Steely Dan — Aja
Album: AjaAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 3341
Length: 7:50
Plays (last 30 days): 1
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Up on the hill
People never stare
They just don't care
Chinese music under banyan trees
Here at the dude ranch above the sea
Aja
When all my dime dancin' is through
I run to you
Up on the hill
They've got time to burn
There's no return
Double helix in the sky tonight
Throw out the hardware
Let's do it right
Aja
When all my dime dancin' is through
I run to you
Up on the hill
They think I'm okay
Or so they say
Chinese music always sets me free
Angular banjoes
Sound good to me
Aja
When all my dime dancin' is through
I run to you
People never stare
They just don't care
Chinese music under banyan trees
Here at the dude ranch above the sea
Aja
When all my dime dancin' is through
I run to you
Up on the hill
They've got time to burn
There's no return
Double helix in the sky tonight
Throw out the hardware
Let's do it right
Aja
When all my dime dancin' is through
I run to you
Up on the hill
They think I'm okay
Or so they say
Chinese music always sets me free
Angular banjoes
Sound good to me
Aja
When all my dime dancin' is through
I run to you
Comments (915)add comment
Aja was the album on my turntable that was stolen—with a bunch of other stuff including my guitar i had had since high school. along with roommates' stuff—when our rental place in Cambridge (Mass.) was broken into. Many, many years ago now. I really should replace it (and the guitar). The things one remembers.
drtjdel wrote:
Nah. Like most herbs and spices, a pinch or dash is often enough.
More police whistle.
Nah. Like most herbs and spices, a pinch or dash is often enough.
I jsut love the way how several times in this song it kind of slows and almost stops then goes off again.
Absolutely one of the best ever produced albums …
Sorry...had to make a 2nd comment...as this one comes during the Shorter-Gadd riffing.
Just utter spectacular.
Just utter spectacular.
Ahhhh
The best of the best of the bestest.
The best of the best of the bestest.
idiot_wind wrote:
Brought to you by Wayne Shorter on tenor.
He passed a couple weeks ago.
And I had this album on eight track just for listening in the car. The one with Jensen coaxial speakers and a Pioneer Super tuner.
Pioneer SuperTuner with Jensen Triaxial 6 x 9s for me, but with a cassette player..
Brought to you by Wayne Shorter on tenor.
He passed a couple weeks ago.
And I had this album on eight track just for listening in the car. The one with Jensen coaxial speakers and a Pioneer Super tuner.
Pioneer SuperTuner with Jensen Triaxial 6 x 9s for me, but with a cassette player..
I've always considered it "dyin' dancin' rather than 'dime dancing'. Just putting that bug in your ear.
tinypriest wrote:
I Agree! Very well stated!
God-like is exactly what this is. Listen to the sax (Wayne Shorter), drums (Steve Gadd), and piano (Victor Feldman). There is nothing like this song in the "rock repertoire" (listen also to the guitar -- combination of Denny Dias, Larry Carlton, and Walter Becker). Drone-like? Only if you don't hear details and are immune to a rhythm section as hot as any ever assembled to record any song, ever. Up on the hill, they think I'm ok. Ponder than for a while. Who? What hill? What's ok? The mystery only deepens as your dime dancing progresses. Listen to the drums, again, especially the high-hat finale. There is nothing like this masterpiece under the banyan trees. Full 10.
I Agree! Very well stated!
Jazzistas, they were.
i had previously said that a lot of SD had not aged well; AJA is still fantastic!
tinypriest wrote:
As usual... the bass player gets overlooked. Chuck Rainey is a huge part of this song.
God-like is exactly what this is. Listen to the sax (Wayne Shorter), drums (Steve Gadd), and piano (Victor Feldman). There is nothing like this song in the "rock repertoire" (listen also to the guitar -- combination of Denny Dias, Larry Carlton, and Walter Becker). Drone-like? Only if you don't hear details and are immune to a rhythm section as hot as any ever assembled to record any song, ever. Up on the hill, they think I'm ok. Ponder than for a while. Who? What hill? What's ok? The mystery only deepens as your dime dancing progresses. Listen to the drums, again, especially the high-hat finale. There is nothing like this masterpiece under the banyan trees. Full 10.
As usual... the bass player gets overlooked. Chuck Rainey is a huge part of this song.
I was around. I’m pretty sure the consensus was they KNEW they had finally created their perfect number with this one. They had,
That groove on the outro gets me everytime! 
Definitely one of the best Steely Dan songs.
And good luck in figuring out what the lyrics mean.
It's classic Steely Dan.
It's classic Steely Dan.
BCarn wrote:
Wow! A triple negative grammatical conundrum! So, ummm, what are you really saying? (In English please).
yeah, i kind of discount that when i see it. double/triple negatives in text or spoken drive me crazy.
but hey, this song is fab!
Wow! A triple negative grammatical conundrum! So, ummm, what are you really saying? (In English please).
yeah, i kind of discount that when i see it. double/triple negatives in text or spoken drive me crazy.
but hey, this song is fab!
Judging on the frequency histogram , there is no middle ground for voters of this dong.
yofitofu wrote:
Brought to you by Wayne Shorter on tenor.
He passed a couple weeks ago.
