I love how one music writer described Steely Dan. He said they were probably the guys in high school that sat in the back of the class causing trouble and making fun of the teacher but would still get straight A’s.
Bro!!! I'm' in my 50's and so happy to witness a Man of your generation who GETS IT !! Congrads, You've stumbled into the musical journey and often mysterious realm of Fagen & Becker, Let your ears graze and enjoy
@@walt1a Great stuff by Chuck Rainey. Apparently it was Walter Becker who wrote out the part for him, with all of the muted notes. It was a great part. RIP Walter.
I absolutely love how open-minded you are when it comes to music. Any genre you will give it a chance.. you've actually helped me not to be so close-minded when it comes to music. I'm a old school metal head. But following your lead I'm branching out and giving other genres a real listen to. Not just a passive it's in the background. I'm listening. Thank you for opening my mind at least a bit .
Noice!!!! Music is magic. Try some Buena Vista Social Club way off your comfort zone I'm sure. You'll love it IF you are open to it. Try new chaka Khan too.
@John Frum people become close-minded when they're convinced they're right. In some areas this is a good thing. For example, if someone told you Steely Dan are not talented musicians, would you give that person the time of day. Nope. Why? Because you're close-minded to any thought that that's true, cause only a fool would think that. In many things we are close-minded. Some are good. Some are bad. It's just human nature. Hope that helped
Damn you! I sat down to work on my TH-cam content tonight and I ended up down a rat hole with my favorite band Steely Dan and you reacting to all of my favorites. I didn't get any work done! Love you man.
"Show business kids making movies of themselves. You know they don't give a fuck about anybody else." is my favorite Steely Dan lyric. From "Show Business Kids".
80 years from today people will still be amazed with their music,skills and abilities, production, creativity, ideas, etc. Totally unique. Love and peace from Athens Greece.
As an essential part of your Steely Dan journey, it's about time for a reaction to Donald Fagen's "The Nightfly" album, starting with the tracks "I.G.Y." and " New Frontier." Amazing listening and essential for the budding Steely Dan fan.
I have loved Steely Dan my entire life. I'm not exaggerating when I say that I feel great joy that you genuinely recognize her greatness and with such great enthusiasm
Steely Dan is incredible. I grew up on their music but I never realized how many songs ....Just incredible lyrics and instruments. Jazz, funk, rock and pop all in one band.
Jamel, I am 68, and I hope you are enjoying the music I grew up on as much as I did. Watching you hear it for the 1st time reminds me of sharing it with friends in the great way back! I hope you are turning your friends on to this great music too. Don't let it die!
I love watching you react to my favorite band of all time. I've been listening to Steeley Dan since I was a little kid. Such a joy to watch your discovery of their musical genius.
You got it right: When Josie comes home (from school). A lot of the Steely Dan songbook deals with scenes from college life, from My Old School the dandy of Hey Nineteen. But it's also about crossing the class barriers. Josie is the PRIDE of the neighborhood when she comes home. So she's stepping out and it's showing. But in addition to talking about Josie this is also the boys bragging about what they're gonna DO in celebration and it sounds like they're all trying to outdo one another there too!
Thank you for your description, i do not understand always the lyrics whithout a dictionary and it doesn't work very well. It is not my mother tong like you see.
I think it’s left vague-she’s definitely a hustler of some kind, somebody the streets respect, but it’s not clear what her claim to pride is. But if I had to guess, Treetop is right, she’s a girl “rumored to go” and whether she really is like that or not, the boys (Donald and Walter) are excited for the chance to shoot their shot so they’re strutting about the crib, showing off. :)
Glad to see you are playing Steely Dan; you have no idea how good these two are, Geniuses. They changed my life the second I heard them; I got the Album for Christmas back in 1978.
Named my oldest daughter after this song! Jamal's on a Steely Dan tour, I love it! Thanks for all the great reactions. You know you reacted to almost every song from the Aja album, you might as well finish up with "Home at Last" and "I Got the News", the later features Michael McDonald singing a verse.
Back in the days of "Album Oriented Rock" (AOR), there were countless parties and dances that occurred simply because of the music. Now we all get to go down those wonderful memory trails via Jamal's videos. In short, my Wife, Family, Friends and I are so very grateful for this channel. Keep it up Jamal!
@@careym3901 Not you dork, Walter or Donald, whichever wrote the song. It's a reference to the Oracle of Delphi, who was Greek not Roman. Greek didn't flow with the song though.
@@ProudFilthyCasual no need for name calling, just pointing out a fact! Oh, and I've heard half a dozen interpretations of the lyrics to this song. That was my point to begin with. I quote the lyrics, but the genius of SD is you can interpret them for yourself
This is one of my favourite Dan songs, and I love the way Jamel reacts to it, his expressions, the cheeky smiles, the way he moves, his enthusiasm. It's lovely to see how he is discovering Dan's music, the way I did when it all began, when there were no videos. Clearly he hears all the subtleties in the music and gets into it with all he's got. What a delightful man. Beautiful.
