Current Events > Quarantine Boredom #2: A Review of Every Steely Dan Song

(+) Yeah! (+)

Man topics die quick around here...checked it Sunday morning and my topic was gone already!

We left off after finishing Can't Buy A Thrill, a great debut album. We are now on Countdown To Ecstasy and I believe we already checked out Bodhisattva

Song #2: Razor Boy
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y3Krg8Nc69Y

This is a laid back, almost Hawaiian sounding tune with a lot of pedal guitar. The jazzy influence is definitely creeping in more but this one starts to verge on elevator music. Its the vibraphone I think...

The combo of all these instruments really makes for an interesting sound and the harmony is interesting. Especially on the chorus when it hits the "And take your fancy things away" line.

Lyrics:

Will you still have a song to sing
When the razor boy comes
And take your fancy things away
Will you still be singing it
On that cold and windy day

Definitely seem to be continuing the theme of the album with these lyrics. Rating: 7.55/10 Apparently this is Skunk Baxter's favorite song he played on....hmm. Well we can't all be perfect. This song really starts to transition into the more well known "Dan sound"

Although my favorite album is Royal Scam, there's nothing I don't like on CTE. At some point, I think Pearl of the Quarter was my fave Dan song, lol.

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Song #3: The Boston Rag
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysJz6bNMfXw

Great intro and I feel this song would be perfectly placed on the Can't Buy A Thrill album except for Fa*en's softer singing voice.

When he does sing like that, it really makes things feel floaty. Typical lyrics depicting drug use, overdosing, choosing drugs over ladies, and all that.

But this song really shines in the little breakdown section mid-way through. Then the guitar solo comes in and boom baby. Total jam.

Favorite lyrics:

Lonnie swept the playroom
And he swallowed up all he found
It was forty-eight hours til
Lonnie came around

Rating: 7/10 btw when I rate these songs, this is a rating relative to their whole discography. IMO most SD songs are top quality and top tier, with the very best musicians playing on nearly every song. You really can't find a miss save for a few tunes

Shotgunnova posted...

Although my favorite album is Royal Scam, there's nothing I don't like on CTE. At some point, I think Pearl of the Quarter was my fave Dan song, lol.

Nice! That's a great one

Coming up soon

#4: Your Gold Teeth
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qxk-yVT6pfE

We keep the super jazzy influence going. In my opinion, this one goes too far in the jazzy area, kind of similar to Razor Boy. It verges on elevator music, but this was such a big style at the time. And you can hear some typical Dan flourishes in this one which become basically their trademark in every song.

But this one does have a groove that starts to really beat into your head after a while. And that electric piano solo is jammin. Again, if you aren't a fan of real jazzy stuff, then this might go a bit too much in that direction.

Oh and the drums on the outro...wtf....slammin.

Fav lyrics:

In the Year of the Locust
You'll see a sad thing
Even Cathy Berberian knows
There's one roulade she can't sing

Rating: 6.8/10 too much elevator-y music for me to rate higher

#5: Show Biz Kids
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7XXEO1aADM

Show Biz Kids is pretty obvious as far as the meaning of the song. I think the sentiment continues to this day. It fits prefect for the theme of the album and a typical theme Dan uses...coastal decadence a la bonfire of the vanities esque satirizing.

In case you missed it, this song is about those rich really interesting trust fund / celeb kids who don't have to learn how to act like a human being. The tambourine at 3:55 is fantastic

Lyrics:

While the poor people sleepin'
With the shade on the light
While the poor people sleepin'
All the stars come out at night

BONUS LYRICS:

Show biz kids making movies
Of themselves you know they
Don't give a fuck about anybody else

Rating: 8.5/10 great song and a good kickoff to the second side of the album

#6: My Old School
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rFnwczuvb74

Okay....where do I start with My Old School. In my opinion, if I am showing SD to someone for the first time, this song is my choice. It has the perfect Dan sound. This is nearly a template for them on future albums. The chromatic lines in the melody....the jazzy fun piano. The horns blaring like we're remembering the good ole days.

But let's talk about those breakdowns. Because we need to talk about those breakdowns. The guitar work is so damn slick and so unique sounding, it just boggles my mind there is so much good stuff in this tune. The harmonics in the second breakdown might be my favorite part.

