TOTO
THE PLAYERS CLUB/MASCOT
WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM MY FRIENDS
★★★
This live album features an expanded lineup of what’s apparently Toto’s 15th embodiment. Don’t worry, each member’s introduced at length. Its energetic showmanship suits the fact it was recorded in LA after lockdown ended: Kingdom Of Desire’s prog-metal ain’t subtle at all, and I Won’t Hold You Back is as adult contemporary now as in 1982. However, Hold The Line hammers its point home effectively, and the title track finale threatens to make Joe Cocker’s legendary rendition seem tame.