Toto "Through the looking glass" – Part 1
TOTO released “Through the Looking Glass” in 2002 on their own record label Toto Recordings Inc. The album is dedicated to the memory of “Jeff Porcaro” with the caption “We love you and miss you. God bless Toto.”
Toto’s first release on their own record label was a treat for the band as they were finally able to break free from the shackles of the powerful and important record company they had been under contract with for years, to mark the special occasion they hosted. 11 songs by the artists who have most influenced Toto. These hand-selected songs were written by some of the most famous and influential artists of all time. These particular songs that Toto has chosen for this album will take you on a journey back in time through a very special place and time, like your own personal journey through “The History of Music.” The collection of songs and songwriters for “Through the Looking Glass” is an achievement in itself, and one that you should surely have in your music collection, that they have made music what it is today.
The first song on the album is a fantastic version of the famous song, (could it be loved?) Written by the legendary reggae artist “Bob Marley”. This version that Toto has put together has a great sound and is very well produced, with “James Ingram” singing the ad libs and “Tippa Irie” aka “Anthony Henry” doing the Deejay’n. The song is great dedication to the man himself, I’m sure “Bob Marley” would have been quite impressed by the result of this version of his song.
Track 2 is (bodhisattva) written by “Walter Becker and Donald Fagen”, Steely Dan, two of the best songwriters of our time, and as only Toto knows, put out this classic with a lot of style. A brilliant cover and a good rhythm for the song.
Track 3 is dedicated to “George Harrison,” The Beatles, “and their smash hit, (as my guitar cries softly). Toto’s rendition of this haunting ballad is tastefully composed, with a guitar solo by” Steve Lukather. “which literally takes you to another dimension with his lead guitar solo, just great. Hats off to you.
Track 4 (I Can’t Stand By You) was written by veteran Motown songwriters “Barrett Strong and Norman Whitfield” (I heard it through the vine, the war, my imagination, etc.). This vibrant, hard-core song is a testament to all things Motown. Toto’s version of this hard rock classic is dynamite to behold, and should be played as loudly as his wife or neighbor will allow, as it truly remove the paint. the wall, brilliant song for a party compilation of high energy songs.
Part 2 of my Toto review, “Through the Looking Glass”, will be posted here soon.