Steely Dan Sunday, “Weather In My Head” (2012)

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*** STEELY DAN SUNDAY INDEX ***

Side two of Donald Fagen’s Sunken Condos, that is if you bought the neat-looking clear vinyl version, starts smartly with the track “Weather In My Head.” Expertly played by mostly Steely Dan regulars with help on rhythm guitar by former Bob Dylan guitarist Larry Campbell, the song provides a funky slow burn in support of Fagen’s impassioned lyrics.

Jon Herington gets to stretch with his brand of tasty blues leads and a smoky solo. Fagen is not outdone by his band mates, however. His Ray Charles-like growl and phrasing are convincing and powerful. Furthermore, his lyrical metaphors comparing the blight of the world’s climate with the plight of his own paranoid relationship works in concept and execution.

The track was played live by Fagen on The Late Show with David Letterman with former Steely Dan sideman Wayne Krantz handling the lead guitar work, and also featured Keith Carlock on drums and Timothy Lefebvre holding down the bottom on bass. The performance was passionate and made many hope for a Sunken Condos solo tour.

Unfortunately, the call for Fagen to take this song and the other new material from Sunken Condos on the road went unanswered.

Preston Frazier