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17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Why this DVD is a must have companion to "Live in Amsterdam", March 3, 2008
My favourite rock DVD for sound quality and sheer fun and energy of playing has been Toto's Live in Amsterdam 25th Anniversary. Their new DVD is easily as good but very different for a number of reasons.
1. This album supports the album "Falling in Between" so it's not trying to cover all the hits. Having just seen them perform brilliantly in Auckland, I picked up their DVD to see that this incredible Parisian concert was almost identical to the concert I saw 2nd March 2008. This DVD showcases Toto at the top of their form - this is what they're like now and they rock!
2. We have a new keyboardist, the vastly experienced Greg Phillinganes, plus the bass legend Leland Sklar standing in for Mike Porcaro. These new musicians bring a difference and their own style and enthusiasm so that when you see them perform tracks which they also did on their 'Live in Amsterdam' DVD, like 'Africa' for example, you are seeing something unique - check out the cheeky keyboard solo sounds. What is a great addition on this DVD's is 'Pamela'. Simply wow! Funky, slick with the richest vocal harmonies - beautiful.
3. This DVD is worth the price alone to see the stunning Simon Phillips play an amazing drum solo over Greg on keyboard playing the odd-time signature, 'Hydra'. I believe Simon has over 20 mikes on his kit and like all their live recordings his drum tone is instantly recognisable - a drum kit that is sonically a pleasure. (Alas 'Live in Amsterdam' had no drum solo).
4. This DVD rocks harder with fresh arrangements and wonderful improvisation - from the opening stunner 'Falling in between', Bobby stamps his vocal authority and Luke is soloing with an intensity that is up a notch from their previous DVD. Great rocking tracks like 'Gypsy train', 'Kingdom of desire' and 'Drag him to the roof' must be seen and heard live to fully appreciate these classics - these three tracks plus the opening track show why Toto's musicians have always been highly rated.
5. The concert seems more colourful than the 'Live in Amsterdam' from balloons in the audience to the lime green of Luke's guitar on the opening track. You have some interesting overhead camera shots - I wish we could have had even more of Simon. This DVD conveys the lighting show more vividly than Amsterdam - the consequence is that a few times Simon's picture is overexposed. On the whole the picture is great and particularly the crystal clarity of Steve Lukather's fretboard handiwork.
6. There is a great acoustic set, with Simon on a stripped down kit and Luke on Ovation acoustic with both Greg and Tony Spinner taking turns on lead vocals on songs 'Stop loving you', 'I'll be over you' and 'Cruel'. Some incredible keyboard and guitar interplay and Simon doing one-handed fills that most drummers struggle to do with two!
You surely don't need any more reasons to purchase this DVD. Well done, Toto - no, this is not just playing the same old but a vibrant new show!
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good, But Not Their Best......, December 16, 2008
Decent live performance, but the "25th Anniversary" DVD contains excels in terms of their performance. David Paich is sorely missed on this one , as is Mike Porcaro.....The audio and video quality is EXCELLENT. The band always puts forth a great effort. Vocalist Bobby Kimball still sounds amazing! Worth having in your Toto collection.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
HOLY FREAKIN TOTO, June 5, 2008
Forget the studio greats getting together to form a band, forget that they have " Great Ballads", FOR GET IT.
They rock, they swoon, they reggae, they soul, they funk, the just flat tear it apart.
I have the CD of the live album right after Simon Phillips joined back in the 90's version of the band after the passing of the Jeff the great!, and that disc was at that time just stellar. This one just lapped it at over 100 mph. Jeff is smiling on his heavenly drum stool! He would be most proud.
The band is solid, the vocals are out of this world. Tony Spinner, holy crap, how did Luke snag him? SOLID ADDITION TO THE BAND DUDE.
Being a bassist myself, do we have to say more about Leland Skylar, get some of his work with the Barefoot Servants, this cat just puts the B in bottom end!
The DVD is beyond great in production.
You will keep this playing for days and days.
Hear is hoping these guys can hit the road here in the States and show the american fan base some love!
Cheers!
Cowboy Craig of the Coastal Bend
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