I Got the News

The Zoo Crew is spinning "I Got the News" from Steely Dan's iconic 1977 album Aja, a track that’s got the Zoo Freaks grooving with its jazzy, sophisticated vibe. This song, nestled on side two of the album, often gets overshadowed by heavyweights like "Peg" and "Josie," but it’s a gem in its own right. According to a 2024 blog post on rspeen.com, the track features a standout bridge—often a highlight in Steely Dan’s songs—along with piano, vibes, subtle synths, and noodling guitars that culminate in killer solos. The writer confesses to initially overlooking it, despite listening to Aja countless times, because the album’s other tracks are such tasty "bread" in the sandwich of side two. It’s a testament to the song’s understated brilliance that keeps you coming back for more.

Delving into the making of Aja, a 2022 article from Music Musings & Such highlights the album’s meticulous production, with "I Got the News" benefiting from the duo’s perfectionist streak. Steely Dan leaders Donald Fagen and Walter Becker worked with nearly 40 musicians, pushing boundaries with jazz, R&B, and rock fusion. A fun anecdote from the sessions, recounted in the book Reelin’ in the Years, involves bassist Chuck Rainey. When Fagen and Becker instructed him not to slap his bass for "Peg," Rainey cheekily turned his back to the control room and slapped away, a rebellious spirit that likely infused the loose, funky vibe of tracks like "I Got the News." This story captures the creative tension and innovation that defined the album’s recording process.

Social media buzz, particularly on X, underscores the song’s place in Aja’s legacy. Posts from users like @in_yacht in 2020, 2022, and 2023 celebrate the album’s release on September 23, 1977, noting "I Got the News" as one of its certified yacht rock classics, alongside "Peg" and "Deacon Blues." Another post from @ThatEricAlper in 2024 highlights Aja’s commercial triumph, selling over 5 million copies and earning a Grammy for Best Engineered Non-Classical Recording. A 2025 X post by @notmywayguitar1 shares a wild story from guitarist Steve Lukather, who claims the session musicians sight-read the complex charts for Aja, including "I Got the News," showcasing the jaw-dropping talent involved.

Steely Dan, the brainchild of Donald Fagen and Walter Becker, began in the early 1970s with a shared love for jazz, R&B, and sly lyricism. The two met at Bard College in 1967, bonding over their eclectic musical tastes. After writing songs together, they moved to New York City, initially working as songwriters for hire. Their big break came when they formed Steely Dan in 1971, named after a quirky reference from William S. Burroughs’ novel Naked Lunch. With a rotating cast of top-tier session musicians, they released their debut album, Can’t Buy a Thrill, in 1972, featuring hits like "Reelin’ in the Years." Their early years were marked by a relentless touring schedule, but by the time they crafted Aja, Fagen and Becker had shifted to a studio-focused approach, prioritizing precision and sonic perfection.

For Zoo Freaks wanting to dive deeper, Steely Dan’s official website at steelydan.com offers tour dates, music, and merch. You can follow them on Facebook for updates and nostalgic posts, or check out their Instagram for behind-the-scenes shots and album throwbacks. On X, they share news and interact with fans. For community vibes, the Steely Dan Fans Facebook group is a lively spot where enthusiasts swap stories, rare photos, and vinyl finds. Fan-run sites like steelydan.nl provide detailed discographies and archival goodies, perfect for diehards craving more of that Aja magic.