\ b‘.h.b.s. 'byline FORMUIAS. . . Now there is absolutely nothing wrong in using formulas to solve matfrmatical problems, or using them to bake cakes, or even using formulas to write weekly musid colums. However when formulae are applied to the process of music, the results are generally dauntless critic examines an album by a formidable group, Steely Dan. 'Gaucho' , which is Steely Dan's new product,- Or Shall we say Donald Fagen, Walter Becker, and the cream of New York and Los Angeles session musicians' new product; it is a fine exanple of what I call Formulatic (it's a new word I made up) Music. There is nothing wrong with the New Form-u Iat‘i album. It's pleasant and i'm sure it will not offend anyone. The people who have graced this album are most inpressive: on horns, the likes of Ton Scott, the Brecker Brothers, Randy and Michael, and David Sanborn. Guest guitarists include Steve Khan, Larry ‘ Carlton, and Rick Derringer; druns and percussion are handled by Steve Gadd, Jeff Porcaro, Rick Marotta and \ Ralph MacDonald. Even good old Michael McDonald lends a voice in‘the effort. the studio players crave these sessions as away of showing their virtuosity. 'Ihe years of playing McDonald's Golden Arches conmercials have left many of the musicians devoid of much spontaneity and musical creativity. me This is a poem written by an: inmate at the Sleepy Hollow Correctional Centre in Queens P'.E.I. a reflection of his personal experience but the experience of many he has known the prison walls. . \ Have you ever loved a man that was locked inside, A man that was sentenced and threw away his pride _ He told you‘that he loved you, but kept on breaking your heart By going back to prison and tearing you apart SunSpots My Friend is Goin' Down 'Ihis poan is not resultant product is as expected. The album starts with a mediocre tune in 'Babylon Sisters' and ends with another piece .of elevatcr muzak 'Third World Man' . In between the first and last number is a great deal of filler- unoffensive. but not very inspiring either. The lyrics all have a sense of impending Californian paranoia, interspersed with one or two hunable melOdies, a danceable ditty ('Hey Nineteen') , and sore jazz solos. In fact this album seens to remind one of the last Steely Dan l.p. 'Aja'. Seems Strange that both albums sound very similar. Could it be that the boys are just churning out the same old shit? Steely Dan have found He came out with good intentions but lost out in the end, By getting back into trouble he lost most of his friends. They Said that they's forget about things that before, But every time he tried to explain they kept on shuttin' the door. Sometimes he sits and wonders of times he had with you, And“holds his pillow hard and wishes it wasn't true; 4 He's waiting for your letter that says that you are through But now she sits and cries of what she's got to do. She says that she's been timeand time for you, She'll probably always love you - yes, you know it's true. Signed, F.B. «mu THE “AVENUES * ,Mmgum " I Albeer + slmt , mm v _ (SPECIAL PRICES man‘s) OVER "mm om SPAIN" ’ w FEATURING : BEST BPST 5mm OF MUSIC SOUND srsrm ' BEST chm snow K IAKEEST DAME FLOOR IN DROP ON UP '10 THE AVENUES FORA GOOD TIME, BUT DW'T BE IATE,OR A LINEUP WILL BE YOUR FATE!!! .NO coma CHARGE DISKS SPIN NIGITLY m 9m-lam’ W—wuwamnw-...,...n4im- ., WW..-“ .V . .. 'I. «no. ./.t..- .ou-u-uaM'vxr Thursday, January 22, 1981, page 13 0 Music out over the last few years what the public buys, and so they've lowered them- selves to the tastes of mass marketing. It sure may be musically stifling, and very frustrating to the People who remember the days when the group was innovative, but that doesn't produce platinum albums. True, 'Gaucho' sounds like the outakes from 'Aja', but if we buy it, the next album will sound the same. If you are a fanatical buyer of Steely Dan albums then you have already lined the pockets of Messrs. Fagen and Becker, but if you haven't bought 'Gaucho', don't. The only people who deserve this album are the ones who hum to the music played in supermarkets, and who really think this music is good jazz. CIMN: An Adventure in Radio Are you looking for sanething challenging to do in your spare time? Do you feel that what's on the radio now leaves something to be desires? Well, whether you want to change the face of radio, take on a fun but serious 'iob, or just get involved in that wonderful world we call radio, we at CIMN will welcome you with open arms. We're always looking for people who, although lack experience, are creative, and can set a goal and work toward it. We'lll show you the basics and from there you Can pursue and direction and come up with your show. But, you say, I DESPISE MUSIC. Never fear, Bring us your programing ideas and we'll talk about than. Talk shows, drama, ccmedy, even imaginery cooking shows, we'll try anything. Come and join us. You'll meet interesting People and get an over. View of the whole university. Vb're your radio station.