Customer Reviews

Livefields

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(0)
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TOTO's previous live album ("Absolutely Live") was, like 90s live albums by peers such as Foreigner and Journey, primarily made up of the same songs that you'd find on their compilations.

This album, by contrast, focuses almost exclusively on album cuts and solos from the various band members, making it an absolute must-have for any serious TOTO fan. Additionally, as half of the songs originate from 90s albums this is also the ideal album to buy if you've fallen out of touch with TOTO following their grammy-grab of 1983. It will introduce you to their more recent style(s) as well as contain familiar tunes like "Rosanna" and "Hold The Line" (on the bonus CD) and classic early album tracks like "Girl Goodbye" and "White Sister".

There are many highlights on this CD other than those mentioned..."Caught In The Balance" is a majestic opener, "A Million Miles Away" surpasses the original in quality by...a million miles, the accoustic medley is a delight and "Better World" is one of the most impressive TOTO numbers ever.The response from the French crowd says it all - nobody plays better than TOTO, and their songs are varied in all things barring extreme quality.

The videos contained on the bonus CD are also a great addition to this superb release. The only quibble (and it's with Sony, not the band) is that we couldn't have the whole show on an official 2CD album.

I am not generally a fan of live albums - even though TOTO is an awesome band, their ABSOLUTELY LIVE album wasn't all that great. With this in mind, I was a little hesitant in buying LIVEFIELDS. However, one listen made me glad I did! As always, Luke, Paich, Simon, and Mike exhibit fabulous instrumental talent. However, the area in which this album totally kills ABSOLUTELY LIVE is the vocals. Bobby is great (although he does scream a little too much for my tastes), and the backing vocals (Hyatt and Spinner) sound far superior to those on ABSOLUTELY LIVE. And... I can't neglect to mention Luke's lead vocals - which are also great. Dave doesn't have any lead vocals on this album, but his keyboard solo is a highlight of LIVEFIELDS. If you've seen TOTO live, this album will bring back great memories. If you haven't been able to see a concert, then you REALLY need to have this album!

This CD has it all. Incredible musicianship, great writing, and an awesome live feel. Musicians of this quality seem to be disappearing, and it is good to know that there are still some live players that out there that are this good. A must have.

When I bought 'Livefields' I was originally looking for the album 'Mindfields' by Toto which I could not find in any New Zealand store (I eventually ordered it over the internet)!!
I know Toto albums have that 'perfect' production feel to them - they are amazing musicians and amazing song writers/composers, however hearing them play live, their playing has an edge that is just not given justice on their studio recorded albums. You realise while you are listening that they are even better than I originally thought they were...WOW is all I can say!
Like the amazingly varied styles of the 'Mindfields' album, there is something for everyone on this album - It's great to hear the audience getting involved and singing along in the 'Whoooohs' of 'The Road Goes On' and 'Better world' is a master piece of epic proprtions. Good to hear 'Rosanna' being sung by the original singers and I especially like the live version of 'Goodbye girl' Steve Lukather's guitar, Simon Phillips on drums, Mike Porcaro on Bass and David Piach on the piano seem to have alot of fun on this one! Oh and it's also great to see that Bobby Kimball is back with them too.

Although Mindfields was a solid album, Bobby Kimball's return fell short of Toto IV's level of high expectations. Livefields in contrast, is an outstanding compilation of old and new Toto music, executed with precision that rivals most studio albums.

What makes Livefields such a pleasant surprise is the fresh approach to the songs old and new. Instead of attempting to mimic the original studio recording, the members of Toto put a fresh face on some old favorites. The acoustic ensemble is the shining highlight of this new live approach.

If you enjoyed Toto IV you will love Toto's Livefields!

Toto are a band consisting of some of the best musicians of all time and this is an amazing live album showing off their stunning musical skills. Livefields was recorded during the tour supporting the excellent album Mindfields. The sound is crisp, the song choice is entertaining, and the playing is absolutely off the scale. Steve Lukather on guitar and Simon Phillips on drums are really on fire throughout this album - they really are the best of the best. Song highlights include the rocking opener "Caught In The Balance", the extended version of "Rosanna", the signature groove of "Jake To The Bone", the progressive masterpiece "Better World", the awesome intensity of "Goodbye Girl", and the rocking final song "White Sister". This album is one of the best live albums of all time and represents a tutorial for any serious musician. If you want a supergroup then you've got one right here. I saw Toto live a few years ago and they are simply amazing musicians. Definitely an essential album for Toto fans.

Yes I am a Toto fan but I think most rock lovers would love this CD. The precision and technical ability showcased are unbelievable, and Luke's guitar is just great. Bobby's vocals are excellent too, even if Fredricksen is my favorite Toto singer ever. Million miles away from Turn Back is the highlight of the CD for me-what a great love song. Enjoy!