When you announced Black Cow as Black Friday, did you know they also really do have a song titled Black Friday? They do, it's much more rocking but still identifiable as Dan. You might want to check it out sooner rather than later, it's a great song. I love your reviews, you do a great job.
Like most Steely Dan songs this one just sweeps us all away with the rhythm and soul along with the story.Legends upon legends!Tom Scott played on so many albums during that era!
Love everything from this album. It was released just a few months before I started working as a manager in a headshop/record store above an art gallery and imported goods store. This was one of those albums that always remained in the permanent rotation of in-store music. I love all of Steely Dan's albums, but this one above the others.
As a drummer, from this same album (Aja) you should also listen to the grossly-underrated and under-reviewed "I've Got the News." It is a song with a bad-ass edge to it, with an incredibly challenging drum track when you really listen to what he's doing.
@@bryanschuler7158 Yes and after he exhaust their material ,move on to another popular artist And by looking at how many view each artist gets it would dictate how much or long to showcase them on Sundays
Saw Steely Dan on one of their tours a couple decades back at a theater in downtown Phoenix the name of which has changed several times since then. They played this album front to back. At the beginning of side one, one of the backing vocalists walked up to a turntable set up on the side of the stage and when she dropped the tonearm, the band kicked in. Then at the end of side one, she flipped the record and did the same. It was fantastic. After a short break, they came out and played a selection from various albums. A memorable show to be sure.
I'm happy for you that you have discovered Steely Dan. They were part of the sound track of my life in my 20s. That was 50 years ago, but when I hear them, it always puts me in the right frame of mind. It makes everything good. Thanks for the memories. 🙂
"Drink your big black cow & get outta here".... In my neck of the woods, a black cow is a rootbeer float. Supposing that they meant the same. I've always thought so, anyway. 🚬😎👍
Hey L33. Like all Steely Dan songs, this one is dripping with quality. The writing, performances, and arrangement and production are all top- notch. Sang this one many times in cover bands. Also check out "Home At Last" from Aja. Enjoyed your reaction. Peace.
Such an ear candy song! I just love how there is so much going on but the way they arrange the instruments allows you to hear them all. They give space to all the musicians and your mind pings left, right and center and then back again to take it all in. Such lovely music.
You need to do every song on this album. One of the greatest albums in rock history. Also, since it looks like no one else has mentioned it, a black cow is basically another name for a root beer float. Non-Aja song to do next? My Old School.
Can't go wrong with Steely Dan, and you damn sure can't go wrong with anything on Aja. But on a personal note, all power of prayers for your family, as you face what we all will, in living this good life. Peace and comfort for you and them.
Steely Dan actually do have a song called Black Friday on the album Katy lied.😉🙋♂ You should also listen to "Classic Albums The making of Aja" also on TH-cam. Gives a great look into the thought processes of Donald and Walter during the albums creation.
Since you started with the first two tracks of Aja, just keep going! Every song is a gem. My personal favorites are Deacon Blues, Aja and this one. Their catalog is deep, wide, and endlessly rewarding. It's a joy to share your exploration of this awesomeness. Steely Dan is, without a doubt, my desert island band. 🎶 🏝 🎶 All the best to your grandfather and family.
I remember buying and drinking Black Cow as a youngster. Both Donald Fagan and Walter Becker are New Yorkers, so the title of this song, "Black Cow" is referring to the chocolate milk drink that was sold in the New York City area in the early 1960s.
It puts a big smile on my face to see young people experiencing this Music of the 70s for the first time. I will be 65 years old in August and I remember hearing steely Dan for the first time when I was 14 years old. It’s hard to believe I’ve been listening to these guys for over 50 years. Probably my favorite band along with Doobie Brothers, Crosby stills Nash, and eagles. Lee, you have to check out The Marcus King Band. I will guarantee you will fall in love with these guys. Marcus King we’ll go down as One of the best guitar players ever along with Hendrix, Stevie Ray vaughn, Duane Allman, and Clapton. I promise you he will not be disappointed. Marcus King is only 25 years old and is already one of the greats. Also I love your reviews. Love the fact how articulate you are the way you describe in your own words. Wishing you so much success! ✌️🎶🎸👏
Wow thank you so much Bryan! That means so much. It really does. I'm glad your enjoying the videos. I'm enjoying the music Even more 😌 👌 I will add those to my list. Thank you!!
