Do It Again (Zoo Version)

The Zoo Crew is spinning the funky vibes of Do It Again (Zoo Version) by Steely Dan, a standout track from their debut album Can't Buy a Thrill, released in November 1972. One juicy piece of trivia about this song is its unique instrumental flair: it features an electric sitar solo by guitarist Denny Dias, who later traded his rockstar life for a career in computer programming. This electric sitar gives the song its distinctive, almost psychedelic edge, blending perfectly with the Latin jazz beat that pulses through the track. Posts on X have highlighted this, with users like @rocknrollofall noting Dias’ sitar work during a 1973 performance on The Midnight Special. Another tidbit? While Donald Fagen’s sardonic vocals define the album version, early live performances, including that same Midnight Special show, featured David Palmer fronting the band, as Fagen was initially hesitant to take the stage as lead singer due to stage fright.

Another cool story about Do It Again comes from its production. The song was nearly six minutes long in its original form, but Steely Dan and their label, ABC Records, chopped it down to under four minutes for the single release to make it more radio-friendly. This compromise paid off, as the song climbed to No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming one of the band’s first big hits. Fans on r/SteelyDan often rave about the track’s “heist-committing” coolness, with its syncopated rhythm and snide lyrics painting a vivid picture of a compulsive gambler or hustler. The song’s cryptic storytelling, a hallmark of Steely Dan’s style, has sparked endless debates among Zoo Freaks about its deeper meaning—some even speculate it’s a sly nod to addiction or cyclical behavior.

Steely Dan was born from the creative minds of Walter Becker and Donald Fagen, who met in 1967 at Bard College in Annandale-on-Hudson, New York. Bonding over their love for jazz, Beat Generation literature, and sardonic humor, they played in various bands before moving to New York City in 1969 to work as songwriters. Their early gigs included touring as backing musicians for Jay and the Americans, a far cry from the sophisticated sound they’d later craft. By 1971, they relocated to Los Angeles, where they secretly assembled Steely Dan—named after a steam-powered dildo from William S. Burroughs’ novel Naked Lunch—with producer Gary Katz and a talented crew including guitarists Jeff “Skunk” Baxter and Denny Dias, drummer Jim Hodder, and vocalist David Palmer. Their debut, Can’t Buy a Thrill, was a surprise hit, blending rock, jazz, and Latin influences with witty, ironic lyrics that set them apart from the era’s typical rock acts.

Fans of Steely Dan can dive deeper into their world through various online hubs. The band’s official website, steelydan.com, offers tour updates, merch, and a glimpse into their legacy. On social media, you can follow them on Facebook and Instagram for news and throwback photos, though they don’t have an official X account. For Zoo Freaks looking to connect with fellow fans, the r/SteelyDan subreddit is a lively spot with over 43,000 members sharing memes, album art, and hot takes on the band’s discography. There’s also the Steely Dan Fans Facebook group, where enthusiasts swap concert stories and debate the merits of every guitar solo. For more archival goodies, check out the fan-run Steely Dan FAQ site, packed with timelines and band history.