David Crosby has never held back in expressing his admiration for Steely Dan. In fact, he declared them his “favorite band in the world period” in 2020, surprising music journalists everywhere and leading them to rethink their interview questions.
As a pivotal figure in the 1960s counterculture, Crosby’s insights are invaluable. He co-founded The Byrds, a cornerstone of the hippie movement, and was influential in shaping 1960s pop music.
After departing from The Byrds under tumultuous circumstances, he teamed up with Stephen Stills and Graham Nash to form Crosby, Stills & Nash, later adding Neil Young. After this supergroup’s fragmentation, Crosby embarked on a solo career, candidly critiquing his peers along the way.
In a conversation with SPIN about his musical influences, Crosby highlighted two Steely Dan albums among his favorites. The duo’s unique approach, where their craft revolved around studio work rather than live performances, distinguished them from their contemporaries. By the mid-1970s, Steely Dan had transformed from a band into a meticulously crafted musical operation, with Becker and Fagen at the helm.
Formed in 1971, Steely Dan initially aimed to showcase their “special material,” but they found themselves writing pop songs for other artists like Tommy Roe and The Grass Roots. Donald Fagen’s panic disorder hindered his ability to perform live, and financial struggles made touring impractical. Thus, they redirected their focus to the studio, refining their distinctive blend of jazz-infused rock.
Crosby regards their 1977 album Aja as their creative zenith. He praised it for “stunning writing, stunning production, stunning singing, outstanding playing, but songs. Unbelievable goddamn songs. It’s too good. They’re all fantastic.”
Aja was the culmination of five years of meticulous work, featuring a roster of top session musicians. Steely Dan approached their recording sessions with the same precision as Stanley Kubrick did with 2001: A Space Odyssey, ensuring each take was flawless. For instance, guitarist Jay Graydon recorded eight different solos for the track “Peg” before they were satisfied.
Released in September 1977, Aja was a labor of love that involved nearly 40 musicians and extensive studio time. The album, with only seven tracks spanning 40 minutes, is celebrated for its intricate arrangements and Gary Katz’s expert production.
Like The Beatles, Steely Dan chose to stop touring during their peak years—not due to overwhelmed fans, but because they viewed live performances as a hindrance to their studio ambitions. They preferred to focus on creating elaborate works of art.
Interestingly, the title Aja (pronounced “Asia”) came from the name of a Korean woman whom Fagen’s high school friend’s brother married. The album’s cover features a striking photograph of Japanese model and actress Sayoko Yamaguchi, taken by Hideki Fujii.
Bob Dylan might have chuckled at Steely Dan’s pursuit of perfection, but for them, craftsmanship was paramount. Their dedication earned Aja a Grammy, propelling them into superstardom and solidifying their iconic status in the music industry.
