Any Major Dude Will Tell You

The Zoo Crew is thrilled to spin "Any Major Dude Will Tell You" from Steely Dan’s *Pretzel Logic* for all you Zoo Freaks out there! This track, a mellow gem from 1974, carries a tender vibe with its soothing acoustic guitar and Donald Fagen’s soulful vocals. One quirky piece of trivia is the song’s reference to a “squonk,” a mythical creature from Jorge Luis Borges’s *Book of Imaginary Beings* that dissolves into its own tears. This inspired not only Steely Dan but also Genesis, who wrote their own song called “Squonk” two years later. The lyrics, described as a letter from Fagen to a friend whose “superfine mind has come undone,” offer comfort with lines like, “Any major dude with half a heart surely will tell you my friend / Any minor world that breaks apart falls together again.” It’s a rare moment of warmth in Steely Dan’s often cynical catalog, making it a perfect fit for our hippie DJ vibes at THE ZOO.

Another cool tidbit comes from a *PopMatters* article, which places “Any Major Dude” in the tradition of advice-giving songs like The Beatles’ “Hey Jude.” The song’s narrator tries to lift a friend out of a personal crisis, blending Steely Dan’s jazzy polish with a touch of empathy. Fans on X have shared Walter Becker’s handwritten lyrics for the track, showcasing the duo’s meticulous craft. Some listeners, like X user @GenTXer2, call it part of a “chef’s kiss” sequence on *Pretzel Logic*, paired with “Barrytown” for its catchy, reflective charm. The song’s understated twang and lush harmonies have even drawn covers from artists like Wilco, as noted by a music blogger at *Jittery White Guy Music*, proving its lasting appeal.

Steely Dan, the brainchild of Donald Fagen and Walter Becker, kicked off their journey in 1967 when the two met at Bard College in Annandale-on-Hudson, New York. Both were jazz enthusiasts with a knack for sharp songwriting, and they quickly bonded over their love for complex chords and witty lyrics. After college, they hustled as songwriters in New York’s Brill Building, pitching tunes to artists like Barbra Streisand, though their quirky style didn’t always land. As detailed in a *Louder* article, their big break came in 1970 when guitarist Denny Dias placed an ad in *The Village Voice* seeking a keyboardist and bassist. Fagen and Becker answered, forming the core of Steely Dan alongside Dias, drummer Jim Hodder, and guitarist Jeff “Skunk” Baxter. Named after a peculiar reference from William Burroughs’s *Naked Lunch*, the band released their debut album, *Can’t Buy a Thrill*, in 1972, blending jazz, rock, and pop into a sound that was uniquely theirs.

By the time *Pretzel Logic* dropped in 1974, Steely Dan was evolving. Fagen and Becker, growing weary of touring, leaned harder into studio perfectionism, hiring top-tier session musicians like Jim Gordon and Jeff Porcaro to nail their vision. This shift, as noted in an NPR review, marked the start of their quest for sonic flawlessness, which would define later masterpieces like *Aja*. Sadly, Walter Becker passed away in 2017, but Fagen continues to carry the torch, performing with Steely Dan and other projects. For the latest updates, check out Steely Dan’s official website, their Facebook page, or Donald Fagen’s personal Facebook. While Steely Dan doesn’t have an official Instagram, fans can dive into discussions on the r/SteelyDan Reddit community or join the Steely Dan Fans Facebook group for lively chats about tracks like “Any Major Dude.”

Zoo Freaks, if you’re digging this tune, you’re in good company! The Steely Dan Fan Website is a treasure trove of discography details and tour archives, while the Pretzel Logic tribute band site celebrates the album’s legacy with live performances. Though Steely Dan’s presence on X is minimal, fan posts keep the conversation alive, often praising *Pretzel Logic*’s blend of jazz and pop. So, crank up “Any Major Dude Will Tell You,” let its chill vibes wash over you, and stay tuned to THE ZOO for more groovy spins from your favorite hippie DJs!