Reviews (page 7 of 9)
I got ecstasy
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.
This is such an exceptional album. It's kind of a dark horse as Steely Dan albums go, because it doesn't have any major singles. A few of the songs, most notably "Bodhisattva" and “My Old School,” have deservedly become classic rock radio staples, but this is an album of deep cuts for people who love deep cuts. It's also the first album where the band maps out what would become their trademark sound. Musically, the band is flawless. The songs are crisp, clean and jazz-infused, with nuanced arrangements. They're somehow laid back and academic at the same time, which kind of sums up a lot of what Steely Dan is all about. The musicianship is crazy good, and hip as hell. The band is making brilliant choices here that no one else would even think of trying, like mixing a pedal steel guitar with the vibes. It's insane, but it works so well, blending the warmth and looseness of country rock with the aloof virtuosity of jazz. Donald Fagen shows up full force with his trademark incisive songwriting, delivered no doubt with a bit of a smirk. Grifters, prostitutes, suckers and the idle rich provide a rich palette for his stories – frequently obscure, sometimes bluntly dark, and mostly devoid of sentiment. After a week of mostly bad albums, this was a joy to listen to. Not a bad song to be found. Fave Songs (All songs, from most to least favorite): My Old School, Pearl of the Quarter, Bodhisattva, Show Biz Kids, The Boston Rag, Your Gold Teeth, King of the World, Razor Boy
Good musicians but pretty meh.
What is the point of being this good at your instrument if the music you make is this boring?
On the lower end of their classic era but still a great time.
God these guys suck, who the fuck listens to Steely Dan? This is music for people that don't actually enjoy listening to music they just want to show off their $10,000 Soundsystem while looking down at you, guess what, you're an asshole and so are Ted Steely and Dan Danielson! Ain't nobody fucking to this record BTW
Un poco rollo. No me ha llamado la atención.
Bodhisattva strong start and enjoyed the last track too, King of the World. Clicked more on second listen.
This is just not my era so I couldn’t even get through half the album.
cocaine
Not bad with some good deep cuts
More fun than I thought. Incredibly easy listen and great sound
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.
Obligatory 5 stars for Steely fuckin DAN
I didn't like it as much as the last steely Dan album I had. This one has less funky guitar and more annoying keyboard.
Solid
Some glimpses of excitement (King of the World, Show Biz Kids), but a lot of yacht rock
Really bland listen. I know now why I'd never heard of this album before.
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
Prob a 2.5, but I was bored more often than I was not
Not mind blowing but definitely an enjoyable album!
56/100
Four songs into the album my thought was, "well, I haven't turned it off yet..." After all eight songs I can assuredly say that I won't turn it on again.
Neither offensive nor compelling. This is the first time I’ve (knowingly) listened to Steeley Dan despite vaguely recognising the name. Light rock (?) and nice to have on in the background but not one that I’d add to my liked songs or particularly seek out I don’t think. Another new band discovered though 😊
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
Damn it’s the Dan
Familiar sound. It was good but nothing was great. Good flow and feel but all over the place.
"Bodhisattva" is the only track that didn't really do anything for me. "Razor Boy" and "King of the World" were new listens that I really liked. I've always loved "Showbiz" and "School". The rest was just a nice listen.
-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
Too soft… Technically super musicianship, but it is music without an edge, which I find rather boring after a while
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
I’m sure there’s someone out there who would go on and on about how this is their best album in a condescending manner, but it ain’t’ me.
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.
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!
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.
Hells yeah. Cover is terrifying
Very samey throughout. Nothing memorable.
Legendary!!
Love me some steely Dan
Steely Dan 5 streak going strong
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 pretty good, maybe pretty fine. Found it hard to really get into the music, but I do enjoy the vibe it creates.
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.
Niet mijn stijl
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.
Great generalistic rock, unmemorable songs, but descriptive of genre.
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
Mostly boring and bland jazz-rock. It could go 1 star to 3 stars depending on your mood. This isn't really music that sets your mood - you have to be in the right mood to listen to it.
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.
Well I liked the first one that we had to listen but this one just passed through me without being noticed at all. A little bit too easy on the ear for my taste.
Pretty generic blend of rock that you forget as you hear it. To me, at some moments, it felt like a Wish version of Neil Young.