This song has it all and if you haven't listened to it, please do so.

Lyrics:

Living like a gypsy queen in a fairy tale
Well, I hear the whistle but I can't go, I'm gonna
Take her down to Mexico, she said oh no
Guadalajara won't do

Rating: 10/10 this is a top tier Dan song for me and in my top 5 for sure

#7: Pearl of the Quarter
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BM9GNRqxxhU

This song is very melody driven, with some more cool pedal guitar driving it in the background. Fa*en's voice shines in this one in my mind. The harmonies help out, but they certainly find a way to create music that fits his timbre. This song has a few of those little Dan breakdowns.

But overall, this is a great song to put on during a cocktail party later on in the day. For some reason, this tune reminds me a little of Barrytown...maybe its the focus on melody

Lyrics:
Singing voulez vous

Because its clearly the best part of the melody line. Every time it gets me.

Rating: 9/10 cool, relaxing, Dan tune

Alright, one more song on the album so ill double post

#8: King of the World
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Us0EsdiLBJY

This song is so strange to end the album on. It's definitely a groove but it's almost too much contrast. And I really don't like the singing in it. The first two albums really fall flat in my opinion, on the last song. The bridge on this one does pick up a bit, and the hook where he says "king of the world as far as I know" is a really cool line.

The synth lead is cool too....the verse melody just bugs me for some reason.

Lyrics:
I don't want your bread
I don't need your helping hand
I can't be no savage
I can't be no highwayman
Show me where you are
You and I will spend this day
Driving in my car
Through the ruins of Santa Fe

Rating: 6/10 some cool parts but overall, meh could have been better

And that is Countdown to Ecstasy. Biggest change from Can't Buy A Thrill is the extra jazz influences and breakdowns that become standard in their tunes later on. I don't think there's a real radio hit on CTE, but the next album is Pretzel Logic

Which has some jams and you can hear they really solidify what they're trying to do. Have to get to work now but will either update later today or tomorrow (considering topics die out if you don't keep them updated every day ...yeesh)

Alright new album! Pretzel Logic

This is the first album where it really was Walter Becker and Donald Fa*en working with studio musicians exclusively. Skunk Baxter still joined in for guitar, but Jim Hodder, their drummer (and singer from midnight cruiser and a few others) didn't end up drumming on the studio recordings and was mainly used for backgrounds.

Songs on this album are more radio friendly and pop-y, though still heavily jazz influenced. Apparently the song Pretzel Logic is about time travel...haven't really looked at the lyrics in depth so we'll see when we get to it.

#1: Rikki Don't Lose That Number
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tvRSFAVAqU

I want to say this is one of their biggest hits. And I want to say this song is about getting busy with the college dean's wife? I think they wrote this as a fuck you to him, but I didn't verify that. That was always the rumor.

Musically it starts out with about 23 seconds of marimba or vibraphone...can't really tell. But we get the super smooth (I believe sampled) piano line that drives the transition into the verses

The piano in the background during the melody always changes and has tons of flourishes. And the "But you could have a change of heart" part is typical Dan awesomeness, especially with the little guitar riff that follows.

The chorus is super catchy and fun, but the guitar solo is really what shines in this song. It's probably my favorite guitar solo in the entire discography and one of my favorites in general. The trill near the end which goes into the little slide part before hitting the last note is just perfection.

Fav Lyrics:

I have a friend in town, he's heard your name
We can go out driving on Slow Hand Row
We could stay inside and play games, I don't know
And you could have a change of heart

The "we could stay inside and play games" lyric kills

Rating: 9.8/10 only because its overplayed a bit at this point. But dat solo

#2: Night by night
link: https://youtu.be/0cxFzHO9lfI (on mobile atm)

I know some people who love this song. Ive always summed it up as meh except for the 1 second hook where they say night by night.

lyrics

Night by night

rating: doing this one on my phone because I knew itd be short. Its an okay tune but kinda just meh. 4.5/10

Thank you for putting in this work TC

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np

#3: Any Major Dude
Link: https://youtu.be/HBzzdlpISFg

Im a sucker for this one. The intro is super easy to play on an acoustic and it always feels like a jam when you play it.

