I had the great pleasure of being head of Album Promotion at ABC Records when AJA came out. I remember some of the suits saying it could be a hard album to get played because of the long songs. Producer Gary Katz and I went out in the parking lot :) and I came back and listened on the headphones. Chill bumps! Our ABC promo team went to work. The suits let us do many things like 12" colored vinyl. My fave was a blue Deacon Blues 12" with WIDE grooves. Collectors still say thanks!.
Jon Scott Wow. I love comments like yours. Seriously. I really appreciate '1st person witness' stories folks (rarely) share in the comments section on a lot of music vids here on TH-cam. Thanks very much for sharing. FWIW, Aja was released while I was just a kid in the 70s. I was in the 4th grade & it's the album that I most remember from my childhood. I especially like the song Josie because my first little crush I had on one of my classmates had a similar sounding name, Jessica (we called her Jessie). What's funny is that, even at my young age, I noticed how much of a noticeable difference there was in the audio quality of a Steely Dan album compared to some of the other albums I (and my older brother) often listened to. I'm really glad this documentary was made re: the Aja album. It's a timeless album. My 2 young daughters have begun to enjoy it too (I've begun to introduce them to the sounds of older music & they say some of it is as good as 'their generation's music'... so I guess my mission was successful). :-) Anyway, again, I really appreciate you sharing your unique 'behind-the-scenes' moment from many happy years ago. Thanks!
Yes Ryan,one of the best.......this is the soundtrack to the start of my life.... moving to Houston from Ohio and starting my family.....good memories....
THAT !* IS WHAT THIS WAS "fully coceptualized as it was either being written or recorded , or both" but yeah , that's what it was " accurate synopsis, ("intelligent music")🤔 you know it's funny as i'm listening to all these " each one better than , the previous " tracks i'm trying to figure out "rationally" how they could be such good i.e. "prolific" all around musicians: lyrics, composition , arrangement and musical proficiency themselves. It was their "conceptualization backed by actual artistic" ability , Donald Fagen was like a hybrid of Stephen Hawkings and Stevie Wonder , they both him and Walter seemed kind of like "savants". AND.... Donald Fagen was definitely of some Mediteranean bloodline, so he was organically drawing from something with his jazz and r&b inspired renditions as well , they were like an uncommonly right left brain sychronized duo / band, whew..... now i comprehend get it (their "phenomenon" ) [as. it. were.] a little bit better. rather. something. else ..... 🤔
He is missing a lot, I rediscover Steely Dan and I wonder how I could spend so many years without listening to them, since I listen on repeat and what happiness for the little drummer that I am.
Summer 2017... I listened to this album every single day... I have been doing Uber to make ends meet these days... this album... Mr Fagen and Mr Becker I know you will never read this but this album has helped me during this time in my life more than I could ever say or thank you for.... this is a masterpiece!!! I love SD forever...
R.I.P. Mr. Becker. Arguably their greatest song out of a phenomenal catalog. To me it represents the triumphant zenith of Steely Dan, it was a great time for their music. Written with great insight and introspection, like many great songs I find it hard to believe that 2 guys in their 20's created this, you would think they lack the life experience. Ironically it is in their 20's when most great singer/songwriters peak.
@cardo late 20's, but yes, Fagan was brilliant, and long before Aja, too. Brian Wilson wrote Pet Sounds when he was 23... an absolutely mind boggling genius, as was Todd Rundgren.
IM 38 and this is ALL I listen to but then again Ive been a fan since I was scrawny brat in kindergarten...that was 1979! This stuff NEVER dies and loses its luster! Thank Goodness someone posted this...
I am so glad they showed the harmony part, before I was able to understand and be truly moved by the lyrics, that warm creamy beautiful female back up harmony gave me chills every time i heard it...it still does.
I love the discussion about the flute, the synth and the celeste. Immediately followed by Roger Nichols' statement that they always knew what the result would be like before anyone else in the studio :D.
Always dug the sensuous sounds of Steely Dan, since Aja hit the record stores, back in the 70's. The cool thing about this particular video, is the visual background of New York's skyline, and the Twin Towers. A sad sweetness...