Steely Dan has always been one of my favorite groups. I have seen them in concert once. Out of all the concerts I been to they were one of my favorites.
@@sueprator9314 I find it magical that all the fans are getting stuck into Jamal to please try their favourite Dan tracks : there are so many of them ! Hard to believe a guy his age is hearing all these tunes for the first time though...
This is great! You're really getting into this band, one of my all time favorites. Now, please treat yourself to 'DON'T TAKE ME ALIVE'. The intro by guitarist Larry Carlton still blows me away even after all these decades.
Larry said in an interview that the take of the intro that made it to the record was not played by him. He played the rhythm guitar througout the song though.
@@guitarelaxed Agree! The solos sounds Walter Becker, Larry has a totally different jazzy fluent sound. WB more picking around and creating his own "soundscape hemisphere" Both awesome! Always admired WB (and DF) for having the courage to invite such super musicians on their own instruments, -no fear of competition! That is true humility!
There is a saying.... Steely Dan is your favorite band's favorite band. In most cases, it's probably true. What a smooth, clean, uplifting sound they put out. Truly unique.
Just love this band and their fusion Jazz mix with exceptional musicians. Cord changes ... time changes and the way they use dead space in their songs. And that basement bass and drums...... timeless band!
Bro, I can’t stop watching your videos. I’m 60 years old and it makes me smile with love to see your honest reaction to the songs I’ve been listening to my whole adult life. Yes, brother, music unites. Peace!
Jamel i think you would really dig the tight sounds of Chicago. The funk and horns mixed with rock fusion is pretty tight. Saturday in the Park, 25 or 6 to 4, Does anyone really know what time it is ?, Feelin stronger every day, Old Days, etc... Dig your reactions by the way , especially the faces...smh lol.
I've loved Steely Dan since their debut album. Watching you listen and discover them gives me a whole new pleasure of appreciation for them. Like introducing another friend to the genius that is SD!
The intro uses intervals that are somewhat stereotypical of Japanese music. More likely, this guy heard this song on the radio when he was a child and only remembers the distinctive intro.
I was born into a Steely Dan-listening home. I've even seen them in concert with my mother in 1993- the only one I ever went to w/her, as my father was the concert junkie, I couldn't even begin to count how many I attended with my dad. One my earliest memories was sitting on his shoulders at the Marshall Tucker/Charlie Daniel's double bill. I was age 4, making it 1975. This particular song is always on the playlist when I throw a party, or entertain, it's a definite ice-breaker. The song makes people smile, laugh & start talking. I've often heard people say that Steely Dan & especially this song reminds them of hanging out & partying on the beach. Growing up & living in St. Petersburg, Florida until my late '40's, I was right on the Gulf of Mexico, so yeah, I can see that. I'm thrilled that you love this band like a lot of us do, you know quality when you hear it.
Totally diggin' your reactions Jamal!! To everything, or at least to the music I like! Steely Dan music never fails to groove, and there is SO much of their music. Keep on groovin' Bro! And stay safe and healthy too!..
yes, I agree, and they weren't all horning after her, as much as they all recognized she was special, and had a destiny that didn't include them "getting in her pants."
I'm so impressed with your open mind and obvious great taste in fine music, at your age!!!! Love your hoodies and shirts too! Someone said Boz Scaggs Lido ... oh man... still gets me when I hear it! You'll like it! Try it!!! Steely Dan... my all time number one fave!!!!
I remember hearing this song after seeing Ferris Buellers Day Off and thought Ferris Bueller was the male version of Josie. She was a part of everybody's clique and ehenever she shows up, its always a party. She's just a righteous chick and she's always going to make sure everybody gets hooked up somehow.
You, my man, are funny as hell. I’ve just begun enjoying your vids and am a massive Steely Dan fan. Not only is it a great feeling watching you discover the greatness that is Steely Dan, but your hilarious take on the lyrics had me rolling over laughing. That. My friend. Is entertainment. Cheers!
Omg, you are the sweetest thing. I liked your take on Josie when she comes back to the neighborhood and the guys losing their minds. That was pretty cute. Yes, Steely Dan is fabulous. I wore out a few of their albums back in the day.
I was 18 when this album was released. 'Josie' was probably the number one seller off this record but the entire album was a complete hit across the country! Kudos to Jamal for rediscovering this absolute gem!
I am very gratified to see that some of the younger generation are being exposed to such great music. I recently introduced a 25-year-old co-worker and bass guitar player to Steely Dan. He was so amazed and is now a big fan. It's very enjoyable to see the reactions of people who have never known such smooth jazz-rock-fusion as I grew up with.
You're on target, Kelly. But over many years as a Steely Dan fan, my favorites switch back and forth and forth and back. What I know for certain is that if I had available only their full catalogue to last the rest of my days, I'd be in very fine shape!
