Countdown to Exegesis

Razor Boy

Is this… jazz? Bouyed by the sound of vibes and acoustic bass, our exegetes attempt to catch the Razor Boy and make him explain himself. Meanwhile, Andrew receives a suspicious package…
"We've dissected the frog and the frog is dead."
Further listening…
Billy Goodrum - Razor Boy
The Left Banke - Pretty Ballerina

Bodhisattva

It's the start of a new series, and Oli is excited. Andrew, however, is not.
In this episode, our fact-finding inebriates discover the answers to the following: "is Countdown to Ecstacy Steely Dan's punk album?", "how is Bodhisattva like kedgeree?", and "what does it take to bring Andrew out of a bad mood?".
"There's a single almond on my staircase."
Further listening…
Brian Setzer Orchestra - Bodhisattva
Toto - Bodhisattva
The Late Era episode about Honkin' On Bobo
Denny's story about the synth

Turn That Heartbeat Over Again

A bumper episode to froth all over Turn That Heartbeat Over Again, and try to navigate its labyrinthine lyrics.
Plus, we wrap up on album one, review our slams and scams, and - most importantly - answer the burning question: "has Can't Buy a Thrill turned Andrew into a Steely Dan fan?"
"Extremely measured fun."
Further listening…
Brooklyn Charmers - Turn That Heartbeat Over Again
Prefab Sprout - Cue Fanfare

Change of the Guard (feat. Pen Jones)

The Danboiz are joined by caricaturist and Pretzel Logic aficionado Ben "Pen" Jones to discuss Change of the Guard. They're ready to sandwich, but is there any meat in this filler?
Also discussed: David Palmer, salmon farmer.
"Donald Fagen is my fursona."
Further listening…
Passport - Change of the Guard
Stanley Dee - Change of the Guard

Brooklyn (Owes the Charmer Under Me)

It's Brooklyn time. The boys sit down for some serious analysis, interrupted only by a scene from Andrew's never-to-be-completed C.S.N.Y. biopic.
Also featured: the first appearance of The Steely Dan Dictionary; the most pathetic songfacts of the series; Bob Dylan.
"Get me the number of David Palmer."
Further listening...
Donald Fagen & Walter Becker - Brooklyn (demo)
Fleetwood Mac - Sara
Bob Dylan - Queen Jane Approximately
Bob Dylan - Love Minus Zero

Fire In the Hole

A.K.A. 'that episode about Jeff "Skunk" Baxter'.
"A Jools singularity."
Further listening…
O - Made Man
Skero - Fußboi
Five Finger Death Punch - Fire In the Hole
Van Halen - Fire In the Hole
Jools Holland interviewing John Lurie

Reelin' In the Years

Side two kicks off with bona fide hit single and dad rock radio staple Reelin' In the Years. Join our hosts in excitable mood as they get to grips with its slippery charms.
Also: Oli struggles to identify the solo; Andrew recoils at his enjoyment of The Dan so far; both ruin any chance of a lucrative sponshorship deal.
"The finish is dry and refreshing."
Further listening…
Spirit Adrift, High On Fire and Mutoid Man - Reelin' In the Years
Apologetix - Rollin' In the Yeast
Donny and Marie Osmond - Reelin' In the Years
Bob Dylan - Like a Rolling Stone
Bob Dylan - Ballad of a Thin Man

Only a Fool Would Say That

Side one comes to a close with one of The Dan's breeziest numbers. In celebratory style, our hosts relax into their sun loungers and attempt their most thorough exegesis yet. (Or is it the alcohol talking?)
This one comes with a sincere MATURE WARNING, thanks to Andrew's explanation of his unspeakable canine coitus song.
Further Listening…
Ivy - Only a Fool Would Say That

Midnite Cruiser

Strolling a little too far into the backstreets of side one, our hosts discover Midnite Cruiser in tight jeans and 'big, brown shoes'. Neither are particularly pleased about it.
Also covered: Dan memes, Madonna's favourite ale, soft rock séances.
"This is Vantabeige."

Kings

This week, our hosts investigate 'Kings', Can't Buy a Thrill's self-described "vacuous historical romance."
Lots of honest-to-goodness analysis here, with a short detour into crisis management role play featuring two of Wolverhampton's favourite sons.
"My endive salad is on fire."
Further listening…
The Steely Damned - Kings