Could not hit order fast enough when it came up for pre order. Steely Dan is one of my favorites I so hope they do the rest of the catalog.

Mobile Fidelity needs to develop more of a presence on KZfaq, etc. Everybody knows who Chad Kassem is and Bernie Grundman, Kevin Gray, etc. are almost like celebrities. The people behind Mobile Fidelity seem to be unknown.

Another mystery worth mentioning is that it's unclear whether the master tapes pre-Aja still exist. The classic Steely Dan albums were recorded with ABC Records, which was later acquired by MCA. ABC Records reportedly discarded many masters before the MCA acquisition is a space saving move. The masters still exist for Aja (which has been reissued) and for Gaucho (released by MCA in 1980).

Thank you! I always look forward to your videos.

I picked both Steely Dan’s. Definitely an upgrade from the RSD’s. They are great! If AP could somehow put together a master of Aja from whatever tapes are still existing, I will purchase in a second. Imagine it in 45 rpm. Another great video Michael! Cheers!

I love your channel, Michael. Great work as always.

Thanks Michael. A great review. Bought my copies straightaway!! Bless up!

Props to all of the labels realizing we're tired of pre-orders years in advance. Nothing more like hearing something is going to be available, and available now!

I don’t even listen. I’m just here for the spex! 😉🤓😎

Hello Michael, I missed this video earlier it just popped up in my newsfeed today and watched it immediately. Because I am a long time audiophile record collector. I am now very particular and picky when it comes to buying new records. So without hesitation I purchased both of the analogue Productions Steely Dan 45 RPM. They meet my requirements; they must be a band I truly love and they must be above average for audiophile-quality. I do agree 100 percent with what you're saying about questionable titles for one step or getting 45rpm treatments. I've been saying this for many years already some of these titles they produce were never audiophile in the first place. The Source material does not have the ability to become an audiophile record, plus they seem to be redoing the same titles over and over again. I'm tired of that as well. Thanks for the video brother I really enjoyed it.

Hope they do another 33 version, missed the record store day releases last year. We also need a vinyl version of Becker’s “ Eleven tracks of wack” someday. That would be nice !!

I cannot wait for my preorders. Where I buy from still states "release date to be announced". Hopefully soon! Cool review and thanks!!

Absolutely spot on Michael! Although coming from a standpoint of really loving Steely Dan, just in general, Analogue Productions releases are the best of the best. They have absolutely spoiled me with regard to listening to records. It hurts my ears sometimes to listen to records that I’ve been looking for forever that I found from a record store! Original, used presses are nothing compared to Chad’s production. Hats off to you for the video and hats off to Chad for an amazing product all around.

I would love to see their entire catalog re-released, along with SACD versions. I bet they would sell quite well. For a band that was known for quality recordings they don't seem to get a lot of audiophile love.

Bravo Michael My God if AP gets the whole Dan catalog - that will be one of his diaper moments Collect first press ABC recordings and don’t forget Greatest Hits with Masterdisc all four sides (RL listed at least one, check the handwriting)

Got both RSDs, now I'm thinking I eventually might have to splurge for these. I wouldn't be surprised if they're gearing up for a SD catalog campaign! Also, today is actually the anniversary of the release date of Everything Must Go! Cheers!

Hoping this is a tester or taster of what is to come. Their albums are brilliantly produced.

Michael, ich liebe deine Brilliance u. das super Vinyl. Ich gestehe! Die Neigung zur Sucht ist für beides ungebremst gegeben. :-) Daher bin ich hier wohl auch voll richtig. Einfach, the best. So auch das Steely Dan Vinyl. ❤️Heike Danke Michael.

Got these ..something else..great Trying to see if these also had digital somewhere in the chain. Sounds like maybe so but in was recorded in the digital age. I think tan was not digital in the process but emg may be

Interesting to note that the mastering of Katy Lied got completely screwed up due to a defect in the encoding of the DBX equipment they used. This is according to Gary Katz. Regardless that release still sounds pretty damn good.

Another great video Michael. You are correct everything from both needs to be the BEST period or like Chad said he won’t do it. Take Care Jim

Finally got my copies and am delighted with them. Greater detail, dynamics, staging. Well worth buying over in my case the already good Everything Must Go. This for me is the stronger of the two with better songs and marginally better more full-bodied sound but both are well worth the investment. AP/Acoustic Sounds are definitely on a roll: The mono Rollins Saxophone Colossus is outstanding (though I still highly rate my 1995 Hoffman DCC version), and the Holiday Body and Soul is also a treat despite the 2 records being crammed into a single sleeve.

I'm happy with my RSD releases, so I passed on these. I do not mind the big announcement of 40 titles, but I would like to see a timeline with it. If you are not going to do a timeline, then I prefer having the pressing ready to go before the announcement. Thanks again.

