Plush TV Jazz-Rock Party
74 min · 15 tracks · jazz
A smooth blend of jazz-rock sophistication layered with witty lyrics and intricate musicianship that defines Steely Dan's signature sound.
Top tracks — play these first
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Green Earrings Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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Josie — This track encapsulates the band's signature style with its infectious groove and sophisticated arrangements, showcasing their ability to fuse catchy melodies with intricate instrumentation.
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Black Friday — With its sharp lyrics and dynamic musical shifts, this song reflects the darker themes often present in Steely Dan's work while maintaining an irresistible hook.
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Peg — This track stands out for its rich harmonies and engaging storytelling, exemplifying the band's knack for creating radio-friendly hits that are both complex and memorable.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The compilation highlights Steely Dan's sophisticated sound but lacks the cohesive narrative of a studio album.
What we noticed
- Each track is characterized by complex chord progressions and intricate instrumental arrangements, often featuring extended solos.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady flow with intricate melodies
- witty lyrics for attentive listeners
- sophisticated vibes for social gatherings
- gradual peaks in emotional engagement
- for late-night conversations
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- seek high-energy party anthems
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Deep Cut — A compilation that showcases the band's sound but isn't a primary entry point.
- Themes
- Los Angeles nightlife· sophisticated storytelling· cynical romance
- Career context
- Released in 1995, Plush TV Jazz-Rock Party is a compilation album following Steely Dan's reunion after a long hiatus since their last studio album, Gaucho in 1980. This collection showcases the band’s unique fusion of jazz, rock, and pop elements, highlighting their evolution and enduring appeal in the music landscape.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Chicago· Blood, Sweat & Tears· Hall & Oates
Tracklist
- 1 [program start] 2:41
- 2 Green Earrings Start here 5:42
- 3 Cousin Dupree 5:25
- 4 Bad Sneakers 3:33
- 5 Janie Runaway 4:16
- 6 Josie 5:32
- 7 FM 3:44
- 8 Gaslighting Abbie 6:07
- 9 Black Friday 4:28
- 10 Babylon Sisters 6:34
- 11 Kid Charlemagne 5:06
- 12 Jack of Speed 6:12
- 13 Peg 4:24
- 14 What a Shame About Me 5:22
- 15 Pretzel Logic 5:39
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
The Nightfly
Donald Fagen
Shares a similar blend of jazz-influenced rock with sophisticated, introspective lyrics.
Silk Degrees
Boz Scaggs
Combines smooth jazz and R&B with storytelling that captures nightlife vibes and romance.
Inside Out
Chick Corea Elektric Band
Features intricate musicianship and a fusion of jazz and rock elements, echoing Steely Dan's complexity.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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