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Probably (and I say this with some regret because the fact is, all SD is great) the greatest Steely Dan album. I love this CD. Fagen and Becker have collaborated to create some of the most beautiful jazz/blues music ever played. Yeah, that's right, I said jazz/blues. This album is more jazz and blues than the typical rock/jazz fusion from like their earlier albums. For example, Aja, the title track; 8 minutes of pure jazz jammin', no rock, no extra noise, just good jazz, cool guitar, great keys, perfect percussion and Donald, crooning the blues. It just don't get any better than this. As for the rest of the genius on the album: Black Cow is, again, more jazz/blues but very funky this song was released to limited airplay, but for some reason didn't get picked up like some of the other SD fare, waxing poetic about a woman that keeps running away, Fagen sounds like a lost puppy, blues dripping from the speakers; Deacon Blues, one of the most recognizable SD songs, even by those who aren't die-hards, this song is pure blues with a slight edge on the percussion; Peg, another recognizable tune, with its funky bass line, jazz guitar and keys and solid drums; Home at Last, which is just downright great piano jazz and horn ablarin'; I Got the News, funky on first listen is actually very bluesy on the keys, if slightly upbeat, the song is quite ambiguous; and last but not least another popular tune, Josie, which is pure jazz guitar chords ,if only played a little off tempo from typical jazz. The album was pure genius and, in my ever so humble opinion, the highlight of a career that really didn't have any down time, just a really great high time. I LOVE THIS ALBUM.Read full review
You may think buying this CD isn't worth it since it's only 39 minutes of "jazz-influenced white soul" music with only 7 tracks, but look at which ones they are: Track listing 1. Black Cow 2. Aja 3. Deacon Blues 4. Peg 5. Home At Last 6. I Got The News 7. Josie All tracks have been digitally remastered. I find their music soothingly truthful and addictive. If I play it, I play it for hours I get so into it. It's a moody type of CD that I have to need it to play it. I like it's perfectionist musical precision, and originality. There's still no one like them. Donald Fagen (vocals, keyboards) & Walter Becker (guitar) are the main Steely Dan band. Neither of them had any interest in performing out of the studio. So they didn't. For this CD they had a wide range of musicians recording with them: Larry Carlton, Lee Ritenour, Dean Parks (guitar); Tom Scott (tenor saxophone, lyricon); Wayne Shorter, Pete Christlieb (tenor saxophone); Plas Johnson (horns); Victor Feldman (keyboards, vibraphone, percussion); Joe Sample, Michael Omartian (keyboards); Chuck Rainey (bass); Paul Humphrey, Bernard Purdie, Steve Gadd (drums); Tim Schmit, Clydie King, Michael McDonald (background vocals). Let's just say they do real pro music that's extremely technical, without sounding so. Gotta have it.Read full review
I've liked this album since it's release. My older brother just bought some fairly high end stereo equipment and played a vinyl record on a turntable. It was nice and loud but extremely clear with no distortion and sounded great.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Have loved this album since it came out and it never gets old. Fagen and Brecker and Carlton and Rittenour and Gadd and all of the others really put things in order here. I don't pretend to understand the lyrics of all their songs, but those that don't appreciate the time and effort that went into this album should watch the AJA DVD where they talk about how the album was put together. Maybe I like Deacon Blues the best since I used to play tenor sax in high school. This album will always remain in my top 5 of all time.
INHO, this is an audiophile level recording. Master songwriting and some of the best studio musicians on the planet all on top of their game. The studio recording, mixing & mastering work is masterful. I highly recomend this Remastered CD .
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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