nostatic at all...

It is interesting to see a band multiple times, and perhaps better still, multiple times within a few days (ie during the same tour). I saw Steely Dan twice in 2003 (down in San Diego and the sublime, perhaps greatest show I've ever seen at Universal in LA). This year it was "Aja" night on Friday, and tonight "Royal Scam" night. With Larry Carlton sitting in on guitar. Expectations run high, and that always is problematic. The thing is, the songs are so good and the musicianship so high, that even some "off" tunes are at a ridiculously high level. And just the fact that you are hearing the song live is special enough. In this case, stunning arrangements of Green Earrings, The Fez, and Sign In Stranger. The other tracks I've heard many times live, and are no less special. But these three more obscure numbers etched a deep track across my mind. Them along with the other from Royal Scam reminded me of how dark and sour life can be, and how eloquently music can explain and salve.

I never knew you
You were a roller skater
You gonna show me later
Turn up the Eagles the neighbors are listening