SHOWBIZ KIDS: THE STEELY DAN STORY 1972-1980

Includes liner notes by Michael Phalen.

Digitally remastered by Roger Nichols (Digital Atomics).

One of the most lyrically and musically sophisticated bands of the 1970s, Steely Dan went farther than any other mainstream group in stretching the definition of what a "rock" band could be. Challenging the traditional notion of fixed personnel, the ensemble had a constantly shifting cast that revolved around core members Donald Fagen and Walter Becker, their obscurantist lyrics owed more to Donald Barthelme than Mick Jagger, and their unusual, jazz-schooled musical settings were miles beyond anything else one might hear on "classic rock" radio.

As the definitive, two-disc anthology SHOWBIZ KIDS makes abundantly plain, Steely Dan's real accomplishment was that they were able to break so much ground while remaining completely accessible and maintaining their considerable popularity through a string of complex, adventurous albums. SHOWBIZ KIDS hits all the high points, from the R&B-flavored early hit "Dirty Work" (featuring guest vocalist Barry Palmer) to the ubiquitous "Rikki Don't Lose That Number" (complete with Horace Silver-derived bass line), and the slick, latter-day pop-funk of "Hey Nineteen." It quickly becomes clear that Steely Dan had so few imitators because most acts never had the guts to try.