These guys took music to another level. The blending of horns, keyboard, background vocals. They were said to be perfectionists and difficult to work with, so be it. The results are nothing short of phenomenal.
These guys were perfectionists , and never released the album until they felt that it was their best effort . I love the harmonies and of course the backup singers are great .
A whole different plane man.They created their own genre.Theres no way to classify the music..it's a genius blend of rhythm and blues,jazz,and rock.And they never planned that.Theyre in a league all alone.Truly another gift given to those who are mature enough to enjoy it
im always saying that! they were a genre unto themselves. there is no other way to express that specific Feel and vibe and place and era other than: “steely dan.”
Steely Dan. I have been listening to them since the early 70's. I always knew they were great but it has been only the last few years that I have really understood how brilliant they actually are. The playing is close to perfection and the arrangements are fantastic.
There were so many talented groups putting out their best year after year. We were lucky to have lived through that. But as the saying goes, the cream always rises to the top.
What I failed to mention in my earlier post, was tempo. Much of Steely Dan is about tempo. Two brilliant examples are 'Aja' and 'Third World Man.' I have stopped listening to those two songs since they were released. But it is only in about the last few years that I have come to understand that the tempo in those two songs is what makes them masterpieces.
From a purely musical standpoint, this has to be the most perfect song I've ever heard. The production and engineering are absolutely top shelf material. It's also a fairly timeless piece, because it really doesn't sound like it came out of the late 1970s with its blend of blues, jazz and rock.
I couldn’t agree more! Machine-tooled perfection but with absolutely no loss of heart and soul - the timeless lament of the man who sees no prospects in life and who comes to realize the fault is in himself….After thousands of listenings the entire first side of Aja never fails to elicit those deep Blues emotions that culminate in the sad brilliance of Deacon Blues - not a single instrument, not a single bar of the music, is out of harmony with that deep mood of loss and regret in the middle of a great big wide world that is moving on without you.
Yes indeed - These guys were perfectionists It's a difficult call - I'd say Steely Dan and Zappa are tied for top place - I'd have to really nitpick to pick one over the other... Comes down to what mood I'm in.
I cried when I wrote this song, sue me if I play too long. One of the best lines ever and God knows these two had a lot of perfect lines. Insanely talented and still so uniquely them.
Deacon Blues. One of the absolute greatest pieces of music from the 70s. I never tire of listening to this song. Thank you SD, you’ve been a huge part of my life and helped me through good and bad times.
Riding on I25 thru all the Pine Trees, Temp is 83 degrees and you're honey has got her arms around you.... No Traffic... What a ride with this music on the radio. Pipe dream of the 80's gone now. I'm just a Old Man with memories now.
Have a similar indelible memory - flew to Washington and drove a top down Mustang rental to present at the Nat Centre for State Courts in Williamsburg. Sunny day, Deacon Blues, Oh Girl,... on the radio - this was America to a young guy from small town Canada.
The smoothest blend of light rock,instramental and vocals ever brought together. An amazing use of language to blend in. I am 67 years old been listening since high school. Today generation can learn from Becker and Fagan. Rest in peace Walter Becker you left to early but you left a better world THANK YOU
I am 75 years old and discovered Steely Dan just a few years ago. Became a big fan. Great chord progressions, impecableperformance, such instigating arrangements.
Was lucky to see them in person 5 years ago. The show brought me back to 1973, my first time hearing them and I appreciate them more now that I’m 67 you.
I watched a classic album show about “Aja” the other night. It made me embarrassed to realize how little I know about musical composition. They are fantastic
Funny that Fagen didn't think his voice was "commercial" enough. Can't imagine anyone else singing this songs. SD pure genius. Cream of the crop music.
One of a kind band for sure and once hearing his voice, we all know the group! Yet, seriously, it sounds with admirable fanfare but... nobody or group is 'ahead of any/there time' as we're all here pushing forward behind time until, sadly, ours runs out while time stays on beat. Peace.
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 Learn to work the saxophone I play just what I feel Drink Scotch whiskey 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…
(From 2nd verse) 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 Learn to work the saxophone (I) I play just what I feel Drink Scotch whiskey all night long And die behind the wheel They got a name for the winners in the world (I) I want a name when I lose They call Alabama the Crimson Tide Call me Deacon Blues (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) I play just what I feel Drink Scotch whiskey all night long And die behind the wheel They got a name for the winners in the world (I) I want a name when I lose They call Alabama the Crimson Tide Call me Deacon Blues (Deacon Blues)
Got to meet the "Deacon Blues" man himself, tenor saxophonist Pete Christlieb, when he played Gresham, Oregon's Mt. Hood Jazz Festival in the mid-'80s. He graciously signed my 1977 "Aja" album jacket just before taking the stage at the M&M Lounge. Watched him play for years after that in Doc Severinsen's "Tonight Show" band.
