Circus Money - walter Becker

Posted by: Simon Matthews on 14 July 2008

This album is, by and large, an absolute cracker. Think steely dan with a heavy reggae influence and you are on the right track. He seems much more comfortable with vocal duties compared to eleven tracks of whack and the playing is top draw throughout.

There is a free extra tune on the non-USA release. Lucky us Europeans as this extra is one of the best on the album.

A really great album and a no brainer for Dan heads.
Posted on: 15 July 2008 by Simon Matthews
Hey people, there is more to steely Dan than just Mr Fagen!

Oh well. Roll Eyes
Posted on: 15 July 2008 by Ian G.
Still waiting for mine to arrive - sounds good from your description tho'


Ian
Posted on: 16 July 2008 by Simon Matthews
Not sure. The CD has a very good sound though. Nice bass!
Posted on: 16 July 2008 by GarryM
I'm looking forward to hearing it when it arrives. The only other feedback I've had is far less glowing than yours so it'll be interesting!
Posted on: 16 July 2008 by Simon Matthews
Well after a few days with the album I am really impressed.

Like all Dan related stuff, it needs at least three or four plays to begin to fully reveal its charms. I think that there is basically a really great nine track album amoungst the thirteen tracks. There are a couple of reggae fillers. However that is still a great hit rate and when the album is great it is really great.
Posted on: 17 July 2008 by ewemon
Heard most the the album about 1 and half months ago. Still can't get my head around his voice but the music is exc.
Posted on: 17 July 2008 by Ron Brinsdon
Had this pre-ordered with HMV for about 6 weeks
and just received e-mail saying "out of stock"!!!

Oh well, another week or so won't make much difference after so many years.

Be seeing you,

Ron
Posted on: 19 July 2008 by Jet Johnson
.....Agree with the comments about Walter's voice being better suited to the arrangements on Circus Money than 11 Tracks of Whack ..I guess he's realised what works now after a long gap between his solo albums.

During Steely's current Canadian + US Tour Walt's been singing the lead on "Gaucho" which has been met with a mixed reaction from Dansters posting on Dandom.com.

Circus Money's production as has already been mentioned is exemplary .....I wonder what the chances are of a hi-res DVD-A or dual disc version being released as has happened with Donald's solo albums? ..probs very unlikely given "11 tracks" never received the hi-res treatment!

Overall (whilst admitting to being anally obsessive with all things Dan for 36 years) I really rate Circus Money as a definite improvement over 11 Tracks of Whack ...but yes it needs a few listens to "bed down"
Posted on: 22 July 2008 by Ian G.
Sneaking a first play through on headphones while at work doing some dull IT stuff.

Ranges from pretty good to really excellent so far. Loving the reggae tracks. I'd say this was worth a punt for anyone who likes the Dan, not just the obsessives.

cheers
Ian
PS don't tell the boss