Reviews (page 5 of 13)
Fun! Not as refined as aja
I'm always down to listen to some Steely Dan. Almost all of their albums contain high quality music. This album makes me think of Fleetwood Mac and everything that's good about the soft rock from the 70s. 4 stars
Enjoyed it. Apparently was their third album that started their studio perfectionism. Didn’t perform publicly after this album for decades. Overall kind of saying they’re done with the past and they want to move forward on their own terms.
There’s no doubt this belongs on this list. I don’t need to love it to respect it.
Nice easy listening album.
I like steely Dan.
Good record
I really just can't get enough Steely Dan. Not my favorite album of theirs, but still a really good album.
A very strong album musically, lyrics are a little out there on some of the songs but overall a very good album. Instrumentally, the guitars, saxophone and keys were extremely strong, I liked listening to this.
im not usually a fan of old rock but damnnnnn this album is a vibe! i liked it so much i put it on to go to sleep, so that’s pretty awesome
17/03/25 Steely Dan has to be one of my best finds on this so far.
Great classic.
Think I preferred Can't Buy a Thrill. I could be completely talking out of my arse and displaying my ignorance but this does feel really similar. It's still cool, I just didn't find find it as strong and there isn't as much that feels as stand out as that album. The big exception is Monkey in Your Soul, which has cool dirty bass contrasted with the smooth and sleek organ East St. Louis Toodle-Oo feels kind of disruptive, felt like a daft little thing that kind of interrupted the flow of the album and stood out slightly awkwardly Another thing that wasn't a deal breaker but did mildly bother me was the thought that this is kind of too perfect. I never thought that with Can't Buy a Thrill, but the sleek production and flawless performances did weirdly (and very mildly) frustrate me. A weird point, not entirely sure what I'm trying to say I could see myself moving to a 3, but I'll say it's a good 3.5 and give it 4 Highlights: Monkey In Your Soul
lo amo anche solo per il titolo
Pleasant surprise, I'm slowly becoming aware of my transition into a yacht-rock aficionado.
east st. louis toodle-oo is so silly and goofy 🪿🪿🪿 i loved parker's band it was funky as HELL charlie freak has very interesting instrumentation what the hell is that lil buggy buzzy sound i feel as if im listening to a fairytale or a sea shanty and this song sounds so fresh even though it's 51 years old holy shit overall a rly good album, deffo not something I'd go back to because this type of music isn't my go to but it's deffo an album I'd blast during a road trip i appreciate the craftsmanship and the musical choices they made and i completely understand why it was critically acclaimed but yeah not something I'd blast in my day to day life
Rikki Don't Lose That Number 4 Night by Night 3.7 Any Major Dude Will Tell You 3.4 Barrytown 3.6 East St. Louis Toodle-Oo 3 Parker's Band 3.4 Through with Buzz 3.3 Pretzel Logic 3.5 With a Gun 3.4 Charlie Freak 3.6 Monkey in Your Soul 3.7 Score: 3.509090909
I love steely dan
Ultimate Dad rock. Easy to listen to and good to put on any time you need something light.
Eerste album met Michael McDonald en Jeff Porcaro. "Rikki Don't Lose That Number" de directe earcatcher. "Night by Night" mega tasty met een lekkere solo. "Any Major Dude" leuk riedeltje, maar meh. "Barrytown" beetje 70s Springsteen. "East St. Louis toodle-oo" blijk ik te kennen, vanwege het wauwelende deuntje dat gebruikt is in een reclame (?). Cover van Duke Ellington. Rare eend in de bijt. Wel tof. "Parker's Band", leuke uptempo rocker. Niet heel memorabel. "Through with Buzz" is heel kort en niet heel boeiend. "Pretzel Logic" is bluesy en heeft te gekke vocale partijen. Heel gelaagd. Toffe blues solo.
This album gives great examples of Steely Dan's pure and effortless mastery of music and their instruments. This was great to jam along to on guitar as well. It's not as interesting as the other Steely Dan albums I have listened to. Apparently, they were going for a slightly more pop-friendly track listing.
I think I’m down with the Dan, bro
Going into this I've listened to it before but I only really know Riki and Any Major Dude. One listen never really does a Steely Dan album justice, almost every song is dense with layers without being overwhelming but it means that a lot is gained by focusing on each instrument after listening to how they work with each other. It's still not beating Aja for my favourite Dan record but that also took a few listens to love. The mid section of Pretzel isn't my favourite but I'll give it a few more listens and who knows. Highlight: Riki Don't Lose That Number
First three all heat
omg I have one song from this saved which is the most streamed one.
I know several Steely Dan songs but this was my first album! This was a very chill, very enjoyable listen. I love how cleanly they harmonize, and they're a great bunch of musicians. Standouts for me are Rikki Don't Lose That Number, the title track, and Charlie Freak.
A 7. Now I fear the monkeys in other people's soul.
It's a shame this album had to compete with the release of Sam Fender's new album People Watching (5/5), otherwise I may have given this album some more attention. It was still an enjoyable playthrough that surprised me a bit, as someone who likes Steely Dan, but historically only a few songs.
Enjoyed. 4/5
From what I’ve heard from Steely Dan, I like “Can’t Buy A Thrill” more. Still, nothing wrong with this: very chill and laid back, jazzy feel. 3/5 rounded up. Favourite tracks: Ricky Don’t Lose That Number, Any Major Dude Will Tell You, Pretzel Logic, Monkey In Your Soul
One of my favourite Dan albums, especially with "Rikki" and "Any Major Dude".
This project has made me a Steely Dan fan. Amazing!
ok literally so fun, maybe one of my favorite albums from this project yet. steely dan is cool . 4/5
Thumbs UP! Good stuff.
Якщо на перших двох альбомах - Can't Buy a Thrill та Countdown to Ecstasy гурт Steely Dan тільки формували свій унікальний #jazzrock -овий саунд, що виділявся просто заворожуючим інструменталом та блискучим продакшеном. То вже по першій пісні Rikki Don't Lose That Number стає зрозуміло, що Pretzel Logic буде більш "поп орієнтованим", "м'яким" та чіловим. Альбом буквально просякнутий літнім настроєм та немов "випромінює помаранчеве сяйво каліфорнійськийського сонця". Найбільш визначною рисою цієї роботи, я вважаю його неймовірно крутий продакшн. Завдяки якому, доволі "насичені" інструментальні партії, що могли б легко перетворитись у "претензійний" прогрессів рок, відчуваються доступними та не виходять за рамки "поп звучання". І далі, Steely Dan будуть тільки покращувати свій скіл у створенні складної та цікавої, але в той самий момент, "легкої" та розслабляючої музики, піком якого, безумовно, стане їх #yachtrock шедевр - Aja (1977).
Some fun songs but they're mocked by George Carlin for a reason.
Entertaining throughout, though perhaps with no true headliners. But very consistent and enjoyable.
Pretty fantastic - haven't heard it before, other than Rikki of course. I think here they pull off the type of album a lot of other bands aspire to. Note also that my hipster 18 y.o. son has a weird liking for these guys.
Really interesting, I quite liked it
Pretzel + a biracial rapper??
Me like steely dan. 4.5 stars
Love Steely Dan
Выпал действительно их хороший альбом
Я остался доволен прослушиванием альбома Steely Dan «Pretzel Logic». Музыка этой группы сочетает в себе элементы джаза, рока и соула, что делает её уникальной и запоминающейся. Тексты песен также заслуживают внимания — они полны иронии и юмора. Оцениваю на 4 из 5.
Not as good as Aja, but my second favorite album of theirs that I’ve listened to.
Guess they never miss huh
Pretty good 70s grooves. Made me listen to the Dan the rest of the day.
