your post below, I thought you were talking about Basia Trzetrzelewska (14 letters!), who is also Polish. She is well-known even here in the US of A and became popular during the 80s. She is known mostly by just the name "Basia" without the last name (no surprise it seems especially for all her non-Polish fans). So when you referred to the "new" Basia, I was fooled at first. My bad, as later I saw her last name with only half as many letters in your playlist. Anyway, Lubie nas is definitely smooth as silk. Zielono mi is very good also. Btw, the older Basia has some excellent stuff, even her most recent album Butterflies (2018).

Here is one of the excellent songs from that album:

https://youtu.be/dTIOKl7CrRM?si=m3fSsTSsPc7NvmJM


And, my all-time fave Basia tune from 1994 called Third Time Lucky:

https://youtu.be/2JODMNPV3H8?si=HntEXOd3pA7D2o3b
.

Date: Mon, December 02, 2024, 15:12:38 ET
Posted by: moray eel, S

Full Skunk Baxter interview with Beato:

https://youtu.be/LLT9LUVcISg?si=I7XaBJPN2CHLegud

m.e.

Date: Sun, December 01, 2024, 17:27:18 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Back in action with another choice selection of music. Basia's 'Lubię nas' is buttery smooth and that tenor(?) sax solo is chef's kiss. 'TGV pour Paradis' is a stellar track with a wonky, off the wall guitar solo at the end. Dabeull is back at it in the studio so you already know he'll deliver the goods. Yoko Kuzuya + Keiichi Tomita = quality. The arrangement style is similar to Claus Ogerman who worked with artists such as George Benson, Bill Evans and Stan Getz. We wrap up with a live recording of Basia covering Krzysztof Komeda's lovely 'Moja Ballada'. What a voice.


Basia Malecka - Lubię nas

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

Masal - TGV pour Paradis

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

Dabeull - Back INDASTUDIO

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gtWLkBYAj0Y

Yoko Kuzuya - Youthful Days

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uj-MqirgP9s

Basia Malecka - Moja Ballada (live)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wi2zQubJ3a4


Stay groovy my friends.

Date: Sat, November 30, 2024, 08:37:21 ET
Posted by: donna albert, new york

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Date: Fri, November 29, 2024, 16:44:22 ET
Posted by: Abu, Shopping At Home

.
In honor of the title of the song and today, here is Larry Carlton performing the SD tune with the SWR Big Band in 2016

https://youtu.be/J7Zx6DNMl24?si=v-XtsnkWwNlsdBUo
.

Date: Fri, November 29, 2024, 09:41:38 ET
Posted by: Rose Kim, New York, NY

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Date: Fri, November 29, 2024, 07:23:39 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Thanks Lutz, glad you enjoyed.

Date: Thurs, November 28, 2024, 12:27:34 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Lutaz: Nice. Mahimahi apsatively gonna get you clean.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/p/AF1QipM2EZ8vuYDLZev6qczzbKnyOo4pg5WfwIZgHNYc=s1360-w1360-h1020

Date: Thurs, November 28, 2024, 10:04:43 ET
Posted by: Lisa, New York, NY

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Date: Thurs, November 28, 2024, 03:02:46 ET
Posted by: Lutz, Hnl

DocMu, also stop at Mama's Fish House. It used to have a famous regular.
Michael, thanks for all the links to new music, enjoyed the State Cow song and others.

Date: Wed, November 27, 2024, 12:32:54 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Where the junkest pancakes are.

The IHOP in Kahului, Maui:

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/p/AF1QipP_Q2oqm7nviPZWV7OOK1xHRSnfgGJxndr4m4o-=s1360-w1360-h1020

Date: Wed, November 27, 2024, 08:26:22 ET
Posted by: Michael,

My mistake. It's Daniel Andersson on lead vocals, not Stefan. Apologies.

Date: Wed, November 27, 2024, 00:52:39 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,

Kali Uchis - Loner

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07J6na3A4lk

Date: Tues, November 26, 2024, 19:27:31 ET
Posted by: Michael,

State Cows released a new song called 'I Can't Figure Out This Love' (feat. Göran Turborn). Lot of Steely Dan-ish chord progressions wrapped inside a silky smooth AOR groove with great solos to boot. Stefan Olofsson's vocals are on point as always.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZgDbKC5dp9A

State Cows really deserves more accolades for keeping this style of music alive (and doing it so well), right alongside Young Gun Silver Fox.

Date: Tues, November 26, 2024, 16:24:19 ET
Posted by: Dr. Hünd, Indian Peaks Wilderness

Fucking Irving Azoff

HBO’s Dockumentary “Yacht Rock
Review by David Mendenhall

HBO’ Yacht Rock produced by Garret Price is a well thought out celebration of some of rock’s unique band’s that not only have a unique connection to black music, but also have a bit of jazz instilled in them.
The band that is obviously “ground zero” to all of this is Steely Dan, a band that producer Price claimed that they needed clearance of six Steely Dan songs otherwise the Dockumentary could not have been completed. Major attention is given to their album “Aja” and the fact that many stereo stores would play what is known as their quintessential album. We get the story from McDonald about just how hard it was to track the background vocals for the song “Peg.” The Doobie Brothers also play a big role in the film following the path that had Jeff “Skunk” Baxter call on Michael McDonald to help when Tom Johnston could no longer perform. Jeff and Michael had both previously been in Steely Dan, before Walter Becker and Donald Fagen decided to utilize session players for their albums and not tour. There is a “Yacht Rock Scale” that has “What A Fool Believes” at the top of the chart, all this when the band was virtually disintegrating. The film tells us who is “Yacht Rock” and who is “Nyacht Rock”. Bands like The Eagles are not as they are deemed to have a country influence, where Fleetwood Mac isn’t either due to a lack of Jazz influences. The film continues with a good section belonging to Kenny Loggins, and it picks up at the point when Loggins and Messina decided to go their separate ways. Loggins tells the story of seeing Stevie Wonder, and wondering why he couldn’t be more of an artist like that. Kenny claimed he finally found his solo footing with “Whenever I Call You Friend” a duet he performed with Stevie Nicks. Kenny’s section winds down with all of his soundtrack work that he performed in the 80’s.
Christopher Cross had immediate success right out of the starting gate with “Ride Like The Wind,” and “Sailing.” Winning multiple Grammy’s including “Best New Artist,” the only problem with this trajectory is that there is only one way to go after such phenomenal success. (Ask Peter Frampton) there was a surprising turn in the film when Cross states that he financed all of his demo’s dealing weed, and the one night he played for Ritchie Blackmore in Deep Purple so that they wouldn’t have to cancel a gig when Ritchie was sick.
The L.A. band Ambrosia’s David Pack explains that they were a progressive band produced by Alan Parson’s before he wrote “How Much I Feel” in 1978. The band didn’t want to put it out, but were told by their record company that they would be an opening act for another five years if they did not. Interesting enough they were the opening act for the Doobies when Pack asked McDonald for advice writing songs
Lastly there is Toto, a band that is completely made up of ace session musicians. Attention is made to their drummer Jeff Porcaro who played drums on Steely Dan album’s such as “Katy Lied” before they brought in David Paich. Both David and Jeff would be big lifters in helping Boz Scaggs score his biggest album ever in 1976’s “Silk Degrees.” It wouldn’t be too much longer that Toto was formed and scored their big debut hit “Hold The Line.” Toto’s next several album’s didn’t sell as well, but they came up big with 1982’s “IV” featuring “Rosanna,” and their only #1 to date “Africa.”
More attention is given to Toto since they were basically the band that played on Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” and we actually get to hear a piece of Steve Porcoro’s demo for “Human Nature.” Steve Lukather the band’s guitarist is interviewed having played on literally thousands of recordings, saying “Yacht Rock?” Where’s my fucking yacht? I played on all those records.”
Not all was smooth sailing for these artists, as the film even points out’s the difficulties that Michael McDonald, Christopher Cross and Donald Fagen had in creating their second album’s tying them all into having “writer’s block.” Another section shows how MTV brought in bands that were a little more colorful than those of the “Yacht Rock” bands, before moving on to rap groups who have sampled the Yacht Rock vibe such as “De La Soul” and “Warren G & Nate Dogg”
The only thing I have to say the producer’s missed was perhaps a section for Pablo Cruise whose name even evokes a Yacht Rock theme, they even have a palm tree as their logo for goodness sakes, and are only missing the sailor’s cap that Daryl Dragon wore when he was in the Captain and Tenille.
Major laughs are found at the end of the film when the producers are getting a hold of Donald Fagen on the phone to get use of the six Steely Dan songs that were needed. When told they were for the Dockumentary of Yacht Rock, he tells them “Fuck You” and hangs up. Luckily with the help of Donald Fagen’s manager Irving Azoff, a deal was struck, and the songs made it.

Date: Tues, November 26, 2024, 13:31:11 ET
Posted by: moray eel, R

Rick Beato just interviewed Skunk Baxter.

https://youtube.com/shorts/UihzyRTPiDk?si=s2U9FzbHc12h59Sk

m.e.

Date: Tues, November 26, 2024, 09:42:39 ET
Posted by: Lisa, New York, NY

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Date: Sun, November 24, 2024, 10:07:08 ET
Posted by: Michael,

New mix. We're gonna kick things off right with 'Lovely Day' by Bill Withers.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bEeaS6fuUoA

Next we're gonna cruise on over to see what Mayer Hawthorne and Jake One have been cooking up with their latest album Tuxedo IV, keeping those polished synth-funk grooves alive with 'This is 4 You'.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hkefS8WO3LE

While I was checking out what Mayer's spinning from his vast record collection on his Wine & Vinyl Hour, he pulled a rabbit out of his hat with 'Bridge Through Time' by Lonnie Liston Smith. This is the stuff.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKFqciMVpI8

The lush tranquility of 'Калі ты запытаеш / If You Ask' from Belarusian duo SOYUZ (СОЮЗ) is a throwback to MPB classics such as Clube de Esquina (Milton Nascimento and Lô Borges). A superb song you don't want to miss.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7Z0Zp9Qv8I

Finally, we end things off doing the best we can with a little 'Night By Night' by Steely Dan, a fitting send-off.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0cxFzHO9lfI

"See you in the promise land. Arrivederci, baby!"

Date: Thurs, November 21, 2024, 11:36:27 ET
Posted by: Michael,

I have a preference for using Major 9th chord shapes in second inversion. For instance, C Maj9 would look something like this.

LH: C RH: B D E G

There are two voicings I like to use for Minor 9 chords. Again using C as my example.

LH: C RH: Bb D Eb G

LH: C RH: D Eb G Bb

I like those voicings due to the sound of the D-Eb half-step interval.

C min(add9) voicing.

LH: C RH: Eb G D

You could think of a C minor 9 (omit 3) as a Gm/C.

LH: C RH: G Bb D

Date: Thurs, November 21, 2024, 10:37:05 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,

The C add 9 is technically an understood major since the 1, 3, 5 notes/thirds remain. The nomenclature is Cadd9.

As you all know the Cadd9 is just another voicing of the add2 or mu major. For the C mu major (the simplest):

C D E G (1, 2, 3, 5)

Where is that Katy Lied Songbook?



We warned the corpse of Howard Wright not to write those tabs all night: ;)

https://www.hakwright.co.uk/music/tab/dr_wu.shtml

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

Date: Thurs, November 21, 2024, 07:48:47 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Well, that's why it's called add 9 and not Major (or minor) 9 since it's adding one note.

Date: Wed, November 20, 2024, 20:44:37 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Gus - it's weird

An add9 doesn't have the 7th. A maj9 does.

Back to your usual programming.

Date: Wed, November 20, 2024, 18:25:32 ET
Posted by: The Dean, ST Augustine. It's Happy Hour

Abu, I had never heard that Berry cover. It was terrific, IMO. Really what a cover should be. Not trying in any way to sound like the Dan version. Rather reinterpreting it with his own, respectful spin. Thanks for bringing it to my attention.

Date: Wed, November 20, 2024, 14:31:58 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

From the Expanding Dan, Walter's (Fall of) 92 Strat (Sandowski) is up for sale.

Take a piece of Mr. Steely Band.

Date: Wed, November 20, 2024, 12:00:32 ET
Posted by: Gus, gusg

As someone who has been here from the first day, it is amazing we've never got into a Tristan chord argument at the Blue.

Date: Wed, November 20, 2024, 08:16:55 ET
Posted by: Michael,

I should say within any key the melodic minor works but I'm using E as my example.

Date: Wed, November 20, 2024, 08:15:58 ET
Posted by: Michael,

A min/maj 9 chord is just a major chord with a b3 and an extension. Within the key of E the melodic minor scale (ascending form) works over it.

E F# G(♮) A B C# D# E

Date: Tues, November 19, 2024, 23:16:38 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Welp. He's add it again. Rick Beato breaking down a SD tangential song from Chicago. It's one of my favorites and pre - the Peter Cetera - David Foster era.

James Pankow throws in some delicious chord changes, including those add9s and even a Mumajor add9.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1DEfes-ACr0

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

Lee Loughlane's Count on Me is another standout from the same period.

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

Date: Tues, November 19, 2024, 21:55:04 ET
Posted by: Abu, Wondering About Steve Berry

.
Still one of my fave SD covers is perhaps the oldest one of all: Posted in January 2007. Y-toob was still a baby, only 2 years old. It is a very unique cover of Daddy Don't Live in NYC, performed by one Steve Berry. Anyone heard of him, or know who he is? Just acoustic guitar and Mr. Perry on vocals. Only just over 5 years after the infamous 9/11. It seems likely it was made in memory of the WTC demise on that fateful day, as you will see. Very good cover, IMHO. For those who have never heard it, or heard of it.. see what you think. The ending is excellent. Feel free to comment:

https://youtu.be/X-Js3GiNtns?si=bZUOqE4FKb53vfZ5
.

Date: Tues, November 19, 2024, 10:18:08 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Mindrák (Inferiority Complex) with English subtitles.

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

Date: Tues, November 19, 2024, 08:30:51 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Doc, I hadn't posted that song before. Laufey's videos would frequently appear in the sidebar while listening to other music, so I figured others would discover her on their own.

Speaking of discovering artists, I came across some really cool Czech jazz artists incidentally by watching a short animated feature from 1981 titled Mindrák (Inferiority Complex). Not only is it a cool little film but the soundtrack is comprised mostly of superb jazz from Karel Velebný with SHQ (Spejbl and Huvínek Quintet) which he co-founded. It most reminds me of the soundtrack for A Charlie Brown Christmas by the Vince Guaraldi Trio. Definitely worth checking out.

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

Here's a couple more great Czech jazz tracks. If anyone is so inclined they can dig further as there's an abundance of it.

Karel Velebný - Nude

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GBKcyI6Drpw

František Uhlíř - Návraty

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MNkfMm4fzgs

Date: Tues, November 19, 2024, 02:01:43 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

I think Michael may have posted this tune by Laufey earlier in the year....but couldn't find it scrolling back to May...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSD_L-xic9o


I think Dr. Hund mentioned this 10cc performance live from 1982 of I'm Mandy, Fly Me. Remarkable.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6Jb9m1N67g

I had forgotten the great tone Eric Stewart could get out of his guitar.

Date: Tues, November 19, 2024, 02:00:15 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

A Blue-y Sky:

https://youtu.be/_mV2xW_9oJI?si=zaZNNLBXBda6w53S

Date: Mon, November 18, 2024, 12:26:41 ET
Posted by: Paul, Here

Gabe:

Little Eva had the first successful version of Goffin-King's "Loco-motion," but there were other hit versions, including Grand Funk Railroad's 1974 hit single version.

Date: Mon, November 18, 2024, 12:19:27 ET
Posted by: Gabe, PA

re: John Lennon's favorite 1974 songs. Wasn't Locomotion from the early 1960s?

Date: Sat, November 16, 2024, 10:42:48 ET
Posted by: Okey Dokey, Here

Evidently, you have to watch the documentary to hear the phone call.

Date: Fri, November 15, 2024, 12:46:17 ET
Posted by: Geo, R

1974 interview with John Lennon. He's asked which recent songs he likes.

https://youtu.be/tLqnIylxMNo?si=IVrSin6PwQc54-hC&t=2544

Date: Fri, November 15, 2024, 11:10:07 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. Uptown, Baby!

Dirk, thanks for the link. Given the text of the article, I expected to hear some of that telephone call. But I have yet to find a link to it in the article. Did I miss something? (Other than my brain, of course. That seems to be MIA lately,)

Date: Fri, November 15, 2024, 08:30:18 ET
Posted by: Dirk, western world

At one point in the documentary, Price rings up Donald Fagen, 76, the surviving full-time member of Steely Dan, the landmark '70s group behind yacht rock classics like "Ricki Don't Lose My Number" and "Peg," to see if he would like to be interviewed for the documentary. The conversation, which is heard in audio, does not go down well.

After Price introduces himself and politely asks Fagen for an interview about "this genre," Fagen's reaction is priceless.

Fagen: "And what genre is that?"

Price: "Um, yacht rock."

Fagen: "Oh, yacht rock. Well, I tell you what. Why don't you go f--- yourself?"

Beep, beep, beep.

https://people.com/steely-dan-donald-fagen-cursed-out-hung-up-on-yacht-rock-doc-director-8739421

Date: Thurs, November 14, 2024, 19:24:02 ET
Posted by: DonB, Toronto

Greater Dandom (esp. NYC-adjacent): Michael Leonhart, Carolyn Leonhart, Jamie Leonhart, Catherine Russell, Janis Siegel, James Naughton + many more will be joining us Saturday night at Joe’s Pub, one of New York’s greatest music venues — why not make the scene?
Discount code: BREITHAUPT28
https://publictheater.org/productions/joes-pub/2024/b/breithaupt-brothers/

Date: Mon, November 11, 2024, 09:26:30 ET
Posted by: Michael,

New playlist. Enjoy.



Fitness Forever feat. Calcutta - A Vele Spiegate

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QXrJs6_Lyn0

Clairo - Juna

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_rw1C9eG_Q

Lionmilk - CHANGIN'

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-kqOYdpL-M

Dejima - Enjoy Yourself

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rdh_Uv80d2g

Bananagun - Brave Child of a New World

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bdWvRFgnu8w

Clairo - Amoeba

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VR8ooa3G_5M

Date: Fri, November 08, 2024, 16:51:50 ET
Posted by: moray eel, R

Rick Beato breaks downs a Steely Dad chorus.

https://www.youtube.com/live/5VRXJy4Oql0?si=drR9J105oFc40O5r

m.e.

Date: Thurs, November 07, 2024, 09:10:50 ET
Posted by: peg, peg

Jon Benjamin was born in the 1960s he is hardly young.

Date: Wed, November 06, 2024, 16:59:15 ET
Posted by: Dave (from acquisitions), Philadelphia

Don’t think I’ve seen anyone post this yet. The “One Song Podcast” breaks down the stems of Peg with voice actor Jon Benjamin (Bobs Burgers). No new info here really but it just shows this new wave of “Steely Dan is suddenly cool” with young people thing which is really bizarre to me.

https://youtu.be/So3QRyibG0k

Date: Sun, November 03, 2024, 21:27:57 ET
Posted by: paywall, plocaltion

For those who've read too much NY Mag this month, here is a link to avoid the paywall:

https://archive.is/hfw4I

Date: Sun, November 03, 2024, 12:35:45 ET
Posted by: Abu, Influences

.
Back in 2006, Fagen was interviewed in New York magazine. A very good article, where great gems of many of Donald's influences are talked about. One that he mentioned was the Sauter-Finegan Orchestra, stating that he particularly liked their big-band arrangements. Perhaps this was one of his faves, a tune called Science Fiction, which he enjoyed, as he was a member of the Science Fiction Book Club. Perhaps all that sci-fi inspired Android Warehouse.

"Science Fiction" by the Sauter-Finegan Orchestra:

https://youtu.be/YhcxEAz-pHg?si=_hQhzuRAjDZQ429P
.
.
Here is the article from New York Magazine:
.
https://nymag.com/arts/popmusic/profiles/16453/
.
.

Date: Sat, November 02, 2024, 09:37:36 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Albini's swipe about D&W taking credit for session musicians' work is amusing if only for how wrongheaded it is. After working hard to come up with amazing material such as Green Earrings, Aja and Babylon Sisters, I don't understand what's unrealistic about wanting their songs performed in the best possible way by some of the best musicians around. Albini makes it seem as though D&W gave the session musicians no credit, which is patently false.

Was Brian Wilson wrong for pushing the Wrecking Crew and his fellow bandmates to live up to his expectations for Pet Sounds? He was the principal songwriter, it was *his* material. Were directors like Sergio Leone and Akira Kurosawa wrong for pushing their actors to give them the best performances? Really now.

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

I'm glad Donald remained lead vocalist of Steely Dan. Michael is a great vocalist, certainly, but he's more of a soulful singer whereas Donald has a sharper edge suitable for SD's sardonic lyrical content.

https://ultimateclassicrock.com/donald-fagen-michael-mcdonald-replacement/



New playlist.


babychair - Oh It's You

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

PREP - Call It (ft. Eddie Chacon)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnn4rC3pRx0

WIM - Magic

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNVpmZM2XDA

Mayer Hawthorne - Love Goes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CdnIx4uYgVQ

Fujii Kaze - Michi Teyu Ku

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptiK8U4WlSc

Wave To Earth - Intro + Bad

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


Have a great weekend.

Date: Fri, November 01, 2024, 19:14:35 ET
Posted by: YNH, other caption

Hard disagree on Rid of Me, she's never made a bad-sounding album, even the 2001 one. Respectfully, Nevermind sounds like it was produced by the jingle writers behind the Teen Spirit deodorant ads. I'm not fully buying Cobain's "Motley Crue" dismissal, and maybe it was the Slayer-guy mastering, but that is one sell-out-for-radio CD, sonically aligned with that Metallica album from the time. Whereas In Utero is actually listenable. Vig was also the guy who made Gish sound like it was recorded on leftover tape.

Steve was a punkass creep in person and online and in interviews but what he said about Steely Dan was undeniably funny. If you can't laugh at literally every band ever, what is this.

Date: Fri, November 01, 2024, 09:47:41 ET
Posted by: ccw, ny

Albini is an overrated and generally shitty producer/engineer. PJ Harvey's "Rid of Me" and Nirvana's "Utero" are good albums in spite of, not because of, Albini's sludgy work, and the production/engineering on those two artists' other albums (say, "To Bring You My Love" or "Nevermind") shine in comparison. His opinion on SD is of no import.

Date: Wed, October 30, 2024, 11:20:45 ET
Posted by: Doctor Mu,

sting-o:

Ten Summoner's tales with Sancious, Vinnie have a live fusion/pop feel and is consistently good. Mercury Falling is a little too dour for me without the compelling emotion of The Soul Cages:

https://youtu.be/MxtYzo0OLXs?si=sbZdLpXvQ-1TDyUS

A clever mix of Bartok, jazz, middle-eastern music on I'm Mad About You and another historical Sting allegory.

The Dream of the Blue Turtles is a transition album from the edge The Police attached to Sting's compositions. Incredibly well played but I feel the songs are more slight, except for Fortress Around your Heart (more allegorical writing).

The songwriting is more sophisticated and fully realized on the follow-up, Nothing like the Sun. Musicianship is top rate, but the sound was a little flatter with an early digital recording. I'm sure there has been a re-mastering.

Branford Marsalis, the late, great Kenny Kirkland, and Andy Summers of guitar on Be Still My Beating Heart - A police/jazz hybrid:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ng4P6FWVdcE

Highlights include the bridges on Englishman in New York (before the synth drum whacking)

https://youtu.be/mxkg3DlfDCM?si=CgIIZ_RLdTzDGbWW

and Sistermoon which stunned the normally cool Branford. "My mistress' eyes are nothing like the sun..." that bridge

https://youtu.be/TS0oP1FkGFA?si=yj_QSJjJHM4oKPfj

Sting's last stand IMO was on Brand New Day. Sting fused techno, jazz, and pop together. A Thousand Years, Desert Rose (last big hit), the title track work. Big Lie, Small World infuses bossa nova effectively into the Stingoverse.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pnW-0iQDj5M

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

The cover of Windmills of Your Mind is excellent as well.

Most of the last 25 years has been rubbish with an occasional exception. 25th and 9th should have been a Police album.

My pick for consistency with Ten Summoner's Tales with has some outstanding deep tracks and odd time signatures. Augustine in Hell (7/4 time) is a fav:

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

Date: Tues, October 29, 2024, 13:21:40 ET
Posted by: sting,

I used to think like Becker, but then I listened to Mercury Falling and Ten Summoners Tales, and realized Sting is a brilliant song writer who, like Steely Dan, can write pop music that can appeal to both the seasoned musician and the general clueless public, and who is skilled enough to recognize the value of and hires top shelf musicians - eg, Vinnie Colaiuta, Branford Marsalis, etc. Those two albums at least are excellent. Cannot speak to the rest.

Date: Tues, October 29, 2024, 08:51:43 ET
Posted by: kuleebaba,

Thanks Michael and Paul!

I found it! The usual search engines don't seem to index the sdarchive.com, but if you search there, you find all kinds of cool stuff.

Here's an excerpt from https://sdarchive.com/msa.html -- the whole thing's pretty funny, no surprise there.

"After considering the problem at some length and in the light of our own exquisite sensitivity to the environmental disequilibrium, we conclude that the overwhelming preponderance of Sting art in your rooms must be offset by some appropriate countervaling influence if the imbalance is to be corrected. We have determined that the appropriate antidote would consist of comparable wall hangings featuring the artist Billy Joel. The Billy Joel materials must be similar in type and in quantity to the Sting stuff - do this at once and you and your employees will be okay, given some time for the correction to take hold. As an additional safety measure we recommend a small number of Don Henley pieces to be prominently displayed, say one per room - the Henley stuff serves as a buffer that helps to bind together the Sting energies and the Joel energies into a harmonious healing holistic whole, thus reinforcing the all-important themes of cosmic union and personal integrity."

Date: Tues, October 29, 2024, 08:16:29 ET
Posted by: Michael,

kuleebaba, I don't recall reading any quote like that in Sweet's 'Reelin' in the Years'.

Although I couldn't find the quote you're referring to, I did find this sort of relevant quote from Donald.

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

The late, great Mel Tormé was a big fan of Fagen's, featuring at least two of his compositions, The Goodbye Look and Walk Between the Raindrops, in live performances. In a 1996 interview, Tormé also lauded the whiny, nasalized croon that is Fagen's singing voice -- "He's got a funny street approach that I love." But when I tell Fagen that in that same interview Tormé also professed a fondness for Billy Joel's singing, Fagen seems taken aback. "Well, that's damning with faint praise," he finally mumbles, then slips into diplomacy mode: "Mel was a great singer, is a great singer and it's great that he gave me that compliment."

Source: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/black-days/article704651/

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

While searching I also happened across this Steve Albini quote casting shade at Don & Walt.

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

Describing their work as “made solely for the purpose of letting the wedding band stretch out a little,” Albini decried Becker and Fagen’s infamous perfectionism. “Two types of perfectionist: One will prepare, revise and rehearse carefully, with intent, honing an idea to a keen edge, ready to cut the cloth of execution,” the Shellac leader said. “The other makes other people responsible by saying, ‘do it again,’ until by chance they are satisfied, then take credit.”

Source: https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/five-musicians-who-hated-steely-dan/

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


Question: how can you claim to be punk while simultaneously being a total conformist to the establishment?

Date: Tues, October 29, 2024, 07:55:17 ET
Posted by: Paul,

I do remember an interview with Walter Becker in the mid 1990s where he was asked about various artists.

When asked about Sting, he said "I don't shop in that part of the record store."

Date: Tues, October 29, 2024, 07:47:19 ET
Posted by: kuleebaba, Swing state central

So there's a Sting / Billy Joel tour happening...

Becker, IIRC, said something like:
"We were in our record company office,
and saw their pictures... the full spectrum
of artistic integrity."

Anyone remember that quote, and who they were dissing?
Was it in Sweet's book?

Thanks!

Date: Sun, October 20, 2024, 20:12:34 ET
Posted by: Abu, She Will Fly

.
One of Libby Titus friends was Carly Simon, who wrote this tribute to her, simply entitled "Libby", from Carly's 1976 album Another Passenger. This tune is the title track of sorts, as it includes the line "I'm just an
other passenger"
.
https://youtu.be/DtpcujAVB4E?si=tccjSLz0XP9luIAy
.

Date: Sat, October 19, 2024, 11:54:25 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,

UR: The best part of the story:

“We went to dinner,” Ms. Titus said in a Rolling Stone interview in 2000, “and got into this conversation that never ended.”

Date: Sat, October 19, 2024, 11:48:49 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,

AI and computers are best at clean up, filtering, and gathering.

Like isolating and cleaning up John Lennon's vocals for Now and Then. That let the artists: John, recording of George Harrison's rhythm guitar, Ringo and Paul to do their thing. They are tools to be wielded by the hands of the artist. Not as a blind watchmaker.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Opxhh9Oh3rg

For example, Donald Fagen's first use of a blues synth harp sound to capture a wistful Stevie Wonder element, a siren's call in the fruitless search for intelligence and meaning among the freeways of LA.

3:09 (as if you needed help...)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hx5ZlTyzU-k

Date: Sat, October 19, 2024, 11:32:28 ET
Posted by: U R Welcome ,

The New York Times obituary for Libby Titus.

Libby Titus, Introspective Singer and Songwriter, Dies at 77
Her “Love Has No Pride” was widely recorded, and she had high-profile relationships with Levon Helm and Donald Fagen. But she was uneasy with life in the spotlight.

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/19/arts/music/libby-titus-dead.html?unlocked_article_code=1.TU4.5WQK.ZN0IAmIuPPJH&smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare

Date: Sat, October 19, 2024, 11:28:30 ET
Posted by: Gil, C

The New York Times has just posted their story of Libby's passing. The URL reads a little bit disrespectfully so I won't post it.

Date: Fri, October 18, 2024, 09:31:21 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Computers cannot accurately emulate something as sophisticated as Steely Dan where every minute detail was informed by D&W's personal tastes and performed with a great deal of skill. That being said, there's a kind of curiosity or amusement in hearing it attempt (in vain) to reproduce SD's sound.


Rapallo - V.I.P.

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

Liz Corney - Common Denominator

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kR5imGGQttU

almost monday - can't slow down

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2v18oySsS58

LAKE - Roundelay

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q4EGfTFRwdY

Rapallo - Essence of You

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqgUXCYY9rs

Date: Fri, October 18, 2024, 00:06:49 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Michael - there's a chord AI accidentally hits at 1:04 in that I like. The rest is laughable.

To be fair, an AI SD "tribute" clip from a year ago into an audio heap about half way in.

Improvement?

Date: Thurs, October 17, 2024, 23:59:34 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Tried to warn Ya. No AI - all wet side.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GCX635Z7_PE

Date: Thurs, October 17, 2024, 08:49:41 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Doc, I was checking to see if any new SD AI stuff was floating around and happened upon it. Truth be told the little synth break in the middle and at the coda are nice. With a little brushing up from competent musicians it could work.

