Reviews (page 3 of 9)
My. Steely Dan did two not terrible albums. Please can this be the last though. Please. PLEASE. Quite a bit of this was actually catchy and not cringey.
too much of this reminded me of weird al and once i made that association i could not unhear it anymore
More steely Dan. If course. It's just like a very talented group with no heart at all. The best bits: One of the early tracks sounded like a wings track if you took away all the charm that McCartney employs with no effort at all. Part way through there was a nice guitar solo. There were other not nice ones though. The one about the school sounded a bit like 10cc, but without the cleverly put together funny lyrics, you know, the best but about 10cc. That's about it.theyre obviously very talented but they are not enjoyable. There is also that other track that reminds me of the top gear theme. I don't really like being reminded of top gear. Is this the last steely Dan? I flipping hope so.
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.
Still not impressed by Steely Dan. I got their first album about a week and a half ago, that one was alright I suppose, just like this one. I don't know much more to say other than that it's very well thought out and every imperfection was taken out. Though a lot of the songs are just mediocre some stand out like the song "Show Biz Kids" with its earworm of a refrain. The album also has some interesting percussion sounds going on. BUUUT that's where it ends with noteworthy stuff. I don't see myself coming back to this one, just so basic and dull. Highlight Song/s: "The Boston Rag" and "Show Biz Kids"
Into the jazzy rock
The '70s have a sound and steely Dan definitely rides that wave. A lot more jazzy than I thought it would be, but some of the noodling just doesn't click with me.
Flott plet. Steely eru alltaf solid. Fíla soundið. 3,6.
Klassískur Steely Dan. Smooth og (of)pródúserað.
Bodhisattva
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.
Sometimes I wonder whether perhaps my distaste for Steely Dan is based on some irrational animus and a lack of exposure to the band's music. Then, I listen to a song or an album, and I think, "Nope, they just suck." And, that's what this listen through provided; further confirmation that Steely Dan sucks. It also made me realize that Megadeth (another band that sucks) must have, in some kind of sick homage of suckitude, titled Countdown to Extinction after this album.
I liked a few songs on this. Boston Rag has a crazy song structure and some good hooks. Teeth of Gold and My Old School were pretty good, too. At the same time, I'm not sure where noodling guitar solos are part of eastern philosophy. I'm not exactly a superfan at this point, but this list has improved my view of this band.
My Old School is a good song, but the rest of this didn't move me. I have just a nodding acquaintance with SD, but as an album this seems inferior to the other one we listened to, and also not as good as Aja, which should be on this list somewhere.
3/5 - Not as good ad Can’t Buy a Thrill for me, but I’d still listen. If someone asked me what this sounded like, I’d say, “Steely Dan.”
"Countdown to Ecstasy" is the second studio album by American rock band Steely Dan. Rock, jazz rock and pop are the Wiki-listed genres. The album was produced by Gary Katz where Donald Fagan took over as lead singer on every track after David Palmer was dismissed from the band. Lyrical themes included drug abuse, class struggles and LA excess. The core bandmembers were Donald Fagan (lead vocals, pianos, synthesizers), Walter Becker (bass, harmonica, backing vocals), Jeff "Skunk" Baxter (guitars), Dennis Dias (guitar) and Jim Hodder (drums, percussion, backing vocals). The album had considerable critical acclaim and, commercially, it reached #35 US Billboard Top LP's and Tapes Chart. "Bodhisattva" kicks off the album. Drum ticks, a hard-edge guitar and piano rolls. A dual guitar blend by Baxter and Dias. The song settles into a jump n' jive beat and piano. Baxter's guitar interplays with Dias and the keys and also gives several solos. Fagan satirizes the enlightened counterculture who thinks they are here in the material world to encourage the common folk to give up worldly possessions. "Your Gold Teeth" fuses jazzy guitar fills with a Latin beat and piano. Back and forth guitar and electric piano solos and very technical drumming. A song about about a cunning woman who takes advantage of others. The first single "Show Biz Kids" opens with a bluesy guitar. Prominent female backing vocals repeating "You go to lost wages." A constant rock beat and more impressive guitar by Baxter. Fagan taking shots at LA life styles in a seedy and darkly atmospheric song. "My Old School" adds synth horns to mix. A very catchy melody. Some more great female backing vocals. Multiple guitar solos and synth fills that never seem to over stay their welcome. It's song about Fagan and Becker's college, their drug bust and, well, they're never going back there. One of Steely Dan's best. The music at its core is rock and jazz but they fuse in elements of reggae, Latin beats, blues, country rock, prog and even jam band to create their unique sound. I read a comment that this is the album that established the "Steely Dan'" sound and I agree. There is highly high technical instrumentation with Baxter's guitar solos and interplay with Dias and the keyboards (electric piano), the jazz drumming and time signatures and just overall mix. The lyrics can be acerbic, satirical and humorous. This is an exceptional album with absolutely no filler. A very high recommendation.