Man I'm glad it ain't just me that geeks out / nerds out / groove out to these songs! I could my life listening to nothing but pfunk and steely dan! MANNN!
This song is incomparable in its triple entendre. You got some wild crazy partying, a little West Side Story neighborhood brawls, and a jazz mixer - all rolled into one. The ancient and the modern. Hats and hooters, battle apples, dancing on bones... total entertainment! Ps - If you haven’t seen the documentary about the making of this album, it’s a must. There’s a garbage can lid being played in there somewhere!
"Josie" is a song written by Walter Becker and Donald Fagen and first released by Steely Dan on their 1977 album Aja. Jamel.. remember the Aja Album. Don Breithaupt sees an influence from the Delta blues, particularly in the "stark open fifths and lyric-driven rhythm.
Somehow there are hardly any reaction vids that I can find for this song, so thank you for your willingness to explore and act on recommendations to do this one, I know it's been a long time coming in this, your Steely Dan rabbit hole chapter.
Great review. Steely Dan was one of many great groups from this era. Another artist I would request you highlight is Boz Scaggs, specifically the song Low Down. I think you will like it too.
I miss hearing Steely Dan, et al on regular radio rotation. Back in the early 80's I'd listen to all this stuff on my Walkman on the way to and from high school. Good times. Thanks for reminding the world about this music, it's genuinely timeless and some of the best examples of top-class pop music; the caliber of songwriting and studio musicianship is unmatched - real art this is.
And the band loves her, they play in the street for her..dancing on the bones...playing the piano probably till the girls say bye...maybe josie dances and even sings with them. She doesn't say no... no! 😘 they all get together whenever she comes home. Maybe she goes away to university or a traveling job. Whoever she is Josie is loved and adored. And I think that's so sweet.
Thank you for the Steely Dan videos! I've been on a kick all afternoon and saw you reacted to this song in particular. I'm not sure if you got an answer to what "Miss Josie" is about, but the lyrics "She's the pride of the neighborhood" and "Shine up the battle apple" should lead you to the idea that Josie is a "Community Girl". Steely Dan definitely does a "tap dance" with lyrics, don't they? I've always been intrigued and somewhat shocked on how raw and personal their lyrics are, especially with Donald Fagen. The life of a famed musician/songwriter, you might say. Enjoy and Peace!
Come on. SD is so unique, has so many epic songs, and just grabs you. They're top of my fave list, always. Amazing vocals, bass, drums, sax, keys, you name it, they do it grand style. CLASS.
Now you know why so many of us think today's music sucks. There were so many great musicians back in the day. You're getting a small taste of true musicianship. I would highly highly suggest ELO.
"today's music sucks" Mainstream pop? Couldn't agree more. But there's still plenty of excellent music being made today. It may not be on the surface but it's still there.
This record shows what you can do with unlimited studio budget and time, and two perfectionists hiring the perfect player for each part and working them to death until you hear what you want to hear from them. They were firing on all cylinders by this time.
Jamal you're ready to bust some moves on this song LOL so glad you are loving these songs. Used to go roller skating when I was in the eighth grade. They played all kinds of Steely Dan songs. great to skate to.
I Do Love This Music! Josie sounds so, mysterious. I think Steely Dan May have wanted it, this way. She is mysterious, alluring and intriguing. She sounds so dangerous. Guys just couldn’t get enough of her being around. Maybe she has made more than a few women, jealous. Great reaction, Jamel and great music!
Fun fact: You may or may not know this. With the core band recruited, Donald and Walter need a name for their group. Since both of them were avid readers of 1950's "Beat" literature, they decided to name the band "Steely Dan" after a dildo in William Burroughs' "Naked Lunch."
Yep. And though this is just my interpretation (biology lab director/English instructor, Temple University Japan, Waseda University) ... the lyrics from Aja were crystal clear to me. 'Double helix in the sky tonight' - that's the shape of the DNA molecule in egg and sperm. 'Throw out the hardware, let's do it right.' No need for artificial insemination like they do in breeding bulls. Just fuck. Like the 'Bloodhound Gang' song says ... 'You and me baby ain't nothing but mammals, so let's do it like they do on The Discovery channel'. 😃 'Up on the hill, they've got time to burn' ... the other .01% who don't have to worry more about their stock portfolios than affording treatment for the coronavirus. 'There's no return' ... YOLO, you all.
Do it again & Reeling in the years were the first songs I heard from them. Prompted me to run out & buy the album, "Can't buy a Thrill"!, Saw " Countdown to Ecstasy" & snatched up that one later. I was hooked.
More songs of theirs to check out: Do It Again, Reelin’ In The Years, Rikki Don’t Lose That Number, Home At Last, Babylon Sisters, Night by Night, Any Major Dude Will Tell You, Pretzel Logic, The Caves of Altamira, Don’t Take Me Alive, Gaucho, Third World Man. I really skipped some great songs. Just listen to the entire Citizen Box Set. You won’t regret it.
