Date: Sun, October 01, 2023, 08:04:40 ET
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Date: Sun, October 01, 2023, 04:45:31 ET
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Date: Sun, October 01, 2023, 04:40:56 ET
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Date: Sat, September 23, 2023, 23:42:02 ET
Posted by: SDV, up on the hill

good to see Wenner finally suffering consequences for his smug and stunted views, even better knowing he has no one but himself to blame. if only it had happened 50+ years ago. yes the RRHOF is a joke (SD certainly treated it as such) and RS became one long ago, but it's still satisfying to know the guy's hubris finally got the better of him. good riddance

Date: Sat, September 23, 2023, 09:19:04 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Back with a new playlist.

theCatherines - She Found Her Peace

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9BGKoDXl5c

Alberto Rosenblit - Pica Pau

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OdBx5oZ4SiY

Henry Mancini - Lujon

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RjsG3i6L9vw

Milk Talk & Vantage - Million Miles Away

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

Casiopea-P4 - A Beam of Hope

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pRKKg6tfGDw

Perry Botkin Jr. - Bridges

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6hlCVYBYPg


Some of you might recognize Perry Botkin Jr. as he, along with Barry De Vorzon, composed 'Cotton's Dream' for the film Bless The Beasts and The Children. This song subsequently became the theme for The Young & The Restless and was retitled 'Nadia's Theme' after Olympic gymnast Nadia Comăneci. Aside of this, Perry composed music for television, collaborated with various artists on albums and produced some solo material. He also composed the ABC Friday/Sunday Night Movie theme used from the mid-'70s through the early '80s.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RrjtOoB8b-E

Perry passed away a couple years ago at age 87.

Date: Fri, September 22, 2023, 20:54:17 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, Taking The Bait, Again...

Hey, Sammy...

Maybe no one here has commented (so far, anyways) on the story you refer to because maybe, just maybe, no one here really gives a flying fuck about anything as assinine & idiotic & infantile and ultimately irrelevant as "The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame" - a pseudo-Disney-esque tourist attraction designed to appeal strictly to those of severely-diminished capacity, or, if we're being generous, a really dumb thing created for those half-wits who believe that "music" is a "sport" with "winners" and "losers" who require "awards" and "trophies". Why anyone - even those poor unfortunates who live right across the street from the stupid thing - would ever go there is beyond me. So who gives a shit who's in it or which cadaverous, foul-smelling business-person runs it? And what kind of dipshit travels cross-country to take a gander at (and an obligatory "cell-phone pic" of) Bono's first pair of wraparound sunglasses or to behave with similar personal indignity while mooning over Bruce Springsteen's first all-metal "State of New Jersey" lunch-bucket?? Those are rhetorical questions, by the way.

As far as Wenner and his shitty, pompous, completely unnecessary "journalism" [sic] project, the less said the better. Frank really did say it best, in that interview with Bruce Kirkland of the Toronto Star back in 1977. For those of you who don't get the reference (perhaps you've actually attended the R&R HoF, maybe even more than once, or maybe you're a long-time "Rolling Stone Magazine" subscriber, I dunno), the quote goes like this:

"Most rock journalism is people who can't write, interviewing people who can't talk, for people who can't read". That pretty much covers "Rolling Stone Magazine". Prove me wrong - I dare ya.

And then there are all these current revisionists & snipers who somehow see racism, misogyny, this-&-that-o-phobia, and "hate" any time - every time - someone/anyone - even a jerk like Wenner - voices and opinion that sounds like it might have come from 1950...or 1970...or 1990...or even from ten years ago. Me? I'm even more tired of those noisy, destructive fucks than I am of Wenner, his dull-witted news-paper, and his ridiculous (and now, apparently former) "Hall Of Fame".

M/O/D/P

Date: Fri, September 22, 2023, 18:34:28 ET
Posted by: Sam Bivalent, Off-set

Sorry to phrase this so negatively, but straight up: I can't believe no one's yet made any "ding dong the witch is dead!"-type comments regarding Jann Wenner's ousting from the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame board of directors last weekend. To bring you up to speed Jack, um... oh... does someone else want to provide details? But you can google it, natch. Nutshell: a guy who briefly worked for Rolling Stone some years ago interviewed Wenner for the NYTimes about Wenner's new book of interviews, mostly culled from RS, called, oh, Legends of Rock or some dumb shit. The guy asked W why none of said legends interviewed in the book were female or black, and boy did Wenner ever respond, and the rest, as they say, is rock 'n' roll history. Shockingly, appallingly racist and sexist remarks. But I can't stop laughing, because this will become his very stained legacy - as it should. The interview was published in the NYT online last Friday (9/15) (and in print finally on Tuesday), instantly drew major ire, and Wenner was voted out by Saturday. The two "let him stay in" votes were from Wenner and Jon Landau. The Times already ran a great follow-up article yesterday (9/21), but no letters-to-the-editor have shown up in the print edition yet.

Thoughts on this?

I'm calling on our hero, occasional Times contributor Good King Donald, to write a piece for the paper about what an unbelievable ruiner of Western culture that honey-mustard-loving(?), ripped-jeans-loving, walking talking bag of toxic waste has been over the decades. Who's with me? Pretty please, D?


"When the skanks were sky-high, that's when you'd always shine"

Date: Wed, September 20, 2023, 20:39:51 ET
Posted by: Elmont, UBS

Phantom Raiders

Josie
Hey Nineteen
Aja
Kid Charlemagne
Dirty Work
Time Out of Mind
Rikki Don't Lose That Number
Peg
My Old School
Reelin' in the Years

A Man Ain't Supposed To Cry

Date: Wed, September 20, 2023, 20:37:08 ET
Posted by: Newark, NJ

9/16

Phantom Raiders

Josie
Hey Nineteen
Aja
Kid Charlemagne
Dirty Work
Black Friday
Black Cow
Peg
My Old School
Reelin' in the Years

A Man Ain't Supposed to Cry

9/17

Phantom Raiders

Josie
Hey Nineteen
Aja
Kid Charlemagne
Dirty Work
Black Friday
Rikki Don't Lose That Number
Peg
My Old School
Reelin' in the Years

A Man Ain't Supposed to Cry

Date: Mon, September 18, 2023, 08:58:18 ET
Posted by: steelyfez, New Jersey

Went to see our beloved band Saturday for the first time since Walter passed. I must say they sounded great. Quick short setlist.
The crowd was enthusiastic as well. I had several young adults around me that didn't really know much about Steely Dan? Afterward they were all impressed. The Eagles were good as well. Fun night at the Prudential Center.

Date: Sun, September 17, 2023, 20:59:32 ET
Posted by: EC, NY

Well, I'm rather pleased to find out that The Dean doesn't closely resemble Catherine Deneuve, and I'll bet that he's happy about that fact too. Even though Jim's & M/O/D/P's 2 stories were *eerily similar*.

I did look up Wilfed Lucas in that 1940 Laurel & Hardy film. Every bit as dignified & distinguished-looking as I imagined The Dean all these years. Perfect.

Count me in as not being ready to even discuss SD opening for the Eagles, as well. Maybe, some day, after the painful "right here/right now" reality of Tour 2023/24 is no longer fresh in my mind. Maybe.

Date: Sun, September 17, 2023, 19:07:00 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago

M/D/O/P/: Nice story about the Dean. The best connections are real.

The rest is, as they say, "bluebook history."

J

Date: Sat, September 16, 2023, 12:54:55 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,

Sometimes Bad News is Good news...

https://youtu.be/G8OCGoDmnAI?si=ooqq1djFwp1HMjaH

Dat bass.

Date: Sat, September 16, 2023, 12:41:11 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

"...A kind of rhythm and blues foundation with jazz harmonies and my voice and a few other points of style give you that sound."

I'm delighted that Dr. Fagen owned this because that's been my argument from the beginning. Steely Dan was never a (classic) rock band, but an R&B jazz fusion that played it on rock instruments over the first 3 albums until their true intensions were revealed...

They got it.


Aaron Frazer

I Got It

https://youtu.be/6MdYYOtgwM8?si=KagjwlGVksCUiUqZ

Has that Mamas Gun (Andy Platts) OG R&B vibe.

Date: Sat, September 16, 2023, 12:06:33 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. Uptown, Baby!

Don and M/O/D/P, thanks for the nice comments. I'm blushing. I'm getting a little verklempt.

We definately need to have another session before the boys hang it up.

I'm still not ready to discuss The Dan opening for the Eagles.

Date: Sat, September 16, 2023, 00:58:19 ET
Posted by: Don Patrol, Mtl

M/O/D/P, I also remember(though blurrily) having a tutorial with our fave Dean at the BE. A fun night on all fronts! You meet the most interesting folks at Danfests and after parties.

Dean check YOUR email!
Peace

Date: Fri, September 15, 2023, 22:48:24 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

FM - right - the original version included Walter's magnificent outtro solo.

There's a Fan Mix with both the guitar solo, then Christlieb's sax solo.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=316mipUnA-M

Date: Fri, September 15, 2023, 22:46:03 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, Sure, I wasn't exactly sitting next to some gorgeous/famous European movie star, but still...

Jim, I love that Catherine Deneuve story, and I have one of my own that's eerily similar. Once, a long time ago, at a Steely Dan Beacon Theatre show in NYC, I found myself sitting next to The Dean!! Of course, no-one had to explain to me who he was, after the fact - I already knew it was him. We'd actually pre-arranged the whole thing.

He wasn't pretty, or blonde, or even French, but that didn't bother me one bit. The fact was, he looked EXACTLY like Wilfred Lucas in the Laurel and Hardy movie "A Chump at Oxford" - black gown, black mortar-board hat, white mutton-chops and all. Exactly. He truly was "The Dean". I suspect I was as impressed by this as you were, post facto, by the lovely & famous French actress.

More than a decade later, I have come to value that evening as much as anyone could value an evening.

Date: Fri, September 15, 2023, 21:32:35 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. Uptown, Baby!

Don "screwing up" the lyrics on a studio recording? Not bloody likely!) (Please read that in a stereotypically pompous British accent.)

Live? Definitely possible (perhaps even likely). But an officially released live recording? That's a puzzle.

M/O/P/D check your email.

Don Patrol, how the hell are you and Fran?

Hope you are doing well, Jim

What ever happened to Jazzassassin? I miss that dude.

Shout out to all the Dandom. My best to you all.

Date: Thurs, September 14, 2023, 22:03:51 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago

Mark Bacola reminded of 23 years ago yesterday on September 13, 2000: Steely Dan performs at Olympia in Paris.

Fantastic show! The performance was great. We had a great Danfest before;. Walter got the biggest round of applause I've ever experienced at a the Steely Dan show, even more than Donald Fagen usually gets. Curiously, I sat next to Catherine Deneuve. I didn't realize it was her – – who expects to sit next to Catherine Deneuve at a Steely Dan show? Then she left during the encore; she looked vaguely and then a couple people told me it was her.

Date: Thurs, September 14, 2023, 11:44:37 ET
Posted by: nah, no way

there is no such fucking thing as Eagles Time.

Date: Thurs, September 14, 2023, 11:08:37 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Thanks for clarifying. Always thought the guitar version was the original because it was played on the radio and that D&W might've added the sax solo later. I much prefer Walter's guitar solo.

Never understood the discrepancy until now because I never purchased the FM soundtrack. From what I understand it wasn't a good movie.

An interesting quote from Donald: "One thing people don't realize is that we never, ever went for a specific kind of sound, even in the '70s. It's really a function of what we like to hear. A kind of rhythm and blues foundation with jazz harmonies and my voice and a few other points of style give you that sound."

Having access to some of the best studio musicians and engineers certainly helped, but it all boils down to the core songwriting strength of D&W. Even their stripped-down piano and bass demos were superb.

Date: Thurs, September 14, 2023, 09:56:46 ET
Posted by: FM, the real story

@ Michael:

The original soundtrack to the movie FM had two SD songs on it: FM and FM (Reprise). FM had the wonderful Walter guitar solo on the fadeout. FM (Reprise) was a shorter instrumental version with Pete Christlieb wailing away on the sax.

A few years later, someone at the record company somehow decided it would be a good idea to kind of mash together the two versions, and created this Frankenstein version of FM, with Walter's solo wiped out and replaced by the sax solo. No idea what Donald and Walter thought of this concept but that's how it went down.

On the various album compilations that have come out since then (Gold, Decade, Citizen etc.), the version you get will vary. Unfortunately today most of the time on the radio you will hear the mashed-up version.

Date: Thurs, September 14, 2023, 07:13:14 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Given his fastidiousness in the studio it's highly doubtful that Donald would screw up the lyrics to his own music.

What I want to know is why are there two different outros to FM, one with a sax solo and another with a guitar solo?

Date: Thurs, September 14, 2023, 04:05:53 ET
Posted by: Jimmie, US

There are a couple of discrepancies between the printed lyrics on The Nightfly and what is sung on the recording. At least with my CD from the mid 80s. On the live CD, Donald sings these lyrics as they were on the lyric sheet and not the original studio tracks. I’m guessing he went back to the printed lyrics to learn the songs again. Or maybe the whole objective of the live project was to correct the original discrepancy. Yeah, pretty sure that’s it.

Date: Wed, September 13, 2023, 22:44:42 ET
Posted by: Chris, Nh

TDG, Night 2:

Phantom
Josie
Hey nineteen
“We’re gonna have a lot of fun playin for y’all … So uh.. get comfortable … and we’re just gonna go through it”
Aja
Kid c
“He was famous in his time … look it up”
Dirty work
“What’s new? I know that’s an impossible question to ask. Everything’s new.. and old.. same time … “
Black Friday
“Thank you. Where am I? What’s my name?” (Possibly referencing the fact that he came in a bar or so behind initially, and the band adjusted)
Black cow
“Alright … it’s a sad story”
Peg
My old school
“Gettin near to that eagles time …. “
Reelin
Man ain’t

Date: Wed, September 13, 2023, 10:26:03 ET
Posted by: Michael,

I got in the limited edition 3CD box set of the new Kirinji album 'Steppin' Out' which just came out a week ago, so I've been listening to it quite a bit. Especially interesting to hear the demo tracks for these songs. Excellent stuff through and through. Here are some songs from the new album.

Runner's High

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8_IDTXiduo

I ♡ 歌舞伎町 (I ♡ Kabukicho)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJNLPaCEpc8

説得 (Persuasion)

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

Rainy Runway

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sfq4xEANM2E


Just for good measure, here's another J-playlist.


来生たかお (Kisugi Takao) - スローモーション (Slow Motion)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W6TGQe2uWgc

稲垣潤一 (Junichi Inagaki) - クリスマスキャロルの頃には (At the Time of Christmas Carols)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QtL9DdSJ8TY

村下孝蔵 (Kozo Murashita) - 初恋 (First Love)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OKizrDxp54c

高田みづえ (Mizue Takada) - 私はピアノ (I Am the Piano)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2GVyYGl758

鈴木雅之 (Masayuki Suzuki) - 別れの街 (The Town of Farewell)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ys84RnFP0NM

Date: Tues, September 12, 2023, 18:28:16 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Listening to my copy of Toxic Vegan's My Fabulous Life album...and really digging again those deep cuts.

23:00 Sister Easy Street - has that organ/horn Dirty Work soundscape, except even more bluesy and NOLA. Here the story is told from the boyfriend/husband's perspective. He's abused but whipped and would do anything to keep the scoundress. There's a knack for twisting melodies and shifting rhythms in this sultry number.


19:29 Your Ace in the Hole. Another poor soul longing for their love - here the belle of Belarus, Tatania, and the love he missed out on, or threw away, years ago. Some really nice chord changes and rising modulation that lifts the chorus. Channeling some Katy Lied era Dan, fused with some early 60s jazz and a touch of Gaucho. What a Shame About Us.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-20THjkJCE&t=305s

Date: Tues, September 12, 2023, 05:26:00 ET
Posted by: Steve M, Scotland

It's behind a paywall but an article in the Vulture section of the New York magazine has an interesting wee article about Don Henley taking the original crack at the Peg backing vocs before MMcD finally got the job. It describes D&W leaving the studio to 'get a sandwich' leaving Katz to give Henley the bad news. Always been a fan of D&W's judgement!

https://www.vulture.com/2023/09/steely-dan-donald-fagen-the-eagles-don-henley.html

Date: Tues, September 12, 2023, 03:01:39 ET
Posted by: Bah Stunn, TDG

Phantom Raiders

Josie
Hey Nineteen
Aja
Kid Charlemagne
Dirty Work
Black Friday
Black Cow
Peg
My Old School
Reelin' in the Years

A Man Ain't Supposed to Cry

Date: Mon, September 11, 2023, 21:24:29 ET
Posted by: popegreg, suburban streets

I’m wondering what I missed as I thought Connor Kennedy left the band? I don’t think that’s him with the man bun in the videos on YouTube from Madison Square Garden. So who’s the new guitar player?

Date: Sun, September 10, 2023, 03:07:18 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Tomi Malm with Ole Børud: Are You Real?

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

Date: Fri, September 08, 2023, 19:46:42 ET
Posted by: Co man, Nyc

So, last night's SD opener was, TBH, pretty good. I mean, Phantom Raiders intro (really thought they'd just jump into bodhisattva or something) then Josie as first song: not bad! All were on form and not a bad little set.

Just saying.

I was there.

And, TBHF, better than the fucking Eagles.

Out.

Date: Fri, September 08, 2023, 11:37:45 ET
Posted by: Michael,

New playlist.

Tomi Malm - Margeaux (feat. Julian Thomas)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CUOqPCfmh2Q

Olivia Byington - Banda dos corações solitários (Lonely Hearts Band)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJ__k_w7jF0

We Used to Cut the Grass - Shep's Nightcap

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kFM74T2Gs-k

Sunset Rollercoaster - Villa

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5gD7e9yYto

Antonio Neves - Lamento de um Perplexo (feat. Leo Gandelman)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p8q2MbJadCE

Date: Fri, September 08, 2023, 01:10:10 ET
Posted by: ,

September 7, 2023

1. Phantom Raiders
2. Josie
3. Hey 19
4. Aja
5. Kid C
6. Dirty Work
7. Black Friday
8. Rikki
9. Peg
10. My Old School
11. Reelin w/ KFC solo
12. A Man Ain’t Supposed to Cry

Date: Thurs, September 07, 2023, 22:19:17 ET
Posted by: Madison, Seventh Avenue

9/7/23

Josie
Hey Nineteen
Aja
Kid Charlemagne
Dirty Work
Black Friday
Rikki Don't Lose That Number
Peg
My Old School
Reelin' in the Years

Date: Thurs, September 07, 2023, 18:25:42 ET
Posted by: Chris, Nh

The Eagles have really upped the Irving factor in ticket pricing. Primo seats may be expensive no matter what, but the cheap seats for tonight’s show are well under face value from resellers (who are now the only game in town for many shows) and I suspect other nights will follow suit.

I went to an undersold LiveNation show a couple weeks ago. I paid $10 for a $35 lawn seat.
Once inside I was able to upgrade to pavilion seats for $20. Not saying it will be the same case here, but that’s how it can go sometimes.

Date: Thurs, September 07, 2023, 01:29:56 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Steve M - that is just damn good stuff. The horns, Omartian's ad libs, Schnee's mix - perfection.

RIP Walter. It's still hard to fathom that the news came near daybreak after Fagen and the Nightflyers played in Austin. What a show. From the highest high to the lowest low.

Date: Tues, September 05, 2023, 12:30:02 ET
Posted by: Dr. Hünd, Hanging Valley Wall, Colorado

Bill, absolutely correct sir.

Date: Mon, September 04, 2023, 15:21:31 ET
Posted by: Bill , Sigh

Sorry couldn’t edit. Promoters’ guarantee (their gamble) is based not only on hype/sales pitch (the irv factor), but also in part on relevant historical data…and the Es have sold out huge venues forever, and recently. So I think the guarantee itself (what a promoter MUST pay for the act, regardless of actual ticket sales) is where the big bucks are. If ticket sales stay slack this year, then that means 1) artists don;t get that bonus for draw, (or much for consessions) and 2) promoter guarantees for the next tour are adjusted downward, cause they took a bath on this year’s. But the Es and DF will have still pocketed a massive guarantee.

Date: Mon, September 04, 2023, 15:12:53 ET
Posted by: Bill, Bc

Dr Hund — that is my impression too. Also remember the base ‘take’ is the promoter’s guarantee; that’s what’s guaranteed, based on promoters’ gamble on how big a lineup will be…and that # bound to be pretty huge since Irving no doubt hyped this bill to the heavens etc. Then on top of promoters guarantee are cut of (or bonus for) ticket sales above some % of house capacity. Both will contribute (and concessions cut also really add up: just reflect on what we pay for parking, a t shirt, a beer) but I’d lay odds that promoters offered gold for what they believe will be a ‘winner’.

Date: Mon, September 04, 2023, 12:38:28 ET
Posted by: Steve M, Scotland

Sorry if this Second Arrangement video has already been posted here?

I know this is just a cover but the involvement of Michael Omartian and Bill Schnee gives it a bit of cred. Sounds great overall, vocals maybe a little too polished but it's the horns that really work for me....what could have been eh?

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

Date: Mon, September 04, 2023, 08:25:55 ET
Posted by: Gino, around

Interview with Bill Schnee.

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

Date: Sun, September 03, 2023, 23:25:38 ET
Posted by: Dr. Hünd, Hanging Valley Wall, Colorado

<<And yes, because of economies of scale, combined with what they can charge for a double bill like this, basically it's a break-even with a shorter show for Donald.>>

Donald and band will make more money opening this double bill vs. their last headlining tour. Guaranteed. Everyone, including Eagles, may not make as much though as anticipated as ticket sales are not quite robust.

Date: Sun, September 03, 2023, 22:51:58 ET
Posted by: Don Patrol, Mtl

Miss you Walt!

Date: Sun, September 03, 2023, 19:08:12 ET
Posted by: Bill, Yada

PS to Chris — thanks for the social media intel. I heard somebody (my cousin) say Carlock was also on board—I’ll look at his site

Date: Sun, September 03, 2023, 09:20:40 ET
Posted by: Mer, Boston

Thinking of Walter today. Miss you and deep gratitude for your musical impact!!

Date: Sun, September 03, 2023,  ET
Posted by: The Greater Dandom, Worldwide

Date: Sat, September 02, 2023, 09:27:59 ET
Posted by: Chris,

Jimmy Buffet's Mailboat Records put out Walter's Circus Money album in the US.

RIP.

Date: Sat, September 02, 2023, 07:53:31 ET
Posted by: Stan, US

RIP Jimmy Buffett.

Date: Sat, September 02, 2023, 00:55:00 ET
Posted by: Chris,

Yes, as you point out, Carlock and his wife have also been referencing their SD tour prep on social media. Pretty much appears to be the same crew as last year's tour. We'll find out in six days. Like I said, maybe they'll have one less backup singer or horn player.

And yes, because of economies of scale, combined with what they can charge for a double bill like this, basically it's a break-even with a shorter show for Donald. They don't release such figures publicly, but that's pretty much what I'm gathering from different sources. I just follow the various social media channels as well as my modest knowledge about the concert industry. Concessions help, but at the end of the day, Donald breaks even with less work and strain on himself. Remember, a lot of Steely Dan shows were not sell outs last year. It was very close to being a solo Steely Dan tour this fall but this worked out better.

I'm certainly not saying that I prefer Eagles/SD to the usual Steely Dan headliner shows. For me there's no comparison. I'm just glad Donald's able to perform at age 75.

Date: Fri, September 01, 2023, 23:27:47 ET
Posted by: Bill, Yada

PS to Chris — thanks for the social media intel. I heard somebody (my cousin) say Carlock was also on board—I’ll look at his site

Date: Fri, September 01, 2023, 23:20:30 ET
Posted by: Bill, Again

Chris, did you really mean to write that a solo SD versus 2nd bill with the eagles would be roughly equally profitable to SD/Fagen?. I don’t think that can be right. They’re playing some MONSTER venues this year, and tour juggernaut that the eagles are (ick), these huge venues are likely to sell very well. I can only assume that the promoter’s payouts for high-selling top-dollar big venues are massive….and that’s not even including scores of thousands more bodies at the t-shirt tables (and, plus, also, you can bet Irving drove another deal of the decade on this one). Anyway even after Don H and crew get their big cut, I would bet DF gets more perhaps far more for these shows as openers than he’s gotten in a a good while, and for half the work. anybody more knowledgeable care to jump in?

But honestly, it’s probably not worth thinking about too carefully anyway. It’s just a little depressing, speaking for myself. He’ll just be broke again next year and god knows what will come down the pike next.

Date: Fri, September 01, 2023, 20:33:19 ET
Posted by: Chris,

Like Bill said, they haven't updated band bios before tours since the days of Walter and the SD Webdrone.

Based on social media posts and photos from Jim Beard, Jon Herington, Michael Leonhart and Catherine Russell, looks like most or all the band will be there. Maybe they will have one fewer Bare Midriff or one less horn, but I think it will be the same. Catherine's going to miss a handful of shows due to previous committments.

My hunch is that they looked at the economics and decided that an SD Orchestra tour could be just about as profitable if they toured by themselves or with Eagles. I don't think all the SD shows have been sell outs in recent years.

It is pretty amazing that Donald is still touring and performing at age 75. I can't blame him for wanting to lay back a bit and do shorter shows.

Personally, I can't afford $300+ to see SD for an hour. I'm not especially an Eagles fan. Hope SD does a few more dates by themselves in 2024. But they are starting to talk about SD also opening for Eagles in 2024.

Date: Fri, September 01, 2023, 15:44:13 ET
Posted by: Bill, Smokey nw

Casual -the band lineups, bios, tour pics etc were in the before-days. Haven’t seen anything like this since the official site’s change in management after Walter’s death. You might have some luck getting the lineup from members like m Leonhart who is on social? I’m sitting this 1 out but agree the band lineup would be a factor in considering the $$$ tickets.

Date: Thurs, August 31, 2023, 15:41:22 ET
Posted by: casual fan, Florida

Been a long time since I posted here and just wanted to offer a few comments on the upcoming Eagles Tour w/ opener Steely Dan. I've seen the comments about ticket prices and that many wished the bill were the other way around (count me amongst the critics of both).

One other concern that I have not seen addressed (apologies if it was) is that typically the opener does not have a large stage presence. Play maybe 30 minutes or a bit more, but then their items must be hustled off the stage for the main attraction. I fear this means a scaled-back version of the 10-12 member ensemble we've seen over the last decade-plus.

In tours past the SD website always put a bio up of all touring members, subject to change where needed, but it gave a sense of the scope of the band and its energy. So far I do not see that on the SD page and we're a week from Day 1. If anyone has any info on who might be in the SD band this go 'round, that might help me make some decisions earlier than I otherwise would have to.

Date: Wed, August 30, 2023, 09:43:33 ET
Posted by: Michael,

New playlist. Enjoy.

Ian Gomm - Hold On

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-Xt5DAwlfg

High Llamas - Cookie Bay

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

Chris White - Spanish Wine

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i7O5NPPrR2E

Benny Sings - Late At Night

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kokvb4mrLCY

Keith Mansfield - Good Vibrations

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

Date: Mon, August 28, 2023, 21:16:54 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago

M/O/D/P: thanks for the background all that. I didn't know all that. 👍

Date: Fri, August 25, 2023, 20:13:07 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, Long ago & far away/in a different age

In the mid-1980s I worked for a while as a licensed private investigator for a medium-sized investigations firm. One of my [least favorite] occasional assignments, when things were slow, was "document service". Back then, I was paid $50 per subpoena served...which, yeah, sounds good, and sometimes it actually was good money. On a really good day, I'd have to serve a bunch of lawyers, all in the same office tower, all on the same day...BOOM! - a quick $500.00 for less than an hour's work. Mostly, though, I'd spend two days chasing the deadbeat asshole I was supposed to serve...the guy who was never home, never at work, the guy who lived out in the damned sticks...who knows where that greasy crackhead loser was?? Neighbors don't know nothin'...family don't know nothin'...it's a flat fee/I don't get to book for mileage...three days of frustrating work, all for a lousy $50.

"Wait - I thought this was gonna be just like The Rockford Files..."

Anyways, the law was, and presumably still is (?), that all I had to do was, "hit him with the paper"...meaning, the server ("me") must make the envelope containing the subpoena make physical contact with the clod ("the other guy") being served. Even if the guy refused to accept the serve, even if the envelope bounced off his food-stained track pants (or his still-moist peejays) and hit the ground, no problem. It was all legal because I "hit him with the paper".

I always wore "plain clothes/street clothes" when serving documents - sometimes I'd carry an empty pizza box to the door...or maybe I'd bring what looked like a delivery package...anything to look distinctly "unofficial". Of course, I can't be 100% certain, but there's a very definite possibility that I may have worn a Steely Dan t-shirt on one or more of these assignments. After hearing Jim's story, I like to think that I did, at least once.

I do know for a fact that I never wore a "Bruce Springsteen" t-shirt, though. Not because it wouldn't have "worked", we understand. Because, even when I was dealing with those on society's lowest rung, I still had some sense of decorum.

Date: Fri, August 25, 2023, 19:31:32 ET
Posted by: hoops,

Steve in Scotland:

😂

Date: Fri, August 25, 2023, 16:06:38 ET
Posted by: Steve M, Scotland

A subtle little logo reading "Agents of the law".....

Date: Fri, August 25, 2023, 15:49:29 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago

I don't know that there is a dress code for professional subpoena delivery services. Who knows? Maybe next they'll have "Uber Subpoenas." But whatever the dress code, it would fun if they require Steely Dan attire.

Regards

Date: Fri, August 25, 2023, 15:07:16 ET
Posted by: BC@gmail.com,

Hoops re your subpoena reflection:

So weird that a guy in a T-shirt (no matter the logo) would serve a
subpoena.

I always thought a sheriff, lawyer, court clerk, notary public, administrative assistant, or professional subpoena service could serve one.

So cool and yet unlikely a possibility, but
these are coo coo times we find ourselves in.

Date: Thurs, August 24, 2023, 23:03:43 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 N1ghtFl1L1v3S3p21.html

Thanks!

Jim
aka hoops

Date: Mon, August 21, 2023, 08:09:23 ET
Posted by: Michael,

New playlist. :)

The 5th Dimension - Up, Up and Away

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

Louis Cole - Blimp

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8_xaSom3Lro

Jigsaw - Sky High

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjtD8A-MWBc

Fiji Blue - No Ties

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilW7u9-sL70

Blue Magic - Sideshow

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7HJ-QcPhC68

Average White Band - Pick Up The Pieces

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

Date: Sun, August 20, 2023, 00:00:14 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago

Have to indulge in this story that happened this afternoon. I'm at home laying in bed with a bad fever, recovering from a virus. (Fortunately not Covid.) When I fell sick, I was sorting through my various Steely Dan; LPs, including the stack of my 11 copies of "Can't Buy a Thrill" which are sitting pretty close to my bed, abandoned when I felt ill. So I hear a knock at my door. I drag myself out of bed because the knocking is very persistent. The guy standing in front of me is there to serve a subpoena. So two things I can't figure out: one I can't imagine being subpoenaed for anything at this moment and, two, he's wearing a "Can't Buy a Thrill" album cover T-shirt. OK? Am I hallucinating? Fever dream? Turns out he has the wrong address, but nevertheless I said, "Since you woke me up, wait here a second." I come back with all of my CBAT LP copies in my arms and tell him, "Yeah, I really like that album too." He thought it was hysterical. I further explain, "I also have multiple copies on CD and cassette."

Anyways, I thought it was a cute story.

Date: Tues, August 15, 2023, 08:33:07 ET
Posted by: Daniel, NYC

Just watched most of the Gary Katz interview on Cimcie Nichols' YouTube channel. Of course thrilled that it exists and grateful that she's doing these (Dias, Baxter, Katz).

I will say that Katz's memory isn't great - lots of incorrect details (recording Gaucho on 32 track digital, taking home DAT tapes from SD sessions, a different - and seemingly less accurate - version of the Wayne Shorter/Aja session just to name three) and things that he has no memory of at all (Heartbreak Souvenir, to pick one). Not a complaint, just an observation.

There's a great story about Steve Gadd hearing the mixed version of the song Aja for the first time.

But here's a question for the group:

Katz says that, with the exception of Steve Jordan's part on Walk Between the Raindrops - which he says was played - all of the drums on the Nightfly album were programmed into Wendel by Jeff Porcaro and not played. Doesn't make sense with the credits on the album sleeve, but I'm curious if anyone else has made this claim.

Date: Mon, August 14, 2023, 22:56:10 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. Uptown, Baby!

35 years ago today, Roy Buchanan was found dead in his jail cell. RIP Roy. One of my favorite guitarists of all time.

Date: Sun, August 13, 2023, 22:01:03 ET
Posted by: BC,

Doc Mu

I'm defining backing vocalist as a singer who provides vocal harmony with the lead vocalist or other backing vocalists.

DF's vocals might be doubled-up in the chorus.

But there's no vocal harmony/ backing vocalist anywhere in Any Major Dude.

There is no vocal harmony in that song.

Date: Sun, August 13, 2023, 20:43:04 ET
Posted by: Michael,

New playlist. Enjoy.

Donald Fagen feat. David Sanborn - The Finer Things

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0F83sMAjJ4

Prep - One Day at a Time

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DjHaL5egC18

Roger Glenn - Reachin'

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

Cisco Swank - All The Same

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j29o8_c5Ouw

Resavoir - Taking Flight (feat. Brandee Younger)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkyx04YnE3A

Dr. Buzzard's Original Savannah Band - Cherchez La Femme

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jrzxW0rsD1Q

Bix Beiderbecke - In A Mist

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2_Ai8dgBko

Date: Sat, August 12, 2023, 05:20:49 ET
Posted by: SDV, up on the hill

Donald sings most of the parts on all the songs. I initially thought Walter sang at the end of Heartbeat but after hearing isolated parts I definitely don't think so anymore. I absolutely hear him on KOTW and YGT though.

I still think it's Hodder doing one lower part of Razor Boy and Palmer doing a high part on Rag, YGT, and MOS. don't hear Palmer on KOTW. there's a "croaky" voice on Showbiz I don't really recognize so that's probably Rolleston.

Date: Fri, August 11, 2023, 22:55:20 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

CTE:

Razor Boy: sounds like Donald with harmonies

Boston Rag - Hodder on backing vocals

Show Biz Kidz - James Rolleston is allegedly the male backing vocalist with Shirlie Matthews, Myrna Matthews, Patricia Hall

Boston Rag: Michael Fennely - backing vocals

KOTW: I think that is Palmer on some of the backing vocals. Could be Walter as well.

Turn that Heartbeat Over Again: We all agree that Walter takes an isolated lead role at the end.

Date: Fri, August 11, 2023, 22:42:40 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

BC - If you are arguing that Fagen is not only the second doubled up voice in the chorus and the harmony on the bridge, then you could have a point. My daughter and I listed to chorus and bridge few times by speaker, ear buds, headphones and we definitely hear a second vocal track on chorus and bridge. The chorus is really tight, but that's one of Donald's super powers. He could replicated every nuance spot on.

