to all those hating on this live version...i'd like to see you write a song this good and play for thousands of people everynight. I just saw them last night and wouldn't you know they kicked major ass. As a musician myself i can tell you that playing the exact same shit everytime gets stale when you have all these ideas floating around in your head.
I'm all for different arrangements of tunes and I understand this is one that Donald has issues with, however I don't think this works. At first I though it might be because I'm so used to hearing the original, but its really just not the right feel for it. I understand why they'd wanna change it up a bit though.
@shyman99 Mmm, yes, because anything different is, by definition, bad. Of course.
Really, live performance is the only opportunity artists have to revisit old material, change it up, explore new avenues, whatever. And considering their continuing talent and genius I think Fagen and Becker have a right to have fun with their own materiel
And, as always, if you don't like the song, leaving it all behind is just a click away. (And if variation ain't your thang, concerts probably won't be either)
Before reading any comments about this clip, I watched it and noticed how far off the phrasing was when compared the original. It bothered me greatly. So then I read the comments and saw I wasn't alone. I can handle extended bridges, additional instrumentation, and things of that nature. Those are things I look forward to in concerts. But advice to artists who perform live: DON"T CHANGE THE PHRASING!!!
@shyman99 It has more jazz style than the original you moron...you obviously know nothing about phrasing, chords and harmonies. These guys have been around for long enough to know what they are doing. There is no such thing as an extended bridge..go and study music ...duh!!
@TheWilmahendriks - Extended bridge means extended longer than the bridge on the original recording. It wasn't meant to be a musical term. uh, duh. More jazz style, yada, yada, yada, whatever. I guess you took a break from your own musical studies to troll YouTube and post some inane response with no significance. The only interpretation that's important is to the listeners' ears. And guess what? This listener's ears says this version sucks. Imagine an opinion that differs from yours
The Rikki of the title is Rikki Ducornet, a New York writer and artist. Steely Dan co-front Donald Fagen had met her while both were attending Bard College, a small liberal-arts college located in Annandale-on-Hudson, New York. Ducornet says they met at a college party, and even though she was both pregnant and married at the time, he might have given her his number, although not in the same context as the song.
Having been a huge fan in the 70's I saw the live in Birmingham Uk around 3 years ago.They were terrible. A massive disappointment. Self indulgent, poor set choices, uninspired performance, and this is indicative of how far they have fallen from their halcyon days.
This is what performing live is all about, EVERY concert that I have attended the band always strayed from the vinyl, with the exception of the Cars. Ya want the music cord for cord, then stay at home and listen to your records.
I love this version but I think the problem with this recording is it lacks a little balls. You gotta remeber this was in 96 and I think the guys were messin around with a softer approach and/or just experimenting. Remeber, they really fucking hate this song. Or so the story goes.
Really sweet mix. You can't compare a live mix with a studio version, they are two completely different beasts (as any player will tell you). It's an awesome and fresh live performance.
Hey, I was a teenager during the 70's and I remember they did one, maybe two tours. 1973, and maybe '74 - BUT, neither Becker or Fagen liked touring, so they spent the rest of their career in the studio.
@brrs131 Interesting hypothesis. Then who was that band that I saw playing live that called themselves Steely Dan in the 70's? Funny thing, they looked and sounded exactly like Steely Dan. Gee, I guess I got ripped off, huh?
Great version, a fresh perspective-songs are living entities (the good ones are) and grow and change-bit like re-reading a favourite novel, you pick up different nuances...
??? I don't get the complaints about this clip. Sounds fine to me. What did you guys want them to do, play the song note for note and tone for tone like the studio cut? Is that what bands do live these days? How boring! I can sit at HOME and listen to the studio version.
@dadunham Ok, cool, than change the key, the tempo, the lyrics and the entire damm thing, why not. Or use pro tools "like all the other bands" and disrespect, thats right
screw the sudience that hope for a quality show.
Just a word, when a song like this gets played a million times it set in your mind as it is.
Any other version by ANY ONE is, well, how can I put this,,,,,,,,,shiet?
@lobo25usn I really just depends on what you're looking for. If you're looking to get a nostalgic kick watching your old favorites essentially "playing the record," then I can see how you might be disappointed with this version of the song. OTOH, if you're interested in seeing still-creatively vibrant artists continuing to evolve and improve their music, you'll probably prefer this version.
@dadunham Ever been to a Steely Dan show? The arrangements are eerily like the studio cuts - besides the solos and the make-shift endings that they have to compose for songs that would've otherwise faded out. That's the beauty of 'The Dan Show;' is that they DON'T take a bunch of liberties like say, a DMB show. Steely Dan is not a jam band. I don't have any issues with this clip, however.