Great composers know the perfectly well the inflection points that keep you engaged, nay, enthralled by the narrative of the song, the story. They take you into their world.If you are open.
Aja is a who’s who of session players. Somehow the level of perfection on it soars over their other stuff. I would highly recommend reading some of the lyrics. You might be surprised 😎
EDIT: I'm so sorry to hear about your grandpa's health-sending out well wishes to you and yours. ,Black Friday/cow is one of my favorite SD tunes, so epic.
❤ As I’ve said before…just throw the whole album on and dig it! Always come back to Steely Dan! Just feels good music! Growing up listening to All the music at this time…it’s ingrained in your make up…your perspective on life…And that’s a beautiful thing!😊
Sorry to hear about your grandpa. That hit me when you said he was sick. Hope he gets better and soon especially for your mom's sake 🙏 Love you reaction on Steely Dan's Black Cow. You were really vibing to their sound and enjoying the instrumentation and vocals. I'll be looking forward to hearing more of SD on Steely Sunday. Great job! Take care.
You must watch the making of the Aja album on you tube , the only way to describe Donald and Walters way of producing the album is it’s like “listening to a painter painting a picture “ . The way they instinctively know where to put each note is amazing. And they hired the best musicians depending on which song was being recorded.
Shout out to Joe Sample….incredible keys and founder of The Jazz Crusaders …give a listen to Young Rabbits, Scratch, Tough Talk, Way Back Home, Brother Bernard and many more…you will dig them and understand how much they influenced Walter and Donald
Can't go wrong .. keep going on Aja or detour through Pretzel Logic ..no wrong answer here. So glad you are enjoying Steely Dan! Wishing you, your family all the best and health and strength to your grandfather .. hope he recovers quickly.
I describe this album as "crispy". Along with Fleetwood Mac "Rumours" and the Elton John "Greatest Hits" album from '74, it is one of the best produced/mixed/mastered albums I've owned.
Listen, I've been a Hard Rock fan but I've Always been a fan since first hearing this LP. So do this whole LP on your own or on here but this SLAPPS!!!❤ 🎵🎶👏💯🔥
Overall, my favorite Steely Dan song is Black Cow... and that's one helluva statement, with so many killer tracks in their catalog. Smooth as silk, groovy as fuck. Love this tune in so many ways.
Congrats on the 10K, too cool! And good to hear your Grandfather's getting well. I searched and didn't see you react to Green Earrings on The Royal Scam. That's a song you definitely need to check out. There are two different guitarists with solos that are amazing. The song itself is mindblowing! I look forward to your further exploration of Aja, and wait until you get to the Gaucho album!!!
Lee, there is a You Tuber called Steely Ben. He has taken most of Steely Dan's Tunes and added Lyrics and Photo content that matches the hidden stories in SD tunes. High quality, or I would not suggest it. Not sure you can play his on your channel, but privately if you want to review one of your favorite SD tunes, you can watch his Videos. Really helps understand the songs. It took us years to figure out the songs without Wiki, or actually seeing the Lyrics. Rock-On Dude. PS: Try Something new like Early Aerosmith, before MTV wrecked them. Try an album review of GET YOUR WINGS. 1 of 4 of there best albums, every tune is a hit. It will blow you away, they were top rockers in the day.
The jazz quotient gets turned up a couple notches on this album. And as you noticed, it's also the smoothest production so far, which is why this LP was often used to demo stereo systems back in the day. This entire album (and the next) often falls into the 'yacht rock' genre, which cuts both ways depending on who you're talking to. And yeah, this used to be played on FM radio regularly (albeit the stations that favored 'deep cuts' over Top 10 playlists.)
