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Donald Fagen — New Frontier
Album: The Nightfly
Avg rating:
7.2

Your rating:
Total ratings: 2034









Released: 1982
Length: 6:20
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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Yes we're gonna have a wingding
A summer smoker underground
It's just a dugout that my dad built
In case the reds decide to push the button down
We've got provisions and lots of beer
The key word is survival on the new frontier
Introduce me to that big blonde
She's got a touch of Tuesday Weld
She's wearing Ambush and a French twist
She's got us wild and she can tell
She loves to limbo, that much is clear
She's got the right dynamics for the new frontier
Well I can't wait 'til I move to the city
'Til I finally make up my mind
To learn design and study overseas
Have you got a steady boyfriend
Cause honey I've been watching you
I hear you're mad about Brubeck
I like your eyes, I like him too
He's an artist, a pioneer
We've got to have some music on the new frontier
Well I can't wait 'til I move to the city
'Til I finally make up my mind
To learn design and study overseas
Let's pretend that it's the real thing
And stay together all night long
And when I really get to know you
We'll open up the doors and climb into the dawn
Confess your passion your secret fear
Prepare to meet the challenge of the new frontier
Comments (166)add comment
Who captures the geeky awkwardness of late adolescence better than this?!
Posted 3 months ago by naomin    [ Reply ]
This album contains some of the most genius and catchy songwriting and music EVER... This gem, New Frontier, IS truly special, but also, "I'm Lester the NIghtfly...Hello, Baton Rouge... Thanks for calling...I wait all night for calls like these... An independent station, WJAZ...with Jazz and conversation...from the foot of Mt. Belzoni..." lingers in my mind like the glow of a well-treasured buzz... Thanks, Mr. Fagen and RP!
Posted 3 months ago by coloradojohn    [ Reply ]
 jjbix37 wrote:

SD did not age well . . 




You got a mirror?  ...YOU probably have NOT aged very well too!
Posted 5 months ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
GREAT TUNE!  I really love the album cover too.  Thanx RP!   
Posted 6 months ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
Posted 6 months ago by Luumu    [ Reply ]
Un disco imprescindible en una discografía cuidada y amante de la calidad del sonido y del trabajo bien hecho y con gusto
Posted 7 months ago by adriajunior2000    [ Reply ]
Just heard this at my corner coffee shop on my way to work.  Hearing it a second time within 30 minutes brings a smile.  
Posted 9 months ago by mjlucas    [ Reply ]
This album has legs. Still good for the ears 40 years after release. 
Posted 10 months ago by Grammarcop    [ Reply ]
SD did not age well . . 
Posted 11 months ago by jjbix37    [ Reply ]
Introduce me to that big blonde
She's got a touch of Tuesday Weld
She's wearing Ambush and a French twist

Vision of a teenager; Poetic vocabulary of a middle ager; Musical styling from big band swing; Video styling (see below) straight from the 60's Cold War, including a cameo of a Brubeck album cover.

This is some primo stuff!

<edit, three mins later> The fadeout has a nice side-to-side pan that's great with headphones!
Posted 1 year ago by unclehud    [ Reply ]
Is a wing ding anything like a wang dang doodle?
Posted 1 year ago by FlatCat    [ Reply ]
A plane taxiing. Never takes off
Posted 1 year ago by thewiseking    [ Reply ]
 Gromit_42 wrote:

Here's the original music video, courtesy of Warner Records:

    Donald Fagen - New Frontier



such a great video!
Posted 1 year ago by lily34    [ Reply ]
 garyalex wrote:

In an interview Donald Fagen said that "The Nightfly" was his most autobiographical album.  Listening to it with that in mind provides a new sense of context.  I think it's a great album.



me too
Posted 1 year ago by lily34    [ Reply ]
Supersmooooooth.....And keeping that way
Posted 1 year ago by davidgrorie    [ Reply ]
 Edweirdo wrote:
This is pretty funny! I like the tin ears part. 
 

Posted 1 year ago by septimuswarren    [ Reply ]
 septimuswarren wrote:

White people music right here (and I am one). Couldn't get more boring if it tried. Painful. 