Outstanding musicianship. The proof that it's possible to blend jazz, pop and rock very well without it seeming the least bit forced.
It was an ok album I have to confess. I liked some tunes but their are simply not a band for me
Yeah this is solid, it’s got some really good songs especially on side 2 ao for that 4/5
I don't understand the obsession critics and reviewers (and perhaps self styled aficionados) have with Steely Dan. They have a modicum of hits, but much of what they produce is too precious and esoteric for much of the audience. I suspect they are acceptable to people who style themselves "serious" music lovers just because they have some jazz overtones. This album is a great example of why Steely Dan is overrated. My Old School was a minor hit (emphasis on minor), but most of it is just unmelodic. As art rock, it's fine, but art rock is even a smaller niche than prog rock. If you love Steely Dan, then you do you. You'll love this album. If you are everyone else, move on to something less pretentious.
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.
The album was well made and performed, but really anything that I would really want to listen to again
should re-listen
Dad rock
3.5
pretty good although very repetitive
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'".
Has one of my favorites Old School. Like Steely Dan!
Yeaaa yeaaaaaaa yeaaaaaaaaaa
Nice vibe
Meh
Definite Steely Dan sound which I quite enjoyed. 3*
Major I'm getting jaded. It was another album that was just fine... I'm sure I could have lived my life without listening to it but I didn't hate it either.
I was reading a weeks-old article about Countdown to Ecstasy from PopMatters over the weekend and, as always, I sat there entrenched in the overall fervor exhibited in the "white dad rock" fanaticism over Steely Dan and how it pertains to this day and age that makes it not only wholly accepted but entirely prophetic in the descriptions depicted throughout. In short, this is where the myth of Steely Dan begins to take shape and coalesces. After this, every album they would do would scale further and further highs until they felt they've done all that they could for the time being. The characters and settings created here could only come from the Dan and it feels as though they are everywhere, now more than ever. If one needs to start their Dan journey, start here. There's plenty to love, so plenty it's outrageous. Now, let me grab my Dan shirt and begin my coup de grâce.
I 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
I really enjoy it and I think it was too short
really enjoyed that first track tho
great album, some classics on here, good jazz/rock vibes, no notes. harmonix seriously needs to rewind bodhisattva for rock band 4. favorites: bodhisattva, my old school, the boston rag
Low 4, high 3
i thought these generic 70s albums were supposed to have at least one killer track to go with all the filler?
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.
I have no opinion
Como todos los trabajos de Steely Dan, este es excepcional en todos los sentidos. La banda demuestra una y otra vez por qué es una de las más interesantes del catálogo norteamericano.
Hard not to love Steely Dan. Just so enjoyable to listen to!
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.
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.
not for I
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.
Hell yea. Boston Rag is where I need it this morning. Like all Steely Dan albums, this thing is so polished its a goddamn disco ball. it kills. every song is perfect.
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
Not really into SD. Not my grooooove.
I ALREADY RATED THIS YOU IDIOTS
stupendous!
Doesnt really get going at any point
Steely Dan is arguably the greatest studio band of all time. Most tracks are just ear candy, where every component shines through so cleanly. While I really REALLY appreciate that fact, and can dig a lot of their music, they've just never hit that sweet spot for me. Countdown to Ecstasy might be the most typical classic rocky sounding album of theirs. I think it can easily get lost in the shuffle of most albums coming out in the early 70's. I wanted a bit more of the jazzy inspiration these guys are so good at throughout their discography. This just feels a bit too bland to really make an impact.
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?!
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?
There's something about this album that is joyous. Fun, prog rock with a great sound. They got the Steely Dan T Shirts.
Obviously heard of the band but beyond that one hit that's quite catchy never dug into them. So that's a good thing to do here. But... Meh. I get that the musicianship is lovely in places, but it feels like a bit of a self-absorbed wank fest most of the time. I imagine it might have been really new and interesting at the time, but I really don't like this. It's a bit like Rumours but without the catchy tunes. I was going to say 3 stars, but it's not that good and there's no way I'm listening to this again. I'd probably skip, so it's 2.
I asked for jazz - that’s not jazz
Meh
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.
Great music, but not overly memorable.
