Steely Dan Concert

Paul_Medenwaldt · 08-08-2003, 10:37 AM

We saw these cats last nite. This was the first time I've seem them in concert and didn't know what to expect.

The first set which was about 1 hour 15 minutes contained a lot of older songs which I have heard a few times but didn't recognize the titles. They played 2 songs from their new album in that set, Godwhacker and Slang of Ages, which the former song has really grown on me.

After a 20 minute break they played for another hour and played some of their hits, and I mean some, i'll get to this later. The played one more from "EMG" which was 'Things I Miss The Most" which is my favorite song from the new album. I was curious why they didn't play Blues Beach since that is the song released to radio?

The stage is pretty much set like a jazz club, pretty bare with a large screen in the back for some visuals. IMO Steely Dan would be served better by playing in small theaters instead of arenas. Their sound really doesn't do itself justice in this atmosphere, although the sound was superb during the show.

I have a question for the SD fans here. Would you be upset that "Do It Again, Deacon Blues, Rikki Don't lose That Number, Reelin' in the Years, Bad Sneakers, Cousin Dupree" were not played? Have they played these songs on the past tours?

The crowd seemed very let down when the house lights went up and those songs were not played.

But even without those songs, the music was wonderful, at times you just close your eyes and let them take you away.

Paul

08-08-2003, 10:56 AM

I will be seeing then in September at a small outdoor amphitheater (part of an Indian Casino). Maybe 3,000 seats tops, and I scored 2nd row seats! This will be my 1st Dan show.

Personally, they have such a broad catalog, and I like so much of their music that I really don't think I will be upset regardless of the set list.

Not to mention that their band is always top notch, as are the sonics.

As I said in another post, "Its Steely Dan. Its ALL good".

BGL

Chris Elm · 08-08-2003, 01:42 PM

I saw them maybe 4 or 5 years ago in Chastain Park Amphitheater here in Atlanta. Brilliant show, and it was only my second concert ever.

I don't think I would be too upset that they didn't do those songs, because they do like to mix it up. They did however do some of my favorite songs, like Kid Charlemagne, FM, Hey Nineteen, and probably Deacon Blues, etc. as well as some of their brand new stuff from "Two Against Nature", which was just about to be released I believe.

The only song I remember being disappointed in not hearing was Throw Back the Little Ones.

BTW, I am going to see them this fall when they come back to Atlanta if everything goes according to plan.

KeithH · 08-08-2003, 03:09 PM

I will be seeing "The Dan" on August 23rd in New Jersey. Can't wait!

Brian said:

Quote:

Personally, they have such a broad catalog, and I like so much of their music that I really don't think I will be upset regardless of the set list.

I agree wholeheartedly. It really doesn't matter what they play because it is all good. So I am not going in hoping they play this or that. I'm just ready to enjoy a great show.

Dave Bennett · 08-13-2003, 07:46 PM

Well despite the fact that my two friends backed out for financial reasons, I'm still planning on seeing them in concert in September.
I really dig about 7 songs on EMG the rest are hohum in my book. The Things I miss the most and The Last Mall are excellent songs though, as are a few others.
I'm not a big fan of TAN so I hope they don't spend too much time on songs from it.
As far as other songs, I like their "hits" but alot of the deep album tracks are way better. For example, off of Aja, my favorite song would have to be either Josie or Home At Last. From the Royal Scam, either The Caves of Altamira or Haitian Divorce, and from Can't Buy a Thrill I really dig Only A fool would say that, change of the guard, and kings(to name a few). So, you get the picture, I'll be happy regardless.
BTW, I've got Aja, Two Against Nature, Pretzel Logic, Can't Buy A thrill, The Royal Scam, Gaucho, Everything Must Go and Donald Fagen's superb solo album The Nightyfly. Any reccomendations on some of the other albums? I've heard a few songs here and there(I have the A Decade of Steely Dan disc too) but other than a few songs(My Old School, Bad Sneakers) I'm not as thrilled with what I've heard off of the discs I don't have yet. Any input on a good one to pickup?

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Mike Broadman · 08-13-2003, 08:06 PM

Quote:

I agree wholeheartedly. It really doesn't matter what they play because it is all good. So I am not going in hoping they play this or that. I'm just ready to enjoy a great show.

That's always my attitude. If I go see a band, it's because I like them and pretty much all their music.

Dave, it looks like you have everything except their first one, Can't Buy a Thrill, which is good but my least favorite, and 2AN, which you already said you don't like.

I saw the Dan on their last tour. Lots of fun. And hot background singers!

Cary_H · 08-13-2003, 08:32 PM

There's Katy Lied, Countdown to Ecstacy, and Fagan's recent follow up to Nightfly, Kamakiriad.
The jury is still out on the latter, and CTE took a while to grow on me much like TAN did.

Cary_H · 08-13-2003, 08:49 PM

I forgot to suggest their Two Against Nature DVD release. The title is a bit misleading....it's a live concert recording in a small venue with a host of short interviews between cuts. About half of the cuts are not from 2AN.
I highly recommend it.

KeithH · 08-13-2003, 09:32 PM

Dave, check out Katy Lied. I feel it's one of Steely Dan's best albums. It's my second favorite Steely Dan album after Aja.

Dave Bennett · 08-13-2003, 09:55 PM

Thanks for the suggestion guys. I might go ahead and buy Katy Lied from the iTunes music store for 9.90. As for Fagen's second solo album, Snowbound is a cool song, but that's really the only one I've heard that really hooked me. I still think the Nightfly is an amazing album so it'd be hard for him to followup that one.
I thought of something else you guys might like to check out. I borrowed the Making of Aja DVD from my friend and it was a very cool documentary that also had some contemporary studio performances on it. Definately worth checking out.
On a side note, I recently heard some clips of some Steely Dan covers from the Me Myself and Irene soundtrack. I wasn't very impressed by them with the exception of Ben Fold's Five cover of Barrytown and Ivy's cover of Only A Fool Would Say That. The others range from forgetable to just awful.
Mike, I've actually already got Can't Buy