So bland and middle of the road that I have trouble forming any kind of opinion about it at all. I looked back at my previous Steely Dan reviews and this is the fourth time in a row I have thought this! How can I listen to four albums from an artist and still not think anything about them? Just for that, the sheer nothingness of them, I think I have to give this one star only, to mark this achievement as the most boring band from the list.
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”
Love the cover. The album is mixed. They can do better than this.
God damn, this actually outdoes their debut. Plenty of memories of playing "Bodhisattva" on Rock Band 2, and my god was that a great choice for that game. Such a unique chart to play. The rest of the album holds up as well as that incredible opener. "My Old School" being another super cool hightlight. Not sure how it wasn't a hit
Quatrième album de Steely Dan généré, le premier étant le très jazzy 'Aja' (plus récent) que j'avais plutôt apprécié (3/5); puis les 2 autres, les plus pop/rock 'Can't Buy A Thrill' et 'Pretzel Logic' qui m'avaient moins intéressés (notés 2/5 - trop pop). Ce nouvel album commence bien, avec un morceau très dynamique (plutôt bluesy) avec des chorus de guitare sympas. Malheureusement l'album ne reste pas sur cette voie, le rythme ralentit, le style devient plutôt pop/rock et surtout moins inspiré, même si certains chorus restent intéressants. Malheureusement il n'y en a pas assez pour une seconde écoute. =>2/5
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.
A meaningful experience of this project is learning who sings all of the classic rock songs you changed the station on as a youth. "My Old School" fits that category.
My Old School
I find Steely Dan endlessly annoying in a harmless, soft rock sort of way.
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.
I liked the guitar and the tempo, but I found the vocals and lyrics less interesting which ultimately drags the entire album down a bit for me Standouts Show Biz Kids King Of The World 3/5
Another one where it appears and your mood sinks. Did not persuade me to change my mind about Steely Dan.
One of the best bands of the 70s. This is the only 70s album of theirs I never heard in its entirety (I have the others on vinyl). Amazing!
Súper sólido, nunca había escuchado de esta banda. Todo me pareció super fresco y rico de oir. He escuchado este album completo casi 5 veces hoy, me está costando elegir una favorita pq todas me parecen muy bien logradas. Rica producción. Rico sonido que le sacan a la guitarra y a los teclados through and through. Espectaculares guitar riffs.
#98/1001 🇺🇸 Did i make the generator angry? I just gave Aja by Steely Dan 1 star and its thrown this straight back at me. First track in and it's all Flight of the Bumblebee call and response guitar solo nonsense. I'm sorry, this is just not my vibe. I'm going to leave it with this quote from William Burroughs, whose steam powered dildo was the inspiration behind the band's name: “They’re too sophisticated, they’re doing too many things at once in a song.” “To write a bestseller, you can’t have too much going on, you take The Godfather, the horse’s head. That’s great. But you can’t have a horse’s head on every page. These people tend to have too many horses’ heads.”
Really can't stand this guy's voice
Almost as good as Aja. Had a great time. I am gonna be a dad soon, better get ready !
Slightly rambly classic rock, good vocal harmonies
I don’t really get this one, always hear of steely Dan but never listened to him. And well, not for me, don’t find it too catchy and didn’t love the style of music.
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.
Decent.
I've known this album for years, but I had no idea that the legendary Ray Brown played bass on Razer Boy! There's lots of great playing, songwriting and production. I liked the variety throughout. I was sad when it ended, as I wished that the album was longer. Liked Songs Added: Bodhisattva Boston Rag My Old School Pearl Of The Quarter
ok
See yesterday’s review. It’s unfortunate that these two albums by the same band were back to back. I can only wonder if my experience would have been different if there had been more time in between.
Meh. Kind of forgettable. Nothing jumped out at me.
That’s enough out of you Mr Dan
This is just not the sound for me. I'm sure their lyrics deserve a closer look, but the sound is just very uncool yet unoffensive. A 2 because it's notably worse than the Ramones
After a couple swing and a miss Steely Dan albums, I'm glad to get one that's good.
A man shhh'ed me and I'm still not over it
How can a bunch of obviously talented musicians collectively possess zero soul? Like none. Nada.
It's my name
Pretty groovy stuff
Didn't listen too heavily but I was not impressed.
Meh, it was alright. Not really my jam.
None
2026.04.14.
There is some I liked on here. Definitely a solid album and one I wouldn't be mad about if it were playing but I wouldn't actively choose to listen to it.
Ideal para puzzle !
Steely Dan has an incredibly smooth, chill sound... So much so that it's almost boring. The instrumental parts are great on their own. I feel like I often complain here about harsh, unpleasant vocals, but this band has basically the opposite problem, where the singer is so painfully generic that it diminishes from the music
LOVE steely Dan. They gotta make more music like this
This is the best Steely Dan album I have heard. Almost every song is a banger. It’s extremely thematically satisfying and the instruments/vocals are soo clean. The only issue is that every song is a bit long and on the couple songs that weren’t bangers it starts to get tiring. 9/10
This album gets one star per hundred instruments.
Inoffensive Dad rock
A lot of Steely Dan? Who knew??
