Steely Dan added SO MUCH to the rich tapestry of great music of the 1970s!

@RedSinter

2 жыл бұрын

They created a tapestry for more than the 70's every song ff Aja is a Master Class and Masterpiece then as now.

@karenj3611

2 жыл бұрын

Absolutely, best music ever

@andrewpetik2034

2 жыл бұрын

@@RedSinter I agree! The 1960s, 70s and into the 80s radio airwaves were awesome!

@RedSinter

2 жыл бұрын

@@andrewpetik2034 their music almost regardless of the Album has withstood the test of time.

@andrewpetik2034

2 жыл бұрын

@@RedSinter Absolutely! As true musicians, they strip away the layers of silence to reveal the glorious beauty that surrounds us.

Steely Dan are truly magical, you're right. I can go 50 songs deep on their catalog of songs that I like. Edit: In my humble opinion, Aja is one of the greatest albums ever made. Second edit: That coat is something else.

@larryk731

Жыл бұрын

No debate AJA is the best Steely Dan album. I've debated whether it's a rock album with jazz influences or jazz with rock influences - lean towards jazz with rock

Steely Dan at their finest, sonically. Chuck Rainey’s monster bass line really makes it… and those lyrics… melancholy, yet hilarious. A perfect song, IMO.

@jml-rj5re

2 жыл бұрын

The best.

@rogerberryman6467

2 жыл бұрын

Aja VERY closely followed by Gaucho imho.

One of my top 100 favorite Steely Dan songs...

Listen to that immaculate production....Steely Dan combines this with sublime musicianship and incredible songwriting what a band........and by the way Harri that coat you are wearing is awesome.

@HarriBestReactions

2 жыл бұрын

Thanx Sven..Are you Swedish?

@athab8256

2 жыл бұрын

Hey, you're right on all FOUR observations!! I think stereo stores use Aja to sell their sound systems, at least they did many decades ago when I bought mine. BTW, in my time, Steely Dan was usually your favourite band's favourite band!!

@briangray00

2 жыл бұрын

Regarding the song; I think outrageous would be more apposite. My top 10 is fluid but this one is generally in there - it swings.

@athab8256

2 жыл бұрын

@@briangray00 Agree! BTW, points for using 'apposite'; rarely, if ever, hear that word.

@sventextor1309

2 жыл бұрын

@@HarriBestReactions No Harri Im from New Zealand.

Harri, a few great Steely Dan recommendations you've yet to react to- "Josie", "Kid Charlemagne", "Bodhisattva", "Babylon Sisters" and "Black Friday".

@ThePittsburghToddy

2 жыл бұрын

All of these are Dan choice.

@W4TB

2 жыл бұрын

I’d throwin Bad Sneakers and Don’t Take Me Live

@yourhomeisyourbusiness2221

2 жыл бұрын

Peg is my absolute favorite 🤩!

@mauricedavis2160

2 жыл бұрын

THIRD WORLD MAN!!!🙏👍😎

@mauricedavis2160

2 жыл бұрын

@@W4TB all of the choices are excellent, period!!!🙏👍😎

One unique and talented band. ZERO of their music is not great. Always mysterious and intriguing.

Black cow is a beverage I believe like a root beer float.

Steely Dan always gets into a their songs with a beat and a groove that continues through the whole song.

Such a great song. Once again Steely Dan: Smart, topical, cynical, relatively harmonically complex (for R&R), with a tight, fun groove. As I've said before on another reaction, "Black Cow" is the tail of a man that loves a pro, who is too caught up in the life to let go. At this point he's now had enough and is moving on. Rudy's Bar still exists today on 9th ave between 44th and 45th streets in NYC. It's still a dive bar, and in those days it was a place where writers, actors, performers and pro's would meet and hook up. Pro's of course change their names to make themselves more alluring. Back in the day here in NYC the pro's used to stroll 9th and 10th avenues from Greene St. in NoHo, past the Convention Center on 34th to about 48th. They would center themselves around 26th Street, the Jacob Javits Convention Center, and on 42nd Street. A Black Cow is generally root beer and ice cream. But the adult version adds Kahlua and bourbon or whiskey, which would have been served in a bar.