Not my favourite Steely Dan album, in fact I would probably rank it lowest of their '70s output. Of course, that doesn't mean that it is a bad album; it is a very good if transitional one, and the guitar solo on "Rikki Don't Lose That Number" is worth the price of admission alone. Like all Dan records, it is incredibly well played, produced and arranged and there are pointers here to later LPs which I play more often; the direct steal from Horace Silver on Rikki teases the jazzier direction. This is probably the point where Steely Dan gave up any pretence of being a 'band' and became a two-man project which strove for perfection by hiring the best session players for each track.
My first time hearing Steely Dan and it wasn't bad. There are elements of rock, blues, jazz and pop mixed in. I also like the mix of instrumentation and the clean production.
A curious listen indeed: I've only heard the album once, years ago, yet so much of it was so familiar. First 4 tracks were splendid to hear, and there were a few later cuts I really dug as well. Only one I didn't care for was East St. Louis Toodle-Oo, bit too silly for my taste. Generally great outing from Dan though, not my fav of theirs but it's a great entry nonetheless.
Varför lyssnar jag aldrig på Steely Dan. Så bra! Fyra plus.
Strange collection of songs - some that define the Dan (gonna try to make this abbrevation work) sound, and some others that sound heavily influenced by their contemporaries (Zappa, CSN, Big Star). Probably a 5 by almost any other abnds standards, but I think feels like a 4 by Dan's standards, still trying to find their sound, breaking away from the down the middle classic rock. I think Dan might be America's greatest band?
Very good but not their best. Love any major dude and Barry town, but the rest of the album feels a little rote compared to the highs they hit on Can’t Buy a Thrill and Aja. I think they are leaning a little closer to blues on this album, but they are at their best and most unique when combining rock and jazz
I’m a sucker for this genre.
Logic indicates that these pretzels... are making me thirsty! But, in all seriousness, Pretzel Logic represents the end of an era for Steely Dan as they would eschew the now profitable and necessary touring circuit for the comfort of the world building recording studio, thus beginning a time in their career that they'd be most well known for. And it starts with this album, a half-hour run-through of pop and rock infusions with jazz that provides the bedrock for the trademark lurid lyricism of Donald Fagen. Pretzel Logic doesn't look like much when it compared to other Steely Dan records but it holds its own just fine. Favorites: Rikki Don't Lose That Number, Night by Night, Any Major Dude Will Tell You, Barrytown, East St. Louis Toodle-Oo, Parker's Band, Pretzel Logic.
Easy listening.
Yacht Rock supreme. Chill vibes and fun listen, yet nothing special.
Surprised by this one. I only preciously knew the Rikki song but the whole album has a great 70s rocky jazzy super bluesy sound. Very nice.
i liked this album kind of a soulful soft rock, opening song was my favourite. a nice mix of instrumentals, rhythm and lyrics- would like to listen to more steely dan
Rikki Don't Lose That Number Barrytown East St.Louis Toddle-Oo Pretzel Logic
Another fun album with a good variety of style and music. I am still a Steely Fan!
Not nearly as clever as they think they are.
I’m understanding and respecting these sophisticated compositions more in my older years. The jazz within is quite good.
I still don't really like Steely Dan but I appreciate their music. The Toodle-Oo song was great. I'd listen to them more if they did more songs like that.
I'm not sure what's happened to me, but I think I enjoyed a Steely Dan album. I'm typically indifferent. 3.5* rounding up? I guess?
Pleasant surprise!
4.5 great album. Favorite songs: Rikki don’t lose that number and Any major dude will tell you
Fav song: Through With Buzz Truly a musician's band. So many interesting textures in every single song, and the production on this album is so great too, especially the drums.
Really good album - the recording and production quality on the album is amazing. The songs are really more pop with less of the jazz influences from the previous albums. The Fagen and Becker incorporate many different musical genres and instruments combined with amazing musicianship. The single "Rikki Don't Lose That Number" is the only song I recognized but I didn't think there were any bad songs. Some albums on the 1001 list are insufferably long. This one was just the opposite. Most songs were very short and the album run time clocked in at a little over 30 minutes despite there being 11 songs.
Rätt bra platta. Groovy 7/10
Cool album, mix of jazz and rock and a lot of experimentation
Some absolute bangers, but a couple I would skip on a re-listen.
I’ve always been dismissive of Steely Dan. Somewhere between the pretentiousness of the average Steely Dan fan, my dad listening to “Can’t Buy A Thrill” constantly growing up, and Seth Rogen telling Paul Rudd “Steely Dan gargles my balls” in ‘Knocked Up’, I made it my thing to be a Steely Dan hater. Something happened since the last time I listened to Steely Dan. I…became a dad. This album is purely dad proof. I didn’t get it, but now I do. There are technical aspects of the musicianship on Pretzel Logic that really grabbed me. The little keyboard filler parts that Donald Fagen put in cancel out the pure cheesiness of a song as dumb as “Rikki Don’t Lose That Number”. I know the pretentiousness stems from them trying to make everything so complex that no one else can play it, but now I kind of picture them giggling like little kids as they go through the arrangements and it feels more pure and fun. Anyways, 4 stars. Probably would be higher if I weren’t convinced that Fagen & Becker had used some dad devil magic to put a spell on me and that I actually still hate Steely Dan.
God I love Steely Dan. This is definitely not their best but there’s still a ton of magic to go around. High points are “Rikki Don’t Lose That Number”, “Any Major Dude Will Tell You”, “Barrytown” and “Charlie Freak”. Low points - look we can do without the Duke Ellington tune for no reason boys. This is really a band in transition, moving from a rock band with jazz influence to a jazz band with rock sensibilities. They’d really hit their peak by The Royal Scam and Aja, but still a worthwhile record. 4/5. Not my fave of theirs but still so many good moments.
I like the energy of this one. I'd give it a 6/10 "fit" score, of how much it matches what I like to listen to, and with that in mind, I think this ones rates pretty high, it was definitely fun to listen to.
Proto-yacht rock. Very good playing and showing a variety of influences absent from a lot of rock music. Rikki Don't Lose That Number and Any Major Dude Will Tell You stand out for me.
love this album. I really liked listening to it after can’t buy a thrill. what is barrytown and what are the implications of being from barrytown
A classic!
15 cents for a pretzel? The economy truly has gone down the toilet since 1974. A lot more consistent than I remembered, even if this isn't their strongest. Their lyricism, as always, is on point, always some captivating lyrics that are kinda like character studies, whether it's a heroin junkie in "Charlie Freak" or renowned saxophonist Charlie Parker. And the instruments are some chill yet still technically impressive jazzy pop rock, perfect for divorced dads (and I mean that in a positive way) and any major dude out there. Favorite Track: "Rikki Don't Lose That Number" Least Favorite Tracks: "Through With Buzz", "With a Gun", "Monkey in Your Soul"
Fun and nice
I liked this! Total 70s vibes and great energy while having that chill Steely Dan feel. Dug the song compositions and instrumentation too. The St. Louis Toodle-Oo was a fun departure from the rest of the album.
