Pretzel Logic

It was nice but ronan said it was a solid 4.4 so I went in with high expectations. IT WAS NOT

Any major dude will tell you this is great

Tonight is a Steely Dan night. Tonight is a Pretzel Logic night. This one’s sneaky—it doesn’t have the sprawling jams of Aja or the polish of Gaucho, but it’s absolutely loaded. “Rikki Don’t Lose That Number” opens with one of their most iconic hooks, “Any Major Dude” sounds like a cosmic pep talk, and the title track is pure Dan wordplay perfection. Then there’s “Parker’s Band,” their little love letter to Charlie Parker, and “Monkey in Your Soul,” where Donald Fagen sounds like he’s trying to sweet-talk you and insult you at the same time. It’s tight, it’s weird, it’s brilliant. Basically, it’s Steely Dan. Tonight’s pretzel is twisted just right.

I'm not sure how Steely Dan has 4 albums on this list. Don't get me wrong, I like them but to say they are iconic to a point where they have about as much albums on this list as Pink Floyd is a bit of a stretch. That being said, this album is pretty meh in my opinion. It's just the same formula that they've used their entire run so I can't say it really stuck out to me. Yeah, I just think it is really bland, not horrible but not great at the same time. Favorite Songs: Rikki Don't Lose That Number, Any Major Dude Will Tell You Rating: 3/5

Two Steely Dan's in just over a week. This is my least favorite of those I've heard in full so far, but it's still solid. A number of shorter tracks which I'm not used to from them.

Enjoyable but not something I'm likely to revisit

Pretty good.

Certainly not Steely Dan’s best stuff and not my favorite, but still some good stuff in here! And nothing bad at least. The title track was incredible, and I enjoyed the guitar on Night by Night, but not much else stood out to me.

The album was interesting. Had some strong points, but not my favorite.

Before starting this challenge, I had only heard A Royal Scam. The songs here are shorter and surprisingly commercial, albeit with a zany funk and jazz fusion. I imagine this could get up to four stars for me with repeated listens, but based on first impressions it's a three.

Solid

Hard to believe this album is over 50 years old. It still sounds pretty fresh today and has some beautiful melodies and harmonies. Not entirely to my taste but a pleasant listen when relaxing.

Listens: 3 Standout Tracks: East St. Louis Toodle-Oo, With A Gun Second Steely Dan album on the List. Still largely average with a few standout tracks. I like the instrumental Toodle-Oo ditty, and With A Gun. Nothing I recognize from radio play and I was not super impressed by the single Rikki Don't Lose That Number.

pretty chill vibe

It's fine I guess.

I should have liked this more. No doubt they were influential though.

???

Never been a fan of these guys. They are obviously super talented but not my get down. And Donald Fagen’s voice is not my cup of tea.

3 out of 5 Quintessential yet background classic rock. I know their music well but would not seek it out.

Meh I forgot I listened to this tbh and had it unrated for ages. Oops That's how bland it was. Funnily enough I said something similar for another album of theirs 3 ⭐️

Ok. Pretty good. I liked barrytown and monkey in your soul.

Rikki Don't Lose That Number earns this a full extra point, but ultimately this didn't impress me much.

IDK maybe this isn't their best album or I'm not in the right mood, but I just don't get this. I think the overproduction really lacks personality, and feels overcrowded, which I don't think you can really say for other production perfectionists like Brian Wilson. I don't really like the vocals either, probably preferred his solo album, pretty much everything is double tracked, so it just feels quite fake and tacky after a while. I think people call this jazz rock and I can't really see it, I think it would benefit from some heavier jazz influences, maybe that's what their other albums lean into. The blues Eagles esque guitar stuff is also really tacky imo. Favourite songs: Any major dude will tell you, Monkey in your soul. Overall around 5/10

It’s ok. Nothing here to get too excited about.

I still find them boring... But it's a bit better than the last album by then I suppose.

I feel like every day I alternate between loving and hating steely Dan. Tbh only their really popular songs usually resonate with me. My favorite on this was ESLTO which is odd considering it’s the only instrumental song, but it scratched itches that the other songs didn’t. I totally understand the appeal of steely Dan but a lot of their songs aren’t for me

I love pretzels. This album was good too.

Loved the variety of instrumental styles even within a single song. Great first album to listen to! 7/10

Pretty cool to finally listen to them. I'm surprised I only knew the first song previously, the rest were decent.

I liked this back in the 70's, it dominated a portion of the radio airwaves and was certainly of higher quality than a lot that was being put out. Cool jazzy rock in a radio-friendly pop format. Mellow, brainy and sedate it was the soundtrack of every fern bar and Tupperware party.

Not a huge S.D. fan

Smooth, first time I heard about this band, look foward to dig deeper on their discog

На мій смак є суттєво кращі альбоми в дискографії. При чому що до цього, що після. Загалом приємний альбом, стиль присутній

Цікаво чому з усієї дискографії стілі ден обрали саме цей альбом. Я дуже їх люблю, і буквально будь-якому альбому який виходив після Pretzel Logic я поставив би 4 або 5.

Expected a bland rock album, and I guess that's what it was. I liked it though. Easy to listen to rock.

