SIS Archives -- July 2000

Name: oleander
running hard to get nowhere

Date: Sunday, July 23, 19100 at 22:45:31
Comments:

MC--That was a WONDERFUL account of the Raleigh show. It was a delight to see you two; you were sizzling like isotopes and on you it looks good. I couldn't add anything. Later I'll say something about the party side. Would love to rehash the evening again with you in person sometime! Also thanx for the link to the delicious RN&O piece.

Hutch--great to see you. You looked like a very happy man, but then you always do.

Andy--Bet you thought I was the FBI there for a second--["hmmm-how the hell does she know who I am?!?"] Great to meet you, though I can't understand how someone who looks like they're barely out of middle school could put together such a fabulous webpage.

Alta--Damn, we looked all over for you! Surely, with only 10-15K people there it shouldn't have been hard! Great account. BTW, Mr. Leonhart was singing on "Hank's Pad" too, but you probably couldn't see him. And on the (huge) monitors, the flames during "Josie" were also reflected on the plastic buffers Mr. Lawson had in front of his drums, so he looked as if he were engulfed in but not consumed by flames. No wonder Moses reacted the way he did; that burning-bush effect is breathtaking. As for seat-bopping, about four songs in, the guy to my right asked me & fezo to switch seats because I was being so distracting. And I thought I was subdued. Fortunately, my bodyguard subdued him right back (not). What goes around comes around, I guess; I owe Tina an apology for snapping at her vindication of dancing and then inadvertently hindering someone else's enjoyment of the show my own self.

fezo--thanx (to you & the missus) for being the most gracious of hosts, the most able and candid of bodyguards, and the maker of the most bodacious hash browns in recent memory, AS WELL as the winner of the breakfaster who came the farthest prize. BTW, I have your Clash cd & will mail it to you.

LesTNF--A pleasure I'm sure. You are one generous and fungi, and it was a sheer miracle you didn't get arrested simply for your appearance.

JW--Great to see you around again. You have so much life and creative passion. There must be a liver out there just begging to be yours--keep looking. In the meantime, warm healing wishes.

St. Al--thanx for the tip on the piece on Ms. Calhoun. I didn't realize what an incredible resume she has. I've wondered a lot this tour how Messrs. B & F figured out how to get people whose voices blended so perfectly. That helps. But it's still unbelievable. There's one place in JOS especially where the harmony just gives me chills ("... and his new best friend...")

Mu--that was great.

Parts--good thread. I have heard that the Caves of Altamira were actually discovered by the putative discoverer's young daughter, who happened to wander into them, perhaps with candle in hand. That gives me a new perspective on the first two verses. Apparently, people used to be able to visit them (thereby, I guess, the green & yellow sign), but they're now off limits to just about everyone so as to preserve their beauty. I saw a reproduction of them at the national anthropological museum in Madrid.

Stranger--bon voyage. No, unless there's a quote somewhere, nobody ever knows what they "really" meant, and even then, it may not be. I maintain that it would be nice to know (extreme understatement), but that what really matters is where the lyrics take each of us--or at least that's what's so interesting to me. You guessed it; I'm no historian.

Lisa--welcome.

steviedan--I believe it should be clear that you were the effective co-host of the Raleigh shindig. Your instincts as to milieu and ambience were unerring, and your soundtrack at the bar was unexpected and splendid.

Excuse me, my effusion switch got stuck on again. It's been a phenomenal 8 days for me, and will take a while to sift. Just wanted to greet & thank.

What great posts! Altamira, Midnite, thanks for taking me with you. I could feel the energy again-just the thing for my dandepression. I think I need another tour. Are you listening, Don and Walt?

JWMalibu-so glad you're back boarding, surfing, and posting! I'm sending thoughts for a loooooong upcycle.

cara mia-Deludin coming right up-sure beats going to work Monday.

Well, you guys have been just the thing I needed tonight. A fight with the beau and a memorial service just about made today unbearable for me, but you guys have picked me right up, as usual! Thanks for sharing your experiences so vividly.

Aja

Altamira- awesome, great story, enjoyed the hell outta reading it!

Robin - Thanks; I'd never thought much about sax players myself until they were discussed here.

David in the Florida Room - I went to the chat room, and there was no one there. Should I try again?

Chat Anyone? 10 pm EST

Altimira: What a really great post! I am in agreement with you about the great Dan sax players. Being musically challenged myself, I never really noticed the differences (aside from Coltrane) between saxophonists until I became a Danophile. Amazing.

Got the polo shirt myself (great to wear to work).

Regarding the proclivity of alcohol in disregard to the no-alcohol signs--sounds like the Pittsburgh show. It was in abundance, and all the guys in the golf carts did was hand out trash bags. I never saw them approach anyone for their beverages. At Cleveland however, another story. The golf cart crew were like hawks.

How great to hook up with other like-minded folks to form a "Steely Dan Fan Support Group"! Dandom is a wonderful place.

Later,

R

JW - I'm sorry you were sick, those chronic illnesses can really be a bitch. But I'm glad you're feeling better, and it's good to see you around here again.

Midnite - What a fantastic post! You have expressed so perfectly your experience of that fabulous concert and of the Dan in general. Brilliant!

After reading Midnite's wonderful post, I'm almost afraid to relate my experience at Nissan, but I hope I can contribute a bit to the general knowledge of Dandom by offering up my impressions of a concert at a different venue.

Well, so much for that no-alcohol-in-the-parking-lot policy at Nissan Pavillion! Despite the plethora of signs warning of severe penalties for even having alcohol in one's vehicle, there were people drinking beer all over the parking lot and the picnic area - I even saw one tasteful couple drinking wine from glassware with cobalt stems. I saw one aspiring videographer posing a group of friends, beer bottles in hand, on a large rock. He began his interview by saying, "I'd like to introduce Mike. Mike, when was the first time you saw Steely Dan?" Mike answered, "It was in Milwaukee in...," I missed hearing the rest as I walked away.

I then went to the merchandise booth to buy a polo shirt (I'd bought a program and key ring last week), but, alas, I didn't see Hutch or Ted Baker.

My seat was in the orchestra section, row L, seat 19 (hey, good number!), about 20-30 feet from the stage at the far left side (since the seating was curved, I was six rows back, rather than the ten I had expected). I was pleased to be on the left side since I had sat on the right side at Merriweather Post Pavillion, but, while I could see all the musicians at the previous venue, I couldn't see Ricky Lawson, Tom Barney, or Ted Baker (except for his back and left elbow) at Nissan. I got a great view of Walter, Jon Herington, and the horn section, though. Before the show started, I saw someone place a bunch of red roses at Bob Sheppard's chair.

Although I hadn't been drinking or smoking anything, I can't remember much about the concert - it was just such a tremendous rush of sound and sight; too much to take in. I did pay more attention to the solos, and I thought that Walter's sounded better than they did last week. Ted Baker's solo was just lovely, but my enoyment of it was marred by two people who jostled past my knees on their way out in the middle of it. Herington was magnificent; such blistering energy. Although both Cornelius Bumpus and Bob Sheppard were wonderful, I preferred Bob's playing - I thought it was brighter, livelier, and more playful than Cornelius's more somber style (although I thoroughly enjoyed his playing as well; they're both impressive). There were most appropriate flames projected on the backdrop during Ricky Lawon's drum solo, for he was smokin'! Walter turned around to watch the first part of his solo, but then started walking in circles as if he were bored; he then started talking to Jon. Donald didn't sway during the solos as he did at Columbia; I guess he doesn't react in the same way every night.

Walter and Donald both seemed even more energetic than they did at Columbia, and their stage patter was a bit different (I suppose that shows that their remarks are, to a certain extent, spontaneous). As Walter was about to introduce Donald during Daddy Don't Live..., he said "Should I be alarmed about this big, scary-looking insect crawling on my microphone?" He then brushed it away, and it flew toward Donald and circled in the spotlight over his head. Donald said, after Cousin Dupree, "That was the sad story of Cousin Dupree, or not so sad, depending upon whose point of view you look at it from," and laughed. He laughed another time as well, I think it was something about going into the muck of the '70s. I found that rather refreshing - he certainly sounded like he was having a good time.

During the intermission, I saw Cynthia Calhoun step from behind the end of the curtain to the edge of the stage right in front of me - she was talking with someone and gesturing to the other side of the stage. A few minutes later I saw Roger Nichols at the sound board at the right side of the stage. He leaned over the edge of the stage to speak with someone, and I wondered if he might be willing to talk to me as well. I was just about to get up and walk over there when the lights went down as the second half of the show started.

I was delighted to hear the women sing, in harmony, the lyrics to Hank's Pad (I didn't hear Michael Leonhart singing tonight as he did at Raleigh, but I wasn't listening for him as I hadn't read about the Raleigh concert - he might have been singing and I just didn't notice him). Perhaps they are the Andrews Sisters for the new millenium? I enjoyed hearing them again on Dirty Work; Cynthia Calhoun literally brought tears to my eyes and sent a shiver up my spine during her brief solo; damn, if she ever puts out a CD, I'll buy it the day it's released.

During Kid Charlemagne, the couple in front of me got up to dance. Since I was in the end seat, I stepped into the aisle so I could stand where I could get a better view of the stage. I noticed that Walter was facing our section of the audience, and I realized that he could see me (I would have been noticable to him since I was, at that point, the only person in the aisle). It was startling to realize that the invisible barrier between the performer and the audience had been broken, and that I could actually be observed by the artist. I have difficulty dancing standing up because of my back problem, and while I had been bouncing in my seat earlier in the concert, at this point I just wanted to stand still since I had become thoroughly caught up in the music, to the point where my focus was so centered on what I was observing that I couldn't move. But I didn't want Walter to think that I wasn't enjoying the music, so I tried to move a little bit so I would look appreciative. Fortunately, for the next song, my favorite, Deacon Blues, Walter turned to face Donald, so I was free to stand still as a rock and totally lose myself in the music. [My take on the dance-not dance thing - we all have different responses to music; the more intensely I'm involved in it, the less I move - when I'm totally caught up in it, I almost forget to breathe.]

After the concert, I stood outside the front gate waiting for the woman who had invited me to the post-concert party in her limousine. This afforded me an excellent opportunity to observe the disgust with which the concert goers greeted the brochure they were handed at the gate that had (gasp!) Britney Spears on the cover. I heard an endless chorus of "Britney Spears, ugh!" and "Britney Spears, eww!"; one woman threw her brochure into the nearest trash can. The best comment was delivered by a man who was waving his brochure in the faces of his companions: "At a Steely Dan concert, advertising Britney Spears? Why, this is almost...Communist!"

We finally gathered all of our group together (the rest were people from the pre- and post-concert gatherings from Merriweather Post) and piled into the limousine. Our lively company of six enjoyed libations and sensations that stagger the mind (well, not quite, but it was close); then the limo turned around and headed back into the parking lot, where those of us who had driven made our way to our cars. We then regrouped at a hotel in Fairfax where two of our company had rooms, and set off again in the limo. We listened to a rare tape of a 1974 Dan concert, and talked of many things. We recounted when we had first heard the Dan in elementary school (apparently we were all about the same age), and talked about band members. Many of our group were musicians (who are thinking about forming an informal Dan tribute band) and so were well equipped to discuss the merits of the players. One said that he thought that Bob Sheppard was marvelous, better than Cornelius Bumpus and Chris Potter. I added what I had written earlier about the sax players, and he agreed. Another person said that he thought that Larry Carlton was the benchmark by which all other SD guitarists should be judged, and Jon Herington came awfully close; far closer than any other tour guitarist. Quote of the evening: "Do you throw out your gold teeth, or do you recycle?"

After the limousine and its passengers departed, the rest of us stood in the parking lot of the hotel and talked until the singing birds reminded us that morning was approaching and it was time for us to go to bed. I was pleased to learn that the others were all members of a new on-line group that sprang from the website for the Merriweather Post Danfest. This group plans to have frequent gatherings at members' homes, and also form groups to attend concerts that might be of interest to Dan fans, such as Larry Carlton or Spiro Gra (sp?), and is also promoting interest in the Dan tribute band. Although it is delightful to belong to a lively on-line forum such as the GB, and wonderful to attend our real-world gatherings, I am excited by the prospect of joining a group that will get together often in the local area - at least it will give us a way to deal with the let-down that falls after the concerts are over. Dan fans rule! Long live the Dan!

JW: good to have you back...did I miss the R&R Jeopardy ep?

fezo: 2 words - The Kinleys

Altamira, Robin et Al: Thankx for the encouragement. Their lyrics mean exactly what you think they do at that moment...they always work

Heard just bits and pieces of No Static at All: Dangerously close to Mall Music in places. Jeff Lorber doesn't have the edge he did in his Water Sign days. FM seems a bit more successful that Do it Again. I like Warren Hill's nuances on Rikki and Doc Powell's version of Peg. Wanted to pull up David Koz' Josie. These guys are tough to cover and it's an admirable try. Those like Joe Jackson and Ivy that can cover the spirit and detail of these complex xongs and remain themselves are the most impressive.

Damn, I missed BF5 - had no idea... I really should check the TV schedule one in a while

Nissan notes:

-there has to be a better term than "background vocalists" to describe Carolyn, Cynthia, and Vicki. for me at least, they provided many of the musical highlights of the evening. "Cuervo Gold, the fine Columbian" is still ringing in my ears, their collective and individual vocal stylings on "Dirty Work" were breath-taking, and their new bit on "Hank's Pad" was so smooth and crisp, it sounded like it had been performed for six months prior, not one night.

-favorite guitar bit: Becker on intro to "Dirty Work"

-most sublime arrangement: "Royal Scam". Totally different from the LP. Almost ethereal.

-Fagen actually smiled at one point. Near the end of "Deacon Blues"

-Michael Leonhart is Cootie Williams reincarnate

Roy.Scam in '01! I second that motion.
Congrats MC. That's how a concert experience should be told.
Hutch's brush with greatness account could use a little flesh.
JW Malibu back and kicking.
Great!
Where's Ole (backstage?) and Mizz Ducky? And Q, what was that hanging out with the Boys business?

If you haven't already done so, scroll down to the anonymous poster's link for the new addition to the ODP!

Clas, Lars--did you know about this? Were you involved in any way? Can you help?

Funny, he never mentioned if he knew how to make those special ginger cookies...

Midnite: Tremendous post. I enjoyed it thoroughly. Sounds like you have truly had an incredible experience--wow. Talk about being in the right place at the right time--you did it!

JWMalibu: Sorry to hear of your illness. Glad to hear you're back above ground. Don't know how much it will help, but I'll send lots of prayers/healing thoughts your way.

RS: When I receive my 2001 Bunsen Prize ballot, I'll make sure you get my vote!

Later,

R

I been giving the song "Gaslighting Abbie" some thought, and while a have a bit of a theory about what it's about, I'd be interested in knowing if any others have also given it some thought. I will say that the lyrics seem much darker than the music, but I'd appreciate hearing some other opinions before I post mine.

I'll go on record as saying, even if Fagen wasn't a musician, his lyrical sensibility would make him a world class poet.

Rob

This guestbook has become like a trip to the mailbox, a group therapy session, a favorite daily column, a party, a revival, and an AA meeting all in one convenient stop. Why it's almost like turning over the next day on my Far Side calendar. Thanks, folks. -- Great posts Midnite , JWMalibu, stevie dan, et. al. (or is that "et Al"?)

Cruiser: Terrific concert review. Composition:A Plus, Content:A Plus, Subject Matter:A Fuckin' Plus. --Proud to see your face on the Dan page. How come the camera added five pounds to you and not to Sher?

Speaking of pictures on the official page: I've decided to put my hat in the ring for the 2001 Bunsen Prize; the benefits look like a wet worm dream. I have no idea what characteristic or achievement the prize acknowledges, but I'm willing to change.

Today is my Day of the Dan for the year 2K. Whenever I'm this psyched for a concert, i'm reminded of the 1977 movie wherin the guy says to his ex-girlfriend,
"You went to a rock concert? Was it heavy? Did you achieve ... total heavy-osity?"

Did anyone see Ben Folds Five sing "Barrytown" on Letterman Wednesday night? They did a good job but I think one of their own songs like "Fair" or "Don't Change your plans" would have been a better show off vehicle for them. Covering the Dan is a tough task, live, in front of millions, with stardom on the line.

On the winding road in pursuit of heavy-osity,
RS

Midnite - I started to read your absolutely fabulous post, but I'm dead tired and need to get to bed - I'm looking forward to reading the rest of it tomorrow.

Hutch - So you actually met Ted Baker! What a blast! I was disappointed that I didn't see you, Fezo, or Oleander I looked for you during the intermission since I knew where you were sitting, but I didn't see you. I had an utterly marvelous evening, aside from not seeing any of you - the music was even better than at Columbia, and I finished up the evening in a limousine with five wild and crazy Dan fans, Cuervo Gold and fine Columbian. I'll write more after I've had some sleep.

Hutch/Midnite ~ Too cool, guys! I'm always glad to hear when the hardcore fan gets the "close encounter"!

Irvine kicked ass ~ had the honor of meeting the oh-so-lovely GB ladies Aja & Cara Mia, and hanging out with GB stalwart & writer extraordinaire The Stranger! Our 19th row seats were nothin' to complain about...all in all, a truly magical evening!

YGK was in SoCali this last week, and I had the pleasure of taking him out to lunch to my favorite local Chinese spot, Sun Palace ~ which rests in the shade of the landmark Capitol Records building. YGK played me two of his latest projects: "Puerto Rican Girlfriend" & "Like a Steely Dan Movie", both of which kicked some SERIOUS ass...Between his brilliance & Clas' newest KILLER song: "Dr. Warren's Heights", the GB Compilation/2000 album "bar" has been raised. So get to composing, all you composers!

I'm personally working on a double album; attemping to finish it by Christmas...one "side" is very pop/smooth jazz/classical, and the other is dark & dissonant ala Zappa, full of samples, serialism, blues & electronica. I've also been focusing on taking my digital art projects to a higher level ~ please take a peek over at Casella Studio!

It's good to be back ~ I got pretty sick in early May, and didn't start coming out of "the cycle" until after the Fourth of July ~ seems like the cycles (of chronic/active hepatitis c) just keep getting longer & gnarlier, but any day above ground is a fuckin' good day! I've recovered most of my energy, and have been surfing/skateboarding up a storm this month, so I can't be THAT ill! Anyone have an extra liver laying around? :)~

I had a chance to read the archives last week, glad to know that I was missed around here...thanks to those who posted kind thoughts ~ they (and you guys) mean a LOT to me!

Peace,

John Warren

Good morning, Your Highness!

Hey folks, I'm new to the board. In fact, I just fell in love with the Dan within the past month when someone loaned me the box set. And of course right before I found out via websites that they were on tour, they were within 30 miles of me. I MISSED THEM BY A WEEK!!!!

Anyway, just wanted to say greetings and salutations to all the zombies.

By the way, St. Alphonso, Father V. Oblivion told me to send his regards. :)

"Music is the best."

Peace!
Lisa

Chat anyone?

Just back from Manassas. An awesome show! The sound was perfect. You could hear every instrument like it was right in front of you. Absolutely perfect show.
Walking from the t-shirt stand to the beer stand about fifteen minutes before the show I see a curly haired gent with an artist pass hanging around his neck. I recognized him instantly. I looked at him as we passed each other and said "Ted? ... Ted Baker"? He stops, we shake hands and talk for a few minutes. Very nice, humble guy. What an unexpected surprise that was! He was just walking around by himself. Too cool!

Stevie Dan, Midnite Cruiser, Oleander: Thanks for the blasts. Having been fortunate to experience the coolest part of the summer with the boys I still bask in an afterglow when I read terrific posts like yours...so , thank you for sharing!!

lyrics for Hank's Place featuring the babe choir??!! WOW. That's something we didn't get here in New York.

anxious to get Wormtom's take on all of it. Hoping he scored with Vicky. Nice to dream.....

Aus

What can I say? To all the beautiful folks I met in Raleigh--
Oleander, Midnite Cruiser, Fezo, Steviedan, the journalist and PJ, the formerly married who are still great friends, DS from CH, and all those who I can see your faces but can't remember your names--many, many thanks, much love and admiration for allowing me to participate in the festivities. Thanks again girlfriend and Big daddy I hope you got the two keys I left for you. A special thank you to the cabbie who dropped me off at HP and then returned a few minutes later with my wallet. Thanks to the guys from White Horse for their excellent driving. And to the legend in his own mind and the lovely Shari--wow, what a way to end the evening--I wanted to hear more and more and more.

Although I've only seen -3- shows--1 in '96, and 2 this year--they just keep on getting better. Even though I was at the extreme left of the stage the sound was pristine with D's vocals coming through clear and strong and the guitars cutting through the mix like a light saber. I thought it took the crowd a while to get going, but by the last few songs of the second set the place was going wild. After Kid C the cheering went on and on and W looked taken aback by the energy that was focused towards the stage.

Gotta figure out a way to get to Big D next week.

To all in Mannasas tonite--I'm there w/you as well, though not in the flesh.

I even got standby backto Bogota so I could spend the evening w/Connor and Blue.

Airport security was convinced that the monkey w/a fez was actually made of plastique...not!

Please make it clear
when her day is done
she's gotta place to go...

Les

Midnite Cruiser ~ Thanks for the colorful review. Sounds like a perfect evening. Many thanks to all of you who take the time to post your impressions of the shows. I saw mine early in the tour, and I am ready for more right now. Not gonna happen, but I have been seeing some spectacular stuff on the west coast, so I can't complain. Lots of great music out there to be heard this summer.

Still, the thought of waiting til next year or longer to see Fagen and Becker again is not a pleasant one. So all you lucky folks with Steely Dan shows still to be experienced this summer, go out there and have a wonderful time. Shake it up, sing-a-long, sit and groove, whatever melts your butter. Just dig it, and make sure you tell the rest of us all about it.

linda

Midnite - awesome, great stuff !

http://www.steelydan.com/golem.html

Hey all--fezo & I are changing into our gig duds, & then off to Manassas to see Hutch, Alta, and--oh yes--the best band in the universe.

Midnite & steviedan said it all. What a fabulous experience. Thanx to all the partying Festers for a memorable night. Some great costumes, about which more later. And a prize to fezo for coming the farthest to breakfast!

One thing that was particularly stunning about last night was that for the first time (I was told) the band did VOCALS in "Hank's Pad"--four part harmony, yes, the Choir and Michael Leonhart--a gorgeous, jazzy arrangement.

Yikes. Gotta go.

my turn: all i remember from Raleigh is the morning after eats. what a meal.

now i'm very psyched to actually see the show tonight. i hope by miracle of miracles "Gaslighting Abbey" appears on the set list.

fezo

That was the best concert I've ever been to.

So much to say but that one sentence is the bottom line. We got to meet so many great folks last night and enjoyed the best Steely Dan show I've ever seen. It was great to get to meet and chat with Pete & Shari, Amanda Parks & Matt, oleander, Zeke, jOkEr, worm tom, steviedan, Chris Osmond, the mysterious Jive Miguel who gave ole the BACK STAGE PASS, and the lovely Marion, who took our pictures for the "Buy & Boogie" contest and so much more. Each and everyone of these people were so nice and friendly and the love of the music was so strong that it really felt like a big family atmosphere. Thanks to ole for the coolest party favors (Shirl has FAGENGRUVEN on her computer monitor as I write this) and it was really nice to meet most of her family as well. Thanks to Pete & Shari, who sat beside us from before the first set to after intermission. Pete was really great, sharing a few stories of Dandom and as nice as guy as you'll ever meet anywhere. Amanda & Matt were very cool. I thought it was her the first time we spoke and asked if it was her the second time and she was happy to chat about the tour, her most excellent camera equipment and her dad, the DEAN of Steely Dan guitarists. I wish we had had more time to talk with everyone but we were all there for the music so when it began you know where all eyes and ears were. We had most excellent seats in the center section, row G, right between Donald and the oh so lovely choir of wonderful singers. I must take a second to say a very special thanks to Marion, production assistant extraordinaire! She came out and chatted with us before she took out pics and then again as she and Jon Herrington were talking. She came back out just before the start of the show and gave me something I will cherish as long as I live. A thousand thanks to you Marion, you're the greatest!

I didn't take notes this time like I did back in '96. I didn't even write down the setlist. I just wanted to be fully immersed in the audio/visual experience with no distractions. The band cooked and played the tunes I was hoping they would. I really wanted to hear Royal Scam, Don't Take Me Alive & Jack of Speed and they did all three! I know they've been rotating the setlist around a little but they got all the ones in I had to have. They did three songs off Two Against Nature but didn't play West of Hollywood. So many good songs, so little time! I thought the crowd could have been a little more into it the first set but by the start of the second set the audience was pretty much a deafening roar between songs. I don't think I sat down the whole second set. All this talk of to dance or not to dance. I really just thought I'd set back and groove to the tunes but I couldn't help myself. We were all up on our feet, jamming, dancing, just doing whatever came naturally. Walter sounded great on guitar and vocals on Monkey & Daddy. Donald was in fine form, seeming to enjoy the night more as it progressed. Jon was on fire! I wasn't all that impressed when I saw him play on VH1 but I feel like he has really gotten comfortable with the songs and made them his own. He kept the spirit of the original solos intact but put his own stamp on each and it worked every time. No offense to Wayne Krantz but Jon just made the songs in a way that no one else I've seen can. The horns were hot but Cornelius was in a world all his own. He laid out some solos that were out of this world. I guess I've seen him play seven times now between the Dan and the Doobies but he was in the ZONE last night! Ricky and Tom laid out some awesome grooves and each shined in his own right. Killer solo by Ricky and great funked up bass from Tom. Ted played the most beautiful piano interlude that had me spellbound. His playing was great all night but that one thing was a thing of beauty. The girls really wailed and sounded great all through the night. They really got to shine on Dirty Work as they traded turns taking the lead for a couple of lines and then passing off to the next. Cynthia was on the end, nearest the crowd and she worked us like a borrowed mule!! She was personally responsible for keeping us on our feet and singing along through most of the show. Carolyn really suprised me when she did her solo in Dirty Work. How in the world can that deep down, soulful voice come from one so tiny? Great vocal girl! Vicki just blew me away in more ways than one. She sounded great and took the first lead on Dirty Work and was so into the music. She grooved the hardest for sure. That beautiful green dress contrasted by her lovely red hair just about knocked me out of my chair. I see why worm tom is so smitten with her now. She's beautiful. So from one side of the stage to the other, the band was so great and the music left me in high as a kite and giddy as a schoolboy. I hate to gush but gushing is deserved in this case.

A special thanks to the mysterious SD Webdrone who got us the great seats and is faster than a speeding bullet on getting the correct info up and the pics posted! You've done a great job with the website and handling all our questions. A most excellent job, I salute you.

And of course, my enduring gratitude and life long loyalty to Walter Becker and Donald Fagen. The music you two have provided us has been the soundtrack for the lives of many of us. From the time Can't Buy A Thrill was first released until today, your music has permeated my life in way that few things have. May you both live long and happy lives and continue to produce the music that helps make life bearable for the rest of us.

Jim Talbott
aka
Midnite Cruiser

I'll always "keep on 'crusin'" guys! ; )

Well, I'm about to head over to the rental car place to pick up my transportation for tonight, and I'm already starting to tingle with anticipation. I'll spend a leisurely afternoon visiting some large parks in northern Virginia I wouldn't ordinarily have a chance to visit, and then I'll head over to Nissan Pavillion, where I hope to run into Hutch and Fezo. I'm looking forward, also, to hearing more about the hot time in Raleigh last night - you all must have had a blast!

I get the connection on "Caves". But as most folks have their interpretation of SD songs, I guess I do too.
I see it as art from his own hand and his place, a real tangible place such as a treehouse, or a celler or a closet, and there he hides within himself with his imagination. I guess I don't see torment and the monsters of his real world. I guess my childhood was such where I cannot relate to stuff that was too bad.

That being said, I was not aware there were original lyrics pointing to what I believe to be some kind of exhibit or gallery where you have to stand in line to view the past.
Thanks to all for helping me to understand.

Robin, the earth-to-Tom bit ...LOL

Today I've discovered the advantages of Internet.
Did even see my own house on the site of my "landlord".
I'm walking like in a vague generic kind of way and have these thrills of Times Past. Like winter evenings, the cold outside and some Dan while punching someone's light out.

Hey, O'Keefe ..you're kind of cryptic on that backyard issue..I bet it's nothing but that worthless penny WB threw over his shoulder when the news about his Croque Hawaii being burned jingled a certain urge to ...oops...

Clas, I know it's not funny, the rain in Sweden is heavy, right?
Mother Earth has her fits, can't change that, can we?

Now, was into the sponging business, need to foam it up some, anyone wants to have souflaki off my bathroomfloor?

A Banyan Tree Bow, a fine weekend everyone,
Gina

That was a lovely painted vignette, very much in the vein of this here Guest Book, Mr. Steviedan, and I thank you for the glimpse of your wonderful night in Raleigh. Much appreciation to you for thinking of us and sharing it at 4A. I knew I should'a burned the roads as if I were transporting white lightning to make it over for the hooterie. Damn...instead I watered my parched lawn/garden thinking,

"Oh there must be more to living
Than a mortgage and a lawn to mow..."

cara mia, in Dandepression contemplating Dallas

HEY, AJA, PASS THE DELUDIN!

Dr. Mu - Brilliant analysis of Caves! I've saved that in my Steely Dan file.

One thing to consider when musing upon the lyrics of this song is the original first half of the second verse, which isn't part of the final version of the song:

Many years have come and gone, and many miles between
Through it all, I found my way by the light of what I'd seen.
On the road as I returned was a green and yellow sign
Saying "See the way it used to be," and I took my place in line.

fezo - Where are your seats at Manassas tonight?

Thanks, Hutch, for the tip on the chords. I do play be ear as much as possible, but sometimes it's not big enough.
Judging from some of the late-night ramblings here lately, some folks were still needin' to be scraped down after coming into close contact with the Ones. I can relate. I did it myself a few weeks ago. Nothin' like it. They did do Cincinnati.
Now the Caves never did intrigue me as much as Aja. My opine is that there is some relation between being up on the hill and other hills mentioned in other songs. Am I being way too thick on this?
And while I'm on the subject of lyrics, has anyone else out there caught the relation between that grand standard called Oh Susanna! and Cousin Dupree? You know, it rained all night the day I left, the weather it was dry in Oh Susanna -- and having a distinctly Southern name and song title, yet mentioning skis and a crackling fire? Both songs juxtapose opposites in order to make humor.

Thanks, Hutch, for the tip on the chords. I do play be ear as much as possible, but sometimes it's not big enough.
Judging from some of the late-night ramblings here lately, some folks were still needin' to be scraped down after coming into close contact with the Ones. I can relate. I did it myself a few weeks ago. Nothin' like it. They did do Cincinnati.
Now the Caves never did intrigue me as much as Aja. My opine is that there is some relation between being up on the hill and other hills mentioned in other songs. Am I being way too thick on this?
And while I'm on the subject of lyrics, has anyone else out there caught the relation between that grand standard called Oh Susanna! and Cousin Dupree? You know, it rained all night the day I left, the weather it was dry in Oh Susanna -- and having a distinctly Southern name and song title, yet mentioning skis and a crackling fire? Both songs juxtapose opposites in order to make humor.

Mark, either I've had a stroke or a stroke of genius, baby!! How about this? Think about Mr. Tony LiPuma producing the next Steely Dan album. Can you imagine it? One of the great all-time coaches overseeing these PTPers?!! I mean Awesome Baby. These guys have shown that they can coach an all-airport team themselves and take the show on the road for road game after road game without losing that intensity...that drive. I mean it's dipsy-do dunkaroo every night baby!! Last night was like the DeanDome and Cameron Indoor Stadium rolled into one baby!! Are you kidding?! You mean I'm getting paid for this!!?? Forget March madness - this is where it's at. They're artists, they're pioneers baby!!

But Mark, I only have one I and let me tell you, can you just imagine the sonic boom if Mr. LiPuma - the king of space and sound gets together with Mr. Becker and Mr. Fagen! Huh? It would be blowout city every song!! But what do I know Mark!? That's why I'm an announcer and not an artist recording in Detroit anymore!

Thanks Blaise--missed the pattern. Guess I'll have to find something to keep me busy while waiting for the updates!
Later,
R

Robin - Worm Tom never posts on the weekend. Monday around 8 or 9am Eastern at the earliest, it's part of his working agenda.
Other people were there, though. Speak up. Enquiring minds and all...

Wow! This place is a-hoppin'! Kind of like multi-ball on a pinball game...

St. Al & MC--Excellent links to the articles. Again and again I am reminded just why I am a DanFan. Thank you for the info.

Steviedan--Sounds like you had a truly magical experience; you bring back some very good memories. Glad it was a winner! Thanks for letting us in on your evening.

DrMu--Loved your notes on Caves. One of my alltime favorite songs. Being an only child, I can identify with that one on a personal level quite easily.

Gina--Hey! You're getting closer and closer to that new door opening for you--with the other changes in your life in recent times, this is the perfect opportunity. Speaking metaphorically: If you didn't leave your office you wouldn't be able to see the big beautiful world out there, except perhaps to only gaze out the window.

Earth to Wormtom. Earth to Wormtom. Come in Wormtom. Over...

...

Earth to Wormtom. Earth to Wormtom. Are you there, Wormtom? Over...

...

Earth to Wormtom. Earth to Wormtom. Awaiting information on your experiences on the Dan Planet. Over...

Well dr Mu, I was scrolling down and you make me run and put on those Caves of Altimira ...hope the sun will shine pronto then!
Gotto hurry. Got to meet someone.
BT Bow,
Gina

In the exact words of the immortal Mister Donald Fagen:

"WHAT A NIGHT"

In the unfailing wisdom of a Mister Pete Fogel:

"Yeah, we've been to ALL the parties and this has been one of THE BEST"

If fans feel the crowds have been a little lackadaisical, well next time get yo ass to Raleigh, NC to find out what Danlove is all about.

Ole: So gracious, sparkling. A spark, a flame. Coolest possible party favors. My total pleasure to have assisted you in any way. I knew Raleigh would PUT IN ON !!! Did we ever ?

Only a Worm could find a seat where there was none. That is a true gipsy art bro'. I had been anxious to meet you and you did not disappoint.

Lisa: Your addressing me as PROFESSOR steviedan touched me. Thank you for honoring me with a GB Phd.

Our whole crew rocked...the whole Raleigh crowd was awesome. As I promised...the SHIT of LEGENDS. I stuff you not.

and of course, talk of legends...Pete & Shari. Honored indeed to enjoy privileged monologue from behind behind far behind the scenes.

Lot of talk about Dirty Work & Monkey (Walter, Raleigh did NOT go to get beer, you sounded GREAT. Ever heard of Sir Walter Raleigh ? You're it !)

What a night indeed. The day started appropriately enough with me upgrading my front row side section to second row middle section. Be sure to check last minute folks. First six rows center opened up around 2 PM TODAY. Luckily I was on Ticketmonster like shucks on corn all day.

My personal thanks to the INCREDIBLE Steely Dan Orchestra 2000. You good people delivered the goods and it was CHURCH. Workin' on a building lawd !

It's 4 AM, I'm quasi delirious. Is that the oil-based paint calling again ? It's the monkey in my soul.

stumble

In that seed of the imagination lies the core of art itself. A little boy crawls within himself and away from the busy human world (into his own "cave"). As he does so in body as well in spirit, he arrives

"I recall when I was small
How I spent my days alone
The busy world was not for me
So I went and found my own
I would climb the garden wall
With a candle in my hand
I'd hide inside a hall of rock and sand"

in a sanctuary, a haven against the cruel nature of pre-historic life and transcribes the figures of the mastadons and other hideous beasts that constantly disturb his mind as he sorts out the chaos of the busy world.

"On the stone an ancient hand
In a faded yellow-green
Made alive a worldly wonder
Often told but never seen
Now and ever bound to labor
On the sea and in the sky
Every man and beast appeared
A friend as real as I"

The ancient paints because he must. It is in soul...perhaps not even not a choice. He can now hunt another day. There was no $$ or celebrity in art. It was...and it was LIFE. We all identify with the core of our fears and our being.

CHORUS:
"Before the fall when they wrote it on the wall
When there wasn't even any Hollywood
They heard the call
And they wrote it on the wall
For you and me we understood"

Many lears later...We now rush to an art gallery and a post-modern expressionist exhibit. The latest "in" artist renders impressions of ancient man and his environment, supposedly as a juxtaposition against the artificiality of the modern environment suppressing the beast within. It is instantly recognized as a rehash of the escapism which drove the young by and the ancient many years before...not art, but a pale imitation of the real feelings inside the true artist who creates because they must, not because it is what is expected or unexpected...another disposable fad.

"Can it be this sad design
Could be the very same
A wooly man without a face
And a beast without a name
Nothin' here but history
Can you see what has been done
Memory rush over me
Now I step into the sun"

CHORUS

A unique combination of depressing nostalgia (that's redundant, eh) and a series of guffaws of sophmoric ridicule by Walter and Donald as they stumvle out of the art gallery (I can just picture them cracking up)

OK, I went over to Oleander's lyrics interpretation site -- those who don't know it, get on over to http://home.earthlink.net/~oleander1/Index.htm

Anyway, there are some quite thoughtful, poetic ideas on my topic of just what the hell the title track to Aja is about. But are these interpretations of WHAT THE COMPOSERS INTENDED? Or are they your introspective musing ON WHAT THE LYRICS MEAN TO YOU? Furthermore, did the boys actually have any specific meaning in mind or were they just using free association? In which case they could be as puzzled over the meaning of the lyrics as we are.

Say, everybody, I'm outa here for 3 weeks unless I decide to look for a hookup in Europe. JW Malibu will take over for me, except he's probably too nice to be able to fill my spot exactly.

Parts Department,
You may be onto something with those caves, but I doubt there's anything extraterrestrial. For instance, I can confrim Steely Dan does not believe astronauts built the Pyramids.

Now, what the hell is Aja about? the title track, I mean? I think I'll head over to Oleander's Web site and see if anybody knows. It sure beats packing.

I happened to be listening to Caves of Altamira on the way to work today. What a great story song. If I get this right, is the lead subject lamenting the disappearance of his childhood hiding spot? Is this the place for him to get away and dream of a time long ago where ancient beings have left their mark for those like him who understand his need to get away?
Just some thoughts. Am I on the right track?

Hi All,

So, tomorrow will be exactly 2 weeks since I've seen the Dan at Jones. I still can't stop raving about the show...people are ready to kill me. But, I'm also still depressed that it's all over. Is anyone else still suffering withdrawal?

Hey 1973-If I hear about any happenings at Le Bar Bat I'll post them here to let you know. There's also a pretty good tribute band named Stealin Dan that plays at The Swing Set in Bayshore every few months. I saw them a few years back out at Stephen's Talkhouse in Amagansett and they were very good.

Midnite, Opti & Ole - Well, it's about quarter to ten so I guess you guys are jammin' to the second set right about now. Hope you're having a great time.
Can't wait for my Manassas/Va. Beach weekend! Roy(dot)Scam... I'll see you there.

JMoney - Florida Room is not just one of my favorite Dan/Fagen songs, it's one of my favorite songs, period. Stardust is another.

Peg, really - Check out this site for some great guitar tabs for Steely songs old and new.... http://www.ph.ed.ac.uk/~haw/music/tabfiles.html

JWMalibu - Welcome back, dude!!!
What a great surprise to scroll up and see your moniker.

Hi Gina! High tea in London. Yes. Crumpet?

"Bionic ears is what they have!"

MEA CULPA / APOLOGY / RESOLUTION

Tampa Danfest 7/27/00

Well it's been a long summer............

I have to express my regret right up front for 2 things;

The news I'm gonna lay on you regarding the fest,

and ,secondly, regarding the lateness for delivering final plans.

Initially I was floating on the implementation as the response was tepid. Then the tour got going, and then all of a sudden I get a few more emails- hmmmmm, things are picking up a little.........

Except one day an an anonymous freakish email from a hotmail account email about the party being at my house - with a rather offensive tone to say the least.

