Steely Dan (lyrics, members)

Rainard Jalen · 08-09-2008, 03:21 AM

After a week of listening to the album more closely, I am convinced that the Royal Scam does not deserve the criticism it may get. There's really very very little wrong with it and aside from that, it has one or two of Dan's best numbers on it. Another fine album from the duo, if not quite up to the crazily high previously-set bar.

Sasquatch · 08-09-2008, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rainard Jalen

After a week of listening to the album more closely, I am convinced that the Royal Scam does not deserve the criticism it may get. There's really very very little wrong with it and aside from that, it has one or two of Dan's best numbers on it. Another fine album from the duo, if not quite up to the crazily high previously-set bar.

It was my favorite album RJ because it has four of my all time favorite SD songs, The Royal Scam, Kid Charlamagne, The Caves of Altamira and Haitian Divorce. For whatever personal subjective reason this album just resonated with me more than the others, after all it is a matter of personal taste. I like all of SD's albums, I really don't care what the critics said about them. I'm just glad you are enjoying their music all these years later.

Rainard Jalen · 08-10-2008, 03:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sasquatch

It was my favorite album RJ because it has four of my all time favorite SD songs, The Royal Scam, Kid Charlamagne, The Caves of Altamira and Haitian Divorce. For whatever personal subjective reason this album just resonated with me more than the others, after all it is a matter of personal taste. I like all of SD's albums, I really don't care what the critics said about them. I'm just glad you are enjoying their music all these years later.

Royal Scam is no doubt a good album, Kid Charlamagne is a great song and Altamira's awesome too.

Have you listened at all to their reunion records? Or Faegen's solo works?

Sasquatch · 08-10-2008, 07:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rainard Jalen

Have you listened at all to their reunion records? Or Faegen's solo works?

I didn't buy any of their albums after Gaucho, it was so many years ago now I don't remember why exactly...not because I stopped liking them that much is certain. I vaguely remember Nightfly, but nothing else. If you do SD's complete discography then I look forward to reading your opinions about the solo/reunion records and will check them out.

Rainard Jalen · 08-21-2008, 03:05 PM

"Bodhisattva" is really such a great track. Countdown To Ecstasy is amazing, even returning to it after a month or so. Superb record - there is very little ensemble playing in popular music that matches this.

Sasquatch · 08-21-2008, 03:29 PM

Have you finished listening to all of their albums now RJ? The solo works and the latest studio release?

Rainard Jalen · 08-21-2008, 04:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sasquatch

Have you finished listening to all of their albums now RJ? The solo works and the latest studio release?

Nah I'm actually just about through with Aja and on my way to Gaucho. Then'll come Faegen's first solo album, The Nightfly (I think), which I hear great things about.

Rainard Jalen · 09-01-2008, 12:58 AM

I actually agree now about Can't Buy A Thrill being easily the band's worst album. To everything else they did, I find it by comparison practically unlistenable. The songs in general are considerably weaker than the band's output-to-be, and the uncharacteristic severe sweetness of the ballads (with David Palmer's vocals) is a bad touch.

What is interesting is that, on its own, the album is rather commendable, impressive even. But once you really come to know Steely Dan for the type of music they came to make, you can't really revert to Can't Buy A Thrill and feel satiated. It almost feels like you're listening to a different band.

Sasquatch · 09-01-2008, 08:06 AM

I can see why you think that way about Can't Buy A Thrill, musically it is not on the same level as the later SD albums, but for me I still like it a lot. We used to party to this album on the beach all summer so I have a sentimental attachment to it RJ. So many good memories come flooding back when I listen to this record. I don't play it often but usually in early summer I dust it off and do a little time tripping.

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08-09-2008, 03:21 AM
Rainard Jalen Music Addict Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 1,925	The Royal Scam: A Reappraisal After a week of listening to the album more closely, I am convinced that the Royal Scam does not deserve the criticism it may get. There's really very very little wrong with it and aside from that, it has one or two of Dan's best numbers on it. Another fine album from the duo, if not quite up to the crazily high previously-set bar.

08-21-2008, 03:05 PM
Rainard Jalen Music Addict Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 1,925	"Bodhisattva" is really such a great track. Countdown To Ecstasy is amazing, even returning to it after a month or so. Superb record - there is very little ensemble playing in popular music that matches this.

08-21-2008, 03:29 PM
Sasquatch Music Addict Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 127	Have you finished listening to all of their albums now RJ? The solo works and the latest studio release?

09-01-2008, 12:58 AM
Rainard Jalen Music Addict Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 1,925	I actually agree now about Can't Buy A Thrill being easily the band's worst album. To everything else they did, I find it by comparison practically unlistenable. The songs in general are considerably weaker than the band's output-to-be, and the uncharacteristic severe sweetness of the ballads (with David Palmer's vocals) is a bad touch. What is interesting is that, on its own, the album is rather commendable, impressive even. But once you really come to know Steely Dan for the type of music they came to make, you can't really revert to Can't Buy A Thrill and feel satiated. It almost feels like you're listening to a different band.

09-01-2008, 08:06 AM
Sasquatch Music Addict Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 127	I can see why you think that way about Can't Buy A Thrill, musically it is not on the same level as the later SD albums, but for me I still like it a lot. We used to party to this album on the beach all summer so I have a sentimental attachment to it RJ. So many good memories come flooding back when I listen to this record. I don't play it often but usually in early summer I dust it off and do a little time tripping.