Steely Dan??s sprawling 1973 sophomore LP, Countdown To Ecstasy,
with such standouts as ??Bodhisattva,? ??Show Biz Kids? and ??My Old
School,? sung by founding member Donald Fagen who took over as lead
vocalist, will return to vinyl on May 26th via Geffen/UMe, continuing the
extensive reissue program of the band??s classic ABC and MCA Records
catalog. The series, which began in November 2022 with the Dan??s
legendary debut LP, Can??t Buy A Thrill, is being personally overseen by
Fagen, and returns the group??s first seven records to vinyl, most of
which haven??t been available since their original release.
Countdown To Ecstasy has been meticulously remastered by Bernie
Grundman from the original analog tapes and will be pressed on 180-
gram black vinyl at 33 1/3 RPM. Additionally, the album has just been
released as a limited edition premium 45 RPM version on Ultra High-
Quality Vinyl (UHQR) from Analogue Productions, the audiophile inhouse
reissue label of Acoustic Sounds. Analogue Productions is also
releasing this series of titles on Super Audio CD (SACD). -
Japanese SHM-CD pressing. Universal. 2011.
"Countdown to Ecstasy" on CD presents Steely Dan's sophisticated blend of jazz-rock, sharp songwriting, and studio precision at an early creative peak. Released in the 1970s, the album is known for its intricate arrangements, virtuoso session playing, and clever, often sardonic lyrics. Tracks move seamlessly between groove-driven rock and harmonically rich, jazz-inflected passages, showcasing the band's trademark mix of accessible melodies and musical complexity. This CD edition is ideal for listeners who want to experience the album in a high-quality, durable format that suits both focused listening sessions and relaxed, start-to-finish playback.
Steely Dan, built around the core duo of Donald Fagen and Walter Becker, became one of the most influential acts in sophisticated rock and jazz-rock. The band is celebrated for its meticulous studio work, literate and often enigmatic lyrics, and an uncompromising pursuit of sound quality. Over the years they achieved major success with classic albums such as "Aja" and "The Royal Scam" and enduring hits like "Do It Again," "Reelin' in the Years," and later "Hey Nineteen." Their work has earned them a dedicated worldwide following, critical acclaim, and multiple Grammy Awards, securing their place as one of the essential bands of the 1970s and beyond.
The CD is released under the Geffen label, a name closely associated with internationally successful artists and carefully curated catalog titles. Geffen is known for combining strong artistic identities with high production standards, often reissuing or presenting key albums in a way that respects their original sound while making them accessible to new generations of listeners. With this release, Geffen underlines the lasting importance of Steely Dan's catalog and offers collectors and new fans alike a reliable and high-quality edition of "Countdown to Ecstasy."
Rock&Pop
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