In an interview Donald said that Walter wrote most of the lyrics to Any Major Dude, so I imagine they at least thought about Walter assisting on vocals. For now I will side with Wiki and what few other breakdowns of Any Major Dude that I've seen over the years.

Date: Fri, August 11, 2023, 21:58:02 ET
Posted by: Dave (from acquisitions), Philadelphia

SDV- I agree with what you're saying. As for Turn That Heartbeat Over Again, I'm the one who pointed out a few months ago that I think it's Walter singing the very last line of the song when Palmer and Fagen go "turn that heartbeat over uh-Walter sings- TUUURN that heartbeat over again"

Date: Fri, August 11, 2023, 19:00:49 ET
Posted by: SDV, PS

I also hear who I think is Hodder on Razor Boy and Showbiz

Date: Fri, August 11, 2023, 18:57:41 ET
Posted by: SDV, up on the hill

Dave-
on Countdown I'm pretty sure I hear Palmer on Boston Rag, YGT and MOS. and in addition to YGT I hear Walter on the choruses of KOTW.

we'd also discussed how much Walter sang on Heartbeat and after hearing the semi-isolated vocals I believe he only sang on the "love your mama, love your brother" section

Date: Fri, August 11, 2023, 11:45:39 ET
Posted by: Eurolurker, Europe

BC, I agree with you about the Howard Rodman interview. It was lazy and of poor quality and a huge missed opportunity.
The interviewer told us next to nothing about Rodman himself, giving us no context for what was to follow.
Unlike Donald, about whose early life we know a good deal, mainly thanks to his own work and writings, we know very little about Walter's. He almost seems to have sprung into existence, fully-grown, at Bard.
There are so many things I wanted to hear about, such as what Walter was like as a kid and as an adolescent, his musicality, his family background and his personality, in particular through the one-on-one interactions that Rodman had with him after he became well-known through Steely Dan.
Let's hope someone else has a crack. I do like the work Jake Malooley is doing; his Expanding Dan podcast back in May was a great introduction for me to the music of Terence Boylan and others.

Date: Fri, August 11, 2023, 01:21:32 ET
Posted by: Phred,

Where did we learn that Christopher Cross attended rehearsals for an Aja tour?

Date: Fri, August 11, 2023, 00:51:03 ET
Posted by: Dr. Hünd, Hanging Valley Wall, Colorado

<<How big was the push to tour after the huge success from Aja? (We've learned recently that Cristopher Cross attended a few rehearsals for what would have been that tour) >>

It was big of course…..but why didn't they tour? Touring logistics at the time. Difficulty having the right live musicians pull it off live at the time. Fagen and Becker having a ton of money at the time. Drugs at the time. I can't tune in this weekend but let me know if I'm correct.

Date: Thurs, August 10, 2023, 14:07:53 ET
Posted by: BC,

Doc Mu


If you're talking about the ABC record version, there are no background vocals in Any Major Dude.
None.
Nada.
Zero.

Date: Thurs, August 10, 2023, 13:21:31 ET
Posted by: Dave (from acquisitions), Philadelphia

I watched the Denny interview from last Sunday, I was at an event and couldn't tune in live. A few cool anecdotes but nothing earth shattering. This Sunday Cimcie is interviewing Gary Katz which is cool, he doesn't do many interviews. Maybe he can clear up any questions this crazy fan base still has? In regards to the Pretzel credits, I'm in agreement with pretty much everything there, it's certainly interesting (at least to this Dan nerd) how much Becker sang on those early records, with a good pair of headphones you can really pick out his unique voice if you know what you're looking for (the bridge in Your Gold Teeth- "dumb luck my friend won't suck me in this time" you can hear Walter quite obviously on harmony vocals and then in Parker's Band bridge same thing, that's clearly him singing). According to the credits and a question that was answered by Anthony Robustelli, Tim Schmidt did not end up playing bass on any Pretzel songs even though there are pictures of him in the studio during the Pretzel sessions playing bass (maybe they were just messing around or more than likely his part got re-recorded by one of the "pros"). Anyway, the chances to ask someone like Gary Katz questions don't come along that often so hopefully the community can ask some good ones.
Gary- who plays the electric piano solo on "Everyone's gone to the movies"? Sounds like Don? And for that matter who played the little slinky sax part on that song? Possibly Don as well? I can't imagine they hired a session sax player to play two notes but they've done crazier things I guess.
What went into convincing Don to be the full time lead singer? What were those actual conversations like? How big was the push to tour after the huge success from Aja? (We've learned recently that Cristopher Cross attended a few rehearsals for what would have been that tour)
David Palmer is listed in the credits for Countdown to Ecstasy, what songs did he actually sing on?
I'm sure I have a million questions those were just off the top of my head, and yes I know they're extremely nerdy and relevant to only like 10 inquiring minds. Anyone have any other good ones?

Join us! Sunday 8/13 at 12PM PT/ 2PM CT / 3PM ET for a live casual conversation with GARY KATZ of STEELY DAN
Will he fire us? Will he tell us to do it again 500 times? And we can ask him whatever YOU want to know. You all are the experts not me!! Come join us live on my channel. 🙋🏼‍♀️
Let's have some fun and celebrate the early days of #SteelyDan, help me learn about this amazing band that my dad got on tape from someone that was instrumental in them finding an audience and was there in the room for the anecdotes. ❤️🎤 🔗in bio

Date: Wed, August 09, 2023, 18:22:34 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. It's Happy Hour

RIP Robbie Robertson.

https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/robbie-robertson-dead-the-band-1234803234/

So Garth stands alone.

Date: Wed, August 09, 2023, 16:00:44 ET
Posted by: Grim Reaper, Between worlds

Robbie Robertson, RIP.

Date: Wed, August 09, 2023, 14:21:22 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Any Major Dude:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Any_Major_Dude_Will_Tell_You

Donald doubles up his voice in the chorus but not the verses.

On the Bridge - there are definitely backing vocals. Could be Donald or Walter, but they aren't synced up as well as Donald would, so I'm OK with it being Walter. Your mileage may vary.

1:51 - 2:03

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

Date: Wed, August 09, 2023, 14:10:14 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

SDV: Hmmmmm...This is per an interview with Skunk.

For Steely Dan's 1974 cover of the song, Walter Becker played the melody through a talk box to imitate Miley's trumpet style, while Jeff "Skunk" Baxter used a pedal steel guitar for the trombone part.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R5zTOxJOBl4&t=22s

Date: Wed, August 09, 2023, 14:10:05 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

SDV: Hmmmmm...This is per an interview with Sunk.

For Steely Dan's 1974 cover of the song, Walter Becker played the melody through a talk box to imitate Miley's trumpet style, while Jeff "Skunk" Baxter used a pedal steel guitar for the trombone part.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R5zTOxJOBl4&t=22s

Date: Tues, August 08, 2023, 23:05:54 ET
Posted by: SDV, up on the hill

there's an early mix of Dude with Walter on bgv's

and I always thought it was Walter on Toodle-oo but the new PL liners say it was Skunk on guitar as well as pedal steel. I also thought it was Walter doing the solo on Monkey

Date: Tues, August 08, 2023, 10:02:00 ET
Posted by: BC@gmail.com,

Walter B background vocals on Any Major Dude?
There are no background vocals on Any Major Dude.

Date: Mon, August 07, 2023, 12:30:23 ET
Posted by: Daniel,

Re: Motta - I am a massive fan of AOR. The guy is so talented and IMO there's never been anyone who more successfully channeled Fagen musically without sounding like simply an imitator. I'm in awe.

That said, wow the lyrics on that new tune are really not great. I'm not sure how they are on AOR as I've only heard the version of that album that's sung in Portuguese (a language I don't know), but I sure hope the new album is available in a Portuguese version.

Date: Mon, August 07, 2023, 09:42:50 ET
Posted by: Michael,

New Mayer Hawthorne track 'The Pool' dropped over a week ago. Dig it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QU1P1c-3zRI

Date: Sun, August 06, 2023, 20:37:56 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,

Pretzel Logic

Some of these are well know, and this is the produced of long-term investigation and more recent collaboration and notes sharing. Let me know what needs to be updated. We will have the list revealed by upcoming releases I believe?

Rikki
Donald Fagen Lead Vocals
Walter Becker Bass, backing vocals
Jeff Baxter Lead Guitar
Jim Gordon Drums
Dean Parks Acoustic Guitar
Michael Omartian Piano
Victor Feldman Flapamba, Percussion
Timothy Schmit Backing Vocals

Night by Night
Donald Fagen Lead Vocals
Walter Becker Bass
Jeff Baxter Lead Guitar (solo)
Dean Parks Rhythm Guitar
David Paich Clavinet
Jeff Porcaro Drums
Plas Johnson Sax
Jerome Richardson Sax
Ernie Watts Sax
Lew McCreary Trombone
Ollie Mitchell Trumpet
Timothy Schmit Backing Vocals

Any Major Dude
Donald Fagen Electric Piano, Lead Vocals
David Paich Electric Piano
Denny Dias Rhythm Guitar
Jeff Baxter Lead Guitar
Chuck Rainey Bass
Dean Parks Acoustic Guitar
Ben Benay Acoustic Guitar
Jim Gordon Drums
Walter Becker Background Vocals

Barrytown
Donald Fagen Piano, Lead Vocals
Walter Becker Bass
Jeff Baxter Pedal Steel Guitar
Denny Dias Rhythm Guitar
Dean Parks Rhythm Guitar
Ben Benay Acoustic Guitar
Victor Feldman Percussion (tambourine)
Timothy Schmit Backing Vocals
Jim Gordon Drums

East St. Louis Toodle-oo
Donald Fagen Piano (solo), Synthesizer, Alto Sax (solo)
Walter Becker Bass, Lead Guitar (wah wah solo)
Jeff Baxter Pedal Steel Guitar (solo)
Dean Parks Banjo
Jim Gordon Drums
Roger Nichols' head Gong


Parker's Band
Donald Fagen Organ, Lead Vocals
Walter Becker Bass, Backing Vocals
Denny Dias Lead Guitar
Jeff Baxter Rhythm Guitar
Jim Hodder Backing Vocals
Michael Omartian Piano
Jeff Porcaro Drums
Jim Gordon Drums
Plas Johnson Sax (solo)
Ernie Watts Sax (solo)


Through With Buzz
Donald Fagen Piano, Lead Vocals
Walter Becker Bass
Jim Gordon Drums
Victor Feldman Vibraphone
Jimmie Haskell String arrangement


Pretzel Logic
Donald Fagen Wurlitzer Electric Piano, Lead Vocals
Walter Becker Lead Guitar (solo)
Michael Omartian Piano
Wilton Felder Bass
Jim Gordon Drums
Dean Parks Rhythm Guitar
Timothy Schmit Backing Vocals
Plas Johnson Sax
Ollie Mitchell Trumpet
Lew McCreary Trombone


With A Gun
Donald Fagen Lead and Backing Vocals
Denny Dias Rhythm Guitar
Jeff Baxter Lead Guitar
Timothy Schmit Bass, Backing Vocals
Dean Parks Acoustic Guitar
Ben Benay Acoustic Guitar
Jim Gordon Drums
Victor Feldman Percussion (tambourine)


Monkey in Your Soul
Donald Fagen Electric Piano, Lead Vocals
Walter Becker Bass (fuzz)
Denny Dias Rhythm Guitar
Jeff Baxter Lead Guitar
Victor Feldman Marimba, Percussion (handclaps)
Jim Gordon Drums
Plas Johnson Sax
Jerome Richardson Sax
Ernie Watts Sax

Date: Sun, August 06, 2023, 20:22:13 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Motta - Yeah, a lot of KL - Nightly period sounding chord progressions.

A bit of the Jay Graydon produced stuff of the same period.

Date: Sun, August 06, 2023, 17:46:20 ET
Posted by: Michael,

New playlist, focusing on great songs with female vocalists, one artist from South Korea (Casker) and the other four from Japan.

캐스커 (Casker) - Undo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jiv5Cfhq0Ng

microstar - ドライブ (Drive)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6TAGthd3aJI

Shiho Nanba (南波志帆) - プールの青は嘘の青 (Blue of Pool is Blue of Lie)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0hlmmbKEjY

Taeko Onuki (大貫妙子) - 幻惑 (Illusion)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3-CJVjLDLM

Round Table - ヒマワリ (Sunflower)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bsFsqsWSV2w

Date: Sun, August 06, 2023, 17:00:37 ET
Posted by: Michael,

SD is a huge influence on Ed.

Date: Sun, August 06, 2023, 15:27:42 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Motta is pretty locked in with the groove live.

https://youtu.be/LCJXbtrbHg4

Date: Sun, August 06, 2023, 08:00:45 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Doc, I posted a link for 'Safely Far' about a month ago. Unless something changed his new album is scheduled for release on October 20th.

Date: Sat, August 05, 2023, 18:54:49 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Recent Motta track. Loaded with those expensive Fagen-y chords.

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

Date: Sat, August 05, 2023, 18:43:24 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

The Motta track is superlative. Very Bluey/Al Jarreau jazz/R&B fusiony...

Date: Sat, August 05, 2023, 18:24:15 ET
Posted by: BC,

Is anyone else kind of disappointed with Howard Rodman interview?

Maybe the interviewer could've asked more specific questions?
Maybe Howard could have cited more interesting and specific events he had
shared with Walter?
Because, Howard was allowed to ramble, I think the interview was uninteresting and lackluster for the most part.

Date: Sat, August 05, 2023, 07:00:24 ET
Posted by: Michael,

New Ed Motta track 'Slumberland'.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZX5Xas97SE

Date: Thurs, August 03, 2023, 08:06:58 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago

Interview with Howard Rodman, Walter Becker's lifelong friend. Some great nuggets, closing with one of Walter's raps. 

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2146895/13315320-any-man-left-on-the-rio-grande-ft-howard-rodman

Date: Wed, August 02, 2023, 01:56:01 ET
Posted by: Troy,

Universal has scrubbed YouTube of all of Cimcie Nichol's recently uncovered tunes including The Second Arrangement and the Schlitz jingle.

In another world, this would mean there's a high quality official release of these tunes on the way. But I don't think we live in that world.

Date: Wed, August 02, 2023, 00:22:16 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago

Thanks for the heads up, Dave!

Date: Tues, August 01, 2023, 23:39:45 ET
Posted by: Dave (from acquisitions), Philadelphia

In case anyone isn't following Cimcie on Facebook, today she let everyone know she will be doing a live discussion with none other than Denny Dias on Sunday. He hasn't done many interviews so this could be cool
.
Join us! Sunday 8/6 at 12pm Pacific / 2pm Central / 3pm East for a live, casual conversation with DENNY DIAS. 🎸
I will ask him the important questions like, where did he get that gold poncho, what was REALLY in that helium tank and whatever YOU want to know. You all are the experts not me!! Come join us live on my YouTube channel. 🙋🏼‍♀️
Let's have some fun and celebrate the early days of Steely Dan. Help me explore this amazing band that my dad got on tape. ❤️🎤 🔗in bio


Unrelated but it's pretty interesting they finally decided to include instrument credits on the Pretzel Logic reissue. It only took 50 years! A few years ago I was talking regularly with Anthony Robustelli and a few other super fans as well as posting on here with questions because we were trying to compile the first comprehensive track by track list of instrument credits for every Steely Dan song. Some of the albums of course already included this (Aja, Gaucho and the two newest records, albeit with a few mistakes like famously no clavinet on I Got the News) but I digress, it's weird they decided after all these years to include the credits even though they're not broken down track by track. A band of this magnitude really deserves to have a list like that somewhere out on the internet by now you would think and that was my and Anthony's thinking behind it but alas we ran into so many roadblocks (particularly on Pretzel Logic and Katy and so we gave up. Maybe we'll pick it up again in the future.

Date: Tues, August 01, 2023, 09:45:29 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Shawn Lee making a song in his studio in 2 hours. You will enjoy this.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tfwmHkFS3I8

Date: Sun, July 30, 2023, 12:33:02 ET
Posted by: T, Avignon

Thanks hoops.

Michael Leonhart & JSWISS at Marseille Jazz des Cinq Continents on July 26, 2023 here:

https://www.radiofrance.fr/fip/podcasts/live-a-fip/michael-leonhart-jswiss-au-marseille-jazz-des-cinq-continents-9897919

Date: Sat, July 29, 2023, 22:39:49 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Duke: Obviously, there was a second arrangement.





Too easy?

Date: Sat, July 29, 2023, 16:11:03 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago

(Please note: You might see some codes that say "OBJ," perhaps bracketted in a box. If you do see them, please ignore those. It's a technical thing I can't resolve.)

Both the Acoustic Sounds/Analogue Productions, UHQR 45 RPM, clear 200 g vinyl, double LP version and 33-1/3, black 180 g vinyl single LP Geffen/UMe version of "Pretzel Logic" came out yesterday. Details on ordering follow.

If you're not into audio quality and packaging discussions, at least, I think you'll find the photos of the production tape box along with Donald's new liner notes (only in the Acoustic Sounds version) to be interesting.

Just like original 1974 version and unlike the 1999 CD version, there are no lyrics included.

Acoustic Sounds' SACD/CD Hybrid of "Pretzel Logic" has not shipped.
Acoustic Sounds does not charge your credit card until they ship the item. However, I believe you have to call customer service if you want to switch your credit card number after you place your pre-order. Of course, if I'm studying this, right, if you pre-order all of them together, they only charge you one shipping charge--so far that's been my experience.


You can purchase The 45 RPM and SA CD hybrid titles at http://www.acousticsounds.com

You can purchase the 33 1/3 version at steelydan.com, Amazon or your local record dealer (That's where I bought mine.) Be sure to play the copies you intend to keep immediately. It's a lot more complicated to make returns, or even find replacement stock, if you wait a few months before playing it. Surprisingly, people do buy these and then not play them.

All that said, I am including two shots of the new liner notes to the Acoustic Sounds version, presented under fair use, not for profit, and solely for discussion purposes. (And great if it influences you to buy them!).

It's been noted that although Jim Hodder appears in the gatefold photo, the newest, more comprehensive notes show Jim Gordon played drums on all but one track; Hodder contributed backing vocals to only one track; and Tim Schmit's backing vocals contributions are specifically named. A few other tid bits there too. Will have more to say in a bit...thanks in advance for your perspectives.

Date: Sat, July 29, 2023, 15:17:59 ET
Posted by: Duke, Earl

I notice that Ms. Cimcie's DAT video is now set private. Could it be that the lack of hearing "no" didn't actually imply a "yes"?

Date: Sat, July 29, 2023, 15:15:27 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu, IreallyshouldeditasItype

Listen to the vocals and harmonies on the touch on the Walter influence "Things We've Left Unsaid" from Canyons. They just jump out, almost explode, on the listener - with superb separation between lead and among the harmonies (a Steely Dan phenotype).

Date: Sat, July 29, 2023, 15:10:21 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,

"Before there was Pro-Tools, there were Pros."
- Jay Graydon

The comparison with Donald and Walter as producers is apt. Gary Katz assembled the first band, reserved studio time, and found ace session musicians as needed. He was also a 3rd Ear while Donald and Walter produced the albums with their crack engineer team led by Roger Nichols. The most important 3rd ear contribution was the immediate recognition in the studio that Fagen sounded great through a microphone. His voice was idiosyncratic (not classic), immediately recognizable, and he could usually (there were bad days) just nail the pitch. Possibly more importantly, he could completely replicate vocals precisely, allowing the SD team to double his voice. Fagen could also harmonize without vibrato perfectly as well. He was gold.


YGSF is a classic 20 year overnight sensation. Shawn Lee and Andy Platts have produced over 40 albums. Lee recorded music for television and TV and recorded his own albums. Lee bought his own studio and filled it with OG analog equipment. He had heard Platts sing and admired his soulful songwriting on Mamas Gun and other artists...and reached out to record organically with a late 1970s analog studio paradigm. Platts lived in Hong Kong for the first 10 years of his life. A lot of East Asian pop borrows "those expensive jazz chords" that W&D mined heavily.

Lee and Platts are both multi-instrumentalists, arranged, recorded, produced, and engineered West End Coast, AM Waves, and Canyons themselves with some assistance mixing on Canyons. The songs, arrangements, horn charts, playing, production on Ticket to Paradise are probably their most consistent. AM Waves is a close 2nd.

Pierre Duplan was brought in to engineer Ticket. The engineering is very good. Clean, but compared with Canyons and AM Waves it's just a little compressed. Lee (and Platts) should engineer their next album themselves with assistance mixing on some of the overdubs from other studios (If it ain't broke, don't fix it). Platts once described Lee as a studio "mechanic" who can complete take apart and then reassemble a car.

Note the difference in the studio version of West Side Jet and the live version at a Dutch radio station.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOIbAPqJY5Q

The studio version is fine, beautifully mixed, arranged, and produced, but very slightly, itty bitty flat on the vocal recording and mix. Hell, most engineers today tend to super compress and brickwall albums - so no real complaints from me!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKTKXA6U_O8

Listen to the vocals and harmonies on the touch of Walter Things We';ve Left Unsaid from Canyons that just jump out on the listen and the separation between lead and harmonies (a Steely Dan phenotype)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=umi1U32tOec

Oh, and check out how Platts altered the last part of the second verse. A twist of absolute songwriting genius.

Don't try this at home kids - leave it to the pros!

Date: Sat, July 29, 2023, 07:55:29 ET
Posted by: Michael,

It comes down to taste, developing a natural feel for how things should sound. Andy and Shawn are fortunate in that they have access to the tools they need to realize their sonic vision. Due credit also goes to their studio engineer. In a way it's not much different than how Donald and Walter would operate in the studio except Andy and Shawn get it done by themselves pretty much.

Date: Fri, July 28, 2023, 22:27:03 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Michael: Platts is indeed a once on a lifetime talent. It's eerie and almost bizarre - although Platts has K-pop and J-pop #1 compositions on his gun belt, YGSF and Mamas Gun are both small cult bands.

The only realistic way to make a living today is via touring.

I'd agree that flying under the radar is a bonus in a way for YGSF.

They didn't write She's in LA, but they make it their own. It's got the kind of bop, a crisp bounce that only a few artists have every been able to create: Earth Wind & Fire, early Santana, Steely Dan, Stevie Wonder, The Police...arguably some of the Cars debut and Candy-o, parts of Ben Folds discography...

Date: Thurs, July 27, 2023, 22:34:51 ET
Posted by: Grim Reaper,

Randy Meisner, RIP.

Date: Thurs, July 27, 2023, 18:25:40 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Right. Their craftsmanship is top-tier. Doesn't matter which chords are used, they know how to make anything sound great. YGSF have the *it* factor which very few artists ever acquire in their lifetime. Some have fleeting flashes of brilliance once, maybe twice. That's it usually. Part of me is glad that they're not considered a major big artist because they would come under immense pressure to live up to other people's expectations. Just let them keep making music the way they like to make it.

Date: Thurs, July 27, 2023, 17:58:22 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

That's my point about Platts (and Lee). His music isn't simple but is sophisticated. A lot of thought goes choices of song structure, production, engineering, instrumentation, etc.

Gotta love shots of Donald handing out cans of beer to the kids. In front of an adult video store. Can't understand why Schlitz didn't use their pics or video. ;) "Kids if you want some fun."

Even in this short jingle that fits into the Schlitz tag line, there are some great choices.

Date: Thurs, July 27, 2023, 07:17:33 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Doc, sophistication isn't merely a matter of stringing together different chord changes full of extensions and alterations. Making intelligent decisions regarding key components be it voice-leading, structure, phrasing, sound juxtaposition, where to add embellishments, altering the tempo, rhythm or time signature to add an element of surprise (without sacrificing the groove), having an innate sense for all the finer details which constitute the whole -- that to my mind is sophistication. Each chord movement should have a function, a purpose, not be there just for the sake of filling a stave with as many notes as possible.

Date: Wed, July 26, 2023, 19:42:38 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Michael: YGSF's chord changes are probably around early SD level. They are plenty sophisticated. But indeed, they don't sacrifice Carnegie Hall for a great melody, structure, sound, and groove.

An example from Andy Platt's alter/other ego Mamas Gun. While a bit more R&B that "lift" Platts can place into a sing is undeniable.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHlt3PjGdYM

I think I posted this before? But it's been awhile...

Date: Wed, July 26, 2023, 18:10:14 ET
Posted by: hoops, chicago

T in Avignon: Enjoy seeing Michael!

Just a heads up that today Acoustic Sounds started shipping out their Double LP, 45 RPM 200 g clear vinyl UHQR version of "Pretzel Logic." UMG/Geffen will also be putting out the single LP, 33 1/3 rpm 180 g black vinyl version of the album this Friday. Acoustic Sounds' SACD/CD hybrid edition still does not have a release date.

As posted previously, Acoustic Sounds has the following schedule for the UHQR vinyl releases: 

- September 29, 2023, "Aja"
- December 1, 2023, "Gaucho"
- March 29, 2024, "Katy Lied"
- June 28, 2024, "The Royal Scam"

https://store.acousticsounds.com/d/171037/Steely_Dan-Pretzel_Logic-UHQR_Vinyl_Record

Date: Wed, July 26, 2023, 09:15:15 ET
Posted by: T , Avignon

It's not every day that you get to see a member of Steely Dan in Marseille !!

Tonight :

https://www.marseillejazz.com/cpt_programming/michael-leonhart-jswiss/

I'll be there.

Date: Wed, July 26, 2023, 07:37:44 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Doc, YGSF have tweaked and polished their sound to perfection, I'm sure with more than a little trial-and-error in the studio. No matter how simplistic some of their songwriting structures may seem on the surface, there's always a sense of underlying sophistication embedded within the groove. You don't arrive at that sound overnight. I'm guessing artists such as Curtis Mayfield, The Doobie Brothers, Rod Temperton (especially his work with Heatwave and Michael Jackson), Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, and Steely Dan are major influences.

But the songwriting creativity is ultimately theirs alone regardless where they draw influence from. They deserve all the credit.


M/O/P/D, great breakdown. That's the second time over the past few days where someone decided to stir things up around here, but hey, we've dealt with worse. Not really much of an issue from my perspective. His outrage over copyright tells me he's got some skin in the game.

Anyone who's ever used the internet has inevitably looked up copyrighted material at some point, and as that's the case then they really have no right arguing for stringent copyright enforcement as it's counterintuitive to how creativity works. A professional artist's core objective is to make money but it's pretty hard to do that without exposure, putting your work out there to be found, right? With regards to established artists like Steely Dan it would be futile trying to stuff the proverbial genie back into the bottle as they're now part of the cultural landscape.

Date: Tues, July 25, 2023, 22:10:20 ET
Posted by: Damn autocorrect,

bone = song

Date: Tues, July 25, 2023, 22:09:38 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Michael - Yeah, the thing for me is that throughout their discography they actually give a damn about chord structure, and a rich stack of flavors and colors that enhance richness of the song - but the bone have to be there and they are put together with great care.

AM Waves is my 2nd fav YGSF album after Ticket to Shangri-La. It has kind of a party vibe without being hackneyed.

Underdog has that altered blues structure Don & Walt are famous for, with an R&B flair. They lay down a figure with flatted 7ths, then repeat over the same chords, but twist it up a bit. Then a sly prechorus and a more major key chorus where tasty blasts of horns first follow the beat, then throw in counter melody jabs.

Platts and Fagen are just money at writing a bridge, with a guitar solo over new chords, before returning to Gb/Ab and the chorus, then slide into the pre-chorus. We expect the chorus, and they give us a kind of a round instead.

A A'B C A A'B C D E B F C


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1HB2DmN5sY


Platts and Lee aren't lazy, yet it's never stilted, always organic.

Date: Tues, July 25, 2023, 20:56:01 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, "All comments now cleared through my very own Legal Department - even THIS one"

Time for a joke, I think. So, here it is...

An Englishman, an Irishman, and a Scotsman walk into a bar.

No, wait, that's not the joke I wanted to relate. Good lord, that one's been done to death. Plus...it has absolutely nothing to do with yet another recent crude, insulting, vulgar outburst here by yet another previously-unknown "contributor" - the second such unwanted outburst in a week.

OK, so the real joke is, "One angry, self-righteous, noisy cunt interjects himself into an ongoing conversation he himself admits he's never participated in before. Then , that same doughnut proceeds to shriek loudly & profanely at everybody who may be reading - everybody here - despite the fact that the majority of readers haven't actually commented​ at all, one way or another, regarding the thing that's perturbed the angry, self-righteous noisy cunt into interjecting himmself in the first place. Then, that same twatty individual summarily condemns everyone here for the posted opinions - informed, uninformed, partially mistaken, or 100% provably & legally correct - given by a mere handful of commenters so far. Opinions. Thoughts. Followed by Internet Outrage.

Good Lord.

Sadly, there isn't really a punch line to the joke, is there? Just another sad example of today's perilously uncivil online culture. It's everywhere, it seems. Pathetic, really. The foot-stomping & summary/declared exit was a nice touch, though. So fucking original.

Sometime, well into the future, Medical Science will hopefully be able to better identify things like Antisocial Personality Disorder before these poor, afflicted folks get internet access and who, in an ill-advised effort intended to spray shit all over a bunch of complete strangers who happen to have differing opinions, hilariously fill their own pants right up to the fucking beltline. In public.

It's July 25th. Happy Thomas Eakins' birthday, "Benny".

M/O/D/P

Date: Tues, July 25, 2023, 07:26:47 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Doc, well said. YGSF have developed their own sound to the point where you can discern their work from other artists.

Benny, I didn't call SD's work "props", I was using something analogous to music for its possessive qualities. In this case, props used on a film set which constitute part of a commercial work. People collect stuff like that all the time and not infrequently showcase their collections on YouTube and elsewhere.

If you post an original piece of artwork you own, regardless whether it's part of some copyrighted work, then you are not in violation of any law. Otherwise, sellers wouldn't be able to auction their stuff anywhere.

The fair use doctrine is a statutory law allowing for the non-commercial use of copyrighted material. It's highly improbable that SD would have a legal case against Cimcie's use of 2A given that she's not using it for commercial profit and SD doesn't make any profit off it anyhow as they never released it.

If everyone thought as rigidly as you do then nobody could ever post copyrighted material of any kind without getting sued into oblivion. At which point, what would even be the point in using the internet? There are millions of uploaded songs, movie clips, artwork, and other copyrighted material every single day. The supposed *damages incurred* from posting a song on the internet have been vastly overblown by groups like the RIAA, ASCAP and BMI which act more akin to the mafia, shaking down bars, restaurants and mom & pop stores for licensing fees.

Date: Mon, July 24, 2023, 21:14:34 ET
Posted by: Jimmie, US

Is that Elliott Randall on guitar?

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZPRWH4uga/

Date: Mon, July 24, 2023, 20:39:16 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

When I was a kid, my Dad brought us up to the Schlitz brewery in Milwaukee. I suppose for the free samples, but Schlitz was already nearly as cheap as Iron City. The vats were enormous and one of the vats had a glass window to peer through.

Skunk as the Frito bandito...or just emulating folks he new from 10 years in Mexico City. They had to be rolling in the aisles. It's a wonder they finished. Funny, it really has that Steely Dan sound from the first two albums, a step up from Dallas (*ducks*). Especially on the harmonies.

Remastered:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gvXMuit2y8


Michael. Yes indeed. Andy did not write that one. It's simpler than a lot of their stuff. But Platts and Shawn Lee just create "their sound" and lift it to another level...like even in the Schlitz commercial - that's a Steely Dan sound.

Especially after hearing/seeing live broadcasts of YGSF over the last couple of years as well as the recent collaborations, it's become easier to dissect them from their influences. She's in LA and much of their recordings 70s sensibilities, but the YGSF "sound" has its own iconic stamp.


I think it's the ability to have the song well-laid out before recording it, coupled with their ability to inject their emotion into the song. That's why the dry, organic recording used by SD and some of the West Coast crowd works for them.

https://youtu.be/HX5zIGJY23Q

Date: Mon, July 24, 2023, 18:15:52 ET
Posted by: Puzzled PS, On second read

It doesn't seem that Benny is trying to persuade anyone. He;s just stating his clear opinion, and also making clear the proper and legal understanding in copyright/protection, which, as a reader of this board, seems to me is expressed in a minority of comments. And he's a lurker anyway…why should anyone care if he wants to separate from following this discussion (and says so, and says why)? Do you want him to stay to read self-defenses or criticisms of his pov?

Date: Mon, July 24, 2023, 18:07:23 ET
Posted by: Puzzled, Lost wages

So Benny backs up his values with his feet (browser bookmarks): that makes his points less persuasive?

Date: Mon, July 24, 2023, 17:45:26 ET
Posted by: Jess Sayan,

Benny make some points worth considering, but then blows chances of persuasion by insulting everybody. "I'm taking my toys and leaving. Boo hoo."

Date: Mon, July 24, 2023, 17:14:24 ET
Posted by: Benny, Rocky Mtn Low

Duke is right.

Michael is wrong. Wrong. Wrong. (But oh, stated with SUCH certainty and authority! ..a habit shared by many around here).

D&W's words and music in any form—audio, written, chart—is protected by copyright implicitly at the moment of creation if not also explicitly via registration, and cannot be used or published (yes, includes YooToobe) without permission. Same goes for recorded material of the same (recorded process/production aka work-product) in part or in whole — even a horn track.

Calling these things "props" is beyond absurd…and now added to the long list of disingenuous ignorant self-serving cowshit I've seen round here:

"silence -so far - means it's probably ok"
"no commercial value"
"the release platform of protected materials makes it wronger/righter"
"I want it…so, it's all good"
"if it isn't fed to us, it will go ‘to waste'"
"Cynically pumping up a needy person doesn't bother me"
"how far will this go? Where does it end? Not my problem!"
"hey but I really really admire SD! See how much I respect hibrow art!"
.
.
.All of it, what a load of excrement. Who ARE u people??

U won't miss this lurker. I'm embarrassed to be anywhere near this stink.

Date: Mon, July 24, 2023, 11:37:13 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Apples and oranges. If someone acquires original artwork, tapes from a recording session or props used from a movie then they can pretty much do what they want with them (unless they signed some form of legally binding document), excepting a commercial venture such as releasing an album with said material on it which would technically put Cimcie in legal hot water.

Date: Mon, July 24, 2023, 09:26:33 ET
Posted by: The Duke, of Earl

Daniel said: "I don't know Cimcie but it's her stuff now and she can do with it what she likes."

But it isn't her stuff, really. I mean, I get the whole possession is 9/10ths of the law thing, but the fact of the matter here is that she merely possesses the media that her father kept and not the right to distribute the recorded (or written/copied/etc) materlal. Steely Dan (Becker/Fagen) own the actual work material. Nichols was an employee of Steely Dan, not a member. He might have been a valued and respected employee, but that doesn't give his child any ownership over their work product.

Did Becker or Fagen ever copyright the music they wrote for the Schlitz beer ad? Doesn't that open up a whole can of worms? I assume that the Becker estate and the Fagen camps both have access to this material, and could conceivably release it in the future (maybe like M/O/D/P said, not on YouTube, maybe something like the Becker folks are doing) or even have added something like this to the Citizen box set, if they wanted it out there.

