This
is an admittedly self-induced state for these fellas, most of whom
seem to be desperately clinging to, or reminiscing about, failed
relationships with energetic girls much too young for them — a
not-uncommon motif running through the shared ouevre of Steely
Dan/Fagen. The experienced listener expects this, along with the
locked-down back-beat, the blues-piano progressions and the
too-ironically-bright-to-be-comfortable (to my ears, at least)
digital production. The experienced listener also tunes in for the
subtle surprises, which Sunken
Condos delivers
in “Good Stuff” — another Cheerful Ode To The Hipster-Goon: a Prohibition-era enforcer in
this case, who resolves his romantic troubles using the tactics of his
profession.
I
gradually fell deeply in love with this album, so my take on it is
closer to this guy's (he hears evocations of the criminally
underrated Gaucho;
“Good Stuff” is definitely in the lineage of “Glamour
Profession,” another favourite of mine). But most listeners, I
suspect, will probably pitch in with this guy. If you think that
might be you, do yourself a favour and download “Good Stuff.” If
that grabs you, try “Slinky Thing” and “Miss Marlene.” Sit
with those three for a while, and see if you don't go back and hit,
“Complete Album.” It's not a bad soundtrack to have, particularly
for those of us getting into the habit of bailing out our basements.
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