Well that pretty much sent me off on having the party at the house.

Then a FLOOD of inquiries about the party along with irritated re-requests for prior info flowed in.

Then... I got tied into a mandatory and important obligation at, of all times...............2 hours before the show.......

My Wingding was dangling.

Then David from the FLAROOM, Hoops, and St. Al came to my rescue, firmly but gently motivating me to consumate something(actually they were subtly and rightfully beating the crap out of me.....kidding....)
and ultimately(ie yesterday) together with David's inspiration (or is it exaspiration), we arrived at a viable FINAL plan.

First, David will be the Master of Ceremonies

We will hold the TAMPS DANFEST at a great refurbished tall redbrick bar that borders the parking for the Ice Palace arena itself.

The name of the venue is "Hattricks" at @ 6pm - the bar is a 3-4 minute walk to the show.

address is 107 Franklin St.
(813) 225-4288

The bar can be easily accessed from all major routes. Within the next 24 hours the Official Danfest page for the Tampa show will be revised to advise on exact directions from all major inroutes.

We expect to have hats and hooters and a few other goodies available.

I can be emailed and I will be forwarding all to David so he and I can "keep it together".......

Regards,

Q

PS first round is on me - shit, I hope there are less than 30..........

FOR THOSE OF YOU THAT LOVE "THE NIGHTFLY" - CHECK THIS OUT!!!
See my auction on Ebay (Item # 385929425)! A super rare, record store promo poster for "The Nightfly"!!!!

Query!
Anybody out there seen sheet music yet for 2VNATURE? Am going nuts trying to figure out chords by myself. Some songs are easier than others.

quote from Donald: "art can be curative". I wish he could know how many times Steely Dan music has picked me up off the floor in my worst moments, or been the perfect soundtrack to some of my best.

Have a wonderful time, Raleigh-festers! I'm looking forward to the reports over the weekend-and I'll keep my fingers crosssed for WOH.

Aja

I haven't seen a post from JWMalibu in Ages...and then he reappears and is Freakin' brilliant with one sentence!Gotta love that guy...that's why he's the Man.

Midnite Cruiser: That Raleigh News & Observer article sure packs some choice Donald quotes into a short column! "Listen to this, maybe it will cheer you up" -- ROFLMAO!!! Oh Donald, I just love you to bits, you do cheer me up so entertainingly.

/The Mam'zelle
who ***will*** write up her Bahston adventure as soon as she gets this pesky work week back out of her face, dammit!

FOR ANYONE THAT LOVES "THE NIGHTFLY"!!!!!!
check out my auction on Ebay (item# 385929425)!
Very rare and hard to come by - Huge promo poster!!!

Will WormTom Veni Vidi Vykki in Raleigh?

Aus and Wormy, thanks for the good advice. Maybe next year I'll fare better (I'm taking Donald at his word when he said "see you next year" at Jones Beach).

Anybody from the NYC area that I can keep in touch with regarding ANY SD events that may go on after the tour is over?

Thanks guys.

PS - I've noticed some negative Walter comments posted(although you can't compare them to the thrashing little Tina has endured). Don't you have to worship the guy just based on the fact that he's half of a mind blowing song writing team?

Billy Zoom is a no-talent hack...

Roy....it just won't be the same without you....hope you & Hutch & Co. have a blast on Sunday night!

From Today's Raleigh News & Observer: The Steely Influence

http://newsobserver.com/content/friday/features/wup/400000005570.html

Here's the up to date results from the 35 to 55 age group: Sin ~ 136 , Government ~ 0.

Midnite: High hell sneakers. Best inadvertant pun since "back-round singers". -- Party on, Ole; Party on, Cruiser, Party on, Opti. ... Excellent. Try to have a good time even without me.

Steely Pete: Actually John Sebastian was the leader of the Lovin' Spoonful, another good group but not at all Danlike or Procol harum-like; more of a sentimental rock jug band. -- The Band (whom PC claims to have influenced) was formerly Dylan's backup band from the Woodstock area, led by Robbie Robertson; the closest they got to pop stardom was "Up on Cripple Creek" ( A drunkard's dream if I ever did see one). -- Please check out Martin Scorcese's 1976 film, "The Last Waltz", a documentary including The Band's farewell concert with guest performers like Dylan, Clapton, Diamond, The Staples Singers, Van Morrison, John Lee Hooker, Joni Mitchell, Neil young,etc. -- The group has musical similarities to Harum and personal similarities to Steely dan.

RS

Here's an article from the Orlando Sentinal featuring Cynthia's musings on touring, tipping and Steely Dan. Very nice.

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/automagic/features/2000-07-21/FEABOARD21072100.html

Just couldn't seem to get heel in there no matter how hard I tried....I swear, I haven't had a drop yet!

Humble Pie on Harington Road....pretty close to Jon Boy!

high hell, high hell...what the hell....can you tell I'm excited? *LOL*

wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!

Kick off your high hell sneakers, IT'S PARTY TIME!!!

We're gonna rock in Raleigh tonight folks! Rain or shine, I don't mind. The Dan takes Raleigh by Storm tonight!!!!!!!!!!!

it's good to be alive! : )

Sound advice Alan, from the Christian accounting webring:
"Please remember to pay your taxes, and honour and respect those in authority in THIS world as well as those with Spiritual authority. Jesus is our example. We are only supposed to hate sin, not despise government. We should pray for the police, government leaders, and even those we may work for(managers, business owners, etc.)
Scripture references:
Romans chapter 13: verses 1-7 Matthew 17:24-27 I Peter 2:13-17,"
Alan from SC, thanks again for the link.
I will keep that in mind.

I have a single request for my upcoming Caribee run:Please play Florida Room at West Palm Beach! Please!

The Vamp chant in the outro is da shit!

BABES SING:
'cold wind comes'

'Dahlias bloom'

'Drifting back AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH'

'to your Florida Room'

DONALD SCATS:
'Flaw-Dah room'

I L-U-V it!

J.

Edd - You're right. Whoever uses my moniker again here without express written consent will be blacklisted and will not be allowed to enter bids on Ebay.
Giveaway, yeah right. I've got dogs to feed here!
O'Keefe.

O'Keefe, why not just add a big "nyah-nyah" to the end of your "I've got a secret" posts?

Who's zooming who?
Billy Zoom is a big fat idiot.
X marks the spot where he'll remain a big fat idiot.
I want all people who call themselves "Zoom" wiped off the planet. We all want something, don't we?

"Clear the Hills!" haha. Do they learn those quotes in police training or something? Precious account from the lawn.
Granted, you seem like a clever bunch yet noone has even come close to identifying the backyard ditty I so jealously keep with me. Nothing to do with Santana, it's Walter Becker's ... Oops, you almost got me to spill it, you, you, you are good. No you, you are skeevy, downright evil people.
Maybe a contest giveaway? Yes give it away, my dog begs.
Alright, the first one who can figure this one wins it all, and it is precious, don't get me wrong.
Riddle: What does a worm, Kiefer Sutherland and Tia Carrere have in common?
I hear there's a concert tonight, somewhere in NC.
Hoops Mckay (of digest fame) just named the Boston gig, the best concert he has ever attended, period.
I have a good feeling about tonight myself.
Keep us posted.
O'Keefe.

BILLY ZOOM, the guitarist for X would like to remove all traces of Steely Dan's music from the earth - then what would we do?
http://www.ocweekly.com:80/ink/00/46/feedback-seigal.shtml

Enjoy the shows this weekend.
Dan

Chere's discourse of the Santana Birthday First leg of the tour show in WPB Fl.....

Every one of the folks going on this little "outing" was late to begin with. That was a bit annoying, especially since all of this was planned out weeks ago. Then we drove INTO a Blackening sky and prayed it would get brighter before the sun went down. Some had coctails, some had herbal "remedies" Because I do not really drink, I was a driver. Three cars in our party. We are almost there, about 14 miles up the turnpike and the traffic STOPS. The whole point of usng the turnpike for any of you that are unfamiliar with the South Fl thing, I95 is a road of carnage and other "bad things". It is usualy always supposed to take less time on the turnpike. Which ever of the three counties you may be in, the turnpike rules. But there we were. Stuck Stopped and in front of a sign that said two miles to our exit. There was no accident, no heavy traffic, but there WAS some very heavy night construction happening on the other two lanes of the road. They crammed all of us stopped people into two lanes. 45 minutes later we were parking. Then RUNNING to the door to get in because by that time Macy Gray had long opened the show (we totally MIssed her) and we all guessed who would be the surprise act being that the new album has so many other artists on it and the fact that this was Carlos' birthday. As we are getting frisked we hear EVERLAST! YES EVERLAST A fellow for which I have an affinity for his LIPS. BESITO!!!!!! singing "Put Your Lights On" so we caught the last of that part. We did get treated to an hour and a half of Santana music. All the classics. Some of the new and lots of that infectious percussion. We all had lawn seats. It rained. We got drenched. About 3/4 of the seating there is LAWN. They left the stage. We all put our LIGHTERS on and guess what?.......... NO ENCORE! Not even ONE. According to my good friend Bill Murphy from the local Classic Rock Radio station that helped sponser the gig They "the band" all hopped in the bus and just left. That was it. I have faithfully seen Carlos sometimes up to twice a year for the past four years- he plays here alot. He ALWAYS does at least three encores. Then many cops came up and said to all of those who wanted to sit in the wet grass and moonlight till the crowd waned to "Clear the HILL!!!". Definantly not my favourite Santana show. I UNDERSTAND it was a brother's birthday. The entire crowd sang happy birthday to him. Maybe you should not play a gig on your birthday. Excuse me if I sound nasty and bitter but, I think if a crowd sells out your show year after year, every year, most of the time so much that a second show is scheduled, and thousands of poor folks pay 30 bucks for a lawn tic, and sit in pouring rain and thunder and lightening and sing to YOU on your birthday and dance wildly in groups across the whole hill to YOUR music,and Hail you throughout your performance, you'd THINK we were all worth an encore. I had a great time. I am a person who tries to have a great time no matter what's happening. I danced, sang, and partied like a rock star, but I am disappointed.

I can almost KNOW that if it rains at the Dan show happening in 5 days BTW, the faithful would be worthy of not just an encore but "Raindrops" and "Florida Room".

I am counting down to my ecstatic moment, Steely Dan Live, then I will be HOME AT LAST.

Q- I'll call you on Monday.

To all who are at the Raleigh show, I hope Humble Pie was fantastic and the show was spectacular.

4 and a wake up and I am bout to bust a valve!- JUJU chile' Chere

Hokay. Dancing shoes; extra t shirt; party goodies; ream of Mapquest directions; a mango and a peach; cd's; --oh yes, tickets. Thanx for reminding me, steviedan.

With any luck, see you all in Raleigh in a matter of hours.

YOWIE!!

Mu: You must be psychic! The black-leathered women stormed the compound shortly after your post. Alas, I was hoping for a little more flannel but a raw-hide gag does become absorbent eventually...

...About MP3 technology....I work in the advertising field and though MP3 may not measure up to the typical 16 bit, 44.1 KHZ standard used in CDs, it's widely accepted that a 128 kps sound file is fine for commercial material which must go through the butchering of FM radio processing anyway. 192 kps is a preferable way to listen to "free" music if you have the option.

Of course, nothing can capture brass and the low end like vinyl...

Can of Worms,

SEMB

Dr MU- i'm glad that you liked them! Yeah i was in the front row! NAH! Walter isn't peering at me! haha and if he was he was probably like, what is she wearing or something! Sorry, TOO modest! anyways glad you liked the pics!

I.O.

Hey, Steeley Dan,
Get it back together, and come on down to play in South Carolina if you can. LOTS of fans in THIS state.
Christian Accountant at http://home.infospace.com/alank2

at least for the most part. I'm painting the trim in my youngests' room. It's enamel paint. I may paint for a few hours before the show tomorrow night. not yet through with buzzzz.

I have placed the sacred tickets in the pocket of the nondescript shorts that will accompany my ass and myself to a little bit 'o heaven tomorrow. Rain ? I'm singin' in it. Somebody's worried about a little warm rain ? Sheee...

At this time, I will rebel against St. Al's request and shamelessly and formally, cowtowingly even, invite Don & Walt, the band, the crew, families & pets, OUR GOOD FRIENDS to the Humble Pie, the Embassy, fishin' at the pond, whatevah. I'm sure Ole don't mind. Y'all come.

Hey Chere, Gina, everyone.

I watched the Making of Aja. That's another night.

The paint is calling like a monkey...

ToMOrrow ToMOrrow It's Only a Day Away.

I LUV ya ToMOrrow

Roy Scam --- I didn't know about the PH thread a few months back because I didn't start posting (sparingly) until mid-May. Thanks for the info about the parallel between procol and the Band, whom I'm not familiar with. John Sabastian was on it, right. I like the guy. He actually hosted a CBS show back in 1985 in which a video of "A Whiter Shade of Pale" was featured. I have it on Beta (What's Is That!!!). As for lyric analysis of PH, nobody can top Oleander.

Have a good weekend! And all of you, too!

ZZZZ

drtodd: e-me your citation - that's one of my common browsing stops - congrats. I don't know whether to laugh or cry when a paper is accepted. Yeah, that $750 for travel was a saving grace - unfortunately, the meeting was in Indianapolis. While not exciting - I would have to admit that it's a decent walking town...and when the Pacers eliminated the Knicks, there was not one celebratory burning vehicle in sight!

IO: Thanks! That worked - They look great. You could not have possibly been any closer to the stage. I see Walter peeking at you.

DrMu: My most recent credit card bill had a $300+ charge for reprints from BiochemBiophysResComm. That is one thing that won't happen again...I'm not regretting my recent jump from academia too much.

Of course you trade one set of problems for another ("where did my equipment and travel budgets go this fiscal year?"), but whatchagonnado?

Yea, that definitely was a Fruedian slip in reference to the bare midrif choir.......Tina N` SYNC is selling out stadiums and they welcome screaming and dancing,check them out...........

Ruby - very good to hear. Publishers nationwide are in trouble because of the reselling of texts and competition with other media. In fairness, the authors have little or no influence on the purchase price. The locals and publishers determine the market rate.

There are some interesting comparisons and contrasts with music industry. "Kiddie music" (Britney Spears, etc. - teen market) have generally benn where the big $$ is. High school text publishing is the only way to make REAL $$. Texts are selected and recommended by state education boards. Teachers Unions and local school districts down to the teachers have important input. Local decision making was sacrosanct in the past, but politics/oversigh at the state and Federal levels have standardized teaching to a greater extent (for better and worse).

Adult music whether cool jazz, classical, and now Steely Dan will always sell less. College and undergraduate texts have a smaller market as well to compete in against better quality material (than high school texts). Instructor control and departmental is still a critical part of academic freedom. Bottom line is that the local prof. is not making a large sum of dough. Just enough to augment their paltry salary (if they are not in engineering, medical school, or a private University) affording them to dump the Yugo. The truth of the matter is that Steely Dan gross more from one night this summer than 95% of those profs will net from publishing in their entire careers. I'm about $7000+ in the hole (personal + grant) from page costs for journal articles and abstracts (~50 of each). I think I've just talked myself out of my career...

hello everybody! Haven't signed in for a while! I miss it but things are so crazy! I'm sure you can all relate! well i just wanted to say Hello to everyone...back to my school work!

Chere-I'm doing well thank you..very busy...too busy for it being my summer and all!!

Oh BTW, i still have those Steely Dan pics if you want to see them e-mail me brassmonkey2@hotmail.com they turned out really well!!!

Bye everyone!

Proudest moment of fatherhood (so far). Driving down to San Diego with my 3.5 year old son in the back seat...we've been doing a lot of road tripping while mom studies for the bar exam (you'd think she already knew how to drink). On our second spin through Can't buy a Thrill, upon reaching the chorus of DIA, I hear singing coming from the rear:

"back, Jack, do it AGAIN.....turnin' roun'and roun'....get back, Jack DO IT AGAIN"

No prompting from dad...a spontaneous learning of the lyric and singing by the Calvinator. His pitch needs some work, but his timing was spot on. I think he's a drummer.

Now he requests that song, and has also learned the chorus of "Dirty Work". Despite other indications, I guess he is my kid.

Re: guitarists...didn't this thread die awhile back? Walter does NOT suck, but to make a direct comparison between him and Herrington/Wadenius is idiotic. Different style, different attack, different vibe. They always get a shredder to act as counterpoint to WB, and it works great. btw, after listening to the AIA live album and the dvd, I can say I really prefer Herrington over Zingg or Wadenius...seems to be a bit less "cold" (although Zingg's work on Third World Man is damn nice)..

DrMu: We love the scent of a new text book 'round here, so have no fear. But I was under the impression that folks sell used text books BECAUSE they're already ludicrously high (the books, I mean.) Always have been... And if the professor of the class happens to be the author, well then, the sky's the limit.

rb
mp
3
wheeeeeeeeeee

Dr Mu, et al-regarding MP3, several very talented local artists here are extremely grateful to it. We have a singer here in San Diego named Eve Selis who, despite being talented, beautiful, and writing great original music could never get a label. She put her stuff on MP3 and got the exposure she wasn't getting by trying to get her stuff on radio. The trade-off was worth it to her in her "struggling artist" stage. If she becomes national she I'm sure she would rather sell albums, but for a new artist trying to get noticed MP3 is an invaluable tool.

And Dr., I need some advice on my next career move, so would you mind e-mailing me (since you are a wellspring of good ideas!) Much appreciated! lzirino@lmbh.com And yes, I knew I'd be hearing from you when I mentioned hot weather ;)

You know, a second arrangement certainly presents some novel solutions to mundane problems (especially when the beau does not come through). Hmmm, Blaise, good idea.

Before anyone jumps on The Stranger, let me just say that I sat next to him at Irvine, me dancing in and out of the aisles, and he was a great date.

Aja

Hank: I think we are making different points. There is not doubt that MP3s provide an excellent advertising tool, especially where the big 5 record companies fail or ignore. A mechanism for the indie to make waves.

My point regards copying full length MP3s in lieu of buying an album. It's a screening tool, but not a replacement for the real thing. A test drive if you will.

My primary copyright beef is the purchase and reselling of used textbooks. After 5-17 years depending on the area (science vs. literature), the intrinsic value or copyright runs out first. But within that time - there's the heinous practice around campuses on current texts. The author's and publishers must come out with new editions every 3 years, not only to keep current (in science), but sales drop off precipitously because of these infringements. So Ruby and other Mom's and students, do NOT sell or buy used texts from these criminals. Not only is this illegal, but engorges the price of texts. Unfortunately, academic lobbies are incredibly feeble - thus enforcement of existing copyright laws in this area is nil. Besides we can't afford the legal team on retainer for AOL-Time-Warner-TedTurner-WWF-Nitro-Whaterver.

Was that an intentional theme to have "The Royal Scam" "Glamour Profession" and "Black Friday" as part of the set?

Double trouble -- my apologies...

ole et. al.: Have a great time tomorrow night. . .would be there with y'all if I could.

Midnite: Looking forward to a full report from you & Opti. Hope you get to meet D + W, too.

DrMu: True, but if audio quality were the main thing, MP3's wouldn't have much of a chance. Between the Web and MP3's, life's pretty good for musicians at the right end of the bell curve -- for example: http://www.nytimes.com/library/tech/00/07/biztech/articles/20tune.html

And just one personal opinion -- if I'm on the lawn, I can't see much of anything on the stage anyway, so dancers don't bother me. It's the talkers, screamers, and loud/bad singers who do.

ole et. al.: Have a great time tomorrow night. . .would be there with y'all if I could.
Midnite: Looking forward to a full report from you & Opti. Hope you get to meet D + W, too.
DrMu: True, but if audio quality were the main thing, MP3's wouldn't have much of a chance. Between the Web and MP3's, life's pretty good for musicians at the right end of the bell curve -- for example: http://www.nytimes.com/library/tech/00/07/biztech/articles/20tune.html
  And just one personal opinion -- if I'm on the lawn, I can't see much of anything on the stage anyway, so dancers don't bother me. It's the talkers, screamers, and loud/bad singers who do.

Walter: Please buy me...
1) 1 Supercomputer Cube
2) 1 Dual Processing G4 w/ DVD-RAM
3) 2 Flat screen Digital monitors

Ship to the usual address. Thanks.

Vay kay shun
Ram If? Ick kay shun
eeeeel lay shun
man ip U lay shun
L E cue shun
Vick Tor eeeA fass E Nation
Damn! Nation
Steel E
X Plan Nation
In Dock Tri Nation
Dan vent Shun
A range Meant
A nye A lay shun
IN stig gay Shun
Purr Dick A mint
Punk Shoo A shun
Con funk shun
classy fick kay shun

W2 The Worminator

Herrington and Wadenius have both wrung more depth of feeling, soulfulness and musicality out of one, typical 45-second solo than Walter does all evening. Sad? Perhaps. True? Unequivocably.

Ruby Baby - Excellent comments on Walter's playing. Of course Donald's not a classical singer and so shouldn't be judged by classical standards, but within the popular genre he's quite good (despite having a less than stellar voice). His phrasing and diction are excellent, and he really brings out the meaning of the words, especially in concert.

Roy Scam: thanks for TNTDODD! I'm still collecting Na Na songs. I've got 14 so far.

I'm embarassed to say that I'd forgotten that Change Of The Guard has prominent Na Nas in the chorus. Here I thought Na Nas were too trivial for SD. That's the only one, right?

Regarding SD guitarists, I just want to say that when I recall that glorious night in San Diego, it's Walter Becker that I remember most. I have one memory of Jon Herington, I think during KC. He was smokin'! But I have many recollections of WB playing various songs. My favorite is still Boston Rag. I don't believe it's because he's technically better than Jon - I really can't tell. But I get more heart & soul out of his playing than just about anyone else. Even in the more subtle parts of the music, his heart plays the guitar as much as his hands. Maybe it's because he wrote the music in the first place and his heart is genuinely in it all. Perhaps his experiences in life add up to such expression. Whatever the case may be, I dig the soul in WB's guitar playing.

The same is true with Donald Fagen: he may not have the best singing voice in classical terms, but he obviously sings these songs better than anyone else - which tells me that classical standards are not relevant to my enjoyment. Heart and soul are way more important.

rb

How about selling some Royal Scam shoes ...with a hole in it, sized like you stepped on a major rock.

Oops. Gotto put some turkey away now.
Don't wanna cheat on a friend.

A Banyan Tree Bow,
Gina

make that 2ktour. the brain cells are still re-grouping from Monday night.

The black Y2tour polo shirt is THE fashion statement of the decade. Your large friend dave goes for XL these days, and there seems to be just enough room inside for all of me.

fezo - I probably won't make the trip as it adds 10 hours of driving but if someone had a really great seat (a gal was selling 10th row) I might give up a pleasant two days on the Blueridge bergeon@shellus.com hope you get lucky in Raleigh - check ticket master, you never know when one of Cornelius' cousins can't make it

dan polo and 2aN tshirt look like must haves

when they make a wonderworm shirt I'm there

any changes in the set list between the two Atlanta shows?

with a nice break of several days off the Dan should be poised to go on friday night

T

this must have been my lucky thursday

worm: i should have a extra Nissan ticket available unless i get lucky in Raleigh.

ole: i could breathe fine at the 2nd Colonial Fest. it was my eyesight that was oddly affected. when i looked at the picture of the subsequent Va Beach gathering, it was like i was seeing you, Roy, lisa, and Sam for the first time. there was only one each of you and the foggy aura no longer accompanied you guys either.

Gina - I don't strictly believe that the internet phenom has spiraled things downword - I am living proof - a mere connection gone wrong - that's what those cable guys get for mucking up the precious topsoil

I know people who won't even go out to see a show at night because they are surfing - that's why I won't buy a machine for home - too many computers during the day - need an outdoor vista or some nice aural passages to counteract it all -

speaking of snowed in cabins, I guess if Nicholson had the web back then The Shining would have never happened redrum indeed

I'm off soon - if anybody has a choice seat for manassas up for sale let me know quick Godspeed to my fellow Raleigh festers

Thanks alot Cara Mia for the babe choir picks, foreplay indeed
then again the foreplay heats up for two hours tommorrow night

So Vicki, come to our pre party at Humble Pie at 5 and meet the wormed wonder
I know you read this guestbook, but are you that adventuresome?
inquiring worms wanna know

either that or let me in the backdoor at soundcheck
tell em I'm Roger Nichol's brother

anything fun to do around Raleigh during the day?

T-bird

he walks through the old routine, he's gone

Mais Blaise, I was not thinking of this GB solely, I mean all of it, this internetted- info- addictive- interactive- regular- live- paralysing (feel free to fill in the blanks ) that's been happening for over the, what shall I say, last 15-20 years now, and the last decade access for almost all.
Somewhere I have a homepage of my own LOL but I have no idea where and how to get to it, I get lost each time LOL
Destracted by everything that pops up on my screen, banner here, banner there, ban these banners I'd say...

Worm's from New Orleans. He's cajunic and okrafilistic.
Not an underwater creature.
Unless ..spicey food..does that make fish bubble?

45 minutes before I can go home. It's 16.15 A.M.
Days of p leisure
Not

G.

Don't see a big future in selling MP3s. The stuff's NOT CD quality. Not enough 1s and 0s. High end is pretty harsh. Looking forward for the same amount of music that's now on a CD format being on DVD format - ~2.5 times more memory.

Schwinn: You listened to Rush Limbaugh? in Austin? without a horde of muscular women in black leather wrestling you to the ground and chaining you?

wormian wiggly wonder - That tape sounds good. Future considerations was the prize in an old contest I recall winning.
Mp3 inferior format for now, today. Tomorrow, who knows?
They have these neat little portable players now, very cute and lightweight.
You picture Aja running to the Second Arrangement with one of these.

Gina - "underwater-sea-and-ocean-creatures", I'll have to talk to you about that one...lol There is a worm, after all.

if you're real lazy you'll agree with what the screen and keyboard have in store. Buying a CD won't only keep the industry going, it can't hurt to be amongst the living and the living dead. Some wink of the eye here, a quick glance there, an ordinary life outside.

To me this cyberworld is like an underwater-sea-and-ocean-like society of unknown creatures that have miraculous forms and backgrounds and reasons of existence. The settings are colorful and the architecture without limits. Multiple ways of surviving. A variety in food and feeding as well.
One can drown easily.
Call for a cyberwatch, maybe.

BT Bow,
Gina

Blaise - MP3's
why would I want that inferior medium when one has a very expensive electric girlfriend who wants only the best in ear candy from our courtship?

OLe - my shot at Manassas is about 1 in 10
the person with the great seat never responded to my e-mail
anybody else have anything up for sale
See you and the gang at the Humblest of Pies
leaving this afternoon

Blaise - I summoned my Nakamichi and made a nice road tape of the Plush video songs and added Boston Rag, Dr Wu, Gaucho and Altamira came out rather nice (although some edits of the monologue were difficult)10 or so other tapes for the ride should do

cheers

Tom

RE:Mp3 and copyright

Elvis Costello is a visionary, a trend setter. He sells his back catalog on line for 99 cents a song. Not all his songs are worth that kind of money, mind you (ouch) but a lot of them are bon marche at this price. You can customize your own compilation, that's neat. I can see that
happening on a larger scale in the music biz soon.
I don't see much of a future for Napster, MO. There's room for debate here, though.
If it goes on like this, then it's music making as we know it that collapses short-term for better or for worse. Why bother when fortune is out of the equation and the possibility to live from your art. Then, this phenom taken to its absurd end, all there will be is your annoying neighbor impersonating Dylan or whatever.
Maybe the damage is done and most of you people have stocked up, mp3-wise.
This revolution starts and stops with you.
All revolutions do.
I limit my own consumption to rare and/or live tracks. I don't see a problem
with that. Buy a CD, if you want the act to survive and carry on.
Wouldn't want Donald to end up like Charlie Freak, you know...

Oleander, Not My Nancy: Thanks for the welcome. A "hearty gulping blast" back at you (a newly coined term of affection). I always wondered though...if realising the "problem/obsession is the first step towards recovery, how come it's getting worse?

Babes and I celebrate 7 years together today. Sumptous dinner at Union Square Cafe..then the one, the only one, Mr. Steely Dan (whatever..)provides background buzz to a night of romance.

Happy Thursday to all.

Aus

Firstly, all you regulars who e mail me from time to time, please take note that my e mail address has changed somewhat. Msake note of it. I have missed my friends here on the Gb. It has been fun experimenting in the chat room. I have been under the weather this week. Thak the Gods for ZPAK. I am feeling much bettter. Off to the Santana show tonight. Very excited. His shows are like Mass for A JUJU chile'. AND it's the opening show of the tour and Carlos' Birthday. How cool is that?

Gina- Thank you for your kind gesture. That was so sweet, I told ya this ol GB willl change your views. It is a beautiful thang! Glad to see your spirits up.

Steviedan- Baby you da bes! Got that e mail, did you get my message? Were you SOOOO surprised? Hope so. I hope to be a pro at Dancin' in the Moonlight very very soon. Thank you for making time for lil ol me! peaceoutree

Craig- It has been SUCH great fun corresponding back and forth. I thank you too, for making time for a glass of Chere now and again. Hope your week is going great as I had hoped for you and that crazy schedule you seem to have. I meant every word in my e mail to you. Love how you "get" reading between the lines. especially about things clandestine and other things like emerald slippers. Hopefully we too will cross paths at a different show. Hope so.

Joan- Got your e mail too. Sorry your'e not making the WPB show next week. Absolutely NOTHING can contain the excitment I have for this magic I am about to witness for the first time in my life. Perhaps we shall meet again at a different show. Perhaps.

Q- I am going to call your office this week coming up to organize a rendezvous with you and your beloved. My nephew is BEAMING! He took a letter grade decrease in his Music Appreciation class to make the show after all. Can anyone here even fathom a Music Appreciation teacher who would forbid a student to go to a Steely Dan show? Perish the thought! Music Appreciation/ Steely Dan are really the same thing right?

Ole- Got your e mail too. God I have become such the popular Gb girl. Feels so good. I e mailed you back so check yo e mail chile'. You angel You.

IO- Hey sista! What's shakin' in yo corner of the world?

Diane- So sorry I did not get that what was promised to you, as you have read above I have been kinda fighting a nasty bug this week. When it decided to take up residence in my ear canal and bring pain with I had to just lie down and ride it out. I have also not gotten my car back ALL week. That sure changes things a bit. I do not live within walking distance of the post office. I am hoping I get the darn thing back today. You are first on my list of JUJU surplus items to hopefully improve your situation.

For the record, I am happy to prepare any JUJU novelties for any fellow GBers gratis. I'm like dat! I hope I answered everyone who has been so sweet to me with posts and e mails this week. I shall try to make it to the chat area Sun night. Until then, I truly have missed you all. I also would like to thank Blaise I think it was (can't remember) who referred to my late night postings as "lively" I'll take that as a compliment to the fullest.

So peace and blessings. I shall give a full discourse on the Santana show for any out there who may be interested in catching his show in the coming months to YOUR town. I have to confess though, that my Dan show report will probably be much more colourful. Wer'e talking Steely Dan!

My instant Karmas just GOT you all. Have a wonderful day! dat JUJU chile' chere

So, it will take a while for me to figure out how this really works. Some of you are regular, some aren't. The wife and me just got back from visiting our neighbours. They went bananas when I told them I was going to let out on the backyard little something. I never paid that much attention to the item, really. The wife says I should hold back longer.
I don't know.
The dog. Got to walk him now.
O'Keefe

Anyone hear the opening strains of Cousin Dupree on Rush Limbaugh last Tuesday? I fell out of my easy-rider chair and suffered an immense abrasion to my football helmet. Luckily my smashing good looks are still intact and I look forward to dropping some "A" with Peter in the Woodlands next Friday night. Hopefully it won't be a conservative show.

Back Like Me,

SEMB

Tina--What?? SPEAK UP! I can't hear you! And sit the fuck down.

Not My--hey, gramps! You're dating me here; sure I remember that josie, and the Kinkster--sigh, I miss the rascal.

Stranger--she is ubiquitous, that girl. Would have loved to have seen Randy Newman as well.

Aussie--Welcome to the Neverdoanything Halfway House.

tom--Hmmm.... Hefty bags and name tags. I think we can have some fun with that. I'm heading up to Manassas, so let's talk logistics.

fezo--oh, you mean having to be propped up to breathe? I remember that, sort of.

Roy--Nor have I mortgaged my soul quite yet from that little adventure. Doesn't take many people to get into a lot of trouble, though I'd get into trouble with you again anytime. [cue intro to "Josie"....]

Ducklet--I think actually it was that Aura of Danitude you have.

well, I thought I had read the most worthless thing yet on this GB. But nup! It was topped in a matter of hours!

Hi,
My name is TheStranger and I'm addicted to running over 21-year-old dumb fucks who behave like Tina. I wasn't strung out at first. I just tried to scatter them like chickens. But they were so stupid they became frozen by the headlights and I would just keep going anyway and instead of scattering them like chickens I ran over them like dogs. It was a cruel sport, I know, but it gets into your blood. Now that I've kicked, well, almost kicked it, I'm leading a much fuller life even though I have to spend an hour or so every night at our meetings.

Tina,
After reading your heartfelt message about old people ruining your good time at the concert because they actually wanted to see the show that they fucking paid to see, well, I felt really guilty about all those Generation XYZs I've been running down like dogs whenever I get a chance. Now, thanks to you, I am going to start life fresh as a sweeter person. Have a nice day.

While I was riding my bike home from work today, I saw a man waiting on a street corner for the light to change who bore a startling resemblance to Donald - I tried not to stare, but it was hard to not look at him! Well, Walter has that German dentist for his doppelganger, maybe I've just seen Donald's!

Roy Scam - Good to see you here! I always enjoy your sharp wit. Regarding Procol Harum, we were discussing them a while back on a British church-related listserv I subscribe to - I guess they are a perpetual source of conversation in certain circles.

Aja: It could be worse ;). The weather report for San Diego, Texas: High = 99¡; Low = 76¡; Dewpoint = 73¡
Hey, my boss is quitting. Cool.

when I was Indianapolis a few weeks back, scouting the Nike All American camp, a cab driver noticed my Jack of Speed jersey and kept talking on about Steely Dan and some other name that I forgot an hour later. Maybe we talked to the same guy. He went on and on about Steely Dan featuring or with a cat I'd never heard of, "who played with them in the seventies."

I got a real laugh today, thought I would share this:
I was listening to 2VN today at work, and a co-worker asked who I was listening to. I explained it was Steely Dan. He asked
" Is that Steely Dan and John Ford Coley"? I cracked up!!!!
He was serious!!!!!!!
Then I tried to give him examples of their songs. I mentioned
"Do It Again", "Peg", "Josie", and other top 40 stuff.
He thought he had heard some of those, but he wasn't sure.
You should have been there!

Hi everyone! Just got back from the Eastern Sierras and am trying to settle back into "real life" again, after the fantasy one I've lived this past week. I have to sit at a desk tomorrow? Yikes! Maybe "Black Friday" (even though it's Thursday :) would be the perfect thing to slip into the computer to start the day. A week without the Boys-funny how they go so well with the disillusioning return to the hamster wheel of work. On that note, "Babylon Sisters" may be a good for the second song of the day. Plus, though there are no Santa Anas now, it's still damn hot down here.

Or maybe I'll plot to kill my boss(es) with some Deludin and head back up to the mountains (evil lol!)

Aja

fezo: Be there for the pre VaBeach party; four days from today. I promise that we will comport ourselves with the same dignity and sobriety with which we approached the Williamsburg and Richmond Danfests and the Richmond Ben-Folds-Guster-fest. (I still get an occasional sermonette about Williamsburg II).

When they say "70's geeks and hipsters" are they referring to my apparent decade or my apparent age?

Mr. LaPage: Did we mention "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down" among the na-na songs? -- My vote for most artful multiple repitition of a phrase in a pop song goes to Bill Withers (I know I know I know ... .... .... 20 times?)

First rap song: "Pink Shoe Laces" by Dody Stevens.

Best scream: Rascals, "Good Lovin'".

Pop song most similar to "Only a Fool Would Say That": The Youngbloods' "Sunlight" [Check it out on Napster].

Steely Pete: Love the Procol Harum conversational strain. We discussed them here several months ago and decided that Reid says "Sock it to me" in the the song Wish Me Well. --- There may be some parallels to Steely Dan, but they more closely parallel The Band. In fact the liner notes for Shine On Brightly brag about " ... how much the first Procol album influenced 'Music From Big Pink'". A lofty boast indeed. Anyway, if you can apply any Oleander-like analysis of Harum's lyrics (or even their name), I'd love to hear it.

Important safety tip: Yes, kids, the last lick in the fade-out of King of the World is a beauty, but as Dave says, be advised that severe ear and speaker damage may result if you forget to resume normal volume.

RS

P.S. I agree with Mitch about "Don't Take Me Alive" what a groove! On my wish list would have been "Gaslighting", but ...oh well. Fantastic.

Fezo

Yeah, a pre-Dan fest is planned for the Beach show but highly secretive, try Jazz52nd@aol.com, he's the local ringmaster for this gig. Starts around 5pm on the 23rd, local bar, open only for Danners. Understand there are a very few good seats left, but they are available in the conventional way (6th row center here, yikes). Come with your fez on baby.

I saw the show last Saturday in Boston, and had seen the Mountain View show last month as well. Differences: more partying in the parking lot in Boston: grillin' burgers, tunes, etc. Also, in Boston, Glamour Profession and Hey 19 added. What a treat (GP is one of my top 5!) Huge audience reaction to "..sweet things from Boston.." Audience seemed altogether more enthusiastic in Boston.

Re: "wiggling at shows in a worm fashion"

Rayleigh..... hmm, is that anywhere near Raleigh?

Unbelievable show last night here in Hotlanta. Did anyone notice Tom Barney walking around in the audience before the show? He was just chillin' talking on his cell phone. Kinda cool. Anyhoo, does anyone have the set list for this wonderful show?

Thanks in advance!

Hey Tina, when you stop slinging the word "old" around as some sort of insult, maybe you'll get treated like an adult.

DJ Mitch: Was "backround" a Freudian slip? Just curious...

Aus

DJ Mitch: Was "backround" a Freudian slip? Just curious...

Aus

This is definitely the Steely Dan Tour of Tours. The fans who were into the early stuff dominated by guitars,has to dig Herrington and Becker.....The Horn Section with a trombone is tight ......The backround singers are shining and very personable. The playlist has surprised everyone with Boston Rag, Night By Night, Royal Scam and in my opinion the kick ass song of the tour Don`t Take Me Alive. This is without a doubt the cool part of the summer.............................

hey Tina - good ribbing

I'm afraid most people who pay that kind of money want a civil audience where everyone sits down and behaves

I personally will dance my but off all I want assuming my neighbors are friendly as well (and I'm in my late 30's decrepid state)

I live in New Orleans and have only experienced one club show there that the place was dead quiet and my date and I were the only people dancing. needless to say, I gave up my primo spot to stand at the back bar and dance away

Gina - soul sister thanksz for the linguinius wormius name
I admire your letting go and soul searching into your future

hey 1973 - welcome aboard ! glad to have you
you can luck into tickets the day of a show,
I have 12th row seats for Rayleigh when I jumped on the Dan page note that extra seats were released and don't count scalpers out right before start time they are always trying to get some money for their efforts - I've seen many a sold out show using this method! good luck

Manassas still up in the air

and glad to see Fezo will be at Rayleigh - lets celebrate

Wormbrain tom

Thank you Steely Dan for the wonderful music! I would just like everyone to know that I am 21 yrs. old and very entergetic at concerts, but I experienced a problem at the Merriwether Post Pavillion 7/14/00. My boyfriend and I had lawn seats and as late as we were we found great seats near the front. When Becker and band came out we stood up. I had already noticed that the younger folks were definitly the minority, but didn't seem like a problem. During the first 15 minutes of the show I had 4 people come down and tell me to sit down. (and not in that nice of language) Sorry, I like to dance and get funky at shows so I was not about to sit down. After it seemed like the whole lawn behind us was pissed off, we moved down to the bottom, front. What is it? Can all you OLD people not have fun anymore, or at least remember what it's like to be young? Thankfuly I still had a wonderful show, but this is just a reminder to all the oldies out there. Before you bitch the next time, stop and think of why you are here and remember how it was when you were younger!
Peace and Love Always!

