You Gotta Walk It Like You Talk It or You'll Lose That Beat (Soundtrack)

by Walter Becker & Donald Fagen

Released: September 19, 1971

Rock

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Walter Becker & Donald Fagen - You Gotta Walk It Like You Talk It or You'll Lose That Beat (Soundtrack)

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"You Gotta Walk It Like You Talk It or You'll Lose That Beat" is a soundtrack album by Walter Becker and Donald Fagen, who later became famous as the core members of Steely Dan. The album was released in 1971 as the soundtrack for the film of the same name directed by Peter Locke.

**Background:**

1. **Early Collaboration**: The album represents one of the earliest professional collaborations between Becker and Fagen before they formed Steely Dan. At the time, both musicians were honing their craft and developing the distinctive style that would later become synonymous with their work in Steely Dan.

2. **Film Association**: The soundtrack was created for the film "You Gotta Walk It Like You Talk It or You'll Lose That Beat," a low-budget comedy movie. The music provided by Becker and Fagen played a significant role in setting the tone for the film.

3. **Musical Style**: The soundtrack features elements that foreshadow the sophisticated, jazz-influenced rock that became characteristic of Steely Dan. It comprises early versions of their musical ideas, combining rock, jazz, and pop elements in a manner that would later be more fully realized in their Steely Dan projects.

4. **Release and Reception**: The album did not achieve major commercial success at the time of its release, partly due to the obscurity of the film. However, as Steely Dan gained fame and critical acclaim, the soundtrack gained interest among fans and collectors.

5. **Significance**: It's considered a historical piece for fans of Steely Dan, providing insight into the early development of Becker and Fagen's collaborative style. The soundtrack shows their progression and potential which later fully blossomed in their more renowned work with Steely Dan.

Overall, "You Gotta Walk It Like You Talk It or You'll Lose That Beat" is a noteworthy artifact from Walter Becker and Donald Fagen's early career, illustrating their transition towards becoming one of the most acclaimed duos in rock music history.