This was a band that took pride in their eccentricities, and still be musically forward enough that even my pre-teen brain could find a way to absorb the quirks. Songs like "Fire In The Hole" and "Kings" were enigmatic enough for me to understand the coolness of it all, and the still stunning guitar solos spiking "Reeling In The Years" satisfied my craving for loudness. Still, at whatever volume this was played at, "Can't Buy A Thrill" held a mysterous appeal that few other bands could match. Blues workouts, jazz influences, and a certain leering know-it-all rock and roll quality laid the groundwork for all the songs here.

"Can't Buy A Thrill" is a stunningly original album, and given where the Dan would eventually lead us, that says a lot.

26 of 28 found the following review helpful:


Jawdroppingly Brilliant -- What a First Album!  Jun 26, 2006 By Todd and In Charge
Given the breadth, depth, and quality of the Fagen/Becker albums that followed, both collectively and individually, is it heretical to think that their first effort may actually be their best?

I had the pleasure of picking up the remastered disc, which restores the original artwork and liner notes, improves dramatically on the sonics of the MCA cheapie initial release from the late 80s, and has hilarious and insightful new notes from Becker and Fagen, and I have to say this album has grown and matured into an outright, certifiable classic.

Although the hits off the album ("Do it Again," "Reeling") remain as provocative, clever, and satisfying as ever, it's in the album tracks that this album really comes alive.

"Dirty Work," with its plaintive vocals and mournful harmonies, is memorable and touching. "Kings" has driving guitar and menacing lyrics. The off-kilter perspective of very early Fagen/Becker is evident in "Only a Fool Would Say That" and "Fire in the Hole."

Blazing, ringing guitar greets the listener with "Brooklyn" and "Change of the Guard," and the album closes with the lovely, harmonically perfect (and perfectly skewed) "Turn that Heartbeat Over Again."

Throughout, the album is anchored by Fagen's offbeat, angular, slightly atonal grand piano work, which suggests at times Thelonious Monk, at other times early Todd Rundgren. Match that with Becker's active bass, sterling guitar solos, and catchy, memorable melodies and lyrics, and you have one heck of an album.

Though they continued to develop, refine, and originate many more years of tremendous music-making, they didn't do too bad for a first effort. A bargain at this discount price and must-have for any music fan.

18 of 19 found the following review helpful:


it will still be fresh tomorrow  Aug 24, 2007 By B. E Jackson
It's amazing how Steely Dan were popular right from their first album. They never knew what it was like to have an album flop, which makes the band extremely lucky. "Do It Again" is the greatest late night pub song that ever existed. "Dirty Work" has one of the bands best vocal melodies and choruses. "Reelin' In the Years" shows a band entirely capable of strong songwriting and guitar playing skills. "Only a Fool Would Say That" is memorable for the excellent vocal melody. "Change of the Guard" is guaranteed to bring back memories for those of you who grew up when this album was released (and specifically when you were a teenager in 1972). It's probably the best song on a very good quality album. A must own.

18 of 19 found the following review helpful:


A MUST HAVE CD!!  Nov 17, 2007 By P. A. Panozzo "history enthusiast, avid reader"
If you are a Steely Dan fan or are completely (and sadly!) unacquainted with Steely Dan, this is a must have CD for your collection. This CD is, in my opinion, some of Donald Fagen and Walter Becker's best material. It has the salient hits Do it again and Reeling in the years but it also has the beautiful gems Dirty Work and Turn that Heartbeat over again. There are no weak songs on this CD. If you are just getting acquainted with Steely Dan, this is the best CD to start with. If you are already a fan of Steely Dan make room in your collection for this one. This CD delivers satisfaction! Other essential CDs would be Pretzel Logic, Katy Lied, Countdown To Ecstasy and The Royal Scam. These are core essential CDs for any Steely Dan collection!

14 of 14 found the following review helpful:


my favorite steely dan album.  Mar 26, 2007 By fluffy, the human being.
despite spending the bulk of my teen years in the 70's, i did not get around to steely dan albums until the 90's. too bad so much time was lost. life is definitely a bit better with their recordings as a part of it. "can't buy a thrill" is my favorite piece of work by these incredible musicians. the wonderous studio craftsmanship that they display on all of their albums, is here matched with their strongest set of songs. "do it again," "dirty work," "midnight cruiser," "reelin' in the years," "brooklyn," and "change of the guard," are steely dan as the top of their form. the whole thing, in fact, is great. a classic i would suggest you not miss.

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