Wonderful horns in this one. I always find myself straining to hear that fourth “so outrageous” in the fade out. Great background vocals. BTW it’s pronounced “Asia” as you will find in the title track. 43 years my favorite album.
Everybody has their fav Dan material, mine happens to be this particular album. They were well into using studio musicians on their albums, and they used some of the best players in the world on this album. I think it shows. Their perfectionism shows brightly on this as well. There's not a bad song on the album. That said, I won't disregard their other material, there's room for all of it, and it's just so...damn...good.
Completely agree about Fagan's voice, it's what sets them apart from everyone else, totally unique and even better when backed up with the harmonies. Title track next, some of best musicians on the planet at the top of their game, and full of musical twists and turns.
man...i listened to this cd sooo many times working graveyard in a truckstop 1994. Had my headphones torn apart and cliped to by shirt on both sides. (couldn't have my ears coverd...ha!) Ya...some intresting times. Mostly chill.. this band will do it for ya.
Just listened to this album while I was shaving yesterday. Longest shave of my life but my face came out as smooth as this song. That’s the great Tom Scott on the tenor sax and with the horn arrangements. 🎷🎷🎷🎺🎺🎺🎺. Glad you finally got here. Glad you enjoyed it. Get ready to have your 🧠 massaged brother. 🔥👍
It's not hard to say that Aja is their best work, but this was a different time for Steely Dan. I love all their albums, and have a special fondness for Can't Buy a Thrill, but there are so many songs that get high praise after you get to know them, like King of the World, East St. Louis Toodle-oo, Boston Rag, The Caves of Altamira, Green Earrings, etc., etc. that I can't pass on any single album. You hear the magic in all their music, but Aja is something different from their previous work. I think it represents Becker and Fagen at the apex of their writing, and who could argue with the musicianship that made this album what it is. Enjoy it Michael, and thanks for the work that you do. I really enjoy watching your reactions; you come from a love of music, and it shows. I will be here enjoying it.
Steely Dan has No genre..Amazingly Unique and so very talented!.Funky,Blusey Jazzy. Beautifully and Poetically arranged.Coming at you from All angles.They command a certain Respect...
4:00 AM, and I'm sitting here watching black dudes react to Steely Dan's greatest hits. AGAIN. I have no regrets. If you haven't already, check out a progressive rock LEGEND, Todd Rundgren. Especially, Utopia Theme and The Ikon, from his 1975 album, *Utopia*. ...just realized I commented on another one of your videos, lol. Well, I promise you can't go wrong with anything Todd OR Steely Dan did in the 70s.
I honestly don't understand why people say a Black Cow is a root beer float available at A&W. An alcoholic Black Cow is Kahlua, milk or cream, and Coca-Cola. It was very popular at the time. I drank it myself many a place. The character is obviously an alcoholic, and it's doubtful they're talking in the song at an A&W.
I recall eating out one night and the young lady who was waiting onus had AJA on her name tag. All the guys at the table had no idea what it was about other than an unusual name. I spoke up and said :someones parents were into Steely Dan big time" She was so delighted that I knew or at least had made an educated guess as to the origin of her unusual name. I hope she actually likes the album. That had to have been 20 years ago .
Drama, this, and Deacon Blues are two of my favorites. I wore that LP out when I was a 17-year-old doing my homework each night. Still, 43 years later it is one of my very favorite albums.
Absolutely genius.The phrasing of the lyrics is great.The way he sang made it work. His vocals helped you focus on the story line of the song,while jazzing out on that great musicial arrangement What a wonderful production. Steely Dan .Wow,can't ever get enough of them . 2020.
“LUNCH WITH GINA” is a funky ass tune you gotta hear. It’s on a later SD album named Everything Must Go. Most SD fans don’t even know about this album. They always request songs up through the Gaucho album and stop. BIG MISTAKE.
I'll start. Been waiting for this album. It is definitely their high watermark. Every song. Which is saying a lot considering their collection of songs. Thanks for bringing back these memories from my teenage years......
Gino Vanelli. Night Walker, The surest things can change", Brother to Brother, Crazy Life, The River Must flow. Choose any of them. Heck, he is a favorite of Steely Dan.
