Steely Dan made some of the best music ever recorded. Literally.

@iDEATH

2 жыл бұрын

I'm a metalhead to my core, but you are 100% correct. I absolutely adore Steely Dan.

@mogsy2112

2 жыл бұрын

@@iDEATH I'm also a huge metal head, that loves the Dan. I'm going to see them in a few weeks, actually!

@ScottyKirk1

2 жыл бұрын

@@iDEATH Strange connection and pretty common. I had a cassette of the first album when I was 10 and played it to death. I remember a road trip thru Death Valley with the Greatest Hits tape too! Radio station here in Houston used to have a thing called The Daily Dan... Too bad radio became corporatized and bad.

@emc2614

2 жыл бұрын

I'm starting to come around to that opinion

@jml-rj5re

2 жыл бұрын

They never disappoint. Their fusion is mighty.

My favorite Dan song and one of the greatest guitar solos ever. Larry Carlton’s finest. RIP Walter Becker!!

@cam35mm

Жыл бұрын

Carlton, knew his playing through fusion.

@steveo44

Жыл бұрын

Couldn't agree more. Carlton was on fire the entire album. My favourite Dan album

@user-vk6ju2qf9c

5 ай бұрын

Best song from the best band

STEELY DAN did something amazing. They took jazz elements and somehow incorporated it into popular music. I'm still in awe of what they achieved.

You're absolutely right about needing more Steely Dan on your channel...never a misstep, always so clean & tight.

@dbell582

2 жыл бұрын

I agree. I once saw an interview by one of the horn players saying they loved playing with Steely Dan because sheet music was provided. Nothing left to chance. Love Steely Dan and still listen to them on nearly a daily basis.

I've listened to Steely Dan since day 1 and loved it all. But the older I get, the more I appreciate the genius and quality of the composition, the scope, and brilliant musicianship that the Dan delivers on a consistent basis. It's like I'm hearing it all anew with fresh ears..and I'm so much more impressed now than I ever was.

@jazzyboy7784

Жыл бұрын

I feel exactly the same way...

Great reaction, Owsley "Bear" Stanley was more than a chemist, he also was the sound technician for the Grateful Dead designing the Wall of Sound in 1974, many cool videos on the Wall of Sound, probably nothing for reaction but for general knowledge you might find it interesting. Edit: You should do more Steely Dan some of the great compositions of our time.

@jpwjr1199

2 жыл бұрын

Yeah! "Bear" Owsley Stanley was an amazing man. Most of us would have to live several lifetimes to accomplish what he did in his one, and he did it all unapologetically.

@NastyN8k

2 жыл бұрын

@@jpwjr1199 One of the best comments I heard Jerry Garcia say in an interview is something about how they all killed plenty of brain cells, and in Owsley's case it was probably good for him to lose a few. LOL!

@wbaconus

2 жыл бұрын

Fun fact: He also designed the steal your face logo

@mrnobody3161

2 жыл бұрын

The Merry Pranksters liked Owlsey a lot.

@diedealan7795

2 жыл бұрын

It is overlooked time and again but it is impossible to understand The Dan without understanding Duke Ellington. In so many ways they strived to emulate not only the Ellington arrangement genius, but also his perfect sense of sophistication and jazz authenticity. Substitute RnR/RnB for Jazz as the base idiom, and you get the idea. Don't believe me? Duke's 23rd Street Toodaloo is there only cover they ever recorded and released.

takes deep hit off freshly lit bowl..........rocks to the amazing groove while exhaling.........then says" We need to do more Steely Dan on the channel". THIS is exactly the way SD is to be appreciated! So glad you found SD, so thankful you shared.

Bernard Purdie is the Larry Carlton of drums. He has a drum beat, the "Purdie Shuffle", that is widely used. In fact, "Roseanna" drums is a combination of the Purdie shuffle and the Bo Diddley backbeat.

@rk41gator

2 жыл бұрын

Purdie has that great and elusive 'swing' in his funky beat, playing the drums to emphasize the musical phrasing. Very much like Phil Collins does with Genesis....makes rock swing!

@cecilkeebler4254

2 жыл бұрын

If you haven't, check out Rick Beato's recent interview with Bernard Purdie on YT. A very good watch.