Much better than I expected
ok. nice enough but nothing very memorable
Mellow
Ehh I can't really hate on it but I'm really not too into it either. I'd rather listen to Can't Buy A Thrill if I am to listen to Steely Dan.
Steely dan is one of those bands I still wanted to look into. After this album I definitely will! Great album, great layers, great guitar solos. Love the sound of rock highly influenced by jazz!
Brilliant album, not my favorite steely dan but still really good
Enjoyable album, but I feel it's a bit to 'clean'
Astounding show of musicianship. Production wise it's absolutely flawless. As an album I've heard more enjoyable Steely Dan stuff.
- I'd been meaning to listen to Steely Dan for ages, but this is the first time listening to them - Expected to like it, lived up to expectations - Really enjoyed it, but thought it kind of tailed off towards the end - Fav songs: The Boston Rag, Bodhisattva, My Old School
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.
This album must be one of Donald Fagan & Walter Becker's favourites because when I saw them live a few years ago they played three songs from it. A friend I went with said something interesting, that if someone asked you to describe Steely Dan's sound, it would be difficult. You couldn't say "they sound like..." because they don't sound like anyone else. On this album they don't even sound like themselves on a couple songs. "Bodhisattva" & "Show Biz Kids" are outliers & highlights of the album. There are a few garden-variety Steely Dan songs to fill it out but the arrangements are great and the lyrics, as always, are clever. IMO, some of the albums that followed, "Katy Lied" or "Royal Scam" are stronger, but by then, expectations would have been higher. This would have turned more heads.
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.
First one in a while so not doing the full review. But a pretty awesome-sounding record. Solid 4 for me.
Nice album. We feel the time gap but some very good instrumentals
I didn’t dislike anything on this- but equally not a single song made any real impression on me.
Not for me. That's two Dan albums i've heard now and neither have really got me
ранее всегда думала что Стили Дэн это пародийный рок, но видимо нет)
Un disco que es demasiado vigente para la epoca. Cumple con todo lo que se le exige y supera 7,50/10
Very biased, but love Steely Dan, and while I don’t think this album scratches their top 3, it could be a top 3 album for any other band that would’ve made it (wouldn’t be the same though)
steely dan is certainly a unique listen. top notch musicianship, a culmination of pop, rock, and jazz. smooth as silk vocals and soothing rhythms; i can’t help but be in a good mood when i listen to this album. you never know where the song is going to take you, but you know it’s going to be interesting. for example, “pearl of the quarter” is steely dan’s take on a southern rock song… and there’s no other song on the album that sounds anything like it. at all. fascinating collection of tunes. highlights: “the boston rag”, “show biz kids”, “pearl of the quarter”.
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.
I really enjoy a few Steely Dan albums (Can’t But a Thrill and Aja) and couldn’t get into a few others (Pretzel Logic and one other one I’ve forgotten the name of, Gaucho, I think) so I didn’t know how this was going to go down. But after listening to it, it’s firmly on the Love It side. What a record! A little bluesy, a little jazzy (but not too jazzy, lol), a little countryish, a little rockin’, a little soulful.; this album has it all. It’s one of those albums that just sounds great when consumed alltogether so I’m not sure there are any “hits” on it but dang, it’s good. Like, really good.
just a bit too light and fluffy for me, classifies as "easy listening" 2.4
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
Pretty enjoyable rock album with jazz elements and other influences such as harder rock on Bodhisattva and steel guitar on Razor Boy and Pearl of the Quarter. The performances are all great, some of the songs have weaker moments though but overall very solid.
Oh am I a slut for Steely Dan! God I love this band! Nothing I’d rather be doing that listening to one of these albums! Classic tho cannot best this, love this one, Aja, and Can’t Buy a Thrill the best! Of course this is a 5 star album how couldn’t it be??
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
There were some good cuts but overall too slick for me. Steely Dan have always been a bit too overproduced for my tastes.
Offensively bland. Musical porridge
I enjoyed the Jazz influence and the social commentary in the lyrics. 3+/5
I love Steely Dan. I love the length of their albums, and just every vibe of them. This album could have a little more to it, but given that I love them as a band I will give them a credit they deserve.
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.
