R.I.P. Walter Becker: here’s 10 of the Newt’s fave Steely Dan tunes

By Steve Newton

Steely Dan cofounder, cosongwriter, guitarist, and bassist Walter Becker passed away today at the age of 67.

I freakin’ love Steely Dan.

Here’s 10 of my fave tunes by them, in chronological order. I could easily come up with 20 more–including all the hits. (And if this list would have gone up to 11, like that amp in Spinal Tap, it would have included “Third World Man”.)

“Only a Fool Would Say That”, from Can’t Buy a Thrill, 1972. Guitar solo by Jeff Baxter:

 

 

“My Old School”, from Countdown to Ecstasy, 1973. Guitar solo by Jeff Baxter:

 

“Barrytown”, from Pretzel Logic, 1974:

 

“Night By Night”, from Pretzel Logic, 1974. Guitar solo by Jeff Baxter:

 

“Bad Sneakers”, from Katy Lied, 1975. Guitar solo by Walter Becker:

 

“Rose Darling”, from Katy Lied, 1975. Guitar solo by Dean Parks:

 

“Kid Charlemagne”, from The Royal Scam, 1976. Guitar solo by Larry Carlton:

 

“Don’t Take Me Alive”, from The Royal Scam, 1976. Guitar solo by Larry Carlton:

 

“Deacon Blues”, from Aja, 1977. Guitar solo by Pete Christlieb:

 

“Josie”, from Aja, 1977. Guitar solo by Walter Becker: