‘Rosanna’ by Toto: Classic or Dud, Praise or Blame for this, my guiltiest of pleasures

The dynamics are kind of great, but still nothing when compared to the dynamics of a lot of Toto's prog influences.

I guess, that is the main flaw about Toto and lots of other similar AOR acts. The musicians could have done more complex stuff, but preferred to do it the easier way and keep within the 4 minute limit to grant them airplay etc.

I think that is the virtue of Rosanna: the balance of prog roots from seasoned studio guys and pop sensibility. I personally enjoy listening to a band who is holding their talent close, knowing that they could unleash at any moment.

sidenote: the Dune soundtrack was a keeper too

True..but what they were attempting did. And they acheived it.

It wasn't until I saw the video that I realized that there were two lead singers on this song. Wasn't paying that much attention, I guess.

Toto's always been one of those faceless bands to me, like Ozark Mountain Daredevils or Player.

fair enough...I guess by 'finest moment' i wanted to indicate that it was a signature track for his style.

You are right: I mean, he was a studio guy. He could play whatever was needed, and play it damn well. I guess the "Rosanna Shuffle" is sort of his hallmark beat, the synthesis of the Purdie shuffle and Bonzo's beat on 'fool in the rain.'

As for Steely Dan, they sure plucked from the greats, didn't they? Gadd, Porcaro, Purdie, Hodder and Chevy Chase.

For me, that is where Rosanna gets its stamina: its singularity.

anyway, i guess there is a "coke room" where everything is mirrored fo' better snortin' action.

Resounding, unabashed, timeless classic

^^^this

"Der Kommisaar's in town ah ow"

http://www.guitarworld.com/artists-artist-news/hear-steve-lukathers-isolated-guitar-totos-rosanna/28823

so good

Will listen later, thanks. In case it hasn't been said on this thread yet, Steve Lukather studied with a very well-respected, much-loved, sorely missed guitar player and teacher named Jimmy Wyble.

Oh that's awesome, I love this kind of thing. Hearing the isolated drum and vocal tracks were even more fun than the guitar, but it's pretty crazy all the different playing styles that the guitar goes through

I can't fault Toto as musicians, but dud.

The beginning of the guitar solo, when Porcaro moves from the hi-hat to the ride, is one of my favourite things

yeah thx of that link. i sorta had forgotten this song even existed but those isolated tracks are all fantastic

i hate to that guy but somehow this video dilutes the musicianship that is highlighted in niels' link.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qmOLtTGvsbM

ha yeah it'd be nice to hear the backing tracks without the dudes yapping over it but still very cool.

lol, bobby Kimball's mustache.

dude has no voice anymore. at recent Toto shows the rest of the band has played live while he has lip synched to his pre-recorded tracks from the 80s.

well recent until they canned his ass again, Joseph Williams is in the band now

jeff porcaro's shuffle on this song is wild

The particular kind of stylized prop-ness of women in 80's videos is sometimes jarring for me now.

i'm becoming rather a fan of the film score these nerds did for Dune

Anyway, going to have to go with dud -- a lot of great musical elements that somehow don't add up to anything. In an indirect way, this band supports the case for the genius of Fagen/Becker.

In other Toto-related links, Jeff Porcaro sure did a lot of studio sessions:

http://jeffporcaro.blogspot.dk/2001/01/jeff-porcaro-sessions.html

btw man alive otm re toto as supporting the case for the genius of Fagen/Becker

Not quite a year

Meetchu all da way

i love this fuckin song

Rosanna, yeah

this is a perfect song

yes

All I wanna do is never ever wanna do is never compromiiize

*synth solo*

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMI81yIlT0Q

YEAH-HEY-YEAAAHHH

that porcaro video is completely insane. so is yoyoka's version

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6P-tTLmuKo0

i do view this song as a sort of apotheosis of 80s corporate rock and agree that it's pretty much perfect

it rules imo

Banana, yeah