Steely Dan - Aja

Please note: These SHM-SACD reissues are packaged in plastic jewel cases, not cardboard mini-LP jackets.

Reissue features the high-fidelity SHM-SACD format (fully compatible with standard SACD player, but it does not play on standard CD players) and the 2010 DSD remastering. SHM-SACD (Super High Material SACD) is the ultimate Super Audio CD that utilizes the materials and technologies that were developed for the SHM-CD to further enhance the audio-resolution.

Steely Dan, originally a jazz-rock outfit, eventually morphed into a jazz-funk band based around the partnership of Walter Becker (guitar, bass) and Donald Fagen (singer, songwriter, pianist). Steely Dan were known for their intelligent and acerbic lyrics and complex jazz-infused harmonies and song structures. They saw the bulk of their fame and success in the 1970s, with the release of several highly acclaimed albums including Can't Buy a Thrill (1971), Pretzel Logic (1974) and Aja (1977).

play pause	1. Black Cow
play pause	2. Aja
play pause	3. Deacon Blues
play pause	4. Peg
	5. Home At Last
	6. I Got The News
	7. Josie

Customer Reviews (4.30 Stars) 10 person(s) rated this product.

Much better sounding than '99 CD posted on 11/12/2021 4 Stars Reviewer: Jimmy James but I guess that is not really saying much. Apples and Oranges. The dynamics and transients are much improved. There is an overall deeper sound and deeper sound stage. I like everything about this SACD except the price.

Clean posted on 02/05/2021 5 Stars Reviewer: Kelly Super clean and dynamic treatment, buy it.

Nice treatment posted on 04/05/2015 5 Stars Reviewer: Peter L. I feel that this was done very well, and sounds excellent if not quite superb. I still think the MSFL CD release is the best one on digital disc, especially with the nice wide stereo image that it has. If that could've been a hybrid disc with an SACD layer, then we'd probably be pointing to that one as the best SACD representation. Sadly, according to Walter Becker in the liner notes for the 1999 CD release, a surround mix was being considered but it was found that the multi-track tapes had been stolen. I wanted to cry when I read that.

NOT OUTSTANDING BUT GOOD posted on 03/07/2015 4 Stars Reviewer: Clive This is a good issue but the opportunities for outstanding quality possible with this format has not been fully realised. Not sure whether the mastering has been comprimised. I have MFSL CD and LP versions of this title and the producers exploited all aspects of the production process to give outstanding results for that time. This single layer cut does build a little on detail and clarity but lacks compared to some of their other titles. Without greater care to musical detail at all stages of the production process the quality with regards to realism is comprimised therefore not justifying the price. Still recommend this title but more of you should make clear to the producers that they could do better given the potential possible with this format.

My first SHM SACD posted on 03/08/2013 5 Stars Reviewer: Dave L I can not explain it. I have over 250 SACDs, but have never heard anything that comes even close to this SACD! I have the Cisco vinyl release, which I thought blew any CD version away — until I heard this SHM SACD. Is it the SHM? I do not know. I just ordered 6 more titles. A little expensive, but if they sound even close to this one, they are well worth it.

Wow!!! posted on 02/09/2013 5 Stars Words don't help convey the feeling you will have when listening to this on a hi-fi setup. Well worth every penny and then some!

The best available for this recording. posted on 10/04/2012 4 Stars Reviewer: chasmanchu I am giving this a four instead of a 5 because I have 3 other Steely Dan recordings (not aja) that were released on SACD or DVDA and their sound quality was much better. So after hearing what can be done I was a little disappointed. But to be clear this version of aja is still the best that is currently available and is much better than the 2 version that I have on CD. It is a real treat to hear aja sounding this good, but I do believe it could have been better.

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