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Fortunately, Becker and Fagen are together again, and they have so far recorded two more fine albums. "Hey Nineteen" is probably the most commercial and catchy number. There is obviously no doubt that it's Steely Dan is playing, but the album has a unique sound and sentiment and it is very homogeneous. "Third World Man", was my first favourite, and it is a song of durability too. "Glamor Profession" and "Time Out of Mind " are fine well-produced tracks, which probably do not quite have special qualities of the rest of the album. After "Gaucho" the group took a break for nearly twenty years until "Two Against Nature" in 2000. This does not mean that all songs are equally good. The title-track "Gaucho" probably won't be the first song your attention is drawn towards, on the other hand, it could easily turn out to be the song you'll want to re-hear most often with its Incredibly beautiful horn-theme, and of course the song itself is actually very catchy and classic Steely Dan.
Nice funky rhythm with some nice blues guitar. So for many years "Gaucho" was thought of as a farewell work - and a very commendable one of its kind. "Gaucho" is not really like any of the other Steely Dan albums. There are clearly tracks you remember better than others; actually there is a couple of songs which are not very memorable on their own; but in the context of "Gaucho" they work fine. "Babylon Sisters" is both funky and dramatic, while "My Rival" is both catchy and has a good funky riff.
If you are a casual listener that wants a great general collection of Steely buy The Definitive Collection. While Deacon Blues is probably my favorite Steely tune among their outstanding catalog. The songs are well written and brilliantly executed. If you like Steely buy this one with confidence. This like most Steely Dan Albums is a masterpiece. In my humble opinion it represents the band at their most technical best. It is not on this one, however as far as an album goes this one is nearly flawless despite occasionally showing some of its 1980 vintage it is never the less timeless.
But somehow, I feel compelled to add my two cents. But this is the most perfect summation of this brilliant album. It goes without saying that, being a Steely Dan album, the playing and production are perfect; beyond that, this album exudes an aura of desperate, cool, and sublime peace. This is why I can't understand how anyone who is even remotely familiar with this superb band can give this album anything less than the coveted 5-star amazon review. If you haven't heard this album, you haven't experienced the full potential of music and the human imagination." Damn, I wish I had written that.
It reveals a world seen through the haze of drugs and despair. The main thing I would draw attention to is the absolute beauty and tranquility that this album evokes. I won't get into the whole "song structure" BS. Comparing this album to Aja, or to any other Steely Dan album is so silly, and futile. Again, being a Steely Dan album, the quality of the songs is taken for granted. I have to quote another reviewer who summed up my feelings best."Gaucho is filled with songs surrounding the seamy underside of society's high rollers. Why should this album need another great review.
I am a Steely Dan geek, a fanatic. It's a cathartic aural experience. This review sucks because I can't write a review that will adequately do justice to this superb, mind blowing cd. You see, this is why I didn't want to write a review. I feel almost silly and kind of lame-o for writing a review for this album. This is not only Steely Dan at their absolute pinnacle, it is one of the greatest works of art of all time. It's a desperate and romantic tranquility, that seeps in while you are listening and won't let go.
If you have DVD Audio, get it. And of course the music is about as good as it gets. it's probably the best produced album ever made in that medium. This is without a doubt one of the best produced albums ever. It is sonically perfect. This version is two channel and sounds great, but in 5 channel surround sound of the dvd-audio version.
yes. With a coy wink and an subtle smurk, their music always hints of an insider's perspective that only those who have lived and partied too hard can appreciate. yes. Their impeccable, absurdly complex style sums up an era like few bands have ever been able to accomplish. So whatever term can be pinned to them, one thing is certain: Long may Steely Dan reign. Case in point, in their own words, in 'The Caves of Altamira (not on the Gaucho album, but The Royal Scam):"Before the fall when they wrote it on the wall When there wasn't even any Hollywood They heard the call And they wrote it on the wall For you and me we understood."Jaded.
And strangely, it's those qualities and others that make this group and their work, dare I say, endearing. When it comes to Steely Dan -- from their first album to the last -- there are no disappointments. I was way too young, and sadly oblivious, to appreciate the vast musical wealth of the 70s, but put on a Steely Dan album, and I'm instantly transported to the Hollywood Hills with a cocktail (or something much stronger) in hand, looking down on the Chateau Marmont and the hazy, seedy under-belly of Sunset Boulevard. Decadent.
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