Countdown To Ecstasy

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!

Groovy

Show Biz Kids

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.

It's good this, because of course it is, it's Steely Dan. But it, in the words of the guy in The Inbetweeners, is probably a little too jazzy. They do hover on the line between genius and annoying quite a lot, and on this particular effort, they might occasionally come down on the latter. Still, there's plenty of bops in here, and it rushes along well.

So solid and just so jazzy. Doesn’t overstay its welcome and just delivers great music with some catchy hooks but never gets boring.

A smooth, stylish, and bumping record. The guitar riffs here were stylish as hell. Favourite Track(s): Bodhisattva, The Boston Rag, My Old School, King Of The World Least Favourite Track(s): Razor Boy

Mmmm yeah I like this pretty well! Steely Dan still doesn't quite reach 5 territory, but I do enjoy the energetic vibe of a lot of this. Particularly the beginning, but still strong throughout.

Another slam dunk from the Dan. This one's a bit more rooted purely in 70s guitar pop than the more 30s-jazz-inspired sound of Pretzel Logic or the exquisite fusion arrangements of Aja, but no less awesome for it. Bodhisattva, The Boston Rag, Your Gold Teeth, and more are all-time bops!

It gave me a bit of a nostalgia kick from the Rock Band 2 days of youth. Started strong and ended strong. Not an album I’ll come back to again and again but something to throw on every once in a while depending on the mood.

Alright, this is the second Steely Dan record, both in the context of albums released by the group and on my album journey. I was already familiar with the opening track, "Bodhisattva," with its borderline bebop, uptempo vamping, and freestyle guitar soloing that made for quite the challenge in the video game Rock Band 2. Now, does the rest of Countdown to Ecstasy stack up? Well, after that initial high, the album drops into the more laid-back, mid-tempo, easy-listening jazz-rock affair that is standard for this group. It's not bad by any means, as Walter Becker and Donald Fagen lyrically explore themes of class struggle and drug abuse. There's some impressive guitar playing on cuts like "The Boston Rag" and "Show Biz Kids", and the momentum eventually picks back up toward the end between the upbeat prominent horns over the misadventure in "My Old School" and the more funk-influenced post-apocalyptic hellscape of "King of the World." But man, there are some sonic lulls in the middle of the record, particularly in "Razor Boy" and "Your Gold Teeth", that end up dragging down the pace, which is a shame, as these arrangements are otherwise well-arranged and produced. Perhaps a restructuring of the track list would have benefited the listening experience. Otherwise, I consider Countdown to Ecstasy to be another solid record from Steely Dan. It's a largely agreeable listen that sounds well-polished with enough engaging musical ideas to make it worthwhile.

I haven't listened to this album in many years, it's as good as I remember.

Very good

I've evolved to 'I think I understand Steely Dan now' status!

Steely Dan has a smooth sound. This is a beautiful album and they sought perfection by doing everything themselves in the studio, eventually. It came out just like they wanted it, tight and smooth. That said, for people who like a rougher sounds, like me, it loses some appeal.

Good

I feel like steely Dan is the nerdy side of the coin to whatever genre they share with the cool guys over at zz top. That's not an indictment it's just the feeling I've got.

4 - great album. My old school has one of the greatest guitar solos ever

Not my favorite Steely Dan album but even bad Steely Dan is better than most everything else.

Might be a dude take but Steely Dan is good. Feel like this one is a half step down from Can't Buy a Thrill but step towards the greatness that is to come in the next few albums.

Love the guitar work on these Steely Dan records. Such a fantastic display of mastery and expression. They are so smooth and fluid. As a (poor) guitar player this music kind of astounds me. None of it had me really feeling totally 'in the groove' so this stays at a 4 for me, but I can see why it would be a 5 for many.

Pretty pretty good

God Steely Dan. I think this is my last dalliance with them this project. I started it with them. They’re delightful every time. And this album is no exception. It’s funny, tight, great. Again it’s sort of like all their albums where some of the tracks just fade into the background.

Interesting, cool album Standout songs: Your Gold Teeth My Old School

Nice album

Another day, another Steely Dan album. I didn’t like Pretzel Logic or Aja, so I was ready to hate this one too but it clicked. It’s got a surprisingly proggy vibe. Maybe it’s time to revisit the others.

I love Steely Dan, not really sure why. They are cheesey but smooth as hell. This is nowhere near their best album but still a great slice of Steely. I had never heard this album but glad to have finally experienced it.

I’m late to the game with steely Dan and am always surprised by how much i like them. I expect them to be difficult and dense but their songs are catchy and light. Love this album.

Loving Steely Dan rn, it’s been a long time coming…. Listened to Gaucho last week (loved it) and now I loved this one too. So good!

better jazz

Superficially fantastic but lacks the depth and intricacy that give steely dan their legendary status. Makes sense that this is a transition point for them.

Fun jam band album, lots of good guitar work. Was never much of a Steely Dan fan, but I really enjoyed this one.

I never really wanted to be the kind of guy that was into Steely Dan but yknow what, maybe I am that kind of guy. That was pretty sick. Best song: Pearl of the Quarter

Jazz rock album very good vibes and clean melodies

Creo que saldrá toda la discografía de Steely Dan (hasta Gaucho). Y eso me congratula.

A great SD album. I especially like Show Biz Kids and the slide guitar tones they got on this one.

Why was this album so good? I like Steely Dan and I know a lot of people LOVE Steely Dan, but maybe they're better than I assume. I don't understand when people say "I don't understand Steely Dan." I don't think there is anything to get, it's jazz rock mixed with a lil pop. I think you just like it or don't, not that there's something to get or understand it ain't that deep in my opinion. Anyway, album good, put one of the songs on my main playlist.

For the longest time, Steely Dan was a greatest hits band. That is, I did not own any of their albums, but I did have The Definitive Collection. I would tend to skip over "Bodhisattva" and "My Old School" to get to songs I liked better. However, at some point I did acquire most of Steely Dan's albums. I would put Countdown To Ecstasy in the second or third tier of Steely Dan's discography (assuming Aja is top tier). And, I have to say, "Bodhisattva" and "My Old School" have grown on me too. As has "The Boston Rag," "Your Gold Teeth" and "Show Biz Kids."

i do this bit (that's only funny to me, but why do anything in our fleeting lives if not for the love of the game?) where i say i get steely dan and tom petty and huey lewis mixed up - they're all pretty much the same guy to me. after listening to this album, i can see how i could really piss people off saying that, so i think i'm going to keep doing it. highlights - bodhisattva, razor boy, the boston rag, show biz kids, my old school

As one half of pioneering UK rock band, Houmous & Chutney I really appreciate what Steely Dan try to do. 4.4 1/8 Boddishatva

It's no Aja, but still a solid Steely Dan album. My favourites were my Old School and King Of The World. They're quite catchy.

