Donald Fagen — New Frontier
Album: The NightflyAvg rating:
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Length: 6:18
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Yes we're gonna have a wingding
A summer smoker underground
It's just a dugout that my dad built
In case the reds decide to push the button down
We've got provisions and lots of beer
The key word is survival on the new frontier
Introduce me to that big blonde
She's got a touch of Tuesday Weld
She's wearing Ambush and a French twist
She's got us wild and she can tell
She loves to limbo, that much is clear
She's got the right dynamics for the new frontier
Well I can't wait 'til I move to the city
'Til I finally make up my mind
To learn design and study overseas
Have you got a steady boyfriend
Cause honey I've been watching you
I hear you're mad about Brubeck
I like your eyes, I like him too
He's an artist, a pioneer
We've got to have some music on the new frontier
Well I can't wait 'til I move to the city
'Til I finally make up my mind
To learn design and study overseas
Let's pretend that it's the real thing
And stay together all night long
And when I really get to know you
We'll open up the doors and climb into the dawn
Confess your passion your secret fear
Prepare to meet the challenge of the new frontier
A summer smoker underground
It's just a dugout that my dad built
In case the reds decide to push the button down
We've got provisions and lots of beer
The key word is survival on the new frontier
Introduce me to that big blonde
She's got a touch of Tuesday Weld
She's wearing Ambush and a French twist
She's got us wild and she can tell
She loves to limbo, that much is clear
She's got the right dynamics for the new frontier
Well I can't wait 'til I move to the city
'Til I finally make up my mind
To learn design and study overseas
Have you got a steady boyfriend
Cause honey I've been watching you
I hear you're mad about Brubeck
I like your eyes, I like him too
He's an artist, a pioneer
We've got to have some music on the new frontier
Well I can't wait 'til I move to the city
'Til I finally make up my mind
To learn design and study overseas
Let's pretend that it's the real thing
And stay together all night long
And when I really get to know you
We'll open up the doors and climb into the dawn
Confess your passion your secret fear
Prepare to meet the challenge of the new frontier
Comments (167)add comment
I love my wife but sadly she doesn't like Steely Dan. Keeping her anyway.
Who captures the geeky awkwardness of late adolescence better than this?!
This album contains some of the most genius and catchy songwriting and music EVER... This gem, New Frontier, IS truly special, but also, "I'm Lester the NIghtfly...Hello, Baton Rouge... Thanks for calling...I wait all night for calls like these... An independent station, WJAZ...with Jazz and conversation...from the foot of Mt. Belzoni..." lingers in my mind like the glow of a well-treasured buzz... Thanks, Mr. Fagen and RP!
jjbix37 wrote:
You got a mirror? ...YOU probably have NOT aged very well too!
SD did not age well . .
You got a mirror? ...YOU probably have NOT aged very well too!
GREAT TUNE! I really love the album cover too. Thanx RP! 
Un disco imprescindible en una discografía cuidada y amante de la calidad del sonido y del trabajo bien hecho y con gusto
Just heard this at my corner coffee shop on my way to work. Hearing it a second time within 30 minutes brings a smile.
This album has legs. Still good for the ears 40 years after release.
SD did not age well . .
Introduce me to that big blonde
She's got a touch of Tuesday Weld
She's wearing Ambush and a French twist
Vision of a teenager; Poetic vocabulary of a middle ager; Musical styling from big band swing; Video styling (see below) straight from the 60's Cold War, including a cameo of a Brubeck album cover.
This is some primo stuff!
<edit, three mins later> The fadeout has a nice side-to-side pan that's great with headphones!
She's got a touch of Tuesday Weld
She's wearing Ambush and a French twist
Vision of a teenager; Poetic vocabulary of a middle ager; Musical styling from big band swing; Video styling (see below) straight from the 60's Cold War, including a cameo of a Brubeck album cover.
This is some primo stuff!