@dadunham Thats the beauty of this band. They broke all the rules back when as song writing goes. The mixed Jazz, Blues, Rock & some other stuff I forgot. They can do a jazz arrangement (like they're doing here), & it loses very little. These guys are very complex as you well know and that's why song writers couldn't work with them years ago. They were far ahead of the game.
surely they can sing it in a relaxed fashion if they feel like it.... they gave us the song in the first place... be friggin thankful for every rendition they care to deliver ever friggin after...
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"Rikki Don't Lose That Number" is one of my favorite songs of ALL TIME. If I had paid money to see this show, and they played THAT, I would want my damn money back! It was rubbish; mistake filled, disjointed, and one of the most glorious guitar solos EVER, completely absent.
Sorry fans, I think the was pure CRAP: Like a really BAD cover band.
According to the setlists, they've been playing it on the 2009 tour (along with the "original" version of Reelin' in the Years, which I was lucky enough to see them do last night in Toronto; I've seen them four times in the last decade and I never thought I'd see them do "Reelin'" a la the original recording).
Aja will always reming me of the best times in my life. Forget the ludicrous nit picking about what chords and back ups and who played in for Ringo...enjoy the fun! If you guys have to be that nit picky you will NEVER be happy ijn your lives because you can't just kick back and enjoy music and entertainment. I don';t give a damn about the nitty gritty, I want to enjoy how it moves my soul! LIGHTEN UP FOLKS!~ RAELLY!
Walter Becker plays the tastiest guitar accents, and the most distinctive, in popular music. He is also one of the funniest and most literate guys imaginable. Play on, Walter.
So many groups have to supplement the group with jazz musicians and they lose the feeling of the original song. This was a very nice rock song with great drumming from Jim Gordon. As soon as Aja was released I could tell the simplicity of the group was ruined forever. No one in Steeley Dan was a superstar. Why add superstars to supplement the sound?
I wish Walter Becker would cool it with his guitar playing. He's all over the place - even on Everything Must Go - he overplays and not up to the standard of the other wonderful guitar players they usually use.
This is a nice take on the original. Is this out on any album.. I have a feeling this was recorded around the time of the "live Over America Tour" and did not make it onto the album of the same name.
I liked this rendition even though its a Jazzier Cousin Dupree sounding version of the song. These guys seemed to have left their rock side behind long ago. The Horn solo is cool although I miss the Skunk Baxter solo.
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What a flat, bland, simply bad rendition of this song. Dear Mr Fagan: you are not Ray Charles, get over it already (and PS your voice is clearly shot; pls don't sing any more). What a depressing video to watch/listen to.
Ive seen people comment on how they think this arrangement of the song sucks... unreal! These guys are pure geniuses and can do whatever they want to! They have earned that right. I LOVE the jazz feel to it. Its awesome! I do wish they would play this song more often because they are very good at it. But it is their song and they can do what they want! If you havent ever seen them live you must. They are simply amazing.
At Bard College, Donald had a crush on Prof. DuCornet's daughter named Rikki. Unrequited love, she went on to author many infamous novellas ending up marrying psychoanalyst John Cohen in Denver. Don went to author the greatest studio rock band ever.
I've seen Steely Dan several times, and I've seen Donald Fagen solo twice. However, I've NEVER heard this song at ANY of their performances. I wish they would do it. It's one of my favorites.
Saw these guys at Red Rocks Amphitheater in my home
State. I don't think I' been to better concerts except maybe
Cream or The Stones, they are totally symphonic, love those sexy, sassy, saucy, songster sisters, brass is A++++, guitar players are legendary, keyboards heavenly, bass and drums spot on, under the moon in the light rain it was the experience of a life beyond time ...
On our next interstellar space probe, please attach a version of this song -- this version, actually -- affix it to the side of the craft, play it on a loop, as a statement to those who might find it: "This is the beauty that humans on earth are capable of producing." That's more or less how I feel, and have always felt, about "Rikki."
Not much to say other than this is and will always be timeless music. Ive loved this band my whole life. I saw this tour in London, Just the best. Thank you so much for the posting.
This is certainly more of a smooth jazz approach to the song, and a very nice one at that, but it's always going to be tough for Becker and Fagen to match their amazing studio
recordings in a live performance. I was lucky (and old enough) to have seen them do this live in April 1975 on The Pretzel Logic Tour, and it brought everyone to their feet at The University of Toledo basketball arena. The original band, minus David Palmer, but with Michael McDonald on backing vocals and keyboards.