Are you kidding? I enjoy hearing your thoughts. It adds a lot to the video. It IS supposed to be a reaction. And your reactions are well worth hearing.
Steve Dan is my favorite band. I've drank beer with Chuck Raney in Cleveland. A killer bass player. A very unassuming guy. Larry Carlton on guitar. I can't think of any band today that could even think the way they did.
Aja is a little more polished than their previous works and is more inclusive of the brass section as a whole. There's also a larger element of funk throughout this work.
Also the song Here At The Western World from this period is worth checking out. It was left off The Royal Scam then Aja and put on a Greatest Hits album.
Fortunately back in the day when this album came out, there were no stupid music videos, or lyrics to look up on the Internet. This whole album is a sonic masterpiece intended to be heard from beginning to end. What a shame most successful “musical artists” these days have so little to say, Musically and lyrically, compared to the likes of Steely Dan!
Up town baby up town baby lol. Tom Scott did the horn arrangements on this album and played on this song everything on this album was amazing even more so than all the other amazing album Dan put out
Only a couple of months ago did it occur to me that the protagonist in this song is telling himself to "...drink your big black cow, and get out of here", he has decided to get out of the relationship. Also, I have yet to hear anybody point out that he calls her a prostitute in the second verse.
Yep, Asia not ahjah. Great reaction and insight into the song and band. Can't wait for the rest of the album (and the rest of their discography). There's a lot to listen to.
That Fender Rhodes solo was only supposed to be a scratch track - a placeholder - until Don & Walt figured out what they wanted. Turns out, they had, and it was perfect.
I don't want you to stop the Steely Dan, but after this album. Try some early Robert Palmer-Sailin Shoes/Hey Julia/Sneaking Sally through the alley. You will not be disappointed.
Palmer was in the band Vinegar Joe and shared vocals with Elkie Brooks, a great female singer, from 1971 to 74. They have some stuff that is worth looking into.
My personal favorite SD album. And, I can't say this song doesn't relate...(best "hangover" band ever) Spot on about Fagan's vocals. It's the perfect "flavor" for their sound.
Aja is certainly an incredible record, especially the epic title track. But it's not necessarily better than their other albums, at least when it comes to songwriting. Yes The production is pristine and Aja definitely defined their sound going forward (smooth, polished jazz-funk) but the songs were written at various times in their career (black cow goes back to Katy Lied) so its not like they hit a new plateau with their writing. The presentation is just shinier this time around. Plus Wayne Shorter.
After being on the journey of listening to all these albums again, this album is still the top for me. Hope you enjoy it. Next up is the title track, oh yeah.
LOL people can come up with some pretty far-fetched interpretations of Steely Dan lyrics. Becker and Fagen are on record as saying this song is simply about a relationship gone sour, which is the plain sense of the lyrics. A "Black Cow" is a soda fountain drink, much like the one shown a couple of times in the lyrics video you played. And Greene Street is a street in Manhattan's SoHo neighborhood full of trendy boutiques, where sporting your "outrageous" fashion sense has apparently become a thing. traveltips.usatoday.com/things-greene-street-new-york-city-110021.html Also, "Aja" is pronounced with a long "A", just like Asia the continent. You'll hear Fagen pronounce it that way when you get to the title track on this album. And 100% agreed about Fagen's vocal stylings being a big part of what makes these songs "go" -- he puts just the right sardonic edge on the lyrics.
PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE don't use Steely Ben's videos for your reviews. It's one man's interpretation of the song and if I'm taking the time to view your reaction (which so far I have thoroughly enjoyed), I'd much rather your reaction be based on your interpretation of the music & lyrics upon first listening.
In their Own genre..Gifted and diverse..Always a pleasure to explore and enjoy..Jazzy..Blues.
Never gets old...
Aja- the perfect album in my eyes. True musicians, masters of their instruments.
Steely Dan are the groove masters
Every song was special, I always felt a jazz base. And I could dance to its fluid tempo. Engaging music, ...music!
Nice to see and hear you 👍 thanks for the THE DAN
Now you're cooking. Funky, jazzy, just fabulous.
This bands sound was so unique and sophisticated. We didn’t know what to call it but we loved it!
Yes yes! Couldn't wait until you started this one.