2.5 but i can’t do that & this deserves to be rounded up rather than down, there’s been worse

Нет ни единой причины не любить этот альбом, как и впрочем быть в восторге от него. Он последовательный, хорошо написанный, отличный звук и смешной мужичок на обложке, есть пару хайлайтов, но в основном он просто классно ложится на фон. Возможно он вырастет на мне, но я так не думаю. 7/10 Highlights: Night by Night; Pretzel Logic

Maybe the most mid band of all time. But they kind of own it.

Had high hopes for this one given rikki and major dude but the rest of the album was a hokey flop for me. 2.5 rounded up

Not my favourite Steely Dan, less memorable songs but very clear.

Good classic rock album, just vibed with it in general. No songs super stuck out to me.

I have mixed feelings about Steely Dan. Their songs are typically smooth and easy to listen to, but almost aggressively so, if that makes any sense. There's nothing NOT to like here. "Rikki Don't Lose That Number" and "Pretzel Logic" are the standouts. But there are better overall choices (just about every song on AJA, for instance) if you really find yourself needing a Steely Dan fix.

Pues me ha gustado. Es super groovy y es super entretenido de escuchar. Me ha sorprendido. 3/10

Better than I anticipated. Never listened to a Steely Dan album before

Tuttu albumi, taattua steely dania :)

Not for me

I believe real fans call them “Scully Dan”.

Yacht Rock Baby. This might be the hardest album cover of all time Best Song: Pretzel Logic Rating: 5.0/10 Stars: 3/5

3/5.

You don’t fuck with the Dan. Got some legend tracks even though it goes a bit saggy toward the middle-end. Finishes strong with “Monkey in Your Soul”.

Love Steely Dan. Love a couple songs here. That said, I think a fair case could be made for this being the weakest of their first albums. Still good, but just not great.

Its fine.

Rikki Don't Lose That Number aside, this is incredibly forgettable. Too pop to be rock, too mellow to hold an edge.

A couple of nice earworms in here.

Yeah... No, one good song and a lot of long bits that should have just stayed on the cutting room floor.

I think it would be hard for Steely Dan to make an album I hated. It’s a mix of blues on lead guitar, jazz sax and funk bass that is pretty unique to them as an act (and feels uniquely American). For me though - this isn’t as strong as Cant Buy a Thrill or Aja. The second half has some skippable tracks that are almost instantly forgotten as soon as they end. East St Louis Toodle-oo should be deleted. I can’t give this more than 3/5

The ridiculous fun of Rikki Don’t Lose That Number is the highlight of this LP for me. The rest is less of a genre match with my tastes and doesn’t give enough to overcome that - despite enjoyable instrumentation throughout. I enjoy when they stray into pop rock Bowie territory. They have a funny use of language as well, particularly the term “major dude.”

Pretzel Logic doesn’t do much for me but the production is great and the musicianship is impressive and carries it along nicely, solid 3 for me

It’s kinda giving 70s sitcom theme tune. The opening track is one of those songs that you know from somewhere but don’t realise it. I thought this album was nice and a pleasant half an hour but it didn’t make much of a lasting impact on me.

Solid but forgettable

I don’t think I’ll revisit it, but it was more pleasant than expected for my morning drive.

rikki dont lose that number- 5 or 6 night by night- 5 any major dude will tell you- 5 barrytown- 5 east st louis toodleoo- 5 parkers band- 5 through with buzz- 5 pretzel logic- 5 with a gun- 5 or 6 charlie freak- 5 monkey in your soul- 5

Rikki Don't Lose That Number is great. Any Major Dude Will Tell You is good. The rest of the album is either forgettable or too jazzy for me.

Not really my style but a super interesting listen

Ran together but good vibes

I would say this was very forgettable.

It was ok, not much to say about this.

Dude rock. (More or less.)

Dads of the world unite!!

3,5

Me gusto eh, tuvo momentos flojos pero en líneas generales me resultó atractivo

Not my favorite Steely Dan, but it’s still Steely Dan

Really enjoyed the first half second half of the album wasn’t as good. After the first three songs I was thinking I was going have to my first 5 but the album as a whole to me is a 3.5

Dad rock. This is neither a positive nor a negative, just a general purpose statement.

Easy listening.

Ganz nettes Rock-Album aus den 70ern. Bekannt ist "Rikki Don't Lose That Number" 3/5

Not as good as can't buy a thrill, but it had some charm left in it

Not the best, it's cool and mellow but also a bit too soft for my taste.

good

It was genuinely fine. Charlie Song was really good but other than that it was like, normal rock

Cover 6 Decent songs. Good album from an influential band. Better upon second listen.

Steely Dan is an interesting one. I listen to this record a couple of times in different ways did not enjoy it in my ears, but when I put it on in the backyard chilling, it had a different feel to it the further it is for my ears the better I think this album was made to be put on One of those old radios that Dad’s put in their garage. My final impression of this album is in the end. It was pretty fun to listen to just took me a little bit to get there. I definitely like other Steely Dan albums more but I have no regrets. Who is Steely Dan? What’s the deal? I’m gonna need more information about this band.