Steely Dan’s second album, Countdown to Ecstasy, finds the jazz-rock, pop-rock, and prog-rock pioneers leaning fully into their signature polish, delivering a collection of smooth, easygoing tracks that glide by without friction. While the musicianship is undeniable, few songs leave a lasting melodic imprint or offer the kind of hooks that stick around after the music stops. Given their strong presence on the 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die list—with four entries in total—this feels like one that could have been left off, as two selections might have captured their legacy just as well. And notably, the Kmart Radio Network never featured a single track from this album, which tells you just about everything you need to know.
If you like Steely Dan, you'll like this one. A few songs are radio regulars and the rest sound the same. Can't go wrong with this kind of yacht rock adjacent vibe.
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)
un rodeo en slowmotion en el atardecer...
Technically excellent. Better than expected.
As a Dad without a Yacht, I still like this enough to listen every once in a while.
Unfortunately, though King of the World is a pretty good closer, the rest of the album is pretty lackluster and uninteresting. Palatable l, but definitely doesn't need to be here. 2.4/5 -> 2/5
They can play but I feel like each song is the same.
Another solid album by Steely Dan! Couple big hits and all the rest easy listening - their standard recipe. High 3+.
Por el momento bastante meh.
Couple bangers!
Not how I wanted to start my come back, or my Friday morning!
Steely Dan always hits for me. I love how exacting they are in their playing. The whole album is great - My Old School is probably my favorite song of theirs. This is the first 5 star album I've gotten.
STEELY DAN
70’s Rock ⭐️Show Biz Kids
A band with a lot of haters and apologists both, and certainly enough chops to give creedence to the latter. Maybe it's the over-enunciated vocal delivery but there's something unintentionally goofy about these guys that I can't shake. I'm either rockin' out to a great guitar solo or waiting to do so.
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
Masturbation, just because you've put some effort in doesn't mean you're going to hit the pillow, sometimes it barely ejects. That latter effort is my summation of Steely Dan
Pleasant
Gas
The amount of Steely Dan on this list really amuses me.
Pretty meh for me.
I don’t hate these guys. Clearly talented musically. They just don’t work for me. The harmony bugs me. And they’re soft. Like a cat rubbing your leg… nice for a while, but eventually, out you go.
I think I’m lacking some sort of mental computer chip that allows me to really get Steely Dan. I like My Old School, though.
One for the dads.
I need more time with this record. I was somewhat bored at the beginning, but the vocal harmonies were great and the rhythm section in the second half of the record is really pops. I need more time. I want a 3.5.
Je respire... C’est enfin fini. Le supplice touche à sa fin et je peux vous dire que le sentiment de soulagement est bien plus intense que n'importe quelle mélodie de cet album. Après m’être farci Aja, Can't Buy a Thrill et Pretzel Logic, j’arrive au bout de la "période Steely Dan" de ce projet. Quatre albums. Quatre fois la même sensation de vide intersidéral habillé en costume de soie. Quatre fois la note de 1 sur 5. C’est une constante, une ligne droite, un encéphalogramme plat de mon intérêt pour cette musique. Je ne vais pas tourner autour du pot : ce Countdown To Ecstasy n'a rien d'extatique. Le titre est une publicité mensongère, un appât pour gogos en quête de sensations fortes qui finissent par se retrouver devant une tasse de thé tiède. Le seul compte à rebours que j'ai ressenti, c'est celui des minutes qui s'égrenaient sur mon lecteur, me rapprochant de la libération. Pourquoi tant de haine, me direz-vous ? Ce n’est pas de la haine. La haine, c’est une émotion, une réaction viscérale, quelque chose qui brûle. Ici, il n’y a rien qui brûle car tout a été refroidi à l'azote liquide. On est dans la même veine que les trois autres disques : du soft rock parfaitement calibré. Un mélange de rock, de pop et de jazz, mais un jazz qui aurait été passé à la javel. Je regarde la pochette, je regarde les noms des musiciens. Ce sont des Musiciens avec un grand M. Des virtuoses, des mecs qui dorment probablement avec leur métronome. Il n'y a pas un pet de travers, pas une fausse note, pas une harmonique qui dépasse. Chaque coup de batterie est pesé, chaque solo est mesuré au millimètre près. C'est la perfection au sens littéral du terme et le perfectionnisme de Becker et Fagen me fatigue car c'est une insulte à l'imperfection magnifique du rock. C’est une démonstration de force technique qui finit par devenir une faiblesse émotionnelle. C’est la musique de gens qui n’ont plus rien à dire mais qui savent très bien comment le dire. Je ne vais pas vous détailler les morceaux un par un. À quoi bon ? Que ce soit Bodhisattva ou My Old School, c'est la même tambouille sophistiquée. Des accords de jazz complexes plaqués sur des rythmiques rock pépères. Alors voilà, c’est mon dernier mot sur ce groupe pour ce projet et Countdown to Ecstasy repart avec son petit 1 sur 5 bien mérité. Ce n'est pas une question de talent, c'est une question de vision. Et nous n'avons pas la même vision du monde.
nice relaxing set
The album of theirs I am least familiar with but still a great listen with some classics!
