nice guitar work from lou reed on this track - or at least he doesn't half look, stand, and hold his guitar like lou reed. Maybe a bit more proficient on the instrument than the old grumpy fuck though. By several country miles
I love this song, but Walter Becker should have stuck with the guitar and left the lead vocals to someone else. I am afraid he is no match to the voice of Donald Fagen on this song.
@GeneralGCuster he's sounding like a crooner here though! Donald Fagen's vocal style and lyrics couldn't be separated and are an instrument in themselves which defines the Dan.
The original version is fantastic, and so is this version. The only studio song which I know features Walter Becker as the lead vocalist is the song "Slang of Ages" off the Everything Must Go album of 2003. I'm curious as to how Donald Fagen and Walter Becker would sound singing as a duet.
I love his voice, and am very disappointed that Steely Dan didn't make use of it more. As for his performing Haitian divorce, I'm torn: on the one hand, it's very nice to see him getting more time at the mic, plus it makes me hopeful that if they ever release more new stuff, he'll figure more prominently. A genuine duet would be neat (trading the lead back and forth). On the other hand, the song sounds so different w/ Walt, that it doesn't seem right somehow. Donald Fagen did this song better.
awesome!!! the story is kinda raunchy and Walter's voice is perfect for it. this guy is so good, that whatever he does, is just good. there's no down side for Walter Becker.
I've seen a DVD version of this show that is much higher quality. It's my favorite song on the DVD. Jon's solo is especially good this time and I love Walter Becker-- his songs are so much more interesting than Fagen's. I still listen to his solo albums regularly but I haven't even played Fagen's blah Morph the Cat since it came out.
I saw them do this live. Trust me it sounded much, much better in concert. I actually remember the audience cheering everytime he would sing the "Ah, ah" part. I thought it was pretty cool.
Steely Damned are just a tribute band. I couldn't give a shit that they "do a better version' . It's fun to see them play a bunch of Steely Dan Hits and even sometimes more obscure Steely Dan stuff, but they didn't write it (and all the other stuff that went into making some of the greatest albums ever - SD, and Walter and Donald's solo stuff). So to see Walter sing any Steely Dan song is amazing insight into one the the most imaginative composer's of our generations' minds.
Damn, it's like when Robert Hunter does a show and has to yell at the audience that his show is NOT Jerry. It's so funny 'cause the audience is sooo stupid. Of course, Hunter is going to do his tunes differently from the band. He wrote the lyrics and that's his way of performing them. Enjoy the changes or leave, but damn, figure out the difference. It's not rocket science.
Well, robert140602, as a matter of fact I can play. I can play and sing this guy under the table. I grew up listening to this music when it was on the radio and was popular. I am just a little disapointed in the calibre of musicians that they have chosen to recreate their music live. If you have the time to pull you head out of your ass and give the Steely Damned performing the same song a listen you'll hear a great version of this song. This guy knows how to use a talk box!
I do like it when they double the melody in octaves though. But its like you have to suffer thru Walter singing by himself first. Doubling in octaves was a stroke of genius.
@SPRPhilly I love his voice, and am very disappointed that Steely Dan didn't make use of it more. As for his performing Haitian divorce, on the one hand, it's very nice to see him getting more time at the mic, and it does make the song a little smoother, plus it makes me hopeful that if they ever release more new stuff, he'll figure more prominently. A true duet would be neat. On the other hand, the song sounds so different w/ Walt, that it doesn't seem right. Donald Fagen did this song better.
Poor old Walter may not have the best voice in the world, but I think he does a credible job in talking his way through this live version of Haitian Divorce. He is one-half of Steely Dan and he's allowed to 'sing', if only occasionally. The sound quality does not do justice to the song and Walter's singing, I mean talking.
@redrider8081 Go FUCK yourself asshole. You wouldnt know good music if it walked up and kicked you in your ass. GO listen to Brittney Spears. OH thats just the best music Ever.LOL
Can't sing! Hell, he can't play guitar for shit either! And the keys have all been changed on the songs because both Fagan and Becker are getting to old to sing them in the origional keys. And come on Harrington, this song was done with a Heil Talk Box, that wha-wha ain't cuttin it. You don't neccessarily have to play the solos note for note but at least make a stab at getting the right guitar sound! This is just dissapointing. There are tribute bands on here that sound better than this!
@thewarmthofthesun1 Donald FAGAN is Steely Dan! And John HARRINGTON is the guitarist that now tours with him. So, no, I have the right band! These guys were incredible when they were at the top of their game, but not anymore. This is just sad.
Hey guys give him a break have you ever heard him sing Book Of Liars? fucking amazing. btw if anyone has that song from their "Alive In America" album could you please send it to me?
