Quote:
Originally Posted by Gaucho
As an avid fan of Steely Dan, I really want to like every album album Donald Fagen and Walter Becker produce, both as a band and as solo artists.
I want to - and with Fagen's solo work that's not a problem - but with Walter Becker's last solo album, 11 Tracks of Whack, way back in 1994, I found one snag . . . he can't sing.
Or should I say he couldn't sing?
Walter has obviously been having singing lessons because on his latest album, Circus Money, the old croak has gone - to be replaced by something resembling a singing voice.
In many ways the new album could be passed off as one of the more recent Steely Dan albums if it wasn't for Walter performing the vocals. It has the same blend of smooth, sophisticated jazz rock, with clever lyrics and impeccable musicianship. Walter's fondness for West Indian music is evident, with a strong reggae feel to many of the tracks.
Now that the voice problem has been (largely) solved, Walter's main stumbling block seems to be his difficulty coming up with a catchy tune. With Fagen's work that's rarely a problem.
Still, Circus Money is a very listenable album. Most of the tracks are co-written by Larry Klein, who produced the album and was also responsible for Herbie Hancock's River: The Joni Letters.
Let's hope we don't have to wait 14 years for the next Walter Becker album.  |
A great album. Very well produced like you said. You're right, he isn't the best vocalist, but I think it really works for this album.
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