One of the better Steely Dan albums in my opinion. It has some grit, which seems to be lacking from a lot of their stuff. Plus, My Old School has one of the all time great guitar solos on it. The album is a testament to what is possible with good songs, excellent musicians and impeccable production,

STÄHLERNER DANIEL wow bodhisvatta git schomal gäse han am ahfang iwie kein starche emotionale bezug gha aber de SCHLUSS razor boy findi s xylophon (?) super hahaha aber chli sehr langsam s gliche hilt für boston rag ABER S SOLO MMMHHH omg stimmt s luca-whatsapp-status-lied! fantastischs piano, het gad s lied sooo guet gmacht ah und s cover isch suuuper UND JZ GITARRE PIANO ABWECHSLIGSWIIS WOW und de schluss iach hoootttt, drums nomal am durregeh d schnurregiige bi show biz kids nöd so nötig aber allgemein find ich s instrumentale eig spannender als de gsang (au wenner guet singt) joo seehr cools album, d soli sind uhuere guet, leider ischs für min persönliche gschmack mengisch zu ruhig gsi

Instrumentals were awesome and I really grooved with them pretty hard. I don't love the vocal style so much which probably bumps it from a 5 to a 4 for me.

This is great. Maybe not my favorite Steely Dan record, but I still really enjoyed it. I love the weirdness of the guitars and keys, the silliness of the lyrics. But then also the seriousness of some of the lyrics? The vocals for Steely Dan are always kind of hard for me to get into. They kind of do this Crosby, Stills and Nash harmonizing thing that kind of takes me out of the groove behind it. The groove is what draws me in, the vocals are what cause me to pause. Either way, I had a blast listening to this today.

Pretty distinct sound.

An absolute stunning album when listening in the right state of mind for some Steely magic.

Classic rock, a bit jazzy. Easy listening

Great background music.

Good fun

I felt like King Of The World after I listened to this.

Way more fun and jazz than i expected from a rock album, which is awesome. Favorites: Your Gold Teeth and My Old School. 8/10, 4 stars

Apparently Yacht Rock is my thing …. Who knew? Steely Dan is not just another fun name grabbed from scifi books …

Easy to listen to in the background. Dont mind doing chores to this one

This was good. As I expected.

different than i though. jazzy

Very good album from a classic

A mentor of mine a long time ago told me his favorite band was Steely Dan and I laughed out loud. As I’m getting older I realize that I really like Steely Dan now. There is a subtleness to them that requires maturity. While not my favorite album by them, it’s hard not to appreciate their technical abilities and album production.

Tight. Jazz. Rock. …which I prefer over country rock. Plus, a shout out to Virginia’s own William & Mary University, in “My Old School.” 👍🏻

Steely Dan always reminds me that I should and could know more about jazz, and if I did, I would probably enjoy life and music more fully. Then "Reelin In the Years" hits and I completely give up on jazz all over again. Really solid album.

Great to relisten to an old fave

Really good, didn't stay with me the next day. I've always felt like most of Steely Dan's fans are other musicians. I usually write a lot more but there's not a lot that needs to be said that hasn't already been. I will say that there are some interesting melodic things that made me think of poppier 80s rock bands, like Huey Lewis but it's hard to put my finger on. Steely Dan deserves the rep for being more complicated than that, though. I'm going to say 4/5; this was pleasant and utterly skillful, but I'm probably not going to go back to it on purpose again (or maybe even remember the name of the album). It'd be 3.5 if it were possible. I respected this more than I enjoyed it.

Enjoyable.

I forgot how cool jazz chords sound when you sneak them into rock! A smooth cruise through some funky, brainy jams. Very into it. Spins: 2 Playlist Additions: - Bodhisattva - Show Biz Kids - My Old School - King Of The World

Good songs

Album 844 of 1089 Steely Dan - Countdown To Ecstasy (1973) Rating : 4 / 5 I’ve always enjoyed Steely Dan’s music, though sometimes I feel like I need to defend that appreciation. There are plenty of takes out there calling them inauthentic, overly polished, or just "yacht rock" filler—but I don’t think I’m missing anything. This is a band that’s created some of my all-time favorite tracks, period. As for this particular album, it might be fair to call it a bit of a sophomore slump, but not in any dramatic way. It features two of my favorite Steely Dan songs—"Bodhisattva" and "My Old School"—which makes it more than worth the listen. The rest of the album may not hit quite as hard for me, but I suspect that has more to do with familiarity. Some tracks just take time. Even if this one doesn’t top their catalog for me, it’s still a very solid record from a band that knows exactly what they’re doing. I’d absolutely recommend it.

I dug it! The Steely Dan fandom makes way more sense to me after having listened.

88% Best: Bodhisattva; Your Gold Tooth; Show Biz Kids; King Of The World Must-Hear? Sure

I love noodling

Steely Dan is everything a rock band should be. This album does not disappoint (bonus points that it's less than 45min long, haha).

Great listen! I really liked Show Biz Kids.

Really enjoyed this album. It's kind of rock and funky upbeat with cool guitar solos.

Kind of sleazy lyrics set to 70’s soft rock. Loved it!

Been liking steely dan a lot more recently

Steely Dan is the only yacht rock worth listening to. Not their best tho.

It's not the best Steely Dan, but even a lower-tier Steely Dan is better than most bands.

Favorite Track: Pearl of the Quarter

More solid dad rock

Love me some Steely Dan, though this one doesn't quite have the level of bangers that their other albums have. The later half is solid though.

A technically accomplished album where Steely Dan effortlessly moves across genres like jazz, rock, and funk, without ever losing control. The music is complex yet accessible, and the lyrics are sharp and well-crafted. It’s an album with both edge and depth that grows with each listen. 4/5

Not absolutely peak Dans but pretty good Dans, all things considered.