2 Steely Dan albums in 5 days. Who do I complain to?

Funkig

Steely Dan is sitting around the BBQ, drinking a few beers while the families are mingling over a few mean games of cornhole or a disorganized game of volleyball using an old badminton net left over from a forgone time. For me, this album is not particularly memorable in the annals of music history, but it was great for what it was: a product of the time. Not being seasoned Steely Dan fan, my assessment is simple: their musicality was good; harmonies great. However, their biggest point of experimentation came in the first song, and was limited to the first minute. Some key songs were Rikki Don’t Lose that Number; Pretzel Logic and Monkey in Your Soul. Overall, solid album but not world changing.

Random thoughts: * I'm kinda in my full dad-rock phase at this point and I should be all about Steely Dan. * I dug the hits on here: Rikki and Any Major Dude. * The rest was fine. I think I'll end up liking and rating higher the other Steely Dan albums. * Enjoyable but definitely not classic outside of the key tracks.

Rv/g

Eh

3,5/5

First exposure to Steely Dan. Had a great time. 3.5 really

I love Steely Dan, don't get me wrong. But this album isn't it. At all. Rikki Don't Lose That Number does literally nothing for me. I don't even get why it's popular. Almost every song on here is instantly forgettable. This thing still has Steely Dan charm, but it feels like something they just churned out to keep the coffers full, not a piece of music they actually put much effort into. It's listenable, but that's probably as far as I'll go with this thing.

Rikki Don’t Lose That Number - Clean as fuck guitar solo in the second half, which is the best half by far. Pretty slick tune overall, really liked it. Night by Night - pretty good instrumentals, liked the sax in the mix. Any Major Dude Will Tell You - beautifully written, produced and performed. Charlie Freak - great lyrics and instrumentals. A disappointing album overall, certainly when they have Can’t Buy A Thrill and Aja in the catalogue, which are all-timers. 2 bangers, 2 great, the rest were not much to write home about, which is a bit sad.

For the most part this didnt quite click. There's some gorgeous piano on this thing. The keyboard is often excitable and when the guitars get going they really flourish. The vocals can be awesome at times too. But yeah just didnt click I guess. 5/10

Reading about this album after a listen, it is obvious that compared to their other works that this album was designed to be more commercially viable/accessible. While it certainly worked, this album spawned their most successful single and arguably the group's most popular song. Unfortunately, I don't think that Steely Dan as a group shines their brightest when catering to what sells. Side A is clearly stronger with the first three tracks being the standouts of the album, Barrytown is decent and East St. Louis Toodle-Oo is a novel, funky and off-kilter tune. The only thing that really sticks with me about Side B is the refrain of With A Gun. Even though I consider this a weaker Dan album, everything here is performed and arranged to an extremely high standard without sounding clinical. It has all the hallmarks of Dan album, especially the lyricism. If any other band released this, it would be a great album. But when the band that did Aja and Gaucho release this, it's just good. Highlights: Rikki Don't Lose That Number, Any Major Dude Will Tell You

I can imagine a middle-aged suburban father named Dan Steele listening to this on a Sunday afternoon after church. It's okay, but what is it about this band that deserves this kind of love? Favorite Track: "Rikki Don't Lose That Number".

Didn't know the album. Probably I expected to much since I am not so convinced. There are some really nice songs on here ("Rikki ...", Barrytown, ...) but some don't convince me at all.

Superb

I love Steeley Dan but this album is not their best work. Sonically it's a little disjointed and the smooth production that you get on Aja and Can't Buy a Thrill is missing. Rikki Do t Lose That Number still slaps though.

It's a smooth ride with some catchy tunes, but it doesn’t fully grab me. The jazzy vibes and clever lyrics are nice, but it feels a bit too laid-back for my taste.

easy listening, i liked the lil instrumental interlude. some songs felt like they repeated for a bit too long

A nice easy-listening band from my youth with one hit on an average album. But not exactly setting the world on fire. I’d give it 2 only, except that there so much other dross on this list that, by comparison, its at least a 3.

Pretty darn cool

Inte min favorit Steely dan, men inte alls dålig heller. Stark 3

Some great music but not a lot of songs i connect to on this one, 3.5

Rikki var nice men inget speicellt

Hört om detta band flera gånger men visste inte hur det skulle låta. Visste inte ens om det var ett band eller en person. Men lät bra!

Super 70s tight musicianship, complex white guy blues/R&B/jazz so perfect it must have taken a whole gang of cocaine to get it all together. I don't love Steely Dan, but there are a few really good, interesting, sonically rich songs on this one, as well as a few mid throwaway wank jobs.

Very funny to go from yesterday’s album to Steely Dan, but it gave me a new appreciation for them.

Good easy listen

Unmistakably unique, Steely Dan brings it again.

The musicianship is undeniable. East St. Louis Toodle-Oo is a charming tune that shows off their chops. The overall sound is great, but there’s something about the vibe that bothers me. This feels like music for bros. I guess I liked it better than I thought I would.

Listened a lot to aja last month an am over steely danned atm. Aja is probably better, and this seems okay, but again not the moment to listen to more steely dan.

I like how well they fuse so many styles together and the blend often works extremely well (especially the more jazz sections and guitair solo). I was surprised I knew some of the songs on this album. Sounded slightly dated at times and routed in 80s. Lots of promise on this album but the bangers were only occassionally but as something to listen too while cooking or something I would definately come back to it.

