Through The Looking Glass is F***ING AWESOME!!!

[TotoStu]

Oh man, I tell ya. For some reason - the Toto album I'm listening too the most at the moment is Through The Looking Glass, the "controversial" covers album. I've read a few interviews with Steve Lukather where he says the band got kind of a hard time for doing it - I really don't get why cause I think it's really strong. There are a good selection of tunes on it - and I do not think it has one weak note really.

My favourites are easily the Steely Dan and Stevie Wonder covers. That Herbie Hancock instrumental is beautiful aswell. It's a great listening experience from start to finish.

Really surprises me that this gets slated in some corners. The only Toto songs I knew for most of my life were the three that EVERYONE knows - yet it was someone playing me the version of "Bodhissatva" they did that made me look into the band further and become the fan I am today.

I think we should show this album some love in here.

[The_Noble_Cause]

Only TOTO album I didnt even bother to purchase. TOTO is better than covers. In fact, the Amsterdam dvd is great, except when they stop to play cover tunes.

[TotoStu]

Only TOTO album I didnt even bother to purchase. TOTO is better than covers. In fact, the Amsterdam dvd is great, except when they stop to play cover tunes.

That's a shame dude cause they really do something nice with those covers. I know that generally speaking cover albums aren't popular - but this one really is worth a listen.

[St.George]

Ok,

I've been reading on the "new album direction" post your opinion about "The Seventh One" and "Fahrenheit"... and now I read this about the "turdest" TOTO album ever!!! Man, you have to tell me what shit do you snort, because it seems good

Honestly, do you like TOTO at all?

[lordreo]

I listened to it again today, and while it is certainly not the worst cover album I ever heard, it is nothing special. And Toto records for me are all about that something special. I don't hate it, but it did not and will not find its way on my playlist.

[JohnH]

I hate cover albums but I think I would dig this one. It's kind of disappointing after 35 years Nathan East's upcoming album is a lot of covers and some originals.

[TotoStu]

I don't quite understand why people are generally dismissive toward covers albums. I just see it as a damn good Toto album. I try and divorce myself as much as I can from the fact that these are covers and just try and judge it as I would any other album. In that respect it comes up trumps for me!

[TotoStu]

Ok,

I've been reading on the "new album direction" post your opinion about "The Seventh One" and "Fahrenheit"... and now I read this about the "turdest" TOTO album ever!!! Man, you have to tell me what shit do you snort, because it seems good

Honestly, do you like TOTO at all?

Wow... only just saw this from St.George. I sure admire a man who doesn't beat around the bush! YESSIR!

"The Seventh One" and "Farenheit" - for ME - are just a bit too pop. I'm well aware those albums have their fans and I admit to liking some tunes from those myself. But that's the thing. I "like" them. I don't "LOVE" them. But I accept them as part of the overall Toto legacy - and (it's very important I say this) on my homemade "Favourite Toto Songs" playlist - 4 or 5 songs on it ARE from these.

As for calling "Through The Looking Glass" the turdest Toto album... I think that is a bum rap. All of those artists influenced Toto in a lot of ways and I think it's a lovely way to pay tribute to them. I think it's a strong album and despite the fact that it's a cover album - Toto really do some experimental stuff with the tunes and it shouldn't be dismissed.

As for what "shit" I snort... I'm afraid I have none to offer you. I don't do any drugs, I don't smoke and I'm completely tee total and have not had an alcohol based beverage in four years. I'm completely clean living. Don't even drink coffee. My only vice is the occasional bit of chocolate. Sorry to disappoint you my friend!

[yulog]

Covers cds blow, they are a waste of time and cd space. You have been waiting for your band to put out a new cd for several years and they put out something that 99% never will stand up to the original so its not worth buying and then you have to wait another couple years for the band to decide to make another cd.....if your lucky. if you want to do a cover put it as a bonus track, no one wants to hear a whole cd of covers from a band like Toto they are all ready established that's something you do when your a complete unknown.

[TotoStu]

Covers cds blow, they are a waste of time and cd space. You have been waiting for your band to put out a new cd for several years and they put out something that 99% never will stand up to the original so its not worth buying and then you have to wait another couple years for the band to decide to make another cd.....if your lucky. if you want to do a cover put it as a bonus track, no one wants to hear a whole cd of covers from a band like Toto they are all ready established that's something you do when your a complete unknown.

Never really saw it that way. I only REALLY got into Toto a couple of years ago - so it was a case of buying a back catalogue that Through The Looking Glass was a part of. I'm only experiencing what it's like to wait for a new Toto album now. Which is a first for me. So maybe that perspective is why I'm more open to that album than others are.

But on some of your other points I agree. If I was in a successful band and wanted to do a cover album my approach would be to put out a double album. Two discs. One of brand new stuff and the other of cover versions.

Still - none of that stops me digging Through The Looking Glass.

[WalrusOct9]

I like it for what it is.

The label wanted some new product to push for the 25th anniversary, and this is what the band could come up with in the few weeks they had to do it. I find it holds up better in the digital media age, as one can pick and choose the tunes off it. I admit I play "Burn Down The Mission" pretty often, it's one of Bobby's best latter-day vocal tracks, and Luke's solo in "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" is absolutely killer. "Bodhisattva" made me temporarily stop hating Steely Dan for the 4 minutes Toto's version was playing, and that's saying a lot.

I've certainly heard far, far worse cover albums, and also covers albums which are basically note-for-note recreations (what's the point?). I wouldn't say TTLG is essential by any means, but 12 years later, it's a nice little oddity in their catalog that I enjoy from time to time.

[yulog]

Covers cds blow, they are a waste of time and cd space. You have been waiting for your band to put out a new cd for several years and they put out something that 99% never will stand up to the original so its not worth buying and then you have to wait another couple years for the band to decide to make another cd.....if your lucky. if you want to do a cover put it as a bonus track, no one wants to hear a whole cd of covers from a band like Toto they are all ready established that's something you do when your a complete unknown.

Never really saw it that way. I only REALLY got into Toto a couple of years ago - so it was a case of buying a back catalogue that Through The Looking Glass was a part of. I'm only experiencing what it's like to wait for a new Toto album now. Which is a first for me. So maybe that perspective is why I'm more open to that album than others are.

But on some of your other points I agree. If I was in a successful band and wanted to do a cover album my approach would be to put out a double album. Two discs. One of brand new stuff and the other of cover versions.

Still - none of that stops me digging Through The Looking Glass.

I agree ,that would be a better option