Am I a white, middle aged muso? I mean, I'm doing this so yes. Ergo of course I love Steely Dan. Is this album needed? Nope. They have 3 maybe 4 that belong on this list, but this one isn't one of them. It is , however, still great. Sit back, pour yourself a drink and enjoy. In fact, fuck it. The more Dan the better - keep it in. I suppose you coudl technically have all their albums from their first up to and including Gaucho. So do yourself a favour and listen to all of them anyway even if they're not on the list. Best Tracks: Bodhisattava; Show Biz Kids; My Old School

1973. A very good year. I think this album is great muscially. The only thing that keeps this from being a 5 for me is that I'm not into the lyrics. What the fuck are we singing about Dan? Love the instrumentation, riffs, & songwriting. Bodhisattva has great energy. Buddha Boogie. Razor Boy is okay. Kinda weird. Clearly a Steely Dan deep cut. Boston Rag is pretty good but why are we trying to bring back 1920's era Boston piano playing? Your Gold Teeth has a great groove. Looked up the lyrics. Some strange poetry. Catherine Anahid Berberian (July 4, 1925 – March 6, 1983) was an American mezzo-soprano and composer based in Italy. So what does Wikipedia have to say about it all? "Countdown to Ecstasy has similar lyrical themes to Can't Buy a Thrill.[9] It explores topics such as drug abuse, class envy, and West Coast excess.[15] "Your Gold Teeth" follows a jaded female grifter who uses her attractiveness and cunning to take advantage of others,[16] "My Old School" was inspired by a drug bust involving Walter Becker and Donald Fagen while they were students at Bard College,[13] "King of the World" explores a post-nuclear holocaust United States, and "Show Biz Kids" satirizes contemporary Los Angeles lifestyles." My Old School is the only song I've heard before on this album. I especially like the horns in this song. King of the World is super groovy. This is probably my favorite Steely Dan album so far.

This was pretty great. It felt transportive to the era, but also fresh. I had fun grooving with it.

Funehee

I wonder how this album sounds whilst on ecstacy??

It's decent, there are more good songs than bad songs but I don't think it deserves a 5

I've always considered Steely Dan a rock band with some crosses into other genres like jazz and funk. I don't love this album, but it's listenable. The era is not really to my liking.

First, Steely Dan is great. Second, this is not my favorite album of theirs. They started so strong with Can't Buy a Thrill, and this is definitely a sophomore slump (of sorts). Their more long term sound is definitely coming out here, but not as solid as it was in later albums. Still worth the listen though.

Liked the vibes

I go through phases with Steely Dan. Sometimes I like them. Sometimes I don’t like them. Today I liked them. Book ‘em, Dan-o.

А мне в целом понравилось

Cool, 3 super tracks. Grooves nice, nur minimal monoton. Songwriting: 4/5 Eingängig: 5/5 Sound: 4/5

Countdown To Ecstasy was actually a really good album. During my first few minutes of listening, i thought this album was just going to be okay but the more i listened to it, the more i started to like it. I love the generally jazzy vibe to it with a whole lot of rock elements added in as well and also even the slight country twinges were a nice surprise as well. But the main draw of these songs is obviously how funky they can all get. They all had a fun melody to them that is just so easy to dance along to. Granted, the songs are a bit long but i never really found that to be too much of an issue as i still enjoyed their melodies. This is a really strong album and a really enjoyable one. Best Song: My Old School Worst Song: The Boston Rag

As great of a continuation of a great debut can get. Nice maturation of the sound. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

I prefer their debut, but this is still really good, Show Biz Kids is probably my favourite track here. 4 stars.

Pretty decent steely Dan album.

Bodhisattva was the first Steely Dan song I ever heard. It was on the game Rock Band. It didn't sound difficult but was one of the harder songs to play on drums. I guess that's pretty classic Dan isn't it. Bodhisattva is a rock song, whilst Razor Boy immediately shows that Steely Dan have a much more whimsical side with the salsa groove. Then The Boston Rag and Your Gold Teeth demonstrate a lot of very typical early Danisms - sardonic storytelling aplenty. For me this album feels like Steely Dan are still trying to find their identity a bit. Bodhisattva would be out of place on their later polished work. My Old School is a fairly poppy anomaly. Other tracks lean more toward the yacht rock stylings that they will ultimately become known for. Fave Tracks: Bodhisattva, The Boston Rag, My Old School, King of the World 3.8/5

85/100. More adventurous than their debut, with complex arrangements and a cool, polished sound.

This feels like the weakest of the early Dan albums, which is saying a lot considering it's still very very good. Can't Buy A Thrill sets the bar so high with it's smash hits and "I need to get a beer" vibes, and Countdown to Ecstasy is their message to the world that they can simply do it all. It's a bit more laid back than the previous, and they even pick things up again with Pretzel Logic, but this middle ground creates a little time capsule at the peak of Chill Dan. Favorites are The Boston Rag, Your Gold Teeth, and Show Biz Kids,

Love me some Steely Dan. These songs are so smooth and they just sound incredible. I need a Miller High Life in my hand and my ass in a lawn chair expeditiously. Favorite songs were Bodhisattva, The Boston Rag, Show Biz Kids, and My Old School.

Steely Dan can rock out, but still keep that more eclectic side tucked in the pocket for when we need to see it.

Good stuff.

They went all out with the first song and then didn’t have anywhere else to go with the remaining ones. I still had a lot of fun listening though

This one was really good Was like butter. Would add to a classic album to listen to at pickleball or anything

Big fan of Can't Buy a Thrill and haven't explored much outside that so it was nice to listen to this one. It's no CBAT but it's still a good time

8/10.

An important stepping stone for the band, offering some great, but often forgotten tracks. Razor Boy probably gets stuck in my head once a week, My Old School a close second. Bodhisattva? Stuck on loop.

While I do think the songs sound fairly similar. I find the instrument play is very good. I don’t fully understand some of the early 70’s lingo. Going to round up from 3.5 to 4.

Pleasantly surprised!

