Steely Dan - The Royal Scam (1976)

Any Steely Dan album is worth more than a spin, and 1976's 'The Royal Scam' is remarkable not only because of the strong songs but also for the searing solos by guitarist Larry Carlton, especially on the opener 'Kid Charlemagne'.

There're plenty of smart cosmic moments courtesy of Donald Fagen and Walter Becker, and the rock-oriented drive on many of the tunes makes this one of Dan's grittier fuzz-fuelled efforts.