Friday groove
Wonderful horns in this one. I always find myself straining to hear that fourth “so outrageous” in the fade out. Great background vocals. BTW it’s pronounced “Asia” as you will find in the title track. 43 years my favorite album.
i always wait for that last one! lol
Everybody has their fav Dan material, mine happens to be this particular album. They were well into using studio musicians on their albums, and they used some of the best players in the world on this album. I think it shows. Their perfectionism shows brightly on this as well. There's not a bad song on the album. That said, I won't disregard their other material, there's room for all of it, and it's just so...damn...good.
Completely agree about Fagan's voice, it's what sets them apart from everyone else, totally unique and even better when backed up with the harmonies. Title track next, some of best musicians on the planet at the top of their game, and full of musical twists and turns.
Let the music flow
man...i listened to this cd sooo many times working graveyard in a truckstop 1994. Had my headphones torn apart and cliped to by shirt on both sides. (couldn't have my ears coverd...ha!) Ya...some intresting times. Mostly chill.. this band will do it for ya.
Smooooth
outstanding channel. you are very matter of fact with your observations. Great job dude. Love your channel. signed Senior in SC
I love your reactions. Your love for music is just infectious. Keep bringing them.
I like Donald Fagan's voice too.
Just listened to this album while I was shaving yesterday. Longest shave of my life but my face came out as smooth as this song. That’s the great Tom Scott on the tenor sax and with the horn arrangements. 🎷🎷🎷🎺🎺🎺🎺. Glad you finally got here. Glad you enjoyed it. Get ready to have your 🧠 massaged brother. 🔥👍
Aja is my favorite SD album closely followed by Gaucho which comes later in their career.
It's not hard to say that Aja is their best work, but this was a different time for Steely Dan. I love all their albums, and have a special fondness for Can't Buy a Thrill, but there are so many songs that get high praise after you get to know them, like King of the World, East St. Louis Toodle-oo, Boston Rag, The Caves of Altamira, Green Earrings, etc., etc. that I can't pass on any single album. You hear the magic in all their music, but Aja is something different from their previous work. I think it represents Becker and Fagen at the apex of their writing, and who could argue with the musicianship that made this album what it is. Enjoy it Michael, and thanks for the work that you do. I really enjoy watching your reactions; you come from a love of music, and it shows. I will be here enjoying it.
Steely Dan has No genre..Amazingly
Unique and so very talented!.Funky,Blusey
Jazzy. Beautifully and
Poetically arranged.Coming at you from All angles.They command a certain
Respect...
Got this album the year it came out
4:00 AM, and I'm sitting here watching black dudes react to Steely Dan's greatest hits. AGAIN.
I have no regrets.
If you haven't already, check out a progressive rock LEGEND, Todd Rundgren. Especially, Utopia Theme and The Ikon, from his 1975 album, *Utopia*.
...just realized I commented on another one of your videos, lol. Well, I promise you can't go wrong with anything Todd OR Steely Dan did in the 70s.
I honestly don't understand why people say a Black Cow is a root beer float available at A&W. An alcoholic Black Cow is Kahlua, milk or cream, and Coca-Cola. It was very popular at the time. I drank it myself many a place. The character is obviously an alcoholic, and it's doubtful they're talking in the song at an A&W.
Looks like you found Steely Ben. His videos are top notch.
I recall eating out one night and the young lady who was waiting onus had AJA on her name tag. All the guys at the table had no idea what it was about other than an unusual name. I spoke up and said :someones parents were into Steely Dan big time" She was so delighted that I knew or at least had made an educated guess as to the origin of her unusual name. I hope she actually likes the album. That had to have been 20 years ago .
Drama, this, and Deacon Blues are two of my favorites. I wore that LP out when I was a 17-year-old doing my homework each night. Still, 43 years later it is one of my very favorite albums.
All are my favorite like how he said Aja lol
ear candy from beginning to end! absolute masterpiece
One of my fVorite songs and albums with top notch drumming and vibes!
Absolutely genius.The phrasing of the lyrics is great.The way he sang made it work.
His vocals helped you focus on the story line of the song,while jazzing out on that great musicial arrangement
What a wonderful
production.
Steely Dan .Wow,can't ever get enough of them . 2020.