Love Steely Dan and love this album. My Old School is one my all time favourite songs
Less approachable than the follower Pretzel Logic, Steely Dan's second album features longer tracks, but the same stellar production. The flow of the album is not as good as on Pretzel, but the guitar sound on 'My Old School' is enough to get 4/5 score.
It’s only been a couple of days and I’m once again presented with a Steely Dan record. Countdown To Ecstasy opens with one of Dan’s greatest blues-inspired songs. After that it moves into heavier jazz territory as is the case with Steely Dan records you’re never completely sure where you’re being taken. It might be due to nostalgia but I’m leaning heavier toward Pretzel Logic than this record. But that being said - Steely Dan proves, on this album as well, that almost nobody wrote more intelligent and refreshing pop music in the 70’s than they did.
This was so good, solid tunes throughout. Having said that, nothing jumped out to me as an absolute knock out though, so I think a 4 is fair.
Classic steely Dan. Jazzy and rock. Cohesive album, but not a lot of great tunes like its predecessor.
2/5. Steely Dan is not great. It feels like they are trying too hard to be different. They could make decent songs but they change key for no reason just to sound unique and jazzy. I appreciate the musicianship but it’s not enjoyable music. Giving it 2 because I did like their more poppier stuff.
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.
Mais um álbum do Steely Dan, não achei tão bom quanto o anterior, me pareceu um álbum que apresenta as mesmas características do Pretzel Logic mas de forma inferior, sem nenhuma música hit, que se destaque e definitivamente não era necessário mais um álbum da banda nessa lista. Dito isso, ainda é um estilo que me agrada, porém não é o melhor trabalho da banda.
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
Steely Dan does it like no one else. absolute perfection from song to song.
This was actually a really good listen - absolutely loved the intro instrumental to the album in "Bodhisattva". Pleasant and quick album. 7/10.
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'm pretty sure that all boomer-dads were issued a copy of Steely Dan's greatest hits during the 90's, so I'm pretty familiar with some of their catalogue. Growing up, I found their songs like "Reelin' In The Years" and "Do It Again" to be pretty inoffensive, but they weren't my favorite. Several months ago, I listened to Aja from start to finish on a whim, and I really enjoyed it. I found this album very enjoyable as well. I think the jazz-adjacent sound works here, and I liked the longer songs. The only song on this album that I had listened to prior to today was "Bodhisattva," which used to kick my ass on some iteration of Rock Band or Guitar Hero (I was mediocre at those games at best). I've never heard any of the guys in Steely Dan mentioned as being the best at their instruments, but I think that's a mistake. Everyone here seems to be a master of their instrument, hitting each note with precision. Sure, there aren't any Bonham's or Van Halen's here, but that's fine, because these guys know how to craft great songs. I thought the lyrics and vocals were great too, with "My Old School" being a standout song. Overall, this was a great album, and I think Steely Dan's work deserves more recognition as some of the best music of the 70's.
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.
Definitely a Steely Dan album
Steely Dan are boring and Countdown To Ecstasy is more of the same 2/5 dullness.
This is the FOURTH Steely Dan album we've had, which seems whatever the next level up from excessive is. This one, like the other three (apart from 'Do It Again', on the first album we had), was entirely forgettable. Sounds a bit different to the previous ones - we've moved away from purist yacht rock to prog yacht rock - but doesn't make it any less dull, apart from a post-apocalyptic closing track that is actually kinda interesting in a proggy kind of way. If only more of the album was like that... 2/5.
Lifeless noodling from technically competent musicians. Also cocaine. Pass.
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.
King Of The World has some of the most infuriating keyboard solos I've ever heard. More like a musical than jazz rock at times.
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.
Most overrated band in existence in my opinion. Boring and then they are pretentious about it. No favorite track, I'll give it two because it's fine for background music you ignore
Had iets meer verwacht, maar Dan niet he?
Toch wel behoorlijk ouwe lullen gezapigheid troef.
Viel best mee.
Poppy, trashy, low budget proto-garage rock. I loved 3 songs. No cohesive theme. It’s like they’re trying several different genres (blues, rock and pop) but separately. Obviously they had huge potential.
Kind of all over the place style wise
Boston Rag slaps
Yes. I need to spend more time with this band. My wife will not be happy. Fun stuff!