<edit, three mins later> The fadeout has a nice side-to-side pan that's great with headphones!
Is a wing ding anything like a wang dang doodle?
A plane taxiing. Never takes off
Gromit_42 wrote:
such a great video!
Here's the original music video, courtesy of Warner Records:
Donald Fagen - New Frontier
such a great video!
garyalex wrote:
me too
In an interview Donald Fagen said that "The Nightfly" was his most autobiographical album. Listening to it with that in mind provides a new sense of context. I think it's a great album.
me too
Supersmooooooth.....And keeping that way
Edweirdo wrote:
This is pretty funny! I like the tin ears part.
septimuswarren wrote:
I have to say that it's very brave of you to display your tin ears and lack of taste so publicly.
White people music right here (and I am one). Couldn't get more boring if it tried. Painful.
I have to say that it's very brave of you to display your tin ears and lack of taste so publicly.
Nice song, could use a tad more cowbell though.
On_The_Beach wrote:
The question is, who is the real Tuesday Weld?
Oh, Wow!
Thank you for reminding me of my first post-pubescent lust maiden..
Thought it was love...
;-)
The question is, who is the real Tuesday Weld?
Oh, Wow!
Thank you for reminding me of my first post-pubescent lust maiden..
Thought it was love...
;-)
White people music right here (and I am one). Couldn't get more boring if it tried. Painful.
Honestly who cares if it's punk rock?
This is so tasty
This is so tasty
In an interview Donald Fagen said that "The Nightfly" was his most autobiographical album. Listening to it with that in mind provides a new sense of context. I think it's a great album.
Just so good. A brilliant album too. A soundtrack to my life. Hard to believe this was 1982 as it seems to not have dated. Look at what else was around in 1982 that sounds this good?
ProfessionalGeek wrote:
Bill ain't messin' around.
To quote David Letterman, "They don't give these shows to chimps".
Not only that, but Brubeck is mentioned in this song. @BillG is a genius when it comes to creating playlists.
Bill ain't messin' around.
To quote David Letterman, "They don't give these shows to chimps".
Mackmoney3000 wrote:
gorgeous sounds indeed, my old B&W speakers are loving it!
Excellently produced album. Sounds WILD on a good hi-fi. The FLAC stream does it justice.
"I hear you're mad about BRUUUUUUUUbeck..."
gorgeous sounds indeed, my old B&W speakers are loving it!
Not all single artist can equal the group they're known for. Shows how gifted Donald Fagan really is. Just as good as any Steely Dan.
stevesaw wrote:
Those analyses are actually very good, highlighting the incredible craft. They worked meticulously hard, and showed how much they can apply all sorts of music theory to popular music.
But in the end this song is still dated crap.
Love 'em or not - do yourself a favor and listen to a music analysis podcast (like StrongSongs) or YouTube (like Rick Beato) to get a real understanding of the genius and musicianship in Steely Dan songs. (yes I know this is not strictly Steely Dan, but it still applies)
Those analyses are actually very good, highlighting the incredible craft. They worked meticulously hard, and showed how much they can apply all sorts of music theory to popular music.
But in the end this song is still dated crap.
An almost perfect track. The only thing missing is automatically hitting PSD for itself.
Love 'em or not - do yourself a favor and listen to a music analysis podcast (like StrongSongs) or YouTube (like Rick Beato) to get a real understanding of the genius and musicianship in Steely Dan songs. (yes I know this is not strictly Steely Dan, but it still applies)
Wonderful!!
nomnol wrote:
You beat me to this- I concur wholeheartedly.
Yup
You beat me to this- I concur wholeheartedly.
Yup
Mackmoney3000 wrote:
Brubeck?
Excellently produced album. Sounds WILD on a good hi-fi. The FLAC stream does it justice.
"I hear you're mad about BRUUUUUUUUbeck..."
Brubeck?
walkerpub wrote:
You beat me to this- I concur wholeheartedly.
