Album Information:

About Steely Dan:

Steely Dan is an American jazz rock band formed in 1972 by core members Donald Fagen and Walter Becker. The duo met while they were students at Bard College and began performing together in various bands before forming Steely Dan. They decided on the name 'Steely Dan' after a dildo in William S. Burroughs' novel Naked Lunch.

Steely Dan's music is known for its complex harmonies, intricate arrangements, and witty lyrics, often highlighting the darker aspects of the American experience. Their sound draws from a variety of genres, including rock, jazz, funk, R&B, and pop.

The band's debut album, 'Can't Buy a Thrill,' was released in 1972 and featured the hit singles 'Do It Again' and 'Reelin' in the Years.' The album was a critical and commercial success, establishing Steely Dan as a major force in the music industry.

Over the next decade, the band released a string of successful albums, including 'Pretzel Logic,' 'The Royal Scam,' and 'Aja,' which won the Grammy Award for Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical in 1978. However, by the early 1980s, Fagen and Becker were no longer touring, and the band went on hiatus.

After a 20-year break, Steely Dan reunited in the late 1990s and released their album 'Two Against Nature' in 2000, which earned them four Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year. They followed up with 'Everything Must Go' in 2003.

In addition to their music, Fagen and Becker have also been involved in various other projects over the years. Fagen has released several solo albums, including 'The Nightfly,' and he has collaborated with other artists like Michael McDonald and Boz Scaggs. Becker has also produced albums for other artists and has written music for films and television shows.

Tragically, Walter Becker passed away in 2017 at the age of 67. However, Steely Dan continues to tour, with Fagen as the sole remaining member of the original duo. They still perform their classic hits, and their influence on the music industry is still widely felt. Overall, Steely Dan remains one of the most innovative and enduring bands in rock history.

About the album Pretzel Logic:

Pretzel Logic by Steely Dan is a classic rock album that was released in 1974. It features a unique blend of jazz, rock, and pop influences, and is widely regarded as one of the band's best releases. The album is known for its sophisticated musical arrangements, clever lyrics, and tight harmonies.

The album opens with the track 'Rikki Don't Lose That Number', which is arguably the most well-known song on the album. It's a catchy tune that features a memorable piano riff and intricate guitar solo. The song's lyrics are a clever play on numbers and codes, and are delivered in the band's signature sardonic style.

The album's title track, 'Pretzel Logic', is another standout. It's a jazz-infused song with a complex chord progression and a catchy chorus. The song features a horn section that adds depth and richness to the arrangement.

Other notable tracks on the album include 'Any Major Dude Will Tell You', a laid-back tune with a catchy chorus, and 'Barrytown', a lively rock song with a driving beat and infectious melody. 'Night by Night' is a funky tune with a great bassline, and 'East St. Louis Toodle-Oo' is a jazzy instrumental that showcases the band's musical chops.

Throughout the album, the band's lyrics are filled with clever wordplay and obscure references. They often touch on themes of disillusionment, nostalgia, and societal critique. The instrumentation is equally impressive, featuring a wide range of instruments and a sophisticated approach to arrangement and production.

Overall, Pretzel Logic is a classic album that remains a favorite among Steely Dan fans and music lovers alike. The band's unique style and attention to detail make this an album that rewards repeated listens and close attention to the intricate arrangements and lyrics.

Members:

Steely Dan is an American rock band that was formed in 1972 by Walter Becker and Donald Fagen. The band's music has been described as a unique blend of rock, jazz, funk, and R&B. Over the years, Steely Dan has had several members, but the core members of the group are:

1. Walter Becker (February 20, 1950 – September 3, 2017) - Walter Becker was an American musician, songwriter, and record producer. He was the co-founder of Steely Dan and played bass guitar, guitar, and sang backup vocals. Becker was known for his unconventional approach to music production and his ability to play complex bass lines. He passed away in 2017 due to complications from throat cancer.

2. Donald Fagen (born January 10, 1948) - Donald Fagen is an American musician and songwriter. He is the co-founder of Steely Dan and is known for his distinctive voice and keyboard skills. He has won numerous awards for his work with Steely Dan, including several Grammy Awards. Fagen has also released several solo albums throughout his career.

3. Jeff 'Skunk' Baxter (born December 13, 1948) - Jeff Baxter is an American guitarist, songwriter, and producer. He joined Steely Dan in 1974 and played guitar and pedal steel guitar on several of the band's albums. Baxter has also worked with artists such as the Doobie Brothers, Elton John, and Eric Clapton.

