Katt's Top 50 Albums v. I bless the rains down in Africa [#1]

[cramx3]

Some good stuff in the honorable mentions.  I should probably check out The Road of Bones, I think the title track is the best thing I heard from IQ but their music was a little too prog and not enough hard rock for my enjoyment, that song had what I was looking for.  Not sure if the rest of the album lives up to that or not though.  That song was also awesome live 

[Ruba]

Africa rules.

From the honorable mentions, I like what I've heard from Iced Earth. I think Burnt Offerings or The Horror Show could be more of my speed, but I'll keep that record in mind.

[cramx3]

I really havent listened to any Iced Earth.  I should though but I'm only starting to really get into Demons and Wizards, so one thing at a time.

[The Walrus]

If you like D&W's first album I think you'll really like Something Wicked. It's heavy as hell but also varied and paced just right. That album slaps.

[cramx3]

If you like D&W's first album I think you'll really like Something Wicked. It's heavy as hell but also varied and paced just right. That album slaps.

Yea I do, and I do like the second (listened to both last night) my initial reaction is that it's just not as good as the first, but I think I'm going to grow to like it plenty once I listen even more.

[King Puppies and the Acid Guppies]

I'm am not surprised in the least that Toto was your number 1. It is a great album, but it honestly wouldn't make my top 50. Possibly an honorable mention......Stay tuned, I may be doing a top 50 in the near future. I haven't decided if I want to do that or another roulette first.

[Cool Chris]

Thank you for the Rhapsody of Fire list. From this thread I have checked them out, and Stratovarius. Both of whom I've heard but was inspired to do a little bit more of a deep dive in to.

And there’s nothing wrong with that Kilimanjaro lyric.

Wait, was that a shot across my bow? I know I pick on this song, or at least the lyrics, all the time. I do like the music, and I remember my parents playing the 45 all the time and it was one of the ones they played that I liked the most. But as a kid the lyrics always confounded me, and to tell the truth, they still do. Is he singing about a girl? The weather? Geography?

[King Puppies and the Acid Guppies]

Is he singing about a girl? The weather? Geography?

Yes

[The Walrus]

No problem, Chris! No, that wasn't a shot at any individual, it's just I've noticed lots of comments over the years singling out the Kilimanjaro line for various reasons (too wordy, doesn't make sense, doesn't flow etc.). And that's all fine, opinions are opinions, I just disagree

As for what Africa is about, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Africa_(Toto_song)#Background gives some pretty good info on it. Also, the song "Mushanga" off the album The Seventh One is like a sister song to Africa. Similar chill groove and brassy synths but more subdued; instead of a song about the beauty of Africa, it's a song about a writer meeting an girl while reporting in Africa.

[King Postwhore]

Spanish Steps Of Rome has the same vibe as those 2 songs.

[Grappler]

Stratovarius - Episode

I love this record.  I tend to gravitate towards Visions and Destiny usually, but I got Episode in that same period as those two albums and have always loved that classic period of Stratovarius records.  Can't really add much else - it's just a fantastic record, second to Visions for me.


Toto

I've never really been a fan of the band, but I know the hit songs.  That's always been enough for me.  But it's awesome to see such variety in this list.  If I did mine, it would be about 45 metal records and 5 Styx albums.  Maybe some random greatest hits albums thrown in. 

[TAC]

K-Lox, outstanding job on your list. The writeups were great and informative.

[Cool Chris]

Is he singing about a girl? The weather? Geography?

Yes

  That's what I thought!

[The Walrus]

  Thanks for the compliments. A lot of time went into this but it was nothing but fun.

[Stadler]

I thought that was outstanding.   Really, really good.  I haven't been able to dig in much because of life and Iron Maiden and shit, but that was really good and fun to follow.

[bosk1]

Very respectable choice for #1.

Following this thread, and knowing where we were inevitably headed for the end of the line, I had been thinking that I have never been that deep into Toto and have never owned anything of theirs, and probably owe it to myself to pick up a greatest hits disk.  That is usually fine for the level of extremely casual fandom I feel for this band, and just knowing a few of their hits.  But I'm second guessing that now after reading your writeup.  I think a hits package is fine for some bands.  But there are a few where a particular album captures the essence of a band so well that it makes sense to just jump right to that album.  For instance, if someone only knew Journey's hits from the '80s and didn't have any albums and said they wanted to just get one or two, I would probably say, "well, they have a couple of 'greatest hits' packages that are really good.  But honestly, if you want to know what this band was all about during their heyday, just get the Escape album and listen from start to finish.  THEN maybe get a greatest hits disk to round out the hits from other albums."  After reading your description, I think maybe Toto IV fits that description as well.

[The Walrus]

Thank you Stadler! Iron Maiden is an acceptable excuse, but life? Pft. Nerd.

Very respectable choice for #1.

Following this thread, and knowing where we were inevitably headed for the end of the line, I had been thinking that I have never been that deep into Toto and have never owned anything of theirs, and probably owe it to myself to pick up a greatest hits disk.  That is usually fine for the level of extremely casual fandom I feel for this band, and just knowing a few of their hits.  But I'm second guessing that now after reading your writeup.  I think a hits package is fine for some bands.  But there are a few where a particular album captures the essence of a band so well that it makes sense to just jump right to that album.  For instance, if someone only knew Journey's hits from the '80s and didn't have any albums and said they wanted to just get one or two, I would probably say, "well, they have a couple of 'greatest hits' packages that are really good.  But honestly, if you want to know what this band was all about during their heyday, just get the Escape album and listen from start to finish.  THEN maybe get a greatest hits disk to round out the hits from other albums."  After reading your description, I think maybe Toto IV fits that description as well.

