Yes agreed. It is rare to start a song with a guitar intro in itself and this is just fantastic. It sets the scene for the song so perfectly with its grit and dirtiness, but also played sublimely. x
For my money, the best guitar intro in pop music ever. Larry Carlton is a master. Not many can stand up to Steely Dan. Been my favorite band since the early 70s. Musicianship out the window. It's so nice when younger generations discover and appreciate. How much of the dreck we hear in the gyms today will be listened to in 50 years?
This song is about David Sylvan Fine, the youngest of the Sterling Hall bombers (at the University of Wisconsin- Madison) who was captured in San Rafael, California in January of 1976. Despite the title of the song he WAS taken alive, he was sitting in his apartment when the FBI showed up and there was no violence. He spent three years in prison and eventually became a paralegal in Oregon.
Absolutely not true at all. Fagan wrote the song after reading an article about a guy who killed his Father and kept police at bay for 14 hours. Do some research!
This song is self explanatory. A book keepers son, ripped off his fathers money, and had to go into hiding. I true story from back in the early 70's. Just don't remember all the substance. The title song "The Royal Scam" is about the dream called America where you go to make a fortune, but for many it is a life on misery and homelessness in the streets of NYC. Song tells about folks living in a paradise and leave for the promised land, and that is the Royal Scam.... (Hence man sleeping on a bench in NYC on the front cover)
Good summary! One of the first things I noticed about the album cover--yeah, way back when, when I played bass for bands that covered Chicago, EW&F, Tower of Power and SD--was that the building in the middle foreground looked a lot like my bass neck...by jove! All of the buildings were musical instruments! Some comment right there on the music industry.
the royal scam is more specifically about a group of Puerto Rican immigrants who were promised everything and then were just dumped on the streets of the USA. by the people "helping" them hence the lines about red and green clothes from their homeland
He really does bro... what an intro! Thank you so much bro... I appreciate that so much. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas as well. And I will keep the flame burning as long as I am!
This came out in 1976. I was 15 years old and got this on a "Cassette" from Columbia House! Lol. Still brings tears to my eyes every time I hear this intro. Reminds me of my wild youth!. I also remember driving to Las Vegas from Denver in 17 hours when I was 19 and playing this album almost non-stop. Had some help from recreational medication at the time...
One of my favorite things to do these days is to find reactors who are about to go on this Dan Deep Dive. So many great moments of new awareness as well as getting in touch with new levels of musical kick-assery... and often it's the 1st time hearing the band's special brew of pop/rock/jazz. Never gets old.
Thanks Kevin I appreciate it brother. I really Do. I've only known about them for about a month and they have already stolen my soul lol. 4 songs. That's all I've heard. Frickin crazy man 😆😆
@@L33Reacts There were the original 7 albums, and then 2 more later. Of the first 7, Aja, next to last, is regarded as the pinnacle. If you want instant eargasm, listen to the song Aja.
The guitar playing on this cut (not just the leads) is such that I can never not consider this a masterpiece. I remember distinctly the day in late '76 when, after buying this album, I rode the bus home, looked over the names of the cuts and decided to listen to this one first. Though I had always loved SD from day one I never considered them a guitar band (sorry Bhodhisatva), but that all changed in the time it took for me to absorb the intro. I've seen them live twice. If stranded on that proverbial desert isle, Steely Dan would be my choice for life!!
I appreciate that bro. I am trying to make this channel a huge catalog of great music. Among other things. And almost 600 videos later and here we are...
When people do those, "what song do you turn up when it comes on the radio?" questions, this is my answer. By this time that first arpegiated chord is finished, I've got the volume up.
Steel Dan is simply this!.....Pure street smart rock-jazz, that just kicks ass!....Pure talent that works feverishly hard to entertain!...Not like todays mostly garbage!
I don't know of any other song that starts with a guitar solo. My 2nd favorite SD song (Caves of Altamira holds the top spot). Great reaction. You express yourself well.
