Listening to Steely Dan on Radio Paradise

Now this is more like it, baby.

Them lyrics.

Them lyrics.

Them lyrics.

They go so well with a Boulevardier cocktail: the meaner cousin to a Negroni.

Posted 3 weeks ago by idiot_wind [ Reply ]

Sophomore year, Emerson College, Boston.
Great memories (although fuzzy) started my comedy career with the Emerson Comedy Workshop. Best of times!!!

Posted 3 months ago by keenevision [ Reply ]

joejennings wrote:

Too funny!! ...not very hard to upset a book keeper! PS: I always thought "pool keeper's son"! ...what the hell is a pool keeper?! ...anything is possible with Steely Dan!

PS: Thank You for the lyrics, RP!

Posted 10 months ago by joejennings [ Reply ]

pinto wrote:

Check out Rick Beato's interview on YouTube with Larry Carlton re: the intro and overall guitar work for this song.

Thank You for the info!

Posted 1 year ago by joejennings [ Reply ]

Ihatethissong wrote:

Start off a song with a guitar solo? Why not?

Check out Rick Beato's interview on YouTube with Larry Carlton re: the intro and overall guitar work for this song.

Posted 1 year ago by pinto [ Reply ]

such a great song, from an incredible band and a masterpiece of an album. Right after Aja this is my second favorite of them, great mood, incredible solos and just a very enjoyable experience

Posted 1 year ago by sanzinluka [ Reply ]

See today’s (April 18)’s NYT for a new book on the Dan’s lyrics. Can’t wait to read it! MM in Or EE gun

Posted 1 year ago by Montreal_Mort [ Reply ]

gratefulgator wrote:

Just realized the line is bookkeeper's son. And being one, I'm wondering if I should worry about my son.

Try to stay away from Origaan

Posted 2 years ago by Greyerwrit [ Reply ]

Zep wrote:

"I'm a goal-keeper's son...."

Just realized the line is bookkeeper's son. And being one, I'm wondering if I should worry about my son.

Posted 2 years ago by gratefulgator [ Reply ]

BillG wrote:

Oh, yes. I did the evening shift at KLRB (Carmel) when this came out. Wore out at least one copy...

I wore out at least one copy on my home stereo, unbelievable musicianship on all their albums.

Posted 2 years ago by ImaOldman [ Reply ]

"I'm a goal-keeper's son...."

Posted 2 years ago by Zep [ Reply ]

yikes...that guitar playing

yikes those lyrics

a man of my mind can do anything

except i got a case full of dynamite

go figure

Posted 2 years ago by idiot_wind [ Reply ]

Highlowsel wrote:

The Steely. These guys always were, and always will be, in a class all their own. Outstanding thru-out.

Highlow
American Net'Zen

Very well stated!

Posted 2 years ago by joejennings [ Reply ]

The Steely. These guys always were, and always will be, in a class all their own. Outstanding thru-out.

Highlow
American Net'Zen

Posted 2 years ago by Highlowsel [ Reply ]

BillG wrote:

Oh, yes. I did the evening shift at KLRB (Carmel) when this came out. Wore out at least one copy...

Carmel?!
Did you get frequent requests for "Misty"? ; )

Posted 2 years ago by On_The_Beach [ Reply ]

take their first six albums and compare to first six albums of Dylan, Beatles, Mitchell, Van the man.

Quite outstanding.

Posted 2 years ago by idiot_wind [ Reply ]

Exothermic wrote:

I always heard "bull keeper's" son. A book keeper just takes away the edge of danger in the story for me.

Too funny!! ...not very hard to upset a book keeper! PS: I always thought "pool keeper's son"! ...what the hell is a pool keeper?! ...anything is possible with Steely Dan!

Posted 2 years ago by joejennings [ Reply ]

Jelani wrote:

I thought it was "poolkeeper's son"

I always heard "bull keeper's" son. A book keeper just takes away the edge of danger in the story for me.

Posted 2 years ago by Exothermic [ Reply ]

Larry Carlton conducts a guitar clinic in this song. So good.

9

Posted 2 years ago by vandal [ Reply ]

Jelani wrote:

I thought it was "poolkeeper's son"

Me too!! I always thought the same thing!! ...Until I read the lyrics here!

