THE ROYAL SCAM

The next masterpiece in the Steely Dan catalogue after Countdown To Ectasy. More progressive again too which is always a good thing! Kid Charlemagne is a solid platform on which the album builds. The next two tracks The Caves of Altamira and Don't take Me Alive are classics IMO continuing with the more progressive rock themes. Sign In Stranger more kind of R & B and then we get into some jazzy funky grooves with The Fez. Great chorus and driving vocals, Green Earrings follows and this is found on many compilation works of Steely Dan to endorse it's popularity giving it that Hit status. Haitian Divorce arguably the most accessible tune off Royal Scam with lyrics like Babs and Clean Willie were in love they said, So in love the preacher's face turned red, Soon everybody knew the thing was dead , He shouts, she bites, they wrangle through the night........ Great stuff, clever lyrics which in many respects makes Steely Dan special because the vocals and lyrics form an integral part of their sound. The title track plays out this fine album with their most progressive song to date, excellent straining vocals from Fagen, musically the instruments played to perfection.You have to listen to this song loud and without interruptions to fully appreciate it! As said this is another masterpiece from Steely Dan and the funny thing is they still had about another two to come...