I have to say that it's very brave of you to display your tin ears and lack of taste so publicly.
Posted 1 year ago by Edweirdo    [ Reply ]
Nice song, could use a tad more cowbell though.
Posted 1 year ago by huib    [ Reply ]
 On_The_Beach wrote:

The question is, who is the real Tuesday Weld?


Oh, Wow!
Thank you for reminding me of my first post-pubescent lust maiden..
Thought it was love...
;-)
Posted 1 year ago by RazzCat    [ Reply ]
White people music right here (and I am one). Couldn't get more boring if it tried. Painful. 
Posted 1 year ago by septimuswarren    [ Reply ]
Honestly who cares if it's punk rock?

This is so tasty
Posted 1 year ago by bialia    [ Reply ]
In an interview Donald Fagen said that "The Nightfly" was his most autobiographical album.  Listening to it with that in mind provides a new sense of context.  I think it's a great album.
Posted 2 years ago by garyalex    [ Reply ]
Just so good. A brilliant album too.   A soundtrack to my life. Hard to believe this was 1982 as it seems to not have dated.  Look at what else was around in 1982 that sounds this good?
Posted 2 years ago by john24    [ Reply ]
 ProfessionalGeek wrote:
Not only that, but Brubeck is mentioned in this song. @BillG is a genius when it comes to creating playlists.

Bill ain't messin' around. 
To quote David Letterman, "They don't give these shows to chimps".
Posted 2 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
 Mackmoney3000 wrote:

Excellently produced album. Sounds WILD on a good hi-fi. The FLAC stream does it justice.

"I hear you're mad about BRUUUUUUUUbeck..."



gorgeous sounds indeed, my old B&W speakers are loving it! 
Posted 2 years ago by torino390    [ Reply ]
Not all single artist can equal the group they're known for.  Shows how gifted Donald Fagan really is.  Just as good as any Steely Dan.
Posted 2 years ago by jacopo777    [ Reply ]
 stevesaw wrote:

Love 'em or not - do yourself a favor and listen to a music analysis podcast (like StrongSongs) or YouTube (like Rick Beato) to get a real understanding of the genius and musicianship in Steely Dan songs. (yes I know this is not strictly Steely Dan, but it still applies)


Those analyses are actually very good, highlighting the incredible craft.  They worked meticulously hard, and showed how much they can apply all sorts of music theory to popular music.  
But in the end this song is still dated crap. 
Posted 2 years ago by davidwillis    [ Reply ]
An almost perfect track. The only thing missing is automatically hitting PSD for itself.  
Posted 2 years ago by davidwillis    [ Reply ]
Love 'em or not - do yourself a favor and listen to a music analysis podcast (like StrongSongs) or YouTube (like Rick Beato) to get a real understanding of the genius and musicianship in Steely Dan songs. (yes I know this is not strictly Steely Dan, but it still applies)
Posted 2 years ago by stevesaw    [ Reply ]
Wonderful!!
Posted 2 years ago by brianp53    [ Reply ]
 nomnol wrote:


You beat me to this- I concur wholeheartedly.       



Yup
Posted 2 years ago by sunybuny    [ Reply ]
 Mackmoney3000 wrote:

Excellently produced album. Sounds WILD on a good hi-fi. The FLAC stream does it justice.

"I hear you're mad about BRUUUUUUUUbeck..."



Brubeck?
Posted 2 years ago by rwena9989    [ Reply ]
 walkerpub wrote:

Clever Bill- after Brubeck Blue Rondo, then channeling in this song



You beat me to this- I concur wholeheartedly.       
Posted 2 years ago by nomnol    [ Reply ]
Clever Bill- after Brubeck Blue Rondo, then channeling in this song
Posted 2 years ago by walkerpub    [ Reply ]
What's the fine line between "smooth" and "lame"? 

This smooth genius right here.
Posted 2 years ago by MassivRuss    [ Reply ]
 pyrateparadox988 wrote:
Not really my kinda music, but dang it, still pretty Enjoyable - brings me back to parties my Parents had in the 70's. (That's a Good Thing.) Evokes memories of big hair and bearded dudes, polyester everything, shag carpet, customized vans, reel to reels, HUGE speakers, beaded babes in bell-bottoms and braids ~ and a lot of strange smells in the air...(wink wink, say no more)  
 
It was released in 82. So, those parties probably featured: feathered hair, mustaches, 100% cotton Polo shirts, Vinyl floors, the Ford Aerostar or Chevy mini-van , HiFi Vcr's and cassette, Levis 501's for the guys,  scrunchie socks and leggings for the ladies,  the whale spout pony/girls,  perms for the guys. We still had the strange smells but the devil's white powder took center stage unfortunately.
Posted 3 years ago by charbo    [ Reply ]
 h8rhater wrote:

Yeah! Musicianship, melody, subtlety, lyrics... who needs 'em?
 
