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Title: A Great Introduction to Steely Dan
Review: This CD contains the most well known of all of Steely Dan's songs ("Do it Again" and "Reelin' in the Years"). The songs on "Can't Buy a Thrill" are catchy, tuneful, and exquisitely played. Songs like "Midnight Cruiser" and "Dirty Work" have a sing-along feel that belies their underlying irony. This is the most "rocking" of all of Steely Dan's CDs and seems more influenced by early 70s rock and Rhythm and Blues than their later albums in which they would move in a jazzier direction. I especially like the female trio of Clydie King (who sang back-up for the Stones), Shirley Matthews, and Venetta Fields who lend vocal support on "Kings" and "Brooklyn (Owes the Charmer Under Me)." The ace guitar work is provided by Jeff Baxter (later of the Doobie Brothers) and Denny Dias who give the songs a dynamic edge. A great introduction to Steely Dan.
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