If I was in a bad mood this would piss me off so bad i gave aja a two because it is "good" on paper. To balance it out ill give this a strong 1
Really only last couple of tunes make it worth it.
I don't have much to say, this was ok ish but didn't stand out or give me any strong feelings!
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.
It's largely horrible like I expected, but competent enough not to be a 1
*sigh*
So, I don't know what I expected with Steely Dan. For some reason I thought they were like a ZZ Top vibe, maybe a little rocky, but these fellas are smooth as butter. The songs are pure fluff, with the notable exception of 'Showbiz Kids' which is asking questions that we're still asking today (why are rich people so terrible? how do you make the world a better place and provide for everybody?). Just smooth (barely) rock with fun riffs, and impressive musicality. Favorite Track: Bodhisattva
Sounds of the 70's.
Epic
Donald Fagen y Steely Dan son de esas cosas musicales que me vienen grandes. Nunca lo he disfrutado aún sabiendo que debe ser algo bueno. Y finalmente rollaco, suena bien pero no me produce nada. Un 2.
Fine. Not my thing. Not that interesting to me. 2/5
Cool album cover art. Love that the harmonized guitar sound on the first tune Razor boy is my least favorite song on this one and least favorite style of steely Dan song. Show biz kids has a cool hypnotic groove with the repetitive bgv’s My old school is probably the most poppy song on the album. The playing and production is great of course. Super original like all their stuff with that unique steely Dan sound. I liked this but didn’t really have much of an emotional response to it. I hope wAja is on the list. Read on Wikipedia that Jeff Baxter has a whole other career as a missile defense consultant for the pentagon and working for NASA- so crazy. 3.5
Sometimes I think it’s annoying how steely Dan has to have everything in every song, there’s like congas and triangles, quartal licks, a trillion different chords and rhythmic hits and vocal harmonies and organs and Rhodes and piano and xylophone and vibraphone and wah pedals and slides. It’s just so much and even though the playing is great it just always sounds a little stale and uninspired to me. The playing is obviously flawless but I never really feel anything when I hear steely Dan Trashy guitar tone in Boston rag is cool There are better steely Dan records
It’s the same song over and over.
Like listening to AOR mixed with early Yacht Rock. Which is a truly awful sound.
So uninteresting even the repetitive parts didn't annoy me
decent but forgettable
Parfois OK, souvent plombé par des solos jazzy interminables. Pour papas américains seulement. Bof bof.
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
Love the instrumentation of this band. Liked this album. Favorite track: Razor Boy
Generally enjoy The Dan but this isn't their best album. While I am happy to play jazz blues for days, opening an album with one in 1973 seems a little played. Actually, I think side two is far better than side one. Either way, a good solid 4 stars.
Rock jazz.....nice....not....dull as fuck
First listen
I really like this :)) 4
I do love me some Steely Dan. Funny, I just had their first album a week or two ago. Both are excellent, but in this one it feels like the band is hitting their stride and really finding their signature sound. Excellent album start to finish. My Old School is one of my all-time favorites. 4 stars.
I don't get steely dan
Jazzy and smooth like warm treacle.
Very enjoyable, although not overly memorable. A perfect soundtrack for driving on a sunny day - which is handy, as that's what I was doing! Hard to pick a stand out track, which shows how consistent the piece is. The music, lyrics, instrumentation and vocals are all great - would love to hear more from them
First time I’ve ever listened to Steely Dan, and unfortunately, I shan’t be rushing back to them. This is nondescript, generic, monotone and quite frankly dull soft rock. Nothing exciting, adventurous or intriguing about it sadly. So, a big miss on this one.
dd
This was really good, funky
On the weaker side of their discography but more than worth the listen!
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.
Maybe not their best but my favourite. Almost never off the turntable until Pretzel Logic came along. The hallmarks of the 'band' are all in this collection. I never got a t-shirt.
I just don’t understand the fucking Dan.
good good good
1/23- Driving to school
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.
Like how they inhabit a bunch of different genres but still have their own distinctive sound. Cool!
You can’t go wrong w steely Dan. This album is romantic, hopeful, heartbroken, and sexy
Wierd one. It's not my normal thing and the ingredients are not to my taste, but as a whole enjoyed listening and made me smile.
A few good soons but ultimately weaker than their debut.
