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

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

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

Stay groovy my friends.


Diane Birch - Jukebox Johnny

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

Mayer Hawthorne - Love Goes

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

Thee Sacred Souls - Lucid Girl

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

Lisa Stansfield - All Around the World

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

Nightshift - The Flybuster

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

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

.
One more cover I forgot to mention:
Bodhisattva

Enjoy
.

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

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

Here are the two rarities--

Two Against Nature

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

Green Book

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


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

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

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

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

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

For those interested in commodifying rather than codifying:

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

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

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

She's getting my vote!

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

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

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

Every silver bottle top potentially a star.

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

Damn, M/O/D/P:

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

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


The frosty, but sprightly sprout of a retort:

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

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

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

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


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

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

The coup de grace

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

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

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

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

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

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

M/O/D/P

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

First Set:

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

Second Set:

[See first set for details]

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

M/O/D/P

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

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

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

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

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

We lose this music when wе fall for the dollar signs

One step forward is another step farther behind

Need further proof of Jackie's prowess?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Neon Indian - Slumlord

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

Desire - Dans Mes Reves

---

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

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

Back with more great music for you to check out.


Pearl & The Oysters ❍ Side Quest

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

Ginger Root - There Was A Time

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

Pastel Sky - Hanap

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

JOBA - American Fever

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

Kaede(Negicco) - 「ただいまの魔法」

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

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

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

Date: Mon, July 15, 2024, 19:39:26 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Steve M: Daryl Braithwaite's original cover is from 1990. Everyone down under knows the song - Crowded House level saturation. I'm sure Walter knew it was a smash in Australia...especially after the sizable royalty checks began arriving!

Back when one could make $$ songwriting. Today, without serving as a mega producer (e.g., Max Martin) or managing mega tours, the sales industry part of it has withered and to some extent songwriting royalties.

"That's the way it's gonna be, little darling"... That sounds like pure Walter. I imagined that they co-wrote the verses, while the bridge from the verse to chorus sounds like Rickie Lee Jones...and I believe the chorus is mostly Walter.

Ironically, Rickie Lee Jones most Dan-like sounding album is Pirates (not Flying Cowboys), which I think is far superior to her Grammy-winning debut.

Fagen plays synth on the title track:

https://youtu.be/CAUQhqO37BA?si=UVr8Zi2CXfxaMM2V


Living it Up

https://youtu.be/f6RHk4bgqdw?si=DxOtitaR1zfjvvmn

A Lucky Guy

https://youtu.be/Tu8A7h_dBjA?si=Fw8xzHHlQH5D9Ic7


Considering Chuck Rainey, Steve Gadd, Dean Parks, Victor Feldman, Randy Brecker, Lukather, David Sanborn, Rob Mounsey, Tom Scott, Jerry Hey leading a crack cadre of familiar musicians on Pirates, the sound is no surprise.

Date: Mon, July 15, 2024, 12:04:53 ET
Posted by: WJAZ, North Carolina

The wifely woman and I have been fans of jazz artist Lindsey Webster for years, was able to see her in concert last year and have tickets for her 7-25 concert. A newer bio that has surfaced on her, was pleased to see she listed Steely Dan as one of her influences.

Date: Sun, July 14, 2024, 07:11:15 ET
Posted by: Steve M, Scotland

It's funny how despite all you THINK you know about SD/Donald and Walter, there are, inevitably gaps in one's knowledge.

BBC Alba (the BBC TV channel for Gaelic speaking Scots) had a Rickie Lee Jones concert/documentary thing on last night which was remarkably enjoyable. I couldn't follow much of what was being said (don't speak Gaelic) but my ears pricked up when pictures of WB came onto the screen.

To cut a long story short, they talked about the collaboration between the 2 on the Flying Cowboys album (which I have somewhere) and specifically the song "The Horses" co-written with Walter.

Turns out this song (as sung by Daryl Braithwaite, remember Sherbet: "Howzat?") sold gazillions in Australia and was voted the '14th most Australian song of all time' in 2018. Sadly Walter wasn't around to hear about this accolade but I like to think it would have amused him!

Don't think much of the song incidentally, sounds like the kind of schlock Diane Warren would churn out....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=On2xL9EMH_Y

Date: Sun, July 14, 2024, 03:15:39 ET
Posted by: Jean Douglas, United States

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Date: Wed, July 10, 2024, 11:30:03 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago

First, thanks for the birthday wishes! Much appreciated. It's hard to believe we've been together for 23 years here and over 32 years at the Dandom Digest.

I also want to explain to get rid of the spam in the next couple hours of this posting. Thanks for scrolling by and ignoring it.

Date: Sun, July 07, 2024, 22:33:54 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. Reggae Sunday!

Happy Birthday to our Fearless Leader, Hoops McKay

Thank you for continuing to host this site.

Date: Sun, July 07, 2024, 16:19:00 ET
Posted by: Denise, Hinktown

Happy birthday, Hoops. Hope you are well.

Date: Sat, July 06, 2024, 06:27:26 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Sorry, the cake got ruined. Let's try this again.

╮╭╭╮┏╮┏╮╮╭
┣┫┣┫┣╯┣╯╰┫  ☆
╯╯╯╯╯╯╯╯╰╯╭━┻━╮
┏╮┊┏╮╭╮╮╭╭┻━━━┻╮
┣┫┊┃┃┣┫╰┫┣╮╭╮╭╮┃
┗╯┊┗╯╯╯╰╯┃╰╯╰╯╰┫
━━━━━━━━━╯╳╳╳╳╳╰

Date: Sat, July 06, 2024, 06:25:50 ET
Posted by: Michael,

iiiiiiiiii
|:H:a:p:p:y:|
__|___________|__
|^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^|
|:B:i:r:t:h:d:a:y:|
| H:o:o:p:s |
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Date: Sat, July 06, 2024, 02:31:15 ET
Posted by: Don Patrol, Mtl

Happy Birthday to the one and only Hoops!!
Thanks for all you do. Have a great day and many more. Peace

Date: Fri, July 05, 2024, 10:41:21 ET
Posted by: ccw, NY

Doc Mu, I enjoyed your album observations: witty and thoughtful, to suit the material at hand.

Date: Wed, July 03, 2024, 19:44:08 ET
Posted by: Errata,

ABC-Dunhill wanted more 2-3 minutes songs like Reelin' that could be promoted on the charts,

Date: Wed, July 03, 2024, 19:42:31 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,

Steve M. Besides the title track and probably Parker's Band, Side Two of PL seems more of a response and the middle digit to the Record Company Formerly Known As ABC Dunhill. Dunhill wanted more 2-3 minutes songs like Reelin's that could be promoted on the carts, instead of a 5 or 7 minute opus like Your Gold Teeth I and King of the World. So, D&W gave them ironic little nothings like With a Gun, Charlie Freak, Through with Buzz, and Monkey in Your Soul.

Monkey was completely subversive and may be as much Walter's as With a Gun. Monkey is a veiled reply to ABC-Dunhill "I got one, and you want 4" albums that is... I could argue the same for Every Major Dude. Ironically, the Jann Wenner and other 60s holdover music critics were enamored by Pretzel Logic. PL has the mighty Rikki, Night by Night, and title track. The rest is really "filler." Some of the greatest filler ever, but filler to mete out the requirements of the parent co. Fortunately, Rikki was their greatest hit at #4 and allowed them to use the capital to record their best stuff yet.


It is silly to rate SD albums, because it depends on mood and moment...but, hell I'll do it anyway. Your mileage may vary.


1. Royal Scam - It's Steely Dan at their most sardonic and Steely. Every track is an excuse for killer solos. Green Earrings could be the most Steely track of all SD tracks. RS is my answer today, although not every day.

2. Katy Lied - I know Aja should be next, but I like the more intimate recording and Blue Note vibe...even with the DBX disaster, the feel, humanity, and emotion shine through.

3. Aja - this masterpiece should only be played LOUD. Get absorbed in the musicianship. In the background, it's fern music

4. Gaucho - despite Wendelization the chord progressions, musicians, and songs are delicious.

5. Countdown to Ecstasy - the Dan "stretch out." They push some limits and burn down an ARP synthesizer.

5. Two Against Nature (tie - sacrilege!) - I generally skip over Cousin Dupree but Jack of Speed, Janie Runaway the scrumptiousness of Almost Gothic and Negative Girl, What a Shame About Me where the bridge is a beacon, and the epic West of Hollywood. Four well deserved Grammys IMO.

7. Everything Must Go (more sacrilege!). The caveat here is that EMG must be played in reverse order for full enjoyment. The title track begins with a fanfare tribute to Coltrane. It's the obvious album kickoff. Lunch with Gina is the obvious first single. Pixeleen is the obvious second single. Green Book has some gnarly attitude - love it. Slang of Ages has even more attitude with Walter singing about relativity and pick up lines. Godwhacker crescendoes the attitude to a fever of the chase pitch! Now Blues Beach serves as comic/sad relief after Godwhacker. Things I Miss the Most, after things fall apart, is poignant. Now The Last Mall actually makes more sense as The Big One is dropped at the end, and we're left with nothing but memorabilia.

And yes EMG needed that much rationalizing!


8. Can't Buy a Thrill. Actually, you could - buying this album for, what, $5.99 in late 1972! It's everything they say. Brooklyn and Change of the Guard are weaksauce (for SD) but even with the big hit Reelin' at the helm of side two it is Fire in the Hole and Turn That Heartbeat Over Again that are the mighty pillars of foundation lifting the goddess Phoebe to foresee future Dan

9. Pretzel Logic - Rikki is the jazzy pop well-deserved big hit. Night by Night is the greatest 70s cop show theme ever, and the title track lives eternally. The rest is (delicious) filler. *Ducks*



Happy 4th!

Date: Wed, July 03, 2024, 12:19:38 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh

obviously the biggest hints in who did what are in their solo work (realize this is well-trod territory but hey, band isn't doing anything so why not?) -- Fagen's stuff is more linear both musically and lyrically, plays logically on the keyboard, meanings aren't too difficult to parse. Becker throws more curveballs across the board, generally speaking.

Date: Wed, July 03, 2024, 10:28:55 ET
Posted by: Steve M, Scotland

Funnily enough I was thinking about the 'who wrote what'issue recently in relation to the song 'With a Gun'. It's about the only SD song I can think of that must surely have been written on guitar and therefore I'm assuming (possibly incorrectly) that it must be Walters? It's a weird outlier of a song that just doesn't seem to fit with where SD were musically around the time of PL or even before. No jazz or even R&B DNA anywhere to be seen, no real wit or intrigue in the lyrics, just a dull country rock 'plodder'. Never gets mentioned here, never been played live (as far as I'm aware) and personally, I never play it. It's a rare 'skip' SD track on a CD and has never made it onto any of the countless SD compilations I've made up over the years. I know D&W were struggling for material for their 3rd album given the touring they were doing around the time so that's the only explanation I can come up with re how it passed quality control and made it onto Pretzel Logic.

Date: Tues, July 02, 2024, 23:57:54 ET
Posted by: Dr. Hünd, Hey Baby, it’s the Fourth of July

<<maybe Everything You Did>>

I would say certainly. That song has Walter’s prints all over it. And Donald has a huge architectural/execution stake in the song. Can’t think of a better example of their songwriting collaboration.

Date: Tues, July 02, 2024, 23:18:32 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu, Panfrythe Bigones

"flushed it out." lol

They did flush some of the demos, tracks - throw back the little ones. Some tracks appeared fully fried in later albums.

Date: Tues, July 02, 2024, 23:16:26 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,

I believe the only SD song Donald wrote by himself was Barrytown. A fair amount of the time Donald would bring a germ of an idea or phrase and together Walter and Donald flushed it. Some of the bluesier songs have more of a Walter signature: Daddy Don't Live in that New York City No More, Jack of Speed, maybe Everything You Did.

It was certainly not a McCartney - Lennon nor Frey - Henley (TG) songwriting strategy. From the Brill Building on, D&W would have an appointment and would proceed in a workmanlike manner. Lots of editing. Perfection. Even in the reboot when Walter was in Hawaii and Donald in NYC.

I dig Prince, but there was the tendency for "here is my new unnamed double album with 19 tracks and never edited" although he was creative in the studio. Prince would book time (before he built his own studio) and systematically put tracks together piece by piece and instrument by instrument. Famously h erased a full bass track from When Doves Cry. When he was stuck, Prince would play the piano for hours on end.

Date: Tues, July 02, 2024, 15:25:19 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Fagen admitted that some of the songs were completely his and some were completely Becker's, "but in most there isn't any cut and dried version. 'The Boston Rag', for instance, has my chorus and verses by Walter," said Fagen, attempting to explain how the song came to feature the lyric, "You were Lady Bayside". Bayside was a community in Queens where Becker once lived and where he formed one of his first rock'n'roll bands. - 'Steely Dan - Reelin' In The Years', by Brian Sweet, p.69

Date: Tues, July 02, 2024, 10:08:10 ET
Posted by: Michael,

BTwicken, Walter collaborated with Donald both musically and lyrically. According to what Donald has said in the past, what would usually happen is he would come up with a song or a fragment, then Walter would make various suggestions about what to add or change, trading ideas back and forth until they were both satisfied. Walter would come up with a bass line and they'd usually work out the lyrics together.


Excerpt from David Breskin interview with Donald & Walter for MUSICIAN magazine, Mar. 1981:

Q: As your vocabulary grows, musically and lyrically, and you become more aware of your artistic options, do you find it more difficult to finish a song?

Becker: It got tough a while ago. Yes, the last verse is hard to write. The more you know, the more you might paint yourself into a corner.

Fagen: But the way we write – it’s more improvisational and instinctual. We don’t really use 'strategies' consciously.

Becker: But we do in a way.

Fagen: The method derives from the subject.

Becker: But nevertheless there it is – the method. By the time you’ve finished everything except that last piece or link of a song, you’ve got to make some very, very conscious choices.

Fagen: All right, we’ve learned certain things in terms of how to present the material. We know now what a bridge is supposed to do: it opens up the song musically, and we tend to open it up lyrically as well, in that it tends to talk about subject more generally than the verses do.

Becker: And it’s also a real release from the tension of the lyrics in the verses. You’re suspended in time for awhile.

Fagen: You generally find that there’s much more detail in the verses than in the choruses.

Becker: When you’re in the bridge you don’t have to worry about how you got to this point, however fucked up that may be, or, how did I get to this swell position I’m in now. So it’s a release, a channel. Somebody invented the form, God knows when. I know they didn’t have bridges in Gregorian chants but they’ve had them for a while.

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

New playlist. Enjoy.


Grupo Garage - Silabas

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tB5rSPEoffo

Kylie Auldist - Everythink (Recorded Live@OneBakehouseLane)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=emqIGO50ywQ

Emma Donovan, The Putbacks - Crossover

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ywM_xbhA1Bc

Omni - Plastic Pyramid (feat. Izzy Glaudini)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yk4ap-VDayg

Strunz & Farah - Frontera (live)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5f8_1wCTYlg

Grupo Garage - Vamp

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YGI3XHuQSjY

Date: Mon, July 01, 2024, 23:12:58 ET
Posted by: Steve,

For starters, BTwicken, Steely Dan lyrics are a lot different from Donald Fagen lyrics. Steely Dan lyrics are a lot more edgy and darker; Donald's are nerdier. Of course, both are great. Donald has a musical genius, but he repeats himself. I think Walter prevented him from doing that and Walter contributed his own special unique riffs, etc.

Donald ➕ Walter 🟰 > The sum of their parts

Date: Mon, July 01, 2024, 23:05:14 ET
Posted by: BTwicken,

Wouldn’t you like to learn how WB really and actually
contributed to the SD songwriting process?

On what songs did he specifically contributed with
melodic, harmonic and lyrical content?

Instead DF mainly created this BS facade that
WB “helped finish the songs”.

How and in what ways did he contribute anything.

Why am I thinking that WB just mainly acted
as a sounding board and confidence man
for DF when it came to the actual writing of the music?

Date: Mon, July 01, 2024, 14:35:02 ET
Posted by: Abu, Elevated Music

I found an interesting cover of a classic SD tune not long ago. It is Reelin'. The artist is called Elevated Spirits, who used as a model the live version of the song that Don, Walt & Co. did back in the mid-90s. Compare this cover with the SD version as recorded on Alive in America. In my opinion, the cover is decently done. The sax is played by one Andy Suzuki, an apparently well travelled musician, who also plays keys on this. The guitarist is John Morton. His solo sounds good. However, I cannot find out anything about him on the web. There is a John D Morton who was a founder of some punk rock group. Doubtful it is him. Another guy was a guitar builder and a guitarist of sorts, who evidently is now deceased. Maybe he's the guy. Anyway, here's the cover:

https://youtu.be/qzPE3eiozis?si=1olEt4guOyTPomF
.
.

Date: Sat, June 29, 2024, 12:03:32 ET
Posted by: Dr. Hünd, w/Pimps of Joytime

<<So I waited, the next day my boyfriend came to me himself telling me he was cheating on me but he has ended the relationship with the lady. He asked for forgiveness which I did forgive him. >>

Wait…what? You let him get away with that? There was no screaming? No turn up the Eagles, the neighbors are listening?

Date: Thurs, June 27, 2024, 17:54:45 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Steve M: Excellent point. I think it's the blues influence and fusing a bit of jazz and Americana in. The use of space in the rhythm allows the instruments to have separation and contribute their distinct voices in an elegant dance.

I actually found 2 clips from the 2001 Jools Holland program. Boz lived in London and Stockholm for a couple of years in the mid 60s as a musician and busker. The intimate live music repetition has brought a crispness to Boz' recordings and live performances.

Fan favorite Lido Shuffle:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fGP_5ZM3mF8

Like Steely Dan, Boz can really put a "bounce" in his songs!


I Just Go - there's like a fusion of Willie Nelson and Walter:

"One thing leads to another, I guess. I Just Go."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E0NHy35u9OY

That economy and feel of the guitar solo - capturing the feeling.

Date: Wed, June 26, 2024, 14:13:29 ET
Posted by: Steve M, Scotland

'Dig' is a damn fine album Doc, he did some promo over here for it at the time (Later with Jools Holland I think) and sounded great live.

Miss Riddle is just perfection, love the simple 2 chord guitar lick that comes out of right speaker throughout the song and I can feel my blood pressure coming back down to something approaching normal as I listen.

Never connected it with Walter's work but you're right, there's the same economy and space in the rhythm section, especially the bass, that's present particularly in Circus Money.

Date: Mon, June 24, 2024, 03:06:04 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Mayer and Mamas Gun reminds me of another overlooked Boz album Dig. Dig had the great misfortune of being released on 9/11. It digs heavily into Boz' R&B and jazz influences. I feel some Walter influence or parallel evolution - the cool world weary attitude. Philliganes on keyboards. Roy Hargrove Jr. on trumpet. these tracks stand up pretty well IMO.

Miss Riddle

https://youtu.be/sKB-3Rugnic?si=xI7o4-B7vy_-PwfW

Payday

https://youtu.be/DIfblwwOwSQ?si=WOP_F2VvSKl4Inwx

Sarah

https://youtu.be/bK39UrorEi4?si=ZR_DnJfPcPoMbV70


More Flatline Attitude from a couple of Simply Red's more overlooked albums in the US

You Make Me Believe (Life)

https://youtu.be/lAjifzLpJR0?si=2AyBzcbLmq4c6NK5

Fairground

https://youtu.be/t9KPpgEhPCs?si=axFd_gKw2qjOYHy9

Good Times Done Me Wrong (Stay)

https://youtu.be/-WpqIyjEjRg?si=Dwou8Pfi6DHwzFN2

Death of the Cool

https://youtu.be/M7vua8alKVM?si=JgNPOiih-yNqqAFA

Money TV

https://youtu.be/4RkFdQiHtvI?si=uwqtWum3HE63I090

Mrs. Mu's favorite:

https://youtu.be/ARkE50EXaQ0?si=wbU8cgfuNgKxxddF

Date: Sat, June 22, 2024, 23:51:46 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Steve M,

That's a good one. Mayer Hawthorne effectively mines the R&B vein of the Dan musicsphere.


There are some Mamas Gun (Andy Platts) songs of that era that do the same.

On a String

https://youtu.be/1lgw9-0DOSs?si=1RkNcTmVxLOIYp71

Reconnection

https://youtu.be/EII-LU4BkF8?si=5hm9r6BSCX82ar0p

People on the Run

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQDFq5jmNpM

Pots of Gold

https://youtu.be/HBmM9rhH8AQ?si=O3FcKogYzr8oMCG3

Let's Find a Way

https://youtu.be/y-WYbPbIDbs?si=mi5ZeJBmgJSWxT19

Date: Sat, June 22, 2024, 14:26:17 ET
Posted by: Steve M, Scotland

missed one.....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4iIsE1PBhE

Date: Sat, June 22, 2024, 11:37:22 ET
Posted by: Steve M, Scotland

Can't believe it's been over 10 years since that Mayer Hawthorne album came out Doc. I remember when he was doing media around the time he was very upfront about his Steely Dan influences:

https://www.spin.com/2013/07/mayer-hawthorne-where-does-this-door-go-interview/

Date: Fri, June 21, 2024, 22:36:45 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Henny & Gingerale


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2QRnutVa84

The Walk has already been posted awhile ago, but more groove.

Date: Fri, June 21, 2024, 22:31:59 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Just a dog day afternoon...

Mayer Hawthorne - Her Favorite Song.

https://youtu.be/RWkjcq_N2YQ?si=c_Y9IIh4WqUwzAAa

Backseat Lover

https://youtu.be/TGynhuYzTNQ?si=GPDda-eBoPg4Dhod

Wine Glass Woman

https://youtu.be/s-prsK2Ps0c?si=HTxDbzS54ZEzTK78

Reach out Richard...ummmm royalty share on Peg - if singles actually sold today.

https://youtu.be/V5tPP04FalQ?si=j0oXJn2Cazn3LhMS







I can forgive the pitch correction for Groovilicity.

Date: Fri, June 21, 2024, 22:01:27 ET
Posted by: Stevie T, RM High

Strafach,
Whatever her condition (and we wish for the best), I had the spooky feeling while watching the entire stage band, minus DF, assemble for the Beard gathering, that I was perhaps watching its last gathering. :-( Hope I;m wrong. But….all things must pass…and maybe after a miraculous and wonderful multi-decade run, the time has come to let it go.
?

By the way, Larry Goldings was on keys for the band’s rendition of Pretzel Logic.
The livestream was glitchy, but it was heartwarming to see the assemblage in honor of Jim

Date: Fri, June 21, 2024, 15:32:31 ET
Posted by: Strafach,

Any word on Libby’s condition?

Date: Wed, June 19, 2024, 20:33:43 ET
Posted by: Lutz, Hnl

Jim BeardTribute is on live right now, free stream

https://shapeshifterplus.org/jim-beard/

Date: Wed, June 19, 2024, 16:52:21 ET
Posted by: Abu, nowhere important

.
The Low Darts are very good. Also the Franklin Brothers, who have done other stuff but they are doing more and more SD.

https://youtube.com/@carlfranklin?si=GW7nYpxMaASEKbFz

A third decent cover band is called the Brooklyn Charmers

https://youtube.com/@brooklyncharmers?si=EQrUn2yWKSLmcKSv
.

Date: Wed, June 19, 2024, 16:19:56 ET
Posted by: WJAZ, North Carolina

Doc Mu and others, was almost scared to try this second Low Darts SD song, but it's good, surprised at the strength of the vocals, reel it in:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ljIPzh7mqkE

Date: Tues, June 18, 2024, 12:51:06 ET
Posted by: Abu, Jim & Jon

.
The late Jim Beard with Jon H on this SD title track

https://youtu.be/n6sYA6XzGps?si=T9xr92JBOUwbWivh
.

Date: Tues, June 18, 2024, 12:06:06 ET
Posted by: SJ,

Please join us for a memorial celebration of the life and work of

JIM BEARD

with Live Music from Jim's friends and colleagues

Wednesday, June 19
6 PM until ???

ShapeShifter Lab
837 Union St
Brooklyn NY 11215

ALL ARE WELCOME!

-----

This event is open to the public for anyone that would like to attend.

THERE WILL BE A LIVE STREAM, NO PASSWORD REQUIRED
https://shapeshifterplus.org/jim-beard/

Date: Sun, June 16, 2024, 16:22:46 ET
Posted by: The Dean, Scituate, MA on Big Daddy Day

Happy Father's Day to all you Steely Dan mothers

Date: Sat, June 15, 2024, 17:51:49 ET
Posted by: The Dean, Sipping a Stagg in Scituate, MA

Scott G, thanks for the tip on the Fagen liner notes. Great read

Date: Sat, June 15, 2024, 01:33:47 ET
Posted by: Abu, 80s and 90s, too.

.
That is, 80s and into the 90s.
.

Date: Sat, June 15, 2024, 01:31:01 ET
Posted by: Abu, Grateful I know Jerry Garcia

.
Of course I know the Dead. Bob Weir, Jerry Garcia, etc. Any band that started back in the 70s I pretty much know. In the 80s I knew the mainstream artists like Journey, Huey Lewis & The News, Styx, Bryan Adams, The Police, The Cars, Phil Collins, Dire Straits, Toto, etc.
If the music was more "FM" through the 80s and 80s, I knew less and less.
.

Date: Fri, June 14, 2024, 16:22:01 ET
Posted by: Dr. Hünd, US Blues

OMG Abu. NEVER heard of Trey Anastasio or Phish?! Have you ever heard of Jerry Garcia or the band Grateful Dead?

Date: Fri, June 14, 2024, 12:13:25 ET
Posted by: Abu, Not A Kid Covering Kid

.
Never heard of Trey Anastasio before. Which is not surprising for me, seeing I am old enough to remember Steely Dan when they hit the airwaves in 1972 (November, when Do It Again was released). So, I watched this Trey guy adequately perform Kid C and Reelin' at the Songwriters Hall of Fame thing. The video does not zoom in close. I'm thinking this was some young dude doing SD. Then I looked up the guy and found out that he is not far behind me, age wise (5 yrs younger than yours truly). Thus, also old enough to remember SD come on the radio the first time.That he has been performing and recording since the early 80s. Never heard of the bands he was in: Phish, Oysterhead, yada yada. And, Rolling Stone ranked him the 53rd all-time greatest guitarist. Well, now I know who he is. If it wasn't for the posting of this vid, I probably would never know.
.

Date: Fri, June 14, 2024, 10:05:08 ET
Posted by: Not Larry, Gone Phishin'

Trey Anastasio - Kid Charlemagne into Reelin' in the Years

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

Date: Fri, June 14, 2024, 10:00:39 ET
Posted by: WJAZ, North Carolina

Doc Mu:Thanks, so encouraging too that the youth of America would take on the music of that era...

Date: Fri, June 14, 2024, 01:13:48 ET
Posted by: Scott G,

New on Steely Dan's website All Of Donald Fagen's new liner notes for the Acoustic Sounds super deluxe versions of the albums now it's steelydan.com… Including 2vN and EMG. Even for the albums that have not yet been released.

https://www.steelydan.com/news/liner-notes-for-chad-kassem-s-reissue-series

Date: Thurs, June 13, 2024, 23:24:04 ET
Posted by: About time, NYC, NY

Congrats to The Donald and Walter (R.I.P.) as they were inducted in the Songwriter's Hall of Fame this evening in NYC. Trey Anastasio from Phish did the honors-

Kid C-
https://x.com/themusicwedig/status/1801422133903401258?s=42&t=tO_zfiPOfJ9B7PZG46B5Vg

Reelin'-
https://x.com/themusicwedig/status/1801421974281011261?s=10

Date: Thurs, June 13, 2024, 20:44:04 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago

Yes, the Eagles are going to play the Sphere in Las Vegas on weekends early this fall; however, they won't have an opener and it definitely won't be Steely Dan. Jon Herington's personal assistant has already indicated that there are slim to no chances of there being any Steely Dan shows for the rest of this calendar year. The band members have started booking other projects.

Still, the Sphere is a pretty pretty intriguing venue.

Date: Thurs, June 13, 2024, 11:13:06 ET
Posted by: Yep, Las Vegas

:: SPHERE ::

Date: Thurs, June 13, 2024, 11:10:04 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

WJAZ: Wow. I've heard a lot of SD cover bands who are technically good and/or capture the spirit. But Low Darts have an unbelievable FEEL for the work, especially on the jazzy side. While replicating the sound is remarkable enough, they aren't trying so hard that it feels over-rehearsed and tense. They are loose and natural. Great job with the outtro, subbing in the trumpet for the ad libs.

Kudos. I'm an instant fan.

Date: Thurs, June 13, 2024, 10:33:41 ET
Posted by: Igor, Kursk

Vlad is delighted for me to offer receivership again on Bluesbook. Steely comrades getting thinking his go rock yacht to lesser musics. Mine is greater than pleasure to welcome return to Steely greatness. You be always bluesbook lyubimyy.

Date: Wed, June 12, 2024, 14:55:44 ET
Posted by: Vladimir, minsk

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

Vlad outs!

Date: Mon, June 10, 2024, 18:53:54 ET
Posted by: Michael,

New playlist.


