Countdown To Ecstasy

Nice but not more.

Weird. But strangely satisfying.

Kjedelig start, men sang nr. 3 og 4 har vært bra. Nr. 5 irriterende. 6 - bra, siste to helt ok. Totalt 6-6.5/10

Un poco rollo. No me ha llamado la atención.

Had it on while assembling furniture. Nice grooves buy not really my style.

More Steely Dan. It's fun.

Mira, no estuvo mal.

Feels familiar listening now. I can see why this is on the list, I just wasn't thrilled.

While Countdown to Ecstasy isn't as good as other Steely Dan albums on this project, I was delighted to hear this chill album. Every song flows beautifully into another! This album focuses more jazz, and considering how much Steely Dan varies the jazz elements, I highly suspect I'm not even recognizing the amount of creativity that went into this album.

I didn't like this Steely Dan album as much as the other two that I have heard on this project thus far, but even so, I still enjoyed it! These guys consistently put out quality music that was a little bit different than what the rest of their peers were putting out, making them consistent standouts. One of the highlights of this album was definitely the song "My Old School", which sounds very upbeat and jammy, but touches on a very odd topic once you listen to the lyrics -- a drug bust. Despite that, the song answers the question: "Does a 70s rock song really need four saxophones?" And the answer is "Yes, absolutely."

Ikke det bedste fra Steely Dan

teräksinen taneli, tietää että aina tulossa jotain miellyttävää mutta haikeata, harmaata, jotenkin tylsää ja monotonista. ehkä se on laulajien käehät vokaalit mutta tämä bändi ei koskaan hetkauta synapseja aivojen että kikkeli nousisi pystyyn... se on meikäläisellä odotuksena, kun ollaan näitä isoja, kriitikoiden höpönassu bändejä kuuntelemassa.. PÄIVÄN MUOTISANA: DAD ROCK... isukki isäpuoli rokkia jahaas.... mitä vittua? tämä on hädin tuskin rokkia nähnytkään hold up yksi elektronisen kitaran nuolaus.... tämä on SANAN TOISTO POPPIA.. ei tarvi mitään erikoisia keksiä. hieno taide album koveri... iljettävät vitun ihmiset istuu, tappakaa tollaset... bodhisattva

Fairly indifferent to this one, there are parts that shine but others that are a bore. Listened to: walking near Ocean Beach. Favorite tracks: The Boston Rag, Pearl of the Quarter

This album feels more like jazz noodling and less like the overblown yacht rock of Aja, so I think I probably enjoyed it more (for some values of ‘enjoyed’).

This is a much more enjoyable album to listen to than Aja that was pretencious, overblown and boring. It is however pretty innocuous, but I can well imagine drinking a cold beer or mojito on the beach with the sun setting in the background and a nice breeze from the ocean listening to this record.

Good points... but some skippable moments

Weird but kind of wonderful, songs are pretty good bit different to what I usually listen to although enjoyable

Not as good as Aja but still a good listen. 3.5 stars

60s and 70s rock just really isn't my jam a lot of times, but I did like a few songs on this album. Still about a 3 to 3.5 out of 5 for me

Nothing special It accompanied me nicely on my walk home today though, super sunny

Unremarkable.

3.5 stars. I was a little apprehensive about this album, as I haven't enjoyed Steely Dan for how overplayed some songs are and how uncool the band is in my head. They even say "fuck" in "Show Biz Kids" and Tidal didn't mark it as an explicit song, that's how uncool they are. But I gave "Bodhisattva" another chance, and it's a well constructed song. The instrumentation and production on these songs is fire. "The Boston Rag" has this great piano and guitar pairing at the end. "Pearl of the Quarter" really good. I just don't particularly care for the lyrics of the songs, nor do really I enjoy the sound of the singer's voice. But Steely Dan is not uncool.

I love listening to Steely Dan. It is always very relaxing

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Like a jam band...but also not? I don't know. It was fine.

Liked songs: Bodhisattva, Razor Boy, King of the World

Of all the Steely Dan albums, this is certainly one of them. To their credit, the thing I love about Steely Dan is their commitment to high quality production. Every one of their albums sounds great. But aside from a few highlight songs on each album, they all kind of all blend together.

It’s steely Dan. What’d ya want?

Maybe their least annoying album I’ve heard

one of my least fav steely dan albums. my old school is and your gold teeth are the most likeable tracks, but there are just some very weird genre decisions (bodhisattva, king of the world, pearl of the quarter)

It's something. It's very steely dan, and I can see why it would be polarizing. Some really catchy songs, and some that are kind of boring. The sax and things is quite nice. Maybe like 3 stars. I don't think I'll go back to this one.

Good songs not the best from Steely Dan but solid album

I don’t know it didn’t grab my attention as much as the debut. Idk if I just wasn’t in the mood for it today or if my music tastes have changed. Still a couple songs I liked a lot tho. Rating: 3.1

Isn’t this the band named after a sex toy? It was okay. It more reminds me of other 70s rockers that I’d rather be listening too.