Overall not a bad attempt but still nowhere near the real thing.

Date: Wed, October 16, 2024, 19:49:39 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

RIP Libby. I'm really sorry to hear that.

Michael: Re: AI Dan tribute - That hat's way too flat. lol

Date: Wed, October 16, 2024, 17:24:21 ET
Posted by: Michael,

I can see record labels replacing some of their stable of songwriters with A.I. as a cost-saving tool, but artists who write their own material will continue doing what they do. No computer program will ever be able to replace musicians, concert or merch revenue streams. People want authenticity.

Date: Wed, October 16, 2024, 16:37:39 ET
Posted by: Dr. Hünd, Halloween AI Horrors

<<Steely Dan - A.I. Tribute>>

Horrific

Yes, AI has already replaced some music and supposedly Eddie Van Halen’s vaults of incomplete songs/sound bites will be turned into complete songs via AI. The horror, the horror. Yes, too many listeners will happily digest future AI music and like it….just as they do with heavily processed foods and shite music now. For me though, real music artists are safe from AI. I still think great music and songs are the last bastion of magic created by humans.

Date: Wed, October 16, 2024, 15:36:30 ET
Posted by: Gabe, PA

As Vince Gill had made an announcement that Steely Dan had to step down as the opener for the Eagles because of Libby's illness, this did not come as a complete surprise. But it was both sad and shocking to hear. My condolences.

Date: Wed, October 16, 2024, 07:57:47 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Steely Dan - A.I. Tribute

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rnWG57jCe0s

Date: Tues, October 15, 2024, 11:30:29 ET
Posted by: Dr. Hünd, Geophysical Spiritual Year

What a glorious time to be free Libby. Enjoy.

Date: Tues, October 15, 2024, 07:57:28 ET
Posted by: Michael,

R.I.P. Libby Titus Fagen.

Date: Tues, October 15, 2024, 00:18:20 ET
Posted by: Abu, Home

.
Sad news indeed about Libby Titus. My condolences to Donald Fagen, and friends and family
.

Date: Mon, October 14, 2024, 22:10:47 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine

RIP Libby Titus. I feel for Donald, family and friends.

Date: Mon, October 14, 2024, 20:02:41 ET
Posted by: Drewslo, Oregon

R.I.P. Libby Titus

Date: Mon, October 14, 2024, 20:01:26 ET
Posted by: From Steely Dan . com, Sending condolences

From steelydan.com

"My beautiful wife, Libby Titus Fagen, passed away October 13 surrounded by family. Thanks for keeping us in your thoughts, and for respecting our privacy at this time.
—Donald Fagen"

Just so you know it's legit, here's the link to the official Steely Dan page:
https://www.steelydan.com/news/libby-titus-fagen

You will recall that in addition to Donald's health issues, some of the tour dates were also canceled so Donald could be with Libby.

Thoughts are with Donald & Libby and their loved ones.

Date: Thurs, October 10, 2024, 12:38:42 ET
Posted by: But in her Florida Room..., There's a hurricane

.

Date: Wed, October 09, 2024, 20:21:22 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Miss Riddle is no mystery after all. She's is the very definition of Chill.

Date: Wed, October 09, 2024, 16:48:00 ET
Posted by: Steve M, Scotland

Doc Mu:

I take a small dose of Lisinopril for high blood pressure every morning but I'm convinced that listening to the bass/vocs and horns on Boz's 'Miss Riddle' would have pretty much the same effect...

Date: Mon, October 07, 2024, 23:32:47 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Steve M. Good one. Love those Brecker Bros. I like the bassline on Burnin' for You.

I would have had to use a degree of separation by connecting their drummer Ron Riddle with this overlooked Boz Scaggs song:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sKB-3Rugnic

Date: Mon, October 07, 2024, 21:39:53 ET
Posted by: Jimmie, C

Donny Osmond is a big fan of both Steely Dan and Blue Oyster Cult.

John Cafferty of On The Dark Side/Eddie and the Cruisers fame has something significant in common with Steely Dan: He was discovered by Kenny Vance.

Date: Mon, October 07, 2024, 17:50:46 ET
Posted by: Michael,

I can think of a variety of other Dangential links about Blue Öyster Cult.

> Initially formed in 1967 as Soft White Underbelly (the same year Don & Walt met at Bard College), they changed their name to Blue Öyster Cult in 1971, the same year Steely Dan were officially formed.

> Both bands are from the east coast.

> Both bands released six studio albums through the 1970s.

> Both get plenty of airplay on classic rock radio stations.

> Blue Öyster Cult's 'Veteran of the Psychic Wars' was used in the 1981 animated film Heavy Metal along with Donald Fagen's 'True Companion'.

> Both feature a lead vocalist, both lead and rhythm guitarists, bass and keyboard players.

> Both made extensive usage of the Western tonal system.

> Both like to wear clothes. :P

Date: Sun, October 06, 2024, 13:38:45 ET
Posted by: Steve M, Scotland

Hold the press!

Michael Brecker is the connection. Played on Gaucho and The Nightfly and also took a sax solo on BÖC's "True Confessions" from Agents of Fortune.

As you can probably tell, that was largely for my own benefit, I may sleep tonight.....

Date: Sun, October 06, 2024, 13:27:22 ET
Posted by: Steve M, Scotland

The Dean, re BÖC

yes, the first three "Black and white" albums are exceptional, then after DFTR they spent the next 10 years chasing mainstream chart success and losing a lot in the process. Still, they did still manage the odd flash of brilliance and I've managed to see them around 20 times live, including in some really great smaller gigs, most notably on a converted ferry boat on the river Clyde in Glasgow. And yes, "nimble" is a great way to describe Al Bouchard's drumming.

We're on shakey ground here though as there's not much "dangential" about BOC, Kasim Sulton from Todd Rundgren's Utopia was (briefly) BÖC's bass player so connection there and, err.....both bands fronted by talented fella's named Donald....that's all I've got!

Date: Sun, October 06, 2024, 11:26:09 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. Football Sunday!

Steve, you can count me as a BOC fan. That is, as long as we restrict our discussion to the first three albums. I was actually cranking Dominance and Submission earlier in the week. Bouchard was quite a nimble drummer.

But I still remember being confounded by how bad the first live album turned out.

OK, sorry for the SD interruption. But since I mentioned drumming, just let me know if you want to discuss Captain Beyond.

Date: Sun, October 06, 2024, 09:10:26 ET
Posted by: Steve M, Scotland

The Blue Öyster Cult fans here on the Blue thank you Michael

seriously, there are at least 2 of us!

Date: Sun, October 06, 2024, 07:37:27 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Abu, to type umlauts in Windows:

ALT + 0228 = ä
ALT + 0246 = ö
ALT + 0252 = ü
ALT + 0196 = Ä
ALT + 0214 = Ö
ALT + 0220 = Ü

If you want a lower-case ü you hold ALT and type 0252 in sequence, then release ALT.

On Macs you hold option + u for lowercase ü or option + U for uppercase Ü. Repeat the same process with the letters A or O for those.

Date: Sun, October 06, 2024, 05:01:22 ET
Posted by: sandra, usa

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Date: Sat, October 05, 2024, 12:30:54 ET
Posted by: Abu, Two Dots

.
How do you type the two dots over a letter?Must be a foreign keyboard. The famous French classical music composer Camile Saint-Saens is supposed to have the two dots above the "e" in the last name. Sorry Camille.
.é

Date: Sat, October 05, 2024, 10:30:23 ET
Posted by: Dr. Hünd, Santa Fe

Wrong, it’s Dr. Hünd. I didn’t go through eight years combined of stringent German medical school and residency to be called Dr. Hund.

Date: Thurs, October 03, 2024, 00:30:41 ET
Posted by: Dr. Hünd, Santa Fe

Wrong, it’s Dr. Hünd. I didn’t go through eight years combined of stringent German medical school and residency to be called Dr. Hund.

Date: Wed, October 02, 2024, 21:20:34 ET
Posted by: Wrong,

Dr Hund - your SD Elitist license is revoked. MM is not to be disparaged.

Date: Wed, October 02, 2024, 21:20:24 ET
Posted by: Wrong,

Dr Hund - your SD Elitist license is revoked. MM is not to be disparaged.

Date: Wed, October 02, 2024, 15:46:28 ET
Posted by: Dr. Hünd, Dan Elitist

If I have to hear one more time that Michael McDonald was a member (he was a fucking hired hand carrying a yacht rock virus) of Steely Dan, I’m going to yammo burn this place to the ground.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7Vo_t7zbeQ

Date: Wed, October 02, 2024, 03:35:52 ET
Posted by: JJ,

Recorded Live at Analog Michael McDonald with Paul Reiser

The friends and co-authors (What a Fool Believes) explore McDonald’s nearly 50 years in the industry as a solo artist and member of The Doobie Brothers and Steely Dan. Highlights include stories of his early days in St. Louis; songwriting collaborations with Kenny Loggins (“What a Fool Believes”) and Carly Simon (“You Belong to Me”); performances including a duet with Reiser on keyboard.

https://youtu.be/7TI04KjPXWY

Date: Tues, October 01, 2024, 23:06:37 ET
Posted by: Abu, All Settled

.
SESAC and Y-T apparently settled their dispute 'cuz Malcolm Hunter is back. Also, Nancy Wilson's (from Heart) nice cover of Any Major Dude had been effected (or is it affected?), which sucked because I think it was only available on a vinyl release of her 2021 album. Vinyl, which I don't have anymore.. but maybe one day I will again, who knows? But Nancy is is back, too.
.

Date: Tues, October 01, 2024, 22:20:45 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Michael, Dean: Malcolm Hunter's Wunderground Radio and other stuff he dropped is elite. Pretty cool guy - I haven't heard from him in a while.

Like a Steely Dan movie and I mean it sincerely takes the best of Steely Dan and Billy Joel's 52nd Street and mixes the cocktail into a happy fusion. Very New Tork. It definitely stand up well.

Date: Mon, September 30, 2024, 13:25:17 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. Uptown, Baby!

Michael, thanks for that link. I hadn't heard the Malcolm Hunter in quite a while. Got to see him live once n NYC with some Bluebook royalty. A blast and the band was fantastic, I recall.

Also t inspired me to look for other Malcolm Hunter stuff. Tough to find, the this was a real treat, IMO:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGQqywdJQz8

Date: Sun, September 29, 2024, 22:55:26 ET
Posted by: Brain worm, Whale head rotting on the roof

I know of the Smash Mouth version, of course, but I don't think I was ever aware of the others 'til now...

Exploring 4 Unique Covers of Steely Dan’s “Do It Again”:
Waylon Jennings, Falco, Tori Amos, Smash Mouth

https://americansongwriter.com/exploring-4-unique-covers-of-steely-dans-do-it-again/

Date: Sun, September 29, 2024, 16:55:38 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Abu, use a proxy server. Or type nsfw before youtube.com in the address bar on the video you want to watch. You should be able to view most videos.

Example:

https://www.nsfwyoutube.com/watchmore?v=nK1_VEk1WlU

Date: Sun, September 29, 2024, 12:43:56 ET
Posted by: Abu, SESAC

.
Some kind of dispute between SESAC (a performance rights organization in the U.S.) and YouTube has resulted in some videos that are no longer playable in the United States. Malcolm Hunter's Like a SD Movie cannot be played. No problem so far on Spotify.
.

Date: Sat, September 28, 2024, 17:43:17 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Liana Flores released a new song.

Strangest shapes

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

Lovely.

Date: Sat, September 28, 2024, 14:48:09 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,

Hotter Than July is great and In Square Circle is underrated, but there's no question that Stevie was a wonder with Music of My Mind, Talking Book, Innervisions, Fulfillingness First Finale, Songs in the Key of Life and the oft misunderstood The Secret Life of Plants. The latter yielded a minor hit Send One Your Love with a ridiculous fusion/pop chord progression...flatted 5ths, 9ths, sus, sharp 7ths, other worldly voicings. Even with a heavy layer of ear candy, it's really sophisticated for most ears. Noting that besides for releasing the wrong singles (Cousin Dupree, Last Mall, Blues Beach( TvN and EMG are rich in unusual, jazzy chord progressions and voicings.

Send One Your Love:

https://youtu.be/-Ya7sFGIaAo?si=0oaNEULVJAH7s1-O


I actually have some respect for artists who owned the synth sound, even if they dumped it or crashed and burned later. Particularly the ones who leaned a bit toward R&B or jazz.

Naked Eyes was a synth pop duo and one of the first artists to use the Fairlight. Naked Eyes had an appreciation for the use of harmonics

They covered a Bacharach classic Always Something There to Remind Me:

https://youtu.be/fEoIh8N7PLs?si=VigSyqPwKs6zJbu7


Had 2 other hits with their own compositions

Promises Promises (same title but not the same song re: the Bacharach classic) with a nice bass line and a guitar solo. They also got the notion of bouncing back and forth between maj7ths and minor chords:

https://youtu.be/m1iFTc5zkN4?si=wjORo9EIPzor5C-0


and the clever, sad Steely When the Lights Go Out. The turnaround is delicious.

https://youtu.be/qumXaS_Lw-4?si=sI5WCrR8DmySSYxG



ABC was produced by Trevor Horn and featured relatively clever songwriting. They reveled in lightweight 80s excess.

https://youtu.be/a70yJwgQtzo?si=g4W2vdYLgQ3Gs-DL

https://youtu.be/J9D9fwWOiyI?si=FQiKOlek1xqvD18L


I had a lot more respect though for Talk Talk, fronted by songwriter and vocalist Mark Hollis. Potential from their first album and later progression into post rock/jazz fusion was spurred by the collaboration of Hollis with producer and keyboardist Tim Friese-Green (who co-produced the power pop group The Records first album).


The title track for It's My Life is well-known, but it's recordings like

Such a Shame

https://youtu.be/lLdvpFIPReA?si=rxTQElULPt-YyD9g

Does Caroline Know?

https://youtu.be/D78T-E7nXcc?si=86qOnTV7XLU59KB8

Reneé

https://youtu.be/5C0pg5iViNg?si=QeSqORTwixY9K_RZ

Dum dum Girl:

https://youtu.be/Bie6Qsr_bss?si=HHVgbS3mppEKtRRL


It's My Life:

https://youtu.be/cFH5JgyZK1I?si=sEnAts8lgwnZ6u34

Tomorrow Started - with one of the first hip hop beats in pop music:

https://youtu.be/N5KdAXez6Yw?si=S0ACEbkjItreoBSb


that arguably lift the album to the "Pet Sounds of Synth."


Then Talk Talk ran hurriedly in their brilliant transition album Colour of Spring to something more organic...

Time It's Time:

https://youtu.be/vwM77SSxLp8?si=6lixND6AMsFJhgWm


and the ethereal musings of the critically revered albums Spirit of Eden and Laughing Stock.

I Believe in You:

https://youtu.be/3EBTk5brQVY?si=yGJSVVbTRKhu-ccO

New Grass:

https://youtu.be/TLvHW27dwWU?si=ozJv0ZYw4N7QRbzG

Ascension Day:

https://youtu.be/OKkYsZqlybM?si=yuuEC0Zj6fQGyHQj





Although I like Walter produced tracks on the more organic Diary of a Hollow Horse better, Flaunt the Imperfection had the UK hit King in a Catholic style and dug in on the computer/synth stylings.

My favorites from China Crisis' FTI:

Wall of God

https://youtu.be/-LDrlQxxEUA?si=wq6MzC3x4tGvoTW_

Bigger the Punch I'm Feeling

https://youtu.be/CnSM5unnwNE?si=6-K2Km70xkgtU3Ee

The World Spins, I'm Part of It:

https://youtu.be/htKPYcHue0g?si=Olf522MRjoNsWt2Z


From Diary...really, almost like 80s SD tracks in feel without the synthy 80s production.

Stranger By Nature:

https://youtu.be/PrrW7yiirTQ?si=HzzT99vtU-k-ywCh

Sweet Charity in Adoration:

https://youtu.be/KsFrRDx0yGg?si=Uf8CXBRKA2cUsi1o


Singing the Praise of Finer Things:

https://youtu.be/k2ujsk0uuAg?si=yg_FoFGZtwchOcl_

Date: Sat, September 28, 2024, 09:34:34 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Ice Choir are one of the most criminally overlooked artists in recent times. You can hear 80s influences flowing through their veins such as Tears for Fears but with a modern twist and a touch of Japanese city pop for good measure. I'm thoroughly impressed. Kurt Feldman's songwriting is superb and the production quality is top-shelf. I highly recommend everyone go purchase their album Designs In Rhythm, it's so worth it.


Designs In Rhythm

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qKDBNrwR3_o

Windsurf

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2SCzzzTSoLM

Variant

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HpwjCRG10zQ

Amorous In Your Absence

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L4fQt0NnRkw

Comfortable

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

The Garden Of Verse

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fW3k6qLE64I

Date: Sat, September 28, 2024, 07:45:51 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Doc, yeah, I'm under the impression that Donald was channeling Stevie with his synth harp, plus Ray Charles with his rocking motions at the keys.

The Police (and Sting after he went solo) stood among the cream of the crop during the 80s, whereas Stevie Wonder's strongest output was in the 70s. I don't think anyone can dispute this.

80s production sounded synthetic, even cheesy at times, but that's part of what gave the 80s its character. A plethora of modern artists have been attempting to emulate those sounds by using the same synths and applying gratuitous amounts of reverb to give recordings a suitable neon glowing sheen. Sometimes they get it right but oftentimes it comes across as copycat syndrome. Ginger Root have been successful at combining retro influences without coming across sounding pastiche.

The Yamaha DX7 is one of the best synths of the 80s and FM synthesis was subsequently used for the Sega Genesis sound chip. Sounds used during the 80s were a means to an end. Artists had to write good songs or else become one-hit wonders and fall by the wayside.

Donald got a bad case of writer's block. Even though he was still working on material, it usually didn't come off to his satisfaction.

Liana is an exceptionally gifted artist. Half-British and half-Brazilian, her songwriting is superb and her voice exquisite, gliding effortlessly through the notes. Here's more great songs by her.

Orange-coloured day

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WaJzIp9WBeM

I wish for the rain

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

rises the moon

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-2yAEUp9v6M

Rhythm Logic's I.G.Y. cover is solid but the arrangement is more or less a direct 1:1 emulation, like a karaoke version sung by one of the backup vocalists. I would've liked to hear a different spin on it, something more imaginative. The guitar solo was decent, I suppose.

Date: Sat, September 28, 2024, 04:06:40 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Maysa Leak with R-hythm Logic

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

Date: Fri, September 27, 2024, 22:45:27 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Liana Flores has that very 70s clean analog production, with crisper modern recording gear. The verses are kind of folksy, so I wasn't prepared for this jazzy minor chord changes and harmonies in the chorus. Nicely done. Liana has such a pure soprano voice and ear... that fortunately David Foster didn't ruin!

Date: Fri, September 27, 2024, 22:32:01 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Michael,

Creepin is one of my favorite Stevie Wonder tracks. It's all enveloping gooey, jazzy, fusion, pop good. Steely harmonica solo. I think Donald's use of the synth harp. attempt to capture the attitude and harmonic figures that Stevie uses.

Yeah, a lot of the 80s production was high end and tinny without much bass, depth, or warmth. A lot of the synthy music were really demos, but worked for videos and MTV and 80s TVs became the radio. Exceptions like The Police's Zenyatta Mondatta, the darker Ghost in the Machine and most of Synchronicity stand up so well. Brilliantly played (between attempting to kill each other) and recorded by Hugh Padgham. "Good. Feel the hate." as Darth Sideous would say.

Donald's 80s abandoned album was tracked with Jeff Porcaro, so it would have sounded great...but Donald got too far inside his own head.


So, here's a couple of great Stevie track with brilliant Rhodes passages.

As

https://youtu.be/eLbmdG8U60E?si=qGbb01hui6LAEkhw


Superwoman

https://youtu.be/oYpcCMxQXaE?si=UvgJoaHV1bN2v7Yx


I always loved the sound of a Rhodes. I almost bought a Rhodes at a music store that had a going out of business sale, but my wife saw the price tag. lol I even sound good on a Rhodes. The warmth, feel, and responsiveness of the instrument - it's like part of you when playing it...even with crude, rudimentary skills.

Date: Fri, September 27, 2024, 11:22:26 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Kick back, relax and enjoy.


Liana Flores - Nightvisions

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fj7BDOmcILo

Brad Goodall - How Long Has It Been

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WHc-UU4TazU

Stevie Wonder - Creepin'

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6gkqGCnK-nw

Pocket Sun - Rip Tide

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6u_noFzXmOM

Der Assistent - Klinik unter Palmen (Clinic under Palm Trees)

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

Date: Fri, September 27, 2024, 08:34:11 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Dean, I remember watching that clip years ago. Analog synths like the Arp Odyssey needed routine maintenance. All Donald needed to do was take the Arp to a specialist to get it fixed or acquire a different one, but his frustrations got the better of him.

The Rhodes is one of the best instruments, bar none. It can sound smooth, funky, aggressive, or haunting depending on circumstances. It's a real organic instrument with keys, hammers and metal tines. The sounds it produces aren't artificially produced as on a synthesizer. Don't get me wrong, I *do* like synth sounds, not all of them equally but they can sound good. These days synths can be micro-tuned however you want.

With the advent of new wave and synth pop in the 80s artists weren't using Rhodes pianos nearly as much. There was a lot more experimentation for various reason, partly because they were looking for their own sonic footprint and wanted to distance themselves from sounds which typified the 70s which they felt were maybe a bit dated. I suppose the irony is that a lot of 80s albums have a more thin, plasticky sound than their 70s counterparts.

Even Donald was veering off into that kind of territory, as Doc Mu provided links to, but he still sounded unmistakably like himself. His penchant for utilizing sophisticated harmonic changes, borrowed chords and the like remains firmly intact.

'Shanghai Confidential' was clearly inspired by YMO. It has that western exotica which Sakamoto, Hosono and Takahashi were parodying to an extent, albeit from a purely oriental perspective. 'Rydeen' is a superb song, easily one of their best.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yxep-gS-Btg

Date: Thurs, September 26, 2024, 19:43:54 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. It's Happy Hour

Thanks for the links Michael. I have to say the best thing, IMO, was the recommendation videos next to one of those. It reintroduced me to this:

https://youtu.be/dp-gpk-dUxE

Great story. Nice to see/hear it again

Date: Thurs, September 26, 2024, 12:28:29 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,

Fagen's aborted 80s solo album...what could have been?

https://youtu.be/zicmB4aJIhE?si=_gSvnfeahxrXu117

https://youtu.be/Uji6k153RwU?si=f31J4renlXCR24aj

https://youtu.be/3IoVcBo0eDg?si=OTryDB1FK08Esc9D

https://youtu.be/r0F83sMAjJ4?si=lpeJqjHMYua4LdiF

Take this, Prince! Booyah!

https://youtu.be/TJMelsJukC0?si=APhN9IG0drhkQlXk

Where are Dr. Fagen's my royalties for inventing the ER theme riff? Srsly, a really clever song.

https://youtu.be/jIsD9C7Rk6c?si=HobJXeQexeRfDfjq

https://youtu.be/0S6CJd6kWRA?si=vc78BkFatc8it14j

https://youtu.be/h3H2Segof1c?si=0r56Qxr64g1w-f1i



I'd love to have writer's block that sounded like this. ;)

Date: Tues, September 24, 2024, 09:11:17 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Donald Fagen on bathroom breaks

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YgegEcp7F1A


😂 This is too funny.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-mjC4P7Ve_w

Date: Tues, September 24, 2024, 07:17:19 ET
Posted by: DP, east

Krantz was pretty diligent about recording those 55 Bar shows as I recall. I caught several of his shows there. His regular drink was a Ginger Ale with bitters.

Date: Mon, September 23, 2024, 01:47:58 ET
Posted by: Dr. Hünd, Fall Colors Colorado

Congrats to our baby girl A’ja Wilson winning her 3rd! MVP.

Date: Sat, September 21, 2024, 10:25:47 ET
Posted by: chris, nh

agreed Doc - loved the Letterman version, particularly Carlock whose drumming is just more muscular than the drums on the rest of the record. I liked Krantz's take too; not the 'definitive' version but a very fun one.

-- Side note: When the 55 bar closed down, Carlock posted a remembrance including an anecdote about Fagen discovering him there, and eventually sitting in with the trio. Which surprised the hell out of me, because Krantz doesn't exactly play striaightforward jazz standards. And means there's a non-zero chance of a recording somewhere with Fagen playing Krantz tunes.

Date: Fri, September 20, 2024, 10:21:37 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Donald's vocals were a bit more subdued around MTC, whereas by SC he was much more lively, like he emerged from whatever psychological shell he had made for himself post-9/11.

There used to be a much better quality video of the Letterman performance on YT. The original must've been taken down.

'I Can't Write Home About You' is such a great song. I wish it was on Gaucho.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ay8btew0ieU


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

Pearl & The Oysters' new album *Planet Pearl* released today. Here's a few tracks to check out.


❍ Together, Alone

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M2RMh3Daek0

❍ Triangular Girl

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1P_I1fU5Ik

❍ A Planet Upside Down

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=60yWjU6IeAg


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

More great tracks.


Yerin Baek - Maybe It's Not Our Fault (그건 아마 우리의 잘못은 아닐 거야)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IRNBtocmQ58

grentperez & Benny Sings - Fuzzy Feeling

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwyF1aW0Oso

Bruno Berle - Tirolirole

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0BK2MfqRYiM

寺尾聰 Akira Terao - 「シネマ・ホテル」 Cinema Hotel

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCx_R3JOsaw

Date: Thurs, September 19, 2024, 17:43:56 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu , hit and run

form

Date: Thurs, September 19, 2024, 17:41:49 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,

Just went back and listened to the album version. Jon H. captured the blues feel really nicely. the drums sound more subdued. Fagen's voice is in good for

It's remarkable that his vocals IMO when ON were better in 2012 than 2000 when *allegedly* there were nodule issues. That's true for the studio and life performance.

Fagen and the Nightflyers were en fuego doing Weather in My Head in Austin...ironically and sadly the evening before Walter passed.

Date: Thurs, September 19, 2024, 17:34:10 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

I thought the groove with Lefebvre on bass and Carlock was fantastic. Horns sounded great.

Krantz wasn't mic'd high enough and he got swallowed a bit during the solo - not sure if that's what you heard.

Date: Fri, September 13, 2024, 18:31:30 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Doc, that was spot on, although the Letterman version of Weather seemed off to my ears for some reason. It wasn't 'in the pocket' and lacked the spark of the album version. I dunno. Maybe it's just me.

Date: Fri, September 13, 2024, 16:36:15 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Dan B: More punch - I think that's the best descriptor for the DVD-A Kama. Scheiner's mix in stereo and surround mixes are fantastic. The track that really jumps out in the DVD-A mix for me is Countermoon. It's weirder, whackier, and wonderfully invasive. The space between the instruments really opens up.

I was OK with H-Gang from an arrangement standpoint (and it was probably the most Steely sounding), but the lyrics were just OK. What I Do and Security Joan and nice altered blues romps. The singles for me would have been Funn (radio edit) and Mona (full monty).

I agree w/ Michael. Sunken Condos has ideas that are more full realized.
I hear a little more Walter attitude in SC, although Walter did not play a role in the writing or recording. Also, the melodies and song structure are at a higher level than SC or Kama or arguably even TvN and EMG. Slinky thing draws from heavily from a Cab Calloway-like theme. But Fagen keeps adding layers of jazzy icing to the chocolate cake (More light!). I'm not the Same without You updates and flips the I Will Survive disco self-empowerment theme. Memorabilia is sneaky genius as the imagery and arrangement coalesce. Weather in My Head is less altered and more blues, but I think it really works, especially live on Letterman. Even Dave realized he was in the presence of greatness.

The New Breed is a nice song with another flipped theme. It's the only track that I think suffers just a tad from the DIY recording approach. Out of the Ghetto doesn't get enough credit for flipping the Isaac Hayes tune, modernizing and jazzing it it up...and making Ghetto, well weirder.

Miss Marlene is a classic. Everything is perfect, even in a song about a bowling tragedy. There aren't enough superlative to lay down for Good stuff, a punchy tip of the fez to the Jewish mafia. After I'm not the Same Without You, Good Stuff or Marlene would have been my follow-up singles. Planet D'Rhonda is a bow wrapping on an outstanding album that was certainly Grammy worthy.

If Morph the Cat's viewpoint is on the specter of death, Sunken Condos feels like a release with an attitude that is closer to The Nightfly than Morph or Kama.

Date: Fri, September 13, 2024, 16:01:55 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Aside from H Gang being a weak single I think MTC is a good album. My only gripe is the somewhat unimaginative arrangements, something which Sunken Condos remedied, and that a couple of tracks drag on a bit too long. Long tracks should change things up to thwart listeners' expectations. Too much repetition runs the risk of becoming monotonous.

Date: Fri, September 13, 2024, 14:11:37 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. Uptown, Baby!

Michael, totally agree about Mona, Mary and Pagoda. IMO those are fabulous tunes. I don't think there is a single "bad" tune on Morph. I can happily listen to them all.

Date: Fri, September 13, 2024, 08:19:43 ET
Posted by: Michael,

What's up with people not liking Security Joan? I thought that was one of the best tracks off MTC alongside The Night Belongs To Mona, The Great Pagoda of Funn and Mary Shut The Garden Door. Overall I prefer Sunken Condos for its wider variety of sounds (and my heavy bias toward Miss Marlene as DF's best solo track since IGY) but MTC definitely had its moments.


Ginger Root's new album SHINBANGUMI released today. It's an experience like no other, definitely a contender for album of the year. Here's the full livestream with commentary by Mr. Root himself, Cameron Lew.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3GRXCLYibBg

Highlights include Show 10 and Giddy Up. Go check 'em out.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mpFUbY482XE

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

Date: Fri, September 13, 2024, 08:15:38 ET
Posted by: Dan belcher, Louisville, KY

Doc Mu - Definitely agree with the DVD-Audio version of Kamakiriad being a massive improvement in sound quality. Elliot Scheiner's surround mix is lush, rich, and beautifully balanced. But even ignoring the surround sound aspects, the top end is less fatiguing, the bass and drums have more oomph, body, and punch, and the vocals are a little higher in the mix. I ended up taking the audio tracks from the 5.1 version and downmixing them to stereo FLAC files so I can listen to that mix even on regular speakers/headphones, and it translates wonderfully even as a stereo mix.

Date: Thurs, September 12, 2024, 19:59:30 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Kama on CD sounds very plasticky. The DVD-Audio version really opens up in comparison.

Your mileage may vary.