@MultiShades You are an idiot. Listen to his guitar on Kamakiriad,Two against Nature, Everything Must Go. Listen to his vocals on Eleven Tracks Of Whack and Circus Money....You Sir are an IDIOT !
Ever since I first heard "11 tracks of whack" I fell in love w/ Walters way...of singing... of writing.. I can find no fault in this performance. This is Walter. I love Walter (as a musician of course)lol.
Agree. I first discovered that album a couple years after it came out, and I was blown away. I liked Fagen's albums well enough, then got bored with them. But Walter's albums? I still listen to them regularly. I love his style!
I thought Becker did not too badly on vocals. I much prefer Herington's Wah Wah solo to that horrid little Talk Box gizmo on the record. I've always had a passionate hatred for that effect.
Geez, give the "Walters voice sucks" comments a break! All of you "vocal coaches"/critics should maybe send Walt and Don a video and audition to be their new lead vocalist since these guys dont know anything about singing on key or music in general. I dont mind Walters voice at all on this tune. I think its a cool song that is interpreted differently in a live setting. I also think Carolyn Leonhart-Escoffery sounds great harmonizing with him in the verses as well. Awesome version!
I saw them do this live in 2003 and it was awesome! Every time it came to the "Ahh" part the crowd went wild. It sounded just fine live. Something gets lost in the transfer from live show to watching it on a computer monitor.
LOVE the vocal! These guys always had such a wry, even perverse, understated and detached manner of storytelling, and Becker's vocal is right in there. Perfect - they're BOTH perfect. Love it.
LOVE the vocal! These guys always had such a wry, even perverse, understated and detached manner of storytelling, and Becker's vocal is right in there. Perfect - they're BOTH perfect. Love it.
I think Walter's version is great and adds a different "shade" to the song... I love Donald's version... but listening to them separately they create different "characters" through their singing style... I couldn't get his at all the first time I heard it but then grew to love it!!! They're both wry; Donald's version is more sardonic/cutting whereas Walter's is more laid back and comes across as detached and ironic... Would love to hear this in concert!!!
C'mon guys! Give Walt a break! It's not like anyone else can sing like Fagan anyway and I think it's cool to hear other voices sing. This track is fucking awesome!
Anyone who thinks Walter can't sing should listen to his studio stuff, then get back to the YouTube message boards, where no one will give a shit the second time.
@ason81 Couldn't disagree more. I don't know if this is Walter's best vocal performance, but he's got a very earthy, southern rock, full bodied voice. I would agree that Donald Fagen is the better singer of the two, but I think Walter's voice should've been far more utilized than it was. Unless it was by Walter's own choice, it borders on criminal that he only did Slang of Ages. He should've sung lead more. Moreover, he sounds real good on his solo stuff. So, no, thumbs down on your post, dude.
This performance post dates Cornelius Bumpas, which is quite a shame. He added alot to the band. They are great anyway but the Mr. Bumpas, they were hot!
Nah mans, and ladies this is Mr Becker! if you like Chris Rea , you'll like this. and what a sweet reggae jazz beat in the background, i'd expect nothing less from STEELY DAN
Actually, Becker's usually on tune with this one. I think he can sing decent, it's just that his voice doesn't fit the style of this song. He needs a bit of oomph to it.
I saw Walt do this at aintree racecourse in the UK a few years ago and it fitted into to the set real well, its almost a rap/narration version of the classic and I actually like it as it is nice and droll, Jon's wha wha solo is cool too!
Not so great here but he sounds decent on Slang of Ages from Everything must go and on his solo album Circus Money which has about 5 really good songs.
Donald Fagen stage toilet time, as he leaves he shouts "hey Becks take over for a few minutes, don't go selling millions of solo albums while i'm gone.!!..... or indeed anytime in the future..
If you care to look, hear, Fagen's voice just isn't strong enough to hit all the highs in this tune. I'm actually kind of shocked at how thin his voice has sounded the last 8-10 yrs. He's half the singer he use to be, but still adequate for most of their songs.
yes, his voice has weakened. but he uses it well enough for it for the songs to still shine. with this it just sounds fucked up, weak, and weird. that said, i do like becker's solo albums and "slang of ages".
How is it some singers retain golden pipes till the day they die? Tony Bennett's well into his 80s, and is hardly a ghost of his former self. His singing is still first rate & ageless. I bet if some of the fading singers around actually tried to address the problem, they might be able to do something about it:
Quit those cigs., hire a vocal coach, do voice exercises daily...they might be surprised at the results.
the reason being is steely dan were not a regular working and touring band that he could keep the muscle working over the years. he sand when he needed to probably. that alone is not going to keep the pipes strong.
