Disco de Steely Dan: “Alive in America”

Although it isn't perfect, I'd say this is one of the better live albums I've heard. Yes, it might have been nice to capture some more of the banter between the band and the audience, but the factor I'm most interested in is the music--and that they do well indeed. At least the hilarious, intentionally irritating liner notes do a bit to capture the off-the-wall personality of the band, including snippets of the touring musicians' concert and travel experiences, among other things. The cover art is even a bit amusing--given that neither subject is "alive", or should be!

The tracklist was definitely well chosen, although I didn't really appreciate it until I actually listened to the album the whole way through. Some of the songs were not the ones I would have chosen for the CD, such as "Sign In Stranger"--and yet how well they turn out! My favorite tracks were the ones from Aja and The Royal Scam, and I was very glad to see them willing to venture into this material.

I also thought the vocals were excellent--Donald Fagen is someone who handles live performance as well as studio work, and sounds just as good either way. You won't have to worry about being disappointed--his voice is just as clear as ever. Mr. Fagen isn't the only good singer with Steely Dan, however. Walter Becker does a very nice job with "Book of Liars". I must applaud the band for the placement of this song midway through the album--it serves as a very interesting break. Even though Donald Fagen is the traditional voice of Steely Dan perhaps Mr. Becker should feel free to use his voice a bit more frequently; he's good at it!

The songs chosen, for the most part, were well-suited to live performance, and lost little in the transfer. Part of this is because Steely Dan does not overencumber itself in studio effects that cannot be replicated in a live setting. The only case where this happens is the very end of "Aja", where there was no effort to replicate the jaw-dropping synth effects, and that is one of the two reasons I couldn't award this album a 5th star. The second problem in my mind is the fact that they changed the pitch of "Josie". Yes, in its original pitch it's a bit close to "Green Earrings", but those who are musically sensitive may be thrown off at first by the change.

Overall, this is a solid live production with few flaws, that gets a good deal of playing time from me when I get in a Steely Dan mood.

Please don't take this as an ad hominem attack, Mr. Bateman (writer of the Amazon editorial review), but are you sure it was this album you were listening to when you said (to paraphrase) "tired", "lackluster" and "play it safe arrangements"?

What I heard was quite different. What I heard was full of life, sharp as a razor and adventurous. I loved the variations and surprises. I loved listening to some of the most interesting songs I've ever heard being played by some of the finest musicians the industry has ever produced. What's more, this recording is absolute proof that Fagan and Becker are so much more than just studio wizards.

Steely Dan is best of breed. An icon of the era. And this recording is one of their very best.

Reviewers and fans did not exactly go ape over this album. But after a few years' time, it's clear this is a valuable addition to the Steely Dan discography, because it proves that songs like "Aja," "Babylon Sisters," "Green Earrings," and "Josie"--which were never performed live at the time of their inception because the Dan never toured then--are highly effective compositions. The studio versions are great, maybe superior, but there was always the suspicion that they were so fussed over, they would not survive replanting, being performed by different musicians, or airing out. The studio albums were made by a bunch of control freaks -- brilliant, creative control freaks. This album is made by a relaxed bunch of great musicians, inhabiting some great compositions that have their own logic and drive. The sense of revelation going back to one's first hearing of the studio classics? No, of course not. But this album is a great source of pleasure for even the casual fan.

If you like Steely Dan and have heard the many songs played on the radio - this album is for you. Completed as a compilation of live concert recordings, the band enjoys the freedom that live settings allow.

Heavy Jazz influence and long solo breaks make this album a must have. Track 2 and Track 4 are two of my favorites! This album has great sounds and timeless feel!

Enjoy!!

At the time of this reunion tour release in 1995, I was still a relative newcomer to the electric and eclectic music of Steely Dan. A college instructor had this playing during a computer lab class and I was immediately sucked right in. I didn't get a chance to pick up a copy of this until this spring. Most certainly one of my favorite live albums and can be often heard blaring from my car.

A good majority of Steely Dan's classics are featured here and includes a couple of lesser known songs that were performed during their long long awaited reunion tours of 1993/94. One being a Walter Becker song Book of Liars. Walter is the vocalist on this one and uncannily sounds like Chicago's Robert Lamm. Standout performances include Green Earrings, Bodhisattva, Josie, Kid Charlemagne and Aja. Reelin' In The Years has long been a favorite of mine and I really love this groovy new arrangement.

Donald Fagen, Walter Becker and their stellar backing band more than deliver the goods in concert. This "Alive In America" collection is a must if your a fan (old or new) of the Dan.