Very excited for Saturday's show in Manassas, but two neurotic concerns: (1) Rain forecast; (2) "Royal Scam"'s absence from Monday night's show. Was this missing from Tuesday night's show as well? Does anyone have a setlist?

Hi..stepping out of the Banyan shade, there aren't any I can share my pre Steely Ahoy Concert joyish jitters with ..hm..well, there might be one, perhaps. If the wind blows in the right direction. And I heard some DJ's on the radio blab about the concert..free at last..double fun for me in September. Counting down.

A new sense of living, I just wrote that at the end of a short trip down memory GB lane. It's true, though. A lot has changed since I came aboard. A 6 year relationship ended, I will quit my job and I feel like Horatio Hornblower, at open sea, adventure as my sole companion, an old one I was so lucky to find again.

And I love it.

So, being my sentimental me, thanks to what you, fellow Strangers have contributed, not knowing you did, but nevertheless ...
Chere, Hutch, Steviedan, (Breuker CD will come) Worm (you're a linguinius), Robin, Clas, Dr Mu, KD, Innocent One, Miz Ducky, St. Al, Cara Mia, Mr LaPage, MidnightCruiser, sure I forgot some of you.
Et toi, Blaise. Merci, vraiment.

It's a quiet evening at home. The world seems at peace, but maybe I just am. I know the goose-bums I felt all over when I read the earliest postings and the words Home at Last so frequently put. I know the sun shining on a gloomy day when I listened to some Steely Dan records and I recall the magic that moment carried for me.

And it goes on.
Now, from this blissful moment back to everyday reality:
A stack of clothes to shape and iron, but with some finer thoughts in mind. Thank y'all!

A Banyan Tree Bow,
Gina

blbdave - liked your story of your daughter and the gas in the car response

I had been watch the plush about a week ago and my son was playing next to me, well yesterday I am in a Sam's Club and Jack of Speed starts coming on. My 6 year old son Mini Me hears the first 4 notes, grabs my arm and says "dad that's Steely Dan"

needless to say I was touched and gave him a well earned affectionate pat on the head

so Dave - are the polo shirts nice? expensive? run small?

thanks

Tom

he's gone, in a thousand million ways

Took the Mrs. and the two adult kids (18, & 21) to Chastain Park Monday night and what a thrill it was to turn and say to my daughter at exactly the right moment "Is there gas in the car?" and have my offspring reply correctly, "Yes! There's gas in the car."

The place was packed. It's by nature a venue that's a little taken with itself, but by the time the sun went down, everything was great.

Really enjoyed WOH, Boston Rag, and Kid Charlemagne sounded especially strong.

Wore the Tour 2k Polo shirt to work today, just in case anyone didn't already know where I'd been.

have fun in Raleigh.

db

Well I contemplate spending Saturday driving to Manassas for the show then having a 16 drive back to New Orleans with little time to escape to the mountains or to spend saturday working my way westward along the blueridge and only having an 8 hour drive on Sunday Anybody have great seats up for sale for saturday night, the gal that had one via e-mail hasn't contacted me yet

Would really like to meat Hutch and Altimira but it just may be too much driving to cram into a long weekend and have to be back before monday

what things to contemplate 2 Dan shows or one and the Smokies
Maybe Vicki can make my mind up for me ;-)

Aussie - life's grand as you know up there in NYC
hope your withdrawal blues are not too strong

Blaise is at it again, you made me laugh

Can't wait to meet the gang in Rayleigh

travel tape - take the setlist and record the songs from the discs or the Plush DVD in that running order and Cara Mia - I must have my best traveling tape Joni's Heijira

toodles from the topsoil

Tom

I'm gonna let the world pass by me

Hey 1973: 1. Utilize the internet: Yahoo auctions, Ebay auctions, Ticket Bastard dot com, Dan Fan sponsored web site forums, other search engines, etc.

2. Call local ticket brokers= pay through the proboscis but guaranteed the best seats.

3. Where Jones Beach Ampitheatre is concerned specifically: Due to a crack down sponsored by the New York State Attorney General's Office a generous block of seats are ALWAYS held back by the theatre on or very near the date of the event so as to give those less fortunate souls a chanse to obtain decent seats. (I was, coincidentally, working at the New York State Law Department while a second year at Syracse Law School when the then Attorney General started his ticket scalping/hoarding campaign in NYC)

4. Contact all well connected friends and family who have access to getting good tickets for whatever event.

Better luck next time bud.

Aus

a glow-worm's prayer
miss vicky come to me
my mother's gone to bed
all my skeevy sounds of love
cannot disturb on concert night
or turn your pretty head
all i ask of you
is make my wettest dreams come true
no one sees and no one knows
miss vicky come to me
with your red pj's on
almost caught you in detroit
but had no money in the bank
could there be something wrong?
you must feel my plight
i stalked the bus the other night
you won't feel it till it glows

Hey 1973 - Simple, everyone here has to type with their toes.

The Crew Against Nature

bad news breaking on danfest day
worm-man tommy turn upside-down they say
spider king beemer, that guestbook crew
cross the country those raleigh danfans flew
all the nice music, those hell-bent souls
dancing in their protective dr. scholl's

Hi folks!!

A quick FYI to let you know that after 12 days of being down and losing all incoming E's, Cynthia Calhoun's site is now back up.

I'm Cynthia's webdude but if it wasn't for Pat Beemer [AKA St. Alfonzo]we would still be down and clueless.

Thanks for all your help Pat--I could not have done it without you. I'm the webdude but you're the master.

Hey guys-

Looking over all of these posts, I keep noticing everyone seems to have great seats. I saw them at Jones Beach, NY and while the music and atmosphere was wonderful, I might have given up a couple of fingers to have had better seats. What's everyones secret?

reservation is made; i'm Raleigh bound. can't wait to see both familiar and new faces. my goal is to maintain the same level of sobriety i maintained at the 2nd Williamsburg Danfest

then i'm journeying back up to Nissan, after stopping to host what by the response so far looks like will be a rather sparsely attended Orangerie on Saturday, then perhaps down to Va Beach on Sunday. if anyone wants to join the caravan, they can pile into the back of my Contour.

what's the scoop on Va Beach? any pre-show fetes planned?

Worm - Hutch going to the concert at Manassas; I think Fezo is going; and so am I. It's in northern Virginia, though; the opposite end of the state from North Carolina. I hope you can make it, though; it would be great fun to have you there.

Atlanta: You guys got WOH? I went THREE TIMES and got no WOH. Sigh.

Aussie.Torres@ubs.com: Congratulations. The first step is admitting you have a problem.

I'm not here all the time, but dammit, I've been alternately posting and lurking since '96. I am just about everyone's grand-Nancy around here. Whatever happened to Kinky? And remember that sleazy Yalie Josie?

*** Ticket available for Steely Dan UK gig ***

I have one good ticket for the Steely gig at Birmingham NEC on Sept 8th.

About 20 rows back from the stage (Block A, row V, seat 18)

Price: £30.25 (what was paid for it).

Interested? Phone Gordon on 01274 549743

Howard

bare midriff in fat you aye shun
hefty bags and worm tom name tags
Walt said some crowds are scary but
he hasn't seen Raleigh yet.

Top songs for a travel tape? hm...

Babes confronts me at the workstation at home. Then I realised...and then capitulated. I'm addicted to the GB. Question becomes how long before I foray into the chatroom forum...

Wormster: Green with envy. YOU ARE GOING TO HAVE THE TIME OF YOUR LIFE. Please send warmest regards to the babe choir for me will ya?

Aus

sounds like Ole and Cara Mia and Q had a great time in Atlanta

Stranger - thank your wife properly for dragging you to the Randy Newman show - I'm envious

Ole - look out and when you say you hope the Rayleigh crowd is "hefty" I hope you are refering to shear numbers
(are we going with name tags)

So Carolyn is wearing dresses open down to her navel,
great, this fits in perfectly with my die a ball ick all plans
all the more distraction for my in fat you aye shun dance with Vicky C

2 daze and counting - and I may make the saturday show
how close are the two cities? anyone else going saturday?

just picked up the new Tom Robbins novel - ah another light jaunt in mind travel. He writes like the Alladin genie (Robin Williams) speaks

what's the latest setlist? I want to make an ear candy tape tonight for my road trip

thanks

worm tom

Hiya, Oleander--

Lovely to run into you at the Mansfield gig! I was so tickled that you recognized me from Net-photos. Wish I was going to another show this very next weekend too. But at least a consolation prize was awaiting me when I arrived back home in Seattle: my very own copy of the "Making of Aja" video, finally risen from the back-order dead. Huzzah! More Dan-porn over which to drool!

Clas,
The trumpet player is Roy Hargrove. Berklee's in the East, Berkley's in the West.

My wife dragged me to see Randy Newman. $50 a ticket. Life's so expensive. But you know? It was worth it. Clever, talented guy.

Oleander,
You met Cara Mia? Damn, it seems like she was just here in California shooting pictures in the parking lot.

My host duties out of the way there, hello all--Went to the Mansfield show and was treated to MAD chops and audience adoration for my first Steely gig. Just got back from Atlanta, where I sat much closer, and boy did that make the difference. I'm with Diane on the dancing issue, but I think I now have perfected dancing my ass off in my seat. The Atlanta crowd was asleep the first half, except for the five hundred or so shmucks who were talking all the way through Mr. Baker's lovely solo. We tried to shush them, but found ourselves on the horns of an ethical dilemma--whether we were making MORE noise shutting people up than they were making. Ended up giving in and just listening harder. At any rate, everybody seemed to take some NoDoz during intermission and did the right thing during the second half. WOH--wow! Mr. Sheppard puts his own angular spin on the solo--it could have been a lot longer. Did anyone else feel that Mr. Becker was really ON?

Got to hang with some bodacious Danfans before the gig--Chutzpah award goes to the LA man, who flew all the way without ticket in hand. (He received an incredible seat from another member of our little band and grinned the whole way through.) cara mia, you bodacious grrrl! We must get together again & dish. Thanx again for the Deludin. Q & I were both emphatic that "Two Against Nature" would be the perfect rockin' addition to the set. Ah, we can wish. Great to put faces & voices to GB wildness. And to meet some great fans at the gig. (Pete looks just the same as on TV!) Was lucky enough to snag a couple of band members to thank--Ms. Calhoun has a smile to light up the night.

Do I really have to go back to work tomorrow? Can't it be Friday already?

Looking forward to a hefty and enthusiastic bunch in Raleigh!

RALEIGH DANFEST
THIS FRIDAY, JULY 21, 2K

Meet the scurvy lot of us at Humble Pie in Raleigh for happy hour & supper starting ay 5 pm. See the listbot (www.dandom.com/danfests/raleigh for directions to this and other germane venues.

Come to supper in a Dan-themed costume; subtle is good. Prizes for the best costume and best guesser. Other activities as well, and party favors to die for.

Aftergig is at the Embassy Bar--details forthcoming on the 'bot.

Oh man, just 3 more days!

Wonderwaif: I think that it was obvious that Gilbert knew not a great deal about the culture or appreciated the culture initially. He did do some research and made an effort to understand Japanese hierarchy. But I don't think we can entirely blame him. It's easy to look from today's PC rose glasses and find fault. People, even the most well-educated and thoughtful, simply saw the world much differently then. In the 19th Century news traveled slow and was second or third hand arriving days, months, or years (depending on the military significance) and was derived from aural storytelling, journals, articles in lay periodicals (magazines)... Acutally, the English did have *some* basic if incomplete understanding of complex Oriental culture(s) programmed into their view, as imperialistic as it was, because of ironically their vast empire.

But Japan was still a nation more closed and strange to the West at that time than say China (i.e., Hong Kong) or Singapore. It was still a very patriarchal and warrior-like society. Acutally, the opera was kind to the Japanese, in today PC sense, in that we did not see the particularly harsh and mysogynistic treatment bestowed on the adult women at that time (you may not want to know the truth). The people in power in the G&S opera were harsh to everyone! Besides it was a light-hearted opera...I mean can you picture that guy as a real Lord High Executioner?! - he's the comic lynchpin that makes the story work. This is one of the characteristics of G&S which separates them in general from the melodramatic operas written by Classical composers.

I was amused that he used the female Japanese tailor (or was it merchant? - I think tailor - damn, brain fart) who could not speak a word of English as his inspiration for the story. In truth it was an excuse to bring some human element and drama which Sullivan pleaded for as inspiration for and worthy of (according to Sullivan) his compositions. A particular tickler is the scene where Gilbert asks his new Japanese "friend" (Gilbert didn't have any real friends) to demonstrate the correct way for Japanese women to walk in Japan, following the faulty attempt by the English actors. One could argue that Gilbert's lack of interest as to the nuances and history behind a Japanese custom as simple as walking as reflective of prejudice...but the movie is a real character analysis vehicle. It's worth watching twice, truly. The thing is that Gilbert treated EVERYONE with the same disdain and disregard!! Only, a hint of the British etiquette. his quirky nature, obvious nervousness, sardonic amd dark wit, wordplay genius, and a touch of buffoonery avoided Gilbert from becoming an unsympathetic character.

In a sense Western society is a function of action, observations, analysis, and judgements. Eastern thought has, to overgeneralize, been more inward. Simply, time and place and people make differences in view and thought and behavior. Where I live we love dogs and eat cows, in Bodhisattvaland...you guessed it! ;¥)

Back home after Hotlanta...couldn't take another night of restless audiences yammering throughout the show, plus I think I have overdosed on the Dan this tour (so shoot me). Did very much enjoy "Hey 19" as my change-up for this one. The only other thing to report of note here is that Ted Baker is looking trimmer and has a nice new haircut. The choir must have been shopping at Phipps Plaza, as they were donned in pretty, skin tight dresses. Miss Leonhart's was cut down to her navel and backless. How did it stay on?

Thanks to Oleander and her great mate for meeting us pre-show. It was an honor. You all have "a wonderful thing" in Raleigh.
Sorry we pooped out for the after-show but new romance beckoned.

Well, Mr. Q, we are most envious of your luck. Thanks for the mention ;-), and it was nice to meet you too...

cara mia

A little late to muse about Merriweather? NOT!

Altamira --- My girlfriend and I were only four rows behind you at Right Center, namely Row N. It was a beautiful view of the whole stage and our great band. On Walter's singing I agree with you absolutely that he CAN sing. However, I did pick up a certain hesitation on his part --- which if I was right it's totally unnecessary because I think he is a good singer, albeit with a lower range than Donald. Disappointment big time --- WOH wasn't sung. My possible redemption is that they will put out a CD (or better still a DVD) which contains WOH. I loved Glamour Profession, especially the background singers adding new stuff after "illegal fun" sung by Donald: "illegal fun..." You were dry that night leaving the Pavillion, ha!

F# --- WOW! Awesome! So your bandmates didn't know those guys, the procol guys? Homburg is my all time fav. I don't know what it is. It brings up memories of childhood...

sooutrageous --- if you are still reading this, I'm sorry I didn't make the Merriweather party.

Peace out,

Peter

Kids, if you want some fun...

I've created a webring titled "Travels with Steely Dan" where anyone who has a webpage devoted to the live performances of Steely Dan can join up and be linked to the rest of us.

It doesn't matter if your site represents your ne'er-do-well behavior from the current tour or if you have war stories from previous tours... all Danheads and Danfanatics who have undergone the rigors of concert-attending are free to join.

The form is easy to fill out and can be found here:

http://hometown.aol.com/jackofdays/steelytours.htm

So go forth and join my ring!

love and kisses
diane

DR MU - we watched Topsy Turvy last weekend and liked it also. I've never been a big musical fan, but as you so aptly describe, the story is not about musicals at all. My read was a bit more skewed towards the utter lack of appreciation on the part of G & Sullivan for Japanese culture. sure maybe the costumes were authentic, but what a low culture interpretation they offered. had it been written by an asian i suspect the lyrics to the songs in the japanese production would have reflected their chronically interdependent values as opposed to the independent values embedded in gilbert's compositions.
nonetheless i enjoyed the costumes a great deal and the characters were interesting mortals indeed.
IO - do you really think everyone is racist deep down? I'd instead guess that we all favor ingroups over outgroups to some extent, and will seek out similar others such as those of us who sought out each other on st. al's web page (social identity theory provides convincing evidence support of this)but I don't believe that we all need to derogate outgroups to feel good about ourselves. some people do no doubt, and sadly my prediction is that in your lifetime and I hope not mine but i'm not holding my breath...(IO, you'll be outliving a lot of us in this chat room...) there will be great civil unrest in our country and that this will be the biggest challenge faced by our country's leadership - greater than any other social problem i can dream up. indeed multiculturalism can be construed as a major threat to peace in our world (eg my late grandfather would say so).
anyway...sorry to vent, I for one am impressed with the diversity in steely dan's band and say that they should be praised for setting such a fine example for all of us.
Quote of the week,
oh, but... "Hillary is not racist and has never told a racial joke in her life, she doesn't know how." Bill Clinton on his wife.

Please scratch and insert into my previous post as necessary.

insert: ,getting to

Scratch: every insert:everyone

scratch: the other insert: another

Razor (at least I got that right)

Greetings all. It seems like years since I've posted and only a week or so has gone by. I am so envious of those of you who got to hear Home at Last and Glamour Profession. However hear WOH live, 3 times somewhat makes up for it. That is THE perfect live
song for this bunch, every gets to show off at one point or the other. Just another little item, after stating how old Bodisatva was getting, it is now in heavy rotation. Jon and Walter really shredd that one!

Wish I was out on the coast.

JMoney, awesome post. Although you were destined to get sucked in from the very beginning. (funny how that works folks, isn't it?)

Peace Love and DAN

Razor

ps Hi to all the Trifecta graduates. What a diploma we got!

Hey 1973 - Come on in!

Hey Fellow SD fans:

I just stumbled upon this site and love it! You guys seem to be quite the tight-knit group, any room for another passionate SD fan?

Look forward to chatting in the future!

sure signs the worm is in the house

10) all spellcheckers bomb instantly
9) red blazers are immediately behind you
8) Vicky Cave is nervous and refuses to go onstage
7) the floor under your seat is two inches deep in topsoil
6) there is a gyrating backboneless wonder wiggling down the aisles
5) what a shame about me and dr wu are inserted in the set, twice
4) the t shirt vendor stands puzzled when a customer asks - can you sew up the arm holes
3) you swear you hear sleighbells on every tune and it's coming from the audience
2) when the houselights go down, an odd luma ness cents fills the hall
1) when it rains the sidewalks are full of the damn things

Attention - GB program note
JMoney - has come around on the chops of Walt

"I took it upon myself to either verify my initial impression about his musical talents(guitar-wise)or wipe the egg from my face as I apologize for my ibecilic chicanery. I can honestly say that I am embarrassed by my hasty comments about Becker's guitar chops. I am now of the opinion that he is indeed a competent and accomplished jazz/rock guitarist...."

ah, we see eye to eye
he may not be Carlton or Herrington but Walter is tasty in a refined way

glad you were able to see this first hand and no need to wipe any egg off, your points were taken and a nice dialogue came out of it. Thanks for your sincerity and insight

blaise - I laughed at your Rayleigh worm jokes,
my my - we both need more fullfilling day jobs

topsoilant tom

Lots of nice mails to read about the SD concerts...very updated, even some of July 17th...so...

Now I'm really gonna call it a night.
Ciao, Gina

Top Ten Glowing Worm Signs in Raleigh:

10) Vicky, Vicki, huh, Vickie?!!!
9) I only glow for "Wormbait" Cave
8) ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
7) Where's Soout?
6) Worm with a wonderwaif shirt
5) This is not a sign, it's a lightning rod
4) Dr. Wu, Dr.Wu, Dr.Wu will do
3) John 3:16
2) See you next year? Yeah right!
1) In Ray Leigh on vay kay shun 4 topsoilantries hence hutch

Thanks to my guide- from-GBday- numero- uno, I now know, Clas, what you look like and I must say, your paintings surprise me. Got to have another glance at them ofcourse.

Miz Ducky, I've also been introduced to you, had to look for the Fezzes and there you were, enjoying the sun and company and that's what I like about this GB, not all stay Strangers ..

Maybe I'll get to meet some of you for real to.
Hutch ..are we still on for London?

Gonna turn in early. Work's tough. 21.37 P.M.
Goodnight and a Banyan Tree Hum,
Gina

It's been a pleasure Mr. Zingg.

didn't haul me out of the show. And, hey, it's been great having an intelligent discussion with you. Let's be sure and do it again real soon.

Forcast for Friday in Raleigh, NC....high in the upper 80's to around 90 with a chance of scattered thunderstorms.

stay cool kiddies

So you had front row seats and you bootlegged the show too?? How nice for you. Too bad security didn't haul you out of there.
I was in the 14th row and Becker sounded great. I'm not saying he's Clapton. But you certainly can't say "he didn't do much".

After my tirade concerning Walter a few weeks ago, I took it upon myself to either verify my initial impression about his musical talents(guitar-wise) or wipe the egg from my face as I apologize for my ibecilic chicanery. I can honestly say that I am embarrassed by my hasty comments about Becker's guitar chops. I am now of the opinion that he is indeed a competent and accomplished jazz/rock guitarist.
I sat near the stage at Holmdel and Camden and watched Walter throughout the night and concentrated on his craft.
His fills were excellent, airy, his solos melodic, tasteful, nifty. His fingering precise. He has an air of confidence about his playing. His face is totally relaxed when he solos. He's completely at ease with the Steely Dan sound.
My impression is that Becker never aspired to guitar virtuosity.(though he shows signs of virtuosity on West of Hollywood, Black Friday and others.)
He's an excellent bassist and that's plainly evident throughout Steely Dan's recorded work. He plays a vital part in the 'whole' and plays the part well.
Anyone that feels that he has not provided meaningful creative imput into Steely Dan's writing, composing and arranging process need only listen to this guy talk. He's fucking brilliant. Well read, a firm grasp on the Zeitgeist, impeccable musical taste, a decadent sense of humor and a nasty command of the english language.
I am now a true Walter Becker fan and I challenge anyone to disagree!

J.
Schizo and lovin' every minute of it!

at Mansfield show Walter's soloing efforts completely paled in comparison to Herrington's, and he had very little of interest to say all night, solo-wise, on his instrument. The only things even approaching complete thoughts were his turns on Jack of Speed and Cousin Dupree. I was practically sitting in Fagen's lap so my seat afforded me ample opportunity to see who was playing what. I've also listened to the audience dub several times.

Don't get me wrong--I was pulling for him all night to play something that surpassed the usual barely listenable noodling, but no such luck.

12 pm cruiser - was looking forward to meeting you before the show, this worm will be about 15 rows back with a bright neon yellow rollout sign that says "I've fallen for Vicki Cave and I can't get up"
come up and chat
So Royal Scam is out but Janie, West of Hollywood and Jack of Speed are in. With 3 days off till Rayleigh maybe the band will work up something ( Dr Wu, DR Wu, Dr Wu will do!)
back to stacking cutouts at the strand
Tom
well the danger on the rocks is surely past

Jay & the Americans had a song called "Cara Mia" and now Two Against Nature brings back Cara Mia on "Gaslighting Abbie"....Walter & Donald used to write for JATA....hmmmmm....?

Ole & Raleigh Dan Festers....my wife and I are going to miss the pre-show buzz and limo ride to the show because we need to arrive early to pick up our comp tickets for the "Buy & Boogie" contest. We don't even know where we're sitting yet but we want to get there early to pick up the tix and hopefully be asked to have our picture taken for the "digital darkroom" page on the official site. I see they've posted pix of a couple of the winners (looks like they may have arrived early too). Hopefully we'll be able to catch up with some of you at the show or maybe after. I think we're driving back home that night so we'll be limited to what we'll be up for. Time for some Mid-Atlantic Steely Dan Boogie!!!

Walter + Donald....we'll be there early....hope to see you!

hey, it never hurts to ask....you just never know what might happen.

Hey, one our great friends on the GB got to meet the boys last night in HOTlanta unexpectedly and a good time was had by all.

The Atlanta crowd is too much into that Southern grace thang - they were diggin it.

Hey, "No Mention" - go to the Guns & Roses GB - there's lots of "worthy" guitar there.

Let's do it again tonight - looks like possible rain though.....

No "Royal Scam" last night, ahhhhhhhhh ! Hopefully tonight- Jack,WOH, and Janie were present, w/ a great Hey 19(yes I said that),no Sneakers

Q

Guys, can't shake the bonsai out of my own tree. The wife says hi as well, somehow she's not jealous I'm posting here, I felt her breath way too many times when surfing.
Let's not get into that old dirt. Spoken of it, I know a guy who has a stuffed crayfish in his den. A honey-comb right next to it. Somehow the look of it strikes me as apalling.
O'Keefe

If you thought all those great sounds were coming from Jon Herington, maybe you should watch who was playing what. Alright granted JH played all the SD signature solos, that's what he's paid to do. However, Becker added his own solos to Boston Rag
and Bodhisattva (JH playing the Skunk parts and WB playing the Denny Dias parts). Walter's great playing was featured on Josie, Jack of Speed, Hey 19, Cousin Dupree and FM. Or maybe you think they do a Linda McCartney and don't even plug in his instrument???

'cause Walt played little worth mentioning.

"...ripping out these fantastic fills..."? What show was YOU at, dude?

bummed that saturday Patti SMith will be doing a show here in New Orleans at the House of Blues and I must miss it

but hey, the consolation prize of being up on the Blueridge hanging out on some granitic rock listening to a wonderful rushing mountain stream is a nice second, especially with the Dan still ringing in one's wormy ears from the night before in Rayleigh

Zeke - we will finally meet and 4 states away from our shared home base

StevieD, Ole and company - can't wait for Friday

Blaize - no basking in toptensoil,merely waiting for your next gem, Letterman sign this guy up

Plush DVD has it spelled "Victoria Cave", I just say "Ouch" from Aunt Faye's couch

Walt's backyard - a bonsai tree meticulously trimmed in the shape of a mid seventies exploding elvis

tom

local boys will spend a quarter

Crowd slow to respond at Atlanta last night:
http://www.accessatlanta.com/partners/ajc/epaper/editions/tuesday/features_9337ae34306201f900ed.html

Students get invited to meet D & W at Atlanta - Q was that you possing as one of them I saw in the picture?
http://www.billboard.com:80/daily/2000/0717_07.asp

Raleigh is oh so close.
Could someone give me an idea of the guitar riff played on this tour's version of Boston Rag? I can't stand it. That is one of my fav's.

Hope to see everyone there.

KD - Dinky Dawson played some tracks from the CD article you posted, at the Mansfield Danfest. He also played a couple of Denny Dias tracks he has been mixing. Tasty stuff. Ya shoulda been there.....

O'Keefe - Something that would have an impact on Dan history... hum... how about a kit of fake Fu Manchu facial hair?
An old dismissed scribbling of a Ballah post?
What?

I detect a wiggly wonder basking in the glory of its Toptensoil. Lots of creative people here.

steviedan: thats the thing, man. I don't think Ben Folds was synching over with that bell of cow, nor does it look like the rest of the riddum section is vamping along. I just think they got the live performance on tape, Shatner included, and they punched in some funkier guitar in post-production, to give the ad a little extra oomph (tho not enough to pull me away from Travelocity)

A look at what one of my favorite people is doing these days:

http://www.capecodchronicle.com/back/chat070199.htm#lisa

fuck, I love Denny. I wish he played on the new album (imagine him on "Negative Girl," mmm, lovely...), and I wished he had a record deal to produce semi regular output. The man is amazing.

NMN: Winner of Today's Significant Statement Award. That's always a most fulfilling spectator experience, when a large audience recognizes and responds to brilliance. It does seem miraculous sometimes, especially here in the big ol' USA, home of short attention spans, awarders of mediocrity, and the Whopper (well a Whopper once in a while... ). Back in my university symphony days as a cellist on the front line of the stage, feeling a captive or initially disinterested college audience being drawn in by timeless works was infinitely wonderful. Fortunately, we have not been able to totally squelch the innate aural abilities of large numbers of the populace. Our society is working on that, though. Good thing alot of it is nature, not nurture.

KD: Very astute there K. It is a cool little ad, but I think most of the "superstars" are props, totally uninvolved with the actual audio tracks. The sound of the production could indicate involvement by Fishbone and Ben Folds is doing some mad cowbell-syncing there. Just uncanny. He's got those quarters DOWN, man. He's living those quarters.

oh segmented one: you KNOW that you must be hanging for pre-dinner and post-show. Talkin' tunes. Luck Ink Four Word.

If you ever listen to Christmas music in July, Cyrus Chestnut's Blessed Quietness: A Collection of Hymns, Spirituals, & Carols would be an awesome selection. If you don't, you should 'cause Jesus Loves Me never sounded this good before. I'm saved tonight.

O'Keefe: Brother tell your tales. We're not the greatest at suspense here. That's not fierce at all. That was polite satire lobbed at you today. For a real guestbook (that's GB) carnivorafest, you must wait for Ballah. Now that's B-A-L-L-A-H, as in Shot-Callah'. Now hurry up and tell us how you kept a pot plant alive for thirty years (bonsai ?) before he gets back.

Donald does play his portable, I've seen him pop a fill many times. He just does so SUPER tastefully. Plus he's paying those other cats a load of cash to do the fancy noodling. But when he stabs at that rascal, you oughta' be listening cause that shit is gonna' count. Hutch's angle is on, as well. Little Freudian shield there to protect Steely Don.

steviedan loves you all

Hey, Strangers ...busy at work, loose ends, am counting the days til I'm off the hook ..a quick scroll and I'm LOL ...don't have anything to add really, just wanted to say hi to all, will scroll and lurk and enjoy,

a Banyan Tree Bow,
Gina

ps Blaise, joie de vivre et tu es superbe!

I just lit a 40 minute cigar and I'm stuck in the garage...Chat anyone?

O'Keefe: Zee korrect ansver eez Your Gold Teeth.

http://www.dr-walter-becker.de/body_aktuelle_trends.html

Close to za ozzer bierland of Belgium, specializing in Zahnschmucks

WALTER BECKER & DONALD FAGEN

For Their Outstanding Contribution To Music
As Masterful Lyricists, Exemplary Composers,
And Musical Storytellers.
They Have Been Selected
By The Students As The Most Significant Songwriters
Of The Century

Wow. . . Kind of says it all, doesn't it?

O'Keefe - Welcome to our little obsession. Good to have you and all the other new folks here.
I'm guessing a 20 ft. chiba-chiba tree and/or the bong.

Edd - I got the notion a long time ago that Donald has latched on to a way to experience being a keyboard player, a guitarist and a horn player even though the only instrument he really plays is keyboard. The Lynx lets him stand up with something strapped on (no pun intended), and the Melodica lets him play something that you blow like a horn. So he gets a little of the best of all three worlds! I really do believe though that he uses the Lynx as a security blanket for the most part. He probably feels a bit naked just standing at the mic singing.

David in the Florida Room - I'm up for it; I'll join you momentarily.

Anyone want to Chat? 10:05 pm,EST

F# - What a delight to see you here again!

Topsoilant One - Thanks; I'll be chemical-free for the Manassas show so I'll absorb more of the details, but the overall magic of the performance will be a bit different.

Not My Nancy - Brilliant post; you caught so well the varied aspects of the Dan's appeal.

Lucky Henry - I wish I'd gotten a chance to meet you at the Last Chance Saloon; I was the one in the sage green "Church Street, Toronto" T-shirt. My traveling companions kind of stuck together in a tight group, and since I was dependent on them for a ride, I didn't feel free to venture forth and mingle lest I seem disloyal.

Beast w/o a Name - On July 14, Donald spoke "that's Otis Redding," but only after the audience had sung "that's Aretha Franklin" - it sounded like he was playing with them.

Stevie Dan - Thanks; Danfans often seem to think along the same paths.

Shirts be dandy - The T-shirts were a bit out of my price range (I really wanted the polo shirt, but it was seriously out of my price range); but I am delighted with my key ring - I can show not only my loyalty to the Dan, but also my fondness for public transportation.

I'm back from Boston/Mansfield. It was fabulous--I'm glad I did it again. A longer, more coherent report later when my brain is less melty from jet lag. The short version: the only thing I found more deeply moving than the band's performance was the deep Dan-love demonstrated by the Boston crowd.

/Mam'zelle Canard
saying a big hello to all the Net-Dansters I saw at the gig, and all those I unfortunately missed running into--but we were together in spirit, anyway!

Okeefe -- How about a 6ft ceramic bong?

Award hungry? It can be addictive.

http://www.steelydan.com/lincolnwood.html

Dinky Dawson spent a few hours with us Saturday afternoon
before the show at the Tweeter Center. He brought a CD of a live Steely Dan show in Seattle from 1974. It was the BEST live version of 'Bodhisattva' I've ever heard from that time period.
Fifty times better than the flip side of Hey 19. He also played
Show Biz Kids, The Boston Rag, and the '74 closer "This All Too Mobile Home" (again 50 times better than the boot crap that is out there).

He said he's been talking to Donald and Walter about getting permission to release it on RykoDisc as part of the Dinky Who? Series. Last year he put out "Shrine 69" a Shrine Auditorium recording from 1969 of Peter Green's Fleetwood Mac.

The stuff sounded great and SHOULD have been on the box set. Unfortunately, I think the chances of Donald and Walter approving it to be released are about equal to me putting 93 octane in a rental car.

Why thank you but I already found out that this collectable I kept
with me, being Steely Dan related in its essence, is gathering some value
as we speak. Maybe I'll put it on the auction block at Ebay or trade for
prime tickets on the Exchange. so many opportunities, it boggles the mind.
I'll leave you all guessing for now since it's so much fun.
Only I know the truth.
I'll let you know in time.
Quite a sordid story it tells, that piece of Dan history.
If you keep being nice to me, maybe I'll give you a hint once in a while.
Carry on.
O'Keefe

Yeah, I've never seen Walter play better. It sounds strange to
say but 30+ years into his career he seems to be coming into his own.

Previous tours he'd step up to the plate and add some tasty stuff, but to me, it always looked like he was reading from a chart. Now, it like he's looking up into the crowd and ripping out these fantastic fills. He also seems to have a new confidence and stage presence that was missing before.

Herrington dominated all four, a hipster-guitar hero who had a
near-endless supply of torturously melodic riffs and jazzy curlicue licks.

and no mention of walt, humm

http://www.bostonherald.com/entertainment/music/steely07162000.htm

O'keefe, you sensitive fool you. The fact that so many of the regulars chose to address your post today DOES mean that you have been officially greeted by this, the inner sanctum of SteelyDandom.
Welcome aboard, and please share your little story already!

I'M DYIN' OVA HEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Craig

Remember; INDIFFERENCE is the opposite of love.

crouchin'- make that a truncated polyhedron and the edmundton symphony orchestra [alas, D. Ball on guitar]then the answer is quite rightly so.

lync people: the answer is an unqualified yes. D sends in these little fills from the side line of his mind when the spirit moves him. My Pine Knob seat wasn't as close as i'd hoped for via secret password internet access but it turns out that i could hear amplifiers cutting right through Roger's house mix [why walter was so sonically in front when playing chord forms to my delight]. Fagen most certainly sent in some great plays using a quasi-"FM" patch that had a touch of square wave [but sounded more like a tube amp's even-harmonics distortion]. I heard his short phrases above the horns, nailing the changes and somehow avoided doubling anyone's part [or detracting from it]. Credit my propitious aural focal point? My guess is that if you couldn't hear him he plays more on some nights than others- and, might get burried in the mix anyway, depending on where you are sitting.

peter- after our brief exchange i brought charts for Kaleidoscope for band to try. i used a Genesis-style mini-moog patch [like the pulsating bass line of live "turn it on"] to glue the thing together with driving urgency. It worked- gave it an edge, some freshness even. We already do Homburg! A little Eleanor Rigby- style string quartet sneaks in at the refrain, piano shifts to harpsichord... can you hear it bro? then modulate from F to G repeat the last for bars in the higher key big finish lots o' crashes and thrashing about. [i heard them do the modulation ending once at Fillmore East and dug it the most]. sometimes we get paid for this. people invariably ask us about Homburg... who WERE those guys?

anyone ever hear of the Good Rats? from lawn guy land? seriously.
here are some great lyrics for you:

blow me around like a cigarette wrapper
in the middle of a hurricane
sucker me in like a venus fly trapper
baby, i'm starting to think you don't like me

[Does it Make You Feel Good?, from Rat City in Blue]

instead of a cowbell, Pepe Marcello bangs a trash can with his baseball bat. that is a cool front man.

bella ciao
F#- fini

The Camden e-center review: http://web.philly.com/content/inquirer/2000/07/15/magazine/STEEL15.htm

Let's leave Mom out of it, okay?

And no, in spite of your ever so eloquently elaborative post and answer to my proposition, none of that was found in the backyard. It's far from exciting, really. But after such an outburst I would consider the truth a contingent experience that simply doesn't come close to what the folks here might consider an option, now that you have put an image in their heads.
Pity. But it would be an insult if I tell about the backyard, can't let anybody down like that.
Sorry, all I wanted was a nice intro on this page, oof, didn't know it would be that fierce.
O'Keefe.

Tia, and the short haired Yoko Ono doll has the original lyrics to "Who Has Seen The Wind" which have been scribbled on the back of a box of bugles, taped between it's slayed legs!

ten sure fire signs you are a dan fanatic in 00

10) you bring a Lynx handheld keyboard along to the show just so you too can feel the same longing for your blanket that Donald does
9) you've named a pet Kawia, Ruby or Aja
8) your neighbor borrowed your copy of Katy Lied and you are not mad at him as it is two remasters ago and you own all the updates
7) you finally cracked the worm's puzzling posting code
6) you had to have a DVD player once the Plush TaN came out
5) you long more for Victoria's Cave then Victoria's Secret
4) you know that the Royal Scam doesn't have anything to do with Princess Diana and a tunnel in France
3) you've had to consult your Rand McNally at least twice during the summer tour schedule
2) you make your friends watch in amazement as you double on the "trash can lid" while playing Josie
1) You've invited Donald over to dinner and you're making the main dish sans garlic

any others

O'keefe - The remains of a short-haired Yoko doll?

O'Keefe, the neighbor found a yahtzee dice cup filled with gold teeth, a tarnished lawn jockey wearing bermuda shorts, black elastic knee-highs and a pair of 3" candies, a dirt encrusted marital appliance with rusted sodium salt bubbling up from the aged water-logged batteries, three cuban gentleman sleeping beneath the tattered remains of a hammock strung between two black walnut trees, a fading yellowed picture of cornel-wilde-eluding-watusi-warriors-on-the-serangeti's-endless-veldt-handily-accoutered-in-loincloth-with-spear-and-ostrich-egg-canteen-in-the-naked-prey, a secret cavern with the scattered remnants of long-burnt-out-candles and strange green writing on the wall, a tall glass with a semi-dried foamy chocolate ring around the rim consistent with a tall cool syrupy fountain drink, the hood emblem of a now-defunct automobile which has the words 'manufactured with pride in the Caledonian City Of Glasgow',
a cracked and pitted '8-BALL' fortune telling ord with the blue ink leaking out the bottom, the little internal bobbing octagon removed and replaced with a robert-vaughn-meets-david-maccallum-while-scaling-the-berlin-wall-near-checkpoint-charlie-during-the-heart-of-the-coldwar-decorder-ring, a weather-worn glow-in-the-dark semi-ribbed condom with the words 'bruno hauptmann is innocent' scribbled along it's unfurled length, a ratty manilla envelope containing two long-expired tickets to sao paulo, a prosthetic scar kit replete with hypo-allergenic glue, a van dyke faux facial hair assembly and a post-it with the word "pepe" emblazoned in red ink, an 60's kitsch child's lunchbox with a 'land of the lost' theme featuring chakka wrestling with wesley yore to win the hand of the blonde sister, an eight track tape that has been home-copied to feature the comedic stylings of mort saul appearing at mount airy lodge in the poconos, redd foxx and the safari club in biloxi, and a live version of procal harum doing conquistador and salty dog with the london symphony orchestra, and a small unraveled 8mm spool with the words 'bobbing for apples and such' upon the reel near the center hole.

however, it could have been something else entirely?

