Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 3 1 2 3
#760529 04/05/23 06:17 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,451
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,451
STEELY DAN

A while back, I posted a tune called Dire Straits, which was supposed to sound like...mmmmm. I forgot. Anyway, I now have done one I call Steely Dan. I forget who it is supposed to sound like.

By the way, I have almost run out of space (again!!!) on soundcoud so will soon be making a permanent switch to ReverbNation and www.davidsnydersongs.com.

So the soundcloud link will be here, but the "transition" links will be below.

Hope it makes you smile at least. I am playing piano, bass, and 3 guitars (two rhythms and a lead), but I was inspired by and started with some jazz sounds in the XtraPro styles Pak4, which include additional Real Tracks. They seem to have a really modern, legit sound to them. (* In other words, I studied what the BIAB artists were doing and then proceeded to copy them, or interpret the style myself, as it were. This is another huge learning advantage to BIAB, I think. Listen to people who know what they're doing and study them.)

STEELY DAN
by David Snyder

https://soundcloud.com/david-snyder-gigs3/steely-dan

V1

Give me the red pill sugar
To set me free
I may take the blue pill later
So I can sleep
It’s fine all right
If the world lasts one more night
Although New York City is burning
The house party is in sight

CH:

And the girls don’t care what you’re doing
As long as you do it all night long
And the girls will give it all to you
If you play their favorite song
And just
Be man
Keep it up and have a plan
Make it jazzy if you can
If your skin has a deeper tan
play some Steely Dan

V2

Find me some politicians
To treat me nice
Give me some sweet molasses
And banana spice
It’s fine all right
If the world lasts one more night
My house is owned by China
But the party is in sight

CH:

And the girls don’t care what you’re doing
As long as you do it all night long
And the girls will give it all to you
If you play their favorite song
And just
Be man
Keep it up and have a plan
Make it jazzy if you can
If your skin has a deeper tan
play some Steely Dan
The girls are tight
yeah the girls are tight
so be a man
and play some Steely Dan

All music and lyrics copyright 2023 by David Snyder

David Snyder: Vocals, piano, bass, guitar, additional instrumentation, mixing, mastering


https://www.reverbnation.com/davidpsnyder/song/33903514-steely-dan

https://davidsnydersongs.com/


RealTracks in song: 2111:Sax, Baritone, Background, R&B Ev16 110 (1TrackHornSection)
RealDrums in Song:JazzFunkGroovin^1-a:Sidestick, Hihat , b:Snare, Hihat
Also: some Real Track electric piano in chorus

User Showcase
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 2,912
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 2,912
I like your song, even though I absolutely can't stand Steely Dan.
So, either you are better than them, or you failed to copy their style.
It's your choice grin

User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,224
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,224
It's impressive that the smooth, sophisticated jazz rock slid the smooth metallic object by it's many prudish fans for most of the 70s.
The blue pill and the red Kool Aid make an interesting combination.
Well, David you've made a good stab at their sound...the almost atonal piano interludes are great.
SONG - yes, it works - it sings.
The arrangement is ace.
Enjoyed it!
Not really a fan of the original band - I'll take your take.


Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,801
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,801
David,

This totally works for me. In fact, I think your sound is more grounded than SD. You've taken their essence, but completely put your individual stamp on it.

So well done!

Bob

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,455
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,455
David that was really good!

I have so many flashbacks listening to this that I was Reelin' in the Years.

My doc, Doctor Wu, said take two aspirins and call him in the morning.

Love it!


The bumper sticker said "I'm a veterinarian, therefore I can drive like an animal".
Suddenly I realized how many proctologists are on the road.

64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,005
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,005
Hi David,

Certainly has a Steely Dan vibe happening in places, groove reminds me of Rikki Don’t Lose That Number somewhat.

Good job on all the instruments, especially enjoyed the tasty lead work.

Enjoyed!

Listened over on ReverbNation, I ditched Soundcloud years ago.

User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 3,357
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 3,357
David,

Find me some politicians
To treat me nice
Give me some sweet molasses
And banana spice
It’s fine all right
If the world lasts one more night
My house is owned by China
But the party is in sight

Such great lyrics! The sound is loose and right in the ballpark of that band ( not a fan, but I`ll listen to you in any style).
The musical skill and scope of Mr Snyder is truly impressive!

Robert

User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,451
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,451

B.D.


Mmmmmmmmmmmmm.

Ok, I'll let myself be better.

Thanks!!

smile

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,033
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,033
We never disliked Steely Dan and found a lot of their stuff entertaining - albeit we are not students of classic rock.
While we didn't study them we definitely feel the vibe here. Well done.

For us the lyric is worth the price of admission ... excellent!

And fine performances by you and a tight mix.

Cool,

J&B


Our albums and singles are on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Pandora and more.
If interested search on Janice Merritt. Thanks!
Our Videos
User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,451
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,451

Thanks Ray!

