Steely Dan — Deacon Blues
Album: AjaAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 2459
Length: 7:20
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This is the day of the expanding man
That shape is my shade, there where I used to stand
It seems like only yesterday I gazed through the glass
At ramblers, wild gamblers
That's all in the past
You call me a fool, you say it's a crazy scheme
This one's for real, I already bought the dream
So useless to ask me why, throw a kiss and say goodbye
I'll make it this time
I'm ready to cross that fine line
Learn to work the saxophone
(I) I play just what I feel
Drink Scotch whisky all night long
And die behind the wheel
They got a name for the winners in the world
(I) I want a name when I lose
They call Alabama the Crimson Tide
Call me Deacon Blues
(Deacon Blues)
My back to the wall, a victim of laughing chance
This is, for me, the essence of true romance
Sharing the things we know and love with those of my kind
Libations, sensations
That stagger the mind
I crawl like a viper through these suburban streets
Make love to these women, languid and bittersweet
I'll rise when the sun goes down, cover every game in town
A world of my own
I'll make it my home sweet home
Learn to work the saxophone
(I) I play just what I feel
Drink Scotch whisky all night long
And die behind the wheel
They got a name for the winners in the world
(I) I want a name when I lose
They call Alabama the Crimson Tide
Call me Deacon Blues
(Deacon Blues)
This is the night of the expanding man
I take one last drag as I approach the stand
I cried when I wrote this song, sue me if I play too long
This brother is free
I'll be what I want to be
I'll learn to work the saxophone
(I) I play just what I feel
Drink Scotch whisky all night long
And die behind the wheel
They got a name for the winners in the world
(I) I want a name when I lose
They call Alabama the Crimson Tide
Call me Deacon Blues
(Deacon Blues)
That shape is my shade, there where I used to stand
It seems like only yesterday I gazed through the glass
At ramblers, wild gamblers
That's all in the past
You call me a fool, you say it's a crazy scheme
This one's for real, I already bought the dream
So useless to ask me why, throw a kiss and say goodbye
I'll make it this time
I'm ready to cross that fine line
Learn to work the saxophone
(I) I play just what I feel
Drink Scotch whisky all night long
And die behind the wheel
They got a name for the winners in the world
(I) I want a name when I lose
They call Alabama the Crimson Tide
Call me Deacon Blues
(Deacon Blues)
My back to the wall, a victim of laughing chance
This is, for me, the essence of true romance
Sharing the things we know and love with those of my kind
Libations, sensations
That stagger the mind
I crawl like a viper through these suburban streets
Make love to these women, languid and bittersweet
I'll rise when the sun goes down, cover every game in town
A world of my own
I'll make it my home sweet home
Learn to work the saxophone
(I) I play just what I feel
Drink Scotch whisky all night long
And die behind the wheel
They got a name for the winners in the world
(I) I want a name when I lose
They call Alabama the Crimson Tide
Call me Deacon Blues
(Deacon Blues)
This is the night of the expanding man
I take one last drag as I approach the stand
I cried when I wrote this song, sue me if I play too long
This brother is free
I'll be what I want to be
I'll learn to work the saxophone
(I) I play just what I feel
Drink Scotch whisky all night long
And die behind the wheel
They got a name for the winners in the world
(I) I want a name when I lose
They call Alabama the Crimson Tide
Call me Deacon Blues
(Deacon Blues)
Comments (245)add comment
STILL ONE IF THE BEST PRODUCED ALBUMS OF ALL TIME if you don’t own it on vinyl .. it’d be your loss
Say what you will about this band, but they sure knew how to find the best musicians to fully realize their songs.
idiot_wind wrote:
"...a victim of laughing chance".
Don't forget: Curly of the Three Stooges was "a victim of circumstance" and testified to that, in the courtroom...the one with the parrot and the phrase:
"that's no vernacular...that's a derby"
"...a victim of laughing chance".
Don't forget: Curly of the Three Stooges was "a victim of circumstance" and testified to that, in the courtroom...the one with the parrot and the phrase:
"that's no vernacular...that's a derby"
Don't forget: Curly of the Three Stooges was "a victim of circumstance" and testified to that, in the courtroom...the one with the parrot and the phrase:
"that's no vernacular...that's a derby"
old_spice wrote:
Why so many criticising taste? It's like telling someone they are bad for not liking tomatoes. Folks just like different things. That's OK.
A measly 6.8...shameful Paradisers...
Why so many criticising taste? It's like telling someone they are bad for not liking tomatoes. Folks just like different things. That's OK.
coloradojohn wrote:
You are 100% correct.
When I was in high school and this was on the radio, I thought it was pretty cool. Sure, Rock ruled, but this was hip and smooth as silk; slick production, bad-assed lyrics. Later, I realized it was even cooler. I think it's a masterpiece of poetic and musical brilliance!
You are 100% correct.
timmus wrote:
Well, some like to chill outside with a tasty libation, maybe a smoke of some sort and listen to great music, and some would rather sit in their bedroom in a depressing flat somewhere and sob into their pillow and bemoan their existence. I'll take Steely Dan.
