Updates on new TOTO + YES Supergroup

[hydraturnback]

I must say, I am not overly excited about this project at all.
On a slightly different topic, the new Luke album promises to be great.
hydra

[The_Noble_Cause]

I must say, I am not overly excited about this project at all.
On a slightly different topic, the new Luke album promises to be great.
hydra

YOSO sound clips (over on Frontiers website) do nothing for me. Still might pick it up. Not sure.
On a completely off-topic note, the new Meat Loaf cd is the best melodic rock album of the year - hands down.
Just as good, if not better, than Bat 3, with slightly more modern production. According to Meat, the label forced him to slap a random IV on the back of the album to help with sales. While 'Hang Cool' may not be an official Bat album, it may as well be. Just epic.

[WalrusOct9]

Meat needs to stop trying to make albums without Jim Steinman. There's a few good tracks on the new one, but it's still taking 13 songs written by other people and trying to force them to sound like Steinman tunes. I will say the Bon Jovi track on there is pretty good, would've loved to have heard BJ's version.

[The_Noble_Cause]

Meat needs to stop trying to make albums without Jim Steinman. There's a few good tracks on the new one, but it's still taking 13 songs written by other people and trying to force them to sound like Steinman tunes.

This is true. But you have to admit, as far as knock-offs go, these are pretty damn good.

[WalrusOct9]

I guess. But mostly it just makes me long for the real thing. And a few of the better tracks are undone by stuff like "Los Angeloser" and "California Isn't Big Enough." I mean...I get he was trying to do something non-Steinman-ish, but who picked those songs? I feel bad for the guy, he's trying to have a career without being able to write any of his own material, so he's a bit trapped, and his voice is pretty shot. Noble effort, but I wish him and Jim could patch things up for one more record while they're both still alive.

I read one review that summed it up: "it sounds like Springsteen being done by someone who wants to kill Springsteen."

[The_Noble_Cause]

I guess. But mostly it just makes me long for the real thing. And a few of the better tracks are undone by stuff like "Los Angeloser" and "California Isn't Big Enough." I mean...I get he was trying to do something non-Steinman-ish, but who picked those songs?

I really don't mind either of those. The whole album is a little left-field and quirky. I'd rather have the wannabe Steinman mini-operas interspersed with something different, than, say, another Diane Warren ballad-by-numbers which makes you reach for the skip button. Besides, so much of Steinman and Loaf's catalogue have involved non-subtle sexual metaphors over the years, that it’s about time he just came out and started belting about the size of his prick. In some ways, it feels strangely overdue.

I feel bad for the guy, he's trying to have a career without being able to write any of his own material, so he's a bit trapped,

Eh, that's nothing new. He's been riding the Bat coattails since forever.

and his voice is pretty shot.

Yea. You get the double disc version with the live cd? Meat's always been something of an offkey warbler, but it's getting progressively worse. There are many moments that are just plain laughable. But the passion is still there. I'd love for Steinman and Meat to do one final hurrah (that's what Bat 3 was originally supposed to be). If not, I'm more than happy with albums of this quality. There's more creativity and risks, (along with the typical bombast and gothic flair), present on this dic than most artists half Meat's age. It sure as hell smokes Foreigner's boring 20 year letdown. Really can't recommend Teddy Bear enough.

[WalrusOct9]

Never was a Foreigner fan, so I can't comment. I did really enjoy Couldn't Have Said It Better, but I think that was simply a case of having a stronger set of songs, even if they didn't have a theme or flow together well as an album.


If Meat had done the blatant sexual lyrics in the 70's, i think it would've been okay, but it sounds very awkward coming from a guy who's 62. The passion is still there, but about half of the material doesn't really cut it, IMO.

[The_Noble_Cause]

If Meat had done the blatant sexual lyrics in the 70's, i think it would've been okay, but it sounds very awkward coming from a guy who's 62.

Nah. Meat's a rock legend. Legends don't age.

I thought Couldn't Have Said It Better was a little half-assed, but Welcome to the Neigborhood was strong. Then again, that album had a few Steinman tracks, I think.