Well, it was fun to make, anyway! Thanks for the kind words!

smile

User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,451
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,451
Thanks Bob!

I will take that.

Very kind of you to say!

User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,184
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,184
Ha!

Sort of like if Donald Fagen suddenly forgot the lyrics and had to made something up. laugh

Nice piano work, too!


-- David Cuny

My virtual singer development blog
Vocal control, you say. Never heard of it. Is that some kind of ProTools thing?

BiaB 2025 | Windows 11 | Reaper | Way too many VSTis.
User Showcase
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 4,497
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 4,497
Hi, David !

Superb tune this !
One of your best
without doubt !

Cheers
Dani

User Showcase
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 4,964
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 4,964
So well done, David. Sounds like a Steely cover, but of one of their very best songs that was lost. The electric piano has Fagen's sound in the chorus. Excellent playing and you lyrics and vocals steel (sic) the show.


Enjoy whatever happens!
marty

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@babumusic51
SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/marty-straub
Band in a Box, Reaper, Cakewalk, Ozone 12, EZDrummer
User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,531
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,531
Cool and jazzy, another DS/SD song that I cannot listen without smiling...and I haven't taken any pills laugh Steely Dan is a nice band, but after hearing this song, I would rather listen more from David Snyder. Funny party lyrics, Very pleasant instrumentation, the drums have enjoyable 70's groove, the electric piano is full of fun and the sax supports elegantly. The mix and the vocals are top class. Very multi-talented work, there's certainly no genre you couldn't master.

Janne


Hear My Music:

Soundcloud
YouTube

User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,451
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,451

Thanks Mario!

Sorry if I triggered a flashback!

Hope you made it back from your bad trip safe and sound!!

smile

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 851
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 851
Great lyrics!!! Well played I like the guitar work all throughout the song.
Good job Three thumbs up


Elliott Kayne
elliottkayne@gmail.com
https://www.reverbnation.com/kaynemusic
https://www.facebook.com/ekayne

Health, Wealth, Family, Faith, Friends, and Fun







User Showcase
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,584
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,584
Wow, David. Just wow. One of your best, for me, without a doubt. How do you do it??? That, I do not know, but the end result is nothing short of outstanding. I know nothing about Steely Dan or anything like that, but this song stands on its own. Hats off to you, sir.

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,647
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,647
David

Nice work David. Well played and arranged throughout.

Good stuff.

Peter

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,270
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,270
Loved this David. That bass sax was excellent. What a cool add to the song. Super vocal and lyric. Cool guitar break. Well done


Scott Collingwood
https://soundcloud.com/scottt709
https://soundcloud.com/spiritlevel-ca
https://www.youtube.com/@SpiritLevel-ge3hm/
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 3 1 2 3

Link Copied to Clipboard
ChatPG

Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.

ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.

PG Music News
PowerTracks Pro 2026 for Windows is Here!

PowerTracks 2026 is here—bringing powerful new enhancements designed to make your production workflow faster, smoother, and more intuitive than ever.

The enhanced Mixer now shows Track Type and Instrument icons for instant track recognition, while a new grid option simplifies editing views. Non-floating windows adopt a modern title bar style, replacing the legacy blue bar.

The Master Volume is now applied at the end of the audio chain for consistent levels and full-signal master effects.

Tablature now includes a “Save bends when saving XML” option for improved compatibility with PG Music tools. Plus, you can instantly match all track heights with a simple Ctrl-release after resizing, and Add2 chords from MGU/SGU files are now fully supported... and more!

Get started today—first-time packages start at just $49.

Already using PowerTracks Pro Audio? Upgrade for as little as $29 and enjoy the latest improvements!

Order now!

Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!

Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!

We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!

Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.

Another exciting new addition is the new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.

There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!

Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!

Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.

If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!

Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!

Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!

We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can process an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!

There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.

When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.

Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.

Happy New Year!

Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.

Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!

Season's Greetings!

Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!

The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.

Team PG

Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window

In this video, we explore the updated Piano Roll, complete with a modernized look and exciting new features. You’ll see new filtering options that make it easy to focus on specific note groups, smoother and more intuitive note entry and editing, and enhanced options for zooming, looping, and more.

Watch the video.

You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!

Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: AI Stems & Notes - split polyphonic audio into instruments and transcribe

This video demonstrates how to use the new AI-Notes feature together with the AI-Stems splitter, allowing you to select an audio file and have it separated into individual stems while transcribing each one to its own MIDI track. AI-Notes converts polyphonic audio—either full mixes or individual instruments—into MIDI that you can view in notation or play back instantly.

Watch the video.

You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics85,977
Posts798,533
Members40,001
Most Online44,367
Mar 4th, 2026
Newest Members
Punam, Caminerin, Emuelis, guitaregg, BrunoD65
40,000 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 163
DC Ron 119
rsdean 105
Noel96 105
DrDan 78
Today's Birthdays
Cygni_61, LisaHaywood
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5