Reviews (page 2 of 8)
Smooth sounds of steely Dan.
This is a great album. I love Steely Dan and this is music I hadn’t heard before.
This was the first Steely Dan album I got into and it’s probably the ideal entry point for someone more oriented towards classic rock than jazz, though on re-listen there are more jazzy tunes than I remembered. In my understanding this was their last album before becoming strictly in-the-studio employers of hired guns, and so the arrangements are maybe just slightly less interesting than their later albums when they meticulously focused on every little detail. 15 years ago I was drawn to the rock and roll scorchers, primarily Bodhisattva and My Old School, but with this listen, as a more seasoned Dan fan, I more enjoyed the Bacharach-meets-pedal-steel of Razor Boy and the nostalgic menace of the Boston Rag. Countdown is a classic and the start of a truly magnificent run of albums.
I really wanted to give this album a 5 due to how many times I went back to it throughout the day. But I think 90% of that was just wanting to listen to Bodhisattva and Your Gold Teeth a bunch of times. Idk. It’s still really good. Really fun album with some awesome jams. Giving it a tentative 4. Edit two weeks later: these songs have entered my brain and have no plans on leaving. IT’S A 5
Steely Dan brings the heat once again! The peaks are certainly higher than Pretzel Logic, but I can't say I vibed with it quite as much on first listen. I will say that the instrumentation is so friggin' tight here, at times to the level of Aja but with less jazz influence. Your Gold Teeth blew me away. Maybe I'll warm up to it in a few listens -- I certainly wouldn't be surprised if Bodhisattva starts randomly popping into my head in the coming week, much like many a Steely Dan song has in the past. Edit: I have fully warmed up to it. This is a great album with a face-melting 3-track run in the middle. Ecstasy achieved Standouts: Your Gold Teeth • Show Biz Kids • My Old School
Fuck it's so good. Not a wasted second on here. Love when an artist is able to mix it up song by song but still keep a consistent sound. Yeahhhhh
Steely Dan never released a bad album during their entire career. While this one is not quite as good as their debut album, it still is a perfect album..
Ça m’a pris un temps avant d’apprécier Steely Dan. Genre d’album que j’écoute le soir sur ma Thorens au sous-sol quand China dort au premier étage. Bons musiciens.
1ere écoute le matin en déjeunant, j'étais pas sûr, je trouvais ça plutôt convenu. Faut dire que le brouhaha matinal est peut-être pas un contexte idéal. Après, dans la cx-90 deluxe de courtoisie avec le système surround, j'ai trouvé ça génial. Les petits riffs jazz dans Your Gold Teeth par exemple, wow!
Bien aimé ça! Je connais steely dan de reputation seulement. Mais c’etait agréable, réfléchi, entraînant. Peut pas croire que félix aie traité ça de generic rock!
Where Steely Dan's debut album *Can't Buy A Thrill* saw the band in the process of trying to define themselves (with sometimes awkward results), by the time of their sophomore effort *Countdown* the band had found their essence, infusing their solid pop/rock songs with sophisticated chord progressions that consistently gave the songs direction and emotional pull. Donald Fagen, by now the band's sole lead vocalist, delivers the vivid, precise and occasionally caustic lyrics (co-written with Walter Becker) with confidence and personality. In addition, the production on this album is clear and uncluttered, the arrangements are perfectly tailored to the songs and the playing is expert (especially the guitar solos, which consistently have drive and direction, propelling the songs forward). All of these elements add up to an album that is not only one of the best in the band's catalog but also in terms of 70s rock in general.
Love it.
I was able to review Steely Dan's "countdown to ecstasy" via equipment permitting Hi-Resolution listening as opposed to the vinyl album, which I remember listening to in the 1970s. The Hi-Resolution used in this review was excellent.
Énorme banger, super découverte que je vais clairement creuser, chaque morceau a sa personnalité avec des instrus incroyables, c'est groovy, chill, un peu rock, on adore. Un peu une vibe entre Sting et Supertramp pour parler de ce que je connais, franchement au top.
Une ambiance un peu jazzy, un peu funk, un peu rock, un peu pop, un peu expérimentale oh la là j'ai vraiment kiffé. Totalement ma came. Les instruments et le rythme sont impeccables, l'un de mes albums préférés jusqu'ici. Je cours écouter le reste de la discographie! 5/5
Love it. Own it.
Running out of things to say about Steely Dan but I enjoyed this album just as much as the last two!
Apparently the generator has decided to get me into Steely Dan this month. Earlier last month I had Aja, which is peak jazz rock fusion. Yesterday I had Pretzel Logic which felt like they were honing their jazz rock craft. Today is Countdown to Ecstasy that feels more so like they’re flexing their rock chops, but there’s still a bit of jazz here and there throughout. It’s feels a lot more accessible and straight forward than the last two, but still very enjoyable. I’m going to be disappointed if I don’t get Can’t Buy a Thrill tomorrow.
I haven't heard a Steely Dan record I didn't like, and this was no exception. I knew a few of these songs well, and the ones I didn't were just another garment cut from the sale wonderful cloth of Steely Dan. Great melodies, awesome harmonies, impeccable playing and writing, and just perfectly recorded and mixed. I have nothing negative to say about this album and I listened to it twice. Five stars.
ok eendlich steely dan. das album het chli ziit brucht. find s cover huere grusig aber au huuuere geil. s het sooo viel banger. wer isch d kathy barbarian? glaub wege bodhisattva bini am afang nöd i das album inecho. weeeirde afang. afoch e 50er johr surfrock ding irgendwie mit de claps. razor boy liiiiebi. countrigste steely dan track glaub mit de pedal steel. das solo isch sooo guet. und d melodiiie. boston rag isch gebau de früe steely dan sound und s isch funky irgendwie d harmony vocals sind de hammer und de breakdown slappt extreeem. your gold teeth rieeese banger krassi klaviersoli und geile text und suuuper schöni melodie ui wenn sie seged tobacco they grow kn pekiiiiing. wer isch d kathy barbarian? show biz kids isch glaub es sehr früehs "fuck" imne rocksong? de las vegas/lost wages joke isch vo irgendme komiker da hends afoch funny gfunde. finds suuuper. i detect the el supremo. weli band cha so e line droppe echt. ich lieb my old school. d soli fuck. d hornparts. OLEAAAANDERS. fuck. pearl of the quarter vilicht de schwächst ufem album und trotzdem uuuuuhuere schön. pedal steel back und git DURE. king of the world isch im gheime vilicht de besti steely dan song. so andersch als die andere irgendwie. de gitarre part am afang. d bass chords, wie de gsang huere viel slapback het. de fagen singt suuuper. no marigolds in the promisedland, denn die zweit stimm nimmt mich jedesmol. zweiti strophe mit de gitarre links wo am gsang antwortet. de refrain isch sooo e wand. s synth solo huuuere geil irgendwie chli g funk? und de moment nocher wo de delay ufegschrubt wird bis zum volle feedback und denn die dritt strophe chunt und alles wieder fokussiert isch sooo geil. weli band cha susch so en song über e atomapokalypse schribe, s ernst meine aber doch mitme zwinkere? ich bin en riese fanboy.
The ultimate acquired taste band. This is a satisfyingly good album when you get into it
I'm not sure what this sort of rock is called, but I really vibe with it. Show Biz Kids was mind-numbingly repetitive but the rest of the album makes up for it.
Steely Dan is an artist to which i need no introduction, having listened to multiple albums already, such as the Royal Dcam and Aja. However, countdown to ecstasy is a new experience, as it was one that i hadn't got round to. I will say however that it lives up to the standard set by their later works, whether it be the catchy refrain of Bodhisattva, the jazzy and comforting instrumentation of Razor Boy, despite talking about losing everything, or the sunset vibe that comes across on Pearl of the Quarter and its story of seemingly unrequited love (Do note that the normal streaming version is slightly higher pitched, but you can find the original on sites like YouTube). The drumming throughout the album is also impeccably tight, and deserves a mention by itself. Its only downside is the fact that it never got a major radio single, and as such, isnt nearly as recognizable as Aja, Pretzel Logic, or Can't Buy a Thrill. Otherwise, it is very much worth the listen.
