Some browsers don't play nice with the html download code. The previous page has been replaced by a widget to facilitate downloads in FLAC and MP3. Thank you for your patience, and thank you to those of you who helped make sure everyone who wanted to figured out how to grab a file.
To reprise my post from earlier re download- I had difficulties too:
Regarding dowloading the MP3 - I got it to work but what I had to do on my Mac was point the cursor at the rewind or fast forward arrow and right click. That gave me the option of ‘download video’ which I chose and that dowloaded the MP3. Right clicking on the page only gave me the 'save page' option which didn't get me the MP3.
Hi Matt, tried that - when the 'cloud w/ music note' is clicked - nothing happens. When I click on the file type MP3 for example I'm redirected to Forum. Am I clicking on wrong links? Thank you, Rob
Love the upgraded version of "WYCT". This rich, full bodied (sheesh. I sound like a coffee ad) mix caught me off guard. Just great. One more thing. The forum layout is damn good looking. Thanks.
Audio has been updated. FLAC, WAV, MP3 128, and MP3 320 versions, along with an updated video are available from the Downloads page. Thank you for your patience.
Was someone asking for "Megashine City"? Nice demo version up here, along with a bunch of other rarities, on Big Public Site: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fpm5ZSHKRyg
For those that have not heard the 'Circus Money' CD, you need to get a pair of 300.00 head phones and play it on your DVD/CD player and have some Gin and Tonic and look out your window just before sunset. On Friday nights before heading to some friends house I would start it off with this routine and let me tell you man I never had it so good with the tunes. Of course working out fairly hard on that day added to the bliss I am sure. I bought the CD at the Pala Indian reservation SD Concert back in 2010 I believe it was. I pretty much burned that CD into the ground. I became an instant fan of Walter and chalked him off as my favorite player of all time and I go back to Jimmy Page and Tony Iommi as my favorites.
Regarding dowloading the MP3 - I got it to work but what I had to do on my Mac was point the cursor at the rewind or fast forward arrow and right click. That gave me the option of ‘download video’ which I chose and that dowloaded the MP3. Right clicking on the page only gave me the 'save page' option which didn't get me the MP3.
Ah the mysteries of computing eh? Well worth the bother though!
I enjoyed it for nostalgic reasons and love the lyrics and sentiment although agree it is demo quaity overall and needs a good mix to make it sparkle. I'd be glad to oblige :-) Meanwhile I couldn't figure out how to download it - any clues anyone?
Six months ago I started listening to Circus Money again. It's so good. Especially Bob Is Not Your Uncle Anymore. And I guess that "... the Dopey Irish Setter dog, Regan's still his name" is a reference to Shakespeare's King Lear.
Yes Ma'am! That would be great if that one or another of the unreleased tunes were brought to light!
Hearing these unreleased songs in full sound will likely make us wonder why Walter didn't include them on the disk. Surely, he had his reasons, us greedy fans just want it all...
Tony - glad there is a brother who shares the same impression!
Sometimes, things appear bigger in the rear view mirror as they can not be replicated, but this one immediately struck me as one for the ages.
John Beasley said there were in town for most of the week to rehearse and it sure sounded like that.
It felt almost festive to me as the show was on Saturday night, ok - getting carried away now, but it was a evening worthy of something monumental.
One wonders if there is a house video recording of this, pretty sure Boz was there too.
Thanks for postig that song. It's hard to imagine that we won't see him perform again. I, too, would love to hear a recording of Slims. Below is a photo taken at Chumash Casino in 2007. I was fortunate to have had a front row seat and sat next to the house photographer and he sent me all his photos from that evening.
Make that 2 requests! I also was at Slim's that night and ever since then have fantasized about getting a recording of that show. That was the Mother of All One-Offs!
Thank you to Walter's family, friends and fans for sharing!
'Circus Money' is going to be ranked as one of the highest among experts, it already is for many of us - we are the prime experts after all!
Great to hear wonderful 'new' music from the man.
And the prospect of more to come is exiting.
'3 Sisters Shaking' for instance. There is a demo out there which scratches the surface - but to hear the band version would be something.
I went to Walter's Solo show and out of over 500 concerts I've been to that would be the one I want back - along with perhaps seeing Jaco in his prime for the first time when I was 19.