Pathetic effort at great tune,this could b any crap cover band with a lousy singer
ive seen SD live on 3 occasions 15yrs apart all magnificent shows,but on the last occasion aintree pavilion 2007 becker did a woeful rendition of haitian divorce but becoz it was the dan nobody dare boo 4 fear of upsetting the fragile heroes .....are they laughing at us or what?
Walter sings this song to give Donald a break, and to give us a bathroom break. :/. saw donald sing it at the beacon. becker herington and LARRY MOTHERF'ING CARLTON traded off solos. my dad said it was the best concert moment of his life.
I find it amazing that a band with such a talent at selecting the best musicians on the planet found the worst singer and actually let him sing. He plays guitar good though ;-)
The Dan are what they are because of Fagen's vocals. He isn't a great singer but is a good singer with a great voice for their style of music. Becker should never sing. In fact this is the first time I have seen him singing.
They are what they are due to excellent, unique and interesting songwriting skills that are the product of both Becker and Fagen. Who cares what their voices sound like?
I wonder why Donald doesn't sing in this one? Personally I prefer Donald's singing in this song. I love this song, I just think it sounds weird with WB singing in this one.
Everybody's a critic, you know. Easy to sit on the couch and criticize someone that can do something you can't, or aren't. These guys are incredible musicians and even better songwriters.
Nevermind Becker's vocal - how #@*&^%! good is Jon Herington!?!?! Man - what a killer - I saw them live a couple of years ago with Jon on guitar and I'll never forget it - simply an amazing player.
at 58 secs. check out caroline leonhart. any one got her cell phone number?
geisterbahn1 1 week ago
herrington-guitar professor
pretorious700 3 weeks ago
Bumpus should've been given the outro solo. I love his playing.
BoogieEngineer 3 weeks ago
@BoogieEngineer yeah, Corny was a serious soul knight
pretorious700 3 weeks ago
nice guitar work from lou reed on this track - or at least he doesn't half look, stand, and hold his guitar like lou reed. Maybe a bit more proficient on the instrument than the old grumpy fuck though. By several country miles
PretzelLogic 1 month ago
I love this song, but Walter Becker should have stuck with the guitar and left the lead vocals to someone else. I am afraid he is no match to the voice of Donald Fagen on this song.
Kovna 1 month ago
Love SD but Herrington is amazing..
earlmanley 1 month ago
Walter has a fine rock voice--he does sound
a bit like David Bowie here...
GeneralGCuster 3 months ago
@GeneralGCuster he's sounding like a crooner here though! Donald Fagen's vocal style and lyrics couldn't be separated and are an instrument in themselves which defines the Dan.
rintintin7529 2 months ago
@zapwatt, Donald pushes because he is the voice of Steely Dan, not to knock Walter but Fagin clearly is the leader of this Great one of a kind sound.
peelumba 3 months ago
His Book of Liars is killler too Steely THE BEST
jefblak 3 months ago
Love this!
TinkerGrace3k 3 months ago
Not that big on Becker singing this. Too low, too slow. This version just drags.
autodrivex 4 months ago
The original version is fantastic, and so is this version. The only studio song which I know features Walter Becker as the lead vocalist is the song "Slang of Ages" off the Everything Must Go album of 2003. I'm curious as to how Donald Fagen and Walter Becker would sound singing as a duet.
ragingriccor9999 4 months ago
Becker sings! Oh my!!
Differently nice from Fagen.
LesterNightfly 5 months ago
Sounds a little bit like David Bowie singing.
vypo9 5 months ago
Just love Walter on vocals and JH solo MINT
patrickSTORER22 5 months ago
I love his voice, and am very disappointed that Steely Dan didn't make use of it more. As for his performing Haitian divorce, I'm torn: on the one hand, it's very nice to see him getting more time at the mic, plus it makes me hopeful that if they ever release more new stuff, he'll figure more prominently. A genuine duet would be neat (trading the lead back and forth). On the other hand, the song sounds so different w/ Walt, that it doesn't seem right somehow. Donald Fagen did this song better.
AUDEPrecords 5 months ago
every body's a critic. let's not forget who wrote this music.
jjoegarr 5 months ago
@jjoegarr
I am a fan first and foremost
this song is such a classic that singining it this way does not do it justice - IMHO
there is a reason the tune is where it is and why it sounds so great
no disrespect intended
pinball1970 5 months ago
awful version
the tune does not work that low
what the hell was he thinking?
pinball1970 5 months ago
awesome!!! the story is kinda raunchy and Walter's voice is perfect for it. this guy is so good, that whatever he does, is just good. there's no down side for Walter Becker.
damanfrom808 6 months ago
Ok, Walter doesn´t sing good like Donald does, but it´s so funny to hear him singing sometimes:-)
MultiSteelydan 6 months ago
Hes made a very sexy song sound...dead!
