Consumer Guide Album

Steely Dan: Gold [MCA, 1982]
Pure contract fulfillment--Donald Fagen's solo debut is due on Warners in a few months--and nowhere near as consistent as the useless 1978 Greatest Hits, with only Gaucho to show in between. Yet as product this one makes a certain sense, rescuing "Hey Nineteen" and "FM" and in a way "Deacon Blue" and even "Green Earrings," livelier in this livelier company than on The Royal Scam. Though not as lively as "Chain Lightning" or "King of the World," from back when they masqueraded as a rock and roll band rather than a "sophisticated pop/jazz group." B+