Donald Fagen – Sunken Condos

I first went gaga for Steely Dan with their 1977 release Aja – which I bet I played every day for 3 months back then.  I have enjoyed Donald Fagen’s three other solo releases.  For me this is his funkiest and despite his perfectionism – his most organic and laid-back. This is not a departure of what he has been doing for the last 30 years whether with Steely Dan or solo – but that is OK – Fagen’s brand of jazz influenced pop music is so perfect why mess with the recipe?

The only song that kind of confuses me is an Issac Hayes cover: “Out of the Ghetto.”  It is a bit weird hearing a middle-aged rich Jewish guy singing about his ghetto girlfriend.  I can’t tell if Fagen is being ironic or if he just loves the song – probably both.  If you forget this is Fagen and just listen – this is the totally devoted and inspired cover.

In summary this guy creates some great grooves here, classic wry lyrics, and impeccably tasteful arrangements.