Not the biggest fan of them but Steely Dan is iconic.

these guys really do encapsulate the ‘wouldn’t turn them on, wouldn’t turn them off’ vibe. it’s always good music and i have a good time but i tend to find myself hearing other bands in them that i wish i was listening to instead. this album was Allman Brothers, David Bowie, and Zappa if that makes any sense at all

The only issue that one can find with one record is that it's not Aja. One prefers over Can't Buy a Thrill because it's more expansively jazzy. The playing is great – the guitar solos and vibes and electric piano are just dynamite. Every song works, but "Boddhisvata" and "Old School" really stand out.

Until today I had never listened to this album. Steely Dan is in my opinion properly rated/ derided. As a person born in 1978 little was less cool to me than jazzy rock when I was a teenager. In the last two decades the band has undergone a reexamination and become a darling to people who are or consider themselves to be hipsters. With that in mind and having listened to "Aja" several times in the past year or so I was not super excited to when this was next on my playlist. After listening I am glad that I gave this a chance. To me this is superior to "Aja" and has no real weak songs. The lyrics are cynical if that is your thing but what makes the album great is the music and how it all comes together. 4/5

Always fun, but never something I'd rank amongst my favourites

I thought this album was pretty cool! Very easy to listen to, fun songs throughout. I liked the guitars, the rhythm, basically everything. By the end of the album, I wanted to listen to more Steely Dan.

Loved it! Ended up listening to another album after

Solid instrumentals

I own this one and it's very good.

I'd previously considered Steely Dan to be quite lame - I think I heard one of their songs in a hotel lobby in Amsterdam, and thought: Not for me. This album was quite the surprise. Had two listens. Jangly classic rock in the style that I tend to warm to. Not everything was to my liking - I did not enjoy the first track, Bodhisattva, but Razor Boy, The Boston Rag, and Pearl of the Quarter were pretty terrific. 4.4/5.

I like most of the music. They can definitely play but a lot of their vocals are too soft and melodic for me. I get bored with that smooth delivery. But then in songs like Show Biz Kids where they added female backing vocals it really works because they add an upbeat pop tone that makes for a fun dance song. Also My Old School has that propulsive tempo plus even better backing vocals that lift it up to be a hit. Also some tasty guitar work. More of that please!

Great music

Probably my least favorite Steely Dan album, which is saying a lot.

These are good songs; great songs by one of my favorite period bands. I loved S.D. since I saw them on a concert TV show in the early 70's. But this album never really caught on with me. No reason. Hearing it now is actually somewhat of a fresh pleasure.

I need to listen to some more steely Dan

My old school is definitely a standout.

Been looking forward to getting another one of the Steely Dan albums! Wasn't expecting to get 3/4 so early in the challenge but glad I've got another one out there to look forward to. Like "Aja" this doesn't quite live up to "Can't Buy a Thrill" for me. It's still really good and I probably like it more than "Aja". It doesn't quite feel like a 5 to me but 4 also feels too weak which makes me wish again for a half star system. My gut tells me 4 is more appropriate.

Good steely stuff

Steely Dan - Countdown To Ecstacy Really trippy to listen to, but it's good. Reminds me of something that Yes would do, really good music all throughout, it does have it's lows here and there tho, but it's highs are promising and they do deliver the vibe that this album is trying to achieve. Overall, this is pretty good! 1.- Bodhisattva = 9/10 2.- Razor Boy = 8/10 3.- The Boston Rag = 10/10 4.- Your Gold Teeth = 8/10 5.- Show Biz Kids = 7/10 6.- My Old School = 7/10 7.- Pearl Of The Quarter = 8/10 8.- King Of The World = 9/10 FINAL SCORE: 8.3/10

Great guitar and band, will be listening to this again and again

Not necessarily my cup of tea but some good songs for busy work. Your Gold Teeth was my personal favourite.

Just in comparison to the other Steely Dan album on the list, I found this to be much more energetic and musically interesting. The guitar work is a lot more complex.

Steely Dan gettin' their feet under them. I think this album starts out very strong, then kind of tapers off with "Pearl Of The Quarter" and "King Of The World", the weakest 2 songs on the album. "Boddhisatva" and "Show Biz Kids" make this worth the purchase price, and there are plenty of other great shredders. Of note are the guitarists--Denny Dias, Skunk Baxter, and Rick Derringer--absolutely ripping guitar solos on this album, if you listen closely.

Jazz rock pioneers. Nice listening experience.

很欢脱，但少点个性

funky

22/01/25 I'd never heard of Steely Dan until this challenge. 2 albums in and he is a good find.

Good album

My Old School is the big hit on this album, but many if the other tracks are just as enjoyable. Show Biz Kids and King of the World bring it down a little bit for me. So not quite five stars but still an enjoyable album.

Very well produced.

Pretty good but a couple stinkers. Great arrangements and solos

I enjoyed this a lot, and I'm surprised that none of the Steely Dan songs I know are on here. In fact, none of these songs appear in Spotify's top 9 most popular Steely Dan songs, and the tenth was my favorite from this album. "My Old School" is so great, and it's made better coming after the annoying "lost wages" song. I was thinking about Steely Dan recently because I was listening to Field Music, a band I love, and was wondering what you would call their genre. I settled on calling it Steely Dan. I'm glad this album was on here, as it may not have gotten on my radar without this.

This was good.

Steely Danin kappaleissa on kyllä letkeä meno. Tykkään kyllä, tulee hyvä fiilis. Parhaat: Bodhisattva, Razor Boy, My Old School

I’m enjoying the Steely Dan this list has exposed me to

Vocals didn't really do it for me otherwise probably would be a 5. Could listen to steely dan jam all day

Quite good actually. I might listen to more Steely Dan. Didn't know them before and I think this album was a great introduction. Solid 4 for me. Loved the more interesting timing on the melodies without to much weirdness or lame stuff.

This is rock music but it has elements of rhythm & blues, jazz, soul, Latin, and a little funk sprinkled in as well. I just might be a Steely Fan!

4.25

Classic band but not their best album. My old school is such a great song.

Nice album. I give it a 3.5, but better than many of my 3s, so elevating to 4.

More rock than jazz compared to their other albums. Not a fan of their lyrics but a good shift from their usual style. 3.5

Steely Dan definitely deserves to be on this list but I'd probably pick a different album, like either album the one is sandwiched between. That said, it's a good record. I give it a light 4

https://youtu.be/mAcUPTWvjJQ?si=n1TVh0ClrzO3yp39 (Pretty good stuff though)

Funnily enough, I think this was the first Steely Dan I listened to in full, maybe like 13 or 14 years ago. I didn't really take to it at the time, and haven't listened again since. Now that I've listened and loved Aja for a long time though, I appreciate this one much more. It's a clear step in the evolution from their first album of radio friendly guitar rock to Aja's smooth jazz rock.

