SIS Archives -- July 2000

Name: oleander
running hard to get nowhere

Date: Sunday, July 23, 19100 at 22:45:31
Comments:

MC--That was a WONDERFUL account of the Raleigh show. It was a delight to see you two; you were sizzling like isotopes and on you it looks good. I couldn't add anything. Later I'll say something about the party side. Would love to rehash the evening again with you in person sometime! Also thanx for the link to the delicious RN&O piece.

Hutch--great to see you. You looked like a very happy man, but then you always do.

Andy--Bet you thought I was the FBI there for a second--["hmmm-how the hell does she know who I am?!?"] Great to meet you, though I can't understand how someone who looks like they're barely out of middle school could put together such a fabulous webpage.

Alta--Damn, we looked all over for you! Surely, with only 10-15K people there it shouldn't have been hard! Great account. BTW, Mr. Leonhart was singing on "Hank's Pad" too, but you probably couldn't see him. And on the (huge) monitors, the flames during "Josie" were also reflected on the plastic buffers Mr. Lawson had in front of his drums, so he looked as if he were engulfed in but not consumed by flames. No wonder Moses reacted the way he did; that burning-bush effect is breathtaking. As for seat-bopping, about four songs in, the guy to my right asked me & fezo to switch seats because I was being so distracting. And I thought I was subdued. Fortunately, my bodyguard subdued him right back (not). What goes around comes around, I guess; I owe Tina an apology for snapping at her vindication of dancing and then inadvertently hindering someone else's enjoyment of the show my own self.

fezo--thanx (to you & the missus) for being the most gracious of hosts, the most able and candid of bodyguards, and the maker of the most bodacious hash browns in recent memory, AS WELL as the winner of the breakfaster who came the farthest prize. BTW, I have your Clash cd & will mail it to you.

LesTNF--A pleasure I'm sure. You are one generous and fungi, and it was a sheer miracle you didn't get arrested simply for your appearance.

JW--Great to see you around again. You have so much life and creative passion. There must be a liver out there just begging to be yours--keep looking. In the meantime, warm healing wishes.

St. Al--thanx for the tip on the piece on Ms. Calhoun. I didn't realize what an incredible resume she has. I've wondered a lot this tour how Messrs. B & F figured out how to get people whose voices blended so perfectly. That helps. But it's still unbelievable. There's one place in JOS especially where the harmony just gives me chills ("... and his new best friend...")

Mu--that was great.

Parts--good thread. I have heard that the Caves of Altamira were actually discovered by the putative discoverer's young daughter, who happened to wander into them, perhaps with candle in hand. That gives me a new perspective on the first two verses. Apparently, people used to be able to visit them (thereby, I guess, the green & yellow sign), but they're now off limits to just about everyone so as to preserve their beauty. I saw a reproduction of them at the national anthropological museum in Madrid.

Stranger--bon voyage. No, unless there's a quote somewhere, nobody ever knows what they "really" meant, and even then, it may not be. I maintain that it would be nice to know (extreme understatement), but that what really matters is where the lyrics take each of us--or at least that's what's so interesting to me. You guessed it; I'm no historian.

Lisa--welcome.

steviedan--I believe it should be clear that you were the effective co-host of the Raleigh shindig. Your instincts as to milieu and ambience were unerring, and your soundtrack at the bar was unexpected and splendid.

Excuse me, my effusion switch got stuck on again. It's been a phenomenal 8 days for me, and will take a while to sift. Just wanted to greet & thank.

What great posts! Altamira, Midnite, thanks for taking me with you. I could feel the energy again-just the thing for my dandepression. I think I need another tour. Are you listening, Don and Walt?

JWMalibu-so glad you're back boarding, surfing, and posting! I'm sending thoughts for a loooooong upcycle.

cara mia-Deludin coming right up-sure beats going to work Monday.

Well, you guys have been just the thing I needed tonight. A fight with the beau and a memorial service just about made today unbearable for me, but you guys have picked me right up, as usual! Thanks for sharing your experiences so vividly.

Aja

Altamira- awesome, great story, enjoyed the hell outta reading it!

Robin - Thanks; I'd never thought much about sax players myself until they were discussed here.

David in the Florida Room - I went to the chat room, and there was no one there. Should I try again?

Chat Anyone? 10 pm EST

Altimira: What a really great post! I am in agreement with you about the great Dan sax players. Being musically challenged myself, I never really noticed the differences (aside from Coltrane) between saxophonists until I became a Danophile. Amazing.

Got the polo shirt myself (great to wear to work).

Regarding the proclivity of alcohol in disregard to the no-alcohol signs--sounds like the Pittsburgh show. It was in abundance, and all the guys in the golf carts did was hand out trash bags. I never saw them approach anyone for their beverages. At Cleveland however, another story. The golf cart crew were like hawks.

How great to hook up with other like-minded folks to form a "Steely Dan Fan Support Group"! Dandom is a wonderful place.

Later,

R

JW - I'm sorry you were sick, those chronic illnesses can really be a bitch. But I'm glad you're feeling better, and it's good to see you around here again.

Midnite - What a fantastic post! You have expressed so perfectly your experience of that fabulous concert and of the Dan in general. Brilliant!

After reading Midnite's wonderful post, I'm almost afraid to relate my experience at Nissan, but I hope I can contribute a bit to the general knowledge of Dandom by offering up my impressions of a concert at a different venue.

Well, so much for that no-alcohol-in-the-parking-lot policy at Nissan Pavillion! Despite the plethora of signs warning of severe penalties for even having alcohol in one's vehicle, there were people drinking beer all over the parking lot and the picnic area - I even saw one tasteful couple drinking wine from glassware with cobalt stems. I saw one aspiring videographer posing a group of friends, beer bottles in hand, on a large rock. He began his interview by saying, "I'd like to introduce Mike. Mike, when was the first time you saw Steely Dan?" Mike answered, "It was in Milwaukee in...," I missed hearing the rest as I walked away.

I then went to the merchandise booth to buy a polo shirt (I'd bought a program and key ring last week), but, alas, I didn't see Hutch or Ted Baker.

My seat was in the orchestra section, row L, seat 19 (hey, good number!), about 20-30 feet from the stage at the far left side (since the seating was curved, I was six rows back, rather than the ten I had expected). I was pleased to be on the left side since I had sat on the right side at Merriweather Post Pavillion, but, while I could see all the musicians at the previous venue, I couldn't see Ricky Lawson, Tom Barney, or Ted Baker (except for his back and left elbow) at Nissan. I got a great view of Walter, Jon Herington, and the horn section, though. Before the show started, I saw someone place a bunch of red roses at Bob Sheppard's chair.

Although I hadn't been drinking or smoking anything, I can't remember much about the concert - it was just such a tremendous rush of sound and sight; too much to take in. I did pay more attention to the solos, and I thought that Walter's sounded better than they did last week. Ted Baker's solo was just lovely, but my enoyment of it was marred by two people who jostled past my knees on their way out in the middle of it. Herington was magnificent; such blistering energy. Although both Cornelius Bumpus and Bob Sheppard were wonderful, I preferred Bob's playing - I thought it was brighter, livelier, and more playful than Cornelius's more somber style (although I thoroughly enjoyed his playing as well; they're both impressive). There were most appropriate flames projected on the backdrop during Ricky Lawon's drum solo, for he was smokin'! Walter turned around to watch the first part of his solo, but then started walking in circles as if he were bored; he then started talking to Jon. Donald didn't sway during the solos as he did at Columbia; I guess he doesn't react in the same way every night.

Walter and Donald both seemed even more energetic than they did at Columbia, and their stage patter was a bit different (I suppose that shows that their remarks are, to a certain extent, spontaneous). As Walter was about to introduce Donald during Daddy Don't Live..., he said "Should I be alarmed about this big, scary-looking insect crawling on my microphone?" He then brushed it away, and it flew toward Donald and circled in the spotlight over his head. Donald said, after Cousin Dupree, "That was the sad story of Cousin Dupree, or not so sad, depending upon whose point of view you look at it from," and laughed. He laughed another time as well, I think it was something about going into the muck of the '70s. I found that rather refreshing - he certainly sounded like he was having a good time.

During the intermission, I saw Cynthia Calhoun step from behind the end of the curtain to the edge of the stage right in front of me - she was talking with someone and gesturing to the other side of the stage. A few minutes later I saw Roger Nichols at the sound board at the right side of the stage. He leaned over the edge of the stage to speak with someone, and I wondered if he might be willing to talk to me as well. I was just about to get up and walk over there when the lights went down as the second half of the show started.

I was delighted to hear the women sing, in harmony, the lyrics to Hank's Pad (I didn't hear Michael Leonhart singing tonight as he did at Raleigh, but I wasn't listening for him as I hadn't read about the Raleigh concert - he might have been singing and I just didn't notice him). Perhaps they are the Andrews Sisters for the new millenium? I enjoyed hearing them again on Dirty Work; Cynthia Calhoun literally brought tears to my eyes and sent a shiver up my spine during her brief solo; damn, if she ever puts out a CD, I'll buy it the day it's released.

During Kid Charlemagne, the couple in front of me got up to dance. Since I was in the end seat, I stepped into the aisle so I could stand where I could get a better view of the stage. I noticed that Walter was facing our section of the audience, and I realized that he could see me (I would have been noticable to him since I was, at that point, the only person in the aisle). It was startling to realize that the invisible barrier between the performer and the audience had been broken, and that I could actually be observed by the artist. I have difficulty dancing standing up because of my back problem, and while I had been bouncing in my seat earlier in the concert, at this point I just wanted to stand still since I had become thoroughly caught up in the music, to the point where my focus was so centered on what I was observing that I couldn't move. But I didn't want Walter to think that I wasn't enjoying the music, so I tried to move a little bit so I would look appreciative. Fortunately, for the next song, my favorite, Deacon Blues, Walter turned to face Donald, so I was free to stand still as a rock and totally lose myself in the music. [My take on the dance-not dance thing - we all have different responses to music; the more intensely I'm involved in it, the less I move - when I'm totally caught up in it, I almost forget to breathe.]

After the concert, I stood outside the front gate waiting for the woman who had invited me to the post-concert party in her limousine. This afforded me an excellent opportunity to observe the disgust with which the concert goers greeted the brochure they were handed at the gate that had (gasp!) Britney Spears on the cover. I heard an endless chorus of "Britney Spears, ugh!" and "Britney Spears, eww!"; one woman threw her brochure into the nearest trash can. The best comment was delivered by a man who was waving his brochure in the faces of his companions: "At a Steely Dan concert, advertising Britney Spears? Why, this is almost...Communist!"

We finally gathered all of our group together (the rest were people from the pre- and post-concert gatherings from Merriweather Post) and piled into the limousine. Our lively company of six enjoyed libations and sensations that stagger the mind (well, not quite, but it was close); then the limo turned around and headed back into the parking lot, where those of us who had driven made our way to our cars. We then regrouped at a hotel in Fairfax where two of our company had rooms, and set off again in the limo. We listened to a rare tape of a 1974 Dan concert, and talked of many things. We recounted when we had first heard the Dan in elementary school (apparently we were all about the same age), and talked about band members. Many of our group were musicians (who are thinking about forming an informal Dan tribute band) and so were well equipped to discuss the merits of the players. One said that he thought that Bob Sheppard was marvelous, better than Cornelius Bumpus and Chris Potter. I added what I had written earlier about the sax players, and he agreed. Another person said that he thought that Larry Carlton was the benchmark by which all other SD guitarists should be judged, and Jon Herington came awfully close; far closer than any other tour guitarist. Quote of the evening: "Do you throw out your gold teeth, or do you recycle?"

