|
Even the least musically astute person would hear it and think "I don't know what happened in that song but I like it." Don't let music snobs-like me--scare you off with fancy terms. Aja and Gaucho may be more accomplished than Pretzel Logic. It is not the master musicanship. The bossa is more clear here than on most Jobim Albums, and adding a Californa baja guitar mutates it further into something uniquely Dan."Any Major Dude" seems amiable enough, and it is, but listen to the bridge--the turnaround. A little pop piece, but the invention is incredible.Pretzel Logic gives us everything we need, but leaves us wanting more. Anyone can get good players: Marty Balin did on "Hearts." And listen to what happ.well, yeah, Marty Balin did on "Hearts" (Reviewer tries to shake feeling of red ants crawling through his circulatory system)And anybody can write a good pop song, but only bands like Steely Dan can mutate it and pack it with invention.
Although that feeling is what will MAKE you into a music snob.To me, "Through With Buzz" is Steely Dan at their most inventive. They too are great, but for different reasons.Pretzel Logic is the definition of what makes Steely Dan on the top level of bands--up there with the Beach Boys and Beatles. If you feel it, that is all that matters. And on this album, that is from go. Before they even open with "Rikki Don't Loose That Number," they use a water drum, and already the stakes are raised. Jazz chords to a string section that--and this is a constant hook on Pretzel Logic--goes by so quick you don't know what happened.
This dynamic duo seemed to be on an undeniable roll at this point, proving that radio-friendly rock could be accessible as it is complex. Plenty of classic rock, funk, and blossoming jazz influences coupled with what was then their trademark intelligently smooth writing, solidified PL's classic status with a diverse spectrum of rock that sounds nearly as vibrant today than it must have upon first appearance, and a few cuts which probably sound better.
good old steely dan, this is one of his best albums, great retro feel in retosepect to the kind of music one get to hear these days. Every song is a perfect reflection of this master of his times.Value for money and a must for every Steely Dan fan
So glad to receive this CD. My L.P. from the 70's sounded so very sad when I tried to play it.it had just lost something over the years with the crackle and crunch coming out of the speakers.It really takes me back and I love every song on it.
Early Steely Dan and more rock oriented, but many popular plays contained. Still a tight sound for some good jazzy-rock.
|
