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Steely Dan — Kid Charlemagne
Album: The Royal Scam
Avg rating:
7.3

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1539









Released: 1976
Length: 4:26
Plays (last 30 days): 0
While the music played
You worked by candlelight
Those San Francisco nights
You were the best in town

Just by chance you crossed
The diamond with the pearl
You turned it on the world
That's when you turned the world around

Did you feel like Jesus?
Did you realize
That you were a champion in their eyes?

On the hill, the stuff was laced with kerosene
But yours was kitchen clean
Everyone stopped to stare
At your Technicolor motorhome

Every A-frame had your number on the wall
You must have had it all
You'd go to L.A. on a dare
And you'd go it alone

Could you live forever?
Could you see the day?
Could you feel your whole world
Fall apart and fade away?

Get along, get along, Kid Charlemagne
Get along, Kid Charlemagne

Now your patrons have
All left you in the red
Your low-rent friends are dead
This life can be very strange

All those Day-Glo freaks
Who used to paint their face
They've joined the human race
Some things will never change

Son, you were mistaken
You were obsolete
Look at all the white men on the street

Get along, get along, Kid Charlemagne
Get along, Kid Charlemagne

Clean this mess up
Else we'll all end up in jail
Those test tubes and the scale
Just get it all outta here

Is there gas in the car?
Yes, there's gas in the car
I think the people down the hall
Know who you are

Careful what you carry
'Cause the man is wise
You are still an outlaw in their eyes

Get along, get along, Kid Charlemagne
Get along, Kid Charlemagne
Comments (190)add comment
See, I always though they were singing "King Charlemagne", who was a real person. I didn't have the album, and nobody on the radio said the title. I guess this changes everything.
 Zep wrote:


Amen brah. Is there gas in the car?


Yes...there's gas in the  caaaaaaar.  
cmon...one of the greatest guitar playing ever

ever
 Alastair wrote:

There is no such  thing as too much Steely Dan



Amen brah. Is there gas in the car?
 NelsonBlack wrote:

Just finished an interesting book about the Dan: Quantum Criminals. Recommended for those interested in a deep dive.

Meanwhile: "is there gas in the car? yes, there's gas in the car!"




Than You for the info!
Just finished an interesting book about the Dan: Quantum Criminals. Recommended for those interested in a deep dive.

Meanwhile: "is there gas in the car? yes, there's gas in the car!"
 grandemarch wrote:

Epic guitar solo by Larry Carlton



the drums always get me in this song specifically for some reason. love it. i think if they were isolated, i'd still know what song they were from. 
Epic guitar solo by Larry Carlton
Classic and so musical. Donald Fagen had that sleezy voice and so intended that way. R and B at its best. Walter Becker we salute your guitar/ absolute best!
 Highlowsel wrote:
I don't know why the Steely provokes such strong, almost visceral, negative reactions out of some folks.  I mean....what's not to like about these guys?
 
For me when they were In their prime they were the equivalent of that group of very strong and adept basketball players in your 'hood.  You know the ones?  Everyone always got off the court so's to watch when they showed up to play. 
 
Well...for me that's about what Steely was, and is, to this aspect of music.  Nobody does it better as far as I'm concerned.  RIP Sir Becker, you did good with your time on this plane of existence.  If there's a better place to go I'm sure you are there.  {#Motor}
 
Highlow
American Net'Zen


i like this comment a lot. 
Jeez, would rather stick needles in my ears than listen to this!  But still wouldn't want RP to change the playlist, that's why we're here.  Rock on
 Alastair wrote:

There is no such  thing as too much Steely Dan



That's what she said...
my,  as close to a #1 as possible
 JrzyTmata wrote:

yes, there's gas in the caaaaar!



gauge musta been broke, there was not enough gas in the car
 Queue wrote:

Here's a fantastic study of this fantastic song:

What Makes This Song Great? Ep. 3 Steely Dan - Rick Beato


Great link, thanks!

 xcranky_yankee wrote:

the album that sucked me into a record club - dumb. But this song was great and when I read the story about Owsley (can't remember the last name) in a special (40th anniversary?) Rolling Stones edition it was better...gave it context. Before that it was an amazingly produced tune!


That would be Stanley...aka....Bear.
 lizardking wrote:

+1 to 9, loving this jazzy tune from some of the best session players ever....and some Michael McDonald!  Long Live RP!!

