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It's been a hell of a season here at steelydan.com, as the release of Steely Dan's first studio album in 20 years draws nigh. Among other things, the volume of e-mail has been outrageous. Of course there's been plenty of the usual sorts of mail from all the usual (and familiar) suspects - the clever insults and the whimsical musings and all the rest.

But it's clear that something else has been happening as well; People hear one of the new singles on the radio, or read a review, or see a blurb in a magazine, they are reminded of Steely Dan, they find this site (many for the first time) and they write. And what they write is often very simple and heartfelt and very nice indeed.

            - WB





Date: Wed, 22 Dec 1999
From: pat <pat-SNIP@SNIP-arpnet.net>
Subject: the Dan!

Whats up guys! great band, intelligently degrading lyrics! beautiful thank you for your contribution to my life!



From: "sean wayland" <sean_wayland-SNIP@SNIP-hotmail.com>
To: STEELYDAN-SNIP@SNIP-STEELYDAN.COM
Date: Sat, 01 Jan 2000 02:13:07 PST

Dear Steely Gentlemen. It is 5.05am 1/1/00 and I am in my apt on central park west. I had a bad night. My new years gig got cancelled at 6pm, 2 hours before it was supposed to start at one of New York's most uninteresting restaurants on 19th st. It turns out the singer who booked me was totally insane and I suspect that she was dreaming the whole time that there was a gig at all. I called a young lady who I was interested in and made alternate plans to meet her instead of my gig. She is from my home country - Australia. I followed her around all night to about 7 new years parties frequented by by boring drunk people. At 3 a.m I expressed my undying love for her and she "let me down easily". I came home pretty depressed to say the least, and tried to cheer myself up by calling home. Still feeling pretty down I checked my email in the hope that it would cheer me up. I was hoping for some sort of y2k cyber-crash or something interesting, instead to my surprise and delight, the 1st email I recieved in the new millenium was from my beloved steely dan. I downloaded the files from your site and they sound great. It seems everything is O.K in the world again ( w'ell almost). THANK YOU for inspiring me constantly over the years. Sean Wayland



From: "Mike Edwards" <edwards-SNIP@SNIP-wnclink.com>
Subject: new dan clips
Date: Sat, 1 Jan 2000 20:54:35 -0500

TO: WB and DF These new ones rock. "What a shame about me" is worth the twenty year wait. Please come back to North Carolina!



Date: Sun, 02 Jan 2000 18:12:35 -0500
From: Brian Sullivan <bsulliv1-SNIP@SNIP-twcny.rr.com>
Subject: clips

Thank you so much for the soundclips! I love that deep strong smile that your music has invoked...nice to feel it again. I'm taking the day off on 2/29/00...
Brian



From: GinaC2178-SNIP@SNIP-aol.com
Date: Wed, 5 Jan 2000 01:01:44 EST
Subject: the new one

I recently downloaded the sound clips from the new album. They sound incredible, i really look forward to the new album, maybe we could hasten the 2/29/00 release date..........It's just too damn far away......they do however sound damn good.



Date: Sat, 08 Jan 2000 22:21:17 -0800
From: rdornbu <rdornbu-SNIP@SNIP-attglobal.net>
Subject: quite simply, deacon blues......

i'm sitting in my house, reading all these notes from crazed SD fans, and wondering how many times in the last 22 years i've listened to "Deacon Blues", which, to me, is possibly the most incredibly written, arranged, and sounding piece of music I've EVER heard. No one (as far as I know) has played this tune as often as I have on a combo of records, 8-tracks (whoa), cassettes and CDs, many of which wore out and had to be replaced over and over again You guys have given me tons of listening pleasure over the years. Can't believe the new one's finally here; i heard a piece of one of the songs on 104.3 in NY the other day and, in 2-3 seconds knew it was new stuff. I almost drove off the road. Feb. 29......get here already, huh?
The Joker



From: "J. C. Mann" <manniac-SNIP@SNIP-flash.net>
Subject: New One
Date: Sun, 9 Jan 2000 10:52:49 -0600

SD, I just heard your new single on KQ102 in San Antonio, TX. You guys are better than ever! Can't wait to get my hands on the CD.



