Customer Reviews

Greatest Hits

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I know, you're still picturing that big groovy 2-record set you had back in the 70's, with the drink rings on it and the slightly pungent smell when the gatefold was opened...

But face it - those days are over. Do you see any records for sale on Amazon? No. Don't live in the past. If you have to use cd's (well, at least if you're stuck shopping here), make sure you're taking advantage of what they have to offer. There's a pretty stellar 2 disc set titled _Show-Biz Kids_ that only costs a few bucks more than this vaguely overpriced relic, and sounds a whole lot better. Not to mention that it covers a lot more of the group's musical achievements. And if you're a casual fan, thinking that might be more than you'd want to own, trust me - the odds are far greater of the purchase leading to further acquisitions than of it feeling like overkill. The music is just that good. Or if you're really ready to take me at my word, you *could* just start buying the albums... _Pretzel Logic_ and _Aja_ are real winners... or start anywhere, really...

At first glance, you may think, "Wow! Eighteen tracks! This is pretty good!" It is, actually, and it's a lot better than Decade of Dan. However, the problems set in quickly. For instance, the compilation makers obviously don't know there are more good songs on CBT than Do It Again and Reelin' in the Years! At least Dirty Work, if not Kings, should be included. The Countdown to Ecstasy material's good, but what about Boston Rag and Your Gold Teeth? The Pretzel Logic material is strong, other than the absence of Monkey In Your Soul. Any World would've been welcome, but the Katy Lied selections are good. But what about Don't Take Me Alive, from Royal Scam? How about Royal Scam's title track? Thankfully, the selections are strong. Peg...I don't really like Peg, I'm obviously the only Danfan who thinks that way, but oh well. Josie's good, but I could've swapped both for Deacon Blues and Home At Last myself.
This was released a bit before Gaucho, which explains the lack of superb tracks Hey Nineteen and Babylon Sisters. At least they skipped Time out of Mind.
So, do you get this, Decade of Dan or Show Biz Kids? It's all about the money. If you don't want to, or can't, spend much, Decade of Dan should be where you go. If you have a bit more money but still are on a tight budget, here. If you've got a lot of cash, lend me some and check out Show Biz Kids. You could also cheat and buy Citizen Steely Dan, but that costs a small fortune. You could also buy the albums, particularly their first five (Can't Buy a Thrill, Countdown to Ecstasy, Pretzel Logic, Katy Lied, Royal Scam), if you really wanted to go deep.

I originally purchased this album as a cassette tape in Bangkok, Thailand. The cassette has become worn and now unusable after repeated use over the past several years and it's time to by the CD. I believe that this is an excellent compilation of great Steely Dan songs from the 1970's. I was Class of 75 (high school) and so this collection of songs has significant meaning for me living thru those years. I believe you will enjoy this outstanding selection as much as I do. Best Regards.

I have heard all of these songs on other records, casettes, CD's or whatever. But that one extra song enclosed on this alblum, "Here at the Western World" is worth its price for what is essentially great but redundant material.

I love all these songs but that one extra song adds a necessary shade to my appreciation of the Steely Dan corpus.

This Steely Dan is a must have for music fans who just got in to Steely Dan! Every song is a highlight on the CD, but maybe they could have remasted but who cares! Even though it is an import, and you'll pay more for it, you get what you expected for your money! Classic Steely Dan! This is a better compolation than "Decade of Steely Dan", minus such other classics like "FM", "Deacon Blues", and probably, that's all!

I, personally, love Steely Dan. Blending jazzy sounds together with great rock sounds is a classic combination. If you want the best and nothing but the best, 'Greatest Hits' is the way to go!

Every song here is a classic. 'Peg,' 'FM,' 'Here In The Western World,' 'Do It Again' and 'Bad Sneakers' are all here. An MCA import release, the sound quality is excellent.

I have one question, though. Why did they include the instrumental Duke Ellington cover of 'East St. Louis Toddle-Oo' and not the classic 8-minute masterpiece 'Aja'? Come on! I have yet to find a compilation besides the box set 'Citizen Steely Dan' that includes that song. Frustrating? Yes. But, they did do a good job covering it.

Overall, if you want a good entry point into the music of Steely Dan or if you are a casual fan who wants nothing but the basics, 'Steely Dan: Greatest Hits' is a great option. This was originally released in 1979, but according to the product description, was released on CD as an import in 1994.

Highly recommended for any Steely Dan fan. This is a great album that has the hits and nothing but the hits! All of these songs are classics.

ENJOY!!!

As a teenager in the 80's, I was familiar with several Steely Dan songs from the radio, but this LP was the first thing of theirs I bought, and it sold me for life. Objectively, this is a solid collection of their many hits and styles, but subjectively, this made me want to go out and buy every one of their albums, which I now have on CD. Their songs just might hold up better than other band I know (including Rush, my absolute favorite band). All I can say is that I will never get tired of listening to this music, since it was obviously built to last!!!

This is the CD of the classic double album that I, and many Steely Dan fans used to listen to this band. This CD has all the songs on one disc, which is a big advantage. I wish they had added "Don't Take Me Alive" and "Deacon Blues", but it could not be perfect. It has most of their hits that sprinkled in the high levels of the charts in the seventies. I do not have to list them here, but I can say that if you wanted one CD of Steely Dan, this is it.

I picked this over the Definitive Collection, but see the list of songs, maybe that one is for you. Just wanted a one disc collection to keep in the car for the long drives. Familiar songs are OK.

If you want more, then go buy the albums. Some albums I am skipping as the songs I like off of them are already here. I think Aja is worth getting on its own.

I pulled this LP out of my collection the other night and gave it a listen for the first time in awhile. Steely Dan has always been one of my favorite bands. Their music has held up extremely well over the years. Their combination of rock/jazz and distinctive lyrics has helped them forge their place in rock history. If you can't get the Steely Dan albums this is the way to go, a great compilation of their greatest tunes. I've always thought a Steely Dan album is a compilation in itself so any greatest hits collection takes away from the collective listening experience of a Steely Dan album.