I wasn't a fan of Steely Dan's brand of jazz-rock back in the 1970s, and apart from the odd track here and there - none of which are on this album - I'm still not a fan; I remember that this was the cause of many an argument with some of my friends back in the day. I quite liked "Your Gold Teeth" which had more of a prog-rock feel to it.

Steely Dan is really a high floor, low ceiling band for me. None of their stuff blows me away but it's never awful. I think I'm good with having 3 of their albums on this list though. 3/5

meh

I did not enjoy this as much as I did "Aja." None of the songs seemed as good to me as the best on Aja, and I didn't get into the backup chorus sound.

I've heard some bad things about Steely Dan but this was actually quite enjoyable. Didn't do anything to wow me but I was grooving. I like the jazz elements and such. Fav songs: - Bodhisattva - Your Old Teeth - My Old School

Fitting since one of the members just passed away. this is a very enjoyable album. Steely Dan is a band that don't really sound like anyone else. Chicago is the closest I can think of.

2.5 Yup, it Steely Dan

I think it'll take several listens to get the true intent of the lyrics. The music is muted as always, missing that extra umph that probably would show thru in a live setting. I ended this album better off than I started it, but it wasn't exceptional.

Rating: 6/10 Best songs: Pearl of the quarter

Not bad. I can't say I'm the biggest Steely Dan fan, but there are some alright songs here. Still feel like other bands captured more emotion than these guys.

Third favorite Steely Dan album. 3/5 as I can’t see myself listening that often, but I did enjoy it.

Kwalitatief sterk singer-songwriter achtig album. Weer een tijdloos album. Maar ook weer saai en niet mij smaak. Of komt dat omdat ik door de titel uitkeek naar het hoogtepunt op het einde, dat nogal tegenviel?

Travail de basses et de claviers, inspiration jazz dans le progressif. Harmonies vocales. Un peu oubliable pour moi

A bit more formulaic for a collective that has much stronger individual outputs. Still an enjoyable romp.

Decent tracks. You'll know Bodhisattva and My Old School. Show Biz Kids is disgustingly repetitive... Average overall album.

I rank this early Steely Dan album somewhere in the upper-mids of their entire catalogue.

Groovy

3.5

Turhaa musiikkia hahaha kevyttä kuunnella, mutta miksi teitte turhaa?

Eh it was ok. Not their best album for sure.

A very nice album that perfectly encapsulates the sound of the early-to-mid 1970's. I didn't find one track on there that had me fully engaged, but every single track was pleasant. Well worth a listen again, at some stage, but it wasn't an 'experience' in the same way that some of the other albums on this site were.

Have not heard of this album, but very familiar with Aja & Pretzel logic both of which I very much enjoyed growing up as an occasional listen. I do like their sound, but only sparsely. I enjoyed listing to this album but not on par to those two other albums I’m familiar with. I really enjoyed “show biz kids” “my old school” and “king of the world” the rest seemed pretty average. Album cover was unique, some interesting art, but I don’t like it visually, maybe that’s the point.

Great sound, but nothing I need to revisit.

Absolutely fine, toe tapping good music. Nothing more, nothing less.

Haven’t heard this album. Classic Steely Dan.

Kinda catchy, jazzy, funky. Not really something I'd choose to listen to but not bad.

Didn't really like "Aja", so let's see how this one will score. 01) Bodhisattva - 6,0 02) Razor Boy - 7,0 03) The Boston Rag - 6,0 04) Your Gold Teeth - 5,5 05) Show Biz Kids - 6,0 06) My Old School - 6,0 07) Pearl of the Quarter - 6,0 08) King of the World - 7,0 TOTAL: 6,19 (62/100) Well, still not impressed. I don't think Steely Dan is my cup of tea.

6,7

Enjoyable

Some truly great jammy playing on here accompanied by some truly horrific lyricism.

A little too jam bandy for my taste

Good music

Decent

Smooth and steely

Good musicians but I can only listen for a limited time

I do not know who this music is for?

My name is Dan! I ain’t all that steely though.

Very nice. Interesting songs. The first one starts with great piano.

A couple classic tracks. Others kind of blend into the mix

Einförmiger Pop.

good time

It feels more human than Pretzel Logic, so I like it better. Favorite song: Bodhisattva

Soft 3. Opening track is very good with some nice stuff scattered between the rest. Will I listen to again: 30%

Just ok for me. Can't Buy A Thrill has a lot more stand out tracks. None of these really stood out to me. 3 = If it was playing in the background, I wouldn't turn it off, but I'm unlikely to actively seek it out again.

I enjoyed this more than I had previously imagined I would.

It’s not that I don’t like Steely Dan, I love some good old classic rock. The album is ok, but the truth is that nothing quite stands out. [0087/1001]

Stop giving me steely Dan albums 😭

clean. Jazz rock. pretty enjoyable

Pretty decent!

Was an okay album, easy enough listen but wasn’t any major stand out songs for me. Nice album to have in the background whilst doing something.

Good musicians but pretty meh.

Un poco rollo. No me ha llamado la atención.

cocaine

Not mind blowing but definitely an enjoyable album!