Donald Fagen – lead vocals, organ Larry Carlton – lead guitar Walter Becker – rhythm guitar Don GrolnickFender Rhodes electric piano Paul GriffinHohner Clavinet Chuck Rainey – bass Bernard Purdie – drums Donald Fagen, Michael McDonald, Venetta Fields, Clydie King, Sherlie Matthews – background vocals



Yep +1 to 9
And I +1'd your comment, too.
the album that sucked me into a record club - dumb. But this song was great and when I read the story about Owsley (can't remember the last name) in a special (40th anniversary?) Rolling Stones edition it was better...gave it context. Before that it was an amazingly produced tune!
 Bargamon wrote:


"4 out of 5 dentists recommend Trident gum"

Someone has to be the 5th that does not.


9 out of 10 doctors who tried Camels went back to women...

Tony in NJ
W.A.S.T.E.
 JaronLindow wrote:
Parts of this song have a very Alan Parsons Project feel
 
I was thinking the same thing, every time it comes on I think it’s A.P.P. until the vocals kick in
 idiot_wind wrote:

So who's playing that killer guitar at the end of song? 

Becker or Carlton? 

Will some  great mysteries never be solved?  


It was Carlton.  It's like his claim to fame.
 idiot_wind wrote:

So who's playing that killer guitar at the end of song? 

Becker or Carlton? 

Will some  great mysteries never be solved?  



Don't think it's Walter.  But I sure agree it's killer. 
An absolute 10 if ever there was one.  Damn, Bill, you're making it happen today. Gawd I love Radio Paradise. 
And the drumming.

OMG!
And who's playing that Sanford and Son  hook at end of the chorus? 
So who's playing that killer guitar at the end of song? 

Becker or Carlton? 

Will some  great mysteries never be solved?  
 Lenora wrote:
OMG. All the years I've been listening to this song and I always thought they said, "Did you realize that your were Italian in their eyes"!! 
 

I'm lookin' at the lyrics but my ears are saying you got it right the first time...
 Lenora wrote:
OMG. All the years I've been listening to this song and I always thought they said, "Did you realize that your were Italian in their eyes"!! 
 
You mean it's not? Well, that makes a whole more sense then. I always thought that a nonsensical lyric like "...you were Italian in their eyes." cheapened an otherwise spectacular song (and I love the Dan!). I bought this when it came out, played the grooves off of it and I'm just NOW learning the lyrics, well, s'cuze me while I kiss this guy....

Anything Steely Dan is an automatic 10.  The greatest band of all time, bar none (even though they were essentially a duo but pedants can do one).
OMG. All the years I've been listening to this song and I always thought they said, "Did you realize that your were Italian in their eyes"!! 
+1 to 9, loving this jazzy tune from some of the best session players ever....and some Michael McDonald!  Long Live RP!!

Donald Fagen – lead vocals, organ Larry Carlton – lead guitar Walter Becker – rhythm guitar Don GrolnickFender Rhodes electric piano Paul GriffinHohner Clavinet Chuck Rainey – bass Bernard Purdie – drums Donald Fagen, Michael McDonald, Venetta Fields, Clydie King, Sherlie Matthews – background vocals
Just realized that the first time I heard parts of this song was on Kanye West "Champion" track - the joy of being born in the 90's and listening to RP!
There is no such  thing as too much Steely Dan
 Highlowsel wrote:
I don't know why the Steely provokes such strong, almost visceral, negative reactions out of some folks.  I mean....what's not to like about these guys?
 
For me when they were In their prime they were the equivalent of that group of very strong and adept basketball players in your 'hood.  You know the ones?  Everyone always got off the court so's to watch when they showed up to play. 
 
Well...for me that's about what Steely was, and is, to this aspect of music.  Nobody does it better as far as I'm concerned.  RIP Sir Becker, you did good with your time on this plane of existence.  If there's a better place to go I'm sure you are there.  {#Motor}
 
Highlow
American Net'Zen
 
It's called being overplayed on AOR and Classic Radio stations over the decades. I used to dig it but wouldn't care if I never heard these songs again.
Here's a fantastic study of this fantastic song:

What Makes This Song Great? Ep. 3 Steely Dan - Rick Beato
Parts of this song have a very Alan Parsons Project feel.
The guitar riffs at the end, just KILL it!
I don't know why the Steely provokes such strong, almost visceral, negative reactions out of some folks.  I mean....what's not to like about these guys?
 