Date: Mon, 10 Jan 2000 10:48:10 -0600
Subject: The New One
From: Chris E Johnson <cjohnse1-SNIP@SNIP-juno.com>

I wrote you once a while back... Thurs Sept 23, 1999 not that I would remember or anything but I now write to tell you how grateful and appreciative I am for the upcoming New One. I heard two tunes this very early morning and with tears in my eyes and goose on my skin I realized that it really HAS BEEN a long DAN time since I got this worked up. Rest assured, even if I do not get picked to see you by your choice, I will see you again, live by my choice. This time I will not have to hawk anything and I will bring my now 8 month old son along of the ride of a lifetime. If I am lucky enough I will leave this little Minnesota town once again and see you at THE GORGE.

Thank you both, you will always reign in my musical world.

Chris



From: Nothingleft2do-SNIP@SNIP-aol.com
Date: Mon, 10 Jan 2000 23:30:11 EST
Subject: Your music.......

When i look at your web page and realize when you're music was released, I find it amazing that Steely Dan has captured a sound that endures the way it does. I was born in 1970 and my girlfriend was born in 1974 and the fact that we go to record stores looking for your albums speaks volumes of your talent. I'm sure so many people agree that music today does not come close to achieving what music did 20 years ago. Your sound is incredible and your words are like being told something is unique and be asked to look at it. And you want desperately to see it. My girlfriend and I are huge '80's pop fans--Thank you for showing us something a litle bit better. I hope you realize what you two guys do for so many people. Now keep doing it!
Walter and Melissa



Date: Thu, 13 Jan 2000 23:51:09 +0000
From: Mr Robert Cushing <creativesignco-SNIP@SNIP-mcmail.com>
Subject: (no subject)

I'm all wet



From: Firemaster174369-SNIP@SNIP-aol.com
Date: Fri, 14 Jan 2000 02:13:06 EST
Subject: carnival monkey`s, hair loss, and wasted space

I saw you guys do your thing at the gorge a few years back. It was a full moon that nite, when you broke into your second set. Up on the hill....ya I can here fagens lonely haunting voice in my mind.......I`m looking over at my bro` two full grown men trying to hide the tears...sitting next to there wives living a dream these two had dreamed for so long.....Thankyou guys....I can`t tell you really ....how much your spirit,...your intent..has made my life so much richer. I`m really up for the new stuff!!!!! I know it will be worth the wait!!!!

with respect - Tim Mcabee



From: Dktasp-SNIP@SNIP-aol.com
Date: Wed, 19 Jan 2000 00:34:49 EST
Subject: Anxiously waiting

I've been fortunate enough to hear Cousin Dupree once or twice per day on WXRT in Chicago. Ahhh, the awsome sounds of Steely Dan - takes me back, and now I look forward to the rest. I pre-ordered and can't wait for the CD!!!!! Thanks guys - it's been a long time coming but I've never stopped listening to all of it!



From: "Allen Hood" <allen_hood-SNIP@SNIP-hotmail.com>
Subject: The music clips are fantastic! THANKS!
Date: Wed, 19 Jan 2000 17:50:09 EST

Guys,

I am already addicted to the new CD. While I am partial to "What A Shame About Me", in the 30 sec promo download, I am certain to like all the rest as well. Thanks for adding to my collection again and MANY THANKS for all the great tunes for the past years...



From: "samgregg" <samgregg-SNIP@SNIP-supanet.com>
Subject: It`s about time .
Date: Thu, 20 Jan 2000 00:24:29 -0000

I am glad to say that it is about time the new album arrived. I was begining to wonder how long it would be for the best band to come out of America, to come up with some new sounds. I heard a preview on BBC Radio 2 on Saturday, and it sounds good to me. I can`t wait to get my hands on it. Hope to see you again in Ireland *soon*. all the best with sales.

Sam



Date: Sat, 22 Jan 2000 23:32:52 -0400
From: "j. horton" <mrhorn-SNIP@SNIP-mindspring.com>

i love this site!