The Dan sound is in full force on this one. Youll hear some interesting changes and how they figure out a melody that flows so nicely on some of these parts Ill never know.

The guitar snippets are refreshing and not over done. And they always seem to change up the chorus on some tiny little part that stops it all from being stale.

Favorite lyrics:

I never seen you looking so bad my funky one
You tell me that your superfine mind has come undone

Rating: 8.3/10 solid song

This is great, keep it up, Im a simple man so Change of The Guard is my favorite <33

Oh man, I wish I had seen the first thread. Steely Dan is my personal GOAT. Tagging this harder than a cinderblock.

My personal favorite Steely Dan song is "Jack of Speed," with "Glamour Profession" and "Deacon Blues" close behind. Also, I'm definitely one of those dudes who swears by "Night By Night" - it's my favorite song on Pretzel Logic.

Gaucho > The Royal Scam > Aja > Two Against Nature > Katy Lied > Everything Must Go > Can't Buy a Thrill > Pretzel Logic > Countdown to Ecstasy

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Love seeing so many Dan fans!

anyone else have the pleasure of seeing them live?

I managed front row tickets and went with my dad in...must have been 2011 or so. Maybe a bit earlier.

Romes187 posted...

Love seeing so many Dan fans!

anyone else have the pleasure of seeing them live?

I managed front row tickets and went with my dad in...must have been 2011 or so. Maybe a bit earlier.

No, Ive been wanting to for a really long time though >.<

Kings is still one of my favorite songs of all time and so is Deacon Blues

...but I havent flipped through everything yet honestly, I just really tend to dig everything theyve put out so far.. supposedly the solo in Reelin In The Years is one of Jimi Pages favorite solos of all time so I checked it out and have been a steady fan ever since

IMO, Deacon Blues is the all-time best Dan song.

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Shotgunnova posted...

IMO, Deacon Blues is the all-time best Dan song.

That small break right after drink scotch whiskey, all night loooooong

badum-blam-chuggadud

and die behiiiiiind the wheeeeel

kicks so much ass that not even an ass factory can produce enough ass to be kicked by that ass kicking break

Love Steely Dan. One of the few bands that probably wouldn't have a song rated under a 7-8 for me. So consistently great, so I totally get those ratings you're doing because compared to other music they're better than 99.9% of it.

Anyways, my top 5 favorite tunes would probably be

1. Deacon Blues
2. Reelin' in the Years
3. Do It Again
4. Aja
5. Midnite Cruiser

Can't Buy a Thrill and Aja are a cut above the rest though, imo.

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Romes187 posted...

Love seeing so many Dan fans!

anyone else have the pleasure of seeing them live?

I managed front row tickets and went with my dad in...must have been 2011 or so. Maybe a bit earlier.

Wow, that must have been great! I finally saw Steely Dan in fall 2018, myself. I'll always regret not seeing them while Walter was still alive, but it was an excellent concert all the same. Don was a consummate professional and performed his ass off, and The Danettes stole the show when they took the vocal reins on "Dirty Work."

That was a top three concert for me, behind Kero Kero Bonito and Erykah Badu.

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#5: Barrytown
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BwAu9S_UBPo

Ah Barrytown. One of my favorites of the more "melodic" driven Dan songs. Conflicting reports as to what the meaning of this song is. Barrytown was near where walter and don grew up and there is a unification church there. So obviously some of the lyrics have to do with that. Apparently the unification members all dress in suits with clipboards, and its obvious who they are ("I can see by what you carry that you come from Barrytown")

Then again, I think the lyrics can also be read coming from a more conservative voice talking about how they see things moving too quickly...most Dan lyrics are vague enough to take a few different viewpoints on it.

Favorite lyrics:

Don't believe I'm taken in by stories I have heard
I just read the Daily News and swear by every word

Rating: 9.5/10 really love Barrytown. It's a simpler Dan song but I remember growing up my Mom would always call our hometown Barrytown when she was reading about what was going on because people from our hometown don't like change...I guess that's how she took the lyrics.

TheCodeisBosco posted...

