For me Steely Dan were one of the most musically talented bands from the 70's with some great songs and some truly amazing guitarists with really original solo's/licks. I'd give my left nut to be able to play like Jeff Skunk Baxter, Denny Dias, Walter Becker, etc - I know they were mainly a studio band from around 1974 with other guitarists stepping in eg Larry Carlton and Elliott Randall (who played the solo for Rellin' in the years) but the musical talent and merging of rock, blues, jazz etc was just extraordinary.
I just came across a wonderful series of videos by Tom Quayle, example here - if you're a Steely Dan fan check him out:
And this guy's not too shabby either re getting the 'feel' - nice medley!
I started out with nothing..... but I've still got most of it left (Seasick Steve)
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The FM track is one of my all time favourite songs
Great grooves - Agree to a large extent with your comments @Blueingreen about how/why the likes of Larry sound so much better in a band like SD , as against their own solo work
People marvel at the playing on those albums which was always stellar but often forget the sheer magic of the song, structure, harmony, melody and lyrical content, were simply at a different level to the straight-ahead rock bands of the era.
I did hear a great quote once, if you find a girl who really appreciates SD then marry her as the only people who listen to Steely Dan are musicians and nerdy blokes, few women get Steely Dan. LOL
I play just what I feel
Drink Scotch whisky all night long
And die behind the wheel
They got a name for the winners in the world
I want a name when I lose ......
Funnily enough, seen them a few times in the UK and once in New York and every time the sound was shit! There is a fine “tribute” band called “Nearly Dan” who play up and down the country, well worth seeing, they absolutely nail the sound and feature a great guitar player who handles all the solos with great ability.If you are a Dan fan they are worth seeing.