Walter Becker/Steely Dan, Best Tunes Remembered

Walter Becker was one-half of the famous Steely Dan band that began its musical journey in the mid-70s, earning the respect and admiration of the critics. Yet, more importantly, peers for over 40 years; now Walter is gone and the chances of seeing Steely Dan together again are gone. Walter Becker of Steely Dan wrote or co-wrote some of the band’s biggest hits, below are our favorite tunes that are so Walter…

“Reelin’ in the Years” showed off the guitar of Elliott Randall and arraignment of Walter Becker. The song just missed the Top 10 on the charts but opened up the eyes of rockers everywhere.

“Aja” is perhaps the greatest accomplishment of Steely Dan, receiving rave reviews from the harshest of critics in 1977. The LP was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.

“Josie,” “Peg,” and “Deacons Blues” all come from ‘Aja’ the album and solidified Steely Dan’s commercial success.

“Do It Again,” from the band 1st LP in 1972, broke the top 10 on the charts, and quietly featured the talents of Michael McDonald and Skunk Baxter.

“Dirty Work” belongs on any Steely Dan list simply because of the lyrics.

“Rikki Don’t Lose That Number” was from the ‘Pretzel Logic’ and the guitar licks are all Skunk Baxter. The song broke the top five on the charts and pushed the LP to millions in album sales.


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