“LUNCH WITH GINA” is a funky ass tune you gotta hear. It’s on a later SD album named Everything Must Go.
Most SD fans don’t even know about this album. They always request songs up through the Gaucho album and stop. BIG MISTAKE.
I ❤️you!! You crack me up. 😂🤣
I'll start. Been waiting for this album. It is definitely their high watermark. Every song. Which is saying a lot considering their collection of songs. Thanks for bringing back these memories from my teenage years......
It’s pronounced like the continent “Asia”
Gino Vanelli. Night Walker, The surest things can change", Brother to Brother, Crazy Life, The River Must flow. Choose any of them. Heck, he is a favorite of Steely Dan.
Gino Vanelli is under appreciated in my opinion, except by those who can truly know a musical genius. A style all his own. Just like Steely Dan.
Storm at Sunup, Appaloosa, Where am I Going, Father and Sun, Love of My Life, Lady, Felicia, and all the aforementioned. I concur!
Steely is your favorite band's favorite band. Lol
Can never get enough of the Dan. Aja is their masterpiece. Thanks, Drama!
Thank you sir! I really enjoy your reactions.
The true founders of bop were Diz and Bird! Bird was THE giant of bop!
Are you kidding? I enjoy hearing your thoughts. It adds a lot to the video. It IS supposed to be a reaction. And your reactions are well worth hearing.
Love your videos.💝💝
You should google these guys and check out the monster jazz cats that play on all their recordings, not always the same but always world class players
It is a great album 😎👍🏻
Steve Dan is my favorite band. I've drank beer with Chuck Raney in Cleveland. A killer bass player. A very unassuming guy. Larry Carlton on guitar. I can't think of any band today that could even think the way they did.
AUTOSPELL I HATE YOU.
Your right about Fagan's vocals Michael,I like the way he changes style for different songs.
Aja is a little more polished than their previous works and is more inclusive of the brass section as a whole. There's also a larger element of funk throughout this work.
This Steely Dan song is not on the Aja album but I’m not alone in highly recommending you do a reaction to it: “FM (No Static at All)”
Also the song Here At The Western World from this period is worth checking out. It was left off The Royal Scam then Aja and put on a Greatest Hits album.
I always tag it on when I go through the album, recorded same time, place and talent as the Aja album. Like an encore when you finish the album.
Yeah this song isn't on the Aja (pronounced Asia) album.. It's only the first cut on side one.
WHEN you do FM there is a version that uses all 3 outros that are out there.By the way FM is not on any Steely Dan album
Black Cow IS on the Aja album.
The album is Aja pronounced like Asia
As a long time Steely Dan fan, Aja is a true work of musical perfection.
I was so excited when I saw that you had gotten to this one. For me, this is pure perfection in spite of the lack of a killer guitar solo.
You've reached the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Yay!
Fortunately back in the day when this album came out, there were no stupid music videos, or lyrics to look up on the Internet. This whole album is a sonic masterpiece intended to be heard from beginning to end. What a shame most successful “musical artists” these days have so little to say, Musically and lyrically, compared to the likes of Steely Dan!
Their we go one of the best albums from Steely Dan all done on tape no pro tools and Grammy for best engineered album in 1977 great reaction Michael !
So happy you're discovering this music. Please listen to the title track 'Aja'.
I´m excited because the next track is Aja, which is without a doubt their crown jewel!
Up town baby up town baby lol. Tom Scott did the horn arrangements on this album and played on this song everything on this album was amazing even more so than all the other amazing album Dan put out
Only a couple of months ago did it occur to me that the protagonist in this song is telling himself to "...drink your big black cow, and get out of here", he has decided to get out of the relationship. Also, I have yet to hear anybody point out that he calls her a prostitute in the second verse.
Yep, Asia not ahjah. Great reaction and insight into the song and band. Can't wait for the rest of the album (and the rest of their discography). There's a lot to listen to.
I love every song on this album but "Home at Last" is probably my favorite. Might change my mind tomorrow though.
"Hey, do y'all remember when music was produced by actual musicians?"
The entire Aja Album will take u to church
Whpooooo whhhhooooo
Long A... Aee Jah. Great song, great album!!
