Change of the Guard

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove to Steely Dan's "Change of the Guard" from their debut album Can't Buy a Thrill! This track, a sun-soaked slice of classic rock, features the signature jazzy flourishes and cryptic lyrics that put Steely Dan on the map. One juicy tidbit about the song comes from its infectious guitar work, courtesy of Jeff "Skunk" Baxter, whose solo is described as a "stunning tour de force" that amplifies the song's "sunstruck LA optimism." Fans on platforms like Reddit’s r/SteelyDan have noted its foot-tapping rhythm and otherworldly guitar solos, making it a standout for its classic rock vibe with a Steely twist. Interestingly, the song features David Palmer sharing lead vocal duties with Donald Fagen, a rare occurrence since Fagen took over as the primary vocalist after this album due to his unique attitude fitting the band’s sardonic style.

Another piece of trivia ties to the song’s place on Can't Buy a Thrill, which was recorded in August 1972 at The Village Recorder in Los Angeles. The album’s liner notes, penned under the pseudonym "Dan Steele," were so compelling that they convinced at least one fan to buy the record on the spot in 1973, despite its famously garish cover art. These notes describe "Change of the Guard" as embodying a breezy West Coast vibe, a sentiment echoed by fans who see it as a nod to the era’s idealism, though Steely Dan’s tongue-in-cheek lyrics often poke at such optimism. The song’s upbeat tempo and polished production also reflect the band’s early struggle to balance their complex compositions with radio-friendly appeal, a tension that defined their debut.

Steely Dan began as the brainchild of Walter Becker and Donald Fagen, who met in 1967 at Bard College in Annandale-on-Hudson, New York. Fagen, passing by a campus café, overheard Becker playing electric guitar with a professional, almost jazz-like flair that he jokingly likened to "a black person." Intrigued, Fagen introduced himself, and the two bonded over shared loves of Miles Davis, Frank Zappa, and Beat literature like William S. Burroughs’ Naked Lunch, from which they’d later pluck their band name. They started writing songs together, their quirky humor and jazz-inflected style shaping early demos. After stints in local bands, including one with Chevy Chase on drums, they moved to Brooklyn to pitch songs, but their offbeat material didn’t fit the pop mold of the era.

By 1969, Becker and Fagen relocated to New York City, working on a movie soundtrack and backing an oldies act before landing in Los Angeles in 1971 as staff songwriters for ABC Records. Their producer, Gary Katz, saw potential in their unconventional sound and secretly assembled a band with guitarists Denny Dias and Jeff "Skunk" Baxter, drummer Jim Hodder, and later vocalist David Palmer. Named Steely Dan after Burroughs’ steam-powered dildo, the group recorded Can't Buy a Thrill in 1972, scoring surprise hits with "Do It Again" and "Reelin’ in the Years." This marked the start of their journey from college misfits to rock icons, blending jazz, rock, and ironic lyricism into a sound that still captivates.

For more Steely Dan goodness, check out their official website at steelydan.com for tour updates and merch. Their official store at steelydan.store offers exclusive gear like vinyl and t-shirts. On social media, follow Donald Fagen’s updates on Facebook, as the band itself doesn’t maintain an official presence on Instagram or X, with fan accounts dominating those spaces. Fans can dive into discussions at r/SteelyDan on Reddit or explore The Steely Dan Reader for decades of interviews and reviews. The Steely Dan Archive also offers a deep dive into the band’s history, perfect for Zoo Freaks craving more Dan lore.