@rk41gator

2 жыл бұрын

@@cecilkeebler4254 Thanks. I have been meaning to click on that episode. I will do so today!

@jamesrawlins735

2 жыл бұрын

It's hard to do better than Steely Dan when it comes to drummers. Purdie, Jeff Porcaro, Jim Hodder, Steve Gadd - just four drummers who happened to play on their records, no biggie

@cameron_fairchild

Жыл бұрын

@@jamesrawlins735 Have you heard (santa monica 1974 version of) Bodhisattva live? Hodder and Porcaro are both on it killing it!

They were insistently meticulous about getting the right sounds and musicians and performances for each song. It made their music unique and each song a sonic perfection.

Probably one of my favorite guitar solos of all time.. even in the outro.

@metalmark1214

2 жыл бұрын

If you liked that check out Frank Marino Here is a live performance kzread.info/dash/bejne/Zp6JrayspJDYhaQ.html

@peterzang

2 жыл бұрын

A genius

@robinhjohanson

2 жыл бұрын

Such a shame that Doug talked all over it. 😉

@eileenhenryselby-smith9762

2 жыл бұрын

especially the outro

@user-xf3cv6xd1z

5 ай бұрын

Another for me is Third Word Man's solo on the Gaucho album.

I can’t believe you were speaking during the best guitar solo ever! Doug, what are you doing?

@metalmark1214

2 жыл бұрын

You might like this guy if you don't know him - Frank Marino kzread.info/dash/bejne/Zp6JrayspJDYhaQ.html

@bryanharder2881

2 жыл бұрын

...and you talked right over the "Gas In The Car" part!

@francispower1418

2 жыл бұрын

@@bryanharder2881 Might have had something to do with whatever was in that pipe!

@robertw377

2 ай бұрын

He spoke over the solo on 25 or 6 to 4? Unforgivable!😅

One of my favourite albums ever. Found myself in record shops a couple of times and unable to leave until Sign In Stranger has finished.

‘“Pretty” Purdie is a master drummer. Check out Bernard’s interview with Mr. B.

@TheJQ1971

2 жыл бұрын

Ya done hired the hit maker hahaha

@JonGreen_UK

2 жыл бұрын

You ask, I provide 😁 kzread.info/dash/bejne/aKmp1ahqmczLaJs.html

Absolutely one of the best Steely Dan songs ever recorded. The smoothness of the drums by Bernard Purdie and the slickness of Larry Carlton's guitar work is just incredible!! And the production quality is second to none!! Thanks Doug!! More Steely Dan please!!

"You are obsolete, look at all the white men on the street", refers to coke dealers as coke started to replace LSD as the drug of choice.

@peterzang

2 жыл бұрын

Also, Jews have been known to call Christians White Men. To show that they are the accepted ones. Read Duddy Kravitz. Used often.

@telynns8490

2 жыл бұрын

@@peterzang It had nothing to do with race. It was a term for people selling coke.

When "Can't Buy a Thrill" broke, I carried it with me everywhere I went, especially to my friends' houses. I first heard them on the "Midnight Special" in the very early 70's."Reelin' in the Years". I was hooked. The Dan is American extreme.

One of my favorite Guitar solos of all time

when you consider this album was put out almost 50 years ago you appreciate the sophistication and quality of their work. Aja was the first album I bought back in the late 70’s in Wellington New Zealand and I listen to the entire album regularly at least once a month. Love the channel please keep the unique SD sound reactions going in this genre there’s none better 🤟

Same album. "Don't Take Me Alive". It starts with another outstanding Larry Carlton solo. Steely Dan in terms of song writing, arranging, performance is a complete one off. Never equaled.

@davidperezgonzalez1839

2 жыл бұрын

One of my favs too, the smoothness of the song after that abrupt chord and the feedback, and then those bends are epic . And you have to listen to "I really dont know anymore" solo from Christopher Cross debut album of the same name, that solo, I really think it is his best solo on a "big name" record, its so original and fresh, its no as famous as Steely Dan but its epic too.

@stephenmayock3776

2 жыл бұрын

In my humble opinion Larry’s intro solo in Don’t Take Me Alive is the best intro solo of all time

@jazzpunk

2 жыл бұрын

Loved that song for years. Somewhat recently, I paid attention to the lyrics/subject matter. Pretty dark, huh?