FYI, Paul Humphrey played with Zappa on quite a few albums circa 72-75 or thereabouts.I've been wondering why I so enjoy watching you and others reacting to first time listens. Partly it's just hearing this great music again. Mostly it reminds me of the anticipation I had for new releases back in the day. Hearing about a new release coming down the pike - remember, no Internet then. You had to know somebody in the biz, spend time in record stores asking the guys working there, or read Downbeat, Rolling Stone, etc., before they threw you out for loitering. Then buying the album and fetishizing over the artwork, listening for the first time, finding favorite new songs and musicians. Driving my parents crazy by playing it over and over. I think it is kinda a function of being young, because it's been ages since I've felt THAT stoked for an upcoming album. But this is something close to that. Thanks and keep on going.
You're thinking of Ralph Humphrey, who worked with Zappa - Paul Humphrey was a jazz and studio player in LA (believe it or not, he was the drummer on the Lawrence Welk Show between 1976-82).
Absolutely right. Now that you mention that, what a great treasure trove of reactions from the Lawrence Welk archives . How to even explain him to this generation?
This guy does very quality reviews of Steely Dan. He has captured the Dan - with all their funk and mystery.
When you announced Black Cow as Black Friday, did you know they also really do have a song titled Black Friday? They do, it's much more rocking but still identifiable as Dan. You might want to check it out sooner rather than later, it's a great song. I love your reviews, you do a great job.
Thanks John I appreciate it! And no I didn't know that. That's funny. I guess I wasn't too off then 😂😂😂
There’s not a bad track on this album. They are all quality.
This album is a gold mine. I can’t wait till you get to Deacon Blues. It’ll will blow you away, there’s no static at all. Sue me if I play too long.
Nicely done 😊
Different album off a soundtrack😃
Si señor! Tienes toda la razón, una Obra Maestra.
Is this not an incredible production ? Everything is perfect. What an amazing sounding recording.
Like most Steely Dan songs this one just sweeps us all away with the rhythm and soul along with the story.Legends upon legends!Tom Scott played on so many albums during that era!
Two great Tom Scott albums New York Connection and Tom Cat
One of few bands in history that if you ask their fans what their best album is , you will get at the least , 4-5 different answers .
Love everything from this album. It was released just a few months before I started working as a manager in a headshop/record store above an art gallery and imported goods store. This was one of those albums that always remained in the permanent rotation of in-store music. I love all of Steely Dan's albums, but this one above the others.
It does have this sound of.... classiness... I guess. It's crazy. I love it so much. They are top notch.
Deacon Blues and Peg are great choices!
Chuck Rainey's bass on this is subtle yet holds the song together with a smooth rhythm and clean sound
As a drummer, from this same album (Aja) you should also listen to the grossly-underrated and under-reviewed "I've Got the News." It is a song with a bad-ass edge to it, with an incredibly challenging drum track when you really listen to what he's doing.
Doing a "Steely Sunday" is an innovative approach, creating your own niche among other reviewers
Definitely! This really sets him apart from other reactions on TH-cam
@@bryanschuler7158 Yes and after he exhaust their material ,move on to another popular artist And by looking at how many view each artist gets it would dictate how much or long to showcase them on Sundays
🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏 For your grandpa ~ your mom ~ you ~ and your whole family ~ 💜💜💜💜💜
Aja is an incredible album start to finish!!
Steely Dan is musical greatness... you cannot go wrong with these guys or Donald Fagan solo!
Steely Dan are the groove Masters
So, as you’re a drummer, are you familiar with the “Purdie shuffle?” If not, listent to “Home At Last” off this album, and you’ll hear it.
Saw Steely Dan on one of their tours a couple decades back at a theater in downtown Phoenix the name of which has changed several times since then. They played this album front to back. At the beginning of side one, one of the backing vocalists walked up to a turntable set up on the side of the stage and when she dropped the tonearm, the band kicked in. Then at the end of side one, she flipped the record and did the same. It was fantastic. After a short break, they came out and played a selection from various albums. A memorable show to be sure.
Black friday is a Hell of blues shuffle , SD signature
FYI, Black Cow is a drink.
They’re chill, but there is an intensity. subtle intensity.
