S.P.M. hearts S.D.

"Give her some funked up music, she treats you nice
Feed her some hungry reggae, she'll love you twice
The girls don't seem to care tonight
As long as the mood is right
No static at all
FM, no static at all." -Steely Dan

When I was a child there was a Steely Dan CD rattling around in my parents collection. While systematically checking out all of their music I came across it and was taken by the song "Deacon Blues." It is about a free wheeling saxophonist and his live fast, die young philosophy. Why I thought this was so great as a third grader, I don't remember.

Steely Dan haunted me from then on. It didn't take many conversations about the duo before I learned being their fan wasn't something you talked about-- the criticisms seemed harsh and unnecessary. Was a smooth sound so bad? Was bringing rock and jazz into a harmonious pop sound so evil?

After realizing I didn't want to be one of "those people"-- the kind that control their old-school musical tastes to what is totally ironic at the time (aka the indie sheep)-- I relaxed and enjoyed.

So a few days ago I heard them live for the first time. It is risky paying money to see a band known for their studio recording perfection, but it was well worth it. My sister graciously accompanied me and didn't look too embarrassed when I was dancing in my seat. The guitar solos, the brass, the cheeky back up singers all brought my favorites to life. And to see a theater full of other fans, many of them young women like myself, confirmed I was not alone in my appreciation for the static-free styling of Steely Dan.