That’s my friend of 60 years, Jim Keltner, on drums! He’s been on over 100 gold albums and over 75 platinum albums!
A legend. Made a brilliant album last year with guitarist Mike Baggetta and bass player Mike Watt.
Michael DEAK is he responsible for that sick Aja drum breakdown?? God, if so, your friend is a BEAST!
@@JuanitaHarrisMissHarrisinParis No, Steve Gadd played drums on Aja. Legend has it that he did the whole song on his first take.
Juanita Harris No, that’s Steve Gadd on Aja. Jim Keltner is the drummer on Josie.
Love the whole Steely Dan band. I hope this Corona virus will be gone by June. Got tickets to see them again in Auburn,WA
I love how one music writer described Steely Dan. He said they were probably the guys in high school that sat in the back of the class causing trouble and making fun of the teacher but would still get straight A’s.
I agree...this is genius level music and lyrics but played with a whatever attitude!!!
@@duaneehmen4133 I thought the exact same thing!
I was one of those dudes, but had no musical talent. lol.
I smiled when I read this because I know it’s true.
I heard another critic say they were "too clever for their own good". It was Rolling Stone Ragazine, so f 'em.
I never knew someone could actually make me enjoy the Dan even more than I already did. Thanks you're just great
I want to jam with Jemal every day. Those shoulder bumps are are the best.
RIGHT?!!
The fact that you called them "the dan" makes me want to be your friend.
Agreed, have listened to many many songs and these folks doing reactions rekindles my love for music as is listening to them for the first time.
@Michael Asay He has to break up the song or else TH-cam will remove it for breaching copyright.
Bro!!! I'm' in my 50's and so happy to witness a Man of your generation who GETS IT !! Congrads, You've stumbled into the musical journey and often mysterious realm of Fagen & Becker, Let your ears graze and enjoy
My feeling exactly tell him how it is
These guys are the soundtrack of my teenage musical journey years. I learned how play the bass on these records. Great memories!
@@walt1a Great stuff by Chuck Rainey. Apparently it was Walter Becker who wrote out the part for him, with all of the muted notes. It was a great part. RIP Walter.
Couldn't have said it better!
I absolutely love how open-minded you are when it comes to music. Any genre you will give it a chance.. you've actually helped me not to be so close-minded when it comes to music. I'm a old school metal head. But following your lead I'm branching out and giving other genres a real listen to. Not just a passive it's in the background. I'm listening. Thank you for opening my mind at least a bit .
Way to go. I feel the same. Dudes like this are an inspiration.
Noice!!!! Music is magic. Try some Buena Vista Social Club way off your comfort zone I'm sure. You'll love it IF you are open to it. Try new chaka Khan too.
@John Frum people become close-minded when they're convinced they're right. In some areas this is a good thing. For example, if someone told you Steely Dan are not talented musicians, would you give that person the time of day. Nope. Why? Because you're close-minded to any thought that that's true, cause only a fool would think that.
In many things we are close-minded. Some are good. Some are bad. It's just human nature.
Hope that helped
@John Frum I only read the first part of your post 🙂
There's plenty of genres out there, each serves it's own need. I like AC/DC and Bach.
Damn you! I sat down to work on my TH-cam content tonight and I ended up down a rat hole with my favorite band Steely Dan and you reacting to all of my favorites. I didn't get any work done! Love you man.
I'm doing the same as we speak.
Same!
Is that you.
" We're gonna lay down the law and break it, when Josie come home" is one of the best lyrics ever!
"Show business kids making movies of themselves. You know they don't give a fuck about anybody else." is my favorite Steely Dan lyric. From "Show Business Kids".
That and "Shine up the battle apple."
Yes, almost as good as, She's the raw flame, the live wire, she prays like a Roman with her eyes on fire.
"I crawl like a viper, through these suburban streets." "they got a name for the winners in the world, I wanna name when I lose"
@@TheB00Man Oh your dirty mind LOL!
Reacting to a Steely Dan song. Man I love your vibes. A big hug from Italy with the eyes on fire
Absolutely loving these Steely Dan reactions. My all time favorite band. You absolutely have to do Steely Dan - Gaucho PLEASE!!
Gaucho is such a great song. Jeff Porcaro really makes it for me.
Babylon sisters
John Adams Mine too!
Yes
The bass playing is so funky in Josie. Whole song is a masterpiece
RIP Walter Becker!! Godspeed and thanks for the music!!!
Arguably one of the FINEST records of the 70’s.
80 years from today people will still be amazed with their music,skills and abilities, production, creativity, ideas, etc.
Totally unique.
Love and peace from Athens Greece.
And 80 years from now people will still be trying to figure out who the heck Josie is.