It amazes me that I can see this and still be in awe of them. I originally played BC Baritone through school in symphonic band. I got to play under some amazing guest conductors and won 2 scholarships for private lessons with an absolute brass master. I now play bass guitar in a very good original band writing and playing our own music. I am playing a different type of music but enjoying it very much. These guys helped me bridge over from Symphonic to Rock, Blues and Metal.
Donald Fagan is so fecking cool! A true musician, showing the feelings involved in his own compositions with his performance. In awe every time I hear this.
We couldn't bear to stop listening to SD on TH-cam so we just bought 5 albums at Amoeba Music on Hollywood Blvd and drove the streets in the hills playing them like the perfect soundtrack to our freedom.
Saw Steely Dan three times. Every show was amazing! But no Deacon Blues at any show. Probably would have made me cry. I was living that exact life when this song came out.
Ray williams introduced me to them back in 80's. Ray played for the bystanders then the man band. He taught me how to listen to them. It changed my musical life. I still love them today. Saw them live at wembley arena just great. Thank you ray god bless
For all that they did....my ears stay happy and I face has that broken cracked smile as I sing and dance..."They call Alabama the Crimson Tide...Call me Deacon Blues.... Roll Tide!!!
A Marvelous Video that delivers ace beau coup number one Quality Entertainment.
Thank You Thomas Eliason, GOD Bless!
AMEX sponsored some of the BEST Top concerts
People who grew up in the 70s know how really good these guy are, Thank you STEELY DAN
MAJIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I certainly do! 70's music is un-rivaled!
I agree... because that's my time as well. But every generation says this of "their" music. And they're correct too.
Yes indeed!
Amen to that!
Reminds me of my High School days. Im still listening in 2024.
Same here...languid and bittersweet.
Reminds me of my college days, and I'm right there with you listening..
Me as well! I didn't know wat I was listening too. I just loved it.
Learn to work the saxophone.
Cause it’s still 😎 😂😂
There will never be another generation of music that measures up to the classics of the 70's.
Agreed. The only decade to match or top the 70s in American music is the 40s. (probably tops the 70s)
Certainly not so far.
Same for movies too, eh?
Not even close. Nothing tops that magic decade called ‘The Seventies’!
Never, Ever…
Music doesn't get any better than this, whenever you hear it, the sound never leaves your soul.
So true such great musicians Still jamming here in South Texas
Since day one, coolness personified!!! Walter Becker, that brother is FREE...Don , you left the world a slice of cake, and a cognac on the side 😎💯👆✌️🎶
After 53 years still in my heart , I grew up with it ,every note or every lyrics every love every kiss ! Unforgettable !
If you have a soul you can grasp this music ? 😎
AGREE 100%
These guys took music to another level. The blending of horns, keyboard, background vocals. They were said to be perfectionists and difficult to work with, so be it. The results are nothing short of phenomenal.
There's tight and then theirs Steely Dans TIGHT. Great band and fantastic musos Kevin, as were the session players.
We’ll never see another group like them. Savor it.
These guys were perfectionists , and never released the album until they felt that it was their best effort . I love the harmonies and of course the backup singers are great .
Like Tom Waits stated: they say I have no hits and I am difficult to work with. And they say it like it's a bad thing.
2 geniuses got together and surrounded themselves the greatest talented musicians and struggled until they made it look easy, legendary.
Aja is without a doubt a pure Masterpiece!
Albums never got played all normal. They were Heard
One of my favorite all time albums
From a production standpoint, not just Aja, but Gaucho, Two Against Nature, Everything Must Go, All of Donald Fagen's solo work.
Through and through.
Almost like it's own unique form of music.
A whole different plane man.They created their own genre.Theres no way to classify the music..it's a genius blend of rhythm and blues,jazz,and rock.And they never planned that.Theyre in a league all alone.Truly another gift given to those who are mature enough to enjoy it
im always saying that! they were a genre unto themselves. there is no other way to express that specific Feel and vibe and place and era other than: “steely dan.”
Steely Dan is truly an amazing musical experience. They blend jazz, blues and rock seamlessly. RIP Walter.
Amazing Steely Dan they don't make bands like this anymore, truly one of a kind!
...the current generation doesn't deserve a a band such as Steely Dan...they'd cancel it for hurt feelings
Agreed
A band for the ages. Their lyrics, arrangements, instruments, vocals, horns, etc, were always way ahead of their time. RIP Walter.