Have been looking for someone to share that incredible experience with over on Hoop's site, no luck yet.
I talked to Adam Rogers years later, he was on tour with John Patitucci about it and he agreed.
'3 Sisters' was the hippest thing I ever heard live and still can't get it out of my head 23 years later!
orion don't listen to Matt for a minute; he did virtually all the heavy lifting on this site! And I mean every aspect of it. It wouldn't have happened without him for sure.
Yeah, I got lucky to have great parents, great friends, a great opportunity, and a great band to fall in love with. I would be a different person without this music, and all the great people I have met through it.
With danfan supreme Jim McKay. I was asked afterwords about my opinion on various platforms, so I guess you could say I consulted on this project, but all credit belongs to the Walter Becker Estate for everything they are doing to keep Walter's music and memory going strong. This is their labor of love, and I am happy to help in whatever small way I am asked and able.
Wow, @matthewkerns. I read your bio. You really are the man! I thought Steely Dan was the soundtrack of my life, but you clearly take it to the next level. Thank you for setting this up. Looking forward to watching it evolve.
Were you close today. Hmm… How to dive in here... I guess I'd have to begin with a nostalgic reference to the "Slang of Angels"; it's one I like to use to get meaningful conversations off the ground and draw the dearly departed ancestral spirits near. I suppose I would have to start there. Walter had a lens. To define my terms - for Walter - it was as if somehow, the elaboration of his own personal style was like the framing of an equation couched in some curious sort of "golden mean" that Walter could divine. Something that had a rhythm, something that appeared manifestly in the ups and downs of the human condition itself, and something which was perennial - that hearkened to some ancient, archaic cannon that his eagle eye could discern lurking just beneath the surfaces. And that his oblique wit was most definitely bequeathed to him by his intimacy with the muse. A student of the mystery, and of subjects both compelling and opaque to mortal eyes - in his framing of the world and of the human experience - he was a master of allegory. He got it. His ears were wide open to the quiet sound of the siren’s voice, and he was accustomed to seeing in the dark. But like the bodhisattva, in life - he took us to the threshold - but advanced not through the door. Until now. And for that, my friend - I remain eternally grateful.
Like the mystery herself in her elusive game of peek-a-boo with us famished mortals – remaining always just beyond our reach as she entertains and beguiles the senses with that enticing dance of the seven veils – she is just behind door #2. Where you know that she is waiting. Like a firm appointment with the late, late show. So godspeed.
How Walter deployed language was like science: The Slang of Angels. As if the deftness of the turning of a phrase could hold the world in germ. He was always pointing to that something lying just before our eyes, yet somehow out of sight. Becker strove to find that crack in world – make for us the omelet, and then present it up for brunch: and through his web of words, reveal to us their Zero Crossing… As he once so aptly put it.
Freddie! oh my goodness it's old home day! How wonderful. How sad, though, to know those endless routines are over, gone -- no more sounchecks, catering, shows ..impossible to believe they all just suddenly disappeared. But not before I made a lifelong friend: funky, groovy, yes...but above all, generous and kind with plenty of heart and soul. Just like me, Walter loved the whole package of you and he'd be honored by your visit...as am I. Thanks...please come back any time. 💓
Thanks for this. I will be following you most definitely. Circus money was the ultimate song collection next to Gaucho, Aja, and Nightfly. No one can create the sounds Walter played out. The loss of Walter was the worse I faced since the passing of my father. I had no idea it would hit me the way it did. Damn~!
Seeing the musicians (Freddie and Cindy) who played with Walter here gives me this warmth way down deep. Like a sad kind of happy or a happy kind of sad. I'm sad this February 20th was unlike the last 67...that we have to remember, rather than acknowledge or celebrate or whatever else one might do to denote another trip of the earth around the sun. But god damn am I happy for everything the man gave us to remember him by, including something unexpectedly new.
Oleander, the Fathers of the SD Internet, a retired webdrone, early contributors to the nascent network... A few others and we'll have a quorum! Anybody know where Clas is?!