Ok. Now we’re talking. Second album from these guys. Every track is good. Your Gold Teeth has a great guitar solo. Can’t wait to relisten.
never really listened to this one. i recall hearing The Boston Rag many times via my dad drumming to it all the time tho Bodhisattva - 5/5 Razor Boy - 4/5 The Boston Rag - 5/5 Your Gold Teeth - 4/5 Show Biz Kids - 5/5 My Old School - 5/5 Pearl of the Quarter - 5/5 King of the World - 5/5 Average score: 4.7/5 okay my dad's got impeccable taste. i think this this the highest rating i've given an album so far too, crazy good
i always get excited whenever steely dan is today's listen. at this point i'm convinced they're the shining examples in the world of classic yacht rock. this album is just more of that slow, sweet goodness i've already familiarized myself with. a mix of jazz, a mix of rock, a mix of blues... everyone gather and rejoice at this band and their virtuosic tunes. steely dan has a certain harmonic chemistry that not a lot of other rock bands share, and this album is just.... mwah mwah mwah mwah it's just so good. it makes you feel good.
Absolutely amazing guitar work on this album.
Not listened to this before. Familiar with Aja and really like the prog elements to this album. No big hits but more than made up with by King of the World
Showing their stripes early in their career: clean, cutting, and spicy.
Quick short album, every track was great, saved to library
It's a four, but I'm trying to live a Yacht Rock summer so simply must give this five stars.
I really enjoyed this album. I don’t know if the words jazzy or progressive make sense here, but it was a fun and playful listen with some absolute bangers on it. Take it for what it is, their second studio album (apparently?) and you’ll understand how this is paving the way for some of the great hits that came after. Still, on its own and without the context of the future music that Steely Dan produced, this album is worth a listen.
Mark Knopfler lays down some God tier guitar to great hooks and lyrics
Jeff 'Skunk' Baxter (lead guitar) and Walter Becker (electric bass) get this record going w/ a nod to The Allman Brothers's genius for instrumental hooks, precipitating an ecstatic and resourceful rock/blues/pop experience. Heavier than Pretzel Logic, b/c featuring more guitar soloing and gut-punching grooves, it's no less colorful or spotlit. I still don't know what Donald Fagen is singing about - 'While the poor people sleeping / With the shade on the light' - but that becomes a part of the fun: an item that is so immediate requiring dissection only gains in pleasure. 'Show Biz Kids' and 'My Old School' are absurdly catchy, but every track here is a memorable apotheosis. 'All I got to say / I'm alive and feeling fine.' Off the wall(s).
Northern Lion was right. I really enjoyed this one. Turns out you actually can make good music in the 70's and the critics who wrote this book just can't tell the difference.
Very nice listen, loud and smooth
The sixties are over.
A pleasant fusion of jazz and rock. It's sickly sweet, but it's honestly awesome.
I've been on a Steely Dan binge the past week, so this was a welcome and fitting surprise. Every single song here is well made, well produced and a joy to listen to. This is not my absolute favorite Steely Dan album but it's a really fun one nonetheless. Countdown To Ecstasy feels a little more like a jam at times than other Steely Dan albums.
Just some quintessential jazz rock from some of the best to do it. Solid 5 Stars.
I’m at a 5. This is my first time properly listening to Steely Dan – my hopes have been pretty high ever since we got “The Nightfly” by Donald Fagen back in September, and this experience was gladly worth the wait. Steely Dan has lived up to the acclaim & the hype; this is a great, great rock album that dips its toes into everything from 50s/60s style rock & roll, bossa nova, CSNY-style harmonics, Elton John-esque piano ballads, & a bit of prog rock. There’s not a single bad track here, save for *maybe* “Show Biz Kids”, but that’s just the refrain sort of nagging in my head; I still liked that one. As far as the songs themselves go, I don’t have much to complain about, just a lot to praise in scattered tones that just boils down to “they all sounded really great”. “Bodhisattva”’s got the dueling guitars in its solo, “Razor Boy”’s got a good elevator music vibe, “The Boston Rag” has an excellent solo, “Your Gold Teeth” has a guitar filled with swagger, “Show Biz Kids” has a really nice building instrumental, “My Old School” has some great brass in its solo, “Pearl of the Quarter” has great steel guitar, & “King of the World” is a cool as hell prog rock track. Every track has something really captivating about it, which is a huge positive for an album experience. I’d be remiss to not give a bit of love to Donald Fagen’s vocals, which do glide on a lot of these tracks really nicely. Lyrically, the storytelling is a bit scattered, but it sounds like vaguely full stories that intentionally don’t paint a full picture is part of the Steely Dan mythos, so I’m not too plussed about that. Overall, I just really enjoyed this. It’s a super breezy 41 minutes that never once misses a beat, & I really hope there’s even more Steely Dan on the list. Pretty easy 5 for me.
Pretty great
Great listen. Nice energy. I will come back to this
golden tootsies intro solo slapped my ass
This band is dialed
I love Steely Dan, one of my favourite bands of all time, there’s literally nothing out there that compare to the sheer perfection that Fagan and Becker accomplished. I could write a long review about every aspect that I love in this album, all the little decisions that they made that make it truly great. I’m not going to do that, but I am going to talk a little bit about my favourite all time moment in a Steely Dan song, which conveniently enough is on this very album. The song “King Of The World” is perhaps the greatest song ever writing about living in a post apocalyptic world, wondering if you really are the last man on earth. The moment that hits me right at the base of my skull where it connects to my spine happens at almost exactly three minutes into the song. There’s this tiny little crescendo at the tail end of the line “might as well die” where the trailing edge of the lyrics in this bridged is reverbed into this very brief climax leads into the third verse, and it’s just such an incredibly little detail that gives me goosebumps every single time I hear it. Needless to say I love this album and I’d give it 10 starts if I could. Absolutely incredible that I am alive at a time when I can enjoy this music whenever I want. 5*
I’ll try and get the obvious out of the way first: the last minute of Bodhisattva is so strong a gust of what-can-make-music-so-fucking-brilliant that it threatens to capsize me (and by extension my attempts to really encounter this record) every listen. How it stumbles, twists, grows in confidence, breathes, starts to run, looks up, then screams. Ah. If it fails to make you feel alive then urgently seek help. It’s just. Fuck. Guys. “Countdown to Ecstasy” is a wonderful amalgam of rock, jazz, blues and whatever else (bluegrass, skiffle, R&B, French?) the fellas fancied integrating and elevating. It’s a typically smooth, strongly melodic bit of work, but there are edges to it to enjoy, too – “Show Biz Kids” swaggers, machined-in to the beat, while “My Old School” is finger-pickin’ funk that unapologetically shreds its way towards Hendrix then bails out and scurries back to surf. And that’s something, really. The Dan seem to have an infallible instinct for knowing where they are and where they want to be. They feel in control; never too close for comfort to their source material – pretty much “iconic acts no one can sensibly think of approaching with anything over than reverence” – while also never so far out that their innovations feel obviously contrived. Back to Bodhisattva. It’s true that it ends with a sort of triumphant freak out, but it’s equally the case that the song’s already been excellent for three minutes or so by then anyway. In each cycle through the verse, chorus structure it’s changing things around, giving vent to different harmonic expressions, picking up speed, accumulating ideas, placing motifs that you’ll delight in hearing again later – played a little quicker or with a little more brio. Again you’ll feel it’s all completely under control, right up until the moment you can’t be. And for this the song is, of course, a countdown to ecstasy properly. They’re the real deal, what else would you expect from them?
El sonido de Steely Dan es Sexo.
no puedo no poner 5.
So damn good! Steely Dan have done no wrong (at least as far as I've heard). Jazzy and catchy and just... Really damn good. Want to listen to it like 4 times in a row lol
Very much enjoyed. VERY MUCH. Cleaned and jammed out to this album will listen again
Steely Dan as actual band and it’s not their best album but certainly their most badass.
i'm a fairly big steely dan fan and i have to say, this is probably my dark horse pick for favorite steely dan album. i think it fits a nice balance between the more catchy rock music and jazzy side without going overboard either way. all the songs here are really great - 'bodhisattva,' 'the boston rag,' 'show biz kids,' 'my old school,' and 'king of the world,' are all all-timers for me and i think compete with the best of what steely dan had to offer. of course, with any steely dan, the musicianship is great and the songs are smooth but can be bitingly bitter ('show business kids making movies of themselves, you know they don't give a fuck about anybody else'). just an all time great record, in my opinion.
Love the Dan, pop stylings
Love Steely Dan!
One of the hardest things about doing this project is finding out that all the dads in your life were actually right about a lot of these bands. This certainly applies to the dad band to end all dad bands - it's innovative, its got a consistent sound but it doesn't rest on a single musical concept either and god damn can they really play the shit out of these instruments. I don't think there is a single miss on this one.
Another banger album from Steely Dan, even despite Bernard ‘Pretty’ Purdie not being on this one. The playing is just so top notch here that’s what drives it, and the album doesn’t overstay its welcome at all. Great.
Love Steely Dan. Great music. Not a bad song in the bunch.