Thank you so much!! I really appreciate it. These guys just bring it out of me. That's how I know it's REALLY good. And I am totally down for every song they've written at this point 👍😆 they got a Dan for life here! 😆😆
I've been listening to this tune since it was released in 1976 when I was a troubled teen and runaway of 13. I never thought that I would survive to my current age of 60, so this song holds deep, personal meaning for me. I'm so glad that these men are finding new life with a younger generation! I just thought that I would share a piece of rock lore that always blew my mind. Although Steely Dan's music was rooted in jazz and blues, the band's name came from a literary source--William S. Burroughs' novel "Naked Lunch," which follows the junkie William Lee, who takes on various aliases, from the U.S. to Mexico, eventually to Tangier and the dreamlike Interzone. So you can see how it could have affected so many people and why it still attracts people to this day. *This book of short stories makes mention of a "steely dan," a steam-powered dildo.* *RIP Walter Becker*
Man, this is so much fun to have you running through their catalog. You are great at describing the uniqueness of their songs. This is going to be such a fun ride. Very insightful analysis!
@@L33Reacts It’s so cool to see a person who is also a musician get introduced to them. There is so much music, including both Donald and Walter’s solo music. There are also some “lost tracks” that didn’t make it on albums. I would also add that there aren’t many that have reacted to their modern (from the year 2000 onward) stuff. Not sure why, as there are great tracks such as Cousin Dupree and Gaslighting Abbey. The album Two Against Nature won a shit-ton of Grammys back in 2000. You will enjoy delving into all of that too. There are many of us old guys that will suggest a ton more songs. I’m rambling now, but buckle in and enjoy the trip. Feel free to roam around the Steely Dan cabin. :)
I saw Larry Carlton at the Baked Potato. It's a very intimate venue so you're right there with the artist. Obviously, he's incredible. If you ever get a chance to experience his genius live, don't hesitate.
At first hearing the song seemed a little too simple and ordinary for Steely Dan to me. But by the time the guitar, the groove and the great chorus (one of the best out there) got me. Oh yes, and the lyrics too. Today it´s one of my favourites by the Dan - and as you all know, that´s a difficult decision given their outstanding catalogue of great music.
Thank you bro! I am only 4 songs in and I am totally blown away. These guys are the best of the best. Totally and for sure. I cannot wait to continue with them every Sunday.
Bro no joke.... three songs in and this is already a great album. Every song from here on out could be nickelback level quality and I'd still call this an amazing album 😆😆😆
@@L33Reacts I'll be around. Been listening to music since I was 5 enjoyed the Beatles on the radio singing simple hits like "She loves you, yeah, yeah yeah". I can see you truly love this stuff instead of putting on an act as some reaction hosts do to get more subs (they're easy to spot too). One of my favorite things of my past was sharing a new song with a friend and seeing how much they liked it. This is close enough! ;-) And key point here is that you do not pause mid-song to yap about something. That is SO important with many great songs, since they work so hard at getting you into a certain mood that gets lost if one interrupts it. Some hosts claim it keeps them from getting blocked, but that doesn't work, especially with A.I. scanning uploads for a few seconds of copyrighted media now. Kudos to you brother. Doing it right. Peace to you and your loved ones, and Merry Xmas to all. LET THE MUSIC PLAY!
Thank you David I really appreciate that. And you are so right.... I have to remember this stuff is the hidden treasure of the music world. It's niche because it's actually GOOD. And I love it. I'm so glad I found the Dan.
Steely Dan rarely toured. Studio musicians. But I took a guitarist friend to see them, front row, at SMU. One of the grooviest shows I’ve ever seen. Decades ago, but just like yesterday. ☮️❤️
So f*ckin' good. Of course, absolutely...remarkably in EVERY phase of music creation and delivery! Really next level. Writing, arrangement, production, lyrics, playing, vocals... They have no weak aspect in what they create. Maybe not the best, but I can't think of anyone better.
So glad to hear you declare that you will wind your way through the entire album of The Royal Scam. Something to look forward to in the bleak wintery January 2024 days. I was there, a teen in the 70's, and we didn't know how good we had it.
Seeing this guitar riff opening live was probably one of the highlights of my concert going experiences. And I’ve seen the Stones, Zeppelin, Zappa and the list goes on and on. The great thing about the 70’s was record companies and bands made their money on sales of records. Touring was an expense to sell records. Concert tickets were cheap.
@@L33Reacts hey thanks. I just make yt videos for fun, but what I'm most proud of is that I actually wrote a Fantasy Novel, and just finished writing Book 2. Now my friend is editing both books, but he's married and works full time, so this might take a while, but I can't wait to see what changes he makes. He's edited college writers work for free for many years, and has published some of his own writing too. Hopefully I'll like what he changes, and hopefully he'll enjoy my book. Just wish I had a publisher. Self-publishing doesn't really do anything, but at least I have a book with my name on it, so that's something : )
I just found your channel and think it’s cool you love Steely Dan. This is not one of their biggest hits, but growing up in L.A., when the album came out both of the top rock stations at the time featured this song all the time….EVERYONE loved it!! They were all great musicians that came together and hit it! This is a short song, but not made for AM. FM could play longer songs than AM, and FM was just starting to leave AM behind in the dust. Great time! Enjoy!!
