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Countdown to Ecstasy

by Steely Dan

Released: July 03, 1973

Rock, jazz rock, pop

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Why This Album Matters

This album matters because its strongest editorial story is: Breakthrough.

The Album

"Countdown to Ecstasy" is the second studio album by American rock band Steely Dan, released by ABC Records in July 1973. Following vocalist David Palmer's departure, Donald Fagen took over lead vocals on every track.

Inside the Recording

Recorded primarily at the Village Recorder in West Los Angeles, California, it notably features Rick Derringer's slide guitar part on "Show Biz Kids," recorded at Caribou Ranch in Colorado.

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Essential Tracks

Show Biz Kids

Recorded primarily at the Village Recorder in West Los Angeles, California, it notably features Rick Derringer's slide guitar part on "Show Biz Kids," recorded at Caribou Ranch in Colorado.

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Explore the Album

Steely Dan - Countdown to Ecstasy

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Reception

Despite critical acclaim, the album did not produce a hit single in the US and reached number 35 on the Billboard Top LPs & Tapes chart. However, it was later certified Gold by the RIAA in 1978. Over time, "Countdown to Ecstasy" has earned perfect scores from music critics in retrospective reviews, solidifying its status as a classic in Steely Dan's discography.

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The Complete Album Story

"Countdown to Ecstasy" is the second studio album by American rock band Steely Dan, released by ABC Records in July 1973. Recorded primarily at the Village Recorder in West Los Angeles, California, it notably features Rick Derringer's slide guitar part on "Show Biz Kids," recorded at Caribou Ranch in Colorado.

Following vocalist David Palmer's departure, Donald Fagen took over lead vocals on every track. Despite critical acclaim, the album did not produce a hit single in the US and reached number 35 on the Billboard Top LPs & Tapes chart. However, it was later certified Gold by the RIAA in 1978. Over time, "Countdown to Ecstasy" has earned perfect scores from music critics in retrospective reviews, solidifying its status as a classic in Steely Dan's discography.