Looking at the title and the cover, I was afraid that this book would be really pretentious. However, I am a big fan of Steely Dan and most of Donald Fagen's solo stuff, so I decided to give it a try. I am so glad I did! This is more of a collection of essays than a biography, so it is easy to just pick up the book and read a few chapters and put it down for later. However, I found it to be a fast, enjoyable read. Donald Fagen writes well, which I guess should not surprise me because the lyrics he writes are brilliant. If you like Steely Dan, definitely read this book, and you will not be disappointed. He takes pot shots at Fox News as well (LOL!). I am a huge Steely Dan fan, and I have marveled for years at Donald Fagen's quirky, detailed lyrics and the characters and scenarios he creates. His uneven book may leave a Dan fan somewhat baffled and a bit unsatisfied. Some of the essays that comprise the first half of the book are really well written, entertaining, and informative; others seem a bit flat. The second half, a tour journal written during Fagen's recent tour with the Dukes of September, fluctuates from acidic humor at the expense of the audiences and various venues to irritable, near-neurotic carping about virtually everything. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about his early years and his fascination with science fiction, but the second half of the book seemed ill conceived. I'll stick to his music from now on.
What do You think about Eminent Hipsters (2013)?
Given to me by a good friends and coworker to prove that Steely Dan hated Steely dan.
—kaclplu
I guess he called it "Eminent Hipsters" because the title "Grumpy Old Men" was taken.
—Cher
read it in one sitting. no 70s steely Dan stories but still loved all his essays.
—BiBila93
Required for Steely Dan heads...others may find it self indulgent.
—Lanie