As an essential part of your Steely Dan journey, it's about time for a reaction to Donald Fagen's "The Nightfly" album, starting with the tracks "I.G.Y." and " New Frontier." Amazing listening and essential for the budding Steely Dan fan.
damn straight
Kamakiriad is good too
Totally agree! Some of my faves on that album are "Greenflower Street," "Walk Between the Raindrops," and the Larry Carlton-rich "Goodbye Look"
I second that emotion.
ESPECIALLY "New Frontier".
"She prays like a Roman with her eyes on fire." What a great line!
That's fagen
Jamel is so funny. I love watching him groove to Steely Dan. Best music! These guys are amazing.
I have loved Steely Dan my entire life. I'm not exaggerating when I say that I feel great joy that you genuinely recognize her greatness and with such great enthusiasm
Steely Dan is incredible. I grew up on their music but I never realized how many songs ....Just incredible lyrics and instruments. Jazz, funk, rock and pop all in one band.
Boz Scaggs "lowdown" "Lido Shuffle"
Stompie Joe oh hells yes.
“Lowdown” one of the best. “Lido” great too
Great choice!
Amen Joe!
Yes sir! Great suggestion.
Great choices. I'd also suggest JoJo too.
Jamel, I am 68, and I hope you are enjoying the music I grew up on as much as I did. Watching you hear it for the 1st time reminds me of sharing it with friends in the great way back! I hope you are turning your friends on to this great music too. Don't let it die!
I love watching you react to my favorite band of all time. I've been listening to Steeley Dan since I was a little kid. Such a joy to watch your discovery of their musical genius.
You got it right: When Josie comes home (from school). A lot of the Steely Dan songbook deals with scenes from college life, from My Old School the dandy of Hey Nineteen. But it's also about crossing the class barriers. Josie is the PRIDE of the neighborhood when she comes home. So she's stepping out and it's showing. But in addition to talking about Josie this is also the boys bragging about what they're gonna DO in celebration and it sounds like they're all trying to outdo one another there too!
Excellent description
Thank you for your description, i do not understand always the lyrics whithout a dictionary and it doesn't work very well. It is not my mother tong like you see.
John of Drones We had a “Josie” in our group of friends. Her name was Heidi, but yeah. Everybody had a crush on her.
Home from jail.
I think it’s left vague-she’s definitely a hustler of some kind, somebody the streets respect, but it’s not clear what her claim to pride is. But if I had to guess, Treetop is right, she’s a girl “rumored to go” and whether she really is like that or not, the boys (Donald and Walter) are excited for the chance to shoot their shot so they’re strutting about the crib, showing off. :)
Glad to see you are playing Steely Dan; you have no idea how good these two are, Geniuses.
They changed my life the second I heard them; I got the Album for Christmas back in 1978.
Named my oldest daughter after this song! Jamal's on a Steely Dan tour, I love it! Thanks for all the great reactions. You know you reacted to almost every song from the Aja album, you might as well finish up with "Home at Last" and "I Got the News", the later features Michael McDonald singing a verse.
Killer bass line. Classic.
Back in the days of "Album Oriented Rock" (AOR), there were countless parties and dances that occurred simply because of the music. Now we all get to go down those wonderful memory trails via Jamal's videos. In short, my Wife, Family, Friends and I are so very grateful for this channel. Keep it up Jamal!
That cuervo gold, the fine Colombian makes tonight a wonderful...lol...if only again. That was at least 25 yrs ago. Thanks for memories.
"She prays like a Roman with her eyes on fire" tells all you need about sweet Josie!
Which is a somewhat misquote of the reference he was making, but still one of my favorite lines in the song.
@@ProudFilthyCasual I literally quoted the line. How can that be a misquote?
@@careym3901 Not you dork, Walter or Donald, whichever wrote the song. It's a reference to the Oracle of Delphi, who was Greek not Roman. Greek didn't flow with the song though.
@@ProudFilthyCasual no need for name calling, just pointing out a fact! Oh, and I've heard half a dozen interpretations of the lyrics to this song. That was my point to begin with. I quote the lyrics, but the genius of SD is you can interpret them for yourself
@@careym3901 Is dork really a name call to you? It was that or calling you silly. Neither seemed harmful lol.
This is one of my favourite Dan songs, and I love the way Jamel reacts to it, his expressions, the cheeky smiles, the way he moves, his enthusiasm. It's lovely to see how he is discovering Dan's music, the way I did when it all began, when there were no videos. Clearly he hears all the subtleties in the music and gets into it with all he's got. What a delightful man. Beautiful.
Steely Dan has always been one of my favorite groups. I have seen them in concert once. Out of all the concerts I been to they were one of my favorites.
One of? My total fav....a devotee here...
@@sueprator9314 I find it magical that all the fans are getting stuck into Jamal to please try their favourite Dan tracks : there are so many of them ! Hard to believe a guy his age is hearing all these tunes for the first time though...
Walter's guitar solo is otherworldly. God how I love this song.
This is great! You're really getting into this band, one of my all time favorites. Now, please treat yourself to 'DON'T TAKE ME ALIVE'. The intro by guitarist Larry Carlton still blows me away even after all these decades.