After the limousine and its passengers departed, the rest of us stood in the parking lot of the hotel and talked until the singing birds reminded us that morning was approaching and it was time for us to go to bed. I was pleased to learn that the others were all members of a new on-line group that sprang from the website for the Merriweather Post Danfest. This group plans to have frequent gatherings at members' homes, and also form groups to attend concerts that might be of interest to Dan fans, such as Larry Carlton or Spiro Gra (sp?), and is also promoting interest in the Dan tribute band. Although it is delightful to belong to a lively on-line forum such as the GB, and wonderful to attend our real-world gatherings, I am excited by the prospect of joining a group that will get together often in the local area - at least it will give us a way to deal with the let-down that falls after the concerts are over. Dan fans rule! Long live the Dan!

JW: good to have you back...did I miss the R&R Jeopardy ep?

fezo: 2 words - The Kinleys

Altamira, Robin et Al: Thankx for the encouragement. Their lyrics mean exactly what you think they do at that moment...they always work

Heard just bits and pieces of No Static at All: Dangerously close to Mall Music in places. Jeff Lorber doesn't have the edge he did in his Water Sign days. FM seems a bit more successful that Do it Again. I like Warren Hill's nuances on Rikki and Doc Powell's version of Peg. Wanted to pull up David Koz' Josie. These guys are tough to cover and it's an admirable try. Those like Joe Jackson and Ivy that can cover the spirit and detail of these complex xongs and remain themselves are the most impressive.

Damn, I missed BF5 - had no idea... I really should check the TV schedule one in a while

Nissan notes:

-there has to be a better term than "background vocalists" to describe Carolyn, Cynthia, and Vicki. for me at least, they provided many of the musical highlights of the evening. "Cuervo Gold, the fine Columbian" is still ringing in my ears, their collective and individual vocal stylings on "Dirty Work" were breath-taking, and their new bit on "Hank's Pad" was so smooth and crisp, it sounded like it had been performed for six months prior, not one night.

-favorite guitar bit: Becker on intro to "Dirty Work"

-most sublime arrangement: "Royal Scam". Totally different from the LP. Almost ethereal.

-Fagen actually smiled at one point. Near the end of "Deacon Blues"

-Michael Leonhart is Cootie Williams reincarnate

Roy.Scam in '01! I second that motion.
Congrats MC. That's how a concert experience should be told.
Hutch's brush with greatness account could use a little flesh.
JW Malibu back and kicking.
Great!
Where's Ole (backstage?) and Mizz Ducky? And Q, what was that hanging out with the Boys business?

If you haven't already done so, scroll down to the anonymous poster's link for the new addition to the ODP!

Clas, Lars--did you know about this? Were you involved in any way? Can you help?

Funny, he never mentioned if he knew how to make those special ginger cookies...

Midnite: Tremendous post. I enjoyed it thoroughly. Sounds like you have truly had an incredible experience--wow. Talk about being in the right place at the right time--you did it!

JWMalibu: Sorry to hear of your illness. Glad to hear you're back above ground. Don't know how much it will help, but I'll send lots of prayers/healing thoughts your way.

RS: When I receive my 2001 Bunsen Prize ballot, I'll make sure you get my vote!

Later,

R

I been giving the song "Gaslighting Abbie" some thought, and while a have a bit of a theory about what it's about, I'd be interested in knowing if any others have also given it some thought. I will say that the lyrics seem much darker than the music, but I'd appreciate hearing some other opinions before I post mine.

I'll go on record as saying, even if Fagen wasn't a musician, his lyrical sensibility would make him a world class poet.

Rob

This guestbook has become like a trip to the mailbox, a group therapy session, a favorite daily column, a party, a revival, and an AA meeting all in one convenient stop. Why it's almost like turning over the next day on my Far Side calendar. Thanks, folks. -- Great posts Midnite , JWMalibu, stevie dan, et. al. (or is that "et Al"?)

Cruiser: Terrific concert review. Composition:A Plus, Content:A Plus, Subject Matter:A Fuckin' Plus. --Proud to see your face on the Dan page. How come the camera added five pounds to you and not to Sher?

Speaking of pictures on the official page: I've decided to put my hat in the ring for the 2001 Bunsen Prize; the benefits look like a wet worm dream. I have no idea what characteristic or achievement the prize acknowledges, but I'm willing to change.

Today is my Day of the Dan for the year 2K. Whenever I'm this psyched for a concert, i'm reminded of the 1977 movie wherin the guy says to his ex-girlfriend,
"You went to a rock concert? Was it heavy? Did you achieve ... total heavy-osity?"

Did anyone see Ben Folds Five sing "Barrytown" on Letterman Wednesday night? They did a good job but I think one of their own songs like "Fair" or "Don't Change your plans" would have been a better show off vehicle for them. Covering the Dan is a tough task, live, in front of millions, with stardom on the line.

On the winding road in pursuit of heavy-osity,
RS

Midnite - I started to read your absolutely fabulous post, but I'm dead tired and need to get to bed - I'm looking forward to reading the rest of it tomorrow.

Hutch - So you actually met Ted Baker! What a blast! I was disappointed that I didn't see you, Fezo, or Oleander I looked for you during the intermission since I knew where you were sitting, but I didn't see you. I had an utterly marvelous evening, aside from not seeing any of you - the music was even better than at Columbia, and I finished up the evening in a limousine with five wild and crazy Dan fans, Cuervo Gold and fine Columbian. I'll write more after I've had some sleep.

Hutch/Midnite ~ Too cool, guys! I'm always glad to hear when the hardcore fan gets the "close encounter"!

Irvine kicked ass ~ had the honor of meeting the oh-so-lovely GB ladies Aja & Cara Mia, and hanging out with GB stalwart & writer extraordinaire The Stranger! Our 19th row seats were nothin' to complain about...all in all, a truly magical evening!

YGK was in SoCali this last week, and I had the pleasure of taking him out to lunch to my favorite local Chinese spot, Sun Palace ~ which rests in the shade of the landmark Capitol Records building. YGK played me two of his latest projects: "Puerto Rican Girlfriend" & "Like a Steely Dan Movie", both of which kicked some SERIOUS ass...Between his brilliance & Clas' newest KILLER song: "Dr. Warren's Heights", the GB Compilation/2000 album "bar" has been raised. So get to composing, all you composers!

I'm personally working on a double album; attemping to finish it by Christmas...one "side" is very pop/smooth jazz/classical, and the other is dark & dissonant ala Zappa, full of samples, serialism, blues & electronica. I've also been focusing on taking my digital art projects to a higher level ~ please take a peek over at Casella Studio!

It's good to be back ~ I got pretty sick in early May, and didn't start coming out of "the cycle" until after the Fourth of July ~ seems like the cycles (of chronic/active hepatitis c) just keep getting longer & gnarlier, but any day above ground is a fuckin' good day! I've recovered most of my energy, and have been surfing/skateboarding up a storm this month, so I can't be THAT ill! Anyone have an extra liver laying around? :)~

I had a chance to read the archives last week, glad to know that I was missed around here...thanks to those who posted kind thoughts ~ they (and you guys) mean a LOT to me!

Peace,

John Warren

Good morning, Your Highness!

Hey folks, I'm new to the board. In fact, I just fell in love with the Dan within the past month when someone loaned me the box set. And of course right before I found out via websites that they were on tour, they were within 30 miles of me. I MISSED THEM BY A WEEK!!!!

Anyway, just wanted to say greetings and salutations to all the zombies.

By the way, St. Alphonso, Father V. Oblivion told me to send his regards. :)

"Music is the best."

Peace!
Lisa

Chat anyone?

Just back from Manassas. An awesome show! The sound was perfect. You could hear every instrument like it was right in front of you. Absolutely perfect show.
Walking from the t-shirt stand to the beer stand about fifteen minutes before the show I see a curly haired gent with an artist pass hanging around his neck. I recognized him instantly. I looked at him as we passed each other and said "Ted? ... Ted Baker"? He stops, we shake hands and talk for a few minutes. Very nice, humble guy. What an unexpected surprise that was! He was just walking around by himself. Too cool!

Stevie Dan, Midnite Cruiser, Oleander: Thanks for the blasts. Having been fortunate to experience the coolest part of the summer with the boys I still bask in an afterglow when I read terrific posts like yours...so , thank you for sharing!!

lyrics for Hank's Place featuring the babe choir??!! WOW. That's something we didn't get here in New York.

anxious to get Wormtom's take on all of it. Hoping he scored with Vicky. Nice to dream.....

Aus

What can I say? To all the beautiful folks I met in Raleigh--
Oleander, Midnite Cruiser, Fezo, Steviedan, the journalist and PJ, the formerly married who are still great friends, DS from CH, and all those who I can see your faces but can't remember your names--many, many thanks, much love and admiration for allowing me to participate in the festivities. Thanks again girlfriend and Big daddy I hope you got the two keys I left for you. A special thank you to the cabbie who dropped me off at HP and then returned a few minutes later with my wallet. Thanks to the guys from White Horse for their excellent driving. And to the legend in his own mind and the lovely Shari--wow, what a way to end the evening--I wanted to hear more and more and more.

Although I've only seen -3- shows--1 in '96, and 2 this year--they just keep on getting better. Even though I was at the extreme left of the stage the sound was pristine with D's vocals coming through clear and strong and the guitars cutting through the mix like a light saber. I thought it took the crowd a while to get going, but by the last few songs of the second set the place was going wild. After Kid C the cheering went on and on and W looked taken aback by the energy that was focused towards the stage.

Gotta figure out a way to get to Big D next week.

To all in Mannasas tonite--I'm there w/you as well, though not in the flesh.

I even got standby backto Bogota so I could spend the evening w/Connor and Blue.

Airport security was convinced that the monkey w/a fez was actually made of plastique...not!

Please make it clear
when her day is done
she's gotta place to go...

Les

Midnite Cruiser ~ Thanks for the colorful review. Sounds like a perfect evening. Many thanks to all of you who take the time to post your impressions of the shows. I saw mine early in the tour, and I am ready for more right now. Not gonna happen, but I have been seeing some spectacular stuff on the west coast, so I can't complain. Lots of great music out there to be heard this summer.

Still, the thought of waiting til next year or longer to see Fagen and Becker again is not a pleasant one. So all you lucky folks with Steely Dan shows still to be experienced this summer, go out there and have a wonderful time. Shake it up, sing-a-long, sit and groove, whatever melts your butter. Just dig it, and make sure you tell the rest of us all about it.

linda

Midnite - awesome, great stuff !

http://www.steelydan.com/golem.html

Hey all--fezo & I are changing into our gig duds, & then off to Manassas to see Hutch, Alta, and--oh yes--the best band in the universe.

Midnite & steviedan said it all. What a fabulous experience. Thanx to all the partying Festers for a memorable night. Some great costumes, about which more later. And a prize to fezo for coming the farthest to breakfast!

One thing that was particularly stunning about last night was that for the first time (I was told) the band did VOCALS in "Hank's Pad"--four part harmony, yes, the Choir and Michael Leonhart--a gorgeous, jazzy arrangement.

