Can't Buy A Thrill
by Steely Dan

First up, one of my favourite albums of the 70’s and one of the great debut albums. A pop / soft rock and jazz rock classic (with some Latin beats thrown in for good measure) although the first side is far stronger than side two.

I’d also have to say that, when compared to Aja for example, it’s less jazzy than most of their later albums but still great.

Critics have said that the album is "distinguished by three top-level cuts and scattered moments of inspiration," but felt the band occasionally sounded "limp". That’s a pretty fair assessment

In another review it was described as having "A hit single with a good album attached", and that the lyrics were "oblique, even philosophical [...] as befit a band named after a dildo in a William Burroughs novel." I think that’s on the harsh side.

I think a more accurate review is "fully-formed [...] that you would scarcely believe that it's their debut", and contains "tightly constructed songs with dazzling hooks, clever, cryptic lyrics, and vocals that offer teasing critiques for those that want them." Take your pick

It’s not as great as Aja but few albums are. It’s still got quality oozing throughout the album.

Amazing album. The most pop rock of all the Dan.
So much nuance. Every song is excellent and I often pick up some new piece on repeat listens.

Un premier album solide.

The Reference Of thinking moderate in recording situation Can't really Buy A Thrill enough

Opening track Do it Again, the 1972 Dan song - not to be confused with the other classic song with the same title by the Beach Boys in 1968- is a Pop classic, in every sense of the word. The guitar work by Denny Dioas is exceptional. The rest of the release will not let you off the hook. An excellent work of very good Pop songs.

From Brad1770 11/30/2023 23:21 | #300227

The irony isn’t lost on me that a band named after a sex toy with an album cover of French Prostitutes and double entendre title is the gold standard favourite for MOR Christian fairing FM radio. Naughtiness hiding in plain sight ( I love it!!)

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

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 | #291114

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

A

Great record