Dit is een prettig album zeg. Gezapig, maar heel fijn gezapig. Een warm dekentje. Weer een soort vibrafoon erbij, congaatje, een pedal steel slide achtige toestand en verder natuurlijk een setje prima normale gitaren en een drummer die in dienst staat van de band maar dat heel prima doet. Redelijk onopvallende maar toch best prettige 70's zang inclusief harmonieën. Toen mannen nog niet bang waren om een beetje hoog en gevoelig te zingen. Het is niet zo dat elke track heel memorabel is en in een playlist gezet moet worden, maar als geheel is het wel lekker om zoiets gewoon aan te zetten en lekker te laten uitvloeien tot het einde. 4 tot 5 sterren.
On enchaine les BANGERS, ça me met de bonne humeur! Premier album que j’ai écouté de Steely Dan, Countdown reste un classique rockojazz dans mon catalogue. C’est peut être pas un 5 instantané pour tous, mais tout le monde peut y trouver son compte
This band just got better and better and better and better and..........
I finally got one of my favorite albums of all time. Steely Dan is in my top 5/6ish bands ever, and Countdown to Ecstasy is 1 of my 3 10/10 Steely Dan albums. This album is simply great song after great song. So here’s a quick blurb on each song. Bodhisattva has some killer guitar and honestly some really underrated drumming. Razor Boy has some genuinely upsetting lyrics while being an upbeat and chipper; also that keyboard(?) at 2:30 is so good. The Boston Rag was initially my favorite on the album. When the chorus kicks in with some menace, I’m always blown away. Your Gold Teeth has some more insane lyrics, but the playing is so phenomenal you forget about that. Show Biz Kids has my favorite background vocals and has amazing energy. My Old School is simply perfect; it is such a great pothead (at least for me), and as someone from California, I love it so much (I did not think the girl could be so cruuuuuuel!) Pearl of the Quarter has really grown on me as the emotional detour from all the cynicism and sarcasm, although that’s probably still in this song too. King of the World is an amazing ending with some more killer playing while pretty much summarizing the album: “Assassins, cons, and rapers. Might as well die”
I fuckin love Steely Dan
i love steely dan
Muahahahaha... Steely Dan. This is my dojo. A big step up from their debut album, particularly if you're a fan of the jazz-rock fusion genre they'd eventually cling to in their later works. Gone are the fun but cliched radio hits of Do It Again and Dirty Work, and instead we get a diverse whirlwind of jams, miniature-prog projects, and some truly epic solos (mostly on guitar). And only a year later! And, for 1973, it sounds completely different from anything released before it. Man, there's just so much to like here. From the crazed slam-dunk opener of Bodhisattva to the glowing pseudo-pop Razor Boy with its unpredictable harmonies and percussive bells, to the extended shredding solos in The Boston Rag and Your Gold Teeth, to the brassy joy and snarkiness of My Old School... Big shoutout, too, to King Of The World, one of the more underrated Steely Dan tracks – for its excellent synth solos, floaty/psychedelic guitar lines, jolting chorus harmonies, and a very odd lyrical theme for Dan standards. Normally their lyrics are tutorials on how to prepare high-quality meth or about the regret of hiring a pair of 19-year-old prostitutes, but here we have this post-apocalyptic theme more akin to something by R.E.M. It's a great closer to a great album. The two weakest tracks here are probably Pearl Of The Quarter (the line "voulez voulez voulez vous" being its only real notable moment) and Show Biz Kids (that weird whiny shouting towards the end emphasises my feelings about a 5-minute jam over one chord and the backing vocalists repeating "lost wages" for its entire duration). And I guess the album art is kind of goofy. But the music is so darn fun to listen to that you can't really fault ol' Don and Walt. 5/5 Key tracks: Bodhisattva, Razor Boy, Your Gold Teeth, My Old School, King Of The World
I grew up not really being that much into Steely Dan. What the hell was wrong with me?!? This album is solid from start to finish and the music is just so cool. I am out to the store to add this CD to my collection!
- Steely Dan strikes a groove unlike anyone I’ve ever heard - the variety of lyrics and sounds is perfect - not a single sleeper on the album - imagine listening to this sipping on an iced tea on a warm Saturday afternoon
Superb
My Old School is a fave. Everything by Steely Dan evokes high school, college, law school, and beyond…A lot of great memories associated with this music.
Another auto five. Fantastic record. Unique band. I've probably listened to this record a thousand times.
Good ol Steely Dan.
One of the first ten albums i bought when I started my record collection. Great from start to finish.
"Countdown to Ecstasy" is the second studio album by the American rock band Steely Dan, released in 1973. Clocking in at just over 2000 words, let's delve into an in-depth review of this seminal work, analyzing its lyrics, music, production, themes, influence, and evaluating its pros and cons. **Lyrics:** The lyrics of "Countdown to Ecstasy" are quintessentially Steely Dan - cryptic, witty, and often veiled in metaphor. Donald Fagen and Walter Becker, the core songwriting duo, craft narratives that blur the lines between reality and fiction, touching on themes of disillusionment, alienation, and the underbelly of the American Dream. Songs like "Bodhisattva" and "My Old School" showcase their knack for storytelling, while tracks like "Your Gold Teeth" and "King of the World" exhibit their penchant for enigmatic, yet evocative imagery. **Music:** Musically, "Countdown to Ecstasy" is a tour de force. Steely Dan's fusion of rock, jazz, and pop elements creates a sonic landscape that is both sophisticated and accessible. The album features intricate arrangements, tight grooves, and virtuosic performances from the band members. The interplay between Jeff "Skunk" Baxter's guitar work, Denny Dias's inventive riffs, and the dynamic rhythm section of drummer Jim Hodder and bassist Walter Becker is particularly noteworthy. Tracks like "Show Biz Kids" and "Razor Boy" showcase the band's musical prowess, with their intricate melodies and infectious hooks. **Production:** The production on "Countdown to Ecstasy" is polished and meticulous, thanks in part to the guiding hand of producer Gary Katz. The album has a rich, warm sound, with each instrument given space to breathe. The attention to detail is evident in the layered arrangements and pristine mix, allowing the nuances of the music to shine through. Katz's collaboration with engineer Roger Nichols resulted in a sonically stunning record that stands the test of time. **Themes:** Thematically, "Countdown to Ecstasy" explores the darker side of the American experience. The songs delve into themes of disillusionment, corruption, and the search for meaning in a world driven by materialism. Tracks like "The Boston Rag" and "Pearl of the Quarter" paint vivid portraits of characters navigating the seedy underbelly of society, while "Only a Fool Would Say That" and "Change of the Guard" reflect on the fleeting nature of success and the inevitability of change. **Influence:** "Countdown to Ecstasy" has had a significant influence on subsequent generations of musicians. Steely Dan's innovative blend of rock, jazz, and pop elements paved the way for countless artists exploring similar sonic territory. Their meticulous attention to detail and commitment to musical excellence set a high bar for craftsmanship in popular music. The album's enduring popularity and critical acclaim attest to its lasting impact on the musical landscape. **Pros:** 1. Exceptional songwriting: Fagen and Becker's lyrics are thought-provoking and inventive, offering layers of meaning for listeners to unpack. 2. Musically adventurous: The album's fusion of rock, jazz, and pop elements creates a unique and captivating sound. 3. Impeccable production: The polished production and meticulous attention to detail elevate the album to a work of art. 4. Thought-provoking themes: The album's exploration of existential themes adds depth and resonance to the music. 5. Lasting influence: "Countdown to Ecstasy" has left an indelible mark on the music world, inspiring generations of musicians to push the boundaries of their craft. **Cons:** 1. Esoteric lyrics: While some listeners appreciate the cryptic nature of Steely Dan's lyrics, others may find them inaccessible or pretentious. 2. Overly polished production: Some critics argue that the album's slick production detracts from the raw energy of the music, making it feel overly sanitized. 3. Lack of diversity: While the album's sound is undeniably impressive, some may find it lacking in diversity, with few deviations from its established formula. 4. Limited accessibility: The album's sophisticated musical arrangements and dense lyrical content may alienate casual listeners looking for more straightforward pop fare. 5. High expectations: As the follow-up to Steely Dan's critically acclaimed debut album "Can't Buy a Thrill," "Countdown to Ecstasy" faced high expectations, which may have overshadowed its merits upon release. In conclusion, "Countdown to Ecstasy" is a masterful work of art that showcases Steely Dan at the peak of their creative powers. With its exceptional songwriting, adventurous music, and thought-provoking themes, the album remains a timeless classic that continues to captivate audiences decades after its release. While it may not be without its flaws, its enduring influence on popular music is a testament to its lasting impact and enduring relevance.
