Steely Dan - Aja

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Aja — Steely Dan's landmark sixth studio album now on UHQR!

Definitive reissue Ultra High Quality Record, the pinnacle of high-quality vinyl!

45 RPM LP release limited to 30,000 numbered copies

Mastered by Bernie Grundman from an analog, non-Dolby EQ'd quarter-inch 15 ips tape copy

Pressed at Quality Record Pressings using 200-gram Clarity Vinyl®

Purest possible pressing and most visually stunning presentation and packaging!

Tip-on old style gatefold double pocket jackets with film lamination by Stoughton Printing

The Best "Aja" You Will Ever Hear and It's Not Even Close — Michael Fremer, TrackingAngle.com

The 'In' Groove — Update: Steely Dan 'Aja' LP Review and Comparison Including the new 2023 UHQR. YouTube video.

Mike's Vinyl Experience: Favorite Classic Rock Audiophile Reissues of 2023. YouTube video.

Top 5 Audiophile Reissues of 2023. YouTube video.

My Top 10 Audiophile and Vinyl Record Album Purchases of 2023. Kenny's Audiophile Record Reviews. YouTube video.

"Soundwise, the UHQR 'Aja' hits at an 11. It never fails to engage me, spin after spin after spin." — Mike Mettler, Analog Planet, Nov. 18, 2023. Read the entire review here.

"I think I just listened to the Audiophile Reissue of the Year 2023." — Michael Ludwigs, 45 RPM Audiophile. YouTube video

"This one is the GOAT (Greatest of All Time). It is the top one. This is clear." — David Bianco, Safe & Sound Texas Audio Excursion. YouTube video 

"Truly, it's the best of all the worlds. ... This is clearly superior." — Jason Gorber for 'That Shelf.' Youtube video

"... along with all this amazing new detail there's much more physicality, there's more depth ... it's much fuller, the sound stage is broader and deeper than any of these other versions and it's it's like just sitting in front of a stage watching the band play. It is just incredible how wonderful this sounds. It's not rolled off on top but it is very easy on the ears and you can really hear more than the other version of Chuck Rainey's Bass playing. He was just, you know, he's phenomenal of course but you can hear how magic he plays and all these amazing lines — they kind of get lost on all the other versions — they're really prominent here, you can pick out every sound from every instrument. I think it's fantastic work they've done."— Ken Micallef, Jazz Vinyl Audiophile. Watch Micallef's YouTube video here.

"'Deacon Blues' takes up an entire UHQR 45rpm side ... The 7:26 epic finally has room to breathe and express all of the tape's wondrous top end and dynamic authority. ...Transients are so well defined. You're sure to hear newly resolved detail. Bernie Grundman did not appreciably mess with the EQ compared to his original 1977 cut because there was nothing wrong with what he originally did, but cutting at 45 and not having to cut to near the label has obvious benefits especially on 'Deacon Blues' but really on everything and the bottom end has definitely not been attenuated as it must have somewhat been on the originals. This Aja fulfills the UHQR promise as well if not better than has any in the series and there's plenty of stiff competition!" — Music = 11/11; Sound = 11/11 — Michael Fremer, TrackingAngle.com. Read the entire review here.

If you were an audiophile in the late 1970s, you owned Aja. Rolling Stone, which ranks 1977's Aja at No. 63 on its latest 500 Greatest Albums of All Time list, says "this was Walter Becker and Donald Fagen's no-holds barred stab at becoming a huge mainstream jazz-pop success.

"And sure enough, thanks to sweet, slippery tracks like 'Deacon Blues,' and 'Peg,' this collegiate band with a name plucked from a William Burroughs novel and a songbook full of smart, cynical lyrics became bona fide superstars, shooting to the Top Five and selling platinum. And yes, Aja even won a Grammy for Best Engineeed Album."

This landmark album in the band's career features a sophisticated, polished sound that reflects the band's meticulous attention to detail and the influence of jazz and fusion music.

Fagan and Becker would assemble a revolving cast of almost 40 session musicians to play on the album, consisting of some of the all-time greats, including Joe Sample, Larry Carlton, Wayne Shorter, Steve Gadd, Lee Ritenour, Timothy B. Schmidt — it's a long list. It's a Who's Who of session superstars.

The album name and its title track were inspired by a South Korean woman whom a high school friend's brother had married after serving in the army in her country. The chord progressions and melodies are so unique and so typically Steely Dan. The drum solo at the end of the title track by Steve Gadd is also astounding.