CINDY!! Look everybody, THE QUEEN stopped by! Those of you who heard Walter introduce the band in concert know how he felt about Cindy. Thanks for stopping by girl, don't be a stranger. You were one of the very few who had a special relationship with Walter. Your insight about the track, based on your close personal time spent with him, was fascinating. As soon as you said it I recognized it was true. Bring along anything else you'd like to say, anytime–– Or just come back to read all this good energy for Walter, which is truly healing my heart and may touch yours as well (((Big Soul Hug)))
How beautiful! Looking forward to more! Yesterday, it was tough in the morning thinking about Walter; got better in the evening. Sending love and warm wishes to Walter, delia and all involved.
I Love this and I love some Walter and Delia! This song in this key along with the sparseness of the track really shows him up close and personal like sitting in a room listening to him talk. A much needed track to hear.I miss my friends ! Happy Birthday Walter thanks for this gift along with the many gifts you’ve shared !Love You ❤️
Ah, jeez...I so appreciate the Newsletter and the new track. It was a welcomed (and sad) reminder of that great lost talent. I hope the voracious appetite of Walter's fans stays respectful but it's understandable that one can't help but wish for future doses like "Were You Close Today". Thanks...
It was Walter's birthday and yet we were the ones to receive a present. Many heartfelt thanks to the Management!
And yes, it's great to see St. Al after all this time! Here's a shot that I believe was taken on Jan. 28, 2000, the so-called "Walking Distance Tour" in New York:
St. Al!!! Glad you stopped by. What could this place be without the first generation webmasters who had such a hand in getting the whole trip started. Walter was so interested in how a handful of fans ,making it up as they went along, built an online community. You personally know how Walter wanted to be part of that process. It's in that spirit that we're here now...and so only right that you should come by . -- thanks!
I became an admirer of Becker and Fagen's from day 1, in June 2008 when I was 14 years old. I was fortunate enough to have seen him play a dozen times from '09 to '16. No matter what the "quality" the recording may be, I'm forever appreciative to hear this material by Walter. Thank you.
Delighted to be part of this whack pack of fans (anyone here younger than 50? Hope so!) Bought my first Dan album the day after my first boyfriend left me in London in 1973! Never missed a tour since. Do I win longest-faithful-fan award??
Thanks so much for sharing. Happy bday to Walter...fellow Piscean! Wish he and Donald and found time to record a few more CD's rather than touring around playing the hits...but I know those big lifestyles have to be paid for...well chronicled in Donald's painfully honest book. I hope there is more WB music out there and it will be released...open the gates release all the Steely Dan live shows, demos, etc! We'll even pay for it!
What a nice gift. Happy birthday Walter. Recently in NYC on unexpected business I strolled through the Upper West Side on my way to the Met, smoking cold, overcast gray sky, & as those moody British synthpop guys say, you were always on my mind.
I copied the mp3 to an audio editor, cut out the actual song, boosted the level and listened to the very beginning and end in a loop for a little while. It is definitely a recording of some playback device, and very probably of that machine's small monitor speaker. There is very audible room tone before and after the machine starts and stops. The initial mechanical noises sound to me like a solenoid-operated pinch roller engaging the capstan of an open reel tape recorder. Right after that, and during the end of the fade out, there is also a hum which is perhaps from the playback electronics of the machine or some ambient EMI induced into an unshielded play head. Regardless, as it does not fade with the track, it wasn't present in the original recording.
Regarding sound quality - this sounds like a recording of a recording - you can hear a click at the beginning, maybe a DAT player engaging. Perhaps an Iphone microphone held up to some monitors for easy sharing.
as for the comment about no bass and sounding tinny, back in the day we would have said the guitar player must have mixed it. but I don't think we should be judging the mix it's obviously a demo. We're judging the content which is excellent.
Followed the Dan for as long as I can remember. Saw Donald & the band at O2 London last year, WB was definitely missed. Last saturday night I saw China Crisis in Liverpool performing all of their 'Flaunt the Imperfection' album, which was produced by WB. Gary states how WB changed the course of their careers by his work on that album and how thankful they are for it. They show a photo, projected behind them of WB sat in the control room with his arms resting on the chair beside him, his eyes closed in an almost zen like state, a faint smile on his lips. Sums up his life and work for me.
