It's rock, funk, pop, soul, blues, jazz, all in the one song. It's not just music, it's art.

it's been said that Steely Dan is the "thinking man's music group"....

Jamel, you have become a welcome friend to so many of us music lovers... I’m very happy to go along with you on your journey. When you choose one of our faves to review, you make us happy, and when you appreciate what we love, it validates us in a small way, and that’s a very powerful thing.

Jamel, I know you love this band. They were true perfectionists at their craft.

Jamel started out like: "Who is this Steely Dan?" Turns out he knew them through and through. Great band and great reactions.

Love the way they blend funk, jazz, blues and rock into their style

My absolute favorite among all the SD greats. “He said you must be joking, Son. Where did you get those shoes?”

Fagen came into a local club in NY back in the late 80s where I was playing with my rock/jazz/world beat band. He sat at the bar trying to be incognito, which was impossible. We prompted him up to the piano, and he played those first two bass notes and chords. We knew exactly where he was going. A great night. He hung out for a bit; then left...

Donald Fagen has stated that the song is about time travel. The term "pretzel logic" is usually defined as twisted reasoning, reasoning that doesn't make sense.

"Groovy" is exactly the right word for Steely Dan.

As far as the lyrics go, it's all about what he says in the chorus, "I'm dying to be a star". So it's kind of a commentary on the life or aspirations of entertainers, vs. the hard realities. Steely Dan always had a dry, sarcastic view of the world.

Im gonna keep saying it "The Royal Scam" is the most underrated Steely Dan song.

You will love all of their music, I promise that it is almost impossible to find a bad Steely Dan song.

Jamel you could put all their songs in a paper bag, shake it up pick one out and it would be great. You can't go wrong.

Jamal I'm a 62 year old woman enjoying your reactions to the music of my youth. You are open minded to it all. Loving it!

And to make sure we remember, "Michael McDonald is an American singer-songwriter, keyboardist, and record producer known for his distinctive, soulful voice and as a member of the bands The Doobie Brothers and Steely Dan." McDonald has also performed as a prominent backing vocalist on numerous recordings

"Don't Take Me Alive" from The Royal Scam album is "dynamite".

Steely Dan Don’t Take Me Alive. You’ll love it Jamel.

Any Major Dude Will Tell You, Doctor Wu, Bad Sneakers, Black Friday, The Caves of Altamira, The Fez, Sign In Stranger, Babylon Sisters, Gaucho

I've always felt a deep comnection with Steely Dan. Hard to imagine just 2 dudes in college made this happen, and they've never really been a band! Their music is something you just have to be alone with to truly appreciate they're genius. Heavy heavy stuff brother.

the entire Aja album, every track is a smoker

The Fez is one of my favorite Steely Dan songs, well worth a listen.

This song is one of my favorite concert memories. On Sunday April 21, 1974, my wife and I were standing in line outside the U. of Toledo sports arena waiting for our first Steely Dan concert. All the windows were open and suddenly we heard the band inside play "Pretzel Logic" from beginning to end during their sound check. When they played it again 2 hours later to a live audience Donald Fagen left his piano during the long instrumental outro and stood center stage conducting the band like a symphony maestro. Had to live off the memories of that one night for more than 19 years because Becker & Fagen refused to tour again until Aug. 1993.

I saw Steely Dan a couple of years ago, right before Walter Becker. I feel so blessed. They never ever toured back in the day because they had different musicians for every song on their albums.

You gotta go for Babylon Sisters, Jamel! One of The Dan’s finest! Thanks for doing these.

Hey Jamal, thanks for the show! If you're looking at 70's rock groups with unique grooves, please look at SUPERTRAMP. Breakfast in America is a great record or try something off of Crime of the Century. Thumbs up if you agree.

It's so very gratifying to see someone appreciate Steely Dan. We just saw them live a few weekends ago here in Texas. It was OUTSTANDING!!! It was an outdoor thing - a beautiful evening .... The music, the audience, great vibe and atmosphere.

"Time out of Mind" is a great one. One of my favorites from Steely Dan.

More Steely Dan: "Night By Night" "Black Friday" "Everyone's Gone to the Movies" "Don't Take Me Alive" "The Fez" "Green Earrings" "Haitian Divorce" "Babylon Sisters"

I tell you Captain Jamel "daddy dont live in that new york city no more" take us on that voyage.

🎵 React to "I.G.Y." by Donald Fagen, (of Steely Dan). From his 1982 debut album, "The Nightfly". 🎵

" You must be jokin' son, where did you get those shoes!"

Steely has been one of my favorite bands since the 70‘s. You hear every note and every instrument. Composed music. Jamal, you make me happy as you discover their artistry too. I‘m enjoying them again as you share your joy. Thank you!

"There are only two kinds of music, good music and the other kind." Duke Ellington

My all time favorite of theirs. The harmonies, melodies and groove are unreal.