And again, I'm totally glad to listen to this stuff, so I'll own my own hypocrisy.

Date: Sun, July 23, 2023, 15:58:49 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Another week, another playlist featuring infectious grooves, soothing woodwinds and sublime pop.

Kaidi Tatham - Feels Like I'm On My Own

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wITzaPmtF8Q

Gotic - Jocs d' ocells (Bird games)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7umwz7ltSs

Fievel Is Glauque - Go Down Softly

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZ5HdphYnFQ

Saori Hayami (早見沙織) - 「garden」

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

Bronze (브론즈) - Illusion (with 김사랑, Jason Lee)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WC2cq8_a7ho

Ken Hung (洪卓立) - 那些年,我們一起追的女孩 (In those years, the girl we chased together)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGlz0t9PaP0

-----------------------------------------
Ed Motta is set to release a new album, Behind the Tea Chronicles, on October 20th.

Date: Sat, July 22, 2023, 13:40:39 ET
Posted by: Annette,

Another blog site hyping Cimice'a latest output at YouTube, the Schlitz beer commercial. As said earlier, it's like she's opened the (Schlitz beer) tap wide open--the videos, photos, audios keep flowing.

https://boingboing.net/2023/07/22/listen-to-steely-dans-commercial-jingle-for-schlitz-beer.html

Date: Sat, July 22, 2023, 12:53:59 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, Clearer

I wanted to clarify my comment from last night with regard to YouTube. The "sleaze" factor I referred to was directed solely at Youtube as an entity. I think YouTube itself has done a lot to cheapen/degrade the inherent value of a lot of things. I'm not a YouTube fan, at all, and I generally try to avoid the site except in exceptional cases. However, as someone else has pointed out, it's not like we're ever going to see these lost/hidden treasures on any official SD release.

I absolutely was NOT in any way referring to the Nicholls family. Like most here, I'm grateful for the material that's been made available recently, and the enthusiasm that Cimcie in particular obviously has for all of this is cool to see. I just wish they'd chosen a different delivery method (see above). Just me...a personal preference. I like how Walter's family has presented & preserved his unseen/unheard stuff.

M/O/D/P

Date: Sat, July 22, 2023, 06:59:39 ET
Posted by: Michael,

The alternative is that Roger's 2A DAT and tape could've just sat there collecting dust until in an unworkable state. A lot of good that would have done. Once these artifacts are gone they're gone *forever*.

Not long ago some English DJ acquired another version of 2A and teased the internet with a short clip of it, intentionally adding copious amounts of echo effects while talking over it and laughing as he fades it out prematurely. I guess that made him feel good, which tells you something about his character.

Whatever one may think of Cimcie, at least she's not a stuck-up prick who feels the need to mock SD fans.

Date: Sat, July 22, 2023, 05:14:34 ET
Posted by: Daniel, NYC

Seems to be a lot of handwringing about the Nichols stuff, which seems a more than a bit disingenuous to me. People talking about Fagen's privacy and artistic integrity and all that (is someone actually upset about the sharing of the Second Arrangement chart? That's just bizarre IMO). Because what I don't remember is the same kind of moralizing in the past, when one or other outtake would appear, "released" to the internet by one nameless/faceless person or other. Nobody seemed concerned about Fagen and Becker's feelings when "Megashine City" emerged (and really, correct if I'm wrong about that).

I don't know Cimcie but it's her stuff now and she can do with it what she likes. And I, for one, am grateful that she's sharing the stuff she's sharing. As for her father and what he would've wanted, I don't think any of us have any idea. Look, the guy left - literally - thousands and thousands of 35mm slides he took of car races that nobody's ever seen and Cimcie is making sure those find a home where people can see them. She's keeping her dad's name alive and that's a good thing.

As for the Eagles, a guy's gotta make a living, right?

Date: Fri, July 21, 2023, 23:29:20 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, Ashamed of being ashamed of things, again.

QUOTE: "Opening for the Eagles is nothing to be ashamed of".

Strictly speaking, I guess I agree, albeit reluctantly.

I mean, who wouldn't want the juicy payday that presumably comes from opening up for one of Corporate Rock's most monolithic monstrosities? Hell, I'd probably even have taken the gig myself, if it had been offered to me, and if only I had a back-catalog of four or five vaguely radio-familiar tunes that might mildly appeal to the massive, bloated audience of massive, bloated Eagles fans as they drunkenly & obsessively "text-message" their "face-book" friends while awaiting the onstage arrival their beloved Classic Rock heroes. It wasn't, and I don't, though, so sadly I'll never be faced with that moral dilemma. Nor, for that matter, will I be faced with other​ dilemma - forking out $750 or $1000 for a pair of seats to see my one of my very favorite bands open up for one of my very least favorite bands.

As for the "ashamed" part, frankly, just because one individual may happen not to be ashamed of his or her own decisions doesn't mean others can't feel ashamed for them.

As far as the recent spate of material coming from Roger Nichols' family goes, I think the stuff we've seen and heard, at least so far, probably does deserve to be seen and heard at some point before every last one of us who still gives a flying Kulee Baba is dead. The caveat, for me anyways, is the method used (so far) to disseminate the bits. Yes, I'm well aware that it's 2023 (so they tell me, anyways) and that this is how folks do stuff now...it's just that for me the whole YooToob thing has an overall air of sleaze. Not "subversive" or "liberating" in the good old positive "bootleg" way...just genuine sleaze. To clarify, any dolt can now "post" someone else's creation on his or her "channel" for fun & profit. No talent or creativity required. I say this as someone who has had, on occasion, seen things I've done/written/recorded/otherwise created summarily added to the YooToob archive without credit, and without my involvement or consent, by individuals who sought only to bring attention to themselves with "likes" and "comments". I wish that the Nichols family had chosen other avenues, but I understand that I'm likely in the minority on that. It's "2023", after all...

I also understand that the material being shared has, at this point, little to no actual commercial value, and really - let's be honest - only historical value. And even then, really, only for maybe a few thousand (or so) people. So, like everybody else, I watch & listen. And I'm occasionally delighted...sometimes I even break out in a smile.

Because, let's face it, When you're out of Schlitz, you're out of beer.

M/O/D/P

Date: Fri, July 21, 2023, 13:18:52 ET
Posted by: Earl, Rocky Mtn Hi

Also think —the audio, sheet music etc is bad enough (legal issue). But I think the personal pics and home movies/footage are even another level of violation. Maybe not illegal (except maybe performance and rehearsal video), but extra scummy. Imho.

Date: Fri, July 21, 2023, 12:58:15 ET
Posted by: Earl of duke, —

Duke -when you're right, you're right. The whole thing is embarrassing to everyone involved, maybe especially to this ‘employees kid'' . Roger kept everything private for decades. He knew the law. And knew it wasn't his place.

Date: Fri, July 21, 2023, 12:43:22 ET
Posted by: Soul Money, Louisville, Ky

When you're out of Schlitz, you're out of beer.

Date: Fri, July 21, 2023, 11:18:48 ET
Posted by: Duke of Earl, Netherlands

Remember when Steely Dan decided what Steely Dan got released and not one of their employee's kids? I like hearing all of this stuff, but I don't feel so good about it. Does my desire to hear something trump the artist's desire for me not to hear it? I mean, at the end of the day whatever Donald and Walter created is theirs, not mine, not Roger's, not Roger's kid's. Right?

Date: Fri, July 21, 2023, 00:44:19 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago

IMPORTANT:

For the first time in a long time, we had a spam-bot latch on to our posting page--the page you get when you click the "post" button near the top.

So I had to rename the script that makes posting possible.

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU:

If you are going to post, FIRST, use your browser's "reload" or "refresh" button/command to reload the new script that makes the posting page appear. SECOND, before posting make. sure the URL ends in

"…thebluebook/N0rth3astC0rr1d0r.html" --- Good!

AND NOT

"…/thebluebook/AManA1ntSupP0s3d2Cry.html" --- Bad!(Old URL known and used by spambot)

Alternatively, if you wish to post, you can use this link:

http://www.dandom.com/thebluebook/N0rth3astC0rr1d0r.html

While there might be one or two more spam posts--which I humbly ask you to ignore--that should be the end of them after that.

The Bluebook is based on a decades old script but it has it's own culture and ethos which would go away if we switch to something else. Thanks for your friendship and patience.

Best,

Jim aka hoops

Date: Thurs, July 20, 2023, 16:38:25 ET
Posted by: hoops, chicago

I don't speak for Steely Dan but when I looked at the Beacon schedule, it's already quite packed late September -- Early November.

So I say no dates at the Beacon this fall.

Just my two piasters.

In other news...just saw that the robo spammers were by for the first time in a long time. Please just ignore the spam -- it is a bot-- and please don't reference it in posts.

Thanks for your love and charitable thoughts.

Jim

Date: Thurs, July 20, 2023, 14:26:29 ET
Posted by: Dr. Hünd, Hanging Valley Wall, Colorado

<<A band squeezing in headline dates while being on tour as an opener? Can someone cite an instance of this happening before with well-known acts?>>

Not uncommon. Neko Case, Spoon, Del Amitri, Cheap Trick and many others have done this recently.

Date: Thurs, July 20, 2023, 14:00:07 ET
Posted by: Gsbe, PA

A band squeezing in headline dates while being on tour as an opener? Can someone cite an instance of this happening before with well-known acts?

Date: Thurs, July 20, 2023, 08:17:48 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Doc, I hear a little Low Rider in that melodic phrase after the chorus.

While the song structure is pretty straightforward, the infectious groove coupled with the stepwise bass motion leading into each new chord helps give the song a forward thrust. Andy Platts' vocal prowess is spot-on as always.

Am7 - Dm7 - Bm7 - Em7 (repeat x3)

The little change up where he sings "And now she's in LA" is something like FM7/A - FM7/G - CM7 - E/D

I'm not great at figuring out chord names. :P

Date: Thurs, July 20, 2023, 00:48:39 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Michael: I love the War/ Santana breakout in the chorus.

Their groove cannot be denied.




- Put on the neighbors, the Eagles are listening.

Date: Wed, July 19, 2023, 16:08:40 ET
Posted by: Mt. Belzoni, Portland OR

Lately it seems the band has moved its Beacon-runs to a Westchester or NJ theater that is probably a lot cheaper to rent. And yes, I am hoping they'll squeeze some SD dates in between Eagles shows in nearby off-tour cities. (Still can't believe they've agreed to be someone else's opening act . . . )

Date: Wed, July 19, 2023, 12:33:06 ET
Posted by: popegreg, the basement

If you're having a bad week, worrying about the future; or just having a bad week. Or even if you're perfectly content, this recent CBS News piece on a Michael McDonald super fan is certain to brighten your day. https://youtu.be/gfcVSMeJ73A

Date: Tues, July 18, 2023, 18:31:57 ET
Posted by: Ignoramus, The Bronx

There's a three wwek gap at the end of October for The Eagles tour. Ay chance for a short Beacon run?

Date: Tues, July 18, 2023, 07:11:38 ET
Posted by: Michael,

YGSF can't miss. They've got that AOR/West Coast groove down to an art form.

Date: Mon, July 17, 2023, 16:22:42 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,

Dave - that's definitely live! Fantastic find. Donald's voice in in rare form and the enthusiasm is high with Fagen, Skunk, and the background singers. My Old School is one of those songs that really breathes live vs. the studio recording.

Another YGSF sighting: YGSF serve as part of the band on She's in LA for Rio 18 with producer, instrumentalist Carwyn Lewis. Rio 18 features Rio de Janeiro musicians. Produced by Shawn Lee, Andy Platts. Lee on drums and Platts on vocals. it sounds like a YGSF - bossa nova hybrid. Snappy. Catchy. Another winner.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7OHfnY_ZE_4

Date: Fri, July 14, 2023, 22:46:26 ET
Posted by: Lutz, Hnl

wow, right after 9/11.
EMG tracks mostly done, it seems.
Walter on drums is a treat.
Thank you to the Nichols family for this!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJkvBtjhgd8

Date: Thurs, July 13, 2023, 17:47:09 ET
Posted by: Dr. Hünd, Hanging Valley Wall, Colorado

How much money does Don Henley have to make? He was filthy rich many ginormous cash grabs ago.

Date: Thurs, July 13, 2023, 13:12:17 ET
Posted by: PRE-SALE CODE, $$$$$$$$$

EAGLES50

Date: Thurs, July 13, 2023, 09:33:19 ET
Posted by: Dave (from acquisitions) , Philadelphia

Well I posted the other two so I might as well post this one. When people kept talking about my old school I thought they were talking about the lip synch one that everyone knows but no, they played it live! Sounds great

https://youtu.be/GCX635Z7_PE

Date: Thurs, July 13, 2023, 08:14:41 ET
Posted by: Michael,

New playlist, mixing it up this time with an emphasis on great guitar playing.

George Benson - Dinorah, Dinorah

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

Jan Akkerman - Streetwalker

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

Casiopea - Midnight Rendezvous

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=inwk2RlXUzw

Iceberg - Joguines

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wE9Ghh-JbMY

The Rosenberg Trio - There Is No Greater Love

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zWUuCEG6318

Danny Gatton - Danny's Blues

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rcMJe32j_lY

Date: Thurs, July 13, 2023, 07:02:52 ET
Posted by: Myron, G

See if you can spot the lyric in this 1991 Southside Johnny song later used by SD on a post Gaucho release.

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

Date: Wed, July 12, 2023, 23:39:49 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Michael,

I'm unsure of your age in 1972, but "Richard" Nixon was POTUS, killing and pillaging in Vietnam continued unabated, despite the protracted withdrawal. "John" F. Kennedy had been assassinated and Camelot evaporated less than a decade earlier, not to mention RFK and MLK's star-crossed assassinations in 1968. Political and socio-economic fervor had been at a fever pitch and recent history was fresh and forefront in everyone's mind. The word play and juxtaposition of Kings was ingeniously clever, but Kings was hardly obfuscation. We all knew what the song was about - anyone older than 8 years old knew.

Having said that we can truly appreciate the sophistication of the song written by the Bard pair in their early 20s, unlike the more straight ahead Change of the Guard.

Date: Wed, July 12, 2023, 22:19:36 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Steve - considering the expected mega ticket sales and price tag, I'd expect most of the band will be there. Irving Azoff has made it so.

Date: Mon, July 10, 2023, 06:29:06 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Doc, Kings is cleverly obfuscated. I can listen to the song and enjoy it on its own merits because it transports the listener out of the current environment with its medieval undertones, whereas 'Tin Foil Hat' is a bit too blatant for my palette, not very amusing either.

While Rundgren was touring following his White Knight album he went on a political screed during his shows, souring many of his fans. People paid to enjoy a concert, not to take part in a political rally. FTR I'm no fan of Trump, nor the other candidates, all the more reason I don't want to hear about them in music. Personal preference.

Date: Mon, July 10, 2023, 06:10:29 ET
Posted by: Steve, Here n there

Wonder if DF will still be able to get the full SD band of late for just a short opening slot. Might see a different line up.

Date: Sun, July 09, 2023, 19:23:25 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Kings in 1972 wasn't really that obfuscated. It's quite obvious that John = JFK and Richard = Nixon. SD upends the King Richard, Prince John mythology of the Robin Hood legend, in that Richard abandoned his position to plunder and pillage elsewhere during the Crusades. Clever song and juxtaposition.


There's a lot of humor in Tin Foil Hat and its catchy, so that's OK with me.

Per an interview ca. Two Against Nature release:

Q. "Why don't more groups use humor in their music?"

Donald: "Because they aren't that funny!" laughs


The only song I thought stretched the envelope in the SD -ography was Fall of '92 because 41 was a war hero against Japan and the farthest thing from a Nazi, regardless of politics.


Incognito had no releases before 1981 and they were part of a different group. You could say the Police had been making music together since 1976, but had no contract, dressed up in masks to lip sync an accidental hit from Stewart Copeland's Klark Kent project on Top of the Pops...teaching the Sex Pistols a few of the 1000 chords they knew... and were penniless until Copeland's brother Miles managed to sign them with A&M records...and two years later, magic happens and The Police released their first album... yet Roxanne went nowhere on the charts for months before breaking through...

Date: Sun, July 09, 2023, 17:23:13 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Doc, while some SD songs may have political undertones they would obfuscate subject matter, not rub it in everyone's face. It's bad enough that I can't watch new films anymore without obnoxiously planted political messaging. Don't need it in music. Don't *want* it in music.

Date: Sun, July 09, 2023, 15:32:03 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Michael: Many of SD songs are political...they are (usually) subversive or indirect about it.

Tin Foil Hat is fine. There are versions without the video. It sounds like Rundgren only pitch corrected and put an effect on his vocals.

I was a Republican, believe it or not. Now, I am independent for life, especially with the heir to "Good King Richard" still around.

Date: Sun, July 09, 2023, 15:25:50 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Irving Azoff to his clients: You can check out any time you like, but you can lever leave.


- see the glory of...of The Royal Scam.

Date: Sat, July 08, 2023, 18:43:40 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Hoops, the Twitter feed doesn't appear on my end, perhaps because they want you to sign in to view posts. What a dumb, pointless change on their end.

Doc, I'm not sure which Bluey album or song it was as you had posted it some time ago. I know he's the founding member of Incognito which began as early as 1979.

That Rundgren track was pretty weak, especially considering his track record. I'm not particularly fond of when artists decide to inject politics into their work, although I don't mind certain songs like DF's 'Mary Shut The Garden Door' or when making a statement like The Temptations song 'War (What is it good for)'.

'Time Heals', 'A Dream Goes On Forever', 'Love of the Common Man'. Undeniably great songs. Todd's latest album 'Space Force' has some good tracks on it from what little I heard.

Date: Sat, July 08, 2023, 18:32:07 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,

The irony of having those on the spectrum (my daughter is as well) aka Musk and Zuckerberg in control of "social" media.


The latest, hand delivered:

https://twitter.com/MichaelLeonhart/status/1677731123688816642?s=20

Date: Sat, July 08, 2023, 16:04:06 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago

If you don't look at the twitter feed at the top of this page, there's no need to look at the rest of this post.

For the rest of you (which I understand is a minority), I know there's a problem, but it seems to be on Twitter's end. I'll continue to monitor the situation and remove the feature if it ends up that Twitter has discontinued it. Thanks.

Best,

Jim

Date: Sat, July 08, 2023, 14:04:34 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

An addendum to Incognito. They evidently go all the way back to 1981 and their debut album Jazz Funk, which is as the title describes. The quality of the recording, instrument separation are really good. Quite sophisticated for 1981 outside Rogers Nichols and Eliot Scheiner produced stuff.

Fusion, R&B, jazz, funk, latin all of it...

https://youtu.be/Kv1mk7Whr6I

https://youtu.be/4CzUJ4xOuZg

Date: Sat, July 08, 2023, 13:45:18 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Michael - the fabulous run ended here and Walter's entry into another plane. Can't say we weren't warned.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=los9WulxBjM

Date: Sat, July 08, 2023, 13:41:21 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Was it that album or the previous one: Life Between the Notes?

with Sunships on the Shores of Mars.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCC5cqYydQc

and

Leap of Faith

with Sky

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4NAtxz-g30



There's a good reason Bluey reminds you of the 90s R&B and acid jazz movement...Bluey led the acid jazz group Incognito in 90s and 00s - today.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0tPaeW5lQk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNi1vcb6uVU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oj0GjltHr4o

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5H4jP0KUd0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AP3HmrDlylo

Date: Sat, July 08, 2023, 07:07:45 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Doc, thanks for that chart. Now we have corroborating evidence. With the launch of Kamakiriad and subsequent reunion of SD began a stretch of healing and optimism throughout the country.

I think you posted that Bluey album before. It's got a bit of SD in the jazzy changes but I also detect some of that soulful 90s-style UK dance pop sound, a bit similar to Kaidi Tatham (although he tends to play more outside) with shades of Jamiroquai influence.

Date: Sat, July 08, 2023, 01:59:23 ET
Posted by: Lutz, Hal

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

Date: Fri, July 07, 2023, 19:18:53 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Michael - you may be onto something in a sense.

The murder rate in the US decreases substantially after Walter & Donald reformed Steely Dan in 1992, completed Kamakiriad, and hit the road in 1993.

The murder rate began to increase again after Walter passed. Coincidence? You decide.


https://static01.nyt.com/images/2021/09/18/upshot/27up-murder-chart1-1631984649635/27up-murder-chart1-1631984649635-mediumSquareAt3X.png





In the Ed Motta vein, Bluey released another really solid album during COVID that was largely ignored.

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

Back Here Again is a bit smooth on the jazz, but there's a couple of very Steely breaks.

Date: Fri, July 07, 2023, 15:58:54 ET
Posted by: Dr. Hünd, Hanging Valley Wall, Colorado

They got the Steely Dan T-shirt
And for the coup-de-gras
They're outrageous

Bunch of music elitist haters. This is a beautiful thing. Eagles and Dan. Same era. Same devil manager. Referenced each other in song. Eagles love Steely Dan. Steely Dan loves Eagles. Joanie loves Cachi. Both have key dead members. Look at the bright side. Everything You Did in the setlist. You old grizzled bastards get to see cute little Deacon and if you play your cards right, Deacon Blues.

Oh, just learned Tom Brady and Gisselle lost $48 m in crypto. :( I'll be posting a go fund me link here to help them when I get it up.

Date: Fri, July 07, 2023, 11:33:28 ET
Posted by: chris, nh

Suppose I can't blame Fagen for a real light touring schedule, likely flying out for each run of 2-3 dates, playing 45 minutes, probably getting a bigger payday than he did sweating in sheds all last summer ... but OTOH, unless there's a last minute fire sale on tickets (unlikely given that it's Azoff's world as others have mentioned) it looks like I'm sitting out my first Steely Dan tour since I started going in 2000.

Date: Fri, July 07, 2023, 09:53:05 ET
Posted by: BadSneakers, ..

Steely Dan shouldn't be opening for anyone. Especially the Eagles,

But Donald Fagen surely makes more money opening for the Eagles than on his own. Its a payday, nothing more than that.

Date: Fri, July 07, 2023, 09:04:47 ET
Posted by: Michael,

'Safety Far', the new Ed Motta single dropped a couple weeks ago. Check it out.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ecAq-Uh5wHI

Date: Fri, July 07, 2023, 09:00:58 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Well, crimes rates have increased significantly across the country ever since The Eagles were formed. Want to pick a fight with North Korea? Send them one of their Greatest Hits albums.

Date: Fri, July 07, 2023, 07:23:18 ET
Posted by: Steve M, Scotland

M/O/D/P: I'm afraid the reality is even worse....

scroll down to the actual fight video, it's pretty funny!

https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/eagles-hyde-park-concert-fight/

Date: Thurs, July 06, 2023, 23:26:36 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

M/O/D/P: I'm still stunned but it's Azoff's world, and we just live in it.

In Any World it would be a YGSF, Steely Dan double header.

When MLB games became longer than Springsteen concerts, they put a pitch clock on the field! Maybe something similar?

That reminds me that Prefab Sprout once sung about Springsteen and his predilections from the pretty Steely From Langley Park to Memphis. Then Paddy McAloon was struck nearly blind and deaf about 13 years later...

https://youtu.be/jEJdfDD4dVg

"some things hurt much more than Cars and Girls"

Don't mess with The Boss, I guess.

Date: Thurs, July 06, 2023, 21:03:26 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, Wotta revoltin' development!

My goodness me...well, this is certainly some shitty news, isn't it? At a juncture where most "news" seems to be overwhelmingly fecal, though, I guess this unpleasant development isn't entirely unexpected. At least nobody died this time. Not literally. OK, maybe "metaphorically"...I'll give ya that...

I just can't do it, though. As much as I'd like to see the band again, even maybe just one more time, the thought of paying for and/or actually sitting through a bloated/extended/paint-by-numbers Iggles set just isn't in the cards for me. No, I don't have a "weak stomach", but really there's a reasonable limit for everything in life, no? No??

I can't even imagine sitting with a group of wealthy, borderline-M/R Classic-Rock-Totally-Rocks-Dude! clumsy idiots as they drunkenly & sing-alongingly mangle the trite, simplistic lyrics to some tired old watery-thin country-rock/"classic rock" tune sung performed by what's left of a tired & cynical past-its-prime-if-in-fact-it-ever-had-one Corporate Monstrosity.

I can't even imagine trying to listen to the one or three possible "deep cuts" [sic] that the Opening Act might dare to insert into a shortened Greatest-Hits-By-Demand set while twenty-three-or-five thousand inebriated and/or dementia-stricken clods obsess over their cell-phones and chatter loudly about their oh-so-important personal lives while waiting for the Beloved Headliners to appear so that they can blabber over most of those songs as well.

No fucking way I'm gonna put myself through that. Think of my blood pressure, I tell myself.

HOWEVER - In the interest of finding some bit, some mere smidgen of positivity here, I'd like to point out that things could be worse. Because, at least theoretically, things could ALWAYS be "worse", no? When I first saw the distressing news earlier today, I was completely and utterly disgustipated. Once I calmed down, I tried to put things into some kinda perspective, if for no other reason than to put things into some kinda context.

So, sure, it occurred to me that things could have been even worse...say, by as much as 14.7% or so...if they ("The Powers That Be") had replaced the existing Headliner ("The Eagles") with another Headliner. Think about it. Let your imagination run free...if you dare...

Anyone for two years of "Queen: Reconstipated" with opening act Steely Dan? How about "Journey: Several Awful, Shitty Albums In One Horrible, Regrettable Evening" with opening act Steely Dan? Or...how about "Bruce Springsteen Sings Every Goddamned Song He Ever Wrote: The Sixteen-Hour Concert" with special guests Steely Dan??

See? I told you. It could have been worse.

That doesn't make it any better, though, does it?

M/O/D/P

Date: Thurs, July 06, 2023, 17:31:26 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

blacked out on the tarmac.


https://youtu.be/iClrSNOoBYI


need some angel food healing...


Assassins, cons, and Eagles, might as well...

Date: Thurs, July 06, 2023, 17:11:36 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,

Well, ^$#%$#%^&$! Karma for dumping fine artist and songwriter Aimee Mann, I suppose.

https://youtu.be/l6bgD9Ve7io


Ca$h Only Island. It has a Little Feat vibe for me.


Sue Ann is zoomin'
Slow Friday night
She bops down to pheromone city
Where the vibe is right
Double-clicks the icon
And waits for juice
Salt spray hits
She's thinkin' well does anybody
Have a right to feel this loose

Crazy beaches, killer moonlight
Cash Only Island, 'cause it's your lucky night
Let's take a hayride, great hall of fun
Sue Ann McCaffery, let Telly
Show you what you've won

It's a tiki party, in the bison room
The band sings Wooly Bully
How I love that tune
Don't forget Telly, you tell yourself no way
2 or 3 double margas
And the big jerk starts to look ok

Crazy beaches, killеr moonlight
Cash Only Island, 'cause it's your lucky night
Let's take a hayridе, great hall of fun
Sue Ann McCaffery, let Telly
Show you what you've won

Night is quiet, a good rain comes
Can't you hear the distant thumping
Of the Cash Only Island drums
Swell is rising, the lava starts to flow
Pick up the house phone honey, and hold for mo'
Hold for mo', hold for mo', hold for mo'...

Crazy beaches, killer moonlight
Cash Only Island, 'cause it's your lucky night
Let's take a hayride, great hall of fun
Sue Ann McCaffery, let Telly
Show you what you've won

Repeat chorus.


Turn up the neighbors, the Eagles are listening.

Date: Thurs, July 06, 2023, 16:11:42 ET
Posted by: ccw, NY

Opening for what's left of the Eagles? Come on, Donald, haven't you saved up enough money by now to stop doing lame cash-ins?

For a brilliant musician near the end of his career who wrote a book filled with complaints about touring, this seems like the opposite of what he should be doing. Play at City Winery NYC once a month (or Town Hall NY if you want to go bigger), charge $500 a seat, never travel, invite your favorite musicians, and play whatever you like. Just enjoy yourself. Life's about more than making yet another buck.

Date: Thurs, July 06, 2023, 16:03:10 ET
Posted by: Lutz, Hnl

Poor Donald,
understandably, he had such disdain for the boomer audience during the Dukes tour when they didn't show much interest his cute Ray Charles song- according to the book. He'll have to bring out the Ai fire spewing dragon for this one here.
But it's good the band keeps going and everyone gets a paycheck.

Date: Thurs, July 06, 2023, 16:02:43 ET
Posted by: Just sayin',

Walter would never have signed off on this.

Date: Thurs, July 06, 2023, 15:47:33 ET
Posted by: Nicholas Urfe, Phraxos

The Variety announcement says that the tour is expected to continue into 2025. Not 2024, but 2025. With as many shows in each city as the "audience demands." Whatever. Will SD make its longest tour be one as an opening act for The Eagles? That seems unlikely, but what do I know. Irving Azoff strikes again. Whatever.

Date: Thurs, July 06, 2023, 15:13:19 ET
Posted by: Gabe, PA

Belz,

There's a reason there haven't been anymore Beacon runs. They exhausted demand. Opening for the Eagles in NBA arenas is more financially viable at this point.

Date: Thurs, July 06, 2023, 13:09:39 ET
Posted by: Don Patrol, Mtl

Happy Birthday to our guy Hoops!!
Have a great day Jim!!

Date: Thurs, July 06, 2023, 12:28:03 ET
Posted by: Mt. Belzoni, Portland OR

Wow, what a bad idea this is. Steely Dan is no one's opening act.

This is great for Eagles fans, who'll get to hear an opening act better than the headliner. Hopefully it's also great for the band, which should get a huge payday out of this.

But it sucks for Steely Dan fans, who don't want to pay inflated Eagles prices to see a shortened Steely Dan greatest hits set- and then have to sit through a (far-inferior) Eagles concert.

I sure hope this doesn't replace whatever touring the Dan would have done this fall, or that they fill in off-days with their own nearby headlining gigs (though their agreement with promoters may limit the geographic area in which they can do their own show within 90 days of the Eagles show). This may also make it harder for the Dan to be taken as seriously by less-avid fans as a headliner after stepping down into an opener role.

Anyone see any other upside here? What a shame about . . . this.

Date: Thurs, July 06, 2023, 11:59:14 ET
Posted by: $$$$$$$$$, +

First round of dates-

Sept. 7 - New York, NY Madison Square Garden
Sept. 11 - Boston, MA TD Garden
Sept. 16 - Newark, NJ Prudential Center
Sept. 20 - Belmont Park, NY UBS Arena
Oct. 5 - Denver, CO Ball Arena
Oct. 9 - Indianapolis, IN Gainbridge Fieldhouse
Oct. 13 - Detroit, MI Little Caesars Arena
Oct. 17 - Cleveland, OH Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse
Nov. 2 - Atlanta, GA State Farm Arena
Nov. 7 - Charlotte, NC Spectrum Center
Nov. 9 - Raleigh, NC PNC Arena
Nov. 14 - Lexington, KY Rupp Arena
Nov. 17 - St. Paul, MN Xcel Energy Center

Can't even imagine what ticket prices will be...

Hoping they play a Beacon / Cap Theatre run during off time; end Sept or Oct.

Date: Thurs, July 06, 2023, 11:54:08 ET
Posted by: Gabe, PA

Maybe the "Dons" will have a duel. Fagen will blast Eagles music while Henley produces a large knife and stabs him.

Date: Thurs, July 06, 2023, 11:35:24 ET
Posted by: Here we go!!!, MSG, NYC

https://www.msn.com/en-us/music/news/the-eagles-announce-farewell-tour-the-time-has-come-for-us-to-close-the-circle/ar-AA1dvyA4?ocid=msedgntp&cvid=17ccda1e8ddc4a19bf08658c0e0c8fdc&ei=7

The Eagles will embark on their own long road out of Eden this fall for a farewell tour expected to last into 2025."We know how fortunate we are, and we are truly grateful," the band said in a statement. "Everything has its time, and the time has come for us to close the circle." Dubbed The Long Goodbye, the Eagles' final shows will kick off Sept. 7 at Madison Square Garden in New York. Only the first handful of dates are being announced with Boston (Sept. 11), Denver (Oct. 5), Atlanta (Nov. 2) and St. Paul, Minnesota (Nov. 17) among them.

**** Also along for the jaunt will be Steely Dan, longtime contemporaries of the band who will commemorate their own five-decade-plus career. ****

Date: Tues, July 04, 2023, 20:38:45 ET
Posted by: moray eel, Mr

Dave: Thank you for posting the Midnight Special video. Most of their recent videos have views in the thousands and tens of thousands. Their Show Biz Kids video has over 117,000 views.

Is it too much to hope that they'll post a clip of My Old School in the near future?

m.e.

Date: Tues, July 04, 2023, 19:31:22 ET
Posted by: Dave (from acquisitions), Philadelphia

Midnight Special just released this. From the same night as Show Biz Kids

https://youtu.be/5b6fPnBtUqw

Date: Tues, July 04, 2023, 12:10:38 ET
Posted by: 90 seconds, From New York to Paris

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT8etL1fc/

Date: Mon, July 03, 2023, 19:48:18 ET
Posted by: moray eel, Chris

This is a link to a new interview with Christopher Cross. He is wearing an Aja t-shirt. He talks about working with Larry Carlton, Michael O'Martian and Michael McDonald. He tells a story about buying The Royal Scam and putting it on while enjoying some recreational products.

https://youtu.be/nljarzFg1Qs

m.e.

Date: Fri, June 30, 2023, 12:28:58 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Forgot to mention - on the live version, even though the chords are not the same If I ever Lose... almost has a Rikki Don't Lose than Number feel. Especially in Sancious playing and Miller's tone on guitar.

Date: Fri, June 30, 2023, 12:25:55 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

the song: If I Ever Lose My Faith with You

Date: Fri, June 30, 2023, 12:24:37 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Another episode of the mu major out there on familiar songs, some surprising, some not.

I kind of missed them in the verses on the original recording because the chords are completed by keyboard and guitar...

But on a live recording (Chicago sessions the Add9, Gadd9, Dadd9's are easier to hear. He mixes the jazzy sweet with suspended chords for back and forth tension. Sting has a jazz background and Andy Summers and Steward Copeland were in fusion bands before they decided on punk jazz with

Many of the Police tabs out there are iffy (you can't say they're good), because no one gets Andy's voicings.

It's a great band on Ten Summoner's Tales with Vinnie Colaiuta, David Sancious, Dominic Miller...

The first song on the live Chicago sessions. Enjoy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=19hp-2mLALA

Date: Fri, June 30, 2023, 08:17:36 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Demos and outtakes have been floating around for decades, sometimes being traded on ebay or other venues. I don't think it would be realistic to expect for Donald to be celebrating alongside Cimcie, but then it's not much different than Walter's estate dropping those unreleased tracks after his passing. It is what it is. At some point you've gotta learn to roll with the punches. Now I can't speak for anyone else but do you really think guys like Duke Ellington or Ray Charles would've cared one way or the other about whether people heard studio outtakes? They're not magicians concealing tricks, they're artists performing music.