The album's title track, "Aja," opens with a serene piano introduction before building into a complex, multi-layered arrangement that features intricate drum patterns, subtle guitar lines, and a soaring saxophone solo. Other standout tracks include "Deacon Blues," a melancholy ballad with introspective lyrics, and "Peg," a catchy tune with a funky groove and infectious chorus.

Throughout the album, Steely Dan's lyrics explore themes of disillusionment, regret, and the quest for fulfillment. In "Black Cow," the opening track, the narrator laments the loss of a relationship, while in "Josie," the album's closing track, the band celebrates the freedom and excitement of a new love affair.

The album's meticulous production values, including multiple layers of instrumentation and intricate vocal harmonies, showcase Steely Dan's commitment to sonic perfection.

Founded by core members Walter Becker (bass) and Donald Fagen (vocals, keyboards), Steely Dan's popularity rose throughout the late 1970s on, and their seven albums throughout that period of time blended elements of jazz, rock, funk, R&B, and pop. Steely Dan created a sophisticated, distinctive sound with accessible melodic hooks, complex harmonies and time signatures, and a devotion to the recording studio. Becker and Fagen, with producer Gary Katz, gradually changed Steely Dan from a performing band to a studio project, hiring session musicians to record their compositions. The duo didn't perform live between 1974 and 1993. But their popularity nevertheless grew throughout the '70s as their albums became critical favorites and their singles became staples of Adult Oriented Radio and pop radio stations.

After a brief battle with esophageal cancer, Walter Becker died on September 3, 2017 at the age of 67. Steely Dan has sold more than 40 million albums worldwide and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in March 2001. VH1 ranked Steely Dan at No. 82 on their list of the 100 Greatest Musical Artists of All Time. Rolling Stone ranked them No. 15 on its list of the 20 Greatest Duos of All Time.

This stereo UHQR reissue will be limited to 30,000 copies, with gold foil individually numbered jackets, housed in a premium slipcase with a wooden dowel spine.

Overall, Aja represents a high-water mark in Steely Dan's career, showcasing the band's unique blend of jazz, rock, and pop influences in a polished, sophisticated package. The album has become a classic of the 1970s and remains a favorite among music lovers to this day.

Audiophilia Dream List

Music

Sound

Ratings from Michael Fremer @ trackingangle.com/

1. Side A Black Cow

2. Aja

3. Side B Deacon Blues

4. Side C Peg

5. Home At Last

6. Side D I Got The News

7. Josie

Customer Reviews (5.00 Stars) 38 person(s) rated this product.

Next Level Kassem posted on 04/07/2024 5 Stars Reviewer: Don It’s already been written. Every gushing review is true. Like many here, I own every version of Aja in existence. It’s moments (and pressings) like this that solidify my unwavering commitment to highly resolving analogue playback. All of Chad’s UHQR’s are special, but this particular combination of Fagan & Becker’s studio perfection + Chad’s passion = a new tier in the listening experience. This album and pressing should absolutely inspire you to upgrade whatever component you’ve been hesitating about. It’s incumbent on you to extract everything from these grooves. Still shaking my head as I listen while writing this review.

Wow! posted on 03/08/2024 5 Stars Reviewer: Mark G I purchased all the Acoustic Sounds remastered Steely Dan vinyl but never the UHQR versions. I thought they were all worthy purchases but I had little desire to spend $150 on an albums I liked but did not love. I took a shot on Aja UHQR based on the positive reviews and I do ,actually love this album. I have the Japanese vinyl pressing, which is quite good but the UHQR absolutely blew me away. I have a high end system and I have never heard anything in any format that sounding this good. Spectacular!

Unbelievable! posted on 03/05/2024 5 Stars Reviewer: Todd By far the best sounding album I own. It's not even close.

Amazing posted on 02/22/2024 5 Stars Expensive but every penny if you love the original LP. As good as the HD versions are, this UHQR version is stunning all the depth, three dimensionality, solid bass and sweet midrange and smooth highs.

The absolute standard posted on 01/06/2024 5 Stars Reviewer: Kevin I had a couple professional friends come over yesterday… They are both in the Audio industry, recording, engineers, and professionals in the sound industry. They wanted to hear my system so I got out this recording… They were amazed at the sound, and they both knew this recording extremely well. They gave it five stars all the way around, and we’re totally impressed with the engineering, and the pressing.. Just to make sure I have this in my library safely I’m going to buy another copy… Yes $150 is a lot of money to spend, but to be honest, you can find other pressings that are not as igood and pay more money for them. So if you want the best and you can afford it just get this one I promise you it will be a wonderful investment..