Absolutely, axekat. Skunk was stage left, with his guitars and pedal steel. If memory serves, there were two of everything at the 1975 Toledo show except for the single bass guitar played by Becker. Two drummers, the late Jim Hodder and the late Jeff Porcaro; two guitarists, Baxter and Denny Dias; two keyboardists, Fagen and Michael McDonald, and two backing vocalists, McDonald and singer/percussionist Royce Jones. Fagen conducted that band like a maestro that night.
I met Skunk at the NAMM show 6 years ago... Very interesting man... I suspected he had a machine gun in his urban assault command truck! LOL but true, he flashed us his LA Sherrifs Badge! Guitar Players: we all need counseling!
Yeah, axekat, I've wondered if Skunk's neo-con political views have been tempered in any way by the eight-year shitstorm of foreign policy and domestic failures we've endured under the Bush-Cheney regime.
Intercept of in-house video broadcast with higher quality audio... now that's a first for me! Good job, Carlos!
Thus song is an old favorite of mine, from the distant mid-seventies... opening track of Pretzel Logic album... I mean, all SD work is terrific... nice arrangement with the horns and all. They did NOT play this song when they played in San Antonio in 2006.
This is so totally relaxing it transports your mind to a very calm soothing place,LOVE IT! Thanks for posting it Carlospc I needed this! Can't believe this is live too perfect.
the fuckin' world after being water-boarded (that's not a sport - Ed) at Guantanemo Bay, but this makes up for it!!!....actually it..really...does............
im in jazz band for my school and we're playing this song!! GOOOO TUBA!! yes thats what i play and yes i know im a huge band geek! lol. but you cant hide whats inside. LMAO!!
If I paid to see Steely Dan and I found out that Jeff "Skunk" Baxter was not going to be there to play my favorite solo I'd be very upset to say the least. Can't at least Walter Becker play that? I mean even the cameraman and lighting was expecting a guitar solo there. You can tell.
I appreciate me some steely dan
MrSltetteh 1 week ago
i have there first digital lp katy lied
sandyman1960 2 months ago
steely dan is awesome
unclefun61 4 months ago
I live in a rural outback far from everything. And this is exacly the kind of shit I want.
Wonderful live versions of the really good stuff.
This stinky dirt tub dog wants much more of this kind of tasty stuff.
dogofman 5 months ago
Hey, I was there that night.
vagentleman2003 5 months ago
Wow! Great improv! How can you people not like this??? Amazing!!!!!
sixfoursoul1 6 months ago
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justplayfm 6 months ago
to all those hating on this live version...i'd like to see you write a song this good and play for thousands of people everynight. I just saw them last night and wouldn't you know they kicked major ass. As a musician myself i can tell you that playing the exact same shit everytime gets stale when you have all these ideas floating around in your head.
KelsoNfun 6 months ago
I'm all for different arrangements of tunes and I understand this is one that Donald has issues with, however I don't think this works. At first I though it might be because I'm so used to hearing the original, but its really just not the right feel for it. I understand why they'd wanna change it up a bit though.
tyleryesta1 7 months ago
If the sax player flaps his arms any more he might just take off !
jamo387 8 months ago
STEELY DAN／Rikki Don’t Lose That Number
この空気感が出せるバンドは、他には無い。唯一無二の存在感を持つユニット。
saketorasan 8 months ago
Great up to that awful sax solo. That is just tragic sorry.
bighugzone 9 months ago
@shyman99 Mmm, yes, because anything different is, by definition, bad. Of course.
Really, live performance is the only opportunity artists have to revisit old material, change it up, explore new avenues, whatever. And considering their continuing talent and genius I think Fagen and Becker have a right to have fun with their own materiel
And, as always, if you don't like the song, leaving it all behind is just a click away. (And if variation ain't your thang, concerts probably won't be either)
OndoreC77 9 months ago 5
Before reading any comments about this clip, I watched it and noticed how far off the phrasing was when compared the original. It bothered me greatly. So then I read the comments and saw I wasn't alone. I can handle extended bridges, additional instrumentation, and things of that nature. Those are things I look forward to in concerts. But advice to artists who perform live: DON"T CHANGE THE PHRASING!!!
shyman99 9 months ago
@shyman99 It has more jazz style than the original you moron...you obviously know nothing about phrasing, chords and harmonies. These guys have been around for long enough to know what they are doing. There is no such thing as an extended bridge..go and study music ...duh!!
TheWilmahendriks 8 months ago
@TheWilmahendriks - Extended bridge means extended longer than the bridge on the original recording. It wasn't meant to be a musical term. uh, duh. More jazz style, yada, yada, yada, whatever. I guess you took a break from your own musical studies to troll YouTube and post some inane response with no significance. The only interpretation that's important is to the listeners' ears. And guess what? This listener's ears says this version sucks. Imagine an opinion that differs from yours
shyman99 8 months ago
my fav steely dan song
NaYarB04 9 months ago
Don´t appreciate live versions?
