STEELY DAN - "GLAMOUR PROFESSION" (reaction) 

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They are Killing it with that Rhodes Piano in this. My Lord!!!

Single line that epitomizes Becker & Fagen's world view: "I drove the Chrysler... watched from the darkness while they danced."

In an interview recently on NPR Donald Fagen said the song is about power. He also said that when he and Walter lived in L.A. they would write songs about NYC. When they lived in New York City they would write songs about Los Angeles.

This song really suits Fagen's sneering style of storytelling

If you like this be prepared for Donald Fagen´s first solo The Nightfly.

If all the Steely songs were jostling for cinematic attention this one would be sharpest elbows, holding a sign declaiming I'M THE ONE! One of their least ambiguous songs, brilliant lyrics and they know it..., yet the extraordinary men of the groove provide another extraordinary groove. Intriguing and flawless.....Holly Wood, I know your middle name. Recorded in NYC I think.

This is one of my all-time favorite Steely Dan songs, for many of the reasons you two mentioned - the groove, the snarky humor - but also the amazing chord progressions! Don and Walt always do something interesting with their chord changes but they really get intricate here. I still can't quite figure out what's happening in the central instrumental break - things keep modulating in all sorts of unexpected ways and then suddenly everything lands perfectly on the bridge and then back to verse/chorus .. until the outro wanders off in yet another direction! I think that may be the source of some of the "spacy" feel you noted - the song never settles in one key but keeps bounding around like a (cocaine-fueled) balloon :-D

Here are the credits for Glamour Profession: Donald Fagen - lead vocals, backing vocals, synthesizer, electric piano Tom Scott - tenor saxophone, Lyricon, horn arrangement Michael Brecker - tenor saxophone Rob Mounsey - piano Steve Khan - guitar Steve Gadd - drums Anthony Jackson - bass Ralph MacDonald - percussion Valerie Simpson, Lesley Miller, Frank Floyd, Zack Sanders - backing vocals

Additionally, Valerie Simpson and Patti Austin sang background vocals and both were noted R&B singers in their time. Simpson sang with her husband Ashford known as Ashford & Simpson.

I've always felt that Gaucho was a Quentin Tarantino movie about LA.

What band would rhyme “celluloid bikers” with “I drove the Chrysler”?

Glamour profession lead guitar Steve Kahn bass Anthony Jackson amazing stuff one of my Steely Dan favourites 👍

Possibly the greatest outro solo of all time

This is a exceptionally unique song. It's wonderful.

This song has some big band sounds throughout, especially the ending minutes. So unique.

Astute and inspired reaction to this amazingly driving, funky, jazzy, funny, cinematic gem of a tune.

It’s difficult to convey the brilliance of this tune, and yet it slips through the cracks and floats away in the ether for many. It’s the first to be maligned as yacht rock and soulless, whilst permeating every pore of the beings for those that get what they’re hearing. I’ve heard it at least 300 times over the years, and it STILL blows my mind each and every time. For me this music is SO harmonically advanced and otherworldly, yet still somehow accessible, it’s as if Steely Dan was….in 1980….previewing for us all what the year 2050 was going to sound like. The mysterious yet obvious lyrics delivered to us with vocal perfection by Donald Fagen, where every word in every line paints a vivid picture, the highly advanced chord structure, the sultry horn arrangements, Steve Kahn’s beautifully understated and restrained guitar work (until the outro) THAT BASS LINE, the delicate interplay between the acoustic piano, Fender Rhodes, and synth, are all just stunning. It could never be reproduced live. And that’s ok. This is RECORDING ART at it’s finest, done by the very best recording artists and composers. This is like the Mona Lisa in the Louvre……meant to be admired and dwelt upon, but never replicated. ❤️😎

Great stuff. The story of the making of this album, as the follow up to Aja, is incredible and well worth reading.

My mother did not understand th is music and my father listend it, every weekend i think of him every time i hear this...

My favorite album of all time. Thank you so much, I love your content

"We got a regular hoops mccann over here" LOL Driving yet spacey...I think that's achieved by the way those ghostly, icy electric piano chords hang in the air, sustaining against the groove and Anthony Jackon's moving bass line. It's a rather ingenious effect that they used to their advantage on a number of tunes

I took me 10+ listens to get this. But you guys, you got it immediately! Good job.

I've always loved this song but love it more after hearing it here.

You’re both special people. I recall being stunned with my homies when we first listened to these tracks and that was when it came out! Cool that you’re enjoying this stuff with all the other senseless distractions around!

Ps I love going through steely Dan again for me with you guys, from Glasgow Scotland

Cautionary tales are seldom so easy to listen to, it makes one wonder, "What if we'd been stronger? If they'd been stronger? Less acclaimed, successful?" Boy, oh boy. 8>\ Love the choice of "Carib Cannibal" over what was likely, imo, the first thought, "Cannonball" as in "..Run", much more apt in context. Also had to contrast Hoops standing in his own shade with the hapless dreamer of Deacon Blues, and the shift of adoration from musos, such as a saxophonist, to b-ballers. Enjoyed your takes on it very much too.