OUT OF THIS WORLD posted on 01/02/2024 5 Stars Reviewer: Ruben I was not too sure to spend that much but man... ABSOLUTELY UNBELIEVABLE! To be fully honest, I had the sensation of listening to this album for the first time. The dynamic range is gorgeous. It's like being in the middle of the studio and clearly discern all instruments and voices. I have searched for the best sounding record ever and I think this is a really strong candidate. Even if I didn't yet tried the Analogue Production pressing of "HOPE" by Hugh Masekela. Which seems to be for a lot of people, "Their best sounding-record" (fun fact, it's a live album)

Deeper Experience of Aja posted on 11/27/2023 5 Stars Yes...I listened to my AB original pressing a few day ago waiting for the UHQR to arrive. It's in mint condition and was cleaned on my VPI 16.5...I was impressed again with the songs, production and playing of the studio pros on this classic title. Got the new AP 45 rpm version today and played it on the same system....The AP is VERY much a more engaging experience. Each song becomes a singular story, a unique expression that grabs your emotions on a deeper level. Great to have both in my collection. If you love Aja and can spend the $150 don't wait any longer...Both discs are flat, quiet and centered....No-brainer kids...Chad and Bernie G...an unbeatable combo.

Journey posted on 11/24/2023 5 Stars Reviewer: Churchill’s liver First of all this record sounds so good and I mean by the actual Aja release as project, combined with the UHQR it’s just mind melting. I use analogue productions releases as a guide to great music with superb sound quality. Two years back I would not be listening to Steely Dan, Bill evans, Ben Webster, Jethro Tull, the list goes on. Bit but because of the sound and musical journey I’ll be buying for years to go. Please release talk talk spirit of Eden.

Sensory Overload! posted on 11/19/2023 5 Stars Let's start with WOW!! I hesitated for a while before taking the plunge on the UHQR series, but I've been a HUGE Steely Dan fan since the early 70's and finally broke down. I have all their vinyl, originals and represses, CD's both red book and SACD, have seen them live seven times and was completely amazed at the quality of this set! I put on the side with Deacon Blues first and had chills the whole time it played. There are really not enough positive words to do justice to the quality of this release. I've never heard Steely Dan sound better and while expensive, worth every penny. Time to move on to the others of this series! Thanks, Acoustic Sounds for the always great products, service and careful shipping!!

Simply the best posted on 11/18/2023 5 Stars Without a doubt this is the best record I've ever listened to so far. Just perfect. Also the package is top notch. Congrats Chad and Co! Keep them coming.

It sounds fantastic! posted on 11/15/2023 5 Stars Reviewer: Jeff Green This is one of my favorite albums of all time. I own a few different pressings of it. I have probably listened to it a thousand times. This UHQR vinyl version blows them all out of the water! If you want the absolute best sounding recording of this album, then this is it! In my opinion, the MFSL 24kt gold cd was previously the best sounding recording. This record is even a notch above that. It sounds very detailed, clear, smooth, well balanced and has lots of bass. Definitely worth the price. You won't regret it!

A Masterpiece posted on 11/11/2023 5 Stars Reviewer: Paul Coleman I remember purchasing this album when it was first released. I listened to it on my first high end audio system, and it sounded fantastic! Fast forward 46 years to this UHQR release. I did not buy any other versions between the OG and this one. This pressing reveals musical details that I am hearing for the first time! "Aja" is a revelation, especially when Steve Gadd's drums and Wayne Shorter's sax kick in. Chad and his team have once again hit one out of the park! I'm looking forward to "Gaucho", as I've heard that this is another one of the highest quality recordings in the SD catalog.

Outstanding Just Buy It posted on 11/10/2023 5 Stars What everyone else said. Just buy it now or cry later! Not to be missed.