Wow, that must have been great! I finally saw Steely Dan in fall 2018, myself. I'll always regret not seeing them while Walter was still alive, but it was an excellent concert all the same. Don was a consummate professional and performed his ass off, and The Danettes stole the show when they took the vocal reins on "Dirty Work."

That was a top three concert for me, behind Kero Kero Bonito and Erykah Badu.

Nice! Those background vocals are too good not to be lead on a few tunes

RedJackson posted...

No, Ive been wanting to for a really long time though >.<

Kings is still one of my favorite songs of all time and so is Deacon Blues

...but I havent flipped through everything yet honestly, I just really tend to dig everything theyve put out so far.. supposedly the solo in Reelin In The Years is one of Jimi Pages favorite solos of all time so I checked it out and have been a steady fan ever since

Much love for Deacon Blues here :) Can't wait til I get to Aja. Whole album is gold.

#6: East St. Louis Toodle-Oo
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aD2FCoxmWgA

Last song of side one. This is actually an old Duke Ellington tune. I'm a fan of big band and swing so it's hard for me to determine which one I like more, but I think Dan's version is a bit....funkier and silly. Which I think the spirit of the song is supposed to be.

Fa*en's piano part is great rag time-y, sinister-y goodness which reminds me briefly of fire in the hole (there's another tune that has this flavor coming up as well)

Not much else to say other than a solid instrumental. BTW if you're wondering how he got the cool tone on the guitar, its not a wah pedal...its a talk box. Gives it a bit more bite.

Lyrics:

Wah wah wah wah...wah wah. Wah wah wahwahwhawahwahwah......wawawawawawawawawawawawa wah wah waawa

Rating: 8.2/10 short, sweet, and funky

I like Pretzel Logic a lot, but I do feel it's a bit too front-loaded. Fagen's singing is fantastic throughout, though, especially on "With a Gun".

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#7: Parker's Band
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vvziJUxrD6k

Obviously the song is about Charlie Parker's band haha. The guitar in the beginning is slick and I really like the melody but don't care for Fa*en's singing. The change at about 1:37ish is really nice....probably talking about heroin use...feels nice and float-y.

The horns near the end are fun too but overall this one has less of those "Dan moments" and cool parts than other tunes.

Fav Lyrics:

You'll be riding by, bareback on your armadillo
You'll be grooving high or relaxing at Camarillo
Suddenly the music hits you
It's a bird in flight that just can't quit you

Rating: 7/10 there are better songs (overall and on the album) but the groove and tempo keep you listening to this one

Shotgunnova posted...

I like Pretzel Logic a lot, but I do feel it's a bit too front-loaded. Fagen's singing is fantastic throughout, though, especially on "With a Gun".

Hah right when I say I don't like his singing on Parker's Band. Overall though yeah his singing is great. Dunno why he was so self conscious about it

#8: Through With Buzz
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0P6zEU_G9v4

This one has an Eleanor Rigby vibe to it in my mind. Very Beatles esque. It's also extremely short...like a little over a minute and a half. There are some cool little Dan changes and runs but the song never really takes off.

I do like the piano in the beginning and the strings. Anytime you can add strings tastefully you should do it. I do like the idea behind this song because I know a lot of people whose lives were ruined by chasing a buzz

Fav Lyrics:

I remember when he stole my girl
Drug her all around the world
You know I'm cool, yes I feel alright
'Cept when I'm in my room and it's late at night

Rating: 6.5/10 too short and doesn't really feel like a full song. But some cool musical ideas in there

#9: Pretzel Logic
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBxZFadp9Pw

This is a blues-y groove that is very cool and laid back. Of course its got some killer Dan moments in it, especially the "over a long time ago" part. Man its so perfect.

"oh yeah"

Guitar solo is pretty standard pentatonic runs for the most part with some jazziness sprinkled in. And the breakdown around 2:40ish keeps things interesting. I guess the song is about time travelling and the only Dan song I can think of that references Napoleon

Fav Lyrics:
Over a long time ago, oh yeah

Rating: 8.4/10 so I'm much more partial to the jazzier stuff instead of the bluesier stuff but honestly you can't go wrong with either...just a personal preference really. Wish this song had some more stand out moments, but the hook I referenced up above in the lyrics is too good.