BINGO. You hit the nail on the head. I would love to know what you think if you can carve out 42 minutes to listen to it. (the older I get, the more I appreciate concise records like this - I am so tired of 60, 70, 80 minute records that don't justify their length) My beef with Toto is that the majority of their albums have at least one or two songs I'm not crazy about, or the production isn't all there, or... But Toto IV just ticks every box, it's insane.

[The Walrus]

Kwyjibo, I gotta know your Toto ranking now 

EDIT: Thought Kwyjibo didn't see Toto in first place. Nevermind 

[TAC]

Kwyjibo, I gotta know your Toto ranking now 

My Toto rating is Last and Next To Last.

[jingle.boy]

Kwyjibo, I gotta know your Toto ranking now 

My Toto rating is Last and Next To Last.

As is your attention to detail, not-Kwijibo.   

Also, spinning this album in about 4 minutes.

[The Walrus]

Chad, awesome. TAC, shut up. 

[Kwyjibo]

Kwyjibo, I gotta know your Toto ranking now 

EDIT: Thought Kwyjibo didn't see Toto in first place. Nevermind 

As I said, I wouldn't put IV on top, while it's a very good record without any real filler, some of the songs are just okay for me, while other records have more great songs. Like The Seventh One or Kingdom Of Desire.

[twosuitsluke]

Guess I better go listen to IV! I don't think I've ever heard a Toto song other than Africa (which I love  ). I tried to add it to my wedding playlist, for the evening, but my wife veeto'd it 

I'll check in after a listen

[wolfking]

Toto.........yeah right.  Glad you like them mate.

Seriously though, well done Michael, great list and well done with the way you presented it. 

[Nekov]

Not my favorite Toto album, that award goes to The Seventh One, but still a good album. This was a weird top 50 overall and I was a little surprised that this was number one. I honestly can't understand how I managed to almost win your roulette 

[Podaar]

I listened to Toto IV yesterday for the first time in my life!! 











I woke up this morning with the fucking earworm of Rosanne on permanent rotation in my fucking head. Arrrrgh!

[cramx3]

On a whim I bought a cheap last row ticket to see Toto this fall.  Actually got the same seat I had for DT at this venue last spring.  Since it was super cheap and a Saturday in a month (October) that isn't concert heavy I figured Id check them out.  I plan on listening to them a lot more come closer to the show.

[jingle.boy]

I listened to Toto IV yesterday for the first time in my life!! 











I woke up this morning with the fucking earworm of Rosanne on permanent rotation in my fucking head. Arrrrgh!

Came in here to basically post the exact same thing.  Though, I don't mind the earworm.  That 'barber-shop quartet' vibe in the pre-chorus, followed by the run of the horns ... tasty.

it's a very good record without any real filler, some of the songs are just okay for me,

I came in here to say this too^

[The Walrus]

Next to Africa I legit think Rosanna is *the* perfect song. It's just... yeah, perfect. Nuff said.

cram, their live show is NUTS. You like good musicianship so boy are you in for a treat. Their jam sessions and how they expand these songs like Rosanna and Africa are so fun to experience in person.

Thanks for following along and being part of the discussion through this whole thing folks. Music is the best thing in the world

[cramx3]

That sounds awesome

[bl5150]

I agree - you won't regret seeing them live cram.

I couldn't get to see them recently with Jo Williams but did see them on the Falling In Between tour and they were great.  One vivid memory is nothing to do with the music.  It was a very old theatre building (all seated) and people started to stand up/ begin walking up the aisles to the front and security were directing them back to their seats.  Luke came over and yelled at security to "fuck off" and let everyone rock. 

[TAC]

I listened to Toto IV yesterday for the first time in my life

I can’t believe that.

[cramx3]

I agree - you won't regret seeing them live cram.

I couldn't get to see them recently with Jo Williams but did see them on the Falling In Between tour and they were great.  One vivid memory is nothing to do with the music.  It was a very old theatre building (all seated) and people started to stand up/ begin walking up the aisles to the front and security were directing them back to their seats.  Luke came over and yelled at security to "fuck off" and let everyone rock. 

Oh that makes me even more excited.  I love when bands are into the crowd vibe.  I know being in the back, I won't be moving up but this venue I know from my DT experience, there's empty space behind my seat to stand and dance with no one around me so I was hoping for a cool vibe at this show to be able to really enjoy it even in a seated venue.

[The Walrus]

Watching DT is like watching robots. I love 'em but they're soooo boring to watch on stage. Toto is loose and jams. Luke is awesome for saying that 

[cramx3]

Watching DT is like watching robots. I love 'em but they're soooo boring to watch on stage. Toto is loose and jams. Luke is awesome for saying that 

Yea easily the worst part about a DT show is the lack of feel from them on stage.  Also, totally different music.  I definitely love the "loose" type of shows more than the strict following of a checklist of songs.