[Rockindeano]

Speaking of Meat....and Toto, they were just on a game show on Direct TV, called Rock and Hard Place. Meat can still bring it. Steve was on the show with the bearded dude and Steve's son, Trevor.

[The_Noble_Cause]

Drew has posted his review of YOSO. Gotta say, he sounds as ambivalent as I am after hearing the sound clips. Does not inspire confidence at all.

[LtVanish]

Drew has posted his review of YOSO. Gotta say, he sounds as ambivalent as I am after hearing the sound clips. Does not inspire confidence at all.

Yeah I hear you there. I went ahead and ordered the album anyways, taking a risk here. Hope it doesn't end up in the cob web section of my collection.

[The_Noble_Cause]

Yeah I hear you there. I went ahead and ordered the album anyways, taking a risk here. Hope it doesn't end up in the cob web section of my collection.

Be sure to let us know. From what I read, Billy did all the music, and Bobby penned the lyrics.

[TotoFan77]

This post has been deleted.

[Andrew]

I'm confused. Andrew gave it a good review so what are you worried about? It got around 75 percent or so, that's pretty good.

Compared to what it should score, I was disappointed.

[The_Noble_Cause]

I'm confused. Andrew gave it a good review so what are you worried about? It got around 75 percent or so, that's pretty good.

Might want to read that review again. In both his review and comments on the Noticeboard, Drew has openly said that he can't tell if the album works or not.

[TotoFan77]

This post has been deleted.

[mrsromek]

Tony Kaye was in YES during some of my favorite albums from them. I like what he brings to the table.

[WalrusOct9]

I love the Rabin era of Yes, but I don't think Kaye did much in the studio during that time.

[LtVanish]

After listening to this album quite a few times, I am going to have to agree with Andrew, something is just lackluster, not very catchy at all. I am going to force myself to try and like it somehow.

[The_Noble_Cause]

After listening to this album quite a few times, I am going to have to agree with Andrew, something is just lackluster, not very catchy at all. I am going to force myself to try and like it somehow.

Thanks. The fact that Sherwood wrote all the music and Bobby just penned the lyrics, makes it something less than a true collaborative effort. I think I'll pass.

[The_Noble_Cause]

The first US tour date for YOSO has been cancelled by the venue. No word as to why, but one could assume low ticket sales. A very inauspicious start to be sure. Not all that surprising, considering that the last US TOTO tour wasn't all that lucrative. If the genuine artifact can't sell out, why would a spin-off group?

[Andrew]

I'm confused. Andrew gave it a good review so what are you worried about? It got around 75 percent or so, that's pretty good.

Might want to read that review again. In both his review and comments on the Noticeboard, Drew has openly said that he can't tell if the album works or not.

On further reflection....it doesn't. Won't play it again I reckon...

[The_Noble_Cause]

I'm confused. Andrew gave it a good review so what are you worried about? It got around 75 percent or so, that's pretty good.

Might want to read that review again. In both his review and comments on the Noticeboard, Drew has openly said that he can't tell if the album works or not.

On further reflection....it doesn't. Won't play it again I reckon...

Eh, serves 'em right. Even the band's name, YOSO, reeks of a shameless cash grab. Most TOTO and YES fans could not give less of a shit about this new "supergroup". If you've already lost the die-hards, you don't stand a chance of winning over the rock-station listening casual masses. I'd wager that a few more US dates will be cancelled.

[TotoFan77]

This post has been deleted.

[The_Noble_Cause]

So Bobby's not allowed to make a living? What choice did he have? He had to use Toto in some way because he's not a household name and he's just not known enough. Your allowed to not like Yoso but to say he deserves to fail is just rude.

I have no problem with Bobby singing the hits. I DO have a problem with deceptive advertising. One member of TOTO and two members of YES (barely) do NOT a supergroup make. Elements doesn't hold a candle to either of those bands. And the name YOSO is just lame.

[Starrider]

I am going to see YOSO at BB King's in NYC next week, provided the show doesn't get cancelled. It was only $25 for the ticket, I think, plus all the Ticketmaster fees. About a 25-30 mile drive for me. I live in the suburbs.

