HOCUS POCUS: THE BEST OF FOCUS

This is a very good compilation for those who want to know the band for the first time. In fact, it was my first CD of Focus before I purchased other albums. All my collection of their albums was previously in cassette format. I started recollecting the albums in CD format in 90s. This compilation truly refreshed my memory back in the 70as when I started liking the band. It was my brother who played "House of The King" repeatedly and made me familiar with the music and the band. It's good that this track which might confuse you with Jethro Tull is featured here in this compilation. You can find a great combination of acoustic guitar rhythm section combined with evocative flute work.

"Hocus Pocus" (6:42) is a great track that I believe newbie will like it very much. I's a unique music composition combining dynamic drumming, stunning guitar work and strange singing style that I believe it's hard to emulate by anyone. "Anonymus" (6:36) is my favorite. It combines dynamic sounds of guitar, drum, keyboard and powerful bass lines and solo. I always repeat this track whenever I play this compilation. Another track that really kills me is "Focus III". Oh man . I love the way Akkermann played the guitar in ambient sound at the beginning of the track augmented with long sustain organ work. The remaining guitar solo is really killing. It's hard to believe if you do not like this track. "Janis" is also a great track. Basically, all tracks featured here are really excellent in composition and they represent the music of Focus. The only thing that bothers me is the last track "Hocus Pocus" (US single version) that is really bad and should not be featured here. If you know the full version, I believe you would hate this version.

Overall, it's a highly recommended compilation of Focus for those who want to know the band. Keep on proggin' ..!

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW (i-Rock! Music Community)