There´s the studio one on the right side of your screen...
MsJagatjit 10 months ago
Goddamn the guitars sound tight on t his recording....
AchromaticAdulation 10 months ago
I've heard that Fagen hates this song...
remulak56 10 months ago
This is my You Tube Home Video.
It is a sublime version.
bernardt1000 11 months ago
Heute noch rieselt es mir kalt den Rücken runter ... so schön ist das!
BrainstormSongs 11 months ago
??? I thought I made it clear that I preferred the updated and DIFFERENT version of the song.
dadunham 11 months ago
THANK YOU!!!!!!
Mamasan41 11 months ago
This song is written about their experience while recording with the great guitarist Rick Derringer.
hufferz 1 year ago
@hufferz You are an idiot.
The Rikki of the title is Rikki Ducornet, a New York writer and artist. Steely Dan co-front Donald Fagen had met her while both were attending Bard College, a small liberal-arts college located in Annandale-on-Hudson, New York. Ducornet says they met at a college party, and even though she was both pregnant and married at the time, he might have given her his number, although not in the same context as the song.
AchromaticAdulation 10 months ago
this was the day i was born!
georgy955 1 year ago
I can't get over how young Donald Fagen and Walter Becker look, compared to their most recent concert footage.
ftsjr 1 year ago
I love this version, first time I've heard it and it is GREAT!
yambarudan 1 year ago
This version is GOOD. A little more bluesy. Great Band, Great Talent!
NakedColor1 1 year ago
Its like reading a book before you see the movie ... you dont appreciate the drama.
TheSISSINGHURST 1 year ago
so really, especially, as steely dan (the greatest musician's band) fans, most of you just wanted to hear the studio album really loud outside?
NONE OF YOU DESERVE TO BE IN THE PRESENCE OF MUSICAL GENIUS. GO LISTEN TO SOME LIP SYNCH BRITNEY SPEARS OR SOME GAGA.
rmherbert1957 1 year ago
try this --dark but won't hide
MultiShades 1 year ago
AWESOME!!!
alfredo6976 1 year ago
So achingly good! A jazz version of a jazz number. hah. The muted brass section is an absolutely perfect contrast to Fagen's voice. Thanks guys!!
KB4QAA 1 year ago
AWEsome!!!
CynthiaJoyP 1 year ago
memories of easier times and a lot of fun and games !!!!!! hehe
surfguideperu 1 year ago
I have made it this far ----only for 6 strings and always want to be like steely dan
MultiShades 1 year ago
Wayyyyyy Sexy!
upquidproquo 1 year ago
I Love This!
Steely Dan Can Do No Wrong!!!!!
upquidproquo 1 year ago
I think the problem with this live version is the drummer. He does not seem to seem to have the funk...
ApollonianKing 1 year ago
It actually is a great version.
ApollonianKing 1 year ago
They can do their own song anyway they want unless a new law has been brought in. It's called creativity.
prescient8 1 year ago
Steely Dan Rocks.
smooth2753 1 year ago
Just try it for fun...what a song guys ! beautifull...like when you go enter in a special place....Steely Dan home
danielhoude 1 year ago
beautiful- as always
sheinFL 1 year ago
Amazing band, they set the standard for album sound quality!
Ampaccessories 1 year ago 2
Hey, what do you call the worst version of any Steely Dan song you ever heard? Fantastic!
albertoclipper 1 year ago
was Steely dan popular in Europe?
nhbright 1 year ago
Having been a huge fan in the 70's I saw the live in Birmingham Uk around 3 years ago.They were terrible. A massive disappointment. Self indulgent, poor set choices, uninspired performance, and this is indicative of how far they have fallen from their halcyon days.
garylongden 1 year ago
reminds me of Ray...
captain duke
CaptainDuke71 1 year ago
This is what performing live is all about, EVERY concert that I have attended the band always strayed from the vinyl, with the exception of the Cars. Ya want the music cord for cord, then stay at home and listen to your records.
NYMoto1964 1 year ago
I love this version but I think the problem with this recording is it lacks a little balls. You gotta remeber this was in 96 and I think the guys were messin around with a softer approach and/or just experimenting. Remeber, they really fucking hate this song. Or so the story goes.
kenjajesfeelit 1 year ago
Superb arrangement. Both languid and ballsier. Fagen sang around the melody a bit, obviously enjoying greater range.
Aggromerchant 1 year ago
Great rhythm gtr! I still wanted to hear a variation of Baxters solo in spite of the great sax.
