Steely Dan AJA UHQR: The Best Sounding Record Ever?

[@caryd67]

Steely Dan were beyond perfectionists when it came to sound quality. They hired a guy who at the time worked for BASF; he was a sound engineer by the name of Daniel Levitin as a “audio consultant” if you will; he eventually went on to become a neuroscientist and cognitive psychologist. He wrote an absolutely fantastic book called “This Is Your Brain On Music”. I highly recommend this read for any musician, or anyone who simply loves music. I don’t know if Daniel was involved in this particular recording, but he worked with SD extensively with the goal of producing the cleanest possible recordings. And it shows.

[@bryancarpenter7470]

Anyone who talks any smack about Michael McDonald - I just pity them that they are unable to appreciate his brilliance. Thanks for this video about Aja UHQR!

[@Polyphemus47]

Hello Norman - pleased to meet'cha. YT algorhythms just brought me to you, and after watching and listening, I slammed the 'Subscribe' button. I've been a record lover/collector since I was 3 years old (I'm 76 now), and I LOVE talking music with passionate music lovers. AJA was released just after I landed my first record store job. I was already a fan of the band, and a pseudo-audiophile. I always said that if I walked into a room, and music was playing, I couldn't tell you which format was playing. But I loved the 'new' crisp sound that some producers and engineers were creating. At that time, I was crushing on Yes, Genesis, 'The Dan' (as we called them), 10CC, City Boy, and of course my Beatles, and long-time faves The Four Seasons. (Among many others...) So glad to find your channel, and I'll be bingeing.

[@Polyphemus47]

Also a Steve Gadd fan. I fell in love on hearing "Night on Bald Mountain" by Bob James. Atomic!

[@RubyRantDOTcom]

Aja is and always has been my Mecca since it was released...and Michael McDonald recalling how they made him sing in the studio is brilliant, MM's voice is gold...pure flippin' gold.

[@FotogInkArt]

I'm blue collar, and live frugally. I have several pressings, the AA,AB...etc. I have a rell to reel rip of the Cisco - that WAS my favorite. I bit the bullet,got this and DONE. This is it. Totally agree.Big fan love the work you do. Reminds me of working at a record store for years,especially the reps. That picture is priceless.

[@larrymann803]

Living frugally is boring

[@johnryan3913]

​@@larrymann803easy to say if you have money.

[@Polyphemus47]

@@johnryan3913 Amen.

[@mjm5081]

Happy New Year and Happy Listening!!! ✌❤🎶 EDIT: Love Deacon Blues too! My fave Dan song. And that's saying a lot!!!

[@Ctophermon]

Mazzy hates the box...also Mazzy...keeps the shrink wrap on to protect it. 😂

[@mazzysmusic]

Something has to ,protect it when i toss it at the glass shelves

[@austinhunt4260]

Mazzy, thank you for not liquifying horse meat in a blender this time on the UHQR box. Didn’t know you had it in you :)

[@liammolyneuxmusic]

Exactly right, so funny noticed that myself 😂

[@Pluralofvinylisvinyls]

While we’re on the subject, are there any outer sleeves big enough for box sets?

[@williammcdonald4922]

i use the sleeves that "outer sleeves" come packaged within. they work perfectly for most moderately sized boxes.

[@patmeadows4759]

Great overview. I purchased the UVM 33 version which is pressed at Precision Record Pressings (Located in Burlington Ontario Canada) where all the 33.3 versions are pressed. The master is the digital transfer from the same master as the UHQR used. Purchased is Canada at local record store $34.95.CDN$ That is $26.5 US$. The vinyl is super quiet. The sound is fantastic. Now..... can you tell me that the UHQR $150 US$ plus shipping is that much better let alone having to get up every 2 cuts to flip the record...that is worth the $$$? I highly recommend the 33 version!

[@lupcokotevski2907]

One of the first audiophile albums, and one of the most revered, the Casino Royale (1967) soundtrack. I have an original USA press - its superb. Phil Ramone and Jack Clegg produced/ engineered.

