Steely Dan's Two Against Nature (DTS) Review

Concert Summary

Steely Dan is one of my all time, favorite bands. Their music offers tremendous diversity, style and talent that's found in few bands today. Furthermore, their music has endured the test of time and even their most recent work, "Two Against Nature," is destined to be a classic. This concert DVD captures one of the rare times when Steely Dan actually took their talent on the road.

Its filled with many old time greats and plenty of their latest material. There's a bit of humor thrown in between songs with Walter Becker and Donald Fagen interviewing band members and talking about their fans. The performance is solid, the sound track is great, but the video quality could be better.

Song List

1. Green Earrings
2. Cousin Dupree
3. Bad Sneakers
4. Janie Runaway
5. Josie
6. FM
7. Gaslighting Abbie
8. Black Friday
9. Babylon Sisters
10. Kid Charlemagne
11. Jack Of Speed
12. Peg
13. What A Shame About Me
14. Pretzel Logic

Be sure to visit the Steely Dan Home Page

Audio Performance

The DTS definitely offers an improved sound track over the Dolby Digital. The overall sound quality of this concert is worthy to be played loudly on any HiFi system. The tell tale sign for me is when listening to Walter Becker's guitar. On the new studio album and in this concert DVD, Walter plays a Roger Sadowsky guitar. This guitar has unique pickups that offer a subtle but distinctive sound and fidelity to Walter's playing. I was surprised to hear that characteristic sound so greatly captured as it is in this DVD concert.

Video Performance

This is my only criticism of the DVD. When compared to other DVD concerts I've reviewed and have in my collection, this DVD does not offer the same caliber of video image. It lacks the crisp detail that can be found in the Eric Clapton and Yes DVD concerts reviewed on this site.

Overall Impression

This is a must have for any Steely Dan fan. The audio quality makes up for the slightly lacking video quality and is worth cranking loudly. I've also found this concert DVD useful to play during parties. It offers the perfect party music and a chance to show off my Home Theater system to friends.