Classic!
Wonderful
One of my favorite Steely Dan albums. Razor Boy>Boston Rag>Your Gold Teeth>Show Biz Kids is a helluva run of great memories tunes you'll never hear on the radio sandwiched between a couple of classic rock radio mainstays you may be tired of. Then you get Pearl of the Quarter and King of the World, the latter of which makes me want to wager that Dan has more songs about doomerism than possibly any other band to sell a million records. About their lyrics. Today I noticed that all of the locations mentioned in the Boston Rag are in NYC, not Boston. Par for the course with these tricksters. Also, I love it when lyricists give priority to the sound of their words over a direct literal meaning. The Rolling Stones and REM are two bands that are good at this. On Show Biz Kids, I think the backup singers are repeating something about "life's wages" but it also sounds like "Las Vegas" and in putting both ideas into your head at the same time, it adds a whole new dimension to the lead singer's words about a decadent LA culture, while better fusing the words and the music together. This album was made when they still had a regular band and I think it benefits from the continuity. Denny Dias is a criminally underrated guitar player whose career never seemed to recover from Becker and Fagen's decision to stop touring and use more studio musicians. He gets more room on here than other albums and really makes the most of it. Worth listening to the entire record one time through just focusing on the guitars (Skunk Baxter is the other guitar player, and the two make a great team). It's stunning what's going on over there.
Great album. On the spectrum of jazz-rock fusion, this album tips toward rock but the jazzy solos are fantastic. And a lot of these songs prioritize the solos so much that you totally forget about the chorus or the verse until the song suddenly snaps back into place. Donald Fagen and Walter Becker are great songwriters and all of these songs are strong enough to work on the level of the standard verse-chorus-verse-chorus structure. But most of these songs also have some kind of turn -- a key change or a new musical idea -- that gets introduced two-thirds of the way into a track that pushes the song into new territory. The songs keep you on your toes. The lyrics are sharp and interesting too. By my count, three songs criticize materialistic lifestyles ("Bodhisattva," "Razor Boy" and "Show Biz Kids") but I like how Fagen and Becker are self-aware enough to include themselves in that world. In "Show Biz Kids," there's a reference to rich yuppie-types who "got the Steely Dan t-shirt." Even in this counterculture criticism of wealthy people, they stop to point out: "Yeah also maybe us being a successful rock band is part of the problem too." And, as always with Steely Dan, there's a few songs I don't understand at all. "Tobacco they grow in Peking In the year of the locust you'll see a sad thing Even Cathy Berberian knows There's one roulade she can't sing" I have no idea what those lyrics refer to on "Your Gold Teeth" but I love listening to the flow of them. A lot of Steely Dan lyrics will have these little character details or story fragments and you don't always have enough information to piece it all together but the words are fun to turn around in your head. The production is clearly meticulous -- every guitar lick and piano riff is placed in just the right spot -- but the music still sounds so loose and effortless. It has a breeziness about it that can hide how well-crafted every song is here. A+, 5/5, big fan of this one.
Just some great bops in this album. I love the record starting with a energetic buddhist pop rock track. Great lyrics in this one with a few short but complex fun plays on Buddhism / Capitalism / Materialism. It's got so many layers in each track, so many tempo changes, so many instrument introductions that end up just lingering for a short second and then leaving, so many delicately placed musical elements, and yet they all sound perfect and meticulous. It feels like there's no loose ends, it just all gels and feels great. I don't often rate things as a 5 here unless it's truly one of the best albums of all time, and in a totally biased but unintentional way I find that I don't rate 5's for albums that are my first listen through via this list. But this album doesn't do anything wrong enough for it to be anything lower than a 5. It's enjoyable from start to finish and I want to listen more after I'm done.
Third dan album in my first 100. Not complaining, it's the third 5 star.
Een combinatie van jazz en bluesrock. En hoe vet is dit. De gitaar is soms zenuwachtig, dan weer juist heel relaxed, vervolgens het pianootje of de drum. We hebben al eerder een album van Steely Dan gehad en ook dat viel behoorlijk goed in de smaak. Weer komt de associatie van jaren 70 en 80 televisieshows bij me op, net als de vorige keer. Bloemetjesbehang, boerenbontservies, nostalgie. Het is soort van gedateerd, maar op een hele fijne manier, dat je juist terugdenkt aan vroeger als je bij opa en oma op visite ging en je volgestopt werd met koekjes en snoepjes. Of in mijn geval met zelfgemaakte tomatensoep (Maggi was het geheime ingredient), peperkoek (wij noemden dat ontbijtkoek) en abrikozenvlaai (omdat we die altijd met frisse tegenzin opaten, dacht oma dat we dat echt lekker vonden, dus had ze de keer erop weer abrikozenvlaai gekocht). Qua muziek heeft het af en toe jazzy uitstapjes, maar omdat de ritmesectie zo ongelooflijk lekker is, mogen ze er alles op improviseren wat ze willen, want het blijft lekker klinken. De zang in harmonie is ook top, het klopt allemaal. En ondanks dat er dus geen hit op staat, al ken ik My Old School wel, sta ik vanaf minuut 1 onbewust mee te knikken met mijn hoofd. Dit is gewoon 40 minuten topmuziek. Man, wat is die ritmesectie goed zeg. Fucking 5 sterren dit.
This one guy in the reviews wrote literally 9 paragraphs about this album. I’m not going to do that.
The Steely Dan album I’ve listenes to the least, but that’s about to change. This as hard rocking as they get, and I like it.
Perfect Steely Dan album just like practically all their albums
Not a Steely Dan album I listen to very often, but this is still top notch musicality. Such clever song-writing.
My favorite SD album. 5 stars
Not my favorite Steely Dan album (Katy Lied), But pretty much most of them are 5's! Including this one.
digging this way more than Aja. groovy
This is really fun. I don't think I had listened to this record all the way through and so it was a nice adventure. Such killer production and love the sound of Fagen's voice. So sooooothing.
Probably hadn't listened to this in full since my Dan phase in college but still remembered every song vividly. Bodhisattva is a monster live too
idk why but I've been on a huge kick with these guys lately, this is the third time I've listened to this album this year, no notes 11/10
I joined this website to expand my music taste - Steely Dan has shoved itself in the best way possible, just like its namesake. Smooth, jazzy, jammy, harmonics on point, bluesy, I mean, what more do you want?
It starts with one of my favorite Steely Dan songs, "Bodhisattva". Not my favorite, but one of them yes! Standouts: My Old School, Bodhisattva, Razor Boy, Show Biz Kids, The Boston Rag.... 5/5
Not a bad album, but a bit slow moving for me.
Underrated, one of their top albums. Not a bad track on here.
I have listened to this album before, but I re-listened to it today because it had been so long since I gave this project a proper listen (or listened to Steely Dan at all!). It was the album that got me into Steely Dan (especially 'King of the World'!) and it's still my favourite of theirs all these years later. Favourite Track: King of the World Least Best Track: Pearl of the Quarter (it's still good in my opinion though)
One hundred stars. Brilliance.
Walter Fucking Becker… If you can listen to Boston Rag or My Old School and not have a gigantic smile on your face after Walter absolutely shreds your brain in half with that tonal wave of sound, then I’m not sure I could ever be your friend. This album is absolute jazz-rock heaven, I think they’re most true to the genre. With keys and drums accompanying the backing singers and supporting Walter and Donald. It’s just something you grow into and appreciate more as you age. I’m sure someone could explain it to me, but in the meantime I’ll just continue appreciating it more and more.
This is such an exceptional album. It's kind of a dark horse as Steely Dan albums go, because it doesn't have any major singles. A few of the songs, most notably "Bodhisattva" and “My Old School,” have deservedly become classic rock radio staples, but this is an album of deep cuts for people who love deep cuts. It's also the first album where the band maps out what would become their trademark sound. Musically, the band is flawless. The songs are crisp, clean and jazz-infused, with nuanced arrangements. They're somehow laid back and academic at the same time, which kind of sums up a lot of what Steely Dan is all about. The musicianship is crazy good, and hip as hell. The band is making brilliant choices here that no one else would even think of trying, like mixing a pedal steel guitar with the vibes. It's insane, but it works so well, blending the warmth and looseness of country rock with the aloof virtuosity of jazz. Donald Fagen shows up full force with his trademark incisive songwriting, delivered no doubt with a bit of a smirk. Grifters, prostitutes, suckers and the idle rich provide a rich palette for his stories – frequently obscure, sometimes bluntly dark, and mostly devoid of sentiment. After a week of mostly bad albums, this was a joy to listen to. Not a bad song to be found. Fave Songs (All songs, from most to least favorite): My Old School, Pearl of the Quarter, Bodhisattva, Show Biz Kids, The Boston Rag, Your Gold Teeth, King of the World, Razor Boy
More fun than I thought. Incredibly easy listen and great sound
Solid
Damn it’s the Dan
"Bodhisattva" is the only track that didn't really do anything for me. "Razor Boy" and "King of the World" were new listens that I really liked. I've always loved "Showbiz" and "School". The rest was just a nice listen.
