How Steely Dan Created “Peg”

I’ve played music somewhat seriously all my life and I spend significant time composing in my home studio. That background helps me to deeply appreciate the genius of Steely Dan’s Walter Becker & Donald Fagin. Check out this video on the making of “Peg.” It didn’t just happy by putting a bunch of musicians in the room. They worked the shit out of that song to hone it exactly how they wanted it. For instance, they carted in 7 or 8 guitar players until they got the guitar lead the way they wanted it. And did you know that Michael McDonald did those exquisite background vocals? McDonald discusses his work on the background vocals at min 6:30. Enjoy . . .

Share

Erich Vieth

Erich Vieth is an attorney focusing on civil rights (including First Amendment), consumer law litigation and appellate practice. At this website often writes about censorship, corporate news media corruption and cognitive science. He is also a working musician, artist and a writer, having founded Dangerous Intersection in 2006. Erich lives in St. Louis, Missouri with his two daughters.

This Post Has 2 Comments

  1. Avatar of Andrew Wahl
    Andrew Wahl

    Enjoyable {proofreading: happy –> happen ]

    1. Avatar of Erich Vieth
      Erich Vieth

      I’ll fix the typo. Thanks! I should be sleeping more and doing less social media!

Leave a Reply