Yikes. Gotta go.

my turn: all i remember from Raleigh is the morning after eats. what a meal.

now i'm very psyched to actually see the show tonight. i hope by miracle of miracles "Gaslighting Abbey" appears on the set list.

fezo

That was the best concert I've ever been to.

So much to say but that one sentence is the bottom line. We got to meet so many great folks last night and enjoyed the best Steely Dan show I've ever seen. It was great to get to meet and chat with Pete & Shari, Amanda Parks & Matt, oleander, Zeke, jOkEr, worm tom, steviedan, Chris Osmond, the mysterious Jive Miguel who gave ole the BACK STAGE PASS, and the lovely Marion, who took our pictures for the "Buy & Boogie" contest and so much more. Each and everyone of these people were so nice and friendly and the love of the music was so strong that it really felt like a big family atmosphere. Thanks to ole for the coolest party favors (Shirl has FAGENGRUVEN on her computer monitor as I write this) and it was really nice to meet most of her family as well. Thanks to Pete & Shari, who sat beside us from before the first set to after intermission. Pete was really great, sharing a few stories of Dandom and as nice as guy as you'll ever meet anywhere. Amanda & Matt were very cool. I thought it was her the first time we spoke and asked if it was her the second time and she was happy to chat about the tour, her most excellent camera equipment and her dad, the DEAN of Steely Dan guitarists. I wish we had had more time to talk with everyone but we were all there for the music so when it began you know where all eyes and ears were. We had most excellent seats in the center section, row G, right between Donald and the oh so lovely choir of wonderful singers. I must take a second to say a very special thanks to Marion, production assistant extraordinaire! She came out and chatted with us before she took out pics and then again as she and Jon Herrington were talking. She came back out just before the start of the show and gave me something I will cherish as long as I live. A thousand thanks to you Marion, you're the greatest!

I didn't take notes this time like I did back in '96. I didn't even write down the setlist. I just wanted to be fully immersed in the audio/visual experience with no distractions. The band cooked and played the tunes I was hoping they would. I really wanted to hear Royal Scam, Don't Take Me Alive & Jack of Speed and they did all three! I know they've been rotating the setlist around a little but they got all the ones in I had to have. They did three songs off Two Against Nature but didn't play West of Hollywood. So many good songs, so little time! I thought the crowd could have been a little more into it the first set but by the start of the second set the audience was pretty much a deafening roar between songs. I don't think I sat down the whole second set. All this talk of to dance or not to dance. I really just thought I'd set back and groove to the tunes but I couldn't help myself. We were all up on our feet, jamming, dancing, just doing whatever came naturally. Walter sounded great on guitar and vocals on Monkey & Daddy. Donald was in fine form, seeming to enjoy the night more as it progressed. Jon was on fire! I wasn't all that impressed when I saw him play on VH1 but I feel like he has really gotten comfortable with the songs and made them his own. He kept the spirit of the original solos intact but put his own stamp on each and it worked every time. No offense to Wayne Krantz but Jon just made the songs in a way that no one else I've seen can. The horns were hot but Cornelius was in a world all his own. He laid out some solos that were out of this world. I guess I've seen him play seven times now between the Dan and the Doobies but he was in the ZONE last night! Ricky and Tom laid out some awesome grooves and each shined in his own right. Killer solo by Ricky and great funked up bass from Tom. Ted played the most beautiful piano interlude that had me spellbound. His playing was great all night but that one thing was a thing of beauty. The girls really wailed and sounded great all through the night. They really got to shine on Dirty Work as they traded turns taking the lead for a couple of lines and then passing off to the next. Cynthia was on the end, nearest the crowd and she worked us like a borrowed mule!! She was personally responsible for keeping us on our feet and singing along through most of the show. Carolyn really suprised me when she did her solo in Dirty Work. How in the world can that deep down, soulful voice come from one so tiny? Great vocal girl! Vicki just blew me away in more ways than one. She sounded great and took the first lead on Dirty Work and was so into the music. She grooved the hardest for sure. That beautiful green dress contrasted by her lovely red hair just about knocked me out of my chair. I see why worm tom is so smitten with her now. She's beautiful. So from one side of the stage to the other, the band was so great and the music left me in high as a kite and giddy as a schoolboy. I hate to gush but gushing is deserved in this case.

A special thanks to the mysterious SD Webdrone who got us the great seats and is faster than a speeding bullet on getting the correct info up and the pics posted! You've done a great job with the website and handling all our questions. A most excellent job, I salute you.

And of course, my enduring gratitude and life long loyalty to Walter Becker and Donald Fagen. The music you two have provided us has been the soundtrack for the lives of many of us. From the time Can't Buy A Thrill was first released until today, your music has permeated my life in way that few things have. May you both live long and happy lives and continue to produce the music that helps make life bearable for the rest of us.

Jim Talbott
aka
Midnite Cruiser

I'll always "keep on 'crusin'" guys! ; )

Well, I'm about to head over to the rental car place to pick up my transportation for tonight, and I'm already starting to tingle with anticipation. I'll spend a leisurely afternoon visiting some large parks in northern Virginia I wouldn't ordinarily have a chance to visit, and then I'll head over to Nissan Pavillion, where I hope to run into Hutch and Fezo. I'm looking forward, also, to hearing more about the hot time in Raleigh last night - you all must have had a blast!

I get the connection on "Caves". But as most folks have their interpretation of SD songs, I guess I do too.
I see it as art from his own hand and his place, a real tangible place such as a treehouse, or a celler or a closet, and there he hides within himself with his imagination. I guess I don't see torment and the monsters of his real world. I guess my childhood was such where I cannot relate to stuff that was too bad.

That being said, I was not aware there were original lyrics pointing to what I believe to be some kind of exhibit or gallery where you have to stand in line to view the past.
Thanks to all for helping me to understand.

Robin, the earth-to-Tom bit ...LOL

Today I've discovered the advantages of Internet.
Did even see my own house on the site of my "landlord".
I'm walking like in a vague generic kind of way and have these thrills of Times Past. Like winter evenings, the cold outside and some Dan while punching someone's light out.

Hey, O'Keefe ..you're kind of cryptic on that backyard issue..I bet it's nothing but that worthless penny WB threw over his shoulder when the news about his Croque Hawaii being burned jingled a certain urge to ...oops...

Clas, I know it's not funny, the rain in Sweden is heavy, right?
Mother Earth has her fits, can't change that, can we?

Now, was into the sponging business, need to foam it up some, anyone wants to have souflaki off my bathroomfloor?

A Banyan Tree Bow, a fine weekend everyone,
Gina

That was a lovely painted vignette, very much in the vein of this here Guest Book, Mr. Steviedan, and I thank you for the glimpse of your wonderful night in Raleigh. Much appreciation to you for thinking of us and sharing it at 4A. I knew I should'a burned the roads as if I were transporting white lightning to make it over for the hooterie. Damn...instead I watered my parched lawn/garden thinking,

"Oh there must be more to living
Than a mortgage and a lawn to mow..."

cara mia, in Dandepression contemplating Dallas

HEY, AJA, PASS THE DELUDIN!

Dr. Mu - Brilliant analysis of Caves! I've saved that in my Steely Dan file.

One thing to consider when musing upon the lyrics of this song is the original first half of the second verse, which isn't part of the final version of the song:

Many years have come and gone, and many miles between
Through it all, I found my way by the light of what I'd seen.
On the road as I returned was a green and yellow sign
Saying "See the way it used to be," and I took my place in line.

fezo - Where are your seats at Manassas tonight?

Thanks, Hutch, for the tip on the chords. I do play be ear as much as possible, but sometimes it's not big enough.
Judging from some of the late-night ramblings here lately, some folks were still needin' to be scraped down after coming into close contact with the Ones. I can relate. I did it myself a few weeks ago. Nothin' like it. They did do Cincinnati.
Now the Caves never did intrigue me as much as Aja. My opine is that there is some relation between being up on the hill and other hills mentioned in other songs. Am I being way too thick on this?
And while I'm on the subject of lyrics, has anyone else out there caught the relation between that grand standard called Oh Susanna! and Cousin Dupree? You know, it rained all night the day I left, the weather it was dry in Oh Susanna -- and having a distinctly Southern name and song title, yet mentioning skis and a crackling fire? Both songs juxtapose opposites in order to make humor.

Thanks, Hutch, for the tip on the chords. I do play be ear as much as possible, but sometimes it's not big enough.
Judging from some of the late-night ramblings here lately, some folks were still needin' to be scraped down after coming into close contact with the Ones. I can relate. I did it myself a few weeks ago. Nothin' like it. They did do Cincinnati.
Now the Caves never did intrigue me as much as Aja. My opine is that there is some relation between being up on the hill and other hills mentioned in other songs. Am I being way too thick on this?
And while I'm on the subject of lyrics, has anyone else out there caught the relation between that grand standard called Oh Susanna! and Cousin Dupree? You know, it rained all night the day I left, the weather it was dry in Oh Susanna -- and having a distinctly Southern name and song title, yet mentioning skis and a crackling fire? Both songs juxtapose opposites in order to make humor.

Mark, either I've had a stroke or a stroke of genius, baby!! How about this? Think about Mr. Tony LiPuma producing the next Steely Dan album. Can you imagine it? One of the great all-time coaches overseeing these PTPers?!! I mean Awesome Baby. These guys have shown that they can coach an all-airport team themselves and take the show on the road for road game after road game without losing that intensity...that drive. I mean it's dipsy-do dunkaroo every night baby!! Last night was like the DeanDome and Cameron Indoor Stadium rolled into one baby!! Are you kidding?! You mean I'm getting paid for this!!?? Forget March madness - this is where it's at. They're artists, they're pioneers baby!!

But Mark, I only have one I and let me tell you, can you just imagine the sonic boom if Mr. LiPuma - the king of space and sound gets together with Mr. Becker and Mr. Fagen! Huh? It would be blowout city every song!! But what do I know Mark!? That's why I'm an announcer and not an artist recording in Detroit anymore!

Thanks Blaise--missed the pattern. Guess I'll have to find something to keep me busy while waiting for the updates!
Later,
R

Robin - Worm Tom never posts on the weekend. Monday around 8 or 9am Eastern at the earliest, it's part of his working agenda.
Other people were there, though. Speak up. Enquiring minds and all...

Wow! This place is a-hoppin'! Kind of like multi-ball on a pinball game...

St. Al & MC--Excellent links to the articles. Again and again I am reminded just why I am a DanFan. Thank you for the info.

Steviedan--Sounds like you had a truly magical experience; you bring back some very good memories. Glad it was a winner! Thanks for letting us in on your evening.

DrMu--Loved your notes on Caves. One of my alltime favorite songs. Being an only child, I can identify with that one on a personal level quite easily.

Gina--Hey! You're getting closer and closer to that new door opening for you--with the other changes in your life in recent times, this is the perfect opportunity. Speaking metaphorically: If you didn't leave your office you wouldn't be able to see the big beautiful world out there, except perhaps to only gaze out the window.

Earth to Wormtom. Earth to Wormtom. Come in Wormtom. Over...

...

Earth to Wormtom. Earth to Wormtom. Are you there, Wormtom? Over...

...

Earth to Wormtom. Earth to Wormtom. Awaiting information on your experiences on the Dan Planet. Over...

