I’m a huge Dan fan but I actually like some of their other albums more, The Royal Scam, Can’t Buy A Thrill, Pretzel Logic are, to me, just as good or better than Aja
The main thing that sets Aja apart from their earlier albums is the outstanding sound quality. I listened to Donald Fagen’s The Nightfly album a few days ago. Amazingly, that’s even better than AJA from a sonic perspective.
Great albums, all. Sounds like you enjoy the earlier, looser sound, which I too enjoy.
Great stuff, legendary band. BTW- saw Donald Fagen about a year ago, just an incredible show, not to be missed!
When they came to my theater, Donald Fagen told me I’m not welcome at his show.
No vaccine.
Oh well, there are other good musicians out there.
.. and I sang in a steely dan cover band in high school.