 In 1974, Pretzel Logic found Steely Dan at a crossroads. Their first two albums had done what Fagan and Becker had set out to do, establish the band as a viable business proposition. Having proved they could make hits, such as Reelin' in the Years and Do It Again, they were able to take more creative control of their career. Fagan and Becker would no longer need to answer to record company bosses about their obtuse lyrics or justify their intricate arrangements.