Shin Rizumu (シンリズム) - Naturally

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vrJqjrKa-1g

Alan Parker & Alan Hawkshaw - The Difference

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWDn4zTNlDc

Space Cowboy Newt - out there

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0P2CFk_ovv4

Felbm - Filatelie

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQIoS3Y1fzQ



The Dean, you had mentioned that you prefer R&B stuff. Well, I found a YT channel I think you'll appreciate loaded with a wide assortment of multitalented soulful artists.


https://www.youtube.com/@COLORSxSTUDIOS/videos


Here's just a few picks.

Amaria - Day by Day | A COLORS SHOW

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JE1flL4jaH0

Sinéad Harnett - Burn | A COLORS SHOW

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmYKjp6alP0

Béesau - retrouver l'aube (find the dawn)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5f-wGZ1UI5s

Date: Mon, June 10, 2024, 12:43:08 ET
Posted by: Ben Jammin, Indy

Thursday’s the Songwriter Hall of Fame ceremony in NYC, and Donald will hopefully attend to add some hardware to a few Grammys and bowling trophies on his mantle!

https://jambands.com/news/2024/06/10/songwriters-hall-of-fame-details-2024-induction-ceremony-and-gala-trey-anastasio-r-e-m-and-more/

Date: Mon, June 10, 2024, 12:35:05 ET
Posted by: WJAZ, North Carolina

Enjoying Low Darts cover of "Black Cow"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYtI2bfGAQs

and also the "Second Arrangement" cover by Steely Dan Friends, and a accidental discovery of a "Timeline" by Ice Choir on a car ad.

Something to keep the office fresh with music...

Date: Sun, June 09, 2024, 00:12:45 ET
Posted by: Abu, Who's On First

.
Nearest I can figure is Jackie Allen's album Tangled was released in the UK first in 2004, but not until 2006 here in the US. Her website says '06. Carmela R. released hers in '05. Doesn't matter much I guess.
.

Date: Sat, June 08, 2024, 22:13:12 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Thanks Abu.

I really dig Jackie Allen's version of Do Wrong Shoes. Per Discogs, Jackie's version was released first.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CiR3Wv4Uw7I

Props to Ben Lewis on piano.


Carmela's and Hirth Martinez' Brazilian arrangement on The Girl Who Dreams Out Loud is brilliant.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2Tb2q2rE_4

Date: Sat, June 08, 2024, 19:48:31 ET
Posted by: Abu, Where did you get those two-tone shoes?

.
Speaking of shoes, a total of four artists have covered Donald's Do Wrong Shoes: The original was by Carmela Rappazzo, then Jackie Allen, Libbie Jo Snyder, and most recently Jenny Green.
As for DF's The Girl Who Dreams Out Loud, it seems only Ms. Rappazzo has done it. In case you didn't know, Donald co-wrote both of these tunes with the late Hirth Martinez (who passed in 2015). Martinez played acoustic guitar on Carmela's recording.
.

Date: Sat, June 08, 2024, 12:05:26 ET
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Date: Thurs, June 06, 2024, 15:36:11 ET
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Date: Tues, June 04, 2024, 14:28:16 ET
Posted by: Steve M, Scotland

Re: Monkey House

yes, it's a lovely track Abu, just sounds like it would fit perfectly over the closing credits of a late '90's romcom. Exquisite melody and Don B gives one one his best vocal performances.

ps: I see what you did there!

Date: Tues, June 04, 2024, 11:40:05 ET
Posted by: Michael,

8-bit playlist of Steely Dan songs, courtesy of MrHopeTelevision.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2CqgFuAOG8&list=PLtAmlIxCbL5rEpPKOg5ZM_9m8xj8aZtjh&index=1

Bonus: 8-bit Miss Marlene. Don't know why it's absent from the playlist.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3nM1AzKfB-o

Date: Mon, June 03, 2024, 17:49:09 ET
Posted by: Abu, In That House

.
The one Monkey House tune I keep returning to, time and again, is Maybe None Of This Would Have Happened. By definition, could you call it a ballad? Whatever it is, it is one of my fave MH tunes. Just maybe, it is at the pinnacle of My Top 10 List.
.
.

Date: Thurs, May 30, 2024, 14:34:46 ET
Posted by: Eddie, Out There

Thank you, Gentlemen. I appreciate your outlining so well. I can now understand the site's intention/progression better than before. There ARE very interesting music/artists being recommended. Thanks for keeping the SD flame lit. PS my fault for double posting Hoops.

Date: Thurs, May 30, 2024, 11:32:43 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Eddie, with regard to regulars who've been here for a long time such as myself, we've contributed plenty of discussion regarding all things SD, but as of late there hasn't exactly been a glut of news, so it happens that some of us like to discuss and share music while keeping our ears firmly to the ground for whatever may come along.

Of course SD's music will always be around and we're always happy to discuss it, but then SD doesn't exist in a vacuum and it's perfectly fine to acknowledge that, yes, other artists are making an impact, several of which are influenced by SD (Young Gun Silver Fox, State Cows, and Monkey House, to name a few). By sharing more music I hope to break the monotony of downtime and broaden avid music aficionados' horizons. It doesn't take anything away from discussions currently happening and you're free to simply ignore posts as suits your preference, but then you'll miss out on some cool stuff.

Nothing but respect and best wishes to you and your family, Jim.

Date: Thurs, May 30, 2024, 09:49:21 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago

Welcome Eddie:

The BlueBook is a sort of group of certain long-time SD fans, some going back over 20 years. (The BlueBook is 23 years old.) The place has developed a classic (or do you say "legacy?") "Internet 1.0" (1.1?) sort of culture that predates Facebook, Twitter, and other social media, not to mention that there are no ads; there may be some essential cookies but I have not even considered looking at them in years, so effectively there are not.

So here we have this unique, classic "breakfast club" of Steely Dan fans. Officially, the focus is 100% on Steely Dan; but through the years, a long-time aspect of this culture has developed; people who have posted some pretty adept and insightful Steely Dan content quite regularly over all these years have developed cred such that they have a certain currency to discuss external play lists, topics: Regulars want to know what these hard core Steely Dan fans listen to when they are not listening to Steely Dan.

20 years ago, I would delete "off topic" posts; there were relatively few internet forums devoted to and focused on Steely Dan. Today, because of social media, there are so many Steely Dan forums, that this one has become a niche, a proverbial terrarium preserving a certain culture and circle of virtual friends. Critics would might call it a "clique" but I do not. It's a just a slice of Steely Dan fan life...for those that don't like it, there are so many, many other options.

So if you are "new" to this "old" group and I haven't turned you off and you want to continue in dialogue, I would suggest that for the first few months of your regular posting, I would stick to direct posts about Steely Dan. After time, you likely will develop cred to go off on a few tangents.

A few other quirks:

1) Even though I am the admin who regularly follows and I pay $25 a month to keep this legacy (ad-free) guestbook going, I read but rarely post. The group culture flourishes a lot more when I DON'T post. Kinda reminds me of when teens have their friends over and hang out in the bedroom listening to music. Then a parent knocks on the door and comes in and the fun is disrupted. Even when posting on routine Steely Dan things, I think I'm perceived as an authority figure, sort of like the parent who comes in the teen's room and interrupt whatever great time the they are having. So I happy to sit back and be a fan of all the other regulars who contribute...although occasionally I do just have to "barge in." But don't think my lack of posting is due to lack of interest--I just think this community flourishes better when I don't post.

2) Yes, this 25+ year-old-script does on rare occasion accidentally double or triple post one's post (as you have seen). This is the fault of the script; double posters should not be chided for this. Just please ignore. Also ignore the increasingly few instances of spam. Spam doesn't happen nearly as often as it used to, but when it does please don't respond to it.

3) "Why not a more modern BlueBook, based on more modern tech, social platforms, etc.?" I HAVE established other such platforms with that intent...and they have developed new followings. But the regulars here prefer to stay here, as it is.

So it goes.

4) The irony is that I'm one of the only people who cannot remain anonymous. I post with my real email address and regulars even have my primary cell number. Frankly, I've read little if anything that requires anonymity, but many here prefer that. The anonymity thing goes back to the 1990s through maybe 2010 when some Steely Dan alums would post unofficial word for us hard core fans.

Finally, have a had a couple of deaths in my immediate family during the past few months. As always, I prefer to remain low key in that respect. But I am grateful to those who have reached out with kindness. I thank you.

Fly low and be cool.

hoops aka Jim

P.S. As usual, I don't have time to proofread. My apologies for typos, redundancies, mistakes, etc. 🙏☮️💟

Date: Thurs, May 30, 2024, 08:31:45 ET
Posted by: Eddie, Out There

To Bluebook host -

Would you explain in a post why are we allowing posters to continually post songs etc. that are just that poster's definition of being tangential to Steely Dan?

I am asking for a response only from the host (believe it is 'Hoops' from a quick skim). I'm new here and no offense intended to the posters.

Date: Thurs, May 30, 2024, 08:31:38 ET
Posted by: Eddie, Out There

To Bluebook host -

Would you explain in a post why are we allowing posters to continually post songs etc. that are just that poster's definition of being tangential to Steely Dan?

I am asking for a response only from the host (believe it is 'Hoops' from a quick skim). I'm new here and no offense intended to the posters.

Date: Thurs, May 30, 2024, 08:31:33 ET
Posted by: Eddie, Out There

To Bluebook host -

Would you explain in a post why are we allowing posters to continually post songs etc. that are just that poster's definition of being tangential to Steely Dan?

I am asking for a response only from the host (believe it is 'Hoops' from a quick skim). I'm new here and no offense intended to the posters.

Date: Wed, May 29, 2024, 17:46:40 ET
Posted by: Michael,

New playlist.


Ducktails - Raise The Stakes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8sGb4XkoF78

Flora Purim - Overture

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xIdHZNZ6AZg

Claude Lavender - Speedin Jimmy (early version)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKg9iDR4SMM

Luna Li - Afterglow

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9xWmszor5zI

Phoebe Rings - January Blues

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rz3jZAthf10

Date: Wed, May 29, 2024, 12:00:36 ET
Posted by: Eddie, Out There

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IneYYTIEl7E

Date: Tues, May 28, 2024, 17:30:32 ET
Posted by: Abu, CA

Perhaps this has been posted previously. The album came out in '22. The guitarist mentioned the other day by yours truly, in reference to The Second Arrangement, is Tom Hemby. Talented guy, for sure. A couple of years ago he released the album Dealin' It. His band has Michael Whittaker on keys, Mark Douthit on sax, Adam Nitti bass, Keith Carlock drums, and Tom H. guitar, of course. The opening tune has a little SD-like groove. The whole album is good. Here is the link:

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_lT8iQgOGF2CYXGs6PCvfbGn-5fQHtXDZw&si=KYwShweoBj9Ds8C2
.
.

Date: Tues, May 28, 2024, 12:50:58 ET
Posted by: Dr. Hünd, Hanging Valley Wall, Colorado

Somnar, not critiquing Godley & Creme’s career as video directors but I liked Dreadlock Holiday better than any Godley/Creme music. And with the original 10cc, I valued Stewart’s guitar, production, vocal, and writing contributions as paramount in that super talented band.

Mike Love deserves to be absolutely loathed just for his Hall of Fame speech alone. The Elton John comment at the end of his diatribe was hilar though. Love is actually worse than most of his detractors believe, artistically and personally. Plenty of evidence out there. Yet, as the dude who has one of the hate Mike Love pages points out, Mike Love is not even the biggest asshole to contribute to a Beach Boys song. The list goes: 1) Charles Manson 2) Murray Wilson 3) Mike Love

Date: Tues, May 28, 2024, 08:08:33 ET
Posted by: Somnar, NYC

Hund:

<<Eric was the most talented of all 10cc by a wide margin>>

Huh, strange take. Four very talented musicians and the fact that there was far more reason to stick with Godley and Creme in the years after they left - rather than listen to Stewart's 10cc stuff or, hold your breath, his solo records - tells me all I need to know.

Also read your take on the Beach Boys doc. I love the Beach Boys (almost) as much as anyone and get that Mike Love is a tool, but it's always funny to me how much most BB fans absolutely loathe the guy and want to erase his impact. Like him or not "personally," without Love, there's no band (and certainly no success). It's just a super-talented but very shy cuddly bear, his dopey little brother and another who'd rather surf most of the time.

Date: Tues, May 28, 2024, 07:12:48 ET
Posted by: Michael,

I never targeted you nor anyone, all I said was that nobody knew Thriller was going to be a massive success. It's fair to expect it to sell well, being as it was MJ's follow-up to Off The Wall, but nobody could've predicted how big it turned out to be ...let alone that The Eagles Greatest Hits would eventually surpass it in sales.

Do I think it's one of the greatest albums of all time? No, but it is one of the most significant pop albums ever made, despite some of its cheesiness like MJ's duet with McCartney 'The Girl is Mine'. The outtake version with MJ solo is far superior IMO.

Date: Tues, May 28, 2024, 00:06:34 ET
Posted by: Dr. Hünd, Hanging Valley Wall, Colorado

<<10cc's Eric Stewart produced 2 of their albums: Facades and eponymous album>>

Wow, never heard of those guys. Starting to cherry pick their songs with Eric Stewart’s involvement. Interesting. Eric was the most talented of all 10cc by a wide margin which is saying a lot. This song always kills me and it’s impressive how they pulled it off live.

https://youtu.be/z6Jb9m1N67g?si=EiS83K3_IOhCDZeD

Can never get enough of The Second Arrangement. It should have been on Gaucho. But…. I would not have replaced any of the released album’s tracks for it.

Abu wrote:
<<St. Vincent's fave SD track.>>

She’ll be on Kimmel on Thursday.

Doc Mu wrote:
<<Dr. Hünd: I'm looking forward to The Beach Boys movie. >>

Please post your take after seeing it. Interested in your critique.

<<Here's a Steely Dan recording with TWO members of Toto and it really doesn't suck - who'd a thunk it? >>

D&W would have zero tolerance for any musician to suck in their presence. And of course members of Toto were very skilled. They didn’t get in the studio by delivering sandwiches. Just not a fan of their actual music.

<<The Girl is Mine - yes a slight song.>>

Yeah I was unfair throwing Toto under the house for that clunker of a song.

Michael wrote:
“This isn't about me."
<<El contrario. >>

I see your El contrario and raise you an El Supremo…….from the room at the top of the stairs.

You targeted me, personally. You keep bringing me into your straw men arguments. One can always go back and read.

Date: Mon, May 27, 2024, 14:57:12 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,

also sang with Mike + the Mechanics

Date: Mon, May 27, 2024, 14:56:35 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

I was thinking about the tight harmonies and loserdom...and drifted to

a band 4-5 albums into a crappy contract mostly broke up.

Paul Young – lead vocals
Ashley Mulford – lead guitar, backing vocals
Ian Wilson – rhythm guitar, backing vocals
Vic Emerson – keyboards
John Stimpson – bass, backing vocals
Tony Cresswell/Dave Irving – drums
Lenni - saxophone

Paul Young (not THAT one - this PY also sang with) was a perfect lead singer. Ashley Mulford and Vic Emerson were world class musicians, coupled with an excellent rhythm section. They were a strange Manchester UK hybrid of early Little River Band, Steely Dan, and a touch of the Rolling Stones...blues, R&B, jazz, rock mixture that constantly changed. Really tight harmonies (and like DF Paul Young could double vocals spot on) you and were an ace live act back in the day. 10cc's Eric Stewart produced 2 of their albums: Facades and eponymous album

Sad Café's had a mention or two here - I think the stuff still holds up today...quite a bit of loserdom infusion.


Run Home Girl - their only hit in the US: jazz/fusion/pop

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6hd6Y_jUw4

Black Rose (hard to find a HQ version online)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_o_9nm4GRE

Nothing Left Toulouse

https://youtu.be/0sX5Tt4-5XA?si=B4Kn8Q2k60kLh3GL

Dreamin' - nice instrumental break

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ssAK_2UNQkU

Every Day Hurts - biggest hit in the UK (very 10cc/LRB like harmonies)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KoIgTBz7GeM

Date: Sun, May 26, 2024, 15:06:51 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

We do know the arrangement Donald had in mind...or his perception of it 31 years later. ;)

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

Date: Sat, May 25, 2024, 20:44:53 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago

The musicians on that "Second Arrangement" cover are incredibly talented. At the same time, I would say the playing and the arrangement are a little too busy, especially on the rhythm guitar etc. I think Donald would've stripped it down a little more for the final version.

Date: Sat, May 25, 2024, 16:10:06 ET
Posted by: WJAZ, North Carolina

That Scott Sheriff production of "Second Arrangement" is fantastic... for days after I discovered it, I didn't get much done in the office, playing it over and over.

Date: Sat, May 25, 2024, 10:00:25 ET
Posted by: Abu, Anne Erin Clark

.
St. Vincent's fave SD track.

https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/its-a-heartbreaker-st-vincents-favourite-steely-dan-track/
.
.

Date: Sat, May 25, 2024, 09:59:26 ET
Posted by: Cold, cold

Isla is such a beautiful name!

Date: Fri, May 24, 2024, 15:50:56 ET
Posted by: Steve M, Scotland

This is what it is....

My daughter, her partner and my infant Grandaughter (Isla) are on the Isle of Skye for a few days holiday,staying in a remote cottage. She just messaged me to say that there's a "big black cow" outside the cottage window.

My reply was predictable......"Get outta here.....!"

She has been exposed to enough SD over the past 28 years to laugh loudly at the joke.

Date: Fri, May 24, 2024, 15:44:07 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Yeah, worth reposting:

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

Date: Fri, May 24, 2024, 15:37:50 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Abu,

Sheriff's YT release of Maxine is world class. The song is virtually impossible to cover with integrity. Very nice.

Date: Fri, May 24, 2024, 15:24:40 ET
Posted by: Abu, This Second Is The Best Second

Stop the bickering about Thriller already.


By far the best cover of the ill-fated tune is this one that I am posting now. The Y-T poster is Scott Sheriff, who for a number of years has been the leader of, IMO, the best SD cover band around called Twelve Against Nature, in the Nashville area. Last July, Scott and others got a bunch of real talented dudes and recorded a cover of The Second Arrangement. Three vocalists take turns with the lead vocals(who appear in this order on the vid): Scott Sheriff, Jerry Lopez, and Ole Borud (from Norway, who performed several Steely Dan numbers with the Ett Fett Storband{Norwegian for Big Band} seen on the Tube under the ID EttFettMorten). Michael Omartian plays acoustic piano on this cover. Scott Sheriff electric keys, and a really top notch guitarist named Tom Hemby, who has been the above-mentioned SD cover band's lead guy, nicely covering the many SD solos. Excellent horn charts were arranged by Scott. Here's the video:

https://youtu.be/CEEJLxHNxfM?si=Mb7Y_2tv90ensJ38


Scott Sheriff also did a great multi-track cover of Maxine:

https://youtu.be/xD16wzXJsUU?si=WdG2XrxiDdXROOnX


Scott and band covered the entire Nightly album, with a very good rendering of the title track, which is rarely covered, if interested.
.
.

Date: Fri, May 24, 2024, 13:43:38 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Dr. Hünd: I'm looking forward to The Beach Boys movie.

Here's a Steely Dan recording with TWO members of Toto and it really doesn't suck - who'd a thunk it?

https://youtu.be/0cxFzHO9lfI?si=QvgCHD7aB2G_DdI4



The Girl is Mine - yes a slight song. Most of the guitar (rhythm) is Dean Parks. Greg Phillanganes on keyboards.

Phillanganes should have been Toto's lead 100% in their 3rd or 8th edition:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARy1XptpU-Q

Date: Fri, May 24, 2024, 07:59:59 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Dr. Hünd, there's nothing to it. You latched onto one sentence made about Thriller and blew it up into this stupid argument just because you've got some beef with me and have to make a point.

"This isn't about me."

El contrario. This is all about you and your stupid grudge against me for whatever reason. Nobody *knew* Thriller would be a massive success. There's a difference between guessing and knowing something with absolute certainty. Once again, there are countless albums, movies, games, toys, or other products many people thought to be guarateed successes but which wound up performing dismally.

"...but instead you casted doubt on Gerri Hirshey's claim along with more of your nonsensical bs."

That's hearsay, not proof of anything. Anyone can claim they knew after the fact. Hindsight is 20/20.

"Now we wait for our precious Michael to move the goal posts again in this “dumb argument”……and another playlist."

Who's this *we* you're referring to? What, do you presume to speak for everybody on the Blue, or are you schizophrenic?

As for your little slight against my playlists, it's simple: don't bother with them. They're for music lovers with an open mind looking to expand their horizons, not for contemptuous snobs looking for any stupid reason to pick a fight. I've contributed plenty of discussion and content to this forum over the years, so my integrity isn't under scrutiny here.

Date: Fri, May 24, 2024, 01:43:40 ET
Posted by: Dr. Hünd, Paradise Cove

I posted this on an industry board. Sharing it here for a few people who read this board but don’t post and anyone else who’s interested:

Saw the live from LA IMAX The Beach Boys Advanced Screening Tuesday night. They did the Q&A thing before showing the film. Two Beach Boys were introduced. Al Jardine and then Mike Love. A scattering of boos for Love which warmed my heart. After the Q&A, Brian Wilson was introduced and brought in on a wheelchair (not on the stage but in front of the theatre). Did not look good and did not speak. Then seeing him so young from never before released clips singing beautifully was sorta mind bending.

Other best parts:

The interviews from the 70s through the 90s with different band members and other industry people.

The live stuff from all eras which I never saw before and sounded great while capturing the concertgoers of the time.

The Wrecking Crew. Every bit of content including them was fantastic from studio footage/audio working with Brian to interviews.

Phil Spector. He was given his music due.

The vocals. It’s still amazing how these teenagers all sounded so good together from the get go. Al Jardine, riding in the back of the family car with the Wilson brothers remembering Brian handing them little pieces of paper numbered one through four as they were practicing vocals in the car. Al thought that’s how everyone did it. He was in high school! He didn’t realize until he was older that those four piece harmonies Brian created were such a unique thing.

In their young prime, Brian was actually the best singer.

Old LA footage. Old beach footage. Old photos.

The modern ongoing commentary from different musicians. All were interesting particularly Don Was and Lindsey Buckingham.

The direction was amazing in all that was included. And it was brilliant in allowing Mike Love to speak about his exaggerated to say the least contributions to songwriting. Dude, you never wrote a lick of music. Yeah you deserved a writing credit Mike for a song created without you there which you weren’t even aware of. It seemed everyone saw right through him especially after watching Brian painstakingly create and being a genius. I knew a little about Mike Love, a 30 something told me after the movie. But after watching this, what a punk ass bitch!

This is by far the best film on The Beach Boys. I wanted to see it for the unreleased vault stuff which did not disappoint. Even the audio without video from Brian directing The Wrecking Crew to a drunk Murray showing up in the studio trying to boss Brian around.

Date: Fri, May 24, 2024, 01:36:12 ET
Posted by: Dr. Hünd, Hanging Valley Wall, Colorado

<<Just because you guessed right, or claimed to anyhow, about Thriller's success doesn't really matter. Had it flopped then you could have just as easily claimed that you knew it would all along.

But whatever. This is a dumb argument.>>

I despise unfairness. And if you can’t fight fair in a simple dumb argument, it speaks volumes.

This isn’t about me. The only reason I would have guessed right was because others who were more interested and knowing told me at the time. So go ahead and put me in your flop claim category as guessing wrong. YOUR claim, again, is “Nobody knew Michael Jackson's Thriller was going to be a massive success.” Those were your exact words. Constantly and shamelessly making “dumb” straw man arguments do not change facts nor our words.

You could have argued no one ever knows anything is going to happen - regardless of history, self evident circumstances, predictability, foreknowledge, intuition, intelligence, probability and statistics, etc. I actually thought you were going to go there (oblivious to the pre release of a hit single with Paul McCartney before the album release and album pre orders) but instead you casted doubt on Gerri Hirshey's claim along with more of your nonsensical bs.

And for the record, members of Toto participated in the recording of that horrible MJ/McCartney song, including Steve Lukather. No wonder it sucks. But the single sold a shit ton and was certified Gold.

Now we wait for our precious Michael to move the goal posts again in this “dumb argument”……and another playlist.

Date: Thurs, May 23, 2024, 16:30:19 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

For clarity: Steamtrains was from the first DW album. Loaded with deep tracks.

Date: Thurs, May 23, 2024, 16:21:09 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

How about some hard bop, Thelonius my old friend, and some of their bastard children...

https://youtu.be/9gTqGYeppWM?si=ADCFInMw-s5sIrYt

https://youtu.be/VcPhzZgWxMM?si=os1Y99PYS1htMm9b

https://youtu.be/FHKyVJ5YfNU?si=XaoJgvoytV4rJZe-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZjau8U_roI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IrAfjW5qiyo

The late great Kenny Kirkland with Kenny Garrett and Tain Watts:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89nKf1zCSfc

From BeBop MopTop, the overlooked Danny Wilson album:

https://youtu.be/gq-TLra2F1c?si=NaHSglU1a-NFCibp

Steamtrains to the Milky Way

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_Ne5WA5DY8

Date: Thurs, May 23, 2024, 15:28:01 ET
Posted by: DonB, Toronto

Mt. Belzoni: Retrospective was out six years before "Echo Park Blues"!

Date: Wed, May 22, 2024, 18:21:57 ET
Posted by: Michael,

I post a wide variety of content including R&B, rock, funk, pop, jazz, and everything in-between. Thee Sacred Souls, Dina Ögon, Kaidi Tatham, The Crusaders, Con Funk Shun, Mayer Hawthorne, Joey Quinones... A plethora of good stuff.

Ginger Root just dropped a new single 'No Problems' from his upcoming album SHINBANGUMI which releases September 13th. It's a real bop.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PiOdGpR0TdU

Date: Wed, May 22, 2024, 12:18:31 ET
Posted by: Cold, cold

Can't stand Toto and most of the yt Yacht Rock posted here, Lukather ruins a lot of otherwise great tracks for me (the aforementioned Boz follow-up disc) with his dyed-goatee wanking.

Prefer RnB to most of the stuff posted here but still appreciate the links. Obviously Porcaro is king but Toto is gunk.

Date: Wed, May 22, 2024, 07:13:19 ET
Posted by: Michael,

The Dean, which artists besides SD do you enjoy?

Date: Tues, May 21, 2024, 21:04:49 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. Uptown, Baby!

I have to admit, Lukather's playing leaves me cold, as well. I respect the talent, but don't really dig the music all that much. Same goes for Toto. And honestly, I feel similarly for probably over 95% of the synth pop and the like that is on a lot of the playlists posted here.

Understand, I'm certainly not suggesting that stuff shouldn't be shared here, as many seem to really dig it. Just saying, it's not really for me.

Come to think of it, I probably only like less than 10% of music in any genre. I'm such a fucking snob it even makes me shake my head. 🤪🙃

Date: Tues, May 21, 2024, 09:32:32 ET
Posted by: Quiz time, NOT Applebee's

I would certainly hope that anyone here would get 10/10...

https://metv.com/quiz/is-this-a-steely-dan-song-or-an-applebees-signature-cocktail

Date: Tues, May 21, 2024, 08:37:57 ET
Posted by: Michael,

New playlist.


McGruff The Crime Dog - Alcohol

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JpQwLC9hyeA

Levitation Room - Heaven

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

The Depreciation Guild - Dream About Me

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

Alex Cherney & The Brothers Nylon - first, last and always

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5m96i4invco

Barbara - Don't Send Me Messages

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HlPhz9EL-h8

Date: Tues, May 21, 2024, 07:17:30 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Just because you guessed right, or claimed to anyhow, about Thriller's success doesn't really matter. Had it flopped then you could have just as easily claimed that you knew it would all along.

But whatever. This is a dumb argument.

Date: Mon, May 20, 2024, 17:35:41 ET
Posted by: Dr.Hünd, Hanging Valley Wall, Colorado

Maybe you should give it a rest with your ridiculous gaslighting. Nobody said anything about crystal balls, uncanny abilities to predict an album’s success (we’re talking about one obvious album where many besides me predicted success), artists/labels never been wrong (I actually commented to the contrary), or anything regarding Hollywood big budget films.🤣

Date: Mon, May 20, 2024, 17:06:51 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Maybe you should share your crystal ball with the record labels. I'm sure they would be interested as you have the uncanny ability to predict an album's success.

How many times have artists / labels been wrong? More times than they've been right, by a wide margin. The same applies to Hollywood what with big-budget films flopping hard at the box office.

Date: Mon, May 20, 2024, 15:18:53 ET
Posted by: Dr. Hünd, Hanging Valley Wall, Colorado

The Dean wrote:

<<Carson could do it as well. And that was another time when that sort of thing was more acceptable. But looking back on some of those old interview, I'm guessing more than a few people are creeped out watching them now.

