Inside MusiCast 'Pick Of The Day': "IGY", by Donald Fagen

Inside MusiCast 'Pick Of The Day': "IGY”, by Donald Fagen. Selected by Yinka Oyelese.

IGY is the opening track of "The Nightfly", the platinum-selling album released by Steely Dan's Donald Fagen in 1983. It is some of his best work, and was also the first single from that album released in September 1982. IGY is a sarcastic, tongue-in-cheek song about The International Geophysical Year, a utopic science fiction world in which there was an international collaboration among the world's scientists. It talks about solar powered cities, space stations, transatlantic tunnels, and Spandex suits. It has the quirky, witty lyrics that only Fagen could write.

Sonically, it doesn't get any better than this. I have heard several engineers and audiophiles say it is one of their favorite reference recordings for setting-up or evaluating their systems. It certainly is mine.

Personnel: Donald Fagen: Vocals, synthesizer.
Greg Phillinganes, piano. Bass: Anthony Jackson, bass. Drums: James Gadson, Jeff Porcaro. Synth: Rob Mounsey. Drum programming: Roger Nichols. Guitar: Hugh McCracken.
Percussion: Starz Vanderlocket
Horns: Randy Brecker, Michael Brecker, Dave Tofani, Ron Cuber, Dave Bargeron.
Background vocals: Valerie Simpson, Zack Sanders, Frank Floyd, Gordon Grody.

– Yinka Oyelese, IMC Correspondent