Posted 2 years ago by joejennings [ Reply ]

Steely_D wrote:

I know you're out there, with rage in your eyes and your megaphones.

Words for today.

Posted 2 years ago by h8rhater [ Reply ]

Of their big six albums, this is probably their most under-rated.

And it's a freakin great album!!!

Posted 2 years ago by idiot_wind [ Reply ]

bluematrix wrote:

From Songfacts.com

Leaving no mystery to the lyrics, "Don't Take Me Alive" is about a violent criminal holed up with "a case of dynamite" telling the cops to shoot him, in the tradition of playing "suicide by cop." He also appears to have committed patricide. That's our Steely Dan - the darkest lyrics sung to the most cheerful tunes in rock 'n' roll!

Long before O. J. Simpson led police on a slow-speed chase through its streets, Los Angeles had been host to a number of unusual crimes and high-profile apprehensions - flipping on the TV in LA, you can often see a crime unfolding in real time. Natives of the city are used to it, but Becker and Fagen were transplants from New York, so to them it was really bizarre. In writing this song, they drew on some of these stories that inundated the city.

That's Larry Carlton doing the guitar solo.

"Leaving no Mystery to the Lyrics " certainly a rare occasion for "The Dan"!
Sonically beautiful tune that paints a cinematic picture!

Posted 2 years ago by surfrider4life [ Reply ]

Greyerwrit wrote:

No wonder he's on the lam, after that pronunciation of Or e Gone.

hahaha i get crapped on for that by OR-A-Gone relatives!

Posted 2 years ago by xcranky_yankee [ Reply ]

GREAT TUNE!!! ICONIC!!!

Posted 2 years ago by joejennings [ Reply ]

No wonder he's on the lam, after that pronunciation of Or e Gone.

Posted 3 years ago by Greyerwrit [ Reply ]

Steely_D wrote:

Everyone's panties in a bunch about Oregon, but no one freaking out about

Mr Walker is currently on TV shilling for some Medicare part A/B/C/D

insurance program where the benefits are (what else?-) "DYN-O-MITE!"

Tony in NJ

W.A.S.T.E.

Posted 3 years ago by tonyinnj [ Reply ]

pcicatar wrote:

Two words: Larry Carlton!

Rick Beato interviewed him recently. Great stuff for music nerds!

Posted 3 years ago by jkamm14 [ Reply ]

Agree

Posted 3 years ago by Montreal_Mort [ Reply ]

Montreal_Mort wrote:

What a song! These guys were Dyno mite. A four min song w all those meter and key changes - yikes they were real musicians. This could be a 20 min classic. And it ends up a 4 min pop hit. I’m in awe

Not to mention the awesome four minutes of storytelling of someone gone crazy.

Posted 3 years ago by Ok_Sobriquet [ Reply ]

Other than the typical east coast mispronouncement of Oregon, a killer tune as are all SD compositions. No offence, I went to public school in New England and we were taught to say it the same way.

Posted 3 years ago by DW4554 [ Reply ]

Donald Fagan has had an incredible career. One of the most recognizable voices in rock.

Posted 3 years ago by DigitalJer [ Reply ]

I bought the Royal Scam in the summer of 1976 - I Still Love It

Posted 3 years ago by jmsmy [ Reply ]

What a song! These guys were Dyno mite. A four min song w all those meter and key changes - yikes they were real musicians. This could be a 20 min classic. And it ends up a 4 min pop hit. I’m in awe

Posted 3 years ago by Montreal_Mort [ Reply ]

Oregon? I always thought he was singing about the Aragon Brawlroom in Chicago.

Posted 3 years ago by deepwoodskev [ Reply ]

Two words: Larry Carlton!

Posted 3 years ago by pcicatar [ Reply ]

WTF?

Oh...its Steely Dan.

Makes sense to me.

"Agents of the law
Luckless pedestrian
I know you're out there
With rage in your eyes
And your megaphones"

Posted 3 years ago by idiot_wind [ Reply ]

Jelani wrote:

I thought it was "poolkeeper's son"

Talk about "yacht rock"!

Posted 3 years ago by tinypriest [ Reply ]

Sam_Hill wrote:

I always thought it was, "I'm a goalkeeper's son."