BTW none of this really bothers me if it doesn't go to far and is transparent. But I'm not easily offended. I try to understand why others might be, though.>>

I feel the same and we live in a different time where too many are easily offended. Carson was considered a gentleman and check out the end of this interview with Linda Ronstadt. Linda saw nothing wrong with Johnny ogling her eyes and legs.

https://youtu.be/KhHcXvRCJ2Y?si=Tbd5qp1JqYKMikU5

Michael wrote:

<<You're not proving anything though.>>

I think the posts speak for themselves. We all know things. “I drink and I know things.” Do things we know are going to happen turn out wrong? Yes, many times. It’s crazy Steve Jobs knew what customers wanted more than they did. It’s not crazy that Thriller was the most obvious album in the history of music to predict was going to be a massive success. It’s crazy town to practice revisionist history and state emphatically that NOBODY knew Michael Jackson's Thriller was going to be a success.

https://youtu.be/Marip7odChc?si=RnN_Ec3UO7w3T6Ib

Date: Mon, May 20, 2024, 10:17:09 ET
Posted by: Steve, Not related to Lukather

Love Steve Lukather's playing, always been a huge Toto fan.

However, Donald Fagen has said Lukather's "playing leaves me cold." Pete Fogel has posted that quote several times over the years.

That was some years back. Maybe that has changed.

Anyways, I'm just a messenger.

Date: Sun, May 19, 2024, 20:26:36 ET
Posted by: Abu, Chillin' at Home

Twenty years before the SD tune was written or thought of, the late David Sanborn did this number with a reggae beat:

Blue Beach

https://youtu.be/y_7g8BW194k?si=Do2XDuMWXUgq8w8y
.
.

Date: Sun, May 19, 2024, 14:11:24 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

...by 1992 the Grunge thing was peaking and there was no chance for a Prefab Sprout pop song on American Radio.

Date: Sun, May 19, 2024, 14:05:21 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

One of my favorite Prefab Sprout recordings is All the World Loves Lovers. It's chock full of add9's that aren't really mu majors, but the chord progression is very Steely:


https://youtu.be/CNBLm200PNc?si=GiwBBOr2BX0NGW2x

this sound might have been a hit if released as a Jordan the Comeback single, but they waited until 1992 and a greatest hits collection.

Like his County Durham NE England/Scottish lite accent Paddy McAloon's sarcasm, wit, and even subversion are shrouded. All the World Loves Lovers is Fred Astaire through a Nightfly lens.




Unfortunately, there was a slew of aborted albums after Jordan the Comeback, before Wendy and Neil Conti (underrated drummer) and Thomas Dolby left the group, and then the bit too earnest Andromeda Heights was released 7 years post-Jordan.


Anyway, a great example of the Steely posh sheen covering up a darker message can be heard on Manhattan, where verse connotes a dazzled stereotypical foreigner gazing upon NYC splendor (a bit tongue in cheek)...then a realization coupled with an allegory in verse two. Easily missed on first or third listen as Paddy turns the first verse around.

https://youtu.be/8P6Yp2FqYeA?si=WtShJMvlvGH-0pP0


Guess what ! Summer's arrived I feel the world's on my side
The Brooklyn Bridge stretches below me
A billion souls all dying to know me
Well here I am! Loaded with promise
And knee deep in grace
What I want is here on my face and
I feel like I own the whole damn place
Hey Manhattan ! Here I am ! Call me star-struck Uncle Sam.
Strolling Fifth Avenue
Just to think Sinatra's been here too
These myths we can't undo they lie in wait for you
We live them till they're true

TO

Someday's you've got to get outside - Look there's "The Carlyle"
That's the place where Kennedy stayed,
And where were you when he started to sl...
..ow to fade.
There they were - Loaded with promise and
Knee deep in fate - When what you want shows on your face and
All that's left litters the whole damn place
Hey Manhattan! Here I am! Call it bad luck Uncle Sam.
Scrounging Fifth Avenue
Just to think the poor could live here too
But what are they to do? These myths belong to you,
We live them till they're true,

Date: Sun, May 19, 2024, 07:39:37 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Yeah, Dias was gonna tour with them. Gary Katz kept pushing D&W to tour and they finally relented, but then the sliding pay scale thing put the kibosh on the whole thing, so they wound up back in the studio recording Gaucho.

Good tracks from Boz. My only gripe is I can barely make out what he's singing. 😄

Date: Sun, May 19, 2024, 02:43:32 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Down Two Then Left *may* be Boz' best album. I haven't listened to it in far too long...track after fab track

Gimme the Goods

https://youtu.be/olYbjnzBJ4k?si=6heRe0naTDqlvDBL

Very Steely Night by Night merged with the Royal Scam album.

Date: Sun, May 19, 2024, 02:01:22 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

I'm struggling to remember. Was Dias in on the original SD band contract? He stuck through the 70s. As each member left, they would sell their share to the rest of the group...I'd suspect that has something to do with the pay scale. Whatever the reason, it's a shame it didn't happen.

Date: Sun, May 19, 2024, 01:58:56 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Michael, There are some Steely chord progressions on We're Waiting from the same album. Chuck Findley on the Flugelhorn solo.

https://youtu.be/3JSIDCPYca8?si=rfmx5PHOcVW-QoVL

Quite a few stellar deep tracks.

Date: Sat, May 18, 2024, 18:31:41 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Thanks Doc for another cool track. I'd never heard A Clue before and you're right, that's a tasty guitar solo.

The one thing I remember about the sliding pay scale thing is that D&W were gonna pay Denny Dias more than the others. When the session musicians found out that each of them would be paid differently they became disgruntled, so D&W called off the tour.

This is pure speculation on my part but maybe the sliding pay scale was their way of getting out of it. It wasn't exactly a secret that they didn't like touring back then.

Date: Sat, May 18, 2024, 13:00:11 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Lukather is a chameleon as a guitarist, which is why he was asked again and again to do session work.

From the same album, Luke is playing one of his most Steely-like solos. Allegedly Lukather was going to be one of the guitarists on the Aja Tour that never happened - once some of the musicians found out they were paid on a different scale. Allegedy.


A Clue

https://youtu.be/9Kkbqv9ZHzM?si=-aHI80QYEaeRqKly

Fantastic song - very tasty solo.

Date: Sat, May 18, 2024, 12:51:39 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Lagniappe: Victor Feldman on the Vibes on Hollywood

Date: Sat, May 18, 2024, 12:39:43 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

M/O/D/P: Norm relished the notion *just* crossing the line with hist material and getting away with it. On second thought, he didn't care!

After Norm was fired from SNL for the OJ jokes, he had a 3 year series - The Norm Show which was full of his well-crafted bits. Just crossing that line, but hilarious.


https://youtu.be/FmDoDrzLi68?si=PgQWwUmQXy7uxrrv


Here's an overlooked song from Boz Scaggs' Down Two Then Left, produced by Michael Omartian.

Hollywood:

https://youtu.be/KX6U6mU5sY0?si=s4vOVrjBVsNsMM6Q


Featuring the usual suspects:

Drums: Jeff Porcaro
Bass: David Hungate
Guitar: Jay Graydon
Keyboards: Michael Omartian
Backing Vocals: Carolyn Willis, Myrna Matthews, Julia Tillman Waters



Fittingly, there is is a familiar lyric line:

"Camera.

Action.

Do it Again."

Date: Fri, May 17, 2024, 16:19:12 ET
Posted by: Michael,

You're not proving anything though. So what if such-and-such artist thought their album would be successful? Isn't *every* artist striving to attain some degree of success? For every one that's successful there's countless that aren't.

Date: Fri, May 17, 2024, 11:56:39 ET
Posted by: Dr. Hünd, Hanging Valley Wall, Colorado

<<Boy, you're really adamant about this.>>

I’m adamant about complete bullshit.

btw, whether one agrees with Quincy Jones or not re: “Anyone who tells you that they knew a record was going to be a big hit is a flat-out liar” Well, there have been plenty of liars who turned out correct I guess with so many records from The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Taylor Swift…. And “liars” who were not correct as well. The album after Frampton Comes Alive comes to mind.

Date: Fri, May 17, 2024, 11:29:42 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Boy, you're really adamant about this.

"...but what came next, I don’t think any of us were ready for." Here Quincy was referring to Thriller. Even if Gerri Hirshey's claim about MJ were true, it doesn't actually *prove* anything since nobody had a time machine and therefore couldn't look into the future. Just because an artist is confident in their work doesn't guarantee success either, but you believe what you want.

Date: Fri, May 17, 2024, 11:18:04 ET
Posted by: Dr. Hünd, Hanging Valley Wall, Colorado

<<Anyone who tells you that they knew a record was going to be a big hit is a flat-out liar. We had no idea “Off the Wall” was going to be as successful as it was,>>

HE WAS TALKING ABOUT OFF THE WALL! But let’s just say he was talking about Thriller. Let’s say Quincy Jones was not influenced at all by the massive success of Off the Wall, his ability as a producer, the writers/players he brought in, Michael Jackson, etc. You posted <<Nobody knew Michael Jackson's Thriller was going to be a massive success.>> This is flat out wrong and you doubled and tripled down down on this false claim emphasizing NOBODY ….in Trump like fashion.

<<The amazing thing, claimed Gerri Hirshey in 1985, was that “Michael had predicted it all when I first met him – the media geek show, the staggering sales figures, the order of singles, the fact that ‘Billie Jean’ would be the breakout song.”>>

https://www.rollingstone.com/feature/thriller-how-michael-jackson-and-quincy-jones-made-the-bestselling-album-of-all-time-199391/

So MJ, the actual artist, doesn’t count? And obviously he wasn’t the only one, although he was probably the most confident and encompassing. Again, I was not a fan but I remember listening to many at different events/places who were still high off Off the Wall and could not wait for Thriller, all saying it was going to be huge. Even a Dan fan, my brother-in-law. Maybe because I was in SoCal. But still it wasn’t nobody. Mr. Jones is just humble. This is from the same article:

<<Which may be true. But, says Jones, there is never any way to predict a hit record. “You can’t explain something like that, you can’t aim at it,” he says. “It’s why I used to keep a sign in the studio saying, ‘Always leave space for God to walk into the room.’ “>>

Quincy Jones never said NOBODY knew the album Thriller was going to be a massive hit, no matter what he thought. He was literally in the room with MJ!

Date: Fri, May 17, 2024, 07:47:08 ET
Posted by: Michael,

M/O/D/P, mainstream acts achieve mainstream success because they're backed by the labels. Indie artists *can* carve out a niche for themselves, generate big music / merch / ticket sales, and get good exposure if they put themselves out there in such a way that people notice.

While making great music should always be top priority for an artist, it doesn't really matter if nobody knows you exist, right?

A big problem I have with guys like Beato (you know, social media personalities) is they have platforms with millions of viewers yet choose to ignore great indie artists in favor of the umpteenth interview with some established artist or producer, or post reaction videos to the top 10 Spotify or iTunes songs. What about all the great artists who need more exposure? Beato's always complaining about how modern music lacks memorable hooks or great harmonies. Well, listen to Fonteyn, The Lemon Twigs or Silvertwin and then try to claim that there aren't any memorable hooks or great harmonies in modern music.

And don't let anyone tell you that these social media personalities aren't aware of what's going on in the industry that they've worked in extensively for decades and have connections up the wazoo. I could sit here listing off great music all day.

Date: Fri, May 17, 2024, 07:15:32 ET
Posted by: Michael,

"Anyone who tells you that they knew a record was going to be a big hit is a flat-out liar. We had no idea “Off the Wall” was going to be as successful as it was, but we were thrilled. Michael had moved from the realm of bubble-gum pop and planted his flag square in the heart of the musical pulse of the ‘80s, but what came next, I don’t think any of us were ready for."

Source:
https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2009-jun-30-et-jackson-quincy30-story.html

Date: Fri, May 17, 2024, 00:23:51 ET
Posted by: Dr. Hünd, Hanging Valley Wall, Colorado

<<Dr. Hünd, I'm referring to the album Thriller in its entirety. >>

Then you’re wrong.

<<Nobody could've predicted that it would go on to become one of the top-selling albums of all time. >>

But that’s not what you posted. You wrote this: <<Nobody knew Michael Jackson's Thriller was going to be a massive success.>>

Huge diff Bub. Off The Wall was a massive success. Everyone who was interested at the time clearly expected the album Thriller would be equally successful….or more.

You also claim Quincy said nobody knew Thriller would be successful. I’m still waiting for you to source your claim.

Date: Thurs, May 16, 2024, 22:54:07 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, Sickened Again/As Usual

On the subject of "Micheal Jackson", I'll refrain from any comment other than to make it clear that I cannot stand - and never could, back then or now - that particular individual's music/entertainment product, any of it - in its entirety, without exception - nor was I ever able to tolerate his manufactured (and carefully controlled...until it no longer could be controlled) image. I just can't stomach any of it. I never could. At any time, in any room, for any reason. It sickens me to hear his music still being played in public - the grocery store, the Home Depot, wherever - circa 2024. Even if we're willing to separate the performer from the performance, and view the music product strictly on its own merits, I'm still left flabbergasted & disgusted. I didn't get it then, and I don't get now. Like I said, I'll refrain from comment.

Norm MacDonald - easily the purest (and best) standup comedian of the past forty years (at least), hands down - had a stellar run with his incisive Jackson-related material, along with (of course) his OJ Simpson material (dated now, sure, but still hilarious retrospectively), as well as with his Bill & Hillary Clinton material. Funny thing...Norm never got sued for "defamation" by any of those famous targets or their financial backers/handers - even after years of repeated "controversial" [sic] jokes - all well-exposed on National TV, no less. A fun way to spend a bit of time would be to fire up the YooToob and search for "Norm MacDonald - Michael Jackson". I said it would be fun...I didn't say you wouldn't be *offended *, if you happen to still be a fan of that individual and you choose that option.

My point is that the music of Silvertwin - as recommended recently here by Michael - is actually pretty darn good and I hope the band lives on long enough to record & release some more material. I won't hold my breath, though, because as has already been pointed out, the Music Business (along with its cell-phone-stunted/low-expectation consumer base) is now so fractured that it's nigh-unto impossible to achieve any significant level of mainstream (whatever that now means) success unless you're Taylor Swift or some transitory/flavor-of-the-day "hip-hop" performer, and it's now really difficult for genuinely talented musicians or composers to even make a decent living from their craft.

Yes, I fully realize that it is now some transitory/flavor-of-the-day "hip-hop" performer who currently holds the world record for "best song ever" and "best selling single" and "most YooToob views" and "highest number of extravagant mansions owned by a single criminal", and so on.

I realize it. But that doesn't prevent me from being sickened by the realization.

M/O/D/P

PS - That "Libby & Donald" David Sanborn tribute on sd.com is indeed worrisome...I really do hope I'm just mis-reading it...

PPS - A nice Beacon Theatre run later this year - even if somewhat truncated, out of necessity, say, just four or five shows over the course of seven or eight days - would go a long way to repairing the damage done by the recent ill-fated/ill-advised "support group for the Iggles" mess. That's what I'm hoping for, anyways. Fingers crossed. I would genuinely like to meet up with any & all of the regulars & semi-regulars on here, one more time, at the Amsterdam Alehouse or maybe at that one dump I can't remember the name of where Malcolm once played a set at, like, 1:00 in the damn morning (much to the dismay of Mrs. M/O/D/P!), or even in the lobby of The Beacon itself.

PPPS - Hell, I'd even sit right beside The Dean at every show if I had to! Aw...who the hell am I kiddin'...sitting beside The Dean at one last SD show is right at the top of my Bucket List. Along with, at #2 - "Finally buying a bucket".

Date: Thurs, May 16, 2024, 17:12:14 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Dr. Hünd, I'm referring to the album Thriller in its entirety. Nobody could've predicted that it would go on to become one of the top-selling albums of all time. Nobody. MJ's Off The Wall was commercially successful, yes, but that didn't guarantee his subsequent output would attain similar heights.

Did the Eagles know that their Greatest Hits album would top Thriller as the best selling album of all time? Did Pink Floyd know that Dark Side of The Moon would sell over 15 million copies? Did Santana know that Supernatural would become his best-selling album?

Date: Thurs, May 16, 2024, 16:06:00 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Re: Ferguson - he knows where the line is and deliberately leverages just enough flirt vs. creepiness to have his guest open up and maximize entertainment. Craig was the King of Banter.

Interestingly, one of Ferguson's worst interviews was with another comic genius, Norm MacDonald (RIP). Norm was a bit and routine craftsman and elite artist in setting up the punchline, an interesting mixture of preparation and some improv. Ferguson's banter frequently stepping on Norm's setup or joke. When interviewing Norm, Conan (former SNL writer) knew when to let Norm go and when and how to intervene, which usually enhanced the setup for the punch line.

W&D were fans of Letterman because of his cynicism and sarcasm...and that worked when Merrill Markoe (former GF) was the head writer.

Date: Thurs, May 16, 2024, 15:56:32 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Jeez Dean. Watch her reaction. There's a combination of repulsion and then bemusement.

It's 5 o'clock somewhere...

Date: Thurs, May 16, 2024, 14:31:32 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. Uptown, Baby!

I know about Letterman's behind the scenes issues. But I'm talking about that one specific short interview. Watching it on its face, what is creepy? You are inferring based on what you've read and heard. You have a low opinion of Dave and are viewing that through your biases. "I know Dave is a creep, therefore this short interaction is creepy." I can see no other reason for feeling creeped out.

And again, I think Ferguson is very funny. But I'm basing my observation on what I see and hear. He BLATANTLY flirts with his guests, and often in sexual ways. I can see that being seen as a bit creepy by some. I'm not trying to psychoanalyze these guys. Carson could do it as well. And that was another time when that sort of thing was more acceptable. But looking back on some of those old interview, I'm guessing more than a few people are creeped out watching them now.

BTW none of this really bothers me if it doesn't go to far and is transparent. But I'm not easily offended. I try to understand why others might be, though.

OK I'm done with this topic as it is not Dangential in any way. Sorry for the sidetrack.

Date: Thurs, May 16, 2024, 13:03:40 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Hard to know with Quincy - he's said a lot of things over the years. He claimed in an interview that Epic did not want him to produce Thriller because he's "too jazzy."

While Off the Wall spent 16 weeks in a row at #1, MTV wasn't playing/broadcasting black artists until the Billie Jean video broke through... MJ's ability as an entertainer - singing, dancing, stage presence, writing, recording with a producer who could draw in songs from Stevie Wonder, Macca, and the late, great Rod Temperton.

One of Temperton's last collaborations was with...you know, Andy Platts. My record of the year for 2023.

https://youtu.be/9y_WVos6YS8?si=8IsNyTtSWrGrJHma

Date: Thurs, May 16, 2024, 12:13:14 ET
Posted by: Dr. Hünd, Hanging Valley Wall, Colorado

Michael, I believe you are referring to Quincy’s thoughts on the song Thriller which no one thought would be an additional hit from the already massively successful album. Then the video was released a year & a half later which became huge. If you’re talking about something else, then please source.

Date: Thurs, May 16, 2024, 06:32:46 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Dr. Hünd, *nobody* knew. Even Quincy said as much. There's no way to predict whether an album is gonna become a smash hit.

Date: Thurs, May 16, 2024, 02:29:30 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Sorry - The Duckworth Lewis Method was another group/duo Thomas Walsh was in.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7D9pdkZd8ks

Date: Thurs, May 16, 2024, 02:18:19 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Steve,

I think I was guilty of posting Take Me Away as Pugwash was part of that last power pop wave. From what I remember the conversation veered into discussion of cricket and the Duckworth Lewis method of keeping score, the name of their album. Thomas Walsh is a huge fan of cricket. I wondered what happened to them. Immensely talented IMO.

Date: Thurs, May 16, 2024, 02:09:20 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Dean: You need to read last year's papers about Letterman. It's turns out he was creepy-stalky to staff, guests.

Ferguson is from Scotland. Anything goes. He knew where the line was. One of the few comedians show could keep up with Robin Williams.

Billy Connolly was the king of that risque humor...there was an almost vaudvellian group of improv comics who hung around Glasgow.

Date: Thurs, May 16, 2024, 00:25:30 ET
Posted by: Dr. Hünd, Hanging Valley Wall, Colorado

<<Nobody knew Michael Jackson's Thriller was going to be a massive success. Things just turned out that way. >>

What!? Everybody knew Thriller was going to be a massive success. There was huge pent-up demand and interest for this album after Off the Wall, which was a critical and commercial success and turning point for Michael Jackson as a solo artist no longer held back from the Jackson 5. He had Quincy Jones producing again and promised every song would be a hit. He was at the top of his game and everyone knew and anticipated it. Thriller was definitely not an album that just turned out that way. I wasn’t even a fan and I was aware of all this shit.

Date: Wed, May 15, 2024, 16:01:03 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Steve M, I mentioned Pugwash awhile back, under what context I don't recall.

No matter who you are, no matter how talented you may be, it comes down to exposure. Always has, always will. It's extremely difficult to make an impact in the music business. You need to be in the right place at the right time, put yourself out there and hope for the best, but there are no guarantees.

Look at Donald & Walter. They were hovering around places like the Brill Building hawking their music, hoping for a chance to get their foot in the door with songs like 'Brain Tap Shuffle' or 'Oh Wow It's You Again'. Unorthodox to say the least, but their persistence paid off in the end.

Sometimes it takes years before an artist makes an impact. Cameron Lew, better known as Ginger Root, began by doing cover songs from the back of his car. Then he began releasing his own material in various forms, making fun music videos using old video recorders to capture an authentic retro feel. He finally hit his stride when in 2021 he released his City Slickers EP with the smash hit 'Loretta' which to date has almost 20 million views on YouTube.

Nobody knew Michael Jackson's Thriller was going to be a massive success. Things just turned out that way. Right place, right time, right exposure. Record labels cannot manufacture that kind of success. Either it happens organically or it doesn't happen at all.

Date: Wed, May 15, 2024, 14:41:19 ET
Posted by: Steve,

Earlier post, condolences at Steely Dan.com about David Sanborn from Libby and Donald.

David Sanborn
1945 - 2024
See you soon in the
WILD BLUE YONDER
Libby & Donald

The message left me a bit unsettled, given Libby and Donald's recently reported health issues.

Let's hope it's not all THAT soon!

Date: Wed, May 15, 2024, 14:34:19 ET
Posted by: Steve,

Hey Abu.......

You are right that the guy has great talent as a pianist and he creates beautiful harmonies.

But the tempo and key leaves me wondering if he knows the song is about a husband who enjoys jerking off while his frosty wife, Mary, dreams alone.

Everyone's got their own touch, but Donald's delivery and tempo leads me to believe the character singing this song is a bit more energetic, if not frantic, and less languid and limp as this guy.

Just my two piasters.

Date: Wed, May 15, 2024, 14:11:59 ET
Posted by: Abu, One Of The Best

You know me and covers... There are a few exceptional ones out there among the thousands. But this one I am about to share now is very good indeed. This guy is arguably one of the best solo cover guys IMO. This is a MUST LISTEN, even for you not-so-enthusiastic- about-covers people. Give his cover of Rose Darling a whirl. Check out when he gets to the chorus:the harmonies are great! His name is Frederic Bourgeois (a French guy I presume). Too bad among all his stuff, this is his only SD tune thus far. Give him a listen:

https://youtu.be/9hCzTq4KOME?si=yyIex6ERyOmLVSLx
.
.

Date: Wed, May 15, 2024, 10:17:07 ET
Posted by: Steve M, Scotland

Sadly Michael, the chances of Silvertwin having much success are slim at best despite their obvious talent. The was an Irish band around 10-15 years ago called Pugwash (recommended initially by someone on here I think) who ploughed exactly the same furrow and got precisely nowhere apart from a lot of critical acclaim. I'm sure I read an interview with mainman Thomas Walsh a few years back where he described seriously thinking about giving up the music business altogether such was his frustration at even being able to make a decent living from it.
Here's a few of their best:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-durMflf7c

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8bn2k9_LZE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPOCX7G5WhA

Date: Tues, May 14, 2024, 21:16:44 ET
Posted by: From Libby & Donald, NYC, NY

https://www.steelydan.com/news/david

Date: Tues, May 14, 2024, 09:42:16 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Silvertwin are a criminally underrated power pop group from the UK. Their music is a total throwback to 70s pop/rock chock full of great hooks, clever changes and vocal harmonies. Lead singer Isaac Shalam sounds most similar to Jeff Lynne, especially with those double-tracked vocals, but is unique enough that you can tell the difference. Hopefully they'll get the recognition they deserve.


Ploy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9csNNP3Ni0E

You Only

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wr_W7S-WpqQ

Doubted

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVUZIj4yGNs

I Don't Want To Fight Anymore

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SKFEd7Nrh4g

Date: Mon, May 13, 2024, 17:53:20 ET
Posted by: Michael,

RIP David Sanborn.

Not only did David and the Brecker brothers incorporate their signature sound to Gaucho but a massive pool of other great albums from artists like Michael Franks, Jaco Pastorius, George Benson, James Brown, James Taylor, and too many others to list.

Date: Mon, May 13, 2024, 17:25:52 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. It's Happy Hour

I suppose this is Dangential. Terrific cover of Larry Carlton's Room 335 by Muses. Imagine this tune being played on a Flying V-esque guitar.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vbKDCKY82jA

Date: Mon, May 13, 2024, 17:23:20 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. It's Happy Hour

RIP David Sanborn. Too many too soon

Date: Mon, May 13, 2024, 15:11:03 ET
Posted by: moray eel, Finer

R.I.P. Mr. Sanborn

https://youtu.be/r0F83sMAjJ4?si=QeO0rn7v0X-0NPWY

m..e.

Date: Mon, May 13, 2024, 15:02:43 ET
Posted by: The Gaucho, Way up there

R.I.P. David Sanborn

https://www.cnn.com/2024/05/13/entertainment/david-sanborn-death/index.html

Gonna play Time Out of Mind (Alto Sax) in his honor.

Date: Mon, May 13, 2024, 08:23:12 ET
Posted by: Michael,

New playlist.


Nature TV - She Wants To See You Cry

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vg505WyN7K4

Luna Li - Afterglow

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9xWmszor5zI

Tim Atlas & Friends - Out Cold (Live)

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

Biscuit Fan - 恋人のいる時間 (Time With Lover)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6fTN9OvD6ho

State Cows - Lonely Road

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ItsJ0py1tYc

Donald Fagen - The Night Belongs To Mona

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

Date: Sun, May 12, 2024, 19:58:58 ET
Posted by: Abu, Seeking

In 2020 the artist Jamie Brantley covered Roll Back the Meaning. Excellent, IMHO. Sorry if it has been posted here previously. Check it out:

https://youtu.be/Fj_WsZETpOg?si=AoKH5mo4ZMhvDP3E
.
.

Date: Sun, May 12, 2024, 16:45:59 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Ferguson grew up in the UK which would explain his offbeat humor and mannerisms. While much of the comedy from decades ago might seem risqué to a modern audience, it was acceptable for the sake of humor. Modern *comedy* takes itself way too seriously because people are too afraid of stepping on other people's toes for fear of offending someone, which defeats the purpose of comedy.

That's why modern comedy sucks.

Date: Sun, May 12, 2024, 12:33:15 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. Reggae Sunday!

Like I said Michael, I really don't watch any of late night talk shows on a regular, or even semi-regular basis. But I do find Kimmel and Colbert to be fairly intelligent and funny. And as you know ALL these late night shows have a staff of comedy writers. I still find the host sets the tone of the humor. And I agree Ferguson can be hysterical. My pont was he was an obvious lech and could get pretty creepy with his female guests. Conan, too, from what I can remember. Seemed a bit more "fun" and less creepy when Craig did it, possibly because I have a low tolerance for Conan. Then again I'm not a woman, so perhaps my opinion isn't all that important, here. But I didn't get much (if any) of a particular creepy vibe from the Letterman/Vela interview.

Date: Sun, May 12, 2024, 07:42:01 ET
Posted by: Michael,

The Dean, you actually watch Kimmel and Colbert? At least Ferguson had a natural ability to improv, whereas those other guys require a whole staff of writers to perform their schtick as the writer's strike proved when they went off the air.

Date: Sun, May 12, 2024, 00:00:30 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. Uptown, Baby!

I gotta ask Mu, you consider that "creepy-stakly"? I get very little vibe from that from that, especially when compared to Ferguson's outright obvious sex come ons with his female guests. BTW I actually think Craig is funny but clearly a lech. I hear Conan's a very good comedy writer, but I find his presentation very awkward and unfunny. I have to admit I don't watch these late night shows much at all. Very rarely actually, and when I do it's usually just segments on the Internet. But the only guys who make me laugh on late night these days are Kimmel and Colbert.

Date: Sat, May 11, 2024, 16:59:04 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Live version of Rosie Vela on Letterman with Magi Smile.

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

She's actually very good - nice smokey contralto vocals. Ca. 1987? before ear monitors (IEMs), Rosie cups her hand, a la an OG radio broadcaster or Robin Gibb, to hear herself... and stay on pitch singing a difficult melody with a plethora of accidentals.

Letterman gets creepy-stalky at the end. I don't miss Letterman (post Merrill Markoe) or Leno. Conan and Craig Ferguson we far more amusing.

