Steely Dan – Aja

Steely Dan's Aja (1977) is a high-water mark in their discography, a refined and sophisticated album that showcases their meticulous approach to songwriting and production. Emerging from the LA studio scene, Aja captures a specific moment in time, blending jazz harmonies, rock instrumentation, and pop sensibilities into a seamless whole.

The album features an all-star cast of session musicians, including Bernard Purdie, Steve Gadd, and Larry Carlton, each contributing their unique talents to create a richly textured sound. Donald Fagen's vocals, with their characteristic cool detachment, deliver narratives of urban ennui and complex characters navigating the shadows of Los Angeles.

Aja is an album of subtle grooves and intricate arrangements. Tracks like "Deacon Blues," with its melancholic saxophone solo and introspective lyrics, and "Peg," with its infectious chorus and layered harmonies, exemplify the band's ability to craft songs that are both catchy and complex. The title track, "Aja," is a sprawling instrumental piece featuring a stunning guitar solo by Jay Graydon, showcasing the band's jazz fusion influences.

While some might find Aja lacking in raw emotion, its strength lies in its meticulous craftsmanship and sophisticated songwriting. The album's polished production and intricate arrangements create a sonic landscape that is both alluring and enigmatic. Aja is a testament to Steely Dan's dedication to sonic perfection and their ability to create music that is both timeless and undeniably cool. It remains a landmark achievement in their catalog and a high point of the 1970s studio sound.

My favorite album of all time!! A very good pressing.

"It was ABC's standard procedure to use the album's prefix and stock # (plus other info) in the deadwax of their records. Therefore all original LP issues of AB 1006 will have AB 1006 in the deadwax. All later LP issues of AA 1006 will have AA 1006 in the deadwax. However, in order to avoid throwing out a bunch of perfectly good metalwork with AB 1006 already etched in it, some of the earliest pressings of stock # AA 1006 have the prefix changed in the deadwax. The B was crossed out, and an A was added in front to change AB to AA. Eventually all the metal parts made from the original AB 1006 lacquers were replaced with parts made from later cuttings with AA 1006 etched in them from the start."

-One_L, Forum Resident, SteveHoffman forums, 8/12/13

The more you know.

I have this in the runout:
Side A: AA ̶B̶ 1006(RE-3)-A P C II (P and C II is stamped)
Side B: P AA ̶B̶ 1006(RE-3)-B P4 D (?) P ( P, D (not sure about D) and P is stamped)
What edition/pressing might that be?

As others have said, this is a phenomenal recording and pressing to match. I have two version of this album and both are absolutely engrossing through quality phones with a good cartridge. Listen to this album loud and you will feel like you're actually in the studio with the band. Astonishing album.

Best vinyl copy of "Aja" I've heard so far. Stunning! Clear, dynamic, rich and detailed. it fills the room. Very nice indeed!

I got a copy in the used record store. IT'S GREAT.

Just might be the best sounding pressing of this LP that I've got. And I've got a few. Mastered with super punchy energy & terrific spacious fidelity.

The pressing with the B scratched out is the best one. Its legit a first pressing stamper. These are the absolute best sounding. Easy to find in good shape too. Mine sounds so dynamic and full of life. I am in love with this record.

Safe to say that the AA-B (etched out) dead wax is more or less the same as the original AB pressing, correct?

Because out of all the copies I have of this album (US Record Club, original Canada yellow vinyl, early 80’s MCA German pressing, and mid 80’s Japanese pressing), this one with the AA-B and T etched in the dead wax smokes all the other pressings I have easily.