I've pretty much been a lifelong Steely Dan fan I'm 69 years old. They've been a huge musical ininfluence on me. The news of Walter's death hit me like a ton of bricks I'm extremely fond of his albums 11 Tracks Of Whack and circus money they are nothing short of brilliant as is this particular recording. God love you Walter Becker
Wish we had figured out how to message privately...soon hopefully. It may be your "first" because we have sent practically no Newsletters out over the years! Archive of past mailings are here:
According to our ancient logs, an email address starting with Zebalby (server name redacted to protect your privacy) signed up for The Walter Becker Newsletter 2009-02-21 15:39 and confirmed subscription request at 2009-02-21 13:54. Long time ago! If you would like to confirm email server (the rest of your email address) and/or unsubscribe, please just let us know. Thanks for the comment,
I don't know how I was included into this community as I don't think I have signed up to the Walter Becker website, nominally the only access point. Privacy is important but a gift like this just makes me grateful. Love the ease and leisure of the musicianship, particularly the bell-like guitar and of course, the vocal. Love the way the world stops while the song plays - how do they do that?
I’d be surprised if this was recorded in ’97. The best ideas of this song were used to far greater and inspired success in a few of the songs on 11 Tracks Of Whack. Yes, sentimentally it’s nice to hear something ”new” that Walter recorded but you’d expect any curator of someones’ legacy to want to start any public exposure with the best they could find. If this is the best, I’m afraid this doesn’t excite me nor make me think ”I can’t wait for what’s coming next”, unfortunately.
Tasty and improved audio quality for a very cool Walter Becker song !
Kurt -- is this the shot you mean? Nice one
Some browsers don't play nice with the html download code. The previous page has been replaced by a widget to facilitate downloads in FLAC and MP3. Thank you for your patience, and thank you to those of you who helped make sure everyone who wanted to figured out how to grab a file.
Thank s all - figured it out - right click - 'open in itunes' seemed to work. Rob
To reprise my post from earlier re download- I had difficulties too:
Regarding dowloading the MP3 - I got it to work but what I had to do on my Mac was point the cursor at the rewind or fast forward arrow and right click. That gave me the option of ‘download video’ which I chose and that dowloaded the MP3. Right clicking on the page only gave me the 'save page' option which didn't get me the MP3.
Try tapping the icon with your right mouse button and choose "save link as".
Hi Matt, tried that - when the 'cloud w/ music note' is clicked - nothing happens. When I click on the file type MP3 for example I'm redirected to Forum. Am I clicking on wrong links? Thank you, Rob
r_worel, if you go to the downloads link at the top of the page, clicking on the icons should start a download automatically.
All - can anyone provide the 'how-to' as to downloading the two new tracks?
Love the upgraded version of "WYCT". This rich, full bodied (sheesh. I sound like a coffee ad) mix caught me off guard. Just great. One more thing. The forum layout is damn good looking. Thanks.
@Hans: Sure, not in a Barbra Streisand/Cathy Berberian sorta way--neither is Donald Fagen. But in phrasing and delivery? Hugely gifted!
i can’t stop listening to this song. i will echo other’s statements about Walter’s vocal performance here, it’s fucking perfect.
Thanks Mr WBMedia - for salvaging that sound quality. So much better...
Sounds great - I wonder how many other goodies are in the vault!
So great! Thank you for this HQ version.
I agree with you Matthew. Walter wasn't a real gifted singer, but this fits like a glove!
Man, Walter's vocals are really on point here. I mean, it's all good, but those vocals are something else.
Audio has been updated. FLAC, WAV, MP3 128, and MP3 320 versions, along with an updated video are available from the Downloads page. Thank you for your patience.
Was someone asking for "Megashine City"? Nice demo version up here, along with a bunch of other rarities, on Big Public Site: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fpm5ZSHKRyg
For those that have not heard the 'Circus Money' CD, you need to get a pair of 300.00 head phones and play it on your DVD/CD player and have some Gin and Tonic and look out your window just before sunset. On Friday nights before heading to some friends house I would start it off with this routine and let me tell you man I never had it so good with the tunes. Of course working out fairly hard on that day added to the bliss I am sure. I bought the CD at the Pala Indian reservation SD Concert back in 2010 I believe it was. I pretty much burned that CD into the ground. I became an instant fan of Walter and chalked him off as my favorite player of all time and I go back to Jimmy Page and Tony Iommi as my favorites.
Hi, he's a genius. gorgeous music, just amazing. It's a pleasure to hear, thanks!
Hi. New guy here. Not me, personally. I've been around since the late 50's.