And I had this album on eight track just for listening in the car. The one with Jensen coaxial speakers and a Pioneer Super tuner.
The most important song in the history of Jazz-Rock.
Brought to you by Wayne Shorter on tenor.
He passed a couple weeks ago.
And I had this album on eight track just for listening in the car. The one with Jensen coaxial speakers and a Pioneer Super tuner.
I'm so glad we can skip to the next track with Radio Paradise!
The most important song in the history of Jazz-Rock.
I'm old enough to remember listening to this song on the radio when it was just released. :( It was on the album oriented rock station, which was the ONLY station that wasn't playing disco or easy listening (my god, 1977 was full of disco).
On_The_Beach wrote:
Gadd-tastic!
The drum solo at the end of the song is definitely "god like"!
Gadd-tastic!
The drum solo at the end of the song is definitely "god like"!
tinypriest wrote:
Well said, and all good . . . And for me it is the keyboards that sew it all together, love that Donald Fagen!!
God-like is exactly what this is. Listen to the sax (Wayne Shorter), drums (Steve Gadd), and piano (Victor Feldman). There is nothing like this song in the "rock repertoire" (listen also to the guitar -- combination of Denny Dias, Larry Carlton, and Walter Becker). Drone-like? Only if you don't hear details and are immune to a rhythm section as hot as any ever assembled to record any song, ever. Up on the hill, they think I'm ok. Ponder than for a while. Who? What hill? What's ok? The mystery only deepens as your dime dancing progresses. Listen to the drums, again, especially the high-hat finale. There is nothing like this masterpiece under the banyan trees. Full 10.
Well said, and all good . . . And for me it is the keyboards that sew it all together, love that Donald Fagen!!
nomnol wrote:
I gotta watch it!! How about providing a link? Thank You!
I saw them making this album on a doc many years back. Their attention to all the details, getting just the right sound and changing artists if the sound didn't cut it was phenomenal. Fascinating doc to watch. True craftsmen.
I gotta watch it!! How about providing a link? Thank You!
I saw them making this album on a doc many years back. Their attention to all the details, getting just the right sound and changing artists if the sound didn't cut it was phenomenal. Fascinating doc to watch. True craftsmen.
tinypriest wrote:
The song is so fabulous that we named my daughter after it...Aja!
God-like is exactly what this is. Listen to the sax (Wayne Shorter), drums (Steve Gadd), and piano (Victor Feldman). There is nothing like this song in the "rock repertoire" (listen also to the guitar -- combination of Denny Dias, Larry Carlton, and Walter Becker). Drone-like? Only if you don't hear details and are immune to a rhythm section as hot as any ever assembled to record any song, ever. Up on the hill, they think I'm ok. Ponder than for a while. Who? What hill? What's ok? The mystery only deepens as your dime dancing progresses. Listen to the drums, again, especially the high-hat finale. There is nothing like this masterpiece under the banyan trees. Full 10.
The song is so fabulous that we named my daughter after it...Aja!
PinkSo wrote:
Until you get a new car -- then you'll have to rip the CD to a USB stick like I just did ;-)
hahaha - just got a 'new' USED car that has a CD player! gets me through the long drives when I sing solo...which is when I can sing as loud as I like
Until you get a new car -- then you'll have to rip the CD to a USB stick like I just did ;-)
coloradojohn wrote:
You got that right. It was a "grand buffet" of music by quality and quantity. So many genres and so many great bands. And the bands toured!
Today it's like sitting at a table with a bowl of boiled potatoes. If you are hungry, you eat them. But it ain't no "grand buffet".
There WAS a great deal of Steely Dan saturation at the time, and some rockers grumbled, annoyed and concerned that the airplay of this might drown out their more cerebral gems, but...face it, we were spoiled by all the talent to choose from... Golden Days of Radio those times were!
You got that right. It was a "grand buffet" of music by quality and quantity. So many genres and so many great bands. And the bands toured!
Today it's like sitting at a table with a bowl of boiled potatoes. If you are hungry, you eat them. But it ain't no "grand buffet".
I'm guessing that the 1's here would prefer the addition of some millenial whoops, fuzzy af amps and vocals and a side of avacado toast...
There's a Dylan-esque quality to this song.
Painting visuals with verse.
The added bonus: the musicians on this song are top notch.
Just listen....
Painting visuals with verse.
The added bonus: the musicians on this song are top notch.
Just listen....
Only a 6.9 average. All those who voted less than 8 should be spanked!
xcranky_yankee wrote:
Until you get a new car -- then you'll have to rip the CD to a USB stick like I just did ;-)
One of the first CDs I bought myself - have the album too. Can drive or drop the needle. Very nostalgic
Until you get a new car -- then you'll have to rip the CD to a USB stick like I just did ;-)
Grayson wrote:
Says Tony Soprano!! LOL!!
I don't trust nobody who don't like Aja.
Says Tony Soprano!! LOL!!
nwfirefly wrote:
so tired of Steely Dan - must have been the DJ from Seattle that loved Steely Dan and played it as often as possible!!! - I've had my lifetime worth..
Yikes! here it is again - 2 days later
I know! 2 days is way too long to go without hearing this wonderful piece of music.
so tired of Steely Dan - must have been the DJ from Seattle that loved Steely Dan and played it as often as possible!!! - I've had my lifetime worth..