There was a guy in my old band that worked for a NY studio when Steely Dan was recording. He talked about how they would sit in the control room for hours making little adjustments here and there with what the musicians were playing, sometimes spending 45 minutes on a single measure. It would drive the musicians a little crazy. I think Frank Zappa was a perfectionist like that too.
@CodeBleu724 True... in his 'glory days' Todd could record 'perfect' quicker than anyone, most of which he played and sang by himself. So, the operative word is "endure".
listening to these guys since 75-76,very intelligent dudes,but the music was so good, that even as a 15 year old,I didnt know shit from shinola,but I knew what I liked then ,and I know what I like now ,thanks for the great music
I grew up and up and up on this album. Never tired of listening to it, over and over, again and again. Ruined a relationship over it. Lived it and found it mystifying, bewildering, and brilliant.
Wow! Thanks for caring. What a Jem Thanks also to my drum teacher from Drummers Collective in New York City or putting me on to this album soo many years ago... It open my eyes to the possibilities.
I listen to this song all the time. It's always quite enjoyable. But, every now and then it really comes through and lifts me up higher than any drug I ever tried.
Definitely one of the Greatest Songwriting Duos of our time!! Sure glad i was Lucky enough to be born in the 50s:-)) PS sure could use some talent like this today..........
I always felt that my Main Man Donald Fagan loved Black music. I could always hear it in all of their albums the jazz,blues,and Gospel feel along with the pop and soft rock. And I love his honesty about his true feelings that is very rare among American Artist from back in the day. British artist were basically honest about where they got their inspiration and would tell you in a minute. I am so glad that my admiration and Love for the Dan's style wasn't misplaced......PEACE
Larry Carlton - Bernard Purdie we're really large parts of the Steely Dan ! Bringing in all of the greatest musicians ; Followed these gentlemen since earrly 70's. ! Seventies ( 70's) Very creative decade for music ... Bravo 👏🎷🎶
Love these videos with new york city in the background and the world trade center the awesome music comes in, retro feeling and nostalgia ,great steely dan, love all this, plus didn't know Larry Carlton played the guitar, learn stuff also
Great video! Loved being able to see them discuss the thoughts behind making this song! I've been listening to Steely Dan since the 70's, and someone recently asked me what my favorite song is by them, and I said Deacon Blues! And it's sometimes hard for me to listen to it because it makes me emotional, brings tears to my eyes, all in a loving way, because it brings back so many memories. I just so love Steely Dan and have for so many years!
mesmerized by this song since i was little. then was terrified and mesmerized by it while driving on lsd- prior to going to jail that same night. insane.
I also think this. Many rappers sampled the Dan throughout the years, even Ice Cube. You see quite a lot of middle-aged black men talking about how good those two were. For a white band, they sure have their following between black people. It's rock with a black soul on it (hence the term jazz-rock for their music).
No wonder this became a Top 20 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 !... Still sounds fresh in my ears and will continue to do so till the day I die... Behind the wheel !... Just love Steely Dan !...
My favorite song, and has been since the very first time I heard it. These 3+ decades later it still holds that special place in my heart and mind. A true masterpiece.
My first 3 LP purchases were 'Can't Buy a Thrill', 'Aqualung' , and 'Days of Future Past', all on the same day.... I always have felt great about that. Regarding that Dan album,.... I remember the liner notes had the phrase of esteem "the titanic Steely Dan", that's always felt like it hits the bulls eye.
When you are such a friggin legendary studio musician that even Walter Becker stumbles his words because he can’t help but listen to your performance. Mind you, it is a performance that he has heard for damn near thirty five years. If you impress that dude, you are worthy. This was a legendary album. Grew up on it.
EXACT sentiments- I can't add any more to what was said in the last 4 comments, except to say this recording is a ultimate state of a musician's bliss...
I always can listen to their songs over and over, but this explains why :) Joy! I sang the harmonies on this for my first shaky time at age 10, when Aja came out, and I would sneak into my brothers' room and pop in the 8-track. I was throwing my arms in the air celebrating near the end of this, when Becker turned up all the tracks to performance volume!
