New Donald Fagen Solo Album!

[jaxvon]

That's right, a new Fagen Solo album! The release date is set as March 7. You can download the single "H Gang" on iTunes (I have, it's pretty good). You can also preorder the album on Amazon. Here's the link:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000E5N62U/qid=1137814299/sr=8-1/ref=pd_bbs_1/002-7515135-4090468?n=507846&s=music&v=glance

I've already got two copies on order with 2-day shipping

 

[Hawkeye]

Thanks for the heads up Jaxvon. A hi-rez version is soon to follow, I assume.....?

 

[jaxvon]

Yes, the Hi-Rez DVD version should be released with the standard stereo CD. If anyone would like a copy of the newsletter, PM me with your email address and I can forward it to you. Also, you should sign up for it at Fagen's website:

www.donaldfagen.com

 

[jeffsg4mac]

Sweet, I will be looking forward to this. The Nightfly is one I never get tired of listening to. After all these years, the audio quality of that recording never ceases to amaze and impress.

 

[Stanton]

This is the first time I have EVER bought/downloaded a single because I couldn't wait for the album release, and it's slammin' cool! I have a good feeling about this one, and I can't wait for release day.

 

[jaxvon]

This is the first time I have EVER bought/downloaded a single because I couldn't wait for the album release, and it's slammin' cool! I have a good feeling about this one, and I can't wait for release day.

Me too. I thought I'd never buy something off of iTunes or even physically purchase a single at a store. But this was too tempting to say no to for only a dollar.

Oh, and FYI (for those who don't feel like clicking links), the new album is entitled:

Morph the Cat

 

[gene]

I am looking forward to this one

 

[Rip Van Woofer]

That goes on the list along with the other Fagin/Steely Dan stuff you re-aquainted me with on your visit!

 

[sivadselim]

So, who's got tix for the tour? I got mine!

 

[jaxvon]

I would buy tix, but the local show for me is at the Opera House in Detroit. For those of you who don't know Detroit, it's not exactly one of the nicer neighborhoods in the city. Fagen isn't worth that much of a risk. Hell, I might have to take a road trip to Chicago.

 

[deftech]

I think "morph the cat" is being released on dual disc in march. One side reg rez and the other dvd audio. btw jaxvon, he is coming to a nice venue in cleveland, a much shorter drive than chicago

 

[Stanton]

I'm not so sure this is a "Dual Disc" type release. I think you can either buy the CD (only) or buy a dual-pack CD and DVD (like was done with the last Steely Dan release). Does anyone have any solid info on whether this is just a "bonus" DVD with interviews, etc. or a true multi-channel DVD-A disc? I just don't think they'd bring out a major (new) release in a format that has proven to be incompatible with some CD players (plus this isn't a Sony affiliated label--thank goodness).

 

[highfihoney]

I would buy tix, but the local show for me is at the Opera House in Detroit. For those of you who don't know Detroit, it's not exactly one of the nicer neighborhoods in the city. Fagen isn't worth that much of a risk. Hell, I might have to take a road trip to Chicago.

hi jaxvon,downtown detroit has changed alot over the last few years due to the casinos,i take my family down town at night all the time with no problems,lots of cops everywhere especially when there is something special going on,my kids love riding the people mover train


i would be more worried about going to saginaw or flint then down town detroit.

 

[jaxvon]

I'm not so sure this is a "Dual Disc" type release. I think you can either buy the CD (only) or buy a dual-pack CD and DVD (like was done with the last Steely Dan release). Does anyone have any solid info on whether this is just a "bonus" DVD with interviews, etc. or a true multi-channel DVD-A disc? I just don't think they'd bring out a major (new) release in a format that has proven to be incompatible with some CD players (plus this isn't a Sony affiliated label--thank goodness).

According to Amazon, the DVD has 5.1 mixes of the album. I just preordered it today.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000E8NRR6/sr=8-2/qid=1140907896/ref=pd_bbs_2/104-9107478-9256766?_encoding=UTF8

Even judging by the ultra-low-fi samples on Fagen's website, I think this is shaping up to be a great album. I can't wait!

And to Hi-Fi, I might still get tickets. I've just had bad experiences in downtown Detroit, as have friends of mine. My roommate's parents were actually followed and nearly chased at the last show they attended at the Opera House.

 

[highfihoney]

And to Hi-Fi, I might still get tickets. I've just had bad experiences in downtown Detroit, as have friends of mine. My roommate's parents were actually followed and nearly chased at the last show they attended at the Opera House.

man what a bummer,ive had some real crappy experiences in detroit but never at an event,unless you count when i puked my guts out at a kiss concert at cobo hall when i was a kid.

 

[jaxvon]

The last bad experience I had was at the Jazz fest. Towards the end of the night a couple of guys started following my female friend and were trying to get her phone number. It wouldn't have been creepy if they didn't give off the thug vibe.

 

[jaxvon]

Okay, I caved. I picked up a pair of tickets for the show. They're on the main floor, in like, the 10th row. Woohoo!

On a side note, this album is shaping up to be AWESOME. The super low-fi samples on Fagen's website are screaming GREAT ALBUM already. The things that I felt were missing from the last two SD albums (dense harmonies, ripping guitar solos, and actually changing chord changes) seem to be here in spades. I can't wait!

 

[jaxvon]

Well, thanks to the magic of the internet, I've had the opportunity to hear some high bitrate files of this album. AMAZING! This is definitely going to be getting a lot of play time in my system. I can't wait to sit down with the Fagen Trilogy, Nightfly, Kamakiriad, and Morph the Cat. FYI, it is actually a trilogy now, with Nightfly about youth and beginnings, Kamakiriad about midlife and the unknown, and Morph the Cat about death. In my opinion, this album surpasses the last two Steely Dan albums and Kamakiriad in every way.

 

[larry7995]

Just the other day I was listening to Steely Dan Aja and wondering if there are any other groups out there that might be similar in talent and taste. Anyone have suggestions?

 

[Kruncher]

I picked up Morph the Cat yesterday. I got the 2 disc package, and can confirm that one disc is a regular CD, the other is recoginzed by my Pioneer universal player as DVD-Audio with both Surround and Stereo mixes.

Listened to the first half of the CD while driving home, and most of the DVD-A at home. No surprises if you're familiar with the production of Steely Dan or Fagen's other solo efforts. Some of the best recordings in my collection, Morph the Cat now included. Great, subtle surround mix similar to Nightfly - thoroughly enjoyable. The CD is no slouch either. I'm not familiar enough with it yet to site specific tracks, but let's just say your sub is gonna get a good workout. If this isn't demo material for "musical" subs, I don't know what is.

Having said all this, and taking into consideration that I bought this album on its release day, I wouldn't call myself a huge Dan fan. I mean I enjoy it, but I've got to be in the mood for it.

But for the sheer production values and appreciation of talent of those who performed, Morph the Cat is highly recommended.

Kruncher