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Tom O'Brien
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6/30/2018 3:03:34 AM
What do you think of Steely Dan?
My first exposure to Steely Dan was through KSAN, an old San Francisco radio station. I didn't pay them too much attention, though they were distinctive.
Then, my dorm-mate in college made me sit and listen to the entire Aja album on his killer stereo. I was high, so that added to the experience. I closed my eyes and gave my entire attention to the sound. There was something sexy about it. It wasn't rock and roll, I didn't know what it was, but it was distinctive. It had soul. It was smartly confident. It was literate.
And then, for whatever the reason, they sort of left my consciousness. I didn't go out and buy the record. My musical oddyssey led me elsewhere. But then, a few years ago, I bought a used CD of a greatest hits type of compilation containing some 20 Steely Dan songs, almost all of which are incredible works of virtuosity, stellar production and recording excellence. I heard from a good friend of mine that Steely Dan has lately become very "in" in jazz circles.
Any thoughts?
Tom
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Larree
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6/30/2018 7:24:09 AM
When I heard the opening riff from Reelin' in the Years on the radio I was instantly hooked. I even saw them live on their first three tours. Top-shelf all the way.
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6/30/2018 8:05:40 AM
Katy Lied was one of my favorite records of my youth and Rikki one of my favorite songs. I've seen them live and they are great. They came in as one of the most popular bands in a home recording community I used to frequent.
Some of the songs from Aja have been so overplayed they've become an annoyance but other than that I have nothing bad to say about them.
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Bryon Tosoff
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6/30/2018 11:21:57 AM
Steely Dan had huge influence on me tripping groove outs and cool voicings, textures sounds. Catchy riffs and great song crafting. Very Cerebral in their works.
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Richard Scotti
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6/30/2018 11:29:36 AM
Yes, the vocals, the well crafted lyrics and song writing and instrument virtuosity - all very compelling and first rate. One of my favs -
"Deacon Blues"
This is the day
Of the expanding man
That shape is my shade
There where I used to stand
It seems like only yesterday
I gazed through the glass
At ramblers
Wild gamblers
That's all in the past
You call me a fool
You say it's a crazy scheme
This one's for real
I already bought the dream
So useless to ask me why
Throw a kiss and say goodbye
I'll make it this time
I'm ready to cross that fine line
I'll learn to work the saxophone
I'll play just what I feel
Drink Scotch whisky all night long
And die behind the wheel
They got a name for the winners in the world
I want a name when I lose
They call Alabama the Crimson Tide
Call me Deacon Blues
My back to the wall
A victim of laughing chance
This is for me
The essence of true romance
Sharing the things we know and love
With those of my kind
Libations
Sensations
That stagger the mind
I crawl like a viper
Through these suburban streets
Make love to these women
Languid and bittersweet
I'll rise when the sun goes down
Cover every game in town
A world of my own
I'll make it my home sweet home
I'll learn to work the saxophone
I'll play just what I feel
Drink Scotch whisky all night long
And die behind the wheel
They got a name for the winners in the world
I want a name when I lose
They call Alabama the Crimson Tide
Call me Deacon Blues
This is the night
Of the expanding man
I take one last drag
As I approach the stand
I cried when I wrote this song
Sue me if I play too long
This brother is free
I'll be what I want to be
I'll learn to work the saxophone
I'll play just what I feel
Drink Scotch whisky all night long
And die behind the wheel
They got a name for the winners in the world
I want a name when I lose
They call Alabama the Crimson Tide
Call me Deacon Blues
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Steve April
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6/30/2018 5:25:49 PM
---- Updated 6/30/2018 5:26:47 PM
Here's my fav Steely Dan song (lyrics)... seems to be about the 'wheels within wheels,' karma, and all that...besides the groovin' musicality, a story...
"In the mornin' you go gunnin' for the man who stole your water
And you fire till he is done in but they catch you at the border
And the mourners are all singin' as they drag you by your feet
But the hangman isn't hangin' and they put you on the street
You go back, Jack, do it again, wheels turnin' 'round and 'round
You go back, Jack, do it again
When you know she's no high climber then you find your only friend
In a room with your two timer, and you're sure you're near the end
Then you love a little wild one, and she brings you only sorrow
All the time you know she's smilin'; you'll be on your knees tomorrow
You go back, Jack, do it again, wheels turnin' 'round and 'round
You go back, Jack, do it again
Now you swear and kick and beg us that you're not a gamblin' man;
Then you find you're back in Vegas with a handle in your hand
Your black cards can make you money so you hide them when you're able
In the land of milk and honey you must put them on the table
You go back, Jack, do it again, wheels turnin' 'round and 'round
You go back, Jack, do it again"
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SILVERWOODSTUDIO
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6/30/2018 9:11:37 PM
Top class musicologists----complex but tuneful my fave Barrytown !
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Stoneman
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7/2/2018 3:30:02 PM
Oh man, there was a period in the 70's when I listened to a lot of Steely Dan. Great music with wonderful melodies and hooks. A friend of mine turned me on to them. He was suffering from extreme PTSD and their music helped to calm him down. He thought it would help me also. Could be true but I was always smoking good weed back then and it could have been the weed we were smoking. But I still love that group. Their sound is so unique and skillful. Wonderful musicians. They forged their own sound and made millions of people happy. Much Respect, Stoneman
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bp deignan
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7/3/2018 7:30:09 AM
Guitar playing on "Don't Take me Alive" just blows me away. Brilliant stuff.
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Psyche's Muse
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7/3/2018 8:05:55 AM
---- Updated 7/3/2018 8:07:15 AM
Oh, Yes! I simply LOVE me some STEELY DAN!!! Great Artists! -M-
(hmmm... now I've gone and said all "THAT"... and it seems I recall hearin' somethin' 'bout
a "STEELY DAN" bein' th' name for some type of a "Sex Toy"??? Hmph! Oh well! hahaha!)
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Hop On Pop
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7/4/2018 2:38:33 PM
Kinda the ultimate mainstream/non-indie band, huh?
All expensive studios, super-slick million dollar productions and top-notch studio gunslingers.
Definitely NOT an Indie.
That said, I like 'em.
Nothing wrong with a mainstream band if they're good. And Steely Dan are good.
Very, very good.
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Duane Flock
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7/11/2018 9:42:50 PM
---- Updated 7/11/2018 9:53:01 PM
One of my all time favs!
I actually do 3-4 Steely Dan covers on my acoustic when I play a gig for a couple hours or more.
When they started out in the 70's they were way ahead of their time.
Locally, in the SF Bay area there's a group called Aja Vu that has won numerous awards as a Steely Dan tribute band. I had their sax player do a track on my song "Last Night" a couple years back. Bryon Tosoff did the keys on that too.Greg did a double track towards the end that's really cool.
If you get a chance check Aja Vu out. They also do Chicago covers as well.
D.
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Chandra Moon
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7/18/2018 2:45:41 PM
Oh I loved them back in the day - nice to be reminded.
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