Album Information:

About Steely Dan:

Steely Dan is an American music duo founded by Walter Becker and Donald Fagen in 1971. They are known for their unique blend of rock, jazz, and funk genres and their meticulously crafted music that often features complex harmonies and cryptic lyrics.

Becker and Fagen first met at Bard College in New York in the late 1960s and began playing in various bands together. They moved to Brooklyn and began working as staff songwriters for ABC/Dunhill Records, writing songs for other artists such as Barbra Streisand and The Monkees.

In 1971, they released their debut album, 'Can't Buy a Thrill,' which included the hit singles 'Do It Again' and 'Reelin' In the Years.' The album's success led to a string of critically acclaimed and commercially successful albums over the next decade, including 'Pretzel Logic,' 'Katy Lied,' 'The Royal Scam,' 'Aja,' and 'Gaucho.'

Throughout their career, Steely Dan was known for their perfectionism and attention to detail in the studio, often spending months or even years recording and producing their albums. They also frequently used session musicians and hired top-notch engineers and producers to help achieve the precise sound they were aiming for.

In 1981, Becker and Fagen announced their split, with Becker focusing on producing and releasing solo albums while Fagen continued to record and tour as Steely Dan. However, they reunited in 1993 for a tour and eventually began recording and performing regularly together again.

Despite their unconventional approach and reputation as a 'studio band,' Steely Dan has enduring popularity and influence in the music world, with numerous artists citing them as an inspiration. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001 and continue to tour and perform to this day, with Fagen as the sole member following Becker's death in 2017.

About the album Countdown To Ecstasy:

Countdown to Ecstasy is the second studio album by the American rock band Steely Dan, released in July 1973. The album features a blend of rock, jazz, and R&B. It has been widely acclaimed for its sophisticated arrangements, intelligent lyrics and outstanding musicianship.

The album opens with 'Bodhisattva,' a catchy rock song that features a memorable guitar riff and funky rhythms. The lyrics reference Buddhism and the desire for enlightenment, with lines like 'Are you with me, Doctor Wu? / Are you really just a shadow / Of the man that I once knew?'

The second track, 'Razor Boy,' is a slower, introspective song with a haunting melody and intricate instrumentation. It tells the story of a deceiving lover, with lyrics like 'Oh Razor Boy, cutting up the skies / A thin disguise.'

'Your Gold Teeth' is a jazzy track with horns and keyboards, featuring complex chord progressions and harmonies. The lyrics compare a manipulative woman to a card shark, set against a backdrop of casinos and gambling.

Next is 'Show Biz Kids,' a cynical commentary on the emptiness of fame and celebrity culture. The song has a driving beat and features classic Steely Dan harmonies. The lyrics include references to Las Vegas, Hollywood and rock stars, painting a picture of a world of superficiality and excess.

'My Old School' is a bluesy rock song with a strong beat and catchy chorus. The lyrics tell the story of a political protest at Bard College in Annandale-on-Hudson, New York, where Steely Dan members Donald Fagen and Walter Becker were students in the late 60s.

'Pearl of the Quarter' is a gentle, romantic ballad with acoustic guitar and harmonica. The lyrics describe a lost love in New Orleans, with lines like 'And all the Senoritas treated me kindly / Tomorrow's a drag, but today is a king.'

Then comes 'King of the World,' a wistful tune with a haunting melody and electric piano. The lyrics describe a man who feels all-powerful, but realizes that he's alone and disconnected from the world.

Overall, Countdown to Ecstasy is a stunning example of Steely Dan's innovative, genre-bending approach to music. The album showcases the band's meticulous attention to detail, superb musicianship, and acerbic wit. It remains one of their most enduring and beloved works, and a milestone in the history of rock music.

Members:

Steely Dan is an American rock band whose core members are Donald Fagen and Walter Becker, who began working together in the late 1960s.

Donald Fagen was born on January 10, 1948, in Passaic, New Jersey. He attended Bard College in New York, where he met Walter Becker. Fagen was the lead vocalist, keyboardist, and one of the main songwriters of Steely Dan. In addition to his work with the band, Fagen has also released several solo albums, including 'The Nightfly' and 'Kamakiriad.'

Walter Becker was born on February 20, 1950, in Queens, New York. He attended Bard College with Fagen and was the guitarist, bassist, and one of the main songwriters of Steely Dan. Becker also worked as a record producer and collaborated with various other musicians throughout his career.

Other key members of Steely Dan include:

- Jeff Baxter: Born on December 13, 1948, in Washington, D.C., Baxter was the band's guitarist during their early years. He left the band in 1974 and went on to join The Doobie Brothers.