56/100

-my second steely dan album!!!! -you can’t say steely dan doesn’t make good music because they do -that being said, i’m not in love with steely dan -their music is objectively good. would i go out of my way to listen to it on my own? no -which doesn’t make it more than a 3 star -overall its a good album! not as exciting as the other album i listened to of theirs but still a fun time

Starts out with a banger but kinda fizzles out like a bottle rocket when really it needs a good diesel engine to carry this along. It'll excite, in moderation, but rarely thrills.

I like the funky instrumentals. Beats the last couple albums. 3

This has a nice calm vibe to it that I am really enjoying. A lot of piano and almost beachy guitar riffs that remind me a bit of Santana. I enjoyed this one enough to be about 3.5 stars, maybe close to 4, but I doubt I'll ever come back to this album. Good listen though!

Oh yay. What a treat. *Another* 41 minutes of competent but boring MOR soft rock. Probably. Let's see... UPDATE: I was pretty much right, although there is a little more of interest going on here than on previous Steely Dan albums on this list. This has more of a jazzy feel and even samba, funk and electronic elements in places. Plus, I did not expect to hear that Super Furry Animals appear to have interpolated a short section of 'Show Biz Kids' (around the 3:55 mark) in their 'The Man Don't Give a ****' single. Interesting. The record ends strongly, with the final pair of tracks being my favourites on the album. Overall, it's still not the type of music that I respond to strongly (perhaps it is more music for musicians?), but it won me over as it went on and is my favourite of the three Steely Dan albums so far by some distance. Rating: 2.5/5 Playlist track: King of the World Date listened: 01/10/23

It's a good album. I'd listen to it again. Mike McDonald has a good voice for this type of music.

Certainly sounds like Steely Dan with their funky jazzy soft rock delivery. It is all pretty interesting, but only My Old School really resonates. When they hit a banger, it is fabulous. Though there is really a pretty big variety to the music, there's not as much of a melodic hook... Pearl of the Quarter maybe a little, but overall, the album is an interesting listen more than really enjoyable.

Great generalistic rock, unmemorable songs, but descriptive of genre.

It was an ok album I have to confess. I liked some tunes but their are simply not a band for me

This was a great jazzy album. No big hits that stood out to me, but I did enjoy Your Gold Teeth, My Old School, and King of the World.

Dad rock

3.5

It was OK. I know I say that quite a bit in these reviews, but it's how I feel. I enjoyed their album Aja a whole lot more. "Countdown to Ecstasy" is quite the misnomer - more like "An Assortment of 'Meh'".

Nice vibe

Meh

Definite Steely Dan sound which I quite enjoyed. 3*

A shady room in the back of a derelict house holds the key to a world of secrets that will destroy the lives of everyone in the town.

Deuxième album de Steely Dan mais toujours aucun de Keane :(

classic case de la radio de l'album qui surpasse l'album

Not everyone's cup a tea the Dan. I'm very fond and this has some cracking tunes but doesn't hold together as a album as well. Very good though but its no Aja or Scam.

Musik för de vuxna medan jag får korv och pommes frites. Väldigt ambivalent till det här.

American rock band. 2 auteurs compositeurs avant qu'ils se séparent et fassent leur bout de chemin. Y'a du bon riff dans place, c'est assez mélodieux. Ils aiment varier les styles pis ça me plaît pas mal. Plus instrumental que par voix souvent. Belle découverte.

Smoooooooth

This is my fourth Steely Dan album. It really is a band that does nothing for me.

nop

Classic Dad rock, deserves to be on the list, yes would I chose to listen to this no.

Ohhh, no! Guadalajara won’t do! 🎶 I’m trying not to talk shit and I know they’re very highly regarded, but I just don’t understand. I’m hoping after 3 Steely Dan albums that I’ve exhausted the list. It’s fine, OK?

Great music, but not overly memorable.

Much better than I expected

Mellow

Enjoyable album, but I feel it's a bit to 'clean'

This was a mix of good and middle of the road. When it comes to gems though, My Old School is a beauty. Bodhisattvas is also cool and has ass kicking guitar solo. Show biz kids is also quite good with the fuzzzy guitar making it. Your Gold Teeth also had a good solo but the rest of the song isn’t much. Nothing else to note.

Steely Dan is probably the best Dad Rock band ever. This album harkens back to their more rock roots before they became more laid back and jazz influenced and it features Fagen’s distinctive voice. And although I think that their debut album was slightly better with Do it again, Dirty work, and Only a fool would say that, I still think this holds up pretty good with Bodhisattva, King of the world and the best song on the album My old school. Solid effort.

I didn’t dislike anything on this- but equally not a single song made any real impression on me.

ранее всегда думала что Стили Дэн это пародийный рок, но видимо нет)

I didn't really have a whole lot of knowledge about Steely Dan aside from my like their sound. At the end of this album, I like their sound.

Best Song: King of the World. The guitar lick here is so buttery that you can't care that it's being performed by a music robot. Rock for AI dads. Worst Song: Pearl of the Quarter. Is that French in the chorus? Not helped by the honky tonk guitar. Overall: Technically proficient, soulless music. Maybe it's the vocalists weird "whisper-shout" singing, but it feels like the whole album is one element short of being something great.