Yikes! here it is again - 2 days later
I know! 2 days is way too long to go without hearing this wonderful piece of music.
I know of someone who ... this was her parents' favorite album ... ah ... her name is Aja so you can draw your own conclusions.
There WAS a great deal of Steely Dan saturation at the time, and some rockers grumbled, annoyed and concerned that the airplay of this might drown out their more cerebral gems, but...face it, we were spoiled by all the talent to choose from... Golden Days of Radio those times were!
One of the best conceived and performed songs in rock history. Just flat out amazing. Gotta give SD the credit they deserve for this masterwork.
Duc1098 wrote:
The cloth-eared twits who don’t get this tend to be Coldplay fans.
Luckily there's room for everyone on RP.
The cloth-eared twits who don’t get this tend to be Coldplay fans.
Luckily there's room for everyone on RP.
Grayson wrote:
Agreed, but people who don't use proper syntax are a little suspect also...
I don't trust nobody who don't like Aja.
Agreed, but people who don't use proper syntax are a little suspect also...
If you don’t “get it” as to why this song is so great.... frankly, that’s sad. I saw them live a short bit before Becker died and man oh man when they did this song, I had an out of body experience.
The bar from this band is just too high for some people to grasp. Fortunately...I can reach it and love it every time it appears on RP. It's unfair to say that any negative opinion of this band or song is universally wrong...and quite honestly am ok with that.
My gosh,
Look at the albums they put 0ut in about 7 years: Aja, Countdown, Kay Lied, Can't Buy, Royal Scam, Pretzel Logic. And don't forget the album cover art!
Everyone is a masterpiece. This is rare talent, like The Beatles, Van M, Bob Dylan, Joni M. , Neil Y.
Look at the albums they put 0ut in about 7 years: Aja, Countdown, Kay Lied, Can't Buy, Royal Scam, Pretzel Logic. And don't forget the album cover art!
Everyone is a masterpiece. This is rare talent, like The Beatles, Van M, Bob Dylan, Joni M. , Neil Y.
One of the first CDs I bought myself - have the album too. Can drive or drop the needle. Very nostalgic
Gadd-tastic!
One of the best songs by THE greatest band of all time.
Schmoogsley wrote:
The Mob is retarded. Truth.
The cloth-eared twits who don’t get this tend to be Coldplay fans.
The Mob is retarded. Truth.
The cloth-eared twits who don’t get this tend to be Coldplay fans.
I see that this song received Quite a Few number 1 ratings...the drumming alone played by Steve Gadd at least warrants a 6 or better.
Grayson wrote:
Wow! A triple negative grammatical conundrum! So, ummm, what are you really saying? (In English please).
I don't trust nobody who don't like Aja.
Wow! A triple negative grammatical conundrum! So, ummm, what are you really saying? (In English please).
Love this album. Re-bought it in 180 gram. Quality is outstanding.
bbjordan400 wrote:
It sounds like we agree that it is a good song, but we disagree on the math.
That example is not how Mode works. It is simply the most common rating, in this case 8.
It is one of three common ways to determine an average. The Mean average is what is posted and for those of you wondering what the Median average is, it is also 8. The value in the middle of the sorted list of all the 2,680 ratings.
Posted 1 year ago by Joanna91540:
such a low rating ?
Looking at the ratings, the "average" number is misleading, because of the 1 ratings by the haters.
Using mode instead of average, if we take the greatest number rating as the first digit (in this case 8) and the second greatest number (in this case 9), as the second digit in the rating, the rating becomes 8.9. A very good rating!
such a low rating ?
Looking at the ratings, the "average" number is misleading, because of the 1 ratings by the haters.
Using mode instead of average, if we take the greatest number rating as the first digit (in this case 8) and the second greatest number (in this case 9), as the second digit in the rating, the rating becomes 8.9. A very good rating!
It sounds like we agree that it is a good song, but we disagree on the math.
That example is not how Mode works. It is simply the most common rating, in this case 8.
It is one of three common ways to determine an average. The Mean average is what is posted and for those of you wondering what the Median average is, it is also 8. The value in the middle of the sorted list of all the 2,680 ratings.
Posted 1 year ago by Joanna91540:
such a low rating ?
Looking at the ratings, the "average" number is misleading, because of the 1 ratings by the haters.
Using mode instead of average, if we take the greatest number rating as the first digit (in this case 8) and the second greatest number (in this case 9), as the second digit in the rating, the rating becomes 8.9. A very good rating!
such a low rating ?
Looking at the ratings, the "average" number is misleading, because of the 1 ratings by the haters.
Using mode instead of average, if we take the greatest number rating as the first digit (in this case 8) and the second greatest number (in this case 9), as the second digit in the rating, the rating becomes 8.9. A very good rating!
I have always wanted to love this song like I love so much of SD, but it still feels cold and empty to me. I think they were better in the mid 70s than the late 70s when they got popular.
I once worked with a woman named Aja, whose parents named her after this song. Always thought that was so cool. And have always loved this song (and everything else I've ever heard by Steely Dan). 