Might grow on me next time round

These guys get better the more I listen. This one made me feel like I should give the others another go. Great opener with Rikki and the others created good vibes.

It was ok. Not really my thing

J - 3/5 Best Track - "Rikki Don't Lose That Number" F - 2/5

Weird but why not, easy to listen to

Kinda fun bunch of weirdos I guess.

3.5. ADD HALF STARS PLS

I like it more than I thought I would, but I wouldn't rush to listen to this on repeat. I like the music a lot more than the lyrics/vocals.

Can't quite make up my mind, good sound, weird narrative, perhaps I may have become obsessed if it had entered my orbit in the mid 70s. But it didn't, and for that I am thankful really.

Forgettable dad rock (no offence dad).

Steely Dan. Fint, men forglemmelig.

This album brings back a lot of classic memories and the first half is really good. Wide variety of sounds and instruments, the right mix of jazz and pop, got me loving some yacht rock these days. The second half is not as strong but still decent enough. However, I prefer a few songs of Steely Dan sprinkled throughout a playlist rather than in full album format. This was a lot of Steel Dany. 3.20 for pretzels.

Steely Dan brings the 1920s flapper swag with Pretzel Logic. Feel like I should be sipping an old fashion at a speakeasy listening to "East t. Louis Toodle-Oo." Other than "Rikki Don't Lose That Number" though, there are not any other real hits but it's still a decent listen. Does this album deserve a spot on the must listen list? Not so sure but the record cover boosts it a bit to a 2.59. I'll take a hot pretzel at 15 cents for sure.

love me some steely dan but this isn’t their best imo

high 3, almost a 4.

I’m not sure I’ve listened to much Steely Dan before, so Pretzel Logic was a fresh experience for me. I gave it a couple of spins today and found it to be an easy, enjoyable listen with a few standout tracks. The album has a lively energy and smooth production, making it accessible and pleasant. That said, nothing on it really gripped me or compelled me to hit repeat right away. It’s solid, but not particularly groundbreaking on first impression. Favourite songs: “Rikki Don’t Lose That Number” is a clear highlight—catchy, confident, and effortlessly cool. “Night by Night” also stood out with its groove and punch. Least favourite: Honestly, nothing felt skippable. Every track was worth a listen. Album artwork: I love the cover—simple and iconic. And yes, lots of pretzels!

Sonically this one sounded really great but lyrically there was a bit to be desired. It was a quick fun listen overalls

Good vibe but a lot of boring shi

Decent tunes. I am not sure if it's for me or if I would listen again.

Hard to argue with the musicianship on this one. No particularly memorable songs on this album though. Check out 'Eleven Long Years' by Us3 for an excellent sample from 'Rikki Don't Lose That Number".

Not bad a little slow in places easy listening

This album has a good infusion of jazz sensibilities to Steely Dan's pop/rock sound. The best song on the album is Rikki Don't Lose That Number. Some of the other tracks are a bit forgettable, but overall the album is fine. The sound is very good.

This was more enjoyable than expected, and could very well make it's way to a possible roadtrip playlist as a repeat listen. This will be receiving a 3.5, however it will be demoted to 3 a three as it does not quite hit the overall heights of a complete 4.

Strong start with "Ricky Don't Lose That Number". Nothing stood out after. Won't revisit, I don't hate it, just doesn't float my boat. 2.5/5 raising to 3.

Bang average

It's always been an uphill battle to get myself to listen to a Steely Dan album for whatever reason. I have no reason to be Steely Dan averse, they've done nothing to me, and I even like a lot of their bigger songs, but frankly, I'd rather just think about the insane origins of their name than actually listen to them (look it up if you're curious). Anyways, sometimes the generator wills it, and here I am. Honestly, this wasn't bad, there are some really great highlights like Rikki Don't Lose That Number, Night By Night, and Charlie Freak, but as a whole I just kinda think this was pretty good. This isn't to say that I think Steely Dan sounds generic, they definitely have their thing going on, I just that I can't see what makes this essential listening in the wide world of '70s rock. Anyways, its a matter of time before the generator conjures more Steely Dan, so we'll meet again someday.

This album was one of those in heavy rotation in my older brother's vinyl collection so it seeped into me by osmosis: love "Ricki ""Any Major Dude," and the title track but a lot of songs don't stand out. Still, amazing studio work (as always) and songwriting. Love me some Dan.

Any major dude will tell you that this is a pretty solid, entertaining, and musically impressive 70s rock record. Kudos to the hell of a gong player (gongist?) on "East St Louis Toodle-Oo"

liked songs: Through With Buzz Good 3

my first steely dan album. not sure how I feel about it yet. is it bland and boring? without a doubt. but not offensively so. I'm perfectly happy to leave it on in the background and float away in its fuzzy sound. not a single song is even slightly memorable, but it's not awful. slightly toasted white bread of music.

Nice little indie vibe. Reminded me of the velvet underground

5/5/2025: solid, just not quite my vibe.

Good album!

Appreciate it, but do not vibe with it

I listened to it but forgot to come back to review. Then I realised most of it wasn't memorable except for the single "Ricky Don't Lose That Number". Maybe because looking back it sounds like generic 70s pop.