A lot of people (including Walt and Don themselves) say they didn't like this album, but I do, and I'm glad you and many other people do too. It's a different feel, a different approach, but it's still them and it's still superb from many perspectives, in my view. I love Gaucho. These guys were going through all sorts of hell while recording this one, but this still sparkles like a diamond in so many ways. There are aspects of their previous work that are not in this or subsequent albums from them, but people change, they get older, and their perspectives, their ambitions, their goals, all change over time and maybe if you take that into consideration, you may not be as critical of Gaucho as some people have been... I don't know... Just sayin...

Steve Khan's guitaring was fabulous.

This song is on my SD Top-10 tracks... so smooth, so smart and so irresistible. Thanks!!

If you really wanna check out the driving beat, it is Anthony Jacksons' bass masterpiece. Search for "glamour profession bass cover", and you will hear the spine of this song. Bass and drums are the basics of most music, think of them supporting everyone as the base of a triangle.

FIRST ACTUAL REVIEW WHO UNDWESTOOD THE MEANING OF THE SONG!! The graphics perfectly illustrate the meaning of the lyrics!!!!! Finally somebody got it.

Nice review. Even though I know these albums... really enjoy going through the songs a day at a time... Tumbleweed Connection seemed extremely fresh during this process, and now Gaucho... Looking forward to my two favourites coming up... "Gaucho" and "Third World Man". Shout-out to Keith Jarrett.

NOTHING BEATS STEELY DAN STREET SMART POETRY.....ADD KICK ASS ROCK JAZZ!!!...SIMPLY THE BEST!

The production and arrangements are so complex I discover new things after 40 plus years of listening to this song.

Awww perfect just had this on at a party showing him the steely Dan! Than along with any other is enough to hook anyone!

The bass....the outro guitar solo.....so, so good.

There is a You Tube sight called Hitler rants . They overdub words to some movie about Hitler . Here's one of the overdubs . Hitler sends one of his top SS guys to get tickets for a Steely Dan concert . When Hitler finds out that night will be new Dan material Hitler has a meltdown. Hitler in frustration says you cant play air guitar to morph the cat . So stupid yet so funny

I love the overuse of sforzando piano in the intro and outro!

Best part. THE BASS. KICKIN throughout.

Once again you can clearly hear the "Gilmour sound" on the guitar. It's so tasteful sounding and has its own ambiance that isn't cluttered with the overuse of effects and pedals.

Anthony Jackson's bass part is stunning!

Time Out of Mind another great song from this album..They brought in great background singers for this one. Patti Austin and Valerie Simpson from Ashford & Simpson to name a few.

It's evidence of the brief, all-pervasive, tidal wave-like dominance of disco's relentless 4/4 rhythm machine that even the Dan succumbs to its irresistible force herein. But the complex chords and chord progressions, the innovative instrumentation, and particularly the intelligence and wit of the lyrics together lift this song so far above the Disco mainstream as to represent a whole other genre.

Amazing music! The guitar work is exceptional, subtle but effective, specially the guitar outro.

Steely Dan is perfection in music. I have never found a duff track from them,every detail is covered. I love 'em,always have since Cant Buy A Thrill.

I have been a big fan love DFagan💗👍👍

“Living hard will take its toll”

I like the Piano solo on this song

Gaucho is a good album...enjoy

Listened to this classic maybe a thousand times over the years and never thought about the LA concession meaning until you mentioned it. There are so many things that make this song great, the jazz chords, great guitar and piano solo, and the dreaded moray eel will never makes it way into another song ever. Plus I was given the nickname Hoops after this song came out. Great reaction video.

"Glamour Profession" is my favorite Steely Dan song, and "H Gang" is my favorite Donald Fagen song. I noticed that you appreciate the lyrics. You'll definitely find the lyrics for "H Gang" interesting. Lately I've been listening to Brazilian music. Have you listened to "Come With Me" by Tania Maria, or "Voce Abusou" by Sergio Mendes? Actually just about anything by Sergio Mendes, really.

You guys are awesome...made me laugh tonight! I mean really, who else can make a song about drug dealing and laugh about it while creating a musical masterpiece? Only Steely Dan.

Celebrity athlete Hoops McCann is wealthy and famous but also secretly addicted to cocaine. The twist is he's not only a user but also deals 'Jive Miguel's prime Colombian coke to his coterie of powerful friends, also to his entourage of perhaps celebrity wanna be friends? - he feel's like 'he's The One', watching the coked up local boys dancing, after 'spending the quarter, just to shine the silver bowl'.... Critique of late 1970s L.A, Hollywood celeb culture. Note the precise, melodic and funky piano solo by Rob Mounsey and Steve Khan' awesome lead guitar work. Also noteworthy is the groove - note the bass drum pattern, present on every down beat (and not just on 1 and 3), making this drum groove not your typical late 1970s 'Disco' beat but in a way more akin to late 1980s and early 1990s 'Dance' drum patterns! If anything, Steely Dan were pioneers in their sonic endeavours.

The beginning sounds totally like Fagen's solo song, "Greenflower Street" from _The Nightfly_.

You know your music!