Well dr Mu, I was scrolling down and you make me run and put on those Caves of Altimira ...hope the sun will shine pronto then!
Gotto hurry. Got to meet someone.
BT Bow,
Gina

In the exact words of the immortal Mister Donald Fagen:

"WHAT A NIGHT"

In the unfailing wisdom of a Mister Pete Fogel:

"Yeah, we've been to ALL the parties and this has been one of THE BEST"

If fans feel the crowds have been a little lackadaisical, well next time get yo ass to Raleigh, NC to find out what Danlove is all about.

Ole: So gracious, sparkling. A spark, a flame. Coolest possible party favors. My total pleasure to have assisted you in any way. I knew Raleigh would PUT IN ON !!! Did we ever ?

Only a Worm could find a seat where there was none. That is a true gipsy art bro'. I had been anxious to meet you and you did not disappoint.

Lisa: Your addressing me as PROFESSOR steviedan touched me. Thank you for honoring me with a GB Phd.

Our whole crew rocked...the whole Raleigh crowd was awesome. As I promised...the SHIT of LEGENDS. I stuff you not.

and of course, talk of legends...Pete & Shari. Honored indeed to enjoy privileged monologue from behind behind far behind the scenes.

Lot of talk about Dirty Work & Monkey (Walter, Raleigh did NOT go to get beer, you sounded GREAT. Ever heard of Sir Walter Raleigh ? You're it !)

What a night indeed. The day started appropriately enough with me upgrading my front row side section to second row middle section. Be sure to check last minute folks. First six rows center opened up around 2 PM TODAY. Luckily I was on Ticketmonster like shucks on corn all day.

My personal thanks to the INCREDIBLE Steely Dan Orchestra 2000. You good people delivered the goods and it was CHURCH. Workin' on a building lawd !

It's 4 AM, I'm quasi delirious. Is that the oil-based paint calling again ? It's the monkey in my soul.

stumble

In that seed of the imagination lies the core of art itself. A little boy crawls within himself and away from the busy human world (into his own "cave"). As he does so in body as well in spirit, he arrives

"I recall when I was small
How I spent my days alone
The busy world was not for me
So I went and found my own
I would climb the garden wall
With a candle in my hand
I'd hide inside a hall of rock and sand"

in a sanctuary, a haven against the cruel nature of pre-historic life and transcribes the figures of the mastadons and other hideous beasts that constantly disturb his mind as he sorts out the chaos of the busy world.

"On the stone an ancient hand
In a faded yellow-green
Made alive a worldly wonder
Often told but never seen
Now and ever bound to labor
On the sea and in the sky
Every man and beast appeared
A friend as real as I"

The ancient paints because he must. It is in soul...perhaps not even not a choice. He can now hunt another day. There was no $$ or celebrity in art. It was...and it was LIFE. We all identify with the core of our fears and our being.

CHORUS:
"Before the fall when they wrote it on the wall
When there wasn't even any Hollywood
They heard the call
And they wrote it on the wall
For you and me we understood"

Many lears later...We now rush to an art gallery and a post-modern expressionist exhibit. The latest "in" artist renders impressions of ancient man and his environment, supposedly as a juxtaposition against the artificiality of the modern environment suppressing the beast within. It is instantly recognized as a rehash of the escapism which drove the young by and the ancient many years before...not art, but a pale imitation of the real feelings inside the true artist who creates because they must, not because it is what is expected or unexpected...another disposable fad.

"Can it be this sad design
Could be the very same
A wooly man without a face
And a beast without a name
Nothin' here but history
Can you see what has been done
Memory rush over me
Now I step into the sun"

CHORUS

A unique combination of depressing nostalgia (that's redundant, eh) and a series of guffaws of sophmoric ridicule by Walter and Donald as they stumvle out of the art gallery (I can just picture them cracking up)

OK, I went over to Oleander's lyrics interpretation site -- those who don't know it, get on over to http://home.earthlink.net/~oleander1/Index.htm

Anyway, there are some quite thoughtful, poetic ideas on my topic of just what the hell the title track to Aja is about. But are these interpretations of WHAT THE COMPOSERS INTENDED? Or are they your introspective musing ON WHAT THE LYRICS MEAN TO YOU? Furthermore, did the boys actually have any specific meaning in mind or were they just using free association? In which case they could be as puzzled over the meaning of the lyrics as we are.

Say, everybody, I'm outa here for 3 weeks unless I decide to look for a hookup in Europe. JW Malibu will take over for me, except he's probably too nice to be able to fill my spot exactly.

Parts Department,
You may be onto something with those caves, but I doubt there's anything extraterrestrial. For instance, I can confrim Steely Dan does not believe astronauts built the Pyramids.

Now, what the hell is Aja about? the title track, I mean? I think I'll head over to Oleander's Web site and see if anybody knows. It sure beats packing.

I happened to be listening to Caves of Altamira on the way to work today. What a great story song. If I get this right, is the lead subject lamenting the disappearance of his childhood hiding spot? Is this the place for him to get away and dream of a time long ago where ancient beings have left their mark for those like him who understand his need to get away?
Just some thoughts. Am I on the right track?

Hi All,

So, tomorrow will be exactly 2 weeks since I've seen the Dan at Jones. I still can't stop raving about the show...people are ready to kill me. But, I'm also still depressed that it's all over. Is anyone else still suffering withdrawal?

Hey 1973-If I hear about any happenings at Le Bar Bat I'll post them here to let you know. There's also a pretty good tribute band named Stealin Dan that plays at The Swing Set in Bayshore every few months. I saw them a few years back out at Stephen's Talkhouse in Amagansett and they were very good.

Midnite, Opti & Ole - Well, it's about quarter to ten so I guess you guys are jammin' to the second set right about now. Hope you're having a great time.
Can't wait for my Manassas/Va. Beach weekend! Roy(dot)Scam... I'll see you there.

JMoney - Florida Room is not just one of my favorite Dan/Fagen songs, it's one of my favorite songs, period. Stardust is another.

Peg, really - Check out this site for some great guitar tabs for Steely songs old and new.... http://www.ph.ed.ac.uk/~haw/music/tabfiles.html

JWMalibu - Welcome back, dude!!!
What a great surprise to scroll up and see your moniker.

Hi Gina! High tea in London. Yes. Crumpet?

"Bionic ears is what they have!"

MEA CULPA / APOLOGY / RESOLUTION

Tampa Danfest 7/27/00

Well it's been a long summer............

I have to express my regret right up front for 2 things;

The news I'm gonna lay on you regarding the fest,

and ,secondly, regarding the lateness for delivering final plans.

Initially I was floating on the implementation as the response was tepid. Then the tour got going, and then all of a sudden I get a few more emails- hmmmmm, things are picking up a little.........

Except one day an an anonymous freakish email from a hotmail account email about the party being at my house - with a rather offensive tone to say the least.

Well that pretty much sent me off on having the party at the house.

Then a FLOOD of inquiries about the party along with irritated re-requests for prior info flowed in.

Then... I got tied into a mandatory and important obligation at, of all times...............2 hours before the show.......

My Wingding was dangling.

Then David from the FLAROOM, Hoops, and St. Al came to my rescue, firmly but gently motivating me to consumate something(actually they were subtly and rightfully beating the crap out of me.....kidding....)
and ultimately(ie yesterday) together with David's inspiration (or is it exaspiration), we arrived at a viable FINAL plan.

First, David will be the Master of Ceremonies

We will hold the TAMPS DANFEST at a great refurbished tall redbrick bar that borders the parking for the Ice Palace arena itself.

The name of the venue is "Hattricks" at @ 6pm - the bar is a 3-4 minute walk to the show.

address is 107 Franklin St.
(813) 225-4288

The bar can be easily accessed from all major routes. Within the next 24 hours the Official Danfest page for the Tampa show will be revised to advise on exact directions from all major inroutes.

We expect to have hats and hooters and a few other goodies available.

I can be emailed and I will be forwarding all to David so he and I can "keep it together".......

Regards,

Q

PS first round is on me - shit, I hope there are less than 30..........

FOR THOSE OF YOU THAT LOVE "THE NIGHTFLY" - CHECK THIS OUT!!!
See my auction on Ebay (Item # 385929425)! A super rare, record store promo poster for "The Nightfly"!!!!

Query!
Anybody out there seen sheet music yet for 2VNATURE? Am going nuts trying to figure out chords by myself. Some songs are easier than others.

quote from Donald: "art can be curative". I wish he could know how many times Steely Dan music has picked me up off the floor in my worst moments, or been the perfect soundtrack to some of my best.

Have a wonderful time, Raleigh-festers! I'm looking forward to the reports over the weekend-and I'll keep my fingers crosssed for WOH.

Aja

I haven't seen a post from JWMalibu in Ages...and then he reappears and is Freakin' brilliant with one sentence!Gotta love that guy...that's why he's the Man.

Midnite Cruiser: That Raleigh News & Observer article sure packs some choice Donald quotes into a short column! "Listen to this, maybe it will cheer you up" -- ROFLMAO!!! Oh Donald, I just love you to bits, you do cheer me up so entertainingly.

/The Mam'zelle
who ***will*** write up her Bahston adventure as soon as she gets this pesky work week back out of her face, dammit!

FOR ANYONE THAT LOVES "THE NIGHTFLY"!!!!!!
check out my auction on Ebay (item# 385929425)!
Very rare and hard to come by - Huge promo poster!!!

Will WormTom Veni Vidi Vykki in Raleigh?

Aus and Wormy, thanks for the good advice. Maybe next year I'll fare better (I'm taking Donald at his word when he said "see you next year" at Jones Beach).

Anybody from the NYC area that I can keep in touch with regarding ANY SD events that may go on after the tour is over?

Thanks guys.

PS - I've noticed some negative Walter comments posted(although you can't compare them to the thrashing little Tina has endured). Don't you have to worship the guy just based on the fact that he's half of a mind blowing song writing team?

Billy Zoom is a no-talent hack...

Roy....it just won't be the same without you....hope you & Hutch & Co. have a blast on Sunday night!

From Today's Raleigh News & Observer: The Steely Influence

http://newsobserver.com/content/friday/features/wup/400000005570.html

Here's the up to date results from the 35 to 55 age group: Sin ~ 136 , Government ~ 0.

Midnite: High hell sneakers. Best inadvertant pun since "back-round singers". -- Party on, Ole; Party on, Cruiser, Party on, Opti. ... Excellent. Try to have a good time even without me.

Steely Pete: Actually John Sebastian was the leader of the Lovin' Spoonful, another good group but not at all Danlike or Procol harum-like; more of a sentimental rock jug band. -- The Band (whom PC claims to have influenced) was formerly Dylan's backup band from the Woodstock area, led by Robbie Robertson; the closest they got to pop stardom was "Up on Cripple Creek" ( A drunkard's dream if I ever did see one). -- Please check out Martin Scorcese's 1976 film, "The Last Waltz", a documentary including The Band's farewell concert with guest performers like Dylan, Clapton, Diamond, The Staples Singers, Van Morrison, John Lee Hooker, Joni Mitchell, Neil young,etc. -- The group has musical similarities to Harum and personal similarities to Steely dan.

RS

Here's an article from the Orlando Sentinal featuring Cynthia's musings on touring, tipping and Steely Dan. Very nice.

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/automagic/features/2000-07-21/FEABOARD21072100.html

Just couldn't seem to get heel in there no matter how hard I tried....I swear, I haven't had a drop yet!

Humble Pie on Harington Road....pretty close to Jon Boy!

high hell, high hell...what the hell....can you tell I'm excited? *LOL*

wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!

