STEELY DAN – Two Against Nature (2000) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Notorious for shunning concert performances, Steely Dan's improbable live reunion in the mid-'90s eventually turned into a full-fledged reunion album. Since Steely Dan fans went two decades without even the hope of a new record, the very prospect was a delight, but it was also a little worrying, since a botched comeback would tarnish the band's legacy. Fortunately, Two Against Nature is as seductive and alluring as the best of Steely Dan's later work, with a similar emphasis on classy atmosphere and groove. Pitched halfway between Gaucho and the immaculate production of Fagen's solo album Kamakiriad, it's a graceful, intricate record that works its subtle charms at its own pace. While that means it isn't a knockout on the first listen, it's a real grower -- a quietly addicting album that slowly works its way into the subconscious. It's also an uncannily natural extension of the duo's previous work, but surprisingly, it never sounds nostalgic or dated. It's clear that Becker and Fagen re-teamed because they simply enjoy working together: crafting the songs and arrangements, designing the production, shoehorning in-jokes into the lyrics, finding the exact performances that fit their specifications. In this sense, Two Against Nature is no different than any past Steely Dan effort; that's exactly why it's welcome, since they find nearly endless permutations within their signature sound. Lyrically, the album isn't quite as malicious as their '70s work, but they haven't lost their sharp humor, even on some mere throwaway lines. The real payoff, however, is musical. Each song gradually reveals its own identity through small, thrilling touches, giving the record depth and character, and fitting it comfortably into Steely Dan's acclaimed body of work. And that's as delightfully unexpected and peculiarly beautiful as anything else in their career. Stephen Thomas Erlewine  
Tracklist :
1 Gaslighting Abbie 5:54
Backing Vocals – Carolyn Leonhart, Cynthia Calhoun, Michael Harvey
Bass – Tom Barney
Bass Clarinet – Roger Rosenberg
Clarinet – Lawrence Feldman
Clavinet – Donald Fagen
Drums – Ricky Lawson
Guitar – Walter Becker
Tenor Saxophone – Chris Potter (2), Dave Tofani
Trombone – Jim Pugh
Trumpet – Michael Leonhart
2 What A Shame About Me 5:15
Backing Vocals – Carolyn Leonhart, Cynthia Calhoun, Michael Harvey
Baritone Saxophone – Roger Rosenberg
Bass, Guitar – Walter Becker
Drums – Michael White 
Percussion – Gordon Gottlieb
Piano – Donald Fagen
Tenor Saxophone – Lou Marini
Trombone – Jim Pugh
Trumpet – Michael Leonhart
3 Two Against Nature 6:18
Backing Vocals – Carolyn Leonhart, Cynthia Calhoun, Michael Harvey
Bass Clarinet – Roger Rosenberg
Bass, Lead Guitar – Walter Becker
Clarinet – Ken Hitchcock
Drums – Keith Carlock
Keyboards – Donald Fagen
Percussion – Gordon Gottlieb
Percussion, Timbales – Daniel Sadownick
Piano, Trumpet – Michael Leonhart
Rhythm Guitar – Jon Herington
Saxophone – Dave Tofani, Lawrence Feldman
Trombone – Jim Pugh
Vibraphone – Steve Shapiro
4 Janie Runaway 4:08
Alto Saxophone – Chris Potter, Lou Marini
Backing Vocals – Carolyn Leonhart
Bass Clarinet – Roger Rosenberg
Bass, Guitar – Walter Becker
Drums – Leroy Clouden
Keyboards – Donald Fagen, Ted Baker
Tenor Saxophone – Lawrence Feldman
Trumpet – Michael Leonhart
5 Almost Gothic 4:10
Acoustic Guitar – Jon Herington
Backing Vocals – Carolyn Leonhart, Michael Harvey
Bass – Walter Becker
Bass Clarinet – Roger Rosenberg
Clarinet, Alto Saxophone – Lawrence Feldman
Drums – Leroy Clouden
Guitar – Hugh McCracken
Keyboards – Donald Fagen, Ted Baker
Percussion – Gordon Gottlieb
Trombone – Jim Pugh
Trumpet – Michael Leonhart
6 Jack Of Speed 6:19
Alto Saxophone – Lou Marini
Backing Vocals – Cynthia Calhoun, Michael Harvey
Baritone Saxophone – Roger Rosenberg
Bass, Guitar – Walter Becker
Drums – Michael White
Keyboards – Donald Fagen
Percussion – Gordon Gottlieb, Will Lee
Tenor Saxophone – Lawrence Feldman
Trombone – Jim Pugh
Trumpet – Michael Leonhart
7 Cousin Dupree 5:28
Backing Vocals – Carolyn Leonhart
Bass, Guitar – Walter Becker
Drums – Leroy Clouden
Keyboards – Donald Fagen, Ted Baker
Rhythm Guitar – Jon Herington
Whistling – Amy Helm
8 Negative Girl 5:35
Backing Vocals – Carolyn Leonhart, Cynthia Calhoun
Bass – Tom Barney
Drums – Vinnie Colaiuta
Guitar – Dean Parks, Paul Jackson Jr.
Keyboards – Ted Baker
Vibraphone – Dave Schenk
9 West Of Hollywood 8:21
Backing Vocals – Carolyn Leonhart, Cynthia Calhoun, Michael Harvey
Bass – Tom Barney
Drums – Sonny Emory
Lead Guitar – Walter Becker
Organ – Donald Fagen
Percussion – Gordon Gottlieb
Piano – Ted Baker
Rhythm Guitar – Jon Herington
Tenor Saxophone – Chris Potter