Right thrrr in the middle

meh

Note quite as perfect as their later stuff, but still some amazing tracks here

First listen was great and it got worse the more I listened

I enjoyed the Jazz influence and the social commentary in the lyrics. 3+/5

I feel like Steely Dan is sort of the soundtrack of my "back of the station wagon" 5yr old self listening to AM radio en route to some parental errand I was dragged to. As with all Steely Dan records, it simply *sounds* phenomenal. I've never really liked Bodhisattva much, so it's unfortunate to have it as the album opener. I don't know - overall this one doesn't hit me like Pretzel Logic (or certainly not like Aja) does; maybe it's the lack of truly great songs (most notable exception: "My Old School")? The songwriting seems not quite there on this album; e.g. "Show Biz Kids" is essentially one semi-riff for 5 minutes, and that kind of symbolizes a lot of the album. Having said that, the last 3 tracks are fully great, and that delay guitar effect on "King of the World" is definitely my jam - probably my favourite song on the record. A fine record that's relatively easy to listen to and gets better by the end. It's one that I'd probably rarely turn off, but still noting there are absolutely better albums in the SD catalog. 6/10 3 stars

The music this albums sends your way is so excellent at times, and so off at others. I really like the guitar, keyboards and percussions arrangements, but the vocal arrangements of Steely Dan don't do it for me.

até que gostei, no final do álbum começou a tocar uma música do Elvis (não o Presley mas não lembro o sobrenome do outro) que também estava nessa lista e eu achei parecidos sonicamente. música com um groove legal, meio jazzy de novo. não vou colocar para ouvir diariamente (tô achando que nenhum kkkk) mas foi um álbum gostoso de ouvir.

A decent album but not on of steely dans best. Not even close to as good as can’t buy a thrill. And then there were a few other albums after this one that I enjoy more. This album had a couple songs I like but it’s a lot of early prog rock jazzy instrumentals. This is a decent album and I’ll listen to some other songs again but they have made significantly better albums. 6.5/10

Ok

It was very okay. Showbiz Kids is a banger and you have to respect the craftsmanship, but it doesn't grab me that hard. Steely Dan are a very clever band, musically and lyrically, but the lack of emotion is a bit weird and uncomfortable.

Steely Dan are one of the greatest bands of all time, sadly this album doesn’t live up to their greatness.

Definitely Steely Dan. Not as good as Aja.

pretty good, didn't like it as well as Aja.

Good, but not my favourite thing

It's fine. Not my cup of tea.

I am not fond of Steely Dan, who are interesting musicians but don't seem to have anything interesting to say in their lyrics. Nonetheless this was worth a listen, and yet still disappointed a bit. Their singing needs some work and the music gets boring by the end.

Countdown To Not-quite Ecstacy

I hate Steely Dan. Yes, they are a love/hate band and I'm aware that I fall in the minority on them. But, their music makes me angry. There is something about the combination of instrument choice and vocal pairing that brings out that urge in me. Being fully aware of that, I also know the influence they have on generations that followed so I can't let my biases really affect whether or not this album is a must listen. Best I can do is 3/5.

New album, some familiar tracks.

This album was okay, I think I personally prefer the other Steely Dan record I listened to. Maybe it was just because it was my first dive into Steely Dan's discography but I don't know, I just enjoyed it more.

I like the album generally, but I understand the note from Wikipedia indicating no particular single arose from this album. Bodhisattva and Razor Boy are probably the closest. It’s a wonderful sound, I like the organ and the weird synthy stuff, but it does lend itself to be background music.

Viel best mee.

This is the second Steely Dan and I'm again not sure what to make of it. Jaunty! It didn't leave a huge impression on me but I found it pleasant

All good, just more Steely Dan ennit.

Apparently this is jazz rock. Consider the genre covered? The name and cover suggest a waiting room for Death. I learn the Band names itself after a sex toy in Naked Lunch by William s Burroghs. So are they toying with us? It sound very smooth 70s. a bit qurikly, a bit slow a bit too repetitive, and overall "not enough". Hmm maybe flat is the word. You had to be and I wasnt?

Listened Before? N Trippy, man! These guys are a jam band and I had no idea. I thought it was okay. Kinda different. Good musicianship. Kinda has a southern rock feel at times. My Old School sounds like Billy Joel, so I took that one. Added to Library? N Songs added to playlist: My Old School

I don't get steely dan

Jazzy and smooth like warm treacle.

Quite a nice album, a few songs going on playlists. No major big hitters but some groovy tunes to be had. Not the best I've heard from the band though. Favourite tracks Razor Boy, Pearl of the quarter

I don't know what it is about steely Dan for me. I recognize they are consummate professionals with exquisite musicianship. But I just don't feel moved when I listen to them.

I've know this album for years and, while it clearly has quality, I just can't connect with it.

I listen to a bit of Steely Dan, was always a fan of Aja and Pretzel Logic, but didn't really dive in deeper. The generator gave me Can't Buy a Thrill a little while ago and I loved it. Countdown To Ecstasy didn't really excite me too much. It's good, not bad, not great.

A few good soons but ultimately weaker than their debut.

Average.