Not super difficult to play, but writing in that style is channeling the gods.
cwilliamrose agreed. “Don’t Take Me Alive” is fantastic.
Larry said in an interview that the take of the intro that made it to the record was not played by him. He played the rhythm guitar througout the song though.
@@guitarelaxed Agree! The solos sounds Walter Becker, Larry has a totally different jazzy fluent sound. WB more picking around and creating his own "soundscape hemisphere" Both awesome! Always admired WB (and DF) for having the courage to invite such super musicians on their own instruments, -no fear of competition! That is true humility!
There is a saying.... Steely Dan is your favorite band's favorite band. In most cases, it's probably true. What a smooth, clean, uplifting sound they put out. Truly unique.
2:50 "Okay, Ms. Josie, who the hell are ya, huh?? The pride of the neighborhood?" LOL, your reactions man.
Michael Trogdon exactly..’who the hell are you..’? 😝
Just love this band and their fusion Jazz mix with exceptional musicians. Cord changes ... time changes and the way they use dead space in their songs. And that basement bass and drums...... timeless band!
It’s said that “Josie” was Walter Becker’s favourite song to play. They were brilliant!!
Bro, I can’t stop watching your videos. I’m 60 years old and it makes me smile with love to see your honest reaction to the songs I’ve been listening to my whole adult life. Yes, brother, music unites. Peace!
Jamel i think you would really dig the tight sounds of Chicago. The funk and horns mixed with rock fusion is pretty tight. Saturday in the Park, 25 or 6 to 4, Does anyone really know what time it is ?, Feelin stronger every day, Old Days, etc... Dig your reactions by the way , especially the faces...smh lol.
I said this yesterday. I would also like to add I'm a Man to that list.
@@Musicxdjx91 Agreed
Agreed
dewdew34
25 or 6 to 4 is phenomenal.
Or watch the best live Chicago covers ever by Leonid and Friends from Russia. They’ll blow your mind. All on video on YT.
I've loved Steely Dan since their debut album. Watching you listen and discover them gives me a whole new pleasure of appreciation for them. Like introducing another friend to the genius that is SD!
The intro is from a song called "Josie" by the band Steely Dan ;^)
😂
😆
The intro uses intervals that are somewhat stereotypical of Japanese music. More likely, this guy heard this song on the radio when he was a child and only remembers the distinctive intro.
I love Steely Dan, but their lyrics are not what I would spend much time analyzing
lol
I was born into a Steely Dan-listening home. I've even seen them in concert with my mother in 1993- the only one I ever went to w/her, as my father was the concert junkie, I couldn't even begin to count how many I attended with my dad. One my earliest memories was sitting on his shoulders at the Marshall Tucker/Charlie Daniel's double bill. I was age 4, making it 1975. This particular song is always on the playlist when I throw a party, or entertain, it's a definite ice-breaker. The song makes people smile, laugh & start talking. I've often heard people say that Steely Dan & especially this song reminds them of hanging out & partying on the beach. Growing up & living in St. Petersburg, Florida until my late '40's, I was right on the Gulf of Mexico, so yeah, I can see that. I'm thrilled that you love this band like a lot of us do, you know quality when you hear it.
Aja is one of the greatest albums!
Man, I LOVE your reactions to Steely Dan. I have always loved them, but to see the effect it makes on you it awesome!
Totally diggin' your reactions Jamal!! To everything, or at least to the music I like! Steely Dan music never fails to groove, and there is SO much of their music. Keep on groovin' Bro! And stay safe and healthy too!..
Steely Dan one of the best bands ever! I still love them today since the 70’s.
In my mind Josie was a girl who became a star and then came back home to visit the old neighborhood. But damn if I know. 🤔
yes, I agree, and they weren't all horning after her, as much as they all recognized she was special, and had a destiny that didn't include them "getting in her pants."
That's what I've always thought, too.
"She's just Josie from the block."
Maybe?...😒
I always imagined her as the queen of some biker gang who just got out of jail. Revving her Harley up and down the old hood...
Steely Dan is a true gift to us...some of the best music EVER...glad your enjoying them...cheers
I second the request for Boz Scaggs "Lowdown"...Also grab a little George Thorogood. Some damn good blues and grit right there!!
Lido Shuffle too .
I drink alone.
And also "Breakdown Dead Ahead".
I'm so impressed with your open mind and obvious great taste in fine music, at your age!!!! Love your hoodies and shirts too! Someone said Boz Scaggs Lido ... oh man... still gets me when I hear it! You'll like it! Try it!!! Steely Dan... my all time number one fave!!!!
FM, The Fez.
