Steely Dan: Reelin' in the Years

The acclaimed (and only!) biography of one of rock's most elusive mega-bands, newly updated

The only book ever to have been published on Steely Dan, Reelin’ in the Years tells the strange tale of how Walter Becker and Donald Fagen, two cynical New York jazz fans, wormed their way into a record contract and astonished critics with their debut album, Can’t Buy a Thrill. Seven albums later, after Aja had topped charts everywhere, they were among the biggest selling acts in the world.

But Steely Dan were different from the rest of rocks megastars. They rarely gave interviews. After some early bad experiences on the road, they refused to tour. They didn’t have photographs taken. They were perfectionists. They were enigmatic. They were very rich. Their music was the coolest around.

In Reelin’ in the Years, Steely Dan archivist Brian Sweet draws back the veil of secrecy that has surrounded Becker and Fagen. Critically acclaimed on its original publication (and called “controversial and critical” by the band members themselves) this updated edition includes details of Becker and Fagen’s work in the 21st century, including their solo albums.