Seeing Steely Dan, as the opening band for The Guess Who, in Chicago in the early 70's, is a moment I will never forget. I knew zero about music, technically, and still don't, lol. But my SOUL understood this band. You can never understand the JOY I feel while watching you react to this band and all the major musicians they worked with over the past 50 years! You will keep this magic alive for the younger people who listen to it. Bless you, my friend. And welcome to the Universe of Steely Dan!
The soul always understands what the mind cannot! Music speaks to everyone. As long as they listen. Especially Music as powerful and sound as this bands output. Each track is a whole new world of sound and style. They are speaking to us in more ways then one. I am so glad you enjoyed it! Every Sunday is a new Dan video :)
That is an insane lineup! Chicago while Terry Kath was still alive plus the guess who (hugely underrated band) and the Dan?! Was it the 74 tour with the extended lineup with Michael McDonald singing and playing keys and the two drummers or the 73 tour with the smaller band?
@@steelyd2 ~ It was 1973 at the Arie Crown Theater. I Love The Guess Who too. It's who I went to see, originally. Steely Dan opened for them and when I heard them ~ I kinda forgot about the Guess Who, lol.
Steely Sunday...Absolutely love it !!!. If you hit them all you will be doing this every Sunday for the next year and a half. I'll be there...with you. Thanks.
The 70's were probably the best era of music ever. So many genres, experimentation and lyrics that everyone took seriously. Music and lyrics told a story in the 70's.
Yeah baby I'm 64, I lived through it, I think/ Lol! I,ve been a fan since 1974! I know all their music by heart! 😊😊/ I saw them live in New Orleans on July 26 2014/ excellent/ I was on my feet smiling with Heinekin in hand/ lol😂😂
Among all the playlists I've created, I have exactly two that include the entire artist's catalog: The Beatles and Steely Dan. And I never get tired of listening to them.
Lead intro ……. Mr. Larry Carlton . 👈 👍 Mr . Carlton literally walked in off the street , put on his guitar … and ONE TIME TRACK PERFECTION OCCURRED …. no practice , created that intro on the spot, as the only track he laid . RAW TALENT …. 💎 We made REAL music ….. 💪 Judgment is coming . 🇺🇸 Semper Fi
You gotta get up every morning, put your shoulder down, and push foward, it isn't easy. You're still a young man, work hard, and don't stay in a dead-end job. Always look for opportunities ,stay flexible and able to change direction at the drop of a hat. Always ask questions and listen more than you speak. You seem intelligent and articulate. They are qualities that people will recognize, and one day, the right person will see that. Then you'll be on your way up. happy Holidays.
Lower than low! The state of affairs in the United States with education so far behind, and the mass are political system is in all play part, and what’s being pushed out us to listen to! don’t get me started. Thank you for playing this late. It was awesome. Remember many of us are home alone so this is not an exciting holiday for us. I’m so happy for you getting your new place! Merry Christmas.!
Thank you so much Jane you rock 🪨 ❤️ yeah our country is so behind in so many areas... all on purpose. But we can we do but our part. Just try and help where we can. Thank you, I need to clean it up but at least it's not that hotel LOL
Great f'ing song!! Can't go wrong with Steely Dan. Saw them live in the 90s. First tour in ages. Donald and Walter played a lot of their solo music. I was kind of disappointed. I figured it was their first tour in a decade so... it was stil cool as f*ck to see them. Outdoor arena too.
Hey man. Just subscribed to your channel. Yeah, the musicianship on this one is stellar and the lyrics really do paint a picture. Shout out to you for reacting to this one. You could pretty much react to any Steely Dan song and not be disappointed. Peace.
I missed this when you posted this. One of my favourite Dan songs. It's in the set of my Dan Tribute band (called The Fezz) where I'm the vocalist and percussionist. The Larry Carlton guitar solo is epic.Our guitarist has cracked. But it was a tough one
Another amazing song by Larry Carlton who is a legend playing on thousands of original recordings of too many famous artists to mention!Have you heard Steely Dan’s song The Royal Scam!