Date: Thurs, September 12, 2024, 19:56:27 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,

I'd like to nominate The Royal Scam... and an imaginary un-DBX'd Katy Lied... to the list

Despite the nice horn charts, Kamakiriad is the weaker of the 4 Fagen solo albums for me, despite the greatness of On the Dunes. The tunesmithery is a little too rhythmic, although harmonically appealing in segments. I love Brite Nitegown as a funky jam and spirited tune. The instrumental break is fantastic. The Night Belongs to Mona and the Great Pagoda of Funn are upper echelon. For a Fagen album, the sound on the ironically downer Morph the Cat is very lively. Some overdubbing but not overcorrection.

The songwriting and arrangements IMO on the wickedly underrated Sunken Condos are the best since The Nightfly and Gaucho. Every set-up, figure, and chord change is masterful. I don't mind the understated DIY sound.

The best *sounding* album since the Nightfly is probably Circus Money. Larry Klein found the right balance and the Steely Dan Band really sounded virtually live. The dub gets old after a while, but virtually all the songs are gems. God's Eye View, Selfish Gene, Paging Audrey, Downtown Canon are complete winners. 21st Century Dan (SD, WB, DF) deserves many of the kudos that 70s Dan receives. There are a plethora of well conceived and executed songs/recordings. The chord changes are actually more sophisticated than even Aja. There is bit more sour (flatted 9ths, 11ths, etc.) with the sweet ear candy).

My only gripe is that IMO the three weakest songs in the 21st Dan collection (Cousin Dupree, Last Mall, Blues Beach) were the promotional singles - but hey, they were awarded 4 Grammys.

I would be on board with as singles

Two Against Nature:

West of Hollywood (radio edit)
Jack of Speed
Janie Runaway
Almost Gothic (4th single)

Everything Must Go:

Lunch with Gina
Pixeleen
Godwhacker
Everything Must Go (4th single)


Just my $0.02.

Date: Thurs, September 12, 2024, 18:25:24 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago

Aja, Gaucho, and The Nightfly are three flawless, perfect albums, all in a row. Nothing wrong with any of those three albums and the inspiration for many well-known musicians. Fagen three subsequent solo albums are all really good and excellent, but none are perfect to the point of sublime. All three albums belong in the library of Congress.

Date: Thurs, September 12, 2024, 18:19:08 ET
Posted by: Murph, Murph

I read this post on Tuesday and Security Joan has been in my head ever since and it has been great, I bet I'm not alone.

The rare skip in the catalog, but that's the album. Donald's highest highs, plus his only skips (SJ, BN). Second place for me behind Kamakiriad, just head of Nightfly. Maybe his "best" sounding solo LP.

Date: Tues, September 10, 2024, 22:14:26 ET
Posted by: Jimmie, C

Security Joan, tied with most other Morph the Cat tracks, is easily the least listened to song for me of any official release sung by Fagen. Only the title track and Mary Shut The Garden Door have I ever cared to listen to over the years from that album. Give me the “B sides” CD from the boxed set over it any day.

Date: Tues, September 10, 2024, 18:08:28 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. It's Happy Hour

Abu, it is a clever and perhaps even interesting attempt. Unfortunately it simply doesn't do it for me. Sounds "off" and not in an appealing way. But I'm like that with music (and most things it seems).

I think it's kinda cool they picked a relatively unknown Fagen song, even though I believe it got some airplay. Couldn't have been much, though.

Date: Mon, September 09, 2024, 12:00:40 ET
Posted by: Abu, "Search Me Now"

Cleverly done a capella cover of Donald's Security Joan:

https://youtu.be/mf8Y1dktnUs?si=lA2nn44--Os1bdLf
.

Date: Sat, September 07, 2024, 04:07:15 ET
Posted by: popegreg, mke

I see that Acoustic Sounds is now shipping the newGaucho SACD. Hopefully they are back on track after Pretzel Logic, which was a bit of a letdown.

Date: Thurs, September 05, 2024, 08:59:44 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Pearl & The Oysters ❍ Cruise Control

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

Such a bop. Joachim's luscious chords combined with Juliette's sweet vocals effortlessly gliding along the listener on an irresistible ride. You need to check this one out.

Date: Tues, September 03, 2024, 17:22:49 ET
Posted by: Michael,

On another note, I've been listening to Jeff Beck's 'Blow by Blow' album and it struck me how similar it sounds to The Royal Scam which came out 14 months later. It occurred to me that there's a good chance D&W were influenced to some degree by Jeff's jazz-rock fusion masterpiece, at least in terms of its overall sound and production. Stevie Wonder contributed a couple of songs for 'Blow by Blow' and even played clavinet on Thelonius.

Date: Tues, September 03, 2024, 17:16:03 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Boz Scaggs. I must've got their last names mixed up, an honest mistake. Although I do like his song 'Country Boy', Ricky Skaggs sounds nothing like Boz, let alone Steely Dan.

Date: Tues, September 03, 2024, 13:40:19 ET
Posted by: douche, police

You must mean Ricky Skaggs.

Date: Tue, September 03, 2024,  00:00:01 ET
Posted by: The Greater Dandom, Everwhere

Date: Mon, September 02, 2024, 16:32:11 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Doc, slick SD chord progressions set to an almost Boz Skaggs sounding groove. Although I've heard some of Simply Red's songs besides 'Holding Back the Years' I never took a deep dive into his catalog so thanks for sharing.

Gino Vannelli's 'Appaloosa' has a muscular groove awash with jazz-rock progressions not entirely dissimilar to SD. I never would've expected to hear this kind of thing from Gino but I'm here for it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwiD0QyJhiE

Date: Mon, September 02, 2024, 14:12:59 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

May have posted this earlier...but a very Steely Simply Red track in subversion under the cool (ironically):

https://youtu.be/M7vua8alKVM?si=eANMoNuRoXgtvIIf

Date: Mon, September 02, 2024, 08:28:57 ET
Posted by: Michael,

New playlist.


Ben Reed - Backward Glance

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cov5AbQHz6w

Fievel is Glauque - As Above So Below

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lv7eP5yf7GA

Yuji Ohno, You & The Explosion Band - Spiral Flight (螺旋飛行)

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

Lighthouse Family - Let It All Change

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RcOsjFcV9NE

Geyster - Call The Doctor (feat. Fraise Marowski)

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

Date: Sat, August 31, 2024, 13:12:30 ET
Posted by: Abu, Have A Heart

.
Nancy & Ann's most influential music:
https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/ann-wilson-groundbreaking-steely-dan-song/

.

Date: Tues, August 27, 2024, 11:18:13 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. Uptown, Baby!

Abu, thanks for the links. First time hearing those. Incredible! Larry is one tasteful guitarist.

Date: Tues, August 27, 2024, 09:14:36 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Found these while browsing SD content. How people acquire this stuff, I don't know, but it's very interesting to hear.


Peg Isolated Vocals

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

Peg Isolated Guitar, Keys, Extra

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eD1s5FX8mpI

Kid Charlemagne Isolated Vocals and Guitar

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZ7ioPc516s

Kid Charlemagne No Drums

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQK4hRxMBCQ

Reelin' In The Years Isolated Tracks

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XB71-UWFy20

Bonus: The Doobie Brothers 'What A Fool Believes' Acapella Michael McDonald

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v5mHO5orAQs

Date: Sat, August 24, 2024, 15:12:10 ET
Posted by: Abu, Larry & SWR

.
Back in 2016, Larry Carlton travelled to Germany and recorded a concert with the SWR Big Band. Included in that show, Kid Charlemagne was performed. This one hour concert was filmed, but to my knowledge never released on DVD here in the U.S. (only on Region 2 on a Japanese video). For a number of years, one could see Kid C on Dailymotion, as well as the whole concert there, but it was not on the Tube, until now.. at least for now, it seems. And, the filmed version did not include Black Friday, which was actually performed but could not be seen, until now. The latter tune was posted on Y-T by the SWR channel. Kid C, apparently, was not officially posted by them. So, it may or may not stay around. So, check it out, before it is (possibly) too late.

The Kid:

https://youtu.be/qj7frAs-sEI?si=27CTMhkJeo7s5NuV


Black Friday:

https://youtu.be/J7Zx6DNMl24?si=YR1thFM_3Y482_4B
.
.

Date: Thurs, August 22, 2024, 10:48:20 ET
Posted by: Michael,

New playlist. Enjoy.



Lô Borges - A Força Do Vento

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQrx2Emuxyw

Diane Birch - Shade

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86yNdZi4d3A

Elephant Gym - Anima

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

Ryuichi Sakamoto - Sweet Revenge

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2VcVDYZA8Bo

Balu Brigada - Designer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RyGXFRuHj1M

Salma Salsabil - Bunga Hati

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPj9r2ePJbE

Vince Guaraldi Trio - Fascinating Rhythm

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YjH6wHFlHQ

Date: Sun, August 18, 2024, 22:11:54 ET
Posted by: Abu, Caves and Androids

.
I am sure there was some discussion about Anthony Robustelli's SD book when it came out in 2017. I'm sure I missed it, as I was off the Blue back then for unremembered reason. Anyway, I give the book an A-, as I believe it was well-written, informative, and detailed. Much more accurate, I think, than Brian Sweet's book.
Likely it is inevitable that there could be errors. I found one, concerning The Caves of Altamira, which Robustelli states was based on the never officially released Android Warehouse. In his separate descriptions of both tunes, he is clearly referring to the earlier pre-Dan version of Caves, with the second verse deleted in the greatly improved final version on Scam. A minor mistake, to be sure.
And, on a different note, sort of.. one might hear one of the tunes discussed in this post at your local dance club. You might want to get up and dance, or ... not. Here is what you might hear:

https://youtu.be/-qkdervmd08?si=4OVUHSoioX2-jehR
.

Date: Sat, August 17, 2024, 21:33:45 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Abu - Excellent. The scene of the first Steely Dan Art Crime. Motive Opportunity. Projection and Confession - the LA Obsession.

Sorry, Demian. I must take what I see.

I remember, the chops of rare design.

I don't mind.

Date: Sat, August 17, 2024, 12:53:04 ET
Posted by: Abu, Reprinted

.
I see that my previous post is actually old news, so everyone here might have already heard this about the VV ad. I now discovered that the article I posted was a re-print from 2023. My bad.
.

Date: Sat, August 17, 2024, 12:33:35 ET
Posted by: Abu, Village Voice Ad

.
Evidently, the actual wording of the original Village Voice ad that was responded to by DF and WB was kinda different from what we all had heard. The actual ad was found and is highlighted in this article. The part about "no assholes" is hilarious. What we all had heard that was allegedly included is, though, the stuff of legend.

https://expandingdan.substack.com/p/steely-dan-village-voice-classified-ad
.

Date: Fri, August 16, 2024, 19:16:33 ET
Posted by: moray eel, Rolling

Will it ever be completed?

https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/steely-dan-donald-fagen-new-album-1235132/

m.e.

Date: Thurs, August 15, 2024, 20:37:31 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, Listening to Sunken Condos and hoping for more...

Dr. Hünd - With all due respect to your noble position as a learned man of medicine, I find it hard to understand how you could use this wonderful Bloobook, this online beacon of enrichment & positivity, to ridicule (and as a result, invite further possible ridicule, by others, directed at) a hard-working, common-man Billionaire (see Forbes website for the alarming details) Superstar performer like The Boss. Surely you, sir, as a physician, must realize that words can (and often do) hurt.

QUOTE: "...a great beautiful firewall which Bruce Springsteen will pay for".

I ask you, in all sincerity, as a person with some degree of compassion for my fellow man - yes, even if that fellow man carries a metal lunch-bucket to work every Monday to Friday, and sometimes even on a Saturday if the union says it's OK, and even if that fellow man dutifully brings that very same lunch-bucket to each and every Bruce Springsteen live concert he attends, and even of that fellow man (or woman - hey, it's possible) thinks that the lyrics to "I'm On Fire" are insightful & deep & even *clever* - I ask you, how can you live with yourself after insinuating - nay, stating outright - that Bruce Springsteen would or could or even should pay to build a firewall (paywall?) here on The Blue?

My God, man - have you no sense of decency or propriety?

Other than that, I thought your recent Donald J. Trump post was a damn fine read - one of the nicest things I read all day, actually - and I thank you for it.

Other than that, it's good to see The Blue back up & operational again, and it's good to see Jim acknowledging The Dean's helpfulness in that regard. As The Dean's aunt Myrtle (Myrtle Watson, of the Saint Augustine Watsons) always used to say, "My nephew KNOWS COMPUTERS!!". He surely does dearest Myrtle, he surely does...

M/O/D/P
PS - No "PS-es" this time 'round. Haven't you heard of the recent (and rather dire) "PS" shortage?? It's a supply chain issue, they say, somehow related to the recent surge of Monkeypox in both The Democratic Republic Of Congo (Africa) and in Toronto (Canada), but here is not the place to go into the gruesome details. You have been alerted...

Date: Thurs, August 15, 2024, 16:48:53 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Steve, back around 2021 Donald mentioned in an interview that he was writing new material, one song he called 'The Stellar Bartender', but I don't think there's been any further updates. He could be working on it in the studio right now for all I know. Hopefully we'll hear something before 2024 wraps up.

Date: Thurs, August 15, 2024, 14:16:36 ET
Posted by: Steve M, Scotland

Hey Michael

Thanks for another interesting playlist

You asked if there was any word on Donald's new album

Has it been confirmed that there actually is a new DF album in the pipeline?

here's hoping!

Date: Thurs, August 15, 2024, 11:20:09 ET
Posted by: Michael,

More great music for you to dig into. Any word on Donald's new album?


Ginger Root - Only You

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bU-KrPu8_F4

Cisco Swank - I don't know why

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

Tchotchke - Don't Hang Up On Me

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kzMHWx8rZfY

Lindsey Webster - Reasons (Smooth Mix)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2bjv69tYeaY

Casiopea-P4 - ADMIRATION

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SnSA57pqToM

Khruangbin - Les Petits Gris

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9AZT5wxMCrE

Dabeull ft. Le Flex - Come Over

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hu6vI2oXRj0

Date: Thurs, August 15, 2024, 11:09:46 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,

Jimmie - "He takes all my money." Why not?

Buzz' dad was Dean of Admissions at Harvard and Buzz Jr. seemed to have the self-loathing characteristic of Walter and Donald:


https://mouritz.org/companion/article/richard-gummere

At the age of 28 he felt ‘vague but deep misery, but mental and physical’.[1] He had interviews with psychiatrists who concluded that there was nothing wrong. His mother made him go see A. R. Alexander.

Date: Thurs, August 15, 2024, 07:42:27 ET
Posted by: Jimmie, C

There was speculation that it was Buzz Gummere, director of admissions at Bard and perhaps the one to sign off on Walter's dismissal from the school.

Date: Thurs, August 15, 2024, 00:43:28 ET
Posted by: The Dean, ST Augustine. Uptown Baby!

Does anyone here really think Through With Buzz is ABOUT Buzzy Linhart, Buzzy Feiten, Buzz Aldrin or any other specific Buzz/Buzzy? No, right?

Date: Wed, August 14, 2024, 23:54:49 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu, Any Man Left OF the Rio Grande

Abu, It's hard to know with second hand information and the decay of time.

Here's an hermetically sealed interview from 1974 that integrates a conversation with Skunk with commentary and observations. The article certainly is prescient of W&D's decision to bag the road for nearly 20 years as SD!


A young and fresh Skunk said he was gigging with Buzzy Linhart in Boston when Skunk got the call from Gary Katz ca. early 1972:


https://steelydanreader.com/1974/07/01/showbiz-kids-talking-jeff-baxter-critical-view-steely-dan/

"The economics of the situation are obvious: touring is expensive, arduous and tedious. It’s much more fun to make an album, and sit around at home becoming a “legendary personality” without having to undergo the traumas of putting a real band on the road."

Easy to say...but Briggs is partly right.

“Later on I worked with Buzzy Linhart on his second album Buzzy, for Kama Sutra. I could talk about Buzzy all day. It was a great band, we actually gigged for quite a while, about eight months in all. Luther Rix played drums (top NY session man, now with Bette Midler) and Danny Trifan played bass (now with Larry Coryell). I moved to LA and found myself playing on a lot of country ‘n’ western sessions, working with Charlie Rodriguez.”

My guess is that Skunk DID talk about Buzzy all day.

"Baxter outlined the band’s formation at this point. “Don (Fagen) and Walter (Becker) had been writing tunes for a long time, bringing them to record companies and so forth. They’d get laughed at. Told their stuff was garbage, crap… take a walk, you know? They were really good friends with an ABC-Dunhill producer, Gary Katz, so they became house writers for a while. I knew Gary from the Boston days because he had produced a band with Jim Hodder (Steely Dan’s permanent drummer) and myself. Gary and I were talking and we decided that when the time was right we would form a band with Donald and Walter, a really good musical band. Later when I was gigging with Buzzy I got a call from Gary. He said the time was right. So I went back to L.A. and the band was formed, as we recorded Can’t Buy A Thrill."

Maybe Buzzy followed Skunk to LA, but it doesn't seem so. Skunk would have mentioned it. Dias was part of the core of the band. What became SD was arguably Denny Dias' band and D&W just took it over. Katz grabbed Skunk on second guitar. I'm not sure where Buzzy would fit in - maybe Buzzy tried out as part of the live band, but that was after the song was already written and recorded. Pretzel was released in February and they went on the road in March of 1974.

Maybe D&W were sick of hearing about Buzzy Linhart stories from Skunk?

Like so many things Steely, we'll never know with certainty.


Hoops: Die Hard - With a Vengeance. We're back!

Something crass...but kind of bad@$$

https://youtu.be/HFYVPedUOCE?si=GQkkjV0G1D112QAZ

...so fine, so young.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzb4ohJKgnk

Date: Wed, August 14, 2024, 12:23:44 ET
Posted by: Abu, MSDGA

.
Great post Dr. Hund
.

Date: Wed, August 14, 2024, 10:53:20 ET
Posted by: Dr. Hünd, Account compromised

A MESSAGE FROM DONALD J TRUMP:

Hoops, you’re fired! The folks at Hosting Matters where hosting apparently doesn’t matter….FIRED!

I will save the Bluebook. During the Biden Kamabla administration, the borders here at the Bluebook have been wide open. Other third world man countries have released their worst criminals, mentally ill, people with herpes, even Pablo Cruise fans directly to this site. I will stop this by building a great beautiful firewall which Bruce Springsteen will pay for.

Some know, some don’t….but I saved the great Steely Dan shortly after the album Gaucho when they were exiled from the music industry by the Democrats led by Tipper Gore and Kamaltoe Harris. They didn’t understand art or those drug and substance culture references in the genius lyrics of Fagen and Becker. I have to admit a few of those Gaucho songs sound like they were written about Hunter Biden, which is why Sleepy Joe and Kamabla allowed no new Steely Dan recordings during their administration. I was the one who fought for all of you previously which resulted in two more great albums from this band, Everything Must Go and Man Against Nature. Do you think Kamabla, a very low IQ individual, will have any Steely Dan music played at her convention like I did? Nobody thinks that. She has horrible musical taste. The things she learned in college, I don’t understand.

If the Democrats win this election, say goodbye to your Steely Dan records, T-shirts, and for the coup de gras, your freedom to ever listen to Steely Dan ever again. Elected, I will never allow this and I will also release the restrictions Democrats have placed on any new Steely Dan music. Under my new administration, a new Steely Dan record like no one has ever seen or heard before will be released. I will bring Skunk Baxter back to the band. No Michael McDonald though….hate his voice. He ruined Peg.

WILL NEVER STOP FIGHTING FOR YOU. DONATE NOW TO MAKE AMERICA AND STEELY DAN GREAT AGAIN!

Date: Tues, August 13, 2024, 23:03:07 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago

Annnnd....the bluebook is back. The folks at Hosting Matters/Entirely Digital (the hosting service) did a snazzy upgrade. Their tech staff Ben, Mike, and Romeo added a very short but required new line of code to go with the new upgrade--and, ta-da! It works again. Thanks so much to them. So appreciated.

Speaking of appreciation, I appeciate all the regulars here for their patience, support, and assistance, particularly from The Dean.

All the best to you,

Jim
hoops

Date: Tue, August 13, 2024, 17:12:05 ET
Posted by: hoops , Chicago

.
Friends,

Just a followup:

I can't find a problem with our scripts for the bluebook but the latest is that our hosting service is having some big issue that they are working on. So I am waiting to hear back from them.

Right now, if you writing an item in our "posting" form, a #500 error will be returned, although you can use your browser's "back" button to recoup the writing you attempted to post. But really, in the mean time, if you have something urgent for our fellow bluebook friends, please email me privately, and I will add it manually. Please use the following address: JJMcKay AT me DOT com, where of course, you replace AT with the @ symbol and DOT with a period, not to mention remove any spaces in the address. (I know 99% of you already know all this but every now and then there's someone who needs this explained.) It's not ideal...and at this point thinking it's the hosting service's bigger issue.

As always, grateful for your steadfast and unwavering patience and support. If you need to talk on the phone, just email me your phone number at the address above.

Best,

hoops
aka Jim

Date: Sun, August 11, 2024, 11:09:01 ET
Posted by: hoops , Chicago

.
Friends,

There's a technical issue with the Bluebook which means posting has not been possible the past 3-4 days. Unfortunately, this is a bit more complicated than usual and I have to be away from my computer today. So I'm sorry but you can't post right now and I will report with an update in the next 24 hours. In the mean time, if you have something urgent for our fellow bluebook friends, please email me privately, and I will add it manually. Please use the following address: JJMcKay AT me DOT com, where of course, you replace AT with the @ symbol and DOT with a period, not to mention remove any spaces in the address. (I know 99% of you already know all this but every now and then there's someone who needs this explained.)

Hopefully this will be a quick resolution. Thanks for your patience and support.

hoops
aka Jim

Date: Wed, August 07, 2024, 16:17:15 ET
Posted by: Abu, Father & Son?

.
Doc Mu, you could be right. Though not actual direct evidence, I'm leaning toward Buzz Linhart, as his son Xeno Rasmusson made the comment. Was it first-hand knowledge about this history that was passed from father to son before Linhart passed away in 2020? I'm thinking, it is quite possible, if not likely. However, Xeno is CEO of Buzzart, Inc.,which promotes his father's music. Perhaps he made this history up to try and connect his Dad with the famous band we know so well. Unless Skunk or DF confirms Xeno's story, we may never know. Here is Xeno's comment, which was posted on this cover of TWB:

https://youtu.be/fjSAEYh6aaU?si=akBVtPiwPyUXUvLa
.

Date: Wed, August 07, 2024, 02:59:09 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,

Abu - I have a potential alternative with no direct evidence, of course! Howard "Buzzy" Feiten - the lead guitarist for The Rascals, NY guitarist and latter day session guy. Friend of Dean Parks. I swore he did sessions or crossed paths with SD or Fagen. Fagen was a fan of the Rascals and brought the Brigati Bros on the NYR&SR...while I haven't spotted Feiten in Walter and Donald albums, they certainly would have known Buzz Feiten. Feiten played with Boz Scaggs, Neil Larsen (Full Moon), Rickie Lee Jones.

Buzz had a guitar tuning system patented. I imagined that the Feiten tuning system and the tuning nut issues thwarted Walter and/or Donald during a session and playing some stretchy mu chords...or something...and we know how they love technology that goes out of tune!

So they wrote a jokey song about Buzz and being through with his tuning system.


...wait, it's coming to me. Walter produced All I Need, Vincent's Ear, and Crayon Sun with Buzz Feiten on acoustic guitar...and they are luscious. Some of Walter's best production work or anyone's best production work.

Pete Erskine on drums. Beasley on keys. bass: Neil Stubenhaus. electric guitar: Dean Parks


https://youtu.be/MlCTeDS345I?si=Ffgm1ZQ-KQc6BI4I


Vincent's Ear IMO could be the finest thing Franks ever recorded. No cheese. All please.

https://youtu.be/NdXHYmv3NDw?si=7FTXJ3uqF9UvNxbM


Also:


https://bid.juliensauctions.com/lot-details/index/catalog/312/lot/122039/WALTER-BECKER-BUZZ-FEITEN-CLASSIC-PRO-GUITAR

I guess they weren't through with Buzz!

Date: Mon, August 05, 2024, 22:08:38 ET
Posted by: Who, Where

Randomly found a copy of this in a not all that local used record store today (vinyl, 1978). I'm sure I'd heard about it at some point way back in my now fast fading younger years, but I'd not heard or thought of it for decades. I just looked it up on your tubes and here it is if anyone cares to hear it---either again or for the first time...

Woody Herman Band - Chick, Donald, Walter & Woodrow
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbM14pIKIxM_Ptwpuw8z7FHejHTovE1jg

Date: Mon, August 05, 2024, 18:49:13 ET
Posted by: Abu, Linhart?

.
Obviously the replacement or substitute was referring to previously discussed Linhart's contributions to the talked about future recording sessions,,,perhaps, and not this particular tune.
.
.

Date: Mon, August 05, 2024, 18:13:14 ET
Posted by: Abu, Not Buzzed

I will apologize in advance, but quite likely something about this has been discussed here in The Blue before, but I don't recall anything. However, I have been here off and on over the years for various reasons.

A commenter on YT on Through With Buzz claims to be the late Buzzy Linhart's son, who states that SD was basically dissing his Dad, and the song seems to indicate some kind of relationship had gone bad. He says the strings were put in the tune on purpose, as "a slap in the face", supposedly put there as some kind of replacement or substitute for the multi-instrumentalist Buzzy, who the son says was "working with them before they were fully formed, and was gearing up to sessions with them." The son (Xeno) correctly states that "Skunk" played on Buzzy's 1972 album, as Baxter was evidently in Buzzy's band pre-SD.

No mention of any of this in Anthony Robustelli's 2017 book.
.

Date: Sat, August 03, 2024, 22:52:39 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. Uptown, Baby!

🤣 Dr. Hund, pretty much what I figured. Just thought it was too funny to pass up. Given all Hoops does, I think you can give him a pass on this one.

Date: Sat, August 03, 2024, 11:30:49 ET
Posted by: Dr. Hünd, Set me free why don’t you babe

Sorry no flashbacks. I have no idea why my post appears to be auto repeated. Maybe Hoops is in the process of creating an AI version of me. I have been offered no royalties.

Date: Sat, August 03, 2024, 10:33:46 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. Uptown, Baby!

Dr. Hund, flashback?

Date: Fri, August 02, 2024, 16:36:30 ET
Posted by: Dr. Hünd, Lake Street Dive

I like LSD btw. Few vocalists these days are in the category of Rachel Price. It always kills me how the Dan’s uncanny edge in both lyrics and music is lost on so many because of their smoothness.

<<lol at the idea that there's anything remotely rebellious about this band. they're about as safe as pop music gets. there are church choirs that are edgier than these guys. they make steely dan sound like the swans.
@ambientguitarexplorations>>

Date: Fri, August 02, 2024, 05:40:07 ET
Posted by: Davia Henry, Maryland, USA

I once had the HERPES virus and reached out to Dr. Ajayi via email. He assured me that I would be cured after taking his herbal medicine. Months later, I noticed changes in my condition, and when I went for a check-up, my test result came out negative, confirming that I was completely cured of my herpes virus. I'm so excited to share this testimony. If you're dealing with a similar illness, Contact Dr. Ajayi via email at ajayiherbalhome@gmail.com or reach him through Call/WhatsApp at +2348119071237. You can also visit his website at https://ajayiherbalhome.weebly.com.

Date: Mon, July 29, 2024, 13:50:01 ET
Posted by: EC, NY

I'm getting some Bruce Springsteen vibes...FROM THAT KILLER SETLIST posted by M/O/D/P!!

Sure, I'm not exactly the planet's biggest BS fan, but hey, that is one hell of a setlist packed with treasured BS classics - BOTH sets!

Part of me even wishes that I'd been there that night, at the Hunderclump Arenastoopen, to witness the fun.

That part of me wouldn't be either one of my ears, though.

Date: Sun, July 28, 2024, 21:56:23 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,

Yeah, I'm getting some Al DiMeola vibes.

https://youtu.be/UHrzhFoYXu0?si=F_4VALmFrSeMFJPJ

Date: Sun, July 28, 2024, 21:49:22 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Abu: The Bob Sneider & Paul Hofmann version is incredible - it really gets to the germ of the songwriting and that odd Middle Eastern sound that jazz can sometimes have. Greenbook, Pixeleen, Lunch with Gina, then the title track stand up to any consecutive tracks in the entire Dan discography.

Nicely done.

Date: Sat, July 27, 2024, 10:47:51 ET
Posted by: Michael,

More interesting tidbits about D&W's songwriting collaboration.

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

Becker and Fagen maintained that they never consciously set out to write hits, but at the same time they were well aware that the classic structure of their songs was ideal for radio and chart success. Walter Becker couldn't resist a little gloating over their recent achievements by harking back to their years of struggle: "We were given many reasons to believe that our music would be vastly unpopular by people we approached over the years."
"It was mainly the lyrical content that put people off," Fagen explained, "and possiblly at the time the kind of harmony. What we ended up doing was writing the kind of lyric we liked superimposed over a traditional song structure, which made sense to people. Which made sense to me. Traditional song structure is extremely serviceable."
Becker attributed their penchant for listening to jazz records and jazz radio as being responsible for putting them both "on intimate terms with how songs work. That's probably one of the reasons why we wrote so many bridges in our songs."
Becker and Fagen were always at pains to stress that their songwriting was a 50-50 operation, but Fagen did admit there were occasional exceptions. "Musically, we think very much the same, but otherwise he has his life and I have mine. Usually I'll develop the germinal idea for a song and take it over to Walter... We more or less put both our names on all the songs, but I've written a few myself, I can't recall any except 'Barrytown' on the Pretzel Logic LP. I don't think it came off so great anyway, so I don't know if it's a good idea to do stuff by myself. Ninety-five per cent of our songs are collaborative."
Fagen praised Becker's creative strengths and expanded on their relationship outside the working environment. "He's a good editor also. He'll suggest improvements on my original idea, and then we'll work on lyrics together."

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

Becker said that he liked "swatches of colour, images that don't necessarily make much sense," and was less concerned with tying everything together; Fagen, on the other hand, would argue endlessly to exclude or replace something from the first draft if he thought it shouldn't be there. Their rabid imagination and love of the obscure was all that informed their lyrics. "Because of the lack of input, experience that's available in the United States of America, or the world in general these days, we more or less rely on pure imagination for song ideas," said Fagen. "And we like to make them original, and we'll set up a framework, no matter how bizarre it may be, and proceed to write a song on that basis.
"I'll come up with an idea and he'll come up with a scenario, and we'll decide what we think the song is about and which part of the exposition is happening in each verse and get a title together, and no matter how strange the idea may be we just go along and hope that we can finish the song and that it actually emerges as something.
"When we go in the studio it's further refined by the studio musicians who are playing on it. Both of us in concert write the music and the words. You know, it's a lot of pacing around the living room. Whenever Walter has some free time he'll drop over, show me what he's got, I'll show him what I've got and kick it around a little bit. It's very informal.
"There's a lot of stuff packed into the records musically. We try to make it 'unboring'. That's one of the main things we go for. If it's boring that's the main indication that there's some failure."