@christinerobinson9372

2 жыл бұрын

I've never seen that definition of Black Cow before, There was a Black Cow soda drink that was served in a long-gone fast-food chain, I'm struggling to remember the name. And then there is a mixed drink with Kalua and milk. I think that is probably what is meant here, although your description of the relationship is spot=on.

@helgar791

2 жыл бұрын

@@christinerobinson9372 Look up the adult version of Black Cow and realize Rudy's isn't a diner, but a dive bar that ain't selling root beer floats.

@helgar791

2 жыл бұрын

@Gerald H Yeah. At the time this song was written, 42nd St, just 3 blocks from Rudy's was pro central, full of pimps, hookers, peep shows, and drugs. It was also, and still is, the home of Broadway Musicals. Hence Rudy's was a right strange and sordid mix of people indeed. The 42nd St serial killer plied his sick trade in 1979, two years after the albums release. Today 42nd St is a family oriented Disneyland, and a far cry from it old iteration. Safe and cute, but hardly as dirty and interesting.

Couldnt like this more!! They really dont have a bad song in their collection.

As I always say. Steely Dan is your favorite bands favorite band ✌🤘

Classic Steely Dan sound. Easy to relax to and enjoy all the elements in the music.

@kevinhines1765

2 жыл бұрын

Love your channel! It does feel like family speaking the languages of music. 😊

I grew up with this band, with their bizarre chord changes and off the wall lyrics, always find that groove. They have never written a bad tune!!

In a thousand years, this will be playing somewhere in a land far, far, away, it will still be admired and revered by all the critters that appreciate fine music. VBW & thank you! x

I always shake my finger at my wife during "you were high!", that line always cracks me up, he totally busts the person...."you were VERY high..." lol

Incredible duo of Fagen/Becker can’t write a bad song it seems! Wonderful blend of Jazz with a bit of pop.

The best description of Steely Dan I’ve ever heard: it’s like missing a period of your life, but one that you’ve never experienced.

I haven’t heard Steely Dan for a while and I had forgotten how good they are.

The Dan were operating on another level. Pop radio was the main outlet, but they were way beyond mainstream pop. Such a great catalog, their solo work as well.

No one had the harmonies or their sound, you know exactly who the band is when their music comes on.

Aja is an absolute treat of an album! That being said, I must introduce you to Royal Scam, Gaucho, and Katy Lied albums. You'd especially like Royal Scam album featured Michael McDonald's work while he was with Steely Dan before heading to the Doobies. One of my favorites is a song I'd suggest to you try "Any Major Dude will Tell You". Great song!

@samuelclemens8361

2 жыл бұрын

Absolutely love Any Major Dude ! (The song. Not just any major dude 😆)

@alanmusicman3385

2 жыл бұрын

Gaucho and Pretzel Logic always first for me! But ANY Dan album is fine!

This entire album is a masterpiece- you need to hear it all!!!

Harri you know!!! SMOOTH groovy funk.... listen to that bass guitar man. The best musicians and IMPECCABLE producers of smooth groove funk!!!!!

@HarriBestReactions

2 жыл бұрын

Heavy stuff!

Harri, that entire Aja album is a MUST! Break 'em down one at a time, or do a whole Album Review - these guys were at their peak and really found their Jazz Chops on that album. The best session musicians and vocalists at Donald's and Walter's discretion, and you can hear Michael McDonald occasionally in the background. On the Gaucho album, try TIME OUT OF MIND (Michael also, with Mark Knopfler on lead guitar). Big Black Cow was a drink similar to Root Beer float, but we had a double Black Russian with a scoop of ice cream, extra Kalua, in a tall tumbler that we called a Big Black Cow (in Chicagoland), after this song came out.

@HarriBestReactions

2 жыл бұрын

✌🏾

Walter Becker on guitar for Steely Dan and Terry Kath on guitar for Chicago in their classic days. Two of my favorite rock bands with horns and a jazz influence, both great guitarists lost far too soon. You can't lose with either one.

