On this day in music history: November 21, 1980 - “Gaucho”, the seventh album by Steely Dan is released. Produced by Gary Katz, it is recorded at Soundworks, A&R Studios, Sigma Sound Studios, Automated Sound in New York City, Village Recorders in West Los Angeles, CA, and Producer’s Workshop in Hollywood, CA from March 1978 - September 1980. Issued as the follow up to the hugely successful “Aja”, the duo will spend over two years working on it, and will experience numerous setbacks. These will include the loss of the song “The Second Arrangement” when it is partially erased by a tape operator, and when Walter Becker is hit by a cab (severely fracturing his leg) while walking to the studio, not to mention the duo’s notorious perfectionism. There will also be a battle with MCA Records over the list pricing of the album which will be set at $9.98 against Steely Dan’s wishes. Becker and Fagen will be forced to capitulate when the label threatens to shelve the album unless they agree to the higher price point. In spite of all the behind the scenes drama, the album is well received upon its release, though it will end up being the last new new studio album from Steely Dan for 19 years. It will spin off two singles including “Hey Nineteen” (#10 Pop, #64 R&B), and “Time Out Of Mind” (#22 Pop). “Gaucho” will peak at #9 on the Billboard Top 200 and is certified Platinum in the US by the RIAA.
On this day in music history: November 21, 1980 - “Gaucho”, the seventh album by Steely Dan is released. Issued as the follow up to the hugely successful “Aja”, the duo will spend over two years working on it and will experience numerous setbacks, including the loss of one song when it is partially erased by a tape operator, and Walter Becker is hit by a cab (severely fracturing his leg) while walking to the studio. There will also be a battle with MCA Records over the list pricing of the album which will be set at $9.98 against Steely Dan’s wishes. It will spin off two singles including “Hey Nineteen” (#10 Pop). “Gaucho” will peak at #9 on the Billboard Top 200.