Clever Bill- after Brubeck Blue Rondo, then channeling in this song
You beat me to this- I concur wholeheartedly.
Clever Bill- after Brubeck Blue Rondo, then channeling in this song
What's the fine line between "smooth" and "lame"?
This smooth genius right here.
This smooth genius right here.
pyrateparadox988 wrote:
It was released in 82. So, those parties probably featured: feathered hair, mustaches, 100% cotton Polo shirts, Vinyl floors, the Ford Aerostar or Chevy mini-van , HiFi Vcr's and cassette, Levis 501's for the guys, scrunchie socks and leggings for the ladies, the whale spout pony/girls, perms for the guys. We still had the strange smells but the devil's white powder took center stage unfortunately.
Not really my kinda music, but dang it, still pretty Enjoyable - brings me back to parties my Parents had in the 70's. (That's a Good Thing.) Evokes memories of big hair and bearded dudes, polyester everything, shag carpet, customized vans, reel to reels, HUGE speakers, beaded babes in bell-bottoms and braids ~ and a lot of strange smells in the air...(wink wink, say no more) 
It was released in 82. So, those parties probably featured: feathered hair, mustaches, 100% cotton Polo shirts, Vinyl floors, the Ford Aerostar or Chevy mini-van , HiFi Vcr's and cassette, Levis 501's for the guys, scrunchie socks and leggings for the ladies, the whale spout pony/girls, perms for the guys. We still had the strange smells but the devil's white powder took center stage unfortunately.
h8rhater wrote:
Yeah! Musicianship, melody, subtlety, lyrics... who needs 'em?
Yacht rockers, apparently.
Yeah! Musicianship, melody, subtlety, lyrics... who needs 'em?
Yacht rockers, apparently.
Nice segue after a Brubeck song---I see what you did there
It's like cheesy 80's department store music..
I always thought it said "To learn design and study your physique". LOL 
ProjectGemini07 wrote:
I love this comment. I miss those silly restaurants.
"Welcome to Steak & Ale...how many in your party tonight and would you like smoking or non?"
I love this comment. I miss those silly restaurants.
Excellently produced album. Sounds WILD on a good hi-fi. The FLAC stream does it justice.
"I hear you're mad about BRUUUUUUUUbeck..."
"I hear you're mad about BRUUUUUUUUbeck..."
"Welcome to Steak & Ale...how many in your party tonight and would you like smoking or non?"
Thank you RP for the music. 
BeenThereDoneThat wrote:
encapsulates everything that turned me into a fan of punk rock
h8rhater wrote:
Yeah! Musicianship, melody, subtlety, lyrics... who needs 'em?
I wish I could upvote this a few more times.
"Have you got a steady boyfriend? Cause honey I've been watching you."
"Steady? No, uh, I wouldn’t say he’s 'steady'. He, um, he'd like to meet you..."
"Steady? No, uh, I wouldn’t say he’s 'steady'. He, um, he'd like to meet you..."
On_The_Beach wrote:
The question is, who is the real Tuesday Weld?
AND
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wik...
The question is, who is the real Tuesday Weld?
AND
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wik...
Captures the feeling of the 60s....dig it
vincent7771lebert wrote:
Cocktail rock?
Genres: Yacht rock.
Yeah baby
Yeah baby
Cocktail rock?
Genres: Yacht rock.
Yeah baby
Yeah baby
So, is this the New Frontier?
I reject the notion of others pressuring people to rate songs higher or lower. All art is extremely subjective and thus up to every individual to place higher or lower value on how the art moves them. This song is outstanding to me however that doesn't reach a 10. I guess my criteria for reaching 9 or 10 is more strict than others and possibly less than some, but thats the way it should be.
Wish I could play it again sam
"We've got provisions and lots of beer
The key word is survival on the new frontier"
When survival is stay home, this can be a big help.
The key word is survival on the new frontier"
When survival is stay home, this can be a big help.