Whoa.... only 7.1 and a ton of "1"s.
Digging further I see Radio Paradise has rated PJ Harvey & Thom Yorke "This Mess We're In" higher than this... which is beyond ridiculous.
Well, some like to chill outside with a tasty libation, maybe a smoke of some sort and listen to great music, and some would rather sit in their bedroom in a depressing flat somewhere and sob into their pillow and bemoan their existence. I'll take Steely Dan.
Whoa.... only 7.1 and a ton of "1"s.
Digging further I see Radio Paradise has rated PJ Harvey & Thom Yorke "This Mess We're In" higher than this... which is beyond ridiculous.
Flawless genius, and I don't use that word lightly. For my money, and I've probably said this elsewhere, Steely Dan are the greatest band in history.
Ya know...you should consider playing a few more songs from Mr. Shorter, Noting his passing last week (Feb 2023).
Weather Report would be nice, Or that crazy stuff he did with Miles.
Or the really fine stuff he did with McCoy.
Weather Report would be nice, Or that crazy stuff he did with Miles.
Or the really fine stuff he did with McCoy.
This is the day of the expanding man
molson wrote:
I Agree!! Completely!!
This is not yacht rock...not even close, same era for sure. This band, this record transcends all labels...they are a category on their own...pure brilliance!!
I Agree!! Completely!!
Kajukenbo wrote:
Many American stations play the "popular hits" so frequently that they can be easily played 10 plus times/day. I grew up riding a school bus to school that played the local top 40 radio station very loudly. Even though some of the songs were, in fact, actually good songs, they were played so frequently that they lost their luster and are now associated by many of us only with being played ad neaseum and conjour memories of things such as long school bus rides while being force-fed Mariah Carey and Poison. By the way, if I never hear "Every rose has a thorn" again, it's too soon, lol. Also, the "good" music (i.e. punk/alternative music) was never played on the radio so being played on the popular radio stations was generally short-hand for crappy, unimaginative, stale, corporate rock. I learned to dislike almost every song played by that radio station. I have to remind myself now that if I hear one of those songs played on RP, it is for a reason and I have to drop my preconceived notions and listen to the song without the baggage I put on it. Often I then find the song is actually pretty good, and was played so often for a reason.
Very well stated!
Many American stations play the "popular hits" so frequently that they can be easily played 10 plus times/day. I grew up riding a school bus to school that played the local top 40 radio station very loudly. Even though some of the songs were, in fact, actually good songs, they were played so frequently that they lost their luster and are now associated by many of us only with being played ad neaseum and conjour memories of things such as long school bus rides while being force-fed Mariah Carey and Poison. By the way, if I never hear "Every rose has a thorn" again, it's too soon, lol. Also, the "good" music (i.e. punk/alternative music) was never played on the radio so being played on the popular radio stations was generally short-hand for crappy, unimaginative, stale, corporate rock. I learned to dislike almost every song played by that radio station. I have to remind myself now that if I hear one of those songs played on RP, it is for a reason and I have to drop my preconceived notions and listen to the song without the baggage I put on it. Often I then find the song is actually pretty good, and was played so often for a reason.
Very well stated!
Foot wrote:
As Steely Dan hasn't obviously gotten better w/ age (in my opinion, and I was there in the 70's too), I would have stayed punk. Overrated FM radio (and now RP radio) pabulum.
Learn how to spell "pablum", genius! If you don't like it, hit the SKIP BUTTON!!
As Steely Dan hasn't obviously gotten better w/ age (in my opinion, and I was there in the 70's too), I would have stayed punk. Overrated FM radio (and now RP radio) pabulum.
Learn how to spell "pablum", genius! If you don't like it, hit the SKIP BUTTON!!
can we stay here,,,,
ScottishWillie wrote:
I regularly read Americans complaining that Radio Paradise is playing songs that were on FM radio. Not sure why exposure on FM radio makes a song invalid for Radio Paradise? Also this is a truly international station and I think we foreigners usually outnumber Americans on the “Who is listening where chart”. I for one am therefore delighted that featuring on FM, back in the day, doesn’t amount to an automatic veto for a song!
Many American stations play the "popular hits" so frequently that they can be easily played 10 plus times/day. I grew up riding a school bus to school that played the local top 40 radio station very loudly. Even though some of the songs were, in fact, actually good songs, they were played so frequently that they lost their luster and are now associated by many of us only with being played ad neaseum and conjour memories of things such as long school bus rides while being force-fed Mariah Carey and Poison. By the way, if I never hear "Every rose has a thorn" again, it's too soon, lol. Also, the "good" music (i.e. punk/alternative music) was never played on the radio so being played on the popular radio stations was generally short-hand for crappy, unimaginative, stale, corporate rock. I learned to dislike almost every song played by that radio station. I have to remind myself now that if I hear one of those songs played on RP, it is for a reason and I have to drop my preconceived notions and listen to the song without the baggage I put on it. Often I then find the song is actually pretty good, and was played so often for a reason.