Hells yeah. Cover is terrifying
Legendary!!
Steely Dan 5 streak going strong
I was reading a weeks-old article about Countdown to Ecstasy from PopMatters over the weekend and, as always, I sat there entrenched in the overall fervor exhibited in the "white dad rock" fanaticism over Steely Dan and how it pertains to this day and age that makes it not only wholly accepted but entirely prophetic in the descriptions depicted throughout. In short, this is where the myth of Steely Dan begins to take shape and coalesces. After this, every album they would do would scale further and further highs until they felt they've done all that they could for the time being. The characters and settings created here could only come from the Dan and it feels as though they are everywhere, now more than ever. If one needs to start their Dan journey, start here. There's plenty to love, so plenty it's outrageous. Now, let me grab my Dan shirt and begin my coup de grâce.
I really enjoy it and I think it was too short
great album, some classics on here, good jazz/rock vibes, no notes. harmonix seriously needs to rewind bodhisattva for rock band 4. favorites: bodhisattva, my old school, the boston rag
Como todos los trabajos de Steely Dan, este es excepcional en todos los sentidos. La banda demuestra una y otra vez por qué es una de las más interesantes del catálogo norteamericano.
Hard not to love Steely Dan. Just so enjoyable to listen to!
Hell yea. Boston Rag is where I need it this morning. Like all Steely Dan albums, this thing is so polished its a goddamn disco ball. it kills. every song is perfect.
stupendous!
Steely dan is one of those bands I still wanted to look into. After this album I definitely will! Great album, great layers, great guitar solos. Love the sound of rock highly influenced by jazz!
Oh am I a slut for Steely Dan! God I love this band! Nothing I’d rather be doing that listening to one of these albums! Classic tho cannot best this, love this one, Aja, and Can’t Buy a Thrill the best! Of course this is a 5 star album how couldn’t it be??
Steely Dan does it like no one else. absolute perfection from song to song.
I'm pretty sure that all boomer-dads were issued a copy of Steely Dan's greatest hits during the 90's, so I'm pretty familiar with some of their catalogue. Growing up, I found their songs like "Reelin' In The Years" and "Do It Again" to be pretty inoffensive, but they weren't my favorite. Several months ago, I listened to Aja from start to finish on a whim, and I really enjoyed it. I found this album very enjoyable as well. I think the jazz-adjacent sound works here, and I liked the longer songs. The only song on this album that I had listened to prior to today was "Bodhisattva," which used to kick my ass on some iteration of Rock Band or Guitar Hero (I was mediocre at those games at best). I've never heard any of the guys in Steely Dan mentioned as being the best at their instruments, but I think that's a mistake. Everyone here seems to be a master of their instrument, hitting each note with precision. Sure, there aren't any Bonham's or Van Halen's here, but that's fine, because these guys know how to craft great songs. I thought the lyrics and vocals were great too, with "My Old School" being a standout song. Overall, this was a great album, and I think Steely Dan's work deserves more recognition as some of the best music of the 70's.
Epic
dd
Maybe not their best but my favourite. Almost never off the turntable until Pretzel Logic came along. The hallmarks of the 'band' are all in this collection. I never got a t-shirt.
Easy listen
Never listened to these guys before but this was awesome
some of y'all nerds must love going back to your old school
Good tunes that bring back nostalgic memories
absolute banger, great for music to keep ya upbeat whilst you work
I don’t know what to say it’s just a perfect album - 10/10
This is a case where the whole is greater than the sum if it’s parts. And the musicians are excellent. I don’t have the vocabulary to describe it as I wish, but this is my attempt. The production value is top notch. As I listened I imagined each instrument recorded alone and placed on a separate track. I could actually hear each note of each instrument. Everything was crisp and clear in perfect balance. If you are a fan of guitar you can focus and hear it. Drums the same. Bass, backup vocals, keyboard horn. Heck if they had a triangle on the song you could separate it from everything else and give it your sole attention. The beauty lies in how each of these parts combine, all contributing to form an amazing sound. I’m also amazed how the different parts play off one another. When one instrument is brought to the front, it will pause and give space. Instead of being a void, something like bass or drums will pop in with a fill. Not overpowering, just reminding you “I’m still here”. “Your Gold Teeth” demonstrated this well. Steely Dan is Lambda Lambda Lambda of “Revenge of the Nerds”. If not already a fan l, they are easily overlooked because of their unique style. But one introduced, they will knock your socks off. I loved Bodihisattva (thanks Rockband), Show Biz Kids (lost wages) and My Old School even before this listen to the whole album. I wanna give this a 4.5, but gonna give it a 5 for how well it compares to a lot of the 1’s I have heard recently.
I’m a massive Dan fan. After waiting over 30 years for them to tour Australia, I saw them in Sydney and in Canberra in 2007 and was not disappointed. I love this, their 2nd album. I love the photo of the band in the studio. Becker looking cool with the sunnies, Fagen looking like a rabbit in the headlights, having finally been lumbered with lead vocals on all 8 tracks, and Skunk Baxter with his feet all over the mixing desk, looking like he has no doubts about his own ability on the guitar. The opening two songs on each side of this lp are outstanding. The album’s opener, Bodhisattva, is unique in their catalogue - breakneck rock’n’roll, with Baxter & Denny Dias ripping it up with some dual guitar harmonies. It’s followed by Razor Boy, once described as based on a bruised bossa nova groove, featuring the vibraphone of Victor Feldman & Baxter’s pedal steel. Side two begins with the funky Show Biz Kids, featuring the outstanding slide of Rick Derringer’ and the very soulful My Old School, with 4 saxes & a terrific Baxter guitar solo. There are no dull spots on this album and, as usual, the lyrics are often a mystery, but compelling nonetheless. Not my favourite Steely Dan album but easily 5 stars here.
Belter! I didn't know about the MDGAF track sample so a joy
Love it!
Always been a fan. I love their style and sound. It’s very unique.
Steely Dan being one of my all time favorites, I will give this a great Friday 5 star. I had this on 8 track....
My previous exposure to Steely Dan had only been through classic rock radio stations. It always felt too busy with so many layers it seemed like such a mess. What a difference listening with a pair of headphones made for me. I'm excited to check out the rest of their work.
Excellent. I'm a convert.
9/10. I really like Steely Dan, but it was a long time before I liked this album, and even now it is not my favorite. Most of the songs on this album have grown on me, but few of them need to be nearly as long as they are, which can make the album feel rather boring. Still, My Old School and King of the World do a lot of work to carry this album.
This grew on me so much in the past year. Must be because I got the Steely Dan T-shirt. 10/10
Absolute genius.
The jazz elements start to appear on Steely Dan's second album. Less poppier than their debut, they rock harder on this disc that they do at any time in their career. The cryptic lyrics are present, which are better suited for Donald Fagen than David Palmer (who left after the Countdown to Ecstasy) Bodhisattva is a stunning opening track and the band is running on all cylinders. This is also the last Steely Dan band album. The Fagen/Becker studio-craft took over after this. Steely Dan would continue to morph throughput the 70s, but always maintained a very high level.
I love this album. Really strong opening track -- Bodhisttva. For years I thought they were saying Old Disciple! My Old School is a classic as is Show Biz Kids. Still this isn't my favorite Steely Dan album, The Royal Scam is. I was shocked when I checked the index that that one didn't even make the list. It should!
A unique sounding album with some fantastic guitar playing. My favorite songs were “My Old School” ( both of my friends who went to hard transferred out) and “The Boston Rag” which really wowed me in its arrangement.
Vraiment nice, de bins jams, bonne tounes, tres musicale. Je me tanne pas decouter ce style de musique. Cest 4.95 mIs pour la note
Just sublime piece of West Coast Rock - and the lyrics...
Very good, remember that from my youth (i'm not 60)
Classic Steely Dan
Incredible blend of rock and jazz
It's interesting that there were no hit singles from this album. There were no songs that I had known from it. However, I have always loved Steely Dan, and despite being wary of the unknown, I loved this whole album. I understand that there wasn't a standout song, but that also strengthened the idea that the whole thing was consistently wicked-good.