Date: Sat, May 11, 2024, 16:35:13 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Magic Smile from the same Rosie Vela alsum has that Dan swing with a little less intrusive drum machine tong...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwaiZL51H6I

Date: Sat, May 11, 2024, 10:40:59 ET
Posted by: Steve M, Scotland

Probably nothing new here that the Bluebook regulars aren't well aware of but....

back in those post Nightfly mid- 80's days there was very little new Dan related stuff out there so we really were feeding off scraps. This was one of the meatiest morsels from '86 (don't worry, I realise that particular metaphor has run its course....)

Donald and Walter on synths and Rick Derringer on guitar with Gary Katz producing and Elliot Scheiner on the mix:

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

If you look up the track "Interlude" from the same album, that even includes a rare (for the time) Walter guitar solo

Enjoying all the recent recommendations for new music btw (esp Fonteyn) keep 'em coming, much appreciated.

Also, spare a thought/say a prayer for all of us over here in the UK and Europe as tonight we are exposed to an annual monstrosity called the Eurovision song contest which is best survived by locking oneself in a darkened room with no TV set and a vinyl copy of Katy Lied and not coming out until it's all over......

Date: Sat, May 11, 2024, 09:58:49 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Another great Toto song is 'Let It Go' written by Greg Phillinganes. It reminds me of those training montages in Rocky IV. Good workout music.

More great songs to check out.

The Doobie Brothers - Another Park, Another Sunday
Lee Ritenour - Mr. Briefcase (feat. Eric Tagg on vocals)
Hall & Oates - Wait For Me
Stevie Wonder - Creepin'
Atlanta Rhythm Section - The Great Escape
Marvin Gaye - I Want You
Greg Phillinganes - Lazy Nina (composed by Donald Fagen)
Spandau Ballet - Only When You Leave
Todd Rundgren - Time Heals

Date: Sat, May 11, 2024, 04:36:58 ET
Posted by: Lutz, Hnl

Agreed, Michael. As is ‘Somehwere Tonight’ a gorgeous shuffle. Incredible Porcaro.

Date: Sat, May 11, 2024, 04:30:59 ET
Posted by: Lutz, Hnl

Agreed, Michael. As is ‘Somehwere Tonight’ a gorgeous shuffle. Incredible Porcaro.

Date: Fri, May 10, 2024, 18:57:59 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Toto's 99 is a cool song. Unlike Africa, Roseanna or Hold The Line, 99 benefitted greatly from *not* being played on virtually every station in heavy rotation.

Oversaturation can make listeners tire of hearing an otherwise great song.

Date: Fri, May 10, 2024, 18:44:12 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Abu: Yeah, that was the tack piano faux honky tonk and ragtime production that was a thing in the early 70s...especially after The Sting was a movie hit. TBH, it wore thin even back then and I couldn't make through 30 sec of the KV cover.

SD took the opposite approach and updated the late 40s/early 50s bebop on Parker's Band, which followed nicely after the revamped East St. Louis Toodle-oo. Both recordings I believe were partially a raised digit to the Record Company Formerly Known as ABC Dunhill. ABCD wanted another hit record (short singles), not the stretch out takes on Your Gold Teeth, Boston Rag, dueling guitars on Bodi, and Burn that ARP Synth Down on King of the World of CTE.

"Take these 3 minutes of hyper-jazz on rock instruments and shove it up...and Do it Again."

Date: Fri, May 10, 2024, 18:12:37 ET
Posted by: Abu, Twice Entered, Impatient Me

Sorry about the double post. I was impatient, obviously.

Date: Fri, May 10, 2024, 18:10:46 ET
Posted by: Abu, nowhere important

Well, I guess covers are not a thing for many of you out there, apparently. Here is my opinion of the Kenny Vance Parker's Band cover. In a word: tacky. Perhaps it is the keyboard, which to me sounds like a tack piano, you know, what you might hear in a saloon that plays ragtime or something. The word, or phrase that comes to my mind is "honky-tonk", which was what a tack piano was used for often enough. I think his version has kind of that feel to it, even the beat Kenny chose.It does get better in the latter half with the sax and female scat vocal. Becker and Fagen's original is a kinda hard-driving number, made that way thanks to the double drums of Gordon and Porcaro and the dualing saxes of Watts, Richardson and/or Johnson. SD's without a doubt brings Charlie Parker and his band into your living room. Not so at all with KV and his band.

Date: Fri, May 10, 2024, 18:10:45 ET
Posted by: Abu, nowhere important

Well, I guess covers are not a thing for many of you out there, apparently. Here is my opinion of the Kenny Vance Parker's Band cover. In a word: tacky. Perhaps it is the keyboard, which to me sounds like a tack piano, you know, what you might hear in a saloon that plays ragtime or something. The word, or phrase that comes to my mind is "honky-tonk", which was what a tack piano was used for often enough. I think his version has kind of that feel to it, even the beat Kenny chose.It does get better in the latter half with the sax and female scat vocal. Becker and Fagen's original is a kinda hard-driving number, made that way thanks to the double drums of Gordon and Porcaro and the dualing saxes of Watts, Richardson and/or Johnson. SD's without a doubt brings Charlie Parker and his band into your living room. Not so at all with KV and his band.

Date: Fri, May 10, 2024, 17:43:33 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,

Shaman Elephant - wow - late 60s proggy intersected with 90/2000s indie rock. They can definitely play their instruments.


I may need to duck swiftly with these, but I've found that when Toto fused more UK prog into the jazz/pop fusion and let the musicianship speak (and I could mostly ignore the lyrics) they were actually pretty good...because Jeff Porcaro, David Hungate, Lukather, Paich, Steve Porcaro could freakin' play...Jeff I think particularly enjoyed playing on these songs so he could stretch out.

Girl Goodbye

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqLjbeXkc_0

Hydra

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nM8m-NeklTg

Mama

https://youtu.be/2EYLObG7H0A?si=LqRyLybcLmNU5BM5

St. George & the Dragon

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGQ-XIg4c-4&list=OLAK5uy_ma9ovZlZV3qcUXijVLyaTe5VzBun4Phe8&index=2


Their pop hits are mostly crap...except for the "Boz Scaggs outtake" Georgie Porgy. OK, I like 99, also.

Date: Fri, May 10, 2024, 17:18:13 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,

Michael: Good catch...and no surprise since Gary Katz produced both 80s Eye to Eye albums. Donald Fagen added synth and keyboards on the album, including the title track.

More of that early 80s Reggae/Latin bouncy synthy Fageny groove. Heavy on the harmonies.

Shakespeare Stole My Baby:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J26Vc2ef7Ys

Date: Thurs, May 09, 2024, 18:45:41 ET
Posted by: Abu, Home

Yes, Michael I totally understand. I say hats off to them, as you stated, they are definitely fans of SD. It is a good song for sure.
.

Date: Thurs, May 09, 2024, 16:36:05 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Abu, I had mentioned they're a prog-rock band, not a jazz-infused pop-rock band. Granted, there's plenty of prog out there that's jazzy, but there's nothing wrong with stuff that's more rock-oriented. They liked SD enough that they wrote a song around them. Not many artists do that.

Date: Thurs, May 09, 2024, 14:32:44 ET
Posted by: Abu, U.S.A.

Thanks for the link to the song "Steely Dan", Michael. A decent tribute of sorts to SD, but the music carries no resemblance to our fave artist. Clever lyrics, as stated, using several song titles.

And yes Mr. Dean, I compiled that playlist, as well as 3 others, as you might deduce from the title of the list.....Anyone else with your thoughts on the aforementioned Kenny Vance cover of P's B?
.

Date: Thurs, May 09, 2024, 06:51:22 ET
Posted by: Michael,

When a Norwegian prog-rock band called Shaman Elephant named one of their songs Steely Dan, naturally I was curious to hear it. It's good, real good, using SD song titles for its lyrics. Check them out.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=diLaaSSJ54c

Date: Wed, May 08, 2024, 21:07:12 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. It's Happy Hour

Mr. Urfe,

M/O/D/P also says nice things about me, which makes me instantly suspicious. But in your case he's probably right. How is everything in Phraxos?

Abu, loving your playlist of Dan covers so far. (Am I right in understanding this is one you have compiled?) As to the Vance cover of Parker's band: It's interesting for sure. And it does what (IMO) a cover should do. It isn't a note-for-note copy by any means. It puts a very different spin on the song.And it's kind of decent. Better on the second listen. So at least in that way, I'm fine with it.

Date: Wed, May 08, 2024, 20:16:04 ET
Posted by: moray eel, Al

Long time SD hater, Steve Albini, died. He received some attention here for his anti-SD tweets.

m.e.

Date: Wed, May 08, 2024, 16:55:48 ET
Posted by: Nicholas Urfe, Phraxos

I watched a several-years-old documentary about the Wrecking Crew on Netflix this weekend. I enjoyed it, altough there's much more to tell than you can fit in 90 minutes.

In the credits at the end, there were some lists of Wrecking Crew "members," and Victor Feldman was listed. Then, in doing some research on the interwebs to see if I could find what he played on, Jim Gordon's name popped up.

I continue to be reminded that, despite M/O/D/P's insistence that I'm fucking brilliant, what I don't know far exceeds what I know.

Date: Tues, May 07, 2024, 21:45:13 ET
Posted by: Abu, In Kent Nishimura's Corner

Thanks, Dirk on the great find of that young talent Kent Nishimura. His instrumental acoustic cover of Hey 19 is awesome. I'm always interested in finding good Fagen/Becker/SD covers, do you think? I just put it near the top of one of SD playlists on Y-T. Here is the playlist, if so inclined to check out some decent ones:

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL19bnGk1raAcuK_kZXjMRLZnaXjEfih7Q&si=6kTUiJlSf-oHvF6T

And, speaking of covers.. One that was recorded many many moons ago, was done by Kenny Vance. In '75 he did Dirty Work and Parker's Band. I am curious, what do you guys think of his version of Parker's Band? I will offer my opinion later, hopefully after hearing from a few of your thoughts. Here is KV's cover here:

https://youtu.be/EL9XpZTlQXk?si=hL8xeR_unjvPOfNH

..

Date: Tues, May 07, 2024, 19:44:32 ET
Posted by: Michael,

That's an interesting comparison Doc. Both tracks have a bouncy feel to them although Eye to Eye's track features a modified reggae rhythm not dissimilar to IGY. Thanks for sharing.

Date: Tues, May 07, 2024, 17:48:27 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Girl on a Bicycle reminded me of this Eye to Eye ditty:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5AdiM56VqU&list=PL8FfepTJ23kSWhG1ayMbdpwA4DlK2yNS0&index=6

Date: Tues, May 07, 2024, 10:07:38 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Fonteyn is such a phenomenal artist, a throwback to 70s music, at times evocative of Bacharach (Things to Make You Feel Better), Rundgren (These Days) and other artists from that bygone era. Their album 'Trip The Light Fantastic' sounds exactly like something recorded back then and their latest single, Jody, could've been a lost Carpenters hit. Not only is lead singer Suzanne May's voice effortlessly beautiful but as a songwriter she has a firm grasp of the nuanced characteristics of the era she's evoking. Strong melodies with warm lyrics, gorgeous harmonic movement and superb arrangements make for an experience as close to a time machine as is possible. Even the videos look like they were filmed during the early 70s.

Do not overlook this artist.


Savannah

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmeCF2x8p-w

Jody

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YnwVTI3o2w

Girl On A Motorcycle

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTwzh9b7KOk

These Days

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ANdpJI8dmhU

Date: Tues, May 07, 2024, 04:12:25 ET
Posted by: Dirk,

this kid has some talent ...


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=breqFi2C750&list=RDbreqFi2C750&start_radio=1

Greetings
Dirk

Date: Tues, May 07, 2024, 01:41:02 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,

Prefab was at their Dan-diest about the same time. From Langley Park to Memphis and Jordan - the Comeback were as chock full of highlights as Steve McQueen, maybe moreseo.

Why The King of Rock and Roll (another Elvis sendoff) was released as a single in the US is beyond me.

I Remember That

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e7VurhK2kos

Nightingales (with Stevie Wonder harmonica solo)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3D-tJf9u7M

Hey Manhattan - knee deep in fate

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


were the obvious singles.


Jordan the Comeback was a Masterpiece. Looking for Atlantis was the single - probably for me the weakest song. Carnival 2000 was the follow up and is fantastic...then hit after potential hit...

Wild Horses

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SbVHkGzvs_M&list=OLAK5uy_nXP7YKInx2FV5kJiL-YDkOBQ6kKkHtIYs&index=2

Machine Gun Ibiza

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5c2v4bL9vI&list=OLAK5uy_nXP7YKInx2FV5kJiL-YDkOBQ6kKkHtIYs&index=3


All the World Loves Lovers - 1990 George Gershwin

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNBLm200PNc&list=OLAK5uy_nXP7YKInx2FV5kJiL-YDkOBQ6kKkHtIYs&index=10

The Ice Maiden

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66kMxAMVcwo&list=OLAK5uy_nXP7YKInx2FV5kJiL-YDkOBQ6kKkHtIYs&index=12


Jordan the Comeback (More Elvis)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7GShuDon5o






Andromeda Heights and The Gunman are fine, but they weren't the same without Neil Conti, Wendy, and Thomas Dolby at the console. Paddy was struck down by Méniere's Disease and torn retinas...and continued recording himself.

The resurrected Let's Change the World with music demos to album are fine, but Crimson/Red and especially the experimental I Trawl the Megahertz are worthy of the Prefab Sprout moniker.


There are probably 5-10 albums at least in the can...

Date: Tues, May 07, 2024, 01:04:24 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu, youknow

Queen

Date: Tues, May 07, 2024, 01:03:53 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Jellyfish had this R&B - power pop - Quenn fusion that was pure gold. Unfortunately, Hair Metal, Rap, and Grunge drowned them out.

There's a touch of Prefab Sprout in this one:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWv7Uc3z4qI&list=PLEvr99j7ruPzKL88X-2JukWkehWwB-3dh&index=3

Calling Sarah

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jrj1SBMmf4w&list=PLEvr99j7ruPzKL88X-2JukWkehWwB-3dh&index=9


That reminds me of the Fountains of Wayne shout out by Don B on this hilarious number:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zAnPf2v9W0I&list=PLMQHkFabZ0rr5IverDPbILi_QdzlDM3Im&index=9

that sh*t just wasn't right.

Date: Mon, May 06, 2024, 12:53:19 ET
Posted by: Steve M, Scotland

Some great stuff there that I've never heard before and will explore further....thanks folks. Also always nice to see Fountains of Wayne get a mention, Their profile over here in the UK is next to zero despite having so many fine songs other than 'the hit single'

But if we're talking about melodic pop pastiche bands then surely Jellyfish, the daddies of them all have to get a mention? Don't know why they never made it bigger, suspect they might have been simply trying too hard....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KnnOeEW_e8

Date: Mon, May 06, 2024, 07:19:26 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Pocket Sun - Jupiter

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLcXo753-CM

Now would you listen to that. Perfect songwriting.

Date: Sun, May 05, 2024, 20:22:40 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Brian and Michael D'Addario seamlessly straddle the gap between psychedelic, sunshine and baroque pop, with modern production quality and songwriting which sounds at once timeless and effortless. For however pastiche they may be, wearing their influences on their sleeves (The Beach Boys, The Beatles and Todd Rundgren, to name a few), they have refined their own sound rather nicely.

It's very reassuring that young artists such as The Lemon Twigs are producing music as rich and endearing as the heavyweights which came before them. Anyone who claims that modern music sucks clearly doesn't know what they're talking about.


In My Head

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5XGx5bWttc

Small Victories

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6LodGUpmxY

Only a Fool

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T2iNXLgOJvQ

Date: Sun, May 05, 2024, 13:19:21 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,

Some props to The Lemon Twigs for crossing the Beach Boys and The Partridge Family from their New One:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vbppp0j7f5w

Date: Sun, May 05, 2024, 12:03:25 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Dr Hund - I was thinking the same. By a nostril. I even looked up the horse's name to see if there was a connection. lol

Date: Sun, May 05, 2024, 12:02:00 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

I'm not sure about better, but the Lemon Twigs have a bright power pop sound - like a cross between Ben Folds and The Raspberries. I can overlook the light coloring/pitch correction with autotune for some nice chord changes including an interesting diminished chord and turnaround.

In the 2000s, when there was a bit of a resurgence in power pop (e.g., Fountains of Wayne), A Dream is All I Know might have been a hit. Every 20 years or so, power pop makes a comeback.

Here's something from the ca. late 70s/early 80s power pop/new wave era. If they had been called The CDs or The Streaming they might have been around longer. Their US hit was Starry Eyes. I prefer this Tim Friese-Greene (Talk Talk) produced track. Nice call and response guitar licks.


https://youtu.be/cp5zXNpVqD0?si=JzTFTFuPaf1FEjEn

From the (even better) follow-up album, which didn't sell but was Album of the Month in Stereo Review.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=laRuDVPM4_Y&list=PLzGotn8LeP0fv5LyctRgzZq68PopZtO1U&index=3

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSm0-7JmSPQ&list=PLzGotn8LeP0fv5LyctRgzZq68PopZtO1U&index=5

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8CTWQqsrBsc&list=PLzGotn8LeP0fv5LyctRgzZq68PopZtO1U&index=2

I think it was The Records attention to harmonies that were attractive, like Steely Dan - who also scored Stereo Review's Album of the Month - even though Gaucho has taken unwarranted slogging from "critics" over the years.

https://youtu.be/XOuFO8KPnjw?si=ybrdSF-pZ42WkvNT

Date: Sat, May 04, 2024, 21:13:58 ET
Posted by: Dr. Hünd, Hanging Valley Wall, Colorado

Did we all bet on Mystik Dan?

Date: Sat, May 04, 2024, 11:22:57 ET
Posted by: Michael,

The Lemon Twigs are much better.

Date: Sat, May 04, 2024, 01:53:29 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Sorry = Moray eel beat me to it.

Date: Sat, May 04, 2024, 01:51:56 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

The CMU story is amazing - band?

Porcaro
Donald
Walter
Rainey
MM or Omartian?
Horns?

The Marias dropped If Only yesterday.

Hypnotic:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SixC90UUeE8

Date: Sat, May 04, 2024, 01:32:54 ET
Posted by: Dr. Hünd, Hanging Valley Wall, Colorado

Notable User got the short end of CMU education it appears.

As Moray Eel, I would like to get confirmation that it really happened, set list, band members, and rider.

OMG that voice coach. I had to abort no matter the interest.

Date: Fri, May 03, 2024, 10:49:46 ET
Posted by: pope greg xxiii, Inner Space

King Princess has covered "Dirty Work" for the soundtrack of the new season the very funny TV show Hacks. https://youtu.be/gzh7eAOTSVs?si=fa2YRsFIeTf-sOe9

Date: Fri, May 03, 2024, 07:53:37 ET
Posted by: moray eel, Cm

It is a great story. I would like to get confirmation that it really happened. I grew up a little south of CMU.

No mention of which song were played or a list of band members who participated. Donald, Walterand maybe Porcaro and Dias.

m.e.

Date: Fri, May 03, 2024, 07:10:23 ET
Posted by: Jimmie, US

Notable user comment on that video:

I remember back in 1975; a professor at CMU was teaching us neophytes a Music Appreciation class. She new (sic) Donald Fagan (sic) and much to our surprise; Steely Dan showed up for a concert to our 120 seat music room for the class! They all sat down at their instruments and pulled out sheet music and began to play. It was mesmerizing! No theatrics, no wasted energy; just playing all of their songs perfectly! Steely Dan didn't tour at all at this time; so this was by far the greatest 'concert' that I ever experienced!

Date: Fri, May 03, 2024, 00:34:28 ET
Posted by: moray eel, Voice

A voice coach analyzes Donald’s vocal on Do It Again.

https://youtu.be/_RnOJRvmRg0?si=VFhZGZakuvoFKf_G

m.e.

Date: Thurs, May 02, 2024, 09:02:13 ET
Posted by: Michael,

New playlist. Enjoy.


The Lemon Twigs - A Dream Is All I Know

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

Rae Khalil - IS IT WORTH IT

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5wzkADAkElo

Louis Cole - Things Will Fall Apart

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZOkLMXXax4

Khruangbin - Hold Me Up (Thank You)

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

The Lemon Twigs - Any Time Of Day

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmX2wsnzEGE

Date: Tues, April 30, 2024, 15:32:47 ET
Posted by: Abu, Stood Corrected

Thank you The Dean for correcting my letters and duplicate DWs... Anyone on the identity of medley tunes?
.

Date: Mon, April 29, 2024, 15:48:09 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. Uptown, Baby!

Abu, great stuff. Thanks for turning me on to them.

And for those who might be confused as I was, DW = Doctor Wu (nor Dirty Work). And I thin TWN is a typo. TWM, Third World Man.

Date: Mon, April 29, 2024, 07:34:56 ET
Posted by: Jon, Q

Consensus is that that currently there are no SD concerts scheduled, as an opener or otherwise.

Date: Mon, April 29, 2024, 05:04:11 ET
Posted by: Bren,

Anyone confirm that Doobie have replaced Steely Dan as support to Eagles in Manchester UK?

Date: Sun, April 28, 2024, 20:38:41 ET
Posted by: E,

Doc Mu


Correction:
My last post should have read:“Sharp Major 7th chords”,
which is what you had originally written.
There are no such things as “sharp major 7th chords”
Your link is regarding C Sharp Major 7th chords.
I think you had left out the note/letter name (in this case
C).

Date: Sun, April 28, 2024, 20:30:14 ET
Posted by: E,

Doc Mu

Your link is for C-sharp major 7th chords, which
do exist.

You had originally written “sharp 7th chords”.

There’s a big difference between the two.

Date: Sun, April 28, 2024, 18:55:30 ET
Posted by: Abu, On Top of the Covers

Guitarist Bob Sneider and pianist Paul Hofmann team up to cover 9 SD tunes, including two very rarely done Negative Girl and Everything Must Go. Strictly instrumental, no vocals.. which is all well and good. The other seven are POTQ, DW,GE,NxN,CL, A,TWN.

Here are the two "rarities:

Negative Girl:

https://youtu.be/p2r7RcqFMHo?si=CQMmaG4-lBDAKQKA

Everything Must Go:

https://youtu.be/dG0ZT091qr8?si=V4LWk4Roxz-TwJCg

Interestingly, in the last 2 or 3 minutes of EMG, the duo breaks into a medley of, to my count, at least 8 other snippets of SD tunes. See if we can name 'em.


Abu

Date: Sun, April 28, 2024, 17:04:52 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

This one from The Marias has a Tom Misch vibe.

I Don't Know You:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YzKM5g_FwYU

Date: Sun, April 28, 2024, 17:01:49 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

E -

https://m.basicmusictheory.com/c-sharp-major-7th-chords

- I'd have to work out the notes on my daughter's keyboard and reverse engineer them. The tabs could be iffy.

Date: Sat, April 27, 2024, 18:20:25 ET
Posted by: Tommy Yawn, Chicago

I used to work with and party with the Umphrey's Band's (and manager's) girlfriends at their shared house and they had absolutely zero Steely Dan CDs to play in the living room's hutch full of CDs. Just shitty, weedly, wanky jam music.

No RnB, only hip-hop was (a fine choice) the Low End Theory, which was one of the girlfriend's. Least funky dudes whose couch I slept on.

Date: Sat, April 27, 2024, 16:43:17 ET
Posted by: E Abern Browks,

Dr Mu

“A lot of sharp Maj7ths and suspended 7ths”.

You’re not serious, are you?

“Sharp major 7ths” are the tonic note of the chord, eg.: C E G C.
There’s no such thing as a sharp major 7th or suspended Major 7th,

Date: Sat, April 27, 2024, 16:37:18 ET
Posted by: Umphrey’s McGee , House of Blues, Boston

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYBojwTRMBA (** only **)

Set 3: All Night Wrong (featuring All Covers voted by fans)
1. Roundabout (Yes cover)

** 2. Kid Charlemagne (Steely Dan cover) **

3. Plush (Stone Temple Pilots cover)
4. Cult of Personality (Living Colour cover)
5. Hunger Strike (Temple of the Dog cover)
6. No More Tears (Ozzy Osbourne cover)
7. Big Poppa (The Notorious B.I.G. cover)

Date: Fri, April 26, 2024, 20:01:28 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

OK, Only in My Dreams sounds like it could have been on Andromeda Heights. The Marias have that 90s vibe.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aD-uDd54560

A lot of sharp Maj7ths and suspended 7ths.

Date: Fri, April 26, 2024, 19:21:56 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Steve M - I also hear a little Jordan the Comeback era Prefab Sprout in Cariño.

Date: Fri, April 26, 2024, 19:13:33 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,

Steve - sorry, the Carino link was ok.

Here's the correct link for the Run Your Mouth video:

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

Perfect marriage of a singer songwriter with a producer/multi-instrumentalist - like YGSF.

Date: Fri, April 26, 2024, 11:31:41 ET
Posted by: Steve M, Scotland

Doc, you've effed up your links but the Marias track you did manage to link to is rather wonderful...

Date: Thurs, April 25, 2024, 23:56:15 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

This one has more Steely and Bacharach. Maria Zaedoya is an hypnotizing vocalist.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QHVp9xiUr9U

Date: Thurs, April 25, 2024, 23:38:05 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Thanks for posting the Robyn Flans/GaryKatz interview with John DeChristopher. The drum Room is full of great interviews.


I'm addicted to this song by The Marias. It's like an Electronic inverse Dan. Is that wrong?

https://youtu.be/BC8ZeWzkPN4?si=8hCeGN_qAGFQhJdV

Date: Thurs, April 25, 2024, 17:30:21 ET
Posted by: Lutz, Hal

Went to see Larry Carlton on his final tour, great show and 6 piece band w Gary Novak on drums. They're off to Japan for 2 weeks. He shared some cool stories of his time with SD.
"Did you you ever show up for work and felt like a genius that day?" Then played the into to Black Cow and the whole song.
Also Black Friday and Kid Charlemagne, some early Crusaders.

Date: Mon, April 22, 2024, 16:15:16 ET
Posted by: Dave (from acquisitions), Philadelphia

Don’t think I’ve seen this posted yet. A rare interview with Gary Katz who joins to talk about the amazing Jeff Porcaro who we all know and love on what would have been his 70th birthday. Always great to hear from Gary. I still don’t think there’s a definite Gary interview out there. He’s one guy who is as vital to the Steely Dan story as anyone besides Don and Walt themselves and yet there hasn’t been a real thorough discussion with him on one of the many podcasts out there. It’s a shame because his memory still seems to be quite intact and I’m sure he’s got a million great stories about the classic Dan period plus of course Nightfly

https://youtu.be/BC8ZeWzkPN4?si=8hCeGN_qAGFQhJdV

Date: Mon, April 22, 2024, 12:54:03 ET
Posted by: Eddie Hoe, Barrie Wilson

First time - April 16 1974, Masonic Temple, Detroit (many empty seats)

Opening act Al Stewart (no backing band) was booed so may have quit early, after 4 songs.

I though CBAT was great but I was floored by CTE and PL...so fortunate I saw SD then and knew the band/material...Porcaro with Hodder together with the unknown MM.

As if that wasn't enough history, I also witnessed (Alpharetta GA) the the first live playing of Gaucho (song) w Walter singing.

Have seen them several times during 2000's...it's a sacred experience for sure.

Date: Sat, April 20, 2024, 22:16:45 ET
Posted by: Lutz, Hnl

Dean, I experienced my first SD show at the same venue in 1994, then again '96. Before Google took over the neighborhood. It was equally an almost out of body experience, elevated by some Humboldt supplements... 94 Dennis Chambers was on drums, '96 was Ricky Lawsons' first, I believe.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLBWfBG9_4k

Date: Sat, April 20, 2024, 12:42:59 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. Uptown, Baby!

Brian, I'm pretty sure that show was my first SD concert experience. Imagine waiting for 20+ years for your favorite band to tour and be somewhere actually accessible to you. Even though I expected the show to be great (it's SD, how could it not be?) I could never imagine how mind blowing the experience would be.

Drew Zing was incredible live. Bill Ware added so much on vibes. That particular instrumental medley to start the show has always been one of my favorite openers.

Thanks for sharing.

Date: Fri, April 19, 2024, 18:58:53 ET
Posted by: moray eel, NY

Fagen’s New York Rock and Soul at high school.

https://youtu.be/6juqFChRoko?si=WyC9LkOsiLA4RYs9

m.e.

Date: Fri, April 19, 2024, 17:02:19 ET
Posted by: Brian, Oxford

Dan Belecher's remastered 1993 Mountain View CA video is affording me a great deal of pleasure. Great setlist, superb playing and Don still had some of that great voice.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3uNhDxcYJg&

Date: Thurs, April 18, 2024, 19:16:26 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. It's Happy Hour

Probably not Dangential, bur RIP Dickey Betts.

Date: Wed, April 17, 2024, 22:33:18 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu, No art crime

I heard an interview on NPR, while driving back and forth to work, with St. Vincent/Annie... and she is a *massive* Steely Dan fan. St. Vincent's music, and especially the live performances are a different type of art. I recommend seeing them/her live. There are elements of Prince and Bowie in the highly orchestrated and choreographed live performance art. Something less parodied than Lady Gaga.

Annie Clark was really drawn to the ear candy music of Steely Dan glossing over narratives about a cadre of really seedy characters. Then she proceeded to *scat* the piano solo on Fire in the Hole, where Fagen is looking for the space between the notes.