Yes! And some of us are big fans of Western World....
buddinganarchist hell yes bro
Ain't never gonna do it without the fez
Absolutely love Steely Dan. Great musicians, and it brings back my youth and college years
I remember hearing this song after seeing Ferris Buellers Day Off and thought Ferris Bueller was the male version of Josie. She was a part of everybody's clique and ehenever she shows up, its always a party. She's just a righteous chick and she's always going to make sure everybody gets hooked up somehow.
You, my man, are funny as hell. I’ve just begun enjoying your vids and am a massive Steely Dan fan. Not only is it a great feeling watching you discover the greatness that is Steely Dan, but your hilarious take on the lyrics had me rolling over laughing.
That. My friend. Is entertainment. Cheers!
I had a Josie in my neighborhood back in the day. I’m 67yrs. She was so hot. She had swagger.
Omg, you are the sweetest thing. I liked your take on Josie when she comes back to the neighborhood and the guys losing their minds. That was pretty cute. Yes, Steely Dan is fabulous. I wore out a few of their albums back in the day.
I was 18 when this album was released. 'Josie' was probably the number one seller off this record but the entire album was a complete hit across the country! Kudos to Jamal for rediscovering this absolute gem!
I am very gratified to see that some of the younger generation are being exposed to such great music. I recently introduced a 25-year-old co-worker and bass guitar player to Steely Dan. He was so amazed and is now a big fan. It's very enjoyable to see the reactions of people who have never known such smooth jazz-rock-fusion as I grew up with.
Don’t take me alive has the best hook of all times
Does it though?
Got a case of dynamite!
Luckless pedestrians
You're on target, Kelly. But over many years as a Steely Dan fan, my favorites switch back and forth and forth and back. What I know for certain is that if I had available only their full catalogue to last the rest of my days, I'd be in very fine shape!
Man them 2 dudes minds were so musically intwined it still amazes me to listen to their stuff some 45 yrs later
Jim Keltner played some of the drum fills on this tune by banging on an aluminum garbage can lid!
Man I'm glad it ain't just me that geeks out / nerds out / groove out to these songs! I could my life listening to nothing but pfunk and steely dan! MANNN!
This song is incomparable in its triple entendre. You got some wild crazy partying, a little West Side Story neighborhood brawls, and a jazz mixer - all rolled into one. The ancient and the modern. Hats and hooters, battle apples, dancing on bones... total entertainment! Ps - If you haven’t seen the documentary about the making of this album, it’s a must. There’s a garbage can lid being played in there somewhere!
This music is timeless. The story makes perfect sense four decades later.
"Josie" is a song written by Walter Becker and Donald Fagen and first released by Steely Dan on their 1977 album Aja. Jamel.. remember the Aja Album. Don Breithaupt sees an influence from the Delta blues, particularly in the "stark open fifths and lyric-driven rhythm.
Somehow there are hardly any reaction vids that I can find for this song, so thank you for your willingness to explore and act on recommendations to do this one, I know it's been a long time coming in this, your Steely Dan rabbit hole chapter.
Great review. Steely Dan was one of many great groups from this era. Another artist I would request you highlight is Boz Scaggs, specifically the song Low Down. I think you will like it too.
I miss hearing Steely Dan, et al on regular radio rotation. Back in the early 80's I'd listen to all this stuff on my Walkman on the way to and from high school. Good times. Thanks for reminding the world about this music, it's genuinely timeless and some of the best examples of top-class pop music; the caliber of songwriting and studio musicianship is unmatched - real art this is.
PLEASE!!! Cover one more of their songs and do "Bodhisattva"!!
That's a jam!
Find the live version with the drunk intro! It's just the BEST
Gotta watch the Peanuts Gang playing it...Classic!
John of Drones absolutely! That’s the best version! “And a whatevah......”
Yes YES **Bodhisattva****
I have never found anyone who I can watch many times. Until this guy.
YEAH Jamal!! You finally got to "Josie" well done! Knew you'd love it!
And the band loves her, they play in the street for her..dancing on the bones...playing the piano probably till the girls say bye...maybe josie dances and even sings with them. She doesn't say no... no! 😘 they all get together whenever she comes home. Maybe she goes away to university or a traveling job. Whoever she is Josie is loved and adored. And I think that's so sweet.
That drum fill coming into the second verse is wicked cool. Those ghost hits on the snare...man.
Yes !!🥁
Thank you for the Steely Dan videos! I've been on a kick all afternoon and saw you reacted to this song in particular. I'm not sure if you got an answer to what "Miss Josie" is about, but the lyrics "She's the pride of the neighborhood" and "Shine up the battle apple" should lead you to the idea that Josie is a "Community Girl". Steely Dan definitely does a "tap dance" with lyrics, don't they? I've always been intrigued and somewhat shocked on how raw and personal their lyrics are, especially with Donald Fagen. The life of a famed musician/songwriter, you might say. Enjoy and Peace!
Two more left from "Aja": "Home at Last" and "I Got the News"
And Home at Last is the best track on the album. The real standout gem.
@@spencerorr4374 and still tied to the mast.after there super long years.
