HOCUS POCUS: THE BEST OF FOCUS

"Best of" collections are always subjective in their content, and this is no exception. While Focus enjoyed some early success in the singles market, they are very much an album band. The track selection here is however largely geared towards their more accessible output. For me, the starting point for any "Best of Focus" compilation would be the inclusion of the "Hamburger Concerto" album in full. That of course would be impractical, and it is represented here by "Harem Scarem" only.

"Hocus Pocus" and "Sylvia" are of course included, the former being the full length album version. While these tracks are well know because of their enormous success, their excellence should not be understated. "Sylvia" in particular is one of most melodic guitar instrumentals ever recorded, sounding as fresh today as it did over 30 years ago.

The album has been largely compiled chronologically, which tends to mean that I lose interest as it progresses. For me Focus lost their focus on later albums, and rather trod water. That said, the inclusion of a number of tracks from Moving waves is an undoubted plus.

For this unfamiliar with the work of this legendary Dutch band, this is a decent introduction.

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