Enjoyed this, would listen to more.

Steely Dan is the best of dad rock. Just great quality and enjoyable.

This feels more warm and welcoming than I remember the earlier album feeling like. Less outdoor party vibes, more warm inside relaxing vibes. Faves: Bobhisattva, My Old School

Hmmm, more consistent (and consequently slightly less fun) than "Can't Buy a Thrill", and not as yachty as "Pretzel Logic", I think this is my least favorite of the Steely Dan albums on the list. Still pretty solid, though - I can see myself coming back to it. Fave track - "King of the World" at the moment, but maybe more listens would unlock more faves.

Great guitar work, a lot of fun to hear. Nice and chill. Starts out with a banger, Bodhisattva. Razor Boy and Your Gold Teeth are good chill songs. My Old School is a lot of fun. Pearl Of The Quarter is a pleasure to listen to. Best song: Pearl Of The Quarter

Very Good album

Solid album

A lesser talked about one by them. Good stuff.

this s pretty good. Thank you mr dan

Ok

At first, I didn’t like it. However, once Pearl of the Quarter went on. Made me remember why I’m doing this challenge in the first place. I absolutely loved the song and only reason why it’s rated so high for me. Without it, maybe just a 3.

Even early on, Steely Dan had such strong grooves and harmonies throughout their records.

I did not like these guys until later in life. There was no way I’d listen to an entire album. I knew the hits but not anything else. I’m finally a fan. And I enjoy the deep cuts because I’m hearing for the first time.

las mejores grabaciones del mundo. No es su mejor disco pero está muy bien.

I was pleasantly surprised by this album. I have never really cared for much of the Steely Dan I've heard in regular radio rotation, and never really enjoyed the harmony of voices that they have but listening to this album had really changed my mind on how talented they are. A couple of things on here were corny and twangy I'd say but a lot of this was really good and I listened to it twice in a row!

I have to be in the right mood for Steely Dan. I'm not necessarily in that mood right now, but focusing in on the individual performances, is at least giving me something to hang onto. Jeff "Skunk" Baxter is in top form here. The vocal harmonies on "The Boston Rag" are more in the vein of CSNY than i'm used to hearing from SD. "Bodhisattva" hit harder than I remember it. the second track "Razor Boy" is pretty much everything that irritates me about Steely Dan. "The Boston Rag" is a slow jam that's actually pretty damn good. It's really like CSNY with a lead guitarist. I do absolutely hate the tone of the overdriven lead guitars, though. Dear God that tone is awful. There are plenty of examples of great overdriven/distorted lead tones from 1973, so it's not like it wasn't possible. Rick Derringer guests with a hell of a slide solo on "Show Biz Kids" "My Old School" annoys me. except the instrumental breaks. Overall, this album is more blues-driven than what i'm used to from them. Lots of one- or two-measure vamps, and only a couple instances of their "How many jazz chords can we squeeze into a verse?" tendencies.

This album was chill, jazzy and just a blast.

I feel like is about a 3.6+. It’s a pretty good mix.

dad music core i didn't listen to the lyrics much, but the listening experience was fire

Little more prog then I expected from SD, but it was really good.

These guys go from cooking to dull in a flash. Production is always top notch

++: Bodhisattva, Your Gold Teeth +: Razor Boy, Show Biz Kids, Pearl of the Quarter, King of the World +-: The Boston Rag 7,6/10

Lovely little album. Bodhisattva and show biz kids are my favs

This album is nearly perfect, but still my third or fourth SD album, so I'm gonna give it 4/5.

this is like a 3.5 for me, i just like hearing steely dan. not many jaw droppers like their other classics though, just solid thru out

First half is a 3 Second half is a 5. I like the first side, but the second half is so good, the singles, the vibes, so good. I'm not sure it's as good as the first album, but it's close

Easy on the ears, Steely Dan never disappoints.

I do 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 dispel that. Fortunately, the album also includes what may be my favorite of the band's songs, "My Old School," which just kills from every angle, including a brilliant horn line, fantastic guitar breaks, and sublime drum performance by a guy I just had to look up (Jim Hodder) as I knew nothing about him. As I mentioned in my Aja review, the sounds alone on Steely Dan records are worth a review. Their catalog is a study in expert studio production. Anyway, really enjoyed the album despite the opener. These guys are always quality, the degrees vary just slightly with the material from one album to the next.

The guitar and key jams are off the chart (3.5/5)

Funnily enough, I just bought my first pair of boat shoes today. Fully in the Steely Dan mood, and it's just another set of great tracks. There's a little more Genesis-style prog notes throughout, and maybe some signs of things to come: I definitely get some of what Foreigner and Journey were attempting to do on a few tracks. Favorite tracks: "Bohdisattva", "Your Gold Teeth"

Third album of Steely Dan from the list. I cannot believe I didn't know a single song from their repertoir. They're very, very solid. It's not original or unique, but certainly not boring.

Good album. This has a nice groove and all the slick production for which Steely Dan is known. It was a tight album with some cool jazziness. ****

I'm reminded of a quote from Anthony Bourdain on Top Chef: What is your major malfunction? Steely Dan are phenomenal musicians, but what they fuck are they writing about? I think people DO need to hear this music to get a real sense of cognitive dissonance between amazing sounds and confusing composions.

Highlights: Show Biz Kids

really good 4/5

Much better album than other Steely Dan's records I have heard so far. Still not really a fan of Donald's vocal capability, but I have to admit, their guitar work is fantastic. Few very catchy songs and riffs, really cool stuff!

Damn, now I am certain I like dad rock. Fewer outstanding tracks than Can't Buy A Thrill and an overall softer, jazzier sound, but consistently good. Saving Bodhisattva, The Boston Rag, and My Old School but the whole thing is worth repeating.

This album demonstrates some laziness on the part of the author. Pretty much any 70's-era Steely Dan album will be considered to be an extremely high quality recording, whether one likes the music or not. Including more than two of them on this list forces the exclusion of albums that are of equal or higher quality. That said...this is a very, very good album.