I'm happy for you that you have discovered Steely Dan. They were part of the sound track of my life in my 20s. That was 50 years ago, but when I hear them, it always puts me in the right frame of mind. It makes everything good. Thanks for the memories. 🙂
"Drink your big black cow & get outta here".... In my neck of the woods, a black cow is a rootbeer float. Supposing that they meant the same. I've always thought so, anyway.
🚬😎👍
Hey L33. Like all Steely Dan songs, this one is dripping with quality. The writing, performances, and arrangement and production are all top- notch. Sang this one many times in cover bands. Also check out "Home At Last" from Aja. Enjoyed your reaction. Peace.
Wait until you hear Deacon Blues(onAja). I want to see your reaction to that one!
Maybe we will do that one next then 🤔 😊
The musical restraint on this recording is astounding.
Such an ear candy song! I just love how there is so much going on but the way they arrange the instruments allows you to hear them all. They give space to all the musicians and your mind pings left, right and center and then back again to take it all in. Such lovely music.
It's impossible not to get into the groove of this song, I love it! 😍
You need to do every song on this album. One of the greatest albums in rock history. Also, since it looks like no one else has mentioned it, a black cow is basically another name for a root beer float. Non-Aja song to do next? My Old School.
I think I listened to this album every day when it first came out.
This album is perfection.
Can't go wrong with Steely Dan, and you damn sure can't go wrong with anything on Aja. But on a personal note, all power of prayers for your family, as you face what we all will, in living this good life. Peace and comfort for you and them.
I just listened to this album as I prepared dinner. Brought back many memories.
Aja is just great smooth album start to finish.
They do have Black Friday also.. Every song by Steely is Fire.
Smooth as butter! Again, Steely Dan is your favorite bands favorite band🔥🤘✌
I thought the Mothers was my favorite band's favorite band. Oh, wait- they're MY favorite band. Never mind.
Steely Dan actually do have a song called Black Friday on the album Katy lied.😉🙋♂
You should also listen to "Classic Albums The making of Aja" also on TH-cam. Gives a great look into the thought processes of Donald and Walter during the albums creation.
I’ve watched that several times and enjoyed it and learned something new every time I watch it. So much.
Prayers and good wishes for your Grandfather.
Aja has been described as the finest point of the analogue era
Since you started with the first two tracks of Aja, just keep going! Every song is a gem. My personal favorites are Deacon Blues, Aja and this one.
Their catalog is deep, wide, and endlessly rewarding. It's a joy to share your exploration of this awesomeness.
Steely Dan is, without a doubt, my desert island band. 🎶 🏝 🎶
All the best to your grandfather and family.
I remember buying and drinking Black Cow as a youngster. Both Donald Fagan and Walter Becker are New Yorkers, so the title of this song, "Black Cow" is referring to the chocolate milk drink that was sold in the New York City area in the early 1960s.
Aja a great album an audiophile classic for a reason it is impeccable on all fronts.
Walter said that the reason he was not on too many songs was that he said he could always find a better bass player than himself. Pretty humble guy
"Snowbound" from Donald's "Kamakiriad" album (among many other tracks) proves how good a bass player Walt was
Love me a Black Cow. though its much better with black rum than bourbon
and the drink is great too!
Ready for a Steely Sunday. Good morning/afternoon/evening to all.
Hello my friend! Hope you enjoyed! 😊
Aja was their first album that was pretty much jazz. There are jazz influences throughout their earlier albums, but they were more definitely rock.
In 1974 SD quit touring and with the following albums Fagen and Becker used studio musicians. I believe they began touring after 2000.
I went to sleep at night listening to this on my cassette when it came out.
It puts a big smile on my face to see young people experiencing this Music of the 70s for the first time. I will be 65 years old in August and I remember hearing steely Dan for the first time when I was 14 years old. It’s hard to believe I’ve been listening to these guys for over 50 years. Probably my favorite band along with Doobie Brothers, Crosby stills Nash, and eagles. Lee, you have to check out The Marcus King Band. I will guarantee you will fall in love with these guys. Marcus King we’ll go down as One of the best guitar players ever along with Hendrix, Stevie Ray vaughn, Duane Allman, and Clapton. I promise you he will not be disappointed. Marcus King is only 25 years old and is already one of the greats. Also I love your reviews. Love the fact how articulate you are the way you describe in your own words. Wishing you so much success! ✌️🎶🎸👏
Wow thank you so much Bryan! That means so much. It really does. I'm glad your enjoying the videos. I'm enjoying the music Even more 😌 👌 I will add those to my list. Thank you!!
