LA Times called Steely Dan the Kings of Scorn in an article from 1993... Mr Walter Becker passed today, and the world's a poorer place for it. Even if you thought the band's music was effete, or had dark suspicions you didn't understand the lyrics well-enough to like the slick jazz productions, you have to hand it to him. "I'll learn to work the saxophone, and play just what I feel, Drink Scotch Whisky all night long, and die behind the wheel" Many liked the band for the soft tones, the jazzy overlay. Me, I liked it for the biting antisocial commentary, the early Alternative-ness before I had a clue what was Alternative, and yes, the scorn: "The weekends at the college didn't turn out like you'd planned..." "You've sent the maid home, running, like a thousand times before." More than any other bad, Steely Dan taught me to really understand poetry, subtext, misdirection and how to be subtle while not at all seeming subtle... RIP, Mr. Becker.
Aside from the choruses and some key lines, I never really paid attention to the lyrics of most bands. I like bands for their sound...not too concerned about any message. If I think the sound sucks, no amount of narrative - even one I would agree with - will make me want to listen. I wanted to listen to Steely Dan. Still do.
They got a name for the winners in the world. I want a name when I lose. RIP ...the musicians that scored the soundtrack of my youth are disappearing.
this was one of my dad's favorite bands. i saw them twice as a little kid, and grew up really liking their music. from a strictly musical composition and preciseness of sound aspect, i don't think there's another band out there that's as stringent on perfection in the studio. RIP.
Well, there is Tom Sholz. Boston is one of the cleanest bands on record. Even live, their shit is(was) spotless, relative to any other stage performers.
The rolling stoned version of the story... http://www.rollingstone.com/music/f...y-dan-elusive-genius-by-rob-sheffield-w501082
