Free Republic

In the autumn of 1982, a particularly recorded single appeared that projected the optimism of the 1950s into the future with an ironic gaze. “I.G.Y.” by Donald Fagen referred to the International Geophysical Year, a scientific collaboration project of sixty-seven countries that ran from July 1957 to December 1958. While most artists in that period embraced the synthesiser era with flashy new wave and electronic disco, Fagen chose a polished, jazz-inspired production that offered a reflection on lost dreams. The title stood for International Geophysical Year, but mainly imagined a world in which technology would solve all problems. The single...

Steely Dan co-founder Walter Becker has died at home aged 67, according to the legendary bands official website. Becker along with fellow bandmate Donald Fagen wrote some of the 1970s biggest hits, including 'Rikki Don't Lose that Number', 'Do It Again' and 'Reelin' in the Years'. No cause of death has been announced, but Becker underwent surgery last month and missed Steely Dan's Classic East and West concerts in July as he recovered from the unspecified ailment. Fagan had told Billboard, 'Walter's recovering from a procedure and hopefully he'll be fine very soon.' According to Rolling Stone, Becker's doctor had...