Demo versus Finished Product–Which is better?
It’s been quite a while since I’ve blogged on this site. I’ve missed blogging; I keep making promises to myself that I’ll start again but never seem to find the time.
One of my fave bands from the 70’s was (is) Steely Dan. I thought I’d do this complex blog talking about their musical styles, complex use of chords and lyrics, synthesis of jazz and rock, use of studio musicians, detail their Fagan’s stage fright etc., etc., etc. And, of course, it would feature the best of their music. I must admit to being short on time tonight as well, but I thought I’d through this lil tidbit I found on YouTube for discussion.
From their 1st album, Can’t Buy a Thrill, all the way back to 1972, here is one of my very favorites. No, it wasn’t a big hit like “Do It Again” or “Reelin’ In the Years”, but it spoke to me then–and still speaks to me now:
1972 is a decade before MTV and the advent of music videos, so sadly, there’s no ‘official’ version to be had. I hadn’t heard it for years, but it took me right back to my youth. While I was trying to decide on which video to post (there were several and I opted for the one with the most hits and best sound), I stumbled upon the demo for the song. It’s a little bit different from what was released on the album. On the album, David Palmer is singing lead vocals; on the demo it’s Donald Fagan. The song has an extra verse and a much more melancholy feel and sound.
So what do you think? Which version do you prefer?
Hmmm, did you know that “Steely Dan” is the name of a dildo?
OH GOODNESS! 😳
Although Donald was doomed to have been born and raised New Jersey, the demo with his distintive and soulful ode to ‘Charmer” feels like he was born there and is a living extension of Brooklyn. He and Walt Becker married (fused) rock, rhythum & blues and jazz in such a way that it has been often ateempted, but never as successfully repeated by the boys of Bard.
My teen years at bass were heavily influenced by Walt Becker. I feel him flow thru me when I pick up a fretless…
Nice blog, dear one. You made me smile down memory lane. :love:
I know! ❗ 😯 😆
Isn’t YouTube just amazing on how it lets us share this kind of stuff so easily?
Good to see you bloggin again, Kat!
I prefer the less-melancholy one..
I love these guys, but never heard of David Palmer in Steely Dan until now! I like Palmer’s vocal a bit more here, but Fagen’s enjoyable too.
Got a large c.d. collection – now on iTunes. The first c.d. I ever purchased? The classic, “Gaucho” – no lie.
Became acquainted with them later in their careers, so I like their middle & later stuff best. Love “Two Against Nature”, “A Decade of Steely Dan”, & “Everything Must Go.” Also awesome is Fagan’s solo work, the classic “The Nightfly”, & his most recent, “Morph The Cat” is mesmerizing with a decent woofer or sub. Need to spin “Kamakiriad” more to get a sense of it.
So many great musical moments with these guys – thanks kat!
*2 Kudos*
” drink scotch whiskey all night long…
and die behind the wheel”
Hi, Kat…Steely Dan rocks…I still have “Can’t Buy A Thrill” and “Pretzel Logic” on original vinyl…
My damn dog chewed up the speaker wires..and I havent fixed em yet. But did wanna come in and say hello to you Kat. Its good to see you out n about.