Steely Dan’s a band that likes puzzles. Just try to make out the meaning of any song; you can read each one several different ways. Perhaps it’s better just to enjoy the tunes—a bit rock, a bit jazz. Some may say they’re also a bit yacht rock.

A brief history of Steely Dan

  • They released their first album in 1972.
  • In 1974, they became a studio-only band.
  • They stopped recording in 1981.
  • They reunited in 1993, as a touring-only band.
  • They recorded albums in 2000 and 2003.
  • Now they just tour.

Fun fact: The Eagles “Hotel California” lyric, “They stab it with their steely knives, but they just can’t kill the beast,” is a reference to Steely Dan.