Come on. SD is so unique, has so many epic songs, and just grabs you. They're top of my fave list, always. Amazing vocals, bass, drums, sax, keys, you name it, they do it grand style. CLASS.
Now you know why so many of us think today's music sucks. There were so many great musicians back in the day. You're getting a small taste of true musicianship. I would highly highly suggest ELO.
Agreed ! Jeff Lynn is still touring
E. L. O. ! E. L. O. !
"today's music sucks" Mainstream pop? Couldn't agree more. But there's still plenty of excellent music being made today. It may not be on the surface but it's still there.
@@bluerev That is true. In the past few months I have found Beth Hart.
"Todays music sucks" is something someone who barely knows about music would say. Theres always good music, like from since music's invention.
Smooooth! That's what this music is all about. That and Josie. Ha. I'm glad you gave it a listen! I love your reactions :-D
Since you like their groove so much, Do It Again is a must listen for you.
Absolutely LOVE your reactions!!!
I find it impossible to feel angry when listening to funk and/or jazz.
The groove of Steely Dan cannot be beat
This record shows what you can do with unlimited studio budget and time, and two perfectionists hiring the perfect player for each part and working them to death until you hear what you want to hear from them. They were firing on all cylinders by this time.
Jamal you're ready to bust some moves on this song LOL so glad you are loving these songs. Used to go roller skating when I was in the eighth grade. They played all kinds of Steely Dan songs. great to skate to.
Do “only a fool would say that” its so so so good and underated
I Do Love This Music! Josie sounds so, mysterious. I think Steely Dan May have wanted it, this way. She is mysterious, alluring and intriguing. She sounds so dangerous. Guys just couldn’t get enough of her being around. Maybe she has made more than a few women, jealous. Great reaction, Jamel and great music!
Fun fact: You may or may not know this. With the core band recruited, Donald and Walter need a name for their group. Since both of them were avid readers of 1950's "Beat" literature, they decided to name the band "Steely Dan" after a dildo in William Burroughs' "Naked Lunch."
Man, I always wondered where they got the name. Thanks for that info.
Yes. Most true Dan enthusiasts know this. It's good to get it out there though for others.
In fact, a steam powered dildo.
Yep.
And though this is just my interpretation (biology lab director/English instructor, Temple University Japan, Waseda University) ... the lyrics from Aja were crystal clear to me.
'Double helix in the sky tonight' - that's the shape of the DNA molecule in egg and sperm.
'Throw out the hardware, let's do it right.' No need for artificial insemination like they do in breeding bulls. Just fuck.
Like the 'Bloodhound Gang' song says ... 'You and me baby ain't nothing but mammals, so let's do it like they do on The Discovery channel'. 😃
'Up on the hill, they've got time to burn' ... the other .01% who don't have to worry more about their stock portfolios than affording treatment for the coronavirus.
'There's no return' ... YOLO, you all.
Common knowledge...
I love many bands from the 70s; but Steely Dan are incredible. So unique in their sound.
I hope you do "Do it Again", "Black Friday", and "Reelin' in the Years" More awesome-ness from Steely Dan.
Do it again & Reeling in the years were the first songs I heard from them. Prompted me to run out & buy the album, "Can't buy a Thrill"!,
Saw " Countdown to Ecstasy" & snatched up that one later.
I was hooked.
You wouldn't even know a diamond if you held it in your hand!
And Badhisattva, throw out your gold teeth. Those are my favorites.
Bodhisattva, too! Show Biz Kids, also
Aja. The whole album, not just the single.
Thank you for reminding of how many songs I've forgotten to add to my Spotify list.
“FM”. No static at all...
One of my favorite songs from The Dan. One of their cleanest grooves ever.
another fun fact: early drummer that Walter and Donald would hang with-------Chevy Chase!
Quite possibly one of the very best and most impeccable drum tracks ever recorded.
Steely Dan: "Do It Again" - a must :-)
Jamal, you are the man. Always enjoy your insightful reactions to the golden oldies. You are a fun and funny guy. Keep on rollin’
Time Out Of Mind....
and Bodhisattva!!!
You're welcome.
ahhh omg Looooooove your shirt and lovvvvin the beat, thanx for the awesome jam from one of my fave groups lovin' that Jazz/Rock fusion mmm sweet.
Listen to "Dont take me alive" from Steely Dan. Great song.
Mark Shaw YES, PLEASE!!!!
Please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You’re so funny! Thanks for entertaining us with your reactions. Especially to Steely Dan! One of the best bands ever!
More songs of theirs to check out: Do It Again, Reelin’ In The Years, Rikki Don’t Lose That Number, Home At Last, Babylon Sisters, Night by Night, Any Major Dude Will Tell You, Pretzel Logic, The Caves of Altamira, Don’t Take Me Alive, Gaucho, Third World Man. I really skipped some great songs. Just listen to the entire Citizen Box Set. You won’t regret it.
One of my favorite jams of all times!