2008-07-07

Concert review: Steely Dan

Steely Dan - July 4, Casino Rama

The incomparable Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Steely Dan took to the stage in rather languid fashion, letting their "Steely Dan Orchestra '08" play through a few minutes of instrumentals before casually walking on stage as though they were some kind of religious figures, and judging by some members of the devoted audience, it wasn't entirely unwarranted.

As the for the music itself, if was 10% more of a snob, I'd say, a la Amadeus:
"Emperor Joseph II: My dear young man, don't take it too hard. Your work is ingenious. It's quality work. And there are simply too many notes, that's all. Just cut a few and it will be perfect."

Donald Fagen... what can I say about this guy. He really wants to be Ray Charles or Randy Newman. Or both. He said he was having throat problems, but why the hell was he sipping Coke? Why? At least take a ginger ale... unless he spiked that coke. Anyway, I always find it hilarious that there's no food or drink allowed in the venue up there, but the artists can flaunt the Rama laws all they want. I guess it pays to be in the Hall of Fame.

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Here's the setlist, as provided by Adam, who has a much more extensive knowledge of the group than I do:

The Royal Scam
I Got The News
Show Biz Kids
Two Against Nature
Hey Nineteen
Glamour Profession
New Frontier
Do It Again
Gaucho
Parker's Band
Third World Man
Josie
Aja
Peg
FM

Encore:
Kid Charlemagne

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Steely Dan concert by the numbers:

"Orchestra" members: 10

Michael McDonald look-a-like sightings at the buffet: 3

Classic rock radio hits not played: 2 (Reelin' in the Years, Rikki Don't Lose That Number)

Classic rock radio hits re-worked: 1 (Do It Again)

Number of sips by Fagan from his two cans of coke: 3

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Here's a highlight for me, "Hey Nineteen"

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