Just saw Steely Dan with the Eagles this past weekend, 1/19/24, in Phoenix. What a great show from both, even with missing original members.
Great composers know the perfectly well the inflection points that keep you engaged, nay, enthralled by the narrative of the song, the story. They take you into their world.If you are open.
Aja is a who’s who of session players. Somehow the level of perfection on it soars over their other stuff. I would highly recommend reading some of the lyrics. You might be surprised 😎
EDIT: I'm so sorry to hear about your grandpa's health-sending out well wishes to you and yours. ,Black Friday/cow is one of my favorite SD tunes, so epic.
The maybe greatest recording ever.
❤ As I’ve said before…just throw the whole album on and dig it! Always come back to Steely Dan! Just feels good music! Growing up listening to All the music at this time…it’s ingrained in your make up…your perspective on life…And that’s a beautiful thing!😊
Sorry to hear about your grandpa. That hit me when you said he was sick. Hope he gets better and soon especially for your mom's sake 🙏
Love you reaction on Steely Dan's Black Cow. You were really vibing to their sound and enjoying the instrumentation and vocals. I'll be looking forward to hearing more of SD on Steely Sunday. Great job! Take care.
You must watch the making of the Aja album on you tube , the only way to describe Donald and Walters way of producing the album is it’s like “listening to a painter painting a picture “ . The way they instinctively know where to put each note is amazing. And they hired the best musicians depending on which song was being recorded.
Another Steely Dan song you might want to check out is… Don’t take me alive by Steely Dan. One of the best lead guitar intros ever!
No matter where you drop the needle on this album, you'll get a great listen!!
Shout out to Joe Sample….incredible keys and founder of The Jazz Crusaders …give a listen to Young Rabbits, Scratch, Tough Talk, Way Back Home, Brother Bernard and many more…you will dig them and understand how much they influenced Walter and Donald
Deacon Blues is next. You'll love that one.
Thanks, man. Love watching young folks hearing the Dan for the first time.
Lee, I admire what you're doing so much! You name the musicians and call out what's going on in each set! Terrific stuff! Keep it up!
Can't go wrong .. keep going on Aja or detour through Pretzel Logic ..no wrong answer here. So glad you are enjoying Steely Dan! Wishing you, your family all the best and health and strength to your grandfather .. hope he recovers quickly.
Black Friday is a SD song
I describe this album as "crispy". Along with Fleetwood Mac "Rumours" and the Elton John "Greatest Hits" album from '74, it is one of the best produced/mixed/mastered albums I've owned.
what a fantastic album
The entire Aja album is great.
We used to listen to albums straight from beginning to end for enjoyment, not to analyze. I have to watch TH-cam for analysis of these songs.
I haven't heard this in ages. Good cruising music. Thank you.
Great Dan song !!! and clean as a whistle sounding album too !! Fantastic Lee. 😍
Listen, I've been a Hard Rock fan but I've Always been a fan since first hearing this LP. So do this whole LP on your own or on here but this SLAPPS!!!❤ 🎵🎶👏💯🔥
Overall, my favorite Steely Dan song is Black Cow... and that's one helluva statement, with so many killer tracks in their catalog. Smooth as silk, groovy as fuck. Love this tune in so many ways.
Steely Dan with only Donald & Walter are its own sub-genre.
Just bliss! 😎♥️🎶
Nice review. Love Steely.
Thank you! Me too bro. They're amazing lol
Another great song from the same album is Deacon Blues.
Your favorite band's favorite band.
I don't know if that's true anymore, but it used to be.
I appreciate the work and detail you put into your reactions!
Do Home At Last….you’ll love it.
