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From The Archives: 70s Vol 4 – Steely Dan – Aja

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This is “From The Archives” a feature where we take a trip back to a previous decade and discuss an album! We will talk about highlight tracks that should not be missed. As well as reasons why we think the album was so influential and successful.

The Album Breakdown

From 1977 this is easily the best album (In my opinion) by Steely Dan. It blends jazz with rock and showcases amazing studio work. With it often being regarded as one of the best produced albums in rock history. It has a lovely amount of funk to it too!

Strengths

As I mentioned above the production quality of this album is legendary. Complex arrangements, pristine sound and flawless performances. The song writing does a good job at balancing sophistication and accessibility for the masses. There are no shortage of hooks.

Weaknesses

Some might feel the ultra-smooth production too polished and almost clinical. Those wanting emotional directness might find the lyrics a little cryptic in places.

Highlight Tracks

The title track is built on standout solos, lush chord progressions and jazz. The track shows the peak of the bands ambition and more importantly technical precision. That sax improvision is a work of art.

Steely Dan – Aja (All Rights Are Retained By Steely Dan)

An anthem about choosing the artist lifestyle. It blends warm notes on the horn with poetic lyrics. The dream like mood and introspective elements make it a real statement piece.

Steely Dan – Deacon Blues (All Rights Are Retained By Steely Dan)

Other Notable Albums From The Band

The Royal Scam

Gaucho

Countdown To Ecstasy

All rights to the songs used in this post are retained by the band/artist. This site claims no rights over them.

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37 responses to “From The Archives: 70s Vol 4 – Steely Dan – Aja”

  1. Mark avatar
    Mark

    I like me some Steely Dan…Do it again, Josie, FM, Hey Nineteen, Dirty Work, Reelin’ in the Years and Rikki Don’t lose that number.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Fox Reviews Rock avatar
      Fox Reviews Rock

      All great songs 😁

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Mark avatar
        Mark

        And I forgot Peg..

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
  2. Peter Mallett Racing avatar
    Peter Mallett Racing

    Thank you for liking my posts.

    File this under: “I have to write this or my head will explode.”

    Steely Dan is/was a product of the transistion from AM to FM radio (as evidenced by their opening track on FM (No Static At All)).

    Prior to the advent of FM radio, we had to listen to music on mono (AM), then take a guess as to whether we would like the album played on our stereos (read music centres for many). It was because of the hard lyrics and the beat of “Do It Again” that the band gained traction. That is a track that has stood the test of time but it wasn’t “experimental” in fact some of Can’t Buy a Thrill (1972) could almost be confused for an Eagles tribute, I give you Brooklyn (Owes The Charmer Under Me).

    By 1977 the world had really moved to FM so there was less risk in listening to a track then dashing off to the local record store like a labrador after a treat, to buy the album. The opening track of Aja, “Black Crow”, gained a funky twist with, what was to become the signature off key lines oft used by the band. But being the time of FM radio, we could hear quite clearly the entire track and its jazz funk style. For me it seems the band had grasped this development and set out to use it remorselessly. Playing with tones and styles that would only previously have been heard at a live gig. Then the track “Home At Last” could be confused with a Quincy Jones production.

    So, for me the album Aja presents a seminal period in the band’s history, but it isn’t my particular favourite, mostly because it’s trying to be something I really wish it wasn’t.

    That said, you are making me look back at some of the albums I may have missed so keep it up.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Fox Reviews Rock avatar
      Fox Reviews Rock

      You’re so welcome Peter keep up the cracking posts!

      That is hands down the best explanation of someone’s thoughts on a bands progression I have ever read! I wish I could give you the reply it deserves but my 2 year old keeps trying to press send haha so please know that I thought it was absolutely fascinating and that I wish we could have more comments like this on the site! I actually love this album though so maybe our taste differ slightly but that’s great as otherwise life would be boring!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  3. Columbia River Gorge “Outdoor Training Journal” avatar
    Columbia River Gorge “Outdoor Training Journal”

    Yes I like Steely Dan!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Fox Reviews Rock avatar
      Fox Reviews Rock

      They are great!