You just cannot go wrong with Steely Dan! Their music is a genre unto itself. It doesn’t fit neatly into any category but it is simply delicious in every way! Thanks Harri! By the way, your furry jacket reminds me of the one John Lennon was wearing in the rooftop concert! Another fashion statement from the “House of Harri”! 🌺✌️

@DJHolte

2 жыл бұрын

Haha, I was trying to think why that jacket looked so familiar to me, and that's it - I've been watching the 3-part Beatles documentary, so it's fresh on my mind. ;-)

@HarriBestReactions

2 жыл бұрын

You're right actually.I saw that pic 😀

@HarriBestReactions

2 жыл бұрын

😀

Steely Dan are in my heart always and remind me of great times. I love them. Just f fantastic. Would love to meet the remaining star. Photographer for 25 years and wish I had the opportunity to meet him. How brilliant and fantastic. I photographed many fantastic bands and Steely Dan was my dream to meet and photograph. I love them for keeping the beat in my heart.

Steely Dan was such a cool group back in the day. Musicians were impeccably amazing. Fagen s lyrics were so catcy and fun. Great memories.

There are no bad Steely Dan songs but anything from Aja is amazing.

This is one of my all time favorite Dan songs, so smooth yet funky. Growing up in New England, a Black Cow was a rootbeer float made with Coke instead of rootbeer. Quite delicious, just like this song!

@debbiechang5781

2 жыл бұрын

Greetings from a fellow New Englander who also grew up with this great stuff. I was born and raised in MA, moved to NH for 15 years and now have retired in CT. I love Harribest and always love hearing Steely Dan. 🌺✌️

@NoCanDu

2 жыл бұрын

Is that what it is?! I figured it was a drink, but assumed it was alcoholic! Here in the Pacific NW, we just call it a Coke Float! 😎

@donbly8573

2 жыл бұрын

Strange....where I grew up in Massachusetts a Black Cow WAS a root beer float.....and there were Coke floats. And if you're a "true New Englander" you at least TRIED a Moxie float. 🤣

@kentclark6420

2 жыл бұрын

Delicious treats to an early end he meets.

Great reaction. Try their Caves of Altimira, horns are off the charts.

The horns and harmony are amazing

I appreciate your 'looking into' "Black Cow", Harri. It's another wonderful Steely Dan song.

Great and authentic reaction to a crazy good song that I never tire of hearing - even 45 years later. Indeed it is magical! And btw, I’m the guy who suggested this the other day. Thanks so much for reacting to it. Maybe try “Glamour Profession” next?

@HarriBestReactions

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks ..i remember you from your pic 😀

Great reaction! Black Cow is indeed a drink. Donald Fagen - lead vocals, synthesizer Paul Humphrey - drums Chuck Rainey - bass guitar Victor Feldman - Fender Rhodes Joe Sample - clavinet Larry Carlton - guitar Tom Scott - tenor saxophone Clydie King, Sherlie Matthews, Venetta Fields, Rebecca Louis - backing vocals

@atombomb31458

2 жыл бұрын

Walter Becker---come on man.....

@marcusjaybrode2129

2 жыл бұрын

@@atombomb31458 - Oh NO! I copied/pasted the musicians, and I cannot explain how WalterBecker wasn’t there! 😢

@Newfie-zc7ug

2 жыл бұрын

@@marcusjaybrode2129 That's funny man ......kinda like leaving Lennon out of the Beatles line up ...LOL :)

@susanaltman5134

2 жыл бұрын

Tom Scott's saxophone is one of kind.

@NotBenCoultry

2 жыл бұрын

​@@Newfie-zc7ug This has me dying right now. Can you imagine Lennon and Becker as a team of songwriters-scorned? "Screw it, let's do our own thing," scribbles some notes. "Mr. Mustard and Pretzel Logic? no that ain't it..." Sgt Peg and Josie's Dirty Workband. Babylon Brothers? Ok it's too early to be this high.

Big Black Cow if I'm not mistaken is a drink, but your Analogy is pretty applicable as well.

I’m a Jazz-Rock guitarist and I’ve had “Black Cow” playing in my head for a week. That song is tight. I’ve been playing Black Cow for 40 years and I’m still not tired of it. I think a Black Cow is Coke mixed with Kahlua. There were some nasty drinks in the 70s.