#10: With A Gun
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kM89Cx3GQJg

This is a great tune and...

Shotgunnova posted...

Fagen's singing is fantastic throughout, though, especially on "With a Gun".

Is correct. His singing fits perfect for this tune. Harmonies are prefect. Check the vocal breakdown at 1:23. It's tasty and the country influence on this song is really cool and different compared to the jazz and blues before. It's a nice refresher when getting overloaded on bebop scales.

I think its about someone doing a lot of drugs and owing money and either robbing a bank to pay em back, or just shooting them all.

Favorite lyric:
You were the founders of the clinic on the hill
Until he caught you with your fingers in the till
He slapped your hand so you settled up your bill

Rating: 8.88/10 very cool and a different vibe than most of their other songs, but distinctly a steely dan song

#11: Charlie Freak
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TDZdNr9PHao

This song seems like its extremely hard to sing in tune. I love the driving rhythm of the piano and the doubling of the guitar and voice on the second verse section. Sounds really cool for the melody.

And let's talk about that sleigh bell

But more importantly, the message of this song hits hard. Its about a heroin addict and all that goes along with that whole deal. Songmeanings says the narrator of the song is death itself which could very well be since it takes his golden ring but realizes it cannot own it.

I think lyrically, this song is a top tier Dan song

Fav Lyrics:
And while he sighed his body died
In fifteen ways
When I heard I grabbed a cab to where he lay
'Round his arm the plastic tag read D.O.A.
Yes Jack, I gave it back
The ring I could not own
Now come my friend I'll take your hand
And lead you home

Especially those last two lines. Had a few friends in my day take that offer unfortunately :(

Rating: 9/10

DuranOfForcena posted...

tag, i didn't even notice the first thread had purged. we should all be vigilant and not let that happen again.

gotta be honest, i'm pretty sure the only Steely Dan albums i've listened to in their entirety are Royal Scam and Katy Lied, since my folks had a double-album of both of them that they practically wore out when i was growing up. i've listened to a lot of other songs from their other albums, but i don't recognize a lot of these earlier ones. that being said, Rikki Don't Lose That Number and Deacon Blues are definitely ones i am familiar with and would put in my top 10.

There are definitely some songs where I don't recognize the name, then I listen to it and I hear one small part and I'm like...oh yeah I remember that one growing up.

Oh speak of the devil...

#12: Monkey In Your Soul
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6gAN-HRt9Y

This is one of those songs I do not recognize at all in the beginning...then at 53 seconds those horns hit and I'm like....oooooh yeah I know that tune. I really enjoy how he sings this one too...kind of slack jawed sounding and ironic. Very pomo.

Those horns just keep coming as you listen and you really wait for them to hit because they sound so cool. Guitar solo is clean, doesn't try to take over the song, and tasteful.

A strange one to end on but its a stronger last song than the first two albums for sure.

Fav Lyrics:
Won't you turn that bebop down
I can't hear my heart beat
Where's that fatback chord I found?

Rating: 7.8/10

Next album is Katy Lied. I actually spent last night listening to it so I've already got it down, but will likely do another listen of each song as I type these up to point out the cool parts. Either later today or tomorrow.

Here's the songlist for Katy Lied btw. I swear its like they literally do not have an absolutely terrible song. boggles the mind.

1."Black Friday"
2."Bad Sneakers"
3."Rose Darling"
4."Daddy Don't Live in that New York City No More"
5."Doctor Wu"
6."Everyone's Gone to the Movies"
7."Your Gold Teeth II"
8."Chain Lightning"
9."Any World (That I'm Welcome To)"
10."Throw Back the Little Ones"

Alright Katy Lied. The album cover features a Katydid and is the first album to not have Skunk Baxter featured

Apparently ole skunk became a defense consultant now? wtf...

#1: Black Friday
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=neJorQci-wI

Alright, I'm always torn with Black Friday. Because it's groovin' and it has a ton of great little parts. Like the "When Black Friday falls you know it's got to be Don't let it fall on me" run. That's so Steely Dan it's almost ridiculous.

