As another viewer pointed out, this song is written from the perspective of a time traveler. You nailed it when you observed SD's ability to set up a unique vibe in their songwriting. They are style chameleons. Musically, the very basic blues progressions in Pretzel Logic couldn't be more different than the heavily syncopated, mechanized Hustle style of Glamour Profession, yet they both set up grooves which invite repeated listening. If you decide to continue exploring, you will find that they went through phases, sometimes from album to album, in which they reinvented nearly every aspect of their sound while preserving their musical DNA. Quite remarkable.
I have loved SD for fifty years now! Saw them about two years ago, of course "them" being just Donald Fagan and session musicians but since he is a perfectionist I had faith and it was awesome!
I have a couple of friends that have played in multiple bands for the last 30 years. They mostly play southern rock. 10 years ago or so a mutual friend was getting married. I put this album on at the Batchelor party and my two musician friends just stopped what they were doing and stared at me wondering what was happening in amazement. They were of course familiar with Reeling in the Years and Do It Again. They had no idea. The song Night by Night really got their attention.
Having published an article in an academic journal about Walter Becker I find it important to point out that he played the lead guitar on this track and he co-wrote the song...the great Jim Gordon on drums and Chuck Rainey on bass...hey!
Hey John, great reaction! Hey, did you notice that when Donald sings the verses that he is one half a note later than the bass note hit? yet, the chorus matches the bass note on every hit? It's ingenious. It makes your ears and brain catch the chorus more than the verses, yet the verse still sticks with you. I am really enjoying taking this reaction trip with you. Keep up the great work. Ken
This fade out leaves me begging. This is almost a Steely Dan "jam track". This album is a diverse masterpiece. "Charlie Freak"; impeccable song that is nothing I ever thought I'd like, but is still the best song I have ever heard of the variety, whatever it is, and I can't turn it off once it starts. This album is a collection of rare semi-precious gems with precious gems thrown in FTFOI. It's as soulful as any of them.
John, can you please take a listen to "Walk Between the Raindrops" off Steely Dan front man Donald Fagen's first solo project The Nightfly? You'll absolutely love this song.
Charlie Freak is a sad, funereal song, unique in Steely Dan's catalog. It sounds as though it might be a part of Fagan's own experience. Very much worth a listen.
The verses seem like random thoughts till you realize it's about a time traveler, then it makes sense. You gotta love these guys and there ability to come up with such varied subject matter and with very few exceptions write any kind of love songs and even when they do write a relationship song there tends to be a sparky edge to it. (Peg for instance.)
As another viewer pointed out, this song is written from the perspective of a time traveler. You nailed it when you observed SD's ability to set up a unique vibe in their songwriting. They are style chameleons. Musically, the very basic blues progressions in Pretzel Logic couldn't be more different than the heavily syncopated, mechanized Hustle style of Glamour Profession, yet they both set up grooves which invite repeated listening. If you decide to continue exploring, you will find that they went through phases, sometimes from album to album, in which they reinvented nearly every aspect of their sound while preserving their musical DNA. Quite remarkable.
Very well stated. I especially like the term "style chameleons". Never heard that before. Take care.
I have loved SD for fifty years now! Saw them about two years ago, of course "them" being just Donald Fagan and session musicians but since he is a perfectionist I had faith and it was awesome!
I have a couple of friends that have played in multiple bands for the last 30 years. They mostly play southern rock. 10 years ago or so a mutual friend was getting married. I put this album on at the Batchelor party and my two musician friends just stopped what they were doing and stared at me wondering what was happening in amazement. They were of course familiar with Reeling in the Years and Do It Again. They had no idea. The song Night by Night really got their attention.
Having published an article in an academic journal about Walter Becker I find it important to point out that he played the lead guitar on this track and he co-wrote the song...the great Jim Gordon on drums and Chuck Rainey on bass...hey!
PURE TALENT!!!!.....Nice job....People learn from Steely Dan!
Hey John, great reaction! Hey, did you notice that when Donald sings the verses that he is one half a note later than the bass note hit? yet, the chorus matches the bass note on every hit? It's ingenious. It makes your ears and brain catch the chorus more than the verses, yet the verse still sticks with you.
I am really enjoying taking this reaction trip with you. Keep up the great work.
Ken
Please check out Steely Dan - "Night by Night" it's fire
This fade out leaves me begging. This is almost a Steely Dan "jam track". This album is a diverse masterpiece.
"Charlie Freak"; impeccable song that is nothing I ever thought I'd like, but is still the best song I have ever heard of the variety, whatever it is, and I can't turn it off once it starts. This album is a collection of rare semi-precious gems with precious gems thrown in FTFOI. It's as soulful as any of them.
Song is about time travel.
Masterpiece
John, can you please take a listen to "Walk Between the Raindrops" off Steely Dan front man Donald Fagen's first solo project The Nightfly? You'll absolutely love this song.
The only problem with that classic is I wish it were longer.
Might as well do "H Gang", too. The guitar work is delectable.
Now THATS a hidden gem 👍
Mel Torme covered "Walk Between Raindrops".
Incredible album. Check out "Chain Lightning" from the Katy Lied album. Steely Dan has so many great albums, it's hard to choose.
Charlie Freak is a sad, funereal song, unique in Steely Dan's catalog. It sounds as though it might be a part of Fagan's own experience. Very much worth a listen.
Time Travel. Way cool bro!
A fantastic album all the way through. A sure must listen.
Minor Blues w/ altered changes.
🥨 🤓 Pretzel Logic y'all! 😁🐰
The verses seem like random thoughts till you realize it's about a time traveler, then it makes sense. You gotta love these guys and there ability to come up with such varied subject matter and with very few exceptions write any kind of love songs and even when they do write a relationship song there tends to be a sparky edge to it. (Peg for instance.)
Hell yeah.
Which rockers dressed like Napoleon? Methinks.
David Lee Roth in the "Pretty Woman " Video ))) :)
Also Adam Ant ))) =)
tune your guitar better...maybe you need new strings... cheers
Oh god not more detailed & pointless lyric analysis . . . .