😂 You didn't even get 30 seconds into Green Earrings before you thought it was better than Don't Take Me Alive after saying it was the best Steely Dan song. We all told you right after Peg that you were stepping into a deep hole of fantastic music. You're not done yet.
Yes, a deep hole it is! Wait until the Fagen solo albums (all are stellar!) and “Two Against Nature” and “Everything Must Go”….. a ton of material to get through!
Their music is akin to your favorite bowl of ice cream and each spoonful gets better and better as the ambient room temperature makes it creamier and creamier over time.
"Black Cow" is a sonic gem from "Aja". You two are a major hoot! It's a thrill to watch young people discover music from the most incredible decade in music history. Steely Dan is a gift to mankind...
Is there anything more fun then watching a younger generation go into shock when they hear SD songs for the first time. Lol. You can see their emotions flip out. They get it, wink wink. There isn't anything in music to compare to Steely Dan, period. It Christmas, every time. The Title track from Royal Scam is divine. Makes you glad to be alive in order to hear it.
I am so happy that you both got around to listening to Green Earrings. It's by far one of the most slept on Steely Dan songs in terms of youtube reactions and I wish more channels would check it out. The first time I heard the drum break in the song before the guitar solo my jaw dropped to the floor. I don't know why, but those few basic drum hits were so impactful on me when I first heard it.
It's so awesome when new people discover my favorite band. You guys are so cute, Nick's face melting is hilarious and Alexia's love for the music really shines through. Keep at it guys, it's fun to watch.
Guitar on "Don't Take Me Alive" - Larry Carlton (same as Kid S.), "Green Earrings" - 1st solo Denny Dias (the guy who's band they "joined"), 2nd Elliott Randall (who played on their first big hit "Reelin' In The Years"), "Haitian Divorce" - talk box guitar Dean Parks, altered by Walter Becker. Did you know there's a relationship between a lyric from this album and The Eagles "Hotel California" ? On the S.Dan song "Everything You Did" it says "Turn up The Eagles, The neighbors are listening." (implying that the "nice sounding" Eagles music would drown out an argument. The Eagles replied with "They stab it with their steely knives, but they just can't kill the beast."
A bit late getting to this, but your reactions reminded me: I was in my teens and early 20's when SD were putting their albums out and when some of my friends would be like, 'That's not for me," and I would be left wondering what are they not hearing!!! Glad you love this band as much as many of us here watching!
I'm SO happy that you're having the same Steely Dan awakening that I had 3 years ago. .. It's unparalleled, the spiritual awakening to the Dan. Every song is a discovery.
I just watched your post about Steely Dan's FM ,my favorite BTW. Don't know if you're interested but there was a movie - FM that has a live performance by Linda Ronstadt and that also had a double album soundtrack that is awesome. Check them out and I'd love to hear what you think.
The music of the seventies was just stellar. Nobody with ears could dispute this and Steely Dan today are still relevant and fresh sounding. It’s great that people who love music can acknowledge this.
Listening to this with you guys for the 3rd time… and Lex, gotta tell u that SD’s 1st album was one of the first two I ever purchased on my own - I was 15 - and the other one was the Doobie Brothers “Captain & Me”. I bought every Dan album that decade the day it came out - and as much as I love Katy Lied, and Countdown to Ecstasy & Pretzel Logic… Royal Scam is an absolute masterpiece. They show mastery of many styles and it just sparkles through all the sarcasm and weird stories they tell. 45 years this album has been giving to me. I literally don’t know what I’d be without Steely Dan. They literally change you, grow you musically, for sure.
The funny thing is, you haven't yet gotten to "The Fez", the song from this album that was released as a single (along with "Kid Charlemagne") and became a minor Top 40 hit for them. The B-side was "Sign In Stranger," another solid tune. Truly, The Royal Scam was packed with amazing songs.
Doctor Wu off the Katy Lied album… Jeff Porcaro’s sexy drum work, another killer sax solo, and everything Fagen does = sublime. And those lyrics… I’ve never found anyone else who had such a gift for placing the right word in the right place.
And I think what Donald Fagen has as a vocalist (songwriter, producer, keyboardist... everything) is an astonishing sense of the character he's portraying in each song. Whose story is he telling... what would his voice sound like... how does the guy speak...
You are now going to have to react to the title track: The Royal Scam. There is also an excellent song by them that literally no one reacts to: Here At The Western World. It is not on any of their studio albums, but on a couple of their compilation records. Trust me, it is a great song!