I regularly read Americans complaining that Radio Paradise is playing songs that were on FM radio. Not sure why exposure on FM radio makes a song invalid for Radio Paradise? Also this is a truly international station and I think we foreigners usually outnumber Americans on the “Who is listening where chart”. I for one am therefore delighted that featuring on FM, back in the day, doesn’t amount to an automatic veto for a song!
Many American stations play the "popular hits" so frequently that they can be easily played 10 plus times/day. I grew up riding a school bus to school that played the local top 40 radio station very loudly. Even though some of the songs were, in fact, actually good songs, they were played so frequently that they lost their luster and are now associated by many of us only with being played ad neaseum and conjour memories of things such as long school bus rides while being force-fed Mariah Carey and Poison. By the way, if I never hear "Every rose has a thorn" again, it's too soon, lol. Also, the "good" music (i.e. punk/alternative music) was never played on the radio so being played on the popular radio stations was generally short-hand for crappy, unimaginative, stale, corporate rock. I learned to dislike almost every song played by that radio station. I have to remind myself now that if I hear one of those songs played on RP, it is for a reason and I have to drop my preconceived notions and listen to the song without the baggage I put on it. Often I then find the song is actually pretty good, and was played so often for a reason.
ScottishWillie wrote:
I regularly read Americans complaining that Radio Paradise is playing songs that were on FM radio. Not sure why exposure on FM radio makes a song invalid for Radio Paradise? Also this is a truly international station and I think we foreigners usually outnumber Americans on the “Who is listening where chart”. I for one am therefore delighted that featuring on FM, back in the day, doesn’t amount to an automatic veto for a song!
Willie, can you take it seriously when one spells pablum like that? I hope RP plays their song FM in honour of your comment.
I regularly read Americans complaining that Radio Paradise is playing songs that were on FM radio. Not sure why exposure on FM radio makes a song invalid for Radio Paradise? Also this is a truly international station and I think we foreigners usually outnumber Americans on the “Who is listening where chart”. I for one am therefore delighted that featuring on FM, back in the day, doesn’t amount to an automatic veto for a song!
Willie, can you take it seriously when one spells pablum like that? I hope RP plays their song FM in honour of your comment.
This is not yacht rock...not even close, same era for sure. This band, this record transcends all labels...they are a category on their own...pure brilliance!!
Yeah, might be 70's yacht rock, but the composition, production, and entire album are top notch to my old ears.
Don't drink and drive, kids!
iloveradio wrote:
They have; I've heard Black Jack Davy here for certain, pretty sure they've played one or two others though (and not All Around My Hat).
I wish RP would put Steeleye Span on their play list for a change of pace.
They have; I've heard Black Jack Davy here for certain, pretty sure they've played one or two others though (and not All Around My Hat).
Back in the 70's when I was much younger and immature, I became an instant fan of Steely Dan for two main reasons:
1) I loved the jazz-rock blend that made their music so distinctive; and
2) I wanted their band name to be my nickname. (Alas, it never happened.)
Half a century later, I've aged chronologically, but probably not in maturity, because I'm still a fan for the same two reasons.
1) I loved the jazz-rock blend that made their music so distinctive; and
2) I wanted their band name to be my nickname. (Alas, it never happened.)
Half a century later, I've aged chronologically, but probably not in maturity, because I'm still a fan for the same two reasons.
tunedog wrote:
FYI - Chevy Chase played with these guys at one time...but went elsewhere....
Chevy Chase has perfect pitch...That's only as regards music. As
regards comedy, he's perfectly pitiful...
Tony in NJ
W.A.S.T.E.
bluematrix wrote:
Thanks - that's a cool video.
One of my all time fave records. Here's a video that attempts to explain why it's darn cool...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSDD8rgUiNc
Thanks - that's a cool video.
MinMan wrote:
I question the sincerity of imagery presented within this tune. Might this be parody; intended to be gobbled up by the self congratulatory who only later discover the poisonous content concealed within?
Scotch whiskey & fastfood behind the wheel of a large automobile. Um Um good!
I question the sincerity of imagery presented within this tune. Might this be parody; intended to be gobbled up by the self congratulatory who only later discover the poisonous content concealed within?
Scotch whiskey & fastfood behind the wheel of a large automobile. Um Um good!
Can you imagine the results of Becker & Fagan and David Byrne being
forced (at gunpoint?-) to compose a song together...
Tony in NJ
W.A.S.T.E.
I wish RP would put Steeleye Span on their play list for a change of pace.
Such a great album. When I put on side one, "Black Cow" warms up the stereo and my ears. Then "Aja" takes the stage. Whoa. "Deacon Blues" is the cigarette after.
Ndugu wrote:
The president of Columbia University was being chided on some talk show
about how dismal the football team was and comparing them unfavorably
to other "powerhouse" college teams...To which he replied, "I can field an
oldtimers team of Nobel Prize winners. Can they?"
Tony in NJ
W.A.S.T.E.