Really enjoy Steely Dan, but this just didn't hit for me. Pedestrian and dull. Background listening.
so boring i forgot it was playing and took my headphones off to speak to my friends, album ended and i didnt even bother trying to listen again
Countdown To Ecstasy is not Steely Dan's best release. Outside of "My Old School", there isn't much to it. I'll stick with Aja as the go-to Steely Dan album.
A top 3 Steely Dan record for me. I could listen to My Old School on repeat. Show Biz Kids is hypnotic. And Bodhisattva is just rock n roll and jazz fusion magic. As with all their records, pristine production. Songwriting and lyrics are fun, although still inconsistent compared to later records. Instrumentation is top notch. May not be everyone’s favorite, but I’ve always loved this record.
Decent
Too much Jazz of a kind Idon't liek much.
Heard Before? Sad but true. Notes: - it's almost amazing how every song can sound so meticulous and phoned-in at the same time. - horn parts on "My Old School" gave me a half smile. - some of the keyboard work is cute, but i wanted to stab the guitarists. - all in all, in the face of truly intense competition, this is the worst Steely Dan album. Verdict: Like when flipping through the Restoration Hardware catalogue, I get twinges of envy amidst the desperate ennui. Listen Again? Lord save us all.
AND IM NEVER GOING BACK TO MY OLD SCHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL
There’s some dad rock I can vibe with but some, like this, aren’t my cup of tea sad to say
Decent 70s record; I don’t think I’ve heard any of these tunes. Highlights for me are “Pearl of the Quarter” and the f bomb on “Show Biz Kids” I didn’t expect, said all Steely Dany. 3.3/5.0
Ok better Steely Dan out there Replay. Maybe
3.5
3.8
Helt ok, noe spor av orginalitet.
I said a couple of days ago in a review that I am quite partial to a good prog record, and whilst this isn’t necessarily full-on progressive, there are some elements here which made this quite an enjoyable listen. I only really know a couple of Steely Dan tracks, none of which are from this record, so it was nice to approach it blind… It was engaging, and one of those albums that you can just listen to without necessarily having to concentrate too much on it. Wouldn’t be in a rush to play it again, but still gets a respectable three out of five. Standout track - Bodhisattva
I made it through 1.5 songs and gave up.
Do Steely Dan take themselves very seriously? They sound like they do.
147/1001 First listen. Simply put, I just don’t like the sound of this. I will not be playing this again. 3/10
This was ok. The only Steely Dan album I was familiar with previously was Aja, which I loved. From one listen here’s nothing too much different about this. Certainly not shit, but I’d question whether anyone unfamiliar with the band would need to hear more than one of their albums. I could be wrong though of course, not being familiar with their entire catalogue. Enjoyable, yes. Essential? No.
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.
Starts off pretty cheesy for my liking--the first track is pretty jangly. A real 50s rock vibe. Some of the tracks, especially past the middle of the album, are decent. The guy's voice is kind of annoying though, gives me Elvis Costello vibes, which I hate. 2/5
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
Of it's time ...I suppose. Not enough for me to listen to more.
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.
Like bad 70s soft-rock lounge music that would play in an old men's cigar bar. The lyrics are incredibly problematic. Not at all like the Steely Dan I remember, they must have really revamped their sound in their later albums.
This album does not need to be listened to. It is very technically well played music, but it is boring and soulless. Not sure why this is on the list other than a strong bias in the list towards 70s rock.
Some easy listening jazz rock, it's not terrible but I don't see why this band is held in such high esteem 3*
Not unpleasant, but nothing too striking.
Another perfectly alright album. I don’t mind Steely Dan, but all the songs sound kind of the same. Unobjectionable dad rock
It was alright but didn’t really wow me. I did like Bodhisattva and My Old School a lot.not going to turn it off but not going out of my way to find it again.
Good vibes Easy on the ears Fav : the boston rag
Rating: 4.6/5 Short Review: Brainy jazz-rock with a smirk and a perfectly tuned groove. This is Steely Dan before they became full studio obsessives, but the sophistication is already there. Favorite Track: My Old School. The horn punches and piano groove make it explode with energy, and the chorus feels triumphant and sarcastic at the same time.
I feel like I should like Steely Dan more than I do, being firmly in the dad rock demographic. But I didn't have any older people in my life who were really into them so they aren't nostalgic for me, and I always feel like they are missing a bass section. Its the band version of only hearing flutes
This is probably a 3.5 but not my favorite Steely Dan on the whole. Show Biz Kids and My Old School back to back are pretty great. A few other moments here and there, the closer is pretty good too with the wah-wah guitar and the cool synth line. I actually would consider myself a fan of Steely Dan but this is a little lower in the hierarchy for me.
steely dan is one of the best artists in my opinion
Solid Steely Dan. It is not my favorite one, but it sure as hell is worth the time.
mellow stones
6/10 - Not a bad debut album. A few places I thought it sounded like Jazz ELO.