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

In Downbeat, Fagen told Jim Bickhart: "One of us generally comes up with the germinal idea, usually from the same type of inspirations other writers draw upon. We usually work things out on the piano. It's easier to develop harmonic interest that way, though you can sometimes find a nice tune without it.
"I think of each piece as a composition, so the arrangements are integral to the actual composition. It's a classical approach, not so much formal as traditional. It's more traditional to western music than modal, formless rock'n'roll. I'm fond of the pop structure and blues structure. It's fun to adhere to certain rules about length and structure and still put them through twists and grotesqueries. One of the most interesting things in pop music certainly is to set limitations and then take occasional liberties. Because of those liberties, people sometimes don't realise how much blues we do; usually at least one per album."

'Steely Dan - Reelin' In The Years', by Brian Sweet, p.106-108

Date: Fri, July 26, 2024, 19:28:12 ET
Posted by: Abu, I should stick with actual titles

.
BTW, "DIG" means Do It Again. Purhapps I shud lurn how to spel.
.

Date: Fri, July 26, 2024, 18:08:39 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Stay groovy my friends.


Diane Birch - Jukebox Johnny

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8waQAp-eGSY

Mayer Hawthorne - Love Goes

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

Thee Sacred Souls - Lucid Girl

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

Lisa Stansfield - All Around the World

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

Nightshift - The Flybuster

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pC2-vs0vdLc

Date: Fri, July 26, 2024, 14:21:10 ET
Posted by: Abu, One More

.
One more cover I forgot to mention:
Bodhisattva

Enjoy
.

Date: Fri, July 26, 2024, 12:41:31 ET
Posted by: Abu, Discovering More Stuff

.
More excellent instrumental covers from guitarist Bob Sneider and pianist Paul Hofmann. About a year ago they posted 9 verygood Dan tunes, and now, 9 more. This time: DIG, AMDWTY,Deacon/Rikki, BF, Fez, Gaucho, and two very rarely covered gems: Two Against and Green Book.

Here are the two rarities--

Two Against Nature

https://youtu.be/nRRHY_9JrSE?si=MkDwd0MEzrkipMZW

Green Book

https://youtu.be/yiFoGV9kEsI?si=l_ZSqIvIR6_5KXXf


This duo must be two big SD fans, not only by their doing now 18 covers, but also by their including 2 virtually unknown rarities in their setlist. Check out all 9, or 18 if you haven't heard the others.
.

Date: Thurs, July 25, 2024, 14:08:03 ET
Posted by: Dr. Hünd, Lake Street Dive

I like LSD btw. Few vocalists these days are in the category of Rachel Price. It always kills me how the Dan’s uncanny edge in both lyrics and music is lost on so many because of their smoothness.

<<lol at the idea that there's anything remotely rebellious about this band. they're about as safe as pop music gets. there are church choirs that are edgier than these guys. they make steely dan sound like the swans.
@ambientguitarexplorations>>

Date: Tues, July 23, 2024, 16:15:30 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

For those interested in commodifying rather than codifying:

https://store.acousticsounds.com/d/171053/Steely_Dan-Gaucho-UHQR_Vinyl_Record?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwqf20BhBwEiwAt7dtdQFsMGveBG-_l-fFTAO9ElCgVs3tQ7Y-y3cqcSy_1TeOr1naTuAbsBoCU4EQAvD_BwE

Date: Tues, July 23, 2024, 15:14:32 ET
Posted by: Kamala, USA, USA, USA

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GTMGqu0WYAAX2cz?format=jpg&name=large

She's getting my vote!

Date: Tues, July 23, 2024, 01:19:11 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu , thesetabslookiffy

Not to mention this outtake from Springsteen's Tunnel of Love. Whether flat or sharp or a minor dude, just add9.

https://youtu.be/07RoD2mD_WI?si=xQBqah6OypViSpiI

Every silver bottle top potentially a star.

Date: Mon, July 22, 2024, 23:10:09 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,

Damn, M/O/D/P:

There is more here than on the surface! Dare I say there could be an Everything You Did: "turn up the Eagles, the neighbors are listening" vs. Prefab Hotel Cali: "cut it with their Steely knives, but they just can't kill the beast" level sword fighting.

The shout out:
"Wendy, let me in, I wanna be your friend
I wanna guard your dreams and visions
Just wrap your legs 'round these velvet rims
And strap your hands 'cross my engines
Together we could break this trap
We'll run 'til we drop, baby, we'll never go back"


The frosty, but sprightly sprout of a retort:

"Brucie dreams, life's a highway
Too many roads bypass my way
Or they never begin

Innocence coming to grief
At the hands of life - stinkin' car thief
That's my concept of sin

Does heaven wait all heavenly
Over the next horizon? Ah!

But look at us now, (Wendy: Quit driving)
Some things hurt more, much more than Cars and Girls
Just look at us now, (W: Start counting)
What adds up the way it did when we were young?
Just look at us now, (W: Quit driving)
Some things hurt more much more than Cars and Girls"


Does Brucie stand a chance? I think when hell freezes over:

https://youtu.be/QT9jLcZccn0?si=Tq9ifqSslsSOxRmn

The coup de grace

Date: Sun, July 21, 2024, 21:57:07 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, McAloon's Tavern, sitting in a booth, All By Myself

Doc Mu - Thanks for the wonderful, thoroughly-enjoyable YooToob link!!

That was quite likely the best Springsteen clip I've ever seen, bar none. OK - I'll admit it right here - that was a pretty fucking good song, goddamitt!!

After listenting to the song, I've started to wonder - aloud to myself/in my darkest hours - if perhaps I've somehow misjudged this Springsteen fellow - somehow missed the lesser-known material, the "hidden gold" as it were. This video that you've linked here - the umpteenth song about cars & girls - seems to my mind to be far more substantial than any other "The Boss" track I've previously been exposed to.

Could I have been so horribly wrong, for all these years, about this Famous Rock Celebrity??

"You be the judge",as they say...

M/O/D/P

PS - "I hereby throw myself on the mercy of the Bloobook Court"

Date: Sat, July 20, 2024, 14:53:36 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

M/O/D/P: Now that is a setlist!

I tried to find a live clip. This "rehearsal" will have to do:

https://youtu.be/jEJdfDD4dVg?si=UGE1opM0xfz80Qc2

Date: Fri, July 19, 2024, 21:15:06 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, Greetings From Asbury Park, Nebraska!!

Vlad (Minsk) - Apologies for the belated response to your heartfelt plea of so many weeks ago. I'm hoping that this contribution will in fact calm the bread, as you have requested. I'm not sure that it will, but I do hope that it will. At least I've tried...

EC/NY - No, sadly I am not travelling around Europe, but an old friend of mine is currently living in Holland, and he tells me that recently he attended his twentieth (!) live Bruce Springsteen concert, this time in the city of Bejoomflumpen (NE), at the newly-constructed Hunderclump Arenastoopen. I know we have a few Springsteen fans here, so I figured since we don't have any new Steely Dan shows to talk about, it would be nice if I posted the setlist that my friend sent to me. He reports that it was quite the show, and The Boss's many Hollandaise fans were apparently well-pleased with both the quality & length of the performance, as they were with the rather reasonably-priced (€1000.00 = $1100.00 USD each) concert tickets. I acknowledge that this isn't particularly "Dangential" at all - but, really, at this stage of the game, isn't that the point??

First Set:

Intro/Stage Announcement - "Hello Switzerland!! Are you ready to ROCK??!!"
Born To Run
Born In The USA
Born To Run In The USA (extended version)
Hearts On Fire
I'm On Fire
Pink Cadillac On Fire
Dancing In The Dark On Fire
(I've Got) A Gold-Plated Lunch-Bucket & A Beat-Up Chevy
Backseat Of My Car
Cars 'n' Girls
Girls 'n' Cars
Backseat Of My Girl
Cars! Cars! Cars!
Girls! Girls! Girls! (Elvis Presley cover)
The Girl In My Car
The Car In My Girl
Drive My Car (Beatles cover)
Born To Run In The USA (reprise)

Second Set:

[See first set for details]

Total show length - A real marathon at 4 hours, 67 minutes!
Attendance: 25,754 lunch-bucket bangin', hard-workin', bleating-&-barfing-along-with-the-Boss, mostly drunk Dutch citizens of a certain demographic.

M/O/D/P

PS - I've posted this valuable information in honor of the ninth anniversary (or is it the fourteenth?) of the Bluebook's now-legendary Great Springsteen Dustup of long ago. Come to think of it, I think I might even have participated in The Dustup myself, back then, in those heady, devil-may-care days.
PPS - No, wait - I may well have contributed, but I certainly didn't start it - EC/NY did by dragging me into it!
PPPS - No, wait - there's more - It was actually Nicholas Urfe who caused the whole perfectly-innocent mini-kerfuffle to spiral out of control by good-naturedly egging me on with his good-natured/egging-me-on encouragement!! Damn that goddamned genius Nicholas Urfe!!
PPPPS - I hereby accept full responsibility for the inexplicably poor online behavior of those two Bluebook stalwarts, and I hereby vow to never again hold another Famous Celebrity Rock Star up to ridicule here on The Blue.
PPPPPS - Next up: A detailed, in-depth analysis - lovingly dedicated to our good pal The Dean - of the Mick Jagger & David Bowie MTV video for their *iconic* cover of "Dancing In The Streets".
PPPPPPS - On the unpleasant subject of thoroughly-undeserving/horribly-wretched "musician" billionaires, it seems that the very worst of the Classic Rock world now has its share, mostly long after the fact of course. I could go into details, but I'm afraid that's another Bloobook post, somewhere down the line...

Date: Fri, July 19, 2024, 18:53:14 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. It's Happy Hour

In response to Springsteen's recent fortune, and the career of way too many musicians, I offer the incredible Jackie Venson:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfTEj0seYLc

You see I go out on the corner
And bare my soul
Play my guitar strings until my fingers swole
I don't make much money and they treat me mean
But I know that this creation keeps my heart bеating

We lose this music when wе fall for the dollar signs

One step forward is another step farther behind

Need further proof of Jackie's prowess?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R1VztRpRf1A

Date: Fri, July 19, 2024, 15:26:12 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band make a small fortune with each concert. Nose-bleed tickets can range between $60 to $200 while front row tickets go for around $1,000 a pop. I imagine they move a healthy amount of merch per show, not to mention backstage meet-and-greet access.

Concert tickets used to average around $10-20 back in the 70s. Heck, everything used to be far less expensive. How times have changed.

Date: Fri, July 19, 2024, 12:25:17 ET
Posted by: Nicholas Urfe, Phraxos

In a testament to, well, something, Forbes Magazine estimates that Bruce Springsteen is now a billionaire. If that doesn't get M/O/D/P's juices flowing, I dont' know what will.

Date: Fri, July 19, 2024, 07:57:23 ET
Posted by: Amina Ross, Maryland, USA

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Date: Thurs, July 18, 2024, 23:35:17 ET
Posted by: The Real Donald, Not At RNC

Steely Dan co-founder Donald Fagan had a blunt message after the Republican National Convention's band played a cover of "Reelin' In the Years."

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/steely-dan-trump-rnc-song_n_6699bfaae4b086df0a295259

** After the band Sixwire performed the Dan’s iconic song, “Reelin’ In the Years,” as part of its dad-rock-heavy RNC setlist, the band’s official Facebook page posted a message suggesting a different track instead: the anti-Trump ballad “Tin Foil Hat.”

Donald Fagan, the band’s sole surviving cofounder, also shared the message on his personal Facebook page.

The song in question isn’t a Steely Dan tune, but a Todd Rundgren track featuring Fagan ― and it’s very specifically about Trump.

Sixwire has won bipartisan acclaim on social media for its performances throughout the event. Ironically, a number of the songs the band has covered are from acts where the artists and/or their estates have distanced themselves from Trump, such as Tom Petty, Foo Fighters and Cheap Trick. **

Date: Thurs, July 18, 2024, 19:42:09 ET
Posted by: EC, NY

I must have missed this post from Vladimir (Minsk), posted over a month ago:

"Vlad says the M/O/D/P we need his touch to calm the bread. Also news reaches Minsk and we are heard that the Eagles are opening for the beloving Steely Dan. Please make for Vlad's warm heart and tell him these are true."

The Eagles rumors were true - Henley & Co. DID in fact provide support for SD, for a while there, until it all came to a rather sudden end. I hope this confirmation warms your Belarusian heart!

As far as M/O/D/P goes, it's been a long time since he's been heard from here...it would be cool if he could return, if only to calm the bread as Vlad says.

I hear that Springsteen is currently touring Europe, so maybe M/O/D/P is overseas "following the tour"...??

Date: Thurs, July 18, 2024, 17:39:38 ET
Posted by: Spencer, B-G

Really cool website. 21 y/o college student, became a fan a few years ago and still love them since. Here's a few songs that I think you all might like. Some you might know.

Thundercat - Show You The Way (Michael McDonald, Kenny Loggins)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-zdIGxOJ4M

Neon Indian - Slumlord

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l0wPHAau1ts

Desire - Dans Mes Reves

---

A personal story about Greg Hawkes, keyboardist for the cars. I was 16/17 when I saw Todd Rundgren for the second time, and while the show was getting ready, I hung out with Greg Hawkes for about 30 minutes. I talked to him about The Cars, and how they dominated MTV. Really cool guy, even if he's ancient.

Date: Wed, July 17, 2024, 18:30:36 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Back with more great music for you to check out.


Pearl & The Oysters ❍ Side Quest

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5T3yrByOiU

Ginger Root - There Was A Time

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2eUf4rWtxLU

Pastel Sky - Hanap

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5MAJ46mi-dQ

JOBA - American Fever

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

Kaede(Negicco) - 「ただいまの魔法」

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vcC5pwUmOpg

Date: Tues, July 16, 2024, 20:45:54 ET
Posted by: Steve, Baltimore

Great website, lots of dedication. My dad loved SD, I was listening to Reelin' In The Years today and felt nostalgic. littleduck78@hotmail.com

Date: Mon, July 15, 2024, 19:39:26 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Steve M: Daryl Braithwaite's original cover is from 1990. Everyone down under knows the song - Crowded House level saturation. I'm sure Walter knew it was a smash in Australia...especially after the sizable royalty checks began arriving!

Back when one could make $$ songwriting. Today, without serving as a mega producer (e.g., Max Martin) or managing mega tours, the sales industry part of it has withered and to some extent songwriting royalties.

"That's the way it's gonna be, little darling"... That sounds like pure Walter. I imagined that they co-wrote the verses, while the bridge from the verse to chorus sounds like Rickie Lee Jones...and I believe the chorus is mostly Walter.

Ironically, Rickie Lee Jones most Dan-like sounding album is Pirates (not Flying Cowboys), which I think is far superior to her Grammy-winning debut.

Fagen plays synth on the title track:

https://youtu.be/CAUQhqO37BA?si=UVr8Zi2CXfxaMM2V


Living it Up

https://youtu.be/f6RHk4bgqdw?si=DxOtitaR1zfjvvmn

A Lucky Guy

https://youtu.be/Tu8A7h_dBjA?si=Fw8xzHHlQH5D9Ic7


Considering Chuck Rainey, Steve Gadd, Dean Parks, Victor Feldman, Randy Brecker, Lukather, David Sanborn, Rob Mounsey, Tom Scott, Jerry Hey leading a crack cadre of familiar musicians on Pirates, the sound is no surprise.

Date: Mon, July 15, 2024, 12:04:53 ET
Posted by: WJAZ, North Carolina

The wifely woman and I have been fans of jazz artist Lindsey Webster for years, was able to see her in concert last year and have tickets for her 7-25 concert. A newer bio that has surfaced on her, was pleased to see she listed Steely Dan as one of her influences.

Date: Sun, July 14, 2024, 07:11:15 ET
Posted by: Steve M, Scotland

It's funny how despite all you THINK you know about SD/Donald and Walter, there are, inevitably gaps in one's knowledge.

BBC Alba (the BBC TV channel for Gaelic speaking Scots) had a Rickie Lee Jones concert/documentary thing on last night which was remarkably enjoyable. I couldn't follow much of what was being said (don't speak Gaelic) but my ears pricked up when pictures of WB came onto the screen.

To cut a long story short, they talked about the collaboration between the 2 on the Flying Cowboys album (which I have somewhere) and specifically the song "The Horses" co-written with Walter.

Turns out this song (as sung by Daryl Braithwaite, remember Sherbet: "Howzat?") sold gazillions in Australia and was voted the '14th most Australian song of all time' in 2018. Sadly Walter wasn't around to hear about this accolade but I like to think it would have amused him!

Don't think much of the song incidentally, sounds like the kind of schlock Diane Warren would churn out....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=On2xL9EMH_Y

Date: Sun, July 14, 2024, 03:15:39 ET
Posted by: Jean Douglas, United States

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Date: Wed, July 10, 2024, 11:30:03 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago

First, thanks for the birthday wishes! Much appreciated. It's hard to believe we've been together for 23 years here and over 32 years at the Dandom Digest.

I also want to explain to get rid of the spam in the next couple hours of this posting. Thanks for scrolling by and ignoring it.

Date: Sun, July 07, 2024, 22:33:54 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. Reggae Sunday!

Happy Birthday to our Fearless Leader, Hoops McKay

Thank you for continuing to host this site.

Date: Sun, July 07, 2024, 16:19:00 ET
Posted by: Denise, Hinktown

Happy birthday, Hoops. Hope you are well.

Date: Sat, July 06, 2024, 06:27:26 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Sorry, the cake got ruined. Let's try this again.

╮╭╭╮┏╮┏╮╮╭
┣┫┣┫┣╯┣╯╰┫  ☆
╯╯╯╯╯╯╯╯╰╯╭━┻━╮
┏╮┊┏╮╭╮╮╭╭┻━━━┻╮
┣┫┊┃┃┣┫╰┫┣╮╭╮╭╮┃
┗╯┊┗╯╯╯╰╯┃╰╯╰╯╰┫
━━━━━━━━━╯╳╳╳╳╳╰

Date: Sat, July 06, 2024, 06:25:50 ET
Posted by: Michael,

iiiiiiiiii
|:H:a:p:p:y:|
__|___________|__
|^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^|
|:B:i:r:t:h:d:a:y:|
| H:o:o:p:s |
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Date: Sat, July 06, 2024, 02:31:15 ET
Posted by: Don Patrol, Mtl

Happy Birthday to the one and only Hoops!!
Thanks for all you do. Have a great day and many more. Peace

Date: Fri, July 05, 2024, 10:41:21 ET
Posted by: ccw, NY

Doc Mu, I enjoyed your album observations: witty and thoughtful, to suit the material at hand.

Date: Wed, July 03, 2024, 19:44:08 ET
Posted by: Errata,

ABC-Dunhill wanted more 2-3 minutes songs like Reelin' that could be promoted on the charts,

Date: Wed, July 03, 2024, 19:42:31 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,

Steve M. Besides the title track and probably Parker's Band, Side Two of PL seems more of a response and the middle digit to the Record Company Formerly Known As ABC Dunhill. Dunhill wanted more 2-3 minutes songs like Reelin's that could be promoted on the carts, instead of a 5 or 7 minute opus like Your Gold Teeth I and King of the World. So, D&W gave them ironic little nothings like With a Gun, Charlie Freak, Through with Buzz, and Monkey in Your Soul.

Monkey was completely subversive and may be as much Walter's as With a Gun. Monkey is a veiled reply to ABC-Dunhill "I got one, and you want 4" albums that is... I could argue the same for Every Major Dude. Ironically, the Jann Wenner and other 60s holdover music critics were enamored by Pretzel Logic. PL has the mighty Rikki, Night by Night, and title track. The rest is really "filler." Some of the greatest filler ever, but filler to mete out the requirements of the parent co. Fortunately, Rikki was their greatest hit at #4 and allowed them to use the capital to record their best stuff yet.


It is silly to rate SD albums, because it depends on mood and moment...but, hell I'll do it anyway. Your mileage may vary.


1. Royal Scam - It's Steely Dan at their most sardonic and Steely. Every track is an excuse for killer solos. Green Earrings could be the most Steely track of all SD tracks. RS is my answer today, although not every day.

2. Katy Lied - I know Aja should be next, but I like the more intimate recording and Blue Note vibe...even with the DBX disaster, the feel, humanity, and emotion shine through.

3. Aja - this masterpiece should only be played LOUD. Get absorbed in the musicianship. In the background, it's fern music

4. Gaucho - despite Wendelization the chord progressions, musicians, and songs are delicious.

5. Countdown to Ecstasy - the Dan "stretch out." They push some limits and burn down an ARP synthesizer.

5. Two Against Nature (tie - sacrilege!) - I generally skip over Cousin Dupree but Jack of Speed, Janie Runaway the scrumptiousness of Almost Gothic and Negative Girl, What a Shame About Me where the bridge is a beacon, and the epic West of Hollywood. Four well deserved Grammys IMO.

7. Everything Must Go (more sacrilege!). The caveat here is that EMG must be played in reverse order for full enjoyment. The title track begins with a fanfare tribute to Coltrane. It's the obvious album kickoff. Lunch with Gina is the obvious first single. Pixeleen is the obvious second single. Green Book has some gnarly attitude - love it. Slang of Ages has even more attitude with Walter singing about relativity and pick up lines. Godwhacker crescendoes the attitude to a fever of the chase pitch! Now Blues Beach serves as comic/sad relief after Godwhacker. Things I Miss the Most, after things fall apart, is poignant. Now The Last Mall actually makes more sense as The Big One is dropped at the end, and we're left with nothing but memorabilia.

And yes EMG needed that much rationalizing!


8. Can't Buy a Thrill. Actually, you could - buying this album for, what, $5.99 in late 1972! It's everything they say. Brooklyn and Change of the Guard are weaksauce (for SD) but even with the big hit Reelin' at the helm of side two it is Fire in the Hole and Turn That Heartbeat Over Again that are the mighty pillars of foundation lifting the goddess Phoebe to foresee future Dan

9. Pretzel Logic - Rikki is the jazzy pop well-deserved big hit. Night by Night is the greatest 70s cop show theme ever, and the title track lives eternally. The rest is (delicious) filler. *Ducks*



Happy 4th!

Date: Wed, July 03, 2024, 12:19:38 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh

obviously the biggest hints in who did what are in their solo work (realize this is well-trod territory but hey, band isn't doing anything so why not?) -- Fagen's stuff is more linear both musically and lyrically, plays logically on the keyboard, meanings aren't too difficult to parse. Becker throws more curveballs across the board, generally speaking.

Date: Wed, July 03, 2024, 10:28:55 ET
Posted by: Steve M, Scotland

Funnily enough I was thinking about the 'who wrote what'issue recently in relation to the song 'With a Gun'. It's about the only SD song I can think of that must surely have been written on guitar and therefore I'm assuming (possibly incorrectly) that it must be Walters? It's a weird outlier of a song that just doesn't seem to fit with where SD were musically around the time of PL or even before. No jazz or even R&B DNA anywhere to be seen, no real wit or intrigue in the lyrics, just a dull country rock 'plodder'. Never gets mentioned here, never been played live (as far as I'm aware) and personally, I never play it. It's a rare 'skip' SD track on a CD and has never made it onto any of the countless SD compilations I've made up over the years. I know D&W were struggling for material for their 3rd album given the touring they were doing around the time so that's the only explanation I can come up with re how it passed quality control and made it onto Pretzel Logic.

Date: Tues, July 02, 2024, 23:57:54 ET
Posted by: Dr. Hünd, Hey Baby, it’s the Fourth of July

<<maybe Everything You Did>>

I would say certainly. That song has Walter’s prints all over it. And Donald has a huge architectural/execution stake in the song. Can’t think of a better example of their songwriting collaboration.

Date: Tues, July 02, 2024, 23:18:32 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu, Panfrythe Bigones

"flushed it out." lol

They did flush some of the demos, tracks - throw back the little ones. Some tracks appeared fully fried in later albums.

Date: Tues, July 02, 2024, 23:16:26 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,

I believe the only SD song Donald wrote by himself was Barrytown. A fair amount of the time Donald would bring a germ of an idea or phrase and together Walter and Donald flushed it. Some of the bluesier songs have more of a Walter signature: Daddy Don't Live in that New York City No More, Jack of Speed, maybe Everything You Did.

It was certainly not a McCartney - Lennon nor Frey - Henley (TG) songwriting strategy. From the Brill Building on, D&W would have an appointment and would proceed in a workmanlike manner. Lots of editing. Perfection. Even in the reboot when Walter was in Hawaii and Donald in NYC.

I dig Prince, but there was the tendency for "here is my new unnamed double album with 19 tracks and never edited" although he was creative in the studio. Prince would book time (before he built his own studio) and systematically put tracks together piece by piece and instrument by instrument. Famously h erased a full bass track from When Doves Cry. When he was stuck, Prince would play the piano for hours on end.

Date: Tues, July 02, 2024, 15:25:19 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Fagen admitted that some of the songs were completely his and some were completely Becker's, "but in most there isn't any cut and dried version. 'The Boston Rag', for instance, has my chorus and verses by Walter," said Fagen, attempting to explain how the song came to feature the lyric, "You were Lady Bayside". Bayside was a community in Queens where Becker once lived and where he formed one of his first rock'n'roll bands. - 'Steely Dan - Reelin' In The Years', by Brian Sweet, p.69

Date: Tues, July 02, 2024, 10:08:10 ET
Posted by: Michael,

BTwicken, Walter collaborated with Donald both musically and lyrically. According to what Donald has said in the past, what would usually happen is he would come up with a song or a fragment, then Walter would make various suggestions about what to add or change, trading ideas back and forth until they were both satisfied. Walter would come up with a bass line and they'd usually work out the lyrics together.


Excerpt from David Breskin interview with Donald & Walter for MUSICIAN magazine, Mar. 1981:

Q: As your vocabulary grows, musically and lyrically, and you become more aware of your artistic options, do you find it more difficult to finish a song?

Becker: It got tough a while ago. Yes, the last verse is hard to write. The more you know, the more you might paint yourself into a corner.

Fagen: But the way we write – it’s more improvisational and instinctual. We don’t really use 'strategies' consciously.

Becker: But we do in a way.

Fagen: The method derives from the subject.

Becker: But nevertheless there it is – the method. By the time you’ve finished everything except that last piece or link of a song, you’ve got to make some very, very conscious choices.

Fagen: All right, we’ve learned certain things in terms of how to present the material. We know now what a bridge is supposed to do: it opens up the song musically, and we tend to open it up lyrically as well, in that it tends to talk about subject more generally than the verses do.

Becker: And it’s also a real release from the tension of the lyrics in the verses. You’re suspended in time for awhile.

Fagen: You generally find that there’s much more detail in the verses than in the choruses.

Becker: When you’re in the bridge you don’t have to worry about how you got to this point, however fucked up that may be, or, how did I get to this swell position I’m in now. So it’s a release, a channel. Somebody invented the form, God knows when. I know they didn’t have bridges in Gregorian chants but they’ve had them for a while.

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

New playlist. Enjoy.


Grupo Garage - Silabas

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tB5rSPEoffo

Kylie Auldist - Everythink (Recorded Live@OneBakehouseLane)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=emqIGO50ywQ

Emma Donovan, The Putbacks - Crossover

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ywM_xbhA1Bc

Omni - Plastic Pyramid (feat. Izzy Glaudini)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yk4ap-VDayg

Strunz & Farah - Frontera (live)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5f8_1wCTYlg

Grupo Garage - Vamp

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YGI3XHuQSjY

Date: Mon, July 01, 2024, 23:12:58 ET
Posted by: Steve,

For starters, BTwicken, Steely Dan lyrics are a lot different from Donald Fagen lyrics. Steely Dan lyrics are a lot more edgy and darker; Donald's are nerdier. Of course, both are great. Donald has a musical genius, but he repeats himself. I think Walter prevented him from doing that and Walter contributed his own special unique riffs, etc.

Donald ➕ Walter 🟰 > The sum of their parts

Date: Mon, July 01, 2024, 23:05:14 ET
Posted by: BTwicken,

Wouldn’t you like to learn how WB really and actually
contributed to the SD songwriting process?

On what songs did he specifically contributed with
melodic, harmonic and lyrical content?

Instead DF mainly created this BS facade that
WB “helped finish the songs”.

How and in what ways did he contribute anything.

Why am I thinking that WB just mainly acted
as a sounding board and confidence man
for DF when it came to the actual writing of the music?

Date: Mon, July 01, 2024, 14:35:02 ET
Posted by: Abu, Elevated Music

I found an interesting cover of a classic SD tune not long ago. It is Reelin'. The artist is called Elevated Spirits, who used as a model the live version of the song that Don, Walt & Co. did back in the mid-90s. Compare this cover with the SD version as recorded on Alive in America. In my opinion, the cover is decently done. The sax is played by one Andy Suzuki, an apparently well travelled musician, who also plays keys on this. The guitarist is John Morton. His solo sounds good. However, I cannot find out anything about him on the web. There is a John D Morton who was a founder of some punk rock group. Doubtful it is him. Another guy was a guitar builder and a guitarist of sorts, who evidently is now deceased. Maybe he's the guy. Anyway, here's the cover:

https://youtu.be/qzPE3eiozis?si=1olEt4guOyTPomF
.
.

Date: Sat, June 29, 2024, 12:03:32 ET
Posted by: Dr. Hünd, w/Pimps of Joytime

<<So I waited, the next day my boyfriend came to me himself telling me he was cheating on me but he has ended the relationship with the lady. He asked for forgiveness which I did forgive him. >>

Wait…what? You let him get away with that? There was no screaming? No turn up the Eagles, the neighbors are listening?

Date: Thurs, June 27, 2024, 17:54:45 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Steve M: Excellent point. I think it's the blues influence and fusing a bit of jazz and Americana in. The use of space in the rhythm allows the instruments to have separation and contribute their distinct voices in an elegant dance.

I actually found 2 clips from the 2001 Jools Holland program. Boz lived in London and Stockholm for a couple of years in the mid 60s as a musician and busker. The intimate live music repetition has brought a crispness to Boz' recordings and live performances.

Fan favorite Lido Shuffle:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fGP_5ZM3mF8

Like Steely Dan, Boz can really put a "bounce" in his songs!


I Just Go - there's like a fusion of Willie Nelson and Walter:

"One thing leads to another, I guess. I Just Go."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E0NHy35u9OY

That economy and feel of the guitar solo - capturing the feeling.

Date: Wed, June 26, 2024, 14:13:29 ET
Posted by: Steve M, Scotland

'Dig' is a damn fine album Doc, he did some promo over here for it at the time (Later with Jools Holland I think) and sounded great live.

Miss Riddle is just perfection, love the simple 2 chord guitar lick that comes out of right speaker throughout the song and I can feel my blood pressure coming back down to something approaching normal as I listen.