As an SD lover,... wait. Not one of their actual lovers. Never even met them. I digress...
I go back to "Dallas" & "Sail The Waterway". Even the old "Walk It..." stuff.
I read Delia's letter about sharing the goods. Looks to me like this forum is a fine home for these gifts.
I also like the YouTube page where the WB videos are gathered.
I love this site and the chance to appreciate Mr. Becker's offerings, along with his many fans.
I just want to thank Delia for being kind enough to let us hear some more of WB's musical musings.
He was and is a hero.
oh, are requests being solicited? because i would kill for anything from the slims gig (not literally ... probably ....)
Regarding dowloading the MP3 - I got it to work but what I had to do on my Mac was point the cursor at the rewind or fast forward arrow and right click. That gave me the option of ‘download video’ which I chose and that dowloaded the MP3. Right clicking on the page only gave me the 'save page' option which didn't get me the MP3.
Ah the mysteries of computing eh? Well worth the bother though!
This is everything we LOVE about Walter! Great song! He will always be missed.
select option that reads something like "download linked file as..."
That saves the page but not as an mp3
Tim, if you head to here:
http://walterbecker.com/media/wyct/were_you_close_today.mp3
You should be able to click File > Save Page As, which will download the full track for you.
I enjoyed it for nostalgic reasons and love the lyrics and sentiment although agree it is demo quaity overall and needs a good mix to make it sparkle. I'd be glad to oblige :-) Meanwhile I couldn't figure out how to download it - any clues anyone?
Six months ago I started listening to Circus Money again. It's so good. Especially Bob Is Not Your Uncle Anymore. And I guess that "... the Dopey Irish Setter dog, Regan's still his name" is a reference to Shakespeare's King Lear.
Yes Ma'am! That would be great if that one or another of the unreleased tunes were brought to light!
Hearing these unreleased songs in full sound will likely make us wonder why Walter didn't include them on the disk. Surely, he had his reasons, us greedy fans just want it all...
Tony - glad there is a brother who shares the same impression!
Sometimes, things appear bigger in the rear view mirror as they can not be replicated, but this one immediately struck me as one for the ages.
John Beasley said there were in town for most of the week to rehearse and it sure sounded like that.
It felt almost festive to me as the show was on Saturday night, ok - getting carried away now, but it was a evening worthy of something monumental.
One wonders if there is a house video recording of this, pretty sure Boz was there too.
Thanks for postig that song. It's hard to imagine that we won't see him perform again. I, too, would love to hear a recording of Slims. Below is a photo taken at Chumash Casino in 2007. I was fortunate to have had a front row seat and sat next to the house photographer and he sent me all his photos from that evening.
Make that 2 requests! I also was at Slim's that night and ever since then have fantasized about getting a recording of that show. That was the Mother of All One-Offs!
Lutz:
"3 Sisters" live:
That sounds like a request
?
Thank you to Walter's family, friends and fans for sharing!
'Circus Money' is going to be ranked as one of the highest among experts, it already is for many of us - we are the prime experts after all!
Great to hear wonderful 'new' music from the man.
And the prospect of more to come is exiting.
'3 Sisters Shaking' for instance. There is a demo out there which scratches the surface - but to hear the band version would be something.
I went to Walter's Solo show and out of over 500 concerts I've been to that would be the one I want back - along with perhaps seeing Jaco in his prime for the first time when I was 19.
Have been looking for someone to share that incredible experience with over on Hoop's site, no luck yet.
I talked to Adam Rogers years later, he was on tour with John Patitucci about it and he agreed.
'3 Sisters' was the hippest thing I ever heard live and still can't get it out of my head 23 years later!
orion, whew, fantastic fever dream.
Thank you Mr. Moderator. You too Matt. I assume that's you as a pup up there on the stage... So where do we go from here?
Awesome Walter so glad I saw you with STEELY DAN 29 times your music lives on. RIP Walter your music is a big part of my life.
orion that was just absolutely wonderful.... awe inspiring even. thank you so much for your contribution.
orion don't listen to Matt for a minute; he did virtually all the heavy lifting on this site! And I mean every aspect of it. It wouldn't have happened without him for sure.
Scott,
Yeah, I got lucky to have great parents, great friends, a great opportunity, and a great band to fall in love with. I would be a different person without this music, and all the great people I have met through it.