I didn't really like this all too much. The instrumentals are fine but the soft rock sound is too safe. 5/10
No one would accuse these folks of being chintzy with their selection of notes. They use them all.
groovy
Very that age, but nothing major stood out to me.
Decent but most of the songs kinda dragged
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.
3.2 I've enjoyed the Steely Dan albums that have appeared on here but I think this is my least fave of the bunch. The only song I knew beforehand, King of the World, remains the best and isn't that great. Sometimes they can come across too elevator music like, and this album has that in greater concentrations than their others. It's fine, but not sure why it's included on this list.
Someday my kids are going to be listening to music I liked when I was a teenager, and they're going to say "oh no, it's music my mom likes". That's how I feel about this album. It's music my mom and her brothers probably liked, and it does nothing for me.
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'm ready and willing to become one of those pretentious Steely Dan snobs, but no amount of great playing and perfect engineering can make up for a lack of great tunes
Stop calling it “dad rock”. Dad rock is the fuckin’ Eagles, man. Becker and Fagen would throw Henley and Frey out of class and make ‘em repeat freshman year. I love Steely Dan for the sound, foremost. The tracks are so clean, so sharp, they were 10 years ahead of their time in production. But the lyrics aren’t pop, or “rock” slurry; they sound sinister and sad, lifting up a shiny rock to let the bugs come out. “Your Gold Teeth”, “The Boston Rag”, “My Old School”. This is what always drew me to the Dan - that impeccable sound with unsettling lyrics, like they were Nixon’s house band.
Just because you can play all sorts of instruments doesn't mean you should.
My first experience of a Steely Dan album. I really don’t know what to expect, but it’s certainly one of the more pleasing examples of “dad rock” I’ve heard. The jazz influence helps to make it more interesting sounding, to my ears. Not bad, and to date the best early 70s rock album I’ve had generated.
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.
I wrote this about Pretzel Logic: A steaming turd of an album. Starting with Rikki Don’t Lose That Number this may be the album that tipped the balance and inspired punk rock. This is a snooze fest from beginning to end. There are no edges or angularity in this lifeless anti-music designed to torture people in elevators. And then it should come as no fucking surprise that this album advertised as a Countdown to Ecstasy achieves yet another level of pointless masturbation by seemingly gifted musicians. It should then come as no surprise that the name Steely Dan references a dildo and was derived from William S. Burroughs‘ Naked Lunch. This is album is a limp dick of a record with most of it devoted to lite “jazz rock” all sung by Don Fagen. I note that if there ever was evidence that the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame is also just another sham, Steely Dan was actually inducted in 2001. Yup, a dildo is in the hall of fame along with a penis (Sex Pistols) that was inducted in 2006. At least the Sex Pistols didn’t show up. This is not rock in any sense of the word. You know it’s not because every descriptor used for Steely Dan includes the word “soft” before the word rock. The qualifier “soft” tells you it’s not rock. It does not rock - at all. This is soulless, lifeless, overproduced wallpaper upon which the lyrics of the seedier edges of Los Angeles mixed with Vegas excess are in-artfully draped. An effort to criticize the “me first” materialism of a generation but mostly just mocking. It reminds me a bit of a less erudite 10cc lyrically as Steely Dan was not as clever by half. I take it they were going for edgy but the lyrics are just mostly awkward self projection. Bodhisattva is an example of a song where the bebop jazz and 60s pop production overlap to create an uninspired ghoul of a song designed to suck the soul from the listener’s body. The lyrics are supposed to be a commentary on If you encounter anyone who professes their love for Steely Dan you should reject them as friends. If you are married to a fan of the band, you are a victim of domestic abuse. No one with any human emotion can possibly listen to this and connect with another human. The critics who praised this turd of an album should be condemned for eternity to hear only thus. There is a reason this album is always available for a $1.00 in the used section of a record store. If you buy it at any price you are over-fucking-paying. Needless to say Countdown to Ecstasy is a 0/5.
Solid sophomore effort from Steely after the tough to follow Can’t Buy A Thrill. Bodhisattva and My Old School are the best tracks and the ones that got radio play (along with The Boston Rag, but I think this one only got played locally.) These guys are true musicians that continue to improve as they age. (3.4*s) It does seem like we should bring back the Boston Rag.
Countdown to Ecstasy begins Steely's countdown in quality from their debut album. This one has a couple hit tracks and some good supporters but it ain't as good as Can't Buy a Thrill but better than Pretzel Logic. "My Old School" is a top Steely Dan song and really lifts this record. "Bodhivsattva", "Show Biz Kids" and "King of the World" round it out to give this one a respectable 3.0 stars.
Glad to see another Steely Dan album but really surprised that this album made the list. It's an OK album but doesn't really stand out from anything else in their discography. It's not their debut, nor does it have the benefit of an extended length of times between releases to make it significant. It's simply a middle of the pack release from the middle of their career. I like Bodhisvatta and My Old School but wouldn't put either of them near the top of their singles list. A head scratching entry even if I do enjoy the album simply because their isn't anything notable about it as far as I can tell. It's more of the same Steely that I know and like, but its never an album I turn to on its own merit. Hopefully Aja makes the cut down the line I guess. 2.98 stars
Enjoyable listen. Very cheesy at times (in a good way), interesting noodly guitar lines, a lot of fun.
