James

I own Aja and it's pretty good. Never inspired me to check out the rest.

Necromancer

Are you suggesting that the metal band Tool, have better studio work as perfectionist in the studio than Steely Dan? One of your earlier post included the statement, "one could say that Steely Dan is over produced". Steely Dan used the best recording equipment that was on the market back in the 70s and on until 2009+. The originality of recorded albums in the 70s is what most listeners are looking for, instead of all of the auto tuning used in today's recording. All of their earlier albums like, Cant Buy A Thrill has been remastered in the studio countless times already. And just to mention the band Dream Theater with Steely Dan in the same thread is insulting to them to say the least. If I am taking any of your comments out of context, that is not my intent, because I try to have respect for everyone's opinions. Ive been a musician now for more years than I want to admit, I don't suggest that I know everything there is to know about music and studio recording, but I have worked as a studio musician and vocalist through the years, and I do know a little about the process and business of recording.

From reading your opinions, I just think that you are a fan of the more modern bands of the day, and you like Velvet Underground more so than Steely Dan. And on the other hand, I am a die hard Steely Dan fan. So there is no way that your going to convince me that Steely Dan has not produced some of the best studio work of modern times. And I know that there are bands and albums that are just as well produced as Steely Dan's work, but the level of talent that is related to Steely Dan is impeccable. (I might suggest we stay closer to the subject of the thread, Steely Dan. But dont take me wrong, I love a good heated debate).

Lisnaholic

Well, you might like to try some of their earlier albums, when they kept their sound stronger and simpler. For me Countdown To Ecstacy is their best overall album. Every track has an instantly likeable hook, and of course, some great playing.

Although this clip is not from that album, it gives you an idea of their irresistably catchy earlier songs :



That song sounds so cool that I can happily forgive them for stealing the piano part from Horace Silver :

s_k

Who probably listened to

Mulatu Astatke. Or the other way around. I didn't try to find out

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Necromancer

Lisnaholic is absolutely right on the money James, AJA was probably their most popular album that is well known, its a great album, but Aja is not only one of their best singles, its also the only song from the album that I can listen to anymore. That album has just been so over played through the years..lol. The Royal Scam, Gaucho, Katy Lied, and as Lisnaholic mentioned, Countdown To Ectasy would be a few albums you might want to give a listen to. Personally, I would suggest, Cant Buy A Thrill or The Royal Scam.

Lisnaholic

That`s really clever of you ! I wish I could follow it up with another clip, but I`m obviously out of my league !

s_k

Haha, I just noticed .
It's not like I was trying to impress you

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Necromancer

If I had to choose which album is my favorite by Steely Dan, I would have to go with, The Royal Scam. Which was the preceding album leading to Aja. Pretzel Logic would hold a close tie with first, but more so because of the raw talented, original vibe feeling I get from the album itself. To me, the album Pretzel Logic, is still just as fresh, raw, and original sounding as it was at the time of its original release, in 1974. The Royal Scam '76, on the other hand, is where Steely Dan captured "That Sound (Style)", that I personally identify Steely Dan at their best, while (Donald F.& Water B) were discovering their musical identity at the same time . 1977's release of Aja became Steely Dan's, more mainstream, and best selling album, the album is no doubt one of their best, but it is just a Little to over played for me. (Walter Becker is one of my favorite, and a talented bass player, I might mention).
I always categorized and identified personal preference of certain bands, with their preceding albums of musical identity, more so than the best seller. For one example, Rush's Caress Of Steel, preceding 2112. Maybe not for the same exact reason, but Get Your Wings, was always a favorite by Aerosmith...bla..bla.

Howard the Duck

i haven't heard all their albums but I like Can't buy a Thrill of the ones I heard.

songs:-
1. Do it Again
2. Boddhisatva
3. Reelin' in the Years
4. Kid Charlemagne
5. Rikki Don't Lose That Number

Necromancer

That album is just as good, if not the best of all. I mean when I read the song list, Do It Again is one of the most popular SD played singles on radio, and since it is their debut album, I can see why. Rikki don't Lose That Number and Reelin' In The Years would be my favorite, although I like them all.