Steely Dan!
(oh no, it isn't, or maybe it is.)
(oh no, it isn't, or maybe it is.)
music mastery. the whole album is great.
khardog145 wrote:
Not only that, but Brubeck is mentioned in this song. @BillG is a genius when it comes to creating playlists.
Brilliant segue from Dave Brubeck.
Not only that, but Brubeck is mentioned in this song. @BillG is a genius when it comes to creating playlists.
marysclark wrote:
And again 6 months later! Love both songs, so thanks to Bill for this lovely combo.
Preceded by 'Blue Rondo a la Turk' and I'm mad about them both - thanks!
And again 6 months later! Love both songs, so thanks to Bill for this lovely combo.
Not really my kinda music, but dang it, still pretty Enjoyable - brings me back to parties my Parents had in the 70's. (That's a Good Thing.) Evokes memories of big hair and bearded dudes, polyester everything, shag carpet, customized vans, reel to reels, HUGE speakers, beaded babes in bell-bottoms and braids ~ and a lot of strange smells in the air...(wink wink, say no more)
Layers & layers of vocals with a ton of Groove. Stylish shit indeed!
"Mad about Brubeck" - that's the link. Brilliant!
coppergarden wrote:
And yet you still took the time to post this comment. Great job.
Whenever Steely Dan shows up, I automatically hit PSD. When this song turned up, I went to the PSD button, but I discovered that this is NOT Steely Dan. I listened for a short time -- then I hit PSD.
And yet you still took the time to post this comment. Great job.
Whenever Steely Dan shows up, I automatically hit PSD. When this song turned up, I went to the PSD button, but I discovered that this is NOT Steely Dan. I listened for a short time -- then I hit PSD.
I really don't mind long songs, but this one is wayyyyy too long.
Preceded by 'Blue Rondo a la Turk' and I'm mad about them both - thanks!
masterhead wrote:
No. No one. Never.
Have anybody seen the cow bell sketch on Saturday Night Live?
No. No one. Never.
khardog145 wrote:
Coincidentally I, also, am mad about Brubeck.
Brilliant segue from Dave Brubeck.
Coincidentally I, also, am mad about Brubeck.
cc_rider wrote:
The lyrics mention Brubeck... I wonder if Bill knew that when he built this set...
c.
I'm sure.
The lyrics mention Brubeck... I wonder if Bill knew that when he built this set...
c.
I'm sure.
This song is about a bomb shelter during the cold war
Similar to Sting's voice !
ninja_band wrote:
I appreciate both in small doses. There are a few outstanding tracks. This sounds very dated but it still has plenty of groove.
great song from a great album
but fagen, as well as steely dan, are often a "love it"/"hate it" kind of sound
I appreciate both in small doses. There are a few outstanding tracks. This sounds very dated but it still has plenty of groove.
Brilliant segue from Dave Brubeck.
ColdMiser wrote:
The question is, who is the real Tuesday Weld?
Who is Tuesday Weld?
The question is, who is the real Tuesday Weld?
gmichaelt wrote:
Couldn't find the info, but it sounds quite like a LinnDrum with real drums played in overdub. Unless Roger Linn used this particular cowbell to sample his sounds.
And cowbell, too!
Couldn't find the info, but it sounds quite like a LinnDrum with real drums played in overdub. Unless Roger Linn used this particular cowbell to sample his sounds.
Who is Tuesday Weld?
Had, the LP. This is music you can actually see the patterns on the vinyl!
Great stuff.
Great stuff.
I love it. The whole disc is good. Great to hear it on RP!
Dave_Mack wrote:
The lyrics mention Brubeck... I wonder if Bill knew that when he built this set...
c.
Nicely positioned after Brubeck (Blue Rondo a la Turk)!
The lyrics mention Brubeck... I wonder if Bill knew that when he built this set...
c.