I thought it was "poolkeeper's son"

Posted 3 years ago by Jelani [ Reply ]

uksminas wrote:

I think these people were expecting Yo Yo Ma. But what I want to know is what's up with that girl on the left with all the mascara smeared under her eyes as if she'd been reading a really sad book that made her cry and she just looked up from all the (Steely Dan) commotion.

Posted 3 years ago by tinypriest [ Reply ]

Sometimes I feel like a "luckless pedestrian". Love SD.

Posted 4 years ago by nicknt [ Reply ]

I freaking love Steely Dan.

Posted 4 years ago by bluefrog [ Reply ]

Out...fucking (can I say that here?)...standing....go ahead....lie to me....tell me you didn't break out in an air guitar stance when that guitar sounded out? Go ahead....lie to me. I dare ya!

Highlow
American Net'Zen

Posted 4 years ago by Highlowsel [ Reply ]

BillG wrote:

Oh, yes. I did the evening shift at KLRB (Carmel) when this came out. Wore out at least one copy...

Posted 4 years ago by Steve_G [ Reply ]

easmann wrote:

Ah, so Clint patterned himself after you? Makes sense. ; p

"Play Misty for Me"

Just be sure to watch out for Evelyn! ; )

Posted 4 years ago by On_The_Beach [ Reply ]

MrStatenIsle wrote:

Yeah, and how about opening a song by ripping a killer guitar solo in your face! :D

Aye, what a solo!

Posted 4 years ago by cbhutchinson50 [ Reply ]

Ihatethissong wrote:

Start off a song with a guitar solo? Why not?

Posted 4 years ago by cbhutchinson50 [ Reply ]

NOW WE'RE TALKIN'

Posted 4 years ago by Will62 [ Reply ]

Life is beautiful, who will take that I even dont like

Posted 4 years ago by taklalaratar [ Reply ]

One of the very best rock bands from any decade ...

.....oh, the song, Outstanding..."9"

Posted 4 years ago by neptunejeff [ Reply ]

keller1 wrote:

Yacht Rock at its best. 👍

This is the antithesis of yacht rock

Posted 4 years ago by amystone [ Reply ]

keller1 wrote:

Yacht Rock at its best. 👍

Posted 4 years ago by amystone [ Reply ]

patrickagermann9147 wrote:

Went to a boring wedding back in the 70's and would sneak out to listen to this throughout the evening. It was my latest 8 track purchase. Love it!

I thought you were going to say this was playing at the boring wedding.

Posted 4 years ago by EffjayUK [ Reply ]

Posted 4 years ago by uksminas [ Reply ]

frisbeepilot wrote:

I sure do love all them funny chords they use.

Yeah, and how about opening a song by ripping a killer guitar solo in your face! :D

Posted 4 years ago by MrStatenIsle [ Reply ]

I sure do love all them funny chords they use.

Posted 4 years ago by frisbeepilot [ Reply ]

It's just that nobody but nobody wrote such strange but catchy and cryptic lyrics for fantastic musicianship.

Posted 4 years ago by idiot_wind [ Reply ]

I’ve always disliked them singing oreeeegon since I moved out west (40 years). 😹

Posted 4 years ago by pcjimioj189 [ Reply ]

keller1 wrote:

Yacht Rock at its best. 👍

I just heard that term for the 1st time last week during an NPR interview with Michael McDonald. He was humorously grateful for the creation of that genre, which has kept his career going.

Posted 5 years ago by khardog145 [ Reply ]

dxnerd86 wrote:

I still get irritated at the way Fagen mispronounces ‘Oregon’. A foretelling of the Bundy saga, perhaps? A top tune, though.

Dang, I thought he was singing about the guy from Lord Of The Rings! I getcha. Well, he is Donald Fagen, I think he has demonstrated enough excellence'0'plenty to take some creative liberty here. Such a great album.

Posted 5 years ago by MrStatenIsle [ Reply ]

youngers wrote:

Why someone has not made an opera based on this tune is beyond me.

Get to work on it; Wagner and Verdi are busy doing other things these days.

Posted 5 years ago by Proclivities [ Reply ]

no he's saying 'or I gone' not 'or I gun' like we do in the PNW

Posted 5 years ago by Triquel67 [ Reply ]

dxnerd86 wrote:

I still get irritated at the way Fagen mispronounces ‘Oregon’. A foretelling of the Bundy saga, perhaps? A top tune, though.

