Any World That I’m Welcome To

The Zoo Crew is spinning the smooth, introspective vibes of Any World (That I’m Welcome To) by Steely Dan from their 1975 album Katy Lied, and the Zoo Freaks are surely feeling the groove. This track, one of the standout cuts from the album, carries a reflective and somewhat melancholic tone, with lyrics that hint at a yearning for escape and acceptance. According to fan discussions on r/SteelyDan, the song resonates deeply with listeners for its earnestness, a rarity in Steely Dan’s often cynical catalog. One Reddit user, u/Nikmcmuffin, shared how the lines about “children returning” and “sky is burning” evoke a poignant mix of hope and desperation, suggesting a personal connection to the song’s themes of longing. The track’s optimistic undertone, as noted in the same thread, sets it apart from the band’s usual tales of twisted fates, aligning it with songs like Any Major Dude Will Tell You for its refreshing sincerity.

Delving into the song’s history, Any World (That I’m Welcome To) has roots that predate Steely Dan’s breakthrough. Fans on r/SteelyDan point out that it appeared in pre-Steely Dan demos and the 1972 Demo Reel, making it a piece that evolved over time. These early versions, described as “laughably worse for wear” and more depressive, contrast sharply with the polished, upbeat final cut on Katy Lied. The song features legendary session drummer Hal Blaine, who played on this track instead of the album’s primary drummer, Jeff Porcaro, adding a distinctive rhythmic flair. On Discogs, users note that the album’s production, despite technical issues with a faulty dbx noise reduction system, showcases Steely Dan’s meticulous studio craft, with Any World benefiting from Michael Omartian’s prominent piano work, which gives it a jazz-inflected, piano-rock feel.

Steely Dan, the brainchild of Donald Fagen and Walter Becker, began as a songwriting duo in the late 1960s, their paths crossing at Bard College in New York. Both were jazz enthusiasts with a knack for sharp, literate lyrics and complex musical structures. Before forming the band, they worked as touring musicians for Jay and the Americans and contributed songs for other artists, honing their craft in the Brill Building songwriting scene. In 1971, they relocated to Los Angeles, assembling a band with drummer Jim Hodder, guitarist Denny Dias, and others to bring their vision to life. Their debut album, Can’t Buy a Thrill, released in 1972, blended rock, jazz, and pop, yielding hits like Reelin’ In the Years and establishing their signature sound. By the time Katy Lied was recorded, Fagen and Becker had ditched touring to focus on studio work, enlisting top-tier session musicians like Michael McDonald and Larry Carlton, a shift that defined their meticulous, polished approach.

For Zoo Freaks wanting to dive deeper, Steely Dan’s official website offers tour updates, merch, and news on their ongoing vinyl reissue series, including the 2025 remaster of Katy Lied. On social media, you can follow Steely Dan’s Facebook page for concert announcements and occasional throwbacks, though the band doesn’t maintain an official Instagram presence, as confirmed by fans on r/SteelyDan. Donald Fagen, however, shares updates via his personal Facebook page. On X, the official Steely Dan account is relatively quiet, but fan accounts like @in_yacht regularly post trivia, such as Katy Lied peaking at #13 on the Billboard 200 in 1975. Fan communities thrive on platforms like r/SteelyDan, where 44K members discuss everything from demos to live shows, and sites like Steely Dan Wiki offer detailed discographies and lore for diehards.