That solo reminds me of how St Vincent approaches performing a song on stage. I've seen the Austin City Limits concert. A good portion was mesmerizing - because you're watching her and the band act out little plays. this may not be everybody's cup of tea.

I was watching the Huey Newton video from ACL, and it occurred to me: She's Josie!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3I89orRWN7I

or could be.

Date: Tues, April 16, 2024, 17:07:24 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Gaucho is the gift that keeps on giving. D&W wrote enough material for it to fill two albums.

Date: Tues, April 16, 2024, 00:54:14 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Damn, How did I miss this recreation or "cover" of Talkin 'Bout My Home.

Talent + a little AI and modern recording capabilities. Fantastico.

https://youtu.be/eBDG9ZiQnv0?si=6N6tzrk_QkYtP79H

Tasty! Gaucho really should have been a double album.

Date: Tues, April 16, 2024, 00:19:06 ET
Posted by: Abu, Covering Covers

Surely many would agree that there are not nearly enough covers of Walter Becker solo material. However, I have discovered one that is quite good, IMHO. It is by a young woman with the name Danica Baldry. She does Down In the Bottom, originally on 11TOW. Check it out here:

https://youtu.be/C3VVLxDIwqM?si=INqBsF40n-7bmKO7
.

Date: Sun, April 14, 2024, 00:29:41 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. Uptown, Baby!

CCW, I want to say you have sent me down a bit of a rabbit hole with that Steve Kahn youtube video. I had never known about this Steely Dan podcast. I have to assume someone has posted it in the past, but it somehow escaped me. It's called Gaucho Amigo and I assume it is available on most of the podcast outlets. But here's the youtube link as I know that is what M/O/P/D prefers. 🤪

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLD_G2IarMgqZuFzApZfzEA7Tswkr_aP5c

But it seems some episodes are missing.

Date: Sat, April 13, 2024, 21:48:59 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Effortless modulations on Take it or Leave It.

Date: Sat, April 13, 2024, 21:46:45 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,

YGSF Song of the Day: Kind of McDoobie in "honor" of the Doobie Bros. taking one for the team and sparing Steely Dan of more openers for the Beagles.

Take it or Leave It from the fab. AM Waves:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZLx6NdKaZc




and Talk Talk's iconic It's My Life with the almost Steely Ebadd9 in the verse:

https://youtu.be/mAOkNNSjkuU?si=89jCy_6ZNysbTM4j

Talk Talk later left the Synth Scene and went on to forge a jazz-post rock fusion on the Spirit of Eden and Laughing Stock albums.

Date: Fri, April 12, 2024, 19:55:04 ET
Posted by: CDanborn,

Does anyone else think that the lyrics from “Time Out of Mind”
are reverse irony/irony gone wrong ?

If WB and/or DF were trying to make the first person/
narrator in the lyrics sound like a fool who is seemingly unaware of
or chooses to ignore the inevitable disastrous consequences
of his actions, did they realize the personal (WB) irony in the lyrics
or did they not care at that point?

This would be especially true if the lyrics could
pertain to WB’s real life addiction back then.

Date: Thurs, April 11, 2024, 17:01:58 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago

"Gaucho," 200 g, clear viny, 45 RPM, double LP version arrived this morning. It was originally due December 1, 2023 and then postpone to May 1, 2024 but here we are and I'm glad to have it. So far everything sounds just amazing, simply amazing. Bernard Purdie's opening drums are always sort of a punch down, mini sound check for me whenever I listen to something.

Other quick notes. The new catalog for Acoustic Sounds now features "Aja" as the top, primary cover photo.  I seem to recall in a previous catalog the top spot went to "Kind of Blue." So righteous.

One thing in the liner notes: when Donald writes, "But if I were you, I'd be careful about when and how often you listen to this one," remember, just like in a 1992 interview with Greg Kott, Donald says the album reminds him of some very difficult times; he's NOT saying he doesn't like the album. (I just needed to say that because sometimes in the past over the past three decades or so that's where the conversation goes off kilter.)

While the original album credits are left in tact as part of the original artwork, the musician credits in the 2024 liner notes have no mention of Wendel and there are no drummer credits for "Glamour Profession," "Gaucho," "Time Out Of Mind," and "My Rivall."

Regarding the title track, Donald writes, "The song 'Gaucho'... was supposed to be a jokey pastiche of the off-kilter gospel thing Keith Jarrett was into at the time, but I guess Keith didn't think it was all that funny. He threatened to sue us and we consented to give him a composer credit."

I'm grateful to be able to share this experience of things I know and love with those of my kind.



Date: Thurs, April 11, 2024, 13:32:15 ET
Posted by: EC, NY

SD has been replaced with The Doobie Brothers, which is probably a fair trade-off for most Eagles fans. It could be worse, and obviously in the case of the recent Toronto Eagles show, back in March, it was. Much worse.

Date: Thurs, April 11, 2024, 13:18:00 ET
Posted by: Gabe, PA

Ironic that a band known for not playing live is now doing it at an age where age makes it hard to do.

Date: Thurs, April 11, 2024, 11:11:16 ET
Posted by: chris, nh

looks like Steely Dan has pulled out of the UK and NL legs of the Eagles tour. (Still showing on the bill the final NL show, but sure it's just a matter of time).

Date: Thurs, April 11, 2024, 08:02:30 ET
Posted by: Abu, SoCal

Long gone Abu here with some news about a new cover, recently released by jazz singer Lauren White. She has taken on Donald's I'm Not the Same Without You. She does it with a slower tempo than the original, in a style that is kinda Diana Krall-like. A tasty small horn ensemble arrangement, complete with a nifty piano solo taking the place of the Galison harmonica, altogether makes for a decent cover version that pays respect to the jazz routes of our legendary leader. Check it out here:

https://youtu.be/-yrcEFSACE8?si=bcHTi4js-jFiQbni

Date: Wed, April 10, 2024, 11:41:08 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Very clear version of Cash Only Island. Nice.

I'm now convinced it should have been on either EMG (replace The Last Mall or Blue Bueach) or TvN (replace Cousin Dupree). Krantz on a short but tasty guitar solo.


"Joining Becker and Fagen on this tour are: Tom Barney (Bass), John Beasley (Piano and Keyboards), Ricky Lawson (Drums), Wayne Krantz (Guitar), Cornelius Bumpus (Saxophone), Michael Leonhart (Trumpet), Ari Ambrose (Saxophone), Michelle Wiley (Background Vocals) and Carolyn Leonhart (Background Vocals)"

Date: Tues, April 09, 2024, 21:15:51 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. Uptown, Baby!

SDV, that is a sensational version/recording of Cash Only Island. Thanks for posting it. I can't believe this is the first time I've heard that recording. But then again, my mind is old and feeble, and riddled with alcohol and drug abuse, er use. So there's a good chance I've actually heard that before. 🤣

Date: Mon, April 08, 2024, 15:58:23 ET
Posted by: SDV, up on the hill

Cash Only Island was another cooker that got left behind. great groove, killer guitars, beefy horn chart. and Walter seemed to really enjoy it, he sang with gusto

https://youtu.be/l6bgD9Ve7io

Date: Sun, April 07, 2024, 22:21:26 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,

Early Andy Platts and Mamas Gun: Pots of Gold

https://youtu.be/HBmM9rhH8AQ?si=t6-PhnJC0OlZfl0W

Date: Sun, April 07, 2024, 22:05:39 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Ben Folds appears on another cover - with Daryl Hall in a jazzy/bluesy version of Private Eyes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_s0Jn1q-kRc

Date: Sun, April 07, 2024, 16:58:38 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

3 Sisters. 2 Sisters would be even less developed!

Date: Sun, April 07, 2024, 16:57:33 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Walter's vocal control is actually better live (Jack of Speed from 1997, Book of Liars from Alive, or on Slang of Ages or Circus Money) vs. 11 TOW.


I would agree that 2 Sisters is also not quite as developed or is simpler vs Love in the 4th or Wet Side Story.

I still would replace The Last Mall and Blues Beach in a heartbeat for Wet Side Story, 3 Sisters and/or Love in the 4th.

My EMG Revisited

*Wet Side Story
Godwhacker
Things I Miss the Most - with new intro per NE Corridor
*Pixeleen
Slang of Ages - my Walter corner
Love in the 4th - my Walter corner
*Lunch with Gina
Greenbook
Everything Must Go

#Japanese CD bonus track: 3 Sisters

* my choice for singles released.

Date: Sun, April 07, 2024, 14:27:50 ET
Posted by: Elgin, "On Tour"

Catherine Russell leads a Quintet in three Midwestern cities.
East Lansing, Michigan: Tuesday April 16 - Wharton Center
Chicago, IL: Wednesday April 17 - City Winery Chicago
Indianapolis, IN - Fri & Sat April 19 & 20 - The Jazz Kitchen
with Matt Munisteri - guitar, Ben Paterson - piano, Tal Ronen - bass, Domo Branch - drums
performing her trademark mix of vintage jazz, blues, soul, and swing from the 1920's to the present. A fine excuse for Steely Dan friends and family to gather. Tickets at catherinerussell.net/tour

Date: Sun, April 07, 2024, 14:19:44 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh

I understand Three Sisters was co-written by DF, but it really sounds like a Walter song to me particularly the strange changes before the modulation for the solo section - they are idiosyncratic in a way that many moments on 11TOW are, and perhaps a result of Walter using a sequencer to write many of the songs (there's something he wrote somewhere about trying to figure out what the chords actually were for songs on that album when it came time to record with musicians). My guess would be a portion of it is based on something they wrote together in the 80s and Walter finished it for his record. (That's my same hypothesis for Snowbound). I love it, particularly how tight augmented Lost Tribe rhythm section is on the studio version. The bass/drum mind meld thing is pretty remarkable to me.

I don't hear many similarities to Wetside. Wetside has that wonderful soaring pre-chorus melody but the rest of the verse feels a little flat.

Date: Sat, April 06, 2024, 16:34:00 ET
Posted by: DPillsbury,

I think WSS is a much better song than 3 Sistahs - the melody is
more developed and varied (the melody line is broader, due to DF’s better vocal range), the song form is more varied (nice intro, verse
chorus and interlude sections, definitive ending), solid background vocals, nice, terse
guitar solo by Uncle Walter, great vocal delivery by DF (although he flubs the lyrics at times)
and a more intriguing and ambiguous story line.

Date: Fri, April 05, 2024, 11:42:53 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Clearly, the Eagles last encore should be...

https://youtu.be/yJD8ABf5jbY?si=2_jNKmg3jLuUY8i3


This reminds of the time that Huey Lewis and the News, an amiable and unpretentious group of chaps, were singing over the background track while pretending to play their instruments at the Oscars...and the backing track started to skip. Oops.


Many artists/groups have been hybrid Milli Vanilli on stage for decades.

Solid Gold was 90% lip sync. Ed Sullivan (and numerous variety shows shows) became largely lip sync or instrument sync (for bands in the 60s who had The Wrecking Crew play on their albums).


...and it turns out that The Monkees were or became mostly became a legitimate group. Who knew?

The self-produced Headquarters and Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn, and Jones, Ltd. are both very good albums.

Date: Thurs, April 04, 2024, 00:32:10 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, It's not *live*, it's Eagles!

Chris's funny Eagles "breaking news story" [sic] and related YooToob link made me immediately think of another funny Music Industry Story from long ago. Not the "story" itself, but the story as related, after the fact, by comedian Norm MacDonald on the David Letterman Show. It goes something like this...

NORM: [My mom] came to visit me in New York, you know? And she's real sweet, you know. She doesn't know much about show business, but she always tries 'cause she knows I'm in show business. So she always tries to give me, like, the showbiz news, and I remember a couple of years ago she phoned me up, she goes [affects high-pitched "mom" voice], "Oh my God, have you heard the news? Liza Minelli's a phony!" And that was her story.

DAVE: Liza Minelli's a phony?

NORM: Yeah, and I thought, how can that be, like, a story? I mean, I'm sure she probably is a phony, you know, but how would that be a scoop? And then like, it took me awhile to figure out she was talking about, uh...remember that "Milli Vanilli" thing?
_____________________________________________________________

Can anyone here delineate the [picayune] difference between outright/obvious musical (?) fraud and the bold-faced robbing of funds from gullible borderline M/R-types ["Eagles fans"] through deliberate in situ deception?

I can't.

To be clear, I don't care about the Eagles any more than Chris does, and I doubt if this revelation will cause much of a ripple. Many thousands of fans have willingly paid $1000.00 each (or more) to see this 2023/2024 concert tour, and most of them just want to hear the songs exactly as they sound on the original recordings. Also, most of these Eagles fans seem quite happy to pay full-pop ticket prices, extravagant amounts of money for "officially licensed" ugly/embarrassing Eagles t-shirts, and they also apparently don't mind being cornholed at the beer concession either. Let's be honest here, these are not, by and large, the most erudite of Music Consumers.

Despite the available facts, most of these folks likely feel that they got what they wanted - slick, soulless country rock-pop, mechanically performed by *some*​ of the originators - if not actually what they paid for..., y'know, "live music". Despite the online chatter, I do not see any kind of class action lawsuit coming. Most of the dumb shits who forked out are content & pleased with what they got. Case closed - probably.

Also note that Henley is notorious for having any and all Eagles music taken down from the YooToob, no matter how it's used ("context"), The recent fact-based video/audio analysis of "live" Eagles music stands a very good chance of being forcibly removed from whatever platform it may appear on.

The point is, if you re-arrange the letters from the name "Don Henley" - create an anagram, so to speak - one of the unsurprising results is, "Greedy Mean-Spirited Money-Grubbing Prick".

EM/OH/DEE/PEE

Date: Wed, April 03, 2024, 20:47:42 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,

Lutz - Yeah 3 sisters was written by Walter and Donald and could have been a SD track.

It has that SD "bounce" in the step. I can almost hear the Danettes singing.

https://somethingelsereviews.com/2018/06/10/walter-becker-three-sisters-shakin/#google_vignette

3 Sisters almost sounds like a companion piece to Wet Side Story:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KtVJHde7a0M

Date: Wed, April 03, 2024, 17:35:31 ET
Posted by: Lutz, Hnl

DocMu, that's an intriguing thought - could it be that 3 Sisters was not put on Walters CD's because it would have been a great fit for EMG or 2vN? That would indeed have been a firecracker to open EMG with, Last Mall would have still fit. On the other hand, it's hard for me to second guess anything that was or was not released. Love In The 4th is a super deep cut, glad the lyrics are included!

Date: Wed, April 03, 2024, 14:44:23 ET
Posted by: Scooterman2, OKC

Thank you for your consideration and insight

Date: Wed, April 03, 2024, 12:59:34 ET
Posted by: ccw, ny

This podcast interview with Steve Kahn is a good listen:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/38-heartbreak-souvenir-ft-steve-khan/id1676094378?i=1000651163452

And his references to Purdie's amazing drumming on "Heartbreak Souvenir" (about 29 mins in) are killing me! This one never seems to see the light of day . . .

Date: Tues, April 02, 2024, 22:58:18 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh

extremely long but convincing youtube video about Don Henley miming his vocals on the current Eagles tour:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJ6DbH-X-L0

There's some moral outrage surrounding it, which I don't share, because I don't care about the Eagles. Plenty of bands have been faking/augmenting some amount of live performance since the term 'arena band' was coined. And I think 99% of the audience would prefer convincing, pleasant sounding playback to whatever state an aging singer's voice might happen to be in.

But I do think it's cool that Steely Dan, as far as I can tell through dozens of concerts attended and hundreds listened to, has never been anything but completely live*.

*Live = all the sounds you hear come from people on stage; that doesn't mean there aren't some sleigh-of-hand tricks (Fagen letting a Danette take 'his' note in a harmony so he can lay out and preserve his voice or even some subtle live pitch correction that might nudge a note a couple cents in the right direction ... plenty of evidence for the former, just a hunch for the latter).

Date: Tues, April 02, 2024, 18:17:00 ET
Posted by: Ed Hoe, Barrie Wilson

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

Date: Tues, April 02, 2024, 15:10:10 ET
Posted by: Bill Efferden,

John Lennon and Eric Clapton had noted that
they never injected heroin, but rather snorted it.

I assume such was the case for Our Man Walter.

Date: Mon, April 01, 2024, 23:53:16 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Must

Date: Mon, April 01, 2024, 23:52:43 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Lutz: That's a great one. It's Girlfriend and this one for me:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=clnEwTB6tsc

Three Sisters should have been the lead track and first single from Everything Muct Go. I'd probably trade it for The Last Mall.

Date: Sun, March 31, 2024, 21:39:47 ET
Posted by: Lutz, Hnl

Walter at his best.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9cV_tvz5i8

Date: Fri, March 29, 2024, 23:11:08 ET
Posted by: Dr. Hünd, Hanging Valley Wall, Colorado

<<Surf and/or Die>>

Best Walter song….and I love all of them.

Date: Wed, March 27, 2024, 21:24:43 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

M/O/D/P

god an(d) med(s) - AI liftin its Freudian slip!

Surf and/or Die

or this one are as close to SD songs about god and meds.

https://youtu.be/DSfiPrhpeF8?si=J_rutRapsTaHngdr


I'd argue this is also the gateway drug to later SD albums and songs, especially the instrument interlude.

Also, Walter shares lead in part of the chorus and end of the song.

Date: Wed, March 27, 2024, 13:12:08 ET
Posted by: Badsneakers, ,

More likely just a goddanmed typo than autocorrect I think.
Must take the dan-med...

Date: Tues, March 26, 2024, 21:04:08 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, Typographical Error Department

"goddamned", not "goddanmed"

Damn autocorrect.

When I go on a cussin' jag, I certainly don't need no AI to figger me out and *fix* me.

M/O/D/P

PS - As my late, lamented Grandpa Blaze would say, way back when, in The Old Days, "Ding dang the #@&&*# dingy-dang #@#@%%** ding ##@@%%** goldarnit!!"

Date: Tues, March 26, 2024, 20:31:33 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, Definitely not going to any ridiculous Eagles show anytime soon

QUOTE: "Not much good has happened since they became the official opener".

Point very well made. Especially given that recent "Tom Cochrane" [sic] unfortunate situation in Toronto.

Especially not THAT.

Good Lord...really, who the hell thought THAT substitution was a Good Idea??

I mean, we all understand cancellations and last-minute scrambling...however...

What we don't understand is willfull and deliberate punishment of an already captive ("paid up") audience.

Bad enough that decent, hard-working folks had to pay up (and pay dearly) for an "Eagles" show that, even up-front, in advance, clearly already defied any previous limits for audience boredom and/or suffering.

Never mind the damn ticket prices.

It's enough to make a life-long SD fan bail out and turn into a Springsteen fan.

M/O/D/P

PS - OK, sure, I wuz just funnin' with that last bit. I always like to end on an off-note - a "shock ending" so to speak...but even I will admit that that last line was a bit much, even for me.

PPS - So I beg your forgiveness, dear reader, because this wonderful site does not have an "edit" function, so I can't, y'know, fix any of my earlier indiscretions. Of which there may very well be many, historically speaking.

PPPS - Despite what "Tom Cochrane" [sic] claims, life is NOT a goddanmed "highway". I know this, and YOU know this. And I'm really thankful that I didn't have to sit through an unbearable live performance of that gawdawful hackneyed song, you know, the one that loudly & repetitively claims, over & over again, that "Life Is A Highway". It isn't. That's just tired metaphorical bullshit, and bad song-writing as well.

PPPPS - I guess I should probably just shut the hell up and be eternally grateful that I didn't, y'know, Go To The Show back on March 14th. It is now a Dark Day in history, but it surely would have been several shades darker if I'd actually been there.

Date: Tues, March 26, 2024, 14:55:36 ET
Posted by: Danfests page, sign up

here is a picture of Libby and Dylan asking where the Stones are:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GJlQe07XAAAHoj6?format=jpg&name=large

Date: Tues, March 26, 2024, 14:55:35 ET
Posted by: Lutz, HNL

Eagles have signed a 4th quarter multiple show deal with the Sphere. I wonder if SD will still be on the ticket then. Almost seems like a curse, not much good has happened since they became the official opener.

Date: Sun, March 24, 2024, 22:53:01 ET
Posted by: EC, NY

OK - that "Feelin' Groovy" CD set currently being sold on Amazon...says it's from the Toronto BROADCAST, but the show was, as far as I know, NEVER "broadcast" as in "over the FM airwaves". The recording is a soundboard, and it's been widely shared over the years, by fans - rightly or wrongly, it's been circulating around for a while. I know about the recent EU rulings on broadcast live music that have "freed-up" some older recordings for "legal" sale, but this one doesn't fit that bill. It's not a broadcast.

Date: Sun, March 24, 2024, 16:38:57 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. Reggae Sunday!

Jimme, thank you. I had forgotten about that interview. Pretty funny, in context. Appreciate it.

Date: Sun, March 24, 2024, 16:24:09 ET
Posted by: Jimmie, F

This is what the title of that Toronto bootleg alludes to.

https://steelydanreader.com/2006/03/15/donald-fagen-stowed-away-time-quite-nicely/

Date: Sun, March 24, 2024, 10:09:17 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. Reggae Sunday!

I wonder if someone is out to get Donald. Did you see the title of the latest 2006 concert release (bootleg) from Japan?

https://www.amazon.com/Feelin-Groovy-DONALD-FAGEN/dp/B08GB25J9B

Date: Sun, March 24, 2024, 10:07:09 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. Reggae Sunday!

Napoleon, what a find! Ha!

Wow that is horrible. I wonder if there is some new "artist" going by Donald Fagen, or just a screw up in a database. But seriously, what garbage.

Thanks for the Sunday morning laugh.

Date: Sat, March 23, 2024, 20:42:36 ET
Posted by: Amina Ross, New York

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Date: Sat, March 23, 2024, 19:42:33 ET
Posted by: Napoleon , United Kingdom

In the last couple of hours, I received a new release notification on Spotify for Donald Fagen.

The track is called Infinite Love (I was already suspicious) and the art work is terrible (even by SD's standards).

Needless to say it wasn't him but it's listed on his profile. This isn't the first time this has happened to me either. Anyone else have this problem?

Nap

Date: Sat, March 23, 2024, 18:13:15 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago

Had to make some script updates...before posting be sure to do a "refresh" or "reload" of this page. When you go to post, the URL at the top of the page should end in Th3N1ghtBl0ngz2MaryM0na.html

Thanks--with special thanks to Dean!

Jim
aka hoops

Date: Fri, March 22, 2024, 07:28:09 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Doc, how about this one written by Stevie Wonder and Eric Mercury titled 'You Are My Heaven' performed by Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway. I think you posted this some time ago.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EF0U9rDsA3s

More songs written by or co-written with Stevie Wonder.

The Spinners - It's A Shame

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WoZP18U5VyY

Julio Iglesias, Stevie Wonder - My Love

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2OXVnsPC0gg

Jermaine Jackson - Let's Get Serious

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FMLKb4or8yg

Smokey Robinson - Hold On To Your Love

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

Bonus track: Djavan - Samurai (w/ Stevie on harmonica)

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

Date: Thurs, March 21, 2024, 17:47:37 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,

Here's a recording from Bill Schnee's engineered and produced album by Thelma Houston: I've Got the Music in Me with the Pressure Cooker horns (1975). A nice Stevie Wonder bluesy tune called To Know You is to Love You. The album was direct to disc and the sound is truly "in the room." Some of the best drum mic'ing I've ever heard. Jim Keltner is on the the kit here. Jim Gordon was the other drummer on the album.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kp0ZWTTf1cs&list=OLAK5uy_kdOgzty1k3xSiuI6VkrU5be3kOqRacXZI&index=3

No wonder W&D wanted Schnee as the recording engineer on Aja with The Immortal!

Drums – Jim Keltner
Electric Piano – Michael Omartian
Lead Guitar – Larry Carlton
Rhythm guitar: Dean Parks
Bass: Reine Press
Saxophone: Jim Horn
Trombone, Bass Trombone: Dick Hyde, Lew McCreary
Trumpet: Chuck Findley, Paul Hubinon
Backing vocals: Jackie Ward, Lisa Roberts, Morgan Ames, Myrna Matthews

Date: Wed, March 20, 2024, 23:41:17 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

As much Jay Graydon produced Al Jarreau sound, but a good one from about 8 years ago from the grazingly Dan, State Cows.

https://youtu.be/dLx7FZd2Acg?si=yCyf3mEWxS8z-5tK

Date: Tues, March 19, 2024, 23:30:49 ET
Posted by: moray eel, Miss

Apologies. Bill Schnee.

m.e.

Date: Tues, March 19, 2024, 21:16:58 ET
Posted by: moray eel, A

Interview with Bill Schee on engineering Aja:

https://youtu.be/jzLe8YsVHOg?si=RrDsbm3DALrGFDgH

m.e.

Date: Tues, March 19, 2024, 09:30:58 ET
Posted by: BadSneakers,

"... you CAN actually get that money back, not necessarily as a refund directly from Ticketmaster, but as a credit card chargeback."

This.

Date: Mon, March 18, 2024, 15:14:42 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, "Sit down...grab a beer...I'm back with another long-winded story!"

A former colleague of mine is in charge of the Fraud Department at a major credit card issuing bank, and I've recently spoken to him about this "last-minute cancellation/substitution" situation. He tells me that if you, as the card holder, decide to really push things, you CAN actually get that money back, not necessarily as a refund directly from Ticketmaster, but as a credit card chargeback, as Chris says. It's definitely possible, in some cases, despite what Ticketmaster's silly website says.

To be clear, you've always been able to request a charge back with most well-known credit card outfits, if the goods or services you've paid for have not *matched* what you received, and when you can't get satisfaction from the vendor. So...yes, you CAN get your money back - it is 100% above-board and your credit card issuer WILL ultimately do your bidding, in the end, though often after a lot of work on your part. But there's a caveat.

There's always a damn caveat, no??

For example, some airlines are notorious for charging baggage fees that end up being significantly higher than those quoted, in writing, at the check-in counter - sometimes even as high as 50% more. You don't find this out until your card statement shows up and the quoted rate per bag is now inexplicably $20 higher and the airline has used a lushly-padded foreign-currency-to-US-dollar exchange rate of their own creation. My Fraud Department friend assures me that victims of this duplicitous tactic can ABSOLUTELY get their FULL money back - not just an adjustment, mind you, the FULL baggage charges back, because clearly these charges meet the legal definition of fraud - but he cautions that such a move, as satisfying as it might be at the time, would absolutely lead to a placement on the airline's "No Fly" list...which they generously share with other airlines, not out of vindictiveness, they claim...but for "security reasons". Of course.

The moral of the story? You can get that money back, if you fight hard enough, if you've used a major credit card and didn't get what you paid for. Regarding Ticketmaster, though, the next time you go to buy tickets, you might just find yourself on that awful, awful company's version of the "No Fly" list. Remember, these are the same slimy, foul-smelling miscreants who invented "Verified Resale Tickets" for 300% of face value. They have boatloads of contempt for you, their client, and they don't even try to hide it anymore.

In the end, I'm just happy I didn't get stuck with two thoroughly-unwanted Tom Cochrane seats for a Tom Cochrane live performance that I definitely wouldn't have been able to endure, no matter how many unhappy/unspeakably wealthy original Eagles members might have been present on stage that fateful night, and I'm relieved that I don't have to chase down some rotten-to-the-core ticket-selling cabal and give it the old Brass Knuckles Treatment.

M/O/D/P

PS - Sure, that TM Lifetime Ban would sure come in handy if you were asked to buy, say, "Springsteen" tickets for your low-down good-for-nothin'-drunken-slob brother-in-law...the guy who doesn't have a TM account (among the many other things he doesn't have). You could tell him, "Sorry Bro/Dood, they wont take my order, and it's all because of some guy named Tom Cochrane...I believe you're a big fan of his, no??"...and that would be that.

PPS - On the other hand...you could desperately want ducats for the upcoming Fall 2024 Steely Dan Beacon Theatre 7-night residency*...and find yourself shit-out-of-luck because you're now on a ticket-selling conglomerate's "no fly" list.

PPPS - *Imaginary/fictitious totally-made-up run of live shows totally made up by me to illustrate a point. Sorry about that.

PPPPS - A word to the wise - Be careful what you wish for. You may just get it...

Date: Mon, March 18, 2024, 10:51:07 ET
Posted by: BadSneakers,

from https://ticketmaster-us.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/10465798887953-Purchase-Policy:

"9. Opening Acts / Festival Acts
Opening acts, guests, or undercards (each an “Opening Act”) may sometimes tour with headlining performers. We are not always made aware of Opening Acts or the length of their performances. Opening Acts, as well as festival performers, are subject to change or cancelation at any time without notice. No refund will be owed if an Opening Act or festival performer is changed or canceled."

Date: Mon, March 18, 2024, 02:48:18 ET
Posted by: hoops,

And = in

Date: Mon, March 18, 2024, 02:47:33 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago

Chris and New Hampshire:

Thanks for the reports about a few people getting Ticketmaster refunds for Steely Dan canceling. While it's no slam dunk, I hope it encourages people to make an attempt and hopefully succeed. Thanks again for the information and the encouragement.