Sympa sans plus. Plus calme

Enjoyed the album. Nothing special that I could point out. This particular sound I have heard before. Plus I didn't have enough time like I usually do to breath with the album to think over it carefully. But from my one listen, the album is nice and gets your going. It's moving in the sense that it lifts my spirits. The final rating based on my current music taste: 6/10 21 April 2025

Don’t know what I was expecting but it wasn’t that. It was kind of all over the place and you never knew where it was going to next. Weird album. but not bad weird.

OK. Middle of the road

Not their best

Gentle rock and roll. A few good tunes, enjoyable

3.5

Feel like I need to give this one a few more listens. The three “hits” are super groovy. But some of the songs sound a little kitschy to me on first listen, which I know is sacreligious to say about the Dan. I’d never cut it off, but might not grab for it either.

not my favourite of their albums ( i'd go for goucho or can't buy a thrill) , slightly too many clunkers amongst the gold. 3.5

My only knowledge of steely dan was that there was an insufferably annoying person I knew in college who made steely dan their entire identity. They were always like 'duuuude you have to listen to him it will change your life' and I never did because they were annoying. Honestly after listening I can kinda see where they're coming from, some pretty catchy stuff in the beginning but the last 5 songs got super boring. idk if he ran out of ideas or if his ideas just weren't gripping enough to maintain an entire album. Either way, my life remains pretty unchanged.

Overall, I enjoyed this, it was easy-listening soft rock. There were some interesting instrumentals here, like the intro flapamba in "Rikki" and the cover of Duke Ellington's "East St. Louis Toodle-Oo", relying on guitar wah-wahs instead of a brass section. Perhaps most of the tracks were a little too soft-rock/clean, everything was a nice mainstream neat package.

Getting started. Song 1: a little too poppy and smooth. Vapid? Maybe. We'll let 'em cook. Alright, getting better on this second track. This album feels super uneven. Half the time it's the most boring radio-friendly rock, but then its got these wonderful interludes like East St. Louis Toodle-Oo. Basically, any time they're singing, it's worse, but intrumentals are solid. Bizarrely, all the most popular tracks are the worst ones (thought Night by Night is good and pretzel logic is okay). 3.5 Rounding down

this was a fun album. some of the songs were surprisingly complex, other songs I didn't even notice while they were playing.

quite good for bg, but nothing stood out, only 2 songs saved

Nice

I listened to this driving down a 2 lane road at sunset, surrounded by Joshua Trees, pink sky, orange hills. The vibes were right. Some interesting and unique arrangements. I like the country rock more than the jam band stuff.

There a couple of tracks on this album that I really like, but most of it is a bit too vanilla for me. I don't think I would seek the album out again, but certainly wouldn't mind if somebody twisted my arm to give it another listen.

5.5/10 Inoffensive and not particularly exciting, but the execution is very good I suppose. Highlights Barrytown

Favourite tracks: Any Major Dude Will Tell You Barrytown Parker's Band

3.5/5. Sometimes I am simply not white nor old enough.

Prior to Steely Dan, Fagan and Becker were in a band called Leather Canary. Guess who played drums in that band? Chevy Chase. I've heard that Chevy is a dick in real life... It's a shame he wasn't in this iteration of the band that put out this album. It feels like It could use a bit of the rough. WTF is this toodle-oo bullshit?

Fine. Great cover, interesting at times, pretty unremarkable otherwise.

Now I get what yacht rock is.

Really fun album full of funky/jazzy/rock tracks that as a whole are unique, but retain trademark Steely Dan sound. First half is full of feel good(ish) tunes that make for easy listening, back half is cooler and darker with creative and cryptic lyricism and storytelling. Fav track: Rikki Don’t Lose That Number

This album has elements that I'd typically like quite a bit. 70s rock with variety in sound, pretty solid songwriting, cool instrumentation, cool guitar tones in certain songs, and some jammy elements, but I just really couldn't get into it. I've never been against Steely Dan, but I just haven't really been able to connect with it.

This was fun. Cool fusions of sounds. Jazz, psych, soul, rock. I enjoyed this!

Don't lose that number ... ganz nett sonst

Rating: 3/5 | Favorite Track: Night By Night --- Eh, it’s fine. None of the tracks really stood out to me with the sole of exception of the funk rock of Night By Night. I just get quite bored by this safe sounding jazz rock and blues rock.

3.5

7/10 Enjoyed the first couple songs, got a little repetitive

The definition of a pleasant listen. Nothing all that special but it has a nice vibe to it.

Listened behind the desk at work, fun tunes but not so memorable

Un mix folk/jazz/rock pas inintéressant du tout. -1 pour la voix reloue du chanteur.

Fun album and funky

Good rock album, but I can't really say anything more. There's nothing that was outstanding for me, just some old regular rock songs

Bro why are all steely Dan albums ever made on this fucking list, they’re all the same

Kinda looses it's way half way through. Maybe more of a 3.5.

