STEELY DAN - ROYAL SCAM CD

Released in 1976, The Royal Scam marked a pivotal moment in Steely Dan's evolution toward studio perfectionism, delivering a darker, more cynical tone wrapped in complex jazz-rock arrangements. This album features some of the band's sharpest songwriting and introduces drummer Bernard 

The Royal Scam, with such fan favorites as "Kid Charlemagne," "The Fez," "The Caves of Altamira," and the biting title track, will return to vinyl for the first time in more than 40 years on June 6, 2025 via Geffen/UMe, concluding the extensive reissue program of the band's classic ABC and MCA Records catalog that began in November 2022 with the Dan's legendary debut LP, Can't Buy A Thrill.

Steely Dan was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame as part of its 2024 inductees with Donald Fagen and Walter Becker joining R.E.M. and Timbaland. The Steely Dan Reissue Series was personally overseen by founding member Donald Fagen.

Released in 1976, The Royal Scam marked a pivotal moment in Steely Dan's evolution toward studio perfectionism, delivering a darker, more cynical tone wrapped in complex jazz-rock arrangements. This album features some of the band's sharpest songwriting and introduces drummer Bernard Purdie to the fold — his first appearance on a Steely Dan record — bringing his signature groove to tracks such as "Kid Charlemagne" and "Green Earrings." Guitarist Larry Carlton delivers searing solos throughout the album, particularly on "Don't Take Me Alive," while Dean Parks adds talk box flair to the reggae-influenced "Haitian Divorce."

The album also includes standout cuts such as the funky, offbeat "The Fez" and the epic title track, "The Royal Scam," a scathing portrait of shattered American dreams. With contributions from bassist Chuck Rainey, keyboardist Paul Griffin, and the soaring background vocals of Michael McDonald, The Royal Scam combines biting social commentary with masterful musicianship, making it a cult favorite and a testament to Steely Dan's uncompromising artistic vision.

The Royal Scam was ranked as Steely Dan's second-best album by Stereogum, declaring it "their fiercest, funkiest record in their entire catalog, a classic that transitioned them from the uneasy company of the yacht-rock smooth to a mean unit that grooved like Stevie for pessimists."

to the fold — his first appearance on a Steely Dan record — bringing his signature groove to tracks such as "Kid Charlemagne" and "Green Earrings." Guitarist Larry Carlton delivers searing solos throughout the album, particularly on "Don't Take Me Alive," while Dean Parks adds talk box flair to the reggae-influenced "Haitian Divorce."

The album also includes standout cuts such as the funky, offbeat "The Fez" and the epic title track, "The Royal Scam," a scathing portrait of shattered American dreams. With contributions from bassist Chuck Rainey, keyboardist Paul Griffin, and the soaring background vocals of Michael McDonald, The Royal Scam combines biting social commentary with masterful musicianship, making it a cult favorite and a testament to Steely Dan's uncompromising artistic vision.

The Royal Scam was ranked as Steely Dan's second-best album by Stereogum, declaring it "their fiercest, funkiest record in their entire catalog, a classic that transitioned them from the uneasy company of the yacht-rock smooth to a mean unit that grooved like Stevie for pessimists."