Date: Thurs, June 29, 2023, 21:23:28 ET
Posted by: Stan, Mt. Belzoni

It doesn't make Steely Dan or Donald look bad, Michael. But very doubtful that Donald wants it out there. It may be legal to put it out, but it's still seems likely they are defying Donald. The YouTube video does not feature Donald celebrating with them over its rediscovery, not even a congratulatory text message or anything.

Date: Thurs, June 29, 2023, 11:29:29 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Stan, I knew about the falling out between both parties but refrained from commenting as I don't know any of the details and was a personal matter anyhow. Never saw that video Roger made either. Interesting take on this being an elaborate form of retaliation as it doesn't cast Steely Dan in a negative light.

Date: Thurs, June 29, 2023, 10:55:50 ET
Posted by: Stan, Mt Belzoni

For sure, Michael! For example, Hey Nineteen has no horns.

My take on all the stuff coming out from the Nichols family this past week is that it comes off as a big "fuck you" towards Donald. It's not exactly a secret that Donald and Walter had a falling out with Roger in the early 2000s. After that, Roger's website focused on all his John Denver work with most of the Steely Dan stuff being omitted. Then there was that rather sad online video about a dozen years ago, before he passed. Roger was in very poor health and he was very bitter towards Steely Dan. It came off like Roger was being pressured to make the video. It was up for maybe a couple of days, if that, and then, poof! It went away. I'm speculating, but the Nichols probably got some legal advice that it was now OK for them to put this out. Don't get me wrong, I'm finding this stuff fascinating, but pretty certain Donald does not like it being public.

Date: Thurs, June 29, 2023, 09:21:13 ET
Posted by: Michael,

I think the original 2A sounds just fine without horns. Every SD song doesn't need a horn arrangement to sound complete. My two cents.

You should check out DOMi & JD BECK, a group of two extremely talented young jazz prodigies with tight synergy and blistering playing. Reminiscent of 70s jazz fusion like Herbie Hancock.

Sniff (live)

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

Not Tight (feat. Thundercat)

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

Bowling (feat. Thundercat)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_oABY8oc7tc

Date: Wed, June 28, 2023, 20:17:37 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Michael,

Personal preferences. In 43.5 year retrospect - I think the original feels a little stiff and robotic. WENDEL-ized but not WENDEL-ized. However, the horn accents have not been added.

The reboot was not far along, and while the Gadd drums are fantastic, they keyboards drag a bit and it would have been an effort to infuse something Donald and presumably Walter didn't have the heart to finish. It's didn't have a spark yet. Third World Man is an outstanding closer and features Gadd's organic drumming. Kulee Baba and The Bear are even more mouthwatering with AI-assisted clean-up.

Hoops: These decisions should always be the artists' prerogative. I don't have an issue with the way SD and associated interests have managed the online world. I'm grateful for what we've heard...

In the end it's the craft, ideas, and imagination that are compelling.

The craft end of things is where our discussions of Andy Platts/YGSF/Mamas Gun have really excelled, especially with song structure - well thought out, yet peppered with clever and sometimes unexpected ideas.

We've posted Moonshine:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9y_WVos6YS8


Nice hi hat and altered blues rhythm guitar opener. The verse moves up and down the chord progressions, including chord inversions. Nice set-up of the bridge moving into the chorus, moving across the chords on a key change. So many hooks before we enter the call and response chorus. A very clever resolving of the chorus so we're taken back to the next verse. A very tasty understated jazzy guitar solo (2:30). Then they turn the bridge sideways (2:50 - 3:14) - very American songbook, although both Temperton and Platts are/were British. Platts and Donald are geniuses at creating miraculous bridges and transitions.

This is the kind of songwriting, like D&W, that requires a lot of idea development and compositional edits.





Now Gaucho and TvN pushed the recording edit envelope: "We didn't even know it would count that high (# of edits)... We'll call you back."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZrRSNcOC09o

Date: Wed, June 28, 2023, 18:52:04 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Top-notch samba jazz fusion from multi-instrumentalist Antonion Neves.

A Pegada Agora É Essa (feat. Marcos Esguleba)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-7sdn234OCw

Forte Apache (feat. Hamilton de Holanda)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k96ydSPf5CQ

Lamento de um Perplexo (feat. Leo Gandelman)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p8q2MbJadCE

More choice finds.

Àbáse - Oya

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

John Carroll Kirby - Oropendola

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b5dR-OYIK2s

Brandee Younger - Somewhere Different

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hv9Kk9ojb-I

Soyuz - Offscreen

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7Qo259LKmk

Soyuz - I Knew It

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u14mt-j6fFg

Date: Wed, June 28, 2023, 15:57:07 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Doc, I like the 2nd attempt as well but it's clearly inferior. Something about it feels too sterile, lacking the substance, nuances and memorable flourishes of the original.

Your assessment about artists catching flak for blocking fans is spot on. Glad that The Eagles aren't catching on with younger listeners. Never understood their appeal anyhow.

Date: Wed, June 28, 2023, 13:34:43 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago

The last time we had a cease and desist request from DF/SD was 3-4 years back when this site offered the archive of Walter's "Hey 19" raps and rants audience recordings and transcripts. They insisted that they be taken down immediately. Note that the raps, etc were stored and streamed from this site, so that's why I was served. Simply mentioning that an audience recording or the like exists somewhere else is not a reason I will receive a cease and desist. However, again as I understand, encouraging others to bootleg, etc can cross a line. During the past 30 years, my goal has been to support and defer the wishes of Donald and Walter and their reps.

Date: Wed, June 28, 2023, 12:35:19 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. Uptown, Baby!

It's right here:
https://youtu.be/cAtOuLuO3vU?t=86

Date: Wed, June 28, 2023, 12:34:10 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. Uptown, Baby!

Thanks, Doc. I actually did see it when I first saw it the other day, but it didn't make an impression. I was looking for something more than "That's it".

And that's the total text message. "That's it." Not even an exclamation mark.

Date: Wed, June 28, 2023, 12:28:38 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,

Michael: The DAT is indeed a preserved safety tape they made before laying down the last overdubs - horns, maybe a guitar solo.
salt's YT is the re-do with Steve Gadd. But there are no vocals - I actually like it and the shuffle.


Hoops:
Article 1, Section 8, Clause 8: Intellectual Property
To promote the Progress of Science and useful Arts, by securing for limited Times to Authors and Inventors the exclusive Right to their respective Writings and Discoveries;

I'm a big proponent of i.p. rights being conferred as individual rights (not corporate rights) as an author of scientific articles, presentations, abstracts, and a textbook. Academic authors are ripped off on both ends - we pay to publish scientific articles (a conflict of interest IMO), and often get pittance on textbooks because of the low % and resale. My textbook is now electronic, online behind a paywall only - which is OK because I intended the text to be a modular e-book. Anyone who covers a song that seeks a profit must seek permission and must pay royalties (flat fee or % or both).

Donald owns the SD and solo catalog. He could record the various outtakes...or not.

However, the media/social media experience last 20 years are crystal clear. Artists and record cos. that habitually block fan releases that seek no profit limit exposure, reduce sales, and are less and less likely to catch fire with younger generations. In the case of Don Henley and The Eagles that is arguably a good thing. Zeppelin is far less popular than a generation ago because they are blockers.

I would characterize SD blocking of fan videos as relatively lenient. Because of that and the greater appreciation for their high quality recordings, as well as relatively frequent touring and release of SD and really good solo discs, Steely Dan's popularity among millenials has risen and Gen. Z has been getting a healthy dose of exposure. Queen as well. Technology today allows for high quality recordings in a DIY environment, outside major studios.

Because the state of things in the music biz, livings are made touring rather than recording. Hence, the effort to DIY recordings, yet still retain high quality audio. This is part of the reason SD's reputation is intact and rising. The efforts of Donald, Walter, other musicians, Roger Nichols, Eliot Scheiner, Al Schmitt, Bill Schnee, etc. have not gone unnoticed.

Date: Wed, June 28, 2023, 11:50:21 ET
Posted by: Dean-Not,

Could someone just tell us what the text message says? Thank you.

Date: Wed, June 28, 2023, 11:47:51 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Dean - it's on the DAT youtube video. Just watch, you'll see it.

Date: Wed, June 28, 2023, 11:42:54 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. Uptown, Baby!

Mu, text from Elliot Scheiner? Care to share a link?

Date: Wed, June 28, 2023, 11:20:41 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Various recordings of outtakes and demos have circulated for decades. Their existence deprives nothing from the finished work. If anything it reaffirms what we've long known about D&W's pursuit of quality.

Roger's DAT of 'The Second Arrangement' is an almost complete version of what was to be the finished song, likely made a couple days prior to the completed arrangement and recording which got erased. The hiss indicates that the DAT was a safety copy he had made from a cassette tape before it degraded to the point of no return. The other full mix with some missing vocals is taken directly from a separate cassette, same arrangement as the DAT version but with a few other minor added details like that little guitar lick at the end of the intro which was probably edited out later at Donald's discretion and those backup singers doing that 'Aaaah...' sound which later got turned down in the mix.

That alternate version of 2A floating around is likely from D&W's 2nd ill-fated attempt to record the track, but since it didn't quite live up to the original D&W decided to toss it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPLZBdpFyA8

Date: Wed, June 28, 2023, 10:38:42 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago

For the record, I doubt Donald and his legal are cool with the latest release of "Second Arrangement." My hunch is that they are not happy but probably have concerns I don't understand.

However, this site/guestbook itself is not streaming or hosting them. The responsibility belongs to parties who posted them and the services that are hosting and streaming them, starting probably Cimcee and Connie...

Date: Wed, June 28, 2023, 02:27:44 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

PSA: The text from Elliot Scheiner could shed a tear.

Date: Wed, June 28, 2023, 02:25:46 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Cimcie's youtube release of the DAT version of 2nd Arrangement. It's pretty clean - the highlights for most Dan fans will be the clips of Roger, Walter, Donald, Cimcie and sister(s). I don't believe the flashback clips have been seen before now.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cAtOuLuO3vU

Date: Tues, June 27, 2023, 17:01:25 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

hoops - thanks for the insight. I did not know that about Walter. Hey, if it led to rarities nights! A nice way to codify these great songs.

Just in case folks haven't seen/heard Dan Belcher's remastered live version of 2nd A.


https://youtu.be/weQsCjsDyxQ


Glad to hear that you and the legal eagles are cool with this so far.

TBH, I understand now why Roger Nichols never really listened to cassette versions. Cimcie's release is for me of interest due to the connection with her dad rather than the fidelity of the recording. It did confirm that the more disco-ey version (Ed Greene on drums) is the original and the redo has more of the shuffle drumming -that is Steve Gadd. I often wasn't sure which was the original. Ironically, I like Gadd's take better. 2ndA has more bounce in the redo.

I'm actually more excited about the sound of the AI'd The Bear and Kulee Baba. We'll never know what the pan fried versions would have sounded like unfortunately, but I think these are in the ball park.

AI is out of the bag, but I like it far more as a signal processor than a "researcher," because of AI's tendency to go off script and churn out fake news when presented with a difficult question...because it's programmed by humans...

Date: Tues, June 27, 2023, 11:08:57 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago

Michael:

Thank you for the clarification. I went back and checked; apparently I listened to another version of "Second Arrangement" that was also recently put out there in the past few days. This other new version actually omitted the lead vocals during the refrain, which is I why I wasn't especially impressed. But like others, I'm intrigued by the lyrics.

Through the years, there's been so many demos of "Second Arangement" and almost as many variationns on the lyrics, but this is pleasing because it seems to be the most complete and cohesive set of lyrics for the track.

While others give props to the audio quality, I think that's a bit exaggerated. It sounds like the FM radio on my dad's mid-1970s station wagon: we were elated that our car finally had FM stereo, but we still had crappy AM radio-quality speakers. Yes, it's a slight improvement but it still sounds like cassette dub of another cassette.

As some of you long-timers know, I've received "cease and disist" orders/requests from Donald's/Steely Dan's legal through the years. I doubt Donald is trilled to have this out there. I did reach out to Donald's legal people as to what they thought of this latest copy of "Second Arrangement," so I can consider how to report on this in the Dandom Digest. I've not received a response fron the attorneys.

I remember over two decades ago when "You Got The Bear," "Were You Blind That Day," and I think yet another version of the "Second Arrangement" were posted here on the BlueBook (for that matter, posted anywhere) for the first time. Walter, et. al. used to lurk here, and right after, he contacted us asked if we knew where it came from. The person who posted the recordings claimed he bought the tape at a garage sale in Southern California. Very soon after, the songs were registered at the Library of Congress copyright office.

I had heard that part of the reason these songs were performed in 2011 was to reaffirm rights, but only D+W's hairdresser (and atty's?) knows for sure. And of course, all this should be considered from the vantage that I am not a legal professional.

Thanks for the good wishes--many returns,

Jim

Date: Tues, June 27, 2023, 07:53:35 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Hoops, hope you're doing well. As you know there hasn't been much news regarding SD/DF future plans. Being presented with almost complete versions of one of the most sought after lost SD tunes is a pretty big deal. Roger had several stacks of SD material, among other things, which is pretty exciting since it presents us with the possibility of more gems being unearthed.

Better late than never, right?

That aside, my ears are always firmly to the ground looking for new music to fill the gaps.

Date: Mon, June 26, 2023, 21:30:14 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago

This new cleaned up "Second Arrangement" is kind of interesting in a certain way. I mean, for the most part we've heard all this before; but from my angle, what's interesting is how apparently Steely Dan legal and management is not bothered by it. I have been offered similar recordings to publish in the past and it's always been "no no"/"cease and desist" territory. Moreover, "Second Arrangement" along with "You Got the Bear" and "Were You Blind That Day" were similarly debuted for the first time here on the blue book something like a decade and a half ago. Walter was so surprised when they surfaced that he actually contacted us to ask where the heck it came from. So I guess this is like the fourth or fifth almost official version of "Second Arrangement" that has come out. Anyway, please let me know if you have anything to add to what I've said here or below. I hope everybody else is doing OK these days. I'm always low-key here because everybody else seems to do a better job of talking. But struggling with some things right now so appreciate your good vibes.

Peace out and love,

Jim

Date: Mon, June 26, 2023, 09:40:03 ET
Posted by: LaWhat, asdf

oh yeah we've had this discussion, all the way back to Yellow Book, Oleander's page has a good background on what we came up with.

Date: Mon, June 26, 2023, 00:02:53 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. Uptown, Baby!

Updraught, yes I'm fine with LaRoux, Leroux, Leroue or any alternative spelling. My point was, it isn't "who..." or "ruse". The Dan likes some specifics. I'm thinking it's the person's name. A name that has a certain French creepiness to it makes perfect sense to me.

Somehow I feel we've had this discussion before. I'll have to check another day as I'm fading.

Date: Sun, June 25, 2023, 23:24:31 ET
Posted by: Upgraught, Philly area

Dean:
I believe

Roux Family History
Roux Name Meaning

French:: nickname for a red-haired man from Old French ro(u)s ‘red' (from Latin russeus). sometimes also a habitational name from (Le) Roux the name of several places in various parts of France. This surname (in any of the two possible senses; see also 1 above) is also established in South Africa. Compare Leroux .

Date: Sun, June 25, 2023, 20:20:23 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. Reggae Sunday!

I have to say, I enjoyed hearing the cleaned up/AI versions of Second Arrangement (and The Bear). But I have to believe Don, and most serious old school musicians, feel similarly about AI as they did about Autotune. Perhaps I'm wrong. However IMO if Don wanted us to hear this, he would have gone to the trouble to be involved in some way. Just a thought.

With that said, the lyric is "LaRue stepped out with no regrets", right? It certainly isn't "who stepped out" or "rue stepped out". Am I mistaken?

Date: Sat, June 24, 2023, 22:15:53 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Correcting the pitch and speed of the recording shouldn't be too difficult for someone with a little know-how and a DAW to accomplish.

Maybe Roger had a copy of Heartbreak Souvenir and a full band rendition of I Can't Write Home About You. He procured a lot of stuff from what I can tell so it's not entirely out of the question.

Date: Sat, June 24, 2023, 21:03:22 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Yeah - the first version from the cassette is slightly slowed dow, due to age of the tape. The DAT version was recalibrated. Someone will AI these soon enough if they haven't already.

There's an AI of Real Ove on dropbox that cleaned up John's vocals - it's amazing.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/2k72p5f8qrvrdwt/The%20Beatles%20-%20Real%20Love%20%28Original%29%20%5BAI%5D.mp3?dl=0

Date: Sat, June 24, 2023, 18:26:32 ET
Posted by: Michael,

There's apparently three versions of SA:
Full new mix (with partial vocals)
Instrumental of new mix (sans vocals and lead guitar)
Previously shared "tape leak" demo in higher quality

All can be heard here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZU2oZGPjPbM

Date: Sat, June 24, 2023, 15:21:57 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,

So, a lot going on. Roger Nichol's daughter Cimcie has released her Dad's cassette mixtape of the 2nd Arrangement (original) on the dan substack.

https://expandingdan.substack.com/p/second-arrangement-steely-dan-roger-nichols-tape

A DAT rip released a few hours later. Enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qZNYuuOFUb4

Date: Sat, June 24, 2023, 15:07:49 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,

AI - enhanced The Bear

https://youtu.be/QPt_l28ralA


At least we got something good out of AI before it goes Full HAL and destroys what's left of humanity. ;)

Date: Sat, June 24, 2023, 14:45:05 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Wow - mini Steve Khan solo on the last version. If that sax/horn outtro could have been extended! Even in this state, it's the best song from the Gaucho sessions. JMO.

Date: Sat, June 24, 2023, 14:42:16 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

AI - cleaning up Kulee Baba (and making Now and Then possible as new/last Beatles song).

I haven't heard horns on this one before.

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

Here's another mix (also with horns):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iaQY9JesF9I&t=0s


Kulee's my favorite among the Gaucho outtakes and would have been a standout on the album. Too bad there were not CD length then (or a double album or 3-sider)...

Date: Sat, June 24, 2023, 14:32:27 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Not perfect, but cleaned up KL outtakes that suggest at times what Jeff's drums could have sounded like before the noise reduction fiasco thing...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bInRwyj1VRQ

Date: Fri, June 23, 2023, 19:17:12 ET
Posted by: Billow Togatz,

"But it all comes out ON the inside
Eventually."

One would think it should have read:

"But it all comes out FROM the inside
Eventually."


Screwy bastards…😊

Date: Fri, June 23, 2023, 17:13:55 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

a tab and the *chords*

Date: Fri, June 23, 2023, 17:13:02 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

I looked up a tab and the chorus, and sure enough, the chorus on Honeybee is

Gadd9 G
Amadd9
Gadd9/B

Gotta sweeten that hunny.

A couple of sus chords and a Dadd11/G. Everything in harmony (ies).

Date: Fri, June 23, 2023, 17:00:02 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Here's a New Zealand group Unknown Mortal Orchestra from New Zealand with that flatline attitude. Most of their stuff is alt-psychedelia.

This number - Honeybee - has a little Steely and YGSF in it.

https://youtu.be/IJrKlSkxRHA

Date: Fri, June 23, 2023, 10:35:58 ET
Posted by: Michael,

More interesting finds to check out.

Yachts on Fire - Ride by Night (EP)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arD5gIXkKeI&list=OLAK5uy_mf4GOzJFl2oswq9UE5v-IA1nBsRGLweu4

The 1957 Tail-Fin Fiasco - The Son of Mrs Queenie Brown

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

Dark Horse Flyer - High Five

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=biydH2sXqpU

Ghost Cousin - Breakfast and Tea

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kD67qvXfG5c

Date: Thurs, June 22, 2023, 16:44:25 ET
Posted by: Michael,

I heard Sea Level awhile back but completely blanked on them. Wonder how many other gems I'm missing out on.

Here's a little tip for those of you out there who can't identify certain tunes online. There's a browser plugin called Shazam which can quickly identify artists/songs. It even works with music files on your PC/laptop if you drag and drop them into your browser which should make them play automatically. Note that it can't identify everything but I've had pretty good success rate with it. Once you DL the plugin simply pin it to your desktop and click the icon while a song is playing.

Date: Wed, June 21, 2023, 12:45:24 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. Uptown, Baby!

I forgot to mention: Great haircut, Don. That had me actually laughing out loud.

Date: Wed, June 21, 2023, 12:43:25 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. Uptown, Baby!

Dave, thanks for the Show Biz Kids link. I had actually forgotten about that.

And regarding the Sea Level discussion I am, and have been, a huge Sea Level (and Chuck Leavell) fan. I wondered if King Grand would be posted, as it is very cool and funky tune, IMO. While Seal Level is at their best on instrumentals (IMO of course) vocal tunes such as King Grand, If That's Your Secret, etc. are exceptional, too.

I always chuckle when Stones fans complain about Chuck. They say he isn't right for the Stones. And they are right. He's FAR too talented to be playing with them

Date: Wed, June 21, 2023, 00:42:24 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Hey, a Royce Jones sighting on Show Biz...

Date: Wed, June 21, 2023, 00:39:14 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Dave - Nice! that ain't no Fugazi!

Date: Wed, June 21, 2023, 00:37:07 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Almost forgot the Royal Scam (album)-like funk-blues King Grand from Sea Level. Dan meets Little Feat.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Z_fTcC1XHQ

Date: Tues, June 20, 2023, 17:29:45 ET
Posted by: Big Trev, Barcelona

Now that's one nice acquisition right there Dave. Almost worth the 50 year wait. 50 years! A nice glimpse of a particular moment in the history of Steely Dan with a short lived but interesting line up. A full concert recording of that line up would be great. I live in hope. But not another 50 years please.

Date: Tues, June 20, 2023, 11:59:55 ET
Posted by: Dave (from acquisitions), Philadelphia

It's finally here! 1973 performance of Show Biz Kids on the midnight special

https://youtu.be/E2JWtuBLelw

Date: Mon, June 19, 2023, 17:13:28 ET
Posted by: BrianG, at home on my comfy chair

Very fine edit of an already very fine *extended* rhythm track for Green Earrings, married with the LP vocals etc. Funk Royalty getting funkier.

Jive Miguel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dmQwVPndr8U

Date: Sat, June 17, 2023, 16:23:00 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Now, here's some OG fusion, and a shout out to Dusty Rhodes:


Sea Level - maybe 2.5 great albums as an Allman Bros offspring: chuck Leavell, Jimmy Nails, Lamar Williams, Jay Johnny Johanason. They were amazing live.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gPwz4QpXq-4

https://youtu.be/_YEytw-hozI

https://youtu.be/LOF7cf_7i3Q

https://youtu.be/qyjN2PW54l4

Date: Sat, June 17, 2023, 15:30:41 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Michael,

My comment re: Burning Bridges wasn't that it's great or even good, it's that the best changes and hook resemble TWM.

I think we're all aware that IV was a massive commercial smash.

Falling in Between is awful, overall. Let it Go in the studio is OK, an altered blues with decent harmonies in the chorus with Phillinganes' vocals as the highlight. However, live performances during that period were really, really good.

Date: Sat, June 17, 2023, 15:07:46 ET
Posted by: Michael,

That Lukather track 'Burning Bridges' sounds like conventional fanfare, a bluesy structure with modifications thrown in. He's written great songs with Toto so I know he can do much better than this. As I'm a jaded listener, having listened to countless songs, I'm more demanding.

I kind of like 'Let It Go' from their album 'Falling In Between'. Phillinganes and the others did a great job. For whatever reason it reminds me of music played during training montages in Rocky films.

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

I think the reason 'IV' won over 'The Nightfly' was due to commercial appeal, not because it was a superior artistic work. Award shows function as self-congratulatory infomercials for the industry. Who remembers by rote who won for best album of 1984, 1989 or whatever year? Beats me. It's meaningless in the grand scheme of things.

Bliss Band had scattershot flashes of brilliance but failed to make a big impact and thus were short-lived. AOR albums were coming into vogue just about the time they had arrived but there were too many of them, resulting in a select handful getting extensive radio play while the rest were left out in the cold.

Another overlooked AOR artist is Larry Lee. His 1982 'Marooned' album had some good material like 'Number One Girl', 'Don't Talk' and the title track.

Jeff Porcaro was an amazing drummer. Small wonder D&W brought him in.

Date: Sat, June 17, 2023, 13:56:47 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

We all know the reality - the best "Toto" songs were Boz' Lowdown and Miss Sun.

https://youtu.be/I-hKBmTAADo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VbUP5_4ZPvA

Porcaro's shuffle on Miss Sun is ridiculous, and the sync-lock with David Hungate on Lowdown is legendary.

Date: Sat, June 17, 2023, 13:34:58 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Michael - I was raised Catholic so blame is big, including on Mr. Big...plus there's a plethora of Bugs Bunny/Elmer Fudd/Loonie Tunes reference.

Big fan of Toxic Vegan on the snark and YGSF, as well as Andy Platts' other band Mama's Gun, which is a little more R&B. The album Golden Days is highly, highly recommended by MG - it's probably my favorite Platts album besides YGSF's Ticket to Shangri-La.

I have to check out Bliss Band again...I do remember them, but haven't listened to their stuff in over 40 years.

Funny about not too many sounding like Steely Dan rather than Toto.

On the title track of Lukather's new Toto/not Toto solo album, he's definitely channeling the middle 8 of Third World Man:

Check it out -> 0:54 https://youtu.be/Ps_E9q00DY8

Toto is one of those bands that could occasionally rise to the occasion, but were usually lazy as songwriters, unlike Andy Platts the craftsman. Toto was happy to slap it together in the studio. Occasionally brilliant, but then mortifyingly stupid. The hits from the debut album - I'll Supply the Love and Hold the Line are mind-umbingly awful. I think Georgy Porgy, Girl Goodbye, and Rockmaker actually work years later.

I do like the prog-fusion element in their overlooked 2nd album Hydra, and that still is for me their best album. 99 and Mama work as songs as well. I think Hydra works because they focused on "It's the Musicianship, Stupid."

Turn Back is garbage. On IV Rosanna, Make Believe, Africa are good, but the remainder of fare is banal. The Grammys - it cuts both ways. How IV wins over The Nightly is as head scratching as Taste of Honey's win in '78. Unforgivable!

After David Hungate left the band their output is even more inconsistent to dreadful. Parts of the Dune soundtrack, the Seventh One and XIV (featuring Keith Carlock) rise above their flotsam and jetsam. Skip the first 3 unlistenable bombastic songs on XIV, and the album isn't really that bad. Luke's 21st Century Blues, The Little Things, Chinatown, Great Expectations are maybe the closest thing to Hydra, because of the emphasis on musicianship.

Date: Fri, June 16, 2023, 13:31:25 ET
Posted by: Michael,

*connoisseur

I can't believe I proof-read and missed that. Oh, the humanity.

Date: Fri, June 16, 2023, 13:24:47 ET
Posted by: Michael,

---Artists which bear similarity to Steely Dan.

There have been seemingly countless imitators of The Beatles, The Beach Boys, Elvis Presley, Deep Purple, Fleetwood Mac, and every other prominent artist you care to think of, but, perhaps owing to the complex nature of their work, there haven't been quite as many of Steely Dan. Still, some artists have made a brave attempt at emulating components of the Dan's sound with varying degrees of success. Of course imitation doesn't necessarily guarantee a similar level of quality output. All the performance and production talent in the world is meaningless without great songwriting.

Please note that not every artist mentioned here is 100% attempting to emulate Steely Dan but in some instances share enough similar qualities that I would be remiss not to include them. I hope you find my feature to be concise and informative. With that being said, let's get this under way.

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

We begin our trek with Ed Motta, Brazilian soul/funk/jazz connossieur who sports a rather massive record collection spanning all genres. An avid Steely Dan afficionado, Ed has incorporated much of that Aja-esque sophistication and production sheen into his own work, even in his more more hip-hop/dance/funk tracks. This, combined with a slew of other influences including Stevie Wonder, Eric Tagg, Jamiroquai, even J-pop artists like Makoto Matsushita and Tetsuro Yamashita, ensures the listener a broad-range listening experience. Both 'Manual Prático Para Festas, Bailes E Afins' and 'As Segundas Intenções do Manual Prático...' make great introductory albums for those seeking to broaden their sonic horizons.

Bonus fact: Ed is the nephew of Tim Maia, renowned samba/soul/funk MPB artist.

Next we take a trip to the sunny west coast with State Cows, Swedish AOR specialists. Daniel Andersson and Stefan Olofsson form the nucleus of the group. Seamlessly juxtaposing intelligent pop hooks, superb production and clever harmonies to keep surprising the listener's expectations, many of their songs sound as though lifted directly from AOR's early 1980s heyday. You can definitely detect a strong Steely Dan influence in their sound along with a sprinkling of Christopher Cross, Michael McDonald, David Foster, and Kenny Loggins without sounding too derivative. While album releases have been somewhat sporadic over their decade-plus span, Dan and Stefan's ability to create masterful pop tunes speaks for itself with their latest track 'Waiting for the Right Words' having just come out back in March, hopefully foreshadowing a new album lurking in the not-too-distant future.

Bliss Band was a short-lived UK group fronted by Paul Bliss who also worked as a backup musician for both The Hollies and The Moody Blues. Their debut LP 'Dinner with Raoul' was produced by Jeff "Skunk" Baxter and just for good measure features Michael McDonald doing backing vocals. The Steely Dan influence shines through on cuts like 'Don't Do Me Any Favors' and 'On the Highway'. Unfortunately their follow-up album 'Neon Smiles' would also be their last as they disbanded shortly thereafter in 1980.

Fitness Forever is an Italian pop group formed by Carlos Valderrama, showcasing a penchant for exceptionally well-written compositions and expertly devised grooves, incorporating a wide range of influences ranging from Steely Dan, Burt Bacharach and Brian Wilson to Stereolab, Ennio Morricone, Piero Umiliani and beyond. They are known to record using analog equipment, giving their albums a warm, vibrant sound. Tracks such as 'Laura' and 'Cosa Mi Hai Detto' are unmistakably Dan-ish in composition while retaining Fitness Forever's lush signature style. They seamlessly straddle the lines between seventies-style dance funk, lush orchestration in the spirit of classic Italian and French film composers, 1960s sunshine pop, and bossa lounge. While some of their material may succumb to a bit of saccharine, you'd be hard-pressed to find a modern artist more authentically retro-sounding than this.

Canada's answer to Steely Dan, Don Breithaupt began Monkey House sometime back in the early 90's, sporadically releasing albums at his own leisurely pace with the latest 'Remember the Audio' coming out last year. Although his first two albums were rather lackluster, Don eventually found his strut with Headquarters, navigating to far superior production values with a strong emphasis on Dan-ish vibes, best exemplified in tracks like 'Major Minor' off his latest album. Jazz-rock guitarist Drew Zingg, who also toured with Steely Dan and Boz Skaggs, has been along for the ride for the last four MH albums. In addition they've brought in world-renown talents such as Michael Brecker and Michael Leonhart as guest performers to complete the package.

Perhaps no other group has more blatantly tried to sound exactly like Steely Dan than Jango. That's not an exaggeration. Everything from Steve Nieves's attempts to vocally emulate Donald Fagen with matching obtuse lyrics to boot, to those distinctly Dan-esque arrangements with little instrumental breaks, sax solos and chiming guitar riffs leaves nothing to mystery. Whether listeners find this to be intriguing or off-putting is certainly subjective but, speaking for myself, several of their tracks make for enjoyable listening, replete with nice hooks and embellishing phrases. I'd recommend 'The Beard', 'City of the 2nd Chance', 'Joyful Caravan', and 'Dreamtown'. Most of their other tracks are firmly in smooth jazz instrumental territory.

Pages is a joint AOR project between Steve George and Richard Page, much in the spirit of Donald and Walter. From the lusciously soulful Rhodes-driven groove of 'Clearly Kim' to the soft AM pop-rock fusion of 'You Need a Hero', Pages perfectly demostrate a finely tuned ear for serviceable melodic hooks and tasty chords. For their third and final album they brought in Jay Graydon to produce, but the writing was on the wall and within a year Steve and Richard had closed the book on Pages, moving on to the much more commercially successful Mr. Mister.

Also worth a mention is Airplay, a short-lived group featuring David Foster, Jay Graydon and Tommy Funderbunk. Their sole album epitomizes West Coast/AOR. If anything their sound was much closer to Toto than Steely Dan but the expert production is nothing to scoff at. 'Nothin' You Can Do About It' is a pop gem and they saw fit to include their own version of 'After The Love Is Gone' which Foster, Graydon and Bill Champlin had originally composed for Earth, Wind & Fire.

Now it's time to head back over to the UK for a massively underrated artist which flew under the radar, Talc, featuring session musicians James Knight (Dr. Fun) and Nichol Thomson (The Gift). Regretfully they only released two albums, 'Sit Down Think' (2006) and 'Licensed Premises Lifestyle' (2008), but what fine albums they are. Tracks such as 'Modern Sleepover' and 'Rhyming Man' should thoroughly convince you that this is top shelf material. Of note is their incorporation of vocoder on some tracks to provide a campy robotic sci-fi feel. Sly lyricism with a sprinkling of English humor combine with a healthy dose of brass stabs and funkadelic guitar riffs to complete the throwback feel.

Toxic Vegan is another duo project in the style of 70's and early 80's sophisticated pop. Dillon O'Brian and Steve Lindsey are adept songwriters with a keen grasp of that Steely Dan sound. They even brought in session players like Freddie Washington, Dean Parks and Alex Acuña for the ride. Only one album to their credit titled 'My Fabulous Life' but it's full of excellent cuts like 'Robo Girl' which was chosen as the single, 'Your Ace in the Hole' and the title track. Not much else needs to be said. If you like smart jazz-pop then you should get this.

Naoki Fukuda (vocals, guitar, keyboard) and Kaoru Inoue (piano, vocals) together formed Blue Peppers (ブルー・ペパーズ) in 2015, an AOR/pop group from Japan with meticulous production values. They produced their eponymous debut EP by themselves while still in college. Most impressive. To date they have released two albums, 'Retroactive' and 'Symphony'. The track 「星空と孤独のマスカレード」 (Masquerade of Starry Sky and Loneliness) from their debut EP is alone worth the price of admission. Unfortunately only a preview is available.

https://youtu.be/OSVdJUesay8?t=99

Young Gun Silver Fox are the best new artist to emerge from the UK over the past decade. Specializing in creating soulful AOR earworms, Andy Platts and Shawn Lee are at the top of their game, having just completed their fourth album 'Ticket to Shangri-La' late last year. Chock full of delectable pop masterpieces, YGSF prove that they've still got it going on. 'Sierra Nights' is simply majestic, 'Rolling Back' is a bona-fide modern pop classic and 'Simple Imagination' is like some long lost Stevie Wonder tune from his heyday. Also, don't miss their incredible new single 'Moonshine', composed by Andy Platts and Rod Temperton back in 2006, reminiscent of Michael Jackson at his boogie-pop peak. YGSF's consistent quality output is amazing. How do they do it? I don't know but I'm here for it.

