STEELY DAN – Mobile Homes: Seattle 1974 FM Broadcast

Recorded at Seattle’s Paramount on 1st July 1974, American rockers Steely Dan were in fine form. By the end of 1974, the band “retired” from live performance, and continued as a studio only band consisting of Donald Fagan and and Walter Becker. This live set follows the release of the band’s 1974 album Pretzel Logic, and features an impassioned version of the band’s most successful single ‘Rikki Don’t Lose That Number’ and the title track. The jazz inspired ‘The Boston Rag’ is impressive as it shifts from a controlled bebop to a rough and almost chaotic rock solo that charges over a laid back accompaniment. ‘Do It Again’ from the band’s first album Can’t Buy A Thrill is a particular highlight. When released as a single, it was in an edited form. Here, it is drawn out to showcase the band’s craftsmanship and soloing talent. Shortly after this recording, the band would withdraw from live performance, and this recording is a fine document of what the band could do away from the studio.