From: "julie" <juju-SNIP@SNIP-csonline.net>
Date: Sun, 23 Jan 2000 10:42:20 -0500

donald and walter, you guys inspired me so much as a musican i cant thank you enough. you lyrics and music will live in my heart and my daughters heart forever thanx willie bauer



From: GizmoT-SNIP@SNIP-aol.com
Date: Sun, 23 Jan 2000 22:36:36 EST
Subject: You guys are the best ever

Gentlemen:

I'm sure you've heard this a gazillion times over the years, but you are the greatest musical geniuses of our generation. I've had the pleasure of seeing you live and have langished for thousands of hours microanalyzing the nuances of your music. Thank you so much for enriching my life. I can't wait to get my hands on your new record.

Gizmo



From: "nigel squire" <nsquire-SNIP@SNIP-eurobell.co.uk>
Subject: new recording
Date: Mon, 24 Jan 2000 18:06:36 -0000

thank you ,thank you, thank you a millon times over for making a new lp/cd, at long last you 2 have kissed and made up. please e-mail details of any tour dates in the uk many thanks
nigel squire



From: "Lisa Stach" <lisa.stach-SNIP@SNIP-mciworld.com>
Subject: Thank you
Date: Wed, 26 Jan 2000 01:23:10 -0600

... Your music has charmed, amused and enlightened me for 25 years. Thanks for that. And on a frigid January night here in Chicago, I am delighted to learn I'll get to see you again soon. Have fun with the tour, because you mean a lot to us. We've missed you... welcome back....



From: "Swayne, Surrey" <sswayne-SNIP@SNIP-fcg.com>
Subject: Frozen Tears
Date: Thu, 27 Jan 2000 07:32:03 -0800

Now that my fat horns alarm has gone off and I'm slippery for some 90's paranoia I thought I'd drop a note to the band. It's been a while since I lost myself in one of your tunes and since the time of year calls for frozen tears and ruddy knuckles it may be that a subliminal wish fulfilled itself while I wasn't looking. My pal, my buddy, called me and told me there was a chance to browse afresh on the exoticisms we loved so well, brought to life in the 2K 10's and so beautifully packaged, available in the Viking month of Febwuøllå. I scoffed. But there, on site for my sore eyes was the proof that he had not chosen to lie to me, his virtual bro. A new CD which I have exercised the right not to order in advance. I want my anticipation to bubble like an acid-bath killers last victim and then wait a little bit longer. I want people to tell me they never heard anything like it before I turn, laughing hollowly, and say - 'Well I've still got it to look forward to, sponge-feet.' At that point I will probably be struck by a lump of frozen urine from a passing jet, which will mingle with my slowly melting frozen tears as I realise I'll never hear the noo toons. God help me. Sug.



Date: Fri, 28 Jan 2000 01:07:02 -0800 (PST)
From: Brad Poelman <bt_poelman-SNIP@SNIP-yahoo.com>
Subject: Can't wait

Just wanting to say "FUCK YEAH". Can't wait for the new album (or do we just say c.d. now?)! Love everything D and W ever did despite the fact I'm considered too young. Steely Dan is one of the best band to ever indulge us in our inexaustable aural lust!

Hope you sell millions!

Brad



From: "valery pechinsky" <valpechinsky-SNIP@SNIP-hotmail.com>
Date: Sat, 29 Jan 2000 00:04:49 IST

Hi,my name is Val and I am from the ex-USSR republic Georgia.The first time I heard your Incredible music in early 80's,when Commies,Party and KGB announced that kind of music "harmful and hateful".Now,I downloading the samples from your new album and think that they were right,it WAS harmful for them.

I love you,people,for your music. Hold on. Val



Date: Sat, 29 Jan 2000 22:38:13 -0500
From: John Hartranft <jfhart-SNIP@SNIP-vicon.net>
Subject: Years of Fanship Finally Paid off!

Thanks for years of entertainment and themes to follow.
25 years and counting.

Good work looking forward to the new release!

JAITCH



Date: Sun, 30 Jan 2000 10:12:09 -0700
From: The Arcel Family <jarcel-SNIP@SNIP-aol.com>
Subject: Thanks.

Greetings:

I just wanted to say thank you for the amazing work you guys are doing.

Friday morning I flew from my home in Montana to NYC for the express purpose of catching your Friday taping at Sony Studios. I had wrangled my way onto the guest list through a friend of mine that works for Bruce Springsteen. He came with me, from Montana, to attend the show.