This is Steely Dan at their most virtuosic. These are rockers with noodly solos on every song showcased in the driving grooves. My Old School finally delivers the catchy pop hooks that sound like their later albums

Chill vibes definitely need to enjoy it on mushrooms

Second Steely Dan album I've had come up on this list (which has been chronological so far), I have to admit that I really dig Steely Dan. While I don't think there is anything as immediate as "Do it again" or "Dirty Work" from their debut album, this is a really solid, groovy album that continues to maintain their jazzy, lounge rock vibe.

1st Steely Dan where I didn’t recognize at least one song title. And last on this list ;( While my favourite of the four would either be Can't Buy Me a Thrill or Pretzel Logic, this has enough going for it to be a worthwhile listen. The smooth segues between genres are a Dan trademark at this point, and there are also the bitter chants of "Lost wages" in "Show Biz Kids", the stellar woodwinds in "Old School", & the blues fakeout of "Bodhisattiva", which starts like a basic 12-bar boogie before slyly modulating to a jazzier progression. "Your Gold Teeth", on the other hand, is the kind of slick noodling that reminds me I prefer a whole host of genres over jazz fusion. I think that's what kept me from wholeheartedly enjoying Aja HL: "Bodhisattva", "Boston Rag", "Show Biz Kids", "My Old School", "King of the World"

Grenzgängermusik Rock-And-Roll-Jazz-Pop-Rock Fusion?

I am a huge fan of Steely Dan but his was is no Aja. Very good mix of sings but it is hard to compare.

a good time though less polished than their other albums

Yeah that's pretty pleasurable to my ears too but it seems like everything is lately so who knows maybe it's a weird temporary mood not accurately indicating my tastes???

- Never listened to Steely Dan all that much, so I was surprised by the incredibly obvious jazz influences (which were often more than just influences). - "My Old School" singlehandedly took this from a 3 star to a 4 star in my mind. Hell of a banger.

Very enjoyable. Also deep into dad rock hits. I'd understand how the vibe could be polarizing for some people. I fell into the camp of actually enjoying it. 8/10 Would I listen again? Yes

Good for bland.

Man, the production on this album is so satisfying. Crystal clear. And the performances are just amazing. This is really well done.

I like steely Dan a lot but this isn't my favorite album by them. I listened to this for a while then swapped over to aja

Very high 3 to low 4, very good album

Muy bueno. 8/10

Not as hit worthy as other SD albums...but just as good.

I should detest this, pop/ jazz/ rock that sounds far too clean and polished, with cheesy lyrics about the USA. It sounds like a house band channelling some strange mixture of Neil Young, The Eagles, and various other bands of that ilk. However, I really enjoyed it. So much that when I got to the end I immediately went back and listened to the whole thing a second time. It's just too much cheese for 5 stars, but it's an easy 4.

Although I'm a bit surprised to get another Steely Dan album, I guess it makes sense, since I was surprised the other album didn't have "Boddhisattva", and here it is! I always enjoy listening to Steely Dan, so this was a nice listen, but I'm still a bit puzzled why there are (at least) two Steely Dan albums in this collection, as they're not all that different from each other. In some ways I liked more of this album's songs than on "Aja", and I *do* like this album's cover more, and it's kind of fun to hear a less polished version and a little more rocking version of the band (plus an album that could actually be played live). I also enjoyed a few songs I'd never heard from them, like "The Boston Rag".

Slightly overstuffed and a touch ragged, but a couple of stone-cold classics – the opener "Boddhisavta" (a foreshadowing of themes from Aja, where they'd be given more languid and Asaitic/opium den treatments) and "My Old School" (one of their top two or three bouncy rollickers [which is saying something]) plus some suprising, less-known winners, including "Razor Boy" and "King of the World" a most satisyfing closer. Seems the band were still trying to work out what to do with all their musical ideas. The guitar work is exquisite, what makes it special, great sounding and intricately interwoven with keys.

Dreamy rock!

Requires a certain volume level to make out the lyrics as if they're a little further back in the mix than I would like. That guitar solo in My Old School though...

Really tight, good album. Doesnt hang around too long with anything that you dont want, gets in and out and does the job. Good production, and the band is hitting all the marks. 4/5

I found this really interesting. I’m not sure what it is - a bit like rock but then it’s also funky and a bit jazzy. I did like it though, strangely. It’s close between a 3 and 4 but I think it’s going to fall on the higher side. It’s just fun.

Classy Steely Dan - but still not too refined

Okay so this is a funny one. It’s not my favorite Steely Dan record— there aren’t a ton of standouts, and the heights of Can’t Buy A Thrill really aren’t here to be found. It’s a little meandering, long, and almost sounds jammed out? I mean, I know it’s not, but that’s my impression. Despite this… it’s Steely Dan. The sheer technical and musical brilliance on display here lets the album punch way above its weight class. Come for the solos, stay for those signature jaded, Chiba-City-in-Neuromancer lyrics. It’s inviting and threatening. And I like it. 4/5

This feels tongue in cheek in a very weird way. The Boston Rag kind of goes on and on. I think these guys are very clearly skilled but I'm halfway through the album and am wondering what they are doing. This is going to be a weird take but this almost sounds like they got their musical ability from a genie or something. Like they've got it down, but there's almost a slight mockingness to do this with their skill. Maybe it makes sense if they got the ability in a way that didn't take work. This weirdly grows on me some. I feel almost uneasy liking parts of this. Like listen to the guitar work on King of the World. This is incredible. But what's going on. I'm going 3 since this is a 5 in skill but makes me feel a bit unwell at times. Ah King of the World is so skilled and weird. Fine. 4.

Reminds me of eating a honeydew melon that is not yet ripe. Sounds like music to listen to when you are across the street from the beach. I like this as an album it is cohesive. None of the tracks individually pop for me but as an album it's a good listen.

Wat hebben de jaren zeventig ons uiteindelijk veel gegeven. Funk, glamrock, disco, progrock, singer-songwriter maar ook veel van dit soort gestroomlijnde edelpop. Alles klinkt om door een ringetje te halen en niemand had nog een drumcomputer. The Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, Billy Joel en dus ook deze heren. Laat het lekker aan je voorbij glijden, er zit geen noot verkeerd, hoogstens krijg je ook hier Wembley niet mee plat.