[@jeffl915]

I have purchased a total of 4 UHQR records. I do agree that the box is unnecessary. I think if enough customers felt the same, Chad would change the packaging. I get it that Chad is making this a luxury product, but the box and packaging have no effect on the sound of the end product. I would love to see an option on the web site to opt out of the box, for a reduced price.

[@maxhirsch7035]

Yes, Aja is a Steely Dan masterpiece - but so is Royal Scam IMO. I'm even more excited to hear if the UHQR treatment of that is going to come out well, as for this one (which is on its way to me). BTW, Mazzy, i love the 'high percussive effect' you got with disposal of the packaging, it suits it, doesn't it?

[@owlnswan4016]

Yes. I like side one from AJA best, though for a full album, I like THE ROYAL SCAM the most.

[@mattgregory971]

A very good review Mazzy! I bought the 2008 reissue it sounds great! Enjoy your Copy of Aja! It’s one of Steely Dan greatest albums!

[@bryandelph3221]

Spot on. Absolutely stunning pressing.

[@bryandelph3221]

If you’re ever in the Houston area, I make a great martini. Also have the Nick & Nora glasses.

[@MrLovell1971]

Mazzy so glad I ordered this one very happy with the mastering I already spun it 4 time since I got it .

[@TLA1014]

This album is their masterpiece! Thanks for the video, Massey!

[@S.A.S.H.]

Disc Records, Oxmoor Center, Louisville Kentucky. I remember pulling that out of the box and putting it on the shelves. We in-store played the hell out of that one. Steely Dan is pop fusion, in my opinion.

[@talrmn33]

Nailed it. This is a fantastic offering and worth every penny.

[@paavoviuhko7250]

Very passionate video. Speaks for the quality of the music. I took a chance once on a Steely Dan disc and even though it was just a CD, it sounded fantastic. It was something new for me but incredibly enlightening.

[@kevinfestner6126]

Aja was the one rare lp I loved every track. I have owned mine since 1977. Every track is a masterpiece. I would label this as fusion. Put this through a marantz 2270, ess amt 1a, and on a dual turntable to keep it period. It brings tears in nostalgia.

[@djvinylvertigo]

Also Black Cow. But my #1 go to track is Aja. Brilliant. Those drums and the sax. My God!! Makes one take notice.

[@Claven204]

Great review. And I agree 100% about the Mofi process (don't care as long as it sounds great!).

[@youtubeisstoopid]

Very heartfelt and detailed review. Thanks

[@bullobca]

Thanks Mazzy, Need to re-listen my original Canadian copy and see if it's worth upgrading to this. One of my favs. It came out during my college days so it has a special place for me too.

[@jksojmo123]

Received my UHQR copy today - it sounds incredible- best version of this masterpiece

[@mistermac56]

Great review Mazzy. I totally agree with you that I don't care if an album comes from an analog or a digital source as long as it sounds great.

[@lifeonanotherplanet]

One of my all time favourites. The UHQR would be nice to listen to, but I first heard this on a mono cassette recorder, and it blew me away then - great to hear the subtleties but on the whole your brain will fill in the blanks

[@cdev55]

Hi Mazzy 1st time poster on your channel although I have been following you for some time. What I like about you and the channel is your passion for music. I love your musical journey that you've had and It reminds me why I like collecting and cherishing my favorite records. I grew up in the late 60's and 70's what a great time to have been privy to that era of music. I just wanted to say hi and keep on rolling my friend I love the stories and I really like your road trips to record stores. Peace and Love!

[@mazzysmusic]

Thank you for taking the time writing down your comments and your kind words. Cheers ✌🏼

[@utube321piotr]

This record is equally special for me, thanks for making this video.

[@mazzysmusic]

Thanks for watching & listening ✌🏼

[@brianmedeiros6845]

That’s really good to hear. Will order a copy soon! Thank You

[@johncat8347]

I was a session Musician bass man back in those days A lot of the Engineers would play that album before they did a mix to get a Feeling of Space and quality. It's the masterpiece i'm all the time

[@MelindaMurphy]

Great review Mazzy. I ordered my copy this morning and I cant wait to hear it.