Uh, he pronounces it correctly.

Posted 5 years ago by BCarn [ Reply ]

Yacht Rock at its best. 👍

Posted 5 years ago by keller1 [ Reply ]

I still get irritated at the way Fagen mispronounces ‘Oregon’. A foretelling of the Bundy saga, perhaps? A top tune, though.

Posted 5 years ago by dxnerd86 [ Reply ]

drewd wrote:

Oh Man!! All of these years I've been singing "I'm a pool keeper's son".

Even knowing the "correct" lyric, I see no reason to sing it any other way.

Pool keeper forever, man!

Posted 5 years ago by ziggytrix [ Reply ]

I always thought it was, "I'm a goalkeeper's son."

Posted 5 years ago by Sam_Hill [ Reply ]

patrickagermann9147 wrote:

Went to a boring wedding back in the 70's and would sneak out to listen to this throughout the evening. It was my latest 8 track purchase. Love it!

I always associate Steely Dan with the 70s! The sound just says 70s to me.

Posted 5 years ago by gratefulgator [ Reply ]

Ahhhhhh! Schweetnesh!

On the other hand, does this song foretell the 21st Century?

Posted 5 years ago by unclehud [ Reply ]

Went to a boring wedding back in the 70's and would sneak out to listen to this throughout the evening. It was my latest 8 track purchase. Love it!

Posted 5 years ago by patrickagermann9147 [ Reply ]

Love the multiple languages thank you,

especially the Aussie.

Posted 5 years ago by nomnol [ Reply ]

This will never be removed from my iTunes playlist and I was so happy to hear it on RP.
I've never had a Steely Dan album, but there are some songs that cannot be ignored.

Posted 5 years ago by meatmike [ Reply ]

bluematrix wrote:

From Songfacts.com

Leaving no mystery to the lyrics, "Don't Take Me Alive" is about a violent criminal holed up with "a case of dynamite" telling the cops to shoot him, in the tradition of playing "suicide by cop." He also appears to have committed patricide. That's our Steely Dan - the darkest lyrics sung to the most cheerful tunes in rock 'n' roll!

Long before O. J. Simpson led police on a slow-speed chase through its streets, Los Angeles had been host to a number of unusual crimes and high-profile apprehensions - flipping on the TV in LA, you can often see a crime unfolding in real time. Natives of the city are used to it, but Becker and Fagen were transplants from New York, so to them it was really bizarre. In writing this song, they drew on some of these stories that inundated the city.

That's Larry Carlton doing the guitar solo.

One of the few groups that I really love to listen to and read the lyrics at the same time. Try it - they are just brilliant!

Posted 5 years ago by Pedro1874 [ Reply ]

danielharrigan wrote:

can't believe this song didn't make it on their greatest hits package.

It made it on "Showbiz Kids: The Steely Dan Story [Disk 2]

Posted 5 years ago by buddy [ Reply ]

Well, I crossed my old man back in Oregon
Don't take me alive

Posted 5 years ago by sfyi2001 [ Reply ]

bluematrix wrote:

From Songfacts.com

Leaving no mystery to the lyrics, "Don't Take Me Alive" is about a violent criminal holed up with "a case of dynamite" telling the cops to shoot him, in the tradition of playing "suicide by cop." He also appears to have committed patricide. That's our Steely Dan - the darkest lyrics sung to the most cheerful tunes in rock 'n' roll!

Long before O. J. Simpson led police on a slow-speed chase through its streets, Los Angeles had been host to a number of unusual crimes and high-profile apprehensions - flipping on the TV in LA, you can often see a crime unfolding in real time. Natives of the city are used to it, but Becker and Fagen were transplants from New York, so to them it was really bizarre. In writing this song, they drew on some of these stories that inundated the city.

That's Larry Carlton doing the guitar solo.

OK, knew I'd come around to song lyrics being so prominent now on the new RP player. I really get this one a lot better 'n deeper. And the whole LA in the 70s thing too, for frosting on the cupcake, LA being a terrific source of all things best served really noir, of course.

Posted 5 years ago by Grayson [ Reply ]

"... back in ARE-EE-GONE..."