The guitar solo isn't too interesting but it's jammin'. I guess that's a decent theme of the song. Jams, but it's not very interesting. I'm not really sure what it's about either.

Apparently the producer of the album beat himself up for not release the albums next track as the first single...I think I agree with that.

Fav Lyrics:
When Black Friday falls you know it's got to be
Don't let it fall on me

Rating: man this one is tough...because its a cool song but I don't feel much listening to it. 7.2/10

I never really liked Katy Lied as much as I liked some of the other albums. One of the only "classic" Dan albums I don't have downloaded, actually. Still has some good stuff, though, like Doctor Wu.

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#2: Bad Sneakers
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MiBfhFvJdvc

I love Bad Sneakers. Such a cool tune and should definitely have been the first single on the album imo. I think it's the melody on this one that gets me. Almost a recitative type of thing.

And of course its got the great classic stop right before hitting the bad sneakers line. The solo on this one is really laid back too. Almost an Eagles vibe...maybe even a slower satriani vibe (see: Starry Night by him)

And the main riff is very catch (the one right in the beginning that separates the verses later on). Even the outro is nice and relaxing. Overall, its the right amount of jazz, pop, and rock.

Fav Lyrics: (the whole song really)

You fellah, you tearin' up the street
You wear that white tuxedo
How you gonna beat the heat

Rating: 10/10 one of my favorite Dan tunes

Shotgunnova posted...

I never really liked Katy Lied as much as I liked some of the other albums. One of the only "classic" Dan albums I don't have downloaded, actually. Still has some good stuff, though, like Doctor Wu.

This reminds me I didn't rate Pretzel Logic* as a whole

I give it a solid 8/10 (again relative to all Dan). Some great tunes, though I like Can't Buy A Thrill more.

Gave King of the World 6/10, bunk list.

Seriously though, saw them at least 10 times since 2004. We were planning on going this summer but the stupid 'VID got in the way. Look forward to more of this list.

Autocraticus posted...

Gave King of the World 6/10, bunk list.

Seriously though, saw them at least 10 times since 2004. We were planning on going this summer but the stupid 'VID got in the way. Look forward to more of this list.

hah remember my ratings are in relation to other Dan songs (and imo of course). So the song is still a solid 8-9/10 like all their songs (save maybe 1 or 2)

I love that there is so much variety that everyone can have their favorites and they sound completely different

#3: Rose Darling
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8IG_jkDmRQE

This song has a really cool upbeat groove. Another one that kind of reminds me of a faster paced Barrytown. Fa*en's vocals fit nicely as always and the chord changes are definitely interesting.

Some really nice harmonies too on the "Roooseee gardeennn" part. And the guitar doing the fills in the background is delicious. Is this song about whacking off? Someone suggested that on a lyric website....haha

Fav Lyrics:
Rose darling my friend
With only you and what I've found
We'll wear the weary hours down

Rating: 8.9/10 really solid third song on the album

Romes187 posted...

hah remember my ratings are in relation to other Dan songs (and imo of course). So the song is still a solid 8-9/10 like all their songs (save maybe 1 or 2)

I love that there is so much variety that everyone can have their favorites and they sound completely different

When you're all done, I'm going to post a rebuttal. But definitely tracking.

Fair enough hah

#4: Daddy Don't Live In That New York City No More
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3lOoiJDewd8

I don't think you can listen to this song and not sing along to the "daddy don't.." line. Song is about someone who might be a bit too comfortable with the drink.

And maybe dies in a car crash ("Drinking his dinner from a paper sack"). The music isn't the most intricate, compared with their other tunes. Though there is some nice guitar work on the outro solo. It's blues-y so it isn't meant to be super complicated stuff.

Lyrics: (because the harmonies)

Daddy don't drive in that Eldorado
No more

Rating: 8.6/10 Like it a lot, not top tier though

will get to some more tunes later today

once I finish SD, if we are still on boring quarantine, maybe Ill do billy Joels as well

Romes187 posted...

will get to some more tunes later today

once I finish SD, if we are still on boring quarantine, maybe Ill do billy Joels as well

Billy Joel would be a really interesting choice for a thread like this. He has god-tier material (The Stranger), absolute shit (Storm Front) and everything in between. I'd read it.

