Africa - Toto

[ODH]

It came up on the Apple Music Best of 1983 playlist and I thought it would be fun. Then I discovered it was actually released in 1982 and I would be letting myself in for a tongue lashing if I tried to pass it off. But I went ahead anyway.

In the version I wanted to do, Africa is an 80's nightclub and our hapless hero gets off with our female lead - Lorraine - at said club. I was particularly proud of the line "I felt Lorraine up in Africa". The problem is that the lyrics in the song are so achingly pretentious that I couldn't rework them to my satisfaction. So I went with the original words, grudgingly.

GB drums and bass, and keyboards. Guitars are the new Supersonic which I'm still loving.

It does occur to me that some of you might actually be fond of the original; please accept my apologies.

[Mike_S]

Brilliant Nick. I was waiting anxiously for this to begin. How on earth were you going to do this? Then it made perfect sense. Yeah man, you gave a wonderful spin on the original, fantastic arrangement - thoroughly enjoyed that.

Mike

[cuthbert]

Yup, what Mike said.

I've never been a fan of the original (apologies to any who are), but I love the arrangement and the delivery on your cover, Nick. Also, it kicks Weezer's version to the curb - just my opinion, of course.

Loved it!

[Bluesberry]

That's the spirit........hillbilly punk ........I can hear banjos .........see men in overalls.....no shirts.......dancing, dancing...........dancing........

[launched]

Also, it kicks Weezer's version to the curb - just my opinion, of course.

Yes, fully agree!! I love this version, Weezer has nothing on you by far. Great vocals and playing as well. Punky shit that rocks to the stratosphere!

You made a tune of a tune instead of impersonating it, very pleased to hear this.

[karl1171]

Well I am quite fond of the original, but think this is pretty cool as well!

[ODH]

Also, it kicks Weezer's version to the curb - just my opinion, of course.

Thanks, high praise. I wasn't aware there is a Weezer version. I went and had a listen and was a bit disappointed, to be honest.  A lot like the original but with slightly beefier guitars.

[TPB]

Smoking guitar work love the cover
Tim

[Blooby]

Inspired. I love the "da da da da da dun!" You must have smiled to yourself when you listened back the first time.

I like Toto just fine, but the original version doesn't exactly scream "hit" or even a single to me.


Blooby

[cuthbert]

I went and had a listen and was a bit disappointed, to be honest.  A lot like the original but with slightly beefier guitars.

Yep, I was also underwhelmed by Weezer's version - too close to the original for my taste.