I downloaded Elements from Amazon MP3. They have two discs in the release - one of new stuff, and another of live stuff (a few TOTO songs, a few Yes songs including a medley, and a few YOSO songs). I haven't gone through it all yet. I wasn't impressed with a whole lot of the new stuff. I do like the self-titled title track YOSO and Walk Away.

I agree that this shouldn't be called a supergroup at all. Bobby Kimball has legitimate credentials with TOTO. Tony Kaye had two runs with Yes with a long gap between, but he hasn't been with them since the mid 1990's and has been gone about as long as Trevor Rabin has. Billy Sherwood had a very limited run with Yes. They're already on their fourth drummer (Jay Schellen, Lou Molino III, Jody Cortez, now Scott Connor) and second guitarist (Jimmy Hahn and now Johnny Bruhns). Kimball probably has the most name recognition by far, even though most Americans won't really know who he is. Kaye is a distant second with Sherwood a remote third. Connor and Bruhns are basically tribute band players.

I really don't think this is living up to the hype or the potential I thought they had. Certainly not on the level of the good stuff from TOTO or Yes.

[The_Noble_Cause]

I am going to see YOSO at BB King's in NYC next week, provided the show doesn't get cancelled. It was only $25 for the ticket, I think, plus all the Ticketmaster fees. About a 25-30 mile drive for me. I live in the suburbs.

I downloaded Elements from Amazon MP3. They have two discs in the release - one of new stuff, and another of live stuff (a few TOTO songs, a few Yes songs including a medley, and a few YOSO songs). I haven't gone through it all yet. I wasn't impressed with a whole lot of the new stuff. I do like the self-titled title track YOSO and Walk Away.

I agree that this shouldn't be called a supergroup at all. Bobby Kimball has legitimate credentials with TOTO. Tony Kaye had two runs with Yes with a long gap between, but he hasn't been with them since the mid 1990's and has been gone about as long as Trevor Rabin has. Billy Sherwood had a very limited run with Yes. They're already on their fourth drummer (Jay Schellen, Lou Molino III, Jody Cortez, now Scott Connor) and second guitarist (Jimmy Hahn and now Johnny Bruhns). Kimball probably has the most name recognition by far, even though most Americans won't really know who he is. Kaye is a distant second with Sherwood a remote third. Connor and Bruhns are basically tribute band players.

I really don't think this is living up to the hype or the potential I thought they had. Certainly not on the level of the good stuff from TOTO or Yes.

"Walk Away" has a cool Steely Dan/TOTO vibe - best track on the album. I also like "New Revolution." "Return to Yesterday" is stuck in my head, but I'm not sure I actually like it. Bobby's vocals could've been produced better. He sounds a little too raw, a little too live. At one point, the band could sorta weasel their way around the term "supergroup" when they had Jimmy on guitar. Then you at least had three YESmen. But with just Billy, Tony, and Bobby, you are really pushing it. Let us know how the show is!

[The_Noble_Cause]

Here's Bobby's solo from the YOSO tour. He's doing his cover of Elton John's "Burn Down the Mission" from TOTO's Through the Looking Glass album. A little pitchy, but in typically strong voice.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0HsZ0etsN0

Also, it's been reported on the Noticeboard that the new Jimi Jamison/Bobby Kimball album is in production and is described as sounding like "Raised on Radio 2." Two great singers. Can't wait for that one.

[The_Noble_Cause]

How was the show Starrider?

[brandonx76]

Here's Bobby's solo from the YOSO tour. He's doing his cover of Elton John's "Burn Down the Mission" from TOTO's Through the Looking Glass album. A little pitchy, but in typically strong voice.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0HsZ0etsN0

Also, it's been reported on the Noticeboard that the new Jimi Jamison/Bobby Kimball album is in production and is described as sounding like "Raised on Radio 2." Two great singers. Can't wait for that one.

Richard Page and Randy Goodrum were rumored to have written some tunes for this project. Def sounds interesting..