Can't Buy A Thrill (studio album) 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.

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A brilliant debut album that is full of diversity and energy making it an extremely enjoyable listen. The first track starts the record off with a phenomenal song that is so unique and perfectly prepares the listener for a special listen. The rest of the songs follow up on this with some being more effective than others but every song on here has some quality on it. The consistency of this album shocks me every time I hear it as its tough to get this level of synchronicity on a debut. Instrumentally, it is exciting and basically has a new instrument popping up on every track which gives us something to always look forward to. The performances are fantastic all across the group on this album as well. They also share the vocals out amongst the different members and I do enjoy it quite a lot as it gives it a special twist most of their other records don't have. Overall, a fun, energetic experience which has no weak moments and is so infectious to listen to that I want to replay it every time I finish it.

From Larcx13 11/07/2022 02:57

Damn I missed out on this all these years... this is golden. Next up Countdown to Ecstasy.

A

Great record

Strong Steely Dan album, consistent throughout. All tracks mix well with others and overall it's just a pleasant listen. Nice blend of genres.

From VictorVale 01/16/2022 18:31

Aula de um bom rock!

From Jboy56 11/25/2021 13:36

When released this must have been a unique album, just because it sounded so different.
It mixes so well country, jazz, rock, blues and southern Dr John sounds.
This album is one of the greats, with perfect production values, musicians, and songs.
Cannot recommend this album enough!

Can't Buy a Thrill is a really well-crafted debut by Steely Dan. It's reminiscent of that era of rock, with a sound that takes a lot of influences from classic R&B. They would make leaps and bounds on their next record, "Countdown to Ecstasy."

Track Pick: Do It Again
Gem: Reeling in the Years

a personal favorite since 1972

From seb7 05/20/2021 18:50

great album, reeling in the years is a wonderful track.