Kick off your high hell sneakers, IT'S PARTY TIME!!!

We're gonna rock in Raleigh tonight folks! Rain or shine, I don't mind. The Dan takes Raleigh by Storm tonight!!!!!!!!!!!

it's good to be alive! : )

Sound advice Alan, from the Christian accounting webring:
"Please remember to pay your taxes, and honour and respect those in authority in THIS world as well as those with Spiritual authority. Jesus is our example. We are only supposed to hate sin, not despise government. We should pray for the police, government leaders, and even those we may work for(managers, business owners, etc.)
Scripture references:
Romans chapter 13: verses 1-7 Matthew 17:24-27 I Peter 2:13-17,"
Alan from SC, thanks again for the link.
I will keep that in mind.

I have a single request for my upcoming Caribee run:Please play Florida Room at West Palm Beach! Please!

The Vamp chant in the outro is da shit!

BABES SING:
'cold wind comes'

'Dahlias bloom'

'Drifting back AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH'

'to your Florida Room'

DONALD SCATS:
'Flaw-Dah room'

I L-U-V it!

J.

Edd - You're right. Whoever uses my moniker again here without express written consent will be blacklisted and will not be allowed to enter bids on Ebay.
Giveaway, yeah right. I've got dogs to feed here!
O'Keefe.

O'Keefe, why not just add a big "nyah-nyah" to the end of your "I've got a secret" posts?

Who's zooming who?
Billy Zoom is a big fat idiot.
X marks the spot where he'll remain a big fat idiot.
I want all people who call themselves "Zoom" wiped off the planet. We all want something, don't we?

"Clear the Hills!" haha. Do they learn those quotes in police training or something? Precious account from the lawn.
Granted, you seem like a clever bunch yet noone has even come close to identifying the backyard ditty I so jealously keep with me. Nothing to do with Santana, it's Walter Becker's ... Oops, you almost got me to spill it, you, you, you are good. No you, you are skeevy, downright evil people.
Maybe a contest giveaway? Yes give it away, my dog begs.
Alright, the first one who can figure this one wins it all, and it is precious, don't get me wrong.
Riddle: What does a worm, Kiefer Sutherland and Tia Carrere have in common?
I hear there's a concert tonight, somewhere in NC.
Hoops Mckay (of digest fame) just named the Boston gig, the best concert he has ever attended, period.
I have a good feeling about tonight myself.
Keep us posted.
O'Keefe.

BILLY ZOOM, the guitarist for X would like to remove all traces of Steely Dan's music from the earth - then what would we do?
http://www.ocweekly.com:80/ink/00/46/feedback-seigal.shtml

Enjoy the shows this weekend.
Dan

Chere's discourse of the Santana Birthday First leg of the tour show in WPB Fl.....

Every one of the folks going on this little "outing" was late to begin with. That was a bit annoying, especially since all of this was planned out weeks ago. Then we drove INTO a Blackening sky and prayed it would get brighter before the sun went down. Some had coctails, some had herbal "remedies" Because I do not really drink, I was a driver. Three cars in our party. We are almost there, about 14 miles up the turnpike and the traffic STOPS. The whole point of usng the turnpike for any of you that are unfamiliar with the South Fl thing, I95 is a road of carnage and other "bad things". It is usualy always supposed to take less time on the turnpike. Which ever of the three counties you may be in, the turnpike rules. But there we were. Stuck Stopped and in front of a sign that said two miles to our exit. There was no accident, no heavy traffic, but there WAS some very heavy night construction happening on the other two lanes of the road. They crammed all of us stopped people into two lanes. 45 minutes later we were parking. Then RUNNING to the door to get in because by that time Macy Gray had long opened the show (we totally MIssed her) and we all guessed who would be the surprise act being that the new album has so many other artists on it and the fact that this was Carlos' birthday. As we are getting frisked we hear EVERLAST! YES EVERLAST A fellow for which I have an affinity for his LIPS. BESITO!!!!!! singing "Put Your Lights On" so we caught the last of that part. We did get treated to an hour and a half of Santana music. All the classics. Some of the new and lots of that infectious percussion. We all had lawn seats. It rained. We got drenched. About 3/4 of the seating there is LAWN. They left the stage. We all put our LIGHTERS on and guess what?.......... NO ENCORE! Not even ONE. According to my good friend Bill Murphy from the local Classic Rock Radio station that helped sponser the gig They "the band" all hopped in the bus and just left. That was it. I have faithfully seen Carlos sometimes up to twice a year for the past four years- he plays here alot. He ALWAYS does at least three encores. Then many cops came up and said to all of those who wanted to sit in the wet grass and moonlight till the crowd waned to "Clear the HILL!!!". Definantly not my favourite Santana show. I UNDERSTAND it was a brother's birthday. The entire crowd sang happy birthday to him. Maybe you should not play a gig on your birthday. Excuse me if I sound nasty and bitter but, I think if a crowd sells out your show year after year, every year, most of the time so much that a second show is scheduled, and thousands of poor folks pay 30 bucks for a lawn tic, and sit in pouring rain and thunder and lightening and sing to YOU on your birthday and dance wildly in groups across the whole hill to YOUR music,and Hail you throughout your performance, you'd THINK we were all worth an encore. I had a great time. I am a person who tries to have a great time no matter what's happening. I danced, sang, and partied like a rock star, but I am disappointed.

I can almost KNOW that if it rains at the Dan show happening in 5 days BTW, the faithful would be worthy of not just an encore but "Raindrops" and "Florida Room".

I am counting down to my ecstatic moment, Steely Dan Live, then I will be HOME AT LAST.

Q- I'll call you on Monday.

To all who are at the Raleigh show, I hope Humble Pie was fantastic and the show was spectacular.

4 and a wake up and I am bout to bust a valve!- JUJU chile' Chere

Hokay. Dancing shoes; extra t shirt; party goodies; ream of Mapquest directions; a mango and a peach; cd's; --oh yes, tickets. Thanx for reminding me, steviedan.

With any luck, see you all in Raleigh in a matter of hours.

YOWIE!!

Mu: You must be psychic! The black-leathered women stormed the compound shortly after your post. Alas, I was hoping for a little more flannel but a raw-hide gag does become absorbent eventually...

...About MP3 technology....I work in the advertising field and though MP3 may not measure up to the typical 16 bit, 44.1 KHZ standard used in CDs, it's widely accepted that a 128 kps sound file is fine for commercial material which must go through the butchering of FM radio processing anyway. 192 kps is a preferable way to listen to "free" music if you have the option.

Of course, nothing can capture brass and the low end like vinyl...

Can of Worms,

SEMB

Dr MU- i'm glad that you liked them! Yeah i was in the front row! NAH! Walter isn't peering at me! haha and if he was he was probably like, what is she wearing or something! Sorry, TOO modest! anyways glad you liked the pics!

I.O.

Hey, Steeley Dan,
Get it back together, and come on down to play in South Carolina if you can. LOTS of fans in THIS state.
Christian Accountant at http://home.infospace.com/alank2

at least for the most part. I'm painting the trim in my youngests' room. It's enamel paint. I may paint for a few hours before the show tomorrow night. not yet through with buzzzz.

I have placed the sacred tickets in the pocket of the nondescript shorts that will accompany my ass and myself to a little bit 'o heaven tomorrow. Rain ? I'm singin' in it. Somebody's worried about a little warm rain ? Sheee...

At this time, I will rebel against St. Al's request and shamelessly and formally, cowtowingly even, invite Don & Walt, the band, the crew, families & pets, OUR GOOD FRIENDS to the Humble Pie, the Embassy, fishin' at the pond, whatevah. I'm sure Ole don't mind. Y'all come.

Hey Chere, Gina, everyone.

I watched the Making of Aja. That's another night.

The paint is calling like a monkey...

ToMOrrow ToMOrrow It's Only a Day Away.

I LUV ya ToMOrrow

Roy Scam --- I didn't know about the PH thread a few months back because I didn't start posting (sparingly) until mid-May. Thanks for the info about the parallel between procol and the Band, whom I'm not familiar with. John Sabastian was on it, right. I like the guy. He actually hosted a CBS show back in 1985 in which a video of "A Whiter Shade of Pale" was featured. I have it on Beta (What's Is That!!!). As for lyric analysis of PH, nobody can top Oleander.

Have a good weekend! And all of you, too!

ZZZZ

drtodd: e-me your citation - that's one of my common browsing stops - congrats. I don't know whether to laugh or cry when a paper is accepted. Yeah, that $750 for travel was a saving grace - unfortunately, the meeting was in Indianapolis. While not exciting - I would have to admit that it's a decent walking town...and when the Pacers eliminated the Knicks, there was not one celebratory burning vehicle in sight!

IO: Thanks! That worked - They look great. You could not have possibly been any closer to the stage. I see Walter peeking at you.

DrMu: My most recent credit card bill had a $300+ charge for reprints from BiochemBiophysResComm. That is one thing that won't happen again...I'm not regretting my recent jump from academia too much.

Of course you trade one set of problems for another ("where did my equipment and travel budgets go this fiscal year?"), but whatchagonnado?

Yea, that definitely was a Fruedian slip in reference to the bare midrif choir.......Tina N` SYNC is selling out stadiums and they welcome screaming and dancing,check them out...........

Ruby - very good to hear. Publishers nationwide are in trouble because of the reselling of texts and competition with other media. In fairness, the authors have little or no influence on the purchase price. The locals and publishers determine the market rate.

There are some interesting comparisons and contrasts with music industry. "Kiddie music" (Britney Spears, etc. - teen market) have generally benn where the big $$ is. High school text publishing is the only way to make REAL $$. Texts are selected and recommended by state education boards. Teachers Unions and local school districts down to the teachers have important input. Local decision making was sacrosanct in the past, but politics/oversigh at the state and Federal levels have standardized teaching to a greater extent (for better and worse).

Adult music whether cool jazz, classical, and now Steely Dan will always sell less. College and undergraduate texts have a smaller market as well to compete in against better quality material (than high school texts). Instructor control and departmental is still a critical part of academic freedom. Bottom line is that the local prof. is not making a large sum of dough. Just enough to augment their paltry salary (if they are not in engineering, medical school, or a private University) affording them to dump the Yugo. The truth of the matter is that Steely Dan gross more from one night this summer than 95% of those profs will net from publishing in their entire careers. I'm about $7000+ in the hole (personal + grant) from page costs for journal articles and abstracts (~50 of each). I think I've just talked myself out of my career...

hello everybody! Haven't signed in for a while! I miss it but things are so crazy! I'm sure you can all relate! well i just wanted to say Hello to everyone...back to my school work!

Chere-I'm doing well thank you..very busy...too busy for it being my summer and all!!

Oh BTW, i still have those Steely Dan pics if you want to see them e-mail me brassmonkey2@hotmail.com they turned out really well!!!

Bye everyone!

Proudest moment of fatherhood (so far). Driving down to San Diego with my 3.5 year old son in the back seat...we've been doing a lot of road tripping while mom studies for the bar exam (you'd think she already knew how to drink). On our second spin through Can't buy a Thrill, upon reaching the chorus of DIA, I hear singing coming from the rear:

"back, Jack, do it AGAIN.....turnin' roun'and roun'....get back, Jack DO IT AGAIN"

No prompting from dad...a spontaneous learning of the lyric and singing by the Calvinator. His pitch needs some work, but his timing was spot on. I think he's a drummer.