@scotttownsend1922

2 жыл бұрын

Oh that's a good one.

@kenny69lover

7 ай бұрын

the tone and meaning behind the song is very interesting and dark which makes it totally ironic to the funkiness. i love it!

Larry Carlton's amazing, as is the rest of Steely Dan!! Also, I LOVE Nichols' engineering! ❤️

@thielmangary

Жыл бұрын

Roger told me once he was 5ms ahead of his time.

Bernard Purdie is a fing legend no one has played with more band than this beast RESPECT

Others have already said it but one of the things that makes this such an outstanding track is that the great Bernard Perdie is playing the drums. He was by then already a very well rounded and fully formed (trained) musician, and he had developed his famous shuffle, which is designed to leave vast amounts of space for all the other instruments to shine. He and Chuck Rainey, playing the bass, were totally in each other’s pocket. In fact as Perdie tells it they whole ensemble were able to physically see each other during the session, and I think we hear that closeness in the recording. BTW the lyric about the “white men on the street” making our man obsolete referees to the new heroine and cocaine dealers that were coming along, bringing the psychedelic era to a close at the time. Not caucasians!

Steely Dan was as clean and tight playing live as the album cuts. RIP WB

@patriciamorgan6545

Жыл бұрын

Indeed! Saw Steely Dan (Donald Fagen, the Steely Dan Band, and the Donettes backup/featured singers) just two nights ago at Jones Beach. I sadly never saw them when Walter Becker was alive (having heard they were really a studio band and thus better listened to on albums). Should have known better --- Every musician in that touring band was world class. The Dan wouldn't have it any other way. Bucket list item for me.

I also love Larry Carlton's outro on this - I wish it would go on and on .....

One of my favorite Steely Dan tracks.1976! Sounds just as fresh today.

They were always a favorite of mine, but back in the day, I often heard people and critics describing Steely Dan’s music as “too perfect.” Whatever that means. It’s just so amazing to see them enjoying a new appreciation on KZread.

Top notch musicianship is a hallmark of Steely Dan! Please continue with reactions of them..

Those of us who grew up listening to Steely Dan are smiling at your reactions. Even with all that has come since this track was made, it still stands out. Cryptic lyrics, a smooth as silk arrangement, every player is on point perfectly, and Larry's solos are indeed songs of their own.

I'm a big Larry Carlton fan. HOWEVER, I think that his solo at the beginning of "Don't Take Me Alive" on "The Royal Scam" was VASTLY superior to his solo on "Kid Charlemagne". Listen to both of those solos back to back and then tell me which solo you really think is better.

@jllamb88

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks man, I’ll check it out. His kid Charlemagne solo is all I know of him, the guy is obviously a brilliant player.

@michaellaporte4951

2 жыл бұрын

"Don't Take Me Alive" is excellent, but I think my favourite Dan guitar work is from "My Old School" (with I believe Jeff Baxter on the lead).

@albreezy26

2 жыл бұрын

Don't take me alive has more feeling/emotion and kid Charlemagne is more focused on the note choice/technique but debating both seems like a waste of time so I'm gonna get off the internet now lol

@metalmark1214

2 жыл бұрын

If you don't know Frank Marino I think you enjoy this - kzread.info/dash/bejne/Zp6JrayspJDYhaQ.html

@danlrusso

2 жыл бұрын

Totally agree

Larry Carlton in Steely Dan is amazing. But if you haven’t listened to his work with The Crusaders, you are missing out - I recommend starting with the album Chain Reaction.

@pablovandyck

2 жыл бұрын

I started listening to the Crusaders when they were still called the Jazz Crusaders. Great band; great musicians.

@redx1708

2 жыл бұрын

I would start earlier. His solo at the end of "So far away" from the "Crusaders" album is awesome as is his work on "2nd Crusade". He was very young back then, but already a master.

@PeterCrighton

2 жыл бұрын

@@redx1708 Oh, absolutely! I just meant that Chain Reaction is my favourite album, but the earlier ones are amazing as well.

Let's not forget the genius bass playing by Chuck Rainey. Carlton is excellent! And yes, you should do more Steely Dan....

