Does Steely Dan sound bright to you?


This is going to sound like a somewhat random question but I’m wondering how many of you find Steely Dan’s recordings to sound a bit bright. I’m particularly thinking of Gaucho, and Aja but some other recent recordings, too, such as Fagen’s Nightfly.

My typical media include streaming (CD and HD quality) and CD’s. I have not played my old vinyl because I’m presently without a turntable.

At first I thought it was my system and it was driving me a little bit mental; eventually, I decided it wasn't my stuff, it was their stuff. Because most other recordings on the same system with no other changes don’t typically have the brightness of Steely Dan.

Whether or not you’re a fan (I am) Steely Dan has often been a go-to for testing out equipment, so I imagine there will be experiences people have had about this.

P.S. Any other recordings which, for you are unnaturally bright?


128x128hilde45
My vinyl sources of Steely Dan are perfect. Not bright. Not veiled, either.

Digital?? THAT’s your problem.
Goucho on SACD and Best of on redbook both sound neutral in my studio and at home.

For the time period, they were very clean and away ahead of 99% of the pop releases. 

There were some pretty bad pop releases at that time.

Stay well everyone

Tom eh
One of the ’smoothest’ recordings to listen to, ’bright’ in the sense of it’s clarity of instruments with ’up-front’ vocals.

Stops me my tracks to pay attention to. *S*

I’ve always enjoyed the Art of Noise work, but I’m like that. *L*

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JSWhzsGY3hA

...piano @ 7:30....I'm a sucker for A. Dudleys' piano....*S*
2nd -
Gaucho on SACD is a reference disc. A Decade of Steely Dan MCA Gold CD is a reference disc as well.

Happy Listening!