Review #168: Can’t Buy A Thrill, Steely Dan
#168: Can’t Buy A Thrill, Steely Dan
Wow, this was their debut! There’s not many debuts at the top of the list, so it’s kind of fun to re-acquaint myself with bands who have already been featured.
Okay, this one has several fun facts that I’m about to lay on you. This is the only Steely Dan album with vocalist David Palmer singing lead. Don Fagen was too scared to sing live, so they hired this guy. Of course, they eventually decided that they weren’t going to tour at all, so they kicked Palmer out. Bummer.
But! David Palmer’s other big claim to fame is that he wrote the lyrics to the Carole King song “Jazzman.” You might recognize this song from its excellent cover in — that’s right — The Simpsons, when Lisa duets it with Bleeding Gums Murphy.
My favorite thing about working my way down this list is learning how everything is connected to The Simpsons.
FAVORITE SONGS:
“Do It Again” — I knew this one! I was surprised by just how many of these songs I actually knew. I guess I love Steely Dan.
“Dirty Work” — I’m a fool to do your dirty work! Oh yeah! These harmonies are amazing. CSNY who?
“Only A Fool Would Say That” — These are all the catchiest songs I’ve ever heard.
“Reelin’ In The Years” — This one is my favorite guitar song on this album. I always thought this was Don Henley! Shows what I know!
“Brooklyn (Owes The Charmer Under Me)” — What does this even mean?!
“Change Of The Guard” — Is this how they gently kicked David Palmer out of the band?
LEAST FAVORITE SONGS:
“Kings” — I think I just hate hearing the names of kings. Bury all your kings!
“Turn That Heartbeat Over Again” — Steely Dan pendulums between “awesome” and “easy listening” for me.
IS RS FULL OF IT?
No, because this gives me another chance to point out that Steely Dan is the most hilariously named band ever. (Again, because this is a PG-13 rated series of album reviews, I’m gonna make you look it up for yourself.)
