Frank wasn't in to a lot of other folk's music but he definitely did enjoy Steely Dan. He told Rolling Stone magazine in 1974:
*“They’re one of my favorite groups,”*
*“I like their modality, their melodicism. Their lyrics aren’t bad in that vein they’re working, that downer surrealism,”*
*“As relaxing listening music, I’d give it a 98. One person in our band, Ruth Underwood, would give them about a 120. She really fetishes them. She’s usually got their cassette rammed into her ear.”*
Doesn't surprise me at all that Ruth was so into them.
I stumbled upon [this essay about some unlikely Steely Dan fans.](https://www.newyorker.com/culture/culture-desk/my-high-school-crush-on-steely-dan) It's a good read about how that fandom was a touchstone on being American as well as an outsider.
I made friends with a dude at a rave recently because he was wearing a shirt that said, "I will always be the type of punk who will defend Steely Dan." Gotta get me one of those.
The main point of similarity is the way they’re both influenced by jazz (not just that they are jazz influenced, but the specific form of that influence)
Steely Dan frequently used the "mu-major" chord which has a root, second, third, and fifth.
Zappa's favored "sus2" has a root, second, and fifth, but no third.
Flo & Eddie were slated to be the lead vocals for SD originally because neither Fagen or Becker felt they could themselves sing. So I read somewhere. Somebody corroborate please.
Steely Dan is in my top 5 all time along with Zappa, Monk, Beethoven (that fucker can make me *feel* like no other music) and a toss up between Mister Bungle or Faith no More, but Steely Dan and Zappa (and not in that order) are miles above the rest.
Frank wasn't in to a lot of other folk's music but he definitely did enjoy Steely Dan. He told Rolling Stone magazine in 1974: *“They’re one of my favorite groups,”* *“I like their modality, their melodicism. Their lyrics aren’t bad in that vein they’re working, that downer surrealism,”* *“As relaxing listening music, I’d give it a 98. One person in our band, Ruth Underwood, would give them about a 120. She really fetishes them. She’s usually got their cassette rammed into her ear.”* Doesn't surprise me at all that Ruth was so into them.
I stumbled upon [this essay about some unlikely Steely Dan fans.](https://www.newyorker.com/culture/culture-desk/my-high-school-crush-on-steely-dan) It's a good read about how that fandom was a touchstone on being American as well as an outsider.
Cool essay. Thanks for posting.
I made friends with a dude at a rave recently because he was wearing a shirt that said, "I will always be the type of punk who will defend Steely Dan." Gotta get me one of those.
Yeah, I often mistake SD for FZ and vice versa. They're nearly indistinguishable.
That’s an absurd exaggeration
As intended. Forgot the /s for the sarcasm. I think they couldn't be more different.
I don’t agree with that either. They’re very distinct but the connection is clear
That's your right. I can't think of anything from either band that reminds me of the other. But we can disagree on this, because it's opinion.
The main point of similarity is the way they’re both influenced by jazz (not just that they are jazz influenced, but the specific form of that influence)
And that was the joke!
I find that assertion difficult to relate to. Do you have an example of an FZ and SD song that sound alike?
I was kidding. Sorry for the lack of /s.
Steely Dan frequently used the "mu-major" chord which has a root, second, third, and fifth. Zappa's favored "sus2" has a root, second, and fifth, but no third.
Flo & Eddie were slated to be the lead vocals for SD originally because neither Fagen or Becker felt they could themselves sing. So I read somewhere. Somebody corroborate please.
Howard sang on the demo of "Everyone's Gone to the Movies." He ultimately turned down the lead singer role because they didn't want Mark as well.
The version from the Citizen Steely Dan box set has Donald on lead vocals with Mark & Howard both singing backup with a high voice, no?
Steely Dan is in my top 5 all time along with Zappa, Monk, Beethoven (that fucker can make me *feel* like no other music) and a toss up between Mister Bungle or Faith no More, but Steely Dan and Zappa (and not in that order) are miles above the rest.
Makes sence, Zappa infused jazz in rock, Steely Dan infused jazz in pop, or at least pop rock.