Bringing Great Albums Back from the Dead
Steely Dan Aja 1977
Aja is more than just your average rock album; it is an intoxicating auditory experience. To those who have never heard Steely Dan, it is hard to legitimately characterize their infectious blend of jazz, rock and funk. Amidst the flash and glam that dominated rock music during the late seventies, this album was a marked departure from the kitsch, moving instead towards a more perceptive form of ostentation. From the first licks of "Black Cow" it's evident that not a single note on Aja is accidental - which is astonishing, really, given the intricacy of the record. No surprise, then, that it was immediately hailed as one of the best-produced albums, ever.
While flawless sound might be the first thing new listeners notice, when one takes the time to deconstruct the cryptic lyrics about cheating spouses, pornography and disillusionment, Aja truly shines. Despite the overwhelming cynicism of the subject matter, Aja ultimately advocates taking pride in one's lot in life - no matter the hardship.
- Maunik Patel