Doesn’t really hold up to can’t buy a thrill which is stacked with bangers. Blends together at times and doesn’t offer too much to sink your teeth into. Some interesting lyrics here and there and consistent with the steely sound but just a bit meh for them. My old school, Boston rag 2.7

Bodhisattva was - by far - the weirdest inclusion in the Rock Band video game series. It was the first Steely Dan song that I liked. I feel the same way about the rest of this album. Weird jazz-rock mashup. Technically flawless but weird.

Never heard this album before and the only song that I recognized is the opener; Bodhisattva, (which if you would have had me guess I would have said its a Alman Brothers Band song, but I digress.) I I like Steely Dan the rock band better than Steely Dan the soft jazz band. This album falls more into the rock band camp so I like it, but not as much as Can't Buy a Thrill or Pretzel Logic. But it's a good album a little more subtle and sophisticated than Can't Buy a Thrill, starting to show their jazz chops, which in this instance is a good thing. Not as immediately accessible as either of CBaT or Pretzel Logic but worthy of attention none the less. 3.5 stars

creative and cerebral wizard-y dad rock jazziness. very strong musicianship. this is somehow too complex yet too much like waiting room music for me

Decent

I feel as though I might finally be approaching the right age for Steely Dan. I always found it too noodly and soft jazzy in my younger years, but now I’m in my dotage it’s a lot more appealing. I like the ironic detachment, self awareness and I admire the musicianship, Not quite sure when I’d listen to it again, but I did enjoy it.

Delicate jazzy bits presented in what could be called a typical rock format. While it does not offend by being overbearing, the tracks might fail to make a distinct impression by themselves. Overall, a catchy set.

Sometimes the jazz feel helped. Other times, it felt like nothing of value was added. Definitely more than tolerable, not always quite so enjoyable. This would be somewhere between a 3 and a 4, depending on my mood.

Just enough rock to outweigh the annoying folk.

the music equivalent of an aperol spritzer - its OK

Another "classic" album that without the hits is just filler

Ik vind dit wel leuke popmuziek. ***

Good album with very nice guitar solos and songs

It was unobtrusive and I ended up listening a few times. But can’t really remember it now.

Nice music, I like Steely Dan, but I think that these days their music is best experienced through “best of” collections.

Bit boring but I do like Steely Dan.

Not my favorite steely Dan album.

Never heard this one. not bad but feels less refined that their big 3 albums. 3.5 stars

Meh

Cool oldie

Rock with a decidedly 70s vibe. Not bad, flows nicely, but nothing to write home about. 3/5

Okay

I didn't know Steely Dan was a Rock-'n'-roll band and not a Rock band. Their songs are a lot more pop-y than I thought they would be. But the songs are still catchy. Album starts off strong, but the songs in the middle I didn't really enjoy. But still ended on a decent note with "King of the World" Favorite song: Razor Boy Worst song: Show Biz Kids

nice

Dad rocking

Fine aged dad rock

Didn't hate it but in no rush to listen to it again anytime soon.

3 Pretty good

This isn't half bad. I think I shat on the last steely dan album here but this cruises nicely. It never really hits high notes, but there's a reasonably high baseline. 3/5.

This was a great album, full of sounds of jazz/blues/funk/country throughout. I enjoyed the guitar and synth solos. Could be classed dad rock or elevator rock, but a very good listen for sure! Lots of musical experimentation throughout. Favourite songs: Bodhisattva, Boston Rag, Your Gold Teeth (awesome synth solo in this one), Show Biz Kids Least favourite songs: Razor Boy, Pearl of the Quarter (a lot of steel guitar work in this one, has a strong country vibe to it), My Old School 3/5

Prefer Can't buy a Thrill, but not bad.

I didn't really care for Pretzel Logic so it wasn't without some trepidation that I hit play on this album. However, I was pleasantly surprised. I liked this a lot better, but I'm still a little confused why Steely Dan is so popular. I liked "Bodhisattva" quite a bit.

classic Steely, well played, interesting and outrageously boring

Les Steely Dan n'ont malheureusement pas confirmé les immenses attentes placées en eux dès l'étape des auditions et quittent donc l'aventure avec ce prime en demi-teinte. Peut-être seront-ils repêchés, qui sait…

Les compères de Steely Dan nous proposent, à la surprise générale, un album absolument minable que l'on ne leur soupçonnait pas. Attention Robert à ne pas retomber dans tes travers, car j'aperçois un album de rap old school dans ma liste d'albums générés.

Jam band material 4sure

Here's another band I've recently thought, I must listen to them. Sadly I don't have much time today. First impressions (informed also by a quick reading of Wikipedia articles): appealing music that fits in my newish category of "70s music that is more complex and interesting than I would previously have given credit for", in this case some nicely jazzy tracks; lyrics that are apparently interesting but which I didn't really have time to pay attention to today; doesn't blow me away or make me drop everything and listen. But I may well come back for more, at least to revisit the jazzier tracks.