8tsRwild 1 year ago
Really sweet mix. You can't compare a live mix with a studio version, they are two completely different beasts (as any player will tell you). It's an awesome and fresh live performance.
MikeBatard 1 year ago
this band nver played live in the 70s they were strictley studio band.
brrs131 1 year ago
False. Search and you'll find vids of them from the early '70s.
Jitpring 1 year ago
Hey, I was a teenager during the 70's and I remember they did one, maybe two tours. 1973, and maybe '74 - BUT, neither Becker or Fagen liked touring, so they spent the rest of their career in the studio.
b30307 1 year ago
@brrs131 Interesting hypothesis. Then who was that band that I saw playing live that called themselves Steely Dan in the 70's? Funny thing, they looked and sounded exactly like Steely Dan. Gee, I guess I got ripped off, huh?
Mooseboy08 1 year ago
not as good as the studio version I think, but you cant go wrong with steely dan
dublincatfish 1 year ago 2
Great version, a fresh perspective-songs are living entities (the good ones are) and grow and change-bit like re-reading a favourite novel, you pick up different nuances...
GalaxyHorse 2 years ago
sweet! never heard this song live.. nice and chill. luv it!
artamis3 2 years ago
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How the hell did this band make it into the Rock Hall of Fame and a band like DEVO can't??
Steely Dan's music was the norm for that day and is obsolete today. Devo's music and influence can be heard in today's music.
I can name you over a hundred bands who said DEVO inspired/ influenced them, but can't name one band who said the same about Steely Dan...
raggabass 2 years ago
@raggabass Are you basing this all according to your expertise and one song? Steely Dan was hot in their day
Bobby61557 1 year ago
wonderful arrangment and stunning sax playing!
catodiko 2 years ago 2
??? I don't get the complaints about this clip. Sounds fine to me. What did you guys want them to do, play the song note for note and tone for tone like the studio cut? Is that what bands do live these days? How boring! I can sit at HOME and listen to the studio version.
dadunham 2 years ago 41
@dadunham totally agree; I love the twist on the usual version. Some really interesting chords....
liquidassets81 1 year ago
@dadunham Totally agree, this was a great alternative version, interesting chords..
liquidassets81 1 year ago
@dadunham Agreed, there are some cool chords on this version
liquidassets81 1 year ago
@dadunham ...compliment...I LOVE IT :-)
joydivisionboy1 1 year ago
@dadunham Ok, cool, than change the key, the tempo, the lyrics and the entire damm thing, why not. Or use pro tools "like all the other bands" and disrespect, thats right
screw the sudience that hope for a quality show.
Just a word, when a song like this gets played a million times it set in your mind as it is.
Any other version by ANY ONE is, well, how can I put this,,,,,,,,,shiet?
lobo25usn 1 year ago
@lobo25usn I really just depends on what you're looking for. If you're looking to get a nostalgic kick watching your old favorites essentially "playing the record," then I can see how you might be disappointed with this version of the song. OTOH, if you're interested in seeing still-creatively vibrant artists continuing to evolve and improve their music, you'll probably prefer this version.
dadunham 1 year ago
@dadunham Ever been to a Steely Dan show? The arrangements are eerily like the studio cuts - besides the solos and the make-shift endings that they have to compose for songs that would've otherwise faded out. That's the beauty of 'The Dan Show;' is that they DON'T take a bunch of liberties like say, a DMB show. Steely Dan is not a jam band. I don't have any issues with this clip, however.
STIRKDAWG 11 months ago
@STIRKDAWG There's nothing wrong with nostalgia. It's just not really my thing.
dadunham 11 months ago
@dadunham ... so says the guy listening to STEELY DAN songs. LOL.
STIRKDAWG 11 months ago
@dadunham Great post a little funky beat goin on...
kocean1 6 months ago
@dadunham Thats the beauty of this band. They broke all the rules back when as song writing goes. The mixed Jazz, Blues, Rock & some other stuff I forgot. They can do a jazz arrangement (like they're doing here), & it loses very little. These guys are very complex as you well know and that's why song writers couldn't work with them years ago. They were far ahead of the game.
johnduncan77 6 months ago
surely they can sing it in a relaxed fashion if they feel like it.... they gave us the song in the first place... be friggin thankful for every rendition they care to deliver ever friggin after...
dustland4 2 years ago 3
This comment has received too many negative votes show
"Rikki Don't Lose That Number" is one of my favorite songs of ALL TIME. If I had paid money to see this show, and they played THAT, I would want my damn money back! It was rubbish; mistake filled, disjointed, and one of the most glorious guitar solos EVER, completely absent.
