PRETZEL LOGIC

Not knowing much about the context of Steely Dan's allegedly poor relationship with the demands of the recording industry producers, I can just look at the track list of Pretzel Logic and know that there wasn't going to be much chance at radio success. I think the percentage of two-minute songs getting serious airtime is fairly low relative to other songs lengths, unless of course we're talking about the Beatles.

Out of eleven total songs, Pretzel Logic contains 6 tracks under the two-minute mark. Out of these, only one--Toodle-Oo--is very memorable. The other shorts nearly function as throw-aways, which is absolutely shocking for the Dan. Maybe they did this to stick it to the record companies, knowing they at least brought the goods, and by extension commercial potential, with Rikki and the title track. Throw in the punchy, funky Night After Night, and the catchy, heartfelt ditty Major Dude, and you've got plenty of ammo for a worthwhile purchase.

The shame is that we know what Steely Dan were capable of, and by nearly any measure, they did not live up to what most would have expected of them at the time--fans and producers alike. Pretzel Logic to me gave us some good additions to later greatest hits compilations, but not much regarding an album of any real lasting impact.