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Steely Dan Recordings: Best Versions of Each 1972-1980

Hey All:

Driving home the other day listening to my local favorite radio station (WXPN) and on comes "Here at the Western World" from Dan's "Greatest Hits" LP. Haven't heard that one in a while and love when a radio station grabs one off the back shelf like they do all the time. Anyway, got me thinking about how much I love the Dan and want to get the best possible recorded versions of each album. Right now I've got:

Aja: Cisco LP (Nice!)
Gaucho: SACD (Also Nice!)

What versions should I be looking for starting with "Can't Buy a Thrill" right up to "Aja"? Vinyl would be nice but I can entertain digital disc recommendations.

Thanks!
128x128dodgealum
5 responses Add your response
audiosaurusrex's avatar
audiosaurusrex
320 posts
 
@dodgealum 
I found the Japanese pressings to be quite good especially the VIM pressings. Hard to find in good condition but worth it.
russ69's avatar
russ69
3,501 posts
 
I bought the box set CDs. Not sure if it's as good as the vinyl but about one minute into a cut, you got a good groove going on and you forget about listening to your system and just enjoy the music. 
rlb61
789 posts
 
The thing about Steely Dan is that most of their work is very well recorded. Those guys were manic about ensuring excellent recording quality. So, you really can't go wrong with most versions.
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,911 posts
 
don’t miss out by stopping at Gaucho, Everything Must Go and Two against Nature are stellar also. But released on vinyl this RSD 2021 season. they are IMO well worth the $$ premium.
goofyfoot's avatar
goofyfoot
1,370 posts
 
Donald Fagen has been remastering Steely Dan and they sound great. Just make sure that your getting his most recent remasters as he did them previously as well. He starts with ‘Can’t Buy A Thrill’ and I believe stops just short of ‘Gaucho’.
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