Loved this! Need to relisten at one point
Amazing album. Only one skip song, but it’s one that others love, so it’s just me on that one
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.
5/10 the shi you play when you're tired of fleetwood mac listen to when feeling like a 70s stoner definitely not their best work tho
🥱 I tried, but holy fucking boring 😴
Nah
More perfect boredom. Ridiculous to have four albums by these guys on here...
норм..
Þeir eru oft ágætir, en mér finnst þessi plata aldrei fara á almennilegt flug. Þetta er fínt, en það er ekki fyrr en í lokalaginu, King of the world, að ég er aðeins farinn að dansa. Það er ekki nóg fyrir fjarka.
If I told someone to imagine a 70s rock album in their head and then played this I think it would be very close to what they imagined. Its softer than more modern rock and more of a head bobbing feeling throughout. I don't know why I wasn't expecting the steel guitar to come in considering the bands name but it did, and it did in a great way. A very fun listen through.
3.5
Great album with a mix of genre's pulled in, the usual jazz/rock but some country music tones, some funky stuff, enjoyed it.
Hey, it's Steely Dan! Actually thought I would like this way more than I did -- other than My Old School, it's just kinda ... eh?
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.
I quite like the old school rock. Good instrumentals!
A good Steely Dan record but not sure why it's on this list over Gaucho. 6/10
Boring. Cheesy. Wouldn’t be bad chilling on a yacht blitzed on cheap beer.
yayayayaa
3.5/5
PTA is going to have to make a lot more masterpieces to change my mind about Steely Dan. King of the World and My Old School were decent tracks but I just find their voices annoying for the most part, and the majority of the songs are too slow for me.
Sure I guess. I've actually never listened to a Steely Dan record. Lets see. What if we made wild and impressive jazz, but we were the most boring people you'd ever met. Really good music as made by Chip and Joanna Gaines. Yacht rock in the goddamn doldrums, we're going to get scurvy out here. It takes nerve to make music this dull and just let other people listen to it like it was normal. I hate it, I hate it more than I thought I possibly could. Why do I hate it so much? It should be okay, but it's just not, I hate it. 1 star.
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
No. 357/1001 Bodhisattva 3/5 Razor Boy 3/5 The Boston Rag 3/5 Your Gold Teeth 2/5 Show Biz Kids 3/5 My Old School 3/5 Pearl Of The Quarter 4/5 King Of The World 3/5 Average: 3,0 Was a bit disappointed by this, because I was a big fan of the Steely Dan albums I got so far. This was just average.
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’ 😬
This is like wandering around in the forest; it's not bad, but you feel kinda lost, and you don't exactly know where it's going. It's a slow, walking tempo, with trees obscuring the view.
History aside - I was taken by the opening of Bodhisattva with its Allman Brothers like harmonized guitars. The beat's fun too. And epitomizes the whole album where they seem to be making a play to make an actual rock and roll album. And then - it just drifts into the mid tempo and in the end is less interesting than the Steely Dan albums I actively dislike. This one hits a far more passive - but familiar - nerve.
Favorite song: King of the World
Not blown away with their first album, Steely Dan starts here for me, 5 brilliant albums in a row, plus Gaucho.
I've heard so many references to Steely Dan (most recently while watching Oh, Hello with John Mulaney & Nick Kroll) throughout my life but have never listened to them. Honestly their sound isn't what I was imagining. I thought they would be more straight ahead rock, but this has some jazzy elements that add interest. I thought it was a good album, though I don't have strong feelings about it or a desire to listen again. I feel like I need to start rating out of 10 again because I need more nuance. This would be a 7/10 for me.
Looove My Old School 7/10
First time listening to Steely Dan. At times this feels like hold music or elevator music. Really clear audio mixing with the hi-res lossless creating a pleasant listening experience. Overall enjoyable easy listening with no standouts imo. The album plays as if it was intended to play entirely in the background and not be a “pick-me” album. I bet this sits at the back of many peoples record collections collecting dust.
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
I actually didn't mind this one, it was okay!
Разнообразно и изобретательно.
this was fun, chill groovy vibe, easy to listen to 3.5
I like harmonies, but the Steely kind of harmonies do nothing for me. Too slick and soulless. Much like the music. Not for me
this opens with a middling rock track with repetitive racist lyrics, and it really does not get much better from there. repetition is one thing, though i'd prefer it not be racist, but the repetition here isn't meritful. repetition is one thing, but the repetition here is basic and uninteresting without vocal delivery that makes it feel impactful. the instrumentation itself is Fine but there's little here that inspired any excitement from me. i bet my dad probably loved this before he killed himself.
