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I like music, and thus, I like YouTube. Though most of the videos flirt with copyright violations. Anyway, I got roped into a "Wow, Toto is amazing!" phase yesterday, [waiting while you look up "Africa"and cower in the corner, hoping not to get caught] and I happened to come across a song called "Lea." Now, more experienced Toto fans know that they like naming songs after members of the fairer sex, and that they've changed lead singers a couple times, for whatever that's worth. My first thought was, "What an outstanding pop song," and my next one was, "Why didn't Babyface cover this on his remake album 'Playlist'?" Don't even act like it's not right up his alley. [Babyface should pay you.--ed.] I know, right? Why didn't Toto's label release "Lea" as a single in 1986? [Because they're stupid, and they think we are, too.--ed.] Even so, follow the Money Train...er, that is, the Soul Train. As long as we are amorous and/or sad, there's a market.
Besides that, I had read that Welcome to the Black Parade by My Chemical Romance was one of the better-regarded albums of 2006. Not instantly a fan of the whiny, emo pop-punk on offer this past decade, I was suspicious. But I recalled their single from that album, and I've always liked it. The first two minutes is like a counterfeit messiah story, unfolded like an arena-rock ballad. I love that. One professional critic compared them and it to the best of Queen, and that's exactly right. Being the sap I am, I hoped they'd do the whole song like that, but it's enjoyable enough.

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