Faultless musicianship. Dark lyrical themes, set to jaunty tunes - very sly. I could listen to Steely Dan all day.

I recently listened to this one. Listening to it again, still feeling the same mix. I think this very good. I just don't really know what it does for me personally. I'm probably on the cusp of getting it. Not the worst thing to walk around listening to, that's for sure.

i’m a dan fan forever

pretty good!

- better than the last steely dan album i listened to

Dad rock? More like CHAD Rock. 4.5

Great musicianship. Sounded perfect.

Elegant and musically excellent, not entirely grabbing the attention though.

I’d never listened to Steely Dan before but this is the 2nd album of theirs I’ve quite liked. I don’t think I love their stuff particularly but each time I listen to one of their albums I find myself surprised by how much I’m enjoying it

I've always loved this band, but this was one I wasn't too familiar with except for a few songs. Great as always, and they get even better.

Interesting album. Sometimes it sounds like Yes or the Peter Gabriel. I think the vocals were extrem difficult. Reminds me to Sledgehammer which I tried to sing in earlier times.

Solid yacht rock

3,8/5

this album makes me feel like it's on the edge for something bigger, problem is, it never really goes there for me. it's still great and will relisten, i think the only one time listen it's not enough for this album. it goes kinda proggy, yeeeaaah... but. BUT. i really like the jazzier vibes this album has throughout. gonna give it a 4, will i repent from this rating? probably yes.

Solid! Love the fusion of sounds, good chill/hangout music. Long time Steely Day fan.

Again, never listened to this album! Very solid!

The first song rips SO hard. The cadence of this album is exactly the way I like my albums... intense at first, dips down to more mellow, picks up in the middle, dips again and ends on a high note.

I guess now that I'm in just about 36 I'm obligated to fawn over how remarkable it is that something this technically proficient and dense can also be so incredibly catchy and pop-informed at the same time?

Nice peace of music. The album-title is a bit missleading - I cannot find any ecstasy. My expectations for 'rock' are different.

I’m pretty terrible at writing unique and original thoughts for these reviews. So I’m just going to regurgitate what I said for my first Steely Dan album. I’m truthfully never in a bad mood when I put these guys on. They radiate a kind of energy that brings joy into my life. But I still wouldn’t consider this their best work. I’m eagerly awaiting the day I get to talk about that particular album. But this is still just as good, if not slightly better, than the debut. This album was still successful, but didn’t create the massive songs like Can't Buy a Thrill did. Their debut was more of a blend of a bunch of different sounds, but this is a far more streamlined and by the books pop rock album. It works though. This is their sound, and they had it down from day one. Donald Fagen is also finally on lead vocals for every song, which is one of the vital decisions they ever made in evolving the band. I didn’t mind David Palmer, but Fagen is the voice of the band. The differences between this and the debut are pretty minimal. The gap was only a year, and if you enjoyed what the group created then, you will enjoy this. It’s just as catchy, and just as well written as their other work, but they have yet to reach the point of culmination in their evolution. Rating: 8/10

Steely Dan is the goat

Liked Steely Dan’s music since first hearing them back in the day. Never heard this album only the songs that made them popular.

Freekadelic.

Great new Finding. I Like the Genremix and they Groove :)

Refinen el so del seu primer dic i assoleixen la seva personalitat, amb un pop elegant vorejant el jazz. No hi ha cap hit, però són vuit composicions molt sólides que ja fan de la banda un dels grups més personals i interessants dels setanta

normal I thought

I just wasn’t really feeling excited to listen to this album—Steely Dan, like Billy Joel, is one of those artists who are undeniably excellent at what they do, and yet tend to veer into a sort of accidental self-parody that I find off-putting. So I hit play and was surprised! “Bodhisattva” was a standout, high energy, and virtuosically performed opening track that felt like Steely Dan but seemed to avoid their worst tendencies. And then we got to track 2, “Razor Boy,” and we were in full Steely Dan mode. Which, again, isn’t bad, but is something that I struggle to get excited about for some reason. I suppose given that this was their second album and first where Donald Fagen had control, this album set their template, and that’s worth something. Side note—I had no idea Super Furry Animal’s “The Man Don’t Give A Fuck,” sampled a line of “Show Biz Kids,” so that was a fun discovery. When a good song spawns an even better song, I see that as a win!

Ahh, Steely Dan. It's been so long.

Interetung

Solid Dan as always. not one of my favorites as I'm usually more a fan of the albums that have memorable songs on them but still a classic. how they got away with that f word though will still puzzle me forever

I like the song my old school I've had it saved for a while :) the rest of it was also quite fun

Nice and cool

Lyrically interesting, sounds great. Solid.

I got ecstasy

On the lower end of their classic era but still a great time.

Bodhisattva strong start and enjoyed the last track too, King of the World. Clicked more on second listen.

Not bad with some good deep cuts

Clean and weird and good. Love it.

Genre: Jazzy rock Overall, it's a bit more mellow than I usually like; however, there is a solid groove to most of the songs. I found my toe tapping without meaning to. I enjoyed it.

Jeg liker steely dan. Vet ikke om det er innafor? Føler meg teit som liker steely dan.

Some albums who bend genres have problems to satisfy all the needs of the genre. But on this album Steely Dan has a very attractive mix of songs that are easy accessible but more complex than you might imagine. It's wonderful blend of jazz rock and pop.

I was a little let down by the slower pace following Boddhistva as an opener. Really didn't care for Boston Rag, too slow and not catchy at all. The instrumental palette and use of effects across the album is awesome, thought. Was pretty into Your Gold Teeth, Show Biz Kids, and King of the World. REALLY loved My Old School, very fun with the group vocals and brass.