Ah yes, welcome back Dad Rock. Honestly I find the tunes and compositions here quite interesting I mostly just do not like the singing. Or I guess the kind of inane and repetitive lyrics. Like the instrumental on Bodhisattva sounds awesome, but then you get to the lyrics like "Can you show me, the shine of your Japan, the sparkle of your China?" and my eyes roll. The Boston Rag is another example of this, its like 2 minutes of a pretty great song mixed with 3 minutes of a very okay 70s dad rock song you'd not think twice about if you heard on the radio that repeats itself way too many times.
a perfect album.. king of the world is THE shit
“Bodhisattva” is a groove and “Show Biz Kids” felt relevant. The rest was just there for me, but pleasant enough.
Don't care for this. Not sonically interesting, and very repetitive. Feels like we're trying a lot of styles, but creating less inspired versions of all of them.
ja gewoon goede plaat.
ja wel lekker. ik waardeer dat ze als studioband besloten om verder te gaan en weigerden te touren. een heel album was wat veel voor me
I don't understand why another soft jazz-rock album makes this list, but OK (shrug). I feel like Steely Dan is one of those bands that aren't interesting enough to cause a strong reaction to their music either way. No one is going to say Steely Dan is a GOAT band, or that this is a GOAT record. They also won't say it's the worst thing they've ever heard. It survives over time because it's fine and inoffensive. That keeps it from being bad, but also makes it fairly boring. And yet, this is their second album I've had recommended in less than two weeks (shrugs again). The best moment here to me was the solo/outro on My Old School. Which, I have to admit, I thought was a Billy Joel song until seeing it here on their discography. I also liked the closing song, King of the World. Those parts caught my interest in ways most of the other tracks didn't. Again, I think the issue is just that I found a lot of them boring. The cartoonish person's face on the cover pretty much sums it up for me. No big smile, no angry frown. Just a slight grin showing the most tame level of enjoyment on a plain countenance. This one is fine, and that's about it. 2.6/5
Not as good as other steely Dan albums but I still enjoyed it a lot
Good not great which I was surprised about because really enjoyed pretzel logic.
Not on the same level
Blown away
UGH Steely Dan.
Much like Can't Buy a Thrill, this earlier stuff is almost tolerable. Still nothing I'd ever put on by choice. It's just so milquetoast.
Maestros at work!
Oh dear
Steely Dan have never been one of my favorite bands. Aja was a bit too well made; while it has musical merit, it lacked the Certified Bangers that make a 5 star album. This is similar; while I cannot deny the smooth production that Steely Dan specialize in, I found this to be lacking any true standout tracks, instead settling for easy listening jazz-rock that doesn't really move you at the end of the day. I will say that this is tighter than Aja; it has stronger songs and less noodling. However, it fails to inspire any real emotion in me, keeping it a 3.
8/10 Favourite: Bodhisattva Least Favourite:Your Gold Teeth
Was a decent album. No takeaways from me and probably won't listen to it again, but I can appreciate it.
Previously unknown. It was...fine.
Som søvnig Toto uden de fængende melodier.
5/10
I like this one.
eh, it was okay.
Can't believe I didn't know the SFA connection pretty inoffensive other than that
There a couple of good grooves in this album, but that's as much as I feel like I can say for it. Got bored, DNF'd. 2 stars because it's not actively grating.
Pretty good, has some interesting sounds.
Vero e proprio precursore di certe sonorità crossover, un agglomerato di raffinato jazz-funk-rock dall'esecuzione ineccepibile, seppur caratterizzata da un virtuosismo autoreferenziale e un marcato edonismo, elementi che non ne pregiudicano tuttavia la coerenza. Un'album si lascia apprezzare, pur non incontrando il mio gusto personale.
The rock with simple vocal perhaps. Dont like at all
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
fire album absolutely love steely Dan
Its good... but it's not great A lot of the songs are too long and just blur into eachother, which isn't always a bad thing but not this time I like the vocals and the jazz elements
2 days of Steely Dan in a row... That's enough, I get it.
One of the Dans best
Steely Dan is solid.
Having never listened to Steely Dan, I would not have predicted this is the angle of it! It opens really strong I enjoyed the little jazz-fusion thing it had going. I feel like as it went on I kinda enjoyed it less, not necessarily because it's a bad album but more so because it's just not my regular listening. 3.75 Top picks: Bodhisattva King of the World
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!
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Underrated
What an absolute banger. Bodhisattva is one of my favourite SD tracks, Show Biz Kids and My Old School are classic Dan. I couldn't give any of their 70s output less than five stars and this gives me an excuse to play some more today.
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.
Dans l’ensemble bon! Intellectuel mais accessible. Solo intéressants, Fagen tjrs au top. 3+/5
Another white, male, classic rock band. I mean, I like steely Dan, not sure that this is their best album. This 1,001 albums list is starting to lose some credibility for me. I guess it never claims that it's the best albums.
Nice one
Slightly elevated elevator music
Good album
Steely damn. That was awesome
Solid, but there’s better Steely Dan albums
Dos escuchas y media después, este disco de Steely Dan no me ha entusiasmado. Se nota que son virtuosos instrumentistas y hay mucha influencia de jazz, rock progresivo y hasta el folk de CSN&Y se vislumbra en sus armonías vocales. Cuando no puedes decir nada malo pero tampoco puedes dar saltos de júbilo ante una obra musical todo parece que se desvanece al poco de escucharlo, no queda huella. Quisiera disfrutarlo más, pero por la razón que sea, no se deja.