Now he requests that song, and has also learned the chorus of "Dirty Work". Despite other indications, I guess he is my kid.

Re: guitarists...didn't this thread die awhile back? Walter does NOT suck, but to make a direct comparison between him and Herrington/Wadenius is idiotic. Different style, different attack, different vibe. They always get a shredder to act as counterpoint to WB, and it works great. btw, after listening to the AIA live album and the dvd, I can say I really prefer Herrington over Zingg or Wadenius...seems to be a bit less "cold" (although Zingg's work on Third World Man is damn nice)..

DrMu: We love the scent of a new text book 'round here, so have no fear. But I was under the impression that folks sell used text books BECAUSE they're already ludicrously high (the books, I mean.) Always have been... And if the professor of the class happens to be the author, well then, the sky's the limit.

rb
mp
3
wheeeeeeeeeee

Dr Mu, et al-regarding MP3, several very talented local artists here are extremely grateful to it. We have a singer here in San Diego named Eve Selis who, despite being talented, beautiful, and writing great original music could never get a label. She put her stuff on MP3 and got the exposure she wasn't getting by trying to get her stuff on radio. The trade-off was worth it to her in her "struggling artist" stage. If she becomes national she I'm sure she would rather sell albums, but for a new artist trying to get noticed MP3 is an invaluable tool.

And Dr., I need some advice on my next career move, so would you mind e-mailing me (since you are a wellspring of good ideas!) Much appreciated! lzirino@lmbh.com And yes, I knew I'd be hearing from you when I mentioned hot weather ;)

You know, a second arrangement certainly presents some novel solutions to mundane problems (especially when the beau does not come through). Hmmm, Blaise, good idea.

Before anyone jumps on The Stranger, let me just say that I sat next to him at Irvine, me dancing in and out of the aisles, and he was a great date.

Aja

Hank: I think we are making different points. There is not doubt that MP3s provide an excellent advertising tool, especially where the big 5 record companies fail or ignore. A mechanism for the indie to make waves.

My point regards copying full length MP3s in lieu of buying an album. It's a screening tool, but not a replacement for the real thing. A test drive if you will.

My primary copyright beef is the purchase and reselling of used textbooks. After 5-17 years depending on the area (science vs. literature), the intrinsic value or copyright runs out first. But within that time - there's the heinous practice around campuses on current texts. The author's and publishers must come out with new editions every 3 years, not only to keep current (in science), but sales drop off precipitously because of these infringements. So Ruby and other Mom's and students, do NOT sell or buy used texts from these criminals. Not only is this illegal, but engorges the price of texts. Unfortunately, academic lobbies are incredibly feeble - thus enforcement of existing copyright laws in this area is nil. Besides we can't afford the legal team on retainer for AOL-Time-Warner-TedTurner-WWF-Nitro-Whaterver.

Was that an intentional theme to have "The Royal Scam" "Glamour Profession" and "Black Friday" as part of the set?

Double trouble -- my apologies...

ole et. al.: Have a great time tomorrow night. . .would be there with y'all if I could.

Midnite: Looking forward to a full report from you & Opti. Hope you get to meet D + W, too.

DrMu: True, but if audio quality were the main thing, MP3's wouldn't have much of a chance. Between the Web and MP3's, life's pretty good for musicians at the right end of the bell curve -- for example: http://www.nytimes.com/library/tech/00/07/biztech/articles/20tune.html

And just one personal opinion -- if I'm on the lawn, I can't see much of anything on the stage anyway, so dancers don't bother me. It's the talkers, screamers, and loud/bad singers who do.

ole et. al.: Have a great time tomorrow night. . .would be there with y'all if I could.
Midnite: Looking forward to a full report from you & Opti. Hope you get to meet D + W, too.
DrMu: True, but if audio quality were the main thing, MP3's wouldn't have much of a chance. Between the Web and MP3's, life's pretty good for musicians at the right end of the bell curve -- for example: http://www.nytimes.com/library/tech/00/07/biztech/articles/20tune.html
  And just one personal opinion -- if I'm on the lawn, I can't see much of anything on the stage anyway, so dancers don't bother me. It's the talkers, screamers, and loud/bad singers who do.

Walter: Please buy me...
1) 1 Supercomputer Cube
2) 1 Dual Processing G4 w/ DVD-RAM
3) 2 Flat screen Digital monitors

Ship to the usual address. Thanks.

Vay kay shun
Ram If? Ick kay shun
eeeeel lay shun
man ip U lay shun
L E cue shun
Vick Tor eeeA fass E Nation
Damn! Nation
Steel E
X Plan Nation
In Dock Tri Nation
Dan vent Shun
A range Meant
A nye A lay shun
IN stig gay Shun
Purr Dick A mint
Punk Shoo A shun
Con funk shun
classy fick kay shun

W2 The Worminator

Herrington and Wadenius have both wrung more depth of feeling, soulfulness and musicality out of one, typical 45-second solo than Walter does all evening. Sad? Perhaps. True? Unequivocably.

Ruby Baby - Excellent comments on Walter's playing. Of course Donald's not a classical singer and so shouldn't be judged by classical standards, but within the popular genre he's quite good (despite having a less than stellar voice). His phrasing and diction are excellent, and he really brings out the meaning of the words, especially in concert.

Roy Scam: thanks for TNTDODD! I'm still collecting Na Na songs. I've got 14 so far.

I'm embarassed to say that I'd forgotten that Change Of The Guard has prominent Na Nas in the chorus. Here I thought Na Nas were too trivial for SD. That's the only one, right?

Regarding SD guitarists, I just want to say that when I recall that glorious night in San Diego, it's Walter Becker that I remember most. I have one memory of Jon Herington, I think during KC. He was smokin'! But I have many recollections of WB playing various songs. My favorite is still Boston Rag. I don't believe it's because he's technically better than Jon - I really can't tell. But I get more heart & soul out of his playing than just about anyone else. Even in the more subtle parts of the music, his heart plays the guitar as much as his hands. Maybe it's because he wrote the music in the first place and his heart is genuinely in it all. Perhaps his experiences in life add up to such expression. Whatever the case may be, I dig the soul in WB's guitar playing.

The same is true with Donald Fagen: he may not have the best singing voice in classical terms, but he obviously sings these songs better than anyone else - which tells me that classical standards are not relevant to my enjoyment. Heart and soul are way more important.

rb

How about selling some Royal Scam shoes ...with a hole in it, sized like you stepped on a major rock.

Oops. Gotto put some turkey away now.
Don't wanna cheat on a friend.

A Banyan Tree Bow,
Gina

make that 2ktour. the brain cells are still re-grouping from Monday night.

The black Y2tour polo shirt is THE fashion statement of the decade. Your large friend dave goes for XL these days, and there seems to be just enough room inside for all of me.

fezo - I probably won't make the trip as it adds 10 hours of driving but if someone had a really great seat (a gal was selling 10th row) I might give up a pleasant two days on the Blueridge bergeon@shellus.com hope you get lucky in Raleigh - check ticket master, you never know when one of Cornelius' cousins can't make it

dan polo and 2aN tshirt look like must haves

when they make a wonderworm shirt I'm there

any changes in the set list between the two Atlanta shows?

with a nice break of several days off the Dan should be poised to go on friday night

T

this must have been my lucky thursday

worm: i should have a extra Nissan ticket available unless i get lucky in Raleigh.

ole: i could breathe fine at the 2nd Colonial Fest. it was my eyesight that was oddly affected. when i looked at the picture of the subsequent Va Beach gathering, it was like i was seeing you, Roy, lisa, and Sam for the first time. there was only one each of you and the foggy aura no longer accompanied you guys either.

Gina - I don't strictly believe that the internet phenom has spiraled things downword - I am living proof - a mere connection gone wrong - that's what those cable guys get for mucking up the precious topsoil

I know people who won't even go out to see a show at night because they are surfing - that's why I won't buy a machine for home - too many computers during the day - need an outdoor vista or some nice aural passages to counteract it all -

speaking of snowed in cabins, I guess if Nicholson had the web back then The Shining would have never happened redrum indeed

I'm off soon - if anybody has a choice seat for manassas up for sale let me know quick Godspeed to my fellow Raleigh festers

Thanks alot Cara Mia for the babe choir picks, foreplay indeed
then again the foreplay heats up for two hours tommorrow night

So Vicki, come to our pre party at Humble Pie at 5 and meet the wormed wonder
I know you read this guestbook, but are you that adventuresome?
inquiring worms wanna know

either that or let me in the backdoor at soundcheck
tell em I'm Roger Nichol's brother

anything fun to do around Raleigh during the day?

T-bird

he walks through the old routine, he's gone

Mais Blaise, I was not thinking of this GB solely, I mean all of it, this internetted- info- addictive- interactive- regular- live- paralysing (feel free to fill in the blanks ) that's been happening for over the, what shall I say, last 15-20 years now, and the last decade access for almost all.
Somewhere I have a homepage of my own LOL but I have no idea where and how to get to it, I get lost each time LOL
Destracted by everything that pops up on my screen, banner here, banner there, ban these banners I'd say...

Worm's from New Orleans. He's cajunic and okrafilistic.
Not an underwater creature.
Unless ..spicey food..does that make fish bubble?

45 minutes before I can go home. It's 16.15 A.M.
Days of p leisure
Not

G.

Don't see a big future in selling MP3s. The stuff's NOT CD quality. Not enough 1s and 0s. High end is pretty harsh. Looking forward for the same amount of music that's now on a CD format being on DVD format - ~2.5 times more memory.

Schwinn: You listened to Rush Limbaugh? in Austin? without a horde of muscular women in black leather wrestling you to the ground and chaining you?

wormian wiggly wonder - That tape sounds good. Future considerations was the prize in an old contest I recall winning.
Mp3 inferior format for now, today. Tomorrow, who knows?
They have these neat little portable players now, very cute and lightweight.
You picture Aja running to the Second Arrangement with one of these.

Gina - "underwater-sea-and-ocean-creatures", I'll have to talk to you about that one...lol There is a worm, after all.

if you're real lazy you'll agree with what the screen and keyboard have in store. Buying a CD won't only keep the industry going, it can't hurt to be amongst the living and the living dead. Some wink of the eye here, a quick glance there, an ordinary life outside.

To me this cyberworld is like an underwater-sea-and-ocean-like society of unknown creatures that have miraculous forms and backgrounds and reasons of existence. The settings are colorful and the architecture without limits. Multiple ways of surviving. A variety in food and feeding as well.
One can drown easily.
Call for a cyberwatch, maybe.

BT Bow,
Gina

Blaise - MP3's
why would I want that inferior medium when one has a very expensive electric girlfriend who wants only the best in ear candy from our courtship?

OLe - my shot at Manassas is about 1 in 10
the person with the great seat never responded to my e-mail
anybody else have anything up for sale
See you and the gang at the Humblest of Pies
leaving this afternoon

Blaise - I summoned my Nakamichi and made a nice road tape of the Plush video songs and added Boston Rag, Dr Wu, Gaucho and Altamira came out rather nice (although some edits of the monologue were difficult)10 or so other tapes for the ride should do

cheers

Tom

RE:Mp3 and copyright

Elvis Costello is a visionary, a trend setter. He sells his back catalog on line for 99 cents a song. Not all his songs are worth that kind of money, mind you (ouch) but a lot of them are bon marche at this price. You can customize your own compilation, that's neat. I can see that
happening on a larger scale in the music biz soon.
I don't see much of a future for Napster, MO. There's room for debate here, though.
If it goes on like this, then it's music making as we know it that collapses short-term for better or for worse. Why bother when fortune is out of the equation and the possibility to live from your art. Then, this phenom taken to its absurd end, all there will be is your annoying neighbor impersonating Dylan or whatever.
Maybe the damage is done and most of you people have stocked up, mp3-wise.
This revolution starts and stops with you.
All revolutions do.
I limit my own consumption to rare and/or live tracks. I don't see a problem
with that. Buy a CD, if you want the act to survive and carry on.
Wouldn't want Donald to end up like Charlie Freak, you know...

