My memories of Steely Dan go way, way back.
Of course, thats the album cover forThe Royal Scam.
My mom had that one,Pretzel Logic, andAja, which would go onto be my favorite.
Jeffrey Ufberg/WireImage; Inset: Michael Tran/FilmMagic
She really introduced me to them at a young age.
It was so well made.
For me,Ajaand Michael JacksonsThrillerare the two greatest pop records of all time.
I was digging through the catalog learning every song, every album inside and out.
You dont fully understand what the secret sauce is between him and co-founder Donald Fagen.
Its not like Lennon-McCartney:This is a John song, this is a Paul song.
I honestly think thats something thats so cool about them.
Their attentiveness to arrangements and production has had a huge influence on me as a producer.
I dont think anyone will ever be able to top them.
As told to Nolan Feeney