Colleges alluded to in this song:
Alabama
Wake Forest
Alabama was (and still is) a football powerhouse, with the pretentious nickname "The Crimson Tide". I'm guessing that Becker and Fagan relate more to Wake Forest, which lost a lot of football games at that time. Perhaps they were like the marching band ("learn to play the saxophone..."), working behind the scenes, cleverly amused by bizarre rituals of American football.
We talked to a guy named Kenny Vance, who worked with what would become Steely Dan when he was with Jay & The Americans. He confirmed what we suspected: they are weird.
The president of Columbia University was being chided on some talk show
about how dismal the football team was and comparing them unfavorably
to other "powerhouse" college teams...To which he replied, "I can field an
oldtimers team of Nobel Prize winners. Can they?"
Tony in NJ
W.A.S.T.E.
Foot wrote:
Foot in mouth.
. . . Overrated FM radio (and now RP radio) pabulum.
Foot in mouth.
masteroflife wrote:
I guess you haven't listened much to the amazing genius of Jerry Garcia, Bob Weir, Phil Lesh, Brent Mydland, Billy Kreutzmann and Mickey Hart of the Grateful Dead, or Bob Marley, for starters. Check out Peter Rowan too!
You either get Steely Dan's genius or not. Personally, I think there is no one out there that can top them in originality, pure musical and lyrical excellence and the total avoidance of cliche'. Thank you RP.
I guess you haven't listened much to the amazing genius of Jerry Garcia, Bob Weir, Phil Lesh, Brent Mydland, Billy Kreutzmann and Mickey Hart of the Grateful Dead, or Bob Marley, for starters. Check out Peter Rowan too!
This entire album is a 10.
Mama doesn't have favorites. Steely Dan can do no wrong.
Twirlin' in the kitchen.
Twirlin' in the kitchen.
Sawyer wrote:
ScottishWillie wrote:
I regularly read Americans complaining that Radio Paradise is playing songs that were on FM radio. Not sure why exposure on FM radio makes a song invalid for Radio Paradise? Also this is a truly international station and I think we foreigners usually outnumber Americans on the “Who is listening where chart”. I for one am therefore delighted that featuring on FM, back in the day, doesn’t amount to an automatic veto for a song!
Sawyer wrote:
I have to think that it was ironic comment. I can't imagine 90% of this content being played on the AM band.....
Talk about ironic, I can't imagine 90% of this being played on any broadcast over the air radio station. But to your point, your lack of ability to imagine such a scenario may be age related. First concert I saw was Queen at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC in 1975 while promoting the Sheer Heart Attack album. I won the tickets from a local AM radio rock station. Times and technology change.
ScottishWillie wrote:
I regularly read Americans complaining that Radio Paradise is playing songs that were on FM radio. Not sure why exposure on FM radio makes a song invalid for Radio Paradise? Also this is a truly international station and I think we foreigners usually outnumber Americans on the “Who is listening where chart”. I for one am therefore delighted that featuring on FM, back in the day, doesn’t amount to an automatic veto for a song!
Sawyer wrote:
I have to think that it was ironic comment. I can't imagine 90% of this content being played on the AM band.....
Talk about ironic, I can't imagine 90% of this being played on any broadcast over the air radio station. But to your point, your lack of ability to imagine such a scenario may be age related. First concert I saw was Queen at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC in 1975 while promoting the Sheer Heart Attack album. I won the tickets from a local AM radio rock station. Times and technology change.
Recently watched the documentary on the making of AJA it was really interesting- worth checking out (can't recall if on Netflix or Amazon Prime)
Sawyer wrote:
FM was the BEST back in the day, when they were inventive with their formats. I remember when "Born to Run" came out, WNEW in NY played it 10 TIMES in a ROW. You will never see that now on FM radio, it's all robots.
FM was the BEST back in the day, when they were inventive with their formats. I remember when "Born to Run" came out, WNEW in NY played it 10 TIMES in a ROW. You will never see that now on FM radio, it's all robots.
FYI - Chevy Chase played with these guys at one time...but went elsewhere....
ScottishWillie wrote:
I regularly read Americans complaining that Radio Paradise is playing songs that were on FM radio. Not sure why exposure on FM radio makes a song invalid for Radio Paradise? Also this is a truly international station and I think we foreigners usually outnumber Americans on the “Who is listening where chart”. I for one am therefore delighted that featuring on FM, back in the day, doesn’t amount to an automatic veto for a song!
I have to think that it was ironic comment. I can't imagine 90% of this content being played on the AM band.....
I regularly read Americans complaining that Radio Paradise is playing songs that were on FM radio. Not sure why exposure on FM radio makes a song invalid for Radio Paradise? Also this is a truly international station and I think we foreigners usually outnumber Americans on the “Who is listening where chart”. I for one am therefore delighted that featuring on FM, back in the day, doesn’t amount to an automatic veto for a song!
I have to think that it was ironic comment. I can't imagine 90% of this content being played on the AM band.....
pixel-pusher wrote:
You said it better than I was about to. "Learn to work" the sax indeed!
