Steely Dan’s “Midnite Cruiser” remains the song Jim Hodder is most remembered by. And it’s a fine way to be remembered.

Here’s an early indication that Steely Dan wasn’t going to dwell on romantic themes in their lyrics.

Some of the earlier Steely Dan tunes sound a little like they were meant for a different act. “Dirty Work” is like that.

Steely Dan explore the idea of people succumbing to their worst tendencies again and again, a theme that will get many return visits.

Steely Dan stuck with me through the years, because this brainy, Jack Kerouac-type hipster band remained appealing even as my tastes in music evolved.