TruthofDilly 6 months ago
I've seen a DVD version of this show that is much higher quality. It's my favorite song on the DVD. Jon's solo is especially good this time and I love Walter Becker-- his songs are so much more interesting than Fagen's. I still listen to his solo albums regularly but I haven't even played Fagen's blah Morph the Cat since it came out.
thewarmthofthesun1 6 months ago
I saw them do this live. Trust me it sounded much, much better in concert. I actually remember the audience cheering everytime he would sing the "Ah, ah" part. I thought it was pretty cool.
drewper73 6 months ago in playlist Steely Dan
Don't let Walter Becker sing, even if he wrote this tune!A great song it is but only when Donald Fagen sings it .
taariqtaariq 7 months ago
Thank god for Jon's work on this song. I love Becker but don't give him the Mic!
tdee17 7 months ago
this was Walter's song on the album. only reasonable that he sings it in concert.
ripnread 7 months ago in playlist Steely Dan
@ripnread Hi there. This was from the Royal Scam, and the vocal ( actually a really fine vocal ) was done by Donald. Cheers : )
simotazoa 7 months ago
I think Wally sounds good.
zapwatt 8 months ago 2
@zapwatt me too!! in fact, donald is pushing way too much all the time. While Walter takes it easy;)
basgalgemba 7 months ago 3
he pulled it together towards the middle there...
thedanhall 8 months ago
I think its awesome. Chill.
7dollarbeer 8 months ago
who is that black sax player? the slouching one
bassmaster947 8 months ago
He sounds just fine, calm down
TutsRevenge 8 months ago
Thats why they call it art assholes. We dont care if Walter cant sing. WE care about our favorite band.
Bodhisattva57 8 months ago
Hes struggling...
kezzer2 8 months ago
Steely Damned are just a tribute band. I couldn't give a shit that they "do a better version' . It's fun to see them play a bunch of Steely Dan Hits and even sometimes more obscure Steely Dan stuff, but they didn't write it (and all the other stuff that went into making some of the greatest albums ever - SD, and Walter and Donald's solo stuff). So to see Walter sing any Steely Dan song is amazing insight into one the the most imaginative composer's of our generations' minds.
hat2flat 8 months ago
Donald sang this on The Royal Scam, didn't he?
guitbibble 9 months ago
Damn, it's like when Robert Hunter does a show and has to yell at the audience that his show is NOT Jerry. It's so funny 'cause the audience is sooo stupid. Of course, Hunter is going to do his tunes differently from the band. He wrote the lyrics and that's his way of performing them. Enjoy the changes or leave, but damn, figure out the difference. It's not rocket science.
TheElissaS 9 months ago
Well, robert140602, as a matter of fact I can play. I can play and sing this guy under the table. I grew up listening to this music when it was on the radio and was popular. I am just a little disapointed in the calibre of musicians that they have chosen to recreate their music live. If you have the time to pull you head out of your ass and give the Steely Damned performing the same song a listen you'll hear a great version of this song. This guy knows how to use a talk box!
Esqurl 9 months ago
Holy cow. Terrible Walt.
paulsucharski 9 months ago
@paulsucharski he can't sing at all, he is really a non starter as a singer.I Effing LOVE steely Dan but this is not doing the cause much good.
taariqtaariq 7 months ago
hi its Fabio Capello playing the lead on the telecaster ha hah hes more than one talent
meanghost18 9 months ago
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Walter sounds like total shit.. I hate to say that cause I love SD.
swamirob 10 months ago
Walter sounds like shit.. I really hate to say that but HE DOES!
swamirob 10 months ago
I don't think his singing is bad at all in this video! Now "Slang of Ages"? That's kind of a problem.
emmhamm 10 months ago
I do like it when they double the melody in octaves though. But its like you have to suffer thru Walter singing by himself first. Doubling in octaves was a stroke of genius.
RSlug789 10 months ago
Awesome! Nice change up!
nugefour 10 months ago
@nugefour I agree. Walter sounds very different but not bad at all. Kind of gives the song a more laid back feel. Go to it Walter!