The Norwegian Fords is yet another AOR duo project with heavy Steely Dan overtones. Erik Enzo and Paul Call do a decent job emulating D&W's jazzy quirks, coming across in a similar vein to State Cows. Nothing too remarkable here, just solid performances over easy-listening jazz-rock grooves. Only two albums to their name, with their last album 'Somewhere Down the Road You'll Listen' released back in 2011. Tracks such as 'Surfing on the Sun', 'I'll Be Dining Here Again' and 'Fit In' are worth checking out.

Smooth Reunion are yet another duo, Joseph Melin and Samuel Andre, who are heavily influenced by Steely Dan, particularly Aja/Gaucho period. They released one album back in 2008 titled 'Cleaning Up the Business' which from what I can tell garnered a small following in Japan, but that's about all the info I've managed to scrounge together.

Samuel Purdey released one album back in 1999, 'Musically Adrift'. It's good, really good. Acid-jazz pop full of tasty chords. 'Lucky Radio' was a hit, especially in Japan where it became a radio staple. Both 'One of a Kind' and 'Whatever I Do' clearly exhibit an intimate understanding for what makes a classic song tick, soft of an amalgamation of the Dan, Doobies and Skaggs. Having Elliot Scheiner behind the mixing console and former Jamiroquai member Stuart Zender on bass was a smart decision. Speaking of which, Jamiroquai front man Jay Kay had commented that 'Lucky Radio' was the best single of 1997. For more of those great-tasting West Coast vibes be sure to check out Powder Blue Tux, another project from Barney Purdey.

Keiichi Tomita (冨田 恵一), perhaps best known for Tomita Lab (冨田ラボ), his ongoing solo project, is a versatile composer, performer, arranger, and producer in Japan. Having worked with a large pool of talent including Kirinji, bird, Maaya Sakamoto, Ken Hirai, Mamalaid Rag, Taeko Onuki, YMO member Yukihiro Takahashi, and many others, he's proven himself to be exceptionally skillful both in the studio and live performance. A self-confessed jazz-rock maniac, Keiichi takes influence from Steely Dan, Claus Ogerman, the Brecker brothers, Ivan Lins, and Henry Mancini. He even released a book titled 'Nightfly: How to Create and Appreciate Recording Art' with an emphasis on Donald Fagen's 'The Nightfly' album. Unfortunately the book is not currently available in English but seems to offer plenty of commentary and insight into recording method, arranging techniques, and similar topics. Occasionally his music bears a striking resemblance to Steely Dan, a few examples being 「海を渡る橋」 (Bridge Across the Sea), 「プラシーボ･セシボン」 (Placebo cest si Bon) and 「横顔」 (Profile).

In terms of sheer quality no other artist has come as close to that Steely Dan level than Kirinji (キリンジ). Formed back in 1996, brothers Yasuyuki and Takaki Horigome (堀込泰行 and 堀込高樹, respectively) formed the nucleus of the group, with Yasuyuki departing back in 2013 to pursue his solo career. Since then Takaki has taken the helm, carrying on Kirinji as a solo project. Keiichi Tomita served as producer on their debut EP and first five studio albums, excepting 'Omnibus', an album of mostly self-covers for tracks they composed for various artists. The strength and consistency of their songwriting has been nothing short of exceptional, spanning a wide breadth of styles including melodic pop, rock, jazz, country, funk, dance, electronic, etc. Steely Dan's influence can be felt most prominently on tracks such as 「牡牛座ラプソディ」 (Taurus Rhapsody), 「悪玉」 (The Heel), 「メスとコスメ」 (Female and Cosmetics), 「雨は毛布のように」 (The Rain is like a Blanket), and 「地を這う者に翼はいらぬ」 (He Who Crawls on the Ground Needs no Wings). They've got all the elements you want: irresistible melodies, sophisticated harmonies, superb performances, arranging and production. The only fly in the ointment may be the Japanese lyrics but this only adds to their mystique.

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

That's all I've got. *phew* If any of you have further suggestions then please feel free to chime in.

Date: Fri, June 16, 2023, 07:42:11 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Doc, that's close to my sentiment, only I could do without the first half. Green Book, Pixeleen, Lunch With Gina are my top 3 tracks. As a Christian I cannot bring myself to enjoy Godwhacker. Even if you're of a different faith it's not wise to threaten God. The first three tracks on EMG are pretty weak. TAN was a much better album overall.

I should have up the special I've been working on sometime today, hopefully within a few hours.

Date: Thurs, June 15, 2023, 22:39:28 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu, left of the Rio Grande

Michael,

For me that last 2/3:

Godwhacker
Slang of Ages - gets better with ages
Green Book
Pixeleen
Lunch with Gina
Everything Must Go

are pure gold and stand up against their best.


Things I Miss the Most is the real upgrade on Northwest Passage. Much or the rest of the live recording is by rote, but naturally excellent.


Yeah, I'm the guy that plays the tracks for EMG in reverse order.


The opening for the title track is superb. It's a tip of the fez to Coltrane's A Love Supreme of course.


EMG also becomes a concept album about dying played in reverse:

EMG - Well, we're screwed, but it's been great.

Lunch with Gina - The grim repress has a date with me, but we're ducking her so far.

Pixeleen - The Last War will be virtual

Green Book - Hide in here.

Slang of Ages - Can we escape to an alternative universe?

Godwhacker - If I'm going to blame anyone, it has to be Mr. Big

Blues Beach - Fallout

Things I Miss the Most - A lot of good my hideaway does me now.

The Last Mall - Memorabilia rolls down the aisle as well pull the plug.

Date: Wed, June 14, 2023, 12:09:44 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. Uptown, Baby!

I stand corrected. It looks like one doesn't need a Spotify account to listen to this podcast. It's just that I have so much protection in my Chrome browser it won't play in that browser. It played just fine in Firefox, which I only use occasionally and I don't keep locked down as tightly as I do Chrome. Carry on...

Date: Wed, June 14, 2023, 12:06:11 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. Uptown, Baby!

BS, that interview has been posted here before, but it's not a bad idea to have a reminder for those who may have missed it. IMO of course.

Here's a Youtube link that doesn't require a sign up to listen to. For people like me who don't have, or want, a Spotify account.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwl4TYIm-M8

Date: Tues, June 13, 2023, 16:35:19 ET
Posted by: BadSneakers, .

Interview with Donald Fagen from 2019:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/02s5On1QWtrshMKph0cwt0?si=BfSDLZgdQTWBJanTAX0iIA

Apologies if already posted

Date: Sun, June 11, 2023, 06:34:36 ET
Posted by: Klaus & the Rooster, Munich, Germany

I wish alt.music.steely-dan would come back to life - but hey - this is maybe the next best.

Met Hoops in 2000 in Frankfurt at a Dan Fest before the show.

Cheers,
Klaus & the Rooster

Date: Sat, June 10, 2023, 11:34:48 ET
Posted by: Solstein, Norway

Solstein - "Hamada"

https://link.isitjazzrecords.no/Solstein_Hamada?location=94

Featuring drummer extraordinaire Keith Carlock (Steely Dan, Toto, John Legend, Sting) and multi-instrumentalist Jacob Holm-Lupo (White Willow, The Opium Cartel, Donner) as well as up-and-coming guitarist Stian Larsen and keyboardists Brynjar Dambo (White Willow) and Bill Bressler, Solstein is a project that melds the groovier side of fusion with elements of prog and funk. The project was born after Holm-Lupo and Carlock collaborated with legendary guitarist Georg Wadenius on a track for Holm-Lupo's Donner project. The collaboration worked so well that the pair decided to work together again on a whole album.

https://solstein.bandcamp.com/album/solstein

Date: Sat, June 10, 2023, 10:44:45 ET
Posted by: Michael,

I prefer the second half of EMG, with Lunch With Gina and Greenbook being my favorites from the album. I've got a special Steely Dan feature coming later this week. For now, though, it's time for a trip back down to Brazil for some more wonderful MPB, samba, bossa, all that good stuff.

Gal Costa - Sutis Diferenças (Subtle Differences)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ymV36TTdR0

João Marcello Bôscoli - Carnaval e Reveillon (Viagens)

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

Marcos Valle - Novo Visual (New Look)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DInC8VB0R2g

Fagner - Guerreiro Menino (Um Homem Também Chora)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Qs6bDAZqV8

Azymuth - Seems Like This (Faça de Conta)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-gjo8iyD6s4

Nara Leão - Um Sonho de Verão (Moonlight Serenade)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QnE0qGwP8bA

Djavan - Asa (Live)

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

Personnel on that Djavan track include David Sanborn (Sax), Marcus Miller (Bass), Hiram Bullock (Guitar), Phillipe Saisse (Key), Omar Hakim (Dr), and Don Alias (Perc). Quite a stellar lineup.

Have a great weekend.

Date: Sat, June 10, 2023, ALL DAY! ET
Posted by: The Greater Dandom,

Date: Thurs, June 08, 2023, 19:03:40 ET
Posted by: Stan , US

New video on Roger Nichols and Wendel.

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT812MhQf/

Date: Wed, June 07, 2023, 17:32:31 ET
Posted by: Michael,

That could be, but Donald related in an interview that Marlene died tragically in a taxicab accident and that she had been unlucky in love, so the narrator is reminiscing about her, even alluding to being haunted by her.

---------------------------
Sometimes on a league night
I catch her scent again
Her hand guiding my hand
We drop the seven-ten
---------------------------

Date: Wed, June 07, 2023, 14:50:35 ET
Posted by: Nicholas Urfe, Phraxos

Miss Marlene, indeed! It seems to me that the narrator is in a What a Fool Believes/Diary kind of situation. Maybe that's obvious.

Date: Tues, June 06, 2023, 08:33:03 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Miss Marlene is such an amazing song. I honestly think it's the best song Donald composed since IGY. Those vocal harmonies, melodic phrasing, luscious groove, Jon's tasty guitar licks interspersed throughout. The arrangement is too good, a total throwback, like some unreleased gem made decades ago. If you played it at a traffic jam people would get out of their cars and start dancing.

Date: Sat, June 03, 2023, 14:06:33 ET
Posted by: CJB, YVR

This sure sounds like the Record Plant broadcast with a few other live songs tossed in. As you were, sorry.

Date: Sat, June 03, 2023, 13:51:17 ET
Posted by: CJB, YVR

Tidal served up some new live Donald this morning; currently listening to a long fine set titled "Donald Fagen - KLOS FM Broadcast Universal Theatre 14th March 1992," which includes lots of relatively uncommon live songs - Chain Lightning; Boston Rag; Any Major Dude, King of the World, among others. No personnel information on the file, just clear soundboard quality sound. Donald shouts out "Denny Dias on guitar!" on Chain Lightning, so, at least one guest musician spotted.

Date: Sat, June 03, 2023, 08:27:49 ET
Posted by: Michael,

*small correction, Goro Ito

Date: Sat, June 03, 2023, 08:26:58 ET
Posted by: Michael,

New playlist. Enjoy.

A Barca Do Sol - Desencontro

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBAHgRiu0Z4

Heaco - Winter Lovely Day

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGtLF06cr8c

Louis Cole - Palmdale Cruisin'

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TlzOsfRC12w

Goto Ito - Captain Coo With A Butterfly

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDI2uemJkic

Ben Reed - Station Masters

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDpdcaYcv6E

Date: Fri, June 02, 2023, 12:27:26 ET
Posted by: OMG RITY, ...REELIN'

Full episode, Reelin @ 1:00:23.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VFyWTxB64I8

Date: Fri, June 02, 2023, 12:09:02 ET
Posted by: OMG DIA, Late at night...

From February 9, 1973 Steely Dan's performance on "The Midnight Special"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7SM_eJKVlzs

Date: Fri, June 02, 2023, 08:04:21 ET
Posted by: Doug, Liverpool

New song from a new band. This is clearly the bass line from Two Against Nature but in 4/4 time rather than 6/8. Similar key change in chorus too, though I'm not sure if it the same.

https://youtu.be/xMx_KOrBxAk

Date: Wed, May 31, 2023, 17:47:38 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Just to be clear. I don't have a 5.1 sound system, but the stereo mixes Scheiner produced for the Gaucho, Nightfly, Kamakiriad, TvN have always been preferable vs. the CDs. The 1999 CD saturated on "Shake it." Ironically the DDD Nightfly always sounded flatter on CD than vinyl. The DVD-A copy brought back the lustre.

So, I'll probably complete a mix and match full-ish SACD/DVD-A collection.

Date: Wed, May 31, 2023, 13:32:20 ET
Posted by: moray eel, Steve

The Everything Must Go, DVD-audio, 5.1 surround sound mix is widely considered to be the gold standard. Nothing tops it.

If people want to go down the rabbit hole, the Steve Hoffman forums are a Wonderland of information

https://forums.stevehoffman.tv/threads/steely-dan-gaucho-dts-5-1-cd.682359/

m.e.

Date: Wed, May 31, 2023, 12:38:03 ET
Posted by: Gabe, PA

Sammy, I bought it when it came out because it coincided with a push to market DVD-A as a mainstream format, and it was there on the shelf along side dozens of other titles. But I don't think I ever listened to more than a few seconds of it.

Curious if iTunes can now RIP DVD-A? That might be a reason to dust them off after 20 years.

Date: Wed, May 31, 2023, 05:29:41 ET
Posted by: Sammy,

Any opinions on the Everything Must Go DVD-A???

Date: Wed, May 31, 2023, 03:35:09 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

m.e. Heartily agree that Gaucho, Nightly, and adding Kamakiriad and TvN are game changes on DVD-A


Continuing the sporadic mu chords in strange places...Neal Finn in the more eclectic Split Enz and Crowded House pun a lot of Beatlesque tunes into gold down under (Australia, New Zealand) and in England... Maybe 5 hits in America. Chord structures are folky usually with odd jazzy infusions.

Two of Split Enz best songs were Poor Boy and History Never Repeats. Snappy performances here at ARIA awards. The chorus in History never repeats are chock full of suspended chords so the setup at the end of the verse

"But anyway that's history."

features our old friend mu major cadd9.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c8sJQmEWP-c

As live performances go, this is a cracker.

Date: Tues, May 30, 2023, 01:11:07 ET
Posted by: moray eel, Claire

Studio albums released in 5,1:

Gaucho
The Nightfly
Kamakiriad
Morph The Cat

Live 5.1 releases:
Two Against Nature
Dukes of September

There were rumblings that a 5.1 mix of Pretzel Logic was completed, but never released.

All other SACD releases, Japanese import or Acoustic Sounds, are high quality stereo mixes.

m.e.

Date: Sat, May 27, 2023, 02:24:28 ET
Posted by: moray eel, Sa

The new Acoustic Sounds SACD release of Can't Buy A Thrill is less adventurous than the old DVD-A release of Gaucho.

It is still a good multichannel recording. Acoustic Sounds seems to have paused the SACD releases for the other albums.

Gaucho revealed itself to me in the DVD-A format and TVN had extra bars of Chris Potter's solo on Gaslighting Abbie.

I have The Nightfly on DVD-A and the Japanese SACD release. I think they are pretty close. If I had to pick one, I would give the DVD-A mix a slight edge.

m.e.

Date: Fri, May 26, 2023, 11:54:30 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Good catch on Tigers. All that's left is Someone and Sharon. Any ideas?

Date: Fri, May 26, 2023, 10:44:26 ET
Posted by: Sammy,

Interesting thread, Michael.

I believe "Tiger" became "Godwhacker." It started out based on William Blake's, "The Tyger."

"We sniff you, Big Tiger In the forest of the night."

Then later evolved to include all that stuff with the Geo. W. administration.

Date: Fri, May 26, 2023, 07:37:16 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Given the long stretch since there's been any breaking developments, would it be safe to assume that Donald's been working on his new solo project? One can only hope.

Gary Katz mentioned how Steely Dan recorded about 12 cuts for Gaucho which was standard operating procedure, allowing them more flexibility in assembling a final track list to their liking. As I recall, in the lead up to TAN's release there was a contest on their website for visitors to take a stab at assembling TAN's track listing from random song titles. Here's the full list.

1. Two Against Nature
2. Someone
3. Runaway
4. Gothic
5. West of Hollywood
6. Shame
7. Jack of Speed
8. Abbie
9. Sharon
10. Negative Girls
11. Tiger
12. Things
13. Cousin

https://i.redd.it/8sulh65lsbx31.png

Aside from Cash Only Island and Wet Side Story from their Art Crimes tour, there were 4 tracks which didn't make the final cut - Someone, Sharon, Tiger, and Things. Things is likely short for Things I Miss The Most. The other 3 tracks were never released, in much the same way The Second Arrangement, Heartbreak Souvenir, I Can't Write Home About You, and other Gaucho outtakes never were, even though they had complete or virtually complete versions of those tracks.

Date: Fri, May 26, 2023, 06:08:22 ET
Posted by: MonkeyH, Toronto

Hoops, to your point in the Digest about SD members doing other things this summer: Our "New York Rocks the Canadian Songbook" show returns to Joe's Pub @ the Public Theater in NYC on July 1. I'll be MD'ing, and participants include La Tanya Hall, Carolyn Leonhart, Michael Leonhart, Jamie Leonhart and Vickie Cave, as well as Allison Miller (Artemis), Pete McCann (Manhattan Transfer), Ben Zwerin (Lionel Loueke), Dan Levine (BS&T), David Mann (Tony Bennett) and about a dozen other major talents. It's gonna be off the hook — always is — and this is our 20th anniversary show. Songs by Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, Gordon Lightfoot, Leonard Cohen et al! Link: https://publictheater.org/productions/joes-pub/2023/c/canada-day-celebration/?fbclid=IwAR30LYYAvOywTZ2yigABrzSuu8K3hUT4G7-6wrV2djZ9LXIbedyLO_nANSI

Date: Fri, May 26, 2023, 00:13:12 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Hoops - thanks for the reminder. My Yamaha DVD-A player c an also handle SACD.

Can anyone tell me if the SACD mixes are similar to the DVD-A stereo mix? Scheiner (?) did an amazing job mixing the TvN, Gaucho, and Nightly DVD-As. The snare whacks on TvN no longer takes out an ear drum and sound a lot more organic.

Date: Thurs, May 25, 2023, 23:52:32 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago

The latest edition of the Dandom Digest for March 6- May 25, 2023 emailed out about an hour ago. You should receive it around midnight ET/NYC Time. ! The latest edition of the Dandom Digest (Vol. 31, No. 2). The previous regular Dandom Digest covered January 1-March 5 ,2023.

As I regularly remind subscribers, some people have problems with delivery of the Dandom Digest, usually because of their spam filters, firewalls, etc. That's why this sort of notice is posted here--so you are aware that you should have received the latest edition. With email filters and spam, what they are today, there can be some issues beyond our control. For example, many work-place email servers reject email that it scans as having a "naughty" word. At any rate, if you don't see it in your in box, let me know by sending an email at jjmckay at me dot com. I've also included. the full contents below for your convenience and BlueBook discussion.

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

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

As the Dandom Digest marks 30 years, thanks to all who contributed to the latest edition of the Dandom Digest, be it through the emailing digest AT dandom DOT com or through posting to our BlueBook guestbook or Facebook page; or tweeting @dandomdotcom.

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

DANDOM DIGEST

MARCH 6--MAY 25, 2023
Yr. 31, No. 2

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IN THIS DANDOM DIGEST

"A Long Sweet Ride": 30 Years Cruising the Trans-Island Skyway with "Kamakiriad"

UPDATE: Donald's Next One Album? 2023 Tour?
UPDATE: 1972-80 Albums Reissue Project
REDUX: Personal Notes on the Remasters…So Far
REDUX: Fagen, Kaplan & Kassem Talk About the New Versions
REDUX: Grundman & Kassem Talk SD Reissues
REDUX: Analogue Productions' 2vN & EMG
REDUX: Bernie Grundman Talks "Aja" Mastering

Monkey House: Now in Dolby Atmos!
"New" from Catherine's Dad, Luis Russell
Happy Birthday to Roger Rosenberg
REMINDER: Calling All Current SD Orchestra Members & Alums

Thank You For 30 Years of the Dandom Digest

Followed by

PRETZEL LOGIC

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PastedGraphic-1.tiff

Subject: "A Long Sweet Ride": 30 Years Cruising the Trans-Island Skyway with "Kamakiriad"
From: Jim McKay
Date: Thursday, May 25, 2023

Thirty years ago, marked the official return of studio recording partnership of Donald Fagen and Walter Becker. After several years, Donald's long-awaited "Kamakiriad" solo album, produced by Walter Becker, was officially released.

At last the drought was over, it seemed like an eternity since "The Nightfly," but soon after midnight, on Tuesday, May. 25, 1993, I had my own "Kamakiri" and listened over and over into the wee hours of the dawn.

So many memories, but here's a list of recollections, many of which you will remember yourself:

-- Purchasing tickets to the first official Steely Dan tour in 19 years.
-- Interviews in the likes of "Jazz Times," "Musician," "Billboard," "Jazziz," and so many other publications.
-- CD singles for "Tomorrow's Girls," "Snowbound," and "Trans-Island Skyway," not to mention bonus tracks on CD, like "Big Noise New York," "Confide In Me," "Shanghai Confidential," "Snowbound (Bass and Drums Mix)," "Trans-Island Skyway (Bass and Drums Mix)" and more!
-- The "Tomorrow's Girls" video with Rick Moranis
-- The "Snowbound" video with stop motion and real time footage, produced by Michel Gondry.
-- The Grateful Dead playing the entire "Kamakiriad" album from start-to-finish as their intermission between sets of their June 1993 shows
-- Roger Nichols and the 20 karat gold "Super Bit Mapped" CD edition of "Kamakiriad" which was "like magic."
-- Submit your own memories for publication to JJMcKay at me.com

Here's to that long, sweet ride! May it continue...until we meet at that "Teahouse on Tracks."

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Subject: UPDATE: Donald's Next One Album? 2023 Tour?
From: Jim McKay

Fans are always asking if Donald has a new album coming and also when will the Steely Dan Orchestra be touring again.

We haven't heard anything directly from Donald in recent months, but let's not forget his September 30, 2021 interview with Jon Blistein at "Rolling Stone". Donald said that during the pandemic lockdown, he had written enough songs to fill out a new album and had even recorded demos. Saying some of the songs are "personal," he mentioned a track with a working title of "The Stellar Bartender."

In late December 2022, a British tabloid site said he was recording some more...which is plausible. However, tabloid news sites are a bit dubious. Still, we do have the "Rolling Stone" interview with Donald from about 17 months ago.

2023 Tour? "If you see something, say something!" So far there's no word on a 2023 tour by Donald and the band. Will Donald take the year off? Will the band tour again this summer, like clock work? Will Donald work on the aforementioned recording first, and then undertake a tour?

Usually by now, late spring, we've heard something.

Some of the Steely Dan Orchestra players are out touring with other artists or embarking on their own solo tours. For example, Michael Leonhart is touring with Elvis Costello this summer, among other things, promising his amazing take on the trumpet solo originated by Chet Baker on the breathtaking "Ship Building." Catherine Russell has her own summer tour going. Keith Carlock is out with Christopher Cross, one amazing talent complementing another amazing talent and Steely Dan fan. Roger Rosenberg is playing some dates close to his NYC TriState area home. Jon Herington will be out with Madeline Peyroux later in August. Jim Beard probably has some amazing sonic concoction in the works in the studio. Walt Weiskopf has a steady stream of releases and dates (including late August in the US Northeast.) Freddie Washington will be teaching bass at. University of Southern California in the fall.

So back to hopes for 2023 dates for Donald Fagen and the Steely Dan Orchestra? Only Donald's hairdresser knows for sure, but IF there will be any 2023 dates, I SPECULATE, it would be a small set of dates in September or October in the US Northeast, say at NYC's Beacon. And. that is iffy, as far as I am concerned.

What is a more likely POSSIBILITY is a regular tour in 2024, as mentioned about four months ago by Michael Leonhart in an interview with Preston Frazier. My hope/fantasy? Donald finishes that album he talked about a year and half ago, releases it later this year, and then tours to support it in 2024.

But as of the mailing of this edition of the Dandom Digest, there's no word, no substantial rumor. So if you see anything, it would be appreciated if you would email jjmckay@me.com. The info will be passed along to the Greater Dandom. Thank you.

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Subject: UPDATE: 1972-80 Albums Reissue Project
From: Jim McKay

WHAT'S NEW: May 25, 2023:

*** Geffen/UMe will release their new single 33-1/3 RPM, 180g black vinyl remastered edition of "Countdown To Ecstasy" tomorrow, Friday, May 26, 2023. Other titles are in the pipeline.

*** The remaining Acoustic Sounds' Quality Record Pressings' double 45 RPM, 200g clear vinyl UHQR albums now have an official calendar of release dates"
- July 28, 2023: "Pretzel Logic"
- September 29, 2023, "Aja"
- December 1, 2023, "Gaucho"
- March 29, 2024, "Katy Lied"
- June 28, 2024, "The Royal Scam"

The official calendar of dates for Acoustic. Sounds' SACD/CD Hybrid counterpart versions, from "Countdown To Ecstasy" to "Gaucho," is still "To be announced..."

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

Previously, back in March and before that in January 2023, the Dandom Digest featured this information:

-- Acoustic Sounds' SACD/CD hybrid disc of "Can't Buy A Thrill" (CBAT) was released the third week of January 2023. The SACD/CD versions of "Two Against Nature" (2vN) and "Everything Must Go" (EMG) came out this past November (2022). I've given the CD audio layers several listens; they do sound great, although I haven't been able to listen to it in SACD. (I have a Toshiba SACD player and Denon 6.1 SACD capable receiver, but there is a software incompatibility I've not been able to resolve.) Note that on 2vN, they left in place the original typos of Jon Herington's name. As Walter said at the time, something to the effect, "Now that Jon works for us, he can afford a couple of extra consonants in his name." I just received the SACD/CD of "Can't Buy A Thrill" a few minutes ago. So far sounds good, but again, no time to carefully compare and study, etc. In all three cases, the artwork largely remains consistent with the original artwork, of course adpated for these formats. Of course there are some exceptions, like a Geffen logo replaces the ABC Record logo because Disney and not Universal owns the rights to that; the original CD for 2vN was a shade of orange and the DVD-A was a shade of green...but the black on this SACD/CD audio is the same as the 2000 German LP version that Warner/Reprise/Giant issued but was not approved by D+W. So little things like that but nothing like a show stoppers as far as I can see so far. My own perspective is shaded by the limitations of my particular audio set up as well as any imperfections in my hearing, My thought is that these are likely to the last reissues of these recordings with Donald and Bernie Grundman* being involved so I'll spring for them. They are nice to look forward to. (*Bernie was limited in his involvememt in 2vN.) Looking forward to hearing from others who have acquired these and how they compare with previous versions. Finally, one random note: Donald's new liner notes written for the 45 RPM vinyl version of CBAT do not appear with this new SACD/CD.

-- Last time, I mentioned some were experiencing an anomaly with UMe/Geffen's single LP 33-1/3 RPM, 180 g black vinyl of "Can't Buy A Thrill." I have since tried my copy with a different stylus and then a different turntable. I still get a slight drop out at the opening note of "Only A Fool Would Say That." Most won't notice, but us picky fans do. Others have had similar experiences.

-- There's no word if and how they plan to incorporate "Here At the Western World" and "FM (No Static At All)" into this project.

The following is from last fall's (2022) Acoustic Sounds' press release for the project. [ Info contained in brackets is inserted by the Dandom Digest ] :

There'e never been a bigger band with fewer audiophile reissues than Steely Dan. That's about to change. Acoustic Sounds, Analogue Productions, Quality Record Pressings, and Bernie Grundman Mastering are bringing these masterpiece titles to the pinnacle of audiophile excellence.

Few bands cared about the quality of their productions than Steely Dan. Each recording session included the very best musicians and recording engineers of the day. Their pursuit of perfection was legendary. Steely Dan has always been an audiophile demo favorite. But collectors were limited, for the most part, to hard-to-find original copies. Now, audiophiles will be able to enjoy the ultimate versions of these already-incredible sounding records.

All albums are meticulously remastered by Bernie Grundman from the original analog tapes except for "Aja", which will be mastered from an analog, non-EQ'd, tape copy, and "Gaucho", which will be sourced from a 1980 analog tape copy originally EQ'd by Bob Ludwig. (There's no evidence the original tapes containing the flat mixes of "Aja" and "Gaucho" were delivered to the record label and it's presumed the tapes no longer exist.)

Seven of these classic titles — "Can't Buy a Thrill", "Countdown to Ecstasy", "Pretzel Logic", "Katy Lied", "The Royal Scam", "Aja", and "Gaucho" will be released as double 45 RPM UHQRs, priced at $150 per copy with a limit of three copies per customer.

Additionally, Geffen/UMe is releasing the same seven titles on 33 1/3 RPM, also mastered by Bernie Grundman. Lacquers for UMe's standard 180-gram version will be cut by Alex Abrash at his renowned AA Mastering studio from high-resolution digital files of Grundman's new masters and pressed at Precision. They will be housed in reproductions of the original artwork.

Two of the titles from the Steely Dan/Analogue Productions reissue series – "Everything Must Go" and "Two Against Nature" – have already been released as non-UHQR, 45-RPM editions…[and in November 2022 were finally] …released on Hybrid Stereo SACD. "Two Against Nature" is the only title in this series not mastered by Bernie Grundman. It was recorded to a multi-track analog tape, mixed to 24/96 and mastered and cut by Scott Hull at Masterdisk. [Some additional brief information follows in this edition of the Dandom Digest.]

All of the Analogue Productions records will of course be pressed at the world's finest pressing plant, Quality Record Pressings.

And each of these titles will be available on SACD for $35 per copy.

"This is a lifelong dream," said Acoustic Sounds CEO Chas Kassem. "I really can't think of a bigger band will better titles, both musically and sonically, that has barely been reissued. This is like the audiophile reissue holy grail. We're so excited for our customers to hear these classic records sound better than they ever have before."

-------------------------------------------------------------
From: Jim McKay
Subject: REDUX: Personal Notes on the Remasters…So Far
Date: Sat, December 31, 2022

A few of of my notes about what's been released so far:

-- Some acronyms localized to the Greater Dandom:
--"CBAT" is shorthand for "Can't Buy a Thrill".
--"CTE" (or sometimes "321 XTC") is shorthand for "Countdown to Ecstasy."
--"2vN" is shorthand for "Two Against Nature", as first seen at Steely Dan's official website; other fans use "TAN."
--"EMG"? "Everything Must Go".

-- Speaking of acronyms, "UHQR"? Since several people have asked, "UHQR" means "Ultra High Quality Record"--Acoustic Sounds/Analogue Productions' proprietary manufacturing process. It is all explained here: https://www.qualityrecordpressings.com/index.cfm?go=projects So far about 15 UHQR titles have been announced, including the seven Steely Dan titles.

-- Based on customer comments at Amazon.com, some have been experiencing an anomaly with the Geffen UMe 33-1/3, single LP version of "Can't Buy a Thrill." When the anomaly is experienced, its at the opening second of "Only a Fool Would Say That." For some, it's an outright skip. for others, it's a very slight drop in the opening note. I emphasize that not everyone is experiencing this, some have obtained better results by replacing their turntable's stylus or adjusting the stylus force pressure; some have opted to exchange their copy at the point of sale. The vast majority of reviews. at Amazon.com do mention any problem.

-- I've only heard one report of a defective LP in the Acoustic Sounds release of "Countdown to Ecstasy." Acoustic Sounds quickly expedited a replacement upon proof of destruction (a photo) of the defective disc. They did not send out an entire new package.

-- While it is correct that the first five titles have not been issued on vinyl in decades, other wonderful audiophile versions of "Aja" and "Gaucho" have been released in the past 15 years or so. It will be interesting to compare these with the new versions.

-- Both the 33-1/3 and 45 RPM versions of "Can't Buy a. Thrill" sound fantastic, as far as I am concerned, many times better than my ancient ABC and MCA vinyl from the 1970s and 1980s. Definitely an edge the sound of the 45 RPM version since it basically has a higher sampling rate, if you will, compared to the 33 1/3 version. One annoying feature to the 45 RPM versions: one has to flip the LPs after every other song. So the single LP 33 1/3 edition has that benefit--but of course CDs and high end digital files have the benefit of no flipping--but then that's a point of debate for those who think of think of the two sides of any albun as "Act I" and "Act II."

-- If you have a very modest turntable and sound setup, the 33-1/3 version will likely be an adequate replacement for your 35 year old vinyl. Ditto if your hearing has declined in recent years.

-- The 45 RPM versions include some new liner notes penned by Donald. They are a lot of fun with some new insights with my only wish being that each was longer than something like a page.
-- Purchase the 33-1/3 RPM LP versions from the Steely Dan website store, Amazon.com, or your favorite independent record dealer.

-- Purchase the 45 RPM LP and SACD versions from Acoustic Sounds at https://store.acousticsounds.com/index.cfm?get=results&artistid=3361&LabelID=507

Some publicity interviews with the key players in this remastering and reissue project follow.

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Subject: REDUX: Fagen, Kaplan & Kassem Talk About the New Versions

A Casual Conversation: Donald Fagen, Fred Kaplan and Chad Kassem

Acoustic Sounds/Analogue Productions CEO Chad Kassem sits down with Fred Kaplan, reviewer for the Tracking Angle and a columnist for Slate, and Steely Dan's Donald Fagen for a casual discussion about master tapes, Contemporary Records, Jelly Roll Morton, Rudy Van Gelder, the upcoming UHQR & SACD series & more.

https://youtu.be/vmrnS6ocCPA

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Subject: REDUX: Grundman & Kassem Talk SD Reissues

Bernie Grundman and Chad Kassem discuss the Steely Dan catalogue, reissues, and the master tapes.

Bernie Grundman is the widely acclaimed audio engineer known for his work with Contemporary Records and A&M Studios. For us Steely Dan fans, his work on the "Aja" album is landmark. Roughly a decade ago, he remastered Donald's "The Nighfly" album. Another highlight is his work on Walter's "Circus Money". A few of his various recent high-profile projects have included works by Miles Davis, Prince, the Joni Mitchell Masters project, and now the Steely Dan remasters.

https://youtu.be/ADpxrBJ7M-0

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From: Jim McKay
Subject: REDUX: Analogue Productions' 2vN & EMG

This past June saw release of high-quality 45 rpm versions of "Two Against Nature" and "Everything Must Go" from Acoustic Sounds' Analougue Productions (AP) in association with Warner/Reprise. A few weeks ago in November, the SACD/CD hybrid counterparts were also released.

I've tested the SACD/CD hybrids of 2vN and EMG in both a Toshiba and a Sony SACD player. They work fine--but of course, one must have the player "reconciled" with an SACD-capable receiver with properly corresponding firmware. Yes, I get lost sometimes with that as well. Moreover, these SACD/CD hybrids also play standard stereo layer sound in my cheap Phillips CD changer, my 22-year-old Sony boombox, and even a 32-year-old Sony Discman!

To order the AP versions of 2vN and EMG, head to: https://store.acousticsounds.com/index.cfm?get=results&searchtext=steely+dan-------------------------------------------------------------

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Subject: REDUX: Bernie Grundman Talks "Aja" Mastering
From: Matt Channen
Date: August 7 at 12:22 PM ·

Here's an interview between Chad Kassem of Acoustic Sounds/Analogue Productions and Bernie Grundman on some of BG's masterings from over the decades. Very interesting conversation. He specifically talks about Aja at about the 9:10 and 14:40 marks as well as the two new live albums.

