Steely Dan's Many Masks

A Character Piece: The Many Masks of Steely Dan’s ‘Aja’ 1977

Scene 1. Picture This. It’s evening time, perhaps the twinkling at dusk. You are in the mood for some tunes, nothing too abrasive but also a little more aggressive than easy listening. You pop open a bottle of wine, maybe you are hoping for some romance in the near future or are spending a quiet night alone. Either way you are looking to feel good, maybe even a little sassier than usual. The needle drops and the smooth cracking of the record begins- there is a quiet hush before you are fully submerged in the wonderful, charming world of Steely Dan’s ‘Aja’.

Scene 2. I’m writing part of this review at a bar down the street from my house, called the Bus Stop Pub and when I look around at the wood panelled walls and untouched 70’s decor it reminds me of this album. I take a huge gulp of Budweiser, and for a brief moment I am brought back to the late 70’s and early 80’s. This seven track album makes me feel like a smoozy, twenty something year old all dressed up to go to a dark, smoky back room bar.

The fusion between rock and r+b is very well balanced on this album creating a dancey atmosphere specifically with songs like ‘Peg’. With the slow heavy bass parts, horns as well as the solid guitar and drums ‘Aja’ in my own humble opinion, was ahead of the curve in the late 1970’s, and created a solid foundation for the 1980s.

The lead singer Donald Fagen’s voice, which is a little bit higher pitched is upbeat and pleasant. His ability to delegate which words to emphasize and hold out gives an added bonus, as well as an element of surprise to this album.

Track Listing- *= personal favorites

1. Black Cow- 5:10*
2. Aja- 7:57
3. Deacon Blues- 7:37*
4. Peg-3:57*
5. Home at Last- 5:34
6. I Got the News- 5:06
7. Josie- 4:33s