I first heard this as a 15 year-old browsing the record selection at my local (now defunct) Korvettes (located in the suburbs of NJ). The record department was playing this over the speakers. Having grown up listening to my 7-year-older sister's record collection of 60's and 70's music, and the progressive and pop music of the era (think Kansas, Yes, etc.) this stopped me in my tracks instantly. I had never heard anything like it.
It grabbed me instantly. Thus started my love of Steely Dan, and the growing understanding to always seek out something new musically.
Having been my first introduction into truly expanding my musical taste, this will always hold a special place for me.
It grabbed me instantly. Thus started my love of Steely Dan, and the growing understanding to always seek out something new musically.
Having been my first introduction into truly expanding my musical taste, this will always hold a special place for me.
Joanna91540 wrote:
The Mob is retarded. Truth.
such a low rating ??
The Mob is retarded. Truth.
tinypriest wrote:
God-like is exactly what this is. Listen to the sax (Wayne Shorter), drums (Steve Gadd), and piano (Victor Feldman). There is nothing like this song in the "rock repertoire" (listen also to the guitar -- combination of Denny Dias, Larry Carlton, and Walter Becker). Drone-like? Only if you don't here details and are immune to a rhythm section as hot as any ever assembled to record any song, ever. Up on the hill, they think I'm ok. Ponder than for a while. Who? What hill? What's ok? The mystery only deepens as your dime dancing progresses. Listen to the drums, again, especially the high-hat finale. There is nothing like this masterpiece under the banyan trees. Full 10.
Word!I don't trust nobody who don't like Aja.
And if you're a Steely Dan fan visiting Toronto, definitely check out "Pretzel Logic" - they play several times a month here, different locations. It not just that they play absolutely note-perfect Steely Dan (and have being doing this since forever), go because it's always just a fun night, they bring so much energy to every song. Go early to get in, seriously... http://pretzellogic.ca/pretzel...
Great arrangement. Memorable performance. I like.
Love this. This whole album, but this song in particular.
Awful, boring, completely non-melodic. -10 in my scale.
I am one of the folks who will never 'get' Steely Dan... to me this sounds like an over-produced lounge act. I understand that these guys are great musicians and I think it's great that some people love them but i just can't get there myself. Enjoy! I'm off to PSD land!
Pure excellence!!! It's not even my fav Steely Dan album either.
laserace wrote:
You should see the current drummer Steve Carlock do this live. Ups the game.
Steve Gadd. WOW. Best Drum ever
You should see the current drummer Steve Carlock do this live. Ups the game.
Clyde_Bedow wrote:
And every time I hear Steely Dan come on - no matter what song - I can't get to my computer fast enough to turn it up. Love this song since this album came out all those years ago. Thanks for playing.
Meandering, wandering, droning, etc.
Once again, Great musicianship. Great production. Great mix. And yet..... Please make it stop!!!
Hey Bill! Next rotation of this (Or that driveling Dr. Woo song) how about try something experimental that's more interesting. Maybe some Zappa or something that "takes itself a little less seriously"
Something more endearing than enduring...….
Something fun.....
Something else.
Once again, Great musicianship. Great production. Great mix. And yet..... Please make it stop!!!
Hey Bill! Next rotation of this (Or that driveling Dr. Woo song) how about try something experimental that's more interesting. Maybe some Zappa or something that "takes itself a little less seriously"
Something more endearing than enduring...….
Something fun.....
Something else.
And every time I hear Steely Dan come on - no matter what song - I can't get to my computer fast enough to turn it up. Love this song since this album came out all those years ago. Thanks for playing.
Clyde_Bedow wrote:
... something different. Hey, too bad there's not a button for that.
Meandering, wandering, droning, etc.
Once again, Great musicianship. Great production. Great mix. And yet..... Please make it stop!!!
Hey Bill! Next rotation of this (Or that driveling Dr. Woo song) how about try something experimental that's more interesting. Maybe some Zappa or something that "takes itself a little less seriously"
Something more endearing than enduring...….
Something fun.....
Something else.
Once again, Great musicianship. Great production. Great mix. And yet..... Please make it stop!!!
Hey Bill! Next rotation of this (Or that driveling Dr. Woo song) how about try something experimental that's more interesting. Maybe some Zappa or something that "takes itself a little less seriously"
Something more endearing than enduring...….
Something fun.....
Something else.
... something different. Hey, too bad there's not a button for that.
tinypriest wrote:
Hey Tiny,
Some people just don't get SD. Such is life.
God-like is exactly what this is. Listen to the sax (Wayne Shorter), drums (Steve Gadd), and piano (Victor Feldman). There is nothing like this song in the "rock repertoire" (listen also to the guitar — combination of Denny Dias, Larry Carlton, and Walter Becker). Drone-like? Only if you don't here details and are immune to a rhythm section as hot as any ever assembled to record any song, ever. Up on the hill, they think I'm ok. Ponder than for a while. Who? What hill? What's ok? The mystery only deepens as your dime dancing progresses. Listen to the drums, again, especially the high-hat finale. There is nothing like this masterpiece under the banyan trees. Full 10.
Hey Tiny,
Some people just don't get SD. Such is life.