I REALLY love this album! I probably have heard a few of the songs before, but they all felt new to me and I didn’t immediately recognize any of them. “Bhodhisattva” sets things off on a perfect, quasi-religious tone! Really awesome start to the album. ‘And I'll be there to shine in your Japan To sparkle in your China, yes, I'll be there.’ There’s a great guitar ending to “The Boston Rag” that I loved. “Show Biz Kids” is really good. Could there be a more perfect Steely Dan song than “My Old School”? I REALLY love this song! “Pearl of the Quarter” and “King of the World” are also awesome. These guys have super talent, incredible wit, and a cynicism enveloping smooth, jazzy songs that you only think are going down easy. The world and I are both in a place where this seems to be the perfect tone. How interesting that it comes from a 50 year old album.
Great
las wages las wages las wages las wages la- oh snap did Donald say the f word??
Good. Fun. One of my favorites so far
I've written before about how much I admire and love Steely Dan. This album, only their second studio album, contains some outstanding songs with the typical elite-level musicianship, obtuse and ironic (and often funny) lyrics, and great energy. Portends the string of albums to follow that I listen to frequently. [Yes, I know: Becker & Fagen, the songs they write, the musicians they bring in, and Fagen's voice aren't for everybody; I'm simply reporting my experience of their music, which I find in a league of its own.]
Another rock sold album from SD. A handful of legendary classics. Love it when they veer into jazz like they do on a few tracks.
Steely Dan is one of the best things to come out of this list for me. Perfect meld of Dad Rock, Yacht Rock, and Psychadelia.
Strangely, but I liked it
Bangers.
[Rubs hands together in aniticipation] Ohhhhhh man. This record. I love it. It's one of my favorite records from one of my favorite bands. Before I go any further, let me just say its a five. No question. The single "My Old School" is one of my faves from the Dan's greatest hits. But the real gem here is "King of the World" which might be my favorite song by the band. The concept of the song is great - last many on earth is king of the world. The western-style but totally weird guitar on "Razor Boy" is a highlight too. This record is the band at an early stage before everything in the studio became pristine and perfect. Still feels like a band of humans playing totally live, instead of a bunch of androids playing live like on Aja. Also want to talk about the cover art. Front cover is a really interesting water color that looks like it is water damaged, which has a cool effect on a record sleeve. Looks broken in already....ha. And the back cover photo of the band in the studio...who wouldn't want to be there!!?? I don't think this record is particularly loved so I'm optimistic that we'll see more Steely Dan on this list. All of their records (sans Pretzel Logic) deserve a place on this list.
The great famous rock and roll.
Nice easy listening. Could put on and relax and zone out.
Loved it
Nice to hear Steely Dan again. I like this album better, the songs are a bit longer, seem to be more developed. Bodhisattva Vow is one of my favorite non-radio hits of theirs, so I will always give this a high ranking. I should just break down and get all of their stuff.
This is the most solid of the Steely Dan albums that are on this list. The album has a good balance between jazz and rock never letting the rock aspect get too overtaken by the jazz. Amazing guitar work like usual and solid song-writing. I think they peaked on this album although I still enjoy their later work especially Gaucho.
This is the third Steely Dan album we've had so far (their second chronologically) and I've definitely learned I really like Steely Dan. I liked them before this 1001 Albums thing, but I can't say I listened to their albums closely before - mostly just listened to best of. There's so much I like. Every time they break into an instrumental section, I know I'm going to enjoy it and the songs have such a great groove. Favorite songs on the album: "Bodhisattva" - love the guitar and keys interplay. "The Boston Rag" - the chorus is very CSNY. Great guitar solo. "Show Biz Kids" - Love the beat and the chorus. Of course, I love the repeated "Las Wages" line. Also, did they play a snippet of Reelin' in the Years after the line "They got the Steely Dan t-shirt"? "My Old School" - classic Steely Dan. Great stuff. Easy 5.
Baby's first Steely Dan album, maybe the least satisfying from their initial run, save perhaps their debut. And yet, guess what? It's five stars from me, because it's Steely fucking Dan
What a fantastic album. My Old School is a top 3 Steely Dan track and is a blast to hear. The whole album rocks pretty hard, and you know it’s going to right out of the gate. An absolute gem.
Perfect
This was definitely easy listening. I have heard a lot about Steely Dan but never really taken the time to listen, I could listen to them some more.
Won’t you take me by the hand?
helt okej grej
More of this, please. The polish of the debut with good instrumentation, complex arrangements (but without the noodling of full-on prog), and nothing cheesy in the songwriting. An optimistic five, but the contrast with the earlier album is what sells it for me. Fitting to look back and see my previous exposure to Steely Dan was the closer of this very album, arguably the weak point of the tracklist.
Great cozy album
While less unique in sound than their debut or their masterpiece in Aja, I do believe this album is the one to best embody their sound. Between the yacht rock snippets and the bona fide masterpieces there is an album with a great attention to instrumentation and which leads to a lush experience. 9/10 [KEEP]
Not the best Steely Dan album, but it's still a vibe.
Steely Dan at the grittiest. 4 stars
Before they turned into studio jazz rock nerds, Steely Dan was a real band, and this is the closest they came to perfecting the sound. There's some actual grit here, and this album contains what I think are the three best Steely Dan songs -- "Show Biz Kids", "My Old School", and "Pearl of the Quarter". Side two of this album might just be the only Steely Dan you need. Jeff "Skunk" Baxter is on fire here. His fuzzed out solos on "My Old School" nicely compliment the bouncy horns, then he returns with some beautiful steel guitar on "Pearl of the Quarter". There are a couple of songs I don't love, but it's still an excellent album. 4.5 stars.
Am I a Steely Dan fan now?
Influenced by jazz much? Delightful listen. Of course the classic “My Old School” is still my favorite track.
Am I a Steely Dan fan now?
Like a chiller laid-back Yes, extremely good listening. The album cover art is an all-timer too.
I LOVE STEELY DAN
They really heard every genre and said "I wanna collect 'em all" huh In all seriousness though, this was a blast and kept me intrigued at every turn.
Good
I think this is already Steely Dan’s third album in this ‘challenge’, and this one is definitely worth a listen too. Four stars...
Its fun.
8 / 10
It felt like this one dragged more in places in comparison to the last one fav song(razor boy)
me gustó mucho la instrumental del album
production
while i like other works from steely dan more than whats on this album, its still a vibe 😎 standouts for me were your gold teeth and king of the world
often listen to these without a track listing and was floored i was hearing "bodhisattva" correctly. i get why they're a big deal, i really enjoyed a lot of the instrumentals, always lively and pleasant for idle/routine activity. fav: king of the world
4/5
More Can't Buy a Thrill than Aja. Nothing to find fault with here.
I’m a bit ashamed of how much I love dad rock
Good songs and great production
Loving this sound. Mellow and melodious.
A whole lotta fun. Shows off their technical chops but the real soul comes through in their later albums. This is still a really solid album though. Good, fun, quick listen
So good from start to finish.
On previous reviews I’ve struggled with bands who self-indulgent. There’s no doubt this is self indulgent, but it never loses sight of the importance of melody. And what melodies, beautiful harmonies always spiced up with an unusual chord of unexpected key change. This sweetness doesn’t hid the sharpness of the lyric. These take a swipe at everyone, but the savagery comes with a sweet tune
überraschend gut, Mischung aus Rock und Jazz. Kein Lied besonders hervorstechend, aber alle auf gutem Niveau.
chillig
Sehr geil! nur 40min aber sehr interessanter Mix aus Rock und Jazz. Mega!
ok jazzy jam fest!!
What’s weird is that before the age of 25 I hadn’t even really heard of this band. After I turned 28 i’ve listened to about 4 of their albums and I hear about them constantly. Is this a sign i’m going old?
Last Steely Dan album on the list for me. This is a good one for sure, but once again I think they should have put Royal Scam or Gaucho here. This contains several all-time Dan classics, however album tracks fall a bit short for me, so this could be anywhere between 3 and 4 stars. Seeing that I already rated this 4.0 on RYM, I can't really round down 1 whole star, so will probably be 4.
It's a Steely Dan record. Was quite surprised by the opener, but then I got what I paid for. Not their most important work but still a very good effort.