For me when they were In their prime they were the equivalent of that group of very strong and adept basketball players in your 'hood.  You know the ones?  Everyone always got off the court so's to watch when they showed up to play. 
 
Well...for me that's about what Steely was, and is, to this aspect of music.  Nobody does it better as far as I'm concerned.  RIP Sir Becker, you did good with your time on this plane of existence.  If there's a better place to go I'm sure you are there.  {#Motor}
 
Highlow
American Net'Zen
 Grayson wrote:
Imma just come out and say it: I like Steely Dan. And always have. So there. Laugh in my face if you must. . . .
 
No need to "confess".
The Dan are and have always been way cool.
The musicianship of this band is pretty awesome. Larry Carlton (Mr. 335) is an ace. I've literally taken lessons from him just to watch his nimble acrobatic playing. The production, mixing- superb and used for many a reference.

but, I hate to say it knowing there are die hard fans here..... Lyrically- I don't recall a single S.D. song that "moved" me. Some are far better than this though......
Imma just come out and say it: I like Steely Dan. And always have. So there. Laugh in my face if you must. Heck, I took so much cr*p from rocker bros for liking Rod Stewart all through the 70's, never gave him up either even though I'd find my Rod Stewart posters defaced on a regular basis, also the David Cassidy ones but let me not diverge, I can take any amount of rock-bullying anyone seeks to apply. Like they'd dare nowadays. 
RIP Walter Becker
 anisbet wrote:
did Walter Becker do that awesome guitar solo in the middle of this song? so sweet!

 
Larry Carlton. Studio musician. Played with The Crusaders
How bout that Larry Carlton solo?! Pure 70s studio sophistication
 Steely_D wrote:
Steely Dan residency in Las Vegas - three weeks of shows on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday.
Used points to get flights and a hotel and bought excellent seats immediately to the left of the sound board for the middle week, Wed/Fri/Sat.

Worked hard all my life - this is why I did it.

 
EXCELLENT !!!   Well deserved !!  Enjoy the show.
Horrid.
yes, there's gas in the caaaaar!
IS there gas in the car?
Steely Dan residency in Las Vegas - three weeks of shows on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday.
Used points to get flights and a hotel and bought excellent seats immediately to the left of the sound board for the middle week, Wed/Fri/Sat.

Worked hard all my life - this is why I did it.
 oldman wrote:
Thanks for reminding me once again how really good these guys were.

 
They're still touring - doing a run in Las Vegas in April. Maybe they'll add more dates for this year.
 westslope wrote:
Thanks MiloD.

Steely Dan .......  strange that I don't own any music from this band.  One of the best from the period. 

 
Then you need "Citizen" which is a compilation of all the studio albums before the hiatus, and the live album. 
Thanks for reminding me once again how really good these guys were.
 scrubbrush wrote:
I'll take "Sometimes When We Touch" over just about any Steely Dan song (and that's not to say i like Sometimes When We Touch) . I recognize that Steely Dan is a great band and has a lot of songs that are loved by millions but for some reason, i just cannot stand that guy's voice... too lounge-y.

 
Well, he just consumed what he's singing about probably? Lucy in the Skies with Diamonds had inspired many artists-
Thanks MiloD.

Steely Dan .......  strange that I don't own any music from this band.  One of the best from the period. 
 idiot_wind wrote:
Who is playing the killer guitar at the end of the song? 

 And...what the heck are these wonderful cryptic lyrics about? 

 
Larry Carlton

Here's a quick wiki link:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kid_Charlemagne


I'll take "Sometimes When We Touch" over just about any Steely Dan song (and that's not to say i like Sometimes When We Touch) . I recognize that Steely Dan is a great band and has a lot of songs that are loved by millions but for some reason, i just cannot stand that guy's voice... too lounge-y.
 rushed wrote:
Terrific Steely Dan ode to the King of LSD.

 https://sfist.com/2015/07/20/san_francisco_show_and_tell_steely.php
 

Hey rushed,

An ode to the Dancing Bear?

And did you ever enjoy it at the Stagger Inn on main street in good old  Edwardsville, when they had bands playing? 

FYI: I'm a veteran of the Mississippi River Festival! Ah....those were the days.
 
