Donald Fagen, one-half of the Steely Dan duo, has a new collection of songs just out!

If you’re like me, you love the ‘Dan and you’re aware that Fagen’s solo work has been well regarded, but you’ve stayed away.  Right?

Okay, so just listen to this.  From the bass that brings in “I’m Not the Same Without You” you are ready to head in Fagen’s direction.  The pace of the song and the lyrics, which may or may not be autobiographical, seem to identify this as the record’s tour-de-force, Fagen’s vision statement.  The second verse lyric “I can hold my breath a really long time…” definitely one of my favorite –  a mean-spirited, childish statement situated in what otherwise reads as a plenty mature kissoff.

As someone not as familiar with Fagen’s solo work, this new record Sunken Condos, is a happy surprise with more than a few curiosities.

For one, the guitar work in most of the numbers, but especially lead-off track “Slinky Thing” and “Good Stuff” pulls a bit heavy from 70s post-Santana and Clapton tradition in a way that I, at least, was not prepared.  For someone of his perfectionist tendencies, to let someone (or multiple session players – I don’t know) noodle over part after part is slightly disappointing.

However, the groove and feel that allows ample noodling opportunities is also the record’s greatest strength.  One worry with a writer of Fagen’s wits is an overly cerebral, densely lyrical outing.  Here, we instead have an album you can put on, enjoy passively and keep yourself in a keen mood.  When it works, such on “Miss Marlene” or “Weather in My Head”, the results are as satisfying as peak-level ‘Dan-age.  Meanwhile, on slightly-lesser tracks, such as the massively-syllablistic “Memorabilia” or Hayes number, “Out of the Ghetto”, the vibes really keep you listening even if you’re just waiting for another number to come up…

Songs “Miss Marlene” and  “Slinky Thing” seem to suggest Fagen has a muse (much too young for him?) and perhaps we should thank that whomever for keeping this guy’s spirits up.  Sunken Condos is a wholly enjoyable record from beginning to end, so for sure give a few of the tracks a listen, even if you’re skeptical.

I also feel compelled to include a note of warning:  the aforementioned “Slinky Thing” is somewhat of an awkward intro, and honestly, my least favorite moment on the record.  SO, if you are like me and listen to albums straight through, please don’t let this lower your enthusiasm!  (Definitely would have benefited the record to have something more significant or building in that first slot.  But at this point, we’re really just mincing confetti into even smaller bits.)

If you’re ready for more ‘Dan, or more widely, smart songwriting and cool vibes, then I can’t think of a better place to go in 2012.

-MYH

Sunken Condos was released on October 16th, 2012