Pretzel Logic

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Pretzel Logic" by Steely Dan, a track from their 1974 album of the same name, and the Zoo Freaks are surely digging its bluesy, time-traveling vibe. This song, written by Walter Becker and Donald Fagen, is a fan favorite, with its lyrics weaving a tale of a narrator dreaming of joining a "traveling minstrel show" in the South and meeting Napoleon, reflecting a longing for stardom and a nod to circular reasoning, as the title suggests. According to Donald Fagen in a 2003 interview, the song’s anachronistic references, like minstrel shows and Napoleon, are explicitly about time travel, with the "platform" in the bridge symbolizing a time machine, as noted by Steely Dan FAQ author Anthony Robustelli. The track’s modified 12-bar blues structure shifts into a jazzy swing chorus, showcasing the band’s knack for blending genres. Interestingly, there’s debate over who played the guitar solo—Rolling Stone critic Bud Scoppa credited Jeff "Skunk" Baxter, but Steely Dan biographer Brian Sweet insists it was Walter Becker, marking one of his first lead guitar moments on record.

Another tidbit comes from the song’s inspiration: Fagen and Becker’s distaste for touring, particularly in the American South, as mentioned by Brian Sweet. The first verse captures their frustration with the grind of the road, a sentiment that foreshadowed their decision to stop touring after this album and focus on studio work. On r/SteelyDan, fans have noted the song’s "jagged aspect," with one millennial user in 2024 calling it a blues shuffle that feels modern despite its 1970s roots, highlighting its timeless appeal. The track peaked at number 57 on the Billboard charts and number 48 in Canada, a modest hit compared to the album’s standout "Rikki Don’t Lose That Number." Songfacts also mentions fan comments, like one from a user named Lare in St. Augustine, who called rediscovering Steely Dan a "mixed shame and blessing" around the third anniversary of Walter Becker’s passing in 2020.

Steely Dan began as a collaboration between Donald Fagen and Walter Becker, who met in 1967 at Bard College in New York. Both were jazz and literature enthusiasts, bonding over their love for Beat writers like William Burroughs, from whose novel *Naked Lunch* they took the band’s name, referencing a dildo in the book. Initially, they worked as songwriters in the Brill Building, pitching songs to artists like Barbra Streisand, though their track "Charlie Freak" from *Pretzel Logic* was rejected by her producer with a blunt, “Are you out of your mind?” as recounted by Becker to biographer Dave Di Martino. In 1970, guitarist Denny Dias placed an ad in *The Village Voice* seeking a keyboardist and bassist, which brought Fagen and Becker into the fold. With Jeff "Skunk" Baxter, Jim Hodder, and vocalist David Palmer, they formed Steely Dan and signed with ABC Records. Their debut, *Can’t Buy a Thrill* (1972), spawned hits like "Do It Again" and "Reelin’ In the Years," cementing their jazzy rock sound.

By *Pretzel Logic*, Fagen and Becker were steering the band toward a studio-centric approach, sidelining original members like Hodder, who was reduced to background vocals, and bringing in session pros like Jim Gordon and Jeff Porcaro. This shift marked their evolution into a duo backed by elite musicians, a model they’d refine in later albums like *Aja*. Their cerebral lyrics, jazz influences, and meticulous production earned them critical acclaim, with *Pretzel Logic* named NME’s Album of the Year in 1974. Fans can connect with the band’s legacy on their official website, Facebook, and Instagram. While no official X account exists, Donald Fagen’s personal Facebook page shares updates on concerts and merchandise. Fan communities thrive on sites like r/SteelyDan and Walter Becker Media, where devotees discuss trivia, like the *Pretzel Logic* album cover’s misspelled “Pretzles” sign, reportedly unstaged and featuring a real New York vendor, as detailed by photographer Raeanne Rubenstein’s account on PopSpotsNYC.