[@mazzysmusic]

Hope you enjoy it Melinda. And thank you again 🏅

[@mazzysmusic]

Hope you enjoy it Melinda. And thank you again 🏅

[@TheGlawton]

Just bought the Geffen version and now I’m going to have to get the UHQR version. Thanks Mazzy

[@TheGlawton]

Oh - and my satin baseball jacket (‘77) was bright red.

[@ianemery4355]

I have a Compilation of Steely Dan some great songs! But Donald Fagin the Nightfly is a staggering piece of work one of my all time favourite albums! May dig deeper into the steely dan catalogue! Great video Mazzy!

[@chrislj2890]

You are right on about "The Nightfly", and it's one of my top five albums of all time.

[@johnryan3913]

I much prefer it to Aja myself.

[@Polyphemus47]

You won't be disappointed - I can't think of a single track that I'd skip on any of their records.

[@eartraffic]

I have a '77 - AB 1006 version still. Cover is worn. Record is still pretty fine. Wish I could afford this UHQR but too many other priorities in the way. Maybe a 33 if and when that happens. thanks for the review.

[@Anthony-MK]

Mine arrives Mon/Tue, and I can't wait.

[@marksweeney7327]

Can you come back to this video and leave a comment on how you like it. Trying to justify spending $150 on an album. Aja is one of my all time favorites though so this would be the album I would actually put out for.

[@bobburnham6258]

bought it when it came out, probably my best album.

[@MrROTD]

I have a hobby of designing and building unique loudspeakers, AJA is the first thing I listen to when theyre done though I don't have that edition I have a CD version that sounds great.

[@MrMrh1958]

Totally agree. Everything about this album exudes quality. The musicianship is without question and as a fellow tub thumper, Gadd’s drumming on Aja is without doubt one of the the finest on record! Pretty Purdie is great and the fill that Keltner does on Josie is priceless! Btw what is your drum set? Has a vintage vibe looking at the lugs!🇬🇧✌🏻

[@shawnlacroix]

Great video. This is my first UHQR and it sounds incredible. Agree about the box. Cut the box/packaging and hit that $100 price point.

[@stereo8893]

I hope the CD version is as good. Still waiting.

[@GordonPyzik]

The MF CD is the absolute. And yes. It beats the UHQR. And I'm a vinyl guy all the way

[@yorkemar]

Thinking about it. Have old Canada yellow and ume..ume sounds pretty great..for money.

[@johnhpalmer6098]

Gotta agree with you on Aja, great LP for sure. I have an original AA 1006 but with the ABC Records at the top, but the same gradient label. What got me to reply was your comment on the guy who made the claim that Michael McDonald didn't sing on Peg, he most definitely did and agree with you on that. In fact, if you listen to any Michael McDonald era Doobie Brothers, you'll catch his very distinctive voice. The very first time I became aware of him was when they released What a Fool Believes from Minute by Minute in 1978. On Peg, you pick up his voice very clearly with his falsetto on Peg. You can't miss it. There is a documentary on the making of Aja that may still be on the Tube and they interview both Walter and Donald and of course, Michael McDonald when they came to Peg. My two favorites from Aja are Peg and Josie.

[@rayrecordings]

Gaucho sounds even better. It always has.

[@telespielstube]

Thanks for mentioning it. I’m going to give it a listen this evening.

[@ceruleanbandit1692]

Gaucho is K2 as Aja is Mt. Everest

[@manolokonosko594]

Gaucho is Tito as Aja is Michael Jackson.

[@bryangillett2685]

But it’s worse music.

[@dalewiley9208]

You may be right, but it’s close.