Yacht rockers, apparently.
Posted 3 years ago by brookap    [ Reply ]
Nice segue after a Brubeck song---I see what you did there
Posted 3 years ago by grhorn    [ Reply ]
It's like cheesy 80's department store music..
Posted 3 years ago by Patersg    [ Reply ]
I always thought it said "To learn design and study your physique".  LOL 
Posted 3 years ago by khardog145    [ Reply ]
 ProjectGemini07 wrote:
"Welcome to Steak & Ale...how many in your party tonight and would you like smoking or non?"
 

I love this comment. I miss those silly restaurants. 
Posted 3 years ago by Mackmoney3000    [ Reply ]
Excellently produced album. Sounds WILD on a good hi-fi. The FLAC stream does it justice.

"I hear you're mad about BRUUUUUUUUbeck..."
Posted 3 years ago by Mackmoney3000    [ Reply ]
"Welcome to Steak & Ale...how many in your party tonight and would you like smoking or non?"
Posted 3 years ago by ProjectGemini07    [ Reply ]
Thank you RP for the music.
Posted 3 years ago by cropduster    [ Reply ]

BeenThereDoneThat wrote:
encapsulates everything that turned me into a fan of punk rock

h8rhater wrote:

Yeah! Musicianship, melody, subtlety, lyrics... who needs 'em?
 
I wish I could upvote this a few more times.
Posted 3 years ago by MayBaby    [ Reply ]
"Have you got a steady boyfriend? Cause honey I've been watching you."

"Steady? No, uh, I wouldn’t say he’s 'steady'. He, um, he'd like to meet you..."

Posted 3 years ago by easmann    [ Reply ]
 On_The_Beach wrote:

The question is, who is the real Tuesday Weld?

 
 
AND
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wik...
Posted 3 years ago by Btravelen    [ Reply ]
Captures the feeling of the 60s....dig it
Posted 3 years ago by k_trout    [ Reply ]
 vincent7771lebert wrote:
Genres: Yacht rock.
Yeah baby
 
Cocktail rock?
Posted 3 years ago by TheKing2    [ Reply ]
Genres: Yacht rock.
Yeah baby
Posted 4 years ago by vincent7771lebert    [ Reply ]
So, is this the New Frontier?
Posted 4 years ago by sunybuny    [ Reply ]
I reject the notion of others pressuring people to rate songs higher or lower. All art is extremely subjective and thus up to every individual to place higher or lower value on how the art moves them. This song is outstanding to me however that doesn't reach a 10. I guess my criteria for reaching 9 or 10 is more strict than others and possibly less than some, but thats the way it should be.
Posted 4 years ago by spacemanspiff    [ Reply ]
Wish I could play it again sam
Posted 4 years ago by spacemanspiff    [ Reply ]
"We've got provisions and lots of beer
The key word is survival on the new frontier"

When survival is stay home, this can be a big help.
Posted 4 years ago by cbrandtbuffalo    [ Reply ]
Steely Dan!

(oh no, it isn't, or maybe it is.)
Posted 4 years ago by TheKing2    [ Reply ]
Here's the original music video, courtesy of Warner Records:

    Donald Fagen - New Frontier
Posted 4 years ago by Gromit_42    [ Reply ]
music mastery. the whole album is great.
Posted 4 years ago by mnxian    [ Reply ]
 khardog145 wrote:
Brilliant segue from Dave Brubeck.
 
Not only that, but Brubeck is mentioned in this song. @BillG is a genius when it comes to creating playlists.
Posted 4 years ago by ProfessionalGeek    [ Reply ]
 marysclark wrote:
Preceded by 'Blue Rondo a la Turk' and I'm mad about them both - thanks!
 

