Posted on 01/28/2006 9:06:02 PM PST by nuconvert
Third solo album for Steely Dan's Fagen, released March 6th on Reprise
Steely Dan's Donald Fagen is set to release a new solo album entitled 'Morph The Cat' on March 6th on Reprise. 'Morph The Cat' represents his third solo excursion following 'The Nightfly' (1981) and 'Kamakiriad' (1993).
Written and arranged by Fagen with engineering assistance courtesy of Elliot Scheiner (a regular Steely Dan collaborator who has also worked with bands as varied at The Eagles and Foo Fighters), some of the material on 'Morph The Cat' goes back a number of years, but the project gained focus two years ago as Fagen began to tackle issues of mortality.
Blending jazz, soul and a plethora of other musical influences with extended grooves and ever changing musical textures, 'Morph The Cat' has already been compared to the Steely Dan classic 'Aja' set in contemporary Manhattan.
"I like it when songs develop in some way and four minutes usually isn't enough time for something for develop musically", says Fagen. "I'm still plugged into the Duke Ellington model, something akin to classical music, where you start with something, you develop a little bit and stick with it. And when you get a groove going, time flies".
Fagen's renowned lyrical darkness once more comes to the fore throughout 'Morph The Cat'. The hint of alien attack in 'Mary Shut The Gate' was written after the Republican convention hit Manhattan. "I'd much rather being fighting aliens, although there are some similarities", he says.
'Morph The Cat' represents the final instalment of a powerful and often deeply personal trilogy following Fagen's two prior solo releases. Fagen plans to issue all three as a box set at a later date.
Steely Dan's most recent studio album 'Everything Must Go' was released in 2003 on Reprise
pong
sigh. I like his music. Shut up and sing.
"That right-wing hooey sure stunk up the place" -- Steely Dan, "King of Speed"
Was disappointed to hear them get political.
Wonder if Fagen can finally get through an album without singing about boinking some underage gal.
Lol.
'Morph The Cat' has already been compared to the Steely Dan classic 'Aja' --- so it's just a case of Aja vu, huh?
He'll never top "Nightfly", in my book one of the best produced albums ever.
oohhhh. Isn't it past your bedtime? ;~ )
I'm really looking forward to this new album..anytime these guys release an album, even if it's only a SOLO album..it's time to sit up and rejoice! Why? Because these guys produce REAL Music!!
Yeah, it's too bad that Donald Fagin thinks he has to open his mouth regarding politics. He's a fool, but a truly creative TALENTED fool.
I STILL listen quite often to "THE NIGHTFLY", also "AJA", "THE ROYAL SCAM", and "GAUCHO"..even after 25-30 years; these are (in my opinion) among the best albums that were recorded in the '70's.
I wanted Boston's 'Third Stage' album so bad, but when i saw the PETA note on there, I chucked it out the window.
"He'll never top "Nightfly", in my book one of the best produced albums ever."
Ditto!!
It's hard to believe that anyone so gifted, can be so brain dead. But when it comes to artist, I suppose that they're all the same in regards to common sense and morality: they are totally lacking any!
I suppose we need to pray that God will, fill that void in his head and his spirit.
But when it comes to music and arrangements, this guy is one of my favorites, even if he is politically challenged!
I have never understood why Warners didn't release "Ruby Baby" as a single. Everyone I ever played it too liked it.
Why it hasn't been added on playlists of Adult Oriented, I can't understand either. Must have something to do with idiotic New York consultants, and the GM's of stations foolish enough to keep buying their playlists.
I miss the days of freeform radio. There's more to life than "Stairway to Heaven" and "Born to be Wild" and "China Grove" and "My heart will go on" and "Unchained Melody" and....
Who was the drummer in the originial incarnation of Steely Dan (back when Fagan and Becker were at Bard College)?
Give me Can't Buy a Thrill anyday of the week.
Fave Steely Dan lyric:
"California, can fall into the sea, that will be the day I go back to Annandale."
"Who was the drummer in the originial incarnation of Steely Dan (back when Fagan and Becker were at Bard College)?"
One of them was reportedly Chevy Chase.
Ding Ding Ding! We have a winnah!
Jim Hodder
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