Set Lists

1995 (1993 and '94) 

Steely Dan Alive in America review

Steely Dan reunited in the early 1990's and did what they seldom did while they were together, go on tour. They released a live album, Alive in America, which showcases some of the highlights from their 1993 and 1994 tours. The album reveals what is easily predicted, Steely Dan is better in the studio than in a live setting. Still, the band is able to reproduce quite a bit of what they captured in the studio live.

Overall, the songs feel have a more jazzed up mood in both rhythm and horn arrangements. The song "Reelin' in the Years" new rhythm is inferior to the original; my feeling is how can you improve perfection? Still, this version with its jazzy shuffle feeling and numerous saxophone parts is great, and it sounds better with each listen. Also "Bodhisattva" suffers from a bit to powerful of a drum beat. The CD closes strong with superb instrumentals in "Sign in Stranger,"  followed by their classic "Aja."

There are many outstanding moments on Steely Dan's live album Alive in America. Though, do not get this CD as a substitute for their studio albums. It serves better as a supplement. For hard core fans that want to hear reworked versions of some of their favorite songs, this is a must have CD. by Barry Small ©
Grade  B +

1. Babylon Sisters (Becker / Fagen) - 6:47
2. Green Earrings (Becker / Fagen) - 5:20
3. Bodhisattva (Becker / Fagen) - 5:47
4. Reelin' in the Years (Becker / Fagen) - 6:24
5. Josie (Becker / Fagen) - 6:12
6. Book of Lairs (Becker) - 4:19
7. Peg (Becker / Fagen) - 4:19
8. Third World Man (Becker / Fagen) - 6:38
9. Kid Charlemagne (Becker / Fagen) - 5:16
10. Sign in Stranger (Becker / Fagen) - 6:34
11. Aja (Becker / Fagen) - 9:00