Steely Dan – Gaucho

A wonderfull 1 st Pressing from this Fantastic Record…one of their best from Steely Dan, nice

The Dan's most accomplished album in my opinion. NM copy sounds incredible. This is my go to palate cleanser after checking new record purchases of questionable quality.

I Just picked up a near mint copy, Masterdisk RL Md1 . As many people allover reviewed the sound and Mastering of this album... WOW! .All true!!

Just get it. It's fantastic as far as Mastering is concerned. Its a Bob Ludwig!. Not much more to say. This is the only copy of Gaucho that i will need, and did not break the bank.

Steely Dan's Gaucho (1980) is a study in sonic perfectionism, a meticulously crafted album that embodies both the band's strengths and its increasingly insular creative process. Emerging after a period of turmoil and creative frustration, Gaucho is a polished and precise work, showcasing the band's signature blend of jazz harmony, rock instrumentation, and cynical lyrics.

The album's seven tracks are impeccably arranged and performed, with a cast of top-tier session musicians contributing to its pristine sound. Donald Fagen's vocals are smooth and detached, delivering tales of urban disillusionment and decadent lifestyles with a cool irony. The intricate interplay between the instruments, particularly the guitar work of Jay Graydon and the saxophone of Michael Brecker, creates a rich tapestry of sound that is both sophisticated and accessible.

"Hey Nineteen" is a standout track, with its catchy melody and lyrics that capture the awkwardness of an aging man trying to connect with a younger woman. "Babylon Sisters" grooves with a seductive rhythm, while the title track, "Gaucho," is a haunting ballad with a melancholic melody. "Time Out of Mind," with its driving rhythm and soaring guitar solo, is another highlight.

Gaucho is an album that has divided critics and fans alike. Some praise its meticulous production and sophisticated songwriting, while others find it overly polished and lacking in emotional depth. Regardless of one's perspective, Gaucho remains a fascinating artifact of Steely Dan's creative journey, a testament to their unwavering commitment to sonic excellence and their unique brand of cynical storytelling. It marked the end of an era for the band, preceding a long hiatus, and stands as a complex and intriguing final statement from their classic period.

I'm sure the UHQR probably sounds better, but this sounds so good it doesnt really matter to me. Demo quality record here for me.

I just received a copy of this edition and I have to say that it sounds perfect.I have several copies and this is the best by far.
I am waiting to receive the UHQR and I have doubts that it will surpass this edition.

Steely Dan's "Gaucho" falls short of the band's previous standards, delivering an album that feels overproduced and lacks the spontaneity that characterized their earlier works. The excessive studio perfectionism seems to stifle the natural flow of the music, resulting in a somewhat sterile sound. While there are moments of musical brilliance, the overall album lacks the cohesiveness and memorable hooks that defined their earlier classics. "Gaucho" may appeal to die-hard Steely Dan fans, but for many, it pales in comparison to the band's more iconic releases.

Yep, sounds amazing! You can keep your $175 UHQR, thank you! 😁 Not that I have anything against UHQR's themselves, I have 2 of them (Kind of Blue, Are You Experienced) But, don't need this one...

One of the best sounding records in my collection. Great mastering from RL!

EDIT: The 2023 UMe is a tad bit better but the new 2024 UHQR is miles ahead of this one. The best Gaucho is the UHQR!

Can’t go wrong with an RL MASTERDISK.
One of my favorite records in the best sound quality I’ve heard it in. Such a large and open soundstage I love it