My Old School, Razor Boy, Good Tooth, Bodhisattva and King of the World. 4.0
As part of this challenge, one of the biggest surprises for me has been discovering Steely Dan. I went into these albums barely knowing their music, but with each listen my appreciation for them has grown more and more. What started as simply enjoying a few catchy tracks has turned into a real admiration for their songwriting, musicianship and immaculate production. Can’t Buy a Thrill was a great introduction, Pretzel Logic confirmed how consistently enjoyable they are, and Aja was the album that finally made everything click for me. I still find them difficult to define as a band, but I now completely understand why they are held in such high regard. Today was my fourth Steely Dan album, Countdown to Ecstasy, and just like the previous three, I really enjoyed it. “Bodhisattva” is a brilliant opening track and sets the tone perfectly for the rest of the album. Musically they are exceptional, the lyrics are sharp, and the production is once again excellent throughout. There is such an effortless coolness to their sound that makes these albums easy to keep coming back to. Another really strong album from a band that has been one of the highlights of this challenge for me. Favourite tracks: “Bodhisattva” and “My Old School” Least favourite tracks: None really stood out as weak Album artwork: Brilliant album cover
Starting to like Steely Dan is a sure sign of middle age.
Finished strongly enough to be a 3.5 rounded up
Enjoyed that. 3.5 rounded up
in Jojo's bizarre adventure there is a character named Dan of Steel, a permutation of the band name to get around american copyright laws. This is another classic noodly record. Truly Jazz for the modern hippie. It works great. Doesn't have the hits like Can't buy a thrill but it's another good project and it fills out the legendary catalog.
Never heard this album. It's typically impeccable. 6 new to me songs...will need to give this album more of a listen.
Always good
475/1089 - This is a weird one. It's tighter than the 1st album but it's also way more jammy and vamp-y. I like it more than Pretzel Logic but the repetitiveness takes me out from fully enjoying it. "King of The World" was really good and "Show Biz Kids" was one of the worst and most repetitive Steely Dan songs I've heard.
1. me encantó, no suelo conectar con canciones tan movidas que son solo instruemnatles pero esta fue una excepción me gustó la excusa para escucharlo pero me da viejo yankee falopero
Quintessential Unc Gem album There’s some absolutely awesome solos in this album, most notably the breakneck paced one in Bodhisattva and the smoother but still really cool one in Gold Teeth. I love the variety between the jazzy songs and the more quintessential soft rock sound that they’re so well known for. Fagen’s vocals are also just super easy on the ears If I had to complain about anything it’s the lack of a true standout, but that’s more of a symptom of the album just being pretty damn solid from start to finish. I think the albums a little flat emotionally at times, which I guess is kinda expected with the genre I’ve listened to a decent amount of Steely Dan and I think they just have such a high floor where it feels like all their music is above average. Absolutely a dad rock band but damn they sound good. Not quite a 5 for me but will definitely listen again
uncgem Bodhisattva is such a banger, fantastic solo I think people who listen to Steely Dan have sex on the regular
I can't say I love this band, and while I am very familiar with their "best of," remarkably, this is my first time listening to this album through front to back. So... the album kicks off with my least favorite of their hits. The music and groove of "Bodhisattva" are amazing, but the repetitive lyric has always been a turn off for me and this listen did nothing to stop that. Fortunately, the album also includes what may be my favorite of the album's songs, "My Old School," which just slaps, including a awesome horn line, fantastic guitar breaks, and fantastic drum performance by a guy I just had to look up (Jim Hodder) as I knew nothing about him. Anyway, really enjoyed the album despite the opener. These guys are solid, and it makes me excited for their other albums
Good album.
4 ya I like this
****A good easy listening Album.
Amazing amazing album, steely Dan was introduced to be through an episode of the sopranos. Dirty work was playing in a 15 second segment and it was hilarious. I looked up the song and fell in love with it. This album directly led me to listening to Aja as well. I know we’re not talking about that album (yet! No way it’s not on this list) but countdown to ecstasy had so many great songs. Pearl of the quarter and bodhisattva are highlights for me I’ll definitely be revisiting. Incorporating country elements with such great songwriting was really special. Show biz kids was such a great idea for a song at the time and will age phenomenally. The Boston Rag is an incredible song. The production quality for the time is just something else.
Endelig Steely Dan igjen. Her med deres andre studioalbum. Jeg mener at bandet ble bedre med årene, men synes likevel at dette er meget bra pop rock. Fire stjerner der, altså. Top 3: The Boston Rag, My Old School, King of the World
Mellow rock gold. It is a very well put together, melodic and chilled out album. There is some minor Santana influences with the samba drums and electric organ on "Your Gold Teeth" and I enjoy the full sound of "Show Biz Kids". It feels like the type of album that I would listen to at the end of the party. When everyone wants to have sit down and chill out whilst they finish their last drinks and chat. (3.666)
Steely Dan is just smooth. Hard to not find yourself bopping along to any part of these songs.
fun, groovy, very 70s dancy
Franchement, album très propre. Comme toujours chez Steely Dan, la patte yatch/jazz rock est vraiment intéressante, fournies en sonorités différentes mais toutes uniques. Au global, je trouve l'album vraiment efficace pour un deuxième projet, avec un bon équilibrage entre singles et sons moins construits, ce qui est vraiment agréable à l'écoute. De plus, le sequencing vraiment excellent du projet rend le tout très fluide même pour une première écoute, ce qui fait que l'album ne perd absolument pas malgré sa densité en terme d'ambiances sonores. Pour résumé, le projet est donc vraiment solide, bien produit, très agréable et fluide, et à mon sens très sous-côté.
Into the jazzy rock
Flott plet. Steely eru alltaf solid. Fíla soundið. 3,6.
Those Steelies were funky bastards weren't they?
I have no idea what this album was buts it was a lot of fun. A great mix of jazz and rock. Ive never heard of this band before thats weird.
Let me set the scene: it’s 80 degrees and sunny on a Saturday in South Alabama, you’ve had the top off your Jeep all week, and your generated album is from one of the ultimate yacht rock bands. Hard not to have a good time with that setup. This was just a really good album for riding around and enjoying the weather. “Boston Rag” and “Your Gold Teeth” were both solid, and “Show Biz Kids” deserves a mention too, especially that electric slide guitar opening. Favorite song: “Your Gold Teeth”
I would put the pairing of bodhi and my old school up against the best two songs of almost any other album presented so far. Of course they would get beat down by paradise city + take your pick. Same with first two Costello albums and any Beatles album, etc. Just saying those are two damn good songs with oh so sweet guitar.
Steely Dan is like perfume: it is remarkably attractive, but there is a hint of something fetid under the surface. Their jazzy and bluesy sounds keep me coming back.
Slightly rambly classic rock, good vocal harmonies
Steely Dan's whole style is just so good, it's impossible to hate this. They manage to make music that feels so smooth and yet so quirky at the same time, like it's great enough music that you can actually take it seriously but the underlying silliness of their whole style and aesthetic keeps you lightly entertained for the duration of the album.
After a couple swing and a miss Steely Dan albums, I'm glad to get one that's good.
It's my name
None
2026.04.14.
Ideal para puzzle !
This album gets one star per hundred instruments.
Fantastic from start to finish. I just love the precision present in every single aspect of this record. Not a bad song in there. Sure, Steely Dan is music for old white men (and I already destroyed Dire Straits for the same reason) but SD captures you in an altogether different way. Not a wasted note. I feel like I should give it a 5 but I’ll temper it a little and simply say this is a great album well worth your time. Best: Bodhisattva, Show Biz Kids, King of the World Worst: (no bad songs here)
Technically excellent. Better than expected.
STEELY DAN
Hot dog! As a straight, white, almost fifty year old, upper middle class man, Steely Dan is the quintessential song of my people. About time we got something, huh? I knew most of these songs but had never listened to the entire album before. I think this may be my second favorite Steely Dan album after Aja. I like this way better than Pretzel Logic and think it edges out Can’t Buy a Thrill, Katy Lied, The Royal Scam and Gaucho as well. Let’s very quietly and cynically and jazzily rock! (until we go to bed at 10pm)
3.7
nice relaxing set
The album of theirs I am least familiar with but still a great listen with some classics!
3.8
Steely Dan is great. This is no Aja, but a solid record where I never heard any of the songs. No hits. I wonder how they feel about the yacht rock label - kind of like hair metal. The labels kind of dumb down your art. Well hair metal bands probably deserve their labels. Any cool record but only giving a three because there are no half stars. Bullshit I’m giving it 4! I like this. Terrible album cover.
Very good but I think my generation’s love of Steely Dan has drained my appreciation of the nuance a bit and has instead left me with the overbearing vibe, which is not always for me. That said, recording is pristine per usual. Listened on my Sennheisers
I love Steely Dan, and this album is no exception. "My Old School" was the song that made me a fan. There's something about those horns providing a base layer for the guitar that I absolutely cannot resist. Fantastic arrangement. For some reason, I haven't ever listened to this whole album before.