We landed at JFK, caught a car to town and hit a few of the fine watering holes along the way. We even said hello to Pete Fogel.

The show was outstanding, everything I hoped for.

Now, I've been watching your web site for some time and was up to date on the new album through the on-line progress reports. I even downloaded the MP3 clips and had heard Cousin Dupree one time on a public radio station from Missoula, MT. I was completely unprepared however for the effect that hearing West of Hollywood, What a Shame About Me, Gaslighting Abbie, and Cousin Dupree live in performance for the first time had on me.

I was blown away. You mooks still have it. What a great new band. What a show. Thank you!

I'm delighted that you guys are continuing to do the "great work". The incredible body of work you have produced over the years, the quality of your art, greatly enriches my life in many ways. Thanks for giving us some more. Incredibly, you've found a way to produce great music (in the tradition of the masters) that is commercially viable without compromising musical integrity or quality.

I'm delighted that you continue to make new music and undertake the effort to tour and share it with the faces in the crowds. I'm a serious musician myself and your work has inspired me to compose original music and push myself to be a better player. I was at the Gorge shows in "94 and '96. I hope you choose to play there again. Those were some of the best shows I had ever seen (and I've seen some good ones).

I flew back to Montana on Saturday morning across a snowy countryside with a smile on my face and new SD strains drifting through my mind. I can't wait to hear the production cuts on the new album or to see the PBS special.

I hope you don't mind the gushing too much. I just wanted to express my heartfelt thanks while the show was still fresh in my mind. I'd love to get the chance to talk music with you some day or perhaps just shake your hand and say thanks again face to face.

Looking forward to seeing you on the road this summer. 'Til then...



From: Picpacman-SNIP@SNIP-aol.com
Date: Mon, 31 Jan 2000 14:49:08 EST
Subject: welcome back

GLAD TO SEE YOUR BACK JACK TO DO IT AGAIN . THANKS



From: BCorn-SNIP@SNIP-aol.com
Date: Fri, 4 Feb 2000 16:08:44 EST
Subject: so glad your here!

there is nothing better than hearing steely dan! it's always like the first time. no matter what song it is. it starts and you get that feeling like something you never felt before. thank you for giving me that feeling. there is nothing like it. looking forward to the new release. sincerely yours
addie corn



rom: "Steely" <D.Drummond-SNIP@SNIP-cableinet.co.uk>
Subject: "Two Against Nature"
Date: Sat, 5 Feb 2000 20:58:30 -0000

Hi Don and Walt! Having downloaded the mp3 clips from the new album, it's gotta be said that you've excelled yourselves once more and come up with what sounds like a fantastic, imaginative and grooveful (couldn't think of a better word to describe the tracks!) album. I loved 11 Tracks Of Whack (well, 13 if you count Medical Science and Fall of 92, which are both fantastic tracks!). How come you (Walter) didn't sing lead vocals on the new album? Looking forward to hearing you guys live here in the UK this year! All the best for the future!

Dan



From: MicAndRap-SNIP@SNIP-aol.com
Date: Sat, 5 Feb 2000 22:27:42 EST
Subject: I just can't wait!

Wow. After listening to Gaslighting Abbie, West of Hollywood, and the rest of the soundclips over and over there's no WAY i'm not getting 'Two Against Nature' the SPLIT SECOND it comes out. And when the PBS special airs on March 1st I will tape that as well. Nothing can prepare me for the new one. I'm just glad that i've been listening to you guys since I was a toddler (thanks in no small part to my father's deep love for your music). I only pray that this isn't the last outing from you guys and that you'll keep making great music that we know we don't truly deserve.

Best of luck,
Michael



From: "Jennifer A" <jen_icide-SNIP@SNIP-hotmail.com>
Subject: The usual stuff
Date: Sun, 06 Feb 2000 05:14:08 GMT

Well, not really. I just found the website recently, and I am glad I did. I have been listening to you guys for 16 years,it's good to finally get the lyrics right! ...

I am very excited about the new album, and tour, hope to see you in the summer!