      Like

      Reply
  4. lyndhurstlaura avatar
    lyndhurstlaura

    I used to enjoy Steely Dan. My boyfriend in the early 70s worked in a record shop and found the ‘Countdown to Ecstasy’ album when they were not that well-known. He loved it, and played it often. Great sounds! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Fox Reviews Rock avatar
      Fox Reviews Rock

      Great sounds and it at least unlocked a memory for you regardless of if it was a good one or not 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. lyndhurstlaura avatar
        lyndhurstlaura

        Oh, it was a very good one. Great times. 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
        1. Fox Reviews Rock avatar
          Fox Reviews Rock

          Happy days then 🙂

          Liked by 1 person

          Reply
  5. Michael Williams avatar
    Michael Williams

    one of the greatest albums in the history of music! those two tracks are my jam..that and Josie! Mike

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Fox Reviews Rock avatar
      Fox Reviews Rock

      It’s a terrific album that is for sure! 😁🤘

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  6. Michael Williams avatar
    Michael Williams

    btw – i’m not sure if I’m correct but wasn’t Black Cow in this album as well? either way, just another one of Steely Dan’s greats

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Fox Reviews Rock avatar
      Fox Reviews Rock

      Indeed it’s the first song on it 🙂👍🏻

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  7. mixerrreviewsatxn avatar
    mixerrreviewsatxn

    A classic rock album that every music fan should listen to.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Fox Reviews Rock avatar
      Fox Reviews Rock

      I think more bands could use a little of their funk!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. mixerrreviewsatxn avatar
        mixerrreviewsatxn

        Steely Dan uses an appropriate amount of funk.

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
        1. Fox Reviews Rock avatar
          Fox Reviews Rock

          I agree!

          Liked by 1 person

          Reply
          1. mixerrreviewsatxn avatar
            mixerrreviewsatxn

            I’ve listened to enough Steely Dan to know that.

            Liked by 1 person

            Reply
  8. Roger avatar
    Roger

    the first time I played Aja, I said afterward, “Yes, that was a GOOD album!” It usually takes 2 or 3 plays. I was particularly enamored with Peg and that distinctive Michael McDonald vocal.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Fox Reviews Rock avatar
      Fox Reviews Rock

      I can still remember the first time I heard it, it was so different to everything else I was into

      Like

      Reply
  9. richardbist avatar
    richardbist

    There’s a great little documentary somewhere on YouTube (only about an hour long) that recounts the recording of Aja. It has interviews with both Fagan and Becker, along with several of the musicians that played on the album. It really breaks down the meticulousness of the recording process and gives some amazing insight into how some of the songs were constructed. Highly recommend it.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply
    1. Fox Reviews Rock avatar
      Fox Reviews Rock

      I’ll have to watch that for sure !

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
    2. grooves or grammar avatar
      grooves or grammar

      An album that’s long been on my vinyl wish list, but Steely Dan albums are tough to track down in record shops these days. I once got very excited at finding one of their albums for a fiver in a usually expensive Oxfam near me. Got it home and discovered it was Rocket Cottage by Steeleye Span. I wish this was an amusing, invented anecdote, but it’s true. I was gutted.

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply
      1. Fox Reviews Rock avatar
        Fox Reviews Rock

        Haha that is hilarious 🤣

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
  10. mixerrreviewsatxn avatar
    mixerrreviewsatxn

    Reminds me of the music I review on my new blog Mixerr Bout Dat Online.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Fox Reviews Rock avatar
      Fox Reviews Rock

      Everyone should go and check that out !

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. mixerrreviewsatxn avatar
        mixerrreviewsatxn

        Tell everyone to please subscribe to my new blog. I have in-depth album reviews and movie reviews that are better than ever.

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
        1. Fox Reviews Rock avatar
          Fox Reviews Rock

          You can add a link to it right here if you want if you add a link to my site somewhere 🙂🤘

          Liked by 1 person

          Reply
          1. mixerrreviewsatxn avatar
            mixerrreviewsatxn

            The link to my new blog is https://mixerrreviewsatxn-gibtv.wordpress.com

            Liked by 1 person

            Reply
            1. Fox Reviews Rock avatar
              Fox Reviews Rock

              Please leave a link to my site on your blog please.

              Like

              Reply
              1. mixerrreviewsatxn avatar
                mixerrreviewsatxn

                I just did. I’m not sure if Akismet rejected my comment or not.

                Liked by 1 person

                Reply
              2. mixerrreviewsatxn avatar
                mixerrreviewsatxn

                I did under the “other blogs and websites to check out” page I created. Still working out the kinks.

                Liked by 1 person

                Reply
                1. Fox Reviews Rock avatar
                  Fox Reviews Rock

                  Excellent thank you 🙂

                  Liked by 1 person

                  Reply
                  1. mixerrreviewsatxn avatar
                    mixerrreviewsatxn

                    You are welcome.

                    Liked by 1 person

                    Reply
          2. mixerrreviewsatxn avatar
            mixerrreviewsatxn

            Here is a link to my new blog.

            https://mixerrreviewsatxn-gibtv.wordpress.com

            Liked by 1 person

            Reply

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