Toto "through the looking glass" – Part 1
TOTO released “through the looking glass” in 2002 on his own record label Toto Recordings Inc. The album is dedicated to the memory of “Jeff Porcaro” with the caption “we love 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 big record company they had been under contract with for years, so to mark the special occasion they organized . 11 songs by the artists who have influenced Toto the most. These carefully 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, transport you in a time tunnel through a very special place and time, as if it were your own personal journey through “The History of Music”. The “Through the Looking Glass” collection of songs and composers is an achievement in itself, and one that you should surely have in your music collection. This album takes you back in time and place. You will travel through a period of famous moments. who have made music what it is today.
The first song on the album is a fantastic version of the famous song (could you be loved) written by the legendary reggae artist “Bob Marley”. This version that Toto has created 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 dedication to the man himself. I’m sure “Bob Marley” would have been quite impressed with the outcome 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 how, they interpret this classic with great flair. A brilliant version and a good rhythm for the song.
Track 3 is dedicated to “George Harrison, The Beatles” and their smash hit (While My Guitar Weeps Softly). Toto’s rendition of this haunting ballad is tastefully composed, featuring a guitar solo from “Steve Lukather.” who literally takes you to another dimension with his lead guitar solo, just brilliant, hats off to you.
Track 4 (I can’t get next to you) was written by former Motown songwriters “Barrett Strong and Norman Whitfield” (heard it through the grapevine, war, my imagination, etc). This passionate, 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 loud as his wife or neighbor will allow, since he really does 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.