"Pretzel Logic" is a return to a more structured, concise, and intricate song structure, contrasting with the extended instrumental jam-like pieces that characterized their previous album, "Countdown to Ecstasy." The tracks on this album are skillfully blended with jazz elements and catchy pop hooks, while maintaining a sense of cohesion throughout the album. The lyrics are a a blend of darkness, humor, and irony, while the band's signature perfectionism and meticulous attention to detail remain evident. In addition to hit track "Rikki Don't Lose That Number," notable songs include "Any Major Dude Will Tell You" and "Barrytown." "Pretzel Logic" is arguably Steely Dan's best album and appears to be a turning point for the direction of future albums. Overall, the album feels like a fun Late night FM radio experience. (Not quite a 4 star, sitting closer to a 3+)

Passa una cosa amb aquest àlbum: està en aquella franja estètica dels 70 on estaven a punt de parir el so dels 80 i tot plegat és francament horripilant. Vist en perspectiva sembla paròdic, i no ho és, però alhora és injust jutjar-ho per això. Seria valorar-ne la qualitat amb un presentisme poc honest. Deixem-ho en que destila talent, originalitat, diversió i cursileria. Hi falta la força que sí hi ha en títols més depurats de Steely Dan.

Not the biggest Steely Dan but I’ve listened to their full 1970’s catalog over the years. In my opinion, this album is not better than Royal Scam, Aja or Cant Buy This Thrill - those are all 4-Stars for me. I do appreciate the Beckett/Fagan contribution to music. They write interesting music combining some cool Jazz, R&B, Funk and Rock elements. Lyrical compositions are very solid. I have to be in the right mood to listen to Steely Dan - they are not a band I can listen to over and over.

ik denk toch wel dat dit album het meest tot zn recht komt als mn vader het aanzet op de platenspeler en gaat dansen

would vote 3.5. It's very good, maybe just not as much to my taste

Pleasantly surprised! again, it’s not something I’ll return to often but the album has a great sound and it was a fun listen

i like pretzels

They're very good at their instruments I just don't like the genre they like to play But I didn't think i would ever give a Steely Dan or Steely Dan-adjacent album more than a two, and here it is at three?

Luv Steely Dan. Simple as. 'Night by night' and 'Pretzel logic' are highlights even if it doesn't reach the heights of Can't buy a thrill and Aja

Other Steely Dan albums didn't click with me until a few listens, perhaps this will end up the same. The highs of Aja and the Royal Scam aren't reached here. "Rikki don't lose that number" might be one of their biggest hits, but it's dishwater dull.

It’s okay. I don’t actively dislike Steely Dan, but I’m never really moved by their music, either. Charlie Freak 2.5

Good. Down home-y vibes

You can definitely feel them starting to head in the funky direction - and i say that in the best way possible. Rikki is a classic, any major dude is of course a crowd favorite. But the self-titled track is probably my favorite on here. So blues and groovy. Can't buy a thrill is still probably my favorite, AJA a very close second. Then Pretzel Logic. Such a great band - always so so so tight. Idk how people don't like SD - it makes no sense to me

Actually acceptable and not as bad as Aja which made me want to not have ears.

Here I am, 42 years old, listening to Steely Dan. The conversion to midlife is complete.

"Rikki Don't Lose That Number". Classic. Skipped through the rest of the album. 3 stars.

First time listening to this album, but the third one from Steely Dan that i'm listening to. It was quite good. Think i prefer both "Aja" and "Can't Buy A Thrill" over this one though.

3.5

I think this lackluster score more so reflects my lack of appreciation and understanding of this era of music. I hope to one day be able to appreciate this album. Though there was quite a wide range and diverse sounds explored.

Ihan passelia musisointia, paria kappaletta voisi kuunnella enemmänkin. Ok.

Easy flowing and lovely music. Always had a special place in my heart for Steely Dan mainly because my favorite artist, MF Doom sampled them so much. This record is sequenced and mastered so beautifully, it’s so easy on the ears. Nice one.

Heard a different Steely Dan album before. With this one I'm conflicted. On the one hand no songs really stood out to me. On the other I kinda liked the album? Something intriguing about it 3/5

Album cover is so hard and the album doesn’t quite reach its level. But the music is still good enough for an enjoyable album!

Fun and groovy, nothing much else

I feel like I rate a lot of albums here 2 or 3 since must don't leave a big impression on me. Same goes for this one, it wasn't bad at all it was actually quite enjoyable, however it is nothing special really. I will give it a weak 3 star rating.

003.Pretzel Logic; Steely Dan -not much has changed in society's attitudes since this was made, unfortunately. -Timely.

"Rikki" is a pretty solid groove if you wish Wings was meaner. "Night by Night" is for people who wish Wings wasn't so funky. "Any Major Dude" is the about the eighth best Wings song ever. The rest of the album is on par with Wings' Venus and Mars. If comparing Steely Dan to Wings doesn't reduce your Dannist adversary to a stutter, substitute Styx in there.

Spent the listen clocking samples pulled for other songs and Michael McDonald's backing vocals. [This is fine]

Wait... do... do I maybe LIKE Steely Dan? Am I unhip? I'd only ever heard about Steely Dan as a) the butt of a joke or b) that noodly band that only uncool dads like. I was surprisingly into this and I don't know what to make of that.

I'm a 50+ year old dad. Of course I have this album. I think we all get the Steely Dan discography when we turn 50. Sort of like getting your first AARPA invitation. I assume this is on the list mainly because the author was also a 50+ dad. 3 stars = 1 for being Steely Dan, 1 for being a passable album cover (something Steely Dan seems to have struggled with) and 1 for me being over 50.

