Gaucho
by Steely Dan

"Gaucho" is not really like any of the other Steely Dan albums. There is obviously no doubt that it's Steely Dan is playing, but the album has a unique sound and sentiment and it is very homogeneous. This does not mean that all songs are equally good. There are clearly tracks you remember better than others; actually there is a couple of songs which are not very memorable on their own; but in the context of "Gaucho" they work fine.

The title-track "Gaucho" probably won't be the first song your attention is drawn towards, on the other hand, it could easily turn out to be the song you'll want to re-hear most often with its Incredibly beautiful horn-theme, and of course the song itself is actually very catchy and classic Steely Dan.

"Third World Man", was my first favourite, and it is a song of durability too.

"Hey Nineteen" is probably the most commercial and catchy number. Nice funky rhythm with some nice blues guitar.

"Babylon Sisters" is both funky and dramatic, while "My Rival" is both catchy and has a good funky riff.

"Glamor Profession" and "Time Out of Mind " are fine well-produced tracks, which probably do not quite have special qualities of the rest of the album.

After "Gaucho" the group took a break for nearly twenty years until "Two Against Nature" in 2000. So for many years "Gaucho" was thought of as a farewell work - and a very commendable one of its kind.

Fortunately, Becker and Fagen are together again, and they have so far recorded two more fine albums. (Edited)

There is a lot of merit in Steely Dan's seventh studio album, their follow-up to their brilliant "Aja" album, and their last until their reunion album in 2000.

While Aja was loose and lavish, Gaucho is uptight and glossy. Even though the production doesn't mesh with the material as well as it did on Aja, it is still top notch production.

All the songs here are lovely, as good as anything Steely Dan has ever released, even if it is often overlooked. The title track is probably the most beautiful and heartfelt song the band ever recorded.

Apparently the final track was lifted from The Royal Scam sessions.

For a bonus, look up the lost track "The Second Arrangement," which was accidentally erased in the Gaucho recording session.

For best results, accompany album with Cuervo Gold and a fine "Columbian."

Track Pick: Hey Nineteen
Gems: Gaucho, Babylon Sisters, Glamour Procession (Edited)

Picking up where, aja, left off. Again, it's a super slick jazz pop album which didn't appear for three years after it's predecessor. Gaucho, tends to be overlooked, maybe it is that three year gap, but it's certainly up there with their other records. Hey nineteen, and, Babylon sisters, are obviously standouts, but best track, in my opinion, is the excellent title track. There's no doubting that the first half of this LP is stronger than the second half. Steely Dan were one of the best bands(you know what I mean)of the seventies, and although Donald Fagen released the sublime, the nightfly, i do think Fagen and Becker called it a day at the right time. Gaucho, is a great swan song(you know what I mean).

Gaucho is my favorite Steely Dan Album. Some other commenter have listed their favorite songs from the album and strangely enough, the ones that the listed as being the weaker songs might actually be my favorites. "Time Out of Mind" is just perfection. Michael McDonald singing harmony with Fagan is just plain gorgeous. The subtle guitar licks on the fade out are memorable.

The title track is captivating with its weirdness. "Who is the gaucho amigo? Why is he standing in you spangled leather poncho?"

"Glamour Profession" is another that I found myself listening to repeatedly from the beginning .

Just a great album.

From dihansse 03/09/2021 20:40 | #267134 | TOP COMMENT Vote up your preferred comments and the comments with the most votes will be flagged.

These guys can't do no wrong and certainly not on this album which contains a few of their best tracks: Babylon Sisters and Hey Nineteen: completely laidback and very good at the same time.