 
Terrific Steely Dan ode to the King of LSD.

 https://sfist.com/2015/07/20/san_francisco_show_and_tell_steely.php
Who is playing the killer guitar at the end of the song? 

 And...what the heck are these wonderful cryptic lyrics about? 
 kcar wrote:
. . . But don't forget Dan Hill with "Sometimes When We Touch": 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-xnyHG96vY8 

Why Will Ferrell hasn't done a parody of that song is beyond me. If you can do an OTT cowbell for Blue Oyster Cult, you can break the evil spell of Dan Hill with laughter.
 
kcar, 50 lashes with a wet noodle for dredging up Dan Hill from the trash heap of bad musical memories.
If any song can knock off "We Built This City" for worst song ever, it has to be "Sometimes When We Touch".
So bad it's hard to believe it's not a parody. The very definition of mawkish.
 vicariance wrote:
Every time I have to turn off Radio Paradise because I notice that my speakers are producing music that is making my stomach turn, it's Steely Dan.  This band is just wildly so much worse than anything else that EVER plays on RP.  That so many of you dig it is a complete mystery to me.  His voice is bland and tired sounding.  The backup bass sounds like elevator music with gas.  It's just awful.

 
Maybe you still must learn to recognize real good music...? {#Think}
One of my favorite solos.  Larry Carlton's magic!
 Rooney wrote:


Wow...are you too young to remember Barry Manilow?  Now there's someone worth vomiting to.                       {#Puke}  
 

Barry Manilow. Always dreamt of taking him for some skeet shooting. No, Barry, you don't get a gun...

But don't forget Dan Hill with "Sometimes When We Touch": 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-xnyHG96vY8 

Why Will Ferrell hasn't done a parody of that song is beyond me. If you can do an OTT cowbell for Blue Oyster Cult, you can break the evil spell of Dan Hill with laughter. 

I used to dislike Steely Dan but love 'em now. 

Dan Hill with lots of chest hair 

 vicariance wrote:
Every time I have to turn off Radio Paradise because I notice that my speakers are producing music that is making my stomach turn, it's Steely Dan.  This band is just wildly so much worse than anything else that EVER plays on RP.  That so many of you dig it is a complete mystery to me.  His voice is bland and tired sounding.  The backup bass sounds like elevator music with gas.  It's just awful.
 

"4 out of 5 dentists recommend Trident gum"

Someone has to be the 5th that does not.
{#Bananapiano}

OK
Love the Dan!  Always used top studio musicians.
 vicariance wrote:
Every time I have to turn off Radio Paradise because I notice that my speakers are producing music that is making my stomach turn, it's Steely Dan.  This band is just wildly so much worse than anything else that EVER plays on RP.  That so many of you dig it is a complete mystery to me.  His voice is bland and tired sounding.  The backup bass sounds like elevator music with gas.  It's just awful.
 

Wow...are you too young to remember Barry Manilow?  Now there's someone worth vomiting to.                       {#Puke}  


 bobrk wrote:
Two 'Dans in one day. Awesome.
 
And from the same album. A nice surprise, though Aja is still my favourite.

 bobrk wrote:
Two 'Dans in one day. Awesome.
 
Was thinking the exact same thing.....

Every time I have to turn off Radio Paradise because I notice that my speakers are producing music that is making my stomach turn, it's Steely Dan.  This band is just wildly so much worse than anything else that EVER plays on RP.  That so many of you dig it is a complete mystery to me.  His voice is bland and tired sounding.  The backup bass sounds like elevator music with gas.  It's just awful.
Two 'Dans in one day. Awesome.
 FrankMc wrote:
If you don't find any happiness in Skunk Baxter's work on lead guitar, you must spend a lot of time hitting the mute button.
  Love Skunk's work, but this is Larry Carlton. FWIW, Rolling Stone named this #80 in the top 100 guitar solos of all time.