Listening to this album was like having someone in “The Friend Zone.” You really like this person and quite enjoy their company. But there’s just something you can’t quite put your finger on that you don’t want to bang them. Same with this album. Just couldn’t quite say I loved it, but has potential with a re-listen.

Not as good as Aja, but still a solid listen. 3.5

Boring

Nice jams

It's fine. 2.5

Third Steely Dan album I’ve had. Already had Aja which I guess is their most famous. First thing which came into my head when I began listening was the long hot summers in the UK mid 1970’s. Then checked my notes of the first two SD albums I reviewed and saw that I said the same thing about them. So that’s final then. Steely Dan records are meant to be played on long hot summer afternoons with tequila cocktail in hand. In my book that’s a win. 3/5 31/1/25

#484. After the first it gets a bit uninteresting. 3/5: grandma rock

3.5

Rock with hints of jazz and fun guitar licks. Would recommend giving a listen.

High school days staple, overplayed tho

Solid musicianship if not the most exciting ever

Almost the very definition of mid. Not sure about including 4 SD albums on this list although the snippets I heard from other albums suggests something a little better May lie ahead. Expecting more from a Band named after a Dildo in a Burroughs book, though...

Mid 70’s mediocrity. Opening track is the strongest and is the one everyone knows. Had promise but just turned into a sea of “meh”

3.5

Overall a pretty pleasant listen! I knew of "Ricky Don't Lose That Number" of course but I never thought I enjoyed that song. Listening to it again I thought it was catchy and enjoyed the album overall. I think I'll go with a 3.

It's alright and I agree with the general opinion that it's by no means revolutionary when listening here in 2025. But I can definitely see the unique project and a great album in the 70's. Pretty cool with the Jazz inspired piece in the middle.

почему опять....

legalzinho, fiquei com a sensação de ser um rock meio genérico daquela época; ainda assim é bom, gostoso de ouvir, teria que prestar mais atenção na letra para saber se tem algo que o torna mais especial

Some of these melodies are Beatles songs, right? Barrytown for sure … but which one…

There were elements of this album that I liked better than Aja. But those elements didn’t last long enough for me to say I enjoy Steely Dan.

Way to go for dissing East St. Louis

Not my favorite but has some gems. Fagan is a brilliant songwriter, but this album feels disjointed and doesn’t have a good flow. If you’re a fan of the band (like me) you’ll still enjoy it. Otherwise I wouldn’t tell my friends you have to listen to this album before you die.

I wasn't thrilled about this one since I've heard Aja before and I'm not the biggest fan of it, it's good but I guess the clinical smoothness can get kinda tired. This album by comparison is far more fun, it has those classic Steely Dan smooth melodies but I feel like the music is far more lively and fun here, it's jazzy instrumentals with some classic rock leanings makes for a combination that just works really well with their style. A surprise for sure!

Nice enough 3/5

Really liked rikki don't lose that number, rest of the album wasn't too my taste but appreciated the vibe

Great sound. The harmonies are killer. A great listen clockin in at just over 30 min

3.5/5. Good, easy listening. Most of the songs on here were new to me. I was not blown away by this, and I can't say I'm compelled to come back.

mother of god rikki pls i’m begging you don’t do it

Dads everywhere are lightly bobbing their heads.

le doy un 7.5, me encanta steely dan y barrytown me gustó mucho

steely dan are not yet at the height of their powers but still a good if somewhat unfocused album.

I know that it's a Duke Ellington arrangement. They way they did it was wrong but I can't explain why. It's good music... but the stuff that it's about is so alien to me. It's all bougie bohemian problems.

first half of this carries... likely not a podium Dan album for me but it was the first of theirs i bought & has a couple favorite tracks. lacks the same refinement as the records that would follow it, but maintains its own identity in their discog with a heavier lean on bop phrasing. Rikki is an alltimer & Barrytown is one of my favorite underrated tracks of theirs is horace silver gonna show up on this list too

Not my favorite

Some fabled Steely Dan, at last. Never listened to one of their albums before. I can understand why this is so highly regarded by many, but I don't think my life has gotten richer today.

Aight

not gunna lie i was expecting more from this. it started out strong but i had lost interest by about the half way point. some nice full sounds but overall not as grand as i was hoping.

Steely Dan is kind of like straight glucose syrup. It’s objectionable good. REALLY good. But it looses its luster as we scoop it into our mouths. This is the last album with the “original lineup” and these guys can play. The instrumentation and arrangements are flawless. These are the players’ players all together to make objectionably amazing music. But by halfway through the under 40-minute album I was tapped out. There are a couple songs that really caught my attention, but other than that it was a lot of just “damn these guys are good.” I think other releases (Can’t Buy A Thrill and Aja) are better as full album statements. Saved songs: - Any Major Dude Will Tell You - Pretzel Logic

This is the first repeat album for me because I got about 10 albums in before I restarted with my current group. I’m glad I listened to second time I will say. It’s chill, I added a couple songs to playlists last time and added a couple more this time too. Really enjoyed East St. Louis Toodle-Oo! I always enjoy and appreciate Stanley Dean.

A few really good songs, some kinda lame songs. Great production and arrangements.