WOW was this good
- Mega! Hab mich nie wirklich mit Steely Dan befasst, obwohl ich ein paar Songs (die alle auf Can‘t Buy A Thrill enthalten sind) kannte, die ich total mag. - Ich finde die Mischung aus so Jazz und funkig groovigen Elementen mit Rock richtig cool! - Ich hab erst vor Kurzem ein Video von Rick Beato zu „Yacht-Rock“ gesehen und viele Bands, die dem Begriff zugerechnet werden (Toto, Hall & Oates etc.) lehnen den Begriff „Yacht-Rock“ ab. Steely Dan, die sich politisch ganz klar links verstehen, verabscheuen den negativ elitär konnotierten Begriff. Ich finde auch, dass „Westcoast Rock“ oder auch „Smooth Rock“ die besseren Begriffe sind. Am Ende lenkt sowas nämlich auch davon ab, dass das alles musikalisch höchst anspruchsvoll ist. - Tolle unerwartete und komplexe Arrangements ohne dabei zu verkopft zu sein. Und das finde ich immer eine große Kunst, wenn man es schafft, musikalisch anspruchsvoll zu arbeiten, es dir beim Hören aber nicht die ganze Zeit unter die Nase zu reiben und es sowohl dem Otto-Normal-Hörer, als auch dem Musiknerd schmackhaft zu machen. - Insgesamt entspannter Vibe - Ich bin einfach Fan von dem Subgenre. Egal ob Hall & Oates, Toto, Doobie Brothers / Michael McDonald oder eben Steely Dan. Trifft alles absolut einen Nerv bei mir! Rating: 4/5
Another band who is part of the great era of musical talents. Great tunes, great lyrics and great arrangements.
Another good album by Steely Dan. The harmonies could work a bit better I guess.
Yacht rock
Really good classic/fusion rock album. Fun listen I think it could be 5 stars if I listen to it a little bit more
Muy bueno
A little too short but still sweet. Quite the jovial album to its benefit. Through with Buzz shouldn’t really have been here though
I'm fresh off the HBO Yacht Rock Dock so this really hit.
8.4
Very good album. The East St. Louis Toodle-oo is a cover of a Duke Ellington tune.
I quite enjoyed it. Suck it Bobbins.
Groovy funky fun
cat stevens esque
Not what I was expecting pretty good.
Steely
I really enjoyed this album also. Aside from Ricky don’t lose that number, i knew none of the rest of the music. It was a far better album than I was expecting.
bit of a mixed bag for me this one bridges the gap between can't buy a thrill and the royal scam/aja nicely overall it's probably my 2nd least favourite dan album ahead of two against nature but when it's good it's really fuckin good best song: any major dude will tell you worst song: east st louis toodle-oo
An enjoyable jaunt this, you could almost call this one of the presagers of yacht rock, if you were pretentious enough to use the word 'presagers'
Another one that sounds like childhood and summer road trips. Nice mix of rock and blues with a dash of jazz.
Almost perfect pop-rock album with a little sprinkle of progressiveness.
Usually love Steely Dan but this one is kinda like a lead up album where the foundation of the artist is still being made. Aja is still the best album I’ve heard from them so far but I love their melodies so much. 8/10
A bit less jazzy than some other Steely Dan albums, but I like it. It has a more rock feel to it. I’d give it a mid four.
Great listen.
I like it, reminds me of The Mamas and The Papas, it's rock, it's fun, it's 70's vibes. Good background music. I'd hear more of them.
Definitely a band I grew up with, but not an album I knew as much as others. I think if their jazz/funk/rock or funk/rock/jazz sound is not your thing, then they are not a band that are worth pursuing. But I think they are just so consistently good. Love his voice and lyrics. Amazing performances all round and the arrangements are always interesting Having revisited it today, I don’t think it quite stands up to some of their other albums, but I loved it nonetheless. Highs: ‘Rikki’ is up there with my favourite Steely Dan songs and a great opener. The title track is glorious. Donald Fagen at his very best Lows: Not sure about the instrumental ‘East Street Toodle’ song.
Rikki don’t lose that numbah 💯 This passes the great-grandpa-enjoys-my-rock-album test, and I’m not mad about it
I like the music of Steely Dan. I like the singer's vocal timbre, I like the presence of vocal harmonies, I like the spotlight on the rhythm guitar, I like the simple background rhythms, I like the guitar sound they've chosen, and the mixing itself. Everything comes through pretty clearly.
Genre-bending jams; smooth, clean, and jazzy; almost big band vibes but with ripping guitar solos. Tight band.
Good album, will probably listen to it again
met Steely Dan is het altijd fun (en ik bedoel de groep, niet waar ze hun naam vandaan haalden).
Steely Dan's ability to seamlessly blend rock with jazz and funk is unrivaled. Their music somehow manages to sound so 70s, yet so timeless at the same time.
Really enjoyed the offerings on Pretzel Logic. Some classics as well as great songs that had limited airplay. Can't go wrong with Steely Dan.
very unexpected to like this album rock and roll yet with a twist of jazz favourite song Night by Night a good start to the 1001 album generator
One way to know without really paying attention to whether you like an album or not is to think it was super short. I was "surprised" when this album "suddenly" ended and looked to see if something was off, but no, it just went by smoothly and it was just easy to listen to. I knew a couple of the songs as they are well known and quite good anyhow, and the rest sort of floated by seamlessly. I am not even a big fan of the soft rock classic rock genre I would place this in, but it is, as I said, easy to listen to and easy to like.
steely stans RISE!!!!! my dad played (and still plays) a ton of steely dan (actually plays it, like in a band lol) so i was primed to love this. stop fighting and let the dad rock into your heart.
Not the best Steely Dan album, but it does have a couple of their best loved songs and there is enough from the deep cuts to keep me listening without reaching for the skip button
This was pretty good. There was a lot that I didn’t enjoy. But there is also such a clear influence on other artists at the time. And you can see how easily this fits in the pantheon of popular music. There’s no doubt this belongs on this list. I don’t need to love it to respect it.
Such a multi-layered album! Love the jazz elements. No skips. *Favoroties: Rikki Don't Lose that Number Night by Night Barrytown East St. Louis Toodle-Oo Through with Buzz Pretzel Logic
****a good album, great variety, easy listening
Good one
Steely Dan incorporates more Jazz and shows off some great songwriting on Pretzel Logic, but it doesn’t live up to Can’t Buy a Thrill for me personally.
Very catchy, easy listening
A classic - Amazing musicianship
Of course as everyone knows this is my fav band... but pretzel logic is sadly their weakest album! there is some low points, and I hate to admit it ! I love steely dan!!!!
Smooth jazz pop. Truly the best of the Steely Dan albums. I enjoyed the hit single, the bossa nova inspired "Rikki Don't Lose That Number" the most, but there is certainly some quality arrangements and performances on this album. I think some, if not most, will think of this as just pleasant background music unfortunately.
I think this might be my favorite Steely Dan so far but need to do a deep dive. Really fun and like that they tried to trim the length of the songs down. Rating: 4.4
Tight horns. Cool harmonies
I have never ate pretzel that I would rate 5/5. I think that all of them were 4/5. Exactly like with Steely Dan's albums.
4/5
Great, I liked this
Good listen.
"Pretzel Logic" is a great little album, distilled down to a couple hits, and a lot of great tracks. However, it's not my favorite by them, and it sometimes feels cheap at how much they tried to just write an album of hits. Overall, I still really like it, and "Rikki Don't Lose that Number" is a classic.