Date: Mon, March 18, 2024, 02:45:17 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago

Luke:
Libby is seriously ill. Vince Gill announced it at the show. Donald and his family would otherwise like privacy and will speak publicly as needed.

Just a reminder to everyone:
If you have any questions about the authenticity of Post attributed to me, you can always verify by emailing me at JJMcKay at me dot com -->> remember to change "at" to @ and "dot" to a period and take out any spaces. (I know 99% of you know that, but every now and then there's somebody who doesn't understand that.). And of course, some of you have my phone number and you can text or call me.

Date: Mon, March 18, 2024, 01:59:58 ET
Posted by: Luke,

Saw this article that said Steely Dan cancelled as openers since Donald's wife had a health scare. Any news or updates on this otherwise?
https://www.charlotteobserver.com/entertainment/music-news-reviews/article286630580.html

Date: Sat, March 16, 2024, 17:22:16 ET
Posted by: also, remember

in regards to the Tom Cochrane refunds, your kilometerage will vary.

Date: Sat, March 16, 2024, 15:45:24 ET
Posted by: chris, nh

I have seen anecdotes from folks who have been able to get refunds from Ticketmaster by pushing hard and threatening chargebacks. Individual mileage may vary and the point stands that TM isn't obligated to give refunds.

Date: Fri, March 15, 2024, 13:44:02 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago

Acoustic Sounds' "Aja" SACD/CD hybrid is now in stock. I received noticed that my copy shipped today. And now they finally have a release date for Acoustic Sounds' UHQR double disc, 45 RPM, 200 g clear vinyl version of "Gaucho" which was originally slated for release last December 1 is now coming May 3. The single LP, 33 1/3 RPM, 180 g black vinyl version from Geffen/UMe already came out December 1. There is not a release date yet for Acoustic Sounds' "Gaucho" SACD/CD hybrid.

If you're interested, check out acousticsounds.com

All the other Steely Dan titles formats previously released thus far exclusively from Acoustic Sounds have been great, with the exception of Acoustic Sounds' SACD/CD version of "Pretzel Logic" which I thought sounded a little flat on my system. That could be just my ears and system.

Date: Fri, March 15, 2024, 12:33:31 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago

Bad Sneakers!

Unfortunately, no. The show is billed as "Eagles with Special Guest Steely Dan." Because Steely Dan guests--is the opening opening act, there are no refunds if Steely Dan cancels, only if Eagles cancel. Steely Dan does not even appear on the printed tickets.

The last couple editiions of the Dandom Digest talks about this, reminding people if you plan to travel or simply buy expensive tickets to see just Steely Dan, you do risk having to sit through a substitute opening act. No refund. Now if Eagles cancel, then you do get a refund.

Travel insurance and the Ticketmaster ticket insurance does not cover Steely Dan cancelling either.

It will be the same for the UK/Euro shows.

BTW: Folks can scroll down to something like early January and see the full text in the Dandom Digest which I do post here in the bluebook as well.

Sorry I don't have better news.

Date: Fri, March 15, 2024, 12:16:53 ET
Posted by: BadSneakers, ...

Since SD didn't appear in Toronto, can fans get a refund from ticketmaster (full or partial)?
The concert was billed as Eagles AND Steely Dan...

Date: Fri, March 15, 2024, 08:05:14 ET
Posted by: rascalhoudi, Toronto

It was my pleasure M/O/D/P ..... anything to keep a colleague away from those Eagles

Date: Thurs, March 14, 2024, 22:37:24 ET
Posted by: Chris, Nh

Wishing the band all the best. A rough tour, to say the least, in just about every way.

Date: Thurs, March 14, 2024, 22:23:32 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. Uptown, Baby!

Karl, thanks for the link. I've only heard two songs so far, but have to say, "Well done!" Very respectful of the music. Looking forward to hearing the rest in the next day or so.

Date: Thurs, March 14, 2024, 13:26:22 ET
Posted by: moray eel, Chicago

Karl: Thank you for the music. Listening to this is helping me make it through the workday.

m.e.

Date: Thurs, March 14, 2024, 11:35:28 ET
Posted by: Gabe , PA

https://www.popmatters.com/steely-dan-pretzel-logic-atr50

Date: Thurs, March 14, 2024, 09:20:03 ET
Posted by: Karl, Reykjavik

A Steely Dan cover band that I play/sing in recently posted a Nightfly concert on Youtube. Check it out if you have the time: https://youtu.be/LzECG54oTZo?si=k5gr2GcOUaPrwik2

Date: Wed, March 13, 2024, 22:55:00 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. Uptown, Baby!

Funny shit, M/O/P/D. My very first thought, when I read rascalhoudi's post was, "I wonder if M/O/P/D went to the concert tonight?"

You had me there for a bit, I admit. But I wondered, if you drove to Toronto, would you really be posting this early? Anyway, I was relieved and happy to hear you made the sensible choice. I'm guessing Rose Darling agrees.

Anyway do we know if this is a Don health issue?

Date: Wed, March 13, 2024, 21:38:23 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, Imagine that...

Imagine that you are a Steely Dan afficionado, you have been for many, many years...and you've seen the band live, in various stellar incarnations, over a thirty-plus-year period, more times than you'd care to admit in decent company. You've travelled, you've crossed international borders, you've paid a King's Ransom in Manhattan hotel bills, you've even journeyed to - of all places - Montreal (home of the great Don Patrol, by the way) on more than one occasion to see one of (if not the) very best live acts ever to act live on a live stage, anywhere, anytime.

Imagine that, by the time the year 2024 rolls around, you still love these guys, despite what time has done to change the band you love (no need to list the RIPs), and so when you hear that Steely Dan will be performing within a two-hour drive of where you live, you vacillate, you hesitate ("the cheapest seat available when you check TicketBastard is around $600.00"), but, ultimately, you decide to partake/participate, despite the band's relegation to "opening act" status ("a one hour set"), and, despite the Feature Act you'll either have to pay for and not stay to see ("that's bad"), or, even worse, the Feature Act you'll stubbornly sit through because you've paid for it, goddammit. You buy the tickets.

Imagine taking the plunge - throwing caution to the wind, as they say - and ponying up the cash for two decent seats to see your favorite band open up for an act you have some degree of difficulty even tolerating...but, hell, you knuckle down and do it, despite all the reservations you have about the whole affair.

Imagine that, at the last possible moment, your favorite band has now been replaced by something called "Tom Cochrane". You look this act up, and realize, to your dismay, that it isn't something you'd like to see & hear at all, ever, anytime...let alone as the replacement act for your favorite live act who were promised as the opener for an admittedly lesser - but far more popular - act.

Imagine being stuck with two very, very expensive ducats for a double bill that would, if now fully consumed as intended - at the very least - cause you to twitch in your seat/barf uncontrollably/scream Tourette's-like profanities ad nauseum/feel really, really bad. You've been HAD, buddy...hook/line/sinker.

Then imagine that the whole scenario described above thankfully doesn't apply to you, because you were smart enough not to do any of that. No tickets, no seats, no "Eagles"...because, in the end, the plan was to travel to the horrible basketball arena just a few hours before showtime, to see just what the scumbag/dirtbag/shitbag "ticket brokers" outside the arena might be asking right before showtime.

I didn't do it.

M/O/D/P

ps - "Attention fan!"
pps - Sincere thanks to Toronto poster rascalhoudi...I didn't get the email 'cause I didn't buy the tickets in advance...without your post here I might very well have wasted four hours of driving and maybe a hundred bucks worth of fuel...only to find out what everybody else already knew...

Date: Wed, March 13, 2024, 19:22:06 ET
Posted by: The actuarial dept, Big corp

Wow —Don may have trouble getting insurance for any next tour. Plus promoters take note of the stability of previous tours. Father Time is a bummer.

Date: Wed, March 13, 2024, 18:40:46 ET
Posted by: rascalhoudi, Toronto

Don is out for tonight in Toronto. Below is the email from (the dreaded) ticketmaster......


"Attention fan!

Steely Dan will not be performing in Toronto at Scotiabank Arena with Eagles, due to personal reasons within the band. Tom Cochrane will be performing as a replacement for Steely Dan."

Date: Wed, March 13, 2024, 18:31:51 ET
Posted by: Michael,

New playlist. Enjoy.


Talc - Rhyming Man

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

Kaidi Tatham - Sebb Junior feat. Muhsinah (Kaidi Tatham Remix)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SRwihEY8ZU

Junior Mendes - Agre Doce

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uOypO_9QGIE

Strawberry Guy - Intermission

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_obkWtmjYG4

Perilymph - La Genèse

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FvEuI7XPpqY

The Crusaders - Spiral (Live at Montreux)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JwD9ARq8aE8

Jamiroquai - Two Completely Different Things

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0sbcrf3ou6g

Date: Tues, March 12, 2024, 21:57:45 ET
Posted by: Not Oz, Nz

RIP Karl Wallinger, age 66.
His opener for Steely in 2006 was refreshing, and pretty damn great. But mainly he had a long career beset by many serious setbacks, and just kept making music.
Respect

Date: Mon, March 11, 2024, 15:43:04 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Bad S: haha that occurred to me, but I liked the idea of a mash-up with Razor Boy...since one of the reasons Saban retired was NIL, which means every other team now can do what Bama did under the table for decades.

...and took his fancy things away.

Date: Mon, March 11, 2024, 15:25:17 ET
Posted by: BadSneakers, .

They got a name for the whiners in the world
Gaining their fame when they lose
They call Alabama the Crimson Tide
Call it Saban Blues

Date: Mon, March 11, 2024, 11:53:20 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

They got a name for the whiners in the world
Achieving their fame when they lose
They call Alabama the Crimson Tide
Saban just can't refuse

Date: Mon, March 11, 2024, 11:50:48 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

So...start about 3:20 [hold for applause]

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



lol - I remember back in 2003 I took my young kids to the Dallas SD concert, and we were about the only people there without grey hair. The kids were standing, but at the time were short, so no biggie.

Now my hair is graying - I guess I'll be one of those people. lol

Date: Sat, March 09, 2024, 19:16:53 ET
Posted by: BadSneakers, .

"The Alabama football coach resigned because his players don't know how to lose ... Gotta be an SD joke in there somewhere."


They got a name for the whiners in the world
Achieving their fame when they lose
They call Alabama the Crimson Tide
Call him Nick Saban

Date: Sat, March 09, 2024, 19:09:39 ET
Posted by: Kia, Orlando

I'll just leave this here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=683qkXP5k00

If this is in bad form, please delete. Maybe after the weekend or so. Not as bad as described by attendee here. ENJOY!

Date: Sat, March 09, 2024, 19:09:34 ET
Posted by: Kia, Orlando

I'll just leave this here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=683qkXP5k00

If this is in bad form, please delete. Maybe after the weekend or so. Not as bad as described by attendee here. ENJOY!

Date: Sat, March 09, 2024, 13:16:49 ET
Posted by: Jimmie, C

The Alabama football coach resigned because his players don't know how to lose

https://atozsports.com/nashville/alabama-crimson-tide-nick-saban-reason-for-retirement/

Gotta be an SD joke in there somewhere.

Date: Sat, March 09, 2024, 01:27:01 ET
Posted by: popegreg, The Liminal

For you bargain hunters out there, Amazon currently has the single disc 2023 Countdown To Ecstasy vinyl on sale for $15.57. https://a.co/d/cBzuO1q

Date: Sat, March 09, 2024, 00:43:40 ET
Posted by: Another Scurvy Bruv , On the dunes

Dangential moment on Colbert—De La was celebrating the 35th anniversary of 3 Feet High and Rising w a really creative performance of “Eye Know.” It’s like a cooking show where they’re putting the musical ingredients of the song into a pot—and one of the ingredients of course is “Peg,” so they drop in a copy of Aja.

https://youtu.be/HJrUceBbVxY?si=FYeiXtY6tfB7lYZr

Date: Fri, March 08, 2024, 18:49:05 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Hops: Thanks. Beasley worked with Walter quite a bit. He's a nice fit and has a little bit of an edge. When I listen to NE Corridor, many of the (post-Walter) current arrangements are almost too smooth...except ironically Things I Miss the Most, especially with the new Intro. Beasley and Adam Rogers together might exude some Walter-side vibes.

Date: Fri, March 08, 2024, 12:39:47 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago

Lambert:
For the past month or so, they've had various guests on keys, most notably John Beasley. Beas performed at the Oklahoma show, the first time he had played with Steely Dan in something like two decades. He seemed excited to be guesting. At the time, I just thought Jim's absence was because he had to honor other commitments, much as how the backup singers rotate out while Catherine honors previous solo dates, etc. There have been other keyboardists since Beas in OK.

I suspect they will have a guest tonight and tomorrow in Chicago; three more shows after that.

Date: Fri, March 08, 2024, 08:37:23 ET
Posted by: Daniel, Lambert

Who is currently on keys?

Date: Fri, March 08, 2024, 07:28:10 ET
Posted by: moray eel, For

Ah yes, I overlooked Jeff Young.

Just about all of the touring pianists since the reformation have died. Beasley from the 1996 tour still survives, but the last few years have not been kind to the gentlemen who have held that position.

m.e.

Date: Fri, March 08, 2024, 05:47:35 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago

Just a friendly reminder: If there's any questions or conerns about posts, my email is quite public and is accessible simply by clicking on the word "hoops" in the beginning of the post. Here it is again: jjmckay at me dot com. When using my email address that pops up, remember to replace "at" with the @ symbol, "dot" with a period, and remove the spaces. I'm the one person who is not anonymous here. Many of the regulars here even have my phone number to call or text me. So if you have a question about the legitimacy of a post made by me or anyone, simply email, text or phone me.

Another point to keep in mind: this board isn't like Facebook, Twitter, etc. there are generally no photos, so often posts get more attention simply as a result of length. Short posts can get lost. Moreover, responses move much more slowly here than on Facebook. A lot of that is participants, even regulars, only check in couple of days instead of constantly like the social media outlets mentioned. So the group really moves in slo-mo by comparison. I check in pretty much every day, and I get the posts emailed to me in addition to what youi see here... but I am not staring at this page 24/7. So please contact me if you see something like spam, spoofing, etc.

Finally, I also don't post a lot, and for reasons too complicated to explain, I think the BlueBook does better when I sit at the back of the class and mostly let everyone else engage. If you need more explanation, email me and I will explain. Thanks as always.

Date: Fri, March 08, 2024, 00:18:09 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,

m.e. Damn. RIP Jim Beard.

Date: Fri, March 08, 2024, 00:02:18 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, .......sad......

I can't count the number of live SD shows I've attended and enjoyed with Jim Beard on keyboards. I can't count the number of times I've listened to his brilliant work on Circus Money (he was a major contributor to the overall sound). And like Jim McKay ("Hoops"), I don't have the right words right now to express the sadness that comes with the passing of a really fine musician who was so highly regarded by his peers and remembered by so many who actually knew him as a really good person as well. Like most here, I didn't know Jim personally - I just knew him through his music.

To the anonymous poster who decided to anonymously chastise everyone here for not immediately commenting on Jim Beard's death, I would point out that this isn't fucking "fakebook", and it certainly isn't the ostentatiously-fatuous "reddit". Unlike other spots that litter the internet, not everybody here chimes in immediately about everything, and not everybody checks in pathologically every fifteen seconds to annonce his or her feelings. And not everybody deals with a death in the musical family by posting about it on the internet. For some of us, that moment of respect/"minute of silence" you oh-so virtuously requested had already been considered...and been given.

M/O/D/P

Date: Thurs, March 07, 2024, 22:36:48 ET
Posted by: Moray Eell,

Also Jeff Young

Date: Thurs, March 07, 2024, 22:04:56 ET
Posted by: moray eel, On

Death of the SD touring pianists: Warren Bernhardt, Ted Baker and now Beard. The last few years have been rough.

m.e.

Date: Thurs, March 07, 2024, 18:18:00 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago

Reposting from Jon Herington's social media. The post also includes a photo of the album cover of Jim Beard and Jon Herington's collaboration, "Chunks and Chairknobs."

Jon writes:
" I am deeply saddened by the loss of Jim Beard, my dear friend and music-making partner for more than 40 years. It's a great loss to the music-loving world as well: if the reach of Jim's music was limited in width, it was never limited in depth; the people who listened, understood and loved his music did so deeply. I'm extremely proud and grateful to have been able to work so closely with him for so many years and to have contributed to his great legacy of recorded music. Please listen and remember."

"Hand to Hand"
Beard/Herington
https://youtu.be/qjhWNf4hA4s?si=UDbFeEyiSsSG6BkM

Date: Thurs, March 07, 2024, 15:35:33 ET
Posted by: Michael,

New playlist. Satisfaction guaranteed.


Max Zuckerman - Busy Day

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNRgK8w_vXI

Alex Fernet - Festa di Finimondo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96ZChj7R1bM

Ice Choir - Variant

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

Geoff Bastow - Up Market

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

Pedro Martins - Isn't It Strange (feat. Thundercat & JD Beck)

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

Donny Benét - So Long

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-kg-Ad_xis


RIP Jim Beard.

Date: Thurs, March 07, 2024, 11:53:46 ET
Posted by: NotNotSDV,

"And he also sounded better than AR on the majority of SD tunes. Better style, better tone, better note choices. (And better stage presence, ffs.) Jazz background? Who cares. That doesn’t guarantee that a player will make the right stylistic choices."

Triggered much...?

Date: Thurs, March 07, 2024, 04:11:39 ET
Posted by: Dirk, Western World

RIP Jim Beard. Loved the 'Lost at the carneval' album when it came out. Some critic said it suggest a meeting of Groucho Marx and Miles Davis, or perhaps Errol Garner and Stravinsky. Humorous without being silly.

Date: Wed, March 06, 2024, 21:48:22 ET
Posted by: Not SDV, Being Right

“Connor Kennedy was out of his element on the majority of SD tunes.”

And he also sounded better than AR on the majority of SD tunes. Better style, better tone, better note choices. (And better stage presence, ffs.) Jazz background? Who cares. That doesn’t guarantee that a player will make the right stylistic choices.

Date: Wed, March 06, 2024, 17:57:21 ET
Posted by: Gus Winterbottom, Torrance, CA

People Magazine article about Jim Beard.

https://people.com/jim-beard-steely-dan-keyboardist-dead-age-63-obituary-8605378

Another article is on USA Today, but I can't access it directly from the old computer I am using. Here's an alternate link:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/other/steely-dan-keyboardist-jim-beard-dies-at-63-after-sudden-illness/ar-BB1jrOvp?ocid=msedgntp&cvid=d012db86c0de4b70a89542a9f5b9c2ff&ei=52

Date: Wed, March 06, 2024, 17:38:40 ET
Posted by: Imho, Just sayin’

Unfortunately, C Kennedy was just another nepotistic dud.

Date: Wed, March 06, 2024, 16:04:13 ET
Posted by: BadSneakers, .

R.I.P. Jim Beard

Date: Wed, March 06, 2024, 15:37:08 ET
Posted by: Daniel, Lambert

Sad about the passing of Professor Beard. RiP.

Who is currently playing keys with SD? I saw Bob Shepherd was on recently.

Date: Wed, March 06, 2024, 15:24:41 ET
Posted by: Really?, Smh

For at least the few seconds it takes to skim this post, I’d like to suggest a moment of respect for Jim Beard, and a moment of compassion for the suffering of his friends and family.

Date: Wed, March 06, 2024, 10:32:46 ET
Posted by: casual fan, orlando

I cannot believe that DF would have anyone not top notch in the band so perhaps I just caught him on an off night or he fell victim to the mix.

Did I mention how bad it was? (Have seen other shows at that locale, which is the basketball arena for the Magic, and have always found it pretty bad). Happy to give him another chance if they make it here for a full show at one of the smaller, more acoustically appropriate, venues.

Date: Wed, March 06, 2024, 09:28:43 ET
Posted by: SDV, upon the platform

Adam Rogers is one of the most capable and accomplished guitarists on the planet and has been in the Steely Dan circle for over 30 years, playing with both Walter and Donald at different times.

Connor Kennedy was out of his element on the majority of SD tunes.

Date: Tues, March 05, 2024, 22:27:29 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,

Moray Eel:

Yes indeed. Adam Rogers delivers some prime shredding on Lucky Henry:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBTW2sdJoJE

Date: Tues, March 05, 2024, 21:31:34 ET
Posted by: moray eel, Lost

Didn’t Adam Rogers play on 11 Tracks of Whack and didn’t Walter produce for him with the Lost Tribe?

m.e.

Date: Tues, March 05, 2024, 18:31:53 ET
Posted by: Jimmie, US

Joe Walsh was in fact added to the Eagles roster decades ago to liven up what had been roundly criticized as being a deadly dull live act.

Date: Tues, March 05, 2024, 17:38:03 ET
Posted by: casual fan, orlando

I attended my (at least) 10th Steely Dan show last night, as openers for the Eagles, in Orlando. Here is my honest, unvarnished, review of the whole evening:

The show was set to start at 7:30 and at 7:30 the band was on stage. They knew it was a Monday night and that maintaining a sane schedule was imperative for those of us who are still working stiffs.

Fagen was in excellent form. His voice was strong, he looked physically fit. Channeled Ray Charles, as per usual, and looked good doing it. Carlock and Herington were also in strong form. Both earned well-deserved thunderous applause at the expected cues. No criticisms of any of the three of them.

The sound mix was just awful. The bass was beyond heavy and drowned out the Danettes (and others) quite a bit. I felt like the band even had trouble maintaining a mutual tempo at points. I concluded, once the Eagles came out, that the reason for the absolutely awful and distracting mix was that it was set for the Eagles, as they were truly -- and I did not expect this -- amazing.

Before moving on to that, I have to say that the new guitarist, who I had to look up, is Adam Rogers. And I'm sorry to say I don't get it. I just don't. Now, I am no musician and do not claim to be, but from an audience member point of view, he is just ... not good. Appeared to me to really struggle. The mix did not help, I'll say that. But I found myself many times asking why he had taken a solo when I know Herington would have done a far better job, at least in my uninformed opinion.

I am reminded once again that catching the Dan in a large venue, cacophonous type setting, is bad ju ju. Sincerely hope they return and play a more suitable venue, so they can shine. As is, I was disappointed.

As to the Eagles, I was shocked at how great their show was, really did not expect it. Hit after hit, with masterful guitar playing, often dueling guitars. Was reminded of the dueling guitars of live Bodhisattva tracks. And must say that Joe Walsh really stole the show.

He was animated, funny, engaging, and what he did on lead with "Life's Been Good to Me" and especially "In the City" was jaw dropping. The crowd really appreciated their effort, me included. Vince Gill was a perfect front man for a number of tunes, and just overall I left being FAR more impressed with the Eagles than I expected.

So, for all my complaining earlier that I wish the bill had been reversed, I take it back. Just be aware if you are catching them down the line that Steely Dan really does play a bit of second fiddle in this show than you might have expected.

Date: Tues, March 05, 2024, 15:30:00 ET
Posted by: moray eel, Here

Rick Beato’s interview with Michael McDonald.

https://youtu.be/NLAcQIfoauQ?si=FmfcXUgfaKfvBVME

m.e.

Date: Tues, March 05, 2024, 00:33:07 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago

Sad to be the bearer of bad news, but Jim Beard has passed away. RIP. Words are not enough.

Date: Mon, March 04, 2024, 23:14:04 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Steve M,

Knopfler is unique in many ways. He's left-handed, but plays right handed. Thus, his dominant hand travels with speed and dexterity up and down the frets while the off hand finger picks instead of smashing power chords.

Here's a clip from 1979 at the Rockpalast in Cologne. Mark's incredibly uncomfortable and goofy introducing Once Upon a Time in the West, but is actually animated for awhile once he begins to play.

https://youtu.be/5SqqFeewq_8?si=4aCVHDDCUkdBHBQq


During the recording of TOOM Knopfler became a lot more uncomfortable! lol

Date: Sun, March 03, 2024, 14:33:14 ET
Posted by: Steve M, Scotland

Saw Mark Knopfler on one of his first solo tours after DS split. Had the least charisma or stage presence of any 'front man' I've seen in my 200-odd gigs. Terrific guitar player and songwriter however, loved the first 2 DS albums and have always wanted to hear his outtakes from TOOM.

This live take on the Telegraph Road outro really show what he could do, probably brings out more of the folk influence in his playing:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JzsmeO7FZcs

Date: Sun, March 03, 2024, 08:53:55 ET
Posted by: Craig, D

MM knows that the best sales potential for a book lies with providing SD fans with inside stories.

Date: Sat, March 02, 2024, 01:48:52 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Dire Strats - we'll that's a musical Freudian. Better grab the steel guitar instead. lol

Straits, natch.

Date: Sat, March 02, 2024, 01:35:03 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Michael McDonald has a new tell all book on its way in May. Lots of SD stories including some Bogata deal with Walter that went south.

The Outtro to Telegraph Road seems like Mark Knopfler taking it out on the TOOM Gaucho sessions. Arguably Dire Strats' best stuff.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8bWGGA-5HM

Date: Fri, March 01, 2024, 18:52:33 ET
Posted by: Michael,

'Indian Summer' is a good song by Joe Walsh, an outlier to be sure, but then I don't consider it an Eagles song, nor do I consider either Fagen or Becker's solo output to be Steely Dan songs.

A good song will always be good regardless who writes it.

Donny Benét's new album Infinite Desires came out today, a love letter to 80s synth-pop and funk by the debonair maestro of that style of music. Donny understands the importance of grounding his work in a solid songwriting foundation so that it doesn't come across as forced retrofit gimmickry. This is excellent music through and through full of tight grooves, funkadelic bass lines and infectious melodic hooks, littered with extra sonic details which both surprise and delight expectations. Definitely recommended.

Date: Fri, March 01, 2024, 15:58:49 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, The World

Nicholas Urfe - Legend has it that Springsteen initially believed that "We Are The World" was to be a charity single & music video to raise money for the endangered chicks & cars of New Jersey. Apparently he had quickly composed a two chord song structure, complete with lyrics about chicks and cars and New Jersey, in advance of his meeting with the other musicians and producers who were involved in the project, and was fully anticipating an enthusiastic response. Once he realized what the project was really about, he quickly revised the lyrics to reflect more back seats of cars, along with hearts on fire/cuts like a knife, and a bit of the fire in your eyes thrown in for good measure. Somehow, inexplicably, even this contribution got rejected, and the World ended up with the We Are The World song that topped the World's music [sic] charts for several weeks back in whatever year that was.

Another (although possibly apocryphal) story about these legendary sessions concerns superstar musician Bon Jovi - coincidentally, recently fêted (fetid?) by one Mr. B. Springsteen at the 2024 Grammy Awards - who was reportedly invited to the early sessions as well. Mr. Jovi also brought a completed song with him which he called, "Gonna Rock This Town Tonight!", which was ultimately deemed thematically unsuitable for a famine relief charity project, but which ended up being the basis for his smash hit 1986 album, "Gonna Rock This Town Tonight!"

M/O/D/P
PS - You may have noticed that, "Baby, baby, baby!!" is missing from the above check-list of other hoary, cringe-worthy rock music clichés . Thankfully, this is why these wonderful "Post Scriptums" were invented!
PPS - I suppose I could sit through one single Joe Walsh song, sung by Joe Walsh, in a cavernous basketball arena, if (and only if) I had a fifth of Blanton's in me. Unfortunately I don't drink bourbon, so the whole idea is out of the question. Thanks for the suggestion, though.
PPPS - "Priapism" - Not just some obscure bit of medical terminology anymore!
PPPPS - "PPPPS"

Date: Thurs, February 29, 2024, 08:06:13 ET
Posted by: Jimmie, G

Two Against Nature released 2/29/2000 and is 6 years old today.

Date: Wed, February 28, 2024, 08:25:27 ET
Posted by: Nicholas Urfe, Phraxos

Kind regards,
Nicholas Urfe

P.S. - M/O/D/P, you might consider suffering through the Big Show long enough for a pure Joe Walsh offering.
P.P.S. - Thank you for sending me to the dictionary with priapism.
P.P.P.S. - And for the ensuing laughter.
P.P.P.P.S. - I recently watched the documentary about the making of We Are the World. I found it worth watching. It features too much Springsteen, but since there are no Springsteen songs played, it's tolerable.

Date: Tues, February 27, 2024, 15:06:05 ET
Posted by: GABE, PA

RIP professional wrestling great Ole Anderson.

Dangentially, his ring name was a play on the word oleander.

Date: Tues, February 27, 2024, 07:21:21 ET
Posted by: Roy, up

There are not enough people interested in seeing a deep cuts tour for it to be financially viable. If I recall a bunch of seats went unsold for rarities night.

Date: Tues, February 27, 2024, 03:29:50 ET
Posted by: Steve, Gennarelli

Any news or speculation on the new album Donald was working on.

Do any of you think that "Steely Dan" would announce a tour of "deep cuts" and just do the "Dr. Wu's" and other songs that normally only see the light of day at The Beacon.

Hope all my fellow "SD" afficionados are well.

