So have you ever had one of those weeks where you were never really able to focus? Never really able to give everything the attention it deserves? This past week was one for me. That’s why this mumbling is coming out on Friday. Getting from day to day has been very difficult. Just trying to keep all the plates spinning. And I failed a LOT this week. But I had my reasons. My 17-year-old started virtual school this week. My sleep has been impaired. The state of the world has been very distracting, dealing with the cognitive dissonance of otherwise-intelligent human beings playing fealty to a wannabe dictator, excusing his disgusting transgressions (which were caught ON TAPE) and spewing nonsense they don’t even realize is racist as hell based on their fear of “the other” and their imaginary notion of what a leftist or even a centrist is and what they believe. It’s really broken whatever faith I had that people will eventually accept reality when it is presented to them. But we’re not going down that rabbit hole with this post.

We’re going to talk about TOTO.

Yes, TOTO.

The classic band from Los Angeles that (in its most-popular version) featured the talents of Steve Lukather, Jeff Porcaro, David Paich, David Hungate, Mike Porcaro, Steve Porcaro, Lenny Castro, and Bobby Kimball.

The classic band from Los Angeles that had at least one member playing on about 90% of the pop songs produced in Los Angeles between 1975-1992.

The classic band from Los Angeles that put out one of the best career-spanning recorded concerts I’ve ever seen (2019’s “40 Tours Around The Sun”).

Now, the band kind of isn’t a band right now – but they did one of my favorite silly Quarantunes, even if it isn’t one of my favorite songs of theirs:

And as I’ve mentioned before on this blog, they are a huge hit with my toddler. His favorite song is Rosanna – and specifically this version (he calls it “Boo Nana”):

Honestly, I was a little put off the first time I heard this live clip, because it isn’t exactly like the recorded version, but I’ve grown to love it. Drummer Shannon Forrest doesn’t play like Jeff Porcaro, but man he’s got such a great feel that it’s so close, and adds his own personality in a way that doesn’t detract from the song the way other drummers I’ve heard play it do. And Joe Williams’ vocals ain’t Bobby (who is? Bobby isn’t even Bobby anymore…), but they are solid.

Now, historically, my experience with TOTO pretty much started with Rosanna, lingered a bit with Africa, and ended with Hold The Line. Until I started down this path to greater appreciation of one of America’s most underrated bands and realized one of my favorite mid-80s “lite” pop songs that I never knew the band name was in fact TOTO!

And, of course, as all great smooth pop songs from the 70s and 80s do, it features great backing vocals from Michael McDonald. This is the only song I felt was a glaring omission from the “40 Tours Around The Sun” show.

So then I was thinking – what else is there that I didn’t realize was TOTO?

Turns out, not much. But man was it fun going through the albums. Talk about a diverse band. They can play anything. Their wheelhouse (really, their superpower) is polished pop music with prog and rock elements, though. Want a super 80s-sounding pop song with a shreddy/proggy multiple-instrument riff breakdown? Check out “Stop Loving You”.

Praising the individual members of TOTO would take many posts. I already did a whole post on Steve Lukather, but I’ll briefly muse about all the others. First, David Paich – Great songs and arranging – especially vocals, hooky keyboard parts, awesome hats. Steve Porcaro – innovative use of synths and fantastic playing/songwriting/arranging in general. Bobby Kimball – brilliant, passionate, soulful vocals. Joseph Williams – loves the band as much as the fans, always brings the heart and soul to his vocals. David Hungate – solid, grooving, clever bass playing that always suited the song. Mike Porcaro (R.I.P.) – tasteful, perfect, tight bass playing that always served the arrangement. Simon Phillips – brought his personality and musicality to all his drum parts (1992-2014). Lenny Castro – authentic Latin percussion with NYC attitude – an all-time great.

And of course, the ultimate drumming legend, Jeff Porcaro (R.I.P.) – FEEL. TOUCH. TIME. PERFECTION. Always. One of my favorite drummers – maker of “named” grooves (like “the Rosanna shuffle”).

Big praise goes to the “40 Tours” band, featuring the “main four”, including Steve Lukather on guitar/vocals, David Paich on piano/vocals, Steve Porcaro on keyboards, and Joseph Williams on vocals, the legendary Lenny Castro on percussion, and then the “new guys” – the amazing Shannon Forrest on Drums, Shem von Schroeck on bass/vocals, Warren Ham on sax/harmonica/vocals, Just singing their praises to thank them for always being awesome.

I’m happy so many people have gotten to learn about them because Africa went viral a few years ago. Weezer’s covers sucked ass, but they tried. I know a lot of people liked them. I just thought they were hack…like a lot of that Weezer covers album, actually. I know they did their best, but I guess their best wasn’t good enough.

To close, I’ll just share another one of my toddler’s favorite videos – probably the video that made him love Rosanna more than anything (he calls this “Rick Nana”), Rick Beato’s “What Makes This Song Great?” Episode 9:

And that’s it for now. TOTO in toto. Well not really “in toto” but that’s what I’m talking about. TOTO.

The classic band from Los Angeles that actually played most of the songs from your childhood if you’re an 80s or 90s kid.

It’s going to take a lot to drag me away from you, TOTO.

(hee hee)

Black Lives Matter, wear your mask, wash your hands, keep physical distance, etc. Also, if you’re in the USA and eligible to vote, vote for decency in November. That means pretty much anyone but Donald Trump.

TMS