September 12, 2017 Playlist

"Aja" by Steely Dan (1977)
CLASSIC ALBUM OF THE WEEK
Steely Dan "Aja"  1977 (USA)
Even casual fans of classic rock probably know that the band Steely Dan basically consisted of two mysterious gnomes named Walter Becker and Donald Fagen, who holed up in a studio in the 1970's to record some of the most immaculate music of the 20th century. Becker passed away this week, meaning that the nine studio albums they recorded (seven from the 1970's and two from the 2000's) are thus a closed book and there shall be no more (though Fagen has announced he will continue to lead "the Steely Dan Band" which remains a popular touring attraction, and he has also released a steady stream of his own solo albums too). The magic of the Dan was the bittersweet combination of gorgeous, sumptuously-arranged music that stradled the lines between rock, jazz and R&B and the darkest, most cynical, misanthropic lyrics ever laid down by a Top 40 hit making machine. According to band lore, it was primarily Fagen who provided the former (sweet riffs) and Becker who brought the latter (acid-tongued spite). Becker's life story was apparently full of woes (dead parents, lost decades of drug abuse) which his dark wit turned into anthems of hipster alienation. The most commercially successful Steely LP is the 1977 mega-platinum Aja, which includes three of their hits (slinky groover "Peg" is about a sleazy photographer flattering a vapid starlet, the epic "Deacon Blues" is the sad hipster anthem to end all sad hipster anthems, and "Josie" which is relatively meaningless but has a seriously funky groove). But truly, all seven of their first run of albums are timeless classics that will probably still be popular a hundred years from now - as long as there are alienated hipsters and lovers of sweet jazzrock riffs.
(N) = New Release
   
Artist Song Album Year Country
CanMother SkySoundtracks1970Germany/Japan
Steely DanJosieAja
CLASSIC ALBUM OF THE WEEK
1977
USA
 
 
Alex G GuiltyRocket (N)2017 (Domino)USA
Thundercat InfernoDrunk (N)2017 (Brainfeeder)USA
King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard
with
Mild High Club
Rolling Stoned
Sketches Of Brunswick East (N)2017 (ATO)Australia
Deerhoof Mountain MovesMountain Moves (N)2017 (Joyful Noise)USA/Japan
Ty Segall Another Hustle
Fried Shallots EP (N)2017 (Drag City)USA
The Fall Gibbus GibsonNew Facts Emerge (N)2017 (Cherry Red)UK
   
 
MelvinsZodiacBullhead1991USA
MelvinsRevulsion/We ReachOzma1989USA
   
 
Steely Dan Deacon Blues Aja
CLASSIC ALBUM OF THE WEEK
1977
USA
Steely DanTime Out Of MindGaucho 1980
USA
Steely DanDon't Take Me AliveThe Royal Scam1976
USA
Donald Fagen-Walter Becker-Denny DiasDog Eat DogYou Got To Walk It Like You Talk It (Or You'll Lose That Beat)1971
USA
MinutemenDr. Wu (Steely Dan)Double Nickels On The Dime 1984
USA
   
 
Neil Young HitchhikerHitchhiker (N)1976 (2017 Reprise)Canada
The Striped Bananas Drift OnStone Of Madness (N)2017 (Cosmic Sunshine)USA
Once And Future Band Hide & SeekOnce And Future Band (N)2017 (Castle Face)USA
Donald Fagen-Walter Becker-Denny DiasFlotsam & JetsamYou Got To Walk It Like You Talk It (Or You'll Lose That Beat)1971
USA
CanMillionenspielThe Lost Tapes rec. 1970's, rel . 2012
Germany
Deodato & AirtoDo It Again (live - Steely Dan)Deodato - Airto In Concert 1974
Brazil
(Thee) Oh Sees Keys To The CastleOrc (N)2017 (Castle Face)USA
   
 
Thurston Moore ExaltedRock N Roll Consciousness2017 (Ecstatic Peace)USA
Earthling Society Electric Bou SaadaAscent To Godhead (N)2017 (Riot Season)UK
 
  
75 Dollar Bill I'm Not Trying To Wake UpWood/Metal/Plastic/Pattern/Rhythm/Rock (N)2016 (Thin Wrist)USA
      
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