Today we have Steely Dan's second studio album Countdown to Ecstasy. Released in 1973, the album was well received like its predecessor but did not chart as high without a hit single. Becker and Fagen later would say they were somewhat unhappy with some of the performances on the album, but in retrospective reviews, the album is still generally very well regarded by critics.
That Steely Dan were unhappy with some of these takes only furthers how competent these guys are in the studio. Their polished instrumentation and seemingly effortless soloing command respect and their studio aptness equal that of Pink Floyd's at their peak. Better yet, they continue rolling out sharp, witty lyrics about taboo and dark subjects--who doesn't love a good song about drugs? "Razor Boy" sounds innocent until you realize the title is a euphemism for the Grim Reaper and "King of the World" is about a guy who takes uncomfortably optimistic view of his inevitable demise from radiation. The repeated phrase "Las Wages," sung by back-up vocalists, on "Show Biz Kids" can certainly get irksome, but you know what else is irksome? Bratty rich kids. And anyway, "Bodhisattva," the best song here, contains my most favorite guitar solo. A- [Later: A]