Sorry fans, I think the was pure CRAP: Like a really BAD cover band.
floobeytubey 2 years ago
Well, I guess you'll never have to worry because they pretty much hate the song and never play it in concert anymore.
EaglesMan36 2 years ago
According to the setlists, they've been playing it on the 2009 tour (along with the "original" version of Reelin' in the Years, which I was lucky enough to see them do last night in Toronto; I've seen them four times in the last decade and I never thought I'd see them do "Reelin'" a la the original recording).
Tycho114 2 years ago
yeah, this wasn't a great performance at all.
kwakky 2 years ago
Comment removed
doedoe1 2 years ago
Floobeytubey, I guess you're not a true Dan fan then.... This version is wonderful...
doedoe1 2 years ago 2
It is a God sent to everyone that has a mind-best times and not so good are around this -has to be all around ...
MultiShades 2 years ago
eh?,,,
denanme 2 years ago
Aja will always reming me of the best times in my life. Forget the ludicrous nit picking about what chords and back ups and who played in for Ringo...enjoy the fun! If you guys have to be that nit picky you will NEVER be happy ijn your lives because you can't just kick back and enjoy music and entertainment. I don';t give a damn about the nitty gritty, I want to enjoy how it moves my soul! LIGHTEN UP FOLKS!~ RAELLY!
Aeerobic 2 years ago 3
you are so right
dustland4 2 years ago
Walter Becker plays the tastiest guitar accents, and the most distinctive, in popular music. He is also one of the funniest and most literate guys imaginable. Play on, Walter.
leftyrite 2 years ago 11
wow, hyperbole much? becker's guitar playing is hardly the most distinctive in popular music. he barely played on the albums.
kwakky 2 years ago
So many groups have to supplement the group with jazz musicians and they lose the feeling of the original song. This was a very nice rock song with great drumming from Jim Gordon. As soon as Aja was released I could tell the simplicity of the group was ruined forever. No one in Steeley Dan was a superstar. Why add superstars to supplement the sound?
Lorenzo1950 2 years ago
It is sort of like the Beatles hiring Buddy Rich to embellish Ringo's drum parts.
Lorenzo1950 2 years ago
I wish Walter Becker would cool it with his guitar playing. He's all over the place - even on Everything Must Go - he overplays and not up to the standard of the other wonderful guitar players they usually use.
58boy 2 years ago
This is a nice take on the original. Is this out on any album.. I have a feeling this was recorded around the time of the "live Over America Tour" and did not make it onto the album of the same name.
steelydad 2 years ago 2
Man! How did I miss seeing this one til now!
Steely Dan's jazzier arrangements always make me happy! Like "reelin in the years" from the live CD!
This is fantastic!!!
peppersdog 2 years ago 4
I'm a major Dan fan and this song reminds me of 1st grade in Philadelphia in '73-'74.
bds1167 2 years ago
Aren't the chords so beautiful...I am just now finding out about Steely Dan,,, I am old. It is never too late for bliss
Mamasan41 2 years ago 4
The 70's in Ireland growing up and listening to Steelydan.
Donegaldan 2 years ago 2
Ari....all flailing arms and fingers. Never seen anyone play sax like that (I'm sax player)....but he is good.
oralnjax 2 years ago
aahh...what would the seventies be without Steely Dan on the AM radio dial, priceless
jody808 2 years ago 4
this song reminds me soooooooooo much of rushs spirit of radio
Johnsnyder666 2 years ago
I liked this rendition even though its a Jazzier Cousin Dupree sounding version of the song. These guys seemed to have left their rock side behind long ago. The Horn solo is cool although I miss the Skunk Baxter solo.
advokris 2 years ago 4
"I thought a little wild time had just begun, I guess you kinda scared yourself, you turn and run" - story of my life, that is.......
CaptainPeteTownshend 2 years ago 3
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XenoAlex2222 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
What a flat, bland, simply bad rendition of this song. Dear Mr Fagan: you are not Ray Charles, get over it already (and PS your voice is clearly shot; pls don't sing any more). What a depressing video to watch/listen to.
joeyy2000 2 years ago
great music,by an excellent band!
MrCaribbean 2 years ago 5
damn! Steely Dan in this video look exactly like Freddie Mercury when he is 64:)) Classy song, i love it
D3neter 2 years ago 3
I think you mean Donald Fagen looks like Freddie Mercury.Steely Dan are Donald Fagen and Walter Becker plus other musicians.
Markgr122 2 years ago 2
super class
robertdegiro 2 years ago 2
Awesome band!
