TOTO – ST [Rock Candy Remaster] (2014)

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Rock Candy Records has started the reissue of the catalogue from one of the pillar AOR acts; TOTO.
The initial batch includes the first 3 albums from the band; the self-titled debut “Toto”, “Hydra” and “Turn Back”.
Let’s start with the indispensable “Toto”.

Toto’s debut signalled a significant tipping point in the development of Rock. Similar sounding acts such as Foreigner and Journey sowed the seeds of Melodic Rock AOR but none at that point had truly crafted the definitive role model.
Toto took basic elements and turned them into pure gold by crafting a sound that was precise, cultivated and pretty much flawless, blending memorable songs with state of the art production and melodies that would propel their songs onto the airwaves from Los Angeles to London and all points in between.

Formed by the cream of the L.A. session circuit, the band’s credential were further enhanced by keyboard player and composer David Paich, a man who had carved a successful songwriting reputation with artists such as Boz Scaggs. Joining him was guitar prodigy Steve Lukather, lead vocalist Bobby Kimball, bassist David Hungate, and two brothers in keyboardist Steve and drummer Jeff Porcaro; all men with their eyes on the prize and talent to burn.

The album produced two massive worldwide hit singles: “Hold The Line” and “I’ll Supply The Love”, securing them a top ten album in the Billboard Charts, double Platinum certification and a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist.
Elsewhere the tracks range from the soulful pop of “Georgy Porgy” with some smooth jazzy westcoast feel, to the raging, almost malevolent hard rock of “Girl Goodbye”.

I really like this Rock Candy fresh remaster, because in many ways respect the original warm sound of the original vinyl LP. The difference it’s in the clarity obtained cleaning the hiss, and some gain increase.
And you have the groovy ‘Extended Remix’ of “Georgy Porgy” (also known as ‘Long Version’) as bonus track.
A must have for any AOR fan.

01 – Child’s Anthem
02 – I’ll Supply The Love
03 – Georgy Porgy
04 – Manuela Run
05 – You Are The Flower
06 – Girl Goodbye
07 – Takin’ It Back
08 – Rockmaker
09 – Hold The Line
10 – Angela
11 – Georgy Porgy (Remix) [bonus track]

Bobby Kimball: lead and backing vocals
Steve Lukather: guitars, lead and backing vocals
David Paich: keyboards, lead and backing vocals
Steve Porcaro: keyboards, lead vocals
David Hungate: bass
Jeff Porcaro: drums, percussion
Additional musicians:
Lenny Castro: percussion
Jim Horn: saxophone, wind instruments
Chuck Findley: horns
Roger Linn: synthesizers
Marty Paich, Sid Sharp: string arrangements
Cheryl Lynn: backing vocals on “Georgy Porgy”

BUY IT !
www.emp-online.com/en_GB/toto-toto-cd/art_282469/
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