O'Keefe: Don's Lync?

Review of Merriweather from Friday in the Washington Post today:
http://washingtonpost.com:80/wp-dyn/print/style/inside/A55291-2000Jul17.html

From the Atlanta Journal Constitution today - now that's a great name for a paper - sounds like they are ready down there:
http://www.accessatlanta.com:80/partners/ajc/epaper/editions/monday/features_932789c73062e0270005.html

O'Keefe: Yes.

Not only is Frank more important than most of the artists in the Hall of Fame, he's BETTER than most of the artists in that Hall of Fame.

In the PBS special, I hear Fagen bending notes a whole lot, not just on Babylon Sisters. The Lync gets its fair share of letting go.

Don't wanna brag, but I have a cousin who's sister-in-law had a friend who used to be very tight with the nextdoor neighbour of, and here it comes, WB.
Anyone interested in what that neighbour found in the backyard, just before WB moved away?

steely dan t-shirts & Merchandise
not for sale yet on the web but at least you can see what's available

on the dan official site

http://www.steelydan.com/2kmerch.html

is the TaN shirt blue? please, pretty please!
I hate black concert teeshirts

Throw out your gold post (to TOYGT)

Who are these children who scheme and run wild
Who speak with their wings and grant thee a smile?
What are the secrets they post in GB,
And why do you tremble each time they ride free?

CHORUS:
Throw out your gold post
and watch the Dan roll;
The answer they reveal
life is surreal.

Who are these strangers who sign in at the door,
Who bid your reaction and go you one more?
If you're feeling lucky you best to reply
a game with no rules, it's not "do or die".

[chorus]

[accentuated solo]

[chorus]

Edd: My entourage voted 6-2 that the keytar was a prop.

What about that solo guitar intro to Dirty Work by Herington...was that new? Don't remember seeing that in Hartford or Denver.

I had tickets to Columbia, MD but my flight got delayed and I didn't make it. Let me tell you, that made for a depressing Friday night. Thank goodness for the Tweeter show.

Some more Na Na songs:

Cuts Like A Knife, Brian Adams (NA NA NA, best part of the song)

Take a Chance on Me, ABBA (as only ABBA can, hurray Clas!)

Praise You, Fatboy Slim (featured in the new Mercedes-Benz promos)

Also the "Nobody' song I talked about on Friday actually says "No No No No No" and not "Na Na Na' like I first thought.

However, the cheerleader song I mentioned to Chere with the famous Na Na Na bridge is called "Land Of A Thousand Dances"
It's the definitive NA NA gig.

Is Janise Joplin scatting Na Na Na at the end of Bobby McGee?

Craig

Edd - The most I've seen him use the device was on Babylon Sisters (PBS). Someone on the Digest pointed this out once, the security blanket theory. A lot of singers cover themselves with strats they don't play.

...couple more things I noticed Saturday.

For the first time I saw an electronic keyboard on stage. A Roland located between Victoria and Ted Baker. Played by both Ted and Michael. I'd never seen a synth of any kind on stage before. (Well, since '93) Which brings us to...

Does Donald ever actually play the Lync? It looks like he *might* be using the pitch bend wheel during the opening to KC, but other than that I didn't see much...

These are just a few words in personally thanking you, Steely Dan, one and all, for helping to elevate my taste in musical appreciation. With all it's various aspects of contemporary Jazz, Blues, R&B and so much more, I will yet find an enjoyment for eclectic music as I have never before dreamed that I ever could. And I have you guys largely to thank for it. Mainly, in fact. Thank you for your time. Please keep the Lord Jesus the Christ, our Lord and our Savior, Then, Now and Forevermore, both with you, and, before you, always. Indeed, well before you, in all ways.

I'm starting to wonder if I was at the same Mansfield show as the rest of you.

While watching the crowd I remember thinking "The GB is gonna trash this audience..." During the first set I saw *1* person dancing in section 2. I didn't think the audience was overly demonstrative until the second set. Sure, applause at all the appropriate times, but nothing I thought was overly long or loud.

I don't know about the official spelling - our daughter (5), a red head, is named Victoria, and we use Vicki for short, so I just adopted that spelling. The only refrence on the official SD sight has it spelled Vicky:

http://www.steelydan.com/2kdarkroom.html

Scroll about 3/4 of the way down and there is a picture of "Vicky Cave" and Jon Herington on the flight over to Japan.

Nancy, a magical post. The questions you pose are indeed the crux of this steely feeling for me. Always has been about my complicity with, my empathetic connection to this recurring protagonist. This Steely Man.

If truth be told, we've all got a part in this Shadow Man. His measure is ours' collectively. To the extent His measure resides within us, thus the gradient of our obscession with The Deacon of Lost Souls. We've undoubtedly got a lord's portion of this 'mechanized hum.'

The live music demands this response. The fucking hills would cry out if the masses sat on their hands through Deacon Blues! It commands recognition. Instant,! Absolute!

Nostalgia? Never! This music transcends era. The message, the heartache, the unrequited life of the Steely Man in 'Brooklyn' is as poignant today, as vital in this world of bleary-eyed dreamers as it was in 1971.

Technology has changed the face of our world here at the cusp of the new millennium. However, our hearts, our souls, the nature of these humanly abstract concepts remain wholly unchanged. Our struggles are the same, our loves, our heartache, our lonliness, our fears, our cynacism, our penchant for sarcasm.

These are fully human experiences. Steely Dan tends this primordial pot, stopping now and again to stir the potion. It echos to our depths.

When Fagen said, 'there's no disbelief to suspend', I'm sure even in the most skeevy recesses of his so Steely mind, he never conjured the look of sublime transcendence we experience when we raise our hands in complicity to the defiant statement 'this brother is free, we'll all be what we want to be.'

J.

dirk wiggler, my friend:
O'Jays, Queen, Steely Dan
Aerosmith and all? Don said "see you next year".
Jimmy Page? He might show up with Puffy, yak.

Blaise

Not my Nancy - be thankful you caught a great show with an appreciative crowd. The Northeast seems to be Dan havens. i think alot of this has to do with the intellectual and cultural advances prevalent in that neck of the woods. You Yanks love your irony and appreciate stellar music

not that the rest of us don't, just not in such large overwelming numbers

fellow midwest yank transposed in topsoilant southland

tom

I'm baffled by the absolute hysteria and love shown by the Tweeter Center crowd Saturday night. Not because I don't think the band deserves it, because it does, every bit of it. But I'm surprised a mass audience showed it.

Maybe I thought the Dan was my private thing

Maybe I thought the material was too strange and guarded (musically and lyrically) to summon that kind of response; it's the opposite of rabble-rousing or claptrap or demagogy...this is not a band that claps along with itself to get the audience to clap along

Maybe (like the Globe reviewer) I thought the emotional content was either absent or too obscure for the average fan

Clearly I was wrong.

Was this a response of deep recognition from a generation that has let these tunes seep into its subconscious? Maybe that's its own testament to the power of the music--that it can creep up on people unawares and make them respond as Saturday's crowd did.

Or does everyone get it, in the way (I flatter myself) that I get it?

How can that be?

How on earth can Deacon Blues have the power that it had? Are people reacting to the anthemic line "This brother is free/I'll be what I want to be" at face value--a fist in the air, power to the individual--or are they taking a little bit of face value and mixing it with the slightly mocking tone that Becker and Fagen take toward the loser protagonist? Does the mix give wonder and amusement to these folks?

Or is it just the sound of the music? But how can that be--the music floats along, a strange, floating, complex background behind lonely, hard solos. There's mass appeal in that?

Are people just remembering it from the many times they've heard it on the radio? Well, that begs the question of how it got on the radio to begin with.

There's something mystical going on here. Or maybe it's just what happens when two craftsmen build a life in music for 30 years on the foundations of what they love: a cookin' backbeat, the blues and meaty harmony. It's so real that it overpowers your cynical expectations of what people tend to like. There's a market--maybe a crying need--for something that isn't crap.

It's supposed to happen this way, I guess, but it seems like it never does. I'm suprised and gratified.

I said "Cynthia Cave"?!?!?

Gheesh, ain't I a dope!

who are the hipsters who are the geeks?

I'm a gipster

kinda like Ringo's killer "mocker" comment

Blaise - R&R HoF It will be the O'Jays, Queen and Aerosmith

Aerosmith and Queen will do "COme Together and We Are the Champions" Jimmy Page will present the award and jam with them

eveyone will get radio ga ga eyes over the freddie tribute shownon the big projection system

Stevie WOnder will present the O'Jays award

the boys will be left with the amphibious assault
no hats and hooters this year

tom

she turned my life into a living hell

OK...so who are the hipsters, and who are geeks? Come on, show yourselves!

The crowd at Tweeter was the most enthusiastic I've seen at a Steely Dan show. Jones Beach was far more subdued, especially in the rain.

The show differences:

July 3 Jones Beach - Bad Sneakers was played, Hey 19 was played (with the Aretha Franklin reference sung)

July 8 Jones Beach - West of Hollywood, no Bad Sneakers, Hey 19 (with the Otis Redding reference sung)

July 15 - Glamour Profession, no Bad Sneakers or WoH, Hey 19 (with Otis Redding reference glibly spoken)

Sorry I missed the DanFests. July 3rd and 8th were missed due to a fried modem and Tweeter, well...I looked for it in the parking lot and didn't really find it, plus the folks I was with were content to stay put. Anyhow, it was nice running into you Hoops, Pete and Shari, however briefly. I'm sure our paths will cross again in the future.

My mistake although I must confess that upon a 2nd reading, it still looks like you were saying that Cynthia "Cave" opened Dirty Work. I was just letting you know it was Cynthia Calhoun although since you were there--you already know this.
"The Choir" was fun to watch. Vicki (Vykki? Vycki?) seemed to be the most animated of the 3. She seems to have this certain "1940s" ambiance about her. Cynthia Cave's got a set of pipes as demonstrated when she opened "Dirty Work".
FYI: The correct spelling is Vykki.

re:Hall Of Shame
"AC/DC, Aerosmith, Black Sabbath, the O'Jays, Queen, and Steely Dan."
Yes, keep pretty much that ascending order, from worst to best choice.
Sinatra rocked? He sang without a mask, they say.
Alright. Who's going to argue with Dylan?
Steely Dan jamming with Queen at the ceremony, that would be weird. Black Sabbath, Aerosmith? Even stranger.

Edd - Another clever review title that uses the old "Reeling" reference.
"Reeling in the Cheers" is a frequent choice. Probably the default for the
random clever title software these guys use.

Wonderworm: Plush vhs rocks the house. Of course they were more polished, tightter, etc. live but it does provide relief from post-concert dt's (that's Dan Tremens).

In an earlier post I was remiss to mention a few other names from the Danfest at Jones Beach 7/8...Pete Vogel and Shari and Lars...absolute pleasure to have met you all.

Everyone have a great week,

Aus

the proper spelling of miss caves first name is

"Wormbait"

or at least it will be by fry day ;-0

Nope.

Sorry, but Cynthia, Carolyn and Vicki (Vykki? Vycki?) ALL sang "Dirty Work" at the Mansfield Show. Cynthia sang the first 2 lines of the first verse, Carolyn finished it, all 3 sang the chorus. Vicki sang the first 2 lines of the second verse, and the rotation started again.

My question marks refer to the proper spelling of Ms. Cave's first name.

Edd--

Regarding the Mansfield show, that was Cynthia Calhoun who started Dirty Work.

Vykki's last name is Cave.

"... - heated analysis of the Dan's lyrics was a popular parlor game for '70s hipsters and geeks, and the passing of years hasn't dimmed the long-lived cult's passion."

Ouch.

welcome back from the weak end wormdude.

An interesting review from the Boston Globe:
http://www.boston.com/dailyglobe2/199/living/Steely_Dan_works_its_pretzel_logic_with_brains_but_not_much_heart+.shtml

Rock N Roll Hall of Shame article - Otis Redding is mentioned - she don't remember the king of soul:
http://www.bergen.com/yourtime/frank17200007171.htm

Santa Monica (drunken slur) radio station has SD on their setlist and now availible on the internet:
http://washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A50578-2000Jul15.html?GXHC_gx_session_id_FutureTenseContentServer=8d22ea4bc1ce5c94

JMoney - Thanks for the Review of Camden. It brought fits of green envy, especially your comments on that gorgeous ecstatic drug for the ear tune, Glamour Profession, needless to say, my favourite. If only I were closer to the stage.

YGK - how's it going Malcolm?

Cheers all.

Mr Chow.

StevieDan - I second your praise of blaze
our canadian friend rules

Oh by the way Steven- lets do some rather heavy topsoil in Rayleigh
maybe we can draw in Marsha from DollyWood Ole Ole

Altimira - what timing - loved your reviews
if that your incoherent self would be knocked over when you go tit together - very insightful welcome back

Chris Moyler - you heard right on the next project
"She blinded me with Traffic"

Lucky Henry indeed amd KD and Big Fan - thanks for the wonderful reviews

Auss - I know where you'll be the next few nights
on that couch (Aunt Faye's?) watching your plush

tom

here at the dude ranch above the seas

So did Ruby get her 20 na na's

http://www.telegram.com/features/time_out/steely.html

It's been a while, I guess these fainting spells are the result of having too much Dan to talk about.

Howard: Awesome, I appreciate the songs that are already up. If you ever want to drop a few chords from "Monkey" on me, cool. If not, thanks anyway. 7s, huh? I didn't say I was good at figuring stuff out, I just said I was good. "Monkey In Your Soul" was the only semi-disapointing part of the show so far, Walter was great, but the arrangement was wack compared to the original.

The photo that upset me and a friend:

http://www.steelydan.com/Images/2k/us/bunsen2.jpeg

Donald's looking on as if to say, "yes, exactly as I planned it."

Ruby Baby- righto, that Jack o Speed shirt shrunk like Marcus Camby. Wore it out for the second time last night, and I'm thinking I should have gotten the extra large. Or did I get the medium? Wonder if the same thing happens to the mousepad.

Puh. Even if the Dan were offended by Smash Mouth's version of "Do it Again," or have a long standing tradition of not admitting backstage guests under 250 pounds (Brian Dennehy, Kevin McHale, Dimebag Darrell); the least they could have done was put the Mouth on the guest list. I'm as big a fan of of Smash Mouth as I am of S and M, but free ducats don't mean that you have to meet and greet post show.

steviedan: I see Lisa Loeb and one of the broads from Sleater-Kinney playing guitar in the background, but it doesn't sound like they're playing the actual guitar we're hearing. Unless there's a third guitarist somewhere in the midst, it sounds like that alterno-supergroup needed a little post-show overdub to get "Bust a Move" just right.

DrMu: I hear a modem in the bridge of "Snowbound," just as Donald goes "we sail our icecats on the frozen river." Of course, that was back in 1993. Lord I love that song, the song that opened my eyes to the whole damn (Dan) thing.

I always assumed it was Denny, first, then Carlton on "Green Earrings," though I can see where the second solo could totally be Mr. Randall. Broberg's site doesn't include Denny at all, just Carlton and Elliot. Hmm.

chere- 'Caravenserai,' best Santana by far for me. Although Neil Schon, gulp, played on that one too...

I initially balked at "My Old School" a few years back because of that damn cowbell, it reminded me too much of the Simon and Simon theme.

Geez, flashback. We actually covered "Nobody But Me" at parties last summer. Great garagey fun in D. Although I went "no no" more than "na na." Which brings me to one of the more vaunted arguments in musical theory: to na na, or to no no.

Altamira- AWESOME.

John G- TvN up, Katy Lied down. What a mood.

How did Donald get in on this meeting?

That's him in the turban:

http://dailynews.yahoo.com/h/p/nm/20000716/ts/mdf93001.html

quentin, you gotta join us at Einstein's today. Mail me at caramiarubia@yahoo.com for my number. Oleander will be there and Pete and Shari will try to get there from their day of sightseeing.

The scoop from Atlanta:
Was seated next to Pete Fogel and Shari at The Buckhead Diner clearly by accident this evening! Gourmands and fine music lovers flock together I guess.

A reminder for our hooterie tomorrow:
Einstein's at 4P (they have a website at metrocafes.com)
OK Cafe after the show for those with midnight munchies

Chastain Park is one of the finest venues for outdoor acoustics and was voted by one of those audiophile rags as a top ten of sound...up there with Red Rock and that ball court at Chichen Itza the Mayans/Toltecs loved so much ;-)

cara mia

no no no ms. grammar, in jazz all purposes are INTENSE. at least that's the "scool" i'm from. living it come FRIDAY !!!

I saw Tweeter Center( Great Woods ) Last night. Headlines should have said " Dan sets the Woods on fire!!! " It was pure arson for sure. It was history for sure. The highlight for me was " Royal Scam " The best live song ive heard yet.The " girls " were a treat. 30.00 for a t shirt??? come on Walter and Donald!!! I know its not u. Why not 70's music and prices???? I realy like the silouette black one. "shure looks good on you " Please put Royal Scam from 7-15-00 on the live CD and DVD and I'll overlook this this accent on capitalisum ( the price we have to pay ) to glorify and worship Steely Dan till the days we die. Forever and ever Amen. Garry P. XOXOXO

I'm game. Will be there at about 9:40EST....

Chere here, anyone for chatting? I'll be back to chat in 30 minutes, it is 9:17 pm EST.

To quote Shelly Duvall in "Annie Hall" the Mansfield show "...was transplendid." I paid through the nose for 4th row seats and felt compelled to flash my tix at every usher we passed and ask where my seats were--just so I could him or her say, "You're all the way down in front..."

Herrington is undoudtedly the best fit of all the guitarists they've lit out with to date. True keeper of the original flame.

Great, great show. My only complaint was it ended.

What a night!! I post this with bittersweet emotions. I saw the Dan last night in Boston and had a great time - a really great time, but sadly that is my last show for this tour - one can only hope they tour again soon, but based on past performance - maybe in two years - 2002.

Now for the show, not much to add from John G's great dialogue. John I didn't get to say hi, but a long overdue thanks for that photo with us in it in 96.

The girls were in PINK - hot pink - they were much more animated than at Hartford - esp Vicki. Carolyn had a pink halter top that tied around her neck. Vicki has a skirt with sequins and a pink blouse - wow - much better attire than at Hartford - I hope someone got a picture.

Crowd was much rowdier than last week. ML looks very pale and run down. Sadly no change in the setlist from last Sunday.

I owe my wife HollyDolly a big thank you - I got all the way to Mansfield and the Danfest at 1:30 only to discover that I had brought two 40 yard line seats for the PSU/USC football game on Aug 27 at the Meadowlands rather than my SD ticket for the Tweeter center. She drove 3/4 of the way across Conn. to meet me half way with the ticket - it was a good one about 20 rows back to the left of the stage and I didn't want to scalp one. Did you know one Ticketmaster envelope looks just like another. I got back for the last 15 minutes of the pre concert Danfest at about 4:45.

Q - that's good - I'll call you when you get home - have fun!

And finally, thanks Hoops, Pete, Shari, Janie, Al the guys who set up the Danfest yesterday, the people next to us in the parking lot that had the great food and everyone else who made this tour memorable.

Enjoy the rest of the shows folks while you still can.

nameless: OUCH!

Fezo! - what can I say, Tampa was the opener- they were still sorting things out, so they could go into overdrive.........

I'm in Atlanta for the Chastain shows - phone is (813) 294-1265

anyone want to put the hats and hooters on ?

Q

PS Bigfan - no I have not forgotten you my friend

Q: your comments about the Roger Waters show did not do it justice. i saw him last night at Nissan and he was at least twice as great as you said he was down in Tampa. he made a real connection with the audience, and besides his own stellar vocals, the show was highlighted by three and at times four guitar players and a pretty stellar bare middrift section. he made old Floyd songs sound new and really pulled even the Floyd fanatics into his solo material. what a night.

unfortunately, the same can not be said for the pre-concert festivities in the Nissan parking lot. and let this be a warning to anyone journeying up there to see our heroes next Saturday night. George "the needle and the spoon" Bush and his Nazis made a year early appearance in the Washington area last night. The lot was crawling with cops, who were handcuffing folks left and right, doing full searches of vehicles, checking the contents of all cups, and pouring them out if there was any alcohol inside. i've been going to concerts for over twenty years now and i've never seen anything like it before.

As a result, I'm going to do my pre-concert partying next week in the rural confines of Orange. Anyone want to join the Orangerie, let me know. I'll supply some beer, eats, and tunes. All I ask is you bring more of a least one of those. It's about a 45 minute drive from Orange to the venue.

E me at "gauchoamigo4@hotmail.com" (i know ole, yet another email address for me) if you want more info.

Hey Trey - your facts about the "dallas" single are all wrong - it was not recorded at the CBAT sessions, it was in fact released, it was not yanked by the record company because of its title or because it sounded "too country" or for any other reason. Most people on this board already know this. Have a nice day. TLM

i have recently heard that steve winwood, jim capaldi and thomas dolby are teaming up with walter becker & donald fagen to make an album.

does anyone know if this is true?

I hope this is the correct place for this post, but I am taking bids for an unbelieveably-rare Steely Dan single: DALLAS. It is a white-label DJ's promo 45rpm single, as that was the only pressing this song ever saw. The single is in good playable condition (both sides) in its original ABC records sleeve which is in fair condition. The disc shows a few surface marks which do not impede the playability. Whatever the winning bid should be, seven dollars will be added to it for domestic shipping and insurance, more for foreign mailings.

The story on DALLAS is a bit weird: It was the very first single released under the name Steely Dan and was a product of the 'Can't Buy a Thrill' sessions. Jim Hodder, the Dan's drummer, is the lead vocalist on the track as he was for 'Midnight Cruiser.' It was apparantly yanked for image-conscious reasons, because of the song's title and its having steel guitar, ABC and the band were worried that people might think Steely Dan was a country band, so 'Do It Again' became their first actual single.

A guy offered me fifty dollars for it in 1985, and it's never been more collectible than it is right now, so I guess this means serious bids only. Anyhoo, give me an e-shout if you're interested in this Steely Dan rarity.

Oh my!

Such an exhausting, exhilarating experience! The band played hard and the audience played harder last night. I remember the last time the Dan played Mansfield, there was a moment after one song when the audience stood screaming, cheering, and just generally carrying on to the point where the band members were forced to break character and applaud our energy. Last night, that happened too many times to count.

This was the first time I had heard the band since the winter show for PBS. This concert was better paced for a live show, plus some new (yet older) songs were added. But this was no nostalgia act. Donald and Walter’s music speaks to me not because it consists of familiar sounds that remind me of bygone times. The music works for me because it is in sync with my own sensibilities and world view. It’s an attitude as much as a song. To hear the songs being played live is not an exercise in history; it’s an exercise in self-awareness.

They did not sing “Sign in Stranger” or “Reelin’ in the Years” or “Green Earrings,” as they have for most of their recent tours. That was fine. If they would just add “Any World” and “Time Out of Mind,” the world would be perfect.

I sat with Hoops and Pete and Shari. (We missed you, StAl!) I’m sorry to report that Hoops and I were two dancing fools, but so were the other people around us.

I'll post fuller remarks (after I get something to eat), plus some photos from the evening on my Web page, http://www.granatino.com/sdresource

--John

StevieDan: Excellent report about Downbeat. None of the bookstores in this cowtown carry it anymore. Occasionally, I can spot a Jazziz, but that's not really a substitute is it. Anyway, as far as I'm concerned, that's recognition that carries far more weight than a Grammy!. I'll see if they have a 'net site.

And your High Scool begs for an h, Ms.Grammar.

StevieDan, I don't mean to be overly critical but "for all intensive purposes": come on!
The correct phrasing is "for all intents and purposes".

LEARN IT! KNOW IT! LIVE IT!

Set list for Mansfield was pretty much the same as for July 9.

Spied Roger Nichols cruising around in the crowd before the show.

My seats were located right behind the mixing board, so I got to hear the show just as the engineer intended. Very good indeed.

The stage was the nicest I've seen them use yet. Projected images displayed on an abstract pattern formed by shrouds hung over the stage, 3 fabric columns illuminated from within, plus the typical spots for highlighting soloists etc.

Pugh introduced as playing "the only orchestra instrument you can play without fingers"...

"The Choir" was fun to watch. Vicki (Vykki? Vycki?) seemed to be the most animated of the 3. She seems to have this certain "1940s" ambiance about her. Cynthia Cave's got a set of pipes as demonstrated when she opened "Dirty Work".

$60 for a jersey? $5.50 for Budweiser when there's an IPA available down the hill for 25 cents more?

Slipped out during the outro to MOS in order to beat the crowd. Left the venue behind 4 identical limos with a police escort. Back at home before midnight.

In the end, Lucky Henry ended up spoiling himself.

For me, one of the greatest honors for SD is recognition in Downbeat. A magazine about some of the best music this planet has to offer. They don't even MESS with most so-called pop/rock disposable pop culture, emperor's clothed, flavor of the week BS. If the music is not worthy, no matter how many issues you could sell, you will not be touched. For all intensive purposes it is a musician's journal and has been for many many years reliably.

This time two extraordinary honors in the always tough critic's poll. The same critics that this year bestow Hall of Fame membership to the recently departed great Lester Bowie have named Steely Dan two 2nd Places in the "Beyond" (i.e. not exactly jazz or blues) Album & Group categories respectively. First place album was really an incredible album by Brazilian Caetano Veloso: Livre (Grammy World Music winner). First place in the group category went to Afro Cuban All Stars, so what can you say. They only beat our boys by two votes. Santana swung only ninth place. Kronos Quartet fourth. Along with the excellent review awhile back, this has been a good year for the Dan in Downbeat. To me, THAT is a huge deal. Incidentally, Mr. Chris Potter takes first in Talent Deserving Wider Recognition (TDWR) for Tenor AND Soprano sax.

Altamirror: I call you that because every word you said was crystal clear despite your confessed state.

Really good to hear from you AND Lucky Henry all in one day. Inspirational stuff and it ain't even Sunday yet. Oh that's right, it is. It's church babe.

Just this second got back from the Mansfield show...and all I can say is....THEY ROCKED!!!!

But i'm so tired right now...sat in the parking lot for over an hour before we were able to get out so maybe more later or someone else will more than likely post all the finer details of tonights show...i don't get into set lists...

Buenos Noches...

Chat anyone?

Lucky Henry has always been a reliable source of unique observations of Dan shows. Another good one here, Hankster.

maj©

hello.

recovering from the 1-2 punch of Camden-Columbia. i had an excellent seat at Merriwether, 13 rows back left of center with a full view of the stage, and of the video. The audience was terrific and the boys appreciated it, with virtually every musician standing back at one point or another, smiling broadly, forced to wait until the roar died down before starting into the next song. More often than not, there were standing O's after most tunes, making zombies of the Camden crowd by comparison. [To be fair, the e-center is the least best venue to see any show (in my experience), and the security there seem to have their batons stuck up their asses.] Some things will never change.

Walter has been shining in every show. He stayed with his quilted maple Sadowsky until midway through the second set, then went to the "Lake Placid" blue-and-white one. JH peppered Bodhisattva, KC and MOS with verve and fanfare. Later in the show, Jim Pugh used a toilet plunger to mute his trombone.

The video work at Columbia was very good i thought, with juxtapositions between Walter and the "bare midriff section" (Vicki was wearing a cute red and black tank top with sequins that sparkled...) while Walt sang. While Walt gave the introductions he reminded us of Ricky's Modern Drummer, R&B category award, and later said some about us (the audience) making note of "every little detail" (like we really notice every little detail. SHEESH!) Walter wore a black crew tee under a grey silk jacket... His hair is growing out in the back, well past his shoulders. Walter walks off the stage, somewhat mechanically, still nodding, like he really doesn't know how to respond to the raucous crowd. He did once say: "It's scary."

The Columbia show cannot be reviewed without a nod to Mother Nature, for She was at her Fiercest, threatening me from attending at all, and even threatening the show, i thought, with power outages, wild lightning and flash floods. The storms let up before the show began, but there was a technical (or, as Donald put it "a technical sonic electrification") problem, or something like that) at the start of Set Two. Before FM began, the torrential downpours returned, and Donald commented at the rain, but the show continued. (Water fell in torrents over the parapets of the pavilion, and we felt the spray even though well under cover.) The Merriwether Post Pavilion soon became a series of cascading waterfalls and mudbaths as every attendee became soaked head-to-toe on the move from the pavilion to the parking lots, or took refuge under the narrow roofs of the concession stands. I am curious as to whether and how everyone made it out of there safely.

Cheers to Melanie and Nathan for their hospitality. Playing "Dan-centration" at the Last Chance Saloon, a great choice for the festivities, was a blast. You guys did a great job.

As you may know there was a big to-do around Ted Baker on Thursday evening, who received this year's fabled Bunsen Prize from the boys.

There were no surprises in the set list in either show, however, and indeed they have removed West of Hollywood from the first set and now play Glamour Profession. After fifteen shows, I have learned when it comes to the Dan, i'll take what i can get. A fellow concert-goer, who felt "something was missing" remarked to me later (i paraphrase): "They just seem to be walking through the old routines..."

lh.

Fellow addicts,

Less than three hours to go until the Boston-area concert! Woo-hoo!

I have 2vN playing upstairs on the computer and Katy Lied downstairs on the stereo to get me "in the mood" wherever I go.

Looking forward to seeing you all tonight!

--John

JMoney: Phenomenal concert review from Camden. Thanks a million for sharing. Loved your description of the Babe Choir doing Cousin Dupree as nasty! You nailed it. Sounds like you had the time of your life.

last night caught the Red Hot Chili Peppers at PNC arts centre in Holmdel, New Jersey...notised the flashing events marqee once you're inside..The Steely Dan concert was NOT sold out there? Odd.

Finally got my Plush TV Jazz-Rock Party in hi-fi stereo vhs from Borders...terrific. For Dan fans out there who've yet to acquire it...do so. I'm sure it's been extensively reviewed in this forum so...I'll just say it's worthy every penny.

Aus

Hutch - Thank you. I'll be spending more time here from now on; I'd just gotten busy with some other things. I'll be sitting in Orchestra 3, Row L, seat 19 (hey, a significant number!); I'm not sure exactly where that is. Do you think I might be able to meet you somewhere, maybe a Metro station, so I could catch a ride with you? The guy I rode with to the Columbia show isn't going to the one in Manassas, and I'd have to rent a car to get there. Also, it would be good to see you again.

JMoney - Yes, Donald does have an odd way of walking, but I see it as part of his quirky charm.

Now that the chemicals have left my brain, I can remember a bit more about the concert last night. I was impressed with the expressive way Donald sang - he sings expressively on recordings, too, but he ratchets the level up a notch in concert. The audience cheered at his interpretation of the famous line about gas in the car, and I was particularly moved by his handling of the last two repititions of the phrase "Don't take me alive" - the first was a defiant shout, while the second was soft and whisper-like, fading away on the last long, drawn-out syllable, almost a sigh of resignation. There was some sort of technical problem with Donald's Fender Rhodes during, I think, the second set, and I enjoyed watching him explain, through elaborate hand gestures, the problem to the technical people backstage. Two of them rushed out and hunkered under the instrument for a few seconds and quickly fixed the problem. A heavy rain hit just before the show ended; Donald apologized for it when he said goodbye. Right after Donald and Walter left the stage for the last time, there was a great clap of thunder, which was enthusiastically applauded - an excellent way to end the concert.

I knew you guys could do it! I'll have to search hi&lo for the Brady Kids, but I'll give it a big shot.

Doing the dance of joy - which

nobody can DO IT/like I do!

rb

Blaise: Your 2 cents are worth much more! Well said, as always.

Not Penny Marshall, Penny Williams. Sorry.

Altamira - So nice to see you here again. We've missed ya!!
Sounds like you were fairly overwhelmed by our heros. It really is inspiring to watch (and listen) to genius at work.
Hope to see you at the Manassas show. I'm in the second section from the front, to the left side of the stage (as you sit facing it)...row J. Where are you sitting?

Cara Mia - Sadly, I won't be at the Raleigh show. But I am going to Va. Beach on the 23rd. Two nights in a row of superb music.
Give Ole a big hug for me!

Hutch

Altamira: Thanks for providing the great show comments. The ones about Donald in particular brought back wonderful memories. To watch the sway with eyes closed while listening to the others' solos--I just won't forget it. That look of utter appreciation was worth every penny spent on the close seats. Also, being able to see him take control of the show (performing the part of the conductor) is incredible. It is so obvious what a professional he is. I saw a bit of that in Walter, too. (Though he doesn't do it to the extent of Donald.) If one is a people watcher, they are so powerful without being flashy or showboating. It is all done subtly, and could easily be missed. Concentrating on the music, and not wanting to miss the unspoken communications on stage gives one plenty to do at a show. They are truly professional to the core. All the more reason I am suffering from Tour 2K withdrawal and need a new live album fix...

Thanks again, and thanks to each of you for your great comments and memories.

(Three dots, no spaces. I guess it was a temporary setback. I'll get it right yet...)

What else can you expect from Donald Fagen but consistent perfection and grace. The man is a genius. I just hear his stuff and stand at attention.I don't sit down 'til he's done, and neither should you, if you're a fan.
My 2 cents.

Stevie - This coming from you... now I'm all red, litterally. It feels good to know that each morning I can count on a good, meaningful read to start the day. Don't give up the night shift.
You own it hands down. A practicing musician with verve to spare. I am touched, no kidding.
Diane, if you're still with us, I agree with you this time. Penny Marshall's Saratoga spoiler takes the crown easily. It is long (took two or three digests to reproduce) but worth everybody's attention. Check it out, you all.
And you can always count on Chere's lively takes too.

Whoops, i just realized that part of my last post was unclear (well, probably the whole damned thing was; it's pretty late and I'm a little fuzzy-brained). Donald was the one wearing the "Washington" T-shirt.

Chere - I'd never seen Steely Dan live before, so I can't really give a review, but I can provide some general impressions of the show at Columbia tonight.

It was absolutely fantastic; just indredible; everything I hoped it would be and more. The set list was the same as at Camden; I would have liked to have heard West of Hollywood, but maybe they'll play it at Manassas next week. Walter's guitar solos were lovely, and I noticed that his singing has improved greatly - his pitch is better, and he now shapes phrases and adds little decorative flourishes at the ends of musical lines. He did especially well with Daddy Don't Live in That New York City.

But I was just absolutely blown away by Donald - I've always been fascinated by him, but I didn't really appreciate him until I saw him live. He has such tremendous energy, and he's so passionate and involved with his singing and playing. He's suave, elegant, and charming, and also kind of geeky and goofy - Donald combines such a wide range of different aspects, and approaches everything with such enthusiasm. Donald listened appreciatively to other people's solos - he'd put his head back and close his eyes, then start swaying. He also has a lovely profile - rather sculptural in appearance. I hardly took my eyes off him all night. As we were heading out, I heard someone say "Fagen was monumental," and I wouldn't disagree. (I also noticed that in the second half of the concert, he was wearing a gray T-shirt with "Washington" printed on it.)

I had an excellent seat - six rows back in the right center section. I had a side view of Donald, with Walter in the background to the left and the horn section in the background to the right. I got caught up in the music and the wondrous energy of the crowd and felt like I'd entered a parallel and far more fun universe; I felt a bit let down when I came back to earth after the concert, but I still have the concert at Manassas to look forward to. Once I've been to a second concert, I'll be in a position to compare it to the previous one, and maybe I'll be able to write a real review. I was just too blown away by the concert tonight to be able to write anything objective about it (I was also high as a kite - funny, the last time that happened, I was also at a Dan-related function - could there be some sort of connection here? ;^) ).

Steviedan- I really wasn't "dissing" the song, it is just that that boy played it every waking hour for about a year and I was so Over the tune. I concure in that it does facilitate some "Booty Shakin'".

What's the new thread? Any sho reviews from those in MD?

Peace blesssings and all that is Dannish- JUJU REE

Absolute first thing I MUST say is Blaise, your eloquence is disarming and I am proud to share these yellow stained pages with you sir.

Parodies were kickin' today. You people are CLEVER. Letterman could use writers like you. Really.

Hoops shows today in his spoiler in his digest exactly WHY he is THE HOOPS and I am not worthy. That guitar paragraph just really crystalizes that which can sometimes be a warhorse of a thread here. A definitive statement. BTW, if I get that 22nd Row thing ocassionally by mistake... no problemo ! I enjoy reading one once in a while. I accept no apologies from Hoops.

"His Boston Rag & Dupree riffs were spectacular" ? Uh, JMoney man, someone was here awhile back impersonating you, using your tag, saying Walter was whack. Just to alert you.

Chere: Damage report captain ? Your last post was a little cheerier anyway. Informer, as identified correctly as a cool little ditty by Snow (as in White rapper). I own the CD. He was, unfortunatly the one-trickest of ponies. Greatest Hits single. Here Comes the Hotstepper was Ini Kamozi, a dancehall star, ditto GHs EP at best. After your dismissal of the tune, I hate to report that we periodically throw it in this reggae medley thing we do. It's funky and can possibly loosen the caboose, sandwiched between some Marley jams. Easy to hide words in too. That can be particularly fun & easy in front of hundreds of drunks. D&W can't do that. Too many people paying too close attention.

rubymydear: I am so excited that no one got my NA NA song yet (if I hurry). Although the competition is thick and bitter (worm gets in YES !!!), this work embodies what NA NA means at it's core value. I hereby take great pride in nominating "Time to Change" by THE BRADY KIDS. Yeah, that episode where Peter's voice changes. Hell, their wardrobe is TOTALLY NA NA. The choreography, the lighting. It's all right there. NA NA-ISM.

caramia you get down off that fence and into the Capital City topsoil at once. we're creating LEGENDS here in SEVEN DAYS.

D&W, GET READY TO RUMBLE. YOU ARE NOT READY FOR RALEIGH NC !!!

BUT BABIES WE ARE READY FOR YOU !!!

We like setlists, because as an SD nut of 4 concerts this season I want to know if there is a trend toward change as my latest venue date approaches. I like a change-up...even of one song. It thrills me.

na na trivia dept: "Our House" in the fade-out ending by CSNY, penned by Nash as a love song to Joni. Or is it also a La-La,
instead...?

See a few of youse in Hotlanta Monday night. Mail me if you need the scoop on the party poop.

I am on the fence for Raleigh, wormy, and will decide on Thursday about my plans. Sure would like to meet Steviedan, Hutch, and others over there along with you, spineless wonder.
;-)

reported from DollyWood today: We are going International...woooo
weee, we's gettin' global over heah.

cara mia, just West of DollyWood

Hey Charlie Come In Tokyo---
Thanks for posting this NPR conversation. Off topic, but I am a responsible gun owner. I love to see an anti get shut down.

Hey Charlie Come In Tokyo---
Thanks for posting this NPR conversation. Off topic, but I am a responsible gun owner. I love to see an anti get shut down.

Dr. Mu: The group is The Delphonics from the City of Brothers on Drugs.....i mean Brotherly Love

What is the point of knowing set lists for shows? I've asked this to former deadhead friends and they never could give me a straight answer. (of course they couldn't give a straight answer to anything)

From the Jerseeey papers:
http://www.southjerseynews.com/m071400f.htm

ATTENTION BOSTON TICKET SELLERS/BUYERS:

If you posted a message to the ticket exchange within the last 2 days it is very possible I've already deleted your post by mistake. If it isn't too late may I suggest you go back to the site and check the status of your post. I'm very sorry for the inconvenience. Sometimes I do dumb things....

http://boardserver.mycomputer.com/list.html?u=stalphonzo&f=1

StAl

Na na na na na na na
Na na na na na na
Getting Jiggy With It - Will Smith

Robin: It finally came to me on the way home. Same folks who crooned Didn't I Blow Your Mind This Time
How about:
Hey There Lonely Girl - Eddie Holman
Natural High - Bloodstones
Can't Hide Love - Earth Wind and Fire
Have You Seen Her - Chi-Ltes
Think I'm Going Out of My Head - Little Anthony

Na na na na na na na
Na na na na na na
Getting Jiggy With It - Will Smith

Actually the Kiss song went ha ha ha ha hey hey hey...
which is just as meaningful.

