Often, at first, [Steely Dan's] music has to be approached through a mist of murky alienation (many of their lyrical themes are negative statements) and foggy intent which gradually disperses with the warmth of repetition and recognition.

Nevertheless it's a satisfying experience for the "cleverness" of the combo is never in question yet when pure talent applies and expresses itself obliquely the results are bound to need a shade more assimilation than the normal brainless, bone-crunching rock.

The heart of Steely Dan, writers Walter Becker and Donald Fagen, draw a thin veil across their purpose, expressing lyrics vaguely, not telling the whole story…. They are toying with inaccessibility but their grasp of attractive rock is sure as the list of US hit singles—"Reeling In The Years," "Do It Again," "Rikki Don't Lose That Number"—illustrates….

"Katy Lied" doesn't have the heady impact of ["Can't Buy A Thrill...