The number of times I’ve heard someone (usually either someone my dad’s age or a stoner friend) dump heaps of praise on Steely Dan is a number high enough that I can’t count it. Same with the number of times I’ve heard “Reelin’ in the Years” on classic rock radio. So I was relieved to know that song wasn’t here. I would say, however, that they did live up to the hype. Just such a tight band. Amazing blues rock here, funk-influenced stuff there, and the ability to switch between those genres and more mid song. Truly brilliant stuff. Throw the vocal harmonies on top of all that and you have a great time. They do at times inch a little too close to being corny or sounding dated. But it never quite gets there and honestly, even if they did I wouldn’t care. The horns, the grooves, and the vibes are more than enough. Four stars. Standout Tracks: Night by Night, Parker’s Band, Pretzel Logic, With a Gun
Hi Danielle! I'm watching you.... Steely Dan is always shockingly relaxed and happy compared to what I expected. Steel... Led... Led Zeppelin... Hard Rock!.... nope... it's closer to Sunday vibes. And then East St Louis... old timey tune?!? -yeah I really liked east St. Louis and Parker’s band. Feel like it’s super varied. Started off a bit slow but like the latter half more than the beginning. Which is funny because I’ve only heard the first track from this album
Solid album. Not really my style
Before this I hadn't given Steely Dan much of a chance. The few songs I had heard didn't strike me. This album did. It was funky and smooth and mellow. It was short but high quality and takes all that good 60s guitar stuff and incorporates it with better recording quality, and nice clear songwriting. Between a 4 and 5 for me, I guess how it compares with the other Steely Dan albums will determine what it should have been.
Backyard summer beer drinkin music. Not as good of a record as Can't Buy a Thrill, but it's still very much a Steely Dan album and that's good enough for me. All the hallmarks of that jazz/rock style they're famous for are there: the odd key changes, the technical keyboard, guitar, and bass parts, the offbeat instrument thrown in here and there. Highlights are "Night By Night", "Any Major Dude Will Tell You" (what a ridiculous and great title, btw), "Monkey In Your Soul", and "Pretzel Logic". I could very much do without "East St. Louis Toodle-Oo" which sounds exactly what you think it sounds like. For a weirdish band, this is a remarkably short album. I think that works in their favor though; the album as a whole isn't nearly as complex or put together as Aja or the aforementioned Can't Buy A Thrill and it's good that they didn't try to stretch out anything to make a long record for no reason. I wish I could make this a 3.5, but I'll round up because I like them.
cool vibes ong
Enjoyed this, something different to my usual fare!
I expected boring classic rock, I got really enjoyable and interesting classic rock. Cool.
another masterpiece from the kings of yacht rock. highlights: “rikki don’t lose that number” “night by night” “pretzel logic” “with a gun”
Although there are a couple filler songs -overall I think this is an excellent album blending jazz and light rock with exceptional musicianship.
Shorter, and funkier, than I expected.
82% Best: Rikki Don't Lose That Number; Night By Night; Pretzel Logic Must-Hear? Sure
I think I like this. And I’m sort of surprised. I’ve never really investigated Steely Dan. The name just suggested MOR rock bullshit to me. But actually listening to it, there’s lots here I like - the electric piano to start with brought me on board. I saw it described as “Jazz Rock” on Wikipedia and that sounds like exactly the sort of thing I would like. It’s musically interesting without being disgustingly cheesy a la ELO. It seems to have a bit of side to it. I listened to it twice and will come back for more!
Great vibe. Talented guys
I tried to resist but it got me
I like.
It’s all great music, but I just don’t love Steely Dan. I don’t know, I can listen to it all day but non of these songs stand out as hits. Maybe I’m not a big fan of Donald Fagen’s voice? Whatever it is, it has to stay a four I’m afraid.
I had never heard of Steely Dan before this and had no idea what to expect. Based on the Wikipedia article for the album and some of the reviews here, I was expecting total generic dad rock, but I surprisingly liked this album! Compared to "Music From Big Pink" by The Band, which was the only other "dad rock" album I've encountered so far on this list, I feel that "Pretzel Logic" is a lot more interesting. The recording and production of the album sounds great, and I loved the jazz, soul, and country infusions, which elevates it beyond just pure "rock", which I tend to dislike. I thought that the opening track was the most boring on the album and was entirely prepared to dislike the album based on that, but it vastly improved from there. The cover of "East St. Louis Toodle-Oo" was such an excellent surprise - I loved how playful it was and it was the clear highlight of the album for me.
4/5
4/5 classic
I liked this one, the vocals felt older and the instrumentals felt fresh. I remember reading not too long ago that Chevy Chase was in Steely Dan. Opening track was nice. High 4.
8/10 - Got to say Steely and Dan worked really well together on this one. Rikki don't lose that number is the only song from this album that I had heard before but I liked Night by Night, Pretzel Logic and Charlie Freak alongside it.
Amo Steely Dan! Aquela pegada meio yacht rock, um som pop mas muito experimental junto. Uma sonoridade bem singular. Já é um bom começo hahahahahaha
Outstanding yacht rock album. I didn't have time to write down any notes, but I did enjoy the hits and non-hits on here. I'll throw a 4 on it.
I'm mostly only familiar with the "Can't Buy a Thrill" album from them. There have been a few times over the years I have enjoyed a song on the radio and wondered who it was only for it to end up being Steely Dan, so even though I'm mostly unfamiliar with them, I have liked what I've heard, and this album continued that.
I never seen you looking so bad my funky one You tell me that your superfine mind has come undone Any major dude with half a heart surely will tell you my friend Any minor world that breaks apart falls together again When the demon is at your door In the morning it won't be there no more Any major dude will tell you This is unironically a great album. 4/5
This is a Steely Dan album that I don't know as well as some others - Can't Buy A Thrill and Aja for instance - but I still really enjoyed it. They're so chirpy, but also just on the right side of weird, and technically they're tremendous. An album that both hangs together well and allows for some standalone big numbers is always an impressive feat.
steely dan
I never listened to a Steely Dan album before. It was much better than I expected.
Such great lyrics
Liked it, will definitely have another listen. Steely D has been a nice surprise from doing this
Big Dan fan, but this isn't their best effort...though there are some classic tracks on the record for sure.