@eboethrasher

Жыл бұрын

Good to see someone else recognize the genius.

I wish I had an uncle like you.

Owlsley Stanley was an inside member of the Grateful Dead family. His nickname was "Bear", and he spawned a live album called Bear's Choice. He also was a designer, he did the famous Skull and Lightning Bolt, Steal Your Face, GD logo, and he designed their great sounding but brief existing "Wall Of Sound" quasi-portable sound system, powered by 26,000 watts of McIntosh amplifiers and over 600 individual speakers. He was the subject of a PBS story called "LSD Millionaire", so The Dead wrote a song called "Alice D. Millionaire". And "Kid Charlemagne", plus he guess what, went to prison for a couple of years on drug charges. Surprise! A very busy boy. RIP Bear.

One the COOLEST songs ever composed. Becker and Fagan were geniuses, and Larry Carlton nailed the guitar work as always.,

Saw them here in the Bay Area a week and a half ago. They played this song and many other greats. Great musicians, playing. Jon Herington and Adam Rogers on guitar, Ready Freddie Washington on bass, Keith Carlock on drums, Jim Beard on keys, three female backup vocalists (sang the verses on Dirty Work), and of course, Donald Fagen on vocals and keys, plus four horns. Ha cha!

@jazzfusioner9840

2 жыл бұрын

...Keith Carlock...Monster...

The solos on this song literally give me goosebumps and have for many many years!

@metalmark1214

2 жыл бұрын

If you don't know Frank Marino check him out here live - kzread.info/dash/bejne/Zp6JrayspJDYhaQ.html

What a great song. Even the ornamentations in the background are beautiful. His solo was unconstructive in that it was completely Improvised and the first take was the winner

luv ur re-doos. Thanks much Doug ;-}

Awesome... you definitely need to check out more Steely Dan, Fagen & Becker were awesome arrangers and musicians... might I suggest "Home at Last"? Thanks for the great analyses Doug.

@mournblade1066

2 жыл бұрын

Probably my favorite track for _Aja_.

If i had only one wish from a genie, it would be for you to PLEASE do more Steely Dan

Another fav of mine on The Royal Scam is "Sign In Stranger". The pianist on this tune Paul Griffin does such a good job on this track that, if he told me to, I would probably change religions. It is literally that epic. Even if you never talk about it on the channel, you'd be doing a disservice to yourself as a fan/student of music to not listen to this song. Love what you do, keep 'em coming!

Great song, I love playing the bass line for this. If you can pull it off, it will teach you and your fingers a lot about ascending, descending licks, bridges, and arpeggios. And yeah, Carlton pulled off an amazing guitar solo. Getting it even close to right on all the instruments in this song will stretch intermediate players and pro players will struggle with the tone. I found it was easier to rock it up a little than follow the original, myself ... the bass lays back in spots where it really doesn't feel like it would.

The DAN All of it,every thing that has been written. The musicians, and there were many, were the Best of the Best. Larry Carlton, Walter Becker ,God rest his sole, Bernard Purdy and Donald Fagan. OH my does that list go on.

This is one of the best examples of the legendary Purdie shuffle.

I can't think of a bad Steely Dan tune. They are all great.

@RolandTumble23

2 жыл бұрын

Personally, I can't _stand_ Dr. Wu--but with that sole exception, I agree.

@MillerGenuineDraft1980

2 жыл бұрын

Are you crazy Are you high? Or just an ordinary guy?

One of their best tracks!

“They” are not hiding this at all! Lol! Said As he takes another drag from his piece. Love this channel for so many reasons

My second favorite of theirs behind “Time Out of Mind”

Good stuff, Sir; love when you cover the quality fusion & prog rock…. This is a f’ng great song

From the sweltering summer of '76 in London. A top, favourite band, finally saw them in 2009.

Every time I hear the beginning of this song, I'm reminded of "I, Robot" by The Alan Parsons Project...

You: “Need to do more Steely Dan, on the Channel.” Me: Yes, you do. 🎸 🎹 🥁 🎤 🤩

Great guitar solo but being a drummer, I have to point out Bernard on the drums. So tasteful!