What can else be said? posted on 11/10/2023 5 Stars Reviewer: Terrence Thank you to Analogue Productions, Bernie Grundman, and Quality Record Pressings for creating this masterpiece and ofcoarse Steely Dan! Too bad Walter Becker passed on and could not revel in this masterpiece like we all are. Like many of you I have a primal connection to this album, particularly the first side and " Deacon Blues." As a byproduct of a suburban middleclass existence, one of the greatest male escapist fantasy for any music lover, is eloquently detailed by this song, offering up perfect lyrics and emotive music orchestration that is explored in this one song, and yes it is the best track on the album. Of course I love " Aja" almost as much. Maybe these two songs are the two best back to back album tracks of all time. To say I am excited about the remastering of " Katy Lied " and "The Royal Scam" is an understatement. Bring it on!

UHQR All the Way! posted on 11/07/2023 5 Stars Reviewer: Ben Pit My copy just arrived earlier today via FedEx. What a beautiful box… before playing it on my Clearaudio Concept turntable, I always like to give it a quick clean using my ultrasonic HumminGuru record cleaner. And here I sat down at my usual listening position and magic happened! Oh boy I didn’t see that coming… better soundstage, separation of instruments, imaging … how can I go back to other pressings? It’s expensive I know but these guys know how to produce these incredible jaw dropping records! Get your copy today. Cheers!

Ridiculously Awesome posted on 11/06/2023 5 Stars Reviewer: Mr Audio 69 This pressing is beyond belief. I have a first pressing, a Cisco pressing, a MFSL and a Japanese pressing. This UHQR blows them all out of the water. I own hundreds of audiophile albums and none of them can compare to this copy of Aja. It’s crazy to listen to. Damn glad I purchased this.

Unfreakin'believable! Holy Grail record right here posted on 11/04/2023 5 Stars Reviewer: manowire12 Just outstanding. Soundstage is stunning. Dynamic! Quiet. Highest quality record I own. Thanks so much Chad for pushing for the best. May not always hit a home run...... but this one is out of the universe.

Defies Superlatives posted on 11/04/2023 5 Stars Reviewer: Mike Rubey I keep telling people that no matter what I say about this record it will exceed that and completely blow your mind. My cynical friends just laugh but it’s happened every time. Thank you Chad. Thank you Bernie. And especially thank you D.F. for allowing this to occur and then again to you and Walter (God Bless him) for creating it in the first place. This is a gift to the world.

This is the one! posted on 11/03/2023 5 Stars Reviewer: Tubelandia Without question, some of Acoustic Sounds best work yet. You knocked it out of the park. Please ignore all the folks bellyaching about the tape sources… There’s always folks looking to stir up shit. Y’all please keep doing what you do and ignore the haters. The proof is in the pudding and it’s a home run!

Worth the wait! posted on 11/03/2023 5 Stars Reviewer: Brent I compared this to the AB1006 original, Japanese SHM SACD, high res digital ALAC Apple Music…..it’s not remotely close folks…..the UHQR smokes the doors off all other versions including the all coveted ABC AB1006 original pressing. I heard stuff on Deacon Blues I’ve never heard before. Every track is more open and fresh than all other versions. Mine was perfectly flat, dead silent and just a pure joy to listen to. Chad and Bernie, you guys made a real treasure that will be cherished for many decades by audiophiles. Do yourself a favor and buy this UHQR. It’ll be one of those records you will enjoy over and over! Even with 30k pressings, buy now or cry later.

Waited a long time for this one! posted on 11/03/2023 5 Stars Reviewer: RS Not much more I can add that hasn't already been said. This truly is the best this record has ever sounded. I can't want to que it up again! Buy it, play it, enjoy it!

This is the only one and will go down in history posted on 11/02/2023 5 Stars Reviewer: Sckott There are just hundreds of amazing reissues from Acoustic Sounds. This is an example of the big three: First, a popular record that people often use as a test record. Opinions abound as to what is the best. Second, it's literally flawless in execution for quality and presentation. Third, the mastering and cutting are literally magical and nothing sounds overbearing or pushed. It's a phenomenon of a record reissue and will stand against time as the ONE reissue to which others are judged. I own lots of Acoustic Sounds reissues and this one is truly the best among the Titans. A joy to own. Decades down the line, this will be the top edge for audiophiles to own. Bravo Chad, Bernie, and everyone who made this possible including the people in manufacturing, shipping and scheduling. Bravo.

Simply jaw dropping! posted on 11/02/2023 5 Stars Reviewer: Stephen Cosh I didn’t think anything could top Exodus on UHQR but this is incredible.

Just Buy It! posted on 11/02/2023 5 Stars Reviewer: Analogdude If you love Steely Dan and you want to hear Aja at its best, forget about the price and just buy it now! You will not be disappointed! Extraordinary in every way and just damn fun to listen to!