Never connected it with Walter's work but you're right, there's the same economy and space in the rhythm section, especially the bass, that's present particularly in Circus Money.

Date: Mon, June 24, 2024, 03:06:04 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Mayer and Mamas Gun reminds me of another overlooked Boz album Dig. Dig had the great misfortune of being released on 9/11. It digs heavily into Boz' R&B and jazz influences. I feel some Walter influence or parallel evolution - the cool world weary attitude. Philliganes on keyboards. Roy Hargrove Jr. on trumpet. these tracks stand up pretty well IMO.

Miss Riddle

https://youtu.be/sKB-3Rugnic?si=xI7o4-B7vy_-PwfW

Payday

https://youtu.be/DIfblwwOwSQ?si=WOP_F2VvSKl4Inwx

Sarah

https://youtu.be/bK39UrorEi4?si=ZR_DnJfPcPoMbV70


More Flatline Attitude from a couple of Simply Red's more overlooked albums in the US

You Make Me Believe (Life)

https://youtu.be/lAjifzLpJR0?si=2AyBzcbLmq4c6NK5

Fairground

https://youtu.be/t9KPpgEhPCs?si=axFd_gKw2qjOYHy9

Good Times Done Me Wrong (Stay)

https://youtu.be/-WpqIyjEjRg?si=Dwou8Pfi6DHwzFN2

Death of the Cool

https://youtu.be/M7vua8alKVM?si=JgNPOiih-yNqqAFA

Money TV

https://youtu.be/4RkFdQiHtvI?si=uwqtWum3HE63I090

Mrs. Mu's favorite:

https://youtu.be/ARkE50EXaQ0?si=wbU8cgfuNgKxxddF

Date: Sat, June 22, 2024, 23:51:46 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Steve M,

That's a good one. Mayer Hawthorne effectively mines the R&B vein of the Dan musicsphere.


There are some Mamas Gun (Andy Platts) songs of that era that do the same.

On a String

https://youtu.be/1lgw9-0DOSs?si=1RkNcTmVxLOIYp71

Reconnection

https://youtu.be/EII-LU4BkF8?si=5hm9r6BSCX82ar0p

People on the Run

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQDFq5jmNpM

Pots of Gold

https://youtu.be/HBmM9rhH8AQ?si=O3FcKogYzr8oMCG3

Let's Find a Way

https://youtu.be/y-WYbPbIDbs?si=mi5ZeJBmgJSWxT19

Date: Sat, June 22, 2024, 14:26:17 ET
Posted by: Steve M, Scotland

missed one.....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4iIsE1PBhE

Date: Sat, June 22, 2024, 11:37:22 ET
Posted by: Steve M, Scotland

Can't believe it's been over 10 years since that Mayer Hawthorne album came out Doc. I remember when he was doing media around the time he was very upfront about his Steely Dan influences:

https://www.spin.com/2013/07/mayer-hawthorne-where-does-this-door-go-interview/

Date: Fri, June 21, 2024, 22:36:45 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Henny & Gingerale


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2QRnutVa84

The Walk has already been posted awhile ago, but more groove.

Date: Fri, June 21, 2024, 22:31:59 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Just a dog day afternoon...

Mayer Hawthorne - Her Favorite Song.

https://youtu.be/RWkjcq_N2YQ?si=c_Y9IIh4WqUwzAAa

Backseat Lover

https://youtu.be/TGynhuYzTNQ?si=GPDda-eBoPg4Dhod

Wine Glass Woman

https://youtu.be/s-prsK2Ps0c?si=HTxDbzS54ZEzTK78

Reach out Richard...ummmm royalty share on Peg - if singles actually sold today.

https://youtu.be/V5tPP04FalQ?si=j0oXJn2Cazn3LhMS







I can forgive the pitch correction for Groovilicity.

Date: Fri, June 21, 2024, 22:01:27 ET
Posted by: Stevie T, RM High

Strafach,
Whatever her condition (and we wish for the best), I had the spooky feeling while watching the entire stage band, minus DF, assemble for the Beard gathering, that I was perhaps watching its last gathering. :-( Hope I;m wrong. But….all things must pass…and maybe after a miraculous and wonderful multi-decade run, the time has come to let it go.
?

By the way, Larry Goldings was on keys for the band’s rendition of Pretzel Logic.
The livestream was glitchy, but it was heartwarming to see the assemblage in honor of Jim

Date: Fri, June 21, 2024, 15:32:31 ET
Posted by: Strafach,

Any word on Libby’s condition?

Date: Wed, June 19, 2024, 20:33:43 ET
Posted by: Lutz, Hnl

Jim BeardTribute is on live right now, free stream

https://shapeshifterplus.org/jim-beard/

Date: Wed, June 19, 2024, 16:52:21 ET
Posted by: Abu, nowhere important

.
The Low Darts are very good. Also the Franklin Brothers, who have done other stuff but they are doing more and more SD.

https://youtube.com/@carlfranklin?si=GW7nYpxMaASEKbFz

A third decent cover band is called the Brooklyn Charmers

https://youtube.com/@brooklyncharmers?si=EQrUn2yWKSLmcKSv
.

Date: Wed, June 19, 2024, 16:19:56 ET
Posted by: WJAZ, North Carolina

Doc Mu and others, was almost scared to try this second Low Darts SD song, but it's good, surprised at the strength of the vocals, reel it in:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ljIPzh7mqkE

Date: Tues, June 18, 2024, 12:51:06 ET
Posted by: Abu, Jim & Jon

.
The late Jim Beard with Jon H on this SD title track

https://youtu.be/n6sYA6XzGps?si=T9xr92JBOUwbWivh
.

Date: Tues, June 18, 2024, 12:06:06 ET
Posted by: SJ,

Please join us for a memorial celebration of the life and work of

JIM BEARD

with Live Music from Jim's friends and colleagues

Wednesday, June 19
6 PM until ???

ShapeShifter Lab
837 Union St
Brooklyn NY 11215

ALL ARE WELCOME!

-----

This event is open to the public for anyone that would like to attend.

THERE WILL BE A LIVE STREAM, NO PASSWORD REQUIRED
https://shapeshifterplus.org/jim-beard/

Date: Sun, June 16, 2024, 16:22:46 ET
Posted by: The Dean, Scituate, MA on Big Daddy Day

Happy Father's Day to all you Steely Dan mothers

Date: Sat, June 15, 2024, 17:51:49 ET
Posted by: The Dean, Sipping a Stagg in Scituate, MA

Scott G, thanks for the tip on the Fagen liner notes. Great read

Date: Sat, June 15, 2024, 01:33:47 ET
Posted by: Abu, 80s and 90s, too.

.
That is, 80s and into the 90s.
.

Date: Sat, June 15, 2024, 01:31:01 ET
Posted by: Abu, Grateful I know Jerry Garcia

.
Of course I know the Dead. Bob Weir, Jerry Garcia, etc. Any band that started back in the 70s I pretty much know. In the 80s I knew the mainstream artists like Journey, Huey Lewis & The News, Styx, Bryan Adams, The Police, The Cars, Phil Collins, Dire Straits, Toto, etc.
If the music was more "FM" through the 80s and 80s, I knew less and less.
.

Date: Fri, June 14, 2024, 16:22:01 ET
Posted by: Dr. Hünd, US Blues

OMG Abu. NEVER heard of Trey Anastasio or Phish?! Have you ever heard of Jerry Garcia or the band Grateful Dead?

Date: Fri, June 14, 2024, 12:13:25 ET
Posted by: Abu, Not A Kid Covering Kid

.
Never heard of Trey Anastasio before. Which is not surprising for me, seeing I am old enough to remember Steely Dan when they hit the airwaves in 1972 (November, when Do It Again was released). So, I watched this Trey guy adequately perform Kid C and Reelin' at the Songwriters Hall of Fame thing. The video does not zoom in close. I'm thinking this was some young dude doing SD. Then I looked up the guy and found out that he is not far behind me, age wise (5 yrs younger than yours truly). Thus, also old enough to remember SD come on the radio the first time.That he has been performing and recording since the early 80s. Never heard of the bands he was in: Phish, Oysterhead, yada yada. And, Rolling Stone ranked him the 53rd all-time greatest guitarist. Well, now I know who he is. If it wasn't for the posting of this vid, I probably would never know.
.

Date: Fri, June 14, 2024, 10:05:08 ET
Posted by: Not Larry, Gone Phishin'

Trey Anastasio - Kid Charlemagne into Reelin' in the Years

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

Date: Fri, June 14, 2024, 10:00:39 ET
Posted by: WJAZ, North Carolina

Doc Mu:Thanks, so encouraging too that the youth of America would take on the music of that era...

Date: Fri, June 14, 2024, 01:13:48 ET
Posted by: Scott G,

New on Steely Dan's website All Of Donald Fagen's new liner notes for the Acoustic Sounds super deluxe versions of the albums now it's steelydan.com… Including 2vN and EMG. Even for the albums that have not yet been released.

https://www.steelydan.com/news/liner-notes-for-chad-kassem-s-reissue-series

Date: Thurs, June 13, 2024, 23:24:04 ET
Posted by: About time, NYC, NY

Congrats to The Donald and Walter (R.I.P.) as they were inducted in the Songwriter's Hall of Fame this evening in NYC. Trey Anastasio from Phish did the honors-

Kid C-
https://x.com/themusicwedig/status/1801422133903401258?s=42&t=tO_zfiPOfJ9B7PZG46B5Vg

Reelin'-
https://x.com/themusicwedig/status/1801421974281011261?s=10

Date: Thurs, June 13, 2024, 20:44:04 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago

Yes, the Eagles are going to play the Sphere in Las Vegas on weekends early this fall; however, they won't have an opener and it definitely won't be Steely Dan. Jon Herington's personal assistant has already indicated that there are slim to no chances of there being any Steely Dan shows for the rest of this calendar year. The band members have started booking other projects.

Still, the Sphere is a pretty pretty intriguing venue.

Date: Thurs, June 13, 2024, 11:13:06 ET
Posted by: Yep, Las Vegas

:: SPHERE ::

Date: Thurs, June 13, 2024, 11:10:04 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

WJAZ: Wow. I've heard a lot of SD cover bands who are technically good and/or capture the spirit. But Low Darts have an unbelievable FEEL for the work, especially on the jazzy side. While replicating the sound is remarkable enough, they aren't trying so hard that it feels over-rehearsed and tense. They are loose and natural. Great job with the outtro, subbing in the trumpet for the ad libs.

Kudos. I'm an instant fan.

Date: Thurs, June 13, 2024, 10:33:41 ET
Posted by: Igor, Kursk

Vlad is delighted for me to offer receivership again on Bluesbook. Steely comrades getting thinking his go rock yacht to lesser musics. Mine is greater than pleasure to welcome return to Steely greatness. You be always bluesbook lyubimyy.

Date: Wed, June 12, 2024, 14:55:44 ET
Posted by: Vladimir, minsk

Vlad says the M/O/D/P we need his touch to calm the bread. Also news reaches Minsk and we are heard that the Eagles are opening for the beloving Steely Dan. Please make for Vlad's warm heart and tell him these are true.

Vlad outs!

Date: Mon, June 10, 2024, 18:53:54 ET
Posted by: Michael,

New playlist.


Shin Rizumu (シンリズム) - Naturally

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vrJqjrKa-1g

Alan Parker & Alan Hawkshaw - The Difference

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWDn4zTNlDc

Space Cowboy Newt - out there

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0P2CFk_ovv4

Felbm - Filatelie

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQIoS3Y1fzQ



The Dean, you had mentioned that you prefer R&B stuff. Well, I found a YT channel I think you'll appreciate loaded with a wide assortment of multitalented soulful artists.


https://www.youtube.com/@COLORSxSTUDIOS/videos


Here's just a few picks.

Amaria - Day by Day | A COLORS SHOW

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JE1flL4jaH0

Sinéad Harnett - Burn | A COLORS SHOW

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmYKjp6alP0

Béesau - retrouver l'aube (find the dawn)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5f-wGZ1UI5s

Date: Mon, June 10, 2024, 12:43:08 ET
Posted by: Ben Jammin, Indy

Thursday’s the Songwriter Hall of Fame ceremony in NYC, and Donald will hopefully attend to add some hardware to a few Grammys and bowling trophies on his mantle!

https://jambands.com/news/2024/06/10/songwriters-hall-of-fame-details-2024-induction-ceremony-and-gala-trey-anastasio-r-e-m-and-more/

Date: Mon, June 10, 2024, 12:35:05 ET
Posted by: WJAZ, North Carolina

Enjoying Low Darts cover of "Black Cow"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYtI2bfGAQs

and also the "Second Arrangement" cover by Steely Dan Friends, and a accidental discovery of a "Timeline" by Ice Choir on a car ad.

Something to keep the office fresh with music...

Date: Sun, June 09, 2024, 00:12:45 ET
Posted by: Abu, Who's On First

.
Nearest I can figure is Jackie Allen's album Tangled was released in the UK first in 2004, but not until 2006 here in the US. Her website says '06. Carmela R. released hers in '05. Doesn't matter much I guess.
.

Date: Sat, June 08, 2024, 22:13:12 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Thanks Abu.

I really dig Jackie Allen's version of Do Wrong Shoes. Per Discogs, Jackie's version was released first.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CiR3Wv4Uw7I

Props to Ben Lewis on piano.


Carmela's and Hirth Martinez' Brazilian arrangement on The Girl Who Dreams Out Loud is brilliant.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2Tb2q2rE_4

Date: Sat, June 08, 2024, 19:48:31 ET
Posted by: Abu, Where did you get those two-tone shoes?

.
Speaking of shoes, a total of four artists have covered Donald's Do Wrong Shoes: The original was by Carmela Rappazzo, then Jackie Allen, Libbie Jo Snyder, and most recently Jenny Green.
As for DF's The Girl Who Dreams Out Loud, it seems only Ms. Rappazzo has done it. In case you didn't know, Donald co-wrote both of these tunes with the late Hirth Martinez (who passed in 2015). Martinez played acoustic guitar on Carmela's recording.
.

Date: Sat, June 08, 2024, 12:05:26 ET
Posted by: Alberto Wilson, New York, USA

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Date: Thurs, June 06, 2024, 15:36:11 ET
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Date: Thurs, June 06, 2024, 15:36:10 ET
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Date: Tues, June 04, 2024, 14:28:16 ET
Posted by: Steve M, Scotland

Re: Monkey House

yes, it's a lovely track Abu, just sounds like it would fit perfectly over the closing credits of a late '90's romcom. Exquisite melody and Don B gives one one his best vocal performances.

ps: I see what you did there!

Date: Tues, June 04, 2024, 11:40:05 ET
Posted by: Michael,

8-bit playlist of Steely Dan songs, courtesy of MrHopeTelevision.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2CqgFuAOG8&list=PLtAmlIxCbL5rEpPKOg5ZM_9m8xj8aZtjh&index=1

Bonus: 8-bit Miss Marlene. Don't know why it's absent from the playlist.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3nM1AzKfB-o

Date: Mon, June 03, 2024, 17:49:09 ET
Posted by: Abu, In That House

.
The one Monkey House tune I keep returning to, time and again, is Maybe None Of This Would Have Happened. By definition, could you call it a ballad? Whatever it is, it is one of my fave MH tunes. Just maybe, it is at the pinnacle of My Top 10 List.
.
.

Date: Thurs, May 30, 2024, 14:34:46 ET
Posted by: Eddie, Out There

Thank you, Gentlemen. I appreciate your outlining so well. I can now understand the site's intention/progression better than before. There ARE very interesting music/artists being recommended. Thanks for keeping the SD flame lit. PS my fault for double posting Hoops.

Date: Thurs, May 30, 2024, 11:32:43 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Eddie, with regard to regulars who've been here for a long time such as myself, we've contributed plenty of discussion regarding all things SD, but as of late there hasn't exactly been a glut of news, so it happens that some of us like to discuss and share music while keeping our ears firmly to the ground for whatever may come along.

Of course SD's music will always be around and we're always happy to discuss it, but then SD doesn't exist in a vacuum and it's perfectly fine to acknowledge that, yes, other artists are making an impact, several of which are influenced by SD (Young Gun Silver Fox, State Cows, and Monkey House, to name a few). By sharing more music I hope to break the monotony of downtime and broaden avid music aficionados' horizons. It doesn't take anything away from discussions currently happening and you're free to simply ignore posts as suits your preference, but then you'll miss out on some cool stuff.

Nothing but respect and best wishes to you and your family, Jim.

Date: Thurs, May 30, 2024, 09:49:21 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago

Welcome Eddie:

The BlueBook is a sort of group of certain long-time SD fans, some going back over 20 years. (The BlueBook is 23 years old.) The place has developed a classic (or do you say "legacy?") "Internet 1.0" (1.1?) sort of culture that predates Facebook, Twitter, and other social media, not to mention that there are no ads; there may be some essential cookies but I have not even considered looking at them in years, so effectively there are not.

So here we have this unique, classic "breakfast club" of Steely Dan fans. Officially, the focus is 100% on Steely Dan; but through the years, a long-time aspect of this culture has developed; people who have posted some pretty adept and insightful Steely Dan content quite regularly over all these years have developed cred such that they have a certain currency to discuss external play lists, topics: Regulars want to know what these hard core Steely Dan fans listen to when they are not listening to Steely Dan.

20 years ago, I would delete "off topic" posts; there were relatively few internet forums devoted to and focused on Steely Dan. Today, because of social media, there are so many Steely Dan forums, that this one has become a niche, a proverbial terrarium preserving a certain culture and circle of virtual friends. Critics would might call it a "clique" but I do not. It's a just a slice of Steely Dan fan life...for those that don't like it, there are so many, many other options.

So if you are "new" to this "old" group and I haven't turned you off and you want to continue in dialogue, I would suggest that for the first few months of your regular posting, I would stick to direct posts about Steely Dan. After time, you likely will develop cred to go off on a few tangents.

A few other quirks:

1) Even though I am the admin who regularly follows and I pay $25 a month to keep this legacy (ad-free) guestbook going, I read but rarely post. The group culture flourishes a lot more when I DON'T post. Kinda reminds me of when teens have their friends over and hang out in the bedroom listening to music. Then a parent knocks on the door and comes in and the fun is disrupted. Even when posting on routine Steely Dan things, I think I'm perceived as an authority figure, sort of like the parent who comes in the teen's room and interrupt whatever great time the they are having. So I happy to sit back and be a fan of all the other regulars who contribute...although occasionally I do just have to "barge in." But don't think my lack of posting is due to lack of interest--I just think this community flourishes better when I don't post.

2) Yes, this 25+ year-old-script does on rare occasion accidentally double or triple post one's post (as you have seen). This is the fault of the script; double posters should not be chided for this. Just please ignore. Also ignore the increasingly few instances of spam. Spam doesn't happen nearly as often as it used to, but when it does please don't respond to it.

3) "Why not a more modern BlueBook, based on more modern tech, social platforms, etc.?" I HAVE established other such platforms with that intent...and they have developed new followings. But the regulars here prefer to stay here, as it is.

So it goes.

4) The irony is that I'm one of the only people who cannot remain anonymous. I post with my real email address and regulars even have my primary cell number. Frankly, I've read little if anything that requires anonymity, but many here prefer that. The anonymity thing goes back to the 1990s through maybe 2010 when some Steely Dan alums would post unofficial word for us hard core fans.

Finally, have a had a couple of deaths in my immediate family during the past few months. As always, I prefer to remain low key in that respect. But I am grateful to those who have reached out with kindness. I thank you.

Fly low and be cool.

hoops aka Jim

P.S. As usual, I don't have time to proofread. My apologies for typos, redundancies, mistakes, etc. 🙏☮️💟

Date: Thurs, May 30, 2024, 08:31:45 ET
Posted by: Eddie, Out There

To Bluebook host -

Would you explain in a post why are we allowing posters to continually post songs etc. that are just that poster's definition of being tangential to Steely Dan?

I am asking for a response only from the host (believe it is 'Hoops' from a quick skim). I'm new here and no offense intended to the posters.

Date: Thurs, May 30, 2024, 08:31:38 ET
Posted by: Eddie, Out There

To Bluebook host -

Would you explain in a post why are we allowing posters to continually post songs etc. that are just that poster's definition of being tangential to Steely Dan?

I am asking for a response only from the host (believe it is 'Hoops' from a quick skim). I'm new here and no offense intended to the posters.

Date: Thurs, May 30, 2024, 08:31:33 ET
Posted by: Eddie, Out There

To Bluebook host -

Would you explain in a post why are we allowing posters to continually post songs etc. that are just that poster's definition of being tangential to Steely Dan?

I am asking for a response only from the host (believe it is 'Hoops' from a quick skim). I'm new here and no offense intended to the posters.

Date: Wed, May 29, 2024, 17:46:40 ET
Posted by: Michael,

New playlist.


Ducktails - Raise The Stakes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8sGb4XkoF78

Flora Purim - Overture

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xIdHZNZ6AZg

Claude Lavender - Speedin Jimmy (early version)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKg9iDR4SMM

Luna Li - Afterglow

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9xWmszor5zI

Phoebe Rings - January Blues

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rz3jZAthf10

Date: Wed, May 29, 2024, 12:00:36 ET
Posted by: Eddie, Out There

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IneYYTIEl7E

Date: Tues, May 28, 2024, 17:30:32 ET
Posted by: Abu, CA

Perhaps this has been posted previously. The album came out in '22. The guitarist mentioned the other day by yours truly, in reference to The Second Arrangement, is Tom Hemby. Talented guy, for sure. A couple of years ago he released the album Dealin' It. His band has Michael Whittaker on keys, Mark Douthit on sax, Adam Nitti bass, Keith Carlock drums, and Tom H. guitar, of course. The opening tune has a little SD-like groove. The whole album is good. Here is the link:

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_lT8iQgOGF2CYXGs6PCvfbGn-5fQHtXDZw&si=KYwShweoBj9Ds8C2
.
.

Date: Tues, May 28, 2024, 12:50:58 ET
Posted by: Dr. Hünd, Hanging Valley Wall, Colorado

Somnar, not critiquing Godley & Creme’s career as video directors but I liked Dreadlock Holiday better than any Godley/Creme music. And with the original 10cc, I valued Stewart’s guitar, production, vocal, and writing contributions as paramount in that super talented band.

Mike Love deserves to be absolutely loathed just for his Hall of Fame speech alone. The Elton John comment at the end of his diatribe was hilar though. Love is actually worse than most of his detractors believe, artistically and personally. Plenty of evidence out there. Yet, as the dude who has one of the hate Mike Love pages points out, Mike Love is not even the biggest asshole to contribute to a Beach Boys song. The list goes: 1) Charles Manson 2) Murray Wilson 3) Mike Love

Date: Tues, May 28, 2024, 08:08:33 ET
Posted by: Somnar, NYC

Hund:

<<Eric was the most talented of all 10cc by a wide margin>>

Huh, strange take. Four very talented musicians and the fact that there was far more reason to stick with Godley and Creme in the years after they left - rather than listen to Stewart's 10cc stuff or, hold your breath, his solo records - tells me all I need to know.

Also read your take on the Beach Boys doc. I love the Beach Boys (almost) as much as anyone and get that Mike Love is a tool, but it's always funny to me how much most BB fans absolutely loathe the guy and want to erase his impact. Like him or not "personally," without Love, there's no band (and certainly no success). It's just a super-talented but very shy cuddly bear, his dopey little brother and another who'd rather surf most of the time.

Date: Tues, May 28, 2024, 07:12:48 ET
Posted by: Michael,

I never targeted you nor anyone, all I said was that nobody knew Thriller was going to be a massive success. It's fair to expect it to sell well, being as it was MJ's follow-up to Off The Wall, but nobody could've predicted how big it turned out to be ...let alone that The Eagles Greatest Hits would eventually surpass it in sales.

Do I think it's one of the greatest albums of all time? No, but it is one of the most significant pop albums ever made, despite some of its cheesiness like MJ's duet with McCartney 'The Girl is Mine'. The outtake version with MJ solo is far superior IMO.

Date: Tues, May 28, 2024, 00:06:34 ET
Posted by: Dr. Hünd, Hanging Valley Wall, Colorado

<<10cc's Eric Stewart produced 2 of their albums: Facades and eponymous album>>

Wow, never heard of those guys. Starting to cherry pick their songs with Eric Stewart’s involvement. Interesting. Eric was the most talented of all 10cc by a wide margin which is saying a lot. This song always kills me and it’s impressive how they pulled it off live.

https://youtu.be/z6Jb9m1N67g?si=EiS83K3_IOhCDZeD

Can never get enough of The Second Arrangement. It should have been on Gaucho. But…. I would not have replaced any of the released album’s tracks for it.

Abu wrote:
<<St. Vincent's fave SD track.>>

She’ll be on Kimmel on Thursday.

Doc Mu wrote:
<<Dr. Hünd: I'm looking forward to The Beach Boys movie. >>

Please post your take after seeing it. Interested in your critique.

<<Here's a Steely Dan recording with TWO members of Toto and it really doesn't suck - who'd a thunk it? >>

D&W would have zero tolerance for any musician to suck in their presence. And of course members of Toto were very skilled. They didn’t get in the studio by delivering sandwiches. Just not a fan of their actual music.

<<The Girl is Mine - yes a slight song.>>

Yeah I was unfair throwing Toto under the house for that clunker of a song.

Michael wrote:
“This isn't about me."
<<El contrario. >>

I see your El contrario and raise you an El Supremo…….from the room at the top of the stairs.

You targeted me, personally. You keep bringing me into your straw men arguments. One can always go back and read.

Date: Mon, May 27, 2024, 14:57:12 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,

also sang with Mike + the Mechanics

Date: Mon, May 27, 2024, 14:56:35 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

I was thinking about the tight harmonies and loserdom...and drifted to

a band 4-5 albums into a crappy contract mostly broke up.

Paul Young – lead vocals
Ashley Mulford – lead guitar, backing vocals
Ian Wilson – rhythm guitar, backing vocals
Vic Emerson – keyboards
John Stimpson – bass, backing vocals
Tony Cresswell/Dave Irving – drums
Lenni - saxophone

Paul Young (not THAT one - this PY also sang with) was a perfect lead singer. Ashley Mulford and Vic Emerson were world class musicians, coupled with an excellent rhythm section. They were a strange Manchester UK hybrid of early Little River Band, Steely Dan, and a touch of the Rolling Stones...blues, R&B, jazz, rock mixture that constantly changed. Really tight harmonies (and like DF Paul Young could double vocals spot on) you and were an ace live act back in the day. 10cc's Eric Stewart produced 2 of their albums: Facades and eponymous album

Sad Café's had a mention or two here - I think the stuff still holds up today...quite a bit of loserdom infusion.


Run Home Girl - their only hit in the US: jazz/fusion/pop

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6hd6Y_jUw4

Black Rose (hard to find a HQ version online)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_o_9nm4GRE

Nothing Left Toulouse

https://youtu.be/0sX5Tt4-5XA?si=B4Kn8Q2k60kLh3GL

Dreamin' - nice instrumental break

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ssAK_2UNQkU

Every Day Hurts - biggest hit in the UK (very 10cc/LRB like harmonies)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KoIgTBz7GeM

Date: Sun, May 26, 2024, 15:06:51 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

We do know the arrangement Donald had in mind...or his perception of it 31 years later. ;)

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

Date: Sat, May 25, 2024, 20:44:53 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago

The musicians on that "Second Arrangement" cover are incredibly talented. At the same time, I would say the playing and the arrangement are a little too busy, especially on the rhythm guitar etc. I think Donald would've stripped it down a little more for the final version.

Date: Sat, May 25, 2024, 16:10:06 ET
Posted by: WJAZ, North Carolina

That Scott Sheriff production of "Second Arrangement" is fantastic... for days after I discovered it, I didn't get much done in the office, playing it over and over.

Date: Sat, May 25, 2024, 10:00:25 ET
Posted by: Abu, Anne Erin Clark

.
St. Vincent's fave SD track.

https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/its-a-heartbreaker-st-vincents-favourite-steely-dan-track/
.
.

Date: Sat, May 25, 2024, 09:59:26 ET
Posted by: Cold, cold

Isla is such a beautiful name!

Date: Fri, May 24, 2024, 15:50:56 ET
Posted by: Steve M, Scotland

This is what it is....

My daughter, her partner and my infant Grandaughter (Isla) are on the Isle of Skye for a few days holiday,staying in a remote cottage. She just messaged me to say that there's a "big black cow" outside the cottage window.

My reply was predictable......"Get outta here.....!"

She has been exposed to enough SD over the past 28 years to laugh loudly at the joke.

Date: Fri, May 24, 2024, 15:44:07 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Yeah, worth reposting:

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

Date: Fri, May 24, 2024, 15:37:50 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Abu,

Sheriff's YT release of Maxine is world class. The song is virtually impossible to cover with integrity. Very nice.

Date: Fri, May 24, 2024, 15:24:40 ET
Posted by: Abu, This Second Is The Best Second

Stop the bickering about Thriller already.


By far the best cover of the ill-fated tune is this one that I am posting now. The Y-T poster is Scott Sheriff, who for a number of years has been the leader of, IMO, the best SD cover band around called Twelve Against Nature, in the Nashville area. Last July, Scott and others got a bunch of real talented dudes and recorded a cover of The Second Arrangement. Three vocalists take turns with the lead vocals(who appear in this order on the vid): Scott Sheriff, Jerry Lopez, and Ole Borud (from Norway, who performed several Steely Dan numbers with the Ett Fett Storband{Norwegian for Big Band} seen on the Tube under the ID EttFettMorten). Michael Omartian plays acoustic piano on this cover. Scott Sheriff electric keys, and a really top notch guitarist named Tom Hemby, who has been the above-mentioned SD cover band's lead guy, nicely covering the many SD solos. Excellent horn charts were arranged by Scott. Here's the video:

https://youtu.be/CEEJLxHNxfM?si=Mb7Y_2tv90ensJ38


Scott Sheriff also did a great multi-track cover of Maxine:

https://youtu.be/xD16wzXJsUU?si=WdG2XrxiDdXROOnX


Scott and band covered the entire Nightly album, with a very good rendering of the title track, which is rarely covered, if interested.
.
.

Date: Fri, May 24, 2024, 13:43:38 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Dr. Hünd: I'm looking forward to The Beach Boys movie.

Here's a Steely Dan recording with TWO members of Toto and it really doesn't suck - who'd a thunk it?

https://youtu.be/0cxFzHO9lfI?si=QvgCHD7aB2G_DdI4



The Girl is Mine - yes a slight song. Most of the guitar (rhythm) is Dean Parks. Greg Phillanganes on keyboards.

Phillanganes should have been Toto's lead 100% in their 3rd or 8th edition:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARy1XptpU-Q

Date: Fri, May 24, 2024, 07:59:59 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Dr. Hünd, there's nothing to it. You latched onto one sentence made about Thriller and blew it up into this stupid argument just because you've got some beef with me and have to make a point.