Sounds like forgetting that you're not from the city you're staying in but knowing you'll never actually be from there. Pretty good overall. Had some pretty boring track but the good ones are really good Best Tracks: Rikki Don't Lose That Number, Any Major Dude Will Tell You, East St. Louis Toodle-Oo, Pretzel Logic, With A Gun, Charlie Freak, Monkey in Your Soul Light 7 to a Strong 7
**In-depth Review of "Pretzel Logic" by Steely Dan** Released in 1974, "Pretzel Logic" is Steely Dan's third studio album and often considered a high point in their discography. The album, characterized by its blend of rock, jazz, blues, and pop, showcases the unique songwriting duo of Donald Fagen and Walter Becker. Known for their meticulous approach to music production and their distinctive lyrical style, "Pretzel Logic" stands as a testament to Steely Dan's ability to craft complex, genre-defying music with a cerebral edge. ### **Lyrics** The lyrics on "Pretzel Logic" are layered with ambiguity, irony, and wit, making them one of the album’s most distinctive elements. Fagen and Becker's lyrics are often cryptic, filled with cultural references, wordplay, and a sense of disillusionment with contemporary society. - **“Rikki Don't Lose That Number”**: The album’s opening track and biggest hit, features seemingly straightforward lyrics about giving someone a number to call, but the underlying meaning is open to interpretation. Some suggest it’s a lost love or a nostalgic call to the past, while others see it as a commentary on fleeting connections in the modern world. - **“Pretzel Logic”**: The title track explores themes of time, memory, and existential confusion. The lyrics reference nostalgia for an earlier era ("I stepped up on the platform / The man gave me the news") and feature a longing for simpler times contrasted with the complexities of modern life. - **“Any Major Dude Will Tell You”**: This song combines a sense of hope with Steely Dan's trademark cynicism. It can be read as a pep talk from someone jaded but sincere, with lines like "Any minor world that breaks apart falls together again," offering comfort while subtly acknowledging life's inherent instability. - **“Barrytown”**: A satirical take on provincial attitudes, "Barrytown" mocks narrow-mindedness in both a humorous and pointed manner, reflecting Fagen and Becker’s distaste for conformity and prejudice. The lyrics throughout "Pretzel Logic" demonstrate Steely Dan's ability to intertwine personal experience with broader social critique, maintaining a balance between introspection and observation. ### **Music** Musically, "Pretzel Logic" is a melting pot of different styles. The album is characterized by its sophisticated chord changes, intricate melodies, and tight musicianship. The sound is heavily influenced by jazz, but also incorporates elements of rock, blues, and even funk. - **Jazz Influences**: Songs like “Parker’s Band” pay direct homage to jazz, particularly to Charlie Parker, while tracks like “East St. Louis Toodle-Oo” (a Duke Ellington cover) showcase their appreciation for jazz history and its integration into a rock context. - **Blues Elements**: The title track, "Pretzel Logic," features a bluesy riff that drives the song, blending traditional blues structures with modern rock instrumentation. Steely Dan's use of the blues scale and their incorporation of bluesy guitar licks throughout the album add a gritty edge to their otherwise polished sound. - **Rock and Pop Sensibility**: Despite its jazz and blues influences, "Pretzel Logic" also contains accessible pop melodies, particularly in songs like "Rikki Don't Lose That Number" and "Any Major Dude Will Tell You." These tracks have catchy hooks and a more conventional song structure, which helped make the album commercially successful. - **Intricate Arrangements**: The arrangements on "Pretzel Logic" are complex and layered. The album employs a range of instruments, including electric and acoustic guitars, keyboards, horns, and percussion, creating a rich, textured sound. The interplay between the instruments is precise, with every note carefully chosen to serve the song's mood and atmosphere. ### **Production** The production of "Pretzel Logic" is a defining feature of the album. Produced by Gary Katz, with Fagen and Becker heavily involved, the album exhibits a meticulous attention to detail. Every instrument is given its space in the mix, contributing to a clear and balanced sound. The production is clean, yet warm, allowing the complexity of the music to shine without sounding sterile or over-produced. - **Recording Techniques**: Steely Dan was known for their perfectionism in the studio, often recording multiple takes and using a rotating cast of top session musicians to achieve their desired sound. This approach is evident in the tightness of the performances on "Pretzel Logic." The album was recorded at The Village Recorder and Cherokee Studios in Los Angeles, known for their high-end equipment and acoustics, which contributed to the album's polished sound. - **Innovative Use of Session Musicians**: On "Pretzel Logic," Steely Dan began their practice of using different session musicians for specific songs or even parts of songs. This allowed them to bring in the perfect player for each piece, contributing to the album's diverse sound. The lineup included jazz and rock heavyweights like Jeff Porcaro, Jim Gordon, and Chuck Rainey. - **Sound Quality**: The sound quality of "Pretzel Logic" is remarkable for its time, with a warm analog feel that complements the album's musical complexity. The drums are crisp and clear, the bass is punchy, and the guitars and keyboards have a rich, full-bodied sound. The vocal production is equally strong, with Fagen's distinctive voice given prominence while still blending seamlessly with the instrumental arrangements. ### **Themes** "**Pretzel Logic**" touches on a wide array of themes, reflecting Fagen and Becker’s eclectic interests and critical worldview. The lyrics often explore concepts of time, memory, and identity, as well as more concrete topics like nostalgia, existential confusion, and social critique. - **Nostalgia and Time**: Many of the songs on the album reflect a longing for the past or a simpler time. This is evident in the lyrics of “Pretzel Logic” and “Parker's Band,” which romanticize a bygone era. However, this nostalgia is often tempered with a sense of irony, suggesting that the past is not necessarily better, just different. - **Existential Reflection**: Songs like “Any Major Dude Will Tell You” and “Charlie Freak” delve into themes of existential uncertainty and the search for meaning in a chaotic world. The lyrics reflect a sense of disillusionment and a questioning of the status quo, both personally and socially. - **Social Commentary**: Steely Dan's lyrics often feature a critical perspective on contemporary society, whether it’s the small-town parochialism of “Barrytown” or the self-deception and vanity critiqued in “Through With Buzz.” The band's ironic and often sarcastic take on American culture is a consistent theme throughout their work. - **Ambiguity and Irony**: Fagen and Becker are known for their use of irony and ambiguity, and "Pretzel Logic" is no exception. The lyrics often have multiple interpretations, leaving listeners to draw their own conclusions. This ambiguity adds depth to the songs, allowing them to be appreciated on multiple levels. ### **Influence** "**Pretzel Logic**" has had a significant impact on both contemporary and later musicians. It exemplifies Steely Dan's unique approach to blending rock with jazz, blues, and pop, influencing a range of genres from rock to jazz fusion. - **Jazz-Rock Fusion**: Steely Dan’s ability to merge jazz's complexity with rock's accessibility paved the way for future jazz-rock fusion artists. Bands like The Doobie Brothers, Toto, and even elements of Chicago's later work draw inspiration from Steely Dan's sophisticated style. - **Musicianship and Production Standards**: Steely Dan's use of session musicians and their meticulous approach to recording set a new standard for musicianship and production in the 1970s. Their influence can be seen in the work of bands like Fleetwood Mac and the Eagles, who also prioritized studio perfection and high production values. - **Lyricism and Storytelling**: The band's distinctive lyricism, characterized by its wit, irony, and narrative complexity, has inspired many songwriters, including Elvis Costello and Aimee Mann. Steely Dan's ability to tell stories through oblique, often surreal lyrics has encouraged other artists to experiment with non-linear, thought-provoking lyrics. ### **Pros and Cons** #### **Pros:** 1. **Musical Sophistication**: The album’s intricate arrangements, complex chord progressions, and use of jazz and blues elements showcase a high level of musicianship and a deep understanding of various musical styles. 2. **Unique Lyrics**: Fagen and Becker’s lyrics are intelligent, witty, and often cryptic, providing layers of meaning and encouraging multiple interpretations. 3. **Strong Production Quality**: The production on "Pretzel Logic" is pristine, with a warm, clear sound that allows the complexity of the music to come through. 4. **Variety of Styles**: The album covers a wide range of musical styles, from jazz-rock fusion to blues to pop, making it diverse and interesting to listen to. 5. **Influence on Future Artists**: "Pretzel Logic" has been highly influential in shaping the sound of rock, jazz, and pop music, particularly in its use of sophisticated arrangements and production techniques. #### **Cons:** 1. **Ambiguity in Lyrics**: While the lyrics are a highlight for some, others may find the ambiguity and irony off-putting or difficult to penetrate, making the songs less accessible. 2. **Lack of Cohesion**: Some critics argue that the album lacks a clear thematic or musical cohesion, with its eclectic mix of styles and influences feeling disjointed at times. 3. **Over-Reliance on Studio Musicians**: Steely Dan's use of numerous session musicians, while creating a polished sound, has been criticized for lacking the organic feel of a consistent band lineup. 4 . **Short Length**: At just over 34 minutes, "Pretzel Logic" is relatively short, which might leave some listeners wanting more from such a musically rich and diverse album. ### **Conclusion** "**Pretzel Logic**" stands as a pivotal album in Steely Dan's discography, encapsulating their unique blend of rock, jazz, blues, and pop. The album is celebrated for its sophisticated musicianship, complex lyrics, and high production standards. However, its ambiguity, eclecticism, and reliance on studio musicians may not appeal to everyone. Despite these potential drawbacks, "Pretzel Logic" remains an influential and innovative work that continues to resonate with both musicians and listeners alike, marking a key moment in the evolution of 1970s rock music.
Nice Pop album, abit funky
I really liked this. I appreciate the different genres.