BeenThereDoneThat wrote:
Yeah! Musicianship, melody, subtlety, lyrics... who needs 'em?
encapsulates everything that turned me into a fan of punk rock
Yeah! Musicianship, melody, subtlety, lyrics... who needs 'em?
And cowbell, too!
BeenThereDoneThat wrote:
encapsulates everything that turned me into a fan of punk rock
That's good too. to a degree. :-)Nicely positioned after Brubeck (Blue Rondo a la Turk)!
BeenThereDoneThat wrote:
encapsulates everything that turned me into a fan of punk rock
oboyle wrote:
and i'm going to have to check out your recommendation now. thanks.
It may be my age (I was 6 in 1982), but the adult album alternative of those days speaks to my soul.
Things like this, everything Joe Jackson touched, and Roxy Music in the early eighties feel like my favorite pair of jeans.
If you get the same feeling, check out Kaputt from Destroyer.
Things like this, everything Joe Jackson touched, and Roxy Music in the early eighties feel like my favorite pair of jeans.
If you get the same feeling, check out Kaputt from Destroyer.
and i'm going to have to check out your recommendation now. thanks.
Reminds me of Night Flight's Atomic TV back in the day.
chester the nitefly sys very zesty!encapsulates everything that turned me into a fan of punk rock
I had this LP. You could see the beat on each of the tracks by looking at the grooves.
And this LP has lots of Groove!
And this LP has lots of Groove!
Zep wrote:
or, steely dan had his beat.
Hey - they got the Steely Dan beat!
or, steely dan had his beat.
A soft spot for this one as it was one of the very first pop (specifically non-classical) albums available on CD.
DaMoGan wrote:
For some reason I'd rated this a 2, but I'm kind of digging this right now. No idea what mood I was in when I originally rated it, but obviously it wasn't a good one. 2->7
I flipped like that with Steely Dan. Maybe it's an age thing, where you exchange fast, loud and passionate for clever, detached and catchy.
¯\_(ツ)_/¯
For some reason I'd rated this a 2, but I'm kind of digging this right now. No idea what mood I was in when I originally rated it, but obviously it wasn't a good one. 2->7
I flipped like that with Steely Dan. Maybe it's an age thing, where you exchange fast, loud and passionate for clever, detached and catchy.
¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Could I rate -1? 
I have always dug the way Donald uses his Joisy squawk much like a horn in the hands of a true Jazz Man. & he's a keyboard genius!
very nice song!
Elevatormusic!
For some reason I'd rated this a 2, but I'm kind of digging this right now. No idea what mood I was in when I originally rated it, but obviously it wasn't a good one. 2->7
Maybe the first all digital record with a nice sound.
I own it practically in any media it has been produced.
I own it practically in any media it has been produced.
It may be my age (I was 6 in 1982), but the adult album alternative of those days speaks to my soul.
Things like this, everything Joe Jackson touched, and Roxy Music in the early eighties feel like my favorite pair of jeans.
If you get the same feeling, check out Kaputt from Destroyer.
Things like this, everything Joe Jackson touched, and Roxy Music in the early eighties feel like my favorite pair of jeans.
If you get the same feeling, check out Kaputt from Destroyer.
omersegev wrote:
Abraham Laboriel was playing the bass
One of the best.
Pay attention to the greatest Mr. Marcus Miller - playing the bassssssss
Pay attention to the greatest Mr. Marcus Miller - playing the bassssssss
Abraham Laboriel was playing the bass
coloradojohn wrote:
I have not heard this in years, and it's such a great groove! Most excellent! It's a great pair with its contemporary, Joe Jackson's "Steppin' Out."
It blows my mind that it's been so long since this burst upon the scene... Was really something then, and I still love it now. Clever & sly!
I have not heard this in years, and it's such a great groove! Most excellent! It's a great pair with its contemporary, Joe Jackson's "Steppin' Out."
