If I were a tree, one or more of my rings would be taken up with Steely Dan's masterpiece "Aja," as every microscopic note has infiltrated my soul over the last quarter century.  That said, seeing how this album was recorded behind the scenes lends an even greater appreciation.  Listening to the world's funkiest drummer, Bernard "Pretty" Purdie, dissect his Purdie Shuffle is nirvana for this drummer.  Rick Marotta's groove on "Peg" is also a wonder to behold.  Becker and Fagen are truly masters at getting the right performance from the right person and integrating them into the most amazing whole.  Whereas most musicians this meticulous would get a soulless performance, Becker and Fagen get one for the ages.  My only quibble is that "I Got The News" was only played during the closing credits, and not discussed at all, since it's just as strong as the other tracks.  Still, make a great album even greater and pick this up.