As a band that practically defined much of the 70's through their use of jazz and blues in rock as their influences, Steely Dan's debut album Can't Buy A Thrill is a testament as well as an introduction to a sophisticated subgenre.
It's great that this album specifically has been rereleased as it is essentially a call-back to a distant sound that isn't seen much in contemporary music today. Yet I find myself enjoying the album even more. While Can't Buy A Thrill is by no means my favorite album, or even Steely Dan, as a matter of fact, this album helped introduce me to what Jazz Rock really was, and it still holds a special place in my heart.
No noticeable changes have been made to each track, leaving an already A-level album alone in a time where excessive bass and autotune dominate the market. I applaud the authentic sound of this album with specific tracks like "Do It Again" (Track 1), "Reelin' In The Years" (Track 6), and "Fire In The Hole" (Track 7) being the real pops and highlights of the album.
All in all, a re-release of this album comes at a great time, with tracks such as "Do It Again" playing into a distant time, a past where music was more complicated and experimental.