My feelings on Steely Dan are reasonably well known. The Rolling Stone Album Guide (2004) describes this album as "cold-blooded L.A. studio rock tricked out with jazz piano and tough guitar." I find Steely Dan' s studio-slickness a little _too_ cold-blooded and there is a bit much jazz trickery for my taste, but I do like the tough guitar. I like it when they hit a groove (Your Gold Teeth) or let Skunk Baxter cut loose (his solo on The Boston Rag). I like Rick Derringer's slide playing on Show Biz Kids. But overall-it's still just a generally too clever-clogs for me. (although, I must say, of all the Steely Dan albums I have ever listened to, this is my favourite). A story, though: my son, Hal, digs jazz. I don't know whether there is an element of youthful rebellion aimed at his father, or if he is just cleverer than me. He genuinely understands jazz in a way that I don't. He buys some pretty full-on jazz records (especially featuring drummers that he likes) but also is into 70s jazz-rock fusion. This album (along with a bunch of other out-of-print fusion albums) was on his Christmas list last year. I looked around but couldn't find a copy. Early this year, I took him to some of my favourite secondhand record stores (The Vintage Record in Annandale) to do some hunting, and he found a copy in the 5 LPs for $20 box. It was the bargain find of the day and I could not be more proud. We buy cheap records, because they are cheaper to buy!

This is the second album by American rock band Steely Dan. It was a critical success at release and has been certified gold in the US, but there was no hit single, causing the album to chart low at 35 on the Billboard 200. The album's music is rock based, but it exhibits a strong influence from jazz, making it more of a jam band flavor. The studio production for the band on this album was amazingly smooth and created high quality songs. This was an excellent album, and I'm excited to hear more from Steely Dan.

Eh, not really my jam. Kind of a weird mix of 70s and 80s synth rock.

look im a steely dan fan. i wish i had given can't buy a thrill a 5 because it deserves it. i've heard this first song before and i don't like it haha. everything after that song is enjoyable. they're just easy to listen to and fun. i do think cant buy a thrill is a better album. i like pearl of the quarter.

Couple good songs

Ihan svengaavaa, mut ei mieleenpainuvaa.

Je connais peu ce groupe et c'est la première fois que je vois cet album. Je vois plus souvent l'album Gaucho qui est reconnu pour la qualité de sa production. Cet album-ci n'est pas mauvais. Un classic rock avec une petite touche de raffinement. Tu l'écoutes, ça passe bien et à certains moment tu fais, "ah, ce petit élément est cool". J'y reviendrai sûrement pour une écoute plus attentive.

The year is 1973. Things are bleak. The only thing you have to look forward to is another damned Steely Dan album.

Vokalen e ganske basic bitch, men syns da va litt spennande riff og rytma (lol) i blant

Some flashes of good stuff but generally quite middle of the road

Feels like it should be more interesting. Felt this way in the 70’s and nothing has changed. It’s not bad but it’s not memorable and it feels like it should be. Something is missing.

Lajityypilleen uskollinen edustaja. Ei niin ekstaattinen kuin nimi antoi ymmärtää. Paras kyseisen bändin albumi mitä generaattori on antanut! 3/5

Ei bändin parhaita, mutta yllättävän jees taas. Joku näissä toimii. 3.5/5.

The last time I heard this album deeply was in 1996 when I was dating a girl from Tulsa whose daddy was a CEO at a big pharma company and now just as then, the music and the girl left a lot to be desired. A studio band a girl that were a veneer of what you hoped. Vapid. Light on content. Superficial.

Do you think Donald Fagan has a sexxy throat...? Not sure about his throat but whatever that thing is that makes his voice sound so sublime certainly is. I think Steely Dan is the Cinemax of Adult contemporary music. Just one step away from the 'brown chicken, brown cow' sounds of 70's, John Holmes and hairy soft porn. Stay classy, Steely.

I kept counting down, but ecstasy never arrived.

I like Steely Dan. This album had a couple classics that I had never heard before, Bodhisattva and My Old School.

Pretty nice sounding music.

It got me moving and grooving on my dog walk yesterday!

I only knew Steely Dan from Reelin in the Years and the anecdote that the band name is in homage of a vibrator. To be honest, this album didn’t do much for me. I came in expecting stuff of Reelin in the Years’ quality and found it somewhat lacking. I didn’t find any of the songs standout, but I didn’t find anything I despised either: it’s just an album that exists. I also find most of the songs overly long. Fav Track: My Old School 3/5

Much better than I thought it was going to be. Show Biz Kids will always be the highlight, but the rest is pretty good.

Much better and more listenable than 'Aja' which popped up earlier for me. Still can't totally lock in to Steely Dan, but appreciate the sense of humour and musicianship. I guess I signed them off too harshly with the other album I heard.

Only know a few Steely Dan songs (all of which I enjoy) but wasn't familiar with this album at all. Overall it's a good album though I felt a lot of the early songs blended into one for me. Not bad but not really doing anything for me.

Stiliga daniel… de va hårt.. men int jätte… också första gången ja hör detta album…

I enjoyed this one a lot more than Aja

It sounds so professional, well played and produced, superlatively smooth with intelligent insightful lyrics but for the life of me I can't find a hook or anything catchy after 2 listens. No singles and no hits which isn't a problem with some artists who aren't setting out to do that so i'm not sure what happened.

It was alright. Has a real '70s feel to it. I did not skip any songs although I am confused on why there are 3 Steely Dan albums on this list.

