Review: The Very Best Of - Steely Dan
(Universal) 2-CD: Even in their younger days, Donald Fagen and Walter Becker didn't look much like rock stars.
(Universal) 2-CD: Even in their younger days, Donald Fagen and Walter Becker didn't look much like rock stars.Now, 40 years after they first began working together, they look more like university professors than the members of one of pop's greatest ever bands.
It was back in 1972 that Steely Dan recorded their first album Can't Buy A Thrill.
Since then the band has sold more than 30 million albums worldwide and penned some songs that will rank among pop's finest moments.
The pair went their separate ways in 1980 and both have had much success as solo artists.
Since the 90s they have worked together on and off, both as Steely Dan and on each other's solo projects.
This year sees the band touring Europe and the US once more and to coincide there is the release of this fantastic double album of their finest moments.
For those unfamiliar with their work, don't be expecting the edge-of-the-seat feral excitement of most of rock's great bands.
Steely Dan's music is gentle, thoughtful, jazz-flavoured adult rock.
It is also quite stunning.
From the aching balladry of Dirty Work from their debut album to the plaintive beauty of Rikki Don't Lose That Number, the quality is just world-class.
It says much for this quality that even their early work does not sound dated. And for anybody yet to discover the likes of Kid Charlemagne or Here At The Western World, there's a real treat in store.
10 out of 10
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Sunday 12 February 2012
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