Steely Dan: Reelin' in the Years

By Brian Sweet

Book Overview

Walter Becker and Donald Fagen, a couple of cynical New York jazz fans
wormed their way into a record contract and astonished critics with their first
album 'Can't Buy a Thrill' in 1973. Nine albums later, they were among the
biggest selling acts in the world.
Steely Dan were different from the rest of rock's super-sellers. They rarely gave
interviews and, after some early bad experiences on the road, they refused to
tour. They didn't have their photographs taken and few people knew what they
looked like. Steely Dan weren't even a proper group; it was two musicians and
a producer, yet every top notch player in the world lined up to appear on their
albums.
Brian Sweet, former editor and publisher of Metal Leg, the Steely Dan fanzine,
draws back the veil of secrecy that has surrounded Becker and Fagen, presenting
the true story of how they made their music and lived their lives

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1915841844
• ISBN13: 9781915841841
• Release Date: August 2025
• Publisher: Omnibus Press
• Length: 400 Pages

Customer Reviews

A True Joy for Dan Fans

Reading this book was a true joy! I read it while I was on a beach vacation, listening to the music on my ipod as I was reading about it. It was about as close to being there with them as I could get. It was also great learning more about the reclusive duo and how they, like the true artists they are, were always so much more about the music than about the rock & roll lifestyle. I was also able to get a better sense of their personalities and how they were able to translate their amazing story-telling skills into music. I AM SO GLAD that Brian Sweet wrote this book, authorized or not. Being able to read an entire book devoted to my favorite musicians was, as I said before, a TRUE JOY!

Buy this book

"Steely Dan : Reelin' In The Years" by Brian Sweet is absolutely PERFECT, regardless of what any critic has written. It provides an extremely detailed look into the many ups and downs the band has endured, including plenty of rare photos not seen anywhere before, and gives us an essential, behind the scenes look at the admirable, perfectionistic recording habits of Walter Becker and Donald Fagen, unquestionably two of the most intelligent recording artists ever to survive into the new millenium. I can't believe that the author is being criticized for not interviewing Becker and Fagen for the book. He explains that he tried to get their input. HE HAD NO CONTROL OVER THE FACT THAT THEY WOULDN'T TALK, AND HE PUT TOGETHER A WONDERFUL BOOK REGARDLESS!! THAT IS WHAT I CALL A DEDICATED AUTHOR! Do yourself a favor and get this book while it is still available!!!

Sue me if I write too long!

A fascinating insight into the minds of two of America's finest songwriters. With tips and insights into how they created such marvelous music. You can visualise their studio techniques and tricks used in classic songs like Showbiz Kids and Babylon Sisters. Read the book then listen to their songs and you will hear them differently. Knowing the pain and hard work that went into creating make the songs even more special.If you are into steely dan you will love this. If you are not into them or have never heard them, you don't know what you are missing. This is the place to start. GET INTO SOME DAN NOW!

Where's the beef?

I can not understand why everyone is complaining about the writing style of this book. I think it is presented quite well. I would like a little more information on certain songs. However, any reader can really get a good feel that Becker and Fagen are two quirky individuals who can really write great music. The reader gets a good background of the original band members without becomming overly detailed. Whereas the writing style is not down right exciting, it matter of factly presents Becker and Fagen as the two talented but oddball musicians that they are. Well done Mr. Sweet.