SPRPhilly 9 months ago 7
@SPRPhilly I love his voice, and am very disappointed that Steely Dan didn't make use of it more. As for his performing Haitian divorce, on the one hand, it's very nice to see him getting more time at the mic, and it does make the song a little smoother, plus it makes me hopeful that if they ever release more new stuff, he'll figure more prominently. A true duet would be neat. On the other hand, the song sounds so different w/ Walt, that it doesn't seem right. Donald Fagen did this song better.
AUDEPrecords 5 months ago
Poor old Walter may not have the best voice in the world, but I think he does a credible job in talking his way through this live version of Haitian Divorce. He is one-half of Steely Dan and he's allowed to 'sing', if only occasionally. The sound quality does not do justice to the song and Walter's singing, I mean talking.
DRD080 10 months ago
i agree dont let walter sing ever again he just fucked up this awsome some!!!
redrider8081 10 months ago
@redrider8081 Go FUCK yourself asshole. You wouldnt know good music if it walked up and kicked you in your ass. GO listen to Brittney Spears. OH thats just the best music Ever.LOL
Bodhisattva57 8 months ago
@Bodhisattva57 shut your mouth bonehead i know walter good he lives down the street from me in hawaii............ so shut up donkey boy!!!!!!!
redrider8081 8 months ago
i agree dont let walter sing ever again
redrider8081 10 months ago
Can't sing! Hell, he can't play guitar for shit either! And the keys have all been changed on the songs because both Fagan and Becker are getting to old to sing them in the origional keys. And come on Harrington, this song was done with a Heil Talk Box, that wha-wha ain't cuttin it. You don't neccessarily have to play the solos note for note but at least make a stab at getting the right guitar sound! This is just dissapointing. There are tribute bands on here that sound better than this!
Esqurl 10 months ago
@Esqurl "Can't play guitar for shit" ?
Fuck off and die,you 24 carat prick,lol.
What you doing here?
Go listen to Britney and Timberlake,nobhead....:)
robert140602 9 months ago
@robert140602
I would say: "Go listen to jayz and shit hippopp "music"
You´re not able to understand SD and the REAL music
hipphopp is the grave of music
Long life to Donald and Walter!
MultiSteelydan 6 months ago
@Esqurl Fagan? Harrington? I don't know who those people are, but this is a Steely Dan video, so maybe you have the wrong group?
thewarmthofthesun1 6 months ago
@thewarmthofthesun1 Donald FAGAN is Steely Dan! And John HARRINGTON is the guitarist that now tours with him. So, no, I have the right band! These guys were incredible when they were at the top of their game, but not anymore. This is just sad.
Esqurl 6 months ago
@Esqurl - Here, here! Well said my friend!
TruthofDilly 6 months ago
I was curious to hear what Walter Becker's singing voice sounded like...now I sort of wish I wouldn't have searched
Rheems1 11 months ago
Hey guys give him a break have you ever heard him sing Book Of Liars? fucking amazing. btw if anyone has that song from their "Alive In America" album could you please send it to me?
angie4josh 11 months ago
@angie4josh I have that Cd and his singing is just a non event , even if he was just singing 'ba ba black sheep' to his grand kids.
taariqtaariq 7 months ago
This is classic Steely Dan---they like to throw you off a bit in concert. If you love The Dan, then you'll love this song. Walter is awesome!
garwood34 11 months ago
no walter, no.
k77jones 11 months ago
to bad he can't play as he can't sing
MultiShades 1 year ago
@MultiShades You are an idiot. Listen to his guitar on Kamakiriad,Two against Nature, Everything Must Go. Listen to his vocals on Eleven Tracks Of Whack and Circus Money....You Sir are an IDIOT !
billfoss 10 months ago
@billfoss wrong I am a Steely Dan lover and this is sad --this man can not sing at all.Better to put anyone in..........
MultiShades 10 months ago
@MultiShades This man can not sing -sorry
MultiShades 10 months ago
Is this supposed to be a Keith Richard impersonation ?
jeffbeck70 1 year ago
walter..... dam,
you sound,.... well, you know..........
stick to producing, your great at that.
avacack 1 year ago
Ever since I first heard "11 tracks of whack" I fell in love w/ Walters way...of singing... of writing.. I can find no fault in this performance. This is Walter. I love Walter (as a musician of course)lol.
JAZZYJULS 1 year ago
@JAZZYJULS that Walter Becker solo record is so DULL.
taariqtaariq 7 months ago
@JAZZYJULS
Agree. I first discovered that album a couple years after it came out, and I was blown away. I liked Fagen's albums well enough, then got bored with them. But Walter's albums? I still listen to them regularly. I love his style!
thewarmthofthesun1 6 months ago
I thought Becker did not too badly on vocals. I much prefer Herington's Wah Wah solo to that horrid little Talk Box gizmo on the record. I've always had a passionate hatred for that effect.
nostaticatall 1 year ago
If you know The Dan, you respect The Dan.
colorado5a2 1 year ago
@colorado5a2
Right on, colorado!
garwood34 11 months ago
great composer.... great guitarist ... crappy singer
JerichoDitch2 1 year ago
Great!