This song is so beautifull, it always reminds me of an soft an peacefull farewell to a long and well-lived life. Makes me feel powerfull and a protagonist in the last chapter.
Bb 7 with a raised nine. I'd place a bet that no other song on a rock/pop album has ever used this kind of chord besides a Steely Dan album. Most rock musicians wouldn't even know what the chord is. Such is the sophisticated harmony of Steely Dan albums. It truly is amazing that Donald and Walter wrote these tunes without any sort of real formal musical training. I realize that Donald attended Berklee for a brief period, and that both of them studied enough on their own to understand what the hell they were doing, but it's pretty amazing that they were able to use this kind of harmony and yet make the tunes accessible and easy to listen to.
I had the great pleasure of being head of Album Promotion at ABC Records when AJA came out. I remember some of the suits saying it could be a hard album to get played because of the long songs. Producer Gary Katz and I went out in the parking lot :) and I came back and listened on the headphones. Chill bumps! Our ABC promo team went to work. The suits let us do many things like 12" colored vinyl. My fave was a blue Deacon Blues 12" with WIDE grooves. Collectors still say thanks!.
Jon Scott
Wow. I love comments like yours. Seriously. I really appreciate '1st person witness' stories folks (rarely) share in the comments section on a lot of music vids here on TH-cam.
Thanks very much for sharing. FWIW, Aja was released while I was just a kid in the 70s. I was in the 4th grade & it's the album that I most remember from my childhood. I especially like the song Josie because my first little crush I had on one of my classmates had a similar sounding name, Jessica (we called her Jessie).
What's funny is that, even at my young age, I noticed how much of a noticeable difference there was in the audio quality of a Steely Dan album compared to some of the other albums I (and my older brother) often listened to.
I'm really glad this documentary was made re: the Aja album. It's a timeless album. My 2 young daughters have begun to enjoy it too (I've begun to introduce them to the sounds of older music & they say some of it is as good as 'their generation's music'... so I guess my mission was successful). :-)
Anyway, again, I really appreciate you sharing your unique 'behind-the-scenes' moment from many happy years ago. Thanks!
Jon Scott - so great! This was my Favorite also.
Great work, guys. I NEED that 12" omg!!
Jon Scott well done sir. They are so good. On everything
Where is Gary Katz on all these SD documentaries about their recordings? He produced a lot of their stuff. I’d love to hear his insight.
AJA, one of the best albums ever.
Yes Ryan,one of the best.......this is the soundtrack to the start of my life.... moving to Houston from Ohio and starting my family.....good memories....
I guess you could say you're home at last. ;-)
I agree
It's been 40 years ago and Walter has passed
SUGAR XYLER Amazing it's been that long! I remember when it came out on "vinyl". It was unsurpassed!
Some of the most intelligent music ever written. Fully conceptualized as it was being recorded. Beautiful!
THAT !* IS WHAT THIS WAS "fully coceptualized as it was either being written or recorded , or both" but yeah , that's what it was " accurate synopsis, ("intelligent music")🤔 you know it's funny as i'm listening to all these " each one better than , the previous " tracks i'm trying to figure out "rationally" how they could be such good i.e. "prolific" all around musicians: lyrics, composition , arrangement and musical proficiency themselves. It was their "conceptualization backed by actual artistic" ability , Donald Fagen was like a hybrid of Stephen Hawkings and Stevie Wonder , they both him and Walter seemed kind of like "savants". AND.... Donald Fagen was definitely of some Mediteranean bloodline, so he was organically drawing from something with his jazz and r&b inspired renditions as well , they were like an uncommonly right left brain sychronized duo / band, whew..... now i comprehend get it (their "phenomenon" ) [as. it. were.] a little bit better. rather. something. else ..... 🤔
RIP Walter Becker, you'll be missed, but your music will live on forever.
He is missing a lot, I rediscover Steely Dan and I wonder how I could spend so many years without listening to them, since I listen on repeat and what happiness for the little drummer that I am.
"As midlife-crisis songs go, Steely Dan's "Deacon Blues" ranks among the most melodic and existential." -- The Wall Street Journal
And it keeps killing me...
