The 1970s wouldn’t be quite what they were without Steely Dan. Walter Becker and Donald Fagen’s labor of love fused rock and pop with complex jazz, and their cryptic and sardonic lyrics grooved their way into the hearts of everybody with ears.

They toured a little in the 70s, but Becker and Fagen’s obsession with audio perfection led them to become a studio-only band, making use of session musicians and recording parts over and over until they were flawless. Even today, their meticulous production and songwriting shines through.

Becker and Fagen were so cool it hurt. They dealt in sunglasses, beatnik outfits, and rare public appearances. These pictures from the 1970s heyday of yacht rock’s hippest band drip coolness. Dim the lights and check them out.