Album titles that tend to over-promise and under-deliver on content certainly impacts the rating here. Ecstatic, ecstasy, are failed promises here. Perhaps if on ecstasy the experience would come through, but alas, there is none. Musically, their talent is undeniable and the objective part of this review is going endorse them as a very well executed band. The album though is not spectacular, it is just a good album. Not necessarily one that a listener would rave over, and not necessarily one that a listener would decry as being terrible. It is that happy medium where a half-star capability would be nice. The album is a 2.5, but it is good enough to where rounding upwards is appropriate.

3.1 - Why even listen to yacht rock if there aren’t any singalong hits? That’s what makes “Can’t Buy A Thrill” so much fun. I have little interest in hearing these dudes noodle about transcendental Buddhism (“Bodhisattva”).

I find Steely Dan to be technically boring, but perfectly serviceable cooking & doing the dishes music

Ovo isto sto je rijana rekla. Facts.

dobar album, sviđa mi se, ali nije na nivou Aje.

Pola, oke

This was fine just went on a bit.

7/10 Best song - Show Biz Kids

Already listened to it

A bit rushed, no? Mind you, we spend forever and a day complaining about the perfectionism on Aja, so, you know, dismounting high horses and all that.

Alright. Not as good as Pretzel Logic. None of the songs are bad, but there's not some huge hit that will blow your mind here. It's all quite safe dad rock you hear on the radio. I mean I guess I can't complain, the title only mentioned a countdown. Maybe the ecstasy in question is their next project, which just happens to be Pretzel Logic. I really like Pretzel Logic, have I mentioned that already.

I just like later Streely Dan better than their early stuff. It’s fun enough though.

Another classic rocker that I don't know too much about from the name and a few hits. This was a fun album and really leaned into those rock roots. Felt like a mix of Lynard Skynard, Eagles, and others of that era. I thought Show Biz Kids was a cool one but nothing made too big an impression.

Steely Dan, a band that seems to have a cult following spanning so many odd generations of people, and I've never quite gotten into them. I can think of two songs I know, and they aren't on here. This is a decent project, a couple tracks I'll keep but I still don't quite see the appeal. Maybe it would be more obvious on a different album? I'd put money down betting we'll get another album so let's wait and find out. Favorite tracks: My Old School, The Boston Rag. Album art: Cool art, if not a little unsettling. Some alien looking men in chairs, some more alien looking creatures walking behind them. I have no idea what I'm looking at and I like it. 3/5

Jolly good fun!

Already listened to it

good

This was alright, a pretty chill vibe for the album and some nice instrumentals. Overall thought it was just kinda fine nothing too special.

Solid album, there were some quite catchy songs and I appreciate the instrumentation a lot. Felt a bit too flashy at times though, probably 3.5/5

Easy listen, good background music

First thing from them I haven't minded.

Decent listen. Some great songs but some poor ones too

Loved 1st track in particular. Almost a 4 but not sure how likely I'm going to go back to listen.

This album comes out of the gate hot, but kind of looses steam for me throughout. Still a great album with amazing musicians. Any chance to listen to steely Dan is a good time.

My first time listening to these guys. Yes, I can see that they have some good songs, but I am neither excited nor regretting that I hadn’t listened this until now. Am I a weird person? Or the question is, am I not weird enough to be fascinated by Steely Dan?

It was ok, but not my thing. It would be unfair to give it a high or low score. The production was good thou

Often faded into the background but pleasing nevertheless

Really wanted to 4 star this because "My Old School" was a banger, especially that breakdown w/ cowbell and all... but the rest didn't live up.

Love Steely Dan. This album is pedestrian

Who knew I'd like a Steely Dan Album.

Takie pitu pitu

This is the first Steely Dan album I've actually enjoyed. The guitar has more of a hard rock tone and the music is less atonal overall. Still not my jam, but I'm glad to see they have diversity.

Förväntade mig steely. Fick steely. Mer bops än väntat. Känner mig lite kd idag så den får bara en

Det var väl bra, typ?

det var bra. inte så polerat kanske men.

I've heard a lot about Steely Dan and their production quality/perfection. I really want to dedicate more time to this album, but have now gone through it 3 times, playing in the background while I work. It's fine, but didn't stand out. Maybe this would change with nice headphones and a dedicated 40 minutes to do nothing but listen, but that's just not how I consume music.... All that said, these 3 stars are more a reflection on me, and less on them. Unless they deserve 3 stars, and then it's totally them.

Pretty great second album after an amazing debut album

I liked this one! There were some good songs in there. King of the World was the standout for me.

Prima maar niet heel bijzonder, beetje herhalend

really makes you understand what a jam band is

Feels like Todd Rundgren with a bit of the uniqueness sapped away, not a bad album but not particularly exciting either.

Kinda ok. JBW obvi hated it

It was a Steely Dan album, meaning it was really good. Not sure I would come back to this one over Aja but definitely a worthwhile listen for fans. 3.5/5

I dig it

Groovy.