I started really liking Steely Dan when I worked at a thrift store and we had to listen to oldies all day. Steely Dan is really hella bomb.
 scrubbrush wrote:


i try to avoid negative comments, but i have to agree that i just don't get anything from Steely Dan, other than an urge to mute to speakers 
 

It is alright, admitting you have a problem is the first step.{#Yes} Please seek help, if not for yourself, then for those that love you.
An all-time fave.  Just sooooo good from beginning to end.
 scrubbrush wrote:


i try to avoid negative comments, but i have to agree that i just don't get anything from Steely Dan, other than an urge to mute to speakers 
 


I agree. Always disliked Steely Dan.
Is that a Moog Synthesiser I can hear in there?
Start with "Countdown to Ecstasy" check it out from the library.
If you don't find any happiness in Skunk Baxter's work on lead guitar, you must spend a lot of time hitting the mute button.

 
scrubbrush wrote:


i try to avoid negative comments, but i have to agree that i just don't get anything from Steely Dan, other than an urge to mute to speakers 
 


I don't get SD either. I can hear that they're doing something "different" with their sound, and I get that other people think that difference is pleasing, unique, innovative. I find it almost atonal, at times even amelodic (perhaps I mean off-key, off-melody). Unpleasant in most cases.
 Balthazar wrote:
Same here, I find nothing interesting or pleasing in SD, have to mute them every time.

oilydwarf wrote:
Is there something wrong with me?  I find this painful, I would rather listen to silence!  Technically accomplished I'm sure but tuneless. Help me - someone please explain the appeal of SD!!!!
  
Not at all — my fingers reflexively mute just about all Steely Dan..........  Must be an acquired taste, one I would prefer not to sully my listening palate with!   (however I do enjoy "Do It Again" — probably because it's similarity to Santana)

 

i try to avoid negative comments, but i have to agree that i just don't get anything from Steely Dan, other than an urge to mute to speakers 
Love these historical ballads about daring figures from the olden days. Owsley, RIP
I could loop (and have) this Carlton solo an embarrassing number of times.

R.I.P.   Bear
No mistaking that awesome solo by Larry Carlton! So Smooooooth, So Cool!!!
Same here, I find nothing interesting or pleasing in SD, have to mute them every time.

oilydwarf wrote:
Is there something wrong with me?  I find this painful, I would rather listen to silence!  Technically accomplished I'm sure but tuneless. Help me - someone please explain the appeal of SD!!!!
  
Not at all — my fingers reflexively mute just about all Steely Dan..........  Must be an acquired taste, one I would prefer not to sully my listening palate with!   (however I do enjoy "Do It Again" — probably because it's similarity to Santana)



not from Pretzel Logic but rather The Royal Scam
 anisbet wrote:
did Walter Becker do that awesome guitar solo in the middle of this song? so sweet!
 
I think that was Larry Carlton.


 sirdroseph wrote:
RIP Owsley!{#Cheers}
 
{#Cheers}

RIP Owsley!{#Cheers}
did Walter Becker do that awesome guitar solo in the middle of this song? so sweet!
I really dig that lead guitar in the middle.  Some of Steely Dan's music is too 'smooth', played too straight for my liking, somewhat akin to smooth jazz.  But not Kid Charlemagne.
Poetry_Hound wrote:
One of the finest rock solos ever (both solos). Larry Carlton's playing is unbelievable. So tasty!
I'll play those solos over and over sometimes - inventive on a Miles Davis scale.

 oilydwarf wrote:
Is there something wrong with me?  I find this painful, I would rather listen to silence!  Technically accomplished I'm sure but tuneless. Help me - someone please explain the appeal of SD!!!!
 
Not at all — my fingers reflexively mute just about all Steely Dan..........  Must be an acquired taste, one I would prefer not to sully my listening palate with!   (however I do enjoy "Do It Again" — probably because it's similarity to Santana)

 hippiechick wrote:
Owsley Stanley (b. Augustus Owsley Stanley III, January 19, 1935, also known as Owsley or Bear) was an underground LSD chemist, the first to produce large quantities of pure LSD. His total production is estimated at around half a kilogram of LSD, or roughly 5 million 100-microgram "trips" of normal potency, although accounts vary widely. The widespread and low-cost (often given away free) availability of high-quality Owsley LSD in the San Francisco area in the mid-1960s may well have been indispensable for the emergence of the hippie movement during the Summer of Love in the Haight-Ashbury area, which one historian of that movement, Charles Perry, has described as "one big LSD party" and which has had continuing influence to this day in American society in terms of increasing tolerance for alternative perspectives and lifestyles. Owsley was also an accomplished sound engineer, and the longtime soundman for seminal psychedelic rock band the Grateful Dead; the band's well-known "dancing bear" icon derives from his nickname. He designed the first high-fidelity sound systems for rock music, culminating in the massive "Wall of Sound" electrical amplification system used by the Grateful Dead in their live shows, at the time a highly innovative feat of engineering<1>, and was involved with the founding of high-end musical instrument maker Alembic Inc and the pre-eminent concert sound equipment manufacturer Meyer Sound. The combination of his notoriety in the psychedelic scene and his reclusive tendencies (in part cultivated to confuse the authorities —-he avoided being photographed and refused to be interviewed for many years) led to the perpetuation of many inaccurate tales invoking him, and it should be noted that most published materials about him contain some inaccuracies.
 