Orion,
I built the Hey 19 Raps site at:
www.dandom.com/hey19/
With danfan supreme Jim McKay. I was asked afterwords about my opinion on various platforms, so I guess you could say I consulted on this project, but all credit belongs to the Walter Becker Estate for everything they are doing to keep Walter's music and memory going strong. This is their labor of love, and I am happy to help in whatever small way I am asked and able.
Slang of Ages, such utterly gorgeous sarcasm only WB...
Wow, @matthewkerns. I read your bio. You really are the man! I thought Steely Dan was the soundtrack of my life, but you clearly take it to the next level. Thank you for setting this up. Looking forward to watching it evolve.
Cheers Matthew. It's heartfelt. So I see you had a hand in the creation of this site... Might I ask who else is behind the effort...?
Beautifully written, Orion.
Were you close today. Hmm… How to dive in here... I guess I'd have to begin with a nostalgic reference to the "Slang of Angels"; it's one I like to use to get meaningful conversations off the ground and draw the dearly departed ancestral spirits near. I suppose I would have to start there. Walter had a lens. To define my terms - for Walter - it was as if somehow, the elaboration of his own personal style was like the framing of an equation couched in some curious sort of "golden mean" that Walter could divine. Something that had a rhythm, something that appeared manifestly in the ups and downs of the human condition itself, and something which was perennial - that hearkened to some ancient, archaic cannon that his eagle eye could discern lurking just beneath the surfaces. And that his oblique wit was most definitely bequeathed to him by his intimacy with the muse. A student of the mystery, and of subjects both compelling and opaque to mortal eyes - in his framing of the world and of the human experience - he was a master of allegory. He got it. His ears were wide open to the quiet sound of the siren’s voice, and he was accustomed to seeing in the dark. But like the bodhisattva, in life - he took us to the threshold - but advanced not through the door. Until now. And for that, my friend - I remain eternally grateful.
Like the mystery herself in her elusive game of peek-a-boo with us famished mortals – remaining always just beyond our reach as she entertains and beguiles the senses with that enticing dance of the seven veils – she is just behind door #2. Where you know that she is waiting. Like a firm appointment with the late, late show. So godspeed.
How Walter deployed language was like science: The Slang of Angels. As if the deftness of the turning of a phrase could hold the world in germ. He was always pointing to that something lying just before our eyes, yet somehow out of sight. Becker strove to find that crack in world – make for us the omelet, and then present it up for brunch: and through his web of words, reveal to us their Zero Crossing… As he once so aptly put it.
So were ya close today…?
Freddie! oh my goodness it's old home day! How wonderful. How sad, though, to know those endless routines are over, gone -- no more sounchecks, catering, shows ..impossible to believe they all just suddenly disappeared. But not before I made a lifelong friend: funky, groovy, yes...but above all, generous and kind with plenty of heart and soul. Just like me, Walter loved the whole package of you and he'd be honored by your visit...as am I. Thanks...please come back any time. 💓
"Did you just renounce
Your renunciation" could only have been written by Walter Becker. What a gift to us all!
Thanks for this. I will be following you most definitely. Circus money was the ultimate song collection next to Gaucho, Aja, and Nightfly. No one can create the sounds Walter played out. The loss of Walter was the worse I faced since the passing of my father. I had no idea it would hit me the way it did. Damn~!
Seeing the musicians (Freddie and Cindy) who played with Walter here gives me this warmth way down deep. Like a sad kind of happy or a happy kind of sad. I'm sad this February 20th was unlike the last 67...that we have to remember, rather than acknowledge or celebrate or whatever else one might do to denote another trip of the earth around the sun. But god damn am I happy for everything the man gave us to remember him by, including something unexpectedly new.
Listening to this makes me feel like Walter is still here (so close) I LOVE it classic Walter. HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Thank you for giving us the opportunity to here this song.
I love it.
I love, '11 tracks of whack' and 'Were you close today' is worthy of that classic album.
All the best,
Mark
Liverpool, UK.
Oleander, the Fathers of the SD Internet, a retired webdrone, early contributors to the nascent network... A few others and we'll have a quorum! Anybody know where Clas is?!
