NORTHEAST CORRIDOR: STEELY DAN LIVE (Live)

A couple quick things to get out of the way. 1) Walter Becker is a legend who is missed everyday. His vibe and unique guitar playing were a key part of Steely Dan live shows, even when surrounded an amazing live band. While no longer on stage, his songwriting craft is alive in every track. 2) It's been 50 years since Can't Buy A Thrill, so for all those pining for the Dan sound of the '70s, keep enjoying their incredible studio work. On its merits, this is an excellent recording of a great-sounding band in 2021. Fagen's vocal style (there never was a lot of belting out or vocal gymnastics even back in the day) lends itself well to singing these tunes in his early 70s and the female backup add great support and high harmonies, which is a Steely Dan staple. Two highlights for me in this set: First, Rikki Don't Lose That Number, which features new chords in the verse while the rest remains faithful to the original. It's inventive while keeping the gorgeous chorus and middle guitar bridge. And Hey Nineteen, which highlights a great rhythm section (drums, base, guitar, keyboards) and shows off the Dan's taste for spare, funky grooves with lots of breathing space between the notes. For those who agree the originals of these songs are all brilliant, this recording won't replace them. But nearly 50 years on, it's great to see Fagen and the band performing them live better than any tribute band ever will.

I love hearing Fagan’s voice and with a different technique on each song. Of course, Walter is greatly missed! But, I think he would love the album, too.

Good S Maynard.

Hard to explain how complicated the Dan's music is unless you're a musician and tried to play some of these songs. The fact that this set covers about five genres, 20 years of recordings and sounds effortless is a tribute to the caliber of the band Donald Fagan put together. I saw this tour live--it was as good as I remember it.

You have to start with my favorite of all time!

This is absolutely horrible

Love the entire recording but missing DB?

They’ve never been good live

The studio albums are great. They found amazing musicians to pull off their complicated vision. They let them play. They let them add to their songs, and it produced quality work because they were all quality musicians. Same here. They went out and found true musicians. They found the people who have studied their craft and honed their talents. The guys who went to school to learn to play and then realized nobody wants them in todays pop world so their best shot at money is teaching. They rescued those guys. And they let them play. And it resulted in a different sound. It’s not the studio versions and that’s what makes it special. If you want to call music art, here it is. Also: Keith Carlock is a very bad man. He is filthy behind the kit and somebody needs to stop him before someone gets hurt. With all due respect to the GREAT Steve Gadd, and The Hitman, nobody should have any hurt feelings about Carlock. He belongs with any name you want to throw out there. Any name.

I would buy the soundtrack to these guys' preshow dump, but have to say (having seen them live 4 times since the 70's) I was blown away by some of the new chord changes, horn parts, harmonies, solos, and overall blending and nuance of aging like interstellar whiskey. I miss Walter Becker and still listen to his solo stuff, but don't be fooled that this will be the same old !@#$. Get it now.