Expert: Mike McGibney - 6/3/2004

Question
I realize this is probably a dicey/foolish question as you may be one yourself, but do you ever get tired of Dan apologists...ie no matter what Steely Dan sounds like in concert or on any given studio song, the kind of people who say how it is the most amazing/wonderful/blah blah etc ever and gush about how incredible every single note is until you want to throw up?

Understand, I have been a huge fan from Day 1, but having seen them twice in concert now and heard some (not all) of their recent studio work, I have at times come away - well let's just say less than impressed.  For example, Fagan's voice isn't what is used to be).  And some more recent songs/various parts or aspects of songs by either the group or the solo efforts I at times frankly find weak in various ways.

Do you ever dare consider this, or is it a "because it's Steely Dan it's amazing" kind of thing with you as well?  If not, are there any songs or performances, or even parts of them, which you didn't care for...and why?  Thx


Answer
Hey Bill


I understand where you're coming from. Because of the intellectual nature of the music, I think people get connected with it on a deeper level, and can take it as a personal affront if SD are criticised.

However I've got to say that I am rarely disappointed by what they have to offer, both recorded and live. There are tracks I dont much care for...Janie Runaway, for example, dont know why....Josie too.....but I still appreciate them, I know.

Solowise Ive loved the raw becker stuff with the rootsy fagen, going to highly polished fagen...


I'm glad to hear as a fan you're still objective, that's very important I feel. While I dont think EMG was as strong as 2vN, I feel SD are still producing quality work!


Cheers for the email Bill,



Regards



Mike