It's great to know that our old stuff still sounds good to our fans, just as it's wonderful to think that we've turned a few people on to jazz over the years.
Donald FagenI have a critical nature, in the sense that when I look at something I often look for the flaws.
Donald FagenI like it when songs develop in some way. Four minutes usually isn't enough time for something to develop musically.
Donald FagenMelodies can be good depending on the context. You can have a simple melody, and if the harmony behind it is interesting, it can make a very simple melody really different. You can also have a complex melody. The more complex it is, the harder it is to sing, and then sometimes it can sound contrived. You could write a melody that would be fine on a saxophone but if you give it to a singer, it can sound raunchy.
Donald Fagen