Stealy Dan are the best."Black Cow"is Jazz,Funk,and R&B.Check out Steely Dan's Donald Fagen's IGY.

Hi Harri, Aja is my all time favorite album by Steely Dan. Every song is amazing. A must listen from beginning to end... and then all over again. - Brooklyn Mike

Harri, you know the best is Steely Dan ❤ just excellent. The opulence of music ❤

As others have already stated, you can't go wrong with any song on the album "Aja" -- so well-produced, and so _clean_ ... I know several audio mixers who have said this is the best mixed album they've ever heard, hands down.

Thank you, Harri! Lovelovelove this song! And a Black Cow is a cocktail.

If you watch the 'Making of Aja' DVD, Donald says that they were referring to the root beer / vanilla ice cream combo.

❤❤❤❤❤Steely Dan !!! So smooth !! Have always loved them!! I was a kiddo in the 70’s!! This music is excellent !!

Loved them since i was a Kid,Finally got to see them in 2018 in Birmingham,No words to describe how amazing it was or the sheer quality of the Songs.

Beautiful. Of all the Dan's quality cuts, it's always Glamor Profession & Black Cow I come back to. That's the legendary Victor Feldman on keys. Recorded that amazing solo in one take. Love your channel!

Simply so good.....no comparison!!!!!

Somethings are just a very GOOD thing...this song is one of them! Thanks so much ❤

Oh man, I was in high-school when Aja was released. I remember hearing it the first time at a pre-concert party before seeing Rod Stewart at the L.A. Forum. I rushed out and bought the album and have a newer copy today. Thanks for sharing. BC.

Out of this WORLD, so true. I grew up blox away from Mr Becker, and a couple of yrs. after he passed, the street where he lived was named Walter Becker Way . (Forest Hills, Queens, NY)❤💛💚

The talent to take such sadness and create from it a beautiful composition A rare thing indeed

Aja is my all time favorite album! Steely Dan is soul food, music that soothes and feeds my 💕☮️🙏🏼

@pamstuckey8349

2 жыл бұрын

Agree. I'm a Boomer who has stayed interested in all kinds of new music but it I had to pick my top 10 albums this would b #1

Evening ,Mr B steely music lifts you above the realms and takes one along to wherever,,,,

the most unique band (along with yes) of the 70's

Ahhhhh the saxophone is the best. But the piano Ooooohhhhh!! And the guitar and frankly all really. I used to play the sax and was before I knew these chaps. But if I picked it up today it would be inspired by Steeeeeely Dan ❤

Great reaction! You might want to check out Donald Fagan( who was the lead singer of Steely Dan) albums he made after he sung with them. Here's some of his songs on those Solo albums, True Companion, Snowbound, New Frontier, IGY, Mona, On The Dunes, Morph The Cat, all lit up.and full of Fire!✌️

@HarriBestReactions

2 жыл бұрын

Thanx

*A **_"Black Cow"_** is a root beer float ice cream beverage, where root beer or some other soda is poured over ice-cream, usually vanilla or chocolate, and usually comes with both a drinking straw and a spoon...*

One of my favorites on this album. I also really love Home At Last. Fagan's vocals and the jazz piano in that song are fantastic

Sooooo smooooth, huh Hari. S. D. always calms, always relaxes. Nice song and reaction. The best, Hari!

You can't go wrong with the Dan.

They are SO GOOD it's ridiculous to even try and debate with a non fan...their LOSS ! :)

I had this album back in the day. Played it constantly. My kids grew up on it!

that's ("old friend") a great way to describe their music!

i was 20 when this came out in 77' and i still groove on it...great reaction Harri...Kent in Ohio : would love to see you react to their song "West of Hollywood" from the album two against nature

Thanks Harry for a great review.

One of my fav tunes of all time.

Wow.. great reaction. Thanks for this.

I have listened to The Dan since 1972 ("Can't Buy a Thrill"). After many decades, there is something that I didn't hear before, something I missed, which is why I listen to SD to this day.

LEGENDARY, nuf said!!!🙏👍😎

This album is so great. Hard to pick a favourite track! Can’t remember his name but the drummer for this track was a session player nicknamed “The Hit Maker”.

