Steely Dan's 12 greatest songs

10. “Bad Sneakers” from Katy Lied (1975)

Katy Lied shows the first signs of the drift toward looser jazz that would reach its height in Aja. But Fagen and Becker were still wholly invested in tight song structures in 1975. So you get the best of both worlds. You get some tricky rhythms and clever instrumentation but you still have energy and structure.

Becker, who was taking on more of the guitar playing by this point, contributes a nice solo. And if you listen closely, you can hear a new voice in the background. Michael McDonald, who sang background when the band was touring, adds a little bit of soul behind Fagen’s lead vocals. McDonald would soon follow Skunk Baxter to the Doobie Brothers and would become a leading creative voice for that band in the second half on the 1970s.

9. “Doctor Wu” from Katy Lied (1975)

I love “Dr. Wu,” and it is a moody, jazzy, impenetrable composition. So don’t tell me I can’t enjoy the jazzier side of Steely Dan. I love the mystery of Fagen's lyrics. I love the ultra-jazzy alto sax solo from Phil Woods. I think it is one of Becker and Fagen's finest compositions.

Here’s why it isn’t higher on my list. I like Minutemen’s cover even more. Where Steely Dan gives it a fine sumptuous production, the post-punk trio serves up a jagged, rougher version. It barely runs 100 seconds and it captures the spirit of the song perfectly. Still, the original version is wonderful. Check out both and see which you prefer.