CINDY!! Look everybody, THE QUEEN stopped by! Those of you who heard Walter introduce the band in concert know how he felt about Cindy. Thanks for stopping by girl, don't be a stranger. You were one of the very few who had a special relationship with Walter. Your insight about the track, based on your close personal time spent with him, was fascinating. As soon as you said it I recognized it was true. Bring along anything else you'd like to say, anytime–– Or just come back to read all this good energy for Walter, which is truly healing my heart and may touch yours as well (((Big Soul Hug)))
Dope track for sure.
Came home from work last night and listened to 11 Tracks of Whack. It really holds up. Drank a toast to WB.
Lovely to hear that voice again. And of course the guitar.
How beautiful! Looking forward to more! Yesterday, it was tough in the morning thinking about Walter; got better in the evening. Sending love and warm wishes to Walter, delia and all involved.
I Love this and I love some Walter and Delia! This song in this key along with the sparseness of the track really shows him up close and personal like sitting in a room listening to him talk. A much needed track to hear.I miss my friends ! Happy Birthday Walter thanks for this gift along with the many gifts you’ve shared !Love You ❤️
Ah, jeez...I so appreciate the Newsletter and the new track. It was a welcomed (and sad) reminder of that great lost talent. I hope the voracious appetite of Walter's fans stays respectful but it's understandable that one can't help but wish for future doses like "Were You Close Today". Thanks...
Christ do you remember how cold? a record breaker. So now where's joe?
OK, here it is:
It was Walter's birthday and yet we were the ones to receive a present. Many heartfelt thanks to the Management!
And yes, it's great to see St. Al after all this time! Here's a shot that I believe was taken on Jan. 28, 2000, the so-called "Walking Distance Tour" in New York:
From left, St. Al, Jim McKay and John Granatino
Oh the hours of my misspent youth spent on St. Al's Under The Banyan Trees, or the Bluebook or usenet groups. I loved that community. Thanks.
St. Al!!! Glad you stopped by. What could this place be without the first generation webmasters who had such a hand in getting the whole trip started. Walter was so interested in how a handful of fans ,making it up as they went along, built an online community. You personally know how Walter wanted to be part of that process. It's in that spirit that we're here now...and so only right that you should come by . -- thanks!
"11 Tracks of Whack" Walter sings blues and phrasing similar to "Cringemaker". Just like
the flow of this song and gorgeous guitar accompaniment by Adam Rogers. Walter I will
be seeing your colleague Donald this summer in July, the concert just won't be the same.
Thanks for every great musical memory.
happy birthday walter
God, I miss him...I was so looking forward to a follow-up to Circus Money...
I became an admirer of Becker and Fagen's from day 1, in June 2008 when I was 14 years old. I was fortunate enough to have seen him play a dozen times from '09 to '16. No matter what the "quality" the recording may be, I'm forever appreciative to hear this material by Walter. Thank you.
I used to feel like a young Steely Dan fan. Not any longer... Miss you buddy.
This song is so cool and haunting. I can't stop playing it.
Delighted to be part of this whack pack of fans (anyone here younger than 50? Hope so!) Bought my first Dan album the day after my first boyfriend left me in London in 1973! Never missed a tour since. Do I win longest-faithful-fan award??
Thanks for posting. My heart sings happy to hear something new. Happy Birthday WB.
It's nice to hear your voice, Walter. Happy Birthday. YOU were steely dan. Thankyou for sharing this with me.
Thank you for all this.
happy birthday, wb
mahalo from maui
I'm so glad we were given this wonderful and unexpected birthday gift. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks so much for sharing. Happy bday to Walter...fellow Piscean! Wish he and Donald and found time to record a few more CD's rather than touring around playing the hits...but I know those big lifestyles have to be paid for...well chronicled in Donald's painfully honest book. I hope there is more WB music out there and it will be released...open the gates release all the Steely Dan live shows, demos, etc! We'll even pay for it!
Reminds me of 'Book of Liars'
Has anyone mentioned the slideshow? Very nice job, Adds to the song nicely --well done
just checked my emails this evening...and my WB newsletter was shining out like a beacon ..
I love this track so much ....and I have a feeling I am going to love this new website for Walter.
Happy Birthday ..you are missed ..
until next time
🧡🌟
I always pulled for Walter Becker. Love Donald Fagen, SD fan from outset. In college (circa 80s), a friend said, "They can do no wrong." Truly.
