As a long time Steely Dan fan, the flurry of activity in the early 2000s both from the Dan, and Donald Fagan solo was much appreciated, even if it didn’t have the impact of earlier work. This is one bought on release, because, well, it’s Donald Fagan, isn’t it? But it doesn’t get an airing too often. Let’s find out why.
Is it because it’s a bunch of very ordinary songs, well-crafted and produced a la Dan, giving that trademark smooth jazz sound? That’s what I’m thinking after the title track, but H Gang feels more urgent, typical Fagan storytelling about dubious characters. What I Do flows sweetly past, but Brite Nitegown leaves no impression beyond pleasant background. And so it goes, a nice smooth jazz noise, but nothing of substance, with only the reprise of Morph The Cat lightening up the second half.
2* - An album whose ‘niceness’ is a disappointment
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