Its been another interesting week of music and DVDs. The diversity keeps happening which I rather enjoy.
DVD review
Toto: Falling in Between Live
I was worried this DVD might have fallen into the self-indulgent variety. Thankfully, all the band members solos are tight and interesting, keeping you from desperately hitting the forward button. All the hits are played with all the pomp and glory that Toto can muster, with the crowd singing along in full voice. This is truly a celebration of Toto and their uber-talent. Its amazing to watch these guys, who are not young, dish it out with the best of them.
This is one of those DVDs that makes you want to be there. The extras feature the band being interviewed. Not that much extra, but with the music as good as it is, few will care.
Recorded in Paris this is just what Toto fans are looking for. If you are a Toto fan then this is essential and if you love incredibly well played hard rock then you can't go wrong with this lot. It's like a master class in writing catchy pop rock that still retains some balls (at least live). My admiration of Toto has always been a bit of guilty pleasure, but when a band is this bloody good what is there not to like. It's not hard to realize why these guys are so well respected. On this Blu-ray you get to see the band in all its glory which is a real treat.
CD reviews
The Company Band: s/t
A supergroup of sorts with members of Fu Manchu, Clutch, Fireball Ministry and CKY comprising the lineup. For once with this sort of affair, its quite a good offering and a great slab of hard rock. The band it most sounds like is probably Clutch, which is not a bad thing. It's a bunch of guys with the chops doing what they do best with a bunch of buddies. It exudes class and people having a damn good time doing what they love.
With songs like the stomping opener “Zombie Barricades” you just know its going to be an enjoyable ride. British listeners will be amused by the track “All’ Well in Milton Keynes.” It's a good song so there is no need to be “in” on the joke. Other highlights include “Love Means Never Having To Say You’re Ugly” and the rest of the tracks on here. Its a great driving hard rock album done full stop.
Article comments
1 - Clarence Yu
I am waiting for a copy of Back to Budokan. It's about time Mr. Big got back together and I hope this album really sounds good.