Bernie was also the mastering engineer behind the Northeast Corridor, The Nightfly Live, as well as the recent Analogue Productions 45RPM of Everything Must Go. Very possible that he'd be the mastering engineer for AP if they end up remastering the remaining titles.

https://youtu.be/-ZurO8d4Jx0

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Subject: Monkey House: Now in Dolby Atmos!

Be sure to check out the incredible new way to hear Don Breithaupt and Monkey House's latest, "Remember the Audio"-- in Dolby Atmos!!

Whether you have the latest pro system even a lowly five-year-old Apple iPhone with EarPods, not to mention your $10,000 home audio system, Dolby Atmos reveals "New Sounds!" New, special equipment is not necessary!

For more details, check out:

https://www.quadraphonicquad.com/forums/threads/monkey-house-"remember-the-audio"-dolby-atmos-mix-now-available-as-a-lossless-download.33301/

Reminder of some other Monkey House items in the past few months:

Congratulations to Monkey House for their new video for their rack "New York Owes You Nothing", featuring Don Breithaupt and Michael Leonhart, When I first encountered the video, I thought it had already won an award...but we will have to wait a little longer for the inevitable.

Video: New York Owes You Nothing (2023) Monkey House featuring Michael Leonhart and Don Breithaupt
https://youtu.be/s2IshzfauOM

"Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful. I was just listening to this track in the car, and realizing that I love it and appreciate it more every time I play it. This vid is the icing on the cake"--Nancy Fielding

"This video does wonders in capturing the mood. Michael screams NYC." --Phil Biondi

"Smooth as silk." --Paige Waldron

And if you haven't already, be sure to listen to Monkey House's 2022 best album yet, "Remember The Audio."

A sure bet for any Steely Dan, here's the latest glowing review (of many) from Inside Musicast's Eddy Cabello who features it on his 2022 "Best of" list.

"If you're already a fan of Monkey House and love their music, then this review won't be news to your ears! Because you already know what this Canadian-based band is all about – hooky, vibey, jazzy, sultry, and sophisticated tunes that bleed coolness...On Remember the Audio, Breithaupt brings in reinforcements in the form of some of the greatest studio players in the music scene – guitarist Drew Zingg, singer Lucy Woodward, horn players Michael Leonhart and Randy Brecker and others who add musical frosting to the already-sublime album. Let me say that the collaborations are not cosmetic, they are purposefully injected Breithaupt's already wonderful arrangement, making the album an excellent listening experience for all.

CD ORDER
https://www.amazon.com/Remember-Audio-Monkey-House/dp/B09ZYQ2XYZ/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3BMQQOICM46IV&keywords=monkey+house&qid=1654295488&s=music&sprefix=monkey+house%2Cpopular%2C156&sr=1-1

DIGITAL DOWNLOAD
https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/album/remember-the-audio/1622910747?itsct=music_box_link&itscg=30200&ls=1&app=itunes

STREAM
https://monkeyhouse.lnk.tt/RTAPR

And don't forget Don Breithaupt's acclaimed 33-1/3 Book, "Aja".

The definitive book...features conversations between Don Breithaupt and Donald Fagen on Steely Dan's landmark album.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0826427839/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_NBJE25YDFYKZR8Q3E3YA

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Subject: "New" from Catherine's Dad, Luis Russell

Dot Time just released music from the vault by Catherine's legendary father, Luis Russell. It's receiving rave reviews. It's "must listen music."

Order "Luis Russell: At the Swing Cat's Ball" at https://www.dottimerecords.com/product/luisrussellattheswingcatsball/

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Subject: Happy Birthday to Roger Rosenberg
Date: Thursday, May 25, 2023

While the Dandom Digest regularly features updates on the various members of the Steely Dan Orchestra (past and present), for whatever reason, Steely Dan's own "Baritone Man," Roger Rosenberg seems to be under-represented in our Dandom Digest. But with Roger's birthday tomrrow, May 26, let's wish Roger a very happy birthday--and many more--with a fine bio of Roger, along with a quick tribute to Roger in YouTube clips provided by Maria and Pixeleen Byrne. Here's to many more, Roger, and thanks for the music and the generous way you go the extra mile for the fans.

Roger Rosenberg Bio, "Hard Bop Modern"
https://jazzbarisax.com/baritone-saxophonists/hard-bopmodern/roger-rosenberg/

"Spring Can Hang You Up The Most,"
https://youtu.be/OuXdBeL7RlU

"Pixeleen," w/Steely Dan
https://youtu.be/-4_Yk4fbKrI

"Then and Now," w/Bob Mintzer Big Band
https://youtu.be/zcPRciYhIwE

"New Frontier," w/Steely Dan Orchestra, Beacon Theatre, NYC
https://youtu.be/0JFOASavLiw

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Subject: REMINDER: Calling All Current SD Orchestra Members & Alums

The Dandom Digest wants to do its part to help get the word out about your latest project, be it a mini-tour, guest appearances, new music release (your own or by others where you appear) workshops, etc.. The Dandom Digest goes to approximately 1,750 hardcore Steely Dan fans. Email JJMcKAY at me.com with your PR or other info when your release is approaching. Thank you!

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Subject: Thank You For 30 Years of the Dandom Digest
From: Jim McKay, aka hoops


Dear Dandom:

March 23, 2023 marked 30 years since the Dandom Digest started as an email listserve and digest in 1993, then based at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Widely believed to be the first Internet resource dedicated first and foremost to Steely Dan, the Internet and music itself has evolved that in some ways would have been hard to imagine.

While much has changed in the ensuing years--most notably the passing of Walter--our mutual love for all things Steely Dan and our friendship are stronger than ever.

I'm hoping in the next year or so we can celebrate by having one helluva Danvention/Wing Ding to end them all.

I doubt many of us, self-included, will be here in 30 years, but nevertheless for the ensuing years to come, here's to more great times and great music.

And special thanks to all who have made it possible, especially of course Walter and Donald.

Peace out...love and all that,

Jim McKay
Chicago

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PRETZEL LOGIC*

"Let's get with the program
(Let's talk about the good times)"

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Original portions of this Dandom Digest ©2022, ©2023 James J. McKay. All Rights Reserved.
Other portions copyrighted by the original author and presented under fair use.
"Kamakiriad" Album Artwork ©1993 Reprise Records/Warner Music Group, Inc,
*Lines from "Trans-Island Skyway" lyrics by Donald Fagen, ©1993, Freejunket Music

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Walter Becker
1950 - 2017

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END OF DIGEST

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Date: Thurs, May 25, 2023, 14:23:13 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Time flies. It is 30.

Ben Folds' Winslow Gardens sounds reminiscent of Barrytown, doesn't it? ...which the Ben Folds Five actually covered.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KVsyhVB0Lqw

Date: Thurs, May 25, 2023, ALL DAY! ET
Posted by: The Greater Dandom,

Date: Thurs, May 25, 2023, 13:15:46 ET
Posted by: Gabe, PA

30, actually.

Date: Thurs, May 25, 2023, 12:53:56 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Kamakiriad turns 25 today.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96GCrZec5u8

Date: Thurs, May 25, 2023, 11:27:05 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. Uptown, Baby!

Many years ago when I was in my teens, I saw Ike and Tina. It really was a very good show. But the best part of it by far (for me that is) was the 20-30 minutes of instrumental funk the band played before Tina and her backup singers came on stage.

The band started without Ike or Tina and played one or two very jazzy funk songs, as I recall. Then Ike came out and they continued on the same basic path. Then Tina and the other women came out and they started to play the more pop-oriented much they were known for. Tina brought tremendous energy and it was clear that's what the crowd came for.

But for me, Ike and the band were the real standouts on this day.

Date: Wed, May 24, 2023, 16:29:39 ET
Posted by: DF on TT, US

https://web.archive.org/web/20110119045437/http://donaldfagen.com/writing_items.php?itemID=95

Date: Wed, May 24, 2023, 14:46:53 ET
Posted by: Grim Reaper,

RIP, Tina Turner.

Date: Tues, May 23, 2023, 11:33:18 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Back to Japan for more great music.

ゲントウキ (Gentouki) - 鈍色の季節 (Dark Season)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQCRFitB3W8

キリンジ (Kirinji) - 牡牛座ラプソディ (Oushiza Rhapsody)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_zrI-jL4uY

Kukikodan - Don't you travel? (remake edition) feat. Ying-Ying Shih and Yasuyuki Horigome

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ejq3HoHCIX8

Part of the Kirinji track sounds like The Caves of Altamira which makes sense considering Steely Dan had an influence on their sound.

Date: Mon, May 22, 2023, 13:13:18 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Another new Ben Folds track set twisted post-modern American. Crazy, hilarious, with an amazing full jazz band instrumental interlude.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6JA-4YgoCw

Date: Mon, May 22, 2023, 13:02:27 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

For you Ben Folds fans out there, Ben Folds is releasing his first album in 8 years: What Matters Most.

Winslow Gardens was released as the first single. It's excellent, snappy with tasty chord progressions, hooky hooks, and sounds more like the extension or follow up to the outstanding Songs for Silverman and the epic Rockin' the Suburbs, which had the unfortunate luck of being released on 9/11, than Way to Normal.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ylynqd-l1nc

Not surprisingly the lead single straddles somewhere between Elton John and Steely Dan.

Date: Wed, May 17, 2023, 20:32:50 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu, Miles from nowhere

https://music.apple.com/us/album/remember-the-audio/1622910747

Yeah, the Atmos Dolby mix on Apple Music sounds a lot better.

https://music.apple.com/us/album/remember-the-audio/1622910747

Date: Wed, May 17, 2023, 20:28:54 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

R&RHOF? That was probably Paul Shaffer's arrangement - it was awful.

Date: Wed, May 17, 2023, 06:49:20 ET
Posted by: Michael,

The piano intro is sort of like Gaucho. Not the best sound quality, especially on that second recording, but the arrangement sounded good. Then again, it's not often that you get a lackluster arrangement out of SD. (Do It Again live performance at the R&R HOF creeping back into memory. Argh.) Would've liked to have heard Donald's vocals but the girls were fine.

Date: Tues, May 16, 2023, 19:08:14 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Dr. Fagen is a big fan of CTE. Razor Boy, Boston Rag, YGT I, Bodi, King of the World reflect their jazzer roots. It was recorded pretty quickly, but was experimental. I'm a fan.

TBH, Fire in the Hole and Turn That Heartbeat Over Again are only the songs I listen to very often from CBAT.


I guess on My Old School. I haven't heard it on the radio for at least a decade, not that I listen to much radio. Back in the day both Razor Boy and My Old School got some of that AOR airtime.



A rare, live version of Razor Boy. The choir on lead vocals and Walter on tasty guitar licks. Fagen I assume with the stretched intro. Not the best audio quality, but interesting arrangement.

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

Date: Tues, May 16, 2023, 14:12:48 ET
Posted by: Dr. Hünd, Hanging Valley Wall, CO

CTE. CBAT was an experiment. CTE was a band. Not a band which would last much longer in whole and not a band (as cool as it was) which was as stellar as the top shelf studio musicians to follow in a few albums. And not that an experiment can't be better than a band. But CTE is just better. The boys were developing into greatness.

Onto a different subject….best Dan cover ever which most of you have probably seen. Kip Lennon is a fantastic singer (and little brother to the Lennon sisters). I met him once backstage at a Jackson Browne show his band Venice was playing. One of the nicest guys in the industry and a huge Dan aficionado. He nails it and at the end you'll notice how blown away that ex Dan guitarist was.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xN0hmNS_IU

Date: Mon, May 15, 2023, 06:43:41 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Pretty much. Still, My Old School gets the most radio play out of all the CTE tracks.

Which album do you think is better overall, CBAT or CTE?

For myself CTE narrowly edges out CBAT due to having more consistent quality throughout, even though Only A Fool Would Say That and Kings stand among my favorites of their early material, but I can understand why many think CBAT is better.

Some tracks to check out.

Nu Genea - Marechià (with Célia Kameni)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1FDkTO7D_0

Joey Quinones - Don't Tell Me

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

Date: Mon, May 15, 2023, 03:01:43 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

My Old School is a joy, but it was actually released as a single and went next to nowhere (#63). The upright piano wasn't hip sounding on the 1973 radio dial. Bodhisattva has enough crunchy guitars to sound to the untrained ear like BTO, when it's really a funked out jump tune.

Yeah, some kids had stereos in 1973, but most of the pop airwaves tunes were heard on OG transistor radios or a cheap system in the family car. Razor Boy has a clear sound that would cut through on AM or FM on a tinny radio speaker. It also has that Latin bossa nova beat which would be seen as a logical progression from Do it Again.

King of the World is one of my favorites, but too weird for AM radio play.

We'll never know, though...

Date: Sat, May 13, 2023, 11:14:21 ET
Posted by: Sami Dan,

Yo Skippy!!! Long time no see.

I've been to half a dozen shows since Walter passed away. The different band members hand off the introductions to other members. The band members give the intros in a sort of cheeky style sorta like Walter. At the shows I've been at, it starts with Michael Leonhart; then it is handed off to one of the ladies, and then finally handed off to Jon Herington who ends up giving a rousingly received introduction to Donald, similar to Walter's introduction of DF. Maybe a little bit of variation, but that's how it round robins.

We miss seeing you around here, Skippy.

Date: Sat, May 13, 2023, 10:59:19 ET
Posted by: Skippy, around

I haven't been to an SD concert post Walter era. Who/how is Donald now introduced?

Date: Sat, May 13, 2023, 08:01:14 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Back with more good music.

Ginger Root - Everything's Alright (Meet You in the Galaxy Ending Theme)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qPkoj77w6v4

Le SuperHomard - Paper Girl

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FIDsLOje_0o

Masayuki Suzuki (鈴木雅之) - 『道導』

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZgwvFT-GDq4

GUM feat. Ambrose Kenny-Smith - Minor Setback

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gdvNw1pMFO0

quickly, quickly - Everything Is Different (To Me)

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

Date: Fri, May 12, 2023, 19:02:18 ET
Posted by: pepper jack, sharp cheddar

reminded on this Friday of tuning into the Berklee performance via livestream in 2001.

"It works over everything."

Date: Wed, May 10, 2023, 18:22:19 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago

Michael (and anyone else who encounters the same issue), as well as all who look at the bluebook:

Just a reminder that the double post occurs result of a bug in the software. So if you end up with a double post, please don't feel guilty or that you did something wrong. And for everybody else, please don't hassle the poster. It's one of these hiccups. I'm not in a place where I can login and get rid of the duplicate post. But I will do so in the next day or two when it's convenient. In the meantime just scroll by.

Thanks for your patience and understanding. We have old-school technology and culture, but at least you don't see ads on here and, I'll tell you what, cookies and the like, if they're possible, but things are such that they are so tedious that it's not worth the trouble. When was the last time you talk to real person at Facebook headquarters support?

Best to everybody.

Jim

Date: Wed, May 10, 2023, 17:54:12 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Sorry about the double post.

Date: Wed, May 10, 2023, 17:53:39 ET
Posted by: Michael,

I would've picked Bodhisattva, My Old School and King of the World as singles as they're the most accessible radio-friendly tracks from Countdown. My Old School is featured on pretty much every classic rock station anyhow.

Date: Wed, May 10, 2023, 17:53:39 ET
Posted by: Michael,

I would've picked Bodhisattva, My Old School and King of the World as singles as they're the most accessible radio-friendly tracks from Countdown. My Old School is featured on pretty much every classic rock station anyhow.

Date: Wed, May 10, 2023, 13:53:05 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Man, Razor Boy is like the perfect Watergate era song. I think it would have been a huge hit if it had been the lead single from Countdown with post-Reelin payola behind it..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcrNR0DCYc8

Date: Wed, May 10, 2023, 13:42:58 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

D&W would not have made it today. Not a chance in hell.

They came in at the right time, where recording fidelity had been worked out. Studios were a bastion of creativity. Katz and record companies provide significant freedom then. ABC-Dunhill had enough payola to make Do it Again and Reelin' big hits. They released the wrong song as the singles for Countdown - the one chord vamp Show Biz Kids that ate the hand that fed it. Razor Boy is the obvious lead single in 1973. Jazzy pop with a pedal steel solo. Even a radio edit of Your Gold Teeth.

ABC-Dunhill put the pressure on for Pretzel, so they wrote a lot of 3-4 min songs out of spite. Payola paid off with Rikki. The royalties from Rikki, Reelin', Do it Again allowed SD to become a studio entity. Kid Charlemagne was a minor hit, but wasn't payola'd enough. Don't Take Me Alive was never released as a single. Irving Azoff came to the rescue promoting Aja sow W&D had freedom to record or tour whenever their careers took them after that.

Today as Ben Folds quipped on Rockin' the Suburbs: "some producer with computers fixes all my sh*tty tracks these days."

Almost all the "singing" is autotuned. The DIY artists are the only breaths of fresh air.

Date: Wed, May 10, 2023, 07:55:20 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Doc, it's about being at the right place at the right time, no matter what the endeavor. Don & Walt's first record contract wasn't especially good but their options were either to take it or leave it. They seized the opportunity, with more than a little help from Gary Katz, took the ball and ran with it.

Nobody could've predicted how things would shape up. While marketing can give artists the exposure they need, the public can be finnicky at times and there's no real way of knowing whether or not something will hit it big. Marketing is a numbers game anyhow, a bunch of suits using metrics to predict trends, but there's no surefire methodology for success.

Date: Tues, May 09, 2023, 21:53:38 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Michael: You've got to have the A&R guys, an Irving Azoff, and payola on your side!

Today, getting a song on a movie or a TV/streaming program is probably the most effective exposure. Sometimes touring.


Here's a great interview with Jim Keltner. Based on multiple interviews lately...Whether in NYC or LA on a session, the studio guys were all in the room. Walter paced. Donald often played a piano or keyboard while singing a trial vocal for feel of the sing. Interacted as needed with a guitarist or the drummer. Fagen they presumed overdubbed the finals vocals later. The horns later, etc.

Porcaro evidently recorded drums on the demos for the Royal Scam, but didn't make the album. Omartian probably as well - Here at the Western World would be a good example. Virtually finished.

Purdie of course and Rick Marotta recorded played drums with Rainey on the main rhythm session. Marotta and Rainey are both insistent those RS rhythm sections sessions (drums, bass, keys) were in NY...and overdubs in LA. Donald usually played a keyboard/piano and sang. Not surprisingly, both usually argued that their best tracks were in the first 2 or 3. Sometimes Purdie would say that's a rap and just leave. So, Royal Scam didn't take a lot of takes and time to finish, unlike Aja and Gaucho, although entire bands would record at the same time for Aja and Gaucho.

There's the snare story, the trash can story. Where Rainey would sit - near the high hat.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iE8ikmqwpZ4

Also the weird grove that works with all those offbeats for that tension. Punk jazz.

Date: Tues, May 09, 2023, 08:05:10 ET
Posted by: Stan, O

How could Rick Beato interview Keith Jarrett and not discuss our favorite topic?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgL30jDhoQU&t=0s

Date: Tues, May 09, 2023, 06:56:57 ET
Posted by: Michael,

How much mainstream exposure did Mamas Gun get in the UK? I didn't hear a peep about them in the States except through exploring music of my own accord. Without exposure there's practically no chance for an artist to make it big. Samuel Purdey's sole album 'Musically Adrift' also enjoyed popularity in Japan. Jamiroquai became huge pretty much everywhere.

You'll probably enjoy Talc, a somewhat obscure UK artist. Steely Dan clearly had an influence on their sound.

Rhyming Man

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

The 1970s

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

Date: Tues, May 09, 2023, 01:51:21 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

I neglected to mention something pertinent re: Andy Platts and K/J-Pop. He was born and lived in his early childhood in Hong Kong - thus he'd have a perspective on Asian/Western music hybrids.


Evidently House on a Hill from Mama's Gun debut album reached #2 in Japan and had the highest radio play in 2009. Crickets in the States, small bump in UK. Kind of a shuffle-romp.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfgY9CppfA8

I was thinking about Walter's other SD lead vocals on Slang of Ages. It's really holds up.

Slang
Green Book
Pixeleen
Lunch with Gina
Everything Must Go


to finish EMG is an impressive Murderer's Row of songs/recordings.

Date: Tues, May 09, 2023, 01:35:48 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

W&D were heavily influence by hard bop which featured more chord change related harmonies and melodies vs. be bop.

Something interesting about Shine your Light. It went to #1 on K-pop charts 6 hours after its release in April 2015. That's the internet and social media actually used for good. lol

Date: Sun, May 07, 2023, 19:04:24 ET
Posted by: Michael,

I didn't mean to imply that there were absolutely no melodies in jazz, rather that jazz musicians began to eschew traditional songwriting form to emphasize doodling over harmonic changes, something Louis Armstrong bemoaned.

Deacon Blues has a defined, strong melody. Don & Walt aren't jazz musicians in the traditional sense. They borrowed from various styles and subverted elements to create their own amalgamation. Most of the solos on SD albums were *by committee* rather than spontaneous as on old jazz records where they'd record entire albums on one or two dates like Mingus's 'Mingus Ah Um' album from 1959.

Date: Sun, May 07, 2023, 18:43:49 ET
Posted by: ,

50s

Date: Sun, May 07, 2023, 18:43:25 ET
Posted by: havetogetbacktogradingpapers,

Miles Davis'

Date: Sun, May 07, 2023, 18:42:44 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

C'mon. There's plenty of melody in a Horace Silver or Kenny Dorham song.

https://youtu.be/M69YdmAJoLs

Miles' David Kind of Blue record is chock full of melodies. Brubeck's Take Five? Some were even hits and/or covered by popular artists.

Nat King Cole was able to bridge the gap between jazz and pop in the 59s, So, it wasn't all Perry Como all the time until the rock era.


...then the recordings went into more improvisation. However, songs can be *edited for radio play.* Deacon Blues, for example.

In the 1940s adults and teens dug the same kind of big band music: my Dad and grandparents would listen to the same records, songs on the radio. Not true from 1955 - onward.

The market changed and became more youth oriented as teens had more disposable income.

The music adults listened to in 1958 or 1962 and their teenage kids could not have been more different. That's probably true again today - things move in cycles. But then I think Billie Eilish is unique and fantastic as a singer/stylist and composer.

Date: Sun, May 07, 2023, 16:22:52 ET
Posted by: Michael,

The reason jazz fell off the radar was due to artists sacrificing melody where it was once prominent throughout. What do most listeners remember about songs they like if not the melody and lyrics where applicable? If you cannot hum a tune then chances are it's not going to be a big hit with the general public. Labels were also partially to blame for watering down and sterilizing the music, as well as shortening song length to fit their criteria for what constitutes a hit. Nearly everyone was jumping on the bandwagon.

Date: Sun, May 07, 2023, 15:58:42 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

SD note - the recent interviews with Marotta, Purdie, Rainey that the core of The Royal Scam and Aja - drums, bass, some keyboards and Carlton recorded their tracks in NY (A&R Studios on 7th Ave), not LA - not Village Recorder.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GcqrEQlXte4

Also, Royal Scam was recording in just a few weeks - it feels more and more like The Musicians Album to me...whereas Aja and Gaucho are more hyperstudio stuff...

Date: Sun, May 07, 2023, 15:38:42 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Michael - Right. There's a reason the Great Pop decades are the late 30s into the 1940s and 1960s (supported by The Wrecking Crew), but not the the 1950s. There was a great whitening and whitewashing of the trends in jazz, boogie-woogie, NOLA music, and R&B on radio. Elvis was the bridge between emerging black music and Pat Boone. Some of the hot LA jazz that the Rat Pack used as their means of expression slipped through, but largely through those entertainer venues (movies, TV) used Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Dean Martin...

The closest thing in the 70s IMO to a viable songwriting genre, outside the singer-songwriter stuff, was the Thom Bell, Gamble and Huff mini-dynasty (Delfonics, Stylistics, Spinners, Jerry Butler, O'Jays, Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, Billy Paul, etc.) before they slid into disco, jailbreak Motown artists like Stevie Wonder, or Curtis Mayfield (both Butler and Mayfield came from The Impressions out of Chicago), Donny Hathaway (St. Louis gospel - think about Michael McDonald's roots) also contributed. Great art and music.

Be-Bop and hard bop were too esoteric for the typical teenage consumer.

Platts has his own fingerprint, but it's obvious that he not only listens to a lot of 60s pop and R&B, but the Bell/Gamble & Huff produced stuff) and that recording and engineering anomaly below where YGSF lives and breathes:


In the late 1970s/early 80s there was a secondary pop window (SD, Quincy Jones, EWF, Al Jarreau, etc.) somewhere between and among disco to MTV that didn't last very long, and MTV stopped playing R&B (especially black artists) besides Michael Jackson...and slid towards metal with occasional hip hop. The production and engineering were immaculate; the harmonies and chord changes were catchy, complex but sounded simple.

Grunge attempted to cleanse the palate, or better reboot. The 90s had some interesting stuff, but the record industry really has imploded as its become more DIY over the last decade or two.

Date: Sun, May 07, 2023, 14:35:27 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Doc, jazz became a popular cultural item due to the significance melody played during its formative years. With the advent of be-bop and more freestyle exploration into uncharted territory it lost something in translation. Consequently jazz's popularity declined and was eventually relegated to the sidelines, "underground listening" for a small group of eclectic hipsters rebelling against faux-luxe popular culture. Yet, those seminal jazz harmonies greatly inspired one duo of highbrow songwriters haunting the Brill Building. You know how that story goes.

Andy Platts is his own thing. Smart, soulful, keen on creating masterful tunes with memorable lyrics. The qualities savvy listeners (like us) seek. I'm pleasantly surprised by how many great artists have sprung out of the woodwork as of late, songwriters presenting a broad range of versatile sounds and styles, even more so than during the experimental phases of the late 60s through the tail end of the 70s. Ginger Root, Donny Benet, State Cows, Pearl & The Oysters, YGSF. The list goes on and on.

Case in point, criminally underrated Italian group Fitness Forever. Their influences range from Bacharach and Marcos Valle to Steely Dan and beyond.

Laura

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WSEWuappFL4

Cosa Mi Hai Detto (What Did You Say To Me)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SH4QLBq4BVY

Le Intenzioni Del Re (The King's Intentions)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQuTs3OOi3g

Quando Ho Tempo (When I Have Time)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LDBi2igi2v8

Date: Sun, May 07, 2023, 12:52:37 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

The Theo Katzman song is really nice. But what jumps out is the immediacy of the engineering - the sound they got out of the band, instrument separation, organic interplay. There was a bit of in and out vocal compression for effect (John Lennonesque), but you could really feel everything. Holy Elliot Scheiner!

Dave - I think we're definitely in agreement. haha It reminds me of when the interwebz was in its infancy and I got into a disagreement with Pete Fogel about whether Walter shared or had some of the lead vocals on Heartbeat...I was on Walter's side. ;)

Michael - What Platts gets, and what most great songwriters of the post-modern age get is the American Songbook. Mississippi blues (First British invasion) to Gershwin to Bacharach, the Brill Building. They understand how to construct melodies over chord changes. How to change keys for effect and enhancing the melody without the average listener even noticing. How to construct harmonies, meaty hooks, a bridge, allowing space for the instruments to breathe.

Date: Fri, May 05, 2023, 14:10:35 ET
Posted by: Michael,

People have tried to generate Steely Dan music using AI. The technology is still in its infancy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AoC8UpgSZ_c

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2WwB2S1p2a4

Date: Fri, May 05, 2023, 12:13:37 ET
Posted by: Unkle FW,

Is there any Steely Dan AI Yet?

Date: Fri, May 05, 2023, 10:46:24 ET
Posted by: Dave (from acquisitions) , Philadelphia

Doc Mu, my apologies! I didn't see your second entry at first. I see that you may now agree with me! I made my last post too early without going through the rest of the entries. Rookie mistake. I really think we're on to something here, i really think that's Walter singing the last line

Date: Fri, May 05, 2023, 10:43:35 ET
Posted by: Dave (from acquisitions), Philadelphia

Doc Mu, thanks for the response. I think you misunderstood what I said about the last line (or maybe I'm misunderstanding you, I know it gets confusing when we try to discuss this stuff over text as opposed to actually talking). For the last line I believe it's Fagen and Palmer holding "tuuuuuurn" while Walter alone sings the last line himself (that heartbeat over again). I always assumed it was Donald but just recently I was listening closely with headphones and came to that opinion (someone fairly new to the band was asking me about any songs where we can hear Walters voice. I gave him the obvious solo albums and slang of ages and then started thinking about if/when his backing vocals can be heard and this song was obviously in the discussion, just for anyone interested, after talking with some other people who are huge fans and lurkers here on the book, we determined you can hear Becker on Your Gold Teeth (tobacco they grow in Peking) and we also found an interview from after Pretzel Logic came out where he mentions he sings on Parker's Band and going back through it you can hear his distinctive voice on "we will spend a dizzy weekend…").

Date: Thurs, May 04, 2023, 18:35:45 ET
Posted by: Sami Dan,

Check out this Steely spirited music:

Taylor Swift
Midnights
https://a.co/d/2oFH0S7

Date: Thurs, May 04, 2023, 18:05:13 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Dungeon Sessions: Pearl & The Oysters - Konami

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tcj8-M9nJ20

Brijean Murphy guests on percussion. If you dig Pearl & The Oysters (good taste) then check out Brijean's music as well. P&TO kicks off their tour today in Portland, OR.

While we wait for news regarding Donald's new solo album and potential SD tour there's no shortage of excellent music to check out. :)

Date: Thurs, May 04, 2023, 16:25:10 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Doc Mu, love that Park Hyo Shin track Shine Your Light. Andy Platts has that special touch missing from most of his contemporaries. He gets it. Park's vocals are on point, seamlessly hitting gorgeous falsetto notes with the right amount of vibrato where necessary.

A strange trend I've been noticing is how lesser known Western artists become more popular abroad in Asian countries than in their own. Prep, for instance, is much more popular in South Korea than in the UK. Another interesting phenomenon is how artists experience a sudden resurgence of popularity, such as Kate Bush has ever since her song Running Up That Hill was used on Stranger Things. It comes down to exposure. Always has, always will. If nobody knows who you are then all the talent in the world means nothing.

Date: Thurs, May 04, 2023, 11:41:03 ET
Posted by: Michael,

He's getting into the groove. Can't be worse than those metal guys headbanging away. Maybe if you play too hard you'll wind up suffering debilitating injuries later in life life like Phil Collins who can no longer play drums. His son has pretty good chops. Keith Carlock is a machine. The way he flails on the drums but manages to stay in the pocket is really something. Hope that doesn't take its toll later on.

Small correction, I accidentally reversed the artist and song title for Rudy Doll - Nostalgia. No big deal.

Date: Thurs, May 04, 2023, 10:30:27 ET
Posted by: Steve M, Scotland

Enjoyed the Theo Katzman track. I could tell it was Joe Dart on bass before you fully saw him just by the way his neck and shoulders were popping away. Great bass player but he's setting himself up for some serious upper spine orthopedic problems in later life......God I'm getting old!!

Date: Thurs, May 04, 2023, 10:03:16 ET
Posted by: Michael,

More songs to check out.

Ginger Root - Nisemono

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nVIN8ZiIFr4

Theo Katzman - Be The Wheel

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oEB0Y4kY5VE

Nostalgia - Rudy Doll

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQ3bfSrXfec

FAIRTRADE NARCOTICS - Water Signs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fc890I85BdU

Date: Thurs, May 04, 2023, 08:29:47 ET
Posted by: , No acronyms before coffee

DTMA = Don't Take Me Alive.

You're welcome.

Date: Thurs, May 04, 2023, 07:30:08 ET
Posted by: Geo, C

Rick Marotta interviewed about DTMA in depth.

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

Date: Thurs, May 04, 2023, 01:17:00 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Yeah, Shine Your Light has a little Bacharach in it. I had not listened to it before finding it tonight. Platts just has it.

Date: Thurs, May 04, 2023, 00:47:17 ET
Posted by: ,

Movie

Date: Thurs, May 04, 2023, 00:46:56 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Ironically, Andy Platts has written 2 K-Pop #1 hits. I've heard Falling - maybe in a move, TV show

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dw-kA8bjG8o

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISQWx25dF3Y

very poppy - but a few sneaky chord changes, tight harmonies, and a delicious middle 8

and 1 J-Pop #1 hit

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

But it is puzzling that Platts songs have never caught fire in the US. Not enough payola, clearly. Weak-kneed A&R types. All of Platt's projects are full of classic R&B/jazz/pop fusion. A trick he's repeated at least 50 times.

Date: Tues, May 02, 2023, 23:07:45 ET
Posted by: Don Patrol, Mtl

Gordon Lightfoot, as Canadian as it gets. R.I.P.

Date: Tues, May 02, 2023, 18:46:07 ET
Posted by: Michael,

New track from Ole Børud titled Find A Way, featuring special guests Michael Omartian, Bill Champlin & Jay Graydon.

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

Date: Tues, May 02, 2023, 10:27:57 ET
Posted by: Gabe, PA

RIP Gordon Lightfoot.

Date: Mon, May 01, 2023, 20:49:31 ET
Posted by: moray eel, Chuck

Chuck Rainey interview:

https://youtu.be/5LyUgE4XPuU

m.e.

Date: Mon, May 01, 2023, 16:42:16 ET
Posted by: Michael,

I concur. Both YGSF and Mamas Gun are among the best things happening in music right now.

Date: Mon, May 01, 2023, 12:54:40 ET
Posted by: Eurolurker, Europe

Travelled to London to see Andy Platts's "other" band, Mamas Gun. Stood at the front (venue was quite small) and danced for the whole show. Why the guy, who is soulful, charismatic and modest, isn't a megastar I don't know. I hope wider recognition comes, for Mamas Gun, YGSF and his songwriting talent. I think Mamas Gun have been, or will be, touring parts of the US - a must experience.

Date: Sun, April 30, 2023, 11:53:07 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Pearl & The Oysters seamlessly blend the best elements of psychedelic sunshine pop with electronica. Some of their more experimental material can get a little off-the-wall wonky, sure, but their good songs are downright infectious ear worms. I've already listened to Fireflies dozens of times, it's that good. It's a shame how criminally underrated they are. Hopefully they'll gain some more recognition now that they've signed to Stones Throw Records.

Check them out live performing the original Star Trek theme.

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

Here's a concert they did in Gainesville, Florida last year.