Let Becker sing the reggae song, jesus fucking christ he can't sing!
They could've pulled some clown from the audience, would have been more fun, couldn't have been any worse.
No talk-box solo? Carlton doesn't have the skill to pull one off probably.
generatrix999 1 year ago
Geez, I hope you haters get stuck on an elevator with Walter Becker.
This sentence is the second time I have ever written or spoken the word 'haters'. It describes its subject just too perfectly, though.
VvAnarchangelvV 1 year ago
Great fockin version, not like the original but nether the less great. §: )~
tsopuaifa 1 year ago
Who let Becker destroy this song??
crayhead 1 year ago
Comment removed
klondie12 1 year ago
Geez, give the "Walters voice sucks" comments a break! All of you "vocal coaches"/critics should maybe send Walt and Don a video and audition to be their new lead vocalist since these guys dont know anything about singing on key or music in general. I dont mind Walters voice at all on this tune. I think its a cool song that is interpreted differently in a live setting. I also think Carolyn Leonhart-Escoffery sounds great harmonizing with him in the verses as well. Awesome version!
coachcdobbs 1 year ago
Wher is your Voice Walter?????
Sunrise614 1 year ago
yayy its my favorite song!!!
thanks
georgeporgeyt 1 year ago
Herington is just killin. As usual.
Markgr122 1 year ago
I saw them do this live in 2003 and it was awesome! Every time it came to the "Ahh" part the crowd went wild. It sounded just fine live. Something gets lost in the transfer from live show to watching it on a computer monitor.
drewper73 1 year ago
Maybe he penned the lyrics to the song and wanted to sing his tune.
bradco6 1 year ago
brill
1branta 1 year ago
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LOVE the vocal! These guys always had such a wry, even perverse, understated and detached manner of storytelling, and Becker's vocal is right in there. Perfect - they're BOTH perfect. Love it.
MayAllSentientBeings 1 year ago
LOVE the vocal! These guys always had such a wry, even perverse, understated and detached manner of storytelling, and Becker's vocal is right in there. Perfect - they're BOTH perfect. Love it.
MayAllSentientBeings 1 year ago
I think Walter's version is great and adds a different "shade" to the song... I love Donald's version... but listening to them separately they create different "characters" through their singing style... I couldn't get his at all the first time I heard it but then grew to love it!!! They're both wry; Donald's version is more sardonic/cutting whereas Walter's is more laid back and comes across as detached and ironic... Would love to hear this in concert!!!
autoforthepeople 1 year ago
@autoforthepeople -Circus Money is one of the best CD i have heard in a long long time.Walters singing is great!
Markgr122 1 year ago
@Markgr122 Circus Money is a master piece and yes, Walter singing is great;
lagoamemo 1 year ago
I agree with P
ScottPhillips55 1 year ago
who let walter out of the bag on this one?
favabeans215 1 year ago
is that him singing or is he lip synching along with Grampa Simpson ?
Frankenpalin 1 year ago
C'mon guys! Give Walt a break! It's not like anyone else can sing like Fagan anyway and I think it's cool to hear other voices sing. This track is fucking awesome!
michaelspillman1 1 year ago
Anyone who thinks Walter can't sing should listen to his studio stuff, then get back to the YouTube message boards, where no one will give a shit the second time.
voodoochili12 1 year ago
nice alt-vox Walter rock on!
rockcottage 1 year ago
Yeah... sorry, Walter, but this is bad. Stick to the guitar.
downesdesign 1 year ago
I love Walter's singing. He sings like me.
kenjajesfeelit 1 year ago
Hee Walt no offence, but leave the singing to Donald the next time. You play the guitar like no-one can.
Teigetje62 1 year ago 2
I love this!
msmomo2u 1 year ago
This is AWFULL!!! Some people just should not sing...Walter Becker is one them!!! Great writer and musician, however....Just don't sing!
thestratlars 1 year ago 2
@thestratlars I think that Michael McDonald should be the singer for Steely Dan.
riskotibor80 1 year ago
Walter's voice SUX!!!!!
ason81 1 year ago 3
@ason81 fuck you
cushinb 5 months ago
@ason81 Couldn't disagree more. I don't know if this is Walter's best vocal performance, but he's got a very earthy, southern rock, full bodied voice. I would agree that Donald Fagen is the better singer of the two, but I think Walter's voice should've been far more utilized than it was. Unless it was by Walter's own choice, it borders on criminal that he only did Slang of Ages. He should've sung lead more. Moreover, he sounds real good on his solo stuff. So, no, thumbs down on your post, dude.