That Fender Rhodes solo was only supposed to be a scratch track - a placeholder - until Don & Walt figured out what they wanted. Turns out, they had, and it was perfect.
An epic masterpiece of an album. I can't wait for you to react to the next song, the title track "Aja". There's nothing like it.
Bowing down to Steve Gadd.
Please react to "Time Out of Mind" and "I.G.Y." .....your gonna love it.
77 MAN!!! :)
You alright?
Aja = Asia
I don't want you to stop the Steely Dan, but after this album. Try some early Robert Palmer-Sailin Shoes/Hey Julia/Sneaking Sally through the alley. You will not be disappointed.
Palmer was in the band Vinegar Joe and shared vocals with Elkie Brooks, a great female singer, from 1971 to 74. They have some stuff that is worth looking into.
My personal favorite SD album. And, I can't say this song doesn't relate...(best "hangover" band ever) Spot on about Fagan's vocals. It's the perfect "flavor" for their sound.
Becker convinced Fagan to take the lead vocals after the first album. He handled them through the rest of their ouvre.
As I watch this, my Aja album is leaning up against my reel to reel player. More like snuggling.
You should try "Aja" from the album of the same name. You will never forget the drums
he's been doing the albums track by track, he'll get to Aja next
One of rocks more funkier and classiest song ... songs like this is what actually attracts me to the vast work of Steely Dan. Thanks bro 😎
Aja is certainly an incredible record, especially the epic title track. But it's not necessarily better than their other albums, at least when it comes to songwriting. Yes The production is pristine and Aja definitely defined their sound going forward (smooth, polished jazz-funk) but the songs were written at various times in their career (black cow goes back to Katy Lied) so its not like they hit a new plateau with their writing. The presentation is just shinier this time around. Plus Wayne Shorter.
Actually it is their best album on many levels.
Going out on a limb here, guessing most youtube reviewers nowadays aren't familiar with Mr. Shorter or ANY other jazz icons, ya think?
Thanks for the reaction. Aja is pronounced like "Asia".
You should try playing some of this crap on guitar. Easier said than done. Fun, but easier said than done. Cheers to everyone!
BLACK COW IS THE NAME OF A DRINK.......THERE AINT NO HINDU BACKGROUND TO THIS
It´s pronounced Asia by the way lol
After being on the journey of listening to all these albums again, this album is still the top for me. Hope you enjoy it. Next up is the title track, oh yeah.
LOL people can come up with some pretty far-fetched interpretations of Steely Dan lyrics. Becker and Fagen are on record as saying this song is simply about a relationship gone sour, which is the plain sense of the lyrics. A "Black Cow" is a soda fountain drink, much like the one shown a couple of times in the lyrics video you played. And Greene Street is a street in Manhattan's SoHo neighborhood full of trendy boutiques, where sporting your "outrageous" fashion sense has apparently become a thing. traveltips.usatoday.com/things-greene-street-new-york-city-110021.html
Also, "Aja" is pronounced with a long "A", just like Asia the continent. You'll hear Fagen pronounce it that way when you get to the title track on this album.
And 100% agreed about Fagen's vocal stylings being a big part of what makes these songs "go" -- he puts just the right sardonic edge on the lyrics.
I know a lot of people love this album, but I am more into their first five through Royal Scam.
lol Behavior Status :)
Yeah it's that damn good. One of the top 3 LPs in my lifetime, anyway. One thumbs down lol. Can't touch Iron Maiden, I guess. SMH
😅
Royal Scam by Steely Dan. Royal Scam. I have not seen it yet. You will be one of the first.
PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE don't use Steely Ben's videos for your reviews. It's one man's interpretation of the song and if I'm taking the time to view your reaction (which so far I have thoroughly enjoyed), I'd much rather your reaction be based on your interpretation of the music & lyrics upon first listening.
Yeah, the Sreely Ben videos drive me crazy...
Can you please react to a night to remember by the group prism
React to Prince-Empty Room
m.th-cam.com/video/UbweLm8WGtc/w-d-xo.html
Aja >>> pronounced >>> Asia
Pronounced ASIA.
Thelonius Monk was NOT the father of BeBop...that credit would go to Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis, and Charlie Parker collectively.