Love Steely Dan

Album was OK for me, just not my thing. But I liked Barrytown and With A Gun.

Hey Rikki, lose my number

For some reason the phrase "Any major dude..." just makes me chuckle. It feels like an old person trying to be hip. Then Barrytown says how he likes things the way they were and discussing hair cuts. There is something old man shaking his fist at youngsters, but also having long hippie hair and Jesus sandals. There are some cool sounds like East St. Lousis Toodle-Oo. And Rikki Don't lose that number gets stuck in your head. But those two also don't feel like they should be on the same album. I can sing and bop along to it, but there is just something slightly weird or off if I really listen to it. I will go with a 3 because I might be turning into that old hippie...

I like the music. It's jazzy and interesting. Great instrumentation. I can appreciate it for it's musicality but the songs just don't draw me in. My favorite song by Steely Dan is "Go Back Jack and Do it Again - Wheel Turning Round and Round"... that one isn't on this album.

I read an interview once with modern rock star, Annie Clark, aka St. Vincent, stating that anybody who works for her at setting up her equipment and sound gear for her concerts must use Steely Dan records to compare to because they are so pristine in their production. This album is impeccable in sound. My issue with Steely Dan has always been that their songwriting is just so bland. There’s little in the way of a great hook to latch onto, “Rikki Don’t Lose That Number” aside. I truly want to love them, and believe me, I’ve tried. They’re just one big snooze fest to me. I’m also convinced that my birth year, 1974, was one of the absolute worst years in rock music. There are very few albums I’ve heard from that year that hold up as any truly great piece of art. That makes me so sad considering all of the years surrounding have some of the best records made throughout recorded history.

easy listening but every song sounded similar to me. fav was with a gun or rikki don’t lose that number nothing topped midnite cruiser for me

I mean, I saw another review that said it was classic dad-rock for guys who wear socks with sandals, and I don't disagree. I respect the musical skill, but nothing stood out to me. Maybe I listened to too much WZLX growing up, and the hits are overblown. Ironically my favorite jam was the instrumental East St. Louis Toodle-Oo.

Was alright more easy listening

I don't really get it. I can't understand why there are so many passionate five star reviews defending this mediocre album. It was decent funky jazzy rock, but completely uninspiring. Any lyrics that stood out were just lame rhymes

Fun to listen to, I liked Barrytown.

Moody und entspannt was

Pretty generic Dad rock. Some decent tracks but some of the lyrics were genuinely dreadful.

Yeah, it's ok. Some decent tracks. But just didn't really hit any peaks for me.

Pas mal

Soft rock. Great musicians, some good tracks. A tad boring.

Ooh, yacht rock from a famously technical proficient band. A bit borderline on the honky tonk bits but the the hit song is enough to drag up to a 3 star.

Completing the Steely Dan section of 1001, and it starts off with a literal bop in "Rikki Don't Lose That Number" but then its veering off into their default mid 70s jazzy rock, horns an all. Now quite as Chicago-y as the Aja album, but the road has been laid...

WOW LOVE THIS GUY!

I have a decent appreciation for Steely Dan and that laid-back jazz fusion sound that they nail, but I didn't end up liking this album as much as I thought I would. Fav tracks: Rikki Don't Lose That Number, Any Major Dude Will Tell You, Barrytown

Not bad

I enjoyed this way more than I thought 3.75

Better than I expected. π stars out of 5.

I guess I liked it, just think it hasn't aged well.

A quality ole rock album.

Vibey

Lidt bluesy, country, god wah-guitar. Connectede bare ikke rigtigt med det. Men behageligt nok at lytte på, kan dog ikke rigtig huske nogen af sangene bagefter.

It's a pretty solid showing from Steely Dan. However, I just don't like Steely Dan's sound that much. They're fine, but they're not my favourite, and I don't think they will ever be (but I'm always willing to change).

Mostly dad/yacht rock and easy listening, but there were a couple of songs where it seemed like they were playing with sound in a fun and interesting way. "East St. Louis Toodle-Oo" is kinda a bop. And "Charlie Freak" was unexpectedly fun.

better than aja but still not my vibe

I was expecting more tbh but it was still fine

Just fine. A few songs stood out to me like Rikki Don't Lose That Number and Night by Night. But the rest kinda fell flat.

Only liked a couple on this steely Dan album.

For every song I really liked, I felt like there were 2 or 3 that didn't do it for me.

Pretty good

Steely Dan is an artist I’d heard of but never listened to before this challenge. 3 albums down, I think I’m starting to get it. Music that sounds like it belongs in TV theme tunes. Technically very good music, but all very sanitised and safe, while the lyrics make little or no sense most of the time. I don’t hate it.

Not bad

I thought it would be better.

Some big hits, but the rest? Ehh… inoffensive and easily forgettable background.

I think this is the 4th Steely Dan album that I've generated. I get it, virtuoso musicians weaving pop and jazz into the most well executed yacht rock around.

better than the other one tbh

Easy listening. I've heard these songs before, and I've heard of Steely Dan, but I never knew to put the two together.

P good

Enjoyed this, 3.5

there was nothing too outstanding about this. Pretty standard rock album with nothing that caught my attention. Was it terrible? No, would i listen again, No