God-like is exactly what this is. Listen to the sax (Wayne Shorter), drums (Steve Gadd), and piano (Victor Feldman). There is nothing like this song in the "rock repertoire" (listen also to the guitar -- combination of Denny Dias, Larry Carlton, and Walter Becker). Drone-like? Only if you don't hear details and are immune to a rhythm section as hot as any ever assembled to record any song, ever. Up on the hill, they think I'm ok. Ponder than for a while. Who? What hill? What's ok? The mystery only deepens as your dime dancing progresses. Listen to the drums, again, especially the high-hat finale. There is nothing like this masterpiece under the banyan trees. Full 10.
Meandering, wandering, droning, etc.
Once again, Great musicianship. Great production. Great mix. And yet..... Please make it stop!!!
Hey Bill! Next rotation of this (Or that driveling Dr. Woo song) how about try something experimental that's more interesting. Maybe some Zappa or something that "takes itself a little less seriously"
Something more endearing than enduring...….
Something fun.....
Something else.
Once again, Great musicianship. Great production. Great mix. And yet..... Please make it stop!!!
Hey Bill! Next rotation of this (Or that driveling Dr. Woo song) how about try something experimental that's more interesting. Maybe some Zappa or something that "takes itself a little less seriously"
Something more endearing than enduring...….
Something fun.....
Something else.
Rushing home from the record store with this album, listening to this song a couple times, sitting down in front of the piano to try to figure it out and finally just giving up, saying: What. The. Hell.
below72 wrote:
I remember that blizzard(s)! I was growing up in Metrowest at the time, but I can see how this song captured those salad-days memories for you. Did you have a favorite town or club?
jktravl wrote:
Yeah, I used to hate Steely Dan. At the moment, this song reminds me why: it kind of wanders around musically and thematically. Definitely of the 70s. The band is practically talking to itself: there doesn't seem much effort to connect with an audience or to explain just what the hell is going on.
But like many excessive works of yore, much is forgiven in return for a unique carpet ride into the past...
'78 the life of a traveling musician. Livin' in LA in a rundown rodent infested house on Western Ave. (Lower Allston for the uninitiated). $1 movies in Harvard Square, The Blizzard! No Name Restaurant, FH (best chocolate chip cookies of the era.) On the roads of NE playing music with my other misguided musician friends! We were so naive (ha). A ton of fun.
I remember that blizzard(s)! I was growing up in Metrowest at the time, but I can see how this song captured those salad-days memories for you. Did you have a favorite town or club?
jktravl wrote:
Please get me off this elevator from hell
Yeah, I used to hate Steely Dan. At the moment, this song reminds me why: it kind of wanders around musically and thematically. Definitely of the 70s. The band is practically talking to itself: there doesn't seem much effort to connect with an audience or to explain just what the hell is going on.
But like many excessive works of yore, much is forgiven in return for a unique carpet ride into the past...
nwfirefly wrote:
Yikes! here it is again - 2 days later
so tired of Steely Dan - must have been the DJ from Seattle that loved Steely Dan and played it as often as possible!!! - I've had my lifetime worth..
Yikes! here it is again - 2 days later
so tired of Steely Dan - must have been the DJ from Seattle that loved Steely Dan and played it as often as possible!!! - I've had my lifetime worth..
The touring band for this is fantastic, especially the drum portion at the end. A killer, muscular, engaging drum solo. Yeah, I know!
And this is just a reworking of Dr. Wu, isn't it?
And this is just a reworking of Dr. Wu, isn't it?
Ok. I thought this song played yesterday. I was almost right. Two days ago. Not sure this song was ever heavy rotation material, but ok.
Steve Gadd. WOW. Best Drum ever
zesty ! angular banjos sound good to me h8rhater wrote:
Myself, I would always take the elevator FROM hell. Who wants to stay there?
Ha, good point! Wow a comment from h8rhater that does't burn. Sometimes I'm afraid to comment on a song because the fear of his/her wrath.
Myself, I would always take the elevator FROM hell. Who wants to stay there?
Ha, good point! Wow a comment from h8rhater that does't burn. Sometimes I'm afraid to comment on a song because the fear of his/her wrath.
jktravl wrote:
SurfDoc wrote:
Ha, second that!
Myself, I would always take the elevator FROM hell. Who wants to stay there?
Please get me off this elevator from hell
SurfDoc wrote:
Ha, second that!
Myself, I would always take the elevator FROM hell. Who wants to stay there?
DaMoGan wrote:
Definitely. JAZZ is infinitely better. For the record, I'm okay with this song. I give it a 7, and I am definitely not a Steely Dan fan, man.
Sorry... meant that the OP's comment made no sense because Steely Dan is not JAZZ (allowing that there are elements of such in their music).
I love Steely Dan myself and would be demoralized to have my comment read as h8 for the band (or any comment I make on any song to be read as h8 for that song).
Also like Jazz quite a bit (maybe not as much as Steely Dan, though). I grew up with that band as the soundtrack of the moment.
Definitely. JAZZ is infinitely better. For the record, I'm okay with this song. I give it a 7, and I am definitely not a Steely Dan fan, man.
Sorry... meant that the OP's comment made no sense because Steely Dan is not JAZZ (allowing that there are elements of such in their music).
I love Steely Dan myself and would be demoralized to have my comment read as h8 for the band (or any comment I make on any song to be read as h8 for that song).