You are costing me a fortune Michael! I have the original release of Two Against Nature and the RSD version of both... looks like I need these now :) Also, I agree with your comment about the one-steps - keep that technology for the really well recorded music - but MOFI are a business and it probably makes financial sense to release that Clapton album.

What do we have to do to get reissues of the classic SD albums like Royal Scam, Aja etc? It’s nice to see them do these but why couldn’t they have done some of the others?

Waiting for my order from MD. Both SD and both APP. Expensive but I have been disappointed with the so called audiophile pressings I have bought recently that were substandard. I have recently changed my approach to buying AP & Mofi, but only the releases that I like and also hunting for the best graded used vinyl of releases I can find, from when they knew what they were doing. Excited to hear the top notch quality that you speak of and we can all hope for rest of the SD. They did revise the PR announcing the titles a few weeks back. Originally, they implied there were more titles to come. We shall see.

Thanks Michael - have the RSD, the AP TAN and 2003 Euro EMG I can’t believe how wonderful Two Against Nature RSD was - the cd sounded so grating on the top end The album was recorded digital but mixed both digital and analog EMG was recorded in analog and mixed in digital I like the 33 1/3 because you can relax and get into the funk groove

Another good video Michael. Unfortunately, getting the rights to an artist’s complete catalogue is probably not always possible. Early Steely Dan were on ABC (Universal Music) & these two later titles on Reprise (Warner Music), so rights would be from different companies. Of course, Chad works closely with Universal so it may be possible in this case. Plenty of AP releases with only one or two titles from an artist’s catalogue, many I would like to see further releases but not that likely. Cheers!

Yes. I agree. They have to wisely choose which recoding is good enough to work on as a one step or any audiophile release. If recording is not perfect, you can have world best mastering engineers and end up with sound quality that is already been done. Like in Eric Clapton case. I really hope that Michael Jackson “Thriller “ would be the best version ever. It should be, because the recoding is amazing. Produced by Quince Jones. It will be my first MoFi. So better be good 😊 Cheers Michael!

Finally you bring up this big and important discussion whether a title is the one step worth it or not. I think under the "this years releases" of 2021 from mofi on instagram or somewhere we started a conversation about this topic because of the one steps they announced like janis joplins pearl or the blood sweat and tears. Janis joplins pearl was already available as a normal version (in my eyes complete nonsense to do a one step) and the blood sweatand tears (big market to fight against normal versions of AP + maybe not the best sources) compared to a one step that might be in some eyes useless as well is the i robot by alan parsons project but at least he invested in equipment and the source is one of the best you can get. So even if you have the normal version the one step could be a big improvement. Steely dans titles should all be reissued because all of them were just amazing.

Just added both to my Acoustic Sounds shopping list among lots of the Prestige 200 gr editions, in truth they are not the must have Steely Dan records. The name Steely Dan came from the book Naked Lunch and was a female sex toy!

I just finished re-reading Donald Fagen's interview in "Mix" magazine (Nov. 1988). He and Walter Becker swore that Steely Dan were finished. At that point in time, they stopped touring back in 1974. And nowadays, Fagen can't stop touring (rest in peace, Walter Becker). Where are the SACDs? Just like the Hendrix vinyl, I'll never play them. I appreciate the Hendrix SACDs as they keep the vinyl counterparts pristine.

Always thought Steely Dan albums(originals) would be very hard to improve upon. Along with Sade and Rickie Lee Jones and some Verve label jazz, the best sounding og's in my collection. Which brings me to a question maybe you or someone can answer. When an artist's out of print albums show up at ridiculous prices on ebay, or wherever..(like some of Rickie Lee's, for example), does the artist or a pressing facility like AP take notice?? Would seem like a good idea to do so...and I would LOVE to have Traffic In Paradise or PopPop, to name a few, for a reasonable price.

i'm ignorant .. in general what's the maximum length (in minutes) a 45 rpm vinyl can have ?? , 14 minutes ?? , please.

These weren't popular albums in the U.S. among Steely Dan fans. Seems doubtful that MCA/Universal would license the masters from the early years great Steely Dan albums to Acoustic Sounds, but who knows. Would love to see the early albums remastered and reissued in audiophile grade.

The Clapton Unplugged original Reprise was more than good enough. The FOMO can be a bit too prominent sometimes.

AP is coming strong. Definitely AP wins over Mo~Fi on the sleeves. Mo~Fi often come blemished & the artwork isn’t as sharp. Almost like a hi res color copy.

In my opinion a MOFI one step release should also be the best and definitive version. An upgrade over other releases. Otherwise it makes no sense and they are playing with their reputation and credibility. I also read on discogs that the quality control of the Clapton one step wasn't always the best. Scuffs, fingerprints, several small scratches, a lot of dirt on the vinyl... Let's say for the "Rolls Royces" of the LP's, this is really unacceptable. I have the feeling that the quality control at QRP is better. Also everything what is coming from acoustic sounds, if it's a 45rpm or an UHQR, it's always an improvement over older releases. Btw, according to Chad the next UHQR announcement will be there soon. Very curious

I passed on these because I am not a Steely Dan fan but can only imagine how good they sound. Chad keeps hinting at some really big releases that will be coming out, so I am hoping for more big-time rock titles from AP in the near future. Agreed with the MoFi point, I was very excited about the Van Halen titles but it's starting to seem like those are coming years down the road unfortunately....

