(I got the) News | Issue 29
The meaning behind "FM (No Static at All)"
The Meaning Behind "FM (No Static at All)" a Song Where Steely Dan Mocked the Airwaves that Helped Make Them
Steely Dan's smooth grooves often helped to mask acerbic lyrical sentiments. In the case of their 1978 single "FM (No Static at All)," they managed to take some subtle jabs at the radio format that had helped propel them to the heights in the '70s, all while doing so in an airtight package that indeed sounded fantastic beaming in from radio stations across the nation.
What is the song about? How did the approach by Donald Fagen and Walter Becker differ just a bit for this song? And how did some old musical sparring partners contribute to the proceedings?
The Joni Mitchell album that inspired Steely Dan
Joni Mitchell claims her own musical experimentation on one of her albums paved the way for Steely Dan's development as a band in response.
The one album Steely Dan refused to play
Donald Fagen is always honest. He was honest when he said he hated rock, and he was honest when it came to Steely Dan's worst ever album.
💬 From the (always excellent) world of Expanding Dan:
A brief history of the session musician
In an excerpt from "Drums & Demons," his definitive new biography of Jim Gordon, Joel Selvin frames the legendary "Pretzel Logic" drummer in the grand constellation of studio players.
📷 As usual… the truly awesome Barney Hurley X account continues to feature great SD content. There’s equally terrific non-steely Dan content as well!
Donald Fagen and Walter Becker of Steely Dan at the Savoy Hotel, London, UK during their 1976 European promotional tour.
🎵 Becker & Fagin and other musicians talk about the track they laid down for "Peg."
Have a GREAT day! 😎