Who longs to become a beatnik loser with a sax more than those Wall Street types?
Summer 2017... I listened to this album every single day... I have been doing Uber to make ends meet these days... this album... Mr Fagen and Mr Becker I know you will never read this but this album has helped me during this time in my life more than I could ever say or thank you for.... this is a masterpiece!!! I love SD forever...
something you want to listen to over and over again?? I guess so I never ever get tired of any Steely Dan
Loved seeing the Twin Towers alive in the beginning. We will always remember. Love Steely Dan!
I love hearing the individual tracks stripped to reveal the beautiful sound of the instruments.
Takes me right back to 78…. LOVE every song on that amazing album! SD got me through some depressing times in my life. I love their sound! ❤️👏🏻👏🏻
R.I.P. Mr. Becker. Arguably their greatest song out of a phenomenal catalog. To me it represents the triumphant zenith of Steely Dan, it was a great time for their music. Written with great insight and introspection, like many great songs I find it hard to believe that 2 guys in their 20's created this, you would think they lack the life experience. Ironically it is in their 20's when most great singer/songwriters peak.
@cardo late 20's, but yes, Fagan was brilliant, and long before Aja, too. Brian Wilson wrote Pet Sounds when he was 23... an absolutely mind boggling genius, as was Todd Rundgren.
@@vampyros1 Prince was 25 when he wrote the Purple Rain album.
Well said
I know every Steely Dan song word for word and note for note, but i still want to hear more and know more.
IM 38 and this is ALL I listen to but then again Ive been a fan since I was scrawny brat in kindergarten...that was 1979! This stuff NEVER dies and loses its luster! Thank Goodness someone posted this...
no matter how many times I've heard it still sounds a little different everytime.
Shine ON Walter Becker. (Feb. 20, 1950 - Sept. 3, 2017) Thank you for the music.
that horn melody is unstoppable.
.... well said !
6:34 I think I just found myself a new ringtone as well as a doorbell. Haza !!
This song gets to me every time I hear it. That Crimson Tide line. Who else would write that line lol. Brilliant.
this song just has that pleasing flow to it
I am so glad they showed the harmony part, before I was able to understand and be truly moved by the lyrics, that warm creamy beautiful female back up harmony gave me chills every time i heard it...it still does.
I was 17 now in early 50 s deacon blues still most amazing and favourite song Tami..Canada thanks!
Rest in peace walter Becker!! Watching this is memory of the man (:
I love the discussion about the flute, the synth and the celeste. Immediately followed by Roger Nichols' statement that they always knew what the result would be like before anyone else in the studio :D.
Always dug the sensuous sounds of Steely Dan, since Aja hit the record stores, back in the 70's. The cool thing about this particular video, is the visual background of New York's skyline, and the Twin Towers. A sad sweetness...
Rest in peace, Walter Becker. Thank you for the endless music provided for the soundtrack of my life.
RIP Walter. Thanks for the music.
lol he said "it's like a pheromone for tots" haha when you see steely dan live, donald tells the best stories I've ever heard over a really chill vamp
some of the best analog production ever
There was a guy in my old band that worked for a NY studio when Steely Dan was recording. He talked about how they would sit in the control room for hours making little adjustments here and there with what the musicians were playing, sometimes spending 45 minutes on a single measure. It would drive the musicians a little crazy. I think Frank Zappa was a perfectionist like that too.
Anyone who has ever worked in the studio with Todd Rundgren probably never had to endure the perfectionism of Fagen/Becker.
PoetryHound awesome album!
Springsteen on Born to Run & Darkness, too.
Laura Nyro's perfectionism drove Rundgren to distraction - see the youtube of him discussing working with her.
@CodeBleu724 True... in his 'glory days' Todd could record 'perfect' quicker than anyone, most of which he played and sang by himself. So, the operative word is "endure".
Donald and Walter...what else can be said than Bravo! And thank you...