Hey Michael, quick question: what kind of record cleaning system are you using?

Give me AP every time

I revisited this video after the whole MoFi situation. Interestingly, AP used their sticker claiming they used original master tapes for that Steely Dan - Two Against Nature. However, this is digital (not sure about the other album). There is an analog master tape but AP used a "24/96" mix. Are the self proclaimed "audiophyle" vinyl collectors going to say anything about this? Are they also going to campaign for a reduction of price because of using digital as they are doing with MoFi? Actually, I like the idea of reducing prices. Good-sounding records are getting really expensive nowadays.

I would love to hear a process interview with Bernie Grundman, I don't understand how he can do as much as he does. I wonder if he just lends his ears to others doing the engineering part of the mastering? Kevin Gray is getting up there in work too.

I've never understood why Katy Lied and Countdown to Ecstasy have never been reissued. They would sell out in a minute. I'm sure there's a reason I'm not aware of.

I agree with your assessment of one-step or super vinyl. If the source material is not top notch, it’s really a poor choice and looks more like marketing. It’s great to get a clean regular release in a nice new jacket if the source material is a lower fidelity recording. Would it be worthwhile to release PIL or any punk release as a one step on super vinyl? It would probably sound worse LOL. It will be discouraging if these high end releases are hit and miss, a person will not be able to trust the audiophile edition.

You’re on a roll with so many recent purchases. You must be running out of shelf space.

In think George Carlin summed up his opinion of Steely Dan... I share the same sentiments.. which we wont repeat here..

I have the MCA Audiophile of Gaucho which I have cherished for 40 years. Even better since Gaucho has never received any deluxe vinyl treatment by anyone except a short lived cash grab by their own label.

Hmm maybe I should sell my RSD versions and buy these.. Decisions, decisions. 🤔

Aren't both LP's digital source

Wouldn’t say that the “Are you Experienced” UHQR is a similar situation to MOFI Eric Clapton- it’s not the greatest source as well???

I’ve had strong opinions on MoFi vs AP lol

You said it yourself in the video, the RSD releases are so good. I find these releases superfluous for so much money. But I don't begrudge those who have too much money their status symbols. Is it actually still about the music, or about living out sound fetishism. But if you are not satisfied with the sound of the RSD releases, you should not buy a normal vinyl. When will finally come the things that really need a better sound ?

Great to see Analogue productions repress these I just think there efforts are wasted on albums like everything must go just a outakes album really. They do these I guess because the tapes of the truly classic albums are just not available. I Bought the RSD versions Two Against Nature worth the purchase but I will leave EMG only need one sitting on my shelf.

Can you imagine Aja on a UHQR pressing?

Right now, I find myself leaning towards Mofi. Being a huge fan of the majority of their upcoming titles makes it really hard not to be. That being said, some One Steps are definitely questionable. I wouldn't mind something like the two Paul Simon titles being regular releases. On the other hand, AP puts out way too much jazz, in my opinion. Sure I love that the Prestige line is back, but what about the Classic Records archive? AAA rock albums are few and far between, making good pressings super expensive. If rock was to get half as many AAA releases as jazz does, it would make the biggest difference. Personally i'm not crazy about Steely Dan. These two albums in particular would've never made my AP dream wishlist. The prospect of Aja or CBAT is much more exciting. The big positive here Michael, as you pointed out, is the quick time time between announcement and release. It would be hard to find anybody who would disagree.

In my opinion MOFI shouldn't release a one-step if it's not going to be the definitive version of an album. $125 is too much for an album that is good, but not the best. Both Clapton and Muddy Waters are recent examples where MOFI shouldn't have released a one step. There are better sounding versions of both albums that are easily available for half the price. I fear that they see a hot record market and know they will sell whatever they produce. But they are playing with their reputation.

I can’t stomach Steely Dan, despite trying many times. They seem to be an audiophile favourite, but I can’t listen to more than a track or two before realizing once again I am wasting my time. I understand that they have very high production value, musicianship, etc., but in the end it is Yacht Rock at its worst.

The future of audiophiles lies in streaming. I already have Tidal files that sound better than the best Analogue Production stuff. Music on plastic cannot compete longer term. Also the bulk: all these records piling up. The painful reality check happens the day you need to move or sell…

Bravo Michael My God if AP gets the whole Dan catalog - that will be one of his diaper moments Collect first press ABC recordings and don’t forget Greatest Hits with Masterdisc all four sides (RL listed at least one, check the handwriting)