@sooutrageous007

2 жыл бұрын

Paul Humphrey. Fun fact: He was the drummer from the Lawrence Welk Show here in the US back in the day.

@bkshields76

2 жыл бұрын

Paul Humphrey was on this track but the album also included “The hit maker” Bernard Purdy and of course Steve Gadd with his iconic performance on the title track. Only the best for the Dan...

@mormovies

2 жыл бұрын

Actually, the self-proclaimed 'Hit-Maker' is Bernard "Pretty" Purdie who does not play on this track. He's on other Aja tracks and all over Royal Scam and Gaucho. One of the true all-time greats for the biggest pop, r&b and jazz hits.

@hrblsh

2 жыл бұрын

Yes, actually watched the documentary last night where I remember hearing this fact and you’re correct!

Harri, I’m listening to this a year after your reaction. Sorri it took so long. “Black Cow” is the stuff. Greetings from Aruba.

the bass guitar & drum kit are amazing

Great story, fine instrumentals and backing vocals from one of my all time favorite albums with every tune memorable from it!❤️❤️❤️👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻✌🏻

Tom Scott on tenor saxophone at the end of the song man talk about feel good! 🎷

All Dan songs are great.

Indeed. I agree completely! 💕

Cool squared. The horns and sax are top shelf. The horns in the fade out deserve special mention. I’ve never heard a band so tight, whose songs make one feel so loose. Killers all.

A Black Cow is a drink served in a tall glass containing Root beer, chocolate ice cream and bourbon. That’s one of many recipes I’ve seen. As delicious to the taste buds as Steely Dan is to the ears.

Luv ya Harry...your passion for music is the best...by the way...did you forget to pay the heat bill...lol.

@HarriBestReactions

2 жыл бұрын

😀😂 Moneys too tight to mention

“You were high”! You were getting high on this music. 😎

You brought the look today to match the fine fine music. Looking so outrageous ...

@HarriBestReactions

2 жыл бұрын

😀😀😀

Same. Imagine hearing that on the radio in the 70s...

Thanks for the Diamonds in my ears! Never heard this before! Loved it!

A Black Cow is a drink. The Black Cow drink recipe is made from coffee liqueur, milk and Coke, and served over ice in a highball glass.

A Black Cow is basically a Root Beer float which is a drink that has 2 scoops of vanilla ice cream with the carbonated drink, Root Beer. Great stuff, btw.

@jeffcasey9911

2 жыл бұрын

Finally someone told him

Black Cow is usually a Root Beer Float - I imagine him in a long suffering relationship with a woman who is a bit of a mess and a party girl, but he's just her friend (even though he may have loved her once, if only unrequited) but has to deal with her antics and the aftermath of her various affairs and boyfriends. She leans on him for support and he just can't take it anymore. She's nursing a hangover in his kitchen after a bender/one night stand and hes done.

Jazz band that's so good they're played on album rock radio stations.

So outrageous.

This one really suits you, Harri! Enjoyed your reaction!

Nothing better than Steely Dan at 3 in the morning. Worth getting up for. Black Cow was a soda drink popularized by a fast-food chain, I forget which one, (it was A&W. and the Black Cow was a rootbeer and vanilla ice cream float) and later a mixed drink with Kalua. Now That I remember. I would say Aja was their best album, but they are all the best. Whichever one I'm listening to, that's the best.

My dream is to drive around LA in a 1977 Chrysler Cordoba with the windows down playing this entire album, but especially this song….

Another song in a long list with others. That whole album was great.

Their sitting in a luncheonette. "Finish your chocolate rootbeer float and beat it." ...pretty much sums it up.

so outrageous!!

Black cow is a root beer float with vanilla ice cream, very sweet.

Musical royalty!

This is so good...!

"ANY MAJOR DUDE WILL TELL YOU".....! Please.!

@roymoore3156

2 жыл бұрын

...and in some case a Sergeant Major dude!

@robtaylor5550

2 жыл бұрын

Fantastic song and recommendation, and one of my personal faves. Hopefully Harri hits it!

That whole album is awesome.