@DANTEANDOLINI

2 жыл бұрын

THEY PAN THE DRUM FILLS FROM LEFT TO RIGHT A LOT ON THIS ALBUM, TO AWESOME EFFECT. YOU REALLY NOTICE WITH HEAD PHONES

@eboethrasher

Жыл бұрын

@@DANTEANDOLINI Listen to the Aja drum solo in headphones really loud, you will feel it and hear it pan. it is amazing.

Larry Carlton owns this song and many others like "Don't Take Me Alive". I saw Larry with his band at The Newport Jazz Festival many years ago. Such a fine guitarist and humble human being.

If you ever get a chance to see them live, DO IT! Such a treat!

@richkurl

2 жыл бұрын

I will vouch for that, having attended 17 concerts since 1994, the most recent November 2021 in Morristown NJ. Donald's voice is not as vibrant and agile as it once was, but he's still excellent and holds everything together. They're as good, if not better than ever and that band just SWINGS with world-class players.

Try Camel Ice for an epic guitar solo by the criminally underrated Andrew Latimer.

@ArielRodriguezVannini

2 жыл бұрын

Camel is a must for this channel, Doug!!!

The guitar solo in *Reelin' In The Years* is another one that stands out as being unusually good. Aamof, Jimmy Page said it is his favorite solo of all time.

Owsley also did sound for Grateful Dead at their live shows in the 70s.

Steely Dan = perfection in music.

It was Larry's magnum opus. It's not a rock guitar solo; it's guitar solo masterpiece for the ages by which all other solos will be measured. Proof? Even today, young boys and girls are learning this solo from all parts of the globe. Epic!

"This is overt sh*t." Then the bowl is fired up! Just found your channel looking for Steely Dan. Thanks

I love the way you get into this amazing music I'm high off the music don't need to "chase the dragon" for good vibest with Steely Dan.....Love that little jam at the end of this song can hear it forever just feel good music all day long thank you Steely Dan YOU ROCK!

One my mt Rushmore of Dan for 35 yrs I’m glad so many like it now it seemed like I was only one

Check out "Don't Take Me Alive" off of the same album. You'll be hooked after the first few notes.

@alcambrola2834

2 жыл бұрын

Larry's the man!

@scotttownsend1922

2 жыл бұрын

Absolutely!

@Peter_S_

2 жыл бұрын

Outstanding tune and one of the best intros ever. I was instantly hooked the first time and will be for all my days.

You are as sharp as a tack. LOVE your channel. As an educated musician, I shouldn't be surprised. Music is one of the greatest of all gifts in life. Peace.

Man when you lit up that pipe I laughed so hard - thanks for the great laugh. Still smiling,

Hey Doug, you are definitely now in my wheelhouse. I've been a huge Steely Dan fan since I was a kid and I have every album in their catalog. Larry Carlton is a session god and IMO, this is the greatest guitar solo in the history of rock/pop. I'm sure you're probably familiar with Rick Beato, the musician/producer/educator who has a huge KZread channel with almost 3 million subscribers and a thousand videos covering a number of music topics. You should check out his video about this song in his "What Makes This Song Great" series of videos. He not only breaks down the structure, writing and production of the song, but he breaks down the entire guitar solo. BTW, I've been a musician (keyboards/vocals) since I was a kid and I've been in a band with my brother for >30 years. we've played various Steely Dan songs over the years and we currently have 5 Dan songs on the set list, including My Old School, Pretzel Logic, Don't Take Me Alive, Black Friday and Daddy Don't Live In That NYC No More.

@RockDocNeal

2 жыл бұрын

Hey Doug, I forgot that Rick Beato also has a video of an interview he did with Larry Carlton at the Baked Potato in LA in which they discuss Kid Charlemagne and Don't Take Me Alive. Here's the link if you're interested... kzread.info/dash/bejne/ZquO0pWFnMi9dpM.html

Soeaking of TV series opening, Larry Carlton also played the guitar part on Magnum pi theme.

Gotta love that Bernard Purdie / Chuck Rainey rhythm section groove

@eboethrasher

Жыл бұрын

There is isolated audio out there for it, and it is awesome.

Owsley "Bear" Stanley, a member of The Grateful Dead crew, instrumental in "The Wall of Sound" and prolific LSD chemist.

