Even in Steely Dan’s misfires, there was a high level of sophistication and craftsmanship. But I still don’t care much for this song.

Skunk Baxter was just beginning to make his mark in 1972, but it was already evident that Steely Dan landed the right man for the job.

I don’t know how many Steely Dan fans are also into country music, but “Brooklyn” showed the two seemingly opposed passions could co-exist quite nicely.

All hail chief engineer Roger Nichols, referred to in the album credits since Steely Dan’s debut as “The Immortal.”

More than any other track from their debut album, “Only a Fool Would Say That” points the way to what Steely Dan would evolve into.

Steely Dan’s “Midnite Cruiser” remains the song Jim Hodder is most remembered by. And it’s a fine way to be remembered.

Here’s an early indication that Steely Dan wasn’t going to dwell on romantic themes in their lyrics.

Some of the earlier Steely Dan tunes sound a little like they were meant for a different act. “Dirty Work” is like that.

Steely Dan explore the idea of people succumbing to their worst tendencies again and again, a theme that will get many return visits.

Steely Dan stuck with me through the years, because this brainy, Jack Kerouac-type hipster band remained appealing even as my tastes in music evolved.