Steely Dan: Pretzel Logic

Pretzel Logic was the third studio album released by Steely Dan. This 1974 follow album up to the commercially “unsuccessful” yet critically acclaimed Countdown To Ecstasy is viewed by many as the record that put them on a trajectory that would have them realize immense critical and commercial success.

The album was Steely Dan’s last to be released while the group was still actively touring. It was also the final album to feature the band’s full quintet-lineup of Walter Becker, Donald Fagen, Denny Dias, Jim Hodder, and Jeff “Skunk” Baxter of Doobies Brothers fame.

Pretzel Logic produced the hit single Rikki Don’t Loose That Number, a song that was the most successful single of the group’s career to that point, peaking at number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Analogue Productions is releasing the Steely Dan library up to Gaucho on their UHQR format. If you are a Steely Dan fan and a fan of this album, this is the pinnacle release. It leaves all other releases paling by comparison, but it is pricey. However, if you have the resources and the system to present the album as intended by the artist, you’ll be pleased with the investment.

Sonically it is excellent. The dynamic range provides for good bass and strong highs without going too far in either direction. The instrument separation is precise and brings forth a listening experience as it was certainly meant to be by the artists.

TRACK LIST
1 Rikki Don't Lose That Number
2 Night By Night
3 Any Major Dude Will Tell You
4 Barrytown
5 East St. Louis Toodle-Oo
6 Parker's Band
7 Through with Buzz
8 Pretzel Logic
9 With a Gun
10 Charlie Freak
11 Monkey in Your Soul

We highly recommend this release! However, if this release is not within your price range, the library has also been reissued by Geffen. 💰

💰 Invest
 💵 Consider
💸 Pass