Steely Dan is the definition of Dad Rock. Even though I’m not a dad, I’ve got to admit, I’ve grown to like them. I didn’t really pay attention to Steely Dan until I stumbled upon one of their albums through the 1001 generator. Since then, I’ve dug into more of their albums, and I’ve found that they’re mostly a laid back, mid tempo band that just flows effortlessly. It’s easy music to listen to and enjoy.
Really good, saved one song
Pretty good liked it . Any major dude ,night by night ,monkey in your soul. This is an amazing album
A great sounding album and an interesting mix of different sounds. Only half an hour long but I never knew what the next track was going to sound like. All very well produced and mastered. — Rikki Don’t Lose That Number - sounds like Bowie Night By Night - Funky. Sounds like In The Gallery by Dire Straits. Sweet guitar solo. Barrytown - Reminded me of The Beatles - ‘Tell Me What You See’ on Help! East St Louis - reminded me of Raindrop Prelude by Chopin at the start, with a jazzy west side story Pixar movie type thing. Big wah Pretzel Logic - think I’ve heard this one. Sounds very bluesy Monkey in your soul - also sounds quite Bowie
Not my favourite Steely Dan album - it doesn’t quite reach the heights of Aja or Can’t Buy a Thrill for example - but it’s still a great record with some top quality songs like Rikki Don’t Lose That Number, Any Major Dude Will Tell You and With a Gun
it’s good its just good there’s nothing to it, it’s just good music to enjoy life to
I've come to accept that at least part of me had the musical taste of a middle aged midwest sorts. guy. In jorts.
I like Steely Dan. Rikki Don't Lose That Number has such a nice bass riff.
Rikki>Night By Night>Any Major Dude is an amazing opening run of songs, it drops off slightly but it's still great.
I wasn’t expecting this album to be as funky as it was! The dynamics seemed to vary a lot, but the funk was the general running theme. Everything here sounded interesting. I love the music more than I loved the vocals, but do not take that to mean the vocals were bad. The music is just far more interesting. This isn’t my first Steely Dan album, and I’m pretty sure I was impressed the first time round too. I guess I’m a Steely Dan fan now!
Liked it.
something ive been looking forward 2 in this project is catching random snapshots of bands i have little to no familiarity with , with far less logical throughline or context then i usually provide myself when trying out an artist. i have heard aja before, but just hearing aja makes this a lil more jarring if anything...four tracks longer and six minutes shorter! this is rly rly delightful...a lot of density, a lot of economy, both aided a lot by the use of jazz vocab esp in the wonderful harmonic stuff goin on here. im not sure how much of a capital b Band they were at this point but obviously the performances r something 2 behold as well. i could prob like this band a lot! deserves some more time on my own time
I liked it! Beautifully recorded with some really nice guitar playing. Nice to-the-point 34 minute album. Jazzy. Doesn't have any of the songs that I knew from Steely Dan but I can dig it.
American rock and roll. Put him in there with Springsteen and Petty. This is better, though.
Very good album and I liked it's blend of genres , mainly rock and jazz .
a good album, but not steely dan’s best
Mir hat das Album von der Grundstimmung sehr gut gefallen: melodisch, jazzig und nicht unbedingt Mainstream.
"Rikki Don't Lose That Number" is the well-known opener of this high-quality pop-rock-jazz-blues-album. Not a weak song but also not a single banger for me. 3,5
Hilarious that I’m about to start this review in the same way that I started the two previous Steely Dan reviews. I didn’t even realize it until I went back and looked at them. I think the only thing that has changed is my actual writing abilities. They are only slightly better though. I love Steely Dan. Point blank. A Steely Dan kind of day is bound to be a great one. I’ll never understand people’s problem with this band. Like, I guess I could see why some of the fans could make it annoying. Yes, they do in fact sound really good when there isn’t a middle-aged dad telling you how much better they are than everything else. But what is there to not like about the actual music itself? Put on Reelin' in the Years and tell me that isn’t the fucking best thing ever. They get a lot of hate, and I don’t really care. I haven’t found another group that does this pop and jazz-rock fusion as well as they do. So far, I’ve actually managed to go in release order. Pretzel Logic is their third, and the last they recorded as a full band together before Fagen and Becker became less like band mates and more like band leaders. Even if this does feature the whole band, there are still contributions from studio musicians. I obviously can’t exactly differentiate who wrote what, but the instrumentals on this are still great. They straight up kicked their drummer off the kit and turned him into a background singer. Instead, they got the drummers from Derek and The Dominos and Toto. The sound of this isn’t that different from their first two records. Fagen’s lyricism is still as strange and mystical as ever. But it does feel like they were trying some new ideas, and attempting to make more pop-centered radio friendly music. Which did help them find more of a presence on the radio after their sophomore album. But what they created on those previous albums just appeals to me a little bit more. This falls a little bit short of what I expect from them. But still a solid work from a band that I’ll never really get enough of. Rating: 7/10
Not my favorite Steely Dan album, but you can always count on them for good jazz pop.
Great album!! I liked Steely Dan but not listened to all of their albums. This one is great. I’m giving it a four almost just because Rikki Don’t Lose my Number is on it!
I love the Dan. Incredible instrumentation, great lyrics, and some of best sound mixing ever. Was the title track the first appearance of the “What are those!” Vine? Favorite songs were Rikki Don’t Lose That Number, Barrytown, Pretzel Logic, and With A Gun.
Some Dan classics on this one.
Very old white man music, but it's good! They're very talented musicians and I like how they showed that you don't need to noodle to make good songs.
Well this album was over before I knew it. A fun listen with some interesting styles, and nicely produced. A few tracks seemed like they would be quite at home as a TV theme tune, or background music for a comedy sit-com. I'm looking at you, "East St. Louis Toodle-Oo"!
Shiiiit, word ik dan toch een soort van fan van Steely Dan? Na Aja is dit album voor mij, eindelijk, weer eens een echt tof album! Het gaat redelijk alle kanten op, progrock is een beetje het overheersende genre, maar er zitten ook blues elementen, jazz elementen en dare I say een klein beetje country in! Alles bij elkaar is een meer dan vermakelijk album en EIN-DE-LIJK iets met een hogere rating dan 3 sterren. Het is wel nipt, ik zou het 3,5 sterren geven als het kon, maar dan hebben ze mazzel dat ik zo veel middelmatige schijt heb gehad, dan vind ik dit toch echt een stuk vermakelijker. Ik kan vooral de combi van stijlen waarderen, met jazz en rock als boventoon. FAVO: Rikki don;t lose that number, Any major dude will tell you, East St Louis Toodle-oo, Pretzel Logic, Monkey in your soul
It's no Aja, but it's still amazing
Good album but prefer Aja
Fusion of a variety of genres pop/rock/jazz/r&b to produce a good sounding album. Favourite tracks: East St.Louse Toodle-Oo, Pretzel Logic, Rikki Don't Lose That Number
Smooth, snarky songs aplenty here. The genius about this band are the little dashes of genius sprinkled all throughout. Listen with headphones. Like eating a hot pretzel with a razor blade smuggled inside. Best Tracks: Rikki Don't Lose That Number; Any Major Dude Will Tell You; Barrytown
Fun vibes, way exceeded my expectations. Will revisit for sure
Pop rock. Steely Dan is always mixed really well and this is no exception. A solid collection of catchy songs, great songwriting. I just tend to like some other Steely Dan just a bit more. Should revisit. 4/5
Good overall feeling but no standout tracks
Steely Dan are always a solid shout for me. It’s not there best album though plus it doesn’t have Kid Charlemagne which is an absolute banger. That being said would happily listen again, Steely Dan are my sort of vibe
8/10.