Jive Miguel He's in from Bogota Meet me at midnight At Mr. Chow's Szechuan dumplings Now that the deal has been done

The Dan, the extraordinary gentlemen of the eternally funky groove

Rickey Lawson's drumming on this jam was sick. Also, listen to the complexity of the chords---totally dope. Enjoyed your review since you are both musicians and can appreciate this totally unique band.

If only I could write lyrics like this.

I’m the one Immmm the onnnnne Illegal fun Under the sun, boys

When Dan said " Hey we got a f'n Hoops Mcann here" I literally almost spit out my water laughing because I hadn't thought of that comedic twist on the name. This tune is almost like Disco lounge. Spectacular production as you stated, but the complex chord structure makes for sophistication, while the beautiful Bass line of Anthony Jackson moves it along. If you have a bass, pick it up and try this song. You won't be disappointed with the challenge. The lyrical imagery of "Eurasian brides" and a yacht called "The Carib Cannibal" is brilliant, because it lends itself to privilege and excess to fit the song. Great reaction folks. I like many parts of this album, however there are a few parts that turn me off. But all in all it's still a top notch entry into their catalog.

One of my fav guitar solos of theirs,..so bluesy over a bouncing melodic airy structure,..everything juxtaposed perfectly & yet it shouldn't even work at all musically,..👐🏽👐🏽💪🏽💪🏽🤯🤦🏽‍♂️🤷🏽‍♂️

Best song they ever did in my opinion.

I always laugh at the annunciation of local boys spend a "quarter"

The musis dounds like the big disco 1977 (or'78) hit "Native New Yorker." DF said the song inspired the music

That cutie is Yvoone Criddle!!! Guau!

You said it !

🎯 guys!

One of my favorites but I'm an avid fan they have never made a song I didn't enjoy but big props to the bassist actually all the musicians this is just one of thoes songs that has it all

You two click! 1st saw that on "Night by Night"...keep swangin'

I am adding my previous comment here....cause this is a newer reaction: Not sure if anyone has mentioned it yet...but... Before you finish off the whole album you should listen to and react to the song that was supposed to be on Gaucho, but was deleted by an intern engineer. The song is named The Second Arrangement. There is a demo version that was pulled from a left over master tape. Look on RU-vid for "Steely Dan - The Second Arrangement (demo) - highest quality" It is a damned shame that the song was erased. It could have been a hit and the highlight of the album.

That bass line though...

Please listen to "The Great Pagoda of Funn", from DF's "Morph The Cat". Right up there with "Glamour Profession" for composition (along with almost everything from "The Nightfly"). "Here at the Western World" for more brilliance on drug insights.

Steve Khan on guitar 🎸

I totally forgot how good this song was. Now I want Szechuan dumplings.

I dont remember the name they gave the Drum Machine, when they first put it to use on this album. Yes...I know, there were people playing drums and percussion on it also. I remember having my first version of this album on 8-track. I played it till it wore out, then bought the vinyl, then the CD. It was a brilliant follow-up to their other masterpiece -Aja- Glad you all appreciate the craftsmenship that Donald and Walter put into this album. all the best. take care.

Have U checked out "Time Out Of Mind?? My favorite from that album, (along with Babylon Sisters)!!!

Hoops McCann was a jazz drummer

What a great song. But for a minute there. I thought she might fall asleep.

Jive Miguel is Robert Evans' brother in law

They don't even pretend to be rock n roll at this point. It's still great....just different!!!! It's just.....Steely!

Perfecta canción y perfecta pareja. Si yo fuera el hombre ya me podría morir a gusto.-

References to drug smugglers, drug use and excess. Also includes one of the finest guitar solos you will ever hear.

It's written for the soundtrack of a Scorsese film about the LA Drug wars?

"We'll make some calls from my car", and they show an iPhone in a car 😂😂😂. Talking about a generational disconnect! They obviously meant the early brick cellular phones.

Has anyone suggested you listen to 'Jack of Speed' from Steely Dan's 2000 comeback album, 'Two Against Nature'? I always think it could be an outtake from Aja. 'Godwhacker' from the later 'Everything Must Go' album is also worth a listen.

This album was senior year soundtrack.🗿

Hollywood, I know your middle name.

So Sight After Dark, have you picked up anything from SD that you want to incorporate in your writing and performances?

Such A Tune ! Play it reguarly in my dj sets. Floor filler l

you can listen without moving too

This relates to The Cotton Club Murder of Roy Radin.

Look up the background on this album! Donald and Walter moved from NY to California and they were not impressed. At all... ☺

This song is about Dr. J...

Hard to tell if Steely Dan were "glamourising " cocaine usage or " opposing " it...... As always they stood in " the middle ".....just " commentating " on the vagaries of this worldly life with an " original & perfect sound "....for whatever " subject " they chose....... therein lies the genius of their music.........

I found this song a bit long. Wait till you get to the title tune. It is clearly by far the best tune on this album, which to me is below par by Walt and Don!

Don't do drugs kids.

Id write some clever comment but Ive a deliv to do.

One heck of a stoner music even a cheech & chong fan can't get enough of this melodic high 🚜