The jazz-inflected rock group Steely Dan set the bar high for studio precision and musical complexity in rock during the 1970s. Fans laud the band’s light-funk touch, sarcastic lyrics and lasting popularity. Others say the duo of Walter Becker and Donald Fagen is just too smooth. As Steely Dan mounts an eight-night stand at the Beacon Theatre, rock critic Kandia Crazy Horse and Sean Manning, editor of the essay collection Rock 'n’ Roll Cage Match, face off in a Soundcheck Smackdown.

Weigh in: What do you think of Steely Dan? Dynamic duo or dusty dinosaurs? Leave a comment.