Steely Dan – The Royal Scam

Steely Dan - The Royal Scam (LP, Album, San) (ABC Records, ABC Records - ABCD-931, ABCD 931)
My copy, like one of the other commenters, sounds a bit loud and a tad distorted on side A. Side B sounds gorgeous.

Question regarding vinyl pressings for anyone in the know... My original U.S. ABC pressing runs too fast - it's not an enjoyable listen. Looking through the U.S. MCA reissues, they all seem to utilize the ABC master matrix. Does that mean all U.S. issues run too fast? Was the 1985 Steve Hoffman remaster that runs at the proper speed and has better fidelity ever used for a vinyl pressing at any point? Are there any vinyl pressings that run at the proper speed?

Steely Dan's The Royal Scam (1976) is a captivating journey through the band's signature blend of jazz-infused rock, cynical lyrics, and immaculate studio production. Released at the height of their creative powers, the album showcases their ability to craft intricate arrangements and deliver them with a cool detachment that has become synonymous with their sound.

The Royal Scam is an album of contrasts. The music is often upbeat and catchy, with infectious grooves and soaring guitar solos, yet the lyrics paint a picture of urban decay, disillusionment, and the darker side of the American dream. This juxtaposition creates a unique tension that is both fascinating and unsettling.

The album features a stellar lineup of session musicians, including guitarists Larry Carlton and Elliott Randall, drummer Bernard Purdie, and saxophonist Pete Christlieb. Their contributions, combined with the meticulous production of Gary Katz, create a sonic landscape that is both detailed and expansive.

Standout tracks include "Kid Charlemagne," a funky and energetic tribute to the notorious LSD chemist Owsley Stanley, and "The Caves of Altamira," a haunting ballad that explores themes of history and memory. "Haitian Divorce" is a cynical take on love and relationships, while "Don't Take Me Alive" is a dramatic tale of a desperate criminal.

The Royal Scam is not an easy listen. It's an album that demands attention and rewards repeated listens. Its complex arrangements, cryptic lyrics, and masterful musicianship reveal new layers with each playthrough. While it may not be as widely celebrated as Aja, The Royal Scam is a crucial piece of the Steely Dan puzzle, showcasing their unique blend of cynicism, sophistication, and sonic brilliance. It captures the band at a pivotal moment, reflecting the anxieties and uncertainties of the mid-1970s while pushing their musical boundaries.

Side A sounds a bit loud and possibly some distortion on certain chorus sections. This could just be due to previous ownership and usage before I got this. Side B better balanced, more headroom, easier on the ears and more enjoyable. Overall great detail, presence and production value noted.

How many compete Steely Dan collections have I gone through in the past 33 years?

1990: the cassettes from the 3 dollar bin.
1992- 93: the CDs, most high jacked from Columbia House.
2001: the Brooklyn LP stash, followed 8 years later by
2009: the LA LP stash. One stop shopping at a thrift store on Hollywood Blvd. Probably one dude's collection.
2017: all sold off. Made a go of mp3s. Meh.
2023: another some dude's Steely Dan collection. Smelling like smoke and cologne, at the local record shop. Lotta first US and UK presses. Nice.

I'll probably go for used copies of the direct cerebral interface too.

The SD guitar album. But then every SD album is the SD guitar album. 'Pretty' Purdy got the call for tub work based on the strength of his Beatles sessions. Donald Fagen pronounces 'Oregon' like a true New Yorker. The title track tells the heartbreaking tale of how LaGuardia Airport got its name. The Fez may be a prophylactic.

"Don't Take Me Alive", is one of the best guitar intros of all time! Fantastic album to boot!!

These records honestly don't need audiophile reissues – the originals sound incredible and on par with any Analogue Productions or MOFI pressings in my collection. This original issue is sublime, if you can find a VG+ or NM copy.

Think I read something about the original masters burning up in a hollywood studio fire along with other renown artists catalogs. So if a repress comes out it will most likely be digital

Hi would anyone be willing to sell ONLY the printed inner vinyl sleeve? I got a copy the other day and it's missing the inner sleeve :(

My copy has two side A labels <and no side B> but is in shrink with a "Includes the hit single Kid Charlamagne" hype sticker. Great pressing and sounds fantastic.