And again 6 months later! Love both songs, so thanks to Bill for this lovely combo.
Posted 4 years ago by TLynneHenry    [ Reply ]
Not really my kinda music, but dang it, still pretty Enjoyable - brings me back to parties my Parents had in the 70's. (That's a Good Thing.) Evokes memories of big hair and bearded dudes, polyester everything, shag carpet, customized vans, reel to reels, HUGE speakers, beaded babes in bell-bottoms and braids ~ and a lot of strange smells in the air...(wink wink, say no more)  
Posted 4 years ago by pyrateparadox988    [ Reply ]
Layers & layers of vocals with a ton of Groove. Stylish shit indeed!
Posted 4 years ago by Rockit9    [ Reply ]
"Mad about Brubeck" - that's the link. Brilliant!
Posted 4 years ago by markybx    [ Reply ]
 coppergarden wrote:
Whenever Steely Dan shows up, I automatically hit PSD. When this song turned up, I went to the PSD button, but I discovered that this is NOT Steely Dan. I listened for a short time -- then I hit PSD.
 
And yet you still took the time to post this comment. Great job.
Posted 4 years ago by Laptopdog    [ Reply ]
Whenever Steely Dan shows up, I automatically hit PSD. When this song turned up, I went to the PSD button, but I discovered that this is NOT Steely Dan. I listened for a short time -- then I hit PSD.
Posted 4 years ago by coppergarden    [ Reply ]
I really don't mind long songs, but this one is wayyyyy too long.
Posted 4 years ago by 123heyaho!    [ Reply ]
Preceded by 'Blue Rondo a la Turk' and I'm mad about them both - thanks!
Posted 4 years ago by marysclark    [ Reply ]
 masterhead wrote:
Have anybody seen the cow bell sketch on Saturday Night Live?
 

No. No one. Never.  
Posted 4 years ago by kcar    [ Reply ]
 khardog145 wrote:
Brilliant segue from Dave Brubeck.
 
Coincidentally I, also, am mad about Brubeck.
Posted 5 years ago by missionaire    [ Reply ]
 cc_rider wrote:

The lyrics mention Brubeck... I wonder if Bill knew that when he built this set...
c.
 
I'm sure.
Posted 5 years ago by stevesaw    [ Reply ]
This song is about a bomb shelter during the cold war
Posted 5 years ago by rpdevotee    [ Reply ]
Similar to Sting's voice !
Posted 5 years ago by Nippur    [ Reply ]
 ninja_band wrote:
great song from a great album but fagen, as well as steely dan, are often a "love it"/"hate it" kind of sound
 
I appreciate both in small doses. There are a few outstanding tracks. This sounds very dated but it still has plenty of groove. 
Posted 5 years ago by RabbitEars    [ Reply ]
Brilliant segue from Dave Brubeck.
Posted 5 years ago by khardog145    [ Reply ]
 ColdMiser wrote:
Who is Tuesday Weld?
 
The question is, who is the real Tuesday Weld?
Posted 5 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
 gmichaelt wrote:
And cowbell, too!

 
Couldn't find the info, but it sounds quite like a LinnDrum with real drums played in overdub. Unless Roger Linn used this particular cowbell to sample his sounds.
Posted 5 years ago by eveliko    [ Reply ]
Who is Tuesday Weld?
Posted 5 years ago by ColdMiser    [ Reply ]
Had, the LP.  This is music you can actually see the patterns on the vinyl!


Great stuff.
Posted 5 years ago by Queue    [ Reply ]
I love it. The whole disc is good. Great to hear it on RP!
Posted 5 years ago by MayBaby    [ Reply ]
 Dave_Mack wrote:
Nicely positioned after Brubeck (Blue Rondo a la Turk)!