"This isn't about me."

El contrario. This is all about you and your stupid grudge against me for whatever reason. Nobody *knew* Thriller would be a massive success. There's a difference between guessing and knowing something with absolute certainty. Once again, there are countless albums, movies, games, toys, or other products many people thought to be guarateed successes but which wound up performing dismally.

"...but instead you casted doubt on Gerri Hirshey's claim along with more of your nonsensical bs."

That's hearsay, not proof of anything. Anyone can claim they knew after the fact. Hindsight is 20/20.

"Now we wait for our precious Michael to move the goal posts again in this “dumb argument”……and another playlist."

Who's this *we* you're referring to? What, do you presume to speak for everybody on the Blue, or are you schizophrenic?

As for your little slight against my playlists, it's simple: don't bother with them. They're for music lovers with an open mind looking to expand their horizons, not for contemptuous snobs looking for any stupid reason to pick a fight. I've contributed plenty of discussion and content to this forum over the years, so my integrity isn't under scrutiny here.

Date: Fri, May 24, 2024, 01:43:40 ET
Posted by: Dr. Hünd, Paradise Cove

I posted this on an industry board. Sharing it here for a few people who read this board but don’t post and anyone else who’s interested:

Saw the live from LA IMAX The Beach Boys Advanced Screening Tuesday night. They did the Q&A thing before showing the film. Two Beach Boys were introduced. Al Jardine and then Mike Love. A scattering of boos for Love which warmed my heart. After the Q&A, Brian Wilson was introduced and brought in on a wheelchair (not on the stage but in front of the theatre). Did not look good and did not speak. Then seeing him so young from never before released clips singing beautifully was sorta mind bending.

Other best parts:

The interviews from the 70s through the 90s with different band members and other industry people.

The live stuff from all eras which I never saw before and sounded great while capturing the concertgoers of the time.

The Wrecking Crew. Every bit of content including them was fantastic from studio footage/audio working with Brian to interviews.

Phil Spector. He was given his music due.

The vocals. It’s still amazing how these teenagers all sounded so good together from the get go. Al Jardine, riding in the back of the family car with the Wilson brothers remembering Brian handing them little pieces of paper numbered one through four as they were practicing vocals in the car. Al thought that’s how everyone did it. He was in high school! He didn’t realize until he was older that those four piece harmonies Brian created were such a unique thing.

In their young prime, Brian was actually the best singer.

Old LA footage. Old beach footage. Old photos.

The modern ongoing commentary from different musicians. All were interesting particularly Don Was and Lindsey Buckingham.

The direction was amazing in all that was included. And it was brilliant in allowing Mike Love to speak about his exaggerated to say the least contributions to songwriting. Dude, you never wrote a lick of music. Yeah you deserved a writing credit Mike for a song created without you there which you weren’t even aware of. It seemed everyone saw right through him especially after watching Brian painstakingly create and being a genius. I knew a little about Mike Love, a 30 something told me after the movie. But after watching this, what a punk ass bitch!

This is by far the best film on The Beach Boys. I wanted to see it for the unreleased vault stuff which did not disappoint. Even the audio without video from Brian directing The Wrecking Crew to a drunk Murray showing up in the studio trying to boss Brian around.

Date: Fri, May 24, 2024, 01:36:12 ET
Posted by: Dr. Hünd, Hanging Valley Wall, Colorado

<<Just because you guessed right, or claimed to anyhow, about Thriller's success doesn't really matter. Had it flopped then you could have just as easily claimed that you knew it would all along.

But whatever. This is a dumb argument.>>

I despise unfairness. And if you can’t fight fair in a simple dumb argument, it speaks volumes.

This isn’t about me. The only reason I would have guessed right was because others who were more interested and knowing told me at the time. So go ahead and put me in your flop claim category as guessing wrong. YOUR claim, again, is “Nobody knew Michael Jackson's Thriller was going to be a massive success.” Those were your exact words. Constantly and shamelessly making “dumb” straw man arguments do not change facts nor our words.

You could have argued no one ever knows anything is going to happen - regardless of history, self evident circumstances, predictability, foreknowledge, intuition, intelligence, probability and statistics, etc. I actually thought you were going to go there (oblivious to the pre release of a hit single with Paul McCartney before the album release and album pre orders) but instead you casted doubt on Gerri Hirshey's claim along with more of your nonsensical bs.

And for the record, members of Toto participated in the recording of that horrible MJ/McCartney song, including Steve Lukather. No wonder it sucks. But the single sold a shit ton and was certified Gold.

Now we wait for our precious Michael to move the goal posts again in this “dumb argument”……and another playlist.

Date: Thurs, May 23, 2024, 16:30:19 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

For clarity: Steamtrains was from the first DW album. Loaded with deep tracks.

Date: Thurs, May 23, 2024, 16:21:09 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

How about some hard bop, Thelonius my old friend, and some of their bastard children...

https://youtu.be/9gTqGYeppWM?si=ADCFInMw-s5sIrYt

https://youtu.be/VcPhzZgWxMM?si=os1Y99PYS1htMm9b

https://youtu.be/FHKyVJ5YfNU?si=XaoJgvoytV4rJZe-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZjau8U_roI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IrAfjW5qiyo

The late great Kenny Kirkland with Kenny Garrett and Tain Watts:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89nKf1zCSfc

From BeBop MopTop, the overlooked Danny Wilson album:

https://youtu.be/gq-TLra2F1c?si=NaHSglU1a-NFCibp

Steamtrains to the Milky Way

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_Ne5WA5DY8

Date: Thurs, May 23, 2024, 15:28:01 ET
Posted by: DonB, Toronto

Mt. Belzoni: Retrospective was out six years before "Echo Park Blues"!

Date: Wed, May 22, 2024, 18:21:57 ET
Posted by: Michael,

I post a wide variety of content including R&B, rock, funk, pop, jazz, and everything in-between. Thee Sacred Souls, Dina Ögon, Kaidi Tatham, The Crusaders, Con Funk Shun, Mayer Hawthorne, Joey Quinones... A plethora of good stuff.

Ginger Root just dropped a new single 'No Problems' from his upcoming album SHINBANGUMI which releases September 13th. It's a real bop.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PiOdGpR0TdU

Date: Wed, May 22, 2024, 12:18:31 ET
Posted by: Cold, cold

Can't stand Toto and most of the yt Yacht Rock posted here, Lukather ruins a lot of otherwise great tracks for me (the aforementioned Boz follow-up disc) with his dyed-goatee wanking.

Prefer RnB to most of the stuff posted here but still appreciate the links. Obviously Porcaro is king but Toto is gunk.

Date: Wed, May 22, 2024, 07:13:19 ET
Posted by: Michael,

The Dean, which artists besides SD do you enjoy?

Date: Tues, May 21, 2024, 21:04:49 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. Uptown, Baby!

I have to admit, Lukather's playing leaves me cold, as well. I respect the talent, but don't really dig the music all that much. Same goes for Toto. And honestly, I feel similarly for probably over 95% of the synth pop and the like that is on a lot of the playlists posted here.

Understand, I'm certainly not suggesting that stuff shouldn't be shared here, as many seem to really dig it. Just saying, it's not really for me.

Come to think of it, I probably only like less than 10% of music in any genre. I'm such a fucking snob it even makes me shake my head. 🤪🙃

Date: Tues, May 21, 2024, 09:32:32 ET
Posted by: Quiz time, NOT Applebee's

I would certainly hope that anyone here would get 10/10...

https://metv.com/quiz/is-this-a-steely-dan-song-or-an-applebees-signature-cocktail

Date: Tues, May 21, 2024, 08:37:57 ET
Posted by: Michael,

New playlist.


McGruff The Crime Dog - Alcohol

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JpQwLC9hyeA

Levitation Room - Heaven

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

The Depreciation Guild - Dream About Me

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

Alex Cherney & The Brothers Nylon - first, last and always

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5m96i4invco

Barbara - Don't Send Me Messages

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HlPhz9EL-h8

Date: Tues, May 21, 2024, 07:17:30 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Just because you guessed right, or claimed to anyhow, about Thriller's success doesn't really matter. Had it flopped then you could have just as easily claimed that you knew it would all along.

But whatever. This is a dumb argument.

Date: Mon, May 20, 2024, 17:35:41 ET
Posted by: Dr.Hünd, Hanging Valley Wall, Colorado

Maybe you should give it a rest with your ridiculous gaslighting. Nobody said anything about crystal balls, uncanny abilities to predict an album’s success (we’re talking about one obvious album where many besides me predicted success), artists/labels never been wrong (I actually commented to the contrary), or anything regarding Hollywood big budget films.🤣

Date: Mon, May 20, 2024, 17:06:51 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Maybe you should share your crystal ball with the record labels. I'm sure they would be interested as you have the uncanny ability to predict an album's success.

How many times have artists / labels been wrong? More times than they've been right, by a wide margin. The same applies to Hollywood what with big-budget films flopping hard at the box office.

Date: Mon, May 20, 2024, 15:18:53 ET
Posted by: Dr. Hünd, Hanging Valley Wall, Colorado

The Dean wrote:

<<Carson could do it as well. And that was another time when that sort of thing was more acceptable. But looking back on some of those old interview, I'm guessing more than a few people are creeped out watching them now.

BTW none of this really bothers me if it doesn't go to far and is transparent. But I'm not easily offended. I try to understand why others might be, though.>>

I feel the same and we live in a different time where too many are easily offended. Carson was considered a gentleman and check out the end of this interview with Linda Ronstadt. Linda saw nothing wrong with Johnny ogling her eyes and legs.

https://youtu.be/KhHcXvRCJ2Y?si=Tbd5qp1JqYKMikU5

Michael wrote:

<<You're not proving anything though.>>

I think the posts speak for themselves. We all know things. “I drink and I know things.” Do things we know are going to happen turn out wrong? Yes, many times. It’s crazy Steve Jobs knew what customers wanted more than they did. It’s not crazy that Thriller was the most obvious album in the history of music to predict was going to be a massive success. It’s crazy town to practice revisionist history and state emphatically that NOBODY knew Michael Jackson's Thriller was going to be a success.

https://youtu.be/Marip7odChc?si=RnN_Ec3UO7w3T6Ib

Date: Mon, May 20, 2024, 10:17:09 ET
Posted by: Steve, Not related to Lukather

Love Steve Lukather's playing, always been a huge Toto fan.

However, Donald Fagen has said Lukather's "playing leaves me cold." Pete Fogel has posted that quote several times over the years.

That was some years back. Maybe that has changed.

Anyways, I'm just a messenger.

Date: Sun, May 19, 2024, 20:26:36 ET
Posted by: Abu, Chillin' at Home

Twenty years before the SD tune was written or thought of, the late David Sanborn did this number with a reggae beat:

Blue Beach

https://youtu.be/y_7g8BW194k?si=Do2XDuMWXUgq8w8y
.
.

Date: Sun, May 19, 2024, 14:11:24 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

...by 1992 the Grunge thing was peaking and there was no chance for a Prefab Sprout pop song on American Radio.

Date: Sun, May 19, 2024, 14:05:21 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

One of my favorite Prefab Sprout recordings is All the World Loves Lovers. It's chock full of add9's that aren't really mu majors, but the chord progression is very Steely:


https://youtu.be/CNBLm200PNc?si=GiwBBOr2BX0NGW2x

this sound might have been a hit if released as a Jordan the Comeback single, but they waited until 1992 and a greatest hits collection.

Like his County Durham NE England/Scottish lite accent Paddy McAloon's sarcasm, wit, and even subversion are shrouded. All the World Loves Lovers is Fred Astaire through a Nightfly lens.




Unfortunately, there was a slew of aborted albums after Jordan the Comeback, before Wendy and Neil Conti (underrated drummer) and Thomas Dolby left the group, and then the bit too earnest Andromeda Heights was released 7 years post-Jordan.


Anyway, a great example of the Steely posh sheen covering up a darker message can be heard on Manhattan, where verse connotes a dazzled stereotypical foreigner gazing upon NYC splendor (a bit tongue in cheek)...then a realization coupled with an allegory in verse two. Easily missed on first or third listen as Paddy turns the first verse around.

https://youtu.be/8P6Yp2FqYeA?si=WtShJMvlvGH-0pP0


Guess what ! Summer's arrived I feel the world's on my side
The Brooklyn Bridge stretches below me
A billion souls all dying to know me
Well here I am! Loaded with promise
And knee deep in grace
What I want is here on my face and
I feel like I own the whole damn place
Hey Manhattan ! Here I am ! Call me star-struck Uncle Sam.
Strolling Fifth Avenue
Just to think Sinatra's been here too
These myths we can't undo they lie in wait for you
We live them till they're true

TO

Someday's you've got to get outside - Look there's "The Carlyle"
That's the place where Kennedy stayed,
And where were you when he started to sl...
..ow to fade.
There they were - Loaded with promise and
Knee deep in fate - When what you want shows on your face and
All that's left litters the whole damn place
Hey Manhattan! Here I am! Call it bad luck Uncle Sam.
Scrounging Fifth Avenue
Just to think the poor could live here too
But what are they to do? These myths belong to you,
We live them till they're true,

Date: Sun, May 19, 2024, 07:39:37 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Yeah, Dias was gonna tour with them. Gary Katz kept pushing D&W to tour and they finally relented, but then the sliding pay scale thing put the kibosh on the whole thing, so they wound up back in the studio recording Gaucho.

Good tracks from Boz. My only gripe is I can barely make out what he's singing. 😄

Date: Sun, May 19, 2024, 02:43:32 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Down Two Then Left *may* be Boz' best album. I haven't listened to it in far too long...track after fab track

Gimme the Goods

https://youtu.be/olYbjnzBJ4k?si=6heRe0naTDqlvDBL

Very Steely Night by Night merged with the Royal Scam album.

Date: Sun, May 19, 2024, 02:01:22 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

I'm struggling to remember. Was Dias in on the original SD band contract? He stuck through the 70s. As each member left, they would sell their share to the rest of the group...I'd suspect that has something to do with the pay scale. Whatever the reason, it's a shame it didn't happen.

Date: Sun, May 19, 2024, 01:58:56 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Michael, There are some Steely chord progressions on We're Waiting from the same album. Chuck Findley on the Flugelhorn solo.

https://youtu.be/3JSIDCPYca8?si=rfmx5PHOcVW-QoVL

Quite a few stellar deep tracks.

Date: Sat, May 18, 2024, 18:31:41 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Thanks Doc for another cool track. I'd never heard A Clue before and you're right, that's a tasty guitar solo.

The one thing I remember about the sliding pay scale thing is that D&W were gonna pay Denny Dias more than the others. When the session musicians found out that each of them would be paid differently they became disgruntled, so D&W called off the tour.

This is pure speculation on my part but maybe the sliding pay scale was their way of getting out of it. It wasn't exactly a secret that they didn't like touring back then.

Date: Sat, May 18, 2024, 13:00:11 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Lukather is a chameleon as a guitarist, which is why he was asked again and again to do session work.

From the same album, Luke is playing one of his most Steely-like solos. Allegedly Lukather was going to be one of the guitarists on the Aja Tour that never happened - once some of the musicians found out they were paid on a different scale. Allegedy.


A Clue

https://youtu.be/9Kkbqv9ZHzM?si=-aHI80QYEaeRqKly

Fantastic song - very tasty solo.

Date: Sat, May 18, 2024, 12:51:39 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Lagniappe: Victor Feldman on the Vibes on Hollywood

Date: Sat, May 18, 2024, 12:39:43 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

M/O/D/P: Norm relished the notion *just* crossing the line with hist material and getting away with it. On second thought, he didn't care!

After Norm was fired from SNL for the OJ jokes, he had a 3 year series - The Norm Show which was full of his well-crafted bits. Just crossing that line, but hilarious.


https://youtu.be/FmDoDrzLi68?si=PgQWwUmQXy7uxrrv


Here's an overlooked song from Boz Scaggs' Down Two Then Left, produced by Michael Omartian.

Hollywood:

https://youtu.be/KX6U6mU5sY0?si=s4vOVrjBVsNsMM6Q


Featuring the usual suspects:

Drums: Jeff Porcaro
Bass: David Hungate
Guitar: Jay Graydon
Keyboards: Michael Omartian
Backing Vocals: Carolyn Willis, Myrna Matthews, Julia Tillman Waters



Fittingly, there is is a familiar lyric line:

"Camera.

Action.

Do it Again."

Date: Fri, May 17, 2024, 16:19:12 ET
Posted by: Michael,

You're not proving anything though. So what if such-and-such artist thought their album would be successful? Isn't *every* artist striving to attain some degree of success? For every one that's successful there's countless that aren't.

Date: Fri, May 17, 2024, 11:56:39 ET
Posted by: Dr. Hünd, Hanging Valley Wall, Colorado

<<Boy, you're really adamant about this.>>

I’m adamant about complete bullshit.

btw, whether one agrees with Quincy Jones or not re: “Anyone who tells you that they knew a record was going to be a big hit is a flat-out liar” Well, there have been plenty of liars who turned out correct I guess with so many records from The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Taylor Swift…. And “liars” who were not correct as well. The album after Frampton Comes Alive comes to mind.

Date: Fri, May 17, 2024, 11:29:42 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Boy, you're really adamant about this.

"...but what came next, I don’t think any of us were ready for." Here Quincy was referring to Thriller. Even if Gerri Hirshey's claim about MJ were true, it doesn't actually *prove* anything since nobody had a time machine and therefore couldn't look into the future. Just because an artist is confident in their work doesn't guarantee success either, but you believe what you want.

Date: Fri, May 17, 2024, 11:18:04 ET
Posted by: Dr. Hünd, Hanging Valley Wall, Colorado

<<Anyone who tells you that they knew a record was going to be a big hit is a flat-out liar. We had no idea “Off the Wall” was going to be as successful as it was,>>

HE WAS TALKING ABOUT OFF THE WALL! But let’s just say he was talking about Thriller. Let’s say Quincy Jones was not influenced at all by the massive success of Off the Wall, his ability as a producer, the writers/players he brought in, Michael Jackson, etc. You posted <<Nobody knew Michael Jackson's Thriller was going to be a massive success.>> This is flat out wrong and you doubled and tripled down down on this false claim emphasizing NOBODY ….in Trump like fashion.

<<The amazing thing, claimed Gerri Hirshey in 1985, was that “Michael had predicted it all when I first met him – the media geek show, the staggering sales figures, the order of singles, the fact that ‘Billie Jean’ would be the breakout song.”>>

https://www.rollingstone.com/feature/thriller-how-michael-jackson-and-quincy-jones-made-the-bestselling-album-of-all-time-199391/

So MJ, the actual artist, doesn’t count? And obviously he wasn’t the only one, although he was probably the most confident and encompassing. Again, I was not a fan but I remember listening to many at different events/places who were still high off Off the Wall and could not wait for Thriller, all saying it was going to be huge. Even a Dan fan, my brother-in-law. Maybe because I was in SoCal. But still it wasn’t nobody. Mr. Jones is just humble. This is from the same article:

<<Which may be true. But, says Jones, there is never any way to predict a hit record. “You can’t explain something like that, you can’t aim at it,” he says. “It’s why I used to keep a sign in the studio saying, ‘Always leave space for God to walk into the room.’ “>>

Quincy Jones never said NOBODY knew the album Thriller was going to be a massive hit, no matter what he thought. He was literally in the room with MJ!

Date: Fri, May 17, 2024, 07:47:08 ET
Posted by: Michael,

M/O/D/P, mainstream acts achieve mainstream success because they're backed by the labels. Indie artists *can* carve out a niche for themselves, generate big music / merch / ticket sales, and get good exposure if they put themselves out there in such a way that people notice.

While making great music should always be top priority for an artist, it doesn't really matter if nobody knows you exist, right?

A big problem I have with guys like Beato (you know, social media personalities) is they have platforms with millions of viewers yet choose to ignore great indie artists in favor of the umpteenth interview with some established artist or producer, or post reaction videos to the top 10 Spotify or iTunes songs. What about all the great artists who need more exposure? Beato's always complaining about how modern music lacks memorable hooks or great harmonies. Well, listen to Fonteyn, The Lemon Twigs or Silvertwin and then try to claim that there aren't any memorable hooks or great harmonies in modern music.

And don't let anyone tell you that these social media personalities aren't aware of what's going on in the industry that they've worked in extensively for decades and have connections up the wazoo. I could sit here listing off great music all day.

Date: Fri, May 17, 2024, 07:15:32 ET
Posted by: Michael,

"Anyone who tells you that they knew a record was going to be a big hit is a flat-out liar. We had no idea “Off the Wall” was going to be as successful as it was, but we were thrilled. Michael had moved from the realm of bubble-gum pop and planted his flag square in the heart of the musical pulse of the ‘80s, but what came next, I don’t think any of us were ready for."

Source:
https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2009-jun-30-et-jackson-quincy30-story.html

Date: Fri, May 17, 2024, 00:23:51 ET
Posted by: Dr. Hünd, Hanging Valley Wall, Colorado

<<Dr. Hünd, I'm referring to the album Thriller in its entirety. >>

Then you’re wrong.

<<Nobody could've predicted that it would go on to become one of the top-selling albums of all time. >>

But that’s not what you posted. You wrote this: <<Nobody knew Michael Jackson's Thriller was going to be a massive success.>>

Huge diff Bub. Off The Wall was a massive success. Everyone who was interested at the time clearly expected the album Thriller would be equally successful….or more.

You also claim Quincy said nobody knew Thriller would be successful. I’m still waiting for you to source your claim.

Date: Thurs, May 16, 2024, 22:54:07 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, Sickened Again/As Usual

On the subject of "Micheal Jackson", I'll refrain from any comment other than to make it clear that I cannot stand - and never could, back then or now - that particular individual's music/entertainment product, any of it - in its entirety, without exception - nor was I ever able to tolerate his manufactured (and carefully controlled...until it no longer could be controlled) image. I just can't stomach any of it. I never could. At any time, in any room, for any reason. It sickens me to hear his music still being played in public - the grocery store, the Home Depot, wherever - circa 2024. Even if we're willing to separate the performer from the performance, and view the music product strictly on its own merits, I'm still left flabbergasted & disgusted. I didn't get it then, and I don't get now. Like I said, I'll refrain from comment.

Norm MacDonald - easily the purest (and best) standup comedian of the past forty years (at least), hands down - had a stellar run with his incisive Jackson-related material, along with (of course) his OJ Simpson material (dated now, sure, but still hilarious retrospectively), as well as with his Bill & Hillary Clinton material. Funny thing...Norm never got sued for "defamation" by any of those famous targets or their financial backers/handers - even after years of repeated "controversial" [sic] jokes - all well-exposed on National TV, no less. A fun way to spend a bit of time would be to fire up the YooToob and search for "Norm MacDonald - Michael Jackson". I said it would be fun...I didn't say you wouldn't be *offended *, if you happen to still be a fan of that individual and you choose that option.

My point is that the music of Silvertwin - as recommended recently here by Michael - is actually pretty darn good and I hope the band lives on long enough to record & release some more material. I won't hold my breath, though, because as has already been pointed out, the Music Business (along with its cell-phone-stunted/low-expectation consumer base) is now so fractured that it's nigh-unto impossible to achieve any significant level of mainstream (whatever that now means) success unless you're Taylor Swift or some transitory/flavor-of-the-day "hip-hop" performer, and it's now really difficult for genuinely talented musicians or composers to even make a decent living from their craft.

Yes, I fully realize that it is now some transitory/flavor-of-the-day "hip-hop" performer who currently holds the world record for "best song ever" and "best selling single" and "most YooToob views" and "highest number of extravagant mansions owned by a single criminal", and so on.

I realize it. But that doesn't prevent me from being sickened by the realization.

M/O/D/P

PS - That "Libby & Donald" David Sanborn tribute on sd.com is indeed worrisome...I really do hope I'm just mis-reading it...

PPS - A nice Beacon Theatre run later this year - even if somewhat truncated, out of necessity, say, just four or five shows over the course of seven or eight days - would go a long way to repairing the damage done by the recent ill-fated/ill-advised "support group for the Iggles" mess. That's what I'm hoping for, anyways. Fingers crossed. I would genuinely like to meet up with any & all of the regulars & semi-regulars on here, one more time, at the Amsterdam Alehouse or maybe at that one dump I can't remember the name of where Malcolm once played a set at, like, 1:00 in the damn morning (much to the dismay of Mrs. M/O/D/P!), or even in the lobby of The Beacon itself.

PPPS - Hell, I'd even sit right beside The Dean at every show if I had to! Aw...who the hell am I kiddin'...sitting beside The Dean at one last SD show is right at the top of my Bucket List. Along with, at #2 - "Finally buying a bucket".

Date: Thurs, May 16, 2024, 17:12:14 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Dr. Hünd, I'm referring to the album Thriller in its entirety. Nobody could've predicted that it would go on to become one of the top-selling albums of all time. Nobody. MJ's Off The Wall was commercially successful, yes, but that didn't guarantee his subsequent output would attain similar heights.

Did the Eagles know that their Greatest Hits album would top Thriller as the best selling album of all time? Did Pink Floyd know that Dark Side of The Moon would sell over 15 million copies? Did Santana know that Supernatural would become his best-selling album?

Date: Thurs, May 16, 2024, 16:06:00 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Re: Ferguson - he knows where the line is and deliberately leverages just enough flirt vs. creepiness to have his guest open up and maximize entertainment. Craig was the King of Banter.

Interestingly, one of Ferguson's worst interviews was with another comic genius, Norm MacDonald (RIP). Norm was a bit and routine craftsman and elite artist in setting up the punchline, an interesting mixture of preparation and some improv. Ferguson's banter frequently stepping on Norm's setup or joke. When interviewing Norm, Conan (former SNL writer) knew when to let Norm go and when and how to intervene, which usually enhanced the setup for the punch line.

W&D were fans of Letterman because of his cynicism and sarcasm...and that worked when Merrill Markoe (former GF) was the head writer.

Date: Thurs, May 16, 2024, 15:56:32 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Jeez Dean. Watch her reaction. There's a combination of repulsion and then bemusement.

It's 5 o'clock somewhere...

Date: Thurs, May 16, 2024, 14:31:32 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. Uptown, Baby!

I know about Letterman's behind the scenes issues. But I'm talking about that one specific short interview. Watching it on its face, what is creepy? You are inferring based on what you've read and heard. You have a low opinion of Dave and are viewing that through your biases. "I know Dave is a creep, therefore this short interaction is creepy." I can see no other reason for feeling creeped out.

And again, I think Ferguson is very funny. But I'm basing my observation on what I see and hear. He BLATANTLY flirts with his guests, and often in sexual ways. I can see that being seen as a bit creepy by some. I'm not trying to psychoanalyze these guys. Carson could do it as well. And that was another time when that sort of thing was more acceptable. But looking back on some of those old interview, I'm guessing more than a few people are creeped out watching them now.

BTW none of this really bothers me if it doesn't go to far and is transparent. But I'm not easily offended. I try to understand why others might be, though.

OK I'm done with this topic as it is not Dangential in any way. Sorry for the sidetrack.

Date: Thurs, May 16, 2024, 13:03:40 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Hard to know with Quincy - he's said a lot of things over the years. He claimed in an interview that Epic did not want him to produce Thriller because he's "too jazzy."

While Off the Wall spent 16 weeks in a row at #1, MTV wasn't playing/broadcasting black artists until the Billie Jean video broke through... MJ's ability as an entertainer - singing, dancing, stage presence, writing, recording with a producer who could draw in songs from Stevie Wonder, Macca, and the late, great Rod Temperton.

One of Temperton's last collaborations was with...you know, Andy Platts. My record of the year for 2023.

https://youtu.be/9y_WVos6YS8?si=8IsNyTtSWrGrJHma

Date: Thurs, May 16, 2024, 12:13:14 ET
Posted by: Dr. Hünd, Hanging Valley Wall, Colorado

Michael, I believe you are referring to Quincy’s thoughts on the song Thriller which no one thought would be an additional hit from the already massively successful album. Then the video was released a year & a half later which became huge. If you’re talking about something else, then please source.

Date: Thurs, May 16, 2024, 06:32:46 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Dr. Hünd, *nobody* knew. Even Quincy said as much. There's no way to predict whether an album is gonna become a smash hit.

Date: Thurs, May 16, 2024, 02:29:30 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Sorry - The Duckworth Lewis Method was another group/duo Thomas Walsh was in.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7D9pdkZd8ks

Date: Thurs, May 16, 2024, 02:18:19 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Steve,

I think I was guilty of posting Take Me Away as Pugwash was part of that last power pop wave. From what I remember the conversation veered into discussion of cricket and the Duckworth Lewis method of keeping score, the name of their album. Thomas Walsh is a huge fan of cricket. I wondered what happened to them. Immensely talented IMO.

Date: Thurs, May 16, 2024, 02:09:20 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Dean: You need to read last year's papers about Letterman. It's turns out he was creepy-stalky to staff, guests.

Ferguson is from Scotland. Anything goes. He knew where the line was. One of the few comedians show could keep up with Robin Williams.

Billy Connolly was the king of that risque humor...there was an almost vaudvellian group of improv comics who hung around Glasgow.

Date: Thurs, May 16, 2024, 00:25:30 ET
Posted by: Dr. Hünd, Hanging Valley Wall, Colorado

<<Nobody knew Michael Jackson's Thriller was going to be a massive success. Things just turned out that way. >>

What!? Everybody knew Thriller was going to be a massive success. There was huge pent-up demand and interest for this album after Off the Wall, which was a critical and commercial success and turning point for Michael Jackson as a solo artist no longer held back from the Jackson 5. He had Quincy Jones producing again and promised every song would be a hit. He was at the top of his game and everyone knew and anticipated it. Thriller was definitely not an album that just turned out that way. I wasn’t even a fan and I was aware of all this shit.

Date: Wed, May 15, 2024, 16:01:03 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Steve M, I mentioned Pugwash awhile back, under what context I don't recall.

No matter who you are, no matter how talented you may be, it comes down to exposure. Always has, always will. It's extremely difficult to make an impact in the music business. You need to be in the right place at the right time, put yourself out there and hope for the best, but there are no guarantees.

Look at Donald & Walter. They were hovering around places like the Brill Building hawking their music, hoping for a chance to get their foot in the door with songs like 'Brain Tap Shuffle' or 'Oh Wow It's You Again'. Unorthodox to say the least, but their persistence paid off in the end.

Sometimes it takes years before an artist makes an impact. Cameron Lew, better known as Ginger Root, began by doing cover songs from the back of his car. Then he began releasing his own material in various forms, making fun music videos using old video recorders to capture an authentic retro feel. He finally hit his stride when in 2021 he released his City Slickers EP with the smash hit 'Loretta' which to date has almost 20 million views on YouTube.

Nobody knew Michael Jackson's Thriller was going to be a massive success. Things just turned out that way. Right place, right time, right exposure. Record labels cannot manufacture that kind of success. Either it happens organically or it doesn't happen at all.

