We’ve already argued that Steely Dan should have released “Any Major Dude Will Tell You” as a single back in 1974. All the elements that made the original recording from Pretzel Logic such a quirky delight are present in this live rendition from 2021’s Northeast Corridor. Donald Fagen and company only confirm this song’s charm.
First played on Steely Dan’s 1974 tour, resurrected in 1996 and played again in 2009, 2018 amd 2019, “Any Major Dude Will Tell You” is a great reminder that even a simple Steely Dan song isn’t simple by pop-music standards.
Fagen once again effortlessly handles the lead vocals, with appropriately tender backing from the Dannettes. The guitars are twangy and appropriately subdued; Jon Herington and Connor Kennedy both employ electric guitars and hit the spot at the end of the harmonized solo. Jim Beard’s touches of synth/electric piano add additional sauce to the stew.
No, there’s nothing transformational here; it’s just the band giving you the good stuff.
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