Does any of of the Steely Dan albums hold a candle to Donald Fagen's The Nightfly?
My fave Dan album is Aja. I think it is their most consistent work. Yet, I can't say it favors The Nightfly. This is not meant to step on Walter's grave, but I think Larry Carlton's bandleader role on The Nightfly truly captured Fagen's brilliance as a songwriter and musician. This has become my all time favorite Jazz vocal album, even with its dated 80s synth cheesiness. My biggest problem with most Jazz is the sadness it often portrays. As Jazz albums go, The Nightfly is absolutely sunny and refreshingly optimistic. The grooves are extremely infectious, and the fills are gourmet quality, with just the right flavors throughout. Not one mediocre track to be found.
I'll grant Steely Dan had numerous tracks that beat just about anything here, but never have they been as consistently enjoyable.
I absolutely adore the MVI 5.1 mix.
What say you? Did Donald exceed his old band with this one?
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