And yet, he's also very sad, very Death-of-a-Salesman-y. He knows he'll never be anything, and he dreams of going down the biggest nobody ever, in a grand F-U to life. As soon as he learns an instrument.
It is tragicomic, yet sublimely bitter, like a fine cigar.
And those horns!
I love this portrait of a self-important loser with grandiose plans to go down in a blaze of obscurity. And those horns!
You said it better than I was about to. "Learn to work" the sax indeed!
And yet, he's also very sad, very Death-of-a-Salesman-y. He knows he'll never be anything, and he dreams of going down the biggest nobody ever, in a grand F-U to life. As soon as he learns an instrument.
It is tragicomic, yet sublimely bitter, like a fine cigar.
And those horns!
ScottishWillie wrote:
I regularly read Americans complaining that Radio Paradise is playing songs that were on FM radio. Not sure why exposure on FM radio makes a song invalid for Radio Paradise? Also this is a truly international station and I think we foreigners usually outnumber Americans on the “Who is listening where chart”. I for one am therefore delighted that featuring on FM, back in the day, doesn’t amount to an automatic veto for a song!
I regularly read Americans complaining that Radio Paradise is playing songs that were on FM radio. Not sure why exposure on FM radio makes a song invalid for Radio Paradise? Also this is a truly international station and I think we foreigners usually outnumber Americans on the “Who is listening where chart”. I for one am therefore delighted that featuring on FM, back in the day, doesn’t amount to an automatic veto for a song!
shockwavewriter wrote:
wow, that's an interesting pairing.
I saw Steely Dan open for the Kinks in Arlington, Texas, way back in nineteen dickety-do. A friend had bought us tickets to see the Kinks, and SD was a surprise, as I had never heard of them. Both concerts were awesome, particularly as hardly anyone came - maybe a tenth of the expected audience. SD was flawless, which is a criticism, I know, as their perfection is somewhat contrary to the idea of rock, but it was fine contrast to the Kinks, who are completely on the other end of that spectrum.
wow, that's an interesting pairing.
kcar wrote:
Actually..."I crawl like a viper through these suburban streets"
Hated SD for a long time, largely because they were so laid back and jazzy. It sounded cheesy—not sophisticated—and contrived to my younger ears.
Not my fave Steely song. But it's still pretty great.
That's the first time I've seen SD labelled as "not sophisticated". I think they are quite the opposite. It may even require a higher degree in music to truly appreciate how sophisticated SD really are.
I think your younger self was wrong, but you seem to agree with that now.
Actually..."I crawl like a viper through these suburban streets"
Hated SD for a long time, largely because they were so laid back and jazzy. It sounded cheesy—not sophisticated—and contrived to my younger ears.
Not my fave Steely song. But it's still pretty great.
That's the first time I've seen SD labelled as "not sophisticated". I think they are quite the opposite. It may even require a higher degree in music to truly appreciate how sophisticated SD really are.
I think your younger self was wrong, but you seem to agree with that now.
There are acts I like more than Steely Dan but the entire Aja album is one of may favorites of all time. This and the title track should always be rated 11 on a scale of 10.
Lyrics: 10, hard to beat Donald Fagen on turning a phrase. The only reason I don’t rate it a 10 is that I reserve that for the title song- Steve Gadd’s insane drumming on Aja is iconic.
Gotta love some SD - introspective, self deprecating, erudite. And musically, way, way way above par.
I saw Steely Dan open for the Kinks in Arlington, Texas, way back in nineteen dickety-do. A friend had bought us tickets to see the Kinks, and SD was a surprise, as I had never heard of them. Both concerts were awesome, particularly as hardly anyone came - maybe a tenth of the expected audience. SD was flawless, which is a criticism, I know, as their perfection is somewhat contrary to the idea of rock, but it was fine contrast to the Kinks, who are completely on the other end of that spectrum.
An almost flawless piece of music. Sublime.
Proclivities wrote:
Respect!
ScottishWillie wrote:
I rejected this as crap in 1977 because it wasn’t Punk. The folly of youth!
I liked both. If I remember correctly, I bought this album, The Sex Pistols first album, and Ian Dury's first album on the same trip to the record store. It was a while ago though.Respect!
ScottishWillie wrote:
I rejected this as crap in 1977 because it wasn’t Punk. The folly of youth!
I liked both. If I remember correctly, I bought this album, The Sex Pistols first album, and Ian Dury's first album on the same trip to the record store. It was a while ago though.
Sad to read this - legal battle following Walter Becker's untimely demise
https://www.vulture.com/2017/11/a-war-is-brewing-in-the-steely-dan-universe.html?utm_campaign=vulture&utm_source=tw&utm_medium=s1
https://www.vulture.com/2017/11/a-war-is-brewing-in-the-steely-dan-universe.html?utm_campaign=vulture&utm_source=tw&utm_medium=s1
old_spice wrote:
you are right Old spice, shame on you Paradisers
A measly 6.8...shameful Paradisers...
you are right Old spice, shame on you Paradisers
I was saddened to tears on hearing the news of the passing of Walter Becker. Steely Dan is one of my absolute personal favorite rock acts, ever. Their music has meant a lot to me over many years, both at great parties and during moments alone. His surviving partner, Donald Fagen, issued a memorial letter praising Becker's talent and remarking that he was "smart as a whip, an excellent guitarist and a great songwriter... He was cynical about human nature, including his own, and hysterically funny."