4/8, 50%
This album was pretty boring. I don't have much else to say about it. None of the songs were terrible but I didn't find any of them interesting, either.
Easy listen
Average.
Never listened to these guys before but this was awesome
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.
Non male, ma forse gli manca un po' di verve. Molto godibile, come gli altri degli Steely Dan
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
Another quality steely Dan album. Didn’t like it as much as the last one though. I have nothing else to add
That was really long for 8 songs. I thought for sure that it had already started over on me. Otherwise it was ok, but not really my jam.
some of y'all nerds must love going back to your old school
I'm really sorry Ryan, but I just couldn't get into this.
Probably 4.5 for me. Pearl of the Quarter upped it the half star. It’s the one song I could see going back and proactively listening to. The test I would describe as stuff I’d be glad if it was on somewhere but probably wouldn’t listen through a. Hunch solo. But maybe would.
Good tunes that bring back nostalgic memories
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
Love Steely Dan.....love this album.....love the guitar work,which leans a little further to the Jazzy side, for a rock album, and is kind of their signature sound. Love the snarky, smart alecky lyrics....My old School may well be my favorite Steely Dan song.I'd give it 5, but I know AJA is probably coming.
Not for me
Some rough notes on these great songs: Boddishita - amazing guitars, different styles and great playing and interaction, jazz, surf guitar, rock n roll. Razor Boy - A lighthearted pun on the grim reaper, love this song’s vocal melody Boston Rag - reminds me of the tragedy of Boston Legal being cancelled. Your Gold Teeth - Smooth as hell, love the hook. Keyboard solo around 3 minute mark is choice Show Biz Kids - Nepo baby hate anthem 🙌🏻 My Old School - Love how the voices come together on the chorus Pearl of the Quarter - A man very secure in his love, the undulating melody when he says “voulez voulez voulez vous” is delightful King of the World - ‘I Am Legend’ eat your heart out, great synths. All in all, has always been my favourite Steely Dan album
Decent
I didn't like Steely Dan before and that hasn't changed, but if you do like them you'll find most of this album sounds like their other music. There were 2 songs that had a southern/rockabilly vibe to it, which was different.
So jazzy, not like mind blowing but he has some nice music
My relationship with Steely Dan is constantly changing. Right now they're boring me.
I hope there isn't any more Steely Dan on this list.
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.
Few bands have a core catalogue as focused and high-quality as the Dan. The temptation is to give every album five stars. But things are relative. there are five-star songs here - My Old School and Boddhisvata obvs, but Gold Teeth and Boston Rag though fine songs don't quite hit those heights. And if it's five then what is Katy Lied or the Royal Scam? So four, though a 9 out of ten.
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.
This album has some really great jazz-feeling guitar lines, and I love the variety in instrumentation (I'm a sucker for a track with vibraphone). Not every song is a banger, but the bookends of the record alone make me want to listen again.
I liked this quite a bit more than Aja. It was good to great. I would listen again. Especially My Old School. 4/5
Not my favorite Steely Dan LP, but it’s still the Dan, so the lyrics are deliciously bitter and musicianship is steak sauce. B
Ok
More decent stuff from Steely Dan. I always seen to at least mildly enjoy their albums. The mix of smooth rock and jazz is so unique to them and is always a good listen. 7/10
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.
Some interesting ideas with a big bucket of LAME dumped on top of everything
So middling as to almost not even exist.
2.8
absolute banger, great for music to keep ya upbeat whilst you work
What is even the point of steely dan
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
bangers
Ik vind dit wel leuke popmuziek. ***
I don’t know what to say it’s just a perfect album - 10/10
Bodhisattva good but I could leave the rest
Love steely dan. Good album
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.
Goated
Uh oh, favourite band alert, might be difficult to be impartial! A good 2nd album, perhaps not as great as the debut, but it does come with the magnificent My Old School. Skunk Baxter plays guitar on it and I’m sure he had more fun with Steely Dan than he does now working at NASA or US Defence - no, really.
Pretty decent
Bit boring but I do like Steely Dan.
Wow, that's some interesting album art. As far as I know I like Steely Dan so I think I will like it. Update: I loved it.
Great skill. Great music. Great album
So that's where the Super Furries got the sample from!
Not my favorite steely Dan album.