Walter Becker and Donald Fagan's talents begin to bloom here. Freed from the grind of touring that wore down so many bands with potential, they could concentrate on their neurotic perfectionism and create recorded music that is both clear and deep.

This reissue sparkles, the musical layers in relief, the sneer and terror in Donald Fagan's voice ringing over the snap and smear of Michael Omartian's dynamic pianism. Donald Fagan and David Paitch contribute keyboards of various types throughout, always to good effect. Larry Carlton, Denny Dias, Rick Derringer, Dean Parks, Hugh McCracken, and Walter Becker contribute the excellent guitar work.

The album begins with an ominous song of dread, "Black Friday," whose existance might alone justify the invention of the electric piano, if that invention might need to be justified.

The big Bosendorfer powers the next cut, the classic "Bad Sneakers," a tale of exile and aimlessness in the big city. Michael McDonald's back-up vocals of "Goin' insane" give the song some bluesy atmosphers, while the nearly whimsical guiter solo over some nice piano chops belies the seriousness of the song's existential dilemma.

And of course, certainly one of the 10 best Steely Dan songs, "Dr. Wu," a Miami Beach epic of the love jones and Asian physicians. Once again the piano strikes like a bell, and Porcarco's minimal percussion on the verse ticks like a bomb. Fagan's lament for his lost and future love murders me still, as it killed me back in 1977. Phil Woods takes this song into the stratosphere with an alto saxophone solo few could match; consider how well this solo works in the context of the music and the lyrics compared to the clumsliness with which most solos intrude on other songs.

Katy Lied, indeed. Like a fresh morning breeze on a summer day that carries the portent of pain and a lonely night. In short, a masterpiece.


You're Not a true Dan Fan without this one   September 13, 2002
Mark R. Van Wagenen (Elgin, Illinois USA)
27 out of 27 found this review helpful

"Katy Lied" is the best album Steely Dan did, improving even on "Pretzel Logic". Why? This album plays to the band's strengths: Donald Fagen's incredible piano playing and the songwriting. They were at their best with edgy, cynical and clever lyrics and that is in abundance here. Throw in some other well-known names like guitarist Rick Derringer and vocalist Michael McDonald here and it add even more. The leadoff track, "Black Friday" is a brutal tale about a guy who causes financial panic and flees to Australia to "feed all the kangaroos". Great guitar work make this an excellent leadoff track and a minor Top 40 hit. "Bad Sneakers", an FM staple, is funky and mellow; listen for McDonald's distinctive background vocals (you also hear him on "Any World That I'm Welcome To"). "Daddy Don't Live in that New York City No More", a story about a broken-down wiseguy, is another number with clever, subtle lyrics (you get the lyrics on the Dan's remastered CDs, which can be very helpful). "Doctor Wu" is the album's tour-de-force, with beautiful piano and a haunting alto sax solo by Phil Woods; this might be THE track that best defines the band. "Everyone's Gone to the Movies" is a close second to "Doctor Wu"; the lyrics about a neighborhood weirdo with his movie projector are absolutely irresistable and classic Dan (many have tried, and failed, to adequately parlay similar worldviews into artistic success). Piano fans will like "Your Gold Teeth II", a completely different tune than its namesake on "Countdown to Ecstacy". "Chain Lightning" is maybe the album's coolest track and has more toughness in the lyrics. The aforementioned "Any World", another FM staple, is a great tale of loneliness and searching for a place that is elusive. "Throw Back the Little Ones" is hard to figure out, but you gotta love the refrain: "Throw back the little ones and pan-fry the big ones; use poise, tact and reason and gently squeeze them". This is one of my very favorite CDs.


Katy Did   September 28, 2006
Ren
26 out of 26 found this review helpful

Not telling you anything you don't already know, but this memory surfaces everytime I see the cover of or play any of the songs on Katy Lied. When this album came out, my high school science class was dabbling in entomology (bugs) so I paid attention to the seemingly inscrutable cover art of Katy Lied. Well, as we all know, it's a Katydid... just another sardonic Becker-Fagen play on words. But the knowledge that Katy did, gives an extra punch to Fagen's 'I was half-way crucified' lyric. Dr. Wu is their best song ever.


Their Best   April 22, 2008
Todd D. Alt (Ohio)
23 out of 23 found this review helpful

Steely Dan never made a bad album/CD, period. This is their best. If just for the bass riff in Gold Teeth, you need this CD. The level of muscianship has never been surpassed. The level of sophistication and insight is in a class by itself. The unbelievable quest for perfection that these two guys were on is unique in the pop music world, and I feel that the pinacle was Katy Lied. You can never get tired of this CD, it is timeless and absolutely amazing.


A beautiful album filled with classic songs   April 21, 2007
sir_isaac_newton (UK)
22 out of 22 found this review helpful

I have several Steely Dan albums, including this one, and they are all filled with great songs, performed well by exceptional musicians (they had great taste in guitarists and really gave them the opportunity to shine) and with excellent production. There are no bad songs on any of the albums I have. I also recommend Aja (sublime), Royal Scam & Gaucho. I should really try some of their newer stuff too (the singles sound great).