It is so gratifying to know that their music will live on through you and others like you that can appreciate the pure genius. In a weird way it feels like my generation passing the torch. I’m turning 70 next month which likely brings thoughts like these. No matter, just keep enjoying the gift of this incredible music! Love you two.
Enjoy your videos. Huge Dan Fan for over 40 years. As soon as I saw you were doing Green Earrings, I knew you would be blown away. The Royal Scam is known as their "guitar album. Mostly by Larry Carlton. Best wishes!
Larry Carlton is such a legend. His live album "Last Nite" has been a favorite of mine for years and captures his remarkable playing in a club atmosphere. Interesting story, Larry was shot in the neck by a burglar in 1988 and miraculously he survived, albeit with injuries. Hearing about it was such a shock at the time, but I'm so grateful the man is still here with us today! Happy New Year to the both of you and everyone in this community! So grateful to be able to share this music during these strange times.
I remember that! So happy it didn’t claim his life. He released his first acoustic LP right after that and it has a comment about being shot. I first listened to LC records at the public library because I thought the album cover (Strikes Twice) was cool. I only later came to learn that I’d been listening to him for years but on other people’s (SD’s) records. I was an album credit junkie at the age of 13 and I’m convinced that I’m the better for it.
I just wanted to say thank you to Nick, Lex and Marley for all the hours of entertainment you provided in an otherwise bleak 2021. Wishing you and all your subscribers a very Happy New Year. Love you guys!
One of the greatest bands period. Innovative, creative that can’t be categorized in just one style of music. They influenced so many bands around the world. Got a chance to see them live a few times and love them.
I loved when u guys jumped into SD World with Aja… but I, and many others I’m sure, were thinking… “ahh, wait til they go backwards to Royal Scam!” This is the album a lot of us DanFans feel is the best…. Because as u guys are saying, there’s just so much happening, and flipping from style to style - while on Aja, while they’re amazing still… it was almost minimalist, musically, in comparison. Best Wishes to you for ‘22!
@@wyattjohnson4087 Hey Wyatt... Not minimalist in terms of compositional quality or musical complexity... I guess I'm just speaking perhaps about the focus and emotionality they were aiming to accomplish with Aja. It was all cool, smooth, sophisticated, and must closer to the jazz touchstone they navigated toward. Royal Scam was jangly, edgy, brash, and of course, still searching and growing. By the time they got to the end of that initial chapter, with Gaucho, all of the hard edges were filed away, and their music was so serene - of course the lyrics were still as biting and obtuse as ever - but it was truly cerebral, sophisticated stuff that I'd be prone to putting on out by the pool or on the beach, or appreciating a long drive. Royal Scam? I still put that on when I want to shout out the words and bang along with the rhythms and percussion. So maybe minimalist was not exactly correct... maybe instead more focused and content that they had arrived where they wanted?
Do Steely Dan ever make a bad record ? Or even a song with an imperfection in ? Not just that but their melodies and instrumentation are peerless and unique. Thank you for doing this.
Loved this triple dipper! I recommend you do "The Fez" as a light, fun lead in to the heavier "Royal Scam" cut. A great triple play from Countdown To Ecstasy would be "Bodhisattva",(first track) "Show Biz Kids",( just because, you'll see!) and "King of the World" (last track) in that order! I love, love, LOVE your Steely Dan reactions and look forward to many more!! Happy New Year!!🎵🎉💥💕
You guys sound exactly like my friends and I did as 11th graders in 1976 hearing this album for the first time. I'm 62 now and have probably heard this album 200 times and I still hear something new in it upon every listen. Steely Dan worms thier way into your brain and you can't get rid of them.
Who’d ever want to get rid of Steely Dan? I’m 67 and they are my favourite ever band,and I’m British so plenty of choice my side of the pond. It’s a sweet addiction that I don’t want an antidote to.
Lord luvs ducks 1977. My now hubby Ken just got our first car. New 8 track player cracked the seal. Went for an amazing drive wow! I was 17 he was 23... We have had such an awesome musical journey. Now you two are on your way.💞🌺🇨🇦🎸🎶 Cheers
Glad to hear that a lot of the negative troll commenters have left. I remember how close you came to NOT doing anymore Steely Dan because of them and how many of us fans were, "NO NO No nono no - don't give up on Steely Dan. There is so much you will miss!" … And you listened to us. 🎵🤘😎👍🦋🍁🎶 btw, it is true that watching your genuine reactions brings back the joy. Thanks again guys.