Owsley was my first time.  It was still legal.

Then Art Linkletters daughter decided to try and fly out of an upper floor window of the Balboa Bay Club in Newport Beach.  The laws changed very shortly there after.

 lee_sf wrote:
Saw SD live when they came through San Francisco last October, and they were surprisingly cool, like, a top-5 live show in the last several years. Was expecting more filler, didn't think it would turn out that rich, given that they peaked over 30 years ago. I need to acquire more of their albums.

 
This gives me such hope!  I've always loved Steely Dan - they're a little like the band-version of Joni Mitchell with a bunch of instruments added, but also with the intelligent lyrics and snazzy rhythms.  I'd sorta disagree with the whole "they peaked over 30 years ago" comment, though - they're still getting played, so apparently, they've maybe re-peaked? {#Bounce}
Saw SD live when they came through San Francisco last October, and they were surprisingly cool, like, a top-5 live show in the last several years. Was expecting more filler, didn't think it would turn out that rich, given that they peaked over 30 years ago. I need to acquire more of their albums.

 OCDHG wrote:

I agree with the "ooze" part, but not with the cool part.  For me, it's more like the Brown Noise.

 
have you listened to the albums in their entirety? around the time their songs were coming out there weren't a lot of rock musicians with their dark and irreverent sensibility (I hadn't gotten into punk yet.)

 oilydwarf wrote:
Is there something wrong with me?  I find this painful, I would rather listen to silence!  Technically accomplished I'm sure but tuneless. Help me - someone please explain the appeal of SD!!!!
 

Oh yes! Without question, please seek professional help, if not for you, then for your loved ones.{#Yes}
Is there something wrong with me?  I find this painful, I would rather listen to silence!  Technically accomplished I'm sure but tuneless. Help me - someone please explain the appeal of SD!!!!
I absolutely cannot stay still when this song plays . . . just gotta boogie!  {#Dancingbanana}

Awesome track, amazing performances by master musicians.  Yay, Dan!!
 Giselle62 wrote:
Donald fagen's voice oozes cooool...
 
I agree with the "ooze" part, but not with the cool part.  For me, it's more like the Brown Noise.

DAN!!! DAN!!! DAN!!!!!!{#Notworthy}    They should play 10Xs more Dan here!! More, more more!!!!{#Pray}
Donald fagen's voice oozes cooool—-l like the lyrics/noir characters—-yeah, the music was tasty—-people who liked punk had to keep their love for SD under wraps for a time.
ditto for steve from san carlos
Kid Charlemagne and Show Biz Kids thrill me endlessly as well as all of Two Against Nature and Everything Must Go
One of the finest rock solos ever (both solos). Larry Carlton's playing is unbelievable. So tasty!
. . . everybody stopped to stare at your technicolor motorhome - love this song! {#Dancingbanana}
This is what it's all about...not just good Steely Dan (most Steely Dan is quite good), but really good Steely Dan. Royal Scam baby...yeah.
 jagdriver wrote:


A direct link can also be made to Ken Kesey, the Merry Pranksters, Whole Earth Catalog, The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test, Xerox PARC (Palo Alto Research Center), and just about everything having to do with modern personal computing.

What's a day without sunshine? {#Sunny}
 

A.K.A. Stanley Owsley, this is the Bear's website: https://www.thebear.org/essays.html


F A N T A S T I C
Over the years I've known a number of guitarists - rock, R&B, jazz, etc - and each and every one of them has at one time expressed admiration for Larry Carlton's work on this song. First time I heard it I was shocked to discover it was him - I was more used to his relaxed playing from The Crusaders.
Traffic, then Steely Dan — fantastic! Go to youtube and search for something called Yacht Rock —  you won't be disappointed!
Another great song by a great band.
I wish Steely Dan released 100 albums as solid as this one. I could listen to so much more of this.
 Thistle wrote:
Check out that guitar solo.  {#Good-vibes}
 



The great Larry Carlton.

 billbangert wrote:
Great song despite the Michael McDonald backing vocals.  You can just hear him thinking "I can't wait to ruin the Doobie Brothers!"
 