Really enjoyed the funk in this one!
Excellent, but what else would you expect from Steely Dan? 1st song is the only one I recognize but the rest of the album is worth listening to... repeatedly.
3/5
Not as good as Aja that came here some weeks ago
Any Major Dude Will Tell You this is a solid album. I was especially partial to Charlie Freak.
chillig
Good album! I like Steely Dan a lot and there's a lot of fun stuff on this one. I don't think it has the same excessive bliss of the jams on Aja, but there's so many great tunes and playful melodies to keep me happy. It's a short and sweet album too. Best Track: Any Major Dude Will Tell You Worst Track: Monkey in Your Soul
Best Song: Rikki Don't Lose that Number Worst Song: Monkey in your Soul
Very familiar with this one. The deep cuts are tolerable. It’s like visiting an old friend.
Liked it, but no scene stealers for me
Very good jazz.
4.5 stars. This is really good, no filler and flows well as an album. Great production without feeling contrived. Singing complements the instrumentals well without being generic. Standout is "Any Major Dude Will Tell You" with it's memorable post-chorus hook.
Super catchy and funky - I like the creativity
Very good. I always thought Steely Dan was a single person…
cool
Musically interesting 70's soft rock. A few really great songs.
Don't remember what I thought of this but usually like Steely Dan, let's call it a 4
Not quite as good as cant buy a thrill but many classics on here
I always like Steely Dan, I grew up with the songs on the radio, and Steely Dan were playing a lot! 4 Stars
A classic folk legend. Brilliant album.
6 / 10 Rock Setentero. Buena calidad pero nada especial para mí.
Jazz, R&B, Pop, and pitch-perfect vocal harmonies all co-exist happily together across the span of Pretzel Logic. I read about Steely Dan co-frontmen Walter Becker and Donald Fagen's strategy for this album--challenging themselves to write short-ish pop tracks--and damn, did that pay off on Pretzel Logic. It was really refreshing to listen to jazz-infused pop music from the 70s that doesn't insist upon itself. All of these tracks get in and out between 2 to 4.5 minutes. All killer, very little filler. Album opener (and Steely Dan's highest-charting single), "Rikki Don't Lose That Number," is such a brilliant pop tune that features loads of kickass harmonies, lush jazz/pop guitar and keyboards, and rich production value. My ex-stepfather played a healthy amount of Steely Dan in my presence growing up, and this is still probably my favorite Steely Dan song I have heard. I found my head a-bopping throughout all 11 tracks, and now definitely have a rekindled appreciation for Steely Dan after listening to Pretzel Logic in its entirety. It's a damn shame this group stopped touring so long ago. I'm hopeful to get served up a second Steely Dan album as I continue on my 1,001 Albums journey. Interesting Factoids from Wikipedia: *The album was Steely Dan's last to be made and released while the group was still an active touring band (1974), as well as the final album to feature the band's full quintet-lineup of Walter Becker, Donald Fagen, Denny Dias, Jim Hodder, and Jeff "Skunk" Baxter (who subsequently left to join The Doobie Brothers), though it also features significant contributions from many prominent Los Angeles-based studio musicians. *A commercial and critical success, the album's hit single, "Rikki Don't Lose That Number", helped restore Steely Dan's radio presence after the disappointing performance of their previous album. *"East St. Louis Toodle-Oo" (also "Toodle-O" and "Todolo") is a composition written by Duke Ellington and Bubber Miley and recorded several times by Ellington for various labels from 1926–1930 under various titles...For Steely Dan's 1974 cover of the song, Becker played the melody with a wah-wah pedal to imitate Miley's trumpet style, while Jeff "Skunk" Baxter used a pedal steel guitar for the trombone part. *Steely Dan FAQ author Anthony Robustelli describes "Pretzel Logic" as a bluesy shuffle about time travel. Fagen has stated that the lyrics, including anachronistic references to Napoleon and minstrel shows, are about time travel. *"Charlie Freak" recounts the tale of a vagrant drug-addict who sells his only possession—a gold ring—to the narrator so he can buy a fix, which kills him. Interesting Factoids from SongFacts.com: *"Rikki Don't Lose That Number" is Steely Dan's highest charting single, reaching #4 on the Hot 100 in 1974. *Released as the B-side to "Rikki Don't Lose That Number," ["Any Major Dude Will Tell You"] was initially a fairly obscure song that became a crowd favorite. In an interview with Rolling Stone during Steely Dan's 2009 tour, Fagen talked about this song: "When we moved out to LA, people called each other 'dude,' which we found funny. We were trying to speak their language." Standout Tracks: Rikki Don't Lose That Number, Night By Night, Any Major Dude Will Tell You, East St. Louis Toodle-Oo, Pretzel Logic, With A Gun, Charlie Freak
Quite liked this one
What a unique and interesting album! Not everything lands, but there is so much neat experimentation and instrumentation on this album, and I absolutely love the vocal harmonies and lead. Nothing overstays it's welcome. This album really makes me want to check out more Steely Dan, which I think is ultimately the point. Fav tracks: Rikki Don't Lose That Number, Charlie Freak, Pretzel Logic, East St. Louis Toodle-Oo
Good album, very steely dan like
This should be an EP -- great songs but also a lot of filler. Great either way. Favorite Track: Pretzel Logic
I love Steely Dan, but this isn’t one of my favorite albums of theirs. It’s still Dan though.
3.8 - This was just good solid music in my opinion. Any Major Dude was a great tune and has been in my playlist. I hoping Can't Buy a Thrill is on this list.
I've got into Steely Dan in a big way the last couple of years, and I've got this record on vinyl, but that being said, its not close to my favourite album of theirs. There are some catchy hooks, and to me its also the point where they are really starting to hone their polished studio sound. But there are also some rather corny moments, and the attempts to experiment with arrangements or styles outside of their typical wheelhouse mostly just fall flat to me. Though I still think its a pretty decent record I don't think its very necessary for the 1001 list. Fave Tracks: Rikki Don't Lose That Number, Night by Night, Any Major Dude Will Tell You, Pretzel Logic 3.7/5
A soft baked pretzel is a lot like Steely Dan when you think about it: both pair well with a dad beer, neither ever truly disappoints, and when done just right, they can really hit the spot.
There is not a note out of place. If you like that, then this is the album for you. I'm neutral on it. I find "Pretzel Logic" to be the most accessible Steely Dan album, even if it doesn't have most of the major hits on it. It's a very good listen and I would probably suggest a person who has not heard Steely Day give it a shot. If you hate how perfect Steely Dan is in the studio, then this won't change your mind. I do find this to be as non-grating as Steely Dan can be. They tone down their kitschy and overly-clever (at times) lyrical content and the songs are also shorter. Next is "Katy Lied," which is not a Steely Dan album I would recommend.
Oh yeah, now we're getting into my world. A high school/college classic for me. Not the best Steely Dan album, but definitely an old favorite. 4 stars.
Super chill with a few classic songs. Still struggle a bit with steely dan's vocals but you can see the detail and precision in their songs.
That clean Steely Dan sound. Lots of unfamiliar tunes for me but enjoyed getting to hear more of the catakog
Steely Dan <3 had wel al een keer van dit album gehoord, kende ook al paar nummers maar het hele album in een keer is erg nice
some classics on there. decent
Jazz stylings over rock without ever approaching prog is a clever sound that really works for the band. 4.0/5.0: Great
very cool musical ideas
Enjoyable.
Drummer killed his mom. Listening to Steely Dan on headphones and trying to hear all the instruments is always rewarding. They fit together like a Swiss clock.
Sehr funky, man hörte sich schnell ein. Abwechslungsreiche Instrumentals, vielleicht leicht unscheinbare Vocals aber sie fügen sich gut ein.
