I mention this because I am fully aware that Aja – Steely Dan’s sixth album – is beloved by many fans. An equal number of their fans revile it. You can count me in the latter group.

Photographs in illustration by Santiago Felipe/; John Atashian/; Paul Bergen/Redferns/; Gary Null/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal/; BSR Agency/Gentle Look/; Jim McCrary/Redferns/; Michael Putland/; Frank ...