Here are the results of the poll for the Top Ten Steely Dan tracks as voted for by Metal Leg readers, accompanied dby some of the comments received with the votes.
The results suggest that Aja is the most popular album, and nearly all their songs were voted for (including, ironically, The Second Arrangement), which emphasizes the strength of each record (and the diversity of taste!).
- Kid Charlemagne: The overall favorite song. "The solo at the end sends s shiver down your spine." (Chris Hall, Essex.)
- Bad Sneakers: The personal number one for Tina Cassidy (Derry, N.Ireland) who "sank hook, line and sinker" when she first heard this. She was previously into "the 1812 Overture and the Horslips!"
- Dr. Wu: Haunting tenor sax by Phil Woods, whose one-take solo inspired Donald Fagen to say, "You're the finest thing I've heard. Would you play it a couple more times just so I could hear it?"
- Reelin' In The Years: The explosive birth of Steely Dan.
- Pretzel Logic: "A majestic feel to this one." (Dean Harvey, Farnham.) "Brilliant example of their ability to modify a musical style (blues)." (James Durston, Bath.)
- Do It Again: "An inevitable choice. Still sounds sinister and disturbing." (Richard Clark, Kirkcaldy.)
- Black Cow: This writer's personal favorite. "Love the subtle change from minor to major which perfectly sets up Tom Scott's closing sax solo."
- Deacon Blues: "The attitude says it all." (Wm. Pascador, New York.)
- My Old School: "Pinched strings pull out squeals in the first solo. Horn section makes it." (Andrew Clark, Kirkcaldy.)
- Haitian Divorce: "Their best ever," according to Cathal Chu (N. Ireland) and who can argue?
Thanks to Richard Burley for compiling the top ten and to everyone who took the trouble to vote.