4. Michael McDonald (born February 12, 1952) - Michael McDonald is an American singer and keyboardist. He joined Steely Dan in 1974 as a backup vocalist and keyboardist. McDonald is known for his distinctive voice and has released several successful solo albums throughout his career.

5. David Palmer (born May 24, 1943) - David Palmer is an American singer and keyboardist. He was a member of Steely Dan from 1972 to 1973 and sang lead vocals on several of the band's early songs. Palmer left the band to pursue a solo career but later returned to work with Becker and Fagen on their solo projects.

Track List for Pretzel Logic:

1. 'Rikki Don't Lose That Number' (4:34) - A playful, upbeat track with a catchy melody and memorable piano riff. The lyrics tell the story of a man trying to convince a woman not to give up on their relationship.

2. 'Night By Night' (3:39) - A funky, up-tempo song with a prominent bass line and jazzy horns. The lyrics describe the thrill of nighttime adventures and the temptation to live life on the wild side.

3. 'Any Major Dude Will Tell You' (3:07) - A light, breezy track with a simple acoustic guitar riff and smooth vocal harmonies. The lyrics offer advice on how to navigate life's ups and downs, urging listeners to stay positive and keep moving forward.

4. 'Barrytown' (3:17) - A whimsical, piano-driven track with a playful melody and quirky lyrics about a small town in upstate New York. The song features a catchy chorus that's sure to get stuck in your head.

5. 'East St. Louis Toodle-Oo' (2:50) - A jazzy instrumental track with a swinging rhythm and intricate horn arrangements. The song showcases the band's virtuosity and musical versatility.

6. 'Parker's Band' (2:37) - A lively, upbeat track with a driving piano riff and catchy vocal hooks. The lyrics pay tribute to the influential jazz saxophonist Charlie Parker and his band of musicians.

7. 'Through With Buzz' (1:34) - A short, tongue-in-cheek track that pokes fun at the music industry and the hype surrounding certain musicians. The lyrics suggest that the titular 'Buzz' has worn out his welcome and it's time for him to move on.

8. 'Pretzel Logic' (4:32) - The album's title track is a complex, multi-layered song with intricate guitar and keyboard parts and a variety of rhythmic shifts. The lyrics are cryptic and surreal, full of witty wordplay and unexpected turns of phrase.

9. 'With a Gun' (2:18) - A sparse, haunting track with a simple acoustic guitar riff and atmospheric synths. The lyrics describe a menacing figure with a gun who's stalking the streets late at night.

10. 'Charlie Freak' (2:44) - A sad, melancholy track with a slow, mournful melody and introspective lyrics about a homeless man named Charlie Freak. The song features a beautiful string arrangement that adds to the emotional impact.

11. 'Monkey in Your Soul' (2:33) - A funky, horn-driven track with a catchy chorus and lyrics that encourage listeners to embrace their inner 'monkey' and let loose on the dance floor. The song is a fun, upbeat way to close out the album.

Discography for Steely Dan:

Here's the complete discography for Steely Dan in chronological order:

Albums:
1. 'Can't Buy a Thrill' (1972)
2. 'Countdown to Ecstasy' (1973)
3. 'Pretzel Logic' (1974)
4. 'Katy Lied' (1975)
5. 'The Royal Scam' (1976)
6. 'Aja' (1977)
7. 'Gaucho' (1980)
8. 'Two Against Nature' (2000)
9. 'Everything Must Go' (2003)

Singles:
1. 'Dallas' b/w 'Sail the Waterway' (1972)
2. 'Do It Again' b/w 'Fire in the Hole' (1972)
3. 'Reelin' in the Years' b/w 'Only a Fool Would Say That' (1973)
4. 'Show Biz Kids' b/w 'Razor Boy' (1973)
5. 'My Old School' b/w 'Pearl of the Quarter' (1973)
6. 'Rikki Don't Lose That Number' b/w 'Any Major Dude Will Tell You' (1974)
7. 'Haitian Divorce' b/w 'West of Hollywood' (1975)
8. 'The Fez' b/w 'The Royal Scam' (1976)
9. 'Peg' b/w 'I Got the News' (1977)
10. 'Josie' b/w 'Haitian Divorce' (1978)

Other Releases:
1. 'Greatest Hits' (1978)
2. 'Gold' (1982)
3. 'Citizen Steely Dan' (1993)
4. 'Showbiz Kids: The Steely Dan Story 1972-1980' (2000)