Krispian wrote:
isn't that special! and one of those fabulous moments those super little ones send out to us as reminders of just what is COOL : )
Gee, I wish I was wearing "Ambush and a French Twist"... Fagan is the cleverest songwriter EVER. "New Frontier" and "Cousin Dupree" are the funniest songs I've heard. btw, I will NEVER forget this: before my daughter learned how to walk, as most children do, she started moving around holding onto furniture. One day she was doing this when "New Frontier" came on. Well she stopped pulling herself along the coffee table and just started GROOVIN! So she danced before she walked! And what taste!
isn't that special! and one of those fabulous moments those super little ones send out to us as reminders of just what is COOL : )
Love the cover photo, Is that you Bill?? :)
omersegev wrote:
One of the best.
Pay attention to the greatest Mr. Marcus Miller - playing the bassssssss
Pay attention to the greatest Mr. Marcus Miller - playing the bassssssss
One of the best.
Pay attention to the greatest Mr. Marcus Miller - playing the bassssssss
Pay attention to the greatest Mr. Marcus Miller - playing the bassssssss
It blows my mind that it's been so long since this burst upon the scene... Was really something then, and I still love it now. Clever & sly!
Pedro1874 wrote:
exactly!
exactly!
OceanBlue wrote:
Coming straight off of Blue Rondo a la Turk...? Why did that transition feel so right? Je ne sais pas, et je ne veux pas savior... :)
Edit: Checked out the lyrics. Bill, you sly dog.
Edit: Checked out the lyrics. Bill, you sly dog.
Wondering if the Dan detractors would prefer "11 Tracks of Whack." Walter Becker's first album is my favorite SD solo (though not particularly well received).
OceanBlue wrote:
And Fagen namechecks Brubeck in the lyric...clever one, that Mr. RadioParadise.
Coming straight off of Blue Rondo a la Turk...? Why did that transition feel so right? Je ne sais pas, et je ne veux pas savior... :)
And Fagen namechecks Brubeck in the lyric...clever one, that Mr. RadioParadise.
OceanBlue wrote:
Agree totally. You guys at RP really know how to put together a play list.
Coming straight off of Blue Rondo a la Turk...? Why did that transition feel so right? Je ne sais pas, et je ne veux pas savior... :)
Agree totally. You guys at RP really know how to put together a play list.
beat is very disco
Coming straight off of Blue Rondo a la Turk...? Why did that transition feel so right? Je ne sais pas, et je ne veux pas savior... :)
Edit: Checked out the lyrics. Bill, you sly dog.
Edit: Checked out the lyrics. Bill, you sly dog.
Yuch, I've just never been a fan of Steely Dan/Fagen. Something about it just... grates!
jeez these instruments are so damn classy cool, just gotta stop and listen to the strength of this deceptively pop-but-smart piece
GregX59 wrote:
So true, and yet "I.G.Y.", one of the best Fagen/Dan tunes ever, not to mention the first track on this CD, automatically gets rejected every time it's uploaded for consideration?
So sweet... Like most Fagen / Dan tunes, the guitar work is incredible. Understated, laid back, and SO tasty. I think this was Fagen's first solo album, and it was excellent. It's all worthy of RP play.
So true, and yet "I.G.Y.", one of the best Fagen/Dan tunes ever, not to mention the first track on this CD, automatically gets rejected every time it's uploaded for consideration?
Gee, I wish I was wearing "Ambush and a French Twist"... Fagan is the cleverest songwriter EVER. "New Frontier" and "Cousin Dupree" are the funniest songs I've heard.
btw, I will NEVER forget this: before my daughter learned how to walk, as most children do, she started moving around holding onto furniture. One day she was doing this when "New Frontier" came on. Well she stopped pulling herself along the coffee table and just started GROOVIN! So she danced before she walked! And what taste!
Hey - they got the Steely Dan beat!
RichardPrins wrote:
Plus a cool video ahead of its time...
si, that short was a blast.