- Denny Dias: Born on April 20, 1946, in New Jersey, Dias was the band's guitarist and co-writer during their early years. He left the band in the mid-1970s to pursue a career in computer programming.

- Jim Hodder: Born on April 17, 1947, in California, Hodder was the band's original drummer and backing vocalist. He left the band in 1974 and later recorded an unsuccessful solo album before passing away in 1990.

- David Palmer: Born on May 24, 1941, in Philadelphia, Palmer was a vocalist who performed with Steely Dan on their early albums. He left the band in 1973 to pursue a solo career.

- Michael McDonald: Born on February 12, 1952, in Missouri, McDonald sang backing vocals on several of the band's albums in the late 1970s. He later went on to a successful solo career and joined The Doobie Brothers.

- Larry Carlton: Born on March 2, 1948, in California, Carlton played guitar on several of the band's albums in the mid-1970s. He has also had a successful career as a session guitarist and solo artist.

These key members of Steely Dan have all had successful careers in their own right, both during and after their time with the band.

Track List for Countdown To Ecstasy:

Sure, here are the tracks in order with their play time and a brief description:

1. 'Bodhisattva' (5:16) - A groovy and energetic track featuring a catchy guitar riff and upbeat vocals.

2. 'Razor Boy' (3:12) - A slower, more laid-back track that showcases Steely Dan's trademark jazz-influenced sound.

3. 'The Boston Rag' (5:40) - A lively track with a driving rhythm and colorful lyrics that paint a vivid picture of urban life.

4. 'Your Gold Teeth' (7:02) - A complex composition with intricate instrumental sections and cryptic lyrics that are open to interpretation.

5. 'Show Biz Kids' (5:25) - A satirical look at the excesses and pitfalls of the entertainment industry, featuring a funky groove and sarcastic lyrics.

6. 'My Old School' (5:48) - A nostalgic track that tells the story of the band's experiences at Bard College and features a memorable guitar solo.

7. 'Pearl of the Quarter' (3:51) - A simple yet beautiful ballad with a romantic feel and emotive vocals.

8. 'King of the World' (5:05) - A dramatic and intense track with a driving rhythm and soaring vocals that build to a climactic finish.

Overall, Countdown to Ecstasy is a complex and multifaceted album that showcases Steely Dan's unique blend of jazz, rock, and pop influences. Each track offers something different, from the catchy guitar riffs and upbeat vocals of 'Bodhisattva' to the dreamy, romantic balladry of 'Pearl of the Quarter'. Whether you're a die-hard Steely Dan fan or just discovering their music for the first time, Countdown to Ecstasy is a must-listen album that is sure to stand the test of time.

Discography for Steely Dan:

Here is a complete discography for Steely Dan in chronological order, including all albums, all singles, and all other releases with their respective release dates:

Albums:

1. 'Can't Buy a Thrill' - November 1972
2. 'Countdown to Ecstasy' - July 1973
3. 'Pretzel Logic' - February 1974
4. 'Katy Lied' - March 1975
5. 'The Royal Scam' - May 1976
6. 'Aja' - September 1977
7. 'Gaucho' - November 1980
8. 'Two Against Nature' - February 2000
9. 'Everything Must Go' - June 2003

Singles:

1. 'Do It Again' b/w 'Fire in the Hole' - September 1972
2. 'Reelin' in the Years' b/w 'Only a Fool Would Say That' - March 1973
3. 'My Old School' b/w 'Pearl of the Quarter' - November 1973
4. 'Rikki Don't Lose That Number' b/w 'Any Major Dude Will Tell You' - March 1974
5. 'Black Friday' b/w 'Throw Back the Little Ones' - October 1975
6. 'Josie' b/w 'Haitian Divorce' - October 1977
7. 'Hey Nineteen' b/w 'Bodhisattva (live)' - October 1980

Other Releases:

1. 'Gold' (compilation album) - September 1982
2. 'The Very Best of Steely Dan: Reelin' in the Years' (compilation album) - June 1985
3. 'Alive in America' (live album) - October 1995
4. 'Citizen Steely Dan' (box set) - November 1993
5. 'Showbiz Kids: The Steely Dan Story 1972-1980' (compilation album) - March 2000
6. 'The Definitive Collection' (compilation album) - June 2006
7. 'A Decade of Steely Dan' (compilation album) - March 1985
8. 'The Best of Steely Dan: Then and Now' (compilation album) - June 1993

Note: This discography may not include every single release or compilation released by Steely Dan, but covers all major albums, singles, and other notable releases in their career.