Also like Jazz quite a bit (maybe not as much as Steely Dan, though). I grew up with that band as the soundtrack of the moment.
jktravl wrote:
If they're playing Steely Dan in Hell it's where I want to go...
Please get me off this elevator from hell
If they're playing Steely Dan in Hell it's where I want to go...
jktravl wrote:
Ha, second that!
Please get me off this elevator from hell
Ha, second that!
so good..... 
h8rhater wrote:
JAZZ: Not Steely Dan.
Definitely. JAZZ is infinitely better. For the record, I'm okay with this song. I give it a 7, and I am definitely not a Steely Dan fan, man.
JAZZ: Not Steely Dan.
Definitely. JAZZ is infinitely better. For the record, I'm okay with this song. I give it a 7, and I am definitely not a Steely Dan fan, man.
sfyi2001 wrote:
JAZZ: 5 guys in the same band, each playing a different song. lol
JAZZ: Not Steely Dan.
JAZZ: Not Steely Dan.
sfyi2001 wrote:
JAZZ: 5 guys in the same band, each playing a different song. lol
JAZZ = Not Steely Dan.
JAZZ = Not Steely Dan.
Oy. Anytime I can give this group a 12 or 13, I do it, especially to make up for the folks who think their music is boring and droning.
Joanna91540 wrote:
I know Steely Dan has people who think they are Gods — and that's ok — but I've never been a fan. They always seem to go on too long and become droning, IMHO.
I always thought I was alone in not being a fan but it seems a few other people aren't, too.
such a low rating ??
I know Steely Dan has people who think they are Gods — and that's ok — but I've never been a fan. They always seem to go on too long and become droning, IMHO.
I always thought I was alone in not being a fan but it seems a few other people aren't, too.
It's a light ear-tonguing; inexplicable, it monopolises your attention, and you don't want it to end.
such a low rating ??
'78 the life of a traveling musician. Livin' in LA in a rundown rodent infested house on Western Ave. (Lower Allston for the uninitiated). $1 movies in Harvard Square, The Blizzard! No Name Restaurant, FH (best chocolate chip cookies of the era.) On the roads of NE playing music with my other misguided musician friends! We were so naive (ha). A ton of fun.
Going to miss Walter. What a contribution he made to music.
The Height of 70's Pop Perfection.
Steely_D wrote:
completely agree...seeing great musicians live is about as good as it gets!
The current touring band (caught them thrice in a week in 2017) does this song justice. Especially the drummer, who cranks out a MOTHER of a drum part every single damn time. Strong recommendation. " target="_blank">Here's one of the shows at the Opaline.
There's a part in this where you just lay your head back, let the song surround you, and thank God you're alive. What a piece of genius (even though it's just Dr. Wu remade)
There's a part in this where you just lay your head back, let the song surround you, and thank God you're alive. What a piece of genius (even though it's just Dr. Wu remade)
completely agree...seeing great musicians live is about as good as it gets!
The current touring band (caught them thrice in a week in 2017) does this song justice. Especially the drummer, who cranks out a MOTHER of a drum part every single damn time. Strong recommendation. Here's one of the shows at the Opaline.
There's a part in this where you just lay your head back, let the song surround you, and thank God you're alive. What a piece of genius (even though it's just Dr. Wu remade)
There's a part in this where you just lay your head back, let the song surround you, and thank God you're alive. What a piece of genius (even though it's just Dr. Wu remade)
LowPhreak wrote:
Gadd made some of their songs what they are, just like Aja here.
Well, maybe that's why they dissed him. They thought he got TOO much credit? IDK, you just don't disrespect Gadd like that and not piss most drummers off. Sure pissed me off. Schmoogsley wrote:
Yes, I think we have different tastes. I'm a drummer as well (jazz mostly, so there you go). Anyway, I was EXTREMELY pissed at Fagan and Becker for not mentioning my hero Steve Gadd in their documentary. Not a single fucking mention. Unreal. They can fuck off!
Yeah, if that's the case then they were pretty off track for not giving Gadd a kudos. Gadd made some of their songs what they are, just like Aja here.
IDK man, I think Walter & Don are just too full of themselves. They got used to working with so many top cats that they just toss one bunch out for a new one on the next record. Look at who played on this album after all - Purdie, Gadd, Marotta, Keltner, Shorter, Sample, Carlton, Ritenour, Scott, on and on. If you watch the Two Against Nature DVD, you can see how the backup singers hold them in some kind of awe, they kind of fuck with Cornelius Bumpus (one of the horn players), and so on which I'm sure both Dan's propagate any chance they get.
I'm sure though that Paul Motian could have kicked both of their asses.
Yes, I think we have different tastes. I'm a drummer as well (jazz mostly, so there you go). Anyway, I was EXTREMELY pissed at Fagan and Becker for not mentioning my hero Steve Gadd in their documentary. Not a single fucking mention. Unreal. They can fuck off!
Yeah, if that's the case then they were pretty off track for not giving Gadd a kudos. Gadd made some of their songs what they are, just like Aja here.
