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Two Against Nature
Artist: Steely Dan
Label: Giant Records
Length: 9 Tracks

Steely Dan is one of those often celebrated, but sometimes forgotten about duos who resurface in music circles whenever they feel like it. Thanks to February's Grammy attention, the limelight is back on the art rock-tinged, jazzy combination of Donald Fagen and Walter Becker. Last year's serving, Two Against Nature, is a brilliant project to pick up for those that haven't already caught their relaxing array of sounds with experimental interludes in classic Steely Dan style.

Take, for instance, such masterpieces as the lead "Gaslighting Abbie" and "Janie Runaway," two mid-tempoed pieces highlighting a cluster of bass-laden grooves with some occasional organ interruptions. "Cousin Dupree" is a brisk tune in comparison, telling a humorous story about family members catching up after not seeing one another in awhile. The disc ends with the lengthy "West of Hollywood," and although it could have been a few minutes shorter, it gives Becker time to show off his guitar playing talents and Becker time to pound out some powerful wales from the organ. The track ends with an inspiring tenor sax solo from studio musician Chris Potter. Perhaps coming out so strong from the starting blocks with "Two Against Nature" will motivate Steely Dan to record as a combined unit more often, rather than every other decade.

Andy Argyrakis 4/14/2001