FM (No Static at All)

The Zoo Crew is spinning the smooth, jazzy vibes of "FM (No Static at All)" by Steely Dan, a track from the 1978 FM (The Original Movie Soundtrack), and the Zoo Freaks are surely grooving along. This song, a slick critique of FM radio’s polished yet homogenized sound, was crafted during the sessions for Steely Dan’s iconic album Aja. In a 2013 interview with American Songwriter, Donald Fagen revealed that the movie’s producers simply asked for a song about FM radio, with no specific lyrical requirements. Fagen and Walter Becker knocked it out in just a day or two, a testament to their songwriting prowess. Unlike their usual reliance on a roster of studio musicians, the duo played most of the instruments themselves, with notable exceptions like Jeff Porcaro on drums and Pete Christlieb’s sax solo, which echoes his work on Aja’s “Deacon Blues.” The track also features backing vocals from Eagles members Don Henley, Glenn Frey, and Timothy B. Schmit, a nod to a playful lyrical rivalry between the bands—Steely Dan referenced the Eagles in “Everything You Did,” and the Eagles fired back with “steely knives” in “Hotel California”.

Another tidbit comes from the song’s multiple versions, which range from a 2:53-minute B-side to a 5:06-minute cut with a saxophone reprise. Fans on r/SteelyDan have raved about the song’s perfection, with some calling it a “perfect 10” for its iconic sax or guitar solos and Fagen’s fitting vocals. One fan even noted it was the theme for a radio station they worked at, cementing its cultural footprint. The song’s engineer, Roger Nichols, won a Grammy for Best Engineered Recording, Non-Classical at the 1979 Grammys, a rare honor for a single track. Posts on X highlight its enduring appeal, with users like @in_yacht noting the song’s release alongside the 1978 film premiere and its tight ensemble, including Johnny Mandel’s string arrangement. The lyrics, with lines like “The girls don’t seem to care what’s on / As long as they play ’til dawn,” poke fun at FM’s shift to corporate playlists, a sentiment that resonates with the Zoo Crew’s free-spirited ethos.

Steely Dan, the brainchild of Donald Fagen and Walter Becker, began in 1972, born from their meeting at Bard College in 1967. The duo bonded over their love for jazz, dark humor, and sharp songwriting, initially writing for other artists before forming the band. Their debut album, Can’t Buy a Thrill, featured hits like “Do It Again” and “Reeling in the Years,” blending rock with jazz-inflected sophistication. Known for their meticulous studio work and use of top-tier session players, Steely Dan carved out a unique niche, earning critical acclaim and a cult following. By the time “FM” was recorded, they were at the peak of their powers, fresh off Aja’s success. Becker’s death in 2017 marked a turning point, but Fagen has continued to tour and honor their legacy.

Fans can stay connected with Steely Dan’s official website for tour dates and merchandise or follow updates on Facebook. While the band doesn’t maintain an official Instagram presence, Donald Fagen occasionally shares via his personal Facebook page. On X, the official account posts about performances and reissues. For deeper fan engagement, the r/SteelyDan subreddit is a vibrant hub for discussions, and the Steely Dan Fans Facebook group offers a space for Zoo Freaks to share their love for the band’s jazzy grooves. Fan-run sites like steelydan.com (distinct from the official site) and Steely Dan Database provide detailed discographies and trivia for diehards.