Dr Mu: I think you're thinking of the Delfonics. And I believe it's not Na, but La. You're right--some really great songs in that group. Great memories . . .

There was an early 70s soul song that went: "NaNaNaNaNaNaNaNaNaaa I Love You-ooooo-oooo...jeez who was it...the Chi-lites?? Manhattan's?? Great Harmonies. L-U-V that early 70s radio soul: Stylistics, O'Jays, Spinners, etc.

This is the night of the expanding man
I take one last bite
and straddle the cheesesteak stand
I cried when I wrote this song
"YOU COOKED THIS DAMN FILET TOO LONG!"
This supper is free
I'd like extra fries with these

Learn to work eclairs and scones
I'll eat just what I feel
drink thick milkshakes all night long
and die behind the wheel
they got a name for the thinner in the world
I want a name I can use
they call runway models "The Thin Black Line"
call me Two-Ton Blues

Steely Dan do a cover of Lou Reed's "Walk on the Wild Side." DF can ever play the outro saxaphone solo, eh? The 'beat literature' material in "WOTWS" works with the Burroughs influence in SD. Just a couple of thoughts. . .

Kid Finch

They took out a wall
a victim of happenstance
this is for me
a sperm whale in spandex pants
sharing the things I know and love
"YOU'RE OUT OF YOUR MIND"
crestaceans, creations
that pad my behind
I slough like a hippo
through these suburban streets
I search every Bistro looking for food to eat
I'll rise when the sun goes down
cover each buffet in town
a world of my own
I'll eat you from house and home
Chorus

should have had all my ducks in a row before I posted. But for DOO DOO stuff..
Eryka Badu has Doo dooo's all over her songs. yadi yadi da da da doo doo ......... "TYRONE"
So does Amel. Almost every song has a scat thing going on. Shooby Doobay! And then some!

Funky dung..... and
"Careful With that Axe Eugene"- see what I mean? About my beau and the Napster? I am breathing Floyd. Better go put on some Steely Dan real fast!

My Instant Karma Just GOT YOU ALL!- JUJU REE

Suzanne Vega - Tom's Diner has the DO DO 's nailed
and I know that the wormbrain likes her almost as much as Vicki Cave , right?

and can't forget Lou Reed - Walk on the Wild Side for DO DE DO DO's either

NA NA and Frank Zappa - is this exclusive?

what's my prize wormy?

Mr laPage- So good to see you here and so quick like. Did you e mail me yet? Thanks for clearing up the song thing for me. My beau just started getting into Napster. He ties up the damn phone, makes me hear endless live versions of Waters' and Floyd songs. He is MR FLOYD FAN. I love both, but I can't do Floydesque stuff ALL the time. Now Steely Dan is a different matter. Dey be Most Propa ALL THE TIME!!!!! ALL HAIL!!!!

steviedan- Got your e mail. Thank you sooo much and so much for taking the time in your oh so crazy schedule. I really really appreciate your understanding and faith. You da bess baby!peaceoutree

Am I allotted a certain amt of times I can post? If so, I think I just wore out my welcome and please accept my apologies for doing so. I am an addict though, and I am sure before nights end I will be back here checking out the scene.... on the GB.
Till then....

"Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun- Chere

J. Giel's Angel is The Centerfold has a neat NaNaNa at the end.

Steely Dan - Change of the Guard goes na na na na na na na na.

It was quite funny but
that expanding man pair o d is not mine... Don't want to be held responsible for everything that goes on anonymously here, hey Ole?
Still searching for the nana.

Na na -
Deep Purple - Hush
have we hit 20 yet?
doo doo doo heartbreaker - Rolling Stones
de doo doo doo de dah dah dah - Police

I just want to say that I HATED that stupid Na Na song, there was a little boy about age 6 who used to live in my building who sang it ALL the time. It was cute at first but after months, I was so OVER that song. And correction, I think it was called "Hotstepper". I wonder when I was six and my mom used to make me sing for all her friends, you know that cute "oh look she can sing that song shit" did they get sick of hearing it too like me, cause I sure remember doing it alot. The song? "Joy to The World" the version by Three Dog Night. I used to really belt out "Jeremiah was a Bullfrog".......... Memories.

Getting back to the Na na stuff, I just remebered since I have really been burning up the Amel Lerieux Cd there is a song called "Weather" with the begining part (very Stevie Wonderish I might add) that actually starts.. Na Na Na Na Na NA Na NA NA Na Na

And if we are going to do dodo songs you can add her name as well as George Benson and Stevie Wonder (Ribbon in the Sky). All dat scat. LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!LOVE IT !!!!!!

Trying to repair the dammage of the early part of today-
JuJu REE

oops the ocean is a la la song not a na na

scratch that

The original song that the sample that the Rap song Chere mentions comes from: 'Nobody!' Nobody can do the jerk like I do, Nobody can do the Philly like I do, Nobody can do the Shing-a-ling Like I do.
nanananananananananan.
Big with high school cheerleaders. We've all heard it countless times at football games.

The Dead's Ripple. Great NaNaNa gig at the end.

Michael Jackson's P.Y.T., Pretty Young Thing off the mega-hit "Thriller' album.

NA NA songs continued

Led Zeppelin - the Ocean
is the ultimate na na bridge to a song

imho

Kiss - Hold Your Heart goes Na Na Na Na Hey Hey Hey Doo doo doo doo doo...
KC (from Sunshine band fame) - Give It Up goes nanananananana baby give it up, give it up, baby give it up...
and that song by Bon Jovi that goes na na na na na na na na at the end, I forgot, was a big radio hit at one point.
Na na wormy, Moving in Stereo by the Cars does not offer any Nanas, or does it?
That's all for now...

OKay I don't know the name of the artist, but I am sure with a bit of research or someone catching this thread that SOMONE will figure it out. The song I think is called "Informer". It goes something like..
Na Na Na na na na na na na na na na na na na here come the hot stepper, I'm the lyrical gangster,Excuse me Mr officer.... something like that. Regae type tune.
Peace and blessings fellow danfans. Love you all. - JuJu Ree

ShaNaNa's Rendition of Get a Job

Rubester

the largest intellectual stretch for a na na

yes - heart of the sunrise

other na na songs
Todd's cover of Marvin Gaye Ode to Love
the Cars - Crusing in Stereo (?)
Cat Stevens - Wild World
Focus - Hocus Pocus
for starters

more film at 11

how about doo doo songs?

Hank - I knew you could spot a walter lyric, thanks

Razor's back and sharped nicely

and I detect the canadian of red blazeness paroding the expansion of man (fun)

off for the weak end

wormy t

there where I used to stand

Ruby, the classic NaNaNa song: Journey's Lovin',Touchin', Squeezin'

America's Horse with No Name

Neil Seddaka's Happy Birthday Sweet 16

ruby baby: Change of the Guard, Time Out of Mind

Two-Ton Blues

This is the day of the expanding man
that cake has been weighed
there on the baker's stand
it seems like only yesterday
I covered my ass
in new jeans, tight blue jeans
that's all in the past
You call me obese
you say I'm a lazy fiend
this is for real
I'm already size 19
So useless to ask me why
shut your mouth and pass the pie
I'll make it this time
I'm ready to crash that chow line

Learn to work eclairs and scones
I'll eat just what I feel
drink thick milkshakes all night long
and die behind the wheel
they got a name the thinner in this world
I want a name I can use
The call runway models the 'Thin Black Line'
Call me Two-Ton Blues

It's the vinyl like an open fire down in the woods where BigFoot still has second thoughts about wearing his lemming or a more summerlike coat to cover his crooked toes.
Like frozen yogurt. Hm. The Pretzel's bound to beat Prozac.
If anyone's on that little chemical illusion.
Nature versus nurture.

The GB's on a Babylon streak again, deja vu, I luv' it!

Toodle-oo indeed LOL

A B-Tree bow,
Gina

Hank Silvers: I think you're right about certain key lyrics having Walter's prints all over them. He's got such a scientific way of thinking. He could be a mechanical engineer, but then his wardrobe would suffer drastically.

I think he's the one responsible for that short-lived diagram on the Official SD site - you know the one that allowed us to change the cd label from orange to green? I loved that one!

Blaise: Hey, thanks so much!! I get by with a little help from my friends.

Anyone&Everyone: I need assistance. I'm doing a project in which I need to have about 20 songs with the words "Na na na" in them. I'm having trouble remembering more than a few. So far I've got :

Hey Jude
Night of 1000 Dances
Kiss Him Goodbye
Ohio

I know you guys can come up with stuff. You're the best!

rb

Still floating on Steely Dan wings two weeks after their show in Toronto on June 27th; I was able to get the set list from some of the previous tour dates, which showed "Boston Rag" as the opening song - and indeed was for the Toronto show. The ovation Fagen and Becker received when they walked on stage as the band kicked into the song chilled me to the marrow - and couldn't have cared if they sang "Mary Had A Little Lamb."

"Deacon Blues" was haunting; it was one of those magic moments that occur in a concert - it doesn't happen too often (Joe Cocker doing "Feeling Allright," or "Undun" by the Guess Who)but it was almost paralysing. The other song that almost made me cream was "Dirty Work," which featured each of the female singers doing a verse - It was outstanding -

Becker's intro of the band was a scream - He mentioned that they never got to Canada in their early days of touring "something to do about Customs and crossing the boarder. They didn't have the dogs, but they probably wouldn't have needed them." It brought the house down. When he got to the "Choir" he prefaced the introduction by labelling them "the Visually Appealing part of the group." And when the introduced DF, it was followed by a "Standing O." After finishing off "Cousin Dupree," DF referred to him as "one of those unsavoury people that are in every town."

Donald Fagen has a humongous grill, and when there was a close up on the monitor, it accentuated that feature. FM was a brilliant encore, which ended the show perfectly. What a night.

If this dude comes back? Can't take the heat -- stay the hell OUTrageous...

Based on reports from many of the shows, it seems Walter feels compelled to say the word "fuckin'" at least once a night while addressing the crowd.

I'll be clocking him in Mansfield.

Lennon and Brian Epstein.

Anyone have a set list from last night's show at the E-Centre?

Four-pound mosquitos on the Big Dig payroll, probably feeding on taxpayer-funded Dunkin' Donuts takeout: That's Massachusetts in a nutshell.

(At least it's FEDERAL-taxpayer funded. Thanks, Tip.)

"again show me a dan song that you can tear apart and say that's DOn and that's Walt"

Not entirely, no. . .that's a mighty tall order. But I figure that the same man who came up with "the laws of curved space/time / susponed without warning" was also responsible for "Till the axis of pain/pleasure sheared the arc of desire."

Also "Bang-zoom to the moon on things unknown" and its Honeymooners allusion was IMHO as much a WB line as "The Green Acres of my good intentions / and the Twilight Zone of zero self control."

me thinks JMoney is on the money with that report
very nice, very nice

I'll forgive you for your "agree with me or else" Walt has no chops posts - I knew what you were trying to say

next time use "elle non oh virtue oh so"
it's a smoother agreement

so did you get So Out to come back?

latest National Geo - page 91 is the Caves of Altimira

regardless of what you or Walt may think
Vicki is all mine
time to cave in

give it up

topsoilant tom

I recall when I was small, how I spent my days alone

Right before Hey 19 at the 1996 Manassas concert, DF said, "As Abbie Hoffman said, 'Nostalgia is a mild form of depression.'"

Camden was FUCKING AWESOME! The weather was perfect. The house was full. DanFans galore. Spotted DanClan mainstays Fogel, Hoops, Soout, Major Dude near the front.

Glamour Profession is the best song I've seen Steely Dan perform live to date. The sound is incredible. The horn arrangement is outstanding, chunky. The Babe choir throwaway during the fade is priceless! The song plays forever! They're super into it!

Don't dismiss Cousin Dupree as a live cut. It rocks! The groove is infectious, the grrrls are so nasty!

Vickie doing a Juliane-Moore-in-Boogie-Nights impersonation with the new poker straight severe cut auburn locks.

Carolyn is doing a Julie-Haggerty-from-Midsummer-Night's-Sex-Comedy thing. Great resemblence. Ted Danson'd be envious.

Michael Leonhart is back. Whatever was ailing him is certainly long gone. He and Carolyn have a little sibling eye contact game going on throughout the performance with smiles and gnarly faces to boot!

I swore that when Walter did the five minute presentation speech for the annual 'Bunsen Prize' that current Philly resident, Doc Kruger was gonna to take the dais to receive his rightful award. However, no such luck, Philly native and 'Flock of Seagulls' frontman-with-flowing-fore-lock lookalike Ted Baker humbly accepted the dubious honor. (Roger 'The Immortal' bedecked in ratty beige t-shirt came on stage to present the flaming burner to a reluctant Baker.)What's with Baker swinging that flyswatter toward the girls throughout the night?

When Fagen came back on stage for the second set and encore, I watched him carefully from my perch not 3 rows from the stage. The guy does LURCH! He has the strangest walk. Sort of like a Arryan SS goose-step, arms widely akimbo moving in unison to his awkward gait. Those of you sitting close, watch!

The Philly crowd was frisky, boisterous, dancing in the aisles and their seats. Becker said 'Since the early 70's, Philly's had great fuckin' crowds!'

Only 2 from the new one.
Whatever, still too viable an ensemble to consider a nostalgia act. I feel they're performing some of the more quality stuff on the concert scene today.

Herington's coming into his own. Who said kick ass guitar's been laid to rest? SAY WHAT? Kid C, Don't Take me Alive! Standing, Screaming, Flirting with Cynthia, Pandemonium!

Walter's chops are nifty. His Boston Rag & Dupree riffs were spectacular, great feel throughout the night. Comfortable with the audience, relaxed, witty, huge smile during Jim Pugh T-Bone solo.

'Raise up the glass.' Here's to the Columbia Fest and MPP show this evening.

J.

blaise get a grip
I knew you'd like me ribbing your homeland's pride and joy

(actually with Joni, Neil, Sarah and and and,
okay Burton Cummings, you northerners have done okay)

which would be worse

Don and Walt caught in known scandel with Hey 19 types
or to have one of our heroes get a Yoko fix

Imagine Don getting stuck on the "Nanny" gal
and actually like allowing her to like let that nasal drawl out all over as backup on the next record

Or imagine Walt falling for a super model lie Rebecca Chowmein,
oops Romane and being put on a short lease and having to wear only versace and other fashion dregs

yes hell is a viable alternative

and chaisng rollerskaters isn't all the bad, now
in that context is it

wormy

musta been Maura Liason on NPR

Rayleigh is a week away and one cannotith waitith

I'm bored, I'm the Chairman of the board at work today

Ruby - my thoughts are with you as your daughter moves onward
having had both my daughter and son at more than arms reach
I have always been so cherishing our sacred time together
(I've got the marching orders on the wonderwaif shirt yesterday in the mail, be my honor

just because the Nightfly is an upbeat and sentimental album does not mean that all the satire and verbose characters were creatures of Walt's creation

absence may make the heart grow fonder

but it's not evidence direct of who is contributing what to the equation in the songwriting de par mento

shake a tail feather baby

wormy

Pavarotti too too funny i can hear it
no no no no Celine Dion here pleeeease!
Anyone else will do
The pride of my land... ppfffffffff.....
and she's a spawning a new race of skinny nasal screamers
agghhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!

This is an exact recount of a National Public Radio (NPR) interview between a female broadcaster, and US Army General Reinwald - who was about to sponsor a Boy Scout Troop visiting his military installation.

FEMALE INTERVIEWER: "So, General Reinwald, what things are you going to teach these young boys when they visit your base?"

GENERAL REINWALD: "We're going to teach them climbing, canoeing, archery, and shooting."

FEMALE INTERVIEWER: "Shooting! That's a bit irresponsible, isn't it?"

GENERAL REINWALD: "I don't see why, they'll be properly supervised on the rifle range."

FEMALE INTERVIEWER: "Don't you admit that this is a terribly dangerous activity to be teaching children?"

GENERAL REINWALD: "I don't see how, ....we will be teaching them proper rifle range discipline before they ever touch a firearm."

FEMALE INTERVIEWER: "But you're equipping them to become violent killers."

GENERAL REINWALD: "Well, you're equipped to be a prostitute, but you're not one, are you?

me myself and irene withstanding

ten reasons Steely Dan should never be covered by the "Majors" of entertainment

10) Toni Bennett isn't sure if it's Lost Wages, Los Vegas, or Lost Beggers
9) the lady that does lambchop (Shari Lewis)has passed on
and nobody else will do for the Babylon Sister's cover
8) Michael Bolton actually enjoys going back to his Old School
7) George Michael can't sing and palm gesture at the same time in Rose Darling
6) Tom Jones would have taken the Green Earing's guitar break and had sequed into "It's Not Unusual" - Don and Walt don't split royalties
5) Streisand wanted 6 figures and refused to sing D&W's choice "Monkey in Your Soul"
4) Pavoratti was going to do Deacon Blues till he learned he had to sing "this is the day of the expanding man"
3) Celine Dion's was up for "DO It Agian" but her husband/manager has already planted that bambino seed
2) Britney Spears asked to change it to "Hey 19, that's Mariah Cari" but Don and Walt said no
1) Cher thought "do it without the fez on" meant she couldn't dress up adequately for the occasion

worm tom - Third World Man's guitar solo, very Beatlesque.

maj©: Who played trumpet last night? Is ML back on the tour?

Nothing in terms of review on Philly.com yet although they did have your usual pre concert stuff about times. ticket prices, etc. that I won't bore you with. Maybe one of the Jerseeeey papers.

See you all in Boston tomorrow. I should be at the Dinky show about 2:00 PM. I'm one of the brave staying at the Red Roof.

Rain; let's hope not. We lucked out in Hartford Sunday - it rained for about an hour at 5:00, enough to keep the dust down in what they call the lawn, but nothing that interfered with the show.

re: heavy mosquitos

Four pounders, minimum. They're on the Big Dig payroll.

Ah - my little rant on Don And Walt not being as easy to decipher as to who did what has led to an all out John and Paul tree tease

Dr Mu - Instant Karma Cameleon huh LOL
perhaps John slept with Allen Klein and that meeting spawned Boy George (go do the math)

Blaise - I second your top 10's, mag if ehh cow

I too thinkith Rubber SOul and Revolver were tops
and the early MMT stuff as well

So are there any obvious Beatles influences in a Dan song????

StevieD - you also bought albums for lawn cutting money!
vinyl wise I owned Imagine, R&R, Mind Games
on disc I own the Lennon Collection and the highlights disc from the box (Yoko had a hand in that one - stingers (HDYS) and sean songs)

Blaise - I really thought you were the love child of Joni and Neil Young (being your Canadian)
but maybe Jagger and Angie Bowie's bastard child would be morte like it (hey David couldn't always go all night)

Did lennon and martin really sleep together? please no

back to steely dan

again show me a dan song that you can tear apart
and say that's DOn and that's Walt

seamless

Blaise - "He must be lightly depressed these days."

Yeah, thumbs up for Zoloft, Seroxat, Prozac, Anafranil, Nefadar etc etc...

Bye,

C

Razor Boy: Nice web page. Thanks for sharing.
Aus

Edd: ...but the Globe says heavy mosquitos in the forecast.

(Mosquitos...isn't that where tiny Moslems go to pray? Yikes...racism alert!!)

Insult to injury department: Bolton is performing the Andrew Lloyd Webber catalog. Run away!

Ol' blue eyes, you're there when I checked out the GB.
Freakuent's an understatement.
Intens, can imagine that.
Nugh.

Ruby, please forgive the oversight. We're so wrapped up in ourselves with that songwriting business, we forget to be human, at least I did. Having young children myself I can only imagine what you're going through. After all this time caring for them and one day, it's just you and that humming fridge. They do tend to make their way back though. Your child will probably miss your warmth and comfort after a little while. It's a statistical fact.
Razor Boy - I see you're showing some pix from the past, I see no legend. Who are these people hanging out in the park there?
Clas - Fagen said that? He must be lightly depressed these days.
Bring back the Boston Rag...

RubyBABY - I'm with you. I'm thinking of you. Hold on, hold out.

God damn it, I spent last night in the studio, we layed down some saxophone-tracks. It's so cool with real people blowing and breathing. I get high on sitting in the controlroom. WOW!

Blaise - "Like Clas said, nostalgia is a lite form of depression."

I didn't come up with that one, I think it was Fagen.

ROBIN! No no no! There's no space BETWEEN the dots, AFTER, like this... got it?

Hell, do you think you can behave correctly for a couple of weeks while I am resting my tired soul down at the countryside?

Okay, howdy dowdy audi from Stockholm,

C

PS - where the hell is Schwinn and JW Malibu?

You guys better come back soon cause I am suffering from separation-agony. I think that runs deep from my childhood, you know; the freedom-process-struggle/fight from the mother-ish archetype.

Stevie, you're absolutely right. I don't own ANY of Lennon's stuff, period. I just have some songs imprinted on my brain permanently from the vinyl days. Does that speak of the lasting power of the stuff or is it just a psychological condition. Music is often associated with a period in my life and once it is, it's hard to shake. Nobody here cares for FM, for example, but in my view it represents an era filled with events that made me who I am. Each time I hear it (or play it in that overstuffed jukebox in my mind), I'm drawn back to this time in my life. The same can be said for Imagine or Lennon's last (I'm drawing a blank here, it's early morning).
I agree Yoko robbed us all of some History and her attitude after his sudden departure was quite despicable. I never really stopped to think what would have happened if she had never shown up but my feeling is that it's possible it could have been worse too, who knows?
These days, I don't sleep all that well myself.
George Harrison was sometimes relevant. I saw him a few weeks back hanging around David Coulthard's pit at the Montreal Grang Prix. He owns a piece of the Mclaren F1 team and follows it around closely. Has he given up music for fast cars? It seems like he has. Bummer.
Oh and our Bienaime new friend is definitely of Haitian origins. I'm willing to bet on that one, any takers? I know it's a sin. Am I forgiven?
MU - a Lennon-Jagger-Bowie threesome. I know, I'm their love child from the Montreal bed-in. Yeah, I checked an old songbook and I'm full of it. It's more like 8 or 9 chords, some tricky ones thrown in as well. I bow my head in shame. No perfect pitch here, it's obvious.
Later.

No, I NEVER spent my grasscutting money on LIve Peace Toronto, although I probably could hold a grudge over five mis-spent dollars twenty-five years hence. That was a hard-earned five bucks. A whole yard, man.

Sorry Simple Sigmunds.

Last night I tempered my post to invoke a little warfare. Someone, I believe it was the Blaze (who turned out as an eager participant) requested a fight earlier, and since Clas has been unfortunately scarce, I bandied one up. In essence, I was serious as an aneurism. Lennon worship is overbearing. Oversimplification of the arguement like "worse chord voicing" is completely laughable. Mu understands and I thank him for his concurrance. And he doesn't even claim to be a musician. Poetry is poetry. Politics is politics. I judge music as music and not for it's subversiveness quotient. It can be an interesting footnote, but time tells what MUSIC is worthy.

As a member of that songwriting team and even less frequently outside of it, Lennon had absolute moments of sublime brilliance. No question. Those "everyman" type lyrics DO ring true. I understand and feel the appeal. But MUSICALLY, Lennon committed to vinyl some utter crap as a solo artist. Second side of Live Peace Toronto. Give that a listen and tell me Yoko didn't influence the music John put out under his name (technically a Plastic Ono Band album, but everyone was shelling out their grasscutting money for what they thought was a Lennon album). That flies in the face of everything Steely Dan represents, in case you haven't noticed their quest for musical excellence.

Poll: How many of you own John Lennon solo albums OTHER than a hits compilation ? (and I mean CD's, many were victim to John & Yoko's "statements" the first time around, that doesn't count). Just curious.

Worm's point should be accentuated: Harrison was and still is vastly underated. So is the worm's-eye view.

As far as I can throw Yoko, she never pissed me off. That's because I've never willingly given her a plug nickel to support her gold digging poser status other than her share of the Beatle's recordings I own (all of them) and my Lennon COMPILATION. She was shamelessly selling his soul before he got cold in the ground. Any arguements to that ? How do I sleep ? How does SHE sleep ? Musically, I DON'T sleep.

Uh, I am a drummer and the most difficult song I have ever tried to spell is "Asia". No reeally dude, I never heard that little drum fill in there. Thanks for sharing.

AltonPaul: Can we just work up a little anagram for your mantra or better yet, save the preaching for the pulpit. You seem to be obssessed with race. You're bowling a 300 so far.

Rev. Al: That covers it. Right on.

Blaise rules the Top Ten. Man, make it a regular feature !!!

Great commentary from the Beast. So many of you (Robin, MizD) really get outside the basic song by song commentary. I love that because I stopped thoroughly reading the latter type weeks ago. Who wants to memorize the sets ? Spoilervision is a little too clear.

Hey All, maj© checking in with a report from the Camden show and Danfest tonite. Surprised to hear Glamour Profession and Hey 19 tonite. I haven't been keeping a close eye on the set list.

Great show, special Bunsen Prize given to Philly native Ted Baker, great intro by Walter.

Danfesters met and are partying at post-show place, Sugar Moms in center city Philly.

Bed. Bye.

maj©

Blaise: You got it. You are kidding though, right re: the first third of the Dan discography simple 3 chord romps. Dan always recognized basic blues, but even Show Biz Kidz had some intersting accoutrements. Having said that what seem to be (as a non-musician) the simpler musically of the Dan songs: Show Biz Kids and Change of the Guard are the least interesting to me - that may says more about me than Steely Dan.

All the Beatles stuff can be found from interviews from the moptops and George Martin in the Anthology and elsewhere. Hey, I thought John slept with Brian Epstein once (this one IS a rumor)...or was it Harry Nilsson, Mick Jagger? David Bowie? Freddie Mercury? Boy George? or all at the same time? Instant Karma Charmeleon...

OK, then. My hard drive is replaced, files rebuilt and I'm back in business.

Boston area weather for Saturday night is predicted to be cloudy, breezy, cool, and a chance of rain.

As an added bonus for out-of-town guests, I'm sure you'll be happy to know that Michael Bolton is singing at The Wang Theatre ("For a really good time you can't beat The Wang") Friday thru Sunday.

Doctor - I take it that this tone is used in reaction to the one I used on purpose this morning. Myself, I couldn't care less for Yoko and I agree she's true stinko musically. I wouldn't waste one minute defending her. I never mentionned physical appearance or did I? I'll have to scroll back down for that one. Music doesn't necessarily have to be complex to reach me. Three chords are not your thing, how about only one (Show Biz Kids, am I wrong?). You just eliminated a good part of the early Steely catalog in your broad view. I'm gonna go out on a limb here and admit that Sgt.Peppers never really touched me, at least not like Rubber Soul or Revolver. Maybe it's a matter of personnal taste or maybe even a different way of relating to the music altogether. That Lennon slept with Martin, it's funny but it has no real effect on my rapport with his music. Your approach is a lot more documented. How much of that is myth-making fiction is another matter. Recordings either reach you or they don't, MO.

K.D. - Yeah, when I was twenty I found it a real drag to be called a kid too. This old man shouldn't do that. Misunderstandings happen.

Gina - A slowed down Charlie Freak would do the trick, I'm sleepy just thinking about it. Sweet Siamese dreams.

Hey everyone! There's some great discussions going on. I only wish I had the time to get more involved. Lot's of stuff to do though.
One quick note on the best axe man thing, I don't believe I saw B.B. King, Buddy Guy, Andy Somers, Lonnie Brooks. Aside from Somers these are all blues players and all very talented.

hope to be able to join in more soon. It's great to see some of the set changes.I cried when I say that I missed Home at Last. Might have to scrape up some pennies for one of the last shows.

BTW, I also have my first web page up. It has a few of the Trifecta pics on it. Any creative comments are welcome.

http://members.aol.com/jd07fan/

Peace Love and DAN

Razor

But with all this partnership in songwriting and all going on, I would feel very selfcentered if I'd cough up a lullabye just on my own..
Have to dig down deep in my at this moment very feeble memory to find a SD song that would come real close to some sort of lullabye. Hm. Sorry. No digging today.

Burt Bacharach and Hal David. Rodgers and Hammerstein.

It entered my mind.

Nice touch, you with the image of swaying ebony hips and all...Haitian Divorce was on the radio, a few minutes ago. It was the first SD song I could consciously remember hearing, real nice to hear it again, but there's only one first time for everything I guess.
The DJ referred to the concert on the 15th of September...
I'm as curious to see the other Danfans as seeing the band.
What would the average age be? The kind of folk that listens to Steely Dan, here in the Netherlands.

Can anyone give me a clue as to some kind of typical SD dresscode? T-shirts with SD-prints not included.
Just curiosity killing time dotdotdot

People trying to convince to just cut back on my hours instead of quiting. And what if I "failed" etc.etc. It made me feel sad and very tired today.
So I'm going to get some sleep now.
23.11 P.M.
Goodnight y'all, fellow B-Tree Strangers,
Gina

Any one know what to expect for a song list on tour with 'THE DAN' this summer? Would love to know. A bunch of Steely-heads are heading to the concert at the TweeterCenter.

Any one know what to expect for a song list on tour with 'THE DAN' this summer? Would love to know. A bunch of Steely-heads are heading to the concert at the TweeterCenter.

Invert: No doubt that MArtin was absolutely critical. Even McCartney tightened up the bubblegum for Tug of War when Martin lended his critical ear and imagination. Flaming Pie is a pretty darned good album as well.

Blaise: Did I MENTION Yoko's physical appearance or her aural "qualities?" - No, you did. Clearly, Yoko's creative leaning affected John's songwriting. As I think was indicated, no doubt John was critical, but the question I jumped on was his contribution as a musician. Let's face it - Sgt. Pepper is 85% McCartney/Martin - yet the thing that amuses me is I'll see a tribute to Lennon and they'll mention Sgt. Pepper of play a clip from a McCartney song. Personally, John's songs and contribution from a Hard Day's Night through Revolver and Strawberry Fields are an absolutely amazing pop/rock composition library. The Beatles would not have existed without his drive or edge or songwriting talent - and never suggested such. most of Paul's post-Beatles lyrics are a testament.

Of course even on Strawberry Fields, the ultra cool Mellotron-thing opening was Martin/McCartney. Yoko Daze: I'm not a great fan of The White Album. Many great songs, but many mixed. George Martin had a difficult time getting the guys together - a collection of solo works. IMO the sound suffered, but I guess it's more raw which can be seen as positive for a rock album (for me a little Live At Leeds or The Ramones cures that fix). George pulled thigs together one last time for Abbey Road. The medleys were snippets spliced together by George Martin for one of the all-time great producing/editing feats.

If three chords and cloud of dust and Instant Karma are your thing, that's cool. For me it's zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz in large doses - that's exactly why I'm a Dan fan.

Thanks everyone sending me warm hugs/thoughts/words. I could feel them before I read anything here.

drummer who said Aja is hardest: I believe you! But those drums at the end are so expressive. When you get it right, you'll fucking rock!

Ahon Paul: That was the most beautiful description of Hatian Divorce I've ever seen. Thanks, mon! And I am keeping Him, or is He keeping me?

We keep each other company always. I'll sing, "Did ya feel like Jesus?" And He says, "Yeah, but I'm still an Outlaw in their eyes!" Then we laugh...

rb

Blaise, what are you talking about? I didn't say anything about wormdude. I was talking about Stevie Dan saying that Lennon's chord voicings were worse than McCartney's. And no be calling me Kid.

Speaking of which, Kid Finch, that was kind of harsh.

Kid Finch: Hilarious.

Aus

DAN BRIDGE! - THe song is "Aja," not "Asia," and the drummer is Steve Gadd. Have a little more respect for the Dan musicians, including Gadd, who I know could kick your ass on the drums.

Kid Finch

My favorites, in the following numerical order, are, 1) Deacon Blues; 2)Babylon Sisters; 3)Josie; 4)Haitian Divorce; 5)Aja; 6)Midnight Cruiser; 7)Dirty Work; 8)Hey, Nineteen; 9)Home At Last; 10)I Got The News; 11)Reelin' In The Years; 12)Rikki, Don't Lose That Number; 13)Peg; 14)Kid Charlemagne; 15)Black Friday; 16)Bodhisattva; 17)My Old School; and, 18)FM. Those muted trumpets, in "Haitian Divorce," just stir the waters of my most pleasantly intimate notions, all so carefully hidden away. They help me to draw upon subtle images, those of delightfully delicate women of African-American ancestry, and of no specific region in particular. Of dark-or-light-colored skin, tall and regal, with fine, smoothly tapered legs and splendid proportions. All swaying and sashaying their graceful way along, struting occasionally in their very own coquettish and kittenish way. Not unlike perfect ebony wood carvinges, handcrafted and precision made. Again, to my mind, these are more like folk ballads, merely telling a tale, while simultaneously lecturing on the racism and prejudice that was already there, that was always there. A homage paid to the most exquisite beauty of the many races. Thank you for your time. Please keep the Lord Jesus the Christ, our Lord and our Savior, Then, Now and Forevermore,
both with you, and, before you, always. Indeed, in all ways. `Bye.

Sorry about that one. Follow la Mam'zelle. Ignore mine, that's all.

Big Fan - fezo's interview preview is here, I think:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A36118-2000Jul13.html

Still, thanks for the link.

Beast - Well I guess I'm just a jealous guy. Yes, I know, Lennon again...

Don't know for how long this URL will be good, but today it seems to be good to go:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A36118-2000Jul13.html

/the ever-helpful Mam'zelle
(two days and counting till my pilgrimage to Mansfield!)

like blaise I am envious of the "beast with perfect pitch"
so how do you glean all this in the live setting

Beast thanks for the insight on the variation and improv in the latest shows - so Walt is doing the improv - neat

fezo - if it were not for passion getting in the way of rational thought man would have conquered the universe by now

obviously God put deceptive temp tay shuns of the opposite gender there so that collectively man and women would never again build that tower of Babel or achieve anything grandiose. Those who led the reformation out of the dark ages never factored that in.
They were not working on gospel time those days

the wise child didn't walk out of here when he saw the word yes written on ceiling in a 66 art show (rest is history)

Reverend Al - the great thing is that Don and Walt can write of such hair oh wing issues so con vince sing leigh yet without a condeming attitude and in the first person.

So are they innocent and filled with imagination?

or are they partakers and merely reflecting?

Alton Paul B. - I don't see any racist aspect of the Dan
and I too share a love for the Lord

I have found many times those who try to reach beyond color, ethnic background or other things are those that are scolded as racist, sexist, etc - odd

tom

this is no one night stand, it's a real occasion

blazer: Perfect Pitch, Yes. Binoculars, no. One of the most fun things about seeing Steely Dan nowadays is figuring out what they do to the old tunes. I first make a mental note in my head of how they changed a particular song, mainly the key. I'm not standing at the gigs with a notepad. I figure out what they do pretty quickly and I certainly clap, sing or dance along, depending on the crowd. I usually try not to stand up in front of a bunch of seated rows.

Actually, I was kind of bummed that the sellout crowd on Saturday didn't get up more.... probably alot of industry yawners up towards the front, which kept the crowd energy more subdued.

review of 2AN upcoming concert - don't kmow if this si the one but it's the only one a person like me could find, Wash Post:
http://yp.washingtonpost.com/E/E/WASDC/0001/72/22/

Rev. Al Sharpton - Yes, you just might be right and if I agree with you, you're not really Al. There's something a little unsettling about your little text, it lends itself to a fast read and suddendly it hits: "vampiric posturing, sanguine craving... hearty gulping wine"! I never saw it like that. The funny thing is most if not all you point out is right on. Your question is good indeed, after all this, why would racist innuendo be such a big deal? Very telling.
The Rev. knows his Dan.

Beast - You raise an interesting topic here. There are different levels in the appreciation of music. I gather you have perfect pitch (or a killer set of binoculars). My question is: when you think of key changes and technical stuff, can you still get in the groove or does it become more cerebral than anything else? There are those who can't separate what each player is doing and they manage to enjoy it in their own way that is they hear it as a whole with very little separation. Others like meself here, the half-assed players, can clearly enjoy some intricacies in the interplay of a band yet would not be very good at telling if something is played a half-step up or down from the record. In a way, I'm envious especially if it doesn't get in the way of your grooving with the tune. Can you still dance inside?

fezo - Nice catch. Donald Fagen is always is humble self. No you just can't do it without the fezo...

Hey Unimportant:

If you're really looking for a website for an SD Band Member. I'll do it for free.

check out the washington post website (if you can't figure out the url, you got no business having internet access), already linked on the home page is an article appearing tomorrow in print on our heroes. the reporter got some pretty good quotes out of Fagen.

i'm not sure what relation John Lennon's bad taste in women has to his musical abilities. like the Raul Julia character says in Tequilla Sunrise, "no man should be criticized for which way his dick points"

The Dan racist? The answer is........NO. Not now. Not ever. And for those few who might have an incling that they are...delusions. Deludin MIGHT work. Percodan will.

Love,
Aus

To all of you who dare cast accusations of pedophilia, incest, licentiousness, debauchery, wantonness, carnal depravity, sexual perversion, auto-erotic leaning, vampiric posturing, sanguine craving, Aqualung-esque schoolground lurking, grapefruit, cherry, hearty gulping wine, Black Cow, Kerschwasser, Scotch whiskey, Pina Colada imbibing, sausage eating, viper crawling, dragon chasing, dynamite hoarding, scofflawing, wife abusing, recreational drug manufacturing, voudou practicing, Mann Act breaking, pornographic pied pipering, drunk driving, lover shooting, marriage-vow reneging: You're absolutely fuckin' right!
It's all there! Why waste your precious time on vauge racist comments when you have so much fecund fodder to plant your skeeeeeeeeeeeevy seed?

Nice to see the band finally mix up the setlists a little bit.

I saw two somewhat different shows at Jones Beach. The Monday show had rain, Bad Sneakers, Hey 19 and Michael Leonhardt.

Saturday's show had West of Hollywood (sadly, my least favorite 2vN track), No Bad Sneakers, No Michael Leonhardt.

I also noticed Walter's solos were different each night. I think he was better at the Saturday show. Maybe it's because it was a sold out show and the crowd energy was better. Having said that, I think the crowd got up and danced more at the Monday show in the rain. Out of the 8 times I've seen the band now, at almost every show, if people get up and dance at all... it's toward the end of the show.

I'm one of those that thinks Walter is certainly a decent enough player, but there's a good reason to have a second guitarist - to add the flashiness of a true shredder. Walter sometimes goes outside the key of a song when soloing, which is a Jazz technique, but sometimes he doesn't go about with as much confidence or gusto as Drew Zingg, George Wadinius, Jon Herrington or even the grotesquely loud yet capable Wayne Krantz.

Deacon Blues was a real highlight of this tour now that there's a full on horn section giving those padded harmony parts the warmth and richness that graced the original recording.

Royal Scam was awesome to hear live in its full on glory.

Boston Rag was probably the biggest treat of all.

I have to admit it's a little strange hearing Donald's current vocal style on those old songs like Night by Night and Boston Rag. Back in the early-mid 70s, his voice was definitely different... he had more of a mid-range huskiness, which either age and / or vocal training have given way to his now famous nasal style. It doesn't sound bad at all... just strange, kind of like the first time you ever saw them. You kind of pinch yourself because you know that it's a priveledge to see these guys play these songs, despite the hefty ticket price.

I'm looking forward to seeing them one last time this year at Tweeter this Saturday... perhaps they'll keep Glamour Profession in the set. And hopefully, Michael Leonhardt is feeling better, though I have to say his understudy at the July 8th Jones Beach show was certainly no slouch, having had to come in and basically sightread in front of 15,000 people. Kudos to Tony Kadleck. I hope they paid you well.