This music is 46 years old, yet still amazing!
some things just don't go out of style
Still wonderful after 47 years ❤
Geez, how can it be that long? I remember when Aja came out.
@@robertrichards6993 seems like yesterday 😊
Steely Dan. I have been listening to them since the early 70's. I always knew they were great but it has been only the last few years that I have really understood how brilliant they actually are. The playing is close to perfection and the arrangements are fantastic.
Same for me. The more I grow old, the more I love their music.
There were so many talented groups putting out their best year after year. We were lucky to have lived through that. But as the saying goes, the cream always rises to the top.
What I failed to mention in my earlier post, was tempo. Much of Steely Dan is about tempo. Two brilliant examples are 'Aja' and 'Third World Man.' I have stopped listening to those two songs since they were released. But it is only in about the last few years that I have come to understand that the tempo in those two songs is what makes them masterpieces.
Same here. Been a SD fan since Pretzel Logic and the music is timeless. Still love deciphering Fagen and Becker’s lyrics.
Seems as we get older our appreciation matures
From a purely musical standpoint, this has to be the most perfect song I've ever heard. The production and engineering are absolutely top shelf material. It's also a fairly timeless piece, because it really doesn't sound like it came out of the late 1970s with its blend of blues, jazz and rock.
True fusion at its finest
No, I don't believe it gets any better. 1976.
I couldn’t agree more! Machine-tooled perfection but with absolutely no loss of heart and soul - the timeless lament of the man who sees no prospects in life and who comes to realize the fault is in himself….After thousands of listenings the entire first side of Aja never fails to elicit those deep Blues emotions that culminate in the sad brilliance of Deacon Blues - not a single instrument, not a single bar of the music, is out of harmony with that deep mood of loss and regret in the middle of a great big wide world that is moving on without you.
@@Markbazzle1 Efficiently put. And I thank you for the decades I've been listening that struck without afterthought.
i agree! endless like Beatles music!
The chords and changes in this song are almost unbearably beautiful. Just perfect.
67 and still digging them.
@@j-capz1856 I am the same....74.
Yes indeed - These guys were perfectionists
It's a difficult call - I'd say Steely Dan and Zappa are tied for top place - I'd have to really nitpick to pick one over the other... Comes down to what mood I'm in.
@@bertkilborne6464 5:42
@@SuperMikado282 me three!
Perfectly Complex, a work of Art. Growing up with this we had no idea how good we had it at the time.
I knew
Compared to what passes for music these days this is a masterpiece.
Very True
This era had the best music ever.
Its so true ! I was listening to this in 76, and still do in 23, with Gods bessings
One of the GREATS❤. ROCKING YOU IN 2024
One of the best bands of all time, incredible writing and playing skills, and brought so much joy to real music lovers for a generation.
My dads favorite band ever! I still play it so he can hear in heaven. He was only 57😭. Miss him sooo much!🌺😍
Your old man had great taste in music.
Sorry for your loss. My pops passed at age 32.
So sorry….my brother just passed 2 days ago…..we grew up during the 70s…..
Sorry
@@DarlaKroupa oh no! Very sorry you lost your brother!🙏🌺❤️
Hit Rock Bottom twice....this song got me thru both times.
I hear ya bro. Been there.
I cried when I wrote this song, sue me if I play too long. One of the best lines ever and God knows these two had a lot of perfect lines. Insanely talented and still so uniquely them.
That’s my favorite line as well
I crawled like a viper through your suburban scene...
Yes @@DarlaKroupa
@@DarlaKroupa❤
@@DarlaKroupa❤
I'm 80 and still love Fagan and life!
Aja is one of the best albums of all time! Always cool and sophisticated, a true classic!
On the list of albums everyone must/should listen too
Katie lied is better
The Royal Scam was absolutely brilliant.
Deacon Blues. One of the absolute greatest pieces of music from the 70s. I never tire of listening to this song. Thank you SD, you’ve been a huge part of my life and helped me through good and bad times.
True and Reelin in the years !
Riding on I25 thru all the Pine Trees, Temp is 83 degrees and you're honey has got her arms around you.... No Traffic... What a ride with this music on the radio. Pipe dream of the 80's gone now. I'm just a Old Man with memories now.
Have a similar indelible memory - flew to Washington and drove a top down Mustang rental to present at the Nat Centre for State Courts in Williamsburg. Sunny day, Deacon Blues, Oh Girl,... on the radio - this was America to a young guy from small town Canada.
70's :)
The music keeps you young
It's Aug 2023 and I am still listening to this wonderful music. Now this is real music. Not that junk that is out now
It's July 2024 and I am still listening and I started in 1974 !