Kennymurraycampbell 2 years ago 3
Very cool, this!
thegreathoudino 2 years ago 3
What DVD is this on???
lundells1 2 years ago
when i listen to this song it makes me think of things i have done that i regret u know wat i meen
byronmcclelland 3 years ago 2
We all know that feeling, brother.
gitchigoomi 2 years ago
Ive seen people comment on how they think this arrangement of the song sucks... unreal! These guys are pure geniuses and can do whatever they want to! They have earned that right. I LOVE the jazz feel to it. Its awesome! I do wish they would play this song more often because they are very good at it. But it is their song and they can do what they want! If you havent ever seen them live you must. They are simply amazing.
coachcdobbs 3 years ago 22
I agree completely.
snareslapper 3 years ago 4
- absolutely right what you wrote. complete agreement.
Know other music/ live-songs these incredible band people played ?...
JoyCo09 3 years ago 2
Spot on!!!!!
throovest 1 year ago
@coachcdobbs I like the jazz feel, too theyre still awesome. I love
this song.
sheinFL 1 year ago
@coachcdobbs
Maybe the blues feel.
Bianteowns 1 year ago
Ari Ambrose, yeah!
bahalvorsen 3 years ago
what an arrangement!!
catodiko 3 years ago 2
This was the song that got me into them many many years ago!!! Got all their stuff on vinyl - still looking and sounding great after all these years.
rockchick80s 3 years ago 4
ya,ur right man
HagupitNgOlats 3 years ago
I think Sting could sing this song really well. If he ever showed up for one of their shows he would be great on this song!
Tripleggg1959 3 years ago
At Bard College, Donald had a crush on Prof. DuCornet's daughter named Rikki. Unrequited love, she went on to author many infamous novellas ending up marrying psychoanalyst John Cohen in Denver. Don went to author the greatest studio rock band ever.
admiralcraighill 3 years ago 3
I've seen Steely Dan several times, and I've seen Donald Fagen solo twice. However, I've NEVER heard this song at ANY of their performances. I wish they would do it. It's one of my favorites.
ftsjr 3 years ago 4
Saw these guys at Red Rocks Amphitheater in my home
State. I don't think I' been to better concerts except maybe
Cream or The Stones, they are totally symphonic, love those sexy, sassy, saucy, songster sisters, brass is A++++, guitar players are legendary, keyboards heavenly, bass and drums spot on, under the moon in the light rain it was the experience of a life beyond time ...
MUSESQ 3 years ago 5
Wow! Powerfully done jazz! Better than the original recording from Pretzel Logic 20 years before. They never stop impressing me.
squitzy 3 years ago 3
Donald is incredible in tis clip.
Drummer is incredibly smooth,like a fine single malt whiskey!
phllp2007 3 years ago 4
Carlos, just dropping you a line to thank you for all the Dan posts. Enjoying them all thoroughly. Thanks.
elsiepuppy 3 years ago
Donald is one of my favorite musicians.
psychojeremy 3 years ago
great song, how can humans be capable of such wondrous things? fuck u negative ass holes,
guitmarc54 3 years ago 3
i couldn't agree more. fuck all negativity.
bbloodworth 3 years ago
I like this song. But i think the old one is better
Zeafang13 3 years ago
This has been flagged as spam show
yes we can
dogchewtoyboy 3 years ago
I think that's Ari Ambrose playing the sax.
hklinker 3 years ago
Is that Chris Potter on sax or did he do the later dates ? My eyes think so. Love the work that Chris Potter does with Donald & Walter.
Martidee 3 years ago
On our next interstellar space probe, please attach a version of this song -- this version, actually -- affix it to the side of the craft, play it on a loop, as a statement to those who might find it: "This is the beauty that humans on earth are capable of producing." That's more or less how I feel, and have always felt, about "Rikki."
bhobsolid 3 years ago 2
Very well stated!
batmanrr 3 years ago
Not much to say other than this is and will always be timeless music. Ive loved this band my whole life. I saw this tour in London, Just the best. Thank you so much for the posting.
axekat 3 years ago
anybody know the real reason Fagen started wearing dark glasses?
yeldarb11 3 years ago
Yep, he has such a clear vision that it is sometime too much to deal with and he tones it down with dark glasses.
jad1460 3 years ago
Thats right.
