PRETZEL LOGIC

"Pretzel Logic" isn't exactly a favourite among Prog fans when it comes to STEELY DAN's albums. I guess the intelligent, jazzy flavoured tunes are just too poppy for them. For me it's not as good as "Countdown To Ecstacy" but definetly better than "Katy Lied". "Rikki Don't Lose That Number" is my favourite track on here and a song I still haven't tired of after all of these years.That light beat, prominant piano and above all the vocals create magic. We get a guitar solo 3 minutes in for good measure. "Night By Night" features blasting horns that come and go while the guitar takes the spotlight a minute in and then later at 2 minutes. "Any Major Dude Will Tell You" is a top three for me.There's something emotional about this track for me. I like the piano, bass and drums but the vocals are even better. "Barrytown" is a fun song lyrically, a real toe tapper too. "East St.Louis Toodle" is a Duke Ellington cover that seems out of place. I think they've put the steel guitar through a fuzz box on this one and it sounds weird. A silly diversion. "Parker's Band" has such a great sounding intro as the vocals join in. Horns late. "Through With Buzz" is a short tune with strings, a beat and piano standing out as vocals join in. "Pretzel Logic" doesn't quite make my top three, i'd rate it as my fourth favourite though. A bluesy flavour to the rhythm here. A relaxed guitar solo 2 minutes in. "With A Gun" has this uptempo beat with vocals.This is catchy with lots of guitar. "Charlie Freak" is my other top three tune. A determined beat with piano and vocals on this one. Great track ! "Monkey In Your Soul" has a catchy rhythm with some nice bass as the vocals join in. Horns just before a minute. Sure it's a low 4 stars from me but this is an album I look forward to playing.