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

Date: Sat, April 29, 2023, 20:28:12 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Pearl & the Oysters - yeah, they sound like the nerdy losers (and that's a good thing) from the planet that spawned Tomorrow's Girls.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3Fj5kFijOo

Date: Fri, April 28, 2023, 11:39:44 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Geyster has a new album out May 5th titled Wherever The Wind Blows. Here's a preview of the track Seneca.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6aCKdn706x8

Flo Naegeli - In My Mind

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

Yuna - Fool 4 U

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HT6w4ELrVQs

Butcher Brown - Sticky July

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lIv-enbJ85U

MALIQ & D'Essentials - Senja Teduh Pelita

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nPY3rSpHyFo

Diskoria feat. Dian Sastrowardoyo - Serenata Jiwa Lara

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wO5H4n4m5_E

Noh Salleh - Angin Kencang

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0A76RGMVRpg

Date: Fri, April 28, 2023, 06:52:30 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Oh my, you're in for a treat. Pearl & The Oysters ❍ Fireflies, taken from their new album Coast 2 Coast which released April 21st.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EgvN69rheaY

Date: Thurs, April 27, 2023, 23:22:52 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

CDV - I listened to the link. The distinctive differences and clarity of the vocals are more evident. I'm a bit more confident in my guesses.

Except for the last line! lol I'm going to flip - that could be Walter singing "that heartbeat over again," with Donald maintaining the pitch with "turn."

Date: Thurs, April 27, 2023, 23:13:51 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

SDV wrote:

"I love the song, the instrumental portion is especially cool and unique in the catalog. there's an early interview somewhere and Walter singled out Heartbeat as perhaps his favorite from the album or one he was particularly proud of"

I completely agree TTHOA and Fire in the Hole are my favorites off CBAT. Both are more jazz and with more complex chord changes.

The instrumental break is a wonder, infusing hard bop changes into Skunk's almost country-rock guitar sounding licks. It really swings in standard time with almost a 3/4 feel because they emphasize the first beat in the measure rather than 2nd and 4th. Sounds like a couple of key changes as well.

A sign of things to come! Turn That Heartbeat Over Again is the gateway drug to Katy to Gaucho to 21st Century Dan.

Date: Thurs, April 27, 2023, 23:04:00 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Dave - it's tricky because they change channels and the blending, harmonies are tight. I could be very well wrong - this is the way I hear it:


With stocking face I bought a gun [Donald - right channel]
The plan was set the plan was done
Looked at my watch and started for the door
Now the food here ain't so good no more [Donald - left channel]
And they closed the package store [Donald and Walter? it's probably Donald doubled up, the the timbre of the harmonies sounds a little different]

[Chorus:]
Love your mama, love your brother [Donald, David Palmer, Walter]
Love 'em till they run for cover
Turn the light off, keep your shirt on
Cry a jag on me

Oh Michael Oh Jesus you know I'm not to blame [Donald - doubled up with harmony]
You know my reputation for playing a good clean game
Oh Michael Oh Jesus I'll keep my promise when
You turn that heartbeat over again

Cool last line - that could be Walter singing and holding "turn" - he didn't have the warble in his voice then.

Date: Thurs, April 27, 2023, 18:34:59 ET
Posted by: Lutz, Hnl

Chris, some fall shows would be nice, a new cd and a tour in '24 even better!

Date: Wed, April 26, 2023, 15:38:03 ET
Posted by: SDV, from Paraguay

Dave-
I think you may be right about Walter's parts on Heartbeat, especially that very last line. it never really occurred to me but it's right in his range/timbre and I think his delivery was quite similar to Donald's overall, at least in the early days.

it would be great to hear the vocal parts isolated... with A.I. technology or perhaps in the quadrophonic mix, which does exist: https://youtu.be/eF3defzt-nA

I love the song, the instrumental portion is especially cool and unique in the catalog. there's an early interview somewhere and Walter singled out Heartbeat as perhaps his favorite from the album or one he was particularly proud of

Date: Wed, April 26, 2023, 07:36:44 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Just for good measure, here's the latest Kirinji track, Nestling, which is used as the main theme to the TV show Kashimeshi Shimeshi 「かしましめし」. New album expected soon.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=53FB7UOn78o

Date: Wed, April 26, 2023, 07:21:07 ET
Posted by: Michael,

New track from 冨田ラボ (Tomita Lab) just dropped titled 夏の亡霊 (Summer Ghost) feat. Kirinji (lyrics by Yukinojo Mori), gorgeously composed and arranged. The lyrics appear to be about a stalker.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8q3pGrSeWxw

Rough translation:

Go down the path where the heat haze dances
Bonded by the blue sky, I suddenly cry
Under a white parasol
You are waiting
Drink chilean chardonnay

I'm a summer ghost
Wandering through memories
Tomorrow you will be at the market
I should kiss the sommelier
Jealousy in my eyes... it stings

The sunflower follows the setting sun
A bat buys darkness from the moon
Black carpet stain
To get drunk and quarrel
Because of cheap cabernet

I'm a summer ghost
I know the meaning of despair
Worthless unless unhappy
Because happiness is a paradox

(It's the truth
In the summer time,
I knew happiness is a paradox)

You are the goddess of love (Venus)
Wet your swimsuit languidly
Looking at me in a hurry
Who hooks him

I'm a summer ghost
Wandering through memories
Tomorrow will be your loneliness
Invite a young man to bed
Jealousy still
Let me hold it again
Corkscrew in hand… it stings

Date: Tues, April 25, 2023, 19:16:28 ET
Posted by: Dave (from acquisitions), Philadelphia

I saw some of y'all talking about "Turn that heartbeat over again" and I've always been interested in which parts are sung by which singer. This song famously credits Fagen, Palmer and Becker with lead vocals. The main verses are obviously Fagen then the gang vocals come in "love your mama" which I assume is all 3 of them then the lower register part "oh Michael oh Jesus" sounds like Fagen and Becker together (one of if not the only example of them singing in harmony with each other? What is interesting is the very last line "turn that heartbeat over a - turn that heartbeat over again" that very last single high voice singing "turn that heartbeat over again" sounds to me like a young Walter. We have a few examples of what his voice sounded like back then, the most well known being "Mock Turtle song" where he handles the lead vocals admirably. What does everyone think? Do I have too much time on my hands? Yes

Date: Tues, April 25, 2023, 09:55:23 ET
Posted by: chris, nh

Lutz, that interview was in Jan, probably conducted at the end of '22.
While it woulds seem pretty late to announce a summer tour at this point, I don't think this year is off the table yet. Hoping for a fall theater run myself.

Date: Mon, April 24, 2023, 00:28:37 ET
Posted by: Ricky, L

saw Keith Carlock play drums with Larry Carlton the other night, who did not play the song Mr. 335.

Carlock is unreal.

Date: Sun, April 23, 2023, 02:43:16 ET
Posted by: Lutz, Hnl

Michael Leonhart interview from a couple of months ago. Looks like we can hope for a SD tour in '24.

https://somethingelsereviews.com/2023/01/09/michael-leonhart-steely-dan-solo-family-sessions-interview/

Date: Fri, April 21, 2023, 23:47:06 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago

Here's a link to the full John McWhorter article on the SD book, "gifted" from moi so you can read it even if you don't have a NYT subscription. Yes, it's a long link--make sure you get it all.

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/18/opinion/steely-dan-lyrics-mysterious.html?unlocked_article_code=AWIqZpSkHR-y8gRA-BZUGcMq2BPXEwmU3Dh8hBUCxsxDKAXrsvNqGvs7d8iy5euyANh-X0laTjYcwXJuFTmqm0CRAOjTJ9xaVIB-sCddbqaVEhSQcsRosDbCmgaoL2tYTi9HsDnfrfghzh4oyRg_yjwoL1iuUahCYMMmwZ1PV4NY63qSAIhK_XM8JI9q_M3fMD2RsTWI0oUOxGOaCdf2dZZpnGT29Io6RPZbm2Wdd3bdoDDgTJIX31P2GzP80sLARQDz8J38Jd_lqyoFLqVBIS4hgsqR7Vw89BwT8Ir6x3cVumW_ar5GhYwuldjG7WTgvcElpUKji9EGeXzSxvG14GIELNbXKw&giftCopy=4_Disclaimer&smid=em-share

Date: Fri, April 21, 2023, 02:38:35 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago

Thanks, Mu. That's really a good, succinct visual representation of the relationship. Thank you.

Date: Fri, April 21, 2023, 02:07:34 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Hoops: That picture of Donald and Walter from Barney Hurley during the Jay & the Americans session really epitomizes their relationship.

Donald is semi-hunched over, intently following the music sheet as the strings play. Walter is more upright, while relaxed, and taking in the the sound, the attitude. Two essential hemispheres of one ginormous artistic mind.

Date: Fri, April 21, 2023, 01:34:26 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Dean. Yeah, Diamond Girl, like many of the SD discography swings and rocks hard at the same time, but with a jazzy Van Morrison feel.

Can we talk about how well the song is mixed? The space between the instruments is cavernous. The sound is so clean. Minimal effects. Masterful, really.


A couple of tracks by young jazz/pop talent Jarrod Lawson. The harmonies are ridiculous

Spiritual Eyes - a bit more Stevie Wonder and Gino Vanelli in vibe that Steely Dan. Mega gifted.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVFP0iSPYYY


More recently - Be the Change. More Sea Level vibe with a touch of Stevie?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C3KcRKNkbO8

Date: Thurs, April 20, 2023, 18:25:54 ET
Posted by: Don Patrol, Mtl

Happy 4-20 to the "Smokin'Dandom"
Peace

Date: Thurs, April 20, 2023, 17:23:24 ET
Posted by: Ray High, 89

I will take it upon myself to tell Mr. Whorter EVERYTHING.

Date: Wed, April 19, 2023, 21:46:54 ET
Posted by: moray eel, Fever

The Dean: The initial line of my post was tongue-in-cheek. I do not expect anyone to tell Mr. Whorter anything.

Many years ago Oleander started Fever Dreams. It was a good resource for friends who wanted to learn more about SD.

m.e.

Date: Wed, April 19, 2023, 18:50:06 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Back with more music picks.

No Vacation - Days

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Sbg-RjZG8o

Brijean - Caldwell's Way

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QEQ4DrBo2OY

Pure Bathing Culture - The Downtown Lights (feat. Ben Gibbard & San Fermin)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vtcN28acHNI

Quint Starkie - Hollywood

https://quintstarkie.bandcamp.com/track/hollywood

Bronze (브론즈) - Time Slip (with YUKIKA)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPmNv0IopgI

Date: Wed, April 19, 2023, 18:14:02 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. It's Happy Hour

moray,

I find myself leaning toward your interpretation of Heartbeat's lyrics far more than I do with McWhorter's. (Mostly because yours is relatively straightforward.) But with that said, I'm always wary of claims by those who state they have cracked the code in toto to most any SD lyric, and are sure of it's meaning.

There are a handful of SD songs whose meaning I find fairly straightforward and linear. Even then I question if there aren't obscured meanings lurking just behind the obvious in those lyrics.

I'm sure you must have checked out the wild interpretations of SD tunes on the interesting Fever Dreams website. I find most all of the lyric interpretations completely wild, and unlikely. But sometimes when I think I've come to a total understanding of an SD song, I head there. Something in one, or more of the interpretations will often get me rethinking my initial conclusions. Mind you not because I find one completely believable as an interpretation. But because somewhere in these bizarre ramblings I find tidbits that make some sense but don't line up with my own obvious conclusions.

https://feverdreams.whatsmykarma.com/cantbuy.htm

Date: Tues, April 18, 2023, 21:26:18 ET
Posted by: moray eel, Fever

Please tell McWhorter that I successful broke down the meaning of Turn That Heartbeat Over Again several years ago on the Bluebook.

I don't believe that Michael and Jesus are hang-ups.

Michael refers to Saint Michael and Jesus refers Jesus Christ.

It is the story of reincarnation. The narrator robs a bar/liquor store and dies when it goes bad. He faces judgment at the pearly gates. He begs St. Michael and Jesus for another chance at life on earth (turn that heartbeat over again).

He knows the rules to follow. Love your fellow man. "Love your mama, love your brother".

Sex shouldn't be wild and filled with crazy carnal delights. "Turn the light off. Keep your shirt on." It should be filled with tenderness and compassion. "Cry a jag in me."

The narrator gets a second chance. He returns to earth only to die in a South American drug overdose.

Back to the pearly gates again. Michael and Jesus are waiting. We discover that another deceased gentleman, named William, is getting a second chance at life. The narrator warns him to stay on the straight and narrow.. "Not to cuss and drink all night."

William blows his second chance also. He makes the same mistakes as the narrator. "Zombie see. Zombie do."

And now we are all back at the pearly gates again. "He's here with me and you."

m.e.

Date: Tues, April 18, 2023, 15:56:36 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago

I'm a big John McWhorter fan. He has a column coming out about Steely Dan. It was emailed to subscribers a little while ago and will be on the New York Times site tomorrow.  Here are a couple excerpts:

The wondrous mysteries of Steely Dan

By John McWhorter
Excerpt:

A new book has taught me that I don't mind a lack of clarity as much as I often suppose.

It's the weird and wondrous "Quantum Criminals: Ramblers, Wild Gamblers and Other Sole Survivors From the Songs of Steely Dan," an upcoming book by Alex Pappademas with illustrations by Joan LeMay, published by the University of Texas Press. I've been a Steely Dan fan since college. They have always been, and always will be, my go-to band when I want to hear something harmonically delicious, rhythmically mesmerizing and smart.

But damned if I have known what a lot of their lyrics mean, and that constant perplexity is in fact part of the charm of Steely Dan. Not always knowing quite what a song is referring to lends a sense of wonder, even edge. For patness, we go to something deathlessly perfect in its own way, like Kool & the Gang's "Celebration" — no mystery there. There's more going on in another song that gets people moving in the same way, Earth, Wind & Fire's "September": In such an upbeat song, why that autumnal and even pensive month?

Another excerpt:

Yet I am realizing that with Steely Dan I have always been of a different mind. In "Turn That Heartbeat Over Again," where the song warmly beseeches "Oh Michael, oh Jesus / You know I'm not to blame," Michael and Jesus are what van Vogt would call hang-ups — they are not specific references. I've always found that moment in the lyric pleasantly and passingly earnest, and that's about it. And it has never bothered me. Nor has the song's cryptic counsel to "turn the light off, keep your shirt on."

Date: Mon, April 10, 2023, 07:33:46 ET
Posted by: Jimmie, US

Teaser for upcoming Chuck Rainey interview

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/OO7ClTL5ioc

Date: Sun, April 09, 2023, 19:58:40 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago

Acoustic Sounds now shows that the balance of Steely Dan UHQR releases will be

Pretzel Logic: 7/28/23
Katy Lied: 3/19/24
The Royal Scam: 6/28/24
Aja: 9/29/23
Gaucho: 12/1/23

No word on the release date of the SACD/CD hybrid titles.

Date: Sun, April 09, 2023, 19:54:28 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Telehealth is reminiscent of krautrock new wave from the 1970s through early 80s. Here's the video for Taliesin Grid, their first single.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=df4jCit5MVg

Still no word on Donald's new album.

Date: Sun, April 09, 2023, 15:06:24 ET
Posted by: Phil, Ici

Strong Dan vibrations on this demo by Marc Jordan and Victor Feldman, no surprise as the two of them are in the Dan galaxy close to the mother planet https://youtu.be/HLAjzAmFEIw

Date: Sun, April 09, 2023, 14:46:26 ET
Posted by: Phil, Ici

Strong Dan vibrations on this demo by Marc Jordan and Victor Feldman, no surprise as the two of them are in the Dan galaxy close to the mother planet https://youtu.be/HLAjzAmFEIw

Date: Fri, April 07, 2023, 16:56:21 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. It's Happy Hour

Mu, Diamond Girl is a great tune, IMO. Something I never turn off when it pops up on my radio or playlist. One of my best friends, and a damn good guitar player, and I refer to Diamond Girl as one of the rowdiest soft rock songs ever.

In that same category for me, Angry Eyes by Loggins and Messina. The only one of the usual suspects on that tune is Michael Omartian, from what I can tell. Not even sure he plays on that tune, but he is credited as playing several different instruments on the album.

Not sure this is really that Dangential, but I find this live version from 2005 pretty damn good.

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

Date: Fri, April 07, 2023, 16:34:01 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago

Forgot to mention that the UHQR Version of Pretzel Logic will ship July 28, 2023.

Date: Fri, April 07, 2023, 16:20:29 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago

UMe/Geffen will release the single 33-1/3 RPM version of "Countdown to Ecstasy" (CTE) on May 26, 2023. Additional new swag includes a matching hoodie, a matching T-shirt, and also an SD logo cigarette lighter.

The double 45 RPM 200g vinyl version of CTE was released last fall by Acoustic Sounds; however there is no release date for the hybrid SACD disc. I did speak with someone at Acoustic Sounds about a month ago. Acoustic Sounds said they expect to have all seven of the 1972–1980 titles released over a two-year period.

https://steelydanshop.com/

Date: Fri, April 07, 2023, 13:09:08 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Dean - glad you're on the mend.

A blast from the past that has a Dan-ish rhythmic them on the keyboards, jazz leanings and the lineup I call The Usual Suspects (session players common in the 1970s and early 80s - the post-Wrecking Crew group). The song isn't too sophisticated - mostly minor 7ths, but it's jazzed up a bit. Kind of a folk/singer-songwriter-jazz pop fusion - a simpler Your Gold Teeth, Pretzel Logic, Chain Lightning thing in that 1973-1974 time frame, Louie Shelton produced it - recorded at the Sunset Sound Factory. Sunset owner David Hassinger himself was the engineer. so, the instrument separation, organic balance and fusion are exquisite.


Jeff Porcaro - drums
Wilton Felder - bass
David Paich - organ, piano, keys/synth
Louie Shelton - guitar
Marty Paich - strings
Dash Crofts - Fender Rhodes
Bobby Lichtig - flute

Seals & Crofts Diamond Girl

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RC-oP84mRME



Diamond was a follow-up to Summer Breeze (a little more sophisticated with maj7ths, stacked chords)) with Louie Shelton's famous guitar solos. S&C were big on harmonies and The Usual Suspects deliver. They had a few more minor hits (Hummingbird, We may Never Walk this Way Again).

I think the Summer Breeze lineup was something like
Jim Gordon - drums
Michael Omartian - piano/synth?
Wilton Felder - bass
Louis Shelton - guitar
Jim Horn - flute
Bobby Lichtig - clarinet
Milt Holland - tambura
? - percussion/vibraphone
Marty Paich - string arrangement
Jim Seals - acoustic guitar, saxophone

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

Date: Fri, April 07, 2023, 12:07:14 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. Uptown, Baby!

Thanks for the info about Pete. I'll drop him an email sometime.

Date: Fri, April 07, 2023, 07:55:40 ET
Posted by: Skip/Zip, up down

Dean

Pete don't live in that New York City no more.

Date: Thurs, April 06, 2023, 08:03:32 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Glad to hear you're feeling better, Dean. Hope everything's going fine.

Christopher Duncan is an interesting synth-pop artist from the UK with an affinity for lush vocal harmonies. Do I detect a little bit of Brian Wilson influence? Never a bad thing. Here's his track Air.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sbrPTLqwof8

Meanwhile in Japan, Shin Rizumu is crafting fun breezy pop tunes infused with jazz elements. Showing experience beyond his young age, check out his infectious track Lady.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lmocf-Kz1C0

In a bit of somber news, Ryuichi Sakamoto, co-founder of the pioneering electronic group YMO, passed away on March 28th at 71 years-old. Here's one of YMO's best tracks, Perspective.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JnJfY8qbqPg

Date: Wed, April 05, 2023, 20:32:45 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago

Dean: Sorry to hear about the health problems. Sending you vibes for quick and complete healing. Thank you for all you've given to our group here over the past 22 years. And I believe you were also part of the Dandom Digest going back to 30 years. Likewise, there's so many other people here who deserve to be thanked how are you in a few people I don't always agree with. More to be thanked.

Jim

Date: Wed, April 05, 2023, 19:02:19 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. It's Happy Hour

Checking in after an extended absence due to health related issues. But I'm finally on the mend.

I can't thank Hoops enough for these many years of hosting The Blue and putting up with us idiots.

Yes, it is Jim Gordon on HATTWW, but I think that's already been established.

Don Patrol, back at ya. Some of my best times have been meeting Blue posters in real life. I'm not a social media user, nor do I typically look to meet those I've met online in real life. But the experience with meeting a few posters here has been universally positive. Can't wait to hang/drink/smoke with you all again. Don, my best to Fran.

I haven't been to NYC in a few years, but would love to get back and check in with Pete and Shari.

And M/O/D/P, check your damn email or get voicemail. It's been to long. But I was pretty much unavailable for a bit. Give Rose Darling my best, please.

Date: Tues, April 04, 2023, 07:20:09 ET
Posted by: Stan, VA

This book appears to have a May 2023 publish date.

https://www.google.com/books/edition/Quantum_Criminals/JPi0EAAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=0

Date: Mon, April 03, 2023, 07:43:22 ET
Posted by: Gil, US

A mention of Wayne Shorter's passing.

https://www.steelydan.com/#!/news/300157

Date: Sun, April 02, 2023, 22:18:43 ET
Posted by: Brutus Charisma,

Doc Mu you are correct re Gordon on drums.

Jim's sound/style is very different than Bernard's.
Jim played Camcos and Bernard played Sonors.
The Camcos got a richer, fuller and darker sound
than the Sonors, as evident on HATTWW.

Jim's "feel" is lighter than Bernard's.

Date: Sat, April 01, 2023, 14:43:17 ET
Posted by: EC, NY

"I believe I inadvertently
started the Springsteen kerfuffle a few years ago when I professed my love of Bruce. I find it funny and entertaining to see people blow up here occasionally when they read his name."

@TO Danfan - And so many of us are eternally grateful to you for it!

If I recall correctly, the "dustup" was getting underway, just starting to gather some steam, when little old me asked MODP if he could chime in about The Boss. What followed was pure 24 KT gold. Then, a poster with serious stability issues went completely off the rails, posting several lengthy, rambling, profanity-filled tirades that sadly got almost everything deleted. Except for the classic MODP post describing his Springsteen concert experience. That one didn't get removed. It's still up here - a lone relic of a now-legendary interent battle. Those were the days...

Date: Sat, April 01, 2023, 13:07:37 ET
Posted by: TO Danfan,

According to the Citizen Steely Dan booklet....

Omartian
Rainey
Purdie (misspelled Purdle)
Parks
Mironov (who he?)
Miller
Syszik
Warner

Hope all here are doing well and many thanks to Hoops
for keeping the Blue going all these years. I've been a
daily reader and infrequent poster since 2003. I believe I inadvertently
started the Springsteen kerfuffle a few years ago when I professed my love of Bruce. I find it funny and entertaining to see people blow up here occasionally when they read his name. Hoping for new music from Fagen soon.

Cheers

Date: Sat, April 01, 2023, 02:14:37 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Gordon
Rainey
Parks
Omartian

Backing Vocals – Casey Syszik, Florence Warner, Leslie Miller

on HATWW

Date: Wed, March 29, 2023, 17:28:36 ET
Posted by: SDV, down in the bottom

and I just dug out my Gold CD, which lists the same info. from sessions for Royal Scam

Date: Wed, March 29, 2023, 17:16:41 ET
Posted by: SDV, up on the hill

according to JimGordonDiscography.blogspot.com, it is Jim on HATWW:

https://jimgordondiscography.blogspot.com/2022/10/steely-dan-here-at-western-world.html?m=1&fbclid=IwAR1FbOP3Y4kpYRfyjOOkGGXOmSdYqz20ZtiW63aOxv66zZasrym1bylRfsM

Date: Tues, March 28, 2023, 17:54:00 ET
Posted by: Michael,

New track from State Cows titled Waiting for the Right Words.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=roY6KrYdU3c

Benny Sings new album, Young Hearts, released last Friday. Let's go.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tI5oaE85Tnw

Date: Tues, March 28, 2023, 10:57:03 ET
Posted by: DonB, Toronto

Long live Hoops!
Long live the Blue!

Date: Mon, March 27, 2023, 07:12:13 ET
Posted by: Skip/Zip, ggg

Western World is from the Royal Scam sessions. I never heard that Jim Gordon was on any of them.

Date: Sun, March 26, 2023, 22:03:11 ET
Posted by: Dr Pencilhead,

Gentlemen:

I'm seeing in a few places that Bernard Purdie played drums
HATWW.

But, I'm pretty sure that it's Jim Gordon.

Can someone please confirm this?

Thank you.👍😊

Date: Fri, March 24, 2023, 12:37:36 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

RIP Jim Gordon (Mar 13). What a talent and tragedy. Gordon played on albums of 100s of artists...from Derek and the Dominoes to George Harrison to Steely Dan.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kM89Cx3GQJg

...and a key to Steely Dan's highest charting song in the US:

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

Date: Fri, March 24, 2023, 01:01:05 ET
Posted by: Don Patrol, Mtl

I can only speak for myself,but Hoops and the Blue changed my life. Really.
Sure,it's cost me a lot of money,Lol,but worth ten times as much for the fun I've had. I've said it before,Jim thanks for all you've done and do for us. The friends I've made through the Blue made it so great to go to shows,when previous to that my wife and I felt alone at shows without those of our kind. That changed because of the Bluebook. I'm very grateful.
Peace

Date: Thurs, March 23, 2023, 17:45:44 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago

Thanks for everybody for the kindness. 30 years is a long time. Yet, it doesn't seem that long. Thank you again

Date: Thurs, March 23, 2023, 11:22:27 ET
Posted by: Josey, Mass

Hey Hoops, long time, no post, but always looking in! Thank you so much for this fun, twisted, and knowledgeable place!! Always something to learn here!

Thank you!!

Date: Thurs, March 23, 2023, 07:18:19 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Hoops, I can only reiterate the sentiment of others here on the Blue. Throughout the years I've come to learn a lot of great stuff and had plenty of lively discussions. We're grateful to you for keeping the lights on, having to duel with spammers and bots, keeping us informed about the latest SD-related news. Over two decades, truly a labor of love.

Thanks for everything.

Date: Wed, March 22, 2023, 21:02:40 ET
Posted by: Updraught, Philly

Thanks Hoops!

My knowledge of Steely Dan has been expanded, I've been introduced to a lot of new music, met many interesting characters, had some memorable experiences, and even made a few new friends.

Again, all thanks to you!

Date: Wed, March 22, 2023, 20:39:03 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, Happy Anniversary!!

Wow...June 2001. That's almost 22 years now. Shit. And for some reason it seems like only twenty-one and a half...funny how that works. The perception of time, I mean.

I certainly haven't been around here that long. I think I started reading in 2007 and posting around 2009 or so. Like Nicholas Urfe, I feel like I have gotten a lot out of the proceedings here - new music, information I likely wouldn't have read otherwise, and so on. Thanks again, Jim, for keeping the doors open here.

Plus, a couple of times, we even flew to NYC to meet up with some of the folks who populate this place - and to take in a Steely Dan show or three at The Beacon Theatre, of course. I distinctly remember Mrs. M/O/D/P saying, when I first advised her of our NYC/SD travel plans all those years ago, and my plans to meet up with The Dean in particular, I remember her cautionary words at the time. "He SAYS he's a middle-aged guy who's into Steely Dan, BUT...what if it turns out that "he" is actually some drop-dead gorgeous 19-year-old blond chick with gigantic breasts? M/O/D/P [of course always she calls me this, even at dinner], surely you are aware that many people use The Internet to misrepresent themselves!". I took her sage words under advisement, but threw caution to the wind, and we headed to NYC.

It was the first (and so far, only) time I've ever met up with people I've "met" online.

I can't say that I was in any way disappointed.

M/O/D/P

Date: Wed, March 22, 2023, 11:32:55 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Hoops, I should've noticed address extensions are divided by date.

Random great Steely Dan memory: checking out sound clips for TvN on their main site. I'd been listening the the Citizen Steely Dan box set in heavy rotation leading up to TvN's release. The excitement for their first new album in two decades was an unprecedented event.

Date: Wed, March 22, 2023, 09:57:54 ET
Posted by: Nicholas Urfe, Phraxos

Jim, my horizons have been expanded and my life has been enriched by the BlueBook. I've learned things about SD I never would have otherwise known. I've listened to and become a fan of music and bands that I never would have otherwise heard. To the extent that one can become acquaintences, even friends, with online personages, I've done that, too. Not to mention a lost of great laughs.

Kindly,
Nicholas Urfe, or whoever

Date: Wed, March 22, 2023, 09:36:22 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago

Michael:

Apparently some broken or lost links at the bottom of the page. Here… Try this link for March 2003

http://dandom.com/guestbook/032003.html

Date: Wed, March 22, 2023, 09:23:50 ET
Posted by: Michael,

"The blue book goes back to June 2001. You can actually can scroll down and link back to pretty much every bluebook post. So if you wanna go back 20 years, you probably can for most stuff."

Doesn't work for me Hoops. Clicked on 'April 2011 & Before' and it stops listing posts at January 25th, 2011.

Great video of Donny Benét in his home studio.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8KemcdKs3Kk

TrackTalk With Rick Marotta: Steely Dan's "Peg" Dissected!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GcqrEQlXte4

Date: Wed, March 22, 2023, 09:11:05 ET
Posted by: Denise, Hinktown

Jim, thanks for all you have done. You have brought about many happy experiences through this site. I've met so many great people here and at Danfests. It's wonderful to enjoy music with those of our kind.

Date: Tues, March 21, 2023, 23:11:58 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago

modifying my post from March 23, 2003… Feeling even more gratitude for everyone. And of course, sad also to miss those were gone, starting with Walter, along with Marc and Bill, and so many others.

----
THANK YOU FOR 30 YEARS!

It was thirty years ago on March 23, 1993, that I started a mail list for Steely Dan fans based at my work server at the NSF Science & Technology Center for Superconductivity based at the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign along with Northwestern University and University of Chicago. At the time, I was taking a break from working in and teaching architecture to pay off some student loans; so I took a job as an IT manager for a group of world renowned physicists. (One of those I worked for actually won a Noble Prize a few years later. I just worked on his PowerPoints.) It was the very first resource on the internet dedicated to Steely Dan fans. Our email address was steelydan@stcs.mrl. uiuc.edu —long enough for you? It was an outgrowth of a group of us fans at rec.music.gdead with hopes of starting rec.music. steelydan. For the rec. music groups, often you had to start as a mail list to prove interest. I never thought that the web or the internet would become as ubiquitous as it has. Some of you will remember that we used to have a Digest EVERY DAY, 365 days-a-year, when there wasn't anything else dedicated to Steely Dan on the net. (the alt group and Banyan Trees wasn't yet around). I think it was also about 30 years ago this weekend that tickets for the 1993 tour went on sale. I remember getting them for Chicago, Detroit and Indy.

After 30 years, it's been pretty amazing!

Thank you all for everything!!

Sincerely,

Jim aka hoops

Date: Tues, March 21, 2023, 23:04:18 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago

Regarding the last post, as I remember it was in probably April or so the whole EMG album was found streaming entirely, although in not the greatest audio quality, on one of the Microsoft forums. It disappeared super quick. That was when we used to have the GreenRoom chat supplementing the BlueBook. Several of us in the GreenRoomhad an impromptu listening party with that unofficial stream. I also remember the first two singles surfacing, as well as some interviews on the radio with Donald and Walter.

The blue book goes back to June 2001. You can actually can scroll down and link back to pretty much every bluebook post. So if you wanna go back 20 years, you probably can for most stuff. I was just scanning the March 2003 posts.

I was just scanning the March 2003 posts. I found a nice reminder that 20 years ago I made a post about the 10th anniversary of the Dandom Digest on March 23, 2003. Now this Thursday it'll be 30 years. And yes, the Dandom Digest still comes out on average something like once a month. Of course, back in 1993 it was every day.

Date: Tues, March 21, 2023, 22:30:31 ET
Posted by: 2003, 2003

anyone remember listening to the EMG stream, this time of year, 2003?

Date: Mon, March 20, 2023, 00:37:34 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Interesting point about Blues Beach, because it seems to work better after Godwhacker, as in going through the flotsam and jetsam post God Whacking.

TIMTM is a wry look at everything missed in the aftermath. The Last Mall, literally pulls the plug on the whole thing.

Date: Sun, March 19, 2023, 11:03:22 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Back with more great music for you to enjoy.

George Duke - Summer Breezin'

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H45YSf3__f4

Paul Cherry - Between Me and Chicago

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qMjAtWNXn4

Paul Cherry - Back On The Music!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4aN8be9lekI

Mndsgn - Hope You're Doin' Better

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-Kk0a3IAY0

Fabio Concato - Domenica Bestiale

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_20M1kzVSQ

Date: Sat, March 18, 2023, 09:01:05 ET
Posted by: Skip, US

Here's another (I think) recent Gadd interview about Aja.

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

Date: Sat, March 18, 2023, 07:26:26 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Back with more music.

Genevieve Artadi - Visionary

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

Mayer Hawthorne - Back Seat Lover

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

Kazumi Watanabe & Al Di Meola - Spain

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XfOQVZ_b3C8

Tom Scott - Car Wars

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

Yukika - Loving You

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

Ciao.

Date: Thurs, March 16, 2023, 11:03:26 ET
Posted by: dirk,

RIP Jim Gordon

Date: Wed, March 15, 2023, 20:59:37 ET
Posted by: Michael,

More great stuff.

14 Bis - Vale Do Pavao

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_9L3y3n234

Gal Costa - Olhos Do Coração

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZ5Y5HGEObw

Aca Seca Trio - Carcará

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7IG_xQ5F5k

Juan Luis Guerra - Oficio De Enamorado

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

Date: Wed, March 15, 2023, 16:11:05 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Chris, some of the stuff I happen to randomly come across while looking up various artists while others I've gotten from scouring different sources. There's no static method to me finding stuff. Like for instance take that Katona Klári track. I happened upon it while looking up Hungarian music one day. It resonated with me despite not understanding what she's singing about. Figured maybe someone else would appreciate it so I posted it on here. A similar story goes with that Antis track. Was looking up Lithuanian music and stumbled upon that video. It was pretty wacky to watch but something about the music was strangely appealing.

I always purchase music that I like, that is when it's readily available. I'm not spending no $60-70 for an import CD of an obscure AOR artist from the early 1980s. I've been wanting to acquire Eric Tagg's Dreamwalkin' album for awhile now but it's always exorbitantly priced and not available through digital services like iTunes. Similarly, I've been wanting to get this track from library composer Geoff Bastow titled Up Market for a long time which is on a Bruton album The Video Age / BRI 11 but has yet to make its way to digital services. BRI 1 through 10 are readily available though. Ugh.

Listen to how good this is.

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

Date: Wed, March 15, 2023, 13:28:35 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh

Michael - I try to avoid it but still keep a subscription for discovery (which I then buy from the artist or Bandcamp when I like it - not into renting music). Hate to say it but the algorithm has me dialed in. But it's funny, I keep seeing stuff in my discover weekly just before or after you post about them, so maybe I'll cut out the middle man at some point. Where are you coming across this stuff?

Doc - I do the same with EMG. Probably got the idea from you or someone else here years ago. I don't typically feel the need to mess with album sequencing but between Side B being stronger than Side A, title track's opening and The Last Mall's ending etc ... it really does work better.

I will say Blues Beach has grown on me over the years ... I remember my first impression being that they were going for another Cousin Dupree, but it's a darker, lyrics a little more opaque, a few more musical left turns.