 
The lyrics mention Brubeck... I wonder if Bill knew that when he built this set...
c.
Posted 5 years ago by cc_rider    [ Reply ]
 BeenThereDoneThat wrote:
encapsulates everything that turned me into a fan of punk rock

 
Yeah! Musicianship, melody, subtlety, lyrics... who needs 'em?
Posted 5 years ago by h8rhater    [ Reply ]
And cowbell, too!
Posted 6 years ago by gmichaelt    [ Reply ]
 BeenThereDoneThat wrote:
encapsulates everything that turned me into a fan of punk rock

 That's good too. to a degree. :-)


Posted 6 years ago by Jelani    [ Reply ]
Nicely positioned after Brubeck (Blue Rondo a la Turk)!
Posted 6 years ago by Dave_Mack    [ Reply ]
 BeenThereDoneThat wrote:
encapsulates everything that turned me into a fan of punk rock

 

Posted 6 years ago by lily34    [ Reply ]
 oboyle wrote:
It may be my age (I was 6 in 1982), but the adult album alternative of those days speaks to my soul.

Things like this, everything Joe Jackson touched, and Roxy Music in the early eighties feel like my favorite pair of jeans.

If you get the same feeling, check out Kaputt from Destroyer.

 


and i'm going to have to check out your recommendation now. thanks.
Posted 6 years ago by lily34    [ Reply ]

 Reminds me of Night Flight's Atomic TV back in the day.

 


Posted 6 years ago by drewd    [ Reply ]
{#Devil_pimp} chester the nitefly sys very zesty!
Posted 6 years ago by primm    [ Reply ]
encapsulates everything that turned me into a fan of punk rock
Posted 6 years ago by BeenThereDoneThat    [ Reply ]
I had this LP.   You could see the beat on each of the tracks by looking at the grooves.

And this LP has lots of Groove!
Posted 7 years ago by Queue    [ Reply ]
 Zep wrote:
Hey - they got the Steely Dan beat!

 
or, steely dan had his beat.


Posted 7 years ago by stunix    [ Reply ]
A soft spot for this one as it was one of the very first pop (specifically non-classical) albums available on CD.
Posted 7 years ago by gdignard    [ Reply ]
 DaMoGan wrote:

For some reason I'd rated this a 2, but I'm kind of digging this right now.  No idea what mood I was in when I originally rated it, but obviously it wasn't a good one. 2->7
 

 
I flipped like that with Steely Dan. Maybe it's an age thing, where you exchange fast, loud and passionate for clever, detached and catchy. 

¯\_(ツ)_/¯ 
Posted 7 years ago by kcar    [ Reply ]
Could I rate -1?  {#Stop}
Posted 7 years ago by rgabriel    [ Reply ]
I have always dug the way Donald uses his Joisy squawk much like a horn in the hands of a true Jazz Man. & he's a keyboard genius!
Posted 7 years ago by coloradojohn    [ Reply ]
very nice song!
Posted 7 years ago by helgigermany    [ Reply ]
Elevatormusic!
Posted 7 years ago by VH1    [ Reply ]

For some reason I'd rated this a 2, but I'm kind of digging this right now.  No idea what mood I was in when I originally rated it, but obviously it wasn't a good one. 2->7
 
Posted 7 years ago by DaMoGan    [ Reply ]
Maybe the first all digital record with a nice sound.
I own it practically in any media it has been produced.
Posted 8 years ago by latrippa    [ Reply ]
It may be my age (I was 6 in 1982), but the adult album alternative of those days speaks to my soul.

Things like this, everything Joe Jackson touched, and Roxy Music in the early eighties feel like my favorite pair of jeans.

If you get the same feeling, check out Kaputt from Destroyer.
Posted 8 years ago by oboyle    [ Reply ]
 omersegev wrote:
One of the best.

Pay attention to the greatest Mr. Marcus Miller - playing the bassssssss 

 

Abraham Laboriel was playing the bass
Posted 8 years ago by brane    [ Reply ]
 coloradojohn wrote:
It blows my mind that it's been so long since this burst upon the scene... Was really something then, and I still love it now. Clever & sly!
 
I have not heard this in years, and it's such a great groove!  Most excellent!  It's a great pair with its contemporary, Joe Jackson's "Steppin' Out."  
Posted 8 years ago by bluejay08003    [ Reply ]
 Krispian wrote:
Gee, I wish I was wearing "Ambush and a French Twist"... Fagan is the cleverest songwriter EVER. "New Frontier" and "Cousin Dupree" are the funniest songs I've heard. btw, I will NEVER forget this: before my daughter learned how to walk, as most children do, she started moving around holding onto furniture. One day she was doing this when "New Frontier" came on. Well she stopped pulling herself along the coffee table and just started GROOVIN! So she danced before she walked! And what taste!
 
isn't that special! and one of those fabulous moments those super little ones send out to us as reminders of just what is COOL  : )
Posted 8 years ago by hayduke2    [ Reply ]
Love the cover photo, Is that you Bill?? :)
Posted 8 years ago by fitmartin    [ Reply ]
 omersegev wrote:
One of the best.