Date: Mon, February 26, 2024, 17:04:24 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. It's Happy Hour

Thanks, Michael. I've been working my way around the site a bit, so I saw that. I think I've seen some of this before, but missed a lot of updates. Pretty interesting non-SD material as well.

Date: Mon, February 26, 2024, 09:51:29 ET
Posted by: Michael,

New playlist. You're in for a treat.


Paul Cherry - Between Me and Chicago

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qMjAtWNXn4

Gareth Donkin - Whenever

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwUav2o9dxw

Ice Choir - Designs In Rhythm

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

Kraak & Smaak - In Plain Sight (feat. IVAR)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8o3TxMcwMAU

Dina Ögon - Jag vill ha allt (I want everything)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W75697sOJdA

Young Gun Silver Fox - Sierra Nights

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZfvTTFJd8mE

Date: Sun, February 25, 2024, 17:22:11 ET
Posted by: Michael,

The Dean, Steve also did a page about Aja if you're interested.

http://www.stevekhan.com/aja_steelydan_reflections.htm

Date: Sat, February 24, 2024, 23:29:04 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. Uptown, Baby!

Michael, thanks for posting the Steve Kahn blog about the Gaucho sessions. That's pure gold.

Date: Sat, February 24, 2024, 08:31:58 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Evan Talin, Re: "four letter word" I stand corrected.

http://www.stevekhan.com/gaucho_steelydan_reflections.htm

"Hearing the lyrics again, I recalled Donald telling me that the song was about a guy whose girlfriend is a prostitute, and he can't tell anyone back home about her."

Date: Thurs, February 22, 2024, 22:25:37 ET
Posted by: moray eel, Mc

Rick Beato interviewed Michael McDonald. I can’t wait to watch that one.

m.e.

Date: Thurs, February 22, 2024, 20:32:32 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Donny Benét just premiered his new song Forbidden Love, another slick groove that won't quit you. His new album 'Infinite Desires' releases on February 29th. Be there.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_z__YS96bI

Date: Thurs, February 22, 2024, 14:53:39 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Chris, it's in an unfinished state but you can hear how rich the composition is. There's an almost Bacharach-like gaiety in the verse but then shifts to a more bluesy gospel feel for the chorus. Paul Griffin's organ really drives this home. Marotta's laid-back groove coupled with Rainey's bass, Mounsey's keys and Khan's chiming guitar tones really add a lot of rich textures in the right places. Those guys understood the importance of nuance, those extra musical details which perfectly compliment the all important feel SD strived to attain.

Although D&W maintained that they were going through a dry period creatively during the making of Gaucho, the late 70s period is my favorite era of SD. Even their unreleased songs (Second Arrangement, Kulee Baba, You Got The Bear, I Can't Write Home About You) far surpass 99% of other music. Given that D&W left something like five or six songs on the cutting room floor, almost enough for another album, that's saying a lot.

I've listened to ICWHAY over a dozen times already and haven't begun to tire of it. There's some unmistakable quality, I'm not sure know how to quantify it, that stands out about the material D&W were making during that period. I almost wish that the late 70s would've extended for another decade and that SD had remained together through it to continue producing music of this caliber because there's nothing else quite like it.

Date: Thurs, February 22, 2024, 12:17:27 ET
Posted by: Chris, nh

Thanks Michael - incredible to hear something "new" in what sounds like an nearly finished state from Gaucho.

I can see why they left it off the record ultimately - seems a bit 'slight' in a way (although perhaps they would have added a horn chart at some point to make it feel more complete). Maybe could have slotted in for My Rival.

Still - stunning stuff. The bridge ("gin and roses") and the moments leading up to it made me jump outta my chair.

Date: Thurs, February 22, 2024, 11:09:16 ET
Posted by: casual fan, orlando

Lutz,

Clever idea. But who is going to pay $100 + to go see the Eagles at 9 pm on a Monday night?

Date: Wed, February 21, 2024, 23:33:50 ET
Posted by: Lutz, Hnl

Casual fan, if I was to attend a show this year I would buy a ticket and right away post it on craigslist or one of these ticket brokers for resale at the venue - Eagles show only minus Steely Dan - to recoup half the cost. Would go home at halftime and watch Lebowski, especially the scene with that famous Eagles remark Frey bitched to him about years later.
Although in and out privileges might not be the case at every venue.
Having said that it's great the band is touring and stays together and sharp.

Date: Wed, February 21, 2024, 19:44:06 ET
Posted by: Michael, Breaking news!!!

Steve Khan just posted his lead sheets for I Can't Write Home About You along with the song itself as recorded for Gaucho.

http://stevekhan.com/Write-Home_LeadSheet.htm

"I Can't Write Home About You"(Fagen-Becker) Lead Sheet:
Transcription: Steve Khan

as recorded for the 1980 recording, GAUCHO(Never Released).
Personnel: Rick Marotta (Drums); Chuck Rainey (El. Bass); Rob Mounsey (Keys);
Paul Griffin (Organ) & Steve Khan (Guitar)
Lead Sheet: Steve Khan.

Someone also posted it to YouTube.

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

I simply love the arrangement and organ solo. Donald's vocals are in fine form even in the track's unfinished state. Amazing to contrast this with the Jive Miguel Mix which is a worthy attempt in its own right, but there's nothing like the real thing.

If Steve posts Heartbreak Souvenir next you're going to need smelling salts to get me off the floor.

Date: Wed, February 21, 2024, 15:36:52 ET
Posted by: casual fan, orlando

There is a show here Monday (ugh), March 4. I'm one of the many who would prefer that the bill was the other way around, and right now decent tix are still $400 +. I mean, SD is a band I flew to NY to see at the Beacon, I'm not shy about spending dollars to see them. But as an opening act, its tough to justify.

My plan is to check in the days beforehand and see if any folks can't go and put them up for a more reasonable price.

Looking at the setlist, its pretty limited to:

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


I did see Time Out of Mind in a late January show setlist, which I would love to hear. Other than that, the songs that the uninitiated might be less familiar with seem to me to be Aja, Black Cow, and Bodhisattva. Hits to varying degrees, but not as much air play back in the day, i don;t think, as the others.

Aja has become my favorite tune of theirs over the years, and I imagine they make that a permanent fixture because they can feature Weiskopf and Carlock. So, here's hoping that some folks in one of the club suites has to last minute change plans!

CF

Date: Tues, February 20, 2024, 22:19:58 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, Celebrating Walter's Birthday the only way I can

Steely Director - Thanks for the New Orleans report, and congratulations on being strong enough to sit through (and withstand, apparently) an entire two hours - my goodness me! - of "Eagles" live entertainment product. I might have been able to do that myself, just maybe, years ago, when I was far more robust in mind & body, but now even the thought of doing it would, I suspect, give me - at the very least - a severe case of explosive diarrhea. Just *nerves*​, we understand.

So I try not to even think about it. I may or may not still make it to the upcoming March 14 Iggles/SD concerto at Toronto's horrible "ScotiaBank Arena" (I'm now about 50-50 on the idea, and it's fading fast), but if I do, I'm afraid I won't even consider staying for the Main Attraction.

On a more sombre note, I wasn't aware of the passing of Mojo Nixon until I read your contribution here. For a while there, in the mid-to-late '80s, his public offerings were most often childishly crude, vulgar, and profane...but because I treated the whole thing as a comedy act rather than a musical act, I was able to thoroughly enjoy his occasionally hilarious outbursts. The guy was a priapism, to be sure, although I do have to admit that his solo piano recital of Chopin's Étude Op. 25 No. 6 at the Toronto El Mocambo show back in 1986 was sheer musical brilliance. I know, because I was there.

M/O/D/P

PS - Thanks also for all the PS-es. Nobody appreciates those little flourishes as much as I do.
PPS - Nobody.
PPPS - Apparently, according to legend, Don Henley once joined Mojo Nixon on stage many years ago at a show in Texas for an impromptu performance of "Don Henley Must Die". Later Mr. Nixon, referring to Henley, stated that "The guy has balls bigger than church-bells".
PPPS - Makes it all the more pathetic that I can't possibly bring myself to sit through an entire Don Henley/"Eagles" performance that I've actually PAID FOR, no? Obviously no "church-bells" here in M/O/D/P Land...
PPPPS - In my defense, Your Honor, I live more than two hours away from the venue, and so, I figger if I time it just right, I could be home enjoying a snifter (or quite possibly two) of Don Julio Anejo 'round about the time the reconstipated Iggles start into the opening bits of "Life In The Fat Lane"...

Date: Tues, February 20, 2024, 12:58:58 ET
Posted by: The Greater Dandom ,

PRETZEL L0GIC
Released 50 years ago today, February 20, 1974.

Whoaaaa!

Date: Tues, February 20, 2024, 12:49:22 ET
Posted by: M,

Walter's b-day today, so we're sharing a track from the live show at Slim's. For notes and discussion, check it out at:

https://www.walterbeckermedia.com/forum/rarities-unreleased/hard-up-case-live

Date: Tues, February 20, 2024, 09:19:18 ET
Posted by: Michael,

New playlist. Enjoy.


Majid Jordan - Waiting For You (ft. Naomi Sharon)

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

PRESSYES - Atlantic Ocean Spray

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

David Matthews - Arrakis

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

ぷにぷに電機 - サンシャイン・ベイ (Sunshine Bay)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B75rSMpW-uY

Pykäri - Omena

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EE2IDsU_xSY

Oscar Jerome - Berlin 1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3pB0E0U19bY

Tatsuya Maruyama - ありがとう

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pgvl9JHMrA0

Date: Tue, February 20, 2024,  ET
Posted by: The Loyal Dandom, On All Continents

Happy Birthday, Walter Becker!

******
|||||
*********
*~~~~~~~*
* *
*****************
* *
*~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*
* *

*****************
-------------------------------

We miss you so much...but we hear the music up there is even better than a Steely Dan concert!

Fly low and be cool!

[ Cake courtesy of the late and very great Boston Rag & hoops ]

Date: Sun, February 18, 2024, 02:42:37 ET
Posted by: Steely Director, NOLA

Just got back from the New Orleans show. The sound was better than I expected, having attended previous concerts at this basketball arena. Steely Dan was, as usual, hotso. I just wish their 1 hour set could've been 2, just like the act that followed..."Eagles", or somesuch? Seriously though, having never seen Henley & Co. live before, I enjoyed their show and I'm glad I went. Although unlike Steely Dan, I don't feel the need to see an Eagles show ever again...which is probably a good thing since they might be serious this time about finally calling it quits. Let's hope Donald and Co. still have plenty of gas in the car.

P.S.: Henley paid tribute to the late Jimmy Buffett, but missed a golden opportunity to do the same with the recently-deceased Mojo Nixon by covering "Don Henley Must Die".

P.P.S.: Also disappointed that the topic of cross-band name checks didn't come up...i.e. "Steely knives" and "Turn up the Eagles".

P.P.P.S.: Although Eagles merch vastly outnumbered SD merch, I did manage to score a nice Bodhisattva long-sleeve tee. And I tried to establish some cred among the great unwashed masses by wearing my Steelyard "Sugartooth" McDan hoodie from bygone days. Hopefully my efforts didn't go unnoticed.

Date: Fri, February 16, 2024, 15:03:16 ET
Posted by: Pete, California desert

Dr Mu..

Any idea if Clas is still around?

Date: Fri, February 16, 2024, 14:48:28 ET
Posted by: SDV, up on the hill

there are charts handwritten by Donald, he obviously reads. but we know they often left the notation to others in the studio... Larry Carlton, Tom Scott, etc which may have led Rainey to believe Donald didn't read. but hasn't he also stated that some of his bass parts were written out by Walter?

I don't believe Phillinganes' solo on Ruby Baby was written out. Donald loved it and I believe the entire track had to be altered somewhat to fit the piano solo, which wasn't quite in tune as I recall. Donald was reported to have been less than amused when he discovered that the beginning of the solo was quoting "You Really Got Me" by the Kinks

Date: Thurs, February 15, 2024, 21:48:19 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Clas. That was the guy from Sweden. Dude was a trip - not a bad (part-time) musician.

Date: Thurs, February 15, 2024, 07:13:45 ET
Posted by: Michael,

I wasn't fighting, I asked a simple question about Chuck Rainey which Doc more or less clarified.

Let's keep it civil folks.

Date: Thurs, February 15, 2024, 02:24:34 ET
Posted by: Mic,

And the yellow book has been gone for almost 2 decades.

Date: Wed, February 14, 2024, 22:11:02 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Moray, Bill, Michael,

Here's a couple of links to access the image of Donald and Walter directing the orchestra from the studio on Capture the Moment. Donald's absorbing the chart while Walter is taking it all in: the two hemisphere's of the Steely Dan Brain.

https://i.postimg.cc/7hsY1ygM/Ft1flc-GX0-AAo-Xbc-1.jpg

https://twitter.com/barneyhurley1/status/1647578303329361924

"Walter Becker and Donald Fagen at O.D.O. Studios, NYC conducting the orchestra for the title cut of Jay & the Americans' 1970 album, 'Capture the Moment'"


Bill - that is correct. Donald played the baritone in the HS band. My daughter did as well. He had to be able to read music at a fundamental level.

Donald also has dyslexia. So, I imagine he didn't like to sight read. Also, they usually had Victor Feldman, Michael Omartian, Rob Mounsey, Tom Scott, or Larry Carlton write out lead sheets or charts because they could do it quickly.

Michael Omartian mentioned he and Donald working on the charts together for Katy Lied. Donald usually sang and or played piano with the band.

Donald was arranging and writing out more charts (horns, percussion, etc.) or lead sheets by Gaucho and definitely for The Nightfly. Mounsey and/or Steve Khan described Fagen as being more involved in writing out the charts by the late 70s and early 80s.

I'm sure many here have seen Walter's charts for outtakes from 11 Tracks of Whack.

I'm not sure if Rainey was thinking about Omartian or Carlton or Scott writing out charts on Katy, Scam, and Aja...or Walter. In the back of my mind, I'm not sure that Walter read music in the 70s...

Anyway, the important thing is that W&D selected the right musicians who could translate their unusual chord changes, melodies, and harmonies into classics of American recorded music.

Date: Wed, February 14, 2024, 19:43:37 ET
Posted by: GTommy, st

We used to have this fight at the Yellow Book, it was great. There was a Swedish guy, define "bridge," that whole thing.

Date: Wed, February 14, 2024, 07:00:35 ET
Posted by: Michael,

You brought it up.

Date: Tues, February 13, 2024, 18:47:15 ET
Posted by: Bill Bredool,

Michael

Who mentioned the term “sheet music”?
Not me.

If you’d read my original post regarding this topic, I had
said Chuck Rainey claims Donald doesn’t read music.
With all due respect, Mr Rainey is incorrect.

Donald can and does read music.
He played baritone horn in his HS band.
If you play in a HS band no amount of “intuition”
is going to help you read a piece of band music accurately.


Here’s 2 other things: 1) Remember that drum
fill in Josie that Jim Keltner plays immediately after the restated
Intro leading to the outtro? That, according to Keltner,
was written out for him.
2) Remember the piano solo on Ruby Baby by Greg
Phillinganes? Written by DF.

Even DF’s organ solo on “Walk Between…” was written out
by him.


Enough now…

Date: Tues, February 13, 2024, 11:14:30 ET
Posted by: Michael,

I'm not getting this. Why would Chuck Rainey claim that Donald can't read sheet music if he could?

Date: Tues, February 13, 2024, 10:30:36 ET
Posted by: Bill Bredool,

Michael

Also writing the arrangements is not just knowing
the voicing of chords on the piano.

You have to know the individual instruments
that you’re writing for - is it a C or Bb instrument,
what is the comfortable range of a given instrument,
etc.

Also the writer has to notate the melodic lines
using specific rhythms along with the specific notes
for the players to play.

Again, Chuck Rainey claims Donald
can’t read music. He is mistaken.

That is/was my original point.

The end.😊👍

Date: Tues, February 13, 2024, 10:20:50 ET
Posted by: Bill Bredool,

Michael

Intuition does not WRITE the charts.

Donald Fagen can write and read music. Period.

Chuck Rainey is incorrect.

Date: Tues, February 13, 2024, 07:57:16 ET
Posted by: Michael,

That doesn't necessarily prove that they could read sheet music though. I'm not saying they couldn't, I don't know. A musician can arrange horn charts on piano or guitar by knowing intuitively how horn voicings should sound. D&W certainly had experience listening to old jazz records, at least enough that they understood what was happening under the hood.

Date: Mon, February 12, 2024, 20:41:46 ET
Posted by: moray eel, D

Donald and Walter were doing horn arrangements for Jay and the Americans in the 1960s.

m.e.

Date: Mon, February 12, 2024, 18:01:14 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Bill, why are there conflicting stories? Maybe someone is getting sheet music confused with lead sheets as those are two separate things.

Date: Mon, February 12, 2024, 14:18:36 ET
Posted by: Bill Bredool,

Michael -

DF knows how to read music.

I studied trombone with Wayne Andre, who played
along with the Breckers on My Rival, and
he said DF rehearsed with them as he was reading
from a score. Like I had said before, DF wrote
the horn arrangements and all the arrangements
of the songs they’ve played on the tours since
like ‘93. H knows how to read music. I’m pretty
sure WB did as well.

Date: Mon, February 12, 2024, 10:34:52 ET
Posted by: Michael,

New playlist.


Chet Sounds - Lo and Behold

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euKU0li0ZP4

Diane Birch - In It For The Race (w/ Shawn Lee from YGSF)

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

L'Impératrice - Submarine

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_SLjLKWt96Y

Pleasures - Stuck in a Moment

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wPEjYrLvw4E

The Flashbulb - King Mountain

https://youtu.be/JjrqTf0BXac?t=724

Ariane Roy - Quand je serai grande (When I grow up)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7nME67mOz8

ぷにぷに電機 / punipunidenki - 春 (Spring)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xa9zZwCuGV4

Date: Mon, February 12, 2024, 08:18:23 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Even if that were so, it makes me appreciate what D&W accomplished all the more. The Beatles didn't know a lick about music theory yet wrote some of the most popular songs in the world, much as Donald wasn't a trained jazz performer but picked its crucial elements apart through intuition.

Once you understand how old folk tunes were put together then you have a solid foundation for understanding its many offshoots, including blues. One thing Donald seems to do a lot in his compositions is reverse-engineer standard songwriting conventions so that he can turn it on its head, so to speak, to subvert the listener's expectations. That might help explain why there's so many unorthodox compositional choices found within SD's music.

Date: Sun, February 11, 2024, 20:53:47 ET
Posted by: Bill Bredool,

I love how Chuck Rainey says DF doesn’t
know how to read music in his interview with
Rick Beato. He had said that before in another
interview.

Maybe he doesn’t know that DF did the horn arrangements
on his solo CDs and the horn charts on most
of songs on 2VN and EMG.

Date: Sat, February 10, 2024, 16:58:23 ET
Posted by: Wwilson, ball

It's totally news! And Dangential. Got it!

Only wondered if we hadn't talked about her here, or an experience of mine elsewhere. Got it!

Date: Sat, February 10, 2024, 12:51:45 ET
Posted by: Fred,

Wwilson. Yes, we did talk about A'ja a while back, but she was just on Colbert a few nights ago and introduced her dad. That's new news. Thx 4 the tip on the T-shirts.

Date: Sat, February 10, 2024, 12:24:08 ET
Posted by: Wwilson, ball

I thought we talked about A'ja on here years ago, bootleg Aja cover/A'ja Wilson MVP t-shirts have been around for four years, I have one and you should find one too, she is great and they are cool.

Date: Fri, February 09, 2024, 15:01:35 ET
Posted by: Dr. Hünd, Hanging Valley Wall, Colorado

She now has to be our favorite WNBA player, hands down.

Date: Fri, February 09, 2024, 07:45:17 ET
Posted by: Jake, alaska

Caitlin Clark was named for Katy Lied.

Date: Wed, February 07, 2024, 23:28:55 ET
Posted by: moray eel, A

That Colbert segment is on YouTube for those that want to check it out.

https://youtu.be/M2AB4_bAe-g?si=7gpmfN_6D-bv3RPh

m.e.

Date: Wed, February 07, 2024, 21:25:30 ET
Posted by: Dr. Hünd, Hanging Valley Wall, Colorado

Anyone see Aja Wilson last night on Colbert? Louis Cato led the band with Aja for her intro. Her dad named her after the SD song as she told Colbert. I wasn’t familiar with her and was multitasking at the time, but I think she’s a basketball star.

Date: Wed, February 07, 2024, 12:53:56 ET
Posted by: moray eel, R

So far, Beato has interviewed:

Larry Carlton
Bernard Purdie
Steve Gadd
Chuck Rainey
Michael Omartian

He also talked a lot about Steely Dan with:
Steve Luthaker (cancelled Aja tour guitarist)
Christopher Cross

He has deconstructed Josie, Kid Charlemagne, Don’t Take Me Alive and Aja. One of his best episodes was on fusion guitarists. He covered Walter Becker, Baxter, Elliot Randall, Denny Dias and Carlton.

I know that Beato rubs some people the wrong way, but I love his content and he has an obvious passion for Steely Dan.

m.e.

Date: Wed, February 07, 2024, 01:08:31 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. Uptown, Baby!

Moray, Thanks for that link. Terrific interview with Omartian.

Date: Tues, February 06, 2024, 16:55:16 ET
Posted by: moray eel, M

Interesting interview with Omartian.

https://youtu.be/M-fEKf3Av3c?si=ujh-AurIz07y0iLU

m.e.

Date: Tues, February 06, 2024, 11:58:20 ET
Posted by: Doc,

Steve M:

Sweet Charity in Adoration is an absolute banger. Even some Katy Lied era chords and piano fills. A very tasty guitar solo. Diary of a Hollow Horse is a criminally overlooked album.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KFmcVXuFss8

Singing the Praises of Finer Things is probably my favorite CC recording. Great bass line. Counter beat drum intro. Pizzacato keys/fake violins. More Katy Lied piano accents. Soaring melody - what's not to like?

https://youtu.be/k2ujsk0uuAg?si=dB0mlKss1uUOO00R

Date: Tues, February 06, 2024, 07:45:21 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Thanks Hoops. Much appreciated.

Date: Tues, February 06, 2024, 05:13:16 ET
Posted by: Steve M, Scotland

Doc, a big part of the reason you can't remember any Taylor Swift melodies is that there often aren't any. She's notorious for writing songs based around one note, which just isn't a melody in my book.

Always great to hear some CC. Stranger by Nature is up there with Sweet Charity in Adoration in my top 5 CC songs (all Walter produced). Takes me back to having the album on cassette in the unseasonably warm May of 1989 when life was a lot simpler.

ps: Loved that Maiya Sykes/Ben Folds collaboration, bit of a Vulfpeck vibe to it.

Date: Mon, February 05, 2024, 23:56:27 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

M/O/P/D: More albums of the year than Stevie Wonder?

Innervisions (1973), Fulfillingness' First Finale (1974), Songs in the Key of Life (1976)

This says so much about the mental, moral, spiritual decline in music.


I've heard a few TS songs - I can't remember a single melody...or even a lyric. At least Adele and Billie Eilish produce some interesting stuff. [you chord sluts out there and you know who you are might like some of the chords she's playing in the first verse and chorus]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1FvEDuWeB4A

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFIfRhk8NRc


Many here will think of Walter's elite production touch on China Crisis' Stranger by Nature:

https://youtu.be/PrrW7yiirTQ?si=S1kGb_xEciGX1N_u




Jazz Grammys:

Samara Joy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_OkkyRkGSRY&t=9s

Nicole Zuraitis: https://youtu.be/eASYnT4wNEY?si=8B38DDaEYPH4Vexp

Billy Childs: The Winds of Change

https://youtu.be/DjQdDMbQKcM?si=lMeqxvVboxyht-cO



Another Grammy palate cleanser from Andy Platts & Co. The musicians know he's got love.

Love, love, love this live in the studio full band recording:

https://youtu.be/E1JiTkufJgY?si=PUcTeOQqO4zqlAaB

Date: Mon, February 05, 2024, 21:20:44 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago

Michael:

Sorry about that. Do you know approximately what time you posted? I can probably dig it up. Thanks. Email me privately if you prefer.

Update: Michael: I believe I found the post that was deleted with the spam. It is restored. Please let me know if more is missing. Thank you.

Date: Mon, February 05, 2024, 20:45:47 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Hoops, my latest post got erased along with the spam.

Date: Mon, February 05, 2024, 19:29:09 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago

Thanks to Dean for the heads-up about the spambot. It's been a while. Appreciate your patience. There might be one or two more spam posts but that should be it.

You may need to refresh the main bluebook page and THEN click "post" to get the new posting page.

Thanks!

Date: Mon, February 05, 2024, 08:21:30 ET
Posted by: Michael,

M/O/D/P, yes sir, the new crop of no substance mainstream acts are much worse than glam '80s rockers. I'll never understand the obsession with Taylor Swift.

I put together this playlist on the quick focusing on artists from yesteryear. I've been so preoccupied lately that I didn't get around to exploring new stuff. That will be for next time. All of these tracks are keepers for sure.


Donald Fagen - Slinky Thing

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3XvANBiNg4U

Michael Franks - Your Secret's Safe With Me

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ve3vqMg8xhk

Hall & Oates - Wait For Me

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5zkHLp24Gis

Marvin Gaye - Come Live With Me

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vA7PdDsK6eM

Pages - Clearly Kim

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

Spandau Ballet - Only When You Leave

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hlLCC_gF8QY

Toto - Let It Go

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARy1XptpU-Q

Date: Sun, February 04, 2024, 23:11:41 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, I'm done now...thankfully...

Your Honor, I rest my case:

https://www.msn.com/en-ca/entertainment/other/taylor-swift-sza-cyrus-win-at-female-led-grammy-awards/ar-BB1hM23H?ocid=msedgdhp&pc=U531&cvid=658ae70330634bcebac5379ca470f7ac&ei=8

I really AM done now.

A gentle soul such as myself can take only so much.

My next contribution will be about the March 14th Steely Dan show - they're the opening act for The Iggles, in case you didn't know - at the horrible ScotiaBank Arena in filthy, crime-ridden Toronto, Canada.

Or not. We'll see.

M/O/D/P

Date: Sun, February 04, 2024, 22:43:44 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, Beating a poor dead horse, I know, I know...

Sorry to quote you again, Michael, but here I go...

QUOTE: "The Grammys are a joke anyhow".

Want proof - undeniable proof - of that contention? Check this out:

https://www.msn.com/en-ca/lifestyle/celeb-style/all-the-best-red-carpet-looks-from-the-2024-grammy-awards/ss-BB1hLSni?ocid=msedgntp&cvid=03dc49350d8a4dab866430428e7552ef&ei=11#image=47

After scrolling through all those photographs, even I started to wonder, "Was Bon Jovi all that bad after all?".

The answer is, of course, "yes", of course he was.

But this latest steaming load of Grammy-associated personalities is far, far worse. I didn't think that was possible, but there you have it.

Imagine an awards show for music...with nary a single musician in sight. Find one in there - I dare ya!

Imagine an awards show for music...where style - admittedly low-grade style - has completely obliterated substance. As contrived as the Oscars, but for "music".

Imagine how somebody like Donald Fagen (or, say, Stevie Wonder - last "new" album released 2005, by the way) might feel after seeing (or being told about) what's currently happening in (or "to") American Popular Music?

Imagine if these *older* musicians, even those with a few things more to say, looked at this parade of relentlessly-promoted-commercially-viable sewage and said, "Fuck it...I'm done"?

Imagine that...

M/O/D/P

Date: Sun, February 04, 2024, 17:22:46 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, Is this the Great Bon Jovi Dustup??

EC/NY - You forgot "Three or [even] four guitar users, lined up, together, playing in unison, and totally Rocking Out!!".

Other than that, I think ya nailed it.

Date: Sun, February 04, 2024, 16:20:23 ET
Posted by: EC, NY

The idea of '80s Corporate Crap-Rocker Bon Jovi being put on a pedestal in 2024 makes me wanna barf.

Why anyone would feel nostalgic for the music of the '80s (I'm talking about the mainstream pop/rock stuff here) is beyond me.

The hair...the spandex...the prancing around the stage like a peacock...the noisy bellowing...the leather pants...the fake *tough guy/pretty boy* manufactured image...it's all enough to make me, well, you know...

Date: Sun, February 04, 2024, 14:37:00 ET
Posted by: Dr. Hünd, Hanging Valley Wall, Colorado

THAT BOTHERS ME!
- Mad Dog Russo

Date: Sun, February 04, 2024, 12:53:34 ET
Posted by: Michael,

M/O/D/P, while I sympathize with your plight, there's nothing much us denizens of this corporate world can do about it. The general public doesn't care about the same things we do. No need to overthink things, that's just how it goes. They don't consciously seek out harmonic complexity or studio wizardry, it's not part of their train of thought. If they did then those bargain bin musicians would've been put out to pasture long ago.

There's plenty of great music out there for us to enjoy. If the suits want to put Bon Jovi on a pedestal, hey, let 'em. The Grammys are a joke anyhow.

Date: Sun, February 04, 2024, 11:46:36 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, Just randomly hating everything now

QUOTE: "He's not bothering me."