Good vibes Easy on the ears Fav : the boston rag
Solid Steely Dan. It is not my favorite one, but it sure as hell is worth the time.
groovy
This album rips. I don’t think Steely Dan ever missed in their career
Les longs solos de guitare, c'est toujours une fine ligne entre truc transcendant et branlette intellectuelle. Cet album navigue cette ligne plus ou moins habilement.
For an album I had an unequivocal good time with, I'm surprised to see some of the discourse for this album and Steely Dan. A lot of the disappointment seems to come from listeners who find this album boring, which I won't necessarily disagree with. But then, I'm never one to think that music needs to be challenging in order to be good. I loved the notes of jazz that Steely Dan sprinkled through this album, especially in Bodhisattva and My Old School. On that note, I think I even prefer this album to the other album I've had of theirs on this list, Can't Buy A Thrill, though it has been a while since I listened through that. Sure it didn't change my life, but it had me nodding my head and tapping my foot right from the top. The musicians are clearly talented, and they're able to translate that mechanical skill into catchy tunes too, which is a win-win in my book. Highlight: My Old School Lowlight: The Boston Rag Highlight #2: Bodhisattva
очень приятный, радует разнообразие инструментальное, альбом просто интересно слушать. добавила bodhisattva, razor boy, the boston rag, show biz kid, the king of the world. очень удачный бэквокал у show biz kid, мне кажется, им стоило его чаще в своей музыке использовать 4/5
I was never a big Steely Dan guy, but this album was way better than Pretzel Logic. I liked the influence of jazz and prog rock in this. Hope Aja is even better.
Enjoyable listen. Very cheesy at times (in a good way), interesting noodly guitar lines, a lot of fun.
I am very familiar with Steely Dan, but never owned their albums. Aja was ever present in my friends' collections, but I didn't register which radio tunes came from which album. so I was surprised to see an unfamiliar album cover and hear several very familiar songs. Steely Dan is not a band I would seek out regularly, but I really enjoyed listening to this one.
4.5
Pewnie jestem po prostu łagodniejsza, bo ostatnio wiele płyt było nie tyle przeciętnych co słabych, ale to mi się podobało. Melodyjne, z przyjemnym wokalem, zróżnicowane w tempie i stylu. I jakieś takie nostalgiczne. Jak ścieżka dźwiękowa filmu do którego wraca się po latach. 7/10
Previously rated: #137 - Pretzel Logic (4/5) #530 - Can't Buy a Thrill (5/5) #674 - Aja (4/5) ********************************** Album #1,048 Could have been titled "Bodhisattva and other great songs." Seriously, Bodhisattva is the main highlight. The other songs are along for the ride. They certainly aren't bad or anything. I've heard My Old School before, that's OK. Pearl of the Quarter is a cool, country sounding tune. I didn't care much for Show Biz Kids with the repeated "go to lost wages" from the backup singers. There's an F-bomb in that song too. Cool to hear the intricate jazzy guitar, keyboard, and drum parts in these songs. Doesn't quite rise to Can't Buy a Thrill levels, but I'll put it on again.
Great album with a mix of genre's pulled in, the usual jazz/rock but some country music tones, some funky stuff, enjoyed it.
Heard of steely dan but never a whole album. Starts of super interesting. The way the use the piano drums and guitar together is really cool. Song writing is good not great. Really good guitar solo. Song writing is really good on razor boy. Again really good piano. Boston rag is really good. Great mix of story telling and background music. Fave so far. Guitar solo is again so good. Your gold teeth is another awesome song. You could put any lyrics over this production and it would work. Show biz kids is more of the same, another banger. Catchiest one so far. Harmonica 🔥🔥. I don’t like my old school as much as the rest but it’s still a really fun song. Pearl of the quarter is similar. Nothing life changing, but fun song. Right off the bat I like king of the world better. That background guitar is so good. Synth solo is soso cool. And then the regular piano comes back in. Song writing is soo good too. I had only heard good things abt steely dan, and I was still pleasantly surprised. Really good album. 4.1 stars.
3.5/5
This is the only Steely Dan album I had never listened to, and like their other work, it was pretty good! No hit songs on here or anything that will knock your socks off, but all the tracks were consistently solid. Would be a perfect 3.5, but I’ll bump it up to a 4/5 on this scale
what can I say.. my beloveds! Allora.. this is not my favorite album but it has some great classic SD tracks and has a juicy jazzy flow all the way thru
4th and final Steely Dan album on this list, and it’s a gem. Bodhisattva, Your Gold Teeth and My Old School are standouts. How do you not sing along to My Old School. Ever wonder why there are 4 albums on this list? And the very 1st album generated for us is Aja? Most well-known artists get one album. Even legends often get just two. So when an artist lands four entries, that puts them in rare company. It signals sustained greatness across multiple releases, not just one classic record. Just sayin’ 😬
Looove My Old School 7/10
I love this album. I think at first it's pretty easy to be mid on it. But the more I've listened to steely Dan the more I appreciate the subtle yet brilliant musicianship, mixing, mastering and overall attention to detail. I think the drumming is an excellent example
Big fan! End of Your Gold Teeth was crazy. Also bonus points for the cool album art lol 8/10
Разнообразно и изобретательно.
ja gewoon goede plaat.
Not as good as other steely Dan albums but I still enjoyed it a lot
8/10 Favourite: Bodhisattva Least Favourite:Your Gold Teeth
I like this one.
Pretty good, has some interesting sounds.
I liked this album a bit more than "Pretzel Logic". It's not something I'd particularly want in my collection, but certainly wouldn't mind listening to it again sometime.
I found myself dancing while listening most of the songs. I LOVE THİS ALBUM. Incredible sound amd brilliant lyrics. Love it
Steely Dan is solid.
4 out of 5. Not their worst but not their best either. Still a solid album.
Steely Dan is alr a band I was aware of. They're a staple of the 70's rock scene. This album begins with a strong start of mixing that jazzy rock and blues. I love the use of the bass, very 50's-esque. As the album progresses, it gets more mellow with the delivery. This is definitely an album to listen to multiple times. There is a lot here that I would like to individually focus on. Good album!
Eyerolling, pithy takedowns at Western excess and materialism juxtaposed with tongue-in-cheek pleas for what passes for enlightenment in the modern age, this album screams 'Satire' with a capital 'S'. 'Countdown to Ecstasy' is certainly an album of contrast in terms of both genres and themes, but one that makes for a mellow and inviting mélange of scenes for the listener to sink into. On one hand, 'Your Gold Teeth' seats the band at their most cool and callous, ready to tango with a femme fatale over an icy and spiky jazz groove. On the other, 'Pearl of the Quarter' serves up a slightly schmaltzy, moonstruck ballad with a country twang, but one where Donald Fagen's lamenting voice radiates both warmth and woe. There are plenty of bluesy musings on the human condition across the record, from the world-weary wah-wah treatise on post-war America that is 'King of the World', to the almost tropical yet taciturn cut on the maudlin 'Razor Boy'. Not all of the songs on the album are as sharp in their aim, however. 'Bodhisattva' possesses a curious mix of peppy, Lindy Hop energy with a blues rock rattle, although the curt, dry lyrics feel like Steely Dan are pulling their punches here. But overall, the album is alluring and evocative, rich in storytelling, and backed up by meticulous and sophisticated musicianship, wherein most cases, the push of pull of every disparate element creates an eccentric harmony.
Good album
Steely damn. That was awesome
I was familiar with 2 or 3 songs on this album, but that was it. My Old School is one of my Steely Dan favorites. Anyway, I thought this was a solid album. Four stars.
Nicht einprägsam, aber unterhaltsam
upon first listen, I didn't take in much of the lyrics, but I was really taken by the lyrics. Your Gold Teeth and Show Biz Kids were groovy as hell man. can't believe I heard like two Steely Dan songs before listening. definitely keeping this one on rotation!
odd album for Christmas, but I'll allow it. Just fun all around, some nice rolling rock, great guitar and keys. I'm not much of a Steely Dan guy but this was pretty enjoyable for the most part. Its old school rock with some funky guitar and some old downtown blues sounds in the mix, My Old School was pretty damn good. 4.5 I could
Cosy i dobre jak się nie skupiasz na muzyce
Bodhisattva! So good. Pretty solid album too.
Dank riffs
This is pretty great - enjoyed this one.
Solid. Bodhisattva was great
Real banger. Had forgotten that 'Show Biz Kids' was the origin of SFA's 'TMDGaF'. And what a track 'My Old School' is. Pretty much peak Steely Dan.
This is a solid one. Listened to it twice in a row. Good for focus. Meticulous work, tight as always. 4.25
def a weaker project from them, but who cares. i love this band omg
Very groovy vibe type of album, something that you can dance to.