Can't Buy A Thrill
Steely Dan“Do It Again” is a great song to vibe to, got a cool sitar solo; I’ve heard it before somewhere. Cynical message on the inability to give up vice. “Dirty Work” has a sort of soulful feel, quick sax solo reenforces this feel; again a song about the inability to quit something, this time a woman. “Kings” has a really catchy piano/guitar riff, has a slight soul feel as well. Theme of futility shows up again, this time in the idolatry of a powerful man (government?) that gives nothing in return. Instrumental solo stands in contrast to the rest of the song as frantic, disorienting. “Midnite Cruiser” has a vibe of late night music (it’s in the title), but the vocals (different singer) doesn’t quite fit the vibe. Still solid though, theme of lamentation is a little bit different from the past songs. “Only a Fool Would Say That” has the mambo feel that “Do It Again” has, possesses critical lyrics about naïveté with a slightly upbeat tone than the content would suggest, but the futileness is evident. “Reelin’ in the Years” has a really good guitar intro and solo. Upbeat song but with not upbeat lyrics about a toxic and belittling relationship. “Fire in the Hole” has a fierce piano instrumental that conveys the defiance of the singer well. Sick piano solo as well. Criticism against the draft and blind patriotism/order-following surrounding Vietnam is in line with political themes in “Kings” and “Only a Fool Would Say That.” “Brooklyn (Owes the Charmer Under Me)” has a lounge vibe to it, one of the slower songs on the album. Content/themes aren’t as pronounced as on some of the other songs. “Change of the Guard” has an upbeat sound that actually has some upbeat lyrics with it. Either the lyrics are hopeful for the new generation, or it’s ironic. Same with the messaging on adaptation. Pretty bruising guitar solo along with it. “Turn That Heartbeat Over Again” seems to tell the story of crime and the disconnect between the criminal about the negative impact of his actions. Maybe more futility in there with the criminal trying to convince himself he’s not to blame for his actions. Slower song, instrumental isn’t as noticeable as other songs’ instrumentals. Overall a pretty good album. I definitely preferred the front half of the album in a musical sense. Lyrically and thematically, the front half of the album was clearer, but themes persisted throughout the second half.