Pleasant smooth 70s, yacht rock. My favorite song was "My Old School".
3.3
Not my favourite of Steely Dan’s. Cool sound but a little repetitive and I prefer their jazzier stuff to this bluesy sound.
Just painful
I was unfamiliar with this Steely Dan album - and I’m not sure it lives up to any of the ones that I am familiar with. It was fine. I didn’t hate anything, but nothing stood out. I’d probably not search it out to listen to again. It’s another example of a 2.5* album, but it’s not a 3* one.
My parents listened to a lot of Steely Dan during my childhood, yet it had somehow left zero impression on me. The first track included all the bits I hate about Prog Rock and a lots of extra stuff I hate from Soft Jazz. Bodhisattva is all noodley guitar solos and a part that sounded like the needle had stuck on the record because they repeated Bodhisattva so frequently. I started to enjoy some bits of it after then though. I liked The Boston Rag (I think because of the layered vocals) until the interminable guitar solo kicked in and then we went back to repeating a small number of lyrics until fade out. I actually do think I might have liked this album, had the band limited their ceaseless soloing. You can all play your instruments, I get it, I don't need you to stop the song for a minute to all prove it to me. Should be a 2.5, but alas... 2/5
better than the last one but still eeh i dont mind it though
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.
Fairly unremarkable
Bueno
3/5
Nicht einprägsam, aber unterhaltsam
Dan-tastic! 4.65
I like their sound but there was nothing that stood out with this album.
Was enjoyable but nothing stood out.
Maybe the best Steely Dan so far, but that is a very low bar to clear for me. The music just bores, but at least this time it idn't make me angry. Small victories.
Better than expected.
Hell yes
Too much easy listening muzak for my taste, but I get the laid back appeal. Pleasantly surprised in moments, but generally skippable in my opinion. Top tracks: Your Gold Teeth, My Old School
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
Weird album for Christmas 🎅🏿 but I really enjoyed it! Tasty guitars, weird lyrics and really smooth harmonies. Merry Christmas Steely Dan!
Buena vibra, aprecié mucho la musicalidad de sus músicos.
Cosy i dobre jak się nie skupiasz na muzyce
It’s not a bad album. It has some of the same groove as other steely Dan albums, with some bongo drums, keyboards, guitar, etc. But none of the songs stand out. Not sure why this album is on the list.
Feels sort of proto-Yacht Rock, if that's a thing. Not bad, and might even be fun if you were hanging out in your back yard on a sunny afternoon. But, without even looking at the list, I can predict there will be too much Steely Dan on it, so knocking this a grade since I presume there's better options and this should be here.
I feel like this is the music they play when the Trailer Park Boys get up to misadventures. Just picture Ricky stealing steaks from the grocery store or Bubbles getting sad about a missing kitty and this music is the perfect match.
of all the Steely dan albums they could choose, i don’t understand this one. terrible
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
Not my favorite album of theirs but I do love them. 3
Alright easy listening rock. Nothing I would listen to again by choice but not annoyed by it or upset to hear it
def a weaker project from them, but who cares. i love this band omg
Thought you’d trick me into listening to Steely Dan…
Solid. What's not to love about Steely Dan? This isn't their best album, but it is very likeable with some fun songs. Razor Boy is an odd song, I wonder what it is about.
Very groovy vibe type of album, something that you can dance to.
Another part of my Steely Dan 8 album conquest to understand Steely Dan. I think this was my 3rd or 4th time listening to it and it finally clicked. Loved it. and was more about the funky swings than the singing or lyrics. "Botisava" usually hits but first time for "Boston Rag" "Gold Teeth" and the end of "My Old School." My dad's 2 favorite bands are Steely Dan and Grateful Dead. After my first listen of Countdown to Ecstasy, he said "Don't sleep on it!" and get what he means now.
Great listen!
Smooth sounds of steely Dan.
Really hard to make a decision here. On some songs it's an enjoyable 70's vibe but (king of the world, Show biz kids) while the rest of the album feels long. Would probably revisit and might change my mind 3.5
Still has an underlying dad rock vibe that I disliked from the first album, but this was more interesting instrumentally.
Overly refined and flawless in the wrong way
Groovy
Show Biz Kids
3.5
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.
Strong 4
This is a pleasant surprise. I thought I was done with Steely Dan as I’ve had Can’t Buy a Thrill, Aja, and Pretzel Logic and I didn’t think this one would be on the list. It kind of exists as a sophomore slump between Can’t Buy a Thrill and Pretzel Logic, but the sound and production is textbook Steely Dan.
traditional span album. nothing great
As always with Steely Dan - technically perfect. But maybe the one Steely Dan album too much for me? Because it don't hooks me in the same way like "Aja" or even more "Pretzel Logic". Weak three stars. 2,5
Once I had soup. It tasted great.
This got a little too experimental for my taste. Too jammy, jazzy, not enough smooth rock.