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Walter Becker (1/2 of the great jazz/rock band Steely Dan) has produced a great sounding album that, although tinged with the Steely Dan sound, shows that he has his own unique brand of music to offer. This album shows that (and I love Steely Dan so I am not complaining) Donald Fagen (the other 1/2 of Steely Dan) has more of the creative control over Steely Dan. The sound that Fagen produced on his solo works was very much the same as that which Steely Dan created and perfected in the 70's. Walter Becker has shown on this album that he, despite the fact that Fagen co-produced and played, has a completely different feel for composition, playing and singing. Becker does prove, through his lyrics and even the album title, to be the more sarcastic and ironic portion of Steely Dan; the album title is a great example: dumb question; how many songs are there on "11 Tracks of Whack"? dumb answer, 12. Becker wrote 11 of the songs himself (perhaps lending to the title), and co-wrote the 12th. The irony in the title could also be a simple play on the title itself; the back of the album jacket gives the definition of "whack" as 'a first stab or crude attempt', perhaps showing Becker's own self-deprecating sense of humor in suggesting that he only accomplishes his goal of good music on 11 of the 12 tracks. Regardless, Becker proves that the sharp wit and biting lyrics of Steely Dan fame are a shared phenomenon of the Steely Dan duo. This album has a great rock edge while still remaining "fuzzy" around the edges. Obviously due to Becker's instrument of choice, the guitar, the album has a strong guitar backbone; grown from the Steely Dan sound while it delves in to new musical territory for the SD alum. It definitely leaves me wanting for more solo work from Becker. "Book of Liars", a slow jazz tune that owns it's time on the album, is by far the best song. "Surf and/or Die" mercifully takes you in the opposite direction of The Beach Boys sound, with a fantastic bass line and groovy guitar licks. "Down in the Bottom", "Junkie Girl" and "Lucky Henry" are all fantastic tunes with great lyrics. "Girlfriend" has a decidedly Steely Dan feel despite the synth-drums that are a bit too 80's for me. "My Waterloo" and "Hat too Flat" both have a cool semi-reggae feel, again despite the synth-drums on "My Waterloo". "Hat too Flat" has a slow rythym that sucks you in yet almost makes you uncomfortable because you keep waiting for it to take off. "Little Kawai", I believe was composed as a Hawaiian tune, replete with the obligatory ukelele (Becker has a recording studio in and lives part-time in Hawaii), but it sounds more like a country tune and just doesn't quite do it for me. "Hard Up Case", "Cringemaker" and "This Moody Bastard" round out the album with solid licks, cool bass lines and great percussion. Becker has offered a truly eclectic collection of tunes that tend to keep you off balance due to the extreme swings of mood, rythym, sound and lyric. Altogether, a really good album. 4.5 out of 5; not quite excellent.Read full review
As a long time Steely Dan fan, I awaited this CD with great anticipation. I was not disappointed. Anyone familiar with the work of Shostakovich, would state with great exuberance that the first listen is difficult but what follows on the second and third listen is sublime. So too with Walter Becker. After years of replaying this CD, it is as fresh as ever. The masterful arrangements and engaging lyrics are a treat for the brain. Each time one listens, more of the music is developed into a picture perfect photo of what music should look like. In my mind's eye I can see the notes float artfully around my limbic system, resonating into a beat that is a soulful and aural treat. This CD is an effort of a great imagination and a diligent worker in the complexities of sound. Mr. Becker has given us a great treat that will entertain us for years to come; the value of a CD such as this one is enhanced by this fact alone.Read full review
Verified purchase: No
A friend of mine asked me if I had heard the CD by Walter Becker called "11 TRACKS OF WHACK" which I hadn't. Someone had told him it was really good stuff. I decided to find it and see for myself. Being a big Steely Dan fan how could I go wrong.....well, I did. I could only listen to about the first 5 cuts before I had to turn it off. I immediately put it back in the case and sent it to my "so called" friend for his evaluation. Walter Becker can't sing! The guitar licks are smart, sharp and in the traditional Dan style, but everything else falls short. His vocal is so poor that even his guitar playing can't save this really bad effort. I was hoping for a real sleeper.....I snoozed alright. Not sure what else to tell you other than it's quite obvious that Walter Becker should stick with playing his lead guitar and possibly some background vocals. A man must know his limitations. The title of this CD should have given it away!Read full review
Sorry, love The Dan but Walter on his own has the wacky but just missing the magic that seems to come on Steely Dan. Maybe just personal preference. Rest in peace Walter
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I liked this album from the first day it came out. It does show with more clarity the talents of Walter Becker. Donald Fagen played on this album, but it wasn't close to being a Steely Dan album. It is pure and simple Walter Becker. From past albums where Larry Carlton did a good deal of the guitar work one wouldn't think Becker could play. Well, the man can...nice melodic riffs and hardy rhythms. Get a copy of this before it goes oop. I don't know why it didn't become a better loved album than it did. Perhaps people just didn't know who Walter Becker is.
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