In commemoration of his passing, I've submitted eight images for "Deacon Blues," including this one:
-Jake_Guild.jpg "Deacon Blues, indeed")
This is a cross-post with the RPHD Slideshow Forum and The Obituary Page.
In commemoration of his passing, I've submitted eight images for "Deacon Blues," including this one:
This is a cross-post with the RPHD Slideshow Forum and The Obituary Page.
A measly 6.8...shameful Paradisers...
PSD Salvation (Play Somethingnot Dylan)
treatment_bound wrote:
What about
1) The Cuervo Gold?
2) The fine Columbian?
Do they help you enjoy SD as well?
Yes. But how about an update.
1) The Don Julio Reposado
2) The fine Banana Kush
Sometimes progress is good.
What about
1) The Cuervo Gold?
2) The fine Columbian?
Do they help you enjoy SD as well?
Yes. But how about an update.
1) The Don Julio Reposado
2) The fine Banana Kush
Sometimes progress is good.
One of my all time fave records. Here's a video that attempts to explain why it's darn cool...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSDD8rgUiNc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSDD8rgUiNc
coloradojohn wrote:
I had a roommate in college (circa 1986-7) that loved this album and would put it on when he had girlfriends over to set the mood. If this was playing, I knew not to go downstairs to his bedroom!
When I was in high school and this was on the radio, I thought it was pretty cool. Sure, Rock ruled, but this was hip and smooth as silk; slick production, bad-assed lyrics. Later, I realized it was even cooler. I think it's a masterpiece of poetic and musical brilliance!
I had a roommate in college (circa 1986-7) that loved this album and would put it on when he had girlfriends over to set the mood. If this was playing, I knew not to go downstairs to his bedroom!
You get Steely Dan or you don't .. all lyrics aside they were brilliant jazz fusion musicians.
The album Aja was released in 1977, not 1974.
While not my favorite Steely Dan album, it is good and it is their best selling.
While not my favorite Steely Dan album, it is good and it is their best selling.
Very interesting ratings on this song. 61% are a 7 or above, but 11% gave it a 1. At least there are not a bunch of "I hate this" and "PSD" posts, which I've never understood.
When I was in high school and this was on the radio, I thought it was pretty cool. Sure, Rock ruled, but this was hip and smooth as silk; slick production, bad-assed lyrics. Later, I realized it was even cooler. I think it's a masterpiece of poetic and musical brilliance!
Bert7 wrote:
I was listening to this in 1977...
I rejected this as crap in 1977 because it wasn’t Punk. The folly of youth!
I was listening to this in 1977...
joempie wrote:
1977 - not 1974 or 1994.
According to allmusic.com, this album is from 1977, not 1994. What's the truth?
1977 - not 1974 or 1994.
Seriously? This only rates a 6.8? One of the BEST tunes ever deserves a hard 10.
Turing it up now to ELEVEN as Mr. Milo and I twirl in the kitchen.
"I want a name when I lose"....
Turing it up now to ELEVEN as Mr. Milo and I twirl in the kitchen.
"I want a name when I lose"....
joempie wrote:
In 1977 it was released (and not 1994 or 1974...).
According to allmusic.com, this album is from 1977, not 1994. What's the truth?
In 1977 it was released (and not 1994 or 1974...).
According to allmusic.com, this album is from 1977, not 1994. What's the truth?
Dat sax:)
Dinges,_the_Dude wrote:
He, I repeat myself...
He, I repeat myself-self-self-self
He, I repeat myself...
He, I repeat myself-self-self-self
Super super duper
Webfoot wrote:
Webfoot wrote:
I don't know, I like scotch (single malt whisky) a lot!
Redpoint wrote:
This just the type of MOR soft rock nonsense that gets written after "drinking scotch all night".
Awful.
I don't know, I like scotch (single malt whisky) a lot!Awful.
Caro3474 wrote:
mais pas plus
play list idéale pour cette matinée de cuisine en France où je prépare mes confitures....
en France où je prépare mes confitures....mais pas plus
This just the type of MOR soft rock nonsense that gets written after "drinking scotch all night".
Awful.
Awful.
RP play lots of different Steely Dan tracks, so I concur with the previous commenter - so what if the track was played on FM stations way back when? It was good music then, and it remains good music. The attention to detail these guys always exhibited remains fascinating to me - never a note out of place, somehow. pxd
play list idéale pour cette matinée de cuisine en France où je prépare mes confitures....
en France où je prépare mes confitures.... ScottishWillie wrote:
Absolutely concur. Great song and great to hear it played.