Touché
 hippiechick wrote:
Owsley Stanley (b. Augustus Owsley Stanley III, January 19, 1935, also known as Owsley or Bear) was an underground LSD chemist, the first to produce large quantities of pure LSD. His total production is estimated at around half a kilogram of LSD, or roughly 5 million 100-microgram "trips" of normal potency, although accounts vary widely. The widespread and low-cost (often given away free) availability of high-quality Owsley LSD in the San Francisco area in the mid-1960s may well have been indispensable for the emergence of the hippie movement during the Summer of Love in the Haight-Ashbury area, which one historian of that movement, Charles Perry, has described as "one big LSD party" and which has had continuing influence to this day in American society in terms of increasing tolerance for alternative perspectives and lifestyles. Owsley was also an accomplished sound engineer, and the longtime soundman for seminal psychedelic rock band the Grateful Dead; the band's well-known "dancing bear" icon derives from his nickname. He designed the first high-fidelity sound systems for rock music, culminating in the massive "Wall of Sound" electrical amplification system used by the Grateful Dead in their live shows, at the time a highly innovative feat of engineering<1>, and was involved with the founding of high-end musical instrument maker Alembic Inc and the pre-eminent concert sound equipment manufacturer Meyer Sound. The combination of his notoriety in the psychedelic scene and his reclusive tendencies (in part cultivated to confuse the authorities —-he avoided being photographed and refused to be interviewed for many years) led to the perpetuation of many inaccurate tales invoking him, and it should be noted that most published materials about him contain some inaccuracies.
 

A direct link can also be made to Ken Kesey, the Merry Pranksters, Whole Earth Catalog, The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test, Xerox PARC (Palo Alto Research Center), and just about everything having to do with modern personal computing.

What's a day without sunshine? {#Sunny}
Great song despite the Michael McDonald backing vocals.  You can just hear him thinking "I can't wait to ruin the Doobie Brothers!"
 copymonkey wrote:


if it involves a William Burroughs novel and a nickname for an unmentionable object, then yes, you're right.
 

Thats what I thought.  "Steely Dan" sounds so poetic, until you realize it's a steel dildo.
hippiechick wrote:
Owsley Stanley (b. Augustus Owsley Stanley III, January 19, 1935, also known as Owsley or Bear) was an underground LSD chemist, the first to produce large quantities of pure LSD. His total production is estimated at around half a kilogram of LSD, or roughly 5 million 100-microgram "trips" of normal potency, although accounts vary widely. The widespread and low-cost (often given away free) availability of high-quality Owsley LSD in the San Francisco area in the mid-1960s may well have been indispensable for the emergence of the hippie movement during the Summer of Love in the Haight-Ashbury area, which one historian of that movement, Charles Perry, has described as "one big LSD party" and which has had continuing influence to this day in American society in terms of increasing tolerance for alternative perspectives and lifestyles. Owsley was also an accomplished sound engineer, and the longtime soundman for seminal psychedelic rock band the Grateful Dead; the band's well-known "dancing bear" icon derives from his nickname. He designed the first high-fidelity sound systems for rock music, culminating in the massive "Wall of Sound" electrical amplification system used by the Grateful Dead in their live shows, at the time a highly innovative feat of engineering<1>, and was involved with the founding of high-end musical instrument maker Alembic Inc and the pre-eminent concert sound equipment manufacturer Meyer Sound. The combination of his notoriety in the psychedelic scene and his reclusive tendencies (in part cultivated to confuse the authorities —-he avoided being photographed and refused to be interviewed for many years) led to the perpetuation of many inaccurate tales invoking him, and it should be noted that most published materials about him contain some inaccuracies.

Wow what a link-fest.   You missed one though:  https://www.thebear.org

If I recall correctly, he's living in semi-obscurity in OZ ... somewhere.    Good for him.


From Wikipedia:
Being fans of Beat Generation literature, Fagen and Becker named the band after
"Steely Dan III from Yokohama", a strap-on dildo referred to in the William Burroughs
novel The Naked Lunch.

Oh those crazy kids...