AUDEPrecords 5 months ago
This performance post dates Cornelius Bumpas, which is quite a shame. He added alot to the band. They are great anyway but the Mr. Bumpas, they were hot!
The3dphotoartist 1 year ago
Nah mans, and ladies this is Mr Becker! if you like Chris Rea , you'll like this. and what a sweet reggae jazz beat in the background, i'd expect nothing less from STEELY DAN
TeRangitakatu 1 year ago
Actually, Becker's usually on tune with this one. I think he can sing decent, it's just that his voice doesn't fit the style of this song. He needs a bit of oomph to it.
ishotthesheriff7 1 year ago
Woah. I never heard becker sing before. This is news to me. haha
ishotthesheriff7 1 year ago
FML
cls5292 2 years ago
Please Donald.......don't let Walter sing!!!!
beatles1000 2 years ago 18
@beatles1000 He most certainly can sing better than you.
illlite 11 months ago
@beatles1000
Please Beatles1000 ........Don't post glib comments!!!!
StereoFlange 11 months ago
@StereoFlange Yes sir.....soooooo sorry
beatles1000 11 months ago
OMG!! LOL
jetstarrmd 2 years ago
I love Dan, but this sounds really bad!
vivjon 2 years ago 5
Ugh this is normally in E. They're playing it in A. Just for Becker. It just doesn't sound right..
johnm14 2 years ago
wtf is becker doing singing this one?
Putaspellonyou 2 years ago
I saw Walt do this at aintree racecourse in the UK a few years ago and it fitted into to the set real well, its almost a rap/narration version of the classic and I actually like it as it is nice and droll, Jon's wha wha solo is cool too!
HDProdSolutions 2 years ago
that's a sweet solo at 4:19
PoopLoungeProduction 2 years ago
Not so great here but he sounds decent on Slang of Ages from Everything must go and on his solo album Circus Money which has about 5 really good songs.
cooldork68 2 years ago
becker can sing? oh yeah, that's right, he CAN'T!
NJfclef 2 years ago 3
No! One of my fav Dan songs, Fagen does a perfectly fine job, why bekcer? Sheesh. I have to agree witht he majority
lazloleaf 2 years ago 3
I can't imagine Fagen's voice being any worse than this for this song!
blaster1985 2 years ago
Becker sang "Daddy don't Live in that New York City" at the Tower. PLEASE don't let him sing again!!
Jon Herington rules!!
beatles1000 2 years ago 3
Donald Fagen stage toilet time, as he leaves he shouts "hey Becks take over for a few minutes, don't go selling millions of solo albums while i'm gone.!!..... or indeed anytime in the future..
tarkstar99 2 years ago
why the fuck did becker do that.
kwakky 2 years ago
If you care to look, hear, Fagen's voice just isn't strong enough to hit all the highs in this tune. I'm actually kind of shocked at how thin his voice has sounded the last 8-10 yrs. He's half the singer he use to be, but still adequate for most of their songs.
docdocwhosthere 2 years ago
yes, his voice has weakened. but he uses it well enough for it for the songs to still shine. with this it just sounds fucked up, weak, and weird. that said, i do like becker's solo albums and "slang of ages".
kwakky 2 years ago
How is it some singers retain golden pipes till the day they die? Tony Bennett's well into his 80s, and is hardly a ghost of his former self. His singing is still first rate & ageless. I bet if some of the fading singers around actually tried to address the problem, they might be able to do something about it:
Quit those cigs., hire a vocal coach, do voice exercises daily...they might be surprised at the results.
Bobjb999 2 years ago
the reason being is steely dan were not a regular working and touring band that he could keep the muscle working over the years. he sand when he needed to probably. that alone is not going to keep the pipes strong.
miser42 2 years ago
He sang it two nights ago at Massey Hall in Toronto, and it was fantastic.
BeeRich33 2 years ago
the music's good. more funky than the studio version. It's just Walter's singing that sucks.
GDarkstar74 2 years ago
Comment removed
dtsecofr21 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Jon Herington is nasty. you haven't a clue what is good and what's not.
GDarkstar74 2 years ago
Comment removed
dtsecofr21 2 years ago
I hope you mean that in the way that jon herington is great, because if not, wow...
CaptainJazz92 2 years ago
well that's what i was trying to say but clearly people don't know how to interpret what i'm saying.