I regularly read Americans complaining that Radio Paradise is playing songs that were on FM radio. Not sure why exposure on FM radio makes a song invalid for Radio Paradise? Also this is a truly international station and I think we foreigners usually outnumber Americans on the “Who is listening where chart”. I for one am therefore delighted that featuring on FM back in the day doesn’t amount to an automatic veto for a song!
Absolutely concur. Great song and great to hear it played.
I know squat about the "technical" construct but it's got a way cool sound man, can ya diggit, I knew ya could ; )
Foot wrote:
Overrated FM radio (and now RP radio) pabulum.
I regularly read Americans complaining that Radio Paradise is playing songs that were on FM radio. Not sure why exposure on FM radio makes a song invalid for Radio Paradise? Also this is a truly international station and I think we foreigners usually outnumber Americans on the “Who is listening where chart”. I for one am therefore delighted that featuring on FM, back in the day, doesn’t amount to an automatic veto for a song!
Overrated FM radio (and now RP radio) pabulum.
I regularly read Americans complaining that Radio Paradise is playing songs that were on FM radio. Not sure why exposure on FM radio makes a song invalid for Radio Paradise? Also this is a truly international station and I think we foreigners usually outnumber Americans on the “Who is listening where chart”. I for one am therefore delighted that featuring on FM, back in the day, doesn’t amount to an automatic veto for a song!
Brings back a lot of good memories.
Zzzzzzzzzz
ericdaryl wrote:
Actually..."I crawl like a viper through these suburban streets"
Hated SD for a long time, largely because they were so laid back and jazzy. It sounded cheesy—not sophisticated—and contrived to my younger ears.
Not my fave Steely song. But it's still pretty great.
I should not like this song. Not one bit. But it got me.
"Crawl like a serpent through suburban streets"
"Crawl like a serpent through suburban streets"
Actually..."I crawl like a viper through these suburban streets"
Hated SD for a long time, largely because they were so laid back and jazzy. It sounded cheesy—not sophisticated—and contrived to my younger ears.
Not my fave Steely song. But it's still pretty great.
this whole set Bill's playing makes me feel like it's Saturday night
I enjoy hearing Steely Dan once in a while, and admire their chops. But they've never grabbed my heart or belly - they're a head center pleasure. And sometimes sound dated... hate to say it but the bg vox remind me of the Partridge Family in this song. They still bring back a feeling for me, a whole gestalt of the times.
Just checking to make sure I'd given this song the 10 it richly deserves. I'm sure the score is lower than expected because this was an FM radio hit back in the day, but being a hit shouldn't take away from this song's status as a masterpiece.
they call me Deacon Blues
masteroflife wrote:
I agree. They have a unique sound and beat that never gets old in my opinion.
You either get Steely Dan's genius or not. Personally, I think there is no one out there that can top them in originality, pure musical and lyrical excellence and the total avoidance of cliche'. Thank you RP.
I agree. They have a unique sound and beat that never gets old in my opinion.
so cool
djblitz wrote:
I always thought SD has a genre that's all their own — nobody really sounds like them. Okay, you're right that I could hear some of that instrumentation on that 1975 cop show. But who else writes chord progressions like these guys? :-)
Check out these chord tabs: https://www.hakwright.co.uk/music/tab/deacon_blues.shtml
Holy buckets. Not your average G, C, D song. I still find this tune an interesting listen for me. :-)
I'm not a big fan of how Steely Dan dates themselves. You can hear some songs and have no idea what decade it's from but for tracks like this, they just haven't aged well and feel like they should be in some sort of cheesy cop movie from 1975.
I always thought SD has a genre that's all their own — nobody really sounds like them. Okay, you're right that I could hear some of that instrumentation on that 1975 cop show. But who else writes chord progressions like these guys? :-)
Check out these chord tabs: https://www.hakwright.co.uk/music/tab/deacon_blues.shtml
Holy buckets. Not your average G, C, D song. I still find this tune an interesting listen for me. :-)
Mmmm, scotch whisky.
You either get Steely Dan's genius or not. Personally, I think there is no one out there that can top them in originality, pure musical and lyrical excellence and the total avoidance of cliche'. Thank you RP.
Oh the memories. Camping along Skyline Drive and dancing the night away under a sky filled with stars.
Dinges,_the_Dude wrote:
He, I repeat myself...
Nice sequence after Herbie Hancock's Maiden Voyage!
He, I repeat myself...
Walter White likes Steely Dan.
I love this portrait of a self-important loser with grandiose plans to go down in a blaze of obscurity. And those horns!
Peter_Bradshaw wrote:
I am floored
SD is the best!!!
.... average rating 6.7!!!! 10 as a minimum
I am floored
SD is the best!!!.... average rating 6.7!!!! 10 as a minimum
From age 17 to 53 this has always been a fave song of mine...baffled by the indifferent rating.
ScottishWillie wrote:
In 1977 I bought this album and records by several punk or "new-wave" artists. It all worked.
