Midnite Cruiser
"Midnite Cruiser" is the fourth track of Steely Dan's debut album Can't Buy A Thrill. It was sang by drummer Jim Hodder on the album version, who was previously lead singer of the group Bead Game before joining Steely Dan. It was covered by British progressive rock band Capability Brown in 1973.
"Midnite Cruiser" was presumably performed live for the first time during Steely Dan's first show at the Under The Ice House bar in Glendale, California. The track was played throughout 1972 and returned in 1973 for the Countdown To Ecstasy tour. It is unknown who sang lead vocals on the track during these years. After 1973, it was dropped from setlists, and left unplayed in 1974.
23 years later, the track was played on every US show of the 1996 Art Crimes tour. This version contained new horn arrangements and had Walter Becker on lead vocals. This version was originally going to contain a third verse, with this verse being decided in a contest where fans could submit their own lyrics for potential use. A winner was determined, but the new verse never made it to any live performance of the song. Instead, the second verse was repeated in place of the proposed third verse.
The track was performed a final time on August 17th, 1996, the final show of the US leg of the Art Crimes tour. It was not included in setlists on the international leg of the tour.
First performance: October ??, 1972: Under The Ice House, Glendale, California, US [Presumed]
Latest performance: August 17, 1996: The Gorge Amphitheatre, George, Washington, US
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