The sophisticated sounds made by songwriters Donald Fagan and Walter Becker under the moniker Steely Dan were not the usual fare for rock radio in the '70s, but the duo's amalgam of pop, jazz, soul and funk mixed with cryptic, darkly humorous lyrics became an FM staple with tunes like "Do It Again," "Peg" and "Rikki Don't Lose That Number." Backed by a rotating cast of session players, Fagan and Becker had a remarkable run of hits that ended when the pair split up after recording 'Gaucho' in 1980.

After years of silence and only sporadic solo recordings, Becker and Fagan reunited in the '90s for Fagan's 'Kamakiriad' album and the first Steely Dan tour in two decades. Though the album didn't do well, the concerts were a resounding success, leading to an official reunion and a new recording. The curdmudgeonly pair walked off with the Album of the Year Grammy in 2000 for the resulting effort, 'Two Against Nature.' The band's most recent tour isn't in support of a new album as one might expect (their last effort, 'Everything Must Go,' came out a full six years ago). Instead, the 'Rent Party '09 Tour' finds the group delivering highly specialized sets over the course of five shows in the Bay Area at smaller than usual venues.

The band will perform arguably its most popular album 'Aja' in its entirety along with a set of greatest hits when it plays at the San Jose Civic Auditorium on Tuesday before returning for a second "Internet Request" show on Wednesday where the set list will be made up songs voted for by ticket holders. On Friday, the group again performs 'Aja,' followed by a show offering up their underrated gem 'The Royal Scam' Saturday night and another "Internet Request" concert Sunday.

Steely Dan
Tuesday-Wednesday, Oct. 20-21, 8 p.m. $50-$254
San Jose Civic

Friday-Sunday, Oct. 23-25, 8 p.m. $50-$254
Masonic Auditorium