TOTOの新譜（当時）がカバーだとは、ちょっと驚いた。
収録されている曲は、それほどスタンダードでは無い。これがルーツって事はないだろって感じである。なにしろ、オープニングがボブ・マーリーで、これが第１弾シングルらしい。本作は、従来のレコード会社との契約を解消し、自由な立場でレコーディングに臨んだそうだ。選曲などにちゃちゃを入れられるがいやだということだが、確かに私がレコード会社の役員なら、もう少しメジャーな選曲をしたいところであろう。
少なくとも、ルークのアイドルであるジェフ・ベックは入っていると思っていたのだが、見あたらない。やっぱり、ベックのアルバム作成時のトラブルが尾を引いたか。そして、当てつけのようにクラプトンが入っている。ビートルズの「WHILE MY GUITAR GENTLY WEEPS」もクラプトン系だもんね。しかし、このアレンジはちょとなー。
全体に音づくりは、ま、TOTOだ。いろいろアレンジが施されている。しかし、スティーリーダンの「BODHISATTVA」は、もろコピーである。このスティーリーダンっていうチョイスは順当だが、このアレンジはどうか。ちなみに、スティーリーダンにはジェフ・ポーカロが参加していたが、この曲のオリジナルのドラムは誰だっけな。
ベストトラックは、スティービー・ワンダーの「LIVING FOR THE CITY」にしておこう。クレジットを見ずに聞いていたのだが、サビまで何の曲かわからなかった。また、ハービー・ハンコックの「MAIDEN VOYAGE」のサビが「BUTTERFLY」になっているのは、なかなかおもしろい。エルトン・ジョンの曲に、オリジナルを叩いている名ドラマー、ナイジェル・オルソンがコーラスで参加しているのも楽しい。
とはいえ、オリジナルのアルバムが聴きたかったな。今年（02年）のツアーで、このアルバムの曲を聴きたいとはあまり思わない。
Through the Looking Glass / TOTO 2002
COULD YOU BE LOVED
Classic Marley (who doesn't love Bob). We cut the track live and did it in one take. Decided to spice it up with Master J. Ingram and some nice DJ toastin with Tippa Irie. Luke Found That One.
BODHISATTVA
Jeff was in Steeley and I played on two of their albums. I saw Luke play it in high school with Landau and Steve P. They nailed it just like Denny and Skunk. We used a few subsitutions on the ending chords. Donald and Walter will probably give it a 6.
WHILE MY GUITAR GENTLY WEEPS
Dave met George in a hallway at A&M Records with Phil Spector. George also played at Jeff's benefit. Luke was invited to his house to jam. With Dylan, Jeff Lynne, and Keltner (I'm so jealous). This is dedicated to him.
I CAN'T GET NEXT TO YOU
When Al Green's Greatest Hits came out, his version of the old Temp's record killed us. Luke beefed it up with guitars and we got James Ingram to come help us out. (We must be dreaming!)
LIVING FOR THE CITY
Of course what would the TOTO Looking Glass reflect? Stevie Wonder (very large!) It was a sizeable challenge to attempt but we cut it early in the game. Luke's nin-like intro gave it the urgency it deserved. We recruited Ellis Hall for some step outs. This is dedicated to the FDNY and all New York.
MAIDEN VOYAGE/BUTTERFLY
Luke came up with this classic for us to interpret on this Herbie Hancock pearl. (Si made most of the record) then we added Luke's continually ebbing guitar, Mike's bass, and David actually got a chance to play a solo on acoustic piano. Lenny Castro added that world flavor to it. (How dare we put this on the same CD!)
BURN DOWN THE MISSION
Being a true Elton disciple David first performed this at his highschool graduation (all boys Catholic prep). His mates loved it but he got suspended for 3 days for the subversive lyrics. What a treat it was to have Davey Johnstone and Nigel Olson sing with Luke on the b.gs. Bobby chose this song and really does justice to it (boy it'shard to improve on any of these damn tunes!)
SUNSHINE OF YOUR LOVE
Si hit us again with that one. He played with Jack Bruce and Luke has played with Eric. The phrase got shortened a beat so don't try to dance to it (unless you're from the 60's). Listen close and you might hear us hinting at White Room.
WATCHING THE DETECTIVES
Boy that Luke sure has a dry sense of humour. In this Elvis'n Costello version, Luke is true to the original vocal style. (What can I say ? It made the final cut. Great song!)
HOUSE OF THE RISING SUN
This traditional classic has been played by each of us since we were (oh well!) We jammed on it at sound check last time we played in Puerto Rico. We decided to keep the melody and came up with an original arrangement. Bobby and Luke sure shine on this baby.
TAKES A TRAIN TO CRY
We can't float down TOTO's memory lane without a dylan classic. This is us doing pure, unadulterated Leon Russle, on this beale street rendition. Monet's on backing vocal and Luke's on dobro and electric. You can tell by the applause there must've been a lot'a people in Simon's house that day.