I always think the voice box solo in Haitian Divorce is like the guitar equivalent of Donald’s vocal styling. Dark and sardonic and perfect for Steely Dan’s acerbic lyrics. It’s a great story song too. DTMA and GE are superb songs too. Carlton’s work on DTMA is top notch.
Started playing at 4y. I'm 69 today. Been hooked on SD since 60's. Solos, lyrics, melodies, vocals sound perfect now, in a highly advanced music society. Imagine how futuristic they sounded in my youth? Totally put so much other music in its place. Genius then. Genius now. Earliest rock, funk, jazz fusion i ever heard. My 1st woody was listening to SD.
You Both have Fallen Under the Spell !!! I Was " Steely Dan - Dified " 50 Years Ago. It Never Goes Away !!! Over Time the Appreciation and Gratitude for Being Blessed with This Musical Magic Only Grows Deeper and More Profound 😍🤩😃😁
You two can talk as long as you want to before getting into the music. It's like inviting a couple of really good friends into my house. You guys, and the Rob Squad, are the only reactors I watch where I don't eventually just jump ahead to the music. We love hearing the two of you as much as your reactions! Happy New Year!
Steely Dan Marathon?! Yes please! I see something new, but I won't spoil it. Let us know how you like the title track when you get around to it. Or maybe you'll listen here, either way, you'll love it. Happy New Year, everyone!!!
You're right. I watch you to remember how I felt when I first listened to these songs. And again this is another example of Lex gushing feelings in her reaction. You can watch her getting so excited because she knows Nick and what he loves and obviously loves him so much that it makes her excited knowing how happy the song will make him.
Listening to ANY Steely Dan Track is like standing in front of a smorgasbord of every single thing that you love to eat and not knowing where to start :)
Glad you've been blessed with these jewels of sound. Steely Dan has a rich legacy. One of many bands ( or duos with guest members) who were insistent on sound quality, chords, and tight harmonies. Perfectionists indeed with good reason. Music like this doesn't exist these days. One of my favorite!! Familiar with all albums.
Oooomg, this is the song for me. I've been Obsessed with Steely Dan since I was a wee lad. I'm about 10 years too young to have been a fan when they peaked. I'm glad it's still catching for younger-yet generations! This song is my fav. The lyrics are a whole nuther aspect that you can explore pretty much forever. > Now we dolly back/Now we fade to black... Get it??! What has driven me insane about this song ever since my first listen is that NO ONE manages to hear what sounds to me exactly like an old Casio watch alert (beep-beep) about 30 seconds before the end of the track (exactly at 5:22 on Spotify version.) I play it repeatedly; no one hears it. I hear it distinctly every single time. It makes me think that I'm going crazy (in a good way). I would love to unravel this mystery. My hope is that some session musician had their watch go off and they just left it ;-) You're forgiven for not hearing it on the first pass, but give it a listen again sometime and affirm my sanity if you don't mind. Thanks for the awesome content. 👍
Always a good time when you play some Steely Dan! Literally can't go wrong. Love that you do the deeper cuts instead of just what you hear on the mainstream radio.
I also can't contain myself when I buy an album and listen to it start to finish. There's always 'hidden gems' within innovative musical genius' creations.
And now for your Aniversary of 1 year after the Pandemic ...Congradulations ! What a Wonderfilled Blessing to have these Memories Together on Record for 50 years later when you've shared a Lifetime together! This will keep you Happy What a Gift Even to be a part of it as a witness...soooo Happy for he both of you and How Lucky are we all ? Heres to 50yrs!
"A Triple?! Yeah!" (Exactly!) Don't Take me alive is a favorite! (A man with my mind can do anything) Larry Carlton's distinctive guitar voice on the solo again!
I waited 20 years to see them in concert at the LA Universal Amphitheater. As board director of an Inc. 500 tech company at the time, I cleared my schedule months in advance of the concert date. Nothing and no one - not even a meeting with Bill Gates - would keep me from seeing Steely Dan live. They did not disappoint.
The way they fit the words into their songs both elevates and underscores the melodies. The backing vocals are not mere background, they are integral to the excellence of the song.
You’ve been spiritually elevated! That t-shirt is going to connect you to the millions that love SD. I can see you getting nods, thumbs ups, approving smiles, chats . . . Yeah. Welcome to the club.
At 29:48 he was really feeling it. Same way I feel when I hear. It's a great overwhelming feeling. Love your guys reviews. Please do more 3 song blocks. We don't mind how long the videos are as long as it's Steely Dan lol.