[@onsenkuma1979]

Apart from the great muscianship on Steely Dan records there are certain vocal lines that have always hit the sweet spot. On 'Aja' I've always loved the way Michael McDonald sings these lines in 'I Got The News': 'Broadway duchess Darlin' if you only knew Half as much as Everybody thinks you do'. What great lines, and what great vocals...

[@doodahdavesrecords4319]

Was that for Libby Titus Donald? She produced Broadway shows

[@roquai06]

I love you too Mazzy, all the best from germany. ❤

[@knotwilg3596]

I would be interested in a repeated blind test comparison of an UHQR and a regular copy. I have read descriptions of UHQR either having or missing "breath" or "brightness" in whatever part of the spectrum, but a repeated blind comparison is nowhere to be found. I'm very skeptical the human ear can pick up the differences in sound quality. If they have received a different mastering, that's another matter.

[@PAYUPSKI]

just ordered mine today. Excited to spin this.

[@jimlutz1290]

Hey man, Love your video's - I just got the Beatles Red & Blue 2023: for $28. each, at Target - pass it along to folks looking for a bargain. New to your Ch, Thanks Norman . . .

[@timothywebber7404]

Home at Last, my favorite.

[@DanielHog13]

💯 re: Steve Gadd 🥁 comment. As a 🥁 myself, have always appreciated his particular (near mercenary) approach & addiction to the album.👍

[@pdd60absorbed12]

Just about any SD tune is magic in todays popular wasteland. But Aja....mature masterpiece.

[@UFO_computers]

There’s amazing new music being made.

[@keithbertschin1213]

I wish you did interviews, imagine the questions you’d have for Mark Lewisohn

[@3dimensionsofmusic3D]

I'm in agreement with your assessment of the cost along with the packaging. I haven't purchased any UHQR releases due to the cost and the excessive packaging. I understand the collectbility. I would purchase these at 95 or 100 if it was feasible. You always convey your feelings so well Mazzy ❤. Greg

[@R3TR0R4V3]

I agree 110% Mazzy! It absolutely _is_ a masterpiece. Sure, it may not be everyone's cup of tea, but that can be said for _any_ artist, as it's all subjective, taste wise. It's not "yacht rock" either.. Maybe Gaucho, but not Aja. Finally, I have to agree about the packaging. Sure, it's nice & fancy, but I would _gladly_ go without it to save some coin & space! It's too bad they didn't issue them like all The Doors albums. Oh well, nevertheless, I'm grateful to have these audiophile Steely Dan pressings to replace my OG copies (sans P.L.) and have no regrets whatsoever for buying all of them. 🍻😎✌️

[@backbay2242]

Aja is a masterpiece.

[@jamesminotto8036]

I agree on the greatest hits. I have it and the OG Aja. Great video.

[@willyumlouis]

Hey Mazzy. I enjoyed your video and thoughts on theUHQR. I'm still waiting to receive my UHQR Aja from Music Direct lol. Very psyched to listen to it someday. Thank you ✌️.

[@ernesttricarico6402]

Exactly! You said it all! Thank you for your take on it

[@kennethdias9988]

All those artists that had bigger records than Aja owned a copy of Aja. I graduated high school in1976 bought all my Steely Dan records at the Original Kempmill records in Kempmill MD.

[@iconicon5642]

Sounds great on cassette - seriously what a record.

[@tim_brooks]

i got the $30 umg digitally-sourced reissue and it sounds incredible. better than my original ab-1006. i can’t imagine anything sounding better on my equipment, not like i can buy a $150 record…

[@Darrin.Crawford]

I am in the same boat. I literally just got home from my local record store and I TOTALLY FORGOT to pick up the $30 universal. He had about 10 copies but for some reason...just plain forgot. Oh well, next week I will pick it up. I am glad you think the digitally "cut" not "sourced" sounds incredible. I have to admit even now watching Mazzy and another review I truly am tempted to the the UHQR but here in Canada we will get dinged between exchange, delivery and customs fees and it truly is tempting but I just can't do it. The music would have to justify that price and me playing it endlessly. Can't see myself doing it for this album. It's the $30 one for me.