Finite superlatives posted on 11/02/2023 5 Stars Reviewer: Gordon Johnson I’m unsure just how many superlatives there are in the world though you can easily apply each and every one of them to this, the most recent Ultra High Quality Record pressing, that of Aja. To even attempt to quantify this pressing against all that came before is a lesson in futility. I struggle to find words to do this pressing justice so I’ll leave it here with: Buy it, play it. Heaven.

Do Believe the Hype! posted on 11/02/2023 5 Stars Reviewer: Korben I'm not sure I have much to add other than this pressing fucking smokes! If you can swing it, pull the trigger because you won't regret it. It has just been promoted to best sounding album in my collection.

Longtime listener posted on 11/01/2023 5 Stars Reviewer: DCBRN Five stars. Yes, it deserves five stars. Thanks team that made this record. Damn!

Sonic Masterpiece posted on 11/01/2023 5 Stars Reviewer: JT Finally, this masterwork gets a master treatment. The wait is over. Pull the trigger and sink into the groove. Loved every note of it. Second spin in progress...

Yes, it sounds that good. posted on 11/01/2023 5 Stars Reviewer: Bob H Micheal Fremer's said: "The Best "Aja" You Will Ever Hear and It's Not Even Close." His review is spot on and there is not much I can add to it. If you are a lover of music, vinyl and/or Steely Dan this release is a must own. Kudos and thanks to everyone involved with the album and this release.

Do not hesitate to get this one!!! posted on 10/31/2023 5 Stars This vinyl from the first beat will make you smile. This is wonderful music and a fantastic audiophile level recording. Quiet clear sound comes out and not over engineered. Your sound system will love it and your friends will be impressed.

I Doubt This Will Ever Be Topped posted on 10/31/2023 5 Stars This may be the best sounding record I've ever heard. It's bigger, wider, and clearer than the original AB-1006 pressing. It's amazing how much better it sounds than the 2023 digital remaster that is currently streaming. There's a reason so many of us push for AAA. I'm a huge fan of Steely Dan and pre-ordered the other UHQRs in the series, but even if you're not a crazy fanatic, anyone who wants to hear what perfection sounds like should buy this.

Finally! posted on 10/31/2023 5 Stars Reviewer: Randy S. I have purchased more versions of Aja on vinyl than any human being should ever admit. Needless to say, this is my favorite record. I first purchased Aja when I was 12 years young. I made the mistake of getting rid of it when the the CD came out. I now have the Aja Cisco pressing and the original AB-1006 Pitman and Santa Maria pressings. All are very good. This is great! Worth every penny of the buck fifty!

Steely Dan Aja UHQR release posted on 10/31/2023 5 Stars WOW. One of my GOAT albums and have been anxiously waiting for this. I was not disappointed. I have the MoFi version mastered by Stan Ricker, which is great, but this version is better. Esp the cymbals at the end of Aja - very muddy on the MoFi version and crystal clear on this one. Thank You Chad. Great Job! Can hardly wait for Katy Lied and Gaucho.

Practically in tears. Perfection? posted on 10/30/2023 5 Stars I have a revealing system with a great McIntosh preamp/amp and an Audio Technica art9xi moving coil cartridge. I've enjoyed wonderful sound from a variety of great recordings but I can honestly say that this UHQR of Aja is the best sounding ANYTHING I've played on my system. I practically cried when I played the title track the first time. Is it a lot of money? Yes, but if you want to reach the pinnacle of sound on your system, this might be it.

Best I’ve heard aja posted on 10/30/2023 5 Stars Reviewer: Dave Not every one of these fancy pants releases hits the mark, but this one definitely does. I’m not yet sure I’m ready to call it a revelation, but no regrets with my purchase. I particularly find the bass superior to the OG release and the voices, especially the backing vocals, to be superior as well. I’m going to recommend you get this while you can before the resellers absorb them all.

Absolutely perfect! posted on 10/29/2023 5 Stars

Spontaneous Reaction posted on 10/28/2023 5 Stars Reviewer: Joel I couldn’t help but spontaneously laugh out loud from the first bass note of the first side of this new 45 of Aja, it’s that good. Amazing, I purchased Aja the first day it was available in 1977 and have enjoyed it all these years, but this new UHQR is beyond amazing. Every song on this spectacular recording is taken to a new universe of listening pleasure. Thank you!

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