There is no hiding talent like this. Thanks for all music.
they're one of the most incredible bands to ever do it! I wish we had more writers and composers like this now!
listening to these guys since 75-76,very intelligent dudes,but the music was so good, that even as a 15 year old,I didnt know shit from shinola,but I knew what I liked then ,and I know what I like now ,thanks for the great music
I grew up and up and up on this album. Never tired of listening to it, over and over, again and again. Ruined a relationship over it. Lived it and found it mystifying, bewildering, and brilliant.
Wow! Thanks for caring. What a Jem
Thanks also to my drum teacher from Drummers Collective in New York City or putting me on to this album soo many years ago... It open my eyes to the possibilities.
I listen to this song all the time. It's always quite enjoyable. But, every now and then it really comes through and lifts me up higher than any drug I ever tried.
You should try some harder drugs, then.
I did, believe me. Those days are long gone.
"Aja" is one of my favorite albums of all time!!!!!
RIP Walter. What a duo you and Donald Fagan were. Thankfully you entered the R&RHOF while you were alive. We're going to miss you.
"That was a very fertile period for you" .. Walter was such a riot..
Love this song, bittersweet journey for me related it to my battle with addiction😎🌧️🎧
Excellent album and group.... Brilliant documentary....
Damn, These two are audio wizards describing the tracks in great detail. Two musical geniuses. Huge fan here!!!
Definitely one of the Greatest Songwriting Duos of our time!!
Sure glad i was Lucky enough to be born in the 50s:-))
PS sure could use some talent like this today..........
true musical and studio talents. it must be frightening to work with such ferociously focused persons
Definitely some of the most sophisticated and hip music to come out of the Golden Age of Popular Music .. it simply sounds forever fresh ......
This is how I remember New York. I grew up on Long Island in the 70s. All of them.
Deep music....lots & lots a work to make it sound so "Steely".......
Larry Carelton is a fucking God
I always felt that my Main Man Donald Fagan loved Black music. I could always hear it in all of their albums the jazz,blues,and Gospel feel along with the pop and soft rock.
And I love his honesty about his true feelings that is very rare among American Artist from back in the day. British artist were basically honest about where they got their inspiration and would tell you in a minute.
I am so glad that my admiration and Love for the Dan's style wasn't misplaced......PEACE
Crosby stills& nash
So is Ritchie Cooverville from Schenectady. Now...back to Steely Dan.
Larry Carlton - Bernard Purdie we're really large parts of the
Steely Dan !
Bringing in all of the greatest musicians ;
Followed these gentlemen since earrly
70's. ! Seventies ( 70's)
Very creative decade for music ...
Bravo 👏🎷🎶
I'm not exaggerating when i say that every time i hear this song, "it feels like the first time" -Foreigner
Love these videos with new york city in the background and the world trade center the awesome music comes in, retro feeling and nostalgia ,great steely dan, love all this, plus didn't know Larry Carlton played the guitar, learn stuff also
Great video! Loved being able to see them discuss the thoughts behind making this song! I've been listening to Steely Dan since the 70's, and someone recently asked me what my favorite song is by them, and I said Deacon Blues! And it's sometimes hard for me to listen to it because it makes me emotional, brings tears to my eyes, all in a loving way, because it brings back so many memories. I just so love Steely Dan and have for so many years!
I so loved playing this song in my high school jazz band.
mesmerized by this song since i was little. then was terrified and mesmerized by it while driving on lsd- prior to going to jail that same night. insane.
And black music loves you right back.
I also think this. Many rappers sampled the Dan throughout the years, even Ice Cube. You see quite a lot of middle-aged black men talking about how good those two were. For a white band, they sure have their following between black people. It's rock with a black soul on it (hence the term jazz-rock for their music).
Awesome thanks for posting "I cried when I wrote this song sue me if I play long THIS BROTHER IS FREE I BE WHAT I WANT TO BE" 🎭👀💯👏⬆️🔝💥⚜💖👍
Thanks for sharing, I really enjoyed this! Pete Christleib on saxophone, too!
In loving memory of Jerry Lewis and Walter Becker
Throwing a kiss and saying goodbye
Love Steely... I know their so perfecting, i hate that, but I know what their going after.
purely sublime as is the entire album - all of which only improves with age, thankfully!
RIP Walter Becker.. what a big loss... what great music... the only one that has a special place among all others...
