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
Steely Dan, is actually all that needs be said...Asa and Gaucho (My next Purchase) are two critically acclaimed recordings and I have nothing to all...I am actually listening to it as I type! The only thing missing ia a glass of wine and a Jacuzzi!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Darn! That robstr68 guy stole MY line! "When I get to Heaven, will they play AJA for me?" LOL Seriously folks, it's fantastic music, a fantastic recording to begin with, and GOLD only adds to that. I've heard this CD from beginning to end HUNDREDS of times and never tire of it. Personal favorites are HOME AT LAST for the opening piano and horns that follow, and JOSIE for the cool rhythm guitar. I can't say enough good things about it! In my opinion, a must-have for true Audio Aficionados: A Critical-Listening standard.
This product is as near a perfect recording, but slightly more importantly, as near a perfect piece of musical artwork from beginning to end that can be found. I have listened to it a multitude times and never have I questioned even one note of it. Walter Becker and Donald Fagen were all over their game at this stage in their career. If I have just one album to listen to when Im in heaven, it will most likely be this. Physical Graffiti by Led Zeppelin is the only other work I might take up there. I urge anyone who wants to listen to the perfect culmination of rock and jazz, and the benchmark of what a recording is supposed to sound like, to not hesitate to pick this up. Go for the mo-fi version if you can spring for it, but the retail in and of itself will leave you with your jaw on the floor. After a few spins, you will understand.Read full review
Mobile Fidelity Sound Labs releases of classic albums in 24 karat gold offers the best sound. They aren't made anymore so they have become very expensive. This is my favorite Steely Dan recording.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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