About a year before Walter Becker died, I saw Steely Dan in Traverse City Michigan. They played songs from all their albums and sounded live just like they sound on recordings. They played for over 2 hours. The back-up singers were wonderful. If I am on a desert island and can only listen to one group, it will be Steely Dan. Donald Fagen is from another planet.

Steely Dan: Home At Last I Got the News Any World I'm Welcome To Dr. Wu The Fez Green Earrings

"Badhisattva"! You wont be disappointed. It's a masterpiece!

"I stepped-up to the platform The man gave me the news: He said: "You must be joking, son. Where DID you get those shoes?...." 💜💜💜💜🔥🔥🤘🤘

This band is so talented. We really felt like we had sophisticated taste in music. Turns out, we were right.

Oh yeah ...Jamel ain’t done with the Dan!!! Love the reaction and your appreciation for this band. Gotta do Cousin Dupree

some more ace tracks from the Dan, if you still want more: Any Major Dude Will Tell You, Doctor Wu, Bad Sneakers, Black Friday, The Caves of Altamira, The Fez, Sign In Stranger, Babylon Sisters, Gaucho, Time Out of Mind, Gaslighting Abbie, Two Against Nature, Jack of Speed, Blues Beach, Lunch with Gina

I should say, you young guys are lucky. I first discovered Steel Dan when I was 15. (this album) Over the years I sat patiently between albums never knowing when the next would come out. In those days that meant a visit to the record shop and flip through the albums, there was one period we endured a 20 years gap between releases. (that was a lot of visits) The secret to Steely Dan is they never settled for, "that will be good enough" It had to be exactly right. One way to achieve that was, they would identify the best session musicians around and from that lot they selected the best of the best and then they squeesed every drop of talent from everyone involved.

Yeah baby. The Blues/Jazz/Rock of Steely Dan. Is it Blues?, Is it Jazz?, Is it Rock?..........And then your head explodes. Damn, I been listening to these guys since the '70s. Life is good.

My friend... you are the best. Your music appreciation is on par with so many of us back in the day. I have been a Steely Dan fan since my first listen to “Do it Again “ in 1974. Please get to “Sign in Stranger” and “Don’t Take Me Alive” both are on Steely Ben’s channel. He does magnificent work with SD lyric videos. I am spreading the word amongst all my old Hippie friends and telling them of your great reactions as well. Stay safe my man and keep it up. You have made this old Hippie smile countless times.

Yeees! Another Steely Dan reaction! You should do Haitian Divorce, Green Earrings, The Fez, Don’t Take Me Alive, Fire In The Hole, The Boston Rag, and King Of The World. There are plenty of others

'Here In The Western World' is one of their rarities you should check out sometime. Thanks for continuing with Steely Dan. They're my favorite band of all time.

I’ve occasionally listened to Steely Dan over the years. This is renewed my interest. I’m in a 3-piece right now, and we use there songs for inspiration - especially their harmonies. So. Damn. Good.

Night by Night is the second track off this album. It’s a must listen!

In my opinion there no Pop groups today that can musically hold a candle to Steely Dan. Sadly I think most modern music (Hip Hop included) have simply lost the plot. I heard a session singer said recently, most of the Pop music after 1975 I tend to loose interest in. I find there is so much more music quality in the old stuff, I'm afraid the new stuff is boring. 😊🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿👍

First started listening to Steely Dan in the early 80's and never looked back.

Thank you both for this because the lyrics to Steely Dan songs are valuable and the accompaniment is perfect. Way back when...in 72-I was coming of age, earning money babysitting the neighbor children and on my way to Kmart to buy my first record. I liked Rikki Don't Lose That Number. so I bought 2 records. Pretzel Logic and The Royal Scam. I was hooked and of eventually I bought the back catalogue and all future releases. Needless to say have been a huge Steely Dan fan my whole life. Steely Dan music is sophisticated; melodic, intelligent, unique and enduring. Thank you!!!!!

One of my many favourite Steely Dan songs. Thanks so much Jamel....as always, you are a breath of fresh air especially in these crazy social distancing/isolation times. Keep up the great work!

This song is from my favorite three Dan albums - Pretzel Logic, Katy Lied and Aja. Pretzel Logic, twisted logic. perfect.

Steely Dan took nearly every type of music, put it together and made MAGIC!

Steely Dan have been in my top 5 rotation since 2006 when they were at North Sea Jazz Festival. Sometimes I listen to them for several weeks straight. 15 years and counting

The background vocals were augmented by Timothy B. Schmit Of the Eagles and Poco

Jamel...I am in love with you...YEAH I SAID IT...you bring me so much joy with these reactions...I agree...these guys are so special.

Jamel! I've been watching more of your videos lately, I binged a bunch of them last night; man, you are awesome. Just pure joy watching you enjoying this stuff. Rock on. These are the kinds of connections we need these days.

Major credit to some of the best backup singers in the business, too.

