Toto

Daniel.San

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...Is my new favourite old school rock band.

They're probably mostly known for their 1982 hit "Africa" (it's on GTA: Vice City for the guys young guys out there) however they have had a lot of hits over the years and lasted over 30 years in the business. Every band member is extremely talented, with ex-member Steve Porcaro composing Michael Jackson's Human Nature, and his late brother Jeff Porcaro playing the drums on Beat It and Heal The World.

I came across them by initially listening to "Africa" on YouTube, followed by the song "Georgy Porgy", which came as a surprise as it's extremely groovy, coming from a band who sung Africa no doubt. Most of the band sings in some songs, however it's the lead guitarist Steve Lukather and lead vocalist Bobby Kimball who sing MOST of the songs (they have had 3 or so lead singers since they began, with Bobby leaving, then returning years later).

They are a really good diverse band, and most of their songs are too catchy for words. It's a real shame they were never MASSIVE stars as they have had some terrific songs you've probably never realised who sung it. This is partly due to the fact the group has changed lead singers over the years and thus a solid identity hasn't really been formed (apart from being extraordinary musicians).

My FAVOURITE songs at the moment:
(If you can, watch them LIVE as well... they're just as good, if not BETTER live). In fact, if you can, type in "Toto 1990" into YouTube and watch their entire concert in Paris. It's magical and they were on fire that night.

You should also check out their later concerts in 2004. Decades later still sounding as good as ever!

I Won't Hold You Back:
- The piano solo in the beginning... terrific. The song is slow but so good.
[YOUTUBE]epqQvQfyubc[/YOUTUBE]

Georgy Porgy:
- This is a funkier song, remade in the 90's by Eric Benet.
[youtube]eSKkyriwV_4[/youtube]

Rosanna:
- It's ridiculous how catchy this song is. I can't stop singing it.
[youtube]Gq4ychrRkQA[/youtube]

Melanie:
- This was made in 1998, still sounding awesome.
[youtube]w4l4cLZFumQ[/youtube]
 
Some of the members had a lot to do with The Jacksons' Victory album. Jeff did a lot of session work with many acts. Georgy Porgy was my favorite when it came out. I think the female singer on it was Merry Clayton. The Eric Benet & Faith Evans remake was nice too.
 
Steve Lukather & David Paich wrote a song called "Show Me The Love" on George Benson's 2009 album Songs And Stories. They also play on the tune and Steve Porcaro does too.
 
Great band. I saw them live a couple of times at B.B. Kings Blues club here in NYC a few years ago.

I have to say that my favorite songs of theirs are the two sappy ballads..."I Won't Hold You Back" and "I'll Be Over You".

How sad that Mike Porcaro has ALS from what I've heard.



 
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