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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
dekay's avatar
dekay
5,658 posts
 
I recall a LOT of EQ on SD's early LP's, which could be described as being bright for certain instruments and vocals.

Sometimes the drums sounded like they were replayed through a clock radio and then miked direct to the board.

Also BIG reverb on some of the bass lines as well as keyboards.

Compression on vocals that could be mistaken for tape over saturating...

This said, they are studio albums (never to be mistook for live or open room recordings) and all of this manipulation ended in an award winning sound for the time.

I've never listened to them on CD, just LP and though 

DeKay
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jetter
3,049 posts
 
Sorry for this obviously off topic posts, but I have noticed that glupson has not posted in a month.

Does anyone have any information on what is going on with him. I always enjoy his posts.

In 20 years I never had one post deleted by the mods. In the last week I have had four of my last five posts deleted, so I am wondering if this has anything to do with glupson’s absence?
sokogear
1,100 posts
 
I heard he was kicked off
mr_m
1,900 posts
 
I wouldn't say bright. Maybe a little upper midrange forwardness creating some artificial clarity. If you believe that's a characteristic of my system, fine. I have no heartburn with that. :-)
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