Hyperbolic Sound, Maui and Bearsville Studios, Bearsville, New York.
After a 20-year layoff, Steely Dan returned in 2000 with TWO AGAINST NATURE. In the face of that double-decade layoff, the three-year wait for EVERYTHING MUST GO seems like a drop in the bucket. Like its predecessor, EVERYTHING harkens back to the classic '70s Dan jazzy pop sound, with some minor adjustments. The bluesy Walter Becker guitar leads that were a key element of TWO AGAINST NATURE are even more prevalent here (Becker even takes a lead vocal this time around), and the earlier album's harmonically simpler song structures and arrangements are pared down a bit further here.
Other than that, it's blessedly business-as-usual for Becker and his accomplice Donald Fagen. When they're not looking askance at drug culture, the digital age, and the onset of old age, they're waxing satirical about sexual/social dynamics, and on the title track, providing the perfect, biting-but-poignant anthem for the post-9/11, post-Internet boom economic tumble. Guest appearances by jazz hotshots pianist Bill Charlap and saxman Chris Potter add melodic interest, but it's Becker and Fagen's gloriously twisted worldview that remains the fulcrum of the action.
This limited edition version of the new Steely Dan CD includes a DVD.
Recorded at Sear Sound, Skyline Studios, and River Sound, New York, New York;
Additional personnel: Jon Herrington, Hugh McCracken (guitar); Walt Weskopf (alto & tenor saxophones); Chris Potter (tenor saxophone); Roger Rosenber (baritone saxophone); Ken Hitchcock (clarinet); Tony Kadleck, Michael Leonhart (trumpet); Jim Pugh (trombone); Ted Baker (piano, Fender Rhodes piano, Wurlitzer piano); Bill Charlap (piano, Fender Rhodes piano); Keith Carlock (drums); Gordon Gottleib (percussion); Cindy Mizelle, Catherine Russell, Carolyn Leonhart, Tawatha Agee, Ada Dyer, Michael Harvey, Brenda White-King (background vocals).
Entertainment Weekly (6/13/03, pp.92-6) - "...Offering lyrical nervousness and musical Novocaine in equal shots..." - Rating: B+ Uncut (01/04, pp.84-7) - Ranked #30 in Uncut's "Albums Of The Year 2003" Uncut (6/03, p.116) - 4 stars out of 5 - "...The prevailing standards of composition and performance remain high..."
Up there with the best of SD I read a review before buying this saying there were none of SD's signature guitar rifts. I certainly found them in there abundance. An excellent album with tracks and lyrics which you actually want to listen to.
Nice work! Submitted by gcorbet (warwickshire) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
The SD Boys Do It Again First off, if you've got the ability to play DVD Audio in 5.1 you will really love this one. Like every other S.D. record ever made, it always takes me about 2 weeks to get the hang of their groove. Then I can't sleep at night because of their songs. I love "the last mall" and "godwhacker" the most. Great fat guitar & Fender Rhodes stuff all over the place. Just buy it and shut up! Submitted by samuelbryant (Memphis,TN, USA) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
They just keep entertaining me... These guys just keep making great music, and while it is impossible to pick a favorite, "Everything must go" is just another chapter in a stellar musical journey. "Green book", "Lunch with Gina", "Pixeleen", are especially strong tracks. They just keep entertaining me. I hope they keep making new music. Submitted by DMDoLAC (Middletown, CT. USA) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
A Near Masterpiece from the anti-heroes of rock "Everything Must Go" is a near masterpiece that stays with you after listening to it several times. You can't help but to smile and laugh out loud at some of the sardonic lyrics that are on display - especially in the brilliant song "Godwhacker". Another standout song is "Green Book" which has a jazzy but psycheldelic feel to it. Musically, it is the sunniest album that Steely Dan has ever done, incorporating some of that magic they had in the 1970's. The initials of this album is EMG, which backwards spells GEM, which this wonderful album certainly is. Submitted by a reviewer (Chicago, IL) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
This one grows on you..... This one needs repeated listens as
it is classic Steely Dan. They really
don't stray to far from their style, just add things here and there to make the songs memorable.
I enjoyed their return
back in 2000 but this one has a little
more bounce/funk to it. It all flows
well together. Just live with it for a while, there's many little touches that
make this one a good fit. Submitted by littlebibs (NEW HAMPSHIRE, USA) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
They just keep entertaining me...
Share this Product