Steely Dan - The Royal Scam

The Royal Scam - Write-In Votes Needed.....

Due to overwhelming response of complaints to Amazon about my absence, and many e mails begging me to come back, I finally relented and decided to write this little tidbit. As many know (and some don't) your beloved Metamorpho threw his Seer's hat into the ring for President in the late spring. Oh, there were delegates, super delegates, and really a mess of a situation because, in order to succeed in the nomination, I had to make deals in smoke filled rooms. This really is out of my element people. So, I failed in getting either parties nominations and lost to the likes of Johrach McBama and Barjohn O'Cain. Very embarassing. To make matters worse, I wasn't even considered for Vice-President. It was at this point that I decided to launch a write-in campaign. After all, a Seer who truly can save the world is way preferable to shameful rhetoric about change. The only change I know is in my pocket. However, they won't be able to compete with me. They will pale in comparison. (Yes people, that was a play on words. I do expect applause!).

I decided that an appropriate selection to review is this miraculously wonderful "The Royal Scam" by Steely Dan. Now, this is the one I always go back to. Why? Perhaps it's the vibe, or the accomplished compositions, or the subject matter. But, in large part I never cease to be amazed because I swear to you, they find the most interesting chords and excursions to play that you wonder, throughout it all, if they raided the dead sea scrolls or if God came down in a dream and decided to reveal the rest of the 20 commandments. I am sure there is some hidden code to this music. I keep listening for it and I am sure true Seer power is contained within. Either that or I have one more drink to go until I get it.

Aside from the music contained herein, the lyrics are so tart and so telling. For example, they begin with "Kid Charlemagne" which is about an outlaw drug producer on the west coast. Lauded for his technique and his fame, he is just "obsolete, look at all the white men on the street". Specialness relegated to being common. You will never find your Metamorpho in that position, believe me. "The Caves of Altamira" reveal a childhood dream or excursion into fantasy. But this ancient cave existed before there "really wasn't any Hollywood". I love that line because it shows that real life or, real history becomes clouded in a fake interpretation on the silver screen.

I will say here, that each of the songs here exhibit an alluring groove and weaves in and out with tasty jazz infused rock that makes the complete work really something to hear. The ascending riff in "Don't Take Me Alive", the weaving journey of "The Fez" which, simply says, "Never gonna do it without the fez on". Do what? Do what? I cry. Forget it. With Steely Dan you'll just have to find the answer within.

But, don't be sad because modern considerations enter the picture with the ironic "Haitian Divorce" and, let us not forget the classic line in "Everything You Did". A song about common infidelity, the crisis becomes a considerable altercation and thus, "turn up The Eagles, the neighbors are listening". Of course they are. And you should be too.

"The Royal Scam" is a song about promises that are just illusions in a new world. It is a scam, after all, to believe in something that doesn't truly exist. But, what does exist is Steely Dan's mastery and mix of instruments, professional and clean, but so appropriate however unexpected. It is pop music, but not rock, nor jazz per se, but a unique brew that is forever interesting and accomplished. This is one of my favorites by them. In my mind, their high point came with this and "Aja". Experimental, smooth, and a fascination to listen to.

Now I must go. But, need I remind all of you that I am conducting a write-in campaign. Yes. I know it takes more time than pulling the lever, but just think of the rewards you will reap. A President Seer that is busy giving lectures and actually doesn't stress you out and leaves you alone! I will foreclose on no properties, I will protect the homeland with spirit guides and, best of all, a two thousand dollar check will be sent to each of you for not harassing me. How could you lose?

My name is Metamorpho, and I approve this message.
METAMORPHO 08!! September 15, 2008

Addressing SOUND QUALITY only.........

Love Steely dan. 'Nough said. Now if you own Citizen Steely Dan you owe it to your self to sell that beast and replace it with all of the remasters. Typically I do not write reviews but the sound quality difference between this CD and the same songs off of 'Citizen' is NIGHT and DAY!!!! If you are a fan of Steely Dan you OWE it to yourself to buy the remasters (ALL of them are a VAST improvement) and discover the music the way it was meant to sound!!!!!

Equipment :

Pioneer Elite Amp

Denon HDCD Player w/ Burr-Browns

Klipsch speakers

Monster Coaxial Digital Cable August 2, 2008

Steely Dan's best album

Although all of Steely Dan's albums are great (I'd give them all five stars), this one would have to be their best. Walter Becker did an excellent job with the guitar on this album. July 23, 2008

A Brutal Look At The Party That Would Not Stop

With lyrics pointed directly at the decadent underbelly of the 1970s - and an album cover that is the visual gateway - Walter Becker and Donald Fagen packed a musical punch in this 1976 release.

Though the focus is with the driving lead guitar riffs of Larry Carlton, Elliot Randall, Dean Parks and Denny Dias, it it the Caribbean-influenced riffs - Haitian Divorce - smooth funk - Green Earrings - and pop sensibilities of Kid Charlemagne & Don't Take Me Alive that shows the genius surrounding the arrangements.

An oftentimes brutal look at the party that wouldn't stop that was the 1970s, it remains an overlooked classic.

May 15, 2008

Under the Radar

I have found this work from SD to be some of their finest from a guitar standpoint. Great chord changes and solos that hop modes. Smart lyrics and interesting characters, as usual. All of Fagan and Becker's work stands on its own, but Royal Scam is one that isn't talked about as often. I've been a fan since the 70's and had all their CD's except this one. I don't know how I missed it!! Highly recommended!!! April 24, 2008

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