Can't Buy A Thrill
by Steely Dan

In 1972 Steely Band, when their debut album "Can't Buy a Thrill" was released, the group was a real band and not just Becker / Fagan with handpicked back-up musicians.

The lead vocals are not all sung by Donald Fagen, who leaves some of them to singer David Palmer. In fact two of the very best songs, "Brooklyn" and "Dirty Work" are sung by Palmer. Other core members at this point were guitarists Jeff "Skunk" Baxter and Denny Dias with Jim Hodder on drums.

The songs are generally very cacthy and melodic, with "Do it Again" and "Reelin 'in the Years" both making it the top-twenty in the charts.

The music can, at some points be compared with country-rock bands like The Eagles or America, but with more musical refinements. Virtually all songs can be called classics, and the album definitely belongs among the group's most successful.

The rhythmic side, which has always been a very important part of the group-profile, is apparent with the infectious beats of "Do It Again", "Only a Fool" and "Brooklyn."

"Fire in the Hole" is a song pointing more towards future directions - a rather complex melody, which is really very melodic and song likely to grow on you. One song, "Midnight Cruiser" sung by drummer Jim Hodder, almost sounds like a James Taylor song.

All in all a terrific debut album, which still has appeal and charm, and with Becker and Fagens songwriting already at a very high level - more commercial, perhaps, than what would later come. (Edited)

From NickVolos TOP 100 COMMENTER 10/11/2013 00:14 | #88127 | TOP COMMENT Vote up your preferred comments and the comments with the most votes will be flagged.

Some time before their more mature, critically-acclaimed Jazz/Pop albums of their mid to late 70's period, Steely Dan begun their journey with this album. From its sleazy red-light district cover to its sleazy and clever lyrics to the beautiful and melodic music, this album has no weak songs. All in all, the first and the best Steely Dan album.

In 1972 Steely Band, when their debut album "Can't Buy a Thrill" was released, the group was a real band and not just Becker / Fagan with handpicked back-up musicians.
The lead vocals are not all sung by Donald Fagen, who leaves some of them to singer David Palmer. In fact two of the very best songs, "Brooklyn" and "Dirty Work" are sung by Palmer. Other core members at this point were guitarists Jeff "Skunk" Baxter and Denny Dias with Jim Hodder on drums.

The songs are generally very cacthy and melodic, with "Do it Again" and "Reelin 'in the Years" both making it the top-twenty in the charts.

The music can, at some points be compared with country-rock bands like The Eagles or America, but with more musical refinements. Virtually all songs can be called classics, and the album definitely belongs among the group's most successful.

The rhythmic side, which has always been a very important part of the group-profile, is apparent with the infectious beats of "Do It Again", "Only a Fool" and "Brooklyn."

"Fire in the Hole" is a song pointing more towards future directions - a rather complex melody, which is really very melodic and song likely to grow on you. One song, "Midnight Cruiser" sung by drummer Jim Hodder, almost sounds like a James Taylor song.

All in all a terrific debut album, which still has appeal and charm, and with Becker and Fagens songwriting already at a very high level - more commercial, perhaps, than what would later come.

https://www.angelfire.com/nv/Badfinger/BANDsteelydan.html (Edited)

Steely Dan's debut album still sounds utterly unique today. It's a great record with Donald Fagen and Walter Becker starting a special recording relationship that would see them produce some of the great records of the seventies. Fagen was short on confidence as a vocalist and so David Palmer takes lead duties on some tracks. Reelin' in the years, and the stunning, do it again, are two of rock's most famous songs, but there are other gems to be found here. Dirty work, only a fool would say that, fire in the hole, and, turn that heartbeat over again, are all superb. Steely Dan would become one of the quirkiest band's of the seventies, this was the excellent start.

From Fischman TOP 100 COMMENTER 12/13/2018 03:36 | #226961 | TOP COMMENT Vote up your preferred comments and the comments with the most votes will be flagged.

One of the greatest debuts in history. Creative, inventive music that also shows diverse influences and great variety.