"Oleander, growin outside her door/ soon they're gonna be in bloom up in Annandale I can't stand her, for the way she left before/ leaving like a gypsy queen in a fairy tale" That's on a whole nother level
Loving your Dan reactions,you really get what they were about it,very cool to see. One nugget on the lyrics to this one...the lyrics are partly about a drug bust at Bard College in Annandale,NY.where Fagen and Becker were students, and the "Daddy Gee" mentioned in the third verse is the local prosecutor at the time,one G.Gordon Liddy,later infamous for his role in Watergate.
Steely Dan was known to get the best studio musicians for there recording sessions, it was considered an honor among musicians to be asked to play with them, try Deacon Blues
His defense "work" is based on his idea of re purposing an Aegis missile system. It's no big deal. To his credit, I imagine he himself would admit he toyed around with some ideas, sent a letter to a congressman and the Pentagon gave him a listen. The Pentagon listens to thousands of wacky ideas. Baxter is no Einstein. Does he have any patents?
Becker and Fagen - that’s all you need to say. Gary Katz. Denny Dias and Skunk Baxter. I’ve listened to this song a hundred times over the years and it still excites me and never gets old. RIP Walter Becker.
@@missbelled6700 That pisses me off. I don't know why artists would have a problem with people showing their videos and reacting to them. It's not like the people showing the videos are making money off them. If I was a musician, It wouldn't bother me if they featured my songs, I'd be thankful for the exposure. It almost makes me not to want to listen to those artists anymore.
Love your reaction to these great songs! My thought: millions of people write songs, some good ones too! But Fagen and Becker are "composers"...with almost every creation a masterpiece. Even the legendary artists down through history had a hard time pulling that off...
As a thirty five year full time musician, t's a pleasure to watch someone get something complex on the first go-round. And you get the Dan. Super sophisticated. Even their songs, or sections of songs that seem more simple are never simple when you break them down. These guys were crafting shiny pieces of brilliance with the best musicians in the business. Love watching with you bro. I also appreciate how you try not to stop the flow or talk over a piece. That with your chill vibe and your analysis to me make you a must watch reactor. - Peace
My favorite Dan song. Definitely related to the idea of leaving my old school behind when I was young. The baritone sax in this builds as the song goes on, and it never gets old for me.
The Dan did the music right, they were perfectionists, blazing guitar riffs, "Don't Take Me Alive", all of the Royal Scam is great, You might want to listen to "Wondrous Stories" by YES all of Going For The One. The album Relayer, Gates of Delirium the last line "The Pen won't stay the Demons Wings, the hour approaches pounding out the devils sermon" the end of To Be Over "After all your soul will still surrender, and after all, don't doubt your part, be ready to be loved" Jon Anderson who is a Christian wove Christian themes throughout YES music. Close To The Edge of course and Awaken. Blessings Brother
I grew up knowing Steely Dan for there hits like Reelin' in the Years, Do it Again, Josie, Peg, etc...and I liked them but then Steely Dan's Greatest Hits CD came out and I was totally blown away! I had no idea they had so, so, many great songs that I was unaware of. I played it so often that I wore it out. Of course, then you get the privilege of going out and buying all their albums, playing them and realizing that you've just scratched the surface. You get that endorphin rush and you can't wait until you hear the songs again (and again, and again). Steely Dan is like heroin, once you're an addict, you'll always be an addict (but in a good way).
Ive been fortunate enoufh to enjoy Steely Dan live a,couple of times. A fantastic experience each time. Such a tight, talented band. Love all they do but in person this tune is the one that really churns the crowd into party mood. See them if you can. Time is flying by with Walter already deserting us.
I remember when I first heard this song. It was July 8, 2017 at a coworker lake House. I ran into the house to find out what band played this awesome song! I remember finding this song on RU-vid and blasting it in the car on the way home. The sound had me hook and I was addicted to the horns and guitar melodies. That was a great weekend.
Hey, I know this was months ago, but just checked out your channel for the 1st time when I saw Steely Dan, My Old School. This was the song at my high school prom...way back in the day. Love Kid Charlemagne, Asia, Peg....so many great songs. Thanks for the memory jog and a great reaction! ☮
Genius songwriting/arranging/production, the likes of which we don't see ANYMORE in pop-music. Kudos to you for noticing (although we older lucky ones have been diggin THE DAN and Mr. Fagen for going on FIVE DECADES NOW) !
Was in a band many years back, we decided to give this song a whirl, just couldn't do it. Steely were just special. 64 now and have my daily shot of the Dan
Take all your favorite music and play it over 40 years. Steely Dan will sound fresh when every other favorite needs a rest. Watching you enjoy it is great! It feels good to know this music will keep being enjoyed.
Thanks for appreciating Steely Dan..I ve loved them since early seventies.. You obviously have a great ear and you are spot on with your analysis of this incredible group of musicians (worlds best..Fagan chose players who were true pros.)Glad to have you as a Steely dan Lover !!
Man, I am impressed. You listen once and comment on ‘the musicianship, the sophistication in putting it together’. That is spot on but in hindsight, I think i took it for granted back then. I think it wasn’t till Asia that I had my ears opened to that level of sophistication that was always there! They defy categorization and I love that. They are... The Dan. Yeahhhh!
