I can guarantee that this record is, sonically, one of the best records you will ever hear. It’s an incredible sounding record, produced by Donald and Walter themselves. As usual, it’s a veritable who’s who of session musos helping the guys out, and the list is way too long to mention here. This is the first release back after almost 20 years after the release of their last album, Gaucho, and it took over two years to record. Not only is the music incredible, but Donald Fagen’s lyrics are fantastic. He paints pictures and tells stories like no one else I know.
This album is such a groovy record – I don’t think the band have ever been this funky – every song just makes you want to move. Gaslighting Abbie has an incredible bass line, and the lyrics and melody just bounce between the grooves. Two Against Nature is almost a funky samba – this track alone should get those dancing shoes moving. On the flip side of the coin, Janie Runaway and Negative Girl sees Fagen at his story telling best, as he squeezes lines into seemingly impossible grooves.
I could go on and on about this record, but how many times can I tell you how freaking awesome it is? So, if your mind is open, and you want to test out your hi fi, and to see if your groovin’ shoes can still move, then I suggest you delve deep into the wallet for this beauty.
10/10 from The Grooveman.