Date: Wed, May 15, 2024, 14:41:19 ET
Posted by: Steve,

Earlier post, condolences at Steely Dan.com about David Sanborn from Libby and Donald.

David Sanborn
1945 - 2024
See you soon in the
WILD BLUE YONDER
Libby & Donald

The message left me a bit unsettled, given Libby and Donald's recently reported health issues.

Let's hope it's not all THAT soon!

Date: Wed, May 15, 2024, 14:34:19 ET
Posted by: Steve,

Hey Abu.......

You are right that the guy has great talent as a pianist and he creates beautiful harmonies.

But the tempo and key leaves me wondering if he knows the song is about a husband who enjoys jerking off while his frosty wife, Mary, dreams alone.

Everyone's got their own touch, but Donald's delivery and tempo leads me to believe the character singing this song is a bit more energetic, if not frantic, and less languid and limp as this guy.

Just my two piasters.

Date: Wed, May 15, 2024, 14:11:59 ET
Posted by: Abu, One Of The Best

You know me and covers... There are a few exceptional ones out there among the thousands. But this one I am about to share now is very good indeed. This guy is arguably one of the best solo cover guys IMO. This is a MUST LISTEN, even for you not-so-enthusiastic- about-covers people. Give his cover of Rose Darling a whirl. Check out when he gets to the chorus:the harmonies are great! His name is Frederic Bourgeois (a French guy I presume). Too bad among all his stuff, this is his only SD tune thus far. Give him a listen:

https://youtu.be/9hCzTq4KOME?si=yyIex6ERyOmLVSLx
.
.

Date: Wed, May 15, 2024, 10:17:07 ET
Posted by: Steve M, Scotland

Sadly Michael, the chances of Silvertwin having much success are slim at best despite their obvious talent. The was an Irish band around 10-15 years ago called Pugwash (recommended initially by someone on here I think) who ploughed exactly the same furrow and got precisely nowhere apart from a lot of critical acclaim. I'm sure I read an interview with mainman Thomas Walsh a few years back where he described seriously thinking about giving up the music business altogether such was his frustration at even being able to make a decent living from it.
Here's a few of their best:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-durMflf7c

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8bn2k9_LZE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPOCX7G5WhA

Date: Tues, May 14, 2024, 21:16:44 ET
Posted by: From Libby & Donald, NYC, NY

https://www.steelydan.com/news/david

Date: Tues, May 14, 2024, 09:42:16 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Silvertwin are a criminally underrated power pop group from the UK. Their music is a total throwback to 70s pop/rock chock full of great hooks, clever changes and vocal harmonies. Lead singer Isaac Shalam sounds most similar to Jeff Lynne, especially with those double-tracked vocals, but is unique enough that you can tell the difference. Hopefully they'll get the recognition they deserve.


Ploy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9csNNP3Ni0E

You Only

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wr_W7S-WpqQ

Doubted

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVUZIj4yGNs

I Don't Want To Fight Anymore

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SKFEd7Nrh4g

Date: Mon, May 13, 2024, 17:53:20 ET
Posted by: Michael,

RIP David Sanborn.

Not only did David and the Brecker brothers incorporate their signature sound to Gaucho but a massive pool of other great albums from artists like Michael Franks, Jaco Pastorius, George Benson, James Brown, James Taylor, and too many others to list.

Date: Mon, May 13, 2024, 17:25:52 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. It's Happy Hour

I suppose this is Dangential. Terrific cover of Larry Carlton's Room 335 by Muses. Imagine this tune being played on a Flying V-esque guitar.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vbKDCKY82jA

Date: Mon, May 13, 2024, 17:23:20 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. It's Happy Hour

RIP David Sanborn. Too many too soon

Date: Mon, May 13, 2024, 15:11:03 ET
Posted by: moray eel, Finer

R.I.P. Mr. Sanborn

https://youtu.be/r0F83sMAjJ4?si=QeO0rn7v0X-0NPWY

m..e.

Date: Mon, May 13, 2024, 15:02:43 ET
Posted by: The Gaucho, Way up there

R.I.P. David Sanborn

https://www.cnn.com/2024/05/13/entertainment/david-sanborn-death/index.html

Gonna play Time Out of Mind (Alto Sax) in his honor.

Date: Mon, May 13, 2024, 08:23:12 ET
Posted by: Michael,

New playlist.


Nature TV - She Wants To See You Cry

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vg505WyN7K4

Luna Li - Afterglow

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9xWmszor5zI

Tim Atlas & Friends - Out Cold (Live)

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

Biscuit Fan - 恋人のいる時間 (Time With Lover)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6fTN9OvD6ho

State Cows - Lonely Road

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ItsJ0py1tYc

Donald Fagen - The Night Belongs To Mona

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

Date: Sun, May 12, 2024, 19:58:58 ET
Posted by: Abu, Seeking

In 2020 the artist Jamie Brantley covered Roll Back the Meaning. Excellent, IMHO. Sorry if it has been posted here previously. Check it out:

https://youtu.be/Fj_WsZETpOg?si=AoKH5mo4ZMhvDP3E
.
.

Date: Sun, May 12, 2024, 16:45:59 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Ferguson grew up in the UK which would explain his offbeat humor and mannerisms. While much of the comedy from decades ago might seem risqué to a modern audience, it was acceptable for the sake of humor. Modern *comedy* takes itself way too seriously because people are too afraid of stepping on other people's toes for fear of offending someone, which defeats the purpose of comedy.

That's why modern comedy sucks.

Date: Sun, May 12, 2024, 12:33:15 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. Reggae Sunday!

Like I said Michael, I really don't watch any of late night talk shows on a regular, or even semi-regular basis. But I do find Kimmel and Colbert to be fairly intelligent and funny. And as you know ALL these late night shows have a staff of comedy writers. I still find the host sets the tone of the humor. And I agree Ferguson can be hysterical. My pont was he was an obvious lech and could get pretty creepy with his female guests. Conan, too, from what I can remember. Seemed a bit more "fun" and less creepy when Craig did it, possibly because I have a low tolerance for Conan. Then again I'm not a woman, so perhaps my opinion isn't all that important, here. But I didn't get much (if any) of a particular creepy vibe from the Letterman/Vela interview.

Date: Sun, May 12, 2024, 07:42:01 ET
Posted by: Michael,

The Dean, you actually watch Kimmel and Colbert? At least Ferguson had a natural ability to improv, whereas those other guys require a whole staff of writers to perform their schtick as the writer's strike proved when they went off the air.

Date: Sun, May 12, 2024, 00:00:30 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. Uptown, Baby!

I gotta ask Mu, you consider that "creepy-stakly"? I get very little vibe from that from that, especially when compared to Ferguson's outright obvious sex come ons with his female guests. BTW I actually think Craig is funny but clearly a lech. I hear Conan's a very good comedy writer, but I find his presentation very awkward and unfunny. I have to admit I don't watch these late night shows much at all. Very rarely actually, and when I do it's usually just segments on the Internet. But the only guys who make me laugh on late night these days are Kimmel and Colbert.

Date: Sat, May 11, 2024, 16:59:04 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Live version of Rosie Vela on Letterman with Magi Smile.

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

She's actually very good - nice smokey contralto vocals. Ca. 1987? before ear monitors (IEMs), Rosie cups her hand, a la an OG radio broadcaster or Robin Gibb, to hear herself... and stay on pitch singing a difficult melody with a plethora of accidentals.

Letterman gets creepy-stalky at the end. I don't miss Letterman (post Merrill Markoe) or Leno. Conan and Craig Ferguson we far more amusing.

Date: Sat, May 11, 2024, 16:35:13 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Magic Smile from the same Rosie Vela alsum has that Dan swing with a little less intrusive drum machine tong...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwaiZL51H6I

Date: Sat, May 11, 2024, 10:40:59 ET
Posted by: Steve M, Scotland

Probably nothing new here that the Bluebook regulars aren't well aware of but....

back in those post Nightfly mid- 80's days there was very little new Dan related stuff out there so we really were feeding off scraps. This was one of the meatiest morsels from '86 (don't worry, I realise that particular metaphor has run its course....)

Donald and Walter on synths and Rick Derringer on guitar with Gary Katz producing and Elliot Scheiner on the mix:

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

If you look up the track "Interlude" from the same album, that even includes a rare (for the time) Walter guitar solo

Enjoying all the recent recommendations for new music btw (esp Fonteyn) keep 'em coming, much appreciated.

Also, spare a thought/say a prayer for all of us over here in the UK and Europe as tonight we are exposed to an annual monstrosity called the Eurovision song contest which is best survived by locking oneself in a darkened room with no TV set and a vinyl copy of Katy Lied and not coming out until it's all over......

Date: Sat, May 11, 2024, 09:58:49 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Another great Toto song is 'Let It Go' written by Greg Phillinganes. It reminds me of those training montages in Rocky IV. Good workout music.

More great songs to check out.

The Doobie Brothers - Another Park, Another Sunday
Lee Ritenour - Mr. Briefcase (feat. Eric Tagg on vocals)
Hall & Oates - Wait For Me
Stevie Wonder - Creepin'
Atlanta Rhythm Section - The Great Escape
Marvin Gaye - I Want You
Greg Phillinganes - Lazy Nina (composed by Donald Fagen)
Spandau Ballet - Only When You Leave
Todd Rundgren - Time Heals

Date: Sat, May 11, 2024, 04:36:58 ET
Posted by: Lutz, Hnl

Agreed, Michael. As is ‘Somehwere Tonight’ a gorgeous shuffle. Incredible Porcaro.

Date: Sat, May 11, 2024, 04:30:59 ET
Posted by: Lutz, Hnl

Agreed, Michael. As is ‘Somehwere Tonight’ a gorgeous shuffle. Incredible Porcaro.

Date: Fri, May 10, 2024, 18:57:59 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Toto's 99 is a cool song. Unlike Africa, Roseanna or Hold The Line, 99 benefitted greatly from *not* being played on virtually every station in heavy rotation.

Oversaturation can make listeners tire of hearing an otherwise great song.

Date: Fri, May 10, 2024, 18:44:12 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Abu: Yeah, that was the tack piano faux honky tonk and ragtime production that was a thing in the early 70s...especially after The Sting was a movie hit. TBH, it wore thin even back then and I couldn't make through 30 sec of the KV cover.

SD took the opposite approach and updated the late 40s/early 50s bebop on Parker's Band, which followed nicely after the revamped East St. Louis Toodle-oo. Both recordings I believe were partially a raised digit to the Record Company Formerly Known as ABC Dunhill. ABCD wanted another hit record (short singles), not the stretch out takes on Your Gold Teeth, Boston Rag, dueling guitars on Bodi, and Burn that ARP Synth Down on King of the World of CTE.

"Take these 3 minutes of hyper-jazz on rock instruments and shove it up...and Do it Again."

Date: Fri, May 10, 2024, 18:12:37 ET
Posted by: Abu, Twice Entered, Impatient Me

Sorry about the double post. I was impatient, obviously.

Date: Fri, May 10, 2024, 18:10:46 ET
Posted by: Abu, nowhere important

Well, I guess covers are not a thing for many of you out there, apparently. Here is my opinion of the Kenny Vance Parker's Band cover. In a word: tacky. Perhaps it is the keyboard, which to me sounds like a tack piano, you know, what you might hear in a saloon that plays ragtime or something. The word, or phrase that comes to my mind is "honky-tonk", which was what a tack piano was used for often enough. I think his version has kind of that feel to it, even the beat Kenny chose.It does get better in the latter half with the sax and female scat vocal. Becker and Fagen's original is a kinda hard-driving number, made that way thanks to the double drums of Gordon and Porcaro and the dualing saxes of Watts, Richardson and/or Johnson. SD's without a doubt brings Charlie Parker and his band into your living room. Not so at all with KV and his band.

Date: Fri, May 10, 2024, 18:10:45 ET
Posted by: Abu, nowhere important

Well, I guess covers are not a thing for many of you out there, apparently. Here is my opinion of the Kenny Vance Parker's Band cover. In a word: tacky. Perhaps it is the keyboard, which to me sounds like a tack piano, you know, what you might hear in a saloon that plays ragtime or something. The word, or phrase that comes to my mind is "honky-tonk", which was what a tack piano was used for often enough. I think his version has kind of that feel to it, even the beat Kenny chose.It does get better in the latter half with the sax and female scat vocal. Becker and Fagen's original is a kinda hard-driving number, made that way thanks to the double drums of Gordon and Porcaro and the dualing saxes of Watts, Richardson and/or Johnson. SD's without a doubt brings Charlie Parker and his band into your living room. Not so at all with KV and his band.

Date: Fri, May 10, 2024, 17:43:33 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,

Shaman Elephant - wow - late 60s proggy intersected with 90/2000s indie rock. They can definitely play their instruments.


I may need to duck swiftly with these, but I've found that when Toto fused more UK prog into the jazz/pop fusion and let the musicianship speak (and I could mostly ignore the lyrics) they were actually pretty good...because Jeff Porcaro, David Hungate, Lukather, Paich, Steve Porcaro could freakin' play...Jeff I think particularly enjoyed playing on these songs so he could stretch out.

Girl Goodbye

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqLjbeXkc_0

Hydra

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nM8m-NeklTg

Mama

https://youtu.be/2EYLObG7H0A?si=LqRyLybcLmNU5BM5

St. George & the Dragon

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGQ-XIg4c-4&list=OLAK5uy_ma9ovZlZV3qcUXijVLyaTe5VzBun4Phe8&index=2


Their pop hits are mostly crap...except for the "Boz Scaggs outtake" Georgie Porgy. OK, I like 99, also.

Date: Fri, May 10, 2024, 17:18:13 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,

Michael: Good catch...and no surprise since Gary Katz produced both 80s Eye to Eye albums. Donald Fagen added synth and keyboards on the album, including the title track.

More of that early 80s Reggae/Latin bouncy synthy Fageny groove. Heavy on the harmonies.

Shakespeare Stole My Baby:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J26Vc2ef7Ys

Date: Thurs, May 09, 2024, 18:45:41 ET
Posted by: Abu, Home

Yes, Michael I totally understand. I say hats off to them, as you stated, they are definitely fans of SD. It is a good song for sure.
.

Date: Thurs, May 09, 2024, 16:36:05 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Abu, I had mentioned they're a prog-rock band, not a jazz-infused pop-rock band. Granted, there's plenty of prog out there that's jazzy, but there's nothing wrong with stuff that's more rock-oriented. They liked SD enough that they wrote a song around them. Not many artists do that.

Date: Thurs, May 09, 2024, 14:32:44 ET
Posted by: Abu, U.S.A.

Thanks for the link to the song "Steely Dan", Michael. A decent tribute of sorts to SD, but the music carries no resemblance to our fave artist. Clever lyrics, as stated, using several song titles.

And yes Mr. Dean, I compiled that playlist, as well as 3 others, as you might deduce from the title of the list.....Anyone else with your thoughts on the aforementioned Kenny Vance cover of P's B?
.

Date: Thurs, May 09, 2024, 06:51:22 ET
Posted by: Michael,

When a Norwegian prog-rock band called Shaman Elephant named one of their songs Steely Dan, naturally I was curious to hear it. It's good, real good, using SD song titles for its lyrics. Check them out.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=diLaaSSJ54c

Date: Wed, May 08, 2024, 21:07:12 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. It's Happy Hour

Mr. Urfe,

M/O/D/P also says nice things about me, which makes me instantly suspicious. But in your case he's probably right. How is everything in Phraxos?

Abu, loving your playlist of Dan covers so far. (Am I right in understanding this is one you have compiled?) As to the Vance cover of Parker's band: It's interesting for sure. And it does what (IMO) a cover should do. It isn't a note-for-note copy by any means. It puts a very different spin on the song.And it's kind of decent. Better on the second listen. So at least in that way, I'm fine with it.

Date: Wed, May 08, 2024, 20:16:04 ET
Posted by: moray eel, Al

Long time SD hater, Steve Albini, died. He received some attention here for his anti-SD tweets.

m.e.

Date: Wed, May 08, 2024, 16:55:48 ET
Posted by: Nicholas Urfe, Phraxos

I watched a several-years-old documentary about the Wrecking Crew on Netflix this weekend. I enjoyed it, altough there's much more to tell than you can fit in 90 minutes.

In the credits at the end, there were some lists of Wrecking Crew "members," and Victor Feldman was listed. Then, in doing some research on the interwebs to see if I could find what he played on, Jim Gordon's name popped up.

I continue to be reminded that, despite M/O/D/P's insistence that I'm fucking brilliant, what I don't know far exceeds what I know.

Date: Tues, May 07, 2024, 21:45:13 ET
Posted by: Abu, In Kent Nishimura's Corner

Thanks, Dirk on the great find of that young talent Kent Nishimura. His instrumental acoustic cover of Hey 19 is awesome. I'm always interested in finding good Fagen/Becker/SD covers, do you think? I just put it near the top of one of SD playlists on Y-T. Here is the playlist, if so inclined to check out some decent ones:

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL19bnGk1raAcuK_kZXjMRLZnaXjEfih7Q&si=6kTUiJlSf-oHvF6T

And, speaking of covers.. One that was recorded many many moons ago, was done by Kenny Vance. In '75 he did Dirty Work and Parker's Band. I am curious, what do you guys think of his version of Parker's Band? I will offer my opinion later, hopefully after hearing from a few of your thoughts. Here is KV's cover here:

https://youtu.be/EL9XpZTlQXk?si=hL8xeR_unjvPOfNH

..

Date: Tues, May 07, 2024, 19:44:32 ET
Posted by: Michael,

That's an interesting comparison Doc. Both tracks have a bouncy feel to them although Eye to Eye's track features a modified reggae rhythm not dissimilar to IGY. Thanks for sharing.

Date: Tues, May 07, 2024, 17:48:27 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Girl on a Bicycle reminded me of this Eye to Eye ditty:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5AdiM56VqU&list=PL8FfepTJ23kSWhG1ayMbdpwA4DlK2yNS0&index=6

Date: Tues, May 07, 2024, 10:07:38 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Fonteyn is such a phenomenal artist, a throwback to 70s music, at times evocative of Bacharach (Things to Make You Feel Better), Rundgren (These Days) and other artists from that bygone era. Their album 'Trip The Light Fantastic' sounds exactly like something recorded back then and their latest single, Jody, could've been a lost Carpenters hit. Not only is lead singer Suzanne May's voice effortlessly beautiful but as a songwriter she has a firm grasp of the nuanced characteristics of the era she's evoking. Strong melodies with warm lyrics, gorgeous harmonic movement and superb arrangements make for an experience as close to a time machine as is possible. Even the videos look like they were filmed during the early 70s.

Do not overlook this artist.


Savannah

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmeCF2x8p-w

Jody

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YnwVTI3o2w

Girl On A Motorcycle

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTwzh9b7KOk

These Days

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ANdpJI8dmhU

Date: Tues, May 07, 2024, 04:12:25 ET
Posted by: Dirk,

this kid has some talent ...


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=breqFi2C750&list=RDbreqFi2C750&start_radio=1

Greetings
Dirk

Date: Tues, May 07, 2024, 01:41:02 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,

Prefab was at their Dan-diest about the same time. From Langley Park to Memphis and Jordan - the Comeback were as chock full of highlights as Steve McQueen, maybe moreseo.

Why The King of Rock and Roll (another Elvis sendoff) was released as a single in the US is beyond me.

I Remember That

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e7VurhK2kos

Nightingales (with Stevie Wonder harmonica solo)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3D-tJf9u7M

Hey Manhattan - knee deep in fate

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


were the obvious singles.


Jordan the Comeback was a Masterpiece. Looking for Atlantis was the single - probably for me the weakest song. Carnival 2000 was the follow up and is fantastic...then hit after potential hit...

Wild Horses

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SbVHkGzvs_M&list=OLAK5uy_nXP7YKInx2FV5kJiL-YDkOBQ6kKkHtIYs&index=2

Machine Gun Ibiza

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5c2v4bL9vI&list=OLAK5uy_nXP7YKInx2FV5kJiL-YDkOBQ6kKkHtIYs&index=3


All the World Loves Lovers - 1990 George Gershwin

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNBLm200PNc&list=OLAK5uy_nXP7YKInx2FV5kJiL-YDkOBQ6kKkHtIYs&index=10

The Ice Maiden

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66kMxAMVcwo&list=OLAK5uy_nXP7YKInx2FV5kJiL-YDkOBQ6kKkHtIYs&index=12


Jordan the Comeback (More Elvis)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7GShuDon5o






Andromeda Heights and The Gunman are fine, but they weren't the same without Neil Conti, Wendy, and Thomas Dolby at the console. Paddy was struck down by Méniere's Disease and torn retinas...and continued recording himself.

The resurrected Let's Change the World with music demos to album are fine, but Crimson/Red and especially the experimental I Trawl the Megahertz are worthy of the Prefab Sprout moniker.


There are probably 5-10 albums at least in the can...

Date: Tues, May 07, 2024, 01:04:24 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu, youknow

Queen

Date: Tues, May 07, 2024, 01:03:53 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Jellyfish had this R&B - power pop - Quenn fusion that was pure gold. Unfortunately, Hair Metal, Rap, and Grunge drowned them out.

There's a touch of Prefab Sprout in this one:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWv7Uc3z4qI&list=PLEvr99j7ruPzKL88X-2JukWkehWwB-3dh&index=3

Calling Sarah

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jrj1SBMmf4w&list=PLEvr99j7ruPzKL88X-2JukWkehWwB-3dh&index=9


That reminds me of the Fountains of Wayne shout out by Don B on this hilarious number:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zAnPf2v9W0I&list=PLMQHkFabZ0rr5IverDPbILi_QdzlDM3Im&index=9

that sh*t just wasn't right.

Date: Mon, May 06, 2024, 12:53:19 ET
Posted by: Steve M, Scotland

Some great stuff there that I've never heard before and will explore further....thanks folks. Also always nice to see Fountains of Wayne get a mention, Their profile over here in the UK is next to zero despite having so many fine songs other than 'the hit single'

But if we're talking about melodic pop pastiche bands then surely Jellyfish, the daddies of them all have to get a mention? Don't know why they never made it bigger, suspect they might have been simply trying too hard....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KnnOeEW_e8

Date: Mon, May 06, 2024, 07:19:26 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Pocket Sun - Jupiter

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLcXo753-CM

Now would you listen to that. Perfect songwriting.

Date: Sun, May 05, 2024, 20:22:40 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Brian and Michael D'Addario seamlessly straddle the gap between psychedelic, sunshine and baroque pop, with modern production quality and songwriting which sounds at once timeless and effortless. For however pastiche they may be, wearing their influences on their sleeves (The Beach Boys, The Beatles and Todd Rundgren, to name a few), they have refined their own sound rather nicely.

It's very reassuring that young artists such as The Lemon Twigs are producing music as rich and endearing as the heavyweights which came before them. Anyone who claims that modern music sucks clearly doesn't know what they're talking about.


In My Head

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5XGx5bWttc

Small Victories

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6LodGUpmxY

Only a Fool

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T2iNXLgOJvQ

Date: Sun, May 05, 2024, 13:19:21 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,

Some props to The Lemon Twigs for crossing the Beach Boys and The Partridge Family from their New One:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vbppp0j7f5w

Date: Sun, May 05, 2024, 12:03:25 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Dr Hund - I was thinking the same. By a nostril. I even looked up the horse's name to see if there was a connection. lol

Date: Sun, May 05, 2024, 12:02:00 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

I'm not sure about better, but the Lemon Twigs have a bright power pop sound - like a cross between Ben Folds and The Raspberries. I can overlook the light coloring/pitch correction with autotune for some nice chord changes including an interesting diminished chord and turnaround.

In the 2000s, when there was a bit of a resurgence in power pop (e.g., Fountains of Wayne), A Dream is All I Know might have been a hit. Every 20 years or so, power pop makes a comeback.

Here's something from the ca. late 70s/early 80s power pop/new wave era. If they had been called The CDs or The Streaming they might have been around longer. Their US hit was Starry Eyes. I prefer this Tim Friese-Greene (Talk Talk) produced track. Nice call and response guitar licks.


https://youtu.be/cp5zXNpVqD0?si=JzTFTFuPaf1FEjEn

From the (even better) follow-up album, which didn't sell but was Album of the Month in Stereo Review.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=laRuDVPM4_Y&list=PLzGotn8LeP0fv5LyctRgzZq68PopZtO1U&index=3

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSm0-7JmSPQ&list=PLzGotn8LeP0fv5LyctRgzZq68PopZtO1U&index=5

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8CTWQqsrBsc&list=PLzGotn8LeP0fv5LyctRgzZq68PopZtO1U&index=2

I think it was The Records attention to harmonies that were attractive, like Steely Dan - who also scored Stereo Review's Album of the Month - even though Gaucho has taken unwarranted slogging from "critics" over the years.

https://youtu.be/XOuFO8KPnjw?si=ybrdSF-pZ42WkvNT

Date: Sat, May 04, 2024, 21:13:58 ET
Posted by: Dr. Hünd, Hanging Valley Wall, Colorado

Did we all bet on Mystik Dan?

Date: Sat, May 04, 2024, 11:22:57 ET
Posted by: Michael,

The Lemon Twigs are much better.

Date: Sat, May 04, 2024, 01:53:29 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Sorry = Moray eel beat me to it.

Date: Sat, May 04, 2024, 01:51:56 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

The CMU story is amazing - band?

Porcaro
Donald
Walter
Rainey
MM or Omartian?
Horns?

The Marias dropped If Only yesterday.

Hypnotic:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SixC90UUeE8

Date: Sat, May 04, 2024, 01:32:54 ET
Posted by: Dr. Hünd, Hanging Valley Wall, Colorado

Notable User got the short end of CMU education it appears.

As Moray Eel, I would like to get confirmation that it really happened, set list, band members, and rider.

OMG that voice coach. I had to abort no matter the interest.

Date: Fri, May 03, 2024, 10:49:46 ET
Posted by: pope greg xxiii, Inner Space

King Princess has covered "Dirty Work" for the soundtrack of the new season the very funny TV show Hacks. https://youtu.be/gzh7eAOTSVs?si=fa2YRsFIeTf-sOe9

Date: Fri, May 03, 2024, 07:53:37 ET
Posted by: moray eel, Cm

It is a great story. I would like to get confirmation that it really happened. I grew up a little south of CMU.

No mention of which song were played or a list of band members who participated. Donald, Walterand maybe Porcaro and Dias.

m.e.

Date: Fri, May 03, 2024, 07:10:23 ET
Posted by: Jimmie, US

Notable user comment on that video:

I remember back in 1975; a professor at CMU was teaching us neophytes a Music Appreciation class. She new (sic) Donald Fagan (sic) and much to our surprise; Steely Dan showed up for a concert to our 120 seat music room for the class! They all sat down at their instruments and pulled out sheet music and began to play. It was mesmerizing! No theatrics, no wasted energy; just playing all of their songs perfectly! Steely Dan didn't tour at all at this time; so this was by far the greatest 'concert' that I ever experienced!

Date: Fri, May 03, 2024, 00:34:28 ET
Posted by: moray eel, Voice

A voice coach analyzes Donald’s vocal on Do It Again.

https://youtu.be/_RnOJRvmRg0?si=VFhZGZakuvoFKf_G

m.e.

Date: Thurs, May 02, 2024, 09:02:13 ET
Posted by: Michael,

New playlist. Enjoy.


The Lemon Twigs - A Dream Is All I Know

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

Rae Khalil - IS IT WORTH IT

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

Louis Cole - Things Will Fall Apart

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZOkLMXXax4

Khruangbin - Hold Me Up (Thank You)

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

The Lemon Twigs - Any Time Of Day

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmX2wsnzEGE

Date: Tues, April 30, 2024, 15:32:47 ET
Posted by: Abu, Stood Corrected

Thank you The Dean for correcting my letters and duplicate DWs... Anyone on the identity of medley tunes?
.

Date: Mon, April 29, 2024, 15:48:09 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. Uptown, Baby!

Abu, great stuff. Thanks for turning me on to them.

And for those who might be confused as I was, DW = Doctor Wu (nor Dirty Work). And I thin TWN is a typo. TWM, Third World Man.

Date: Mon, April 29, 2024, 07:34:56 ET
Posted by: Jon, Q

Consensus is that that currently there are no SD concerts scheduled, as an opener or otherwise.

Date: Mon, April 29, 2024, 05:04:11 ET
Posted by: Bren,

Anyone confirm that Doobie have replaced Steely Dan as support to Eagles in Manchester UK?

Date: Sun, April 28, 2024, 20:38:41 ET
Posted by: E,

Doc Mu


Correction:
My last post should have read:“Sharp Major 7th chords”,
which is what you had originally written.
There are no such things as “sharp major 7th chords”
Your link is regarding C Sharp Major 7th chords.
I think you had left out the note/letter name (in this case
C).

Date: Sun, April 28, 2024, 20:30:14 ET
Posted by: E,

Doc Mu

Your link is for C-sharp major 7th chords, which
do exist.

You had originally written “sharp 7th chords”.

There’s a big difference between the two.

Date: Sun, April 28, 2024, 18:55:30 ET
Posted by: Abu, On Top of the Covers

Guitarist Bob Sneider and pianist Paul Hofmann team up to cover 9 SD tunes, including two very rarely done Negative Girl and Everything Must Go. Strictly instrumental, no vocals.. which is all well and good. The other seven are POTQ, DW,GE,NxN,CL, A,TWN.

Here are the two "rarities:

Negative Girl:

https://youtu.be/p2r7RcqFMHo?si=CQMmaG4-lBDAKQKA

Everything Must Go:

https://youtu.be/dG0ZT091qr8?si=V4LWk4Roxz-TwJCg

Interestingly, in the last 2 or 3 minutes of EMG, the duo breaks into a medley of, to my count, at least 8 other snippets of SD tunes. See if we can name 'em.


Abu

Date: Sun, April 28, 2024, 17:04:52 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

This one from The Marias has a Tom Misch vibe.

I Don't Know You:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YzKM5g_FwYU

Date: Sun, April 28, 2024, 17:01:49 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

E -

https://m.basicmusictheory.com/c-sharp-major-7th-chords

- I'd have to work out the notes on my daughter's keyboard and reverse engineer them. The tabs could be iffy.

Date: Sat, April 27, 2024, 18:20:25 ET
Posted by: Tommy Yawn, Chicago

I used to work with and party with the Umphrey's Band's (and manager's) girlfriends at their shared house and they had absolutely zero Steely Dan CDs to play in the living room's hutch full of CDs. Just shitty, weedly, wanky jam music.

No RnB, only hip-hop was (a fine choice) the Low End Theory, which was one of the girlfriend's. Least funky dudes whose couch I slept on.

Date: Sat, April 27, 2024, 16:43:17 ET
Posted by: E Abern Browks,

Dr Mu

“A lot of sharp Maj7ths and suspended 7ths”.

You’re not serious, are you?

