Title: Just a bit shrink-wrapped?
Product review: First of all, If you are a Steely Dan fan, it's hard not to like this album. I think it's asking a bit much to expect the older tunes to sound like the original LP versions. On some of the songs, Fagan sounds like he's rushing the vocals (Bhoditsatva come to mind). On the slower songs he has more time to do the lyrics justice. Contrary to what some others have written, Becker is a decent singer, I know of lot of 'better' singers who can't match his pitch, timing and expression. One might not like the sound of his voice, but he does a fine job with it.My issues with the record are that it often lacks a live feel. There's not enough crowd noise, the mix is two-dimensional (too much compression) and the band is just too perfect. It all sounds a bit mechanical when it should be more spontaneous. I don't mind the different arrangements, they add interest. Having said that, I'd kill to have either of the drummers in my own band, not to mention the backup singers, bassist, etc.
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