IDK man, I think Walter & Don are just too full of themselves. They got used to working with so many top cats that they just toss one bunch out for a new one on the next record. Look at who played on this album after all - Purdie, Gadd, Marotta, Keltner, Shorter, Sample, Carlton, Ritenour, Scott, on and on. If you watch the Two Against Nature DVD, you can see how the backup singers hold them in some kind of awe, they kind of fuck with Cornelius Bumpus (one of the horn players), and so on which I'm sure both Dan's propagate any chance they get.
I'm sure though that Paul Motian could have kicked both of their asses.
LowPhreak wrote:
Better in what way...timing, groove/feel, meters, placement of accents, general technique? No because Lawson is as good or better there than Carlock. As a drummer, I'd say Carlock just likes to play more notes (speed) or maybe improvise more than someone like Lawson. I'm cool with the improv because I like to do that when appropriate, but with a lot of the Dan's stuff it doesn't come off so well.
Like with drum solos...which even to me as a drummer get boring as hell after 20 or 30 seconds. Most are just penis waving/showing off speed or chops and not that interesting. They're good in short doses, like in some jazz tunes when the horn does a quick solo, then the bass, then the drums. Carlock with his extended live solos in say Josie or Aja is just not needed and detract from the flow of the songs, IMO. As notoriously picky as Fagan and Becker are, I'm surprised they allowed him to do them but probably did to please Carlock's ego.
Anyway, yeah each to his own.
Yes, I think we have different tastes. I'm a drummer as well (jazz mostly, so there you go). Anyway, I was EXTREMELY pissed at Fagan and Becker for not mentioning my hero Steve Gadd in their documentary. Not a single fucking mention. Unreal. They can fuck off!
Better in what way...timing, groove/feel, meters, placement of accents, general technique? No because Lawson is as good or better there than Carlock. As a drummer, I'd say Carlock just likes to play more notes (speed) or maybe improvise more than someone like Lawson. I'm cool with the improv because I like to do that when appropriate, but with a lot of the Dan's stuff it doesn't come off so well.
Like with drum solos...which even to me as a drummer get boring as hell after 20 or 30 seconds. Most are just penis waving/showing off speed or chops and not that interesting. They're good in short doses, like in some jazz tunes when the horn does a quick solo, then the bass, then the drums. Carlock with his extended live solos in say Josie or Aja is just not needed and detract from the flow of the songs, IMO. As notoriously picky as Fagan and Becker are, I'm surprised they allowed him to do them but probably did to please Carlock's ego.
Anyway, yeah each to his own.
Yes, I think we have different tastes. I'm a drummer as well (jazz mostly, so there you go). Anyway, I was EXTREMELY pissed at Fagan and Becker for not mentioning my hero Steve Gadd in their documentary. Not a single fucking mention. Unreal. They can fuck off!
This was perhaps their best overall album for musicianship. The's alot going on with each song, in that jazz rock genre they created.
Just check out each musician's groove on this song.
Just check out each musician's groove on this song.
Please get me off this elevator from hell
sounds like filler music on one of those shopping tv channels.
aspicer wrote:
Criminal. People who don't get Steely Dan should not be allowed to vote - for anything.
Brilliant! And blown away this comes up as 6.7 among RP listeners - what??!!!!?! 
Criminal. People who don't get Steely Dan should not be allowed to vote - for anything.
Schmoogsley wrote:
Sorry, I think Keith Carlock is MUCH better than Ricky Lawson. To each his own I guess.
Better in what way...timing, groove/feel, meters, placement of accents, general technique? No because Lawson is as good or better there than Carlock. As a drummer, I'd say Carlock just likes to play more notes (speed) or maybe improvise more than someone like Lawson. I'm cool with the improv because I like to do that when appropriate, but with a lot of the Dan's stuff it doesn't come off so well.
Like with drum solos...which even to me as a drummer get boring as hell after 20 or 30 seconds. Most are just penis waving/showing off speed or chops and not that interesting. They're good in short doses, like in some jazz tunes when the horn does a quick solo, then the bass, then the drums. Carlock with his extended live solos in say Josie or Aja is just not needed and detract from the flow of the songs, IMO. As notoriously picky as Fagan and Becker are, I'm surprised they allowed him to do them but probably did to please Carlock's ego.
Anyway, yeah each to his own.
Sorry, I think Keith Carlock is MUCH better than Ricky Lawson. To each his own I guess.
Better in what way...timing, groove/feel, meters, placement of accents, general technique? No because Lawson is as good or better there than Carlock. As a drummer, I'd say Carlock just likes to play more notes (speed) or maybe improvise more than someone like Lawson. I'm cool with the improv because I like to do that when appropriate, but with a lot of the Dan's stuff it doesn't come off so well.
Like with drum solos...which even to me as a drummer get boring as hell after 20 or 30 seconds. Most are just penis waving/showing off speed or chops and not that interesting. They're good in short doses, like in some jazz tunes when the horn does a quick solo, then the bass, then the drums. Carlock with his extended live solos in say Josie or Aja is just not needed and detract from the flow of the songs, IMO. As notoriously picky as Fagan and Becker are, I'm surprised they allowed him to do them but probably did to please Carlock's ego.
Anyway, yeah each to his own.
