Donald Faigan - Sunken Condos (29/08/2013)
After over forty years in the industry Donald Fagen (of Steely Dan fame) continues to roll out great music. His newest release Suken Condos treats us with groovy guitar licks and funky bass. Responsible for a majority of the arrangements Fagen clearly knows how to make each instrument sound great. There’s a great balance to each of his songs which lends to a great feel on the entire album.
Fagen was also responsible for writing all the tracks on the album with the exception of Out Of The Ghetto. Although Fagen’s vocals in this cover may not be as strong as those in Isaac Hayes’ original his musical arrangement lends to a much cleaner, and arguably, more enjoyable sound. Regardless, Fagen definitely does this song justice.
Weather In My Head is a highlight of the album, strong both musically and lyrically. Although Fagen’s lyrics can be quite simplistic they match the music perfectly and are riddled with great visuals such as, ‘It’s like a typhoon exploded behind my eyes’. He shares some very true and relatable sentiments which allows you to hook into the songs easily.
The only criticism of the album I might have is that at times it can be a little repetitive. Also, although Fagen gives a solid vocal performance there are never really any moments where his voice really stands out. Were it not for the background vocalists the lead vocals would be a bit boring in comparison to the other instruments. This only diminishes the album slightly and definitely does not detract from the quality.
Suken Condos has a great overall sound and instrumentation which is pleasing to the ears. It definitely has its own flavour unique to Donald Fagen, something which he has clearly culminated over time. Nothing less should be expected from such an established artist.
Natalia Baranowski
Fagen was also responsible for writing all the tracks on the album with the exception of Out Of The Ghetto. Although Fagen’s vocals in this cover may not be as strong as those in Isaac Hayes’ original his musical arrangement lends to a much cleaner, and arguably, more enjoyable sound. Regardless, Fagen definitely does this song justice.
Weather In My Head is a highlight of the album, strong both musically and lyrically. Although Fagen’s lyrics can be quite simplistic they match the music perfectly and are riddled with great visuals such as, ‘It’s like a typhoon exploded behind my eyes’. He shares some very true and relatable sentiments which allows you to hook into the songs easily.
The only criticism of the album I might have is that at times it can be a little repetitive. Also, although Fagen gives a solid vocal performance there are never really any moments where his voice really stands out. Were it not for the background vocalists the lead vocals would be a bit boring in comparison to the other instruments. This only diminishes the album slightly and definitely does not detract from the quality.
Suken Condos has a great overall sound and instrumentation which is pleasing to the ears. It definitely has its own flavour unique to Donald Fagen, something which he has clearly culminated over time. Nothing less should be expected from such an established artist.
Natalia Baranowski