Standout tracks: The Boston Rag; Your Gold Teeth Skipped Tracks: King of the World Summary: It's a musician's band, and I'm more of a lyricist so its never going to be my favourite. However, it's a good vibe! They are a very good musician's band! Same rating as Pixies but almost for different reasons. Pixies are closer to my preferred genres, but I just can't quite love them, but Steely Dan is really different to my preferred genres, and yet I'm not mad at it, so it's kind of more of an achievement. King of the World ruined it for me though.

A fine collection of Yachty delights

Fínasta Steely popp.

Dad rock vibes, but not NEARLY as basic as other dad rock. Pleasant and interesting, just wish it was longer. 6/10.

Un poco rollo. No me ha llamado la atención.

Knew the name Steely Dan but not too much of his music. Super noodly guitar riffs, enjoyable but wont come back to it much.

I was wondering where I had heard of this specific album, but then after listening to it, I remembered. It was in the dictionary, under the definition of the word "Mediocre".

I was so very excited based on the album cover and name. Maybe a song in I forgot I was listening, and didn't notice when the album ended and Niel Young came on.

Steely Dan for sure. Show Biz Kids my favorite track. Raw and some songs go on a bit longer than I'd like

groovy with some tasty solos

I've always liked Bodhisattva and the start of My Old School is great (perfect Steely Dan funk). There are some great funk pieces in other songs and some nice musicianship, but I don't like this album as much as some of their others. Most of the songs felt at least a minute too long. I could've done without some of the decadence for a tighter package.

Some lift music at certain points but also some brilliant guitar riffs

Groovy and distinctive sound with some nice numbers throughout. Just missing the wow factor.

I'm only really familiar with Steely Dan's greatest hits collection and with that I found a handful of amazing tracks mixed in with a collection of wishy-washy ones. The same can be said about this studio album.

Steely Dan are one of those bands that become a lot more fascinating when you read a bit about them rather than instantly dismissing them like I have been guilty of on this list. Absolute perfectionists, true musicians musicians and it shows in the production and songwriting. Apparently this is one of there worse albums as it was recorded on tour, I look forward to finding some of the others in the generator!

Like a jazzier Thin Lizzy. Sometimes the groovy noodling got a bit tiresome and aimless, although there are some strong vocal hooks that stuck in my head too. When King of the World finished Spotify played it again, and I let it. That speaks poorly of Spotify's algorithms but highly of the track, I think. I never reached ecstasy, but to be fair this album only ever promised a countdown. The pressure's on the next album to provide it though.

Steely Dan is just at this intersection between prog (my jam) and easy listening (not my jam) that does not do it for me.

Bright, nice, even my mother would have liked it.

It is so easy to listen to, but doesn't feel all that punchy. Not a lot to bite honestly.

Fine

“Countdown to Ecstasy” by Steely Dan (1973) I was attracted to Steely Dan as soon as I became aware of the sexual innuendo in the meaning and derivation of the band’s name. I liked being ‘in on the joke’. It was something you couldn’t discuss in mixed company, at least back in the 1970s. But I always thought their best stuff was the music that didn’t get played on the radio. The more they leaned toward pop, the less attention they paid to experimental composition. And the less attention I paid to them. Now, since this album produced no hits, perhaps it’s the best of their best. There’s plenty of contempt, erotic subtext, judgment, erudition—just the thing for college students, especially for those (like me) who were starstruck by the the idea that by mastering the liberal arts we could harness success. We were idiots. This is music by and for the cool kids whose parents actually paid for their upper crust education. That’s not a knock. It’s just context for their smugness. It was quite appealing to me in my early twenties, not so much in my sixties. Do we really any longer care (“My Old School”) about the late 1960s relative status of Bard and William & Mary? They’re both woke now. This album is full of good music. Dual lead guitar riffs are colorful—solo lines are clean and well played, and the jazz keyboard contributions excel. The instrumental passages are wonderful. And the instantly recognizable vocal harmonies carry a lot of freight in these songs. They do tend to overuse the typical Steely Dan chord progressions. Jazzy enough, but enough is enough. “Bodhisattva” is a mockery of the fascination young Americans had with the deformed pop Buddhism of Alan Watts. But its lack of resolution leaves you dangling. “Razor Boy” (the Grim Reaper, wink, wink) is another cleverly condescending advice song. “King of the World”, a suitable closing track, is a post-apocalyptic romp that actually sounds like the amateur radio ambience in which it’s situated. Give it a listen. This is good jazz/pop fusion, but its musically limited scope and lyrical immaturity make fit for an only occasional visit. 3/5

didn't hate it but didn't love it either...

Like the vibes but not my favorite Steely Dan album

was aight. i like the rock.jazz vibes pretty cool

Quite pleasant like it more than I thought I would.

My Old School var en bra låt. När jag lyssnar på den här skivan dras mina tankar till David Bowies plastic soul (Station to Station) och Rollings Stones Exile on Main Street. En harmlös skiva. Ska lyssna igen och se vad jag tycker.

Despite having moments of musical excellence, Countdown to ecstasy lingers in an underwhelming dad rock bore for great deal of its run time

3.5

Each song sounded like a independent standalone piece of work and lent to the overall sound and mood of the album as a whole. The songs each have their own sound and utilization of compositional devices lend to their individuality. I can see how Steely Dan is an influential as they are.