Crisp, dry production, a lean groove — anchored by Becker’s usual fat, bubbling bass line — and Fagen’s smart horn arrangement, “Janie Runaway” is an agreeable little mid-tempo number You May Also Like: Walter Becker, “The Dopest Cut / Down In the Bottom” (1992): Steely Dan Sunday Steely Dan Sunday:Read More

If you’re an album sleeve credits reader like I am, then you know session superstar bassist Will Lee very well. You May Also Like: Lucas Lee – ‘Lowered Expectations’ (2018) Shemekia Copeland – Outskirts of Love (2015)

Here’s the setup: A self-pitying tale about a promising life wasted at the onset of middle age having chance encounter with an old flame who became rich and famous. You May Also Like: Steely Dan Sunday: “Paging Audrey [Demo]” (2008) Walter Becker, “Hard Up Case (Live at Slim’s 1995)” (2024):Read More

The Nineties brought many surprising events that delighted long-suffering Steely Dan fans who’ve had nearly no new output from either Becker or Fagen since 1982’s The Nightfly. You May Also Like: Walter Becker, “Hard Up Case (Live at Slim’s 1995)” (2024): Steely Dan Sunday

It’s interesting to note that Alive in America ends the way the 1994 concerts actually started. The title song from the album Aja made its complete debut on Steely Dan’s second tour of the 90’s in 1994. You May Also Like: Steely Dan, “Kid Charlemagne” from ‘Northeast Corridor’ (2021): SteelyRead More

<<< BACKWARD (“Kid Charlemagne [Live]”) ||| ONWARD (“Aja [Live]”) >>> *** STEELY DAN SUNDAY INDEX *** How do you follow-up an iconic rock, funk rave-up like “Kid Charlemagne”? You May Also Like: Steely Dan, “Kid Charlemagne” from ‘Northeast Corridor’ (2021): Steely Dan Sunday Steely Dan, “Reelin’ in the Years [Live]”Read More

<<< BACKWARD (“Third World Man [Live]”) ||| ONWARD (“Sign In Stranger [Live]”) >>> *** STEELY DAN SUNDAY INDEX *** Let’s face it, last week was a bit of a snoozer. The live version of “Third World Man” proves that you can take a great song and file down the edges.Read More

<<< BACKWARD (“Reelin’ In The Years [Live]”) ||| ONWARD (“Book Of Liars [Live]”) >>> *** STEELY DAN SUNDAY INDEX *** The first of three Aja songs on Alive In America finally appears five tracks in, the brilliant yet fun party tune that caps that classic album, “Josie.” You May AlsoRead More

<<< BACKWARD (“Bodhisattva [Live]”) ||| ONWARD (“Josie [Live]”) >>> *** STEELY DAN SUNDAY INDEX *** Going back to Skunk Baxter-era material with “Bodhisattva” was cool to hear from the 90s Steely Dan band, but the first real surprise on Alive In America came on the following track. You May AlsoRead More

Victor’s taking a break from SDS this week and handing over the reigns to a real knowledgeable Steely Fan aficionado, Preston Frazier. Enjoy! You May Also Like: Steely Dan, “Bodhisattva” from ‘Northeast Corridor’ (2021): Steely Dan Sunday Walter Becker, “Hard Up Case (Live at Slim’s 1995)” (2024): Steely Dan Sunday