Steely Dan-- Aja (1977)

What can you say about one of the biggest selling albums of the 70s? This was certainly Steely Dan's most popular album of their long musical career, both as a group and combined solo efforts. That's not to say that this is even the best thing they've recorded, but there was a certain kind of magic about this collection of near-perfect recordings, a smooth blend of rock jazz, that spoke to the American culture in the late 70s like few other albums could. It wasn't disco enough to make the club rounds, but it sure hit the right notes with Mr. and Mrs. Suburban America. Not doubt this was on every hi-fi turntable across the country at least once a week.
If you've never had the pleasure of hearing some of the tracks on this superior album, do yourself a favor and find it, buy it, listen and learn. Between Donald Fagan and Walter Becker, these songs find a place in the American cosmopolitan soul and stir the energies that make for heady times in a nighttime cityscape, driving neon lit streets and steamy back alleyways.
Personal favs, definitely Deacon Blues (see video below), a song that has a sort of anthem-like quality for the disenfranchised; another song that hit the airwaves and took over was Peg, a devotional to a glamorous beauty, perhaps an homage to the spirit and excitement of the 70s.
Oh, and I'm sure any fan of the Doobie Brothers is sure to recognize some of the backing vocals are courtesy of Mr. Doobie himself, Michael McDonald.

Tracks:
1. "Black Cow" – 5:10
2. "Aja" – 7:57
3. "Deacon Blues" – 7:37
4. "Peg" – 3:57
5. "Home at Last" – 5:34
6. "I Got the News" – 5:06
7. "Josie" – 4:33



--Nickolas Cook