Steely Dan - Least Favourite Song?
Posted by: droodzilla on 12 September 2007
A question inspired by discussion of "Countdown to Ecstasy" on the "What are you Listening to..." thread:
No, this is not an invitation to indulge in negativity, as the Dan's strict quality control ensures that even their worst is better than 90% of the rest.
I'd prefer to restrict the choice of least favourite to songs on the pre-comeback albums, and - to make life extra difficult - to exclude Gaucho, as this is commonly seen as their weakest effort. I'd also exclude cover versions - so no picking on "East St Louis". So, Dan fans - I know you're out there - what's your least favourite original song from the following albums:
Can't Buy a Thrill
Countdown to Ecstasy
Pretzel Logic
Katy Lied
Royal Scam
Aja
A hard question, I think. I'll reveal my answer after a few replies.
No, this is not an invitation to indulge in negativity, as the Dan's strict quality control ensures that even their worst is better than 90% of the rest.
I'd prefer to restrict the choice of least favourite to songs on the pre-comeback albums, and - to make life extra difficult - to exclude Gaucho, as this is commonly seen as their weakest effort. I'd also exclude cover versions - so no picking on "East St Louis". So, Dan fans - I know you're out there - what's your least favourite original song from the following albums:
Can't Buy a Thrill
Countdown to Ecstasy
Pretzel Logic
Katy Lied
Royal Scam
Aja
A hard question, I think. I'll reveal my answer after a few replies.
quote:Originally posted by Gary Shaw:quote:Originally posted by ewemon:
My least favourite is the live albbum we all have forgotten about. As I don't think anyone has listed a track from it. Since we seem to have forgotten it then that shows how well we all rate it.
You're right - it is a bit on the limp side isn't it?. And rather more heretically I'd rather listen to Everything Must Go (but not Two Against Nature) than Aja.
I had'nt really forgotten about "Alive In America" (which also had THE worst Steely Dan cover art work of all their albums) as I guess I don't think of it as any more of a "proper" release than the myriad of compilations out there ...but yes it was very disappointing.
I reckon many of us on here have a decent collection of (ahem') unofficial live recordings that suitably mastered would make a far better representation of the Steely live experience.
I reckon Becker and Fagen's obsession with perfection on their studio recordings means that they simply don't like live recordings - even allowing for the standard of musicians they choose to play with them. ...If I remember rightly they didn't seem to be at all interested in promoting Alive In America.
And as for EMG as being preferred to Aja ....