@@MrSymbolic7 Me2
Their music brings tears to my eyes, especially this one.
Third World Man does it for me.
it is 2024, i am 64, i still play this beautiful music of my youth....
We all do. You can't deny perfection.
I am with you. 🌹
Absolutely bloody fantastic song, I love Donald’s voice so much.
His voice is great because the imperfections,if u may say that, are musically divine,edgy yet emotional and quirky,and so distinct.
I'm an ex singer
This song is really a Jewell!!! Take me back to those years ... R.I.P. Walter...👏👏
Walter is in trouble....he sold out.
The smoothest blend of light rock,instramental and vocals ever brought together. An amazing use of language to blend in. I am 67 years old been listening since high school.
Today generation can learn from Becker and Fagan.
Rest in peace Walter Becker you left to early but you left a better world
THANK YOU
Nothing better than,70s music ❤
Does it really ever get better than that? A perfectionist.
Nope!
No, can’t conceive of it being done any better by anyone!!!💯👍🏽😎
STEELY DAN WILL FOREVER BE "TRUE" MASTER'S OF MUSIC...❤
I am 75 years old and discovered Steely Dan just a few years ago. Became a big fan. Great chord progressions, impecableperformance, such instigating arrangements.
My favorite Steely Dan song.
Absolute perfection.
They have so many fantastic songs, but yes, this is their best.
Agree - great composition, sophisticated and timeless.
Was lucky to see them in person 5 years ago. The show brought me back to 1973, my first time hearing them and I appreciate them more now that I’m 67 you.
I was in a military hospital...this song pulled me thru.🎉
I watched a classic album show about “Aja” the other night. It made me embarrassed to realize how little I know about musical composition. They are fantastic
I just watched that as well and was surprised to hear that they used different studio musicians on each of the songs .
Steely Dan's sound takes me right back to the late 70s one of the best times in my life they have such great music
One of the most beautiful songs ever created❤
Steely Dan always made sure they had musicians that were the best in the business.
8-2024 still love this song
Classy.
The brilliance of Walter and Donald.
Doesn't get any better. ❤
Missing Walter, RIP Sir.
They don't make em like this anymore and nobody ever will again!
brings tears to my eyes..
Couldn’t agree more!!
They were/are timeless!!!!
Something about that cotton candy.
Might be the best oldie recap i have ever heard. Jesus...i felt 25 all over again . For a brief time.
Have you ever experienced a song that was so beautiful it made you cry with Joy. Deacon Blues.
I feel 'ya!
I'm probably one of hundreds of thousands.
love the sax at the bridge!! And yes I bought the DREAM!!
I love Steely Dan. True musicians.
They call Alabama the Crimson Tide! This song was blasted in my High School parking lot EVERY Friday. Roll Tide from Central Alabama!
Funny that Fagen didn't think his voice was "commercial" enough. Can't imagine anyone else singing this songs.
SD pure genius. Cream of the crop music.
Steely Dan , must be one of the greatest bands ever ! ,Old man UK ,,, thanks
Never grow tired of the Dan.
It's timeless, amazing work really.
⅚ý
I don't really know how anybody could
True. Never get tired of their great music.
They magically blend it all together .
This group was ahead of the time, but, it still sounds brand new. I think they're great. Rip Walter.
SD are still more interesting and ground breaking than most other recording artists who got a lot of radio airplay including The Beatles.
One of a kind band for sure and once hearing his voice, we all know the group! Yet, seriously, it sounds with admirable fanfare but... nobody or group is 'ahead of any/there time' as we're all here pushing forward behind time until, sadly, ours runs out while time stays on beat. Peace.
Fabulous recording of this steely dan classic thanks 🎉
That has to be one of the best songs in the world!
I haven’t heard or seen this song for over 10 years and it grabbed my heart like before.
most beautiful music of the time ...and now!
One of my favorite songs of Steely Dan. Great memories of the 70's.
They were the first to take Rock & Roll and blend in that funky Jazz sound. Brilliant
This song has always struck a very special cord with me! One of my Favorite Songs of ALL TIME!
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
Learn to work the saxophone
I play just what I feel
Drink Scotch whiskey 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…
Can you put the rest please.
