True Crit from BFF.fm

It's 1997 and things can only get better. Juxtaposed against the post-Tory optimism of the late 90's Portishead's eponymous second album scrutinises the dark side of capitalism, consumerism and love. Firmly staking its claim as a hip-hop album whilst conjuring the power of ancient magic, Jon and Lizzie batten down against an other worldly fury. Enjoying the show? Please support BFF.FM with a donation. Check out the full archives on the website.

True Crit returns with season 2 and a complete change of direction, as we uncover the unique sound of pioneering Bristolians, Portishead.Episode 1 tackles their debut Dummy, an album which thrust the band into the limelight virtually overnight. Dummy defined a genre, an era and unwittingly the band's future. Exploring love, vengeance and vulnerability with one of the greatest voices of a generation. Enjoying the show? Please support BFF.FM with a donation. Check out the full archives on the website.

This week, Lizzie & Jon reach the end of season one of True Crit. Don's most current record, Sunken Condos shows him in fine fettle as he knits together a perfect album to round out the catalogue.We ponder over his cryptic musings one more time and discover that he's written the most perfect crime themed song of his career. We may return to his songwriting again, should he release another record. But for now, the Steely Dan discography is going back on the True Crit album shelves. Enjoying the show? Please support BFF.FM with a donation. Check out the full archives on the website.

…the conversation continues. Jon continues to blow Lizzie’s mind with takes. Christ comes back as a woman, shit gets medieval in the post apocalypse and Walter sets himself as a grifter on the coat tails of a silver screen debutante. The album brings our penultimate episode of season one to a poignant conclusion. Enjoying the show? Please support BFF.FM with a donation. Check out the full archives on the website.

Walter Becker’s second solo album from 2008 proves to be a reckoning of his life and destiny. In true Steely Dan fashion, the most obscure, hard to find release in the catalogue proves to yield the most information. It’s a very vulnerable, honest record that cuts through the cynical voice we’ve heard so many times across his career. Join Lizzie and Jon as they marvel at Walt’s foray into reggae and try not to burst into tears over the many revelations within.Note: We found that this was such a detailed record, that we had to split our chat into two parts to make sure we covered everything. We hope you understand the decision. Enjoying the show? Please support BFF.FM with a donation. Check out the full archives on the website.

"Storms raged, things changed forever." Never one to shy away from challenging subjects, Donald Fagen’s third solo album grapples with an event which profoundly shook the American psyche. In this episode, Jon and Lizzie explore Morph the Cat, an album rich with nuance, reflection and unexpected tenderness. Don’s superior song writing will disarm you and take you on a journey revealing the fragility of the American dream. Enjoying the show? Please support BFF.FM with a donation. Check out the full archives on the website.

Attention all shoppers! The Steely Dan Store is closing down for good. Jon and Lizzie browse the aisles of Steely Dan’s final studio album Everything Must Go, revisiting some of the familiar faces in Don and Walt’s musical legacy and concluding an epic chapter of rock and roll history. Time to kiss the checkout girls goodbye! Enjoying the show? Please support BFF.FM with a donation. Check out the full archives on the website.

Two decades since their last album, Don and Walt rekindle their partnership, returning with Two Against Nature, a record hanging heavy with ghosts from their past. Jon and Lizzie welcome back the Gentleman Loser, this time with surgically slick production and an assuredness that only comes from a career spanning almost 30 years. No topic is off limits, no character too seedy, Steely Dan are here again to shine a light into humanity’s darkest corners. Enjoying the show? Please support BFF.FM with a donation. Check out the full archives on the website.

This week on the Steely Dan saga:Don’s had a ten year case of writer’s block. He hooks up with Walt for help with his concept record about a futuristic car. Somehow, they choose all the wrong keyboard presets and forget how to play more than two chords per song. Meanwhile, Walt follows up Don’s solo shit sandwich with a record that’s best heard quickly. ‘Nuff said. Join Lizzie and Jon as they navigate towards the light through a very dark period for the Dan. Enjoying the show? Please support BFF.FM with a donation. Check out the full archives on the website.

From the perspective of 1982, Steely Dan are no more. As we flip over to side B of the Dan saga, we find Don in a very reflective mood. A concept record based on the reflections, fears and daydreams of his youth sees a more tender side to one the most cynical songwriters of the ’70’s. Imaginary radio stations, pining after women and jolly songs about military coups brings a record full of surprises. Join Lizzie & Jon as they dance between the raindrops of meaning of The Nightfly. Enjoying the show? Please support BFF.FM with a donation. Check out the full archives on the website.

High in the Custerdome is where we find Don and Walt for their 7th album, Gaucho. Vaunted as the peak of recording perfection but plagued by tragedy, lost recordings and car accidents. Jon and Lizzie take you through what is often described as Steely Dan’s most clinical offering, laced with drugs, excess and near impenetrable meaning. Enjoying the show? Please support BFF.FM with a donation. Check out the full archives on the website.

Best album in the world? Let's find out. Enjoying the show? Please support BFF.FM with a donation. Check out the full archives on the website.

Few bands ever attain a peerless period. Some only manage one record. With The Royal Scam, Steely Dan began a trilogy of monumental songwriting. From the dystopian vistas of Mizar V, to a funky public service announcement for safe sex. This record has it all. Join us as we dissect genius. Enjoying the show? Please support BFF.FM with a donation. Check out the full archives on the website.

It’s 1975. Walt and Don are burnt out. They fucking hate LA and they’re determined to show you its dark underbelly in eye-popping detail. Join us as we unveil the Steely Dan flow-chart and discover what Randy Newman has never considered as a song topic. Enjoying the show? Please support BFF.FM with a donation. Check out the full archives on the website.

In 1974, Don & Walt ensconced to The Village Recorder in West Los Angeles to produce a series of taut ‘n’ tight vignettes in their, now trademarked, style. The original quintet remain, just. Their time as ‘Steely Dan as a band’ is coming to an end. A raft of hot session players including Jeff Pocaro, Chuck Rainey and Jim Gordon flesh out incredibly accelerating, sophisticated songwriting. Come and find out what a Squonk is! Enjoying the show? Please support BFF.FM with a donation. Check out the full archives on the website.

Episode 2 of True Crit takes the path of enlightenment from Las Vegas to New Orleans. Steely Dan’s second album gives us a glimpse of what’s to come and a hungry young band starts to find its feet. Enjoying the show? Please support BFF.FM with a donation. Check out the full archives on the website.

Take a midnight cruise with Jon and Lizzie through Steely Dan’s audacious 1972 debut Can’t Buy a Thrill, an album that wowed critics on its release and gave the world Dirty Work, Do it Again and Reelin’ in the Years. Enjoying the show? Please support BFF.FM with a donation. Check out the full archives on the website.