I dismissed this song and indeed the band first time round as I was a punk and liking this would have been social suicide with my little clique. Thank God for the wisdom that comes with age.
In 1977 I bought this album and records by several punk or "new-wave" artists. It all worked.
I'm not a big fan of how Steely Dan dates themselves. You can hear some songs and have no idea what decade it's from but for tracks like this, they just haven't aged well and feel like they should be in some sort of cheesy cop movie from 1975.
6.7 is just unreal. This is a timeless masterpiece.
sirdroseph wrote:
very good
I cried when I wrote this song
sue me if I play too long
this brother is free
I'll be what I want to be.....
Pretty good, no?
sue me if I play too long
this brother is free
I'll be what I want to be.....
Pretty good, no?
very good
I cried when I wrote this song
sue me if I play too long
this brother is free
I'll be what I want to be.....
Pretty good, no?
sue me if I play too long
this brother is free
I'll be what I want to be.....
Pretty good, no?
Nice sequence after Herbie Hancock's Maiden Voyage!
I should not like this song. Not one bit. But it got me.
"Crawl like a serpent through suburban streets"
"Crawl like a serpent through suburban streets"
steeler wrote:
Don;t beat around the bush. Tell us what you really think about Steely Dan.
Agreed, well said...
Don;t beat around the bush. Tell us what you really think about Steely Dan.
Agreed, well said...
ScottishWillie wrote:
As Steely Dan hasn't obviously gotten better w/ age (in my opinion, and I was there in the 70's too), I would have stayed punk. Overrated FM radio (and now RP radio) pabulum.
I dismissed this song and indeed the band first time round as I was a punk and liking this would have been social suicide with my little clique. Thank God for the wisdom that comes with age.
As Steely Dan hasn't obviously gotten better w/ age (in my opinion, and I was there in the 70's too), I would have stayed punk. Overrated FM radio (and now RP radio) pabulum.
That song makes you feel like studying all the instruments at once.
I dismissed this song and indeed the band first time round as I was a punk and liking this would have been social suicide with my little clique. Thank God for the wisdom that comes with age.
My favorite band in high school back in the 70's. Great transition from Herbie Hancock as he was another favorite of mine and a small group of friends who liked jazz. It wasn't until I heard Miles Davis and Dave Brubeck though that I really fell in love with the genre. Judging by other listener's posts, it sounds like a common experience.
treatment_bound wrote:
What about
1) The Cuervo Gold?
2) The fine Columbian?
Do they help you enjoy SD as well?
Only when not on the job. Which unfortunately is NOT the case at the moment.
But yes, they do make tonight a wonderful thing. Wish I'd known this when I was 19.
What about
1) The Cuervo Gold?
2) The fine Columbian?
Do they help you enjoy SD as well?
Only when not on the job. Which unfortunately is NOT the case at the moment.
But yes, they do make tonight a wonderful thing. Wish I'd known this when I was 19.
NeilBlanchard wrote:
Don;t beat around the bush. Tell us what you really think about Steely Dan.
Steely Dan almost always sounds vapid and shallow and egotistical.
I cannot stand most of their songs, and this one is terrible.
I cannot stand most of their songs, and this one is terrible.
Don;t beat around the bush. Tell us what you really think about Steely Dan.
Steely Dan almost always sounds vapid and shallow and egotistical.
I cannot stand most of their songs, and this one is terrible.
I cannot stand most of their songs, and this one is terrible.
EdEastridge wrote:
What about
1) The Cuervo Gold?
2) The fine Columbian?
Do they help you enjoy SD as well?
The dense harmonies, the horns, the snark of Fagen's lyrics and deliveries.. it just doesn't get much better.
What about
1) The Cuervo Gold?
2) The fine Columbian?
Do they help you enjoy SD as well?
Absolute 10… if only because there's nothing higher. Love this song. The dense harmonies, the horns, the snark of Fagen's lyrics and deliveries.. it just doesn't get much better. Makes me catch my breath on a Sunday night.
Not so much. A 6 for its sophistication. Reeling in the Years was imho as good as SD got. Give me musical energy. Save the lyrical avant garde crooning introspection.
Great song.
Always loved SD. And, yes, this is from Aja.
big stud Romeo Tuma wrote:
I be the holy ghost of big stud Romeo Tuma... this song is marvelous...
The music is fantastic smooth jazz, and the lyrics are pure poetry... this really is a great song...
I be the holy ghost of big stud Romeo Tuma... this song is marvelous...
Wow, not so much love for Steely Dan!
I am generally ambivalent on the topic.
Aja is a classic album with great sound though. Gaucho is in the same vein.
I am generally ambivalent on the topic.
Aja is a classic album with great sound though. Gaucho is in the same vein.
dvwtwo wrote:
vesta0424 wrote:
+1
You guys are like Steve Martin's character in The Jerk: "There's something about those songs... they depress me."
vesta0424 wrote:
Every time I hear a Steely Dan song, I get depressed.
+1
You guys are like Steve Martin's character in The Jerk: "There's something about those songs... they depress me."