Yet I still think his "Circus Money" album should have won high awards. So eclectic, so philosophic, with light funk, and plaintive.
He resonates even now, even Now.
I miss him, we all miss his art, his voice, and above all his humor. Thinking of Taxi Cab Confessions.
Thank ya'll much, for bringing this song to us today. Happy B-day.
Joc
What a nice gift. Happy birthday Walter. Recently in NYC on unexpected business I strolled through the Upper West Side on my way to the Met, smoking cold, overcast gray sky, & as those moody British synthpop guys say, you were always on my mind.
God, I miss you Walter. No one does it like you. I must carry on. Peace Mick
I copied the mp3 to an audio editor, cut out the actual song, boosted the level and listened to the very beginning and end in a loop for a little while. It is definitely a recording of some playback device, and very probably of that machine's small monitor speaker. There is very audible room tone before and after the machine starts and stops. The initial mechanical noises sound to me like a solenoid-operated pinch roller engaging the capstan of an open reel tape recorder. Right after that, and during the end of the fade out, there is also a hum which is perhaps from the playback electronics of the machine or some ambient EMI induced into an unshielded play head. Regardless, as it does not fade with the track, it wasn't present in the original recording.
Great guitar work. Thanks for sharing this!
Matthew, good point.
Regarding sound quality - this sounds like a recording of a recording - you can hear a click at the beginning, maybe a DAT player engaging. Perhaps an Iphone microphone held up to some monitors for easy sharing.
as for the comment about no bass and sounding tinny, back in the day we would have said the guitar player must have mixed it. but I don't think we should be judging the mix it's obviously a demo. We're judging the content which is excellent.
Thanks Walter. I miss you.
Rest in Heaven, Walter. You are missed.
Followed the Dan for as long as I can remember. Saw Donald & the band at O2 London last year, WB was definitely missed. Last saturday night I saw China Crisis in Liverpool performing all of their 'Flaunt the Imperfection' album, which was produced by WB. Gary states how WB changed the course of their careers by his work on that album and how thankful they are for it. They show a photo, projected behind them of WB sat in the control room with his arms resting on the chair beside him, his eyes closed in an almost zen like state, a faint smile on his lips. Sums up his life and work for me.
I've pretty much been a lifelong Steely Dan fan I'm 69 years old. They've been a huge musical ininfluence on me. The news of Walter's death hit me like a ton of bricks I'm extremely fond of his albums 11 Tracks Of Whack and circus money they are nothing short of brilliant as is this particular recording. God love you Walter Becker
Still shocked and sad over the loss of WB; very grateful for this tune. Thank you for including me in this list.
Zebalby -
Wish we had figured out how to message privately...soon hopefully. It may be your "first" because we have sent practically no Newsletters out over the years! Archive of past mailings are here:
http://walterbecker.com/newslarchive.html
Welcome :-)
- WB Mod
Wow! That's super-efficient! But then how come this is the first issue of the newsletter I have seen? Never mind, glad to be on board for this trip!
Hi Zebalby:
According to our ancient logs, an email address starting with Zebalby (server name redacted to protect your privacy) signed up for The Walter Becker Newsletter 2009-02-21 15:39 and confirmed subscription request at 2009-02-21 13:54. Long time ago! If you would like to confirm email server (the rest of your email address) and/or unsubscribe, please just let us know. Thanks for the comment,
- WB Mod
I don't know how I was included into this community as I don't think I have signed up to the Walter Becker website, nominally the only access point. Privacy is important but a gift like this just makes me grateful. Love the ease and leisure of the musicianship, particularly the bell-like guitar and of course, the vocal. Love the way the world stops while the song plays - how do they do that?
"This" sounds like an early "Moody Bastard" with different lyrics to me.
Thanks for the post wbm, looking forward to more...
hb wb
I’d be surprised if this was recorded in ’97. The best ideas of this song were used to far greater and inspired success in a few of the songs on 11 Tracks Of Whack. Yes, sentimentally it’s nice to hear something ”new” that Walter recorded but you’d expect any curator of someones’ legacy to want to start any public exposure with the best they could find. If this is the best, I’m afraid this doesn’t excite me nor make me think ”I can’t wait for what’s coming next”, unfortunately.