GDarkstar74 2 years ago
Pathetic effort at great tune,this could b any crap cover band with a lousy singer
ive seen SD live on 3 occasions 15yrs apart all magnificent shows,but on the last occasion aintree pavilion 2007 becker did a woeful rendition of haitian divorce but becoz it was the dan nobody dare boo 4 fear of upsetting the fragile heroes .....are they laughing at us or what?
bazisbest1 2 years ago 3
i love both walt and don so stop slamming walt walt rulesperiod don too sd 4 life haters
MrDocktaill 2 years ago
At least the back-up singers sound good!
73TRANSAM455 2 years ago
Shit! One of my favorite songs by SD, and it sounds like shit.
tinachipp 2 years ago 2
Walter sings this song to give Donald a break, and to give us a bathroom break. :/. saw donald sing it at the beacon. becker herington and LARRY MOTHERF'ING CARLTON traded off solos. my dad said it was the best concert moment of his life.
griffinsilver216 2 years ago
I find it amazing that a band with such a talent at selecting the best musicians on the planet found the worst singer and actually let him sing. He plays guitar good though ;-)
10oooo01 2 years ago
The Dan are what they are because of Fagen's vocals. He isn't a great singer but is a good singer with a great voice for their style of music. Becker should never sing. In fact this is the first time I have seen him singing.
skipper8257 2 years ago
@skipper8257
They are what they are due to excellent, unique and interesting songwriting skills that are the product of both Becker and Fagen. Who cares what their voices sound like?
thewarmthofthesun1 6 months ago
Was that Whoopie Goldberg playing bass?
mikeysj30 2 years ago
Becker can't sing for shit, not even sort of.
obdami 2 years ago
A to the Q: Why is Walter singing this song?
Q: Because Walter lost the bet. Actually, Carolyn Leonhart lost the bet, but she refused to go along with the Strip Poker rulz.
Frankly I got tired of Jerry Lewis cinging this cong.
C-I-L-L mah LandLord.
DancingSpiderman 2 years ago
Dean Parks and the talk box made this song once.
Herington is good but it's not the same thing.
dogofman 2 years ago
This song is not supposed to be sung, but snarled, preferably with an East Coast accent. Gotta agree with Mugwamp.
mrchrisization 2 years ago
great tone
druss56 2 years ago
love the Steelies but what the fuck is Walter doing strangling this song to death???
why doesnt he do" book of liars " which suits his "voice " better
mugwamp4 2 years ago
Saw them in Las Vegas--a while back--loved Becker's voice. I'm convinced he wrote it....'just his style....'
jmkism 2 years ago
Funny how they take turns between Fagen, Becker, Palmer and McDonald with singing.
Winterstick549 2 years ago
Ouch. Walter that hurts
thinair88 2 years ago
You are the 'IN' thing now JON :)
Wesbound1 2 years ago
I wonder why Donald doesn't sing in this one? Personally I prefer Donald's singing in this song. I love this song, I just think it sounds weird with WB singing in this one.
Joseph03743 2 years ago
Everyone buy Walters CircusMoney CD. Incredible.
Markgr122 2 years ago
Total class musicsianship from all involved - a true pleasure to hear these guys playing their classic tunes - may it long continue. Love you guys !
bassmankang 2 years ago
Everybody's a critic, you know. Easy to sit on the couch and criticize someone that can do something you can't, or aren't. These guys are incredible musicians and even better songwriters.
speedsalot 2 years ago
There's something I love about listening to walt singing this song a little flat (as is his way).
sidobeef 2 years ago
Nothing like Wally B singing vocals. I love his vocals on 11 Tracks of Whack.
edgarallanpoet 2 years ago
His singing on CircusMoney is top notch!!!! One of the best CDs in years and years.
Markgr122 2 years ago
great!
Becker sings it better than Fagen!
well, it is his tune after all.
xTjPx 2 years ago
Be nice guys. Not everyone can sound as good as Donald Fagen.
FaaarLeft 2 years ago 2
This is kind of like seeing the little guy from Penn and Teller speak!
1294wor 2 years ago 3
This comment has received too many negative votes show
crappy vocals
mahabang 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
sounds like he's trying to take a shit and sing at the same time.
Hope the shit turned out better.
GaryNull 2 years ago
Wow. fat assed groove and smokin' axe.
jongreek 2 years ago 4
Nevermind Becker's vocal - how #@*&^%! good is Jon Herington!?!?! Man - what a killer - I saw them live a couple of years ago with Jon on guitar and I'll never forget it - simply an amazing player.
mosesupposes 2 years ago 11
@mosesupposes the licks around the 5:00 mark were sick.
gamergeek3000 1 year ago