“Sharp major 7ths” are the tonic note of the chord, eg.: C E G C.
There’s no such thing as a sharp major 7th or suspended Major 7th,

Date: Sat, April 27, 2024, 16:37:18 ET
Posted by: Umphrey’s McGee , House of Blues, Boston

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYBojwTRMBA (** only **)

Set 3: All Night Wrong (featuring All Covers voted by fans)
1. Roundabout (Yes cover)

** 2. Kid Charlemagne (Steely Dan cover) **

3. Plush (Stone Temple Pilots cover)
4. Cult of Personality (Living Colour cover)
5. Hunger Strike (Temple of the Dog cover)
6. No More Tears (Ozzy Osbourne cover)
7. Big Poppa (The Notorious B.I.G. cover)

Date: Fri, April 26, 2024, 20:01:28 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

OK, Only in My Dreams sounds like it could have been on Andromeda Heights. The Marias have that 90s vibe.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aD-uDd54560

A lot of sharp Maj7ths and suspended 7ths.

Date: Fri, April 26, 2024, 19:21:56 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Steve M - I also hear a little Jordan the Comeback era Prefab Sprout in Cariño.

Date: Fri, April 26, 2024, 19:13:33 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,

Steve - sorry, the Carino link was ok.

Here's the correct link for the Run Your Mouth video:

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

Perfect marriage of a singer songwriter with a producer/multi-instrumentalist - like YGSF.

Date: Fri, April 26, 2024, 11:31:41 ET
Posted by: Steve M, Scotland

Doc, you've effed up your links but the Marias track you did manage to link to is rather wonderful...

Date: Thurs, April 25, 2024, 23:56:15 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

This one has more Steely and Bacharach. Maria Zaedoya is an hypnotizing vocalist.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QHVp9xiUr9U

Date: Thurs, April 25, 2024, 23:38:05 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Thanks for posting the Robyn Flans/GaryKatz interview with John DeChristopher. The drum Room is full of great interviews.


I'm addicted to this song by The Marias. It's like an Electronic inverse Dan. Is that wrong?

https://youtu.be/BC8ZeWzkPN4?si=8hCeGN_qAGFQhJdV

Date: Thurs, April 25, 2024, 17:30:21 ET
Posted by: Lutz, Hal

Went to see Larry Carlton on his final tour, great show and 6 piece band w Gary Novak on drums. They're off to Japan for 2 weeks. He shared some cool stories of his time with SD.
"Did you you ever show up for work and felt like a genius that day?" Then played the into to Black Cow and the whole song.
Also Black Friday and Kid Charlemagne, some early Crusaders.

Date: Mon, April 22, 2024, 16:15:16 ET
Posted by: Dave (from acquisitions), Philadelphia

Don’t think I’ve seen this posted yet. A rare interview with Gary Katz who joins to talk about the amazing Jeff Porcaro who we all know and love on what would have been his 70th birthday. Always great to hear from Gary. I still don’t think there’s a definite Gary interview out there. He’s one guy who is as vital to the Steely Dan story as anyone besides Don and Walt themselves and yet there hasn’t been a real thorough discussion with him on one of the many podcasts out there. It’s a shame because his memory still seems to be quite intact and I’m sure he’s got a million great stories about the classic Dan period plus of course Nightfly

https://youtu.be/BC8ZeWzkPN4?si=8hCeGN_qAGFQhJdV

Date: Mon, April 22, 2024, 12:54:03 ET
Posted by: Eddie Hoe, Barrie Wilson

First time - April 16 1974, Masonic Temple, Detroit (many empty seats)

Opening act Al Stewart (no backing band) was booed so may have quit early, after 4 songs.

I though CBAT was great but I was floored by CTE and PL...so fortunate I saw SD then and knew the band/material...Porcaro with Hodder together with the unknown MM.

As if that wasn't enough history, I also witnessed (Alpharetta GA) the the first live playing of Gaucho (song) w Walter singing.

Have seen them several times during 2000's...it's a sacred experience for sure.

Date: Sat, April 20, 2024, 22:16:45 ET
Posted by: Lutz, Hnl

Dean, I experienced my first SD show at the same venue in 1994, then again '96. Before Google took over the neighborhood. It was equally an almost out of body experience, elevated by some Humboldt supplements... 94 Dennis Chambers was on drums, '96 was Ricky Lawsons' first, I believe.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLBWfBG9_4k

Date: Sat, April 20, 2024, 12:42:59 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. Uptown, Baby!

Brian, I'm pretty sure that show was my first SD concert experience. Imagine waiting for 20+ years for your favorite band to tour and be somewhere actually accessible to you. Even though I expected the show to be great (it's SD, how could it not be?) I could never imagine how mind blowing the experience would be.

Drew Zing was incredible live. Bill Ware added so much on vibes. That particular instrumental medley to start the show has always been one of my favorite openers.

Thanks for sharing.

Date: Fri, April 19, 2024, 18:58:53 ET
Posted by: moray eel, NY

Fagen’s New York Rock and Soul at high school.

https://youtu.be/6juqFChRoko?si=WyC9LkOsiLA4RYs9

m.e.

Date: Fri, April 19, 2024, 17:02:19 ET
Posted by: Brian, Oxford

Dan Belecher's remastered 1993 Mountain View CA video is affording me a great deal of pleasure. Great setlist, superb playing and Don still had some of that great voice.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3uNhDxcYJg&

Date: Thurs, April 18, 2024, 19:16:26 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. It's Happy Hour

Probably not Dangential, bur RIP Dickey Betts.

Date: Wed, April 17, 2024, 22:33:18 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu, No art crime

I heard an interview on NPR, while driving back and forth to work, with St. Vincent/Annie... and she is a *massive* Steely Dan fan. St. Vincent's music, and especially the live performances are a different type of art. I recommend seeing them/her live. There are elements of Prince and Bowie in the highly orchestrated and choreographed live performance art. Something less parodied than Lady Gaga.

Annie Clark was really drawn to the ear candy music of Steely Dan glossing over narratives about a cadre of really seedy characters. Then she proceeded to *scat* the piano solo on Fire in the Hole, where Fagen is looking for the space between the notes.

That solo reminds me of how St Vincent approaches performing a song on stage. I've seen the Austin City Limits concert. A good portion was mesmerizing - because you're watching her and the band act out little plays. this may not be everybody's cup of tea.

I was watching the Huey Newton video from ACL, and it occurred to me: She's Josie!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3I89orRWN7I

or could be.

Date: Tues, April 16, 2024, 17:07:24 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Gaucho is the gift that keeps on giving. D&W wrote enough material for it to fill two albums.

Date: Tues, April 16, 2024, 00:54:14 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Damn, How did I miss this recreation or "cover" of Talkin 'Bout My Home.

Talent + a little AI and modern recording capabilities. Fantastico.

https://youtu.be/eBDG9ZiQnv0?si=6N6tzrk_QkYtP79H

Tasty! Gaucho really should have been a double album.

Date: Tues, April 16, 2024, 00:19:06 ET
Posted by: Abu, Covering Covers

Surely many would agree that there are not nearly enough covers of Walter Becker solo material. However, I have discovered one that is quite good, IMHO. It is by a young woman with the name Danica Baldry. She does Down In the Bottom, originally on 11TOW. Check it out here:

https://youtu.be/C3VVLxDIwqM?si=INqBsF40n-7bmKO7
.

Date: Sun, April 14, 2024, 00:29:41 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. Uptown, Baby!

CCW, I want to say you have sent me down a bit of a rabbit hole with that Steve Kahn youtube video. I had never known about this Steely Dan podcast. I have to assume someone has posted it in the past, but it somehow escaped me. It's called Gaucho Amigo and I assume it is available on most of the podcast outlets. But here's the youtube link as I know that is what M/O/P/D prefers. 🤪

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLD_G2IarMgqZuFzApZfzEA7Tswkr_aP5c

But it seems some episodes are missing.

Date: Sat, April 13, 2024, 21:48:59 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Effortless modulations on Take it or Leave It.

Date: Sat, April 13, 2024, 21:46:45 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,

YGSF Song of the Day: Kind of McDoobie in "honor" of the Doobie Bros. taking one for the team and sparing Steely Dan of more openers for the Beagles.

Take it or Leave It from the fab. AM Waves:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZLx6NdKaZc




and Talk Talk's iconic It's My Life with the almost Steely Ebadd9 in the verse:

https://youtu.be/mAOkNNSjkuU?si=89jCy_6ZNysbTM4j

Talk Talk later left the Synth Scene and went on to forge a jazz-post rock fusion on the Spirit of Eden and Laughing Stock albums.

Date: Fri, April 12, 2024, 19:55:04 ET
Posted by: CDanborn,

Does anyone else think that the lyrics from “Time Out of Mind”
are reverse irony/irony gone wrong ?

If WB and/or DF were trying to make the first person/
narrator in the lyrics sound like a fool who is seemingly unaware of
or chooses to ignore the inevitable disastrous consequences
of his actions, did they realize the personal (WB) irony in the lyrics
or did they not care at that point?

This would be especially true if the lyrics could
pertain to WB’s real life addiction back then.

Date: Thurs, April 11, 2024, 17:01:58 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago

"Gaucho," 200 g, clear viny, 45 RPM, double LP version arrived this morning. It was originally due December 1, 2023 and then postpone to May 1, 2024 but here we are and I'm glad to have it. So far everything sounds just amazing, simply amazing. Bernard Purdie's opening drums are always sort of a punch down, mini sound check for me whenever I listen to something.

Other quick notes. The new catalog for Acoustic Sounds now features "Aja" as the top, primary cover photo.  I seem to recall in a previous catalog the top spot went to "Kind of Blue." So righteous.

One thing in the liner notes: when Donald writes, "But if I were you, I'd be careful about when and how often you listen to this one," remember, just like in a 1992 interview with Greg Kott, Donald says the album reminds him of some very difficult times; he's NOT saying he doesn't like the album. (I just needed to say that because sometimes in the past over the past three decades or so that's where the conversation goes off kilter.)

While the original album credits are left in tact as part of the original artwork, the musician credits in the 2024 liner notes have no mention of Wendel and there are no drummer credits for "Glamour Profession," "Gaucho," "Time Out Of Mind," and "My Rivall."

Regarding the title track, Donald writes, "The song 'Gaucho'... was supposed to be a jokey pastiche of the off-kilter gospel thing Keith Jarrett was into at the time, but I guess Keith didn't think it was all that funny. He threatened to sue us and we consented to give him a composer credit."

I'm grateful to be able to share this experience of things I know and love with those of my kind.



Date: Thurs, April 11, 2024, 13:32:15 ET
Posted by: EC, NY

SD has been replaced with The Doobie Brothers, which is probably a fair trade-off for most Eagles fans. It could be worse, and obviously in the case of the recent Toronto Eagles show, back in March, it was. Much worse.

Date: Thurs, April 11, 2024, 13:18:00 ET
Posted by: Gabe, PA

Ironic that a band known for not playing live is now doing it at an age where age makes it hard to do.

Date: Thurs, April 11, 2024, 11:11:16 ET
Posted by: chris, nh

looks like Steely Dan has pulled out of the UK and NL legs of the Eagles tour. (Still showing on the bill the final NL show, but sure it's just a matter of time).

Date: Thurs, April 11, 2024, 08:02:30 ET
Posted by: Abu, SoCal

Long gone Abu here with some news about a new cover, recently released by jazz singer Lauren White. She has taken on Donald's I'm Not the Same Without You. She does it with a slower tempo than the original, in a style that is kinda Diana Krall-like. A tasty small horn ensemble arrangement, complete with a nifty piano solo taking the place of the Galison harmonica, altogether makes for a decent cover version that pays respect to the jazz routes of our legendary leader. Check it out here:

https://youtu.be/-yrcEFSACE8?si=bcHTi4js-jFiQbni

Date: Wed, April 10, 2024, 11:41:08 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Very clear version of Cash Only Island. Nice.

I'm now convinced it should have been on either EMG (replace The Last Mall or Blue Bueach) or TvN (replace Cousin Dupree). Krantz on a short but tasty guitar solo.


"Joining Becker and Fagen on this tour are: Tom Barney (Bass), John Beasley (Piano and Keyboards), Ricky Lawson (Drums), Wayne Krantz (Guitar), Cornelius Bumpus (Saxophone), Michael Leonhart (Trumpet), Ari Ambrose (Saxophone), Michelle Wiley (Background Vocals) and Carolyn Leonhart (Background Vocals)"

Date: Tues, April 09, 2024, 21:15:51 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. Uptown, Baby!

SDV, that is a sensational version/recording of Cash Only Island. Thanks for posting it. I can't believe this is the first time I've heard that recording. But then again, my mind is old and feeble, and riddled with alcohol and drug abuse, er use. So there's a good chance I've actually heard that before. 🤣

Date: Mon, April 08, 2024, 15:58:23 ET
Posted by: SDV, up on the hill

Cash Only Island was another cooker that got left behind. great groove, killer guitars, beefy horn chart. and Walter seemed to really enjoy it, he sang with gusto

https://youtu.be/l6bgD9Ve7io

Date: Sun, April 07, 2024, 22:21:26 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,

Early Andy Platts and Mamas Gun: Pots of Gold

https://youtu.be/HBmM9rhH8AQ?si=t6-PhnJC0OlZfl0W

Date: Sun, April 07, 2024, 22:05:39 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Ben Folds appears on another cover - with Daryl Hall in a jazzy/bluesy version of Private Eyes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_s0Jn1q-kRc

Date: Sun, April 07, 2024, 16:58:38 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

3 Sisters. 2 Sisters would be even less developed!

Date: Sun, April 07, 2024, 16:57:33 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Walter's vocal control is actually better live (Jack of Speed from 1997, Book of Liars from Alive, or on Slang of Ages or Circus Money) vs. 11 TOW.


I would agree that 2 Sisters is also not quite as developed or is simpler vs Love in the 4th or Wet Side Story.

I still would replace The Last Mall and Blues Beach in a heartbeat for Wet Side Story, 3 Sisters and/or Love in the 4th.

My EMG Revisited

*Wet Side Story
Godwhacker
Things I Miss the Most - with new intro per NE Corridor
*Pixeleen
Slang of Ages - my Walter corner
Love in the 4th - my Walter corner
*Lunch with Gina
Greenbook
Everything Must Go

#Japanese CD bonus track: 3 Sisters

* my choice for singles released.

Date: Sun, April 07, 2024, 14:27:50 ET
Posted by: Elgin, "On Tour"

Catherine Russell leads a Quintet in three Midwestern cities.
East Lansing, Michigan: Tuesday April 16 - Wharton Center
Chicago, IL: Wednesday April 17 - City Winery Chicago
Indianapolis, IN - Fri & Sat April 19 & 20 - The Jazz Kitchen
with Matt Munisteri - guitar, Ben Paterson - piano, Tal Ronen - bass, Domo Branch - drums
performing her trademark mix of vintage jazz, blues, soul, and swing from the 1920's to the present. A fine excuse for Steely Dan friends and family to gather. Tickets at catherinerussell.net/tour

Date: Sun, April 07, 2024, 14:19:44 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh

I understand Three Sisters was co-written by DF, but it really sounds like a Walter song to me particularly the strange changes before the modulation for the solo section - they are idiosyncratic in a way that many moments on 11TOW are, and perhaps a result of Walter using a sequencer to write many of the songs (there's something he wrote somewhere about trying to figure out what the chords actually were for songs on that album when it came time to record with musicians). My guess would be a portion of it is based on something they wrote together in the 80s and Walter finished it for his record. (That's my same hypothesis for Snowbound). I love it, particularly how tight augmented Lost Tribe rhythm section is on the studio version. The bass/drum mind meld thing is pretty remarkable to me.

I don't hear many similarities to Wetside. Wetside has that wonderful soaring pre-chorus melody but the rest of the verse feels a little flat.

Date: Sat, April 06, 2024, 16:34:00 ET
Posted by: DPillsbury,

I think WSS is a much better song than 3 Sistahs - the melody is
more developed and varied (the melody line is broader, due to DF’s better vocal range), the song form is more varied (nice intro, verse
chorus and interlude sections, definitive ending), solid background vocals, nice, terse
guitar solo by Uncle Walter, great vocal delivery by DF (although he flubs the lyrics at times)
and a more intriguing and ambiguous story line.

Date: Fri, April 05, 2024, 11:42:53 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Clearly, the Eagles last encore should be...

https://youtu.be/yJD8ABf5jbY?si=2_jNKmg3jLuUY8i3


This reminds of the time that Huey Lewis and the News, an amiable and unpretentious group of chaps, were singing over the background track while pretending to play their instruments at the Oscars...and the backing track started to skip. Oops.


Many artists/groups have been hybrid Milli Vanilli on stage for decades.

Solid Gold was 90% lip sync. Ed Sullivan (and numerous variety shows shows) became largely lip sync or instrument sync (for bands in the 60s who had The Wrecking Crew play on their albums).


...and it turns out that The Monkees were or became mostly became a legitimate group. Who knew?

The self-produced Headquarters and Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn, and Jones, Ltd. are both very good albums.

Date: Thurs, April 04, 2024, 00:32:10 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, It's not *live*, it's Eagles!

Chris's funny Eagles "breaking news story" [sic] and related YooToob link made me immediately think of another funny Music Industry Story from long ago. Not the "story" itself, but the story as related, after the fact, by comedian Norm MacDonald on the David Letterman Show. It goes something like this...

NORM: [My mom] came to visit me in New York, you know? And she's real sweet, you know. She doesn't know much about show business, but she always tries 'cause she knows I'm in show business. So she always tries to give me, like, the showbiz news, and I remember a couple of years ago she phoned me up, she goes [affects high-pitched "mom" voice], "Oh my God, have you heard the news? Liza Minelli's a phony!" And that was her story.

DAVE: Liza Minelli's a phony?

NORM: Yeah, and I thought, how can that be, like, a story? I mean, I'm sure she probably is a phony, you know, but how would that be a scoop? And then like, it took me awhile to figure out she was talking about, uh...remember that "Milli Vanilli" thing?
_____________________________________________________________

Can anyone here delineate the [picayune] difference between outright/obvious musical (?) fraud and the bold-faced robbing of funds from gullible borderline M/R-types ["Eagles fans"] through deliberate in situ deception?

I can't.

To be clear, I don't care about the Eagles any more than Chris does, and I doubt if this revelation will cause much of a ripple. Many thousands of fans have willingly paid $1000.00 each (or more) to see this 2023/2024 concert tour, and most of them just want to hear the songs exactly as they sound on the original recordings. Also, most of these Eagles fans seem quite happy to pay full-pop ticket prices, extravagant amounts of money for "officially licensed" ugly/embarrassing Eagles t-shirts, and they also apparently don't mind being cornholed at the beer concession either. Let's be honest here, these are not, by and large, the most erudite of Music Consumers.

Despite the available facts, most of these folks likely feel that they got what they wanted - slick, soulless country rock-pop, mechanically performed by *some*​ of the originators - if not actually what they paid for..., y'know, "live music". Despite the online chatter, I do not see any kind of class action lawsuit coming. Most of the dumb shits who forked out are content & pleased with what they got. Case closed - probably.

Also note that Henley is notorious for having any and all Eagles music taken down from the YooToob, no matter how it's used ("context"), The recent fact-based video/audio analysis of "live" Eagles music stands a very good chance of being forcibly removed from whatever platform it may appear on.

The point is, if you re-arrange the letters from the name "Don Henley" - create an anagram, so to speak - one of the unsurprising results is, "Greedy Mean-Spirited Money-Grubbing Prick".

EM/OH/DEE/PEE

Date: Wed, April 03, 2024, 20:47:42 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,

Lutz - Yeah 3 sisters was written by Walter and Donald and could have been a SD track.

It has that SD "bounce" in the step. I can almost hear the Danettes singing.

https://somethingelsereviews.com/2018/06/10/walter-becker-three-sisters-shakin/#google_vignette

3 Sisters almost sounds like a companion piece to Wet Side Story:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KtVJHde7a0M

Date: Wed, April 03, 2024, 17:35:31 ET
Posted by: Lutz, Hnl

DocMu, that's an intriguing thought - could it be that 3 Sisters was not put on Walters CD's because it would have been a great fit for EMG or 2vN? That would indeed have been a firecracker to open EMG with, Last Mall would have still fit. On the other hand, it's hard for me to second guess anything that was or was not released. Love In The 4th is a super deep cut, glad the lyrics are included!

Date: Wed, April 03, 2024, 14:44:23 ET
Posted by: Scooterman2, OKC

Thank you for your consideration and insight

Date: Wed, April 03, 2024, 12:59:34 ET
Posted by: ccw, ny

This podcast interview with Steve Kahn is a good listen:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/38-heartbreak-souvenir-ft-steve-khan/id1676094378?i=1000651163452

And his references to Purdie's amazing drumming on "Heartbreak Souvenir" (about 29 mins in) are killing me! This one never seems to see the light of day . . .

Date: Tues, April 02, 2024, 22:58:18 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh

extremely long but convincing youtube video about Don Henley miming his vocals on the current Eagles tour:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJ6DbH-X-L0

There's some moral outrage surrounding it, which I don't share, because I don't care about the Eagles. Plenty of bands have been faking/augmenting some amount of live performance since the term 'arena band' was coined. And I think 99% of the audience would prefer convincing, pleasant sounding playback to whatever state an aging singer's voice might happen to be in.

But I do think it's cool that Steely Dan, as far as I can tell through dozens of concerts attended and hundreds listened to, has never been anything but completely live*.

*Live = all the sounds you hear come from people on stage; that doesn't mean there aren't some sleigh-of-hand tricks (Fagen letting a Danette take 'his' note in a harmony so he can lay out and preserve his voice or even some subtle live pitch correction that might nudge a note a couple cents in the right direction ... plenty of evidence for the former, just a hunch for the latter).

Date: Tues, April 02, 2024, 18:17:00 ET
Posted by: Ed Hoe, Barrie Wilson

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

Date: Tues, April 02, 2024, 15:10:10 ET
Posted by: Bill Efferden,

John Lennon and Eric Clapton had noted that
they never injected heroin, but rather snorted it.

I assume such was the case for Our Man Walter.

Date: Mon, April 01, 2024, 23:53:16 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Must

Date: Mon, April 01, 2024, 23:52:43 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Lutz: That's a great one. It's Girlfriend and this one for me:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=clnEwTB6tsc

Three Sisters should have been the lead track and first single from Everything Muct Go. I'd probably trade it for The Last Mall.

Date: Sun, March 31, 2024, 21:39:47 ET
Posted by: Lutz, Hnl

Walter at his best.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9cV_tvz5i8

Date: Fri, March 29, 2024, 23:11:08 ET
Posted by: Dr. Hünd, Hanging Valley Wall, Colorado

<<Surf and/or Die>>

Best Walter song….and I love all of them.

Date: Wed, March 27, 2024, 21:24:43 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

M/O/D/P

god an(d) med(s) - AI liftin its Freudian slip!

Surf and/or Die

or this one are as close to SD songs about god and meds.

https://youtu.be/DSfiPrhpeF8?si=J_rutRapsTaHngdr


I'd argue this is also the gateway drug to later SD albums and songs, especially the instrument interlude.

Also, Walter shares lead in part of the chorus and end of the song.

Date: Wed, March 27, 2024, 13:12:08 ET
Posted by: Badsneakers, ,

More likely just a goddanmed typo than autocorrect I think.
Must take the dan-med...

Date: Tues, March 26, 2024, 21:04:08 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, Typographical Error Department

"goddamned", not "goddanmed"

Damn autocorrect.

When I go on a cussin' jag, I certainly don't need no AI to figger me out and *fix* me.

M/O/D/P

PS - As my late, lamented Grandpa Blaze would say, way back when, in The Old Days, "Ding dang the #@&&*# dingy-dang #@#@%%** ding ##@@%%** goldarnit!!"

Date: Tues, March 26, 2024, 20:31:33 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, Definitely not going to any ridiculous Eagles show anytime soon

QUOTE: "Not much good has happened since they became the official opener".

Point very well made. Especially given that recent "Tom Cochrane" [sic] unfortunate situation in Toronto.

Especially not THAT.

Good Lord...really, who the hell thought THAT substitution was a Good Idea??

I mean, we all understand cancellations and last-minute scrambling...however...

What we don't understand is willfull and deliberate punishment of an already captive ("paid up") audience.

Bad enough that decent, hard-working folks had to pay up (and pay dearly) for an "Eagles" show that, even up-front, in advance, clearly already defied any previous limits for audience boredom and/or suffering.

Never mind the damn ticket prices.

It's enough to make a life-long SD fan bail out and turn into a Springsteen fan.

M/O/D/P

PS - OK, sure, I wuz just funnin' with that last bit. I always like to end on an off-note - a "shock ending" so to speak...but even I will admit that that last line was a bit much, even for me.

PPS - So I beg your forgiveness, dear reader, because this wonderful site does not have an "edit" function, so I can't, y'know, fix any of my earlier indiscretions. Of which there may very well be many, historically speaking.

PPPS - Despite what "Tom Cochrane" [sic] claims, life is NOT a goddanmed "highway". I know this, and YOU know this. And I'm really thankful that I didn't have to sit through an unbearable live performance of that gawdawful hackneyed song, you know, the one that loudly & repetitively claims, over & over again, that "Life Is A Highway". It isn't. That's just tired metaphorical bullshit, and bad song-writing as well.

PPPPS - I guess I should probably just shut the hell up and be eternally grateful that I didn't, y'know, Go To The Show back on March 14th. It is now a Dark Day in history, but it surely would have been several shades darker if I'd actually been there.

Date: Tues, March 26, 2024, 14:55:36 ET
Posted by: Danfests page, sign up

here is a picture of Libby and Dylan asking where the Stones are:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GJlQe07XAAAHoj6?format=jpg&name=large

Date: Tues, March 26, 2024, 14:55:35 ET
Posted by: Lutz, HNL

Eagles have signed a 4th quarter multiple show deal with the Sphere. I wonder if SD will still be on the ticket then. Almost seems like a curse, not much good has happened since they became the official opener.

Date: Sun, March 24, 2024, 22:53:01 ET
Posted by: EC, NY

OK - that "Feelin' Groovy" CD set currently being sold on Amazon...says it's from the Toronto BROADCAST, but the show was, as far as I know, NEVER "broadcast" as in "over the FM airwaves". The recording is a soundboard, and it's been widely shared over the years, by fans - rightly or wrongly, it's been circulating around for a while. I know about the recent EU rulings on broadcast live music that have "freed-up" some older recordings for "legal" sale, but this one doesn't fit that bill. It's not a broadcast.

Date: Sun, March 24, 2024, 16:38:57 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. Reggae Sunday!

Jimme, thank you. I had forgotten about that interview. Pretty funny, in context. Appreciate it.

Date: Sun, March 24, 2024, 16:24:09 ET
Posted by: Jimmie, F

This is what the title of that Toronto bootleg alludes to.

https://steelydanreader.com/2006/03/15/donald-fagen-stowed-away-time-quite-nicely/

Date: Sun, March 24, 2024, 10:09:17 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. Reggae Sunday!

I wonder if someone is out to get Donald. Did you see the title of the latest 2006 concert release (bootleg) from Japan?

https://www.amazon.com/Feelin-Groovy-DONALD-FAGEN/dp/B08GB25J9B

Date: Sun, March 24, 2024, 10:07:09 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. Reggae Sunday!

Napoleon, what a find! Ha!

Wow that is horrible. I wonder if there is some new "artist" going by Donald Fagen, or just a screw up in a database. But seriously, what garbage.

Thanks for the Sunday morning laugh.

Date: Sat, March 23, 2024, 20:42:36 ET
Posted by: Amina Ross, New York

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Date: Sat, March 23, 2024, 19:42:33 ET
Posted by: Napoleon , United Kingdom

In the last couple of hours, I received a new release notification on Spotify for Donald Fagen.

The track is called Infinite Love (I was already suspicious) and the art work is terrible (even by SD's standards).

Needless to say it wasn't him but it's listed on his profile. This isn't the first time this has happened to me either. Anyone else have this problem?

Nap

Date: Sat, March 23, 2024, 18:13:15 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago

Had to make some script updates...before posting be sure to do a "refresh" or "reload" of this page. When you go to post, the URL at the top of the page should end in Th3N1ghtBl0ngz2MaryM0na.html

Thanks--with special thanks to Dean!

Jim
aka hoops

Date: Fri, March 22, 2024, 07:28:09 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Doc, how about this one written by Stevie Wonder and Eric Mercury titled 'You Are My Heaven' performed by Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway. I think you posted this some time ago.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EF0U9rDsA3s

More songs written by or co-written with Stevie Wonder.

The Spinners - It's A Shame

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WoZP18U5VyY

Julio Iglesias, Stevie Wonder - My Love

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2OXVnsPC0gg

Jermaine Jackson - Let's Get Serious

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FMLKb4or8yg

Smokey Robinson - Hold On To Your Love

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

Bonus track: Djavan - Samurai (w/ Stevie on harmonica)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-qwqrQXsXQ

Date: Thurs, March 21, 2024, 17:47:37 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,

Here's a recording from Bill Schnee's engineered and produced album by Thelma Houston: I've Got the Music in Me with the Pressure Cooker horns (1975). A nice Stevie Wonder bluesy tune called To Know You is to Love You. The album was direct to disc and the sound is truly "in the room." Some of the best drum mic'ing I've ever heard. Jim Keltner is on the the kit here. Jim Gordon was the other drummer on the album.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kp0ZWTTf1cs&list=OLAK5uy_kdOgzty1k3xSiuI6VkrU5be3kOqRacXZI&index=3

No wonder W&D wanted Schnee as the recording engineer on Aja with The Immortal!

Drums – Jim Keltner
Electric Piano – Michael Omartian
Lead Guitar – Larry Carlton
Rhythm guitar: Dean Parks
Bass: Reine Press
Saxophone: Jim Horn
Trombone, Bass Trombone: Dick Hyde, Lew McCreary
Trumpet: Chuck Findley, Paul Hubinon
Backing vocals: Jackie Ward, Lisa Roberts, Morgan Ames, Myrna Matthews

Date: Wed, March 20, 2024, 23:41:17 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

As much Jay Graydon produced Al Jarreau sound, but a good one from about 8 years ago from the grazingly Dan, State Cows.

https://youtu.be/dLx7FZd2Acg?si=yCyf3mEWxS8z-5tK

Date: Tues, March 19, 2024, 23:30:49 ET
Posted by: moray eel, Miss

Apologies. Bill Schnee.

m.e.

Date: Tues, March 19, 2024, 21:16:58 ET
Posted by: moray eel, A

Interview with Bill Schee on engineering Aja:

https://youtu.be/jzLe8YsVHOg?si=RrDsbm3DALrGFDgH

m.e.

Date: Tues, March 19, 2024, 09:30:58 ET
Posted by: BadSneakers,

"... you CAN actually get that money back, not necessarily as a refund directly from Ticketmaster, but as a credit card chargeback."

This.