Steely Dan: Katy Lied

WHEN I FIRST RECEIVED this album it engendered dispassionate dislike, but the more I play it the more I become merely ambivalent. Certainly there are some knockout songs, but the band's internal frictions have not benefitted the writing and recording of this platter, and in the main the results are highly disappointing. In fact, it works best as muzak – when actually listening I soon find myself reaching for a magazine or contemplating a smoke to alleviate the empty spaces.