Not my absolute favorite but good Dan nonetheless
Good, chill album. A little rocky. I added “With A Gun” to the Regulators playlist
Woot! Steely Dan!
Steely Dan is classic, and always has perfect production. This album has some great tunes but I feel Aja and Countdown To Ecstacy are stronger showings than this one
This album on 1st listen is very close to a 5 for me. Every song is great and the musicianship is always on another level with SD. I wish I had this on vinyl.
I absolutely loved this - it’s reminding me of Chicago and some Simon and Garfunkel as well. I’m a sucker for horn parts, and I seriously love their mixing techniques with minimal reverb. What a fun album! Only song I wasn’t a fan of was probably the instrumental track.
Everything I’ve listened to by Steely Dan has been a pleasure. They have some of the best mixed/mastered albums that I have listened to.
This must not have been one of the Steely Dan albums in as regular of rotation growing up because other than the first track, it wasn’t super familiar. Very enjoyable though!
Classic Dad rock.
Great, smooth, lil bit funky. Really enjoyed it
One of my all-time favorite albums, and artist. Great music.
night by night lyrics are nice.. barrytown is nice "I'm not one to look behind I know that times must change". gay-ish but also hater ass song like,,,,i guess im from barrytown then too lol. whimsical fellow... the guitar on parkers band is NICE wait omg i know Pretzel logic??? the song. omg? or at least the MELODY
one of the dan's best. close in quality to the royal scam.
Doug is wrong. Steely Dan is great.
Loving the eclectic sound.
Rock Jazz is better than expected. Barely missed out on a 5 star
Great duo with excellent words & music in various ways. Always a listening treat.
Steely Dan's jazzy and soft tones sound as good today as they did in the 70s. The group is both commercially and technically successful but I think their claim to fame is their sound is not duplicated by other bands. They are simply pleasant and easy to listen to without sounding redundant. Thank goodness for their music instead of the electronic and punk rock pretenders out there who just jam and scream making noise rather than making music.
goddam: 09,10 cool: 01, 03, 04, 06, 07, 08 good: 02, 11 meh: 05 ass: really good, kind of lowkey like a 8-9/10
There's some short and rather forgettable tracks on here, but otherwise it's a chill and enjoyable listen. Favorite tracks: Rikki Don't Lose the Number, Any Major Dude Will Tell You, Barrytown Least favorite tracks: Monkey In Your Soul
Superb production. Any Major Dude is a highlight; only a few moments where this album drags.
Gewoon cutie steely, always
4.1/5
Bangers
Steely Dan had such a great sound. Love this album.
Groovy, quick, and so easy to listen to.
Mmm pretzels
It was pretty soothing
Another one that I already own and like. This is Steely Dan's 3rd album, and the last one where they were technically a band, rather than a vehicle for Fagen and Becker. I say "technically because there were more than a dozen other players augmenting the 5 members of the band. Regardless, this is a great album, probably my 2nd favorite behind their first (Can't Buy A Thrill). It has all the things that make Steely Dan great: solid pop sensibilities over a slightly Jazzy groove. precise songwriting, solid musicianship, well produced. But it also has the things that can make Steely Dan a little irritating. They's a bit clinical, perhaps too "clean". The lyrics can trend toward obtuse. And there's just a certain feeling that these guys KNOW they're good, and that they're smarter than all us mortals who are lucky enough to listen to them. With a song about Charlie Parker, and a Duke Ellington cover, these guys let you know they understand and appreciate "real" music. With references to The Queen of Spain, Sqonk's tears and and Napoleon... well these guys are beyond the average. All that said, this remains a very good album. Most of the songs are good to great, and none stink. "Rikki Don't Lose That Number" is a prime 1974 single (#4 in US) and at least 1/2 of it got solid AOR radio play. "Any Major Dude..." "Night by Night" and "Pretzel Logic" are outstanding. All my complaining doesn't change the fact that I enjoy this album, and have for years. Easily at least a 4. But not quite good enough to round to 4. I'll save that 5 for their debut, assuming it shows up on this list.
Rikki Don’t Lose That Number was literally my first introduction to Steely Dan as a 12 year old. Listening now, it’s a pretty great album. The songs are of a piece, except for East St. Louis Toodle-oo, which sounds out of place. Otherwise, this is a great exploration of the demimonde, albeit what you get when you’re California hipsters rather than the Velvets.
Pretty good overall.
Mid 70s harmonies and songwriting, and nice grooves.
Not quite as good as their first, but still damn good. Fun from beginning to end. The only thing stopping me from giving it a 5 straight away is "multiple 5s from the same artist" for the first time being a really high bar, but I thought about it.
Still a very good album. Steely Dan just kills in their ability to write
Surprisingly fun
solid all around, would listen again. unfortunately i’m no closer to understanding the logic behind pretzels.
Good harmonies
Good tunes! I really liked all the instruments
Best album so far 💯💯💯 I've found a new love
кайфово
как же я проорал с East St. Louis Toodle-Oo алкоальбом: красное полусухое
Notable track: Through With Buzz
Very good, enjoyed very much.
Icónico
loved the harmonies
Cool vibe. Sort of CSNY combined with a little bit of the Grateful Dead/funky blues sound.
The mighty Dan of Steel's initial demographic seems to have been future Dentists and fathers who were too smart for their own good. But damn could they groove-- which is why their demographic is so small. The intellectual prog rockers weren't concerned with groove and the funk/ soul crowd wasn't concerned with intellectual lyricism that was chalk full of clever references, inside jokes, and subtle snark. Fagen/ Becker were 2 guys who unapologetically pushed their technical proficiency in the studio while capturing some real smooth grooves that, listening to this album, one just can't turn their back on. This Dan album only has 2 tracks that are overplayed (Rikki & Major Dude) and revisiting, really lets me sink my teeth into lesser known tracks like Barrytown, the tone on East St. Louis, and the visual imagery in the lyrics of With A Gun. Take East St. Louis Toodle-do for example, this should come off hokey as hell, but I just can't skip this track. Until the final second when you hear the gong strike (??) you're pulled into their bizarre nerd-universe where Duke Ellington covers live organically alongside the fusion of future dentists grooving to the obsessive music perfection of 2 men that have definitely read more books than any of us.
Liked the album a lot, but sounded a little over produced to me.
The sun came out for the first time yesterday in about 20 days. And at the same time I got to listen to this classic masterpiece.
Really liked !!
I’m a little surprised at how much I enjoyed this. It’s kinda corny - which I just panned The Beach Boys and Dire Straits for being. Cheesy, but the sense of humor in it feels more authentic. But it’s also smart and a little funky. Ricky is clearly a classic. Listening on my commute, I had a hard time not thinking of that scene in Say Anything when John Mahoney is singing along in his car. I liked it, not loved it. But didn’t expect to like anything beyond the singles. Pleasantly surprised.
- yeah this is the good stuff - I love yacht rock vibes - so fun to listen to
1- itching my brain in a good way 2- instant like 3- im confused, not in a completely bad way 4- okayy, but not my fav so far 5- i feel like the mc in a black and white movie and i love it (i love wtv happened after 2:20) 6- YES. i am def clapping my hands 7- idk the flow is just wrong in my ears 8- its okay (2 min mark is amazing) i like second half a lot better 9- i like this one too, the lyrics are intEresting and the beat just sounds so good 10- "FIVE NIGHTS WITHOUT A BITE"? evil fnaf lore, also the jingles made this feel sinister 11- the name goes hard, i cant tell if this is bass or not but it sounds so good wtf is it and w the drums its so good
Pleasant and mildly electronic