And Dirty Work... hmmm.. there's been alot of talk about this one. The babe choir all sound great and it's very cool that they each get a solo slot. I'm just not sure I like the new version. To me, it sounds too polished.

For all you musicologists out there, here are my observations on the technical differences between the live versions and the original recorded versions.

Warning: Spoilers ahead...

Boston Rag: Essentially the same key as the original, except for the ending chorus, which modulates from the original A Min up a wholestep to B Min.

Night by Night: Same as original - A Min

Cousin Dupree: 2vN version is in F, live version in G

Jack of Speed: On the 96 tour, it was played in the key of F Min. On 2vN, it was played in F# Min. Now, live it is played in G Min.. who knows? by next year, maybe it'll be up another halfstep...

Daddy: Original is in E (blues). Live version is in Bb (Blues), with the bridge modulating up to the original E blues.

Monkey: Original is in E (blues). Live version, if I remember correctly, is now in C, if not B.. I'll have to hear it one more time.

Dirty Work: Original was in Db Maj (Bb Min). New live version is played up a halfstep in D Maj (B Min).

Beast

To those who dare to level these accusations against Steely Dan, for what they see as their using racist language in their lyrics, the whole idea if it is sheer, absolute nonsense. For instance, the song "Babylon Sisters," which is truly one of my very favorites, smacks of no racist overtones to me whatsoever. To my mind, the use of the term 'jungle music' refers to the intensely seductive qualities of the ambient music, that is so much a willing and inseparable companion of any carefree nightlife along the bustling boulevards and avenues. And, so often a ritualistic prelude to many nocturnal conquests. If there were ever any disparaging remarks or slurs utilized used in the making of this or any other of Steely Dan's releases, I would surely have discovered them some time ago, and, long before even that. And, as I have yet to find any such things as that, I have this fiercely confident feeling that I never ever will. I should certainly know racist dialogue when(ever) I hear it, and this just doesn't even come anywhere near it. Make no mistake here. There is truly nothing wrong with being supersensitive to all the blindly destructive effects of hate and prejudice. But, there is also such a thing as being much too sensitive to it, far and above the righteous requirements for it, especially where it is detrimental to our own good and well-being. That is the sort of thing that can lead to witch-hunts and scapegoating. There are just some things that we have to learn to approach with the ability to laugh at ourselves, to develop a view of the unforeseeable prospects of life with a sense of humor, and, to take a bit of kidding, all meant in the deepest and most sincere affection intended. Thank you for your time. Please keep the Lord Jesus the Christ, our Lord and our Savior, Then, Now and Forevermore, both with you and before you, always. Indeed, well before you, in all ways. `Bye.

Minister: I think Jed said it best, "California is the place you otta be, so they loaded up the truck and they moved to BEVERLY, hills that is, Hollywood, movie stars".

Blaise: Congratulations! Probably the best post I've seen in a long time. On the subject of songwriting partnership; key words being "developed" and "together". "We weren't sure ourselves where one guy's contribution ended and the next guy's picked up."
In the words of the Bud lite comercial, "true..true". Enough said. Anyone here who has experience in songwriting should know the above statement is what "songwriting" is all about! The light bulb is on! That's why the guy's are so successful.

I'm not the Beatles biggest, hell not even the smallest, fan. A guy I work with is just as nuts over them as I am over the Dan. I can honestly say, we don't understand each others insane taste. Is music great or what?

JMoney organizing a Danfest? Puzzled is the word. Wasn't he the one who said Walter couldn't play? I would love to see you two go at it in the parking lot. LOL.

blazed indeed.

So JMoney

is the Jeep Cherokee Red and does someone make the traffic and ferry boat ride interesting? And is it a federal case to transport said victim across statelines into New Jersey?

better save up for that Lisbon airfare next April

have a good night at the show

The Camden Danfest is gearing up for this evening's concert! Everyone coming from the Philly side, please gather at Penn's Landing for our ferry crossing at about 4:45.
The ferry leaves every 15 minutes beginning at 6pm.
Eveyone else, we'll be in parking lot #3 off Mickle at about 5:30-till showtime. Look for the Jeep Cherokee and Danfest banner.
Listen for the 'break out the hats and hooters' anthem.
This is the home of one "Dr. Warren Kruger." Anything can happen!
Drive safely. Bring plenty o'booze and other party favors!

J.

Personally I'm tired of Josie

then again I don't like Yoko either
so it's definitely on the deafest of ears that one pontificates
ones personal diatribe requests

unfortunately Walter likes it too much
says it's his fav thing off Aja to play
with a nice blues riff
which Don likens to Junior Wells and Bobby Bland

I guess it's just been overplayed

They gave Aja, the show stopper in 93-96, a rest
now give Josie (And Peg) a rest and reinstate WOH

tom

she's the raw flame, the live wire

Well, which one do you like most: JOS of '96 or the one that's on the album. The latter has Fagen written all over it while the former clearly is more Walter's. Tough call, in my book.

But will you be laughing when you're all alone
Looking down on the upside...
Sorry what was that, bashing?
Well the song is called Aja and it's obvious the guy might not be into it enough. Who was it aimed at? The preceding post.
Puzzled? Yeah, it's a trendy word these days.

Steve Gadd?

what is this in reference too?

who isn't cutting it?

am i missing something or do you want to be more discriptive
of who you are bashing on this medium

No wonder you can't cut it. First, it's Steve Gadd. Second, you're obviously not paying attention enough.

I am a drummer and one of the most difficult songs I have tried to copy is "Asia". The next time you listen to that, really give a good listen to the drums at the end during the sax solo. Incredible.

I am a drummer and one of the most difficult songs I have tried to copy is "Asia". The next time you listen to that, really give a good lesson to the drums at the end during the sax solo. Incredible.

Dr.Mu - I think the impact of the Beatles sans Lennon's social or existential commentary would be hard to imagine (yeah). A lot of musicians with skills that rival Paul's never even come close to the mark the Beatles left on our culture. Yes, a good melody is great and all but give me three chords of subversion anyday over a grand arrangement, man. Instant Karma's gonna get ya, gonna sweep you off your feet. It's no surprise to me who was taken down first, the impact player.
Lennon cared as much for your thoughts on Yoko as the Boys give a damn for your setlist wishes.
Yes, it's sometimes ugly in the closet, it stinks really but I don't think that's an argument that concerns the music, is it?

Beatles sans Lennon? Why not SD without Fagen. Ridicule.

I don't dislike everything Paul ever did, even with Wings. I just think if you're more popular than Christ you have to make a freaking statement through your bubblegum once in a while.
Thank you. Disclaimer: IMHO.

Besides it wakes people up when you paint everything in black and white.

Name a Dan song where you can clearly articulate who is doing what part lyrically and musically. Not quite a "We Can Work It Out" scenerio, is it? go ahead, lay one out without the help of a previous interview on it's origins

Do we get real insight into who does what by looking at the solo albums and assertaining what is emphasized and what's missing, or is the collaboration really much deeper than that?

me thinks the setting seamless, a true sign of Don and Walt's combined genius. Few songwriting teams were that consistent without egos getting in the way.

Dr Mu - yes McCartney was the musician, but don't cut Harrison short. I second your thoughts on George Martin's influence
(I doubt Gary Katz played as critical a role). As Tom Barney states in the SOny sessions interview - "these guys know exactly what they want in their sound". And Don and Walt are totally capable of taking their visions to the right session players to capture the right creative sounds

Let's not be too harsh on John L, Lennon had more than one good song, but his life was a total contridiction, he claimed to be an idealist, but lived in a materialistic squaller. He couldn't override his overwelming utopian image and fell out for five years as he couldn't measure up to the myth and he retreated to the domesticated father role when he simulataneously totally neglected his older son Julian.

wormy

playing these mind games, gorilla

Stevie Dan: I'm glad to see other people get the McCartney/Lennon songwriting team relationship. Indeed, McCartney and George Martin were the musicians of the group. While McCartney and Lennon banged ideas, phrases, and (fortunately for McCartney - lyrics) off each other and also completed partial songs the other had written, and occasional tru collaboration, the relationship was as much a competition as it was a team. Lennon wrote some awesome hooks and songs and a better sense of wordplay in his pre-Yoko days: In My Life, I'm a Loser, No Reply etc. Mc Cartney as many know had a musician for a father and could play virtually any instrument. One could easily tell in a majority of songs the songwriter by whether Lennon of McCartney sang lead. Even within a song. For example, in We Can Work it Out - McCartney wrote wrote the verse and short choruse, where Lennon wrote the bridge. Bottom line: while The Beatles were greater than the sum of the parts and George Martin's guidance was absolutely key, if one ignores many of McCartney's lyrics and some of the tunes - the quality of the recordings (sound, production, arrangement, musicianship, engineering) of the solo efforts clearly who was the better musician. The exultation of of Lennon sans Beatles is ridiculous (may he RIP). Based on sone song, Imagine, which I always found ironic since he was a drunkard, drug addict, and nelelctive/abusive of his wife at the time.

I am trying to get info for a band member.

Is there anyone out there who does website hosting at reasonable rates?

Thanks.

"Turn that jungle music down" isn't a racial statement
context is key

I wish "Royal Scam" had been on the Plush DVD
I bet the baremidrifters, oops, babe choir do a great send up on that one

So are Walt and Vicky exclusive or do he and Donald share?
Incquiring worms wanna know

One merely mentioned McC and Lennon to make a point that the Walt Don songwriting duo was much harded to distinguish whereas you could see in a lot of places who was doing what with L/McC

Blaise - McCartney wasn't all mush, but when he was mush you knew it. When he was on, look out. Lennon certainly had his day's of sappyness too. Funny that Yoko had too much influence on the Lennon Box - if she had her way "How Do You Sleep" would be his theme song, not "Imagine"

Great top ten on Racism as well

speaking of fault finding

oh brother, make a small statement on a Dan lyric and watch it get overtly technical

If you really want to get technical the San Andreas runs well north and east of La. It runs between Palm Springs and Joshua Tree and makes some nice fracture caves worthy of exporing in Joshua Tree boulder piles. The Pacific plate moves NNW relative to the American Plate and currently meets the sea at Mendicino north of SF. San Fran will be a landlocked "very" eastward suburb of LA some day. So it doesn't "fall", it "slides on down" (or should we say up). Anyway, those poor frustrated San Fran women, I feel empathy for them.

LOL. Hello fellow Strangers,

Fell into the racism issue, well, since I quit my job, the 25th of August it will be for real, it feels like I'm walking on air, hahaha.
Forgive me if I can't be serious right now!

Blaise ... no, I'll skip any comment on your frequent postings here, hahaha, but I can see you're on your best behaviour and it reminds me of my first GB-days, thee friend of mine, let's introduce a GB-hug here, instead of a secret handshake.

Now back to work where I've assigned myself to cleaning up some mess. I will also have to get another Internet connection since this one will be lost if I stop working.
Don't want to give up on the Banyan Trees!
Bye, maybe later
Gina

Kid, it's not considered racist until you start measuring their cranium size. You're getting there though...

KD, what's up? You know I don't fight kids. I have kids.
Just don't talk about wormdude like that again, OK? He's my pal.
Back off, if you know what's good for you.

blazer rouge

I know, no h in my ears but hopefully you get the point.

love and kisses
blaise

OK. Let's tease Stevie Dan.
I for one think this would benefit a Fagen vocal treatment:

I'm just sitting here watching the wheels go round and round
I really love to watch them roll
No longer riding on the merry-go-round
I just have to let it go

People say I'm crazy
Doing what I'm doing... you know the rest.

Why Yoko? Because he could afford it and he knew it would piss people off, like you.

Another gem:

You gotta live
You gotta give
You got to be somebody
You gotta worry
But it's so hard
It's really hard
Sometimes I feel like going down

How can you diss this? Found something more relevant? Something that speaks to you from the heart like this?

Some people want to fill the world with silly love songs
What's wrong with that?
It all sounds like muzak to my hears
How do you sleep?

that poster who first brought up the racist talk was just someone having fun with us, chill...

yeah, don't feel like calling out that Lennon/McCartney bullshit. Everyone hear, save one, knows whats up.

sorry I havent done my posting duty. I've been out of town examining and pointing out good and bad qualities of tall black children (and some tall white children).

Is that racist?

You know you're suffering from insomnia when...
you're considering the possibility of picking a fight with Stevie Dan.

"In the middle of the night
In the middle of the night
I call your name
Oh Yoko..."

Best song title abreviations:

WOH SIS WAG BS TAN CD TOOM BS HAL IGY FM
and my personnal favorite: DDLITNYCNM

Top Ten pieces of evidence that SD, he's a racist:

(10)"Biscane Bay, where the cuban gentlemen sleep all day (those lazy brown commies)."
(9)"Lost in the Barrio, I walk like an Injun" and "I can't be no savage" (American-Indian appreciation).
(8)"Till I heard the neighboors screaming: he's a Third World Man (what's he doing in our neighborhood?!)"
(7)"A world become one... only a fool would say that."
(6)"Where they learn to fear an angry RACE of foreign kings... (and so should you)."
(5)"Holding hands with the man from Rio, would you care to explain (when you have a nice hunk of white meat right here)?"
(4)"She stole my heart with her cajun smile (give me back my heart, you french robbing b...)."
(3)"Whip the bastards while they're still green (and before they start mating and produce blue people)."
(2)"Look at all the white men on the street (let's revolt, Heil!)
(1)"Drink, yo big black cow, and get outta here!"

Really, that's ridiculous.

but you know that...

comparisons to Lennon & McCartney are ridiculous. totally different dynamic. spare me the Lennon worship (shields up captain). musically the man was no genius. McCartney's a better MUSICIAN technically but both men's solo outputs are inconsistent. If Lennon was such a genius why did he ever hand Yoko a mike. Would D & W do that ? Woody Allen wouldn't do that and he's the nepotistism king. Lennon's stature as a cultural icon has, in my about-to-be-crispened opinion, has OVERSHADOWED his musical oeuvre. I do really love the music of the Beatles, but even as a team, I must say they could occasionally waste some tape. I don't need to cite the examples, I'm sure deep down you know them. Flame on kids, you said you wanted a fight.

steviedan feelin' mean tonite UUURRRRRR

and dammit the nut-hit count is up a bit this week. Let's get that Beware of Dog/No Soliciting sign up.

This talk of racism is a riot

I take (it) to the streets day in, day out, riding through

Chicago's Ida B. Wells, Cabrini, South State St. Housing

Projects and find that Steely is a great anesthetizer with my

fellow persons of color. "They" let me do my job with no

hassle. I'm received with a kind-of "Stevie Dan-he cool"

acceptance. This also underscores, if anyone's counting, a huge

crossover/RnB Soul audience for SD. New City, a free press,

once published a cover story about Steppin' (a mature black

free style dance) where KAMAKIRIAD was cited as an underground

favorite for Steppin' DeeJays. Interesting, aye?

This talk of racism is a riot

I take (it) to the streets day in, day out, riding through

Chicago's Ida B. Wells, Cabrini, South State St. Housing

Projects and find that Steely is a great anesthetizer with my

fellow persons of color. "They" let me do my job with no

hassle. I'm received with a kind-of "Stevie Dan-he cool"

acceptance. This also underscores, if anyone's counting, a huge

crossover/RnB Soul audience for SD. New City, a free press,

once published a cover story about Steppin' (a mature black

free style dance) where KAMAKIRIAD was cited as an underground

favorite for Steppin' DeeJays. Interesting, aye?

Becker is Jewish?

If you're planning to attend the Camden/Philly show 7/13, please see the updated Danfest schedule at

http://www.careerfrontier.net/test/camden/index.html

Thanks to minah whirled for the Danfest soundtrack.

Donald Pez dispensers for all who attend!!

maj©

I think the supposed racism that Alton mentions might stem from the comments Fagen made in a recent interview about not caring much for rap music, that it's too political etc much like the experimental jazz of the late 60's.
This was not a racist statement but a statement about personal choice and artistic preference.
Is it now considered racist in this fucking overly politically corrrect world to say that you don't like rap?
In my 30 year knowledge of all things Steely Dan, I cannot find the slightest hint of racism in any of their songs, interviews, actions or attitudes.
They've always been outspoken about their likes and dislikes concerning music. I applaud this. I respect their tastes and feel that they have some bit of expertise in the area of musical talent.
In fact, in a recent interview when asked what he was currently listening to, Becker stated that the great Billy Holliday was at the top of his rotation. He's also down by law as saying that he loves Sony Rollins, Miles and Coltrane and that these African American musical pioneers remain integral influences on Steely Dan today.
Perhaps Alton heard from the folks who were miffed because Lord Tariq had to pay to sample the sooutrageous Black Cow groove.
Big fucking deal. It's a business.
These guys aren't racists! They're a couple of musically talented jewish guys from New York who are trying to make good music without creating too many sensational waves.
Back off! The claim has NO MERIT!

Craig
Hey nineteen, that's 'Reatha Franklin, she don't remember the Queen of Soul.

hey--just got some GREAT pics from the Steely Dan concert (in san diego)! If any of you would like to see them write me a quick little note and let me know and i will send them to ya!! E-mail me at-- brassmonkey2@hotmail.com

dont really know where this racist talk came from...i guess you could say that everyone is a bit racist deep down inside, even if you dont show it, it is always there.

The California scene.......San Fran.is beautiful,prosperous and is famous for gourmet food.....The women there are frustrated,because of abundance of gay men.....The political situation is fucked as well. Diane Feinstein when mayor had to attend a transvestite Ball and kiss the Queen.......LA is another situation, LA County is a mirror of the U.N and the various immigrants hate each other. crime, air pollution, insane traffic, expensive housing, Quakes, mudslides.....on the plus side there is so much to do and the beaches are great......All in all who givesa fuck where the Stars live... I hear that San Diego is the place you want to be(best climate in U.S.A) and right next door to all those Mexicans who are dyin to pick fruits and veggies......I`LL stay back East.....Thanks anyhow.....Minister of CULTURE.........

Racism??????
Hope I don't get blasted for thisbut....

It's art after all. A racial expression perhaps, But one that is not attached to anything or anyone. And through the music we can see a reflection of our souls sometimes (I do anyway). We LIVE the expression or know someone who has. There is the blessing of craft and the person expressing it.

" The art of saying things well is useless to a man who has nothing to say."
- Macaulay

Have to give D&W BIG props for having the cleverness, mastery, and the balls to "say it".

My 2 cents- Anyone out there agree with me?-
JuJu chile' Chere

re: songwriting partnership.

DF: "Walter and I developed the sound together over the years.
I think I learned a lot from him and vice versa. I don't think there would be any way to separate how much of the style came from either of us at this point."

In another interview (see Metal Leg Archive):

WB:"I think our collaboration was so well integrated that we weren't sure ourselves where one guy's contribution ended and the next guy's picked up."

These come from separate interviews, one with DF, the other with WB each on their own and at a different time. The collaboration is so tight, they basically say the same thing. Even they would have problems determining who did what.

ybtodd-well, okay. If you could draw a direct line from the Valley to the fault it would be about an hour away, notwithstanding acual freeways and LA driving conditions. Seismic waves will travel the direct route, however, so it might as well be an hour away!

There still is no life east of I5.

Lance is going to blaze up the mountains tomorrow! I read his book and it's a good, fast read. Straight forward, tells it like it is. If you never understood what the big deal about the Tour is, you will after reading his descriptions of the race.

Steely Dan is racist! "You are obsolete/Look at all the white men on the street". Don't they know you can't say stuff like that?

Aja

Aja: as a Pasadena resident I'll take your definition of "southern california" under advisement, but I think driving east for an hour out of the valley might get you to Monrovia...not anywhere close to the fault. Of course if you have a Boxter and are making the drive at 1am you might have a shot at getting somewhere near Indio (although the 210/10 transition sux 24/7). When I lived in Claremont I considered myself a southern california resident, but truth be told I still believe the saying we used to chant in my youth (living in San Diego):

"there is no life east of I5"

btw....Lance did destroy the lads in the Pyrenees, didn't he? Quite the stud, and great team support on both 10 and 11.

ybtodd-go check out the LA map on the second site you listed. The San Andreas is an hour's drive east of the San Fernando valley-and at the rate LA is oozing, it'll get to the fault before San Francisco gets dumped in our backyards. And BTW, the eastern portions down here are also "Southern California", not just the beaches.

Mont Ventoux, look out 'cause Lance is coming! Oh, the boy looks good in yellow.

Steely Dan racist? Too ridiculous!

Aja

Yes, why be todd when you can be thorough?

Aja - Of course, you should know. It's all slipping under your feet. As long as you don't end up with Canadian weather(-35C to +35C except for BC), you'll be fine.

Alton - That Steely Dan, he's such a racist. His band only employs four African-Americans. Not to mention they were the only pale folks in a lot of studio sessions. Nothing short of turning black themselves will do, I guess. What are you refering to anyway?

There is a worm in New Orleans...

More quake info:

http://pubs.usgs.gov/gip/earthq3/where.html

http://pasadena.wr.usgs.gov/recenteqs/

http://www.trinet.org/shake/archive/major.html

The San Andreas does not run through LA. In fact, it is significantly east of southern california. It does however run through the peninsula. Check a crude map here:

http://quake.wr.usgs.gov/more/1906/prentice/prentice.top.html

The San Fernando quakes were on a completely different set of fault lines. While the San Andreas is the most famous in California, there are plenty other ones capapble of a 6-7 magnitude earthquake.

I really don't understand these racist allegations that are being directed at Steely Dan. I have their very best lyrics of all time in my possession, and after hours of sheer listening pleasure, I am under no impression whatsoever that this is the case, or ever was. People just shouldn't cry "wolf" like this. It just isn't right. All it does is make it so much harder to span the divisions between the peoples. And, personally, I happen to believe that Steely Dan is giving a outstanding effort in helping to promote that sorely-needed fellowship. Thank you for your time. Please keep the Lord Jesus the Christ, our Lord and our Savior, Then, Now and Forevermore, both with you and before you, always. Well before you, to be sure. In all ways. `Bye

or is it the sliver is moving south and I need to brush up on my Spanish?

Aja

Blaise-the San Andreas Fault runs from the middle portion of the bottom of the state through the San Fernando Valley (I think) and out to sea, cutting through San Francisco on its way. The sliver of land west of the fault (the part that "tumbles into the sea" and San Diego sits on) is moving north. In a few eons or so, it will move far enough so that L.A. will have San Francisco as a suburb. I guess that means San Diego will eventually have San Francisco weather.

Talk about timing! The next line just now sung by SD on my CD was "California/Tumbles into the sea!" Off to Guadalajara!

ruby baby-this generation is notorious for moving back home with Mom and Dad after college. She'll be back before you know it!

Aja

Forget that. Like Clas said, nostalgia is a lite form of depression.
So you do pick up the early signs of earthquakes. What do you mean the two cities will slide on down together, no sweat? Is the Big One reference in MOS a myth? What's the latest word on that?
You knew the lightweight (sometimes cheesy) stuff was Mcartney's and the heavier (always great) ditties were Lennon's. It's a tougher call with SD as there is less solo offerings for us to really tell who was responsible for what. The distortion guitars and the funky bass work is definitely due to Becker's presence. On the other hand, Donald has a better sense for the hook. This would be worthy of a research but maybe someone in the know on these things, someone who has the old interviews still fresh on his/her mind could enlighten us on the details (are you with us, Dr.Mu?). Who can be credited with most of the lyrics, for example?

hey blaise - this is what puzzled me

Wormdude, who cares? The message should be what it's about, not the messengers.

what were you reefer ing two?

I wanted a fight the other day and couldn't even get one with the surround sound post, I second you there

California doesn't "tumble into the sea" bud
It's more "please take me along when you slide on down"
but someday the coastal portion of San Fran will be a suburb of LA (what a mix of cultures)

I'll keep you posted on the seismo graphic stuff with early warnings

On Don ANd Walt - who does what - hard to say in the songwriting as you don't get a clear voicing like say "Lennon and McCartney" where "Oh, that's an obvious Paul song, or this is John's wordplay" DOnald does tend to mellow out Walt's wierd ends a little. I personally think Don knocked off the Nightfly so soon as he wanted to show others that he could work vibrantly on his own after the severed relations of the Gaucho sessions

wormtom

no we can't dance at all, please take me along when you slide on down"

Gina - See, Sternum Heaven is empty.

Empty, my mind
I find it hard to cope
Listen to my heart
Don't need no stethoscope...

Yes, wormy I remember.

Hey,
If you like Steely Dan, check out my music on http://www.mp3.com/randyhayes . You will wonder how you ever made it before!

Blaise: I think agree with your view. Becker is also into imagery rather than story telling a la The Donald. Some of those images - not so nice, but very human. The edge for sure. gotta go. More later.

the only guys in the world with the pasion, talent, and patience to make the best albums in the world!
its as simple as that.

I believe Becker gives an edge to Fagen's work. Peppers the soft clinical stuff with a little rock'n'roll. On the other hand, Fagen seems to breathe life into Walter's brainy approach to songwriting. What do you think? They make each other's stuff more relevant.
I don't know. I figure this is an old thread that's probably been beaten to death long ago. However, there's only so much you can discuss before we head for the cuisine. All I can say is that the solo stuff (except for The Nightfly) doesn't have the same bite as the Dan stuff.

I propose a name for The Next One: "I'll Pass On the Haggis"
get it?

SteveMcDan: Indeed, every Danite should see the movie. They were a highly ontelligent pair capable of social commentary within a pop medium. They twisted the opera format to make it amusing and popular. Sort of what Mozart had in mind or Walter and Donald sneaking in all that jazz during jungle music daze. The movie did portrary a bit of the wit of Gilbert and Sullivan, especially Sullivan's Dark humor. However, what you were looking for was a stretch since the humor did not *evolve* from Gilbert and SUllivan's relationship. That's because they did NOT HAVE a relationship!! That's one of the key concept of the movie. This despite the fact that they lived close together. Sullivan liked to travel on the continent when helath would permit. In contrast, the key to Dan IS Walter and Donald's personal relationship!! Their friendship and feeding off each other with their humor is the engine that drives this creative force. Just listen to interviews together and apart. One comparison which can be drawn but is also tenuous is that Walter moved to Hawaii for "health" reasons" to get cleaned up.

Tom Boy Worm - I agree with your "die anytime soon" sentiment but we both have kids so... I always wondered, do you pick up seismic activities on a national scale? When California tumbles into the sea, can we expect to hear about it first right here?

Someone start a thread or a fight or something, I'm bored.

I bet teh Boston Rag gets a good workover in Beantown

StevieMcDann - Yes Todd's lp full of toons is hilarious G&S

Dleestan - glad someone out there likes Manzanera

Cara Mia Marsha - I enjoy Will Ackerman - didn't know he toured
are you doing Rayleigh? I can't make Atlanta

Blaze - what are you talking about? I agree with your humdrum sent ah mints. I saw the man at JFK, he took your ticket yesterday ... I ride tandem with a random, things don't run the way I plan them

Ruby - thinking of you during this time

Daddy G - lame brain here forgot to mailout your Dylan boot
will rectify this tommorrow, sorry

What A Shame About Me should make the setlist about next week
and if Dr Wu is added before Rayleigh I can die anytime soon

wormbrain

step on in and let me take your hand

stevieMcDan: fair enough - IF Larry had been writing charts for himself - but the ones shown were the charts used by the other session guys. If they're playing a tune for the first time, sight reading, they need to know their dominant 7ths from their major 7ths.

Just seems odd to confuse the issue by writing major 7ths as "G7 F7" etc.

(unless he used another notation for dominant 7ths? Gdom7 Fdom7?)

Howard

Review of the Hartford show from the Springfield, Mass paper - they say 12,000 were in attendance which is more like it.

http://www.masslive.com/music/index.ssf?/eguide/pstories/la711ste.html

Can't wait until Boston!!!!!!

Sure sign of humdrum: two words, Procol Harum.

Kama, It's all good now? It wasn't in '93 but maybe it was just me. A lot of the old stuff has got a new lease on life since the new one, you have to give it a second chance with this new perspective, I guess.
Wormdude, who cares? The message should be what it's about, not the messengers. Yes, Nerium, those implants are just for me...
but you can feel them. I'm so proud.

haggis: Scottish delicacy boiled in the ear canals of folks that decry Kamakiriad. I really don't get the criticisms at all. I'm with Craig, Dave, & Joejoe. I've listened to it COUNTLESS times at gigs, know the nuances. I just don't see one's lack of appreciation if one cares at all for Fagen's writing.

If Larry Carlton was sketching out a chart for HIMSELF, he might shorthand it since the use of dominant or major sevenths would be woefully obvious after hearing the tune even once or even just having the general key scheme outlined. The man's a professional session player, not your piano teacher.

Dr.MU: D&W's geographic division of many years was one of the few COMPARISONS to Gilbert & Sullivan I had in mind. That, obvious mastery of their respective medium, and of course their purported dry wit. I was mainly trying to lure some of my Dan bretheren into the magic that is this movie. I had JUST listened to Yeoman and Trial about a week before my daughter came running up with the video. I was totally unaware of the film's existence until then. Don't miss it. BTW, Rundgren fans may be familiar with his take on G&S on his album TODD.

I bathe in the good taste of the people here. I have never been surprised at this condition.

rubybaby: you have depressed me with visions of the future. My girls are 8 & 14. The oldest one talks NYU. I'm talkin' UNC. Maybe even commuting ! Do people do Univerity Home Schooling ? Are you empty nesting or do you have other noises around the house ? Really ruby, your post touched me. Good luck. Everyone's mother should be so kind.

MC: Today I have learned to not ever try the food called haggis, but I will check out Bad Haggis the band. Sounds possibly interesting and not too new agey. Thanx.

Roy Scam- I gotta like any unmentionable like Adam Cohn who would play with a group named THE MOMMYHEADS. Ry Cooder is a serious master.

Stevie dan- First, your name is the coolest. Billy Corgan is a throw away choice, at the bottom of all possible picks.

worm brain on the money about poor Phil Manzanera; belongs on all/any top guitar player list.

Valerie and other non-guitarists- Clapton and others like VanHalen, Steve Howe, Jimmy Page, John McLaughlin, Jimi belong on the "Deep Worship Guitarist" list.

Guys like Gary Moore and Eric Johnson are perhaps slighted for lacking style and substance. Walter is a guy with low chops, but with high style and substance.

Ben Harper is a good good player.
You have to like Dave Matthews and friends.

SD--is that HE?

RB--Warm hugs for you. I remember how I felt when my oldest walked out that door. It's bigger when the last one goes--sad and yet opening time of life for you.

MC--You were just in the neighborhood! I won't be in town this weekend--but Jack o' the Woods is a very nice pub connected to one of the best vegetarian restaurants in town, Laughing Seed. Can't wait to see you all next weekend--e me about dinner Fri. 7/21.

Gina--way to dive into life. Go for it.

fezo, Bode Grrl--thanx for the reassuring words about Nissan tix. I still haven't heard word one!

Raleigh DanFesters: Please e me ASAP if you plan to come to dinner and/ or if you plan to limo to the gig. I need to know by this Thurs. noon! All Raleigh Festers: check out the page at www.dandom.com/danfests/raleigh for updates. Can't WAIT.

jon--looking forward to hearing you jam this weekend.

http://us.imdb.com/Name?Herrington,+Jonathan

Is that him?

I get the impression that the 65 + Ticket Bastard`s charge for seats are not even 70 percent filled.........The Lawn seats though so far away is pretty jammed......Diana Ross for over a hundred twenty is a joke........she doesn`t rank in top 10 female soul vocalists......That show should Bomb.........

F#: ignore the last two lines. However I love this internet shit, I hate it when it makes stupid mistakes...

F#:

Finally I have a chance to sit down and think about the exuberance I felt when I read your post last night when I couldn't go back to sleep. First, I do remind myself that this is an SD forum. I find it fascinating that you genuinely see the parallelism between SD and PH. (It's very enlightening and educational to me to discover that.) Both concepts (I hate that word) deal with losers, untouchables subjects such as sex...and drugs, a total hatred of trivial interpretation of human experience (provided by a Fundamentalist preacher or Entertainment Tonight). The SD concept (I still hate that word) is placing us directly in the shoes of the likes of Deacon Blues, Don't take me live and WASAM. How does it feel like to be one of those characters easily and conveniently condemned by society? Even Dupree. Hey, do you condemn Dupree because he was simpleminded and couldn't quite fall asleep when Janine was around but had to "I tumbled off the couch and sing in a voice I never knew I had before?" In the case of SD, The "vengeful God" is basically society, culture and people's taboo (and essentially the big *FEAR* of what is different).

Well, SD was successful in juxtaposing beautiful, catchy melody with illegal fun, incestual urgings; in comparison PH used church organ (a sacred instrument!!!!) to play "A Whiter Shade of Pale". "Still There Will Be More": Do you think radios want to give airtime to lyrics like "I'll waylay your daughter... Kidnap your wife..." Whatever the narrator feels, it was in his head, as Donald said in an interview, "Not that we endorse any of that (referring to Cuss Dup.)..."

I fell in love with "Homburg" back in 1967, just as much as I fell in love with SD's "Turn That Heartbeat Over Again" when I was 25 thinking seriously about death listening to my old Sony Walkman when I walked across the campus of the U. of Toronto going to a class studying Biblical Greek.

In Held T'was In I: In Procol Harum's second album, I was and still am touched by the lines (as well as in the autumn of my madness):

Some say that I am a wise man
Some think that I am a fool
It doesn't matter either way
I'll be a wise man's fool

And lesson lies in learning
and by teaching I'll be taught
For there's nothing hidd'n anywhere
It's all there to be sought

I'll have to say: indeed SD's two professors have taught me big time. I still wonder, a long time ago, how it was possible for me to go to a class teaching theology and listen to "Any Major Dude" and completely fall in love with it and the others...

Quite strangely so,

Peter

NOT YOUR

SD does not take a stand on

hi al
really like your website
i am a friend of pete fogel and brian sweet
looking forward to seeing the dan in glasgow
in september
keep up the good work

Mr.LaPage- I'm with you Craig...Kamakiriad was another Steely Touched thing of beauty. David

C'mon Tampa!

"the tour is winding down" top ten was ab so lute liegh class ick
and I think I know who was responsible

so local boys will be spending more than a quarter

Raw Leigh come ith soon

if you play babylon sisters backwards the background singers are chanting "choose me donald, choose me"

do you take me for a fool, do you think that I don't see

I'd eat a ton of haggis if God would turn the clock back just a bit...

Clas: Yes, those Laps have a fine sense of humor. But it reminds me that when it hits 120 degrees F around here, how they smile and say, "but it's a dry heat."

And I now know how you feel in Stockholm in the dead of winter - the sunshine of my life just left this morning.

rb

Edd....Bad Haggis does sound a bit redundant doesn't it? Here's the definition of haggis listed on their page:

hag-gis (n): a Scottish dish that is made of the heart, liver and lungs of a sheep minced with suet, onions, oatmeal and seasonings and boiled in the stomach of the animal.

that said, Eric Rigler, the piper in the band played on Titanic (the signature part from James Horner's "My Heart Will Go On"), Braveheart, Austin Powers and has done session work on the latest albums from Phil Collins, Barbara Streisand Rod Stewart and Tracy Chapman. The music the band does is more like fusion with a sprinkling of Celtic sounds. At times his pipes sound more like an overdriven electric guitar with infinite sustain than uilleann pipes or bagpipes. You can sample a couple of their tunes via the Real Player at:

http://www.badhaggis.com/togo/

they're playing in Asheville, NC (attention oleander!) at Jack O' The Woods on July 14th
and
Richmond, VA (attention Hutch!) at Poe's Pub on July 16th
and
Virginia Beach (attention Roy.Scam!) at Whitehorse Pub on July 20th
before heading for Spain on July 29th....they're NOT Steely Dan but they are pretty cool none the less.

this wasn't meant to be a Bad Haggis advertisment, I just liked their music.

Top Ten signs the U.S. leg of the Tour is nearing it's end.

(10)The band finally recovered from being forced to break into
Almost Gothic by aliens settled in New Mexico.
(9) Edd is finalizing his one line review of the Mansfield gig.
(8) You found out wormy's lingo is really the result of defective, first generation, voice-recognition software.
(7) You hear that the fan-produced Next One will be
recorded "sometime in the fall".
(6) You find out Bad Brown Acid Birthday Boy finally made it home.
(5) Jon Herrington seems bummed out after realizing that the multiple and lenghty standing O's were really for Vicky's see-through dress.
(4) Boys finally obtain a restraining order against Huge Fan, Q, Mark Buckingham and those two kids that keep following the tour bus.
(3) After drinking the rejuvenating Grotto waters at Saratoga, the Boys think they're thirty, start hating touring again. WOH solo proved to be too much to handle for 8 year old Bob Sheppard. Michael reduced to toddler status, forced out.
(2) Hoops is digging the archives for Gina and Clas's email in order to secure spoiler exclusives for the European leg.
(1) Ricky Lawson is running out of drumsticks.

...just checking out Amanda's pix on the "lovethisgig" page.

Pulled back just a little so that the title didn't obscure his face, this picture of Herrington could be the cover of Guitar Player magazine. (Not that it isn't a great shot framed just as it is, I'm just commercially oriented...)

http://members.aol.com/lovethisgig/concerts/vegas3.jpg

. = ?

Interesting plot twist: In the heat of the battle, their lips met in a big smooch. Nerium's point is defendable. 30 - love.

Speaking of visionnaries, where's Michael? Who's in charge of the horn arrangements now. I remember a certain conspiracy theory... one involving Bumpus, but I disgress.

remember, 'swinging so hard'="living hard will take its toll'

OK, some of you might not like this question, but, what were Becker and Fagen's majors at Bard College? I heard Fagen was English literature (which would make sense), but my sources remain questionable. I know, a lot of you might think I didn't do my homework on this one, but if anyone has the answer, I would appreciate it.

Just glad the "weekends at the college" didn't turn out as they planned...

Kid Finch

Nerium, I must agree with you on the Glamour Profession/West of Hollywod connection.

Juxtaposing the lyrics and following the story lines, the people and places are the same; only the name's have been changed to protect the 'guilty'!

No one makes it out alive in this derranged dreamscape.

West of Hollywood's Frozen-souled Kid Clean could actually be a character-continuation of Glamour Profession's shadow-lurking Steely Man as he finally crosses the line from isolated voyeur to willing participant now drowning in the roiling undertow, silver bowl in hand, of the white-tipped wave cresting somewhere near Malibu's exclusively decadent 'Colony.'

Though now, the Chrysler has become a Jaguar XJC and he's cruising west, descending from Pacific Palisades on Sunset and emerging like a suntanned god on PCH near Gladstone's, the wind in his hair, Anne stradling the shifter to seductively bite his earlobe, Sonny Rollins testifying, heading north toward Point Nowhere and the last vestiges of Hooterie.

The price exacted by the fates from continually tempting the sirens of pain/pleasure is indeed heavy.

Just a thought,
Craig

April 20, 2000, Nerium writes: Glamour Profession = West of Hollywood

LaPage: Here is my work e-mail address: firstumc@skipjack.bluecrab.org, which I would suggest use it now for this afternoon. In the long term, use my home e-mail address: peterplai@dmv.com

Look forward to talking to you!

Peace out!

MR. LaPage:

Couldn't agree more on Kamakiriad, it is actually one of my favorites in the whole SD catalog. I especially love Countermoon, Snowbound, T. Girls, FL room, and Teahouse. I also think of TransIsland whenever I hear Gaslighting Abbie, mainly in that they are both long grooves that start the albums.

Hey all...well, we got lost for the first time so far this tour. It's all documented on the webpage, if you want to see that osrry epic. Also, for those of you who haven't gotten a chance to check it out yet, stop by our website at

http://members.aol.com/lovethisgig/

Thanks

No one has mentioned Will Ackerman as a fine guitarist

Saw him in Atlanta in October. Great as ever.

Give me liver-n-onions anytime...