Agree that multi-song blocks are better. Look at this trio and it shows how, in one album, SD made great music in different styles. It's the difference between eating a course and a well-constructed meal. Each dish/song sits in contrast to the other. That dimensionality doesn't come out when you listen to a single songs.
I love both of your reactions to Steely Dan's songs - 'Haitian Divorce' was the first song I ever heard of theirs, it was about 40 years ago - my friend played it, a 45rpm record when we were over there for dinner..... I was stunned and got him to play it about 6 more times - I was so amazed with what I was hearing so he gave me the record when we left. I have been a big fan since that day. Thanks for all your reaction videos, your passion for music really shines through. Happy New Year to you both.
When Don't Take Me Alive ended and you said My Lord, I busted out laughing. They're just so good. As much as you can't wait to hear the next Steely Dan Song, I can't wait to see your reaction to the next Steely Dan song. Larry Carlton plays on a lot of songs on Donald Fagen's solo album The Nightfly.
This is what I was waiting for. Royal scam is my favorite album ever not just Steely Dan album. I’ve seen them live about 20 times in Philadelphia, just back in November I saw them play the whole royal scam record live at the Met. It was an incredible show. Also saw them do the royal scam live back in 2008 or so when Becker was still alive. It’s a ridiculously amazing album and even after a million listens I still hear new stuff every once in a while. For example, the vibraphone and organ part on Haitian divorce is such a nice touch to provide the chordal harmony. I could talk about this record for hours!
Having heard these songs hundreds of times, I am still amazed at the quality of the music that bands like Steely Dan put out, so many years ago. Tremendous talent. Big smiles here :) and I've been dusting off all my old Steely Dan CD's.
Wow so much to say 😂 firstly Nik in honour of you T Shirt you should do “ Showbizz Kid “ Steely Dan you’ll know why when you hear the immortal line. Happy New Year and thanks for the1st Danuary……. Royal Scam marathon really could have listened to the whole album with my favourite Dan buddies. I knew Green Earings would get you guys. Here’s to 2022 on our journey together. Love from UK 💕
It's awesome to see these young people enjoying this wonderful music. I've listened to Steely Dan since " Can't by a thrill". Bought every album as soon at it hit the shelf. I'd listen to each one front to back, while reading the liner notes. Never once did say that was a bad tune. Although there are better one than others. But, never a bad Steely Dan tune. Keep it up nicknlex. You're doing awesome. I can't name an all time best.(in my opinion) im leaning towards "Third world man "( the last tune on the "Gaucho" album ,or the "The Royal Scam" album its self. Best music ever.
I relive the moment I heard this in 1976. It sounds better when you validate my first hearing. What is missing today is the musicianship. They are unparalleled in mastery of their instruments and recording techniques. It is a sign of taste that you have the wonder of this masterpiece.
Yes sir, The Scam was another masterpiece from The Dan! Love the way Green Earrings has such a BA jam on the face out and the Reggae groove to Haitian Divorce. So appropriate. Also love the humor The Dan inject into their jams. So much fun watching you guys getting turned on to Steely Dan. Sign in Stranger!
Well now - aren't you two a couple of the coolest people on the planet?! Seriously. You guys are born for this reacting business! Instant sub for me. Thanks for all your Steely Dan reactions and welcome to the Dan Club. You are now 'Dan Fans'. Don't forget their first album (1972) - 'Can't Buy A Thrill', which was the one I got first introduced to SD by back in the mid-70's. Some great guitar work on 'Do It Again' in my opinion! But all the songs on that album were excellent, too. looking forward to checking out all your videos!!
Steely Dan came to my attention in 1978 it took awhile but then when I "got it" I spent years listening every day . Not so much now but when I do I am still immersed and hear new things. The arrangements are utter genius one line be it vocal or instrumental flow from one to the other creating a seamless melody and they always groove. Genius band. Thank you for the reminder of how I felt at the time.xx
Yay! Yay! You know I’m living!! And “That Solo!” thumbnail behind you for Kid Charlemagne is to honor Nick’s solo. And now, “Don’t Take Me Alive” and 2 more. I’m not halfway through the first song and Yes! Love it! 😜😍🤪 Rumor has it: They brought Mark Knopfler into the studio for over 10 Hours of tense recording - and they only used a 15-second clip in the intro to this tune. Sorry for that snub, but love them anyway. Even with the dark (and sometimes rough) lyrics, I play Steely Dan. “Sue me if I play too long.” Haha. ✨🤪 Great reactions. Thanks thanks thanks. 🥂 Cheers to all! 💗
They got the shapely bodies. They got the Steely Dan T-shirt. And for the Coup de grace They're outrageous. So fun seeing you enjoy this fantastic music for the first time! For a full album reaction you could do Katy Lied or Countdown to Ecstasy, since I don't believe that you have done any songs yet from those albums.
