New Frontier by Donald Fagen

Album: The Nightfly (1982)

Charted: 70

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Songfacts®:

This was included on Fagen's first solo album after Steely Dan called it quits in 1981. The song is about growing up in the suburbs in the late '50s and early '60s. Some of the cultural references include "pushing the button," "Tuesday Weld" and "Dave Brubeck." The title comes from President Kennedy's political agenda for the country during his brief administration. >>
Suggestion credit:
Chris - Bristolville, OH
The song is a satirical take on life in the early 1960s, particularly the fear of a nuclear war, which had been revived in the early 1980s. >>
Suggestion credit:
Mike - Santa Barbara, CA
On The Charlie Gillett Show on London's Capital Radio in 1988, Fagen said: "You'll hear a little blues guitar played by Larry Carlton, and it's kind of a track reflecting the spirit of the times. The storyline is basically about a bunch of kids who have a party in a fallout shelter while their parents are away for the weekend."

Comments: 1

Steven Mcguire Sr from Orem, UtahGuitarist/Songwriter Steven McGuire Sr. states that the late guitarist Hugh McCracken, who played the iconic intro guitar lick and fiils on 'Brown Eyed Girl,' also performed the tasteful harmonica work on Donald Fagen's 1982 hit song 'New Frontier.' As a guitarist Mr. McCracken is all over the place on Steely Dan albums as well as msny other hits by other artists. What a great talent!

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