[@audiotomb]

Imagine away - it’s that good - and thank Acoustic sounds when you spin the Aja UHQR

[@djjoeykmusic]

Hi Mazzy, Great video. Great job

[@jackneidinger9544]

Aja sounds good because it doesn't have that constant high-frequency blare that overwealmed most eighties records. Almost as soon as it begins there's a silence.

[@johnryan3913]

It's from 1977. Lots of great sounding records in that period.

[@Dafalex22]

Supertramp "Crime of the Century" 🖤♠

[@SDsailor7]

Would love that one in UHQR!

[@stargeeezer]

I remember just being out of High School and just HATING this album when it came out. In those days if it wasn't loud power chords it just plain sucked. As I grew older and learned how to listen to music and vastly broaden my scope, I realized what an amazing recording this was and of course still is. All of my gear is made by me. Single ended 807 amp, preamp, 2.5 way speakers. Whatever is on a record is what comes out of the speakers. No tone controls or filters of any kind. This setup will tell me immediately a good recording/pressing etc. I have a mint original AAB (B crossed out still 1st press) version of this and it is one of the best, if not the best sounding records of all my originals. Its hard to believe that the UHQR, besides a bit quieter vinyl, could top it but from what I have heard it looks like I need to order one up.

[@ballstadt]

I've spent more than $150 trying to find a good clean copy of the different versions people have claimed to be the best, so I was thrilled to pay $150 for this.

[@Jim-zf2lj]

I'm with you on the box. Good for you for having the balls to let Chadly know.

[@richardriley4415]

When I got back into vinyl I picked up a 2nd press for $6. the sound was really good so I got a NM og Santa Maria pressing for $10 and it's hard to imagine a better sounding record.

[@jeffl915]

The UHQR is absolutely the best sounding version of this LP. I would not spend the money on a UHQR, if you do not have a system that has the ability to give high quality playback. I would say it’s like putting high octane fuel in a Yugo.

[@UFO_computers]

You can’t hear things like Keltner’s hi-hats in Josie very well on the A/B. You can on the RL Greatest Hits. So there’s definitely room for improvement on the A/B

[@anthonykimball7463]

Although I admit that it isn't actually my personal favorite Steely Dan album (Katy Lied is), there's really no doubt that Aja defines the late 70s like Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band defined the late 60s. And that laminated cover on the reissue is freaking UN-EFFING-BELIEVABLE! 😆👍

[@Birdlives247]

Yes. Aja is every bit the equal of Sgt. Pepper's. It proves that the music of the 70's was unbelievably creative and visionary.

[@davidthom7127]

Loved hearing what your system is ❤️ Have you done a list of best audiophile recordings ?

[@mazzysmusic]

Search audiophile and my name. I’ve sort of done a few.

[@Jackgrahamphotograph]

agreed 100%. ... things you hear on the UHQR are amazing!

[@chipper2462]

My brother was a sales rep for ABC and also lost his job.

[@mazzysmusic]

That’s too bad ✌🏼

[@Darrin.Crawford]

Great review Mazz!!!

[@archieduke9324]

Hey Mazzy did you see the Beatles live ? Love the channel 🙏🙏

[@rodrigollanes7619]

Thanks Mazzy. If you had to choose between Aja UHQR or Big Bill Broonzy's diptych, which would you choose?

[@daveg7878]

Kaity Lied and Gaucho were always more my speed but Aja... Wonderful.

[@dg723254]

Thank you for the yacht rock comment!

[@kevinkantell7381]

War of The Worlds Jeff Wayne half speed Master! Through 2 separate amps 2 Klipschorns and a La scala Klipsch center speaker 👍

[@marcellavankraaij]

Do you really like the reissue of War of the Worlds above the original one?

[@stateniland]

UHQR Rules.. Aja is beautiful but my fav is Can't Buy a Thrill and it is Outstanding.. Pretzel Logic is another fav and it is beautiful.