Oleander, Not My Nancy: Thanks for the welcome. A "hearty gulping blast" back at you (a newly coined term of affection). I always wondered though...if realising the "problem/obsession is the first step towards recovery, how come it's getting worse?

Babes and I celebrate 7 years together today. Sumptous dinner at Union Square Cafe..then the one, the only one, Mr. Steely Dan (whatever..)provides background buzz to a night of romance.

Happy Thursday to all.

Aus

Firstly, all you regulars who e mail me from time to time, please take note that my e mail address has changed somewhat. Msake note of it. I have missed my friends here on the Gb. It has been fun experimenting in the chat room. I have been under the weather this week. Thak the Gods for ZPAK. I am feeling much bettter. Off to the Santana show tonight. Very excited. His shows are like Mass for A JUJU chile'. AND it's the opening show of the tour and Carlos' Birthday. How cool is that?

Gina- Thank you for your kind gesture. That was so sweet, I told ya this ol GB willl change your views. It is a beautiful thang! Glad to see your spirits up.

Steviedan- Baby you da bes! Got that e mail, did you get my message? Were you SOOOO surprised? Hope so. I hope to be a pro at Dancin' in the Moonlight very very soon. Thank you for making time for lil ol me! peaceoutree

Craig- It has been SUCH great fun corresponding back and forth. I thank you too, for making time for a glass of Chere now and again. Hope your week is going great as I had hoped for you and that crazy schedule you seem to have. I meant every word in my e mail to you. Love how you "get" reading between the lines. especially about things clandestine and other things like emerald slippers. Hopefully we too will cross paths at a different show. Hope so.

Joan- Got your e mail too. Sorry your'e not making the WPB show next week. Absolutely NOTHING can contain the excitment I have for this magic I am about to witness for the first time in my life. Perhaps we shall meet again at a different show. Perhaps.

Q- I am going to call your office this week coming up to organize a rendezvous with you and your beloved. My nephew is BEAMING! He took a letter grade decrease in his Music Appreciation class to make the show after all. Can anyone here even fathom a Music Appreciation teacher who would forbid a student to go to a Steely Dan show? Perish the thought! Music Appreciation/ Steely Dan are really the same thing right?

Ole- Got your e mail too. God I have become such the popular Gb girl. Feels so good. I e mailed you back so check yo e mail chile'. You angel You.

IO- Hey sista! What's shakin' in yo corner of the world?

Diane- So sorry I did not get that what was promised to you, as you have read above I have been kinda fighting a nasty bug this week. When it decided to take up residence in my ear canal and bring pain with I had to just lie down and ride it out. I have also not gotten my car back ALL week. That sure changes things a bit. I do not live within walking distance of the post office. I am hoping I get the darn thing back today. You are first on my list of JUJU surplus items to hopefully improve your situation.

For the record, I am happy to prepare any JUJU novelties for any fellow GBers gratis. I'm like dat! I hope I answered everyone who has been so sweet to me with posts and e mails this week. I shall try to make it to the chat area Sun night. Until then, I truly have missed you all. I also would like to thank Blaise I think it was (can't remember) who referred to my late night postings as "lively" I'll take that as a compliment to the fullest.

So peace and blessings. I shall give a full discourse on the Santana show for any out there who may be interested in catching his show in the coming months to YOUR town. I have to confess though, that my Dan show report will probably be much more colourful. Wer'e talking Steely Dan!

My instant Karmas just GOT you all. Have a wonderful day! dat JUJU chile' chere

So, it will take a while for me to figure out how this really works. Some of you are regular, some aren't. The wife and me just got back from visiting our neighbours. They went bananas when I told them I was going to let out on the backyard little something. I never paid that much attention to the item, really. The wife says I should hold back longer.
I don't know.
The dog. Got to walk him now.
O'Keefe

Anyone hear the opening strains of Cousin Dupree on Rush Limbaugh last Tuesday? I fell out of my easy-rider chair and suffered an immense abrasion to my football helmet. Luckily my smashing good looks are still intact and I look forward to dropping some "A" with Peter in the Woodlands next Friday night. Hopefully it won't be a conservative show.

Back Like Me,

SEMB

Tina--What?? SPEAK UP! I can't hear you! And sit the fuck down.

Not My--hey, gramps! You're dating me here; sure I remember that josie, and the Kinkster--sigh, I miss the rascal.

Stranger--she is ubiquitous, that girl. Would have loved to have seen Randy Newman as well.

Aussie--Welcome to the Neverdoanything Halfway House.

tom--Hmmm.... Hefty bags and name tags. I think we can have some fun with that. I'm heading up to Manassas, so let's talk logistics.

fezo--oh, you mean having to be propped up to breathe? I remember that, sort of.

Roy--Nor have I mortgaged my soul quite yet from that little adventure. Doesn't take many people to get into a lot of trouble, though I'd get into trouble with you again anytime. [cue intro to "Josie"....]

Ducklet--I think actually it was that Aura of Danitude you have.

well, I thought I had read the most worthless thing yet on this GB. But nup! It was topped in a matter of hours!

Hi,
My name is TheStranger and I'm addicted to running over 21-year-old dumb fucks who behave like Tina. I wasn't strung out at first. I just tried to scatter them like chickens. But they were so stupid they became frozen by the headlights and I would just keep going anyway and instead of scattering them like chickens I ran over them like dogs. It was a cruel sport, I know, but it gets into your blood. Now that I've kicked, well, almost kicked it, I'm leading a much fuller life even though I have to spend an hour or so every night at our meetings.

Tina,
After reading your heartfelt message about old people ruining your good time at the concert because they actually wanted to see the show that they fucking paid to see, well, I felt really guilty about all those Generation XYZs I've been running down like dogs whenever I get a chance. Now, thanks to you, I am going to start life fresh as a sweeter person. Have a nice day.

While I was riding my bike home from work today, I saw a man waiting on a street corner for the light to change who bore a startling resemblance to Donald - I tried not to stare, but it was hard to not look at him! Well, Walter has that German dentist for his doppelganger, maybe I've just seen Donald's!

Roy Scam - Good to see you here! I always enjoy your sharp wit. Regarding Procol Harum, we were discussing them a while back on a British church-related listserv I subscribe to - I guess they are a perpetual source of conversation in certain circles.

Aja: It could be worse ;). The weather report for San Diego, Texas: High = 99¡; Low = 76¡; Dewpoint = 73¡
Hey, my boss is quitting. Cool.

when I was Indianapolis a few weeks back, scouting the Nike All American camp, a cab driver noticed my Jack of Speed jersey and kept talking on about Steely Dan and some other name that I forgot an hour later. Maybe we talked to the same guy. He went on and on about Steely Dan featuring or with a cat I'd never heard of, "who played with them in the seventies."

I got a real laugh today, thought I would share this:
I was listening to 2VN today at work, and a co-worker asked who I was listening to. I explained it was Steely Dan. He asked
" Is that Steely Dan and John Ford Coley"? I cracked up!!!!
He was serious!!!!!!!
Then I tried to give him examples of their songs. I mentioned
"Do It Again", "Peg", "Josie", and other top 40 stuff.
He thought he had heard some of those, but he wasn't sure.
You should have been there!

Hi everyone! Just got back from the Eastern Sierras and am trying to settle back into "real life" again, after the fantasy one I've lived this past week. I have to sit at a desk tomorrow? Yikes! Maybe "Black Friday" (even though it's Thursday :) would be the perfect thing to slip into the computer to start the day. A week without the Boys-funny how they go so well with the disillusioning return to the hamster wheel of work. On that note, "Babylon Sisters" may be a good for the second song of the day. Plus, though there are no Santa Anas now, it's still damn hot down here.

Or maybe I'll plot to kill my boss(es) with some Deludin and head back up to the mountains (evil lol!)

Aja

fezo: Be there for the pre VaBeach party; four days from today. I promise that we will comport ourselves with the same dignity and sobriety with which we approached the Williamsburg and Richmond Danfests and the Richmond Ben-Folds-Guster-fest. (I still get an occasional sermonette about Williamsburg II).

When they say "70's geeks and hipsters" are they referring to my apparent decade or my apparent age?

Mr. LaPage: Did we mention "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down" among the na-na songs? -- My vote for most artful multiple repitition of a phrase in a pop song goes to Bill Withers (I know I know I know ... .... .... 20 times?)

First rap song: "Pink Shoe Laces" by Dody Stevens.

Best scream: Rascals, "Good Lovin'".

Pop song most similar to "Only a Fool Would Say That": The Youngbloods' "Sunlight" [Check it out on Napster].

Steely Pete: Love the Procol Harum conversational strain. We discussed them here several months ago and decided that Reid says "Sock it to me" in the the song Wish Me Well. --- There may be some parallels to Steely Dan, but they more closely parallel The Band. In fact the liner notes for Shine On Brightly brag about " ... how much the first Procol album influenced 'Music From Big Pink'". A lofty boast indeed. Anyway, if you can apply any Oleander-like analysis of Harum's lyrics (or even their name), I'd love to hear it.

Important safety tip: Yes, kids, the last lick in the fade-out of King of the World is a beauty, but as Dave says, be advised that severe ear and speaker damage may result if you forget to resume normal volume.

RS

P.S. I agree with Mitch about "Don't Take Me Alive" what a groove! On my wish list would have been "Gaslighting", but ...oh well. Fantastic.

Fezo

Yeah, a pre-Dan fest is planned for the Beach show but highly secretive, try Jazz52nd@aol.com, he's the local ringmaster for this gig. Starts around 5pm on the 23rd, local bar, open only for Danners. Understand there are a very few good seats left, but they are available in the conventional way (6th row center here, yikes). Come with your fez on baby.

I saw the show last Saturday in Boston, and had seen the Mountain View show last month as well. Differences: more partying in the parking lot in Boston: grillin' burgers, tunes, etc. Also, in Boston, Glamour Profession and Hey 19 added. What a treat (GP is one of my top 5!) Huge audience reaction to "..sweet things from Boston.." Audience seemed altogether more enthusiastic in Boston.

Re: "wiggling at shows in a worm fashion"

Rayleigh..... hmm, is that anywhere near Raleigh?

Unbelievable show last night here in Hotlanta. Did anyone notice Tom Barney walking around in the audience before the show? He was just chillin' talking on his cell phone. Kinda cool. Anyhoo, does anyone have the set list for this wonderful show?

Thanks in advance!

Hey Tina, when you stop slinging the word "old" around as some sort of insult, maybe you'll get treated like an adult.

DJ Mitch: Was "backround" a Freudian slip? Just curious...

Aus

DJ Mitch: Was "backround" a Freudian slip? Just curious...