I am so HAPPY you did a trilogy of Steely Dan! I had a rough night sleeping last night and was not in the best of moods when I got up. This video was the first thing I saw on my RU-vid feed. I IMMEDIATELY REJOICED…Thank you so much for this !! I know Aja is great but this is one of my all time favorite SD releases too….It’s hard to pick a favorite though. Thanks you also for a year of great reactions and HAPPY NEW YEAR to you both…(January 17th (1964) is my Birthday … maybe Bodhissatva for my birthday/your anniversary?… just a thought….) you guys are the best!
That's also Betty White's birthday and Mohammad Ali and Zooey Deshanel and Jim Carrey and Andy Kauffman. Those are fun facts about fun people. May they all rest in peace whether alive or not. Happy Birthday You. I don't know your real name. Happy Anniversary, Nick and Lex, I really enjoy you heartfelt reactions. Thanks for loving my comment also.
In the late 70’s I made a mixtape of SD. It included Aja stuff but it was heavy on the Royal Scam. I was doing a lot of driving for work and this kept me going, especially on the road at night. Steely Dan meant a lot to us back then.
Gotta tell you something funny. I love and talk about the song Green Earrings so much that the RU-vid algorithms think I need a pair of emerald earrings. Ads for Green Earrings are always popping up on my feed.
Thank GOD for another new year! Otherwise we wouldn’t see your reactions to the reactions to all the music I love. I already know I love this music. To see you young people embracing the tunes is like time travel. Keep on keeping on!
I was a fill in bass player for a group because their regular player was on his honeymoon. Had to learn "Don't Take Me Alive" and play this song from charts on stage with little practice. It instantly became one of my favorite Steely Dan songs because of that experience. 1979. Thanks for this.
Larry Carlton's guitar intro and playing throughout the song is epic! Remember buying this album back in grade 9 and playing it constantly on my Dual turntable for months/years later. Right up there with Aja as my fave SD albums.
If you decide to react to an entire Steely Dan album, I recommend Pretzel Logic. It's a great album, and I don't think you've reacted to any songs from it yet. Great reaction, by the way!
Night by Night is one of my favorite SD songs and I'm a huge fan. It's just another great album. I think they've heard Rikki Don't Lose That Number but nothing else.
NicknLex, you guys need to check out the earlier jazz-fusion band TRAFFIC. Start with the song, "Low Spark of High Heel Boys." Guaranteed, 100% right down your alley. Steve Winwood, Jim Capaldi, Dave Mason, and Chris Wood. An absolute MUST LISTEN!!! God, I love Steely Dan!!!
I've watched this at least 5 times. Your reaction is spot on. When i heard Green Earrings for the first time I was stop you can't listen to anything else until you've heard all of Steely Dan which I did.
I'm so excited. I don't think I've ever heard anyone do Green Earrings and Haitian Divorce. I always wanted some one to but felt no way. Way to deep cuts. I know you'll be blown away. I feel like a teenager again well my late 20's.....Thank you so much.
What a way to end the year! You guys actually "react"... not just go thru the motions. Love Steely Dan, and to see virgins get to experience it for the first time makes it new again for me too. Have a great 2022!
Fagan has one of the most recognizable voices, but how it fits with their music so seemlessly is what blows me away. Great reaction to these awesome tunes. I have this album on cd. I think I'll start the new year by cranking it up so my neighbors can enjoy it too. :D
I'm sure someone else has brought this up before but not having the lyrics available and understanding every word to a song particularly like this one robs you of an immense amount of impact to every song. I urge you to get the lyrics in front of you and see just how fantastic the writing is. I can't stress this enough.
The guitar on "Haitian Divorce" is just the most wonderfully filthy playing. What always amazes me is that session guitarist Dean Parks played all the guitar parts, and then Walter Becker went back and added the talk box to the already-recorded guitar. Mind-blowing...but SO GOOD!
They used to play "Haitian Divorce" regularly on the Reggae Revolution radio show in L.A. on Sunday nights. Green Earrings is another level, the best Jazz/Rock fusion song ever written IMHO. Of course I am biased. Glad you both are enjoying this album. You will forever take it out and listen to regularly for the rest of your life. It's really hard to find any music that is better than this. Why settle for less?