[@mazzysmusic]

The first album is my favorite Dan record ❣️ love Pretzel but not the UHQR version

[@danmartinez5502]

I have the promo , the mofi ,and the DJ 33 of Deacon blues and the First Press . The UHQR crushes them all not even close

[@jbsaudio]

I don't know if it's the best sounding record ever - it's certainly up there. However, it is the best sounding Aja that you will ever hear.

[@maxhirsch7035]

Musical aspects aside, the best way to make the vinyl revival entirely un-hip going forward is to package all new releases/reissues in UHQR boxes with multiple inserts. Just about everyone under 50 (and most of us over 50) will back off from any record encased in it unless its musical merit is rigorously proven.

[@johnryan3913]

Any many of us over 60

[@CrazyAboutVinylRecords]

So, it would seem that mastering from the original master analog tapes really isn't that important after all. This one was mastered from a non-Dolby EQ'd 1/4 inch 15ips tape.

[@MichaelLisk]

Is there any way you can edit out the lip smacks? Thank you.

[@mazzysmusic]

🤓😎🤷🏻‍♂️

[@carrion_man3700]

I agree- I'm not a huge fan of the box. On one hand, these albums deserve a luxurious presentation. On the other hand, I don't keep my records in the boxes because I listen to them. The boxes go into a plastic slip for protection and into the closet! I bought the 33rpm from Grundman. I may jump on the UHQR at some point?

[@madteam3parents773]

My very first UHQR and was also quiet as hell

[@rekodo_intl]

Admittedly, I'm not a huge fan of Steely Dan and I do own an original pressing of Aja. But based on your review, I might have to order the UHQR Aja.

[@marrkzulunuz]

Wot Yot Rok? I suspect that "Josie" was fresh out of 'Yaphank Correctional', "Aja" conjures visions of Maria Callas backstage after Madam Butterfly in '56, and "Peg" is Sylvia McFarland's best impersonation of Pam Grier...all Walter Becker femme-fatales. "Black Cow" is 'Uptown, Baby'(135th @ the Harlem YMCA), "Home at Last" is The Golden Gate Bridge before the barrier, "I got the News" is Monk playing posthumously, and "Deacon Blues" speaks to the DayTrader in me. No yacht about it. Great investment. Great vlog.

[@marksmusicobsession]

Where can I purchase the Hi-Res download of this for day to day use? I wanna make sure it’s from the same source. Thanks

[@mazzysmusic]

I don’t think there is one. Not this mastering version.

[@el_zirb]

Home at Last is weak? come on that one is a masterpiece by itself (just giving you are hard time, keep up the good work Mazzy)

[@mazzysmusic]

🤷🏻‍♂️🕺🕳️

[@stinkenstine]

Two against nature is an amazing recording

[@AndrewWells]

But does the cover SMELL like the original? The lacquers in the original are impossible to forget...

[@jazzboy]

How does it compare to the 192/24 streaming version. Shorter and Gadd are the stars for my taste.

[@bobburroughs6241]

Wish I knew what UHQR was, must be an American thing. My number one band. Great album, Deacon Blues is a top ten favourite.

[@Universityofvinyl]

Thank you for defending SD against the Yacht Rock wing-nuts!

[@SH-ud8wd]

Cool topic 😎 the lyrics are the best arguments against yacht rock.

[@SDsailor7]

Why do they call it yatch rock?

[@Hifi1927]

My 2008 issue is quite noisy 😢

[@sugarbone-cage8497]

Nice Review, Mazzy! I am still not sure, if I should buy it due to price in Euro land. As a guitar player I do not like how the red Strat is positioned on your sofa 😳. You will not like the sound of a broken head (instead of broken glass)😅

[@mazzysmusic]

Ha. I’m careful with my guitars 🎸

[@simondepass4647]

Michael McDonald is one of the greats Period!!!

[@audiotomb]

Nice review Mazzy The vocals are so refined Donald doesn’t sound outrageously snarky on Peg or I Got the News. The sustain, tonality, transparency, articulation, snap