The closest thing possible to a perfect album. Seriously, how is this possible? "Aja" straddles every line perfectly: precision and soul, tight song structures and loose jams, understated mixing and glitzy overproduction, sanity and madness. Apparently Fagen and Becker ditched their band to record this album, going with session pros instead. I can't think of a worse idea, and yet it was the best choice anyone ever made. Every note is so spot-on perfect that it should sound sterile and lame, but it doesn't, because even the most jaded pro couldn't avoid the crunchiness of this writing.The songs are pleasant to listen to, almost fading into the background like a nice wallpaper, but they start creeping into your soul like the finest acid. Before you know it you've got tears of laughter in your eyes while you sing the darkest of lines like "I'll learn to work the saxophone and I'll play just what I feel, drink Scotch whiskey all night long... and die behind the wheel". This is one 70's jazz-rock album I'll never get sick of.
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