Finalizing Hotlanta plans for Monday night's show.
So excited to get to meet our Oleander.
Who else?
Mr Q??????

Meeting at Einstein's at 4-ish
Will post website for directions/phone later

ruby baby--will write you

cara mia

Edd: I swear, good haggis does exist. OK, not everyone may like it, but after a few years living in Edinburgh, I acquired a real taste for good Haggis.

Best way to eat it: "spanish omelette style" - fry some potato slices (+ maybe a bit of onion or pepper), add beaten egg, cook for a couple of minutes, add pieces of haggis, continue to cook.
Finish off with some grated cheese, stick under a hot grill for a minute or two, and serve with cold beer.

"Down at the lido they welcome you, with haggis and beer ..."

Howard

re: MC and "Bad Haggis"

ROFL.

Everyone knows you don't need "bad" in the same sentence with "haggis".

For those who might not know, haggis is Scottish for "take all the parts of a sheep no intelligent creature would eat, mix them with barley, boil in a stomach, and eat them".

It makes lutefisk seem like good eating.

A tip to scurvvy brothers and sisters with misplaced tickets: do not tell Ticketbastard the tickets were lost. Tell them you never received them. For some reason, TB distinguishes between those two highly comparable states of existence, is very helpful if the tickets were not delivered, but gives you the permahold/Kenny G runaround if you lost the tickets.

I just lived through this; learn from my pain.

wormtom: Don't want to be a prize-gouger--thanks for the offer.

SteelyPete, would you please provide me with your e-mail address, i'd like to talk with you.

Also, someone at the Jones Beach show last week told me that the considered Fagen's Kamakiriad the lost and forgotten album relating to Dan music. They said it was much too antiseptic, too 'kitchen clean', if you will. I never had a problem with Kama and it became an instant part of the collective Steely Dan oeuvre for me. I consider The Dunes, Snowbound, Florida Room and Springtime to be some of the best Fagen compositions to date.
I love the laid back smooth feel of the production.
The Dunes long soulful fade says so much to me.
Becker produced, played several instruments and co-wrote a song for this wonderful offering. This extensive collaboration by D&W qualifies Kamakiriad as a true Steely Dan album in my estimation.

Any thoughts?

Craig

ahh, nice to be back....we did a three day weekend at the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games in North Carolina....how refreshing to hear something so different from what I usually listen to....from traditional Celtic to Celtic Rock....especially of note were Full Moon Ensemble and Bad Haggis....very different bands that sounded great....what a great bunch of folks....might have to break down and buy me a kilt for next years games....Hope everyone is enjoying their Steely Summer, we're starting to get our heads in the right frame of mind for Raleigh later this month....hope to see all you Dan Fans there! (especially you, ole)

oh yeah, while doing the soundcheck for Saturday nights Celtic Rock show, the sound guys were playing Fagen's IGY....stopped me dead in my tracks!

steviedah: I enjoyed Topsy Turvy thoroughly. My wife thought it slow, but it was an excellent character study and a telling of the making of Gilbert and Sullivan's masterpiece The Mikado.

There could not be a greater contrast with the songwriting relationship of Walter Becker and Donald Fagen (assuming a semblence of historical accuracy which is always suspect in the Oliver Stone times). Gilbert and Sullivan did not actually write together. Rather, their contributions arranged and melded by D'Oyly Carte (sp?). A true business arrangement. They were contract writes essentially - perhaps the one similarity is the Brill Building years. Carte managed the two songwriter's egos (along with the irrational actors) with an iron fist and a velvet glove - a master manipulator in a way that seemed more appropriate and functional than negative. Gilbert was the lyricist and Sullivan the musician. We get the idea that they rarely spoke to each other aside for business meetings with D'Oyly Carte as an arbitrator or when Gilbert would pitch his idea and sketches for their latest opera.

Sullivan was a man who was sickly with a kidney disease, but actually enjoyed life. When he got out (usually to France) for "health" purposes, he made the most of it in a bawdy way. Gilbert seemed to enjoy life very little and had poor relationships with everyone including his doting wife, crazy father, and wicked mother. In truth, he was defensive and a bit of a worrier about his work which was his raison d'etre.

Despite a string of hits, Sullivan was becoming tired of the repetitive upside down plot twists (hence "topsy turvy" that seemed persistent in each successive opera presented by Gilbert. Sullivan felt his music and potential to be above the now hackneyed approaches of Sullivan. He wanted a little more life and human drama in Sullivan's compositions. So he began to stonewall D'Oyly Carte and the red-haired female benefactor/boss/representative/nag (I was never sure of her role). I won't say more in case anyone wishes to rent the movie. Also, EXCELLENT supporting cast - who were damn near perfect really.

Chere --- I was the one who recommended Trower and gave you the Procol Harum info. Maybe because I am new to the Guestbook and I don't post as often. Whatever infirmities you are fighting, you have my prayers.

F# --- WOW!!!!! Thanks! I am at work right now. I plan to sit down tonight and write a few of my musings about the excellent parallels you draw between SD and PH. It blew me away!! Talk to you later.

The Secret History was one of the only books I actually started slowing down reading as I approached the end, 'cause I didn't want it to end. Totally riveting.

With his Freddie Mercury overbite and close-cropped salt-and-pepper hair, Fagen
is not the typical pretty-boy rock frontman. Nevertheless, his frequent grunting and twisted grins are very appropriate for the mildly salacious lyrics of such new
songs as "Cousin Dupree" and "Janie Runaway."

oh brother, another reviewer stuck on his self

Review from the Dan's PNC performance. Besides spelling Mr. Herington's name wrong...well...you can read for yourselves.

http://rock.yahoo.com/rock/music_news/sonicnet/story.html?s=n/sonicnet/rock/news/20000711/20000711004

Aus

David D: yes, I agree with your comments on music publishing. From my limited experience of this world, I know that the main pressures are certainly not getting all the chord names and details 100% correct - "get it more or less right, get it looking good, and get it done fast" seem to be the main rules.

However, the Aja charts I was referring to (the ones that had chord names such as "G7 F7" etc, where the chords were spelled out as major 7s) were not the published songbooks but the *actual charts* prepared by Larry Carlton that were used by the session musicians during the recording of the album. Odd.

Hutch - glad you're having fun with Josie. Yet another Steely Dan song packed full of delicous A/D and C/F type chords!

For anyone interested, I just updated my Haitian Divorce chords (corrected a few chords and added the bridge and solo sections).
Available at:

http://www.ph.ed.ac.uk/~haw/music/tabfiles.html#steelydan

Howard

alright

I won't plunge totally into "axe man cometh" regalia
must spare you of something shining intently in worminess

stevieD - Masakowski is great, his band Astral Project a true jem
he plays alot of solo gigs with free beer at one of my fav local record stores I admire your broad taste in music there sd

Speaking of the transition from dominant guitar solos to Aja and Gaucho a guitarist who had to make a similar transition (and a bit reluctantly) is Phil Manzanera of Roxy Music

Poor Phil, a true virtuoso and phenominal guitarist (note the two can be exclusive) had to adjust to Bryan Ferry's more prominant like of playing the laid back longue lizard crooner (Flesh and Blood, Manifesto and Avalon). I remember reading one interview around the releasing of Avalon where Phil had just laid down some great guitar parts only to comment to Musician magizine that Ferry would just bury them totally in the mix

ANyway Phil was able to blend in to whatever genre sound setting, the mark of a true professional (Much like Carlton on the Nightfly (hello Hutch))

801 Live is an album to convince any doubters
Miss SHapiro indeed

I left a few Dan tour improv questions yesterday on this medium but I guess nobody seemed interested enough to pick up on them, oh well

off to class

tom

she serves the smooth retsina, she keeps me safe and warm

The set list for the Sunday night (7/9) in Hartford was Boston Rag, Bodhisatva, Night by Night, Janie Runaway, Josie, Black Friday, Daddy Don't Live in that NYC No More (Becker vocal), Glamor Profession, Jack of Speed, Hey Nineteen, (BREAK), The Royal Scam, Deacon Blues, Cousin Dupree, Monkey in Your Soul(Becker vocal), Dirty Work(Babe Choir vocal), Peg, Kid Charlemagne, Don't Take Me Alive, (ENCORE) My Old School, FM

Again, an awesome show. A true life highlight!

Review from the Hartford Courant (includes setlist)- Roger Catlin has always been very pro Dan. In 93 and 96 The Courant ran full page pictures on the cover of their weekender magazine of D&W along with pre and post concert articles. This year they just ran the articles, but it's nice to see them getting coverage in the local paper:

http://www.ctnow.com/scripts/editorial.dll?render=y&eetype=Article&eeid=2719485&ck=&ver=hb1.40

Thanks HD
See you this weekend jk
Q keep trying dude.

...what I mean is;

go buy it! It's da bomb!

Donna Tartt
She has published only one novel to date, but Donna Tartt took the literary world by storm in 1992 when the publicity surrounding the release of The Secret History came close to overshadowing the novel itself, which depicts the murder of a student at a small college in Vermont by his fellow Greek classics classmates.
The title of Tartt's novel also is a fair description of her own attitude toward press interviews. She was born in 1963 in Greenwood, Mississippi, the elder of two daughters born to Don and Taylor Tartt, but she grew up in Grenada, Mississippi, on the eastern edge of the Delta. Details from her formative years are scant, but she appears to have been a precocious child with an early love for literature—she wrote her first poem at age five, published her first sonnet in a Mississippi literary review at thirteen.

In the fall of 1981, she entered the University of Mississippi in Oxford as a freshman, where one of her stories caught the attention of Willie Morris, then a writer-in-resident at the university. Finding her in the Holiday Inn bar one evening, Morris said to her, "My name is Willie Morris, and I think you're a genius."

Upon Morris' recommendation, Barry Hannah (also a writer-in-resident at the university) admitted Tartt as a freshman into his graduate short story course where, Hannah says, she outperformed the graduate students. At the urging of Morris and others, Tartt transferred after her freshman year from Ole Miss to Bennington College, a small liberal arts college in Vermont, where she made friends with novelists Bret Easton Ellis and Jill Eisenstadt. During her second year at Bennington, she began writing The Secret History.

Tartt began showing her novel soon after she began writing it to Ellis, one of the two people to whom the novel is dedicated. It was through Ellis that Tartt and her as-yet-unfinished novel were introduced to literary agent Amanda Urban, who accepted Tartt as an unsigned client. Two years later, Urban was able to stir up a bidding war among publishers for the 866-page manuscript; the winner was Knopf, who paid a massive $450,000 for the book and ordered a 75,000-copy first-printing (compared to about 10,000 copies that most first novels get). Even so, demand for the book was so tremendous that Knopf had to order unprecedented additional printings. The novel remained on the Publishers Weekly bestseller list for thirteen weeks, reaching as high as number two.

Related Links

Greenwood, MS (from Yahoo!)

Grenada, MS (from Yahoo!)

Bennington College in Vermont was the model for the fictional college in Donna Tartt's debut novel, The Secret History

I'm reading James Ellroys "My Dark Places". Scary shit. Now I have this fascination for Los Angeles in the 50's and 60's.

Is anyone here familiar with the novel "The Secret History" written by Donna Tartt? It's a great novel. I am looking for other novels written by her. But there are no! Has anyone a clue what's going on? Someone told me she's only 20-something and she's suffering from writers cramp.

Howard - "The thing was, in the glimpses of the "Aja" charts from the classic album show, there were chords like "G7 F7" that were written out as major 7 chords. I just wondered why?"

I missunderstood. I didn't know it was the Aja-charts. Hmmm... yeah, now you got me wondering.

Gina - AAAAAAMEN! If you have money; go out travel, visit Lapland! It's the magic part of Sweden.

RubyBABY - what do you say RubyBaby, isn't Lapland the magic part of Sweden? Do you know what the natives say up there when it's winter and -40 degrees celsius?

- at least there's no mosquitoes.

Finch - that "no" was an answer to your "Hey Nineteen - 80's - 4 seconds" thing.

Or am I confusing the names again? There are so many new names!

Stockholm howdy and out,

Mayor 7 Eleven

He not only mentioned Hendrix, he said EVERY Hendrix album. Possible exception: Live at the Lone Star NYC aka Woke Up and Found Myself Dead aka as many other titles as the Becker/Fagen demos have appeared under. Hendrix with Jim Morrison and Johnny Winter, all drunk as shit. A curiosity at best, kind of like my boot of the Dead with the Beach Boys. A testament to wastedness. Just got in a really good new early Hendrix import called Down South. Worth checking out.

steviedancheckingout

Who Did Cover of 'Do It Again'
Heard a great jazzy cover of 'Do It Again' with a black female vocalist and a guitarist who sounded like Frank Zappa. Does anyone know the name of the artist/group?

chere, I just got it.

Not exactly a proclamation but as far as I know:

A seventh not designated otherwise is a dominant seventh for god's sake.

Enough about the entire percussion family... back to guitars. (After this maybe a bass week). Some great lists (dleestan I with you down to Billy Corgan, Pumpkins ? Masters of the three finger power chord ?). Some of mine (mostly single names): Morse, Stern, Holdsworth, Breau, Hendrix (has no one said Jimi ???), Django, McLaughlin, Collins, Metheny, Rice, Henderson (Scott), Gatton (anyone ?), Kottke, Segovia.

White boys playing blues dept: SRV and the very white Johnny Winter. CANNED HEAT ? John Lee Hooker sure felt they could play the blues. Clapton used to play better blues before he began "playing the Blues".

Rara avis (avi ?): Ralph Towner, Pierre Bensusan, Steve Masakowski (worm, he's down your way in N.O., phenomenal), Michael Landau, an astute listener said Fareed Haque, Gambale.

and the list could go OONNN.

O.G. (original Geena): Congratulations, you have found yet ANOTHER version of those pesky demos. D&W, you could just put out a definitive boxset edition with UNRELEASED material and just put the bastards out of business.

the reoccuring guitar thread brings me to the steviedan album of the week: Major Impacts by the unrelenting Steve Morse. His tribute to various influential guitar styles. Of course, it just ends up being Morse playing DOWN to the level of these legends, but he does so masterfully and reverently.

Topsy Turvy is an excellent movie about another great musical duo. While watching it, think about the comparisons and contrasts.

Gina: Go girl ! I had to make the difficult decision to leave a good job to take up the gipsy-like existence of a musician. You must follow your heart. Our time is not long.

St. Al: stevie's gonna join you in the Willie fanclub. A white soul musician. His guitar playing is so appealing because it's an extension of his voice. A style partly born of being forced to make those nylons cut through. I have virtually every album he has recorded (the Don Was production was a great one), but my prized Willie piece ? The video special with Ray Charles. You will literally giggle with delight all the way through it. Absolute alchemy.

chere: Where ? I need the last little bit of your e-dress. That dot whateverpart. Com ? Net ? Phone home REE T.

Hello fellow Dan fans! Chere here. It was fun in the chat room Sunday night. What a blast! So many of my favourite folks in there! It was the first time I had been there and folks were there. The piercing discussion was priceless.:)

Craig- Glad I wore you out chile'. It was so nice to finally meet you and chat a bit. I too, had been meaning to get to know you better. BTW Steven called. 'Twas blissful. His wisdom is immeasurable to me. I am grateful to have gabbed with you for so long last night. We must think long and hard on the screenplay and speak to "Bob" as soon as possible..... I am all ablush, I hope you can forgive my unconscious naivete last night, I meant no disrespect to you or to Bob. Smile....... Hope you'll e mail me soon. When you have time.

IO- You play sax too? You are something else girl! How is every little thing mamita? Tu contento?

Steviedan- ????????? It's such a fine and natural sight... everybody dancin' in the moonlight. I miss you bro. You allright? Have not seen a posting from you lately. Hope all is well with you and yours. Sending mucho Blessings your way.
peaceoutree

Gina- Best of luck to you in your new venture and journey to true happiness. The GB has brought me a huge amount of strength and opened my eyes wider about what I want in this life, the rest of it anyway. Glad to see the GB has had the same sort of effect on you too. Loved your quote too. Flawless girl!

Loving all the posts about the recent shows. Mad props for all those descriptive and alive visuals. I take my tics out everyday ritualisticaly (sp) and get butterflies in my stomach. I feel like I used to when I was little waiting for Santa at Christmas. I cannot hardly stand myself- about to just explode. This show is everything to me!!!!!!!EVERYTHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

DREAM COME TRUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I promise not to post this redundant nonDannish info again, but everyone out there who likes Miles Davis, please do yourself a huge favor or for someone you really love, and go purchase Cassandra Wilson's album "Traveling Miles"- A Tribute to Miles Davis. Victor Feldman, Dave Holland, and Pat Metheny are all on this album amongst many other creme de la creme musicians. The music is wonderful and beautiful and a sheer pleasure to pop in and forget about. TRUST me on this. Steviedan babay I cannot thank you enuff for that promo. You rule! She rules!!!!!I plan to discover her further as well as Rickie Lee Jones when funds allow. The music is so great. The lyrics, the spirit. Cook up some soul food and make a night of it with someone you love, or a fellow jazz music lover. Nuff said about that!

Thanks to whomever it was that recommended the Trower album and the Procol Harum info. I am sorry I forgot your name. it is hard to keep up with so many posts! Nevertheless, I love that folks pay attention to my posts and comment and appear to really give a shit. You all are my salvation, especially when I am forced to deal with infirmaties beyond my control. The energy put out here ALWAYS makes it all lighter and more bouyant for me. Thanks to all for that there! I Mean it!

Somebody start a new thread. Instant karmas to all and blessings and such.......

patiently waiting for her glimpse of the other side of no tomorrow- dat JuJu chile' -chere

Howard at Lunch: One of the things I picked up while working for Creative Concepts Music Publishing was that the names of the chords were ok as long as they were 98% right. The hope was that any error could be fixed by the next printing, so if you want to bring that particular wrong chord to the publisher's attention, by all means, do so. It's minor things that publishers don't want to hear about, like certain subleties in nuance in tabulature. We at C.C.M.P. chose tabulature artists by their name recognition value and lowest bidder, and not necessarily in that order. I will post my ex-boss's dealings w/B&F, if any, soon- he did a book called "Big Hit Songwriters" when he was an exec at West Coast Music Publishing back in the 70s.
Good to be back- I did a San Diego road trip right after seeing Bob Dylan and Phil Lesh (w/Little Feat musicians). Bob REMEMBERED all the words this time out! Also, this was my (13) nephew's first date and/or concert. Hope SD is his 2nd! Later..

I am looking forward to the 7/21 show in Raleigh. Any other folks here plan to attend this SD show?

David

Hello,

Just dropping a note to let everyone know that I have updated my website once again. Included now is information regarding the impossibly rare track "Running Child" by Walter Becker & Donald Fagen. I finally found a cover of this on vinyl (Christopher Kearney's 1975 release Sweetwater) and have included a scan of the album cover, song information and lyrics. I will also have a soundbyte up in a few days. Steely Dan actually recorded a version of this tune around the same time they recorded "Dallas" and "Sail the Waterway". I'll have a soundbyte of that up soon as well. This track is so rare that Brian Sweet's biography didn't even mention it (and if he didn;t know about it, it has to be rare!).

Check it out along with other information regarding EVERY Steely Dan track at:

http://www.geocities.com/the_el_supremo/steelydantracks.htm

Don't forget to sign my message board!

Also, if you want to hear a soundbyte of the Steely Dan version of this song, check out Hans Verlouw's excellent discography page:

http://212.153.191.2/scripts/hansv/samples.asp?#top

Take care and enjoy!

El Sup

Hutch: I concur, and have been doing the same over the last few days. I've finally got it down, and learned to solo to boot (only one measure of it that I don't quite have). If I get some time I'll write out the tab for the solo (and the solo to Bad Sneakers too). Man, I love this stuff...Howard is the man.

Ruby: Yes, indeed...good pickup. The chimes are a classic Dan trademark. The chimes and Walter's guitar, bass, and the Michael White's drums make the first 10 sec of WASAM absolutely timeless or suspended of time in the way only W&D can do. The chimes on Dr. Wu may be my favorite of all and set up a mysterious, surreal, and oriental flavor - it's a love/drug triangle I guess, but that lends a link to the Dr. Wu (?) mystery detective (No. 1 son) movie series of the 30s. The chimes signature go way back to the Jurassic Period of Do it Again and expiring the last breath of Turn That Heartbeat Over Again. They also add a nice touch to the intro and finish of Gaucho - the title track. There may be others, but I'm too tired now to remember...zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

DrMu: Have you noticed that during the into of WASAM there are some Chinese chimes just like the intro of Dr.Wu?

jk: Kulee Baba would be awesome live. But how would that fit in with the set list, really? It would have to be after the intermission...

GET WELL MICHAEL LEONHART!

St Al, Just wanted to thank the likes of Steve Fondo,Hoops, and you..Alphonso, for all the support you have bestowed on Royal Scam.My duties consist of band business and mixing the sounds that exude from this great group of players. For the past 6 years,along with other tribute shows, have had the task of feeding the "jones" that Dan junkies experience during "the Boys" absence from the road! The PA Danfest really helped to ease the pain of fans holding Wilkes-Barre tickets.The 80+ people still dancing at 2 am had a great time,were very appreciative! The smile on Steve's face was priceless!
Great music, Great people...this is starting to sound like a beer commercial LOL! But, its pleasing those people that drive us on to keep this music ever-present, cool and ready to drink whenever a fan needs a swig of "The Dan"

Thanks!
Jim

Howard - God bless your ears! After a few days of working on it I've successfully played Josie from beginning to end at speed and without a chart. Those chords just amaze me. If any of the guitarists out in GB Land want a good lesson in jazz chord voicings I'd suggest they go to your site and learn this song. This song is a lot of fun to play. I really dig the little quick transitional chords in the chorus like the C/F and A9. Great stuff.
Thanks again, Howard!

Hutch

Here's the tabfiles site:

http://www.ph.ed.ac.uk/~haw/music/tabfiles.html

Steely Pete- a reply would be my pleasure, sir. with respect to this forum it might be fun to distinguish Procol Harum as the Steely Dan of the Old Testament [otherwise should we take it outside?]. The characters in Steely Dan songs [smiles, btw, over categories posted... our friend Diane had performed a clever and amusing statistical analysis along these same lines in the newsgroup some time ago] are products of society, culture, and circumstances. The characters invoked within the strange and expansive mind of Keith Reid were products of the greater system under the insanely enormous burden such is the scrutiny of a vengeful God on high. About both you might say, "these are not your basic rock love songs", and you'd be correct- and okay in here contrasting/comparing the two. four. compare the four! right- Brooker [with a voice as unique, memorable, and pefectly suited to the respective music as Donald's] and Reid "were" procol harum with a *most* noteworthy supporting cast. [aside: hearing rendidtions sans Trower was for many as unsatisfying as hearing Steely Dan without Carltonesque Guitaring (thank goodness they fired Dave Ball and found Mick Graham, who adeptly picked up where Trower left off having eaten the brown acid and buying a fuzz face and a uni-vibe which is to say canneling Hendrix)].

Old times, mate- still, Piggy Pig into Whaling Stories [with a chaser of Your Own Choice to settle your nerves] is, in my most unhumble opinion, as fine a 'moment' as anything ever commited to tape [or soundbytes] in the name of "rock" music, bar none. I say grab Kid Charlemange by the mangy brown cape, drag him by the neck before Almighty God to account for himself and suddenly Larry's comping crawls up an octave of intensity and you arrive at Robin's solo in Whaling Stories [echos of some final screeeeeaaaaaam?]

whoa.
i'm getting into this.

sorry. where was i?

easy on the lyrics, Peter. Keith Reid was very very young and very- how can i put it succintly? affected? impacted? warped? there. warp factor chapter 9, verse 12 in which the earth splits open spewing fire and brimstone boiling oil and shreeeeking steam while the sinners lose bladder control. someone in a penguin suit tap danced on this poor child's synapses a bit too long. but he channeled it into something rather constructive, no?

Once, during a concert, someone from the back shouted out: "where's Keith Reid?" [it wasn't I. Me.] Gary straightfaces without missing a beat: "Keith is resting in a nice padded room for the duration of our tour".

'... in the autumn...' sends a few shivers up my spine to this day and i submit to you that Reid reads somewhat like Ayn Rand [a philosopher savant with the over-romanticized imagination of a junior high schooler]; he's brilliant but immature- precociously lobsided and we don't know what is autobiograp[hic, theatric, liturgic, scholarly or to be taken as 'his message' any more than we can with the Dan's literary menagerie of twisted souls [some more than others]. A little later in the song we get to "the lesson lies in learning/ my teachings i'll be taught/there's nothing hidden anywhere/it's all there to be sought". [cue the horn? a ship? maybe a submarine: dive! dive!] as close as Keith gets to Siddhartha's river wihtout falling in and drowning.

so, there you are Peter. consider us an admiration society of two for two. [throw in Frank Zappa, Aaron Copland, Bill Evans...,...]

quite fondly so,
F#

the macho testosterone jockey THOUGHT he was going to pummel the excrement out of me 'til I looked him in the eye and said, "Are you prepared to die tonight pansy ass," and he backed way off.

I get real brave after 5 - $6.50 budweisers. all you kids out ther remember BUD = PUKE.

MUCHO MACHO explained later that donald asked all the security people to remove anyone from the audience who call out for Kullee Baba.

I guess i'll never see another full steely show!!!!

mobile home II?

julie call me please.

jk

ps to anyone i told to the contrary - i was wrong. jim is NOT A VIRGIN (ok jim - i told her, jim)

Edd--Smooth jazz doesn't offend me but shit like "Garden Party" does.

Tony Cadlick is certainly fine and has done a great job, but I still TOTALLY miss the nuances and details of Michael Leonhart's trumpet playing, 'specially the muted trumpet on "Royal Scam."

jk: What happened to you at Hartford at the soundboard? Thought I saw some big security guard on the verge of beating the shit out of you.

Barney's baseline shook the foundation under our chairs. His sound this tour is perfect...no longer muddy. More than ever, it's clear why SD has kept him on so long.

Did you notice that Ricky Lawson has a constant smile on his face when he's playing...kinda like Carolyn.

That's the way I see it.

gd

The Steely Dan concert at the meadows theatre sunday night was excellent.

jk

I've not been reading/posting for some time, I wanted to be surprised @ the show. Made the trek from south of Atlantic City to Jones Beach, nasty traffic turned a 3 hour ride into about 5 1/2, but it was well worth it!!! The band smoked, sound was great! I knew my seats were bad, but was a little disappointed to find out I was sitting 2 rows from the top of the stadium. The crowd in my section was pretty lame, I suppose that could have been due to lack of oxygen @ the high altitude. Thank God for the great sound. 'Daddy' was a nice surprise, as well as 'Boston Rag', 'WOH', and 'Monkey'. Saxaphones were amazing, and I also thought Herrington was great. I don't think I stopped smiling the whole show! I'm now even more psyched for Camden on Thurs, and Nissan on the 22nd (finally got my tix today, after chewing my nails down to the quick). And have great seats for both. Seeing them live again has just reaffirmed why SD is my absolute favorite! WOW!!!
BC

First time posting. Went to the Hartford Show last night (7/9).
What a blast!!! Nothing like SD to put on a fantastic show even though they looked tired. :-)
Loved meeting everyone there at the pre/post DanFest!!!
Love ya Big Fan.

"They were right.
We can't buy a thrill.
Either it's there, or it's not."

This is what the ">" was supposed to say! (And I haven't even been drinking!)

Gina: I liked your quote and completely agree.
>

Regarding your career move, go for it. You might miss something great if you don't. I hope your timing is perfect!

A great guitarist who would likely be much better known had he stayed in mainstream popular music (Glass Harp for those who might be well versed in bands that broke up 25 years ago) instead of going into Christian music is Phil Keaggy. Rumor has it that Hendrix sang his praises while Keaggy was only in his teens or very early twenties. Listening to him play on the old Glass Harp LPs is a real treat; he has been given a wonderful talent. I am not as familiar with his more recent releases, however.

I feel sorry for the folks who were looking forward to seeing The Supremes, but have no sympathy for Diana Ross, or the rest of the "Supremes, Inc." machine.

They got burned for a couple reasons. Ross was being the diva (I really dislike using that overused term, but she deserves it in its original connotation), and the promoters over-estimated the stupidity of the public and tried to charge accordingly.

If Ross was truly concerned about the fans, did she push for lower ticket prices? Who wants to pay top dollar to see Diana Ross and_two_backup_singers singing Supremes songs?

Supply and demand works every time.

I'm serious. No kidding.

Whatevah: hooey...case in point

http://news.excite.com/news/eonline/000710/14/supremes-tour-stop

The correct answer is yes, even to a mini-tour. Why? $$$$$$$$

yes Charlie Freak has Sleigh Bells in it

not my nancy is correct

didn't know I was running a contest this time around
but perhaps I can come up with the doorprize
bergeon@shellus.com

several songs other that Ricki have mirimbas too

this place seems asleep today? huh

tom

every a frame had your number on the wall

What do I win, Wormy-T?

Ole: Only 6 shows to go!!
Geetar playrs R US, here' a few:
Neal Schon (sp)
Leo Kottke (acoustic)
Adrian Legg (acoustic)
Robin Crow
Trevor R. (yes)
Stephen Stills (Stills Alone)
Paul Barrere (the feat)
OK, here comes the bomb, yep, I'll grab my pecans and say it,
Carlos Santana does not crank my tractor. This guy just doesn't do it for me. I've bought the CD's, tried to listen, it just didn't happen. He plays the Jazz Fest often, I make plans to see him and I end up walking away.

I don't play guitar - but what about Clapton?

In keeping with the sleigh bells theme maybe it's not tap dancing at all at the end of Jack of Speed but as was suggested in the past, the clippity-clopp of each reindeer's hoof:

Now Dasher, now Dancer now Prancer now Vixen,
on Comet, on Cupid, on Donner and Blitzen
From the top of the roof to the top of the wall
Now dash away, dash away, dash away all!

Maybe they recorded this around the holidays? Does hanukah count?

smoke your marijuanica
it's time for Hanukah

Negative Girl and Cousin Dupree and Gaslighting Abbey
Steely Dan is two big jews
Not too shabby

I always like that little whirl of a reel to reel tape deck coming up to speed at the start of Dr Wu. Subtle but very effective

Jack Of Speed isn't the only song with sleighbells
can you name the other one?

not only did Carolyn perm her hair slightly
but she obviously streaked it a little too much

evidence at
http://www.steelydan.com/Images/2k/us/streakers.jpeg

tom

kids if you want some fun

On listening to Jack of Speed on high-quality headphones, it seems that towards the end, as the sleigh bells are out in full force, there is some allusion - a slight yet noticeable patter - to something sounding like tap dancing. Perhaps some subtle percussion. Its very slight and can really only be heard on high-quality hifi with earphones. Its even further back in the mix than the telephone ring in Negative Girl.

Any takers? Could this be Walter getting his rocks off as he is skating backwards?

Mark

For a good laugh: tonight on The Independent Film Channel (channel 81 on Time Warner/Southern NYC) at 8:30pm 'til 9:00pm, Fishing With John (as in John Lurie of the Lounge Lizards)- featured guest is Tom Waits.

Aus

regarding lack of Mr. Leonhart on 7/8 Jones Beach: You wouldn't have noticed it at all except for when Mr. Becker made band intros. This guy Cadlac (? phonetic) smoked right along the rest of the band.

Michael Leonhart according to Walter is sick. He's being replaced by Cadlac until he can return, hopefully soon; per Walter.
Cadlac accounted himself well on "The Royal Scam' & "Sessions at Hank's Pad"
He's from NYC.

No, St. Al, there was no Michael Leonhart in Hartford. I'm embarassed to say it didn't dawn on me until I read your post.

I saw the 7/8 Jones Beach Theater show.....great show. It was my first time seeing SD. I'll be back...it would be nice it they didn't charge 80 bucks a ticket. With those prices I won't be able to follow them the way I used to follow The Dead.

Mr LaPage - why yes the audience in general still wants the frenetic guitar solo.

Gina - you were able to see Hedges and Vega on the same bill?
You lucky gal you

is there a lot of improv in the current set?

I'll have a bowl of Guitar Thread Rehash with a clog of meat.

Stephen, nice Hartford take. I agree with the blazing guitar thing.

It's amazing that the guestbook spent about a week not too long ago speaking to the demise of the gnarly, blistering Carlton-esque solo. Some dubbed it a thing of the 80's. We said that Don & Walt have moved on. "The Groove" is now the big thing.

Well, it seems that the masses do not agree with this sentiment. I've seen several Steely Dan shows this year and I can state without exception that the greatest resopnse at all of the shows were to Herington's visceral takes on Carlton's work on Royal Scam's Kid Charlegmegne and Don't Take Me Alive; HANDS DOWN!
Standing 'O' every goddamned time!

The blistering guitar solo is indeed alive and well. Just go to your nearest Steely Dan concert venue for confirmation!

I'd venture to say that if Herington and the band revived the original 'Reelin' with the wonderful Elliott Randall solo that the response would be overwhelming.

Craig

PS- I must be a Creatan, I like Gary Moore.??

I agree with St. Al that it's not the technical stuff that makes a guitarist like he's wearing a halo around his curly hair/ bald ugly faced head/ greased whatever dotdotdot, anyone know Michael Hedges, if you're on stage all by yourself and play like he does, both technically gifted as well as playing the right strings 'cause the audience came for Suzanne Vega but many spoke of him afterwards, (many years ago though) well dotdotdot I often have that annoying feeling when listening to music on CD...I miss certain vibes.
I usually consider SD as a cerebral thing, but it also has a way to my heart, maybe it's a perfect mixture. That's what makes SD special.
There's also music that goes straight to your heart and the fact that St.AL feels he has to apologize for liking Willy Nelson says enough of how stupid it is to have these standards and opinions about what's quality or not. Willy is OK! Some things can be considered commercial crap, we don't have to waste a second about that, but there's a very wide area of music that should not be discussed in the matter of good, bad, best or better. Mind and heart, two separate things that also have a connection and the beauty of it, it's in lots of stuff, music, literature, art, gardening, cooking food, buying a new car, selling your old one dotdotdot

I bought the best of Pat Boone, something from my father's past, I remember him having glass records, I opened the trunk and there they were, Pat Boone, broken records, from another era it seemed.
Should I be ashamed for buying that kind of music?
Speedy Gonzales is fun!!

You know what I hate about technical abilities, it's never enough, you're never satisfied, not as a performer, nor as a listener, so frustration's tied up to it, you want it to be perfect, but where's the pleasure gone? It's demanding, there are expectations..
And when you feel you can't get any better, drop it then, smash the guitar on your old Marshall, it serves as a side-table now, your old aunt grows herbs in ugly plastic cans on it??
Kill yourself?

There are times it all sounds fine. And there are times your ears just don't seem to have their day. Life's a funny thing, vibes even funnier. As a human you're really some intermediairy clog of meat that has a nerve system with sensory material so you can or cannot enjoy whatever it is you enjoy or not.
I don't know.
Today you respect the music of Abba. Decades ago you trashed whoever bought their albums.
It comes and goes.

I bet there's a lot to be left in anonymity.
Whether by choice, by fate, by fear.

They were right.
We can't buy a thrill.
Either it's there, or it's not.

Hm. Could be frustrating, right?

Bye for now, Gina

St.Al - I concur with the Moore comments. I hear what people like, but it really doesn't do it for *me* in any way. The tone is too compressed and sustained, and I just don't feel anything in the notes...but again, that's just me.

Maybe some Mike Bloomfield instead? I saw him at a very small place in the early 80's (I think...my memory is a bit fogged from that period). He's long gone now though...

A coule of other one's of note, both Fleetwood Mac alums. Peter Green is still mixing it up, and Lindsay Buckingham, who I had no time for when I was a young, brash guitarslinger, now has a lot of my respect. The guitar work he did on "Fleetwood Mac" and "Rumors" is sublime and perfect for the tunes. And he can rip it up when he wants to.

You know, all you guitarists out there are going to think I'm cracked but I've got to agree with Just An Opinion's remark about Gary Moore. Granted, the dude is talented but for me he epitomizes all the reasons why some white guys shouldn't be playing the blues. For me, what makes a truly great guitarist isn't just technical ability, but the feeling and soul behind the guitar. Many would state that Moore has this in spades but to me it sounds forced and contrived. Take Stevie Ray Vaughn as an example. I've heard many who can play almost as good/as good/or better(?) but the one thing none of them had was Stevie's soul.

But hey, I don't like Satriani either...

Here's some others I'm liking or have liked for a while:
- Stephen Stills (acoustic -- especially when he's not drunk)
- Tim Reynolds
- Trey Anastasio
- Jerry Garcia (and before you say anything, see my point above)
- Willie Nelson (acoustic) DON'T LAUGH. THE OLD MAN CAN PLAY

Sure, there are many much better and more technically adept guitarists out there, but these are the ones I really enjoy listening to, over and over and over.

Onto something else. I've been real busy lately and haven't had a chance to really pay attention to this GB or the Digest. What's this crap about Tony Cadillac? What happened to Michael? Without knowing the details, this sonds suspiciously like some cruel name joke the band is playing on Michael, ala Dirk Diggler...

What gives? Am I missing something? Michael is/was one of my favorite players in the band.

StAl

Just back from the Hartford show. Always great, so much to say, but a quick shout out to the light show guys for this nifty touch:

Ted Baker launches into his Jarrett-like riffing on the Janie Runaway theme, very free and pastoral, and the silouette of leafless trees is cast on the screen behind the stage. It's a beautiful quiet scene...

...and then the band pounds demonically into Josie...

...and the trees are on fire! We're in Hell, befitting our plunge into carnal pleasure!

Really great. Can't wait for Tweeter (and Maryland, if I can find the damn tickets...).

Last night's (7/9/00) was the best of the four shows I have seen by SD (one in 93 and two in 96). The old material was so exciting to hear and not knowing what would come next took me back to 1978 when my UConn roomie introduced me to the albums in detail. The first set was sophisticated and jazzy and the audience was appreciative. The second set really rocked and John Herrington's work was simply superb. I had long ago resigned myself to the fact that SD was a piano and horn band now and that the days of the seering guitar riffs were behind us. How sweet the resurrection (or was it re-birth?)of those days was!

The new album is super, and the three cuts from it left me wishing for more. A unique experience.

It was like a perfect meal with many varied courses, each a treat. I savored every morsel and the memory will linger for a long, long time. Bravo!

Hey!

Only 6 more days until the boys come to Beantown!

Looking forward to meeting all the GB'ers at the DanFest!

Mark

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Mansfield Danfest July 14-16, 2000

Friday night, July 14 8:00pm - 2:00am

Copperfields
98 Brookline Avenue
Boston, MA
(617) 247-8605

Located a stones throw from historic Fenway Park. Head down under for the private party.

Bill, the owner of the bar told me that people are welcome to bring their instruments for a jam session. I’m waiting on details on sound equipment. Hopefully, that will be provided.

From 9:00pm-11:00pm Dan-friendly WZLX radio will be joining the Danfest with Dan fan DJ Kevin Quinn spinning nothing but Steely Dan (including some rarities). WZLX is bringing Budweiser along to sponsor the event. There will be t-shirts, prizes, etc.
(maybe even a ticket upgrade contest????). WZLX wants to promote our Danfest on the radio and on their web site too! So a lot of SD fans will be filtering into Copperfields, even people not registered on the listbot or subscribing to Hoop’s Digest.

Saturday afternoon, July 15 1:00pm - 5:00pm

Devon’s Place
350 North Main Street
Mansfield, MA
(508) 339-1800

Located about 1 mile from the Tweeter Center (formerly Great Woods), gracious host Mike DiMascio will wine and dine us for 4 hours before the Steely Dan show. Mike is opening his restaurant off-hours for the Danfest-only crowd.

Special Guest: Stewart “Dinky” Dawson

Dinky will be bringing about 50 books to sign. If he sells out, he said he’d take orders.

Jack Tolman will be providing the Steely Dan music & some rarities.

Saturday evening, July 15 5:00pm - 8:00pm and 11:00pm-???