No wonder this became a Top 20 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 !... Still sounds fresh in my ears and will continue to do so till the day I die... Behind the wheel !... Just love Steely Dan !...
“Deacon Blues” is my favorite song by Steely Dan. This song is so cool. 😎🔥🥇
My favorite song, and has been since the very first time I heard it.
These 3+ decades later it still holds that special place in my heart and mind. A true masterpiece.
I can only dream about playing with such musicians
Unreal---- genius!!! Their songs enriched the world.
One of the true legendary albums of all time
RIP Walter Becker
what a drag
They are in my top ten favorite bands of all time. . . . . .. Thanks Steely Dan!!!!!
My first 3 LP purchases were 'Can't Buy a Thrill', 'Aqualung' , and 'Days of Future Past', all on the same day.... I always have felt great about that. Regarding that Dan album,.... I remember the liner notes had the phrase of esteem "the titanic Steely Dan", that's always felt like it hits the bulls eye.
When you are such a friggin legendary studio musician that even Walter Becker stumbles his words because he can’t help but listen to your performance. Mind you, it is a performance that he has heard for damn near thirty five years. If you impress that dude, you are worthy.
This was a legendary album. Grew up on it.
The back up vocals are wonderful
Thank you for your contribution to music Walter and God bless .
Thanks for hanging in there. //Suits are a tough nut to crack. That is why they are suits. :) //Well done.
1:45 Miss the towers :( Went up many times before the fall. Beautiful song.
I'm still blown away by SD all these years later. Not much on some of the last ones but the first 6 I still listen to in my auto almost every day.
A collection of some of the greatest musicians ever on a recording.
Those two guys represent absolute musical genius. And we've lost one in Walter Becker.
I've loved this song since I was 10 years old, and I'm old AF now. Still my favorite song of all time.
This is what I go back to.Perpetual influence...
Greatest song. Always put
Me in a gooood mood!
2:44 "tasty"
Michael McLoughlin
They were a great band, this was one of my favorites.
They made everything important. Their sound was unmistakable.
Simply sublime song. :)
EXACT sentiments- I can't add any more to what was said in the last 4 comments, except to say this recording is a ultimate state of a musician's bliss...
I always can listen to their songs over and over, but this explains why :) Joy! I sang the harmonies on this for my first shaky time at age 10, when Aja came out, and I would sneak into my brothers' room and pop in the 8-track. I was throwing my arms in the air celebrating near the end of this, when Becker turned up all the tracks to performance volume!
Fascinating! Love watching these clips of them reminiscing in the studio control room.
Artists of music. The best
GOATED song. Never gets old
This song is so beautifull, it always reminds me of an soft an peacefull farewell to a long and well-lived life. Makes me feel powerfull and a protagonist in the last chapter.
absolute perfection!!
Right on Jon Scott!
ageless, amazing, brilliant, cool, technological achievement
very interesting..........Legend stuff there!
A remarkable artifact for antiquity - Aja! Not a hair out of place! None of the lovely shabbiness of the Rock we also love.
I’m a Gen Z’er and Steely Dan is by far my favorite band. Everything Donald and Walter produced touched turned to gold.
Gorgeous sounds
Bb 7 with a raised nine. I'd place a bet that no other song on a rock/pop album has ever used this kind of chord besides a Steely Dan album. Most rock musicians wouldn't even know what the chord is. Such is the sophisticated harmony of Steely Dan albums. It truly is amazing that Donald and Walter wrote these tunes without any sort of real formal musical training. I realize that Donald attended Berklee for a brief period, and that both of them studied enough on their own to understand what the hell they were doing, but it's pretty amazing that they were able to use this kind of harmony and yet make the tunes accessible and easy to listen to.
Matt Smith The first chord in Purple Haze is also a dom7#9
Hendrix and SRV: what?
any decent amateur musician knows about extended chords. and there are plenty of pop-funk, pop-rock acts using them.
Saw one their first concerts here in the US. They were so "tight." I was quite impressed.
That guitar though
The very best band that has ever played in the last 50 years
Takes me back.
Zen Presence