How Steely Dan Composes A Song

SOURCES AND FURTHER READING:

Howard Wright, “Steely Dan: The Mu Major Chord” 2011

Marc Myers, “How Steely Dan Created Deacon Blues” (via The Wall Street Journal)

Howard Wright, “The Birth of the Mu Major Chord” (via Mizar6)

Dylan Jones, “Icon: Donald Fagen” (via GQ) 2014

Roger Nichols, Steely Dan Producer quote:

Saxophonist Pete Christlieb Discusses His 'Deacon Blues' Solo on Steely Dan's 'Aja' Album

Ryan Reed, “36 Years Ago: Steely Dan Release ‘Aja’” (via Ultimate Classic Rock)

Classic Albums: Steely Dan's Aja - Deacon Blues

[Miconnaissance]

Steely Dan is one of the bands I would listen to the whole discography in one sitting.

[JMJM]

They were genius at every level. From hand selecting Purdie, Porcaro, Carlton and the other perfect studio players to the meticulous production and cryptic lyrics- Steely Dan is perfection.

[tmamone]

As a non-musician who doesn't know the first thing about music theory, I love it when people break down music like this. Kudos!

[scottmacdougall]

Don’t forget the amazing backup vocals. They really make the song, I like how the “I” in “I play just what I feel comes in just before Fagen. Cool timing. Anyway nice vid, thx

[MOCT]

This is just wonderful. There are two types of people in the world: those who don't get Steely Dan, and those who do. There's is the ultimate expression of quality music in every respect. We will never see their likes again.

[MrGandharva]

Walter and Donald did cross that fine line.
Thank you Walter & Donald....you've made this planet better.

[WisecrackEDU]

Great video, +Nerdwriter1! Thanks for the shout-out.

[jongroubert]

"Every instrument has its own life" - YES!!! This is one of the things about SD that I love the most. Thank you for putting into words what I've always known.

[Nayooo]

I got into Steely Dan a couple of months ago because of this video (big fan of your stuff, Evan). So... coming back to pay my respects. RIP Walter Becker, one of the greats.

[JeffMiller-lpdp]

Good stuff - The Dan is my favorite all-time band.

[Jheassler]

I’m 21, and fell in love with this song a couple months ago. I didn’t even care what the lyrics said, the sounds alone drew me in. Now I love it even more because of this video

[nixecola]

the visual of orange text over snow falling is amazing, pretty editorial

[tacticaljackson]

Like everyone else, I grew up hearing the radio tunes like “Reelin’ in the years” and “Dirty Work” countless times. However, I still remember being 15, working the dish tank at a restaurant and hearing “Deacon Blues” through a beat-up old chili-caked boom-box for the first time. I stopped what I was doing and just sat there with my jaw on the floor for the duration of the song. Just a kid realizing that rock n’ roll, and music in general, can be so much more. Another 15 years later, and I can thank that moment for bringing me into the larger world of jazz. Also, Larry Carlton is a god among men, and Steely Dan would have not had that extra 3000% to push them over the edge in some of their greatest tracks without him. Even my four year old son says, “Daddy, ‘Kid Charlemagne’ is the bam.”

“Yes, Son. Yes it is.”

[normanbuffett]

few albums can flash me back to the place I was in 1977 like Aja. It's greatness makes me cry

[bsquared]

Started listening to Steely Dan in 1976, my 18th year of life and never stopped. I turned on so many to this band. It warms my heart that college students today appreciate them even now. ✌🏻🧡

[ManyGuitars]

Smart, smart, smart. Well thought out, well researched and fascinating. Worth spending 10 minutes of your life watching . Thanks for a superb

[feerow]

You've introduced me to Steely Dan, thank you ever so kindly.

[twowisehands]

I saw Steely Dan in Portland, OR in the late 90’s. They were magical. I have always loved their music because of the precision.

[michael_caz_nyc]

My all time favorite Steely Dan song. ( among tons of great songs ) I just love them. This musical-analysis and visual-imagery were phenomenal. Really enjoyed it.

[ericsurf]

Touching~! You hit home hard with this one. Excellent work putting this one together. I'm off to go rediscover Steely Dan.