You do a nice job, I was listening to Steely Dan when they were new to the music scene
You’ll have to do steely Dan Black Friday next
Love Steely Dan Sunday! And congrats on the 10K!
Congrats on the 10K, too cool! And good to hear your Grandfather's getting well. I searched and didn't see you react to Green Earrings on The Royal Scam. That's a song you definitely need to check out. There are two different guitarists with solos that are amazing. The song itself is mindblowing! I look forward to your further exploration of Aja, and wait until you get to the Gaucho album!!!
Thanks bro I appreciate that so much! I'll definitely be doing green earrings 👍
Alright, can't wait to see your reaction, it's a pretty incredible song!@@L33Reacts
Really, really good reaction!!
❤❤❤😂it’s really cool watching you get that groove
Lee, there is a You Tuber called Steely Ben.
He has taken most of Steely Dan's Tunes and added Lyrics and Photo content that matches the hidden stories in SD tunes. High quality, or I would not suggest it. Not sure you can play his on your channel, but privately if you want to review one of your favorite SD tunes, you can watch his Videos. Really helps understand the songs. It took us years to figure out the songs without Wiki, or actually seeing the Lyrics.
Rock-On Dude.
PS: Try Something new like Early Aerosmith, before MTV wrecked them. Try an album review of GET YOUR WINGS. 1 of 4 of there best albums, every tune is a hit. It will blow you away, they were top rockers in the day.
Get your wings was definitely their best work
Yep you're ready for Deacon Blues, same album. Peace.
Biggie!!!
Relax with Steely Dan Broskis !
One of their best!!! Great reaction!
The jazz quotient gets turned up a couple notches on this album. And as you noticed, it's also the smoothest production so far, which is why this LP was often used to demo stereo systems back in the day. This entire album (and the next) often falls into the 'yacht rock' genre, which cuts both ways depending on who you're talking to. And yeah, this used to be played on FM radio regularly (albeit the stations that favored 'deep cuts' over Top 10 playlists.)
🙋🏿♀️ Do 'Peg' next! 💃🏿 Lets Dance & cheer you up some! Green Earrings is my Jam. BTW. you look good in ANY light! 🤗 You shinefrom within dude! 😊🥰🐰
So glad you did this one...keep em coming!❤
Time for live jazz... Miles Davis "So What" , Sarah Vaughn "Misty" (Sweden, 1964) ... Thelonious Monk - "Blue Monk" (Norway, 1966)
Dinah Washington at Newport Jazz Festival 1958 “All Of Me.”
Best wishes to your family. Loved the reaction.
Thank you brother I appreciate it. Glad you enjoyed 👍😊
You should do a steelython ..... You need to do at least 4 or 5 songs in a row to really get the feel for these guys
Some of these songs by SD have the effect of having a nice cocktail…..like….yeah.
Haha if I drank this would be a song I would drink to :)
You should do "Deacon Blues" from the Aja album next.
Tom Scott from the original Blues Brothers
Tom has played with my soon to be ex, who is Jake Blues in a tribute.
FYI, Paul Humphrey played with Zappa on quite a few albums circa 72-75 or thereabouts.I've been wondering why I so enjoy watching you and others reacting to first time listens. Partly it's just hearing this great music again. Mostly it reminds me of the anticipation I had for new releases back in the day. Hearing about a new release coming down the pike - remember, no Internet then. You had to know somebody in the biz, spend time in record stores asking the guys working there, or read Downbeat, Rolling Stone, etc., before they threw you out for loitering. Then buying the album and fetishizing over the artwork, listening for the first time, finding favorite new songs and musicians. Driving my parents crazy by playing it over and over. I think it is kinda a function of being young, because it's been ages since I've felt THAT stoked for an upcoming album. But this is something close to that. Thanks and keep on going.
You're thinking of Ralph Humphrey, who worked with Zappa - Paul Humphrey was a jazz and studio player in LA (believe it or not, he was the drummer on the Lawrence Welk Show between 1976-82).
Absolutely right. Now that you mention that, what a great treasure trove of reactions from the Lawrence Welk archives . How to even explain him to this generation?