Unveiling Steely Dan’s Timeless Album, Aja, in a Fresh Vinyl Avatar
Four Decades Later, the Jazz-Rock Sensation Gets a Vinyl Reissue
This classic 1977 musical sensation, Aja, from Steely Dan, is set to groove your vinyl players once again. This September 29th, in association with Geffen/UMe, the masterpiece that gave us hits like “Aja,” “Deacon Blues,” “Josie,” and “Peg” is being re-introduced with a fresh touch.
This isn’t just any reissue. Donald Fagen, one of Steely Dan’s core members, has been intricately involved in bringing back the magic of their original ABC and MCA Records collection. Aja is one of the bands finest moments in this glittering lineup that started with the iconic 1972 debut, Can’t Buy A Thrill, and was followed by Countdown To Ecstasy in 2023.
Diving into the technical depths, Bernie Grundman’s skillful remastering of Aja is sourced from a genuine analog tape. Not just that, music purists can revel in the limited-edition premium version at 45 RPM on Ultra High-Quality Vinyl (UHQR) brought to you by Analogue Productions. They’re also launching this series on Super Audio CD (SACD).
Steely Dan’s future treats include the rhythmic tales from Katy Lied, the guitar magic of The Royal Scam, and the legendary Gaucho – all set to spin on vinyl soon.
For vinyl enthusiasts, the standard editions will reflect the essence of the original artwork. Meanwhile, the UHQR variants will elevate your collection, pressed on 200-gram Clarity Vinyl, encased in a luxury box with a booklet detailing the creation of a UHQR, and authenticated with an inspection certificate.
The release of Aja in 1977 marked a paradigm shift in jazz-rock. Steely Dan’s duo, Donald Fagen and Walter Becker, showcased an eclectic mix of jazz, progressive pop, and rock, working for over 18 months across multiple studios. Their relentless pursuit of perfection roped in nearly 40 top-tier musicians, resulting in a 40-minute auditory treat.
Aja’s journey has been nothing short of legendary. The album won hearts, awards, and even the GRAMMY for Best Engineered Recording. The album tracks, especially “Peg” and “Deacon Blues,” dominated the charts, with the entire album being celebrated by renowned music critics and platforms like Rolling Stone and Pitchfork.
Honored by the GRAMMY Hall of Fame in 2003 and added to the National Recording Registry of the Library of Congress in 2010, Aja’s legacy remains unmatched.
Delving into Steely Dan’s history, the dynamic duo of Walter Becker and Donald Fagen delivered seven iconic albums from 1972 to 1980, blending jazz with rock, blues, and impeccable pop songcraft.
Aja Track List
Side A: Black Cow, Aja, Deacon Blues
Side B: Peg, Home At Last, I Got The News, Josie
A Quick Glance at Steely Dan:
Shaping the ’70s musical landscape with timeless hits, Steely Dan stood out even amidst the brightest of their peers. Walter Becker and Donald Fagen’s genius navigated through the ’80s, with their essence resonating even in the ’90s. Their reunion and the release of their multi-GRAMMY® winner, Two Against Nature, in 2000, culminating with their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001, is a testament to their enduring legacy.
