I am a lifelong fan of the music of Steely Dan. So imagine how excited I was to read an insightful blog post about their iconic debut album!
“Steely Dan” was the brainchild of the songwriting team of Walter Becker and Donald Fagen, who met in the late 60’s. The band’s name comes from a dildo featured in the cult novel “Naked Lunch”…
“Can’t Buy A Thrill!”
They burst on the scene in 1972 with their first album, the brilliant “Can’t Buy A Thrill!” – with its colorful cover and great collection of rock songs with a slight jazz influence…
The album was an immediate hit, fueled by the singles “Do It Again” and “Reelin’ In The Years.”
Here is a great Steely Dan live performance on the classic TV show “Midnight Special” in 1973.
RIP Walter Becker…
Walter Becker, half of the iconic group, died several years ago, and recently the band stopped touring due to a reported illness for Donald Fagen as well.
My blogging friend Clive just shared a track by track look at this brilliant debut album, so without further ado, please click on his terrific story here!
Clive’s “Take It Easy” blog celebrates music from all eras, with insight and perspective…a must read…and if you want to read more about Steely Dan, I’ve got you covered:
These two albums are just the tip of the Steely Dan musical iceberg…here’s a look at all of their timeless classics, from “Aja” to “Rikki Don’t Lose That Number” and so many more!
The band also provided the them song for an 80’s movie about FM radio stations..a simpler time for sure!
Click here for see the video for this catchy pop confection, along with 9 other “songs with an ‘F’!”
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You can see music from “A-E” by clicking on my home page – let me know your favorite “F” songs – and if you enjoy this story please share with friends on social media – thanks!
Categories: 70's Music, Art, Books / Media, Classic Rock, Music, Pop Culture, Talent/Celebrities
johnrieber 
Good timing! I just finished reading and listening to Steely Dan on Clive’s blog a few minutes ago.
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Thank you for featuring my post and for your kind words, John. Having not seen your tribute to Walter – we weren’t following each others blogs back then – I was interested to read your words on his passing. Sadly, though, the passing of time seems to have made the videos unavailable – been there, got the T shirt, etc. 😊
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It seems like you embrace the earlier, more rock-focused Steely Dan – I grew up on that as well but came to love all of their music regardless of direction…I shared this story of The Doobie Brothers as well – I read their memoir and the transition from rock to pop/soul was partly due to Topm Johnston’s illness and time away from the band: https://johnrieber.com/2015/05/24/black-water-what-a-fool-believes-a-tale-of-two-doobie-brothers/
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It’s not that I don’t like the later albums, I just prefer the first three. Thanks for the link to your Doobies story, though WP won’t let me comment or like it! I really did prefer the earlier version of them – for me McDonald ruined them!
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I remember the release and my ex-wife was a huge fan. chuq
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They can do no wrong for me, John. I have all their albums, and Fagen’s solo work too. I even replicated them all on DVD so I could play them in my car. Great tribute!
Best wishes, Pete.
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Pete, I agree on all counts…lately it’s been “Gaucho” that I put on when working at home..gorgeous, soulful jazz vibe…and when I want to rock out a bit it’s “Countdown To Ecstasy” – and everything else as well! Cheers!
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