The first real surprise on 1995’s Alive in America, as S. Victor Aaron noted earlier in the Steely Dan Sunday series, was their update of “Reelin’ in the Years.” They thoroughly reworked the song, with an expansive horn arrangement and a prominent electric-piano intro.
Steely Dan takes no such risks with the last original song on 2021’s Northeast Corridor, but for most fans I’m sure that’s just fine.
Elliott Randall’s iconic lead-guitar part is firmly in place, played presumably by Jon Herington. Indeed, save for the horn flourishes played at the end of the choruses, the arrangement is faithful to the original.
Herington and Connor Kennedy are well-paired on the song and indeed for most of the album – with the exception of “Aja,” which featured too much melodica and not enough of Kennedy’s guitar. Donald Fagen delivers yet another strong vocal, and the rhythm section provides the expected spark, including a brief drum break down by Keith Carlock.
Northeast Corridor isn’t the Steely Dan live album that I’ve dreamed of. Yes, I’m still pining for a concert boxset, similar to ones issued by Chicago or Yes. Still, there is no disputing the acumen of this band and the staying power of the songs of Walter Becker and Donald Fagen. At this stage in the game, I’m thankful for this release.
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