Steely Dan – Pretzel Logic 2LP UHQR by Analogue Productions

Steely Dan – Pretzel Logic

"Pretzel Logic" entered the Billboard 200 in late March 1974, reaching #8, and later landed at #385 on Rolling Stone's Top 500 chart for 2003. The album was produced by Gary Katz, as usual, and featured another selection of intelligent rock compositions by Walter Becker and Donald Fagen, including favorites like "Night By Night" and "Barrytown".

With a version of Duke Ellington's "East St. Louis Toodle-Oo" and the Charlie Parker tribute "Parker's Band," the record also wore the duo's jazz influences on its sleeve. In addition to Becker and Fagen, the band's line-up at the time included Jeff "Skunk" Baxter, Denny Dias and Jim Hodder. Wilton Felder from the Crusaders, the British percussionist Victor Feldman and the later Toto members David Paich and Jeff Porcaro were also involved.

Steely Dan's third studio album, "Pretzel Logic", contained the biggest pop hit of their career, "Rikki Don't Lose That Number", and put the band back on the radio. Becker and Fagen invited prominent musicians from Los Angeles to the studio for the recordings, but only allowed them to record occasional overdubs. Drummer Jim Hodder was given a role as backing vocalist and was replaced on his instrument by Jim Gordon and Jeff Porcaro.

The songs on "Pretzel Logic" are shorter than on its predecessor "Countdown to Ecstasy". Steely Dan saw this as the band's attempt to make complete musical statements within the three-minute pop song format. The content revolves around nostalgia, lost love and the struggles of creative processes. One of the distinguishing features of "Pretzel Logic" is the use of unusual chord progressions and unexpected musical twists. The whole album is a testament to the band's musicianship with its intricate arrangements.

The reissue of the album as an Ultra High Quality Record at 45 RPM, pressed on transparent 200 gram vinyl, is produced with attention to detail. The LP was mastered by legendary sound engineer Bernie Grundman. The release is limited to 20,000 numbered copies.

Tracklist:
A1 Rikki Don't Lose That Number 4:30
A2 Night By Night 3:36

B1 Any Major Dude Will Tell You 3:05
B2 Barrytown 3:17
B3 East St. Louis Toodle-Oo 2:45

C1 Parker's Band 2:36
C2 Through With Buzz 1:30
C3 Pretzel Logic 4:28

D1 With A Gun 2:15
D2 Charlie Freak 2:41
D3 Monkey In Your Soul 2:31

Label: Analogue Productions
Released: 1974/2023