Never, ever talk over a Steely Dan song. Wait until it is over.

I smoke when Doug smokes. Always at the ready. Love your vids man!!!

Amazing shit at the time... Not a bad tune on any of their records! I'm particular to the Aja and Gaucho pressings. Man, what nuance!

@DANTEANDOLINI

2 жыл бұрын

YOUR SURE RIGHT, NOT A BAD TUNE ON ANY OF THEIR RECORDS. EVEN THE STUFF THAT DIDN'T MAKE THE RECORDS ARE BETTER THAN WHAT ANYONE ELSE IS, WAS OR WILL EVER DO, THE BEAR, THE 2ND ARRANGEMENT AND WERE YOU BLIND THAT DAY. KEPT THE SONG AND RELEASED IT AFTER A LYRICS CHANGE THAT WEREN'T ESSENTIAL. PERFECTIONISTS THAT THEY ARE BEST ORCHESTRA IN THE MUSIC SCENE. STILL TEARING UP ARENEAS TODAY.

"You are still an outlaw in their eyes" - then take the hit Doug! Very classy! Peace!

Great tune, great timing! Steely Dan just played here, in Phoenix AZ, on 5/31.

The tape that hit the cutting room floor would be priceless.

Ahhhhhhhh "the Solo". Steely Dan is the band your favorite band listens to. More of them Doug. Love your channel.

Just them!!!! Fabulous!!!

Try Babylon Sisters, or just anything from Goucho. Sounds so great on a good system, nice and loud.

first time here. Daily Doug-funny title. Thanks for your theory monologue. I for one appreciate it

Owsley Stanley also created/developed the stage monitor, btw. At the time he was soundman for the Grateful Dead.

@colinburroughs9871

2 жыл бұрын

a relevant, but never discussed point

I need to do more Steely Dan on this channel. I subscribed right after that statement! Love from Canada.💞

Everyone forgets the "Third World Man" solo by Larry Carlton. I have seen guitarists almost in tears trying to copy it and it sounds so simple...

@jazzfusioner9840

2 жыл бұрын

...word...

I was waiting for this

Check out Beato's interview with Bernard Purdie: kzread.info/dash/bejne/aKmp1ahqmczLaJs.html

Dude, great vid. You're the Dude, Dude. I'm duding out right now.

I'm a Larry Carlton fan. His best performance is Sleepwalk off his album of the same name - not any other of his subsequent versions.

Yes for The Dan.

I’ve heard this song a million times, but watching him hit the pipe made it worth watching.

Dude you chezzin’ up @ the 7 minute mark is priceless! There is so much Steely Dan to explore………..do “Green Earrings” off this same album. It’s my all time favorite Steely Dan track!

Appreciate your harmonic analysis especially your puzzled look coming out of the gtr solo and they return to one

you can't go wrong with more steely dan 👍

Larry Carlton - What is there to say ? I’m not even a jazz fan, and this is AMAZING. The very best music and art always transcends its genre and style. “Kid” is Exhibit 1.

"Look at all the white men on the street" - this is a reference to cocaine dealers overtaking LSD sellers and the change of "tastes" in chemical preferences between the 60's and the 70's.

@zapazap

2 жыл бұрын

Coke adds life (or so they say).

Excellent! Steely Dan rules, musical geniuses on numerous levels.

A favorite band

Before LSD was declared illegal in 1966 Stanley was able to legally purchase the precursor to LSD, one of the reasons why his was so good. This was fascinating to me mostly because I was majoring in chemistry at UCLA at about the same time. Even more interesting was why this chemical had such a profound effect on the body. I did considerable research on this subject. And for what it's worth "The Royal Scam" is my favorite Steely Dan album.

Owsley was the official “chemist” and sound engineer to the Dead. It was his acid that people like The Beatles, Peter Fonda, all the LA musicians and stars were using.

I've listened to this tune regularly for decades, as I've been huge into Steely Dan and Larry Carlton since the 1980s. And I'm reasonably knowledgable in music theory having been and amateur guitarist all that time...I never picked up the tritone sub for the V (Bb) to get back to Am. And you do this stuff in your head while listening Doug. That's incredibly impressive.

I'm a classical trombonist and aspiring guitarist. Nice reaction man. New sub.