Best of Q: Donald Fagen's unironic take on hipsters

From the Best of Q: As one of Steely Dan's principal songwriters, Donald Fagen helped rewrite the pop playbook of the early 1970s with hits like Rikki Don't Lose that Number, Do It Again and Peg. Alongside Walter Becker, he brought a new level of sophistication to commercial radio with jazz-infused, lyrically ironic songs. 

Throughout a storied career, Fagen has earned multiple Grammys, platinum record sales, and an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame -- but his talent for the written word also shines without a soundtrack. 

Fagen began writing essays for New York magazine in the 80s, many of which form the backbone of his new memoir Eminent Hipsters. 

The songwriter and essayist joined Jian to discuss how both the suburbs and New York jazz clubs influenced his taste, his massively productive partnership with Becker, and why he's not using the word 'hipster' ironically. 

Original show aired November 27, 2013