At long last: the classic Steely Dan catalog is back on vinyl. Led by Walter Becker and Donald Fagen, Steely Dan released 7 albums from 1972-1980. The vinyl series continues with Aja, the bands 1977s platinum-selling jazz-rock masterwork, which includes the three hit singles Deacon Blues, Peg and Josie and the elegant title cut. The LP has been remastered by Bernie Grundman from an analog, non-EQd, tape copy.

The brains behind the band project Steely Dan, Walter Becker and Donald Fagen were known for scaring their studio musicians out of the recording room with merciless criticism. Guitarist Dean Parks described their style as "one step beyond perfection". Arrangements have been refined to the point of absolute perfection - only to destroy the recording at the end and re-record it again so that the ease is not lost. In addition to the ingenious music, this will to perfection is one of the reasons why Aja could not be imagined without hi-fi demonstrations of the 1970s and 1980s. The meticulous recording with attention to detail draws every note crystal clear and all instruments are perfectly placed. Test your system!

Review

A1 Black Cow
A2 Aja
A3 Deacon Blues
B1 Peg
B2 Home At Last
B3 I Got The News
B4 Josie