Another jazzy and dancy album. Listened to it while unwinding and it was hard not to get up and dance

I am a massive fan of Steely Dan (they are my little brothers favorite band OAT) and have listened to them extensively. In my humble opinion this is one of their more underrated albums. It doesn't have really any hits; the biggest song is "My Old School" and personally I would not consider it one of their hits. That being said despite not having any hits this is an extremely consistent album with a ton of good songs. "Your Gold Teeth" is one of me and my little brothers favorite tracks they have ever made and so is "Pearl Of The Quarter". "Bodhisattva" is a good opener and really showed that they were a band that were comfortable with experimenting and not making the same sounding music that made them popular on their first album. "Razor Boy" in all honestly is a track that I never really come back to but when I do listen to this album it is always a nice listen. "The Boston Rag" is another one of their more underrated tracks and I love the guitar riff that comes after the verses and it has a super earwormy chorus to me. That is one of my favorite pieces of instrumentation on this album. Overall that is a probably the highlight of this album. I think they improved the instrumentation from "Can't Buy A Thrill" by a lot and this is the first album that I would say the created the general formula for their music. "Show Biz Kids" is another track I don't come back to a ton but it is a good track. It personally just doesn't feel particularly special. I do think it has some of the more memorable writing on the album but I think it just drags on a minute or two long. "My Old School" is the biggest song on the album and it is a song that I am kinda surprised was not a hit on release because it checks a lot of the boxes you would typically hear in a Steely Dan hit. It has great groove, memorable chorus, nice supporting vocals, great guitar and sax but was not a hit on release. It is one of their best songs. "Pearl Of The Quarter" as mentioned before is one of my favorite songs on the album. That chorus is so good and it has some of the most sweet writing on the album. It feels like watching a cheesy rom-com. The best part of the song though is obviously the "Singing voulez, voulez, voulez-vous" refrain. It is one of those lines that even if you don't know the song you have to sing when you hear it. The last song is "King Of The World" which is another track I don't come back to a ton but it is really good. I just am not a huge fan of how the track starts. There are though some really quality parts of this song like the little synth bridge and singing in the second half of the verses. Overall I really like this album a lot. I think it falls victim to the fact that the band has so many great critically acclaimed albums and albums with bigger hits that this sort of falls to the wayside. Personally it is not better than Aja, Pretzel Logic, Katy Lied or Two Against Nature but it is right there with Can't Buy A Thrill and Gaucho. Solid 8.5-9/10

Album art is sick. Leads off with Bodhisattva that I only know due to Rock Band. Hoppy number that puts that Steely Dan guitar tone right in your face and lets it rip start to finish. The Boston Rag and Your Gold Teeth both rip. Very luxurious guitar tone that feels as if dripped in gold. I really did not give this a very close listen, but will be going back for an immediate relisten. I loved the instrumental work on a lot of the songs -- particularly King of the World, Bodhisattva, Your Gold Teeth. The production feels modern and crisp. 4 / 5 and I don't see that changing with a relistening.

I like it.

Starts off so hot with Bodhisattva which rips right out of the gate. Cools down a bit until My Old School which is an awesome song. Then King of the World is a great song to end on. Reminds me of the band Midlife with some of the sweepy synth. The whole album was very strong with those couple very high points. Steely Dan is great I hope there are more of their albums on here

I had this on as I was crazy busy working and stressed out. It was the perfect music for that. Groovy, jazzy, proggy all in one. I will definitely be coming back and listening to this one again. Lovely guitar licks in the background in so many of these songs.

Love me some steely Dan

It's pretty good, maybe pretty fine. Found it hard to really get into the music, but I do enjoy the vibe it creates.

Smooth

Steely Dan albums can speak for themselves. They had a masterful run in the 70's and have become an incredibly well-respected band in all respects with the notable exception of Steve Albini. Steve, I love you and your work, but Steely Dan is immortal now.

I hate to admit it but I liked this one

Really liked this one

Had a review written but lost it. I don't truly "get" Steely Dan, but they come so highly recommended that I feel like it is something that I will come to eventually. And, I have to say, this is my favorite of the Steely Dan albums that I've heard so far. The vocal harmonies are great, and the album has really nice production. The songs are well crafted to 4/5

Trash lyrics, good vibes.

i’ve never really gotten steely dan, and this isn’t an exception, but it was solid in its own way.

Outstanding musicianship. The proof that it's possible to blend jazz, pop and rock very well without it seeming the least bit forced.

Yeah this is solid, it’s got some really good songs especially on side 2 ao for that 4/5

should re-listen

pretty good although very repetitive

Has one of my favorites Old School. Like Steely Dan!

Yeaaa yeaaaaaaa yeaaaaaaaaaa

I didn’t like the first song very much, but it got pretty good after that. Early Steely Dan is kind of hard for me to love, though (note early, as Aja is an unabashed classic in my eyes). I do like the more jazzy influences on this, as they give it more of a unique feel, whereas Can’t Buy A Thrill was more so built around its best songs (Do It Again, Dirty Work, and Reelin’ In The Years). Overall, a good release from the Dan. Ew, I sound like a dad. Anyway, hope I get the pretzel album next so it can be all chronological.

Some pretty great 70s rock. However I thought it was a bit too slow and soft to really hook me throughout. The best songs to me were kind of dotted throughout the album, so at least it could get my attention back. Probably not my favourite Steely Dan album that I've heard so far, but a good album nonetheless. Favourite: King Of The World

Low 4, high 3

Just good music, whenever I listen to a Steely Dan album there is just a feeling of enjoyment, at no point do I ever feel like skipping a track or doing something else. Their debut has probably some stronger individual tracks, but Countdown to Ecstasy is a very balanced and strong album that always delivers if I am in the mood for some Steely Dan.

1973: A great year for music A bit more reserved but still an artistic accomplishment from the masters of perfection. Though none of the songs ever broke through as singles, it still deserves high praise for the journey it takes you on.

One Hall Of Fame Dan track for the cannon ("My Old School" is an all-time banger, the one track that blends both their debut album and subsequent ones). This is great, it'd be most other bands best album by a mile. It just fails to two other Dan albums, both of which justifiably appear on this list.

This was cool. Always smooth guitar work

I’ll never be a father, nor will I ever own a yacht, so why is it that I find myself so enchanted by Steely Dan’s silky-smooth siren songs?!

There's something about this album that is joyous. Fun, prog rock with a great sound. They got the Steely Dan T Shirts.

The name of this band always makes me think that it’s music meant for my Dad. I like it though and think it has really cool musical moments. Really liked “The Boston Rag.”

Sometimes I felt attacked by reggae. I liked the album as a whole, but I'm afraid what I'll remember best will be these moments of confusion

I like how energetic most of this album is. Combination of piano and wind instruments sounds really appealing.

Brilliant album, not my favorite steely dan but still really good

Astounding show of musicianship. Production wise it's absolutely flawless. As an album I've heard more enjoyable Steely Dan stuff.