Date: Tues, March 14, 2023, 20:24:09 ET
Posted by: moray eel, Daylight

I would suggest that the Aja content begins at 34 minutes.

m.e.

Date: Tues, March 14, 2023, 19:46:35 ET
Posted by: W, C

Thanks for the Gadd video. Aja at 36:55.

Date: Tues, March 14, 2023, 18:16:25 ET
Posted by: moray eel, Steve

Steve Gadd interviewed by Rick Beato.

https://youtu.be/j8762lBtu9A

m.e.

Date: Sun, March 12, 2023, 16:55:52 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Jimmie: Absolutely. The new/added intro on NE corridor on Things I Miss the MOst is fantastic.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GkkHX9uBaLg

...and the live performance of TIMTM overall has a lot more energy and organic feel. I also prefer this version to the album. The Last Mall and Blues Beach also distract from a superb and underrated album. When I play the tracks, I usually do it in reverse order. The intro to the title track emulates John Coltrane's beginning on A Love Supreme.

EMG
Lunch With Gina
Pixeleen
GreenBook
Slang of Ages
Godwhacker

are by far the strongest tracks on Everything Must Go.

then,
Blues Beach
TIMTM (live)
Last Mall (which ends suddenly as if nuked)

to finish up.

Date: Sun, March 12, 2023, 16:40:57 ET
Posted by: Jimmie, C

A nice surprise on N.E. Corridor for me has been Things I Miss the Most. I didn't think the version that made it on to EMG did it justice (a criticism that could perhaps be leveled against that entire album.) But this live recording of it with the extended intro just works better for me. I'll take it over the studio version any day.

Date: Sun, March 12, 2023, 16:26:55 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Agreed.

On the Japanese pressing of Ticket to Shangri La there's a gorgeous bonus track called Chances Are. I want it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYc2G-PfU10

Date: Sun, March 12, 2023, 15:32:31 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Michael: The Three Sacred Souls track reminds me of some of the retro songs from Andy Platts other half, Mamas Gun. Tracks that could have ineed been recorded 50 years ago, but unfortunately largely ignored today.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Gwc1i4fDxg

Although Steely Dan was/is packaged under "classic rock," their musici had a lot more in common with Atlantic Records, Gamble & Huff and Thom Bell/Philly sound that the rock of the 70s and even the Beatles as well.

Date: Sun, March 12, 2023, 09:44:16 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Doc, this YGSF song is a new release. Andy Platts co-wrote Moonshine with Rod Temperton back in 2006, years before forming YGSF with Shawn Lee. I guess they felt the time was right to do justice to this track with years of experience under their belts. Fittingly it sounds like something recorded decades ago. There's just something unique about Rod Temperton's sense of harmonic movement married to his carefully constructed lyrics which aggrandizes the listening experience. Credit also goes to Andy as he had a role in its creation. How a song this delectable gets neglected while mainstream tosh gets millions of listens is beyond me. It's shameful how much excellent music is out there wallowing in obscurity.

If you enjoy soulful throwbacks then you can't miss with Thee Sacred Souls. Here's their track Easier Said Than Done.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9PN_-fY7hL8

Date: Sat, March 11, 2023, 23:24:12 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

A new digital release from Young Gun Silver Fox, written by Andy Platts and the late Rod Temperton (Michael Jackson, Shaka Khan)

I can hear both Platts (more in the verses) and Temperton (more in the chorus) in this one. Game knows game. Another pop masterpiece from YGSF...I assume recorded before Temperton's passing in 2016.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9JanUcDurQ0

Date: Sat, March 11, 2023, 19:44:05 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Works for me.

Full disclaimer: I don't have a Spotify account. I just enjoy sharing good music I come across.

Date: Sat, March 11, 2023, 17:35:32 ET
Posted by: chris, nh

Michael, our Spotify algorithms must be in sync ...

Date: Thurs, March 09, 2023, 16:48:01 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Wouldn't you know it, not even 24 hours after I mentioned Benny Sings new album he goes and drops another track from it, Pygamas ft. Remi Wolf.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AbDpLAE1CeU

Most jazz-fusion listeners are familiar with Return to Forever's Light As A Feather album but as it turns out Romantic Warrior is their top selling album with over a half-million copies sold in the US. Definitely worth a listen.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hA7OGf2Laj4

Date: Wed, March 08, 2023, 22:08:49 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Two tracks from LA-based French psychedelic pop group Pearl & The Oysters off their new album Coast 2 Coast which drops April 21st.

❍ Paraiso

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ssQ3soZX9nc

❍ Pacific Ave

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQYHrLRRFE0

Benny Sings new album Young Hearts comes out March 24th. Here's the title track.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8z5giY3udnE

Date: Wed, March 08, 2023, 06:47:52 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Excellent song by Hungarian singer Katona Klári titled Vigyél el (Take Me) from 1981.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sT-1VFH6Dps

Then there's Lithuanian group Antis with the thoroughly weird but enjoyable Klasėj Mane Kalbina (They Talk To Me In Class) from 1986.

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

Finally, we close with UK group Prep with the infectious 15th Floor.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=faOiQg1BjKk

Date: Tues, March 07, 2023, 20:37:28 ET
Posted by: Mock Turtle,

I freaking love Circus Money. It is pretty dub-oriented, sure, but there are a lot of bangers on there.

Fagen's recent solo work *sounds* better, sure, but C$ has better songs.

Date: Mon, March 06, 2023, 08:57:55 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Hoops, I hadn't heard 'She's Got To Be Somewhere' before. Really nice SD-ish track. Thanks for sharing.

Date: Sun, March 05, 2023, 21:50:34 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago

In the Dandom Digest below, the link to the performance of "Wooden Ships" by Steely Dan with David Crosby is incorrect. The correct link is https://youtu.be/BoebEunmPZ8

Date: Sun, March 05, 2023, 19:12:54 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago

The latest edition of the Dandom Digest for January 1-March 5, 2023 emailed out about an hour ago. You should have received it between 5:45 pm and 7 pm ET/NYC Time. ! The latest edition of the Dandom Digest (Vol. 31, No. 1). The previous regular Dandom Digest covered Aug 15-Dec 31, 2022.

As I regularly remind subscribers, some people have problems with delivery of the Dandom Digest, usually because of their spam filters, firewalls, etc. That's why this sort of notice is posted here--so you are aware that you should have received the latest edition. With email filters and spam, what they are today, there can be some issues beyond our control. For example, many work-place email servers reject email that it scans as having a "naughty" word. At any rate, if you don't see it in your in box, let me know by sending an email at jjmckay at me dot com. I've also included. the full contents below for your convenience and BlueBook discussion.

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

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

As the Dandom Digest marks 30 years, thanks to all who contributed to the latest edition of the Dandom Digest, be it through the emailing digest AT dandom DOT com or through posting to our BlueBook guestbook or Facebook page; or tweeting @dandomdotcom.

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

DANDOM DIGEST

JANUARY 1–MARCH 5, 2023
Yr. 31, No. 1

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

IN THIS DANDOM DIGEST

Donald's Next One Album? 2023 Tour?
Celebrating Walter With "Makers of Cringe"

UPDATE: 1972-80 Albums Reissue Project

PASSINGS
Wayne Shorter: 1933-2003
Jeff Young, RIP
David Crosby, 1941-2023
Donald & Walter on Burt Bacharach

NEW! Noted Journalist Jake Malooley's "Expanding Dan"
MUST SEE: New Video From Monkey House (and More!)

New from Catherine Russell
Walt Weiskopf's "Other Jewels" at 2 Million & Counting
Keith Carlock on Tour
REMINDER: Calling All Current SD Orchestra Members & Alums

Followed by

PRETZEL LOGIC

-------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: Donald's Next One Album? 2023 Tour?
From: Jim McKay
Date: Sunday, March 5, 2023

Fans are always asking if Donald has a new album coming and also when will the Steely Dan Orchestra be touring again.

We haven't heard anything directly from Donald in recent months, but let's not forget his September 30, 2021 interview with Jon Blistein at "Rolling Stone". Donald said that during the pandemic lockdown, he had written enough songs to fill out a new album and had even recorded demos. Saying some of the songs are "personal," he mentioned a track with a working title of "The Stellar Bartender."

In late December 2022, a British tabloid site said he was recording some more...which is plausible. However, the site is a bit dubious. Still, we do have the "Rolling Stone" interview with Donald from about 17 months ago, in September 2021.

2023 Tour? "If you see something, say something!" So far there's no word on a 2023 tour by Donald and the band. Will Donald take the year off? Will the band tour again this summer, like clock work? Will Donald work on the aforementioned recording first, and then undertake a tour? As of the mailing of this edition of the Dandom Digest, there's no official word. In previous years, early March is when we have started seeing summer shed dates being announced. So if you see anything, it would be appreciated if you would email jjmckay@me.com. The. info will be passed along to the Greater Dandom. Thank you.

-------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: Celebrating Walter With "Makers of Cringe"
Date: February 20, 2023

The Walter Becker Media Project (from Matthew Kerns and Walter's widow, Delia Becker), invites the greater Dandom to celebrate what would have been Walter's 73rd birthday with three different outtakes of "Cringemaker."

Check them out at https://www.walterbeckermedia.com/forum/rarities-unreleased/many-makers-of-cringe

-------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: UPDATE: 1972-80 Albums Reissue Project
From: Jim McKay
Date: Sat, March 4, 2023

A few updates since last Dandom Digest on the status of the new Steely Dan vinyl and SACD/CD hybrid reissues.

-- Acoustic Sounds' SACD/CD hybrid disc of "Can't Buy A Thrill" (CBAT) was released the third week of January 2023. The SACD/CD versions of "Two Against Nature" (2vN) and "Everything Must Go" (EMG) came out this past November. I've given the CD audio layers several listens; they do sound great, although I haven't been able to listen to it in SACD. (I have a Toshiba SACD player and Denon 6.1 SACD capable receiver, but there is a software incompatibility I've not been able to resolve.) Note that on 2vN, they left in place the original typos of Jon Herington's name. As Walter said at the time, something to the effect, "Now that Jon works for us, he can afford a couple of extra consonants in his name."

I've also been enjoying the CD layer of Acoustic Sounds' SACD/CD of "Can't Buy A Thrill." In all three cases, the artwork largely remains consistent with the original artwork, of course adapted for these formats. Of course there are some very minor exceptions, like a Geffen logo replaces the ABC Record logo because Disney and not Universal owns the rights to that; the original CD for 2vN was a shade of orange and the DVD-A was a shade of green...but the black on this SACD/CD audio is the same as the 2000 German LP version that Warner/Reprise/Giant issued but was not approved by D+W.

Like many of us, my own opinion is also shaded by the limitations of my particular audio set up as well as any imperfections in my hearing, My thought is that these are likely to be the last reissues of these recordings with Donald Fagen and Bernie Grundman* being involved so I'll spring for them. They are nice to look forward to. (*Bernie was limited in his involvememt in 2vN.)

Looking forward to hearing from others who have acquired these and how they compare with previous versions. Finally, one random note: Donald's new liner notes written for the 45 RPM vinyl version of CBAT do not appear with this new SACD/CD.

Some additional notes about these re-releases as of early March 2023:

-- I spoke with Acoustic Sounds as to when the SACD/CD of "Countdown To Ecstasy" and the double LP, 45 RPM 200 g clear vinyl of "Pretzel Logic" would ship. They still have no date. Furthermore, they expect it will take a couple of years before they finish with all seven albums.

-- UMe/Geffen has no information on when the the single LP 33-1/3 RPM, 180 g black vinyl of "Countdown to Ecstasy" will hit the streets.

-- Last time, I mentioned some were experiencing an anomaly with UMe/Geffen's single LP 33-1/3 RPM, 180 g black vinyl of "Can't Buy A Thrill." I have since tried my copy with a different stylus and then a different turntable. I still get a slight drop out at the opening note of "Only A Fool Would Say That." Most won't notice, but us picky fans do. Others have had similar experiences.

Please consult the previous Dandom Digest of remasters discussion from the last Dandom Digest, Vol. 30, No. 9, Aug 15-Dec 31, 2022 for additional details. Scroll down this page to around the January 9, 2023 for the full text of that edition.

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

PASSINGS

-------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: Wayne Shorter: 1933-2003

Jazz legend Wayne Shorter has passed away. Wayne IS history and there will never be anyone else like him again. For some of us Steely Dan fans, perhaps the first time we were conscious of Shorter was his incredible contribution to the title track of "Aja".

From Shorter's official Facebook page on March 2, 2023:
"Today at 4am, Wayne Shorter peacefully continued on his immense journey into the unknown. He was surrounded by loving family. In his words, 'It's time to go get a new body and come back to continue the mission.'" —Nam Myoho Renge Kyo.

Official Wayne Shorter web site
https://wayneshorterofficial.com

Downbeat offers this thorough piece on the life of Wayne Shorter.
https://downbeat.com/news/detail/in-memoriam-wayne-shorter-1933-2023

Far Out Magazine: "How Steely Dan got Wayne Shorter to Play on "Aja"
https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/steely-dan-got-wayne-shorter-to-play-aja/

Mr. Shorter: See you the next time around...

-------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: Jeff Young, RIP

Jeff Young passed away on February 23, 2023 after an 18-month battle with cancer. Jeff and Donald and Walter have crossed paths on some milestone projects and tours, most notably the Little Big Band, New York Rock and Soul Review, Donald Fagen's 2006 solo tour and the 2006 Steely Dan tour. Jeff was especially noted for his Hammond organ talents and his vocals.

Pete Fogel writes, "I'll always remember Jeff from the very beginning, before Steely Dan got back together. He was such an intricate part of 'The Little Big Band'.... The group that backed Donald in those small clubs in NYC pre-1993. They would always start off the show with 'Inner City Blues' by Marvin Gaye. Jeff would sing the sh1t out of it!" Pete notes he booked Jeff in 1994 as part of the Zrew Zingg Band at Le Bar Bat where Jeff Young's sang on a revamped (gospel) version of Reelin In The Years.

Drew Zingg Band featuring Jeff Young, Zrew Zingg, Gary Gold, and Nicole Hart, January 12, 1994
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iULSCRrdH5I&t=2417s (fades in).

Reporter offers some background on Jeff's career:
https://reporter.memorialmedias.com/jeff-young-obituary-keyboard-player-with-jackson-browne-has-passed-away/

Given the outpouring on social media, Jeff is already greatly missed.

-------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: David Crosby, 1941-2023

David Crosby passed away January 18, 2023.

Crosby was of course a musical legend; but moreover, in recent years, he really let his Steely Dan flag fly, declaring Our Favorite Duo HIS #1 Favorite.

In 2017, Crosby released what might be best be described as a Steely Dan homage, "She's got to be somewhere."

This was followed up with an outright collaboration with Donald Fagen, the writing of "Rodriguez For a Night."

And finally, Croz was clearly kerflempt to be a guest performing with the Steely Dan Orchestra at The Beacon. Fagen & Co. paid tribute by backing Cros for the his classic CSN track "Wooden Ships".

After all that, the greater Dandom speculated on the possibility of future collaborations with Donald. Unless there is some unreleased material, that sadly won't happen.

"She's Got To Be Somewhere" (2017)
https://youtu.be/2wMNOiqx7q8

"Rodriguez For A Night" (2021) Co-written with Donald Fagen
https://youtu.be/2s4g9PhYthU

"Wooden Ships" (October 15, 2019) Steely Dan Orchestra featuring David Crosby, The Beacon Theatre, NYC
https://youtu.be/2wMNOiqx7q8

-------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: Donald & Walter on Burt Bacharach

Burt Bacharach passed away at the age of 94 on February 8, 2023. The American composer, songwriter, record producer, and pianist is widely regarded as one of the most important and influential figures of 20th-century popular music

Give a listen to the likes of Steely Dan's "Almost Gothic" and it's clear that Becker & Fagen were influenced by Bacharach.

"Burt Bacharach is pop songs with Ravel-like chords"--Donald Fagen

"I don't think we were trying to imitate any of the top songwriters, except in a roundabout way the very arty songs Burt Bacharach had written for Dionne Warwick. Those were an immense source of inspiration for us, but we weren't trying to copy them: his pieces had these formal, Stravinsky-esque angularities that were reminiscent of 20th century classical music. We were impressed by how far out he was able to get and still make it sound sort of like pop music." --.Walter Becker

-------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: NEW! Noted Journalist Jake Malooley's "Expanding Dan"

Expanding Dan is a newsletter about Steely Dan, the musicians and artists on the Dan's vast and varied musical tree, and the stories they have to tell. It includes original interviews, oral histories, audio stories, and more transmissions from the Danverse.

Jake Malooley is a journalist who has written about music, crime, sports, film, books, media, science, technology, and numerous other subjects for The New York Times, New York magazine, Rolling Stone, The Ringer, Wired, Esquire, ESPN, Bon Appétit, and The Guardian, among other publications. Jake is also a contributing features writer at Chicago magazine and before that he was editor in chief of the Chicago Reader. (For those not familiar, it's the Chicago answer to the Village Voice.)

Jake's 10,000 word, 50th anniversary oral history of Steely Dan was featured in the November 2022 issue of "Wax Poetics" magazine. While the print issue is apparently sold out, Jake made a number of contacts. developing an extensive network of those who have figured in Steely Dan history. As such interviews with the likes of Donald Fagen, Michael McDonald, Gary Katz, Elliot Scheiner, Denny Dias, Chuck Rainey, Bernard Purdie, Bernie Grundman, and so many more are featured, with more to come, including oral histories, audio stories, and celebrity fan stories.

Jake writes: "This is a world that you're welcome to. As a paid subscriber, you'll get every new edition of Expanding Dan sent directly to your inbox, access to the archives, plus invitations to special events such as subscribers-only talks with guests from the Danverse. I'm asking the Substack minimum: $5 per month ($60 annually). Every subscription directly supports the labor—hours of reporting, interviewing, transcribing, writing, and editing—required to bring you original journalism about the so-called Manson and Starkweather of rock 'n' roll."

For me, some highlights of recent editions of "Expanding Dan" have included Patti Mitsui discussing the iconic cover design of "Aja"; the story of how Michael McDonald came to join Steely Dan; and SNL's James Austin Johnson on how he became a Steely Dan fan. I'm the kind of fans who has bought 24 or 30 copies of "Aja" hoping to hear something a little different. While you may have heard some of this before, there's some new details, not to mention a different perspective that sheds new light.

You can read all about it--and subscribe--at https://expandingdan.substack.com/about

-------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: MUST SEE: New Video From Monkey House (and More!)
.
Congratulations to Monkey House for their new video for their rack "New York Owes You Nothing", featuring Don Breithaupt and Michael Leonhart. When I first encountered the video, I thought it had already won an award...but we will have to wait a little longer for the inevitable.

Video: New York Owes You Nothing (2023) Monkey House featuring Michael Leonhart and Don Breithaupt
https://youtu.be/s2IshzfauOM

"Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful. I was just listening to this track in the car, and realizing that I love it and appreciate it more every time I play it. This vid is the icing on the cake"--Nancy Fielding

"This video does wonders in capturing the mood. Michael screams NYC." --Phil Biondi

"Smooth as silk." --Paige Waldron

And if you haven't already, be sure to listen to Monkey House's 2022 best album yet, "Remember The Audio." A sure bet for any Steely Dan, here's the latest glowing review (of many) from Inside Musicast's Eddy Cabello who features it on his 2022 "Best of" list:

"If you're already a fan of Monkey House and love their music, then this review won't be news to your ears! Because you already know what this Canadian-based band is all about – hooky, vibey, jazzy, sultry, and sophisticated tunes that bleed coolness...On Remember the Audio, Breithaupt brings in reinforcements in the form of some of the greatest studio players in the music scene – guitarist Drew Zingg, singer Lucy Woodward, horn players Michael Leonhart and Randy Brecker and others who add musical frosting to the already-sublime album. Let me say that the collaborations are not cosmetic, they are purposefully injected Breithaupt's already wonderful arrangement, making the album an excellent listening experience for all.

CD ORDER
https://www.amazon.com/Remember-Audio-Monkey-House/dp/B09ZYQ2XYZ/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3BMQQOICM46IV&keywords=monkey+house&qid=1654295488&s=music&sprefix=monkey+house%2Cpopular%2C156&sr=1-1

DIGITAL DOWNLOAD
https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/album/remember-the-audio/1622910747?itsct=music_box_link&itscg=30200&ls=1&app=itunes

STREAM
https://monkeyhouse.lnk.tt/RTAPR

And don't forget Don Breithaupt's acclaimed 33-1/3 Book, "Aja".

The definitive 2007 book...features conversations between Don Breithaupt and Donald Fagen on Steely Dan's landmark album.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0826427839/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_NBJE25YDFYKZR8Q3E3YA

-------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: New from Catherine & Luis Russell

Catherine Russell is associated with three new recordings from Dot Time Records

"I Want To Talk About You" is Cat's new digital single released for Valentine's Day and Black History Month. Proceeds benefit the Jazz Foundation of America. For more details and to order (just $1), https://www.dottimerecords.com/product/catherinerusselliwanttotalkaboutyou/

Cat's latest album, "Send For Me", is now out on luxurious vinyl. I ordered mine and it arrived 72 hours later! Sounds amazing! https://www.dottimerecords.com/product/catherine-russell-send-for-me-vinyl/

Finally, Dot Time has just released music from the vault by Catherine's legendary father, Luis Russell. Order "Luis Russell: At the Swing Cat's Ball" at https://www.dottimerecords.com/product/luisrussellattheswingcatsball/

Catherine is also on tour. Check out https://www.catherinerussell.net for more details on her upcoming performances--and so much more.

-------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: Walt Weiskopf's "Other Jewels" at 2 Million & Counting

Walt Weiskopf is celebrating 2,012,868 streams (and counting) of "Other Jewels." Check it out on Spotify and other streaming services.

-------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: Keith Carlock on Tour

Keith is on tour as part of Krantz-Carlock-LeFebvre. After spending early March in Tennesee, the trio heads to Europe for more dates during the third and fourth weeks of March.

More details can be found at http://keithcarlock.com

-------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: REMINDER: Calling All Current SD Orchestra Members & Alums

The Dandom Digest wants to do its part to help get the word out about your latest project, be it a mini-tour, guest appearances, new music release (your own or by others where you appear) workshops, etc.. The Dandom Digest goes to approximately 1,750 hardcore Steely Dan fans. Email JJMcKAY at me.com with your PR or other info when your release is approaching. Thank you!

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

PRETZEL LOGIC*

"Aja
When all my dime dancin' is through
I run to you."

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

IMPORTANT ADDRESSES:

* Submissions? Posts? Email JJMcKay at me.com

* LEGAL ISSUES? Bugs? Problems?? Immediate attention needed? Email JJMcKay. at ME .com

* TO GET THE DANDOM DIGEST at a new email address, send a message with the words "Add Me" in the topic to ADD-ME@dandom.com from the address/email account you wish to add.

* TO STOP your subscription, send a message with the words "Remove Me" in the topic to REMOVE-ME at dandom.com

* Use any email account you want for a removal request, but please include the address you want deleted in the body of the message.

* TOO COMPLICATED? Alternatively, Email JJMcKay at me.com to achieve similar results instead of what I described.

DISCLAIMER:
For the record, the Dandom Digest is a fan newsletter with content written by, for and about the fans of Steely Dan. The newsletter and its content is independent of, nor to be confused with, the glorious and much more glamorous official newsletters from steelydanofficial com, sdarchive com, walterbecker com, walterbeckermedia com, donaldfagen com, and other media outlets of Steely Dan and associates.

Original portions of this Dandom Digest ©2022, ©2023 James J. McKay. All Rights Reserved.
Other portions copyrighted by the original author and presented under fair use.
*"Aja" lyrics by Becker/Fagen, ©1977, admin by Universal.

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

Walter Becker
1950 - 2017

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

END OF DIGEST

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

Date: Sun, March 05, 2023, 09:21:50 ET
Posted by: RIP, DL

Bad couple of weeks for the Jackson Browne camp.

Date: Sat, March 04, 2023, 15:58:24 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, More bad news

RIP David Lindley.

The Rolling Stone website is referring to him as a "soft rock" performer.

His version of "Mercury Blues", the song he's probably best known for by the general public, is hardy "soft" anything. If you haven't heard it, you're missing out.

His playing wasn't "soft" either.

The accomplished slide guitar player I saw live a handful of times over the years certainly wasn't "soft". David Lindley was a gifted musician. He'll be missed...

Date: Sat, March 04, 2023, 09:11:52 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Doc, Elvis had a tendency to excess when left to his own devices, as did McCartney. Some artist overcompensate by adding too much sonic detail where it isn't necessary.

To my mind a good collaborator is someone who can temper excesses and bring out their best qualities. Bacharach knew how to accomplish this. He had an innate working knowledge of which details to emphasize within a given song. You'll notice that no matter who Bacharach collaborates with he always wants them to sing within the confines of his melodies, not take liberties by doing a bunch of vocal gymnastics.

Showy vocalists are a big turn-off for me. Always have been. I don't care how high someone can sing or how many runs they can do. Sing the song the way it's meant to be sung and stop showing off.

Changing gears, here's some great songs from Bobber, an artist from California with intriguing fusion of playful melodies with a gamut of unorthodox arrangements brimming with abstract energy.

Mastadon Matador

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNlc5DycdXg

Crosstalk / Orbea Bloom (feat. Keifer)

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

Crimes (Live at 8th Street Recording)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XIWr7fykSmY

Date: Fri, March 03, 2023, 19:39:00 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Michael,

Excellent discussion of the necessity of multiple parts and collaboration to get this just right. For our ears at least.

In England the record cos insisted on a Brit like Celia Black recording many of Bacharach songs or sometimes Dusty Springfield. Dusty was a bit more R&B pop and Celia had that OG Ethel Merman thing going - both excellent singers in their own style. But there's nothing like the way Dionne Warwick would infuse the right amount of R&B and jazz/pop sensibilities that cut across class and generation. Her superior ability to inject the ideal level and type of emotion without overdoing it while singing incredibly difficult melodies. She also fit the instrumentation better than other artists covering Bacharach. She was the instrument!

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

Some artists need that yin to their yang. SD is not SD without Walter's bladelike edge.

Elvis Costello is a clever wordsmith capable of writing hummable, jingly tunes (ex. Doll revolution) but his ex-punk sensibilities and forward focalizations are pretty acidic.

It's not surprising that IMO his best stuff is largely with collaborators and other ears in recordings..with the exception of Allison, Go to Chelsea, Watching the Detectives on the first 2 Lo-Fi albums. His voice is not everyone cup of tea, but I've heard him live in concert and he's a spot on the note singer, even if his style can be grating for some.

One of his best early albums is Armed Forces, which was produced by Nick Lowe. Lowe (Rockpile, solo stuff recorded by Rockpile) who brought a level of professionalism and style - gloss that contrasted well with Costello's acrid lyrics about Northern Ireland and Oliver Cromwell:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9P_q4PoH-8


Imperial Bedroom could have been a great album, but there was no one to mitigate Costello's excesses, even with some very nice chord changes!

One of Costello's best early songs sound so much better when Welshman Dave Edmunds and the mighty Rockpile (Lowe, Edmunds, Bremner, Williams) cover Girls Talk:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4TzjRFfsJs

So, this is leading to the consensus best Costello wong, mostly the ones co-penned with Bacharach. Adding Bacharach's lush, moody figures, chord progressions to Costello's lyrics and catchy melodic phrases. The right amount of sweet, spicy and unami with the sour.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EOPXvtZvb7g

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6wnmmlOrRg

Bacharach brought the purgatory Costello needed as an artist to be lifted higher.

Costello needed the iconic Allen Toussaint to transform a protest song into something compelling and palpable.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=71YLX4pUMW0

Arguably, McCartney's sweet and bias towards treacle needed Costello's darker Lennon editing edge to create two of the better songs for each artist on a solo album...and McCartney's discipline to life Costello's tune.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDRuJ1trJLI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zifeVbK8b-g

Date: Fri, March 03, 2023, 17:24:57 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Doc Mu, that's a good point. Shades of how Larry Carlton worked with The Crusaders shortly before The Royal Scam. More than likely D&W heard that stuff and were impressed. Wayne's solo on Aja was actually a combination of two solos he had done after writing down the changes. It would be very interesting to hear both individually.

Wishful thinking, I know.

Date: Fri, March 03, 2023, 15:14:49 ET
Posted by: DonB, Toronto

RIP Wayne. Relevant excerpt from my Aja book:

Foremost among the Dan neophytes was legendary saxophonist and composer Wayne Shorter, a veteran of Miles Davis's sixties bands and cofounder (with fellow Davis alum Joe Zawinul) of the influential fusion group Weather Report. In contrast to Hollywood-embedded reedmen like Tom Scott and Ernie Watts, Shorter seldom appeared on pop records, and was initially reluctant to work with Steely Dan. "For Aja, we asked [producer] Gary Katz to see if Wayne Shorter wanted to play," says Fagen. "The answer came back ‘no.' So we mentioned that to Dick LaPalm, the manager of the studio we were working at [Village Recorders]. He knew Wayne from Weather Report, I guess. So he vouched for us. He said, ‘These are nice guys, they record here a lot, they seem to like a lot of old jazz records, they talk about Jackie McLean!' So we made up a track and sent Wayne a chart. He said okay, and came in. And he was great. He took some time with it. We did a couple of takes, and he wanted to look at it some more. He said, ‘Give me a minute.' He went over to the piano with the chart, and he was over there for a good half an hour messing with scales. Then he came back and did three or four takes, and they were all great." Becker and Fagen must have been pleasantly surprised by Shorter's humility, his willingness to take off the legend hat and work through their changes, like a mere mortal, with the meter running.

Date: Fri, March 03, 2023, 12:42:41 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Heavy Weather - the pinnacle of jazz fusion. Jaco
s bass on this Shorter composition is like liquid gold. Not coincidently released released a few months before Aja, which integrated a lot of fusion sensibilities...and, of course, includes Shorter's epic sax on the title track.

RIP

Date: Fri, March 03, 2023, 10:05:20 ET
Posted by: Steve,

Donald has a great, dry sense of humor. But I think most everyone would agree that with Walter in the mix, the songs are a lot more naughtier and hilarious. Donald by himself leans noir; with Walter, the songs are enjoyably wild, fucked-up trips.

(Also see the earlier conversation about Walter being Donald's best editor.)

Date: Fri, March 03, 2023, 09:02:07 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Wayne Shorter performing his song Palladium with Weather Report. Exceptional.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QixVEoa598

RIP

BThrope, yes, Donald was the principle composer and arranger, but without Walter there wouldn't have been a Steely Dan. We can speculate on how much input he had but nothing changes the fact that was part of a songwriting duo, a collaborative effort, as were Mike Stoller and Jerry Leiber, Paul McCartney and John Lennon, Burt Bacharach and Hal David. Doesn't matter if Walter's creative input was 50%, 25% or 10%.

No man is an island. Inevitably everybody has to depend upon other talent to realize their creative vision. Film directors wouldn't get very far without a pool of actors and stage hands. What would Steely Dan have amounted to without Roger Nichols, Gary Katz and the session players? They played an crucial role in realizing D&W's creative vision. Brian Wilson was the brains behind most of the Beach Boys' best material, but without the Wrecking Crew there wouldn't have been a Pet Sounds.

Date: Fri, March 03, 2023, 02:35:56 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

M/O/D/P:

Excellent synopsis. All those recrodings are excellent on Circus $.

I was thinking - is there a song that is any more Walter than God's Eye View?

https://youtu.be/TTe1w2DKAsU

I think not. It'a a call & response attitude masterpiece.

Date: Thurs, March 02, 2023, 19:44:16 ET
Posted by: moray eel, Stoicism

Oh, sorry to hear the news about Wayne Shorter. He will be missed. I feel like listening to Footprints tonight.

m.e.

Date: Thurs, March 02, 2023, 18:14:01 ET
Posted by: Technicolor Motorhome, se USA

Breaking News: Wayne Shorter, a saxophone player who shaped modern jazz as one of its most admired composers, has died at 89. His career reached across more than half a century, tracking jazz's complex evolution.

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/02/arts/music/wayne-shorter-dead.html?smtyp=cur&smid=tw-nytimes

Date: Thurs, March 02, 2023, 17:57:10 ET
Posted by: BThrope,

Michael

I don't think I was talking about differences in
the writing styles between DF and WB in
my last 2 poets.

I was addressing WB's songs on CM specifically.




Regarding writing chops, DF was/is the better musician of the 2, without
question. When I say musician I mean someone
who is not only proficient on their particular instrument,
but someone who understands and can successfully compose, arrange, rehearse for all instruments
without the help of an outside source.


For example, ALL of the horn arrangements and vocal arrangements used
in SD shows (and on both SD new millennium CDs) from ‘93 - present, were done by DF not WB.
ALL the rehearsals and run thrus of arrangements for live shows
and in studio were led by DF.

DF wrote, arranged and rehearsed everything, not WB.

Date: Thurs, March 02, 2023, 13:02:09 ET
Posted by: Reporting on the Weather , Up there

R.I.P. Wayne Shorter

There are no words profound enough to eloquently describe his sax solo on "Aja".

Date: Thurs, March 02, 2023, 12:40:49 ET
Posted by: SDV, near the freeway

yet we know of at least 2 SD songs Donald wrote alone, and according to him there were songs Walter wrote alone. maybe we'll get a song-by-song account one day, like John Lennon did in his Playboy interview. I won't hold my breath

Date: Thurs, March 02, 2023, 07:09:07 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Differences in composing styles between Don and Walt have been discussed ad nauseum. Steely Dan was a collaborative effort. If Donald had the spark of an idea then Walter would light the fuse.

Date: Wed, March 01, 2023, 23:13:47 ET
Posted by: BThrope,

M/O/D/P

There are some very good ones like "Paging",
"Selfish", "Downtown", "CM" and a few others.
However, there's too much of a sameness in
genre/style - namely Reggae.
The tempos are mostly slowish.
And maybe due to WB's lack of vocal range, the melodies
are relatively "grounded" - consequently they generally tend to lack emotional
Import - they sound restrained and measured.

Just my opinion…

Date: Wed, March 01, 2023, 20:32:41 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, Heartbreak Souvenir Drinking Glass

@Don Patrol - Funny you'd ask...today of all days...because the answer up 'till this morning would have been "no"...but, as of this afternoon at approximately 2:30 pm EST...the awnswer is "yes". Seems there was a postal "processing error" [sic] that resulted in a delivery delay.

But, thankfully, all is well, now.

I am, at this very moment, ceremoniously christenting my shiny-noo 2018 Steely Dan tumbler (as if anyone under the age of 85 says "tumbler" these days) with a generous double-shot of Herradura Anejo from a beloved 2011 bottle that I just opened for the occasion. No ice...just the Happy Juice, thanks.

You, kind sir, are a true gentleman. And I thank you. Again.

M/O/D/P

PS - "Miss you Walt".
PPS - My sentiments exactly.

Date: Wed, March 01, 2023, 20:06:30 ET
Posted by: Don Patrol, Mtl

Hey M/O/D/P, did it make it intact?