Steely Dan’s Countdown to Ecstasy combines driving rock arrangements with jazz-inspired textures on Analogue Productions hybrid stereo SACD. Mastered direct to DSD from the original master tape by Bernie Grundman, this edition presents the complete eight-track album.
Originally released in 1973 by ABC Records, the band’s gold-selling second studio album leans into the rocking side of their sound. “Bodhisattva” pairs bluesy energy with bop-style soloing, while “My Old School” brings together horns, assertive piano riffs and guitar solos. “The Boston Rag” builds from a jazzy opening into a forceful band performance featuring Jeff “Skunk” Baxter’s distorted guitar solo.
Settle into the full album, from “Bodhisattva” to “King of the World,” and explore the interplay of melodic hooks, intricate arrangements and sharply drawn lyrics. “Show Biz Kids” satirizes Los Angeles lifestyles, while “King of the World” imagines a post-nuclear United States.
Audiophile edition details
- Analogue Productions release
- Hybrid stereo SACD
- Mastered by Bernie Grundman direct to DSD from the original master tape
- Complete eight-track second studio album
- Originally released in 1973
Playback compatibility
The hybrid CD layer plays on standard CD players. An SACD-compatible player is required to play the stereo SACD layer.
Track listing
- Bodhisattva
- Razor Boy
- The Boston Rag
- Your Gold Teeth
- Show Biz Kids
- My Old School
- Pearl of the Quarter
- King of the World
Artist: Steely Dan
Album: Countdown to Ecstasy
Label: Analogue Productions
Format: Hybrid stereo SACD
SKU: CAPP 135 SA
UPC: 753088013560