LowPhreak wrote:
Meh. Carlock is OK, but I thought Steely Dan's rhythm section of several years ago was better, the Two Against Nature era when they had Ricky Lawson (drums) and Tom Barney (bass); a great horn section and backup singers too.
BTW, get the DVD it's pretty damned good.
Check out stuff like Gaslighting Abbie.
Black Friday/Babylon Sisters
Pretzel Logic
Sorry, I think Keith Carlock is MUCH better than Ricky Lawson. To each his own I guess.
Meh. Carlock is OK, but I thought Steely Dan's rhythm section of several years ago was better, the Two Against Nature era when they had Ricky Lawson (drums) and Tom Barney (bass); a great horn section and backup singers too.
BTW, get the DVD it's pretty damned good.
Check out stuff like Gaslighting Abbie.
Black Friday/Babylon Sisters
Pretzel Logic
Sorry, I think Keith Carlock is MUCH better than Ricky Lawson. To each his own I guess.
jbuhl wrote:
Then Buddy wrote
"Totally agree! His playout during the last few minutes is an absolute clinic!"
The current touring drummer is Keith Carlock https://www.steelydan.com/2kband.html#carlock and I have seen SD play live with him on the kit and and let me tell folks he takes the percussion on all of their songs to a new level.
Meh. Carlock is OK, but I thought Steely Dan's rhythm section of several years ago was better, the Two Against Nature era when they had Ricky Lawson (drums) and Tom Barney (bass); a great horn section and backup singers too.
BTW, get the DVD it's pretty damned good.
Check out stuff like Gaslighting Abbie.
Black Friday/Babylon Sisters
Pretzel Logic
Then Buddy wrote
"Totally agree! His playout during the last few minutes is an absolute clinic!"
The current touring drummer is Keith Carlock https://www.steelydan.com/2kband.html#carlock and I have seen SD play live with him on the kit and and let me tell folks he takes the percussion on all of their songs to a new level.
Meh. Carlock is OK, but I thought Steely Dan's rhythm section of several years ago was better, the Two Against Nature era when they had Ricky Lawson (drums) and Tom Barney (bass); a great horn section and backup singers too.
BTW, get the DVD it's pretty damned good.
Check out stuff like Gaslighting Abbie.
Black Friday/Babylon Sisters
Pretzel Logic
This tune reminds me of happier times in my life. Driving down 6th St in Austin,Tx, stoned out of my mind, and feeling no pain. I am forever blessed to have those memories. Thank you Steely Dan, you brought such a wonderful time in my life.
This song must have one of the greatest ratios of comments to song rating values on RP and no other band would more appreciate that irony.
jbuhl wrote:
Then Buddy wrote
"Totally agree! His playout during the last few minutes is an absolute clinic!"
The current touring drummer is Keith Carlock https://www.steelydan.com/2kband.html#carlock and I have seen SD play live with him on the kit and and let me tell folks he takes the percussion on all of their songs to a new level.
I'm familiar with him. I like his style.
Then Buddy wrote
"Totally agree! His playout during the last few minutes is an absolute clinic!"
The current touring drummer is Keith Carlock https://www.steelydan.com/2kband.html#carlock and I have seen SD play live with him on the kit and and let me tell folks he takes the percussion on all of their songs to a new level.
I'm familiar with him. I like his style.
When this LP came out it just didn't capture the zeitgeist of the era, it created it!
Brilliant! And blown away this comes up as 6.7 among RP listeners - what??!!!!?!
its also the special addition to salty chopped onions and avocado for kick-ass guacomole' yum yum love Steely -D (oh yeah, lime juice too : )
bruz wrote:
Me too.
Steely Dan is like cilantro. You either love it or you hate it. I, for one, love cilantro!
Me too.
Hoosfoos wrote:
Dang! what?
Fantastic musicians, but horrible songs and melodies.
Dang! what?
Schmoogsley wrote:
And who's playing drums? The greatest drummer of all time; Steve Gadd.
Then Buddy wrote
"Totally agree! His playout during the last few minutes is an absolute clinic!"
The current touring drummer is Keith Carlock https://www.steelydan.com/2kband.html#carlock and I have seen SD play live with him on the kit and and let me tell folks he takes the percussion on all of their songs to a new level.
And who's playing drums? The greatest drummer of all time; Steve Gadd.
Then Buddy wrote
"Totally agree! His playout during the last few minutes is an absolute clinic!"
The current touring drummer is Keith Carlock https://www.steelydan.com/2kband.html#carlock and I have seen SD play live with him on the kit and and let me tell folks he takes the percussion on all of their songs to a new level.
Fantastic musicians, but horrible songs and melodies.
bruz wrote:
I don't think they're quite as divisive as cilantro; there's a lot of in-between for Steely Dan, it's just not as apparent in these comment sections, where either haters or fans tend to post more frequently. I like this album and most of what came before it - after this album: not so much.
Steely Dan is like cilantro. You either love it or you hate it. I, for one, love cilantro!
I don't think they're quite as divisive as cilantro; there's a lot of in-between for Steely Dan, it's just not as apparent in these comment sections, where either haters or fans tend to post more frequently. I like this album and most of what came before it - after this album: not so much.
The album is brilliant. In my top ten.
Gadd-zooks! Awesome assemblage of artists make this gorgeous song timeless