New Music For Old Rockers – Channelling Steely Dan

Walter Becker of Steely Dan passed away a while back, but take a listen to this new song by the band PREP released in the US in late January and see if you hear Steely Dan in this song …

I know you are asking, “Why would Jim post a YouTube video where nothing visually happens?” Ah, but there are subtle movements in the video that complement the music.

I definitely hear Steely Dan in this song by PREP, and I think this song would fit nicely on the Aja album. The vocals in the high register remind me of Donald Fagen but in the lower register sound more like Billy Corgan from the Smashing Pumpkins. And you can’t tell me the chord progression at the 3:44 mark isn’t pure Steely Dan.

Now, if you like this song, I have a special treat for you …

Here’s the whole PREP album, and it’s a good one.

Beside the opening track, I hear a strong Steely Dan influence on the 6th, 9th, & 10th tracks. I could definitely see the 9th track fit nicely on the Dan’s Royal Scam album. And doesn’t the title of the final track, “Danny Came Up,” just sound like a Steely Dan song title? It may be my favorite song on the album.

As a bonus, the 7th track reminds me of the mellower Michael McDonald-era Doobie Brothers with Billy Corgan playing the Michael McDonald vocalist role, for whatever that’s worth.

I hope you enjoy this album as much as I am digging it. I figured this is a good one to “PREP” you for even more music posts to come as I debut a new music series on this blog. Coming Soon!