Love you guys! Jennifer



Date: Sun, 06 Feb 2000 01:24:40 -0800
From: Michael Lopez <lopezmp-SNIP@SNIP-jmu.edu>
Subject: For What It's Worth

I hope everyone involved with the production of "Two Against Nature" is very pleased with the proverbial "fruits." Everyone should be very proud. It is wonderful stuff....and, let there be no doubt that it will be extremely well-received. The work is a true reflection of the artists who conceived the tunes; it's honest and true. I hope I don't sound too over-zealous, but I've got a real good feeling about this album. I have to give credit where it's due. Unfortunately, the aforementioned characteristic is too often, "MIA" in a lot of contemporary mainstream pop. That's not all that's missing. It's supposed to be about music, and that's just what these tunes are screaming. This album will help put the focus back where it belongs, on the music, and everything that can be done. Believe me, there is a growing contingent of gen-Xer's who are practically on their knees, just dying for an infusion of something really good. Hopefully, the success that will ultimately follow this work, will send a message to the people calling the shots in the music business. I know nobody there set out to change the world, but, for what it's worth, this album could very well be more important than any of you can imagine. It is already apparent that the new tunes fuse the best of the latter day sound with something completely new, yet, no less creative, and unique. That's enough to keep die hard SD fans happy, but the genius is that there's a little something for everyone in there. The stuff is just flat out good....period!

*** This is a little out of character for me. I'm not about boosting the egos of rock stars. None of us are that significant in the grand scheme, ya know? For what it's worth, thanks for believing enough in what you guys do, to make something exceptional, and not just something.



From brett-surf-SNIP@SNIP-juno.com
Date: Mon, 7 Feb 2000 21:27:30 -0800

I can understand how people might criticize you. I did. When I was in college and my good friend, T.J., would play your stuff along with some of Donald Fagen's solo projects, I would wonder to my self with an odd grimace on my face, " What in the world is this? " Growing up I had always heard your songs on the radio and enjoyed them, but ignorantly so. But, with age I have gained some wisdom and enlightenment in regards to your music. I still don't always understand you but man do I enjoy your stuff. So, thank you T.J. for playing music that nobody else was and thank you Steely Dan for making my ignorance not only blissful but enjoyable.



From: "Christian Camuso" <cecamuso-SNIP@SNIP-penn.com>
Date: Thu, 10 Feb 2000 02:07:09 -0500

From an old psychotherapist hippie in PA ...you still have it. Thanks for the memories R. Camuso



Date: Fri, 11 Feb 2000 00:04:15 -0500
From: snswilliams <snswilliams-SNIP@SNIP-freensafe.com>
Subject: congratulations!

Glad to know you guys have a new album coming out. Can't wait to get it! I've been a fan for many years and have always enjoyed your particular sound. At just shy of forty, most of todays so called music just doesn't do it for me. It rather bites. I appreciate your freshness and originality and don't mind waiting at all. Best wishes to both of you!



From: "Lucio Valente" <luciov-SNIP@SNIP-lycosmail.com>
Subject: E' l'era del terzo mondo...
Date: Sat, 12 Feb 2000 00:43:24 +0100

It's incredible to hear from you again!!!!...it's simply great!!!!....Thanks!

Lucio Valente(Rome)



From: "John Dawson" <johnd-SNIP@SNIP-harkinsbuilders.com>
Subject: Thank You
Date: Sat, 12 Feb 2000 15:54:19 -0600

Dear Donald and Walter,

I am listening to 2vN (the song) and am moved to write to say Thank You. Thank You Thank You Thank You. Best wishes for a great year!

Yours very truly,
John Dawson



From: "Mark Lefebvre" <MarkLefebvre-SNIP@SNIP-email.msn.com>
Subject: 2vN
Date: Sun, 20 Feb 2000 15:59:20 -0500

Thank you

Mark



Date: Mon, 28 Feb 2000
From: tomoyuki-SNIP@SNIP-air.linkclub.or.jp (Tomoyuki)
Subject: It's Great!!!! Thank you!

To dear Steely Dan

Great!!! It's Great!!!!
I'm listening your new album now.
It's a greate!!!
I think it is also most great music album of the year.

Thank you! & Thank you! & Thank you!!!
I don't want anymore!!!!!!

What a night!!!

Thank you!



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