Can't Buy A Thrill [Original recording remastered]

Steely Dan | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 17, 1998)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Original recording remastered
• Label: Mca
• ASIN: B00000DI0I
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Music
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (109 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #804 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #37 in Music > Pop > Soft Rock

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Songwriters Walter Becker and Donald Fagen launched Steely Dan with a seductive, poker-faced 1972 debut as smoothly accessible in its music as it was elusive in its thematic concerns. The opening "Do It Again" snagged swift commercial success as one of the most mysterious pop hits in history, a sultry rock cha-cha that chronicled a series of harrowing catastrophes far removed from the reheated love songs and pro forma countercultural rebellion of the day. Though the core band boasted two formidable guitarists, Jeff Baxter and Denny Dias, it was the bloom of Fagen's keyboards and his reedy, smart-ass vocals that carried Thrill light years beyond modal, blues-based rock. That said, an enduring highlight remains the furious six-string fantasia of "Reelin' in the Years," spiked by Elliot Randall's downright historic solos, at once dour and giddy in its indictment of a poser, while "Dirty Work" (featuring short-lived, nominal lead singer David Palmer) offers a decidedly adult vignette of adultery. There isn't a weak track here, astonishing, considering how much growth future Dan albums would display. --Sam Sutherland

Product Description

For a band who considered themselves "anti-rock 'n' roll," Steely Dan had a big impact on the rock world from the get-go. This platinum 1972 debut soared to #17 and produced two of their signature hits, Do It Again and Reeling in the Years . This reissue features new liner notes and digital remastering by two highly qualified individuals-Donald Fagen and Walter Becker.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

60 of 64 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The First Album I ever Bought January 28, 2003

By Tim Brough TOP 1000 REVIEWERVINE™ VOICE

Format:Audio CD

I was a 12 year old with my allowance money burning a hole in my pocket when the alluring strains of "Do It Again" tempted me into buying this on sale for $2.99. (gasp..I'm so old...) Up till that date, my record collection consisted of some teen-pop stuff my mom had given me and some Beatles 45's that my Aunt gave me as hand me downs. Pardon me for waxing nostalgic, but I doubt if I could have possibly picked a finer record to introduce me to seventies rock and roll.

This was a band that took pride in their eccentricities, and still be musically forward enough that even my pre-teen brain could find a way to absorb the quirks. Songs like "Fire In The Hole" and "Kings" were enigmatic enough for me to understand the coolness of it all, and the still stunning guitar solos spiking "Reeling In The Years" satisfied my craving for loudness. Still, at whatever volume this was played at, "Can't Buy A Thrill" held a mysterous appeal that few other bands could match. Blues workouts, jazz influences, and a certain leering know-it-all rock and roll quality laid the groundwork for all the songs here.

"Can't Buy A Thrill" is a stunningly original album, and given where the Dan would eventually lead us, that says a lot.

29 of 31 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Jawdroppingly Brilliant -- What a First Album! June 26, 2006

By Todd and In Charge VINE™ VOICE

Format:Audio CD

Given the breadth, depth, and quality of the Fagen/Becker albums that followed, both collectively and individually, is it heretical to think that their first effort may actually be their best?

I had the pleasure of picking up the remastered disc, which restores the original artwork and liner notes, improves dramatically on the sonics of the MCA cheapie initial release from the late 80s, and has hilarious and insightful new notes from Becker and Fagen, and I have to say this album has grown and matured into an outright, certifiable classic.

Although the hits off the album ("Do it Again," "Reeling") remain as provocative, clever, and satisfying as ever, it's in the album tracks that this album really comes alive.

"Dirty Work," with its plaintive vocals and mournful harmonies, is memorable and touching. "Kings" has driving guitar and menacing lyrics. The off-kilter perspective of very early Fagen/Becker is evident in "Only a Fool Would Say That" and "Fire in the Hole."

Blazing, ringing guitar greets the listener with "Brooklyn" and "Change of the Guard," and the album closes with the lovely, harmonically perfect (and perfectly skewed) "Turn that Heartbeat Over Again."

Throughout, the album is anchored by Fagen's offbeat, angular, slightly atonal grand piano work, which suggests at times Thelonious Monk, at other times early Todd Rundgren. Match that with Becker's active bass, sterling guitar solos, and catchy, memorable melodies and lyrics, and you have one heck of an album.

Though they continued to develop, refine, and originate many more years of tremendous music-making, they didn't do too bad for a first effort. A bargain at this discount price and must-have for any music fan.

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A MUST HAVE CD!! November 17, 2007

By P. A. Panozzo

Format:Audio CD

If you are a Steely Dan fan or are completely (and sadly!) unacquainted with Steely Dan, this is a must have CD for your collection. This CD is, in my opinion, some of Donald Fagen and Walter Becker's best material. It has the salient hits "Do It Again" and "Reeling In The Years" but it also has the beautiful gems "Dirty Work" and "Turn That Heartbeat Over Again". There are no weak songs on this CD. If you are just getting acquainted with Steely Dan, this is the best CD to start with. If you are already a fan of Steely Dan make room in your collection for this one. This CD delivers satisfaction! Other essential CDs would be Pretzel Logic, Katy Lied, Countdown To Ecstasy and The Royal Scam. These are core essential CDs for any Steely Dan collection! I also highly recommend Fagen's solo album The Nightfly. "Can't Buy a Thrill" was ranked number 238 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. David Palmer sang vocals on "Dirty Work" and "Brooklyn" and this is the only Steely Dan album that includes him. Other band members were Jeff "Skunk" Baxter (eventually joined the Doobie Brothers!) guitarist, Denny Dias, a founding member and a very underrated guitarist! and Jim Hodder drummer/percussionist lead vocals on "Midnite Cruiser". The album cover art is noteworthy: It features a line of prostitutes in a red light district waiting for clients! The cover was banned in Francisco Franco's Spain! It was replaced with a photograph of the band in concert. Becker and Fagen consider the cover art to be one of the more hideous of the seventies! It was always one of my favorites!!