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#5: Doctor Wu
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ImtdntJQfSs

Love me some Doctor Wu. The soft piano driving the song forward is so nice and the chord choice is super tasty. The hook is super nice, and the change when "are you really just a shadow" is so steely dan its silly.

We are getting a lot more of those add9 chords (or the Mu Major - basically they take an add9 chord and voice it slightly differently. If you play guitar and wanna try a Mu Major chord out, take any basic open chord (E maj is easy) and move one of the root notes up a step. So for the E major, take that E note on the D string and raise to an F#.

And boom, you have a (differently voiced) Mu Major chord. Now its not what you say, but how you say it with chords. SD always finds the right spot.

P sure dr. wu is their drug dealer

Fav lyrics:
Don't seem right
I've been strung out here all night
I've been waiting for the taste
You said you'd bring to me

Rating: 9.6/10 top tier, but not god tier

TheCodeisBosco posted...

Billy Joel would be a really interesting choice for a thread like this. He has god-tier material (The Stranger), absolute shit (Storm Front) and everything in between. I'd read it.

Hah okay

Do you guys like the small bit of music theory im putting in, or too technical? Not sure if we're all familiar with the stuff so don't wanna start yapping about chord choices too much.

With SD, those chords are so ubiquitous to them that I felt obligated...but I can break these down a bit more if desired...at least on some songs that I know a bit more than others.

#6: Everyone's Gone To The Movies
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H28ZoZrKCzI

The bass line is super cool on this one. Just kinda hangs out and bangs the song forward...doo....doo doo....doo doo...

I have to admit I do not like Fa*en's singing on this one except for the chorus. The background vocals on "Everyone's gone to the movies.." lyric is great. We definitely hear some more jazzy elevator music flavoring that was a bit more prominent in their earlier albums. The bongos are a nice touch, especially when they become prominent near the end of the tune.

Okay, so you guys know what this song is about right? Yikes haha...these lyrics probably explain it better than I can

Fav Lyrics
Kids if you want some fun
Mr. LaPage is your man
He's always laughing, having fun
Showing his films in the den
Come on, come on
Soon you will be eighteen
I think you know what I mean
Don't tell your mama
Your daddy or mama
They'll never know where you been

Rating: 7.4/10 interesting concept for a song...some decent parts like all Dan songs but nothing super crazy

#7: Your Gold Teeth II
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QzAJqKll6hI

It's like they got together and said...that first side of the album wasn't jazzy enough. And we need more eagle esque harmonies in our singing.

I really like this song a lot. The soft piano undulating back and forth is so nice. The drumming (Haven't talked much about the drumming but its A+ throughout their works) is solid. One thing that is nice about this one is it makes no qualms as to how its going to go. Right from the beginning you know what you're getting into. No surprises.

The guitar work around 2:38 is amazing (Denny Dias is so great) and the entire vibe is one to chill out to after a long day.

Lyrics:
Do you throw out your gold teeth
Do you see how they roll

Rating: 9.5 another top tier but not god tier song

#8: Chain Lightning
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m3_9MuEMwAs

A blues-y jam for sure. Love the opening melody that just keeps on going throughout. Guitar work is tasty and refined.

Word on the street is this song is about two nazis coming back to where a big rally was held years later and reminiscing about the past. I can see how you could read it that way.

Fav lyrics:
We're standing just where he stood
It was chain lightning
It feels so good

Rating: 7.6/10 solid tune but doesn't move me a whole lot

#9: Any World (That I'm Welcome To)
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDWV-570oXo

Okay I actually rate this one very high because of the chord choices. Really showcasing their ability to blend jazz, rock, and pop into a perfect tune.

Fa*en's singing is spot on in this one and those piano bits in between his melody is too perfect. And the lyrics, I think, are just about not feeling like you're born in the right time or era. Alienation, searching for meaning. All themes I have thought about quite a bit and love in the art I consume.

And you can't not tap your foot on the sudden stops when it gets to the....

Fav Lyric:
Any world that I'm welcome to
Is better than the one I come from

Rating: 10/10 for the lyrics, straightforwardness, and chord choice