Pay attention to the greatest Mr. Marcus Miller - playing the bassssssss 

 
{#Guitarist}
Posted 8 years ago by aspicer    [ Reply ]
One of the best.

Pay attention to the greatest Mr. Marcus Miller - playing the bassssssss 
Posted 8 years ago by omersegev    [ Reply ]
It blows my mind that it's been so long since this burst upon the scene... Was really something then, and I still love it now. Clever & sly!
Posted 8 years ago by coloradojohn    [ Reply ]
 Pedro1874 wrote:

{#Sunny}{#Notworthy}
 
exactly!
 
Posted 8 years ago by hubbert    [ Reply ]
 OceanBlue wrote:
Coming straight off of Blue Rondo a la Turk...? Why did that transition feel so right? Je ne sais pas, et je ne veux pas savior... :)

Edit: Checked out the lyrics. Bill, you sly dog.

 
{#Sunny}{#Notworthy}
Posted 8 years ago by Pedro1874    [ Reply ]
Wondering if the Dan detractors would prefer "11 Tracks of Whack." Walter Becker's first album is my favorite SD solo (though not particularly well received).
Posted 8 years ago by wgsu_1978    [ Reply ]
 OceanBlue wrote:
Coming straight off of Blue Rondo a la Turk...? Why did that transition feel so right? Je ne sais pas, et je ne veux pas savior... :)

 
And Fagen namechecks Brubeck in the lyric...clever one, that Mr. RadioParadise.


Posted 8 years ago by copymonkey    [ Reply ]
 OceanBlue wrote:
Coming straight off of Blue Rondo a la Turk...? Why did that transition feel so right? Je ne sais pas, et je ne veux pas savior... :)

 
Agree totally. You guys at RP really know how to put together a play list. 


Posted 8 years ago by stangalbraith    [ Reply ]
beat is very disco
Posted 8 years ago by RabbitEars    [ Reply ]
Coming straight off of Blue Rondo a la Turk...? Why did that transition feel so right? Je ne sais pas, et je ne veux pas savior... :)

Edit: Checked out the lyrics. Bill, you sly dog.
Posted 8 years ago by OceanBlue    [ Reply ]

Yuch, I've just never been a fan of Steely Dan/Fagen.  Something about it just... grates!


Posted 8 years ago by DaMoGan    [ Reply ]
jeez these instruments are so damn classy cool, just gotta stop and listen to the strength of this deceptively pop-but-smart piece
Posted 9 years ago by hayduke2    [ Reply ]
 GregX59 wrote:
So sweet... Like most Fagen / Dan tunes, the guitar work is incredible. Understated, laid back, and SO tasty. I think this was Fagen's first solo album, and it was excellent. It's all worthy of RP play.
 
So true, and yet "I.G.Y.", one of the best Fagen/Dan tunes ever, not to mention the first track on this CD, automatically gets rejected every time it's uploaded for consideration?

Posted 14 years ago by October    [ Reply ]
Gee, I wish I was wearing "Ambush and a French Twist"... Fagan is the cleverest songwriter EVER. "New Frontier" and "Cousin Dupree" are the funniest songs I've heard. btw, I will NEVER forget this: before my daughter learned how to walk, as most children do, she started moving around holding onto furniture. One day she was doing this when "New Frontier" came on. Well she stopped pulling herself along the coffee table and just started GROOVIN! So she danced before she walked! And what taste!
Posted 17 years ago by Krispian    [ Reply ]
Hey - they got the Steely Dan beat!
Posted 18 years ago by Zep    [ Reply ]
RichardPrins wrote:
Plus a cool video ahead of its time...
si, that short was a blast.
Posted 19 years ago by lotus_65    [ Reply ]
OUCH!!! Two mutes within 3 'songs' of each other. Better to get them out of the way, I guess...
Posted 19 years ago by trekhead    [ Reply ]