Posted 5 years ago by Ihatethissong [ Reply ]

Why someone has not made an opera based on this tune is beyond me.

Posted 5 years ago by youngers [ Reply ]

Larry Carlton, Donald Fagan, Walter Becker Magic!

Posted 5 years ago by k_trout [ Reply ]

can't believe this song didn't make it on their greatest hits package.

Posted 5 years ago by danielharrigan [ Reply ]

The guitar intro gets my vote for one of the best in rock- give it another listen.

Posted 5 years ago by Bez [ Reply ]

Start off a song with a guitar solo? Why not?

Posted 5 years ago by Ihatethissong [ Reply ]

idiot_wind wrote:

Thelonious, my friend,
Step on in, and let me shake your hand.

Ahhhhhhhhhhh................I get the thread from previous song.

I always heard it as Polonius.

Posted 5 years ago by Steely_D [ Reply ]

Yacht Rock? Had never even heard the term (see the Wikipedia info on the new RP site). Apropos, and, based on the Wikipedia definition, perfectly defines why I don't enjoy Steely Dan.

Posted 6 years ago by bitterdave [ Reply ]

To paraphrase the great Spinal Tap - " these guys go to 11"

Bliss

Posted 6 years ago by craigthedove [ Reply ]

Sublime. Countdown to Ecstasy is my favorite, but there is no bad Steely Dan Album.

Posted 6 years ago by khardog145 [ Reply ]

A promotion (7 to 8) based half on musical/song-writing skill, half on raw sentimental recollections of when the song was new, and how the world was then.

Posted 6 years ago by colt4x5 [ Reply ]

I would even dare to say: this is the perfect music.

Posted 6 years ago by eveliko [ Reply ]

Thelonious, my friend,
Step on in, and let me shake your hand.

Ahhhhhhhhhhh................I get the thread from previous song.

Posted 6 years ago by idiot_wind [ Reply ]

I go with this as the best Steely Dan album. Multiple reasons, but this song is high on the list. Maybe the best electric lead intro in rock? And the angst in the lyrics is so perfectly expressed.

Posted 6 years ago by cely [ Reply ]

pinto wrote:

As a big fan of the Dan I have to recommend Countdown to Ecstasy as their best album.

I'm partial to Katy Lied, which was repeated in a more mature way by Aja.

Posted 6 years ago by Steely_D [ Reply ]

pinto wrote:

As a big fan of the Dan I have to recommend Countdown to Ecstasy as their best album.

I agree, pinto!

Posted 6 years ago by On_The_Beach [ Reply ]

idiot_wind wrote:

One of their best albums. People need to realize how good of a "guitar band" this was with Becker, Skunk, Larry Coryell, etc.

You can hear it in EVERY song. And always...the goofy, cryptic lyrics.

As a big fan of the Dan I have to recommend Countdown to Ecstasy as their best album.

Posted 6 years ago by pinto [ Reply ]

oldviolin wrote:

Soundtrack to a time machine, Monterey CA 1976

Oh, yes. I did the evening shift at KLRB (Carmel) when this came out. Wore out at least one copy...

Posted 6 years ago by William [ Reply ]

idiot_wind wrote:

You should really consider playing an album side or two as tribute to these guys. They were really good. Really. And good luck in trying to figure out this crazy-ass lyrics.

From Songfacts.com

Leaving no mystery to the lyrics, "Don't Take Me Alive" is about a violent criminal holed up with "a case of dynamite" telling the cops to shoot him, in the tradition of playing "suicide by cop." He also appears to have committed patricide. That's our Steely Dan - the darkest lyrics sung to the most cheerful tunes in rock 'n' roll!

Long before O. J. Simpson led police on a slow-speed chase through its streets, Los Angeles had been host to a number of unusual crimes and high-profile apprehensions - flipping on the TV in LA, you can often see a crime unfolding in real time. Natives of the city are used to it, but Becker and Fagen were transplants from New York, so to them it was really bizarre. In writing this song, they drew on some of these stories that inundated the city.

That's Larry Carlton doing the guitar solo.

Posted 6 years ago by bluematrix [ Reply ]

Steely_D wrote:

I know you're out there, with rage in your eyes and your megaphones.

