The two New York companions Walter Becker (guitar / bass) and Donald Fagen (vocals / keys) were given the opportunity through producer Gary Katz to go to California in the early seventies and become songwriters for ABC Records. As Steely Dan, they would grow into one of the most iconic and influential studio bands of the 1970s, always backed by Katz. Where they later worked mainly with session
… musicians, a real band was recruited around the duo for the 1972 debut. They also had to perform (Becker and Fagen stopped doing this in 1974) and because of Fagen's stage fright, singer David Palmer was added to the company. At Can't Buy A Thrill, Steely Dan has already flawlessly combined the light and melodic West Coast pop with layered arrangements and swinging jazz and soul grooves. Fagen's characteristic stiff vocals with sardonic undertones can already be heard in Do It Again and Reelin 'In The Years. Not surprising that these are immediately the most memorable tracks and greatest hits; Palmer is a great singer, but his voice lacks character. Can't Buy A Thrill is nevertheless an adequate prelude to the many classic Steely Dan albums that would follow. (MR)more