Michael, your take on this is probably the best way to deal with anything like "Bon Jovi". Just ignore it and let others indulge to their hearts' delight. A balanced approach, as they say. Live and let live.

My problem is that it bothers me to see such mediocrity, such corporate sludge, treated like it's anything other that the generic fodder-product that it is. I mean, an entire event dedicated to The Glory Of Bon Jovi? An "awards show" wasting valuable "awards" on some clownish cartoon caricature with big hair and (possibly) an even larger motorcycle?? Sheesh...

I'll be honest, the fact that the Glorious Tribute was compèred by none other than the terribly-annoying fellow who foisted "Born To Run In The USA" on an undeserving world just makes it so much worse for me.

And, the incredibly insensitive people who write these hurtful MSN/Reuters promo pieces about washed-up Arena Rock Stars really do need to realize that words can hurt. Insensitive bastards.

M/O/D/P

Date: Sun, February 04, 2024, 09:07:16 ET
Posted by: Stan, US

I ended up seeing Bon Jovi three times. First time when a friend with an extra ticket invited me to one of his/their NFL stadium shows a couple towns over from where I lived. And then two more times I returned the favor because I knew they were a big fan and I was able to get comped tickets to casino venues he played. This is going back 20 years now.

They were very hot my senior year in high school with their Slippery When Wet LP. A song from it was declared our senior class song. It's the exact time I started buying up Steely Dan music. I purchased The Nightfly on CD when You Give Love a Bad Name was climbing the charts. I pondered the vast difference in the depth of the two acts (who I was listening to vs. who all my classmates were), and to whom each would likely appeal.

I agree with Michael. He does his thing and has his audience. But he doesn't deserve to be mentioned in the same breath with any of rock's great artists.

Date: Sun, February 04, 2024, 07:52:48 ET
Posted by: Michael,

M/O/D/P, the Grammys are major label honchos patting themselves on the back. The name of the game is to milk legacies for all they're worth. How to achieve this? Simple. Present their stable of artists as living legends, including one (or two) hit wonders, and be sure to give them those little statues to cement their status.

Jon Bon Jovi? Living legend. Guy's won Grammys, you know.

TBH I don't really have anything against the guy. He does his thing and if people enjoy his music then so be it. He's not bothering me. I listen to the music I enjoy like Steely Dan.

Date: Sat, February 03, 2024, 18:48:11 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, Definitely not watching the "Grammys", now, then or ever, for that matter.

I ask you, does it get any more feculent than this?

A geriatric Springsteen shamelessly lionizing Corporate/Crap-Rock '80s *Icon* [sic] Bon Jovi, on yet another self-congatulatory Awards Show, you know, that horribly-revolting form of entertainment-product that just refuses to go away??

Gaze on, if you dare:

https://www.msn.com/en-ca/entertainment/other/springsteen-rocks-with-jon-bon-jovi-at-pre-grammys-tribute/ar-BB1hI3Mm?ocid=msedgdhp&pc=U531&cvid=21b7f8faca454dfca59cb2ea9ef7d19e&ei=114

Just reading the puff-piece "article" made me cough up my last three meals...so, I figgered youse guys deserved to suffer as I did. Fair's fair, and all that.

Apologies in advance.

M/O/D/P

Date: Sat, February 03, 2024, 03:19:23 ET
Posted by: Mt. Belzoni, Portland, OR

. . . and yet the (excellent) Monkey House Retrospective somehow doesn't contain Echo Park Blues, a bonus track released years ago in Japan and still not available in any form in the US.

(They should instead offer a sale on their sheet music, which is priced rather high for the average fan and weekend musician.)

Date: Sat, February 03, 2024, 02:09:37 ET
Posted by: common confusion, not him

Different Larry Klein

Date: Fri, February 02, 2024, 12:02:12 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago

Never been a better day to check out the music of Don Breithaupt and Monkey House.

It’s royalty-free Friday at Bandcamp, therefore the perfect day to purchase the 44-track Monkey House ʀᴇᴛʀᴏꜱᴘᴇᴄᴛɪᴠᴇ collection, priced to sell at $15! Contains material from the first three albums, as well as rare mixes, edits, interviews, and unreleased material.

https://monkeyhouse1.bandcamp.com/album/retrospective

Date: Thurs, February 01, 2024, 20:29:41 ET
Posted by: Chet, East

There is a new documentary on Netflix about the recording of We Are The World. Larry Klein is interviewed.

Date: Thurs, February 01, 2024, 17:01:15 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Doc, glad someone picked up on that as it was a somewhat obscure nod to Donald. He was once asked to name a song he wished he'd written and chose Bacharach's 'Land of Make Believe'.

Somnar, fixing a couple of bum notes is one thing, but when autotune is applied liberally then it becomes robotic. Vocal imperfections add a crucial human element to music, picking up on nuances which are otherwise masked within heavily processed sounds.

Date: Thurs, February 01, 2024, 14:09:39 ET
Posted by: EltonMac, 00

in the Napster days, for myself and others, I used to make mix CDs out of the various Radio Steely Dan choices, there are several others out there on the Steely Dan Reader if you don't want to hear "Don's Favorite AM Gold Choices, Summer '90." I didn't use any of those selections.

Leading discs off with "One More Heartache" always hit.

Date: Thurs, February 01, 2024, 14:09:19 ET
Posted by: EltonMac, 00

in the Napster days, for myself and others, I used to make mix CDs out of the various Radio Steely Dan choices, there are several others out there on the Steely Dan Reader if you don't want to hear "Don's Favorite AM Gold Choices, Summer '90." I didn't use any of those selections.

Leading discs off with "One More Heartache" always hit.

Date: Thurs, February 01, 2024, 02:31:28 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Yeah - major pitch correction on the back up singers (chorus) to lock harmonies in place...

Date: Thurs, February 01, 2024, 02:27:12 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu ,

Just if you're wondering about pitch correction, Anderson .Paak is heavily pitch corrected (ex. Diamonds on the neck. Diamonds on the wrist), although tastefully to sound analog OG. There's a bit of touch up on Bruno Mars (some for effect - 0:27 UFC line), but he really doesn't need it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GG7fLOmlhYg

Date: Thurs, February 01, 2024, 02:14:57 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Somnar - yeah, I drive my daughter crazy because I can almost always hear pitch correction and autotune - it's a curse. Of course today, that means everything! I have to say FWIW that the country music Cousin Dupree might listen to probably suffers the worst from PC/autotune. The twang and bending vocal notes is like half of Country and Western.

The PC/AT spectrum locks a note in place and shifts the harmonics - like moving a band pass filter. You can hear it.

"We've got both kinds (of music). We got country AND western!"


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vS-zEH8YmiM

Date: Thurs, February 01, 2024, 02:05:00 ET
Posted by: DM,

favorites

Date: Thurs, February 01, 2024, 02:04:30 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Michael: Land of Make Believe is one of Dr. Fagen's favorite and an outstanding pick.

It triggered a jump to a song Donald Fagen wrote for Diana Ross. Unfortunately, Love Will Make it Right (although it won't) was never released as a single, but it's another clever piece of songwriting. Killer bridge with modulation to a short chorus.

Greg Phillinganes on keyboards. Donald on synth.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jIsD9C7Rk6c

What few synth snares are there are on the offbeats just before the 1st and 2nd beats of the measure (4/4 time) giving the song a dizzying but languid electro-reggae feel.

Date: Wed, January 31, 2024, 22:18:19 ET
Posted by: Somnar, NYC

Just a bit of vocabulary stuff...

Auto-tune is one thing and tuning is another. I'm sure you all know this, but with auto-tune, you tell the software to correct any bum notes in a performance (you can give it some more direction, but you're essentially telling it to do its thing). It's typically pretty clearly audible.

Manual tuning - when done judiciously and skillfully - is a different ball of wax. It can be about going in and changing one note just a little bit, saving a performance that's otherwise great. Of course it can be used in a more heavy-handed way, but this kind of post work is typically not audible to the vast majority of listeners and certainly isn't always a bad thing. Not different than comping a part or taking twenty takes to get something or whatever.

Date: Wed, January 31, 2024, 22:17:58 ET
Posted by: Somnar, NYC

Just a bit of vocabulary stuff...

Auto-tune is one thing and tuning is another. I'm sure you all know this, but with auto-tune, you tell the software to correct any bum notes in a performance (you can give it some more direction, but you're essentially telling it to do its thing). It's typically pretty clearly audible.

Manual tuning - when done judiciously and skillfully - is a different ball of wax. It can be about going in and changing one note just a little bit, saving a performance that's otherwise great. Of course it can be used in a more heavy-handed way, but this kind of post work is typically not audible to the vast majority of listeners and certainly isn't always a bad thing. Not different than comping a part or taking twenty takes to get something or whatever.

Date: Mon, January 29, 2024, 11:09:27 ET
Posted by: Michael,

I'm back with another playlist full of great songs that I know you will enjoy, 'cause you enjoy songs that are great and these songs are great, therefore you will enjoy them.


Burt Bacharach / Dionne Warwick ~ Land Of Make Believe

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7MJo0cUP3M

Don Glori - Dlareme

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

Mike Lindup - Atlantia

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

大橋トリオ ohashiTrio - 赤い傘 (Red Umbrella)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_OD9_yjoRQ

Nubya Garcia - Fortify

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

Larry Carlton - Room 335 (Long Version)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PeXIWyhB4F8

Klaus Johann Grobe - Highway High

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PS7bDGHKXgM

Date: Sun, January 28, 2024, 20:55:10 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. Funky Sunday

Tal Wilkenfeld is a terrific bassist who exploded onto the scene with her live playing with Jeff Beck. She was a very young waif at the time. I had no idea she sang, too. Here she is with the Scary Pockets doing a nice funked up version of Big Yellow Taxi: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8jm1Zl2Fjd4


And although I have a general distaste for music videos, this Snarky Puppy vid isn't too bad. And the song cooks:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fEHpq-BxFm4

Date: Sun, January 28, 2024, 08:05:32 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Dr. Hünd, I don't hear it in most of the music I listen to or its use is so subtle that it's not readily apparent to my ears. Bear in mind that I don't really listen to modern mainstream music, as should be apparent from my playlists.

Date: Sun, January 28, 2024, 07:56:25 ET
Posted by: Jimmie, US

https://sdarchive.com/faq.html

As it turned out Donald had once again assumed all the lead-vocal duties; he said he asked Walter if he wanted to do "Jack of Speed" but Walter declined.

Date: Sun, January 28, 2024, 07:37:51 ET
Posted by: James, US

Where and when did Donald say Walter was down with singing lead vocals on Jack of Speed, but Walter declined?

Date: Sun, January 28, 2024, 07:36:47 ET
Posted by: Jimmie, US

As to why WB didn't sing lead on Jack on the studio version. Donald said he was down with it, but Walter declined.

Date: Sat, January 27, 2024, 20:44:58 ET
Posted by: Dr. Hünd, Hanging Valley Wall, Colorado

Michael,

<<It Introduced The World To Auto-Tune

According to Pitchfork, a remarkable 99 percent of all contemporary pop music utilizes the pitch-altering recording technique known as Auto-Tune. And that's pretty much all down to The Cher Effect. Although designed to subtly correct a wayward vocal, the producers of "Believe" decided to make it blatantly obvious that studio trickery had been at play, transforming one of pop's most easily identifiable voices into that of a wobbly android.

Cher had to fight to keep the song's unique selling point, telling unconvinced label bosses they'd have to remove it "over my dead body." And her instinct proved to be right. The pioneering use of Auto-Tune was undoubtedly the catalyst for the song's phenomenal success, ultimately paving the way for everyone from Lil Wayne and T-Pain to Daft Punk and Black Eyed Peas.>>

Date: Sat, January 27, 2024, 18:23:46 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Dr. Hūnd, isn't that a lyric to one of Cher's songs?

Doc Mu, thanks for sharing. Maiya Sykes has a powerful set of pipes and the performances were spot on.

Date: Sat, January 27, 2024, 00:31:27 ET
Posted by: Doc Mu,

Maiya Sykes with Ben Folds and Scary Pockets reimagining the BF5 song Kate.

The added funk, R&M, and jazz suits it well and elevated it to a fusiony amalgam.

https://youtu.be/gRkgC6sUC-o?si=kZLSj6-PJWyXnj0w

Date: Fri, January 26, 2024, 20:49:59 ET
Posted by: Dr. Hūnd, Hanging Valley Wall, Colorado

Michael, do you believe in life after love?

Date: Fri, January 26, 2024, 18:07:30 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Don't know but it wouldn't be surprising. I do know that autotune was used on the Dukes of September DVD. It's a tool like anything else. Whether or not you like it is your call. I don't particularly like it as it sounds too mechanical, except in very limited circumstances where the intent is to to achieve some kind of narrative effect to sound like robotic, or when it's unobtrusive such as on background vocals in a dance number, things like that. I can't stand it when it's liberally applied everywhere. It gets grating real quickly.

Date: Fri, January 26, 2024, 17:44:33 ET
Posted by: Dr LaVornia,

Yes, thanks Michael, I did mean “didn’t”.👍😊

You could be right regarding the possibility of Walter’s tentative
vocal performance on that song. Although he sounded great
singing it “live” in ‘97.

I think I recall hearing that auto tune was used on WB’s
Circus Money (specifically on “Downtown Canon”).
Any truth to that, you think?

Date: Fri, January 26, 2024, 17:19:46 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Dr LaVornia, did you mean to say, "Why they *didn't* have WB singing lead on that tune on the recorded version is beyond me"? If so that was likely due to the uncertainty surrounding Walter's vocal capabilities. As TAN was to be their first new studio outing in two decades they probably wanted to go with the sure thing as Donald's vocals are the key ingredient to the SD sound and it wouldn't make sense to stray from that formula, whereas with EMG they seemed more eager to take chances, though I can't say for certain. You'd have to ask someone in the know who was there.

My two cents is that Jack of Speed a good song that would've been better with a slightly faster tempo and had it been about a minute shorter in length. My favorite tracks off TAN are Gaslighting Abbie, Janie Runaway, Almost Gothic, and Negative Girl.

Date: Fri, January 26, 2024, 15:08:41 ET
Posted by: Dr LaVornia,

Michael

Imagine Krantz soloing on the studio version Jack Of Speed
along with WB singing lead and done at faster tempo
and at a louder dynamic?

Why they did at least have WB singing lead on that
tune on the recorded version,is beyond me.

Date: Fri, January 26, 2024, 11:47:32 ET
Posted by: Michael,

I don't have a problem with rock per se but I do have a problem with oversaturation. Admittedly I don't know much about AC/DC's catalog but 'Back in Black' has been played a little too much for my liking. Too much of anything is a huge turn-off. Familiarity breeds contempt.

Date: Fri, January 26, 2024, 09:46:29 ET
Posted by: JW, Let There Be Rock

Re: AC/DC, here’s Krantz, Carlock, and Lefebvre riffing on “Back in Black,” which has been a staple of Krantz’s set for some time now. https://youtu.be/P7M_sfnzWq8?si=y83nBcFmoKMTVAvq

Surely some of the purported connoisseurs of high production value who lurk in these environs know about the sought-after drum sounds on certain classic AC/DC albums, especially those engineered by Tony Platt.

Date: Fri, January 26, 2024, 09:03:59 ET
Posted by: Michael,

AC/DC... ugh. I don't recall how many times I've heard 'Back in Black' featured in commercials and movie trailers. Oversaturated like the plague, yet despite hearing it a thousand times I still cannot decipher the lyrics except for when he shouts "BACK IN BLACK!!!" at the beginning of the song.

Please make it go away.

Date: Thurs, January 25, 2024, 17:23:05 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. It's Happy Hour

Sorry for the double post. I got that "dangerous site" pop up again. It seems that popup comes AFTER the post has been accepted. Just an FYIt

Date: Thurs, January 25, 2024, 17:21:46 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. It's Happy Hour

Just to address the AC/DC issue for a second. I know the name AC/DC and realize they are a band. I'm pretty sure they have at least one member (guitar player perhaps?) who wears preposterous shorts. Like M/O/D/P I can't name one song by the band. I may have heard one or more of their songs, but nothing I remember associated with them.

And I always thought the idea Only a Fool Would Say That was written as a shot against John Lennon was pretty fucking stupid.

Date: Thurs, January 25, 2024, 17:21:37 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. It's Happy Hour

Just to address the AC/DC issue for a second. I know the name AC/DC and realize they are a band. I'm pretty sure they have at least one member (guitar player perhaps?) who wears preposterous shorts. Like M/O/D/P I can't name one song by the band. I may have heard one or more of their songs, but nothing I remember associated with them.

And I always thought the idea Only a Fool Would Say That was written as a shot against John Lennon was pretty fucking stupid.

Date: Thurs, January 25, 2024, 07:54:02 ET
Posted by: Steve M, Scotland

Sorry folks, turns out the SD tour dates I mentioned in Manchester UK next May/June are actually part of the whole Eagles support thing....I'll pass.

Date: Thurs, January 25, 2024, 00:01:01 ET
Posted by: SDV, upon the platform

I can't name a single Taylor Swift song but I've certainly heard of Taylor Swift. same goes for a lot of other acts.

like them or not AC/DC is one of the most successful groups of all time and most folks have at least heard of them.

some of us may have thought Donald lives in some kind of bubble where he mostly just listens to the same 20 or so jazz albums but his "desert island" list proves otherwise

Date: Wed, January 24, 2024, 23:02:40 ET
Posted by: M/O/D/P, Certainly not listening to "AC/DC" right now

QUOTE, Shark de Ville: "I still find it surprising that when SD played Coachella along with AC/DC he claimed to have never heard of them".

Although, through a series of unfortunate exposure incidents, I HAVE heard of them, I honestly couldn't name an "AC/DC" song without, y'know, goggling "AC/DC" and then reading through some idiotic promotional drivel about "AC/DC" - something I'm just not prepared to do. DF is/was not completely alone here.

What was it Walter once said when asked his opinion of some popular act? "I don't shop in that section of the record store" - or something pretty close. I'm guessing that most, if not all, of the material released by AC/DC is the sort of entertainment product that someone like DF or WB would be very unlikely to run across in daily life. Not even on the radar, as they say.

My best guess at "AC/DC" song titles, if I were to have to answer, would be AOR/hit tunes with names like, "Rock rock baby baby" or maybe "Oooooh ooooh party rock baby" or even "Rock 'n' party all night long (baby)!"...but without even a hint of shame I readily admit I really don't know what the hell I'm talking about here. And, for the record, despite the fact that I am regrettably aware​ of all of them, with gun-to-head I also can't name a single song by the likes of Bon Jovi, Van Halen, Hexagon, Stryper, Ratt, Poison, Iron Maiden, Deaf Leopard, or any one of the hundreds of other low grade arena/crap-rock acts that have littered the popular music scene over the past four or five decades.

In short, put me on one of those asinine TV Game Shows (I presume they still have these things?) where the subject is '70s - '90s Crap Rock Trivia, and I end up looking like the proverbial deer-in-the-headlights, or maybe like an Eagles fan suddenly & unexpectedly faced with a roadside sobriety test.

But look, even though I personally don't like the music of AC/DC, I don't mean to denigrate those who do. And for those who enjoy the music of AC/DC, "denigrate" means "put down".

M/O/D/P

Date: Wed, January 24, 2024, 16:34:36 ET
Posted by: SDV, up on the hill

thanks for reposting that.
some great selections from Donald and like you say, much more "mainstream" than we might expect. he loved Shakedown Street enough to cover it with the Dukes and the Night Flyers. and the Lennon tune might surprise some who are convinced Only A Fool is an anti-Lennon song... I never bought that.

Donald seems quite familiar with what's popular, I still find it surprising that when SD played Coachella along with AC/DC he claimed to have never heard of them

Date: Tues, January 23, 2024, 20:53:04 ET
Posted by: Eino Eubie Sexton, a/k/a Sam Bivalent (but I've never posted as Sammy if anyone ever wondered)

A few months ago I posted here about a vague recollection I had of reading about Donald & Walter playing guest DJs at an FM rock station and picking their favorites from the station's playlist. I wasn't 100% sure it was both Fagen and Becker, wasn't 100% sure they did it back in the 70's, but I assumed, from scouring my memory, that it musta been their - or Fagen's - choices from some rock station's playlist because the two songs I recalled - Elton's "Bennie" and FMac's "You Make Loving Fun" were so much more like commercial FM programming than what we assume Fagen and Becker normally listen to.

Uh... talk about *faded memories*...'cause I just found this reprint of a transcription of what the show *really* was:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here’s a song by John Lennon I think is from 1970. It’s definitely from the very early ’70s. I guess some people would still call it the ’60s, if they’re talking culturally and psychologically and so on, It’s a very interesting song, really original in John Lennon’s later style using a lot of echo and all that kind of stuff that he started using during the ’70s. John Lennon died in 1980, so this was 10 years before. Here’s “Instant Karma.”

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

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

Nice! Thank you to the transcriber(s). It'd be way fun to hear the actual audio, don't you think?

Date: Tues, January 23, 2024, 07:47:15 ET
Posted by: Stan, US

I'm confident of a new Fagen release. He's very prolific. One new solo album per decade, each decade, going back to the 1980s.

Date: Tues, January 23, 2024, 07:18:35 ET
Posted by: Michael,

During his interview with Acoustic Sounds Donald alluded to working on a new album, though there's no indication as to how far along it is. Hopefully it will be released sometime this year.

Date: Mon, January 22, 2024, 21:01:17 ET
Posted by: moray eel, N

Three year ago, Fagen told Rolling Stone that he had written almost an entire album worth of tunes and had recorded demos.

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

m.e.

Date: Mon, January 22, 2024, 10:35:41 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Here's a little something for all the music lovers out there.


Hot Salad - Easy Target

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FgP8DYwYtco

Santa Cruz - Mais Uma Chance

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P1AOcFKjdaM

Ryan Power - World of Wonder

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eALnXONe1nE

Stereo Venus - Strange Waltz (feat. Rumer)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0HVejth_Os

PSYMON SPINE - Wizard Acid

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PW9CH_3nzzQ

Yellowjackets - Matinee Idol

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QdbCf76wlKU

Con Funk Shun - California 1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k8REZHx7jCE

Date: Mon, January 22, 2024, 08:03:32 ET
Posted by: Steve M, Scotland near Manchester

3 dates in Manchester UK coming up for me late May, early June.

Date: Sun, January 21, 2024, 15:05:33 ET
Posted by: Phoenix, The Real Deal

1/19
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

1/20
Phantom Raiders
Josie
Hey Nineteen
Aja
Kid Charlemagne
Dirty Work
Bodhisattva
Black Cow
Peg
My Old School
Reelin' in the Years
A Man Ain't Supposed to Cry

Date: Sat, January 20, 2024, 14:35:03 ET
Posted by: Foot Print, Phoenix

Phantom Raiders

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

A Man Ain't Supposed to Cry

Date: Thurs, January 18, 2024, 18:56:05 ET
Posted by: Michael,

Donny Benét's new song American Dream just dropped.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eM3XyivYPYI

Date: Wed, January 17, 2024, 21:03:10 ET
Posted by: Denise, wicked cold in Boston

Hi Gus, good to see a a post from you. Hi to Mrs. W.

Ben, watched the clip on the second link. Those short music recaps just don't do the music justice, do they? But glad SD is recognized.

Date: Wed, January 17, 2024, 16:39:27 ET
Posted by: Ben Jammin, Chillin' in Indy

Here's more about our favorite Hall of Famers...

https://relix.com/news/detail/r-e-m-steely-dan-and-others-inducted-into-2024-songwriters-hall-of-fame/?utm_source=Relix+Daily&utm_campaign=f75702a428-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2024_01_17_05_37&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-f75702a428-%5BLIST_EMAIL_ID%5D&mc_cid=f75702a428&mc_eid=a0ea23347e

https://www.jambase.com/article/songwriters-hall-of-fame-2024-r-e-m-steely-dan

Date: Wed, January 17, 2024, 16:39:08 ET
Posted by: Ben Jammin, Chillin' in Indy

Here's more about our favorite Hall of Famers...

https://relix.com/news/detail/r-e-m-steely-dan-and-others-inducted-into-2024-songwriters-hall-of-fame/?utm_source=Relix+Daily&utm_campaign=f75702a428-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2024_01_17_05_37&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-f75702a428-%5BLIST_EMAIL_ID%5D&mc_cid=f75702a428&mc_eid=a0ea23347e

https://www.jambase.com/article/songwriters-hall-of-fame-2024-r-e-m-steely-dan

Date: Wed, January 17, 2024, 16:24:03 ET
Posted by: Acrisure, 1000 Palms

Phantom Raiders

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

A Man Ain't Supposed to Cry

Date: Wed, January 17, 2024, 15:40:25 ET
Posted by: Gus Winterbottom, Torrance, CA

Denise, Thanks for the Songwriter HoF info.

Hoops, Thanks for the Palm Springs show updates.

Date: Wed, January 17, 2024, 11:27:06 ET
Posted by: Anyone, Anywhere

The next Wendels?...
https://gizmodo.com/new-musical-instruments-invented-georgia-tech-guthman-1851170490

Several of them are not really what I would call "musical." But I can see some being useful for film/soundtrack work, especially for weird alien sounds. (See the Thales or the Yuan, the last two presented.)

The most obviously recognizable and useful one for actual music (imo) would be the second one presented, the circle guitar, because it's not an entirely new instrument designed from scratch, it's "just" a modification of existing guitars.

Date: Wed, January 17, 2024, 09:03:06 ET
Posted by: Denise, Hinktown

Steely Dan, R.E.M., Timbaland, Hillary Lindsey and Dean Pitchford get into Songwriters Hall of Fame

https://apnews.com/article/2024-songwriters-hall-fame-a1c7fbe1d470f45414c9fe87f78ad787

Their nomination posted here a few weeks back.

"Steely Dan — co-founded by Donald Fagan and the late Walter Becker — finally get into the hall despite being a staple of classic rock with songs like “Reelin’ in the Years,” “Do It Again” and “Hey Nineteen.” They went into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2001...

The Songwriters Hall of Fame was established in 1969 to honor those creating the popular music. A songwriter with a notable catalog of songs qualifies for induction 20 years after the first commercial release of a song."

Date: Tues, January 16, 2024, 19:35:42 ET
Posted by: hoops, Chicago, wishing I was in Palm Desert

For Gus Winterbottom and others, updating my thread on resale ticket prices. In case you missed my earlier posts, last fall there were a few shows where people were unloading tickets for as low as $38 plus fees, something like 85% off original ticket price. So far, that sort of thing is not the case on this winter leg of the tour.

With that in mind, for tonight's show near Palm Desert, California the lowest resale ticket I saw was $175 (including fees) at the opposite end of the arena, apparently in the nosebleeds. This was at around 1 PM PST.

Just my hypothesis: Since this is in a pretty wealthy area, I imagine people are willing to give their tickets to other people rather than have to try and recover their costs. Just a theory. At any rate, no sign of any of those deals like last fall at MSG.

If you're at the show tonight, hope you enjoy.

Date: Mon, January 15, 2024, 11:26:58 ET
Posted by: Michael,

I'm back with a new selection of great music for your listening satisfaction.


Page 99 - Did You Mean That?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jfoa223SI8E

Barbara - Rainy Days in June

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BiOE037fJOI

Claude Lavender - Judy's Bottom Drawer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jr7am7_HR6k

Ed Mount - Distant Calls (feat. Flore Benguigui)

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

Polydata - Leaving San Jose

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yWM-RXYyf94

Kerry Charles - Empress Of The Crystal Moon

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5RMWk-jUg4

Marc Jordan - Generalities

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RktQNME5h4Y


Until next time.

Date: Mon, January 15, 2024, 08:50:19 ET
Posted by: Jimmie, US

Mis'ry and The Blues should have been included on the trilogy Extras CD.

Date: Sun, January 14, 2024, 16:03:45 ET
Posted by: Kia3, L.A. 2

:: Same setlist, both nights in L.A. ::

Phantom Raiders

Josie
Hey Nineteen
Aja
Kid Charlemagne
Dirty Work
Bodhisattva
Pretzel Logic
Peg
My Old School
Reelin' in the Years

A Man Ain't Supposed to Cry

Date: Sat, January 13, 2024, 23:04:25 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. Uptown, Baby!

E. Eubie-Sex,

Thanks so much for posting that here. Excellent mix. Old farts like me might never see that on regular social media. Appreciate you including us.

Date: Sat, January 13, 2024, 23:04:06 ET
Posted by: The Dean, St. Augustine. Uptown, Baby!

E. Eubie-Sex,

Thanks so much for posting that here. Excellent mix. Old farts like me might never see that on regular social media. Appreciate you including us.

Date: Sat, January 13, 2024, 19:38:03 ET
Posted by: Kia3, L.A. 1

Phantom Raiders

Josie
Hey Nineteen
Aja
Kid Charlemagne
Dirty Work
Bodhisattva
Pretzel Logic
Peg
My Old School
Reelin' in the Years

A Man Ain't Supposed to Cry

Date: Fri, January 12, 2024, 18:05:30 ET
Posted by: Michael,

。☆。*。☆。
★。＼｜／。★
Happy Birthday!
★。※※※。★