Bro I know i am working class. Somdays you have to choose between eating and rent. Or eating and gas. It's just insane right now. If I didn't have this channel I would be so dead...
Larry Carlton’s guitar solo intro (and outro!) alone are worth the price of admission! Having said that, IMO this song hasn’t aged as well as some of the other tracks on this album. Compositionally, it sounds a bit too much like the Eagles “Witchy Woman” (although much more sophisticated) and I can even hear some of the band Heart’s influence in the bridge section. Having said that, it’s still a banger and a classic, and it’s still the ‘Dan! 👍🏼🎸🎼😎❤️
Oooold Dan fan, here. Royal Scam is my favorite album of their catalog. Great to see/hear you discovering their awesomness. In college during the early 80's, Steely Dan was the ONLY music allowed on the stereo before noon on Sunday because we were all hungover.
Welcome to the smoothest, coolest, jazziest pop band in the world, Lee. And yeah, Larry Carlton is a GOAT. He's still out there playing live shows, which usually includes SD toons. Fun fact: drummer Rick Marotta's brother Jerry is also a drummer, notable for playing on several of Peter Gabriel's best solo albums.
Dude I am so glad they were requested! I've never heard such detail and texture in... whatever genre you want to call this.... I mean you can tell EVERY note has been scrutinized and gone over a million times to curate the sound they are hearing in their heads... it's insane the level of detail in a 4 Minute track
Take one Walter Becker, one Donald Fagen, mix in R&B/Jazz/Rock, great storytelling, the creme de la creme of session musicians, brilliant arrangements and meticulous engineering, blend well and out pops Steely Dan.
You are one cool kid, I love your perception of observation. I would love to meet you! You have become a very important person to me. I will continue to watch and listen to you. Keep moving with Steey Dan, they are the best. Rabbit hole you go. Try "Monkey in your soul" next.
You're a very insightful young man. I just found you and have liked and subscribed. I'm excited to see you go down the SD rabbit hole. Music at it's finest. Timeless.
That is so nice of you to say, I really appreciate that. I do one Dan video a week so every Sunday you'll have a new SD video to watch. Glad to have you aboard 🙏
"The mechanized hum of another world" Whoa, who writes like this? Donald and Walter were task masters/visionaries....If the composition or performance didn't match the idea....it was "next." "All Day" below is right on it...interesting though, that a couple of Bard college drop outs could become icons....I tell young dudes, transcend, then take out the trash!
Yeah that line caught me by surprise as well... very great writing. Donald and Walter are just such interesting dudes. I can't wait to learn more about them and keep down their discography! Thank you for watching my friend!
Haitian Divorce is my favorite SD song so it will be coming up soon. It barely beats Glamour Profession and Aja but in my opinion it does. My favorite SD album is Gaucho. Your mileage may vary! Thanks for your thoughtful reaction, dude. Awesome!
I am SO happy you fell down this rabbit hole, for BOTH of us! Great reaction to an incredible song. Looking so forward to more! As you can see by my handle I am a HUGE fan!! We are thankful for you, also!! I hope everyone's holiday season is filled with all of your favorite things!! Godspeed!
You are too kind! I am so glad I found them too. Thankful for the request that started it all lol. I will definitely be going through as much of their material as I can because I am HOOKED. this stuff is magical.
It's not that Americans don't want to work those jobs. The immigrants are doing them for a wage that we arent willing to do them for. If they werent here in such large numbers, the pay for those jobs would go up, and Americans would happily work them.
I lived in Arkansas and saw the recklessness. The big chicken companies, Tyson, etc. would take a bus down across the border and if anybody had a card they would put them on the bus and take them up to the chicken houses where they were locked in for 12 hours a day. Many of those houses caught fire and killed hundreds of undocumented because the documents they brought with them were not real. Furthermore, their children were born in the United States so they are US citizens. The INS would regularly go to chicken houses and bust them put them all back on the bus and take them across the border. This vicious cycle has gone on for decades. their complaint is they don’t pay taxes. But now they leave all these parentless children in the welfare system, which causes the state to pay for foster care of several thousand a month. Where is the savings. I’ll get off my soapbox now I had to reply.
Carlton played throught the song---how many songs do you know that begins with a guitar solo?!?! lol Keep on brother! This is gonna be a fun ride! I am playing catch-up on your reacts, just recently discovered you