(From 2nd verse)
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
Learn to work the saxophone
(I) I play just what I feel
Drink Scotch whiskey all night long
And die behind the wheel
They got a name for the winners in the world
(I) I want a name when I lose
They call Alabama the Crimson Tide
Call me Deacon Blues
(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) I play just what I feel
Drink Scotch whiskey all night long
And die behind the wheel
They got a name for the winners in the world
(I) I want a name when I lose
They call Alabama the Crimson Tide
Call me Deacon Blues
(Deacon Blues)
ALL NIGHT LONG BABY!!!!!! RIP Walter, you are missed.✌️🎶🎵❤️
Got to meet the "Deacon Blues" man himself, tenor saxophonist Pete Christlieb, when he played Gresham, Oregon's Mt. Hood Jazz Festival in the mid-'80s. He graciously signed my 1977 "Aja" album jacket just before taking the stage at the M&M Lounge. Watched him play for years after that in Doc Severinsen's "Tonight Show" band.
So beautiful, it hurts
I've been a Dan Fan since their beginning and this is my favorite song. It's sad that we lost Walter.
This band and the Doobie Brothers had such great hits, up there with the Stones and Beatles.
The Stones and Beatles weren't even on the same planet as these guys or the Doobie Brothers for that matter.
I got to hear them together in Seattle before I bailed on the US. LUCKY
Brilliantly edited to brilliant music
You are very kind.
I do agree ! 🙏❤️
Incredible job Thomas!
Usual GREAT job by Tom "Top Kat"
Superpower
Our generation our music
Was the best it will never happen again. ❤
I am 71 years old and I had a chance to see them play in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania ❤
It amazes me that I can see this and still be in awe of them. I originally played BC Baritone through school in symphonic band. I got to play under some amazing guest conductors and won 2 scholarships for private lessons with an absolute brass master. I now play bass guitar in a very good original band writing and playing our own music. I am playing a different type of music but enjoying it very much. These guys helped me bridge over from Symphonic to Rock, Blues and Metal.
One of my favorite albums of all time. Never looses it's relevance, just PERFECT!
No other band pulls me into their music like Steely Dan. I've seen them three times, luckily all three with Walter. The music just speaks to my soul.
You might Like Zappa also ? 😎
Donald Fagan is so fecking cool! A true musician, showing the feelings involved in his own compositions with his performance. In awe every time I hear this.
This is one of the greatest groups of ALL time, very very good music.
We couldn't bear to stop listening to SD on TH-cam so we just bought 5 albums at Amoeba Music on Hollywood Blvd and drove the streets in the hills playing them like the perfect soundtrack to our freedom.
This music has been brilliantly done they don't play music like this anymore😊
Steely Dan, not just music, it’s a lifestyle
Unique and Distinctive Polished sound and Performed so Flawlessly!
I never tire of hearing this masterpiece .
Saw Steely Dan three times. Every show was amazing! But no Deacon Blues at any show. Probably would have made me cry. I was living that exact life when this song came out.
I saw them at the Seattle Paramount theatre I think it was 1974. They opened for the Dobbie Brothers. Great show.
Ray williams introduced me to them back in 80's. Ray played for the bystanders then the man band. He taught me how to listen to them. It changed my musical life. I still love them today. Saw them live at wembley arena just great. Thank you ray god bless
Deacon Blues is my favorite track from the Dan alongside Kings off their first album.
Soy de Perú, admiro la música, el estilo de para Mi, sino el mejor uno de los mejores grupos de Jazz Rock. Su música nunca pasa.
This record records my transition to adulthood. Fond/painful memories. 20's. Sort of late.. Beautiful music. Still love it.
Nice job of editing this footage Thomas Eliason! Of course, brilliant music by Walter and Donald
You are very kind.
@@thomaseliason8376 he's not wrong, I almost thought it was the live sound with that lip sync, awesome!
The greatest of all ,beautiful music not too hard ,I say, hit the nail on the head 😂 can't get any better, a core that I can't describe 😢
These guys studio albums were so good
Production was steller
They have always been art. So inspiring Timeless
The Epitome of Music !! This is Universal.
no Ego vanity. Just Truth.
" This Brother is Free " , Understood band !🥳
That sax just speaks too you a SD masterpiece among many music you feel
The sax still gives me goosebumps after all these years. Thank you for touching my soul!
This song is an absolute masterpiece!
For all that they did....my ears stay happy and I face has that broken cracked smile as I sing and dance..."They call Alabama the Crimson Tide...Call me Deacon Blues.... Roll Tide!!!
One can never tire of this wonderful track by this great, great band.
Favorite Steely Dan song! Drank a LOT of scotch listening to it.
Mine too!
I am drunk ,,,thank god for whiskey
All night long
Brought back some wonderful memories of musically qualified musicians - Steely Dan.
Beautiful song...makes me feel whole.
Was lucky to see them 4 times including the first tour in 20 years and a show 2 months before our beloved Walter passed away.....RIP