Aus

This is definitely the Steely Dan Tour of Tours. The fans who were into the early stuff dominated by guitars,has to dig Herrington and Becker.....The Horn Section with a trombone is tight ......The backround singers are shining and very personable. The playlist has surprised everyone with Boston Rag, Night By Night, Royal Scam and in my opinion the kick ass song of the tour Don`t Take Me Alive. This is without a doubt the cool part of the summer.............................

hey Tina - good ribbing

I'm afraid most people who pay that kind of money want a civil audience where everyone sits down and behaves

I personally will dance my but off all I want assuming my neighbors are friendly as well (and I'm in my late 30's decrepid state)

I live in New Orleans and have only experienced one club show there that the place was dead quiet and my date and I were the only people dancing. needless to say, I gave up my primo spot to stand at the back bar and dance away

Gina - soul sister thanksz for the linguinius wormius name
I admire your letting go and soul searching into your future

hey 1973 - welcome aboard ! glad to have you
you can luck into tickets the day of a show,
I have 12th row seats for Rayleigh when I jumped on the Dan page note that extra seats were released and don't count scalpers out right before start time they are always trying to get some money for their efforts - I've seen many a sold out show using this method! good luck

Manassas still up in the air

and glad to see Fezo will be at Rayleigh - lets celebrate

Wormbrain tom

Thank you Steely Dan for the wonderful music! I would just like everyone to know that I am 21 yrs. old and very entergetic at concerts, but I experienced a problem at the Merriwether Post Pavillion 7/14/00. My boyfriend and I had lawn seats and as late as we were we found great seats near the front. When Becker and band came out we stood up. I had already noticed that the younger folks were definitly the minority, but didn't seem like a problem. During the first 15 minutes of the show I had 4 people come down and tell me to sit down. (and not in that nice of language) Sorry, I like to dance and get funky at shows so I was not about to sit down. After it seemed like the whole lawn behind us was pissed off, we moved down to the bottom, front. What is it? Can all you OLD people not have fun anymore, or at least remember what it's like to be young? Thankfuly I still had a wonderful show, but this is just a reminder to all the oldies out there. Before you bitch the next time, stop and think of why you are here and remember how it was when you were younger!
Peace and Love Always!

Very excited for Saturday's show in Manassas, but two neurotic concerns: (1) Rain forecast; (2) "Royal Scam"'s absence from Monday night's show. Was this missing from Tuesday night's show as well? Does anyone have a setlist?

Hi..stepping out of the Banyan shade, there aren't any I can share my pre Steely Ahoy Concert joyish jitters with ..hm..well, there might be one, perhaps. If the wind blows in the right direction. And I heard some DJ's on the radio blab about the concert..free at last..double fun for me in September. Counting down.

A new sense of living, I just wrote that at the end of a short trip down memory GB lane. It's true, though. A lot has changed since I came aboard. A 6 year relationship ended, I will quit my job and I feel like Horatio Hornblower, at open sea, adventure as my sole companion, an old one I was so lucky to find again.

And I love it.

So, being my sentimental me, thanks to what you, fellow Strangers have contributed, not knowing you did, but nevertheless ...
Chere, Hutch, Steviedan, (Breuker CD will come) Worm (you're a linguinius), Robin, Clas, Dr Mu, KD, Innocent One, Miz Ducky, St. Al, Cara Mia, Mr LaPage, MidnightCruiser, sure I forgot some of you.
Et toi, Blaise. Merci, vraiment.

It's a quiet evening at home. The world seems at peace, but maybe I just am. I know the goose-bums I felt all over when I read the earliest postings and the words Home at Last so frequently put. I know the sun shining on a gloomy day when I listened to some Steely Dan records and I recall the magic that moment carried for me.

And it goes on.
Now, from this blissful moment back to everyday reality:
A stack of clothes to shape and iron, but with some finer thoughts in mind. Thank y'all!

A Banyan Tree Bow,
Gina

blbdave - liked your story of your daughter and the gas in the car response

I had been watch the plush about a week ago and my son was playing next to me, well yesterday I am in a Sam's Club and Jack of Speed starts coming on. My 6 year old son Mini Me hears the first 4 notes, grabs my arm and says "dad that's Steely Dan"

needless to say I was touched and gave him a well earned affectionate pat on the head

so Dave - are the polo shirts nice? expensive? run small?

thanks

Tom

he's gone, in a thousand million ways

Took the Mrs. and the two adult kids (18, & 21) to Chastain Park Monday night and what a thrill it was to turn and say to my daughter at exactly the right moment "Is there gas in the car?" and have my offspring reply correctly, "Yes! There's gas in the car."

The place was packed. It's by nature a venue that's a little taken with itself, but by the time the sun went down, everything was great.

Really enjoyed WOH, Boston Rag, and Kid Charlemagne sounded especially strong.

Wore the Tour 2k Polo shirt to work today, just in case anyone didn't already know where I'd been.

have fun in Raleigh.

db

Well I contemplate spending Saturday driving to Manassas for the show then having a 16 drive back to New Orleans with little time to escape to the mountains or to spend saturday working my way westward along the blueridge and only having an 8 hour drive on Sunday Anybody have great seats up for sale for saturday night, the gal that had one via e-mail hasn't contacted me yet

Would really like to meat Hutch and Altimira but it just may be too much driving to cram into a long weekend and have to be back before monday

what things to contemplate 2 Dan shows or one and the Smokies
Maybe Vicki can make my mind up for me ;-)

Aussie - life's grand as you know up there in NYC
hope your withdrawal blues are not too strong

Blaise is at it again, you made me laugh

Can't wait to meet the gang in Rayleigh

travel tape - take the setlist and record the songs from the discs or the Plush DVD in that running order and Cara Mia - I must have my best traveling tape Joni's Heijira

toodles from the topsoil

Tom

I'm gonna let the world pass by me

Hey 1973: 1. Utilize the internet: Yahoo auctions, Ebay auctions, Ticket Bastard dot com, Dan Fan sponsored web site forums, other search engines, etc.

2. Call local ticket brokers= pay through the proboscis but guaranteed the best seats.

3. Where Jones Beach Ampitheatre is concerned specifically: Due to a crack down sponsored by the New York State Attorney General's Office a generous block of seats are ALWAYS held back by the theatre on or very near the date of the event so as to give those less fortunate souls a chanse to obtain decent seats. (I was, coincidentally, working at the New York State Law Department while a second year at Syracse Law School when the then Attorney General started his ticket scalping/hoarding campaign in NYC)

4. Contact all well connected friends and family who have access to getting good tickets for whatever event.

Better luck next time bud.

Aus

a glow-worm's prayer
miss vicky come to me
my mother's gone to bed
all my skeevy sounds of love
cannot disturb on concert night
or turn your pretty head
all i ask of you
is make my wettest dreams come true
no one sees and no one knows
miss vicky come to me
with your red pj's on
almost caught you in detroit
but had no money in the bank
could there be something wrong?
you must feel my plight
i stalked the bus the other night
you won't feel it till it glows

Hey 1973 - Simple, everyone here has to type with their toes.

The Crew Against Nature

bad news breaking on danfest day
worm-man tommy turn upside-down they say
spider king beemer, that guestbook crew
cross the country those raleigh danfans flew
all the nice music, those hell-bent souls
dancing in their protective dr. scholl's

Hi folks!!

A quick FYI to let you know that after 12 days of being down and losing all incoming E's, Cynthia Calhoun's site is now back up.

I'm Cynthia's webdude but if it wasn't for Pat Beemer [AKA St. Alfonzo]we would still be down and clueless.

Thanks for all your help Pat--I could not have done it without you. I'm the webdude but you're the master.

Hey guys-

Looking over all of these posts, I keep noticing everyone seems to have great seats. I saw them at Jones Beach, NY and while the music and atmosphere was wonderful, I might have given up a couple of fingers to have had better seats. What's everyones secret?

reservation is made; i'm Raleigh bound. can't wait to see both familiar and new faces. my goal is to maintain the same level of sobriety i maintained at the 2nd Williamsburg Danfest

then i'm journeying back up to Nissan, after stopping to host what by the response so far looks like will be a rather sparsely attended Orangerie on Saturday, then perhaps down to Va Beach on Sunday. if anyone wants to join the caravan, they can pile into the back of my Contour.

what's the scoop on Va Beach? any pre-show fetes planned?

Worm - Hutch going to the concert at Manassas; I think Fezo is going; and so am I. It's in northern Virginia, though; the opposite end of the state from North Carolina. I hope you can make it, though; it would be great fun to have you there.

Atlanta: You guys got WOH? I went THREE TIMES and got no WOH. Sigh.

Aussie.Torres@ubs.com: Congratulations. The first step is admitting you have a problem.

I'm not here all the time, but dammit, I've been alternately posting and lurking since '96. I am just about everyone's grand-Nancy around here. Whatever happened to Kinky? And remember that sleazy Yalie Josie?

*** Ticket available for Steely Dan UK gig ***

I have one good ticket for the Steely gig at Birmingham NEC on Sept 8th.

About 20 rows back from the stage (Block A, row V, seat 18)

Price: £30.25 (what was paid for it).

Interested? Phone Gordon on 01274 549743

Howard

bare midriff in fat you aye shun
hefty bags and worm tom name tags
Walt said some crowds are scary but
he hasn't seen Raleigh yet.

Top songs for a travel tape? hm...

Babes confronts me at the workstation at home. Then I realised...and then capitulated. I'm addicted to the GB. Question becomes how long before I foray into the chatroom forum...

Wormster: Green with envy. YOU ARE GOING TO HAVE THE TIME OF YOUR LIFE. Please send warmest regards to the babe choir for me will ya?

Aus

sounds like Ole and Cara Mia and Q had a great time in Atlanta

Stranger - thank your wife properly for dragging you to the Randy Newman show - I'm envious

Ole - look out and when you say you hope the Rayleigh crowd is "hefty" I hope you are refering to shear numbers
(are we going with name tags)

So Carolyn is wearing dresses open down to her navel,
great, this fits in perfectly with my die a ball ick all plans
all the more distraction for my in fat you aye shun dance with Vicky C

2 daze and counting - and I may make the saturday show
how close are the two cities? anyone else going saturday?

just picked up the new Tom Robbins novel - ah another light jaunt in mind travel. He writes like the Alladin genie (Robin Williams) speaks

what's the latest setlist? I want to make an ear candy tape tonight for my road trip

thanks

worm tom

Hiya, Oleander--

Lovely to run into you at the Mansfield gig! I was so tickled that you recognized me from Net-photos. Wish I was going to another show this very next weekend too. But at least a consolation prize was awaiting me when I arrived back home in Seattle: my very own copy of the "Making of Aja" video, finally risen from the back-order dead. Huzzah! More Dan-porn over which to drool!

Clas,
The trumpet player is Roy Hargrove. Berklee's in the East, Berkley's in the West.

My wife dragged me to see Randy Newman. $50 a ticket. Life's so expensive. But you know? It was worth it. Clever, talented guy.

Oleander,
You met Cara Mia? Damn, it seems like she was just here in California shooting pictures in the parking lot.

My host duties out of the way there, hello all--Went to the Mansfield show and was treated to MAD chops and audience adoration for my first Steely gig. Just got back from Atlanta, where I sat much closer, and boy did that make the difference. I'm with Diane on the dancing issue, but I think I now have perfected dancing my ass off in my seat. The Atlanta crowd was asleep the first half, except for the five hundred or so shmucks who were talking all the wa