Can you hear the evil crowd?
The lies and the laughter
I hear my inside, the mechanized hum of another world
Where no sun is shining, no red light flashing
Here in this darkness, I know what I've done
I know all at once who I am

Posted 7 years ago by On_The_Beach [ Reply ]

I know you're out there, with rage in your eyes and your megaphones.

Posted 7 years ago by Steely_D [ Reply ]

Soundtrack to a time machine, Monterey CA 1976

Posted 7 years ago by oldviolin [ Reply ]

Always loved the guitar on this, yet another awesome Dan tune.
Popular opinion (including Wiki) is that Larry Carlton did the solos, but several other guitarists played on the album, including Elliot Randall (probably would have been my guess), Denny Dias, Walter Becker, and Dean Parks.

Posted 7 years ago by On_The_Beach [ Reply ]

rip walter ! always enjoyed the tuneage

Posted 7 years ago by primm [ Reply ]

You should really consider playing an album side or two as tribute to these guys. They were really good. Really. And good luck in trying to figure out this crazy-ass lyrics.

Posted 7 years ago by idiot_wind [ Reply ]

sfyi2001 wrote:

Crossed his old man and has dynamite don't take him alive.
- repeat 17 times -

.

Absolutely! Love it, don't you? R.I.P. Walter

Posted 7 years ago by pinto [ Reply ]

Crossed his old man and has dynamite don't take him alive.
- repeat 17 times -

.

Posted 7 years ago by sfyi2001 [ Reply ]

Wow, going from Monk to SD.

Very Nice.

Please consider playing from the Pretzel Logic album.

Posted 7 years ago by idiot_wind [ Reply ]

Timeless!!! Man I love this station. Nice segue from "Destination". Smooth, snarky wit and jazzy stylin'. Solid 70s Am Gold..... Loves me tha S_d!! Then and NOW.

Posted 7 years ago by sleepinggypC [ Reply ]

BaileyCat88 wrote:

Outstanding song. Guns in Oregon, not so much.

I bet the folks at Malheur National Wildlife Refuge would be relieved to hear that.

Posted 7 years ago by Proclivities [ Reply ]

Not a huge Steely Dan fan, but this has always been on my playlist.

Posted 7 years ago by meatmike [ Reply ]

Steely_D wrote:

The name of my next band is "Luckless Pedestrians."

I like it.

Posted 7 years ago by Al [ Reply ]

Yeah. Nice stuff. Being a 70's kid, this takes me back. Waaaayyy back.

Posted 7 years ago by Al [ Reply ]

On of my absolute favourite bands.

Ready to here more of these guys here on rp (is welcome at the same dosage as the cadence of cowboy junkies, rem, spoon etc)

smart, slick and very groovy

Posted 7 years ago by saellig668552 [ Reply ]

Everyone's panties in a bunch about Oregon, but no one freaking out about

Posted 8 years ago by Steely_D [ Reply ]

The name of my next band is "Luckless Pedestrians."

Posted 8 years ago by Steely_D [ Reply ]

Somehow—this is still their most memorable/greatest song. Or is it "My Old School"?

Posted 8 years ago by treatment_bound [ Reply ]

Steely Dan songs always make me feel good. No explanation

Posted 8 years ago by dt12101 [ Reply ]

Bill is kicking it today with a great playlist. One of SD better albums.

Posted 8 years ago by flyboy50 [ Reply ]

Outstanding song. Guns in Oregon, not so much.

Posted 8 years ago by BaileyCat88 [ Reply ]

And I thought I heard them sing "Katy Lied". But it appears to be "Don't take me alive".

Posted 8 years ago by msymmes [ Reply ]

One of their best albums. People need to realize how good of a "guitar band" this was with Becker, Skunk, Larry Coryell, etc.

You can hear it in EVERY song. And always...the goofy, cryptic lyrics.

Posted 8 years ago by idiot_wind [ Reply ]

To me, it's OK that they mispronounce Oregon. After all, they also mispronounce dynamite. I chalk it up to poetic license.

Posted 9 years ago by bachbeet [ Reply ]

drewd wrote:

Oh Man!! All of these years I've been singing "I'm a pool keeper's son".

Bwahahahaha.....what did we do before the internet and lyric searches.
I know what I used to do, hope the inner note linings of the LP had the lyrics.

Posted 9 years ago by gatorade [ Reply ]