Peg - Steely Dan (1977)

In 2003, I dug through the dusty crates of an Upper West Side record store and found Steely Dan’s Greatest Hits. I knew the band’s name but hadn’t learned their catalog yet. The vinyl was in prime condition so I bought it. When I listened to the album later that day, I was impressed by its avant-garde style and eclectic nature. At this young stage of my musical journey, I already adored 1970s classics - especially soul and funk. Steely Dan is hard to categorize with its rock-jazz aesthetic, yet it spoke to me. Perhaps it’s that amalgamation which drew me in.

Steely Dan, comprised of Walter Becker and Donald Fagen, are from New York and New Jersey respectively yet their music was Manhattan meets Manhattan Beach - equally perfect for a late night cab ride down Fifth Avenue or a California sunset. “Peg,” off the amazing 1977 album Aja, encompasses the wonder of this unique duo. It’s effortlessly cool with the inimitable Michael McDonald singing backup vocals. The smooth yet precise production became a hallmark for the yacht rock sound. De La Soul sampled it on “Eye Know” from 3 Feet High & Rising, 1989. “Peg” is constantly in my DJ sets. People are often joyful hearing it mixed in, exclaiming their approval as “I seen your picture…” blasts through the speakers.

Aja featured saxophonist Tom Scott (his 1967 record “Today” was sampled by Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth on “T.R.O.Y.,” 1991), legendary drummers Bernard Purdie (inventor of the Purdie shuffle who played with James Brown and Aretha Franklin) and Rick Marotta (who accompanied John Lennon and Paul Simon). There’s an excellent Classic Albums documentary from 1999 on Aja’s creation. Other incredible tracks on Aja include “Josie”, “Deacon Blues”, “I Got The News,” and “Black Cow” (sampled by Lord Tariq & Peter Gunz on “Deja Vu,” 1998). I continue to discover hidden gems in Steely Dan’s vast catalogue, so I’m still that kid who walked into an Upper West Side shop 23 years ago.

Rumor’s Records #2

Peg - Steely Dan (1977)