Do "Home At Last" by Steely Dan. Off of their AJA album.

Try Bodisatva studio version. One of my favorites.

I've always loved Steely Dan. One of my favorite bands. They truly stand alone.

Steely Dan is one of those Very few bands if you were on an island what one bands music would you want to hear forever...they never get old..

Check out Angry Eyes by Loggins and Messina!!!!! You will LOVE the GROOVE!

The Royal Scam please

You can "ramble" with us anytime, Jamel!!! One of the things that made the 60's and 70's such an amazing time to "grow up" was the wide variety (something for EVERY MOOD you could have!!) of music that was available. Thank you for allowing us to "time travel" with you ❤❤❤

I like that modern technology is allowing another generation to experience great classic rock/pop. Steely Dan is one of my favorites. I can’t help but play air drums during the chorus.

Jamel, we could tell the effect this band was having on you from the start. Funny thing is, we’ve all been there. I’m loving your journey.

You should also react to “i got the news,” another really bumpin cut

It's absolutely about time travel. I love that you caught it that early. And love your energy and all your reactions. Keep great music alive, and God bless.

Heard this the day it came out 1974? in Schenectady NY with friends and we were so hing and we have never been the same ever again. Best band ever in my life time. I am so happy you love them. Thank you for the post

The Eagles got the phrase here for their song Those Shoes.

Glad you made it to this one, knew you would dig it, do Don't Take Me Alive next, enjoy

King Of The World and Bodhisatva are awewome. I've been a Steely Dan fan since their first album came out. They have such a great sound. I saw you reacting to this song and HAD to watch it!! Well done...so great to see a fan 💜

I love Steely Dan so it's nice to see him showing the love.

"is this about time travel ?" I'm a Dan fan since they started, and it took me years to work that out ! The line 'I stepped up on the platform' - the platform is supposed to be part of some kind of time transporter.

There aren’t any songs by them that I dislike.

...those times are gone forever, but it’s the memories (and the making of new ones) with this timeless music that is the sweetness of life! Thanks for the reaction!

“0h yeahh”! Don’t mind at all play it as much as you want. love Steely Dan freakin total package of perfection 👌🏻

Try War - "Low Rider." An awesome groove.

Good stuff, Jamel! Your videos make me smile! Sometimes tears of joy are included. Keep discovering.

It just tickles me to watch your reactions. Thank you for providing a little joy in the midst of such darkness.

My fav Steely Dan song and I love them all.... Seen them in concert three times. Just amazing music. "where did you get those shoes"!

“Also from the “Pretzel Logic” Album...”Any Major Dude Will Tell You”

Jamel it is almost impossible to go wrong with Steely Dan.

This is one of Steely Dan's best tunes... smoothest of the smooth jazz. 2nd is Steely Dan's "Showbiz Kids."

It's not only art but an understanding of what music can make us all better just by listening.

P.s you sure are a sweetie . Love watching your sincere reactions and commentary , AND get your swerve on!🤓🎶🎧

You should dedicate one of your reactions to Steely Dan's Aja album. The whole album. That would be fun.

My favorite band ever. Hands down they were true musicians. Awesome vocals and lyrics.

Donald Fagen has never thought that he could sing. I mean, sure there's been a little studio trickery, but he sounded great!

Your STEELY DAN journey continues! 💜💜💜💜☝ GO!: "Don't Take Me Alive"; "Any Major Dude Will Tell You"; "Night By Night" [Jeff Porcaro's first blast with Steely Dan - Supposedly laid in a single take ! -??-]; "Time Out Of Mind"; "Black Friday"; "Midnite Cruiser"; [Jim Hodder lead vocal!] "Caves Of Altamira"; "Everything You Did"; "The Royal Scam"; "Daddy Don't Live In That New York City No More"; "Haitian Divorce"; "Bodhisattva"; "Any World (That I'm Welcome To)"; "Monkey In Your Soul"; "Home At Last" "Rikki, Don't Lose That Number"; "Green Earrings"; "Babylon Sisters".... (+Everything Steely Dan ever recorded. 👍🔥👍😁)

Mood, plays into it a lot. There is a time and place for all music.

Let me describe Steely Dan. Cerebral. Elegant. Ethereal. Timeless. Sonic perfectionist . Personification of tha Groove man, and cool as Champagne on ice.

Steely Dan is my all time favorite band. I'm so glad you are digging them. PLEASE DO "GREEN EARRINGS" off of their album 'The Royal Scam'!

Right on dude. While you're doing Steely Dan, you've gotta hear "Daddy Don't Live in that New York City No More." It's got some heavy lyrics and is FAWNKY as hell.

You want harmonies ? Do some Crosby , Stills and Nash Southern Cross , Wooden Ships and Teach your Children

Don't know how I missed this one. Can't go wrong with Steely Dan! Jazz Rock at it's finest!

Called Pretzel Logic for a reason. Words are wonderful, harmonic jibberish!