Tailgate party/before and after show cocktails
Tweeter Center parking lot

With the Tweeter Center being about a mile from Devon’s Place, we would like to start a caravan of cars from Devon’s Place to the Tweeter Center parking lot. Look for a Winnebago with Steely Danfest banners all over it. That would be Craig and he will lead the way to the Tweeter Center.

The Tweeter Center security has got a little more cool in the last year or so. They used to drive around the parking lot in golf carts confiscating beer and wine. Now, if you keep it in plastic cups, they let it slide. But just in case, be on the lookout for the weenie patrol with the walkie-talkies.

For those hearty souls who make it to the final round….

Sunday morning, July 16 11:30am

Brunch & hang-over remedies

Piccadilly Pub
25 Foxborough Boulevard
Foxboro MA 02035
508.543.0535

Sunday afternoon, July 16 3:00pm

Boston Hatchshell
Free Concert with The Robert Cray Band and The Neville Brothers.

For those who still want more partying and more good music. We’re planning on doing brunch on Sunday at the Piccadilly Pub, just down the road from the Tweeter Center. After brunch we’re going to head into Boston to watch the great Robert Cray and the Neville Brothers.

The Tall Ships are in Boston this week too! So the city is going to be hopping!

Lodging

About 15 rooms were booked through the DanFest reservation. I’m sure there will be some parties here and there at the Red Roof. Remember, Dinky Dawson used to drink with Keith Moon. So if he makes his way into your room, don’t let him throw your TV set out the window!

Red Roof Inn
60 Forbes Boulevard
Mansfield MA 02049
Toll free: 800.733.7663
Voice: 508.339.2323
Fax: 508.337.6733

Just looking at Dancam. Are those their wives? If so, who's who?

Big Fan, thanks for the wonderful insight into last night's show.
I felt the same business-like aire at the Jones Beach show. The crowd really didn't become demonstrative until Deacon Blues, and Kid Charlemegne and no one actually got off their asses until the encore.
However, I did get the feeling that everyone was totally taken with the performance. Perhaps this is the new collective fandom.
Like our man EDD, we're content to sit and take it all in. we certainly cannot judge the quality or success of this tour by the amount of folks dancing throughout the show. If that were the measure, the result would be sorely lacking. It's a cerebral excercise for me. A soul communion. I know I was mesmerized. Each and every time.
Just the thought of Fagen & Becker performing their wonderful music on stage in front of me is truly awe-inspiring.
I remember the first time I visited the grand canyon, I kept thinking how, even though I'd seen this panorama countless times in photos and tv, nothing could compare with seeing it with the naked eye, breathing the northern Arizona air, feeling the wind whipping up from the canon floor and having it's dersert-fed warmth bathe my face. I kept telling myself, 'you're really here! This is really the grand fucking canyon!'
Well that's the same reaction I have every damn time Steely Dan takes the stage. I need to keep pinching myself. I mean this is the stuff I've listened to countless times on my way to and from work, cooking dinner, talking to friends, sitting at my comuter and writing, partying with friends, making out.....
When they play Deacon Blues, it grabs be by the heart and won't let go until Cornelius blows the last soulful note.
In 96 when the funky groove of 'Black Cow' began; I nearly melted. My knees got weak. I was covered with chills. It was like sex really. (ok, a bit hyperbolic, but you sorta know where I'm going ith this.)

You guys know what I mean. I've said it before. Seeing them live; just the thought of it is the I Ching!

Also, Glamour Profession is an inspired choice. My favorite cut from Gaucho. Hope it remains till Dallas.
The sound-checks must be fantastic. Is this where the band works out the new songs to include in the set? They have no other time to practice. Anyone who's atended a sound-check; can you confirm.

Nice chatting with everyone last night. Chere, I'm still tired girl!

Craig

Life's been dramatic and it's refreshing reading your comments and postings, fellow Strangers...
The after drama news is that I'm going to quit my job at Libertel, where I've been for three years. A real secure position with various nice secundary conditions, I should stick to it 'til I'm old and grey..
BUT I CAN'T.

The month September will be, for me, starting with my birthday, an unemployed one...Steely Dan on the 15th...and lots of space and time to leisure around and wonder about what it is I'm gonna do next...I could even decide to go abroad..
So I guess I'm in the midst of some excitement here...
Still have to officially give notice, ahum, hahaha, make it worldwide known first before you tell at work LOL.
But seriously. When I came across this GB, I started out with very mixed feelings about my life as it was and this GB and the people and stuff on it helped me to get back to my basics..
And now I feel as close to who I am as possible. So no more stuffy offices for me, I'll find my own way again!!

But ain't that great ...a concert of Steely Dan to celebrate my new found freedom...
Amen?

Gina

Can anyone post the setlist from the 7/7 Holmdel show? Much appreciated--thanks.

Gary

Hey everyone. Still reeling from the Dan's scorching performance at Jones Beach last Saturday...hoping these cats will release a live disc from one of the shows. I now see what other posters mean by "withdrawal symptoms" and "general depression" once the show is over....

Super to see Mr. Becker reads posts from this wonderful forum...The Babe Choir comment was mine from my notes of the July 8th performance...HOWEVER....it was really "stolen" from Mr. Fagen when he at one point of the show referred to the ladies as "the choir" which I thought was hilarious. I merely inserted the word "babe" because I think it's an on-target descriptor. Before I get electronically flamed I'd like to be clear here: Babe is used affectionately and NOT in any way shape or form used in chauvinistic fashion.

Thanks again to the DanFest people, you made a wonderful evening with Steely Dan all the more memorable: Mr. Effron, Hoops, "lookalike" St. Al, the British dude, Dr. WuWu, Greg and his wife, Kenny and Diane, "Kirschwasser from a shell guy" and his lovely wife, and everybody else who partied with us under the J sign that magical summer night.

Hoops: Let me know when your mpeg footage is available on your website. Can't wait to see it.

Aussie

WOH out of the setlist again for Glamour Profession - Ouch

as for the TaN plush Tv surround sound here's my wormy audio comments

hey I am a stereo purist and have been totally enjoying the DVD on my home system in luscious well balanced 2 channel

I was moonlighting saturday at My friend's HIgh End Audio Store and we had some dead time and I set Plush TV up on the surround sound setup (NAD receiver, B&W 600 series speakers)

Ughhh - first of all they make Don's voice central to the mix - not out front but in the middle of the soundstage and the soloist (and this rotates from song to song) is bled into the front and rears for a larger soundstage as well. It's funny as the horn section can be playing rather out front but the minute one of them does a solo the sound goes strongly to the rear channels giving a gimmicky wider sound - I didn't like it at all. The drums and bass are dominantly in the front channels farther back although the cymbals are sometimes placed in the middle of the soundstage while the drums are riding in the foreground. The midriffters are almost fully put in the rear channels and watching the screen one's eyes see the placement of vocalists front to back and then hear them back to front

sorry, say what you want - I just can't get into the quasi psuedo sonic imaging of Home Theatre and until they actually record it right (like those bombastic movies) there isn't much point in listening to panning mixing tricks

tom

a vision like a child returning

Paul Barrere - Little Feat. Favorite solo: (you guessed it) Texas Twister

Ruby: I knew I wasn't crazy. The modem is really a modem. Notice how the whistle sounds like the guitar.

Does anyone have a set list from the Holmdel show? If so could you either post it or e-mail it to me.

Thanks

I've been away from work for over one week and with last nights Danfest lasting until 1:00 in the dirt parking lot next to the train freight yard, it's tough getting back on the beam. You'd think they could launch the Space Station without me.

Anyway, we caught up with many Seattle Danfesters including SueDave and her husband Tom, Jane Lightning and he hubby Al and of course Hoops, Joe Murtha, Pete and Shari. Pete was taking photos at this show and was right up against the stage taking close-ups. It rained a little before the show and was windy, that's good because we were up wind of the Hartford city dump which is three blocks away. Cell phones put us all in touch as to were to meet. I'm not going to say the band was just going through the motions, but they were more "businesslike" and less emotional than at the Gorge. However, the music sounded better and more tight than at the Gorge which is to be expected since that was just the second show on the tour.

TIDBITS:
Carolyn now has a bit of a perm in her hair - not straight as at the Gorge and in previous pictures - looks nice.

West of Hollywood was given the boot and Glamour Profession was inserted and played for the first time on this tour - cool. Two songs from Gaucho were on the setlist vs. none at the Gorge. Only three songs from the new CD.

Walter said he had just learned on the Internet today that the backup singers were called the Babe Choir - I've not seen this - we always call them the bare midriff singers. Black tight slacks and shirts tied up this night.

The new trumpet player - Tony Cadillac (sp?) is pretty good!!!!

Shari passed the word that unlike other shows on the tour, the bad would be starting promptly at 8:00 - which they did - which meant about 30% of the seats weren't filled and people were coming in still at 8:30. The Courant said 8000 people, but based on other concerts I've been there for, I'd say closer to 15,000 with the lawn seats. We were 19 rows back directly in front of Walter - best sounding seats I've ever had at the Meadows.

The band buses pulled out immediately after the show - after three nights in row and a long break before Camden --I think they were in a hurry to get out of town.

The crowd stopped the show with cheering after Kid Charlemagne and it took awhile before they could continue. Donald said I think the most cryptic statement of the show - "We appreciate it - we may not look like we do, but we do."

I had a Brew Against Nature after the show - quite a good stout.

There was a review in The Hartford Courant today - not online yet. If they don't post it, I'll type it in - it's short but very favorable.

I'm really looking forward to Mansfield next weekend - should be quite a party. I think the band will be more rested and the crowd a lot rowdier based on my previous experiences at The Tweeter Center

Everyone, don't take DF's "See you next year" too seriously. He was saying that at the last tour in '96 also...

alright

compelling quest or question for those who have seen multiple shows

How much is the playing varying from Night By Night?

are the solos heavily improvised and change nightly or are things done by the book with little improv?

which tunes really rock out and change?

me thinkith that thy musicians are capable improvisors

I would imagine Walt playing about the same solo every night but Herington could vary dramatically on his solos

just a hunch I got watching the TaN DVD workout

tom

do you take me for a fool

Hartford's show last night was as expected. It seemed to take a while for the crowd to warm up- what with everybody in my row deciding to get beer when B&F appeared on stage.

The rhythm section seemed to be a little tired; it has been a LONG time since a few days off. There will be a mini vacation until the next show.

Quote of the night: When WB was introducing the band members, and he got to bassist Tom Barney, Tom played a blazingly fast riff to which WB quipped "I can't even hear that fast!".

In the last half of part two the crowd finally gave the band what they deserved. The ovation seemed to overwhelm them a bit. Hopefully it was received well enough to keep Hartford as a tour stop.

DF's final statement was "See you next year". Does he already know something we don't?

humm

extra long weekend away

Dr WuWU and Aussie - thanks for the enthusiastic reviews and WOH is back in the setlist (good) (where does the bass solo come in?)

Miz Duckster - yes the banging trash can lid studio dissection of Josie is classic. What's next? a squeeky faucet?

Eno and Gabriel were always neat inventors of found sounds

Dogmatic Dave - Dr WU a real person? I always thought he was an alter ego of the protagonist. Dr Wu being his alter personality when he finally lets go to all he is clinging to or when he is mildly altered on drugs (the boys left it nicely vague)

The "you walked in and my life began again" refers to the woman that has so whooed (Wu'd?) him. One of only a few women portrayed positively in Dan tunes

Now time to actually bash something, where was that trash can lid?
ME Myself and Irene is a real dud. I can admired Carey for his antics to pull off the multipersonality gig, but the stereotype jokes were not even funny and when one has to dig so low as to jump on the albino mode, they are truly hopeless. I enjoy humor as much as the next guy but this film was lame and lamer and it was a disservice to package Dan tunes in this setting

I'll speak on the TaN PLush tv "surround" sound later
I can only gracefully bash one thing effectively per post

Rayliegh in less than two weeks - oh la la

tom

just when I spent the last piaster I could borrow

Clas: re 7 vs. major 7

As has already been pointed out, there is a crucial difference between a "7 chord" and a "major 7 chord".

7 (= dominant 7) = 1st, maj 3rd, 5th, flat 7th
m7 = 1st, min 3rd, 5th, flat 7th
maj7 = 1st, maj 3rd, 5th, 7th

It's the 7th (flat or not) that distinguishes a 7 from a major 7.
I've got a feeling you already know all this, but slipped up in your post or maybe got mixed up with the names ...

The thing was, in the glimpses of the "Aja" charts from the classic album show, there were chords like "G7 F7" that were written out as major 7 chords. I just wondered why?

Howard

I'll post my comments about the show last night in a few hours,but for now, the pre concert article from The Hartford Courant:

http://www.ctnow.com/scripts/editorial.dll?render=y&eetype=Article&eeid=2701058&ck=&ver=hb1.40

Review of 2AN from the Couurant from a few months ago:

http://www.ctnow.com/scripts/editorial.dll?render=y&eetype=Article&eeid=1806693&ck=&ver=hb1.40

I like the Garden Party CD, but "smooth jazz" doesn't offend me.

1. Saw Steely in Chicago a few weeks ago. Best concert I have ever seen. Loved what they did with Monkey, and Fagen didn't miss a note. Also, kudos to Barney and Lawson on keeping everything tight. They were in sync the entire time.

2. Anyone come across a CD called GARDEN PARTY: An instrumental tribute to Steely Dan? I bought it and returned it before I opened it. I think I might be able to hear the same thing on the elevator to work.

anyone know anything about this?

Z

I admire many of the aformentioned as well as

Mark Knopfler - my fave stuff is probably Down to the Waterline, the Communique album, and Telegraph Road from Love Over Gold.

Andy Summers - great tapestry with The Police

Robert Fripp - ya either know why or ya don't

previously listed - Allan Holdsworth - UK, solos (last one is quite jazzy)

Jazz classics: Wes Montgomery, John McLaughlin of course, George Benson for lighter moments

Startling/surprising/overlooked performances by:

Huw Gower - awesome power pop on The Records first album

Ashley Mulford - of the late rock/jazz/blues/pop group Sad Café. Misplaced Ideals and Sad Café are the most notable albums. Vic Emerson was a good fill/production keyboardist and the other Paul Young - the vocalist (Mike and the Mechanics later). This guy Mulford was pretty damn good. No idea what happened to him.

Craig Chaquiro (sp?) - I can't believe I'm listing him (zipping up the suit) this but the reason I mention him as he's had some nice licks with a large variety of styles (hard rock, jazz, pop). Saved a potential schmaltzy Balin song With Your Love with some tasty little runs

Justin Hayward of the Moodies - hit or miss, but there's some really killer semi-crunchers like on Story in Your Eyes. At least I don't hear a lot of mainstream applause despite the groups large following. Not a tremendous fan - there's a lot of space between the only 3 wonderful albums over the last 30 years (Seventh Sojourn, Long Distance Voyager, and the latest Strange Times).

Did Robbie McIntosh play Back in the Chain Gang? - nice jangly stuff

new guy: haven't heard much but the Goo Goo Doll guitarist seems to be a decent power pop type. (zipping up even tighter)

A few favorites:

Leo Nocentelli - The Meters. If you've never heard this New Orleans band (all instrumentals, and kissin' cousins with the Neville Brothers), they you must immediately go and buy one of their albums. They are the perhaps the funkiest band in existence.

John Goodsall - Brand X. Probably the fastest guitarist I've ever heard. Of course fast does not always equal good (and in fact they are often inversely proportional), but I find Goodsall pretty listenable.

Michael Gurley - dada. Wonderful tasty guitar work. The band has great harmonies, and they pull them off live. A very tight and fat sounding trio.

Vernon Reid - Living Colour. Sometimes a little out for my tastes, but he made some of the nastiest, yet funky metal around.

Django Reinhart. OK...so he's not obscure, but he's the funniest guitarist I've ever heard. Whenever I listen to him, I find myself chuckling at his great bends and timing.

I was on the phone long distance and missed the scheduled chat time, but if anyone's still up for it I'll go hang out in the chat space and wait around for the next, oh, half-hour or so. It's now 8:25pm PDT.

/The Mam'zelle

Dr.Mu: You asked if anyone heard the modem & the train whistle in Negative Girl. Yes, I did. First, I heard the modem and then some days later I got the train whistle. But that was months ago. Funny, the details we know about that take so long to put into words...

Today is one of my daughter's last days @home. She leaves for college tomorrow, on the other side of the continent. She asked me if she could copy a few cds on my computer. Of course I said yes. Well, she had time to copy one out of the hundreds we have.
Guess which one she picked - Disc One of Citizen.

She hasn't fallen so far from the tree. I'll buy her the boxed set for her birthday in September. I know in part she only wants to take a piece of me with her, but she has asked me to play Steely Dan many times lately. It's in her blood.

two against nature,
rb

Original Geena: sounds like you've got yet another compilation of pre-Steely Dan Becker/Fagen demos. Lots of those songs have appeared in all sorts of packaging--often with the titles mangled or mis-assigned. I'd not heard of this particular package/assortment, but I've seen a lot of those titles in the Catalyst compilation (apparently the most complete collection of pre-Dan demos out there). IMO these can be fun to listen to, if you're into sussing out where Don and Walt's heads were at in the late 60's/early 70's when they were still figuring out how this songwriting thang worked; you get glimpses of the greatness that was soon to come. But one does have to make one's peace with the fact that Don and Walt don't see any money from these not-officially-sanctioned demo-releases (it's not my place to say how, but I felt that should be mentioned).
/the Mam'zelle

Heretofore unmentioned great guitarists:
John Squire (Seahorses)
Adam Cohen (Mommyheads)
Ry Cooder (Stones, Randy Newman, etc.)

Don't forget, it was Ry Cooder who kicked Stephen Vai's ass in the cutting competition at the end of "Crossroads".--And it was probably Ry Cooder that Rick Derringer was emulating in the Show Biz Kids intro.

Another SD song category-- Country influenced (Brooklyn, With a Gun, Razor Boy, Cousin Dupree, Dallas, and the saddest song in their catalogue, Pearl of the Quarter).

RS

While my sister was going through the CD bin at a local seconds shop trying to decide if she should purchase John Denver or Perry Como (The girl is 8 years younger than me with very strange taste in music), she pulled out a Steely Dan cd which she thought I might like. I've never seen or heard of it before but it's called "Come Back Baby" by "Becker & Fagan of Steely Dan". Yes, Fagan is spelled with two "a's". It's put out by De Luxe on the Sonora label and published by MCA. Well, of course, my curiosity got the best of me and here I'm thinking that a piece of heaven just fell in my arms, so for $3.00 I bought it. I looked at the song list and most of them I've never heard of.

Here is the list:

Brain Tap Shuffle
Come Back Baby
Don't Let Me In
Old Regime
Brooklyn
Mock Turtle Soup
Soul Ram
I Can't Function
Yellow Peril
Let George Do It
You Go Where I Go
More To Come
Little With Sugar
Take It Out On Me
Android Warehouse (another name for Caves of Altamira?)
Roaring of Lamb
Charlie's Freak (huh?)
A Horse In Town
Stone Piano
Parker's Band
Wow It's You Again

While I recognize Don and Walt's voice in some of the cuts, it sounds like Steely Dan unplugged with various band members singing on some of the cuts.

Has anyone ever heard of this? Where it comes from? Where it was released? etc. No liner notes came with the CD. Sounds like an import to me.

Steely Dan in my opinion, is the best American band of the rock era. They were always fresh, inventive, skilled and extreamly talented. Though they never did a song I didn't like, my personal favorite is My Old School. It really speaks to me and has since it was first released. It like many of the others brings back special and vivid memories. Though I don't keep up on tributes, awards, etc..., I get the impression SD isn't being considered for inclusion in the R&R Hall of Fame. All I can say is those people "wouldn't know a diamond" if they held it in their hands.

Dr WuWu,
Wou expressed my feelings exactly.

Still staggering out into the burn of the post show, gone.

DJ Mitch too

SD song categories:

From Mecca Or Jerusalem: Aja or Babylon Sisters

Jet Aero Fuel: Gaslighting Abbie, I Got the News

Diverse Persverse: Hey Nineteen, Cousin Dupree

Lizzard City Action: Black Cow

allez-VousDous: Two Against Nature, Haitian Divorce, Gold Teeth

Pure Form (non-gay) Homo
or
Pure Form (non-homo) Gay: Florida Room

more categories please.....

Post 60's, 70's, and NOW (80's) Guitar Heroes
to name a few:

John Scofield
Pat Martino
John Abercrombie
Allan Holdsworth
Pat Metheny
Scott Henderson
Bill Frisell
Steve Morse
Fareed Haque
Wayne Krantz
Charlie Hunter
Steve Vai
Adrian Belew
James Ulmer
Joe Louis Walker
Prince
Billy Corgan

post mortem
Frank Zappa
Stevie Ray Vaughn

I`M surprised that the playlist has averaged 2 sometimes three cuts from 2VN.....20 years since Gaucho , I thought they would do at least 5 cuts to push it..... The feeling for me was a 70`s nostalgia show.....Which by the way is fine for me, but not what i think D+W wants to be classified as....as Dennis Miller says: thats just my opinion.....

DR. MU: That was quite a list, some with heavy overtones and some with a dash..... The Nightfly has the most on one release.....think ill get that cd, if i can find it....not a bad cut on it......won Grammy?.......Did Fagen and Becker dig Marley or anyone in particular in the Carribean? luciano is one of the top Reggae Artists now, .....Dennis Brown, Gregory Issacs,Black Uruthu, Third World.....are excellent...... Reggae doesn`t get the play in U.S.A, but is getting action in England and abroad....

Aussie & Dr. WuWu: Thanks for the great reviews/stories! If I close my eyes and read them, I could almost pretend I'm back there again . . . except I don't read very well with my eyes closed. Sounds like Bad Sneakers was dropped and WOH put back in. I guess they want to stir things up a bit to keep us guessing just a little. Or to keep things fresh! But still no 2VN or reemergence of Almost Gothic!

Gina: LOL! I learned that lesson about four years ago . . . three dots, with spaces! Much more aesthetically pleasing! (Hi, Clas!)

I saw Me, Myself, and Irene last night. Hilarious movie, but I was not impressed with the SD covers, especially the missing lyrics in Smash Mouths "astro lounged" attempt at a retro "Do It Again." The intro to "Bodhisattva" (a la Brian Setzer Orchestra) did appear twice in the film.

Looking for some guitar rig info or diagrams for WB's current tour set up. Sources would be appreciated.

Also, check out RS 225 for some old school Dan talk.

Later - Kid Finch - going to put "gas in the car"

Aussie--Wow!! Sounds like an awesome concert!! Thank you for sharing that with us!!! Wow! thats all i can say!

dot dot dot

SuperDeal: scram!

Aussie: great report! Sounds sizzlin'

Hutch: It's seems pervasive - Jeez, forgot the best of all: Dr. Wu - before the beginning of each verse. Especially easy to hear after Phil Woods' solo...

Aussie - WOW!

XMAN - Couldn't agree with you more. Gary Moore is one of the finest players around. His tone with that Les Paul is unbelievable.
I have some personal favorites who aren't thought of as being in the mainstream of great guitarists but certainly are in my book. We're talkin' the rock and blues field here. . .

Gary Richrath - REO Speedwagon
Jeff Carlisi - Formerly of 38 Special
Coco Montoya - Formerly with John Mayall
Robbie MacIntosh - Pretenders, Paul McCartney
James Honeyman Scott (RIP) - Pretenders
Billy Gibbons - ZZ Top
Mick Jones - Foreigner

ybtodd - Sounds like you and I pretty much came out of the same mold as far as influences. I saw Jeff Beck last summer supporting his new album. It was awesome indeed. A small club. I was standing about 10 feet from him. Nobody in the world plays like Jeff.

Dr. Mu - The Latin Beat influence list was a real revelation. Never realized how much of it is in there.

NHPBob - Great story! Don't forget that coincidences always have a deeper meaning. It's a Celestine thing.

Hutch

Gary Moore is in the same league as a million other really good guitarists but not in the same league as the aforementioned. Every time I hear that fucking song I rush to turn it off...

WOW!!!!

What else can I say but WOW!!!!

What an incredible performance we were treated to last night. That band smoked. Donald's voice was incredible, much better then what I saw on the PBS special. And, he had on this really cool leather blazer and silk tie for the first half.

Deacon Blues was amazing. Don't Take Me Alive was rocking! They played West Of Hollywood AND Hey 19. I guess Do It Again was left out. Fine by me, the sax solo in West had the audience mesmerized.

I am left with a feeling of elation because they were so incredible, and one of depression because it's all over with. My Dad said that Donald told the audinece they would be back next year, but everyone was cheering so loudly that I couldn't hear him. I hope he means it. They were amazing, words just can't describe it.

Why has no one mentioned the great Gary Moore as a guitar influence? His 'Still got the blues' album features some of the best licks and finest guitar chops ever recorded. For those guitar afficionados who haven't heard him, run out and do so: soon!

Last night at Jones Beach Ampitheatre, Wantaugh, New York:
An Evening with Steely Dan:
But first...an awesome beach day at Robert Moses State Park. Sun shining bright, steady summer breeze and zero humidity. Atlantic Ocean clean, clear, cold. Few cold cervezas with the babes. Perfect. After five hours of worshiping the sun, we showered and changed and headed towards Jones beach. Arrived at parking lot right around 6:00 pm to hook up with DanFest coordinator Jason. Few people already there, libations in hand and Dan tunes cranking from Mr. Effron's green automobile.
Hoops showed up, digital camera in hand urging everyone to have a piece of birthday cake..funny...hamming it up. Mixed him a lethal rum cocktail. Setting the tone for what was to come...fine Columbian and other delectables in full swing...
Inside the Ampitheatre...Woderwaif tee-shirt. Very cute. Bought the babe one for her and one for herself. Picked up the NYC token tee and the D & W black tee for myself. Bought the programme. Small fortune. No booze sold there. Bummer. Stadium packed. Sold out. No opening act. Seats amazing. Orchestra. Scribbled notes (author under the influence):
Steely Dan starts 8:15 pm. 1.Boston Rag. Wow. Becker solo phenom- smooth, flowing, babe choir groovin' HARD, Herington is heard. Head buzzing...Mr. Fagen IS a vampire. Crowd is stunned. No dancing.
Next. 2.Bodishatva. Ms. Leonhart is babe-licious. Her choir co-horts dressed in purple. SEXY. Band tight. Mr. Barney on bass is superb. Horns workin'it. Sound: Spectacular. Mr. Fagen addresses the crowd. Steely Dan Orchestra 2001..commented on rain from last Jones Beach show..
Third..Night by Night. Grrrrrrreat!
4.Janie Runaway. Crisp. Great sax solo here. End nicely.
piano solo by Mr. Ted Baker. Super.
5.Josie. Becker solos. More of the same smoothness. Tequila! Slidin' away again.
6.Black Friday. Becker shinin' thru.
Mr. Becker speaks...I think it's from Katie Lied I'm not sure. Crowd laughs..
7.Daddy Don't Live in that New York City No More. Becker sings here. Old hippie. Great gravely voice. Superb sax work. Bob Sheperd and Cornelius Bumpus are woodwind Gods. Period.
Band is introduced by Mr. Becker. On lead guitar,John Herington...on tenor sax Cornelius Bumpus..Bob Sheperd...on trumpet Tony Cadlac (? phonetic)...Tenor trombone, Jim Pugh...Drummer since '96 and 2vs.N Modern Drummer Magazine drummer of the year Ricky Lawson...Bass since '93 Tom Barney....acoustic piano, Ted Baker...Local NYC Victoria Cave...Carolyn Leonhart..Cynthia Calhoun..my partner, Donald Fagen...jokes.
8.Sad ballad West of Hollywood. Smokes the crowd. Sax heaven. I was one of the few to give standing o. Crowd soaking it all up...too cerebral. No shakin' booties.
9.Jack of Speed. Herington solo and bass solo. Amazing.
10.Hey Nineteen...Otis Redding Good crowd reaction. Smell of really good marihuana in the summer air.
Intermission.
Pick up again..circa 9:50 pm
Piano solo. Jazz totale. Sax solo. Trumpet cookin'. 11. Hank's Place from Early Detective.
12. Royal Scam. Blown away.
13. Deacon Blues. Awesome. Cornelius rules here.
14. Cousin Dupree. Babe choir sizzling. They're ENJOYING THEMSELVES. IT REALLY SHOWS. NO SIGN OF FATIGUE.
15. Becker sings...Monkey in your Soul. Superb. More of that gravely voice. Sounds really good.
16. DIRTY WORK....like a punch that takes everything out of you. These women are talented. Soulful. Heartfelt. Professional. WOW.
17. Peg. Overwhelmed. Mr. Fagen sings like someone who's blind. Really emotional. Very into it.
18. Kid Charlemagne. Herington smokes. again. Hit after hit after hit. Relentless. Tight.
19. Don't Take me Alive. Crowd responds.
Goodnight. standing ovation. Now it dawns on people to STAND.
Encores
20. My Old School. Crowd up and dancing.Singing...Guadalajara won't do now!!!! Bopping. Grooving.
21. FM. End strong here. We'll see you next year! 10:50 pm
Back to parking lot to party some more. Open car doors and blast some Dan for the hardcore few. Drive back to NYC after a wonderful evening. Tremendous treat.
Aussie

Two more certainties in life: Where there is a group of people discussing related topics (i.e., this GB), you can count on two things to occur.

1. People will post just to "stir things up" and draw attention to themselves and away from the previous topics.

2. People will post for the purpose of trying to get us to buy things or buy into MLM schemes.

How nice to know that in a world of continual change, some things remain the same . . .

If anyone who went to Jones Beach last night ever wakes up. I'd appreciate a set list please. Thanks!!!!!

How were The Clarks?

Hartford tonight - rain in the picture - yuck. Parking gates open at 4:00, venue gates at 5:00, Clarks on at 6:00, SD on at 8:00 - we will park in Lot #2 of the Meadows lots at 4:30 - that's the Expo Center lot - maroon Expedition- we'll see you there. BTW they don't allow umbrellas at The Meadows - bring your rain coat. I called 6 bars in Hartford - all were closed today except one - and they didn't open until 4:00 - talk about Deadsville.

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There are 3 certainties in life: death, taxes, and someone who claims to have encoded every cryptic lyric known to the Becker/Fagan catalogue.

Fellas, more Canadian dates please! The 51st state welcomes you with open arms and an undervalued currency.

OK, so I started at 8 years old on acoustic, and after a spell on banjo, started learning bluegrass stuff (check out Tony Rice sometime). At 15 I discovered the electric guitar, and spent the next 3 years or so playing 4-8 hours a day. The albums I wore out:

Layla and other assorted love songs - Derek and the Dominos (Eric Clapton)
Disraeli Gears - Cream (Eric Clapton)
Every Hendrix album
Bridge of Sighs - Robin Trower
Joe Walsh Live - Joe Walsh
Allman Brothers Band and Idlewild South - The Allman Brothers (Duane Allman and Dickey Betts)
Wired and Blow by Blow - Jeff Beck
The first 6 SD albums
Ghost in the Machine - The Police (Andy Summers)

There are a ton of other players, but my "trinity" was Clapton, Hendrix, and Duane Allman, with Beck, Walsh, and Trower as demi-gods. Then I discovered Wes Montgomery, Coltrane, Bird, Miles, Monk, and Mingus (mmmm, Mingus). Maybe it should have gone the other way around....too late now though.

Diverse Latin Beats/influences - some are fused into the rhythm scheme
Do it Again
Only a Fool Would Say That
Midnite Cruiser
Razor Boy
Your Gold Teeth I
Rikki (just a touch)
Bad Sneakers (again, a touch)
Everyone's Gone to the Movies
Here At the Western World (a morsel)
Haitian Divorce (of course)
I.G.Y
Goodbye Look
New Frontier (touch of reggae)
My Waterloo
Two Against Nature (title track)
others?

The programed music played before the concert was A. Blues B. Instumental Reggae or C. Henry Mancini.......final answer: B .I guess Donald and Walter must like Reggae. My Waterloo from 11 TOW had a reggae beat and a song from 2VN originally had a Reggae sound then was changed.......I`M only assuming they like the Carribean sound, can anyone confirm this... Pete,Shari, St.Al, Hoops.....anyone ?

Chere --- Check out Robin Trower on his last album with Procol Harum, i.e. Broken Barricades (before their reunion in 1991 on the album, Prodigal Stranger): tunes like Simple Sister, Poor Mohamad. His solo album, BLT, shines as well.

For the things which I believe in
Are NO longer quite enough

F#maj9 --- Procol Harum is my all-time fav. I started listening to them in 1967.

Think about this (or in your case recall this):

In the autumn of my madness
Which in coming won't be long
For the nights are now much darker
And the daylight's not so strong

For the things which I believe in
Are longer quite enough

(The ship sounds its horns)

Bring all my friends unto me
And I'll strangle them with words

(The brilliant Matthew Fisher's organ plays)

(And dying we all will face one day)

How can you get more brilliant than Keith Reid and the melody?!

Reply is appreciated.

Peter

P.S. May D & W play WOH when they come to MD.

Hey -in chat..11 pm

Hey, gang! A new page is up on the official Dan site, giving bios on the 2K tour and studio band members. Four complete bios up so far, the rest to follow. Some interesting info--check it out:

http://www.steelydan.com/2kband.html

P.S. Your eagle-eyed duck also noticed she committed some tacky typos in her previous (long) post, but is feeling too lazy to track 'em all down, and besides, you're a bright bunch, I'm sure you'll figure them out.

/the Mam'zelle

tickets for Roger Waters' show next Saturday at Nissan finally arrived yesterday so i guess a similar mailing for our heroes show can't be far behind

in my next life i'm coming back as a tick on the backside of a Ticketmaster executive

in the scattered reports from other venues that i've chanced to read, i've noticed a disturbing setlist trend. Less and less material from the TNO is indicated. One show I think only featured two songs from the latest release.

as i contemplate spending more bucks to join the Cornwallis leg to the tour, i'm hoping this trend reverses.

ybtodd: "Maracas?" I said to myself. "In 'Jack of Speed?!'" But then, last night, I slapped 2vN back in the trusty Discman, slapped my headphones on, cranked the volume ... and glory be! There they were! That subtle little shake going on way low in the background of the mix, giving just the right texture. (I'm guessing the noisemaker in question may have actually been one of those "Chicken Shake" eggs that Mam'zelle Chere mentioned--I have one myself, and it has that nice sibilance (sp?) to its sound like I'm hearing on the disc.)

Anyway, it's just amazing what these guys pack into a track--sounds so deceptively simple, until you start excavating the geological layers. Which pastime I've been into with new vigor ever since hearing D&W reveal the trash-can lid in "Josie" during the "Making of Aja" documentary.

For example: JOS puzzled me for weeks (in a delightful way) with another mystery instrument going on in the outro--again, way low in the mix, panned to left channel, starting up either the second or third time through the horn section's "melody." At first I thought it was someone playing the spoons! (Little "Spoonman" action, anyone?) Then I did the crank-under-headphones thing again, and finally determined it was rhythm guitar of all things! Played mostly for a percussive sound (slapping?) with just a bit of the tonality of the chord changes sounding--and like I said, so low in the mix that what mainly came through was yet another layer of rhythmic texture.

And at the same time that snappy/slappy rhythm guitar starts up, there also begins this electronic-keyboardy/synthy instrument doubling the horn line, again relatively quiet, but again adding yet another layer.

How do those guys think of these things???!!!

Also last night, as I was relaxing and listening, I found myself reflecting all over again on how much Don and Walt love to hug the back of the beat. I know I've heard them talk about that in interviews; I'm pretty sure I even recall one or the other of them saying how that back-of-the-beat groove, and players who can swing the beat that way, are becoming scarcer these days in pop music. Now obviously, D&W found a whole band-ful of players who can hit that groove, so it's far from extinct. But once they pointed this phenomenon out to me, I started listening to local radio station fair with newly-alerted ears, and damn but they are right. Most everyone coming out of a post-60's/70's/80s rock/pop background is maintaining the rhythm right square in the middle of the beat, with little or no soul/r'n'b inflection at all.

Of course they're exceptions, of course I'm vastly oversimplifying--but still, I've got yet another insight into why, while I do like a whole lot of other music out there, nothing quite turns me on like the Dan. It just don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing.

Anyway, it's one week and counting to my next dose of Dan, and I'm definitely beginning to get a buzz on again. Mansfield MA, here I come.

Y'all have fun now ...

/Mam'zelle Daphne Canard
ready once again for that healing regression/slide into decadence

CLAS?

About that last message....no what?

Great guitar master list. I would add Leslie West to the list.
And BTW, your post was one of the few times I heard Caravanserai
mentioned. One of my personal favorites.

As someone who seems to know guitarists, I was wondering if you have ever heard of April Lawton. She was the guitarist with a band called Ramatam. They had 2 albums, one self titled, and the other was called
" In April Came the Dawning of the Red Sun" I found them years ago in the cut-out section of a favorite record store.
Not too bad. I can't find anything about her now.
Anyone know?

DRUDGERY REPORT

Steely Dan in Europe is sounding better everyday
Don & Walt are considering moving to Paris like black jazz musicians to get their due respect.

Right Wing Huey is despondent over underrating of
Gaslighting Abbie. Now he's thinking Don't Take Me Alive.

In 1996 SD - my favorite band for decades- came to germany for the first time ever for a concert tour. I was in Fankfurt and enjoyed the show very much. This summer SD come again and I`m looking forward to their show in Hamburg on Sep 4th.

On the day I'm about to see Steely Dan live for the first time since being a fan from the early 80's, down at Jones Beach Theater by the Atlantic Ocean on such a perfect summer day, I'm jazzed for another incredible reason..
After finding the official SD website in March, I wrote them a question about something my ears detected listening to the muddy mix of one of their early songs "A Horse In Town". It sounds like the first line is "Left New Hyde Park..", so I asked the source if what I heard was accurate, as I grew up and am living back in....New Hyde Park, NY! (Hence the initials in my screenname.) Naturally they're a little busy these days, so I got the blanket email saying they can't answer every question, which I thoroughly understand.
So today, I'm visiting different SD websites, including this one, and I hit the lyric page on one of them, and there it is!!!!
That's exactly what the lead vocalist (not Fagan) sings!
I mean, I've owned this cassette of their early work for about ten years, and only recently did i hear that line possibly mention my town. To have this confirmed on the day that I'll "leave New Hyde Park" to drive down to the ocean to see one of my favorite bands for the very first time.....can you say serendipity??? Now I gotta go blab this on their website, if I can. It's pretty freaky...

middle 8 of hard days nite
roger MissQ

but beyond all this* may i invoke Procol Harum's BJ Wilson
[not the other Wilson who was particularly fond of sleigh bells in a league of his own]. Barrie [alas, r.i.p.] made the most consistently judicious use of his cow bell. Bringing Home the Bacon... such taste. He was as unique as John Bonzo, certainly more dramatic, and produced some of the finest elegantly effective evocative entrances ever electromagnetized.

happy festivations to those who are about to experience. may they play WOH for you.
F#

* one possible meaning of "procol harum"

clas--???????

Clas: There is a big difference between a "7" chord and a "major 7". For instance,

C7 has C E G Bb (C-Bb is a minor 7 interval, the CEG triad is a major triad

Cmaj7 has C E G B (C-B is a major 7 interval, the CEG triad is a major triad

If you play one when someone else is playing the other, it sounds very stinky...or at best, "out". In guitar land, the difference in fingering is like:

x576755 x575755
Dmaj7 D7

hth

DRUDGE REPORT
AMERICA IS BRAIN DEAD!
America is brain dead on the shelf, experts say.
pee-pee, do-do, poo-poo cultural squat dump
anal aids assphixiated
pandering pitiful ho's
sycophantic, bare fangen, blood thirsty
xtreme sport invertibrates
who's in? opinion leader wrestlers, black stereotypes
kid rock, eminem, Al(Grimacing)Gore,
Scorched earth politics of personal destruction
carville, rosie, porn stars, power Hollywood.
mea culpa
who's out
Steely Dan and
Right Wing Huey aka Bill Bradley