By John Soeder Cleveland Plain Dealer Less than two weeks before their band, Steely Dan, would be welcomed into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Donald Fagen and Walter Becker were still going back and forth about what to perform at the induction ceremony. “Hey, Walter, you know what I was thinking would be […]
After reeling in four Grammies, Steely Dan takes rightful place
By John Timpane Philadelphia Inquirer I can hold my gloat no longer. I must exult. A couple of weeks ago, after 30 years, Steely Dan finally won a Grammy. Four of them. Frosting on one bizarre cake. Also a reminder that the Dan deserves to be remembered as one of the best American popular music […]
Remembering ‘The Nightfly’
By Jim Clayton Bad Monkey X I missed the Grammys this year, since they aired while I was out on a gig. But my sources (one drunken friend watching a delayed satellite feed at 2 a.m.) described the momentary hush and murmur that fell over the audience before they burst into applause for Album of […]
Eminem Ripped, Steely Dan Beats Rap
By Jon Pareles The New York Times In the furor that surrounded this year’s Grammy contenders for album of the year, it may surprise no one to hear that one of the nominated albums included a song whose narrator gloats over his affair with an underage girl and tries to pressure her into a threesome. […]
Jazzin’ the Vibration
Walter Becker and Donald Fagen aka Steely Dan occupy a unique place in “rock” music. While much of their work sounds as though it’s been hauled straight out of the jazz canon, in 32 years they’ve only ever recorded one non-original tune… and that was Duke Ellington’s “East St. Louis Toodle-Oo.” Earlier this year (2000) […]
Outsiders’ Night in Steely Dan
By John L Walters The Guardian LONDON — Great gig, but what a shame not to hear “What A Shame About Me.” It’s the perfect singalong anthem for fans of Steely Dan, since something in it chimes with misfits, jazz lovers and ill-groomed outsiders everywhere. And there are enough of us around to buy a […]
Steely Dan in Glasgow
By John Williamson Glasgow Herald GLASGOW, Scotland — In the world of Steely Dan, there’s the best part of 20 years has elapsed between their last two studio albums; time stands not only still, but resolutely to attention. With 13 musicians and singers on stage, all of whom wear their colossal technical ability as a […]
The Content Partners
By Robert Wilonsky Dallas Observer Steely Dan no longer exists. Forget about the name, despite what you read in this paper’s music listings; since when did “in print” mean “the truth” anyway? Walter Becker and Donald Fagen are sick to death of the name–ah, if only they had gone with one of their original choices, […]
Working With Brains But Not As Much Heart
Originally published on July 17, 2000 By Joan Anderman Boston Globe ”Let’s dip into the middle ’70s and see what we can find,” cracked Donald Fagen before easing into ”Night by Night” at the Tweeter Center Saturday. It was a classically wry comment from Fagen. Steely Dan was the ’70s for fans of pristinely crafted, intelligent […]
Return of the Gaucho Amigos
By Chris Ellis Creative Loafing She puts on a record, metallic cocaine be-bop. This line, from the harrowing “A.J.’s Annual Party” scene in William S. Burroughs’ Naked Lunch, seems a portent of the distinctive sound and ambience of Steely Dan, a band legendary for its cryptic lyrics, opium den demeanor and flawless musicianship. After 19 years […]