But sometimes he orders a couple of whiskeys instead and place the drinking glasses before his eyes once they are emptied.
dogofman 3 years ago
Freakin' amazing!
zackpetersen 3 years ago 2
This is certainly more of a smooth jazz approach to the song, and a very nice one at that, but it's always going to be tough for Becker and Fagen to match their amazing studio
recordings in a live performance. I was lucky (and old enough) to have seen them do this live in April 1975 on The Pretzel Logic Tour, and it brought everyone to their feet at The University of Toledo basketball arena. The original band, minus David Palmer, but with Michael McDonald on backing vocals and keyboards.
andyinoregon 3 years ago
I like the studio version better. this is too jazzy for my taste but still good of course
MasonMovies 3 years ago
yes the upbeat feel is gone but this is well performed!!!!!
josepolo950 3 years ago 2
I agree, by the way what venue was the concert in?
hypheone 3 years ago
Pretzel logic is the second most frequently listened to music album for me. Barry Town is so haunting but cool.
yeldarb11 3 years ago
Wasn't it Jeff Skunk Baxter as well?:)
axekat 3 years ago
Absolutely, axekat. Skunk was stage left, with his guitars and pedal steel. If memory serves, there were two of everything at the 1975 Toledo show except for the single bass guitar played by Becker. Two drummers, the late Jim Hodder and the late Jeff Porcaro; two guitarists, Baxter and Denny Dias; two keyboardists, Fagen and Michael McDonald, and two backing vocalists, McDonald and singer/percussionist Royce Jones. Fagen conducted that band like a maestro that night.
andyinoregon 3 years ago 2
I met Skunk at the NAMM show 6 years ago... Very interesting man... I suspected he had a machine gun in his urban assault command truck! LOL but true, he flashed us his LA Sherrifs Badge! Guitar Players: we all need counseling!
axekat 3 years ago
Yeah, axekat, I've wondered if Skunk's neo-con political views have been tempered in any way by the eight-year shitstorm of foreign policy and domestic failures we've endured under the Bush-Cheney regime.
andyinoregon 3 years ago
my arse.
cuxca 3 years ago
Your arse what cuxca? I have no idea whatyou are refering to.
axekat 3 years ago
Intercept of in-house video broadcast with higher quality audio... now that's a first for me! Good job, Carlos!
Thus song is an old favorite of mine, from the distant mid-seventies... opening track of Pretzel Logic album... I mean, all SD work is terrific... nice arrangement with the horns and all. They did NOT play this song when they played in San Antonio in 2006.
diveflix 3 years ago
go ari! break it down! and when u r back in MD u better not forget your old frds ;)
Shanopla 3 years ago
this is some good stuff. i always loved this song! luv steely dan. :)
iloveriver4ever 3 years ago
Playing at Place des Arts tonight in Montreal.
DanBriard 3 years ago
something of mine just exploded with delight listening to this, not to say bliss....
MaleMidLifer 3 years ago
I wonder... do you still have my number...
Barzbub 3 years ago
This is so totally relaxing it transports your mind to a very calm soothing place,LOVE IT! Thanks for posting it Carlospc I needed this! Can't believe this is live too perfect.
msstevie1951 3 years ago 2
Man! That sure was funky!
DMuMajor 3 years ago
who says Americans can't be lonely and angry....
GuerillaCommentator 3 years ago
I just confessed to blowing up
the fuckin' world after being water-boarded (that's not a sport - Ed) at Guantanemo Bay, but this makes up for it!!!....actually it..really...does............
GuerillaCommentator 3 years ago
im in jazz band for my school and we're playing this song!! GOOOO TUBA!! yes thats what i play and yes i know im a huge band geek! lol. but you cant hide whats inside. LMAO!!
GluciferJuicifer 3 years ago
too subtle for planet Earth...those dudes just gotta be from planet Tharrg....or,like, somewhere.....
p.s (it's 2 as in 'ThaArrg, dude...by the way)
FrederickShopping 3 years ago
Introduce me to the background girls...
Bilbokai 3 years ago
It's just you.....now just come quietly fella and there'll be no shooting...
jacquetatty 3 years ago
Hmmm, your account is closed. Someone must have shot you. Careful with those guns.
TheDarDar1 3 years ago
Is it just me or does Donald Fagen look like Freddie Mercury/Stevie Wonder in this video?
TheDarDar1 3 years ago
If I paid to see Steely Dan and I found out that Jeff "Skunk" Baxter was not going to be there to play my favorite solo I'd be very upset to say the least. Can't at least Walter Becker play that? I mean even the cameraman and lighting was expecting a guitar solo there. You can tell.
TheDarDar1 3 years ago
Skunk hasn't played with Steely Dan since 197effing4! Chris Potter is a god on sax.
jml2621 3 years ago
Thanks for the comment, you have a great grasp on the obvious. Can Chris play the guitar?
TheDarDar1 3 years ago
if I'm really a brain in a vat, I'm havin' a BALL, y'all!!
hurculepwoirot 3 years ago
I love this song. Also the sax solo was great.
bananamusician 3 years ago