Thisisthe first time i have watched your reaction videos and it just happened to be my favorite Steely Dan song. Thanks. I enjoyed it. And I like your input.
STRUCTURE! is the word for Steely Dan, their songs are assembled with the finest musicians and the arrangements are, like you said, amazing in their sophistication. And you ain´t heard nuthin' yet! The arrangements on their live album "Alive in America" are simply outstanding - check out "Reelin' in the Years" especially. And as for comparing them to Frank Zappa... that's my two all-time favourites!
You could also check out their first single 'Do It Again', from their 1972 their debut record 'Can't Buy a Thrill'. That whole record in fact is filled w/ gem after gem of Jazzy-Pop-Rock ditties. Like their 3rd album, 1974' s 'Pretzel Logic'.
I always remember as a young seventeen year old on a date with a girl, when music came up i would mention Steely Dan and if the girl was impressed, well so was i. Happy days back in the seventees as teenager.
1972 he became a founding member of the band Steely Dan, along with guitarist Denny Dias, guitarist-bassist Walter Becker, keyboardist-vocalist Donald Fagen, drummer Jim Hodder and vocalist David Palmer.
Skunk Baxter Jeffrey Allen "Skunk" Baxter (born December 13, 1948) is an American guitarist, known for his stints in the rock bands Steely Dan and The Doobie Brothers during the 1970s and Spirit in the 1980s. More recently, he has worked as a defense consultant and chaired a Congressional Advisory Board on missile defense.[1]
One of my old pals used to say, “Steely Dan, bringing a bit of decadence and sophistication into your life.” Or, maybe he was quoting someone else. This song is about a drug bust in his old New England college, and his girlfriend had some role in that. Evidently she got thrown in jail, just as Donald Fagan did. I know someone will correct me if I am wrong, but that is my understanding. Thanks for playing without commenting during the song. I loved your reaction!
Cool! Love the guitar riffs on this track. So glad you're enjoying your Steely Dan journey. Sophisticated and brilliant orchestration and musicianship. You're exactly right. 🎶
I loved this reaction and commentary. It's like I traveled back in time to when I first heard this song and was blown away by it 30 years ago, only now I get to hear it again for the first time with enhanced insight.
William & Mary (a public Ivy League University) an hour away in Williamsburg, VA.I know a lot of W&M grads including my son who graduated from there w/ a PhD.
*I* never used to realise just how good the Dan are. They were just around, on the radio plenty. I can say ‘are’, rather than ‘were’, courtesy of the boon of audio recording. One of my favourite pieces is Richard the Lionheart’s “The Prisoner’s Lament”. We only ever gonna hear covers of *that* lol
I'm so glad someone told the whole story. Each and every Steely Dan song is a story in its own right and sometimes like this one they are very detailed.
Steely Dan = Instrumental Arrangement perfection! I agree with you totally... Don Fagen's is a genius and the way he word-smiths and phrases thoughts together, it reminds me of Bob Dylan... Well done JFam! Would love to hear a react to 'Deacon Blue' or Josie off of the Aja album... Thanks, Brother! 👍👍👍
Well, it took a few times, but u got my sub! You’ve got a great quality of talking about the music the way we all would if we were just sitting around playing each other our fave tunes, having our fave beverages and chillin’ to the music.
@@stevecontini5386 Ha! That's funny because Girard is my middle name I used when I was on radio/TV... now I just do voiceover, corporate production & podcasts. Best to you, too.
I like your reviews; you're a very careful listener, and are able to clear your head of expectations previous to hearing the song. Good stuff, amigo. Keep 'em comin..
Donald Fagen and (the late) Walter Becker such great writers. VERY intelligent guys. Their songs always seem to be filled with inside jokes and stories. They give you glimpses and images but it leaves you feeling like you'll never know the whole story. They're just too hip.
Damn you Dave Oplinger! I was going to suggest the exact same thing. It's from a great series simply called Classic Albums. They covered Rumours, Songs in the Key of Life, etc... Every episode was terrific and I think most of them can be found here on RU-vid.
You never disappoint either, bro. Donald and Walter were the only consistent members, they used only the top session guys in the studio, and they wanted something beyond perfection, and i think its safe to say they achieved it every time out. Thank You for allowing us to see them thru fresh eyes and ears. All of your analysis is right on point. They were like Zappa in the sense that nothing but the very best was even to be considered. Be Well, -trout
Also how about trying all the stuff from Donald Fagen's "The New Frontier" album. Another great one. Always smart, always well played, sometimes cynical, but always a good feel.
Sophistication is the right word. Musicianship is precise!! They don't have a bad tune!! Well Zappa was also rock jazz fusion like them. You got it!! Although very different.
Guitar playing one word outstanding also the lead guitarist for Eddie money earlier albums I think his name is Jimmy Lyons another excellent guitar player might check into him
Great jam! Jeff "Skunk" Baxter from The Doobie Brothers kills it on the guitar! 🎸. All around supreme musicianship!!! 👍Rock on! Steely Dan doesn't have a bad song! Great reaction!
I know they met in college in N.Y.. Are they both from N.Y.? I like most everything from Steely Dan. Appreciate them much more now, than in the 70s! They're amazing! MORE DAN PLEASE!
