Steely Dan Recordings: Best Versions of Each 1972-1980


Hey All:

Driving home the other day listening to my local favorite radio station (WXPN) and on comes "Here at the Western World" from Dan's "Greatest Hits" LP. Haven't heard that one in a while and love when a radio station grabs one off the back shelf like they do all the time. Anyway, got me thinking about how much I love the Dan and want to get the best possible recorded versions of each album. Right now I've got:

Aja: Cisco LP (Nice!)
Gaucho: SACD (Also Nice!)

What versions should I be looking for starting with "Can't Buy a Thrill" right up to "Aja"? Vinyl would be nice but I can entertain digital disc recommendations.

Thanks!
128x128dodgealum
The thing about Steely Dan is that most of their work is very well recorded. Those guys were manic about ensuring excellent recording quality. So, you really can't go wrong with most versions.
don’t miss out by stopping at Gaucho, Everything Must Go and Two against Nature are stellar also. But released on vinyl this RSD 2021 season. they are IMO well worth the $$ premium.
Donald Fagen has been remastering Steely Dan and they sound great. Just make sure that your getting his most recent remasters as he did them previously as well. He starts with ‘Can’t Buy A Thrill’ and I believe stops just short of ‘Gaucho’.