Best of Focus [Import]

best of focus [import]

Track Listings

1. Hocus Pocus
2. Anonymus
3. House Of The King
4. Focus
5. Janis
6. Focus Ii
7. Tommy
8. Sylvia
9. Focus Iii
10. Harem Scarem
11. Mother Focus
12. Focus Iv
13. Bennie Helder
14. Glider
15. Red Sky At Night
16. Hocus Pocus

Best of Focus,Focus,Jvc Victor,Rock
The Best of Focus: Hocus Pocus
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Focus - A Nice Overview Of The Band's Career
  • Don't need anything else.
  • ROCK'S MOST JAMMIN' SONG.....................PERIOD!!!!!!!!
  • Only "Hocus Pocus" is any good
  • Dutch Treat !
The Best of Focus: Hocus Pocus
Focus
Manufacturer: Import [Generic]
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
NetherlandsNetherlands | Continental Europe | Europe | International | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
Progressive RockProgressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music
Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Album-Oriented Rock (AOR)Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music
Classic RockClassic Rock | Imports | Stores | Music
RockRock | Imports | Stores | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Moving Waves
  2. Focus III
  3. Live at the Rainbow
  4. Hamburger Concerto
  5. Anthology: The Best of Argent

ASIN: B00005B361
Release Date: 2001-02-19

Tracks:

  1. Hocus Pocus
  2. Anonymus
  3. House of the King
  4. Focus [Instrumental]
  5. Janis
  6. Focus II
  7. Tommy (Eruption)
  8. Sylvia
  9. Focus III
  10. Harem Scarem
  11. Mother Focus
  12. Focus IV
  13. Bennie Helder
  14. Glider
  15. Red Sky at Night
  16. Hocus Pocus [US Single Version]

Album Description

Reissue of 1994 compilation for the Dutch progressive rock act best known for their 1973 hit single 'Hocus Pocus', featured here alongside 15 other tracks (16 in all) including the U.S. single version of 'Hocus Pocus'. 2001 release. Standard jewel case.

Album Details

Digitally remastered compilation of their greatest hits.

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Focus - A Nice Overview Of The Band's Career.......2007-03-19

I came a bit late to the Focus bandwagon. Of course I had heard their one big US it "Hocus Pocus" which still gets classic rock airplay to this day, but I had never explored any of their albums. When we signed the band to play ProgDay 2004 I thought I should pick up a compilation and this is the one I picked. I was very pleasantly surprised. The album presents a nice overview of the band's career and the recordings have all been remasterd and sound top notch. There are two versions of "Hocus Pocus" the single which made it into the top 10 on the singles charts back in the 70's. Most of the band's other best known stuff is here too including "Sylvia", "House Of The King", "Harem Scarem" and "Focus III". The album is all instrumental with the exception of a few yodels and yelps from Thjis Van Leer. Both Van Leer and Jan Akkerman shine on their respective instruments throughout and the album switches between up tempo rockers and more mellow melodic fare. Overall this is a nice compilation and would serve as a decent into to the band's material.

3 out of 5 stars Don't need anything else........2004-06-25

If you know of Focus, and are just a casual fan, then this is all you need. They definitely have more depth than just "Hocus Pocus" but in reality this is a good overview of their career.

5 out of 5 stars ROCK'S MOST JAMMIN' SONG.....................PERIOD!!!!!!!!.......2004-06-23

If there exsists a more "jammin" "kick **s" "put the pedal to the metal" song out there.......I've never heard it!! Nothing comes close to this rock masterpiece. When you think they can't possibly "turn it up a another notch", they pull it off flawlessly, and never stop!!

2 out of 5 stars Only "Hocus Pocus" is any good.......2004-06-08

...which is fine with me, because that was what I bought the disc for. But I just wanted to warn those who might expect a whole album of comparatively high-quality music that there's a good reason for which the group is only known for the one song. The remainder of the album alternates between attempts at ripping off Jethro Tull and ripping off Pink Floyd, but they never get anywhere near either band's skills in either the composing nor the performing sense.

"Hocus Pocus" is a fantastic hard rock song. There's nothing else in the world that's quite like it. The rest of the album never even approaches this level of hyperactive intensity. They're basically a very mellow group except during "Hocus Pocus," and thankfully, the long six-plus-minute version is the one featured, along with an odd shorter version at the end of the disc that's not mixed very well.

While there's a lot of instrumental music I love (Zappa, anyone?), I thought I should warn those expecting vocal rock that this is a completely instrumental album (unless you count the occasional "yeah" or yodel).

To sum up, then: Phenomenal title track, followed by an hour of filler.

5 out of 5 stars Dutch Treat !.......2004-06-03

Has it really been over 30 years since this terrific group of musicians from Holland scored a huge success with their "Moving Waves" album, and the highly original signature tune, "Hocus Pocus" ? Time flies--but, in the case of Focus, time has been kind--their music still sounds fresh, melodic and exciting.

The band went through some personnel changes, but the key members were Thijs Van Leer ( keyboards, flute, vocals ), and guitar whiz, Jan Akkerman. I have fond memories of seeing them live in Montreal--an awesome concert.

This CD is an excellent retrospecive of their most memorable numbers. Their music was primarily instrumental,and "progressive" in the most positive sense. The "focus" here--if you'll pardon the pun--was on musicianship--these guys could really play. I suspect Akkerman and Van Leer might have had some classical training in their youth. All their well-known numbers are included--"Harem Scarem", "Sylvia", "Janis" and two different versions of "Hocus Pocus".

The 70s was an era where bands flourished who had only the most talented musicians. Later, progressive rock groups were often labelled pretentious--usually by critics who could only appreciate three-chord boogies ! Well--this "pretentious" music gave us some of the most incredible musicians rock has ever had--Steve Howe, Tony Banks, Keith Emerson, Dave Gilmour, Phil Manzanera, Robert Fripp, Daryl Way and--yes--Jan Akkerman. When I hear some of the junk that is selling today, I don't know whether to laugh or cry !

OK--I'm off my soapbox ! Bottom line--Focus were easily one of the best 70s bands, and this CD is a worthy compilation. Recommended.
Trans Universal Worldwide
Average customer rating: Not rated
    Trans Universal Worldwide
    $have
    Manufacturer: Headchange Records
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
    Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Alternative Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music
    RockRock | Alternative Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music
    ASIN: B0007WK682
    Release Date: 2004-05-29

    Tracks:

    1. Icky Soda
    2. Innocent By-Product Of The Media
    3. Rival Bowler
    4. New York, LA
    5. Eight Ladies, Early 90's
    6. One Idea
    7. Mr. Politician
    8. High Times
    9. Headchange Records
    10. Freeman Street
    11. Handle The Messiah
    12. Full Commercial Xxxmas

    Product Description

    Trans Universal Worldwide is a raucous ride on a spaceship of rock. Propelled from the launch by the life force of Icky Soda, the CD transports the listener through a musical galaxy. Taking them from New York to LA, and all the way to a mythical place called Freeman Street. The Buddy Holly -like bounce of Mr. Politician is fun while the words express that promises can only be fulfilled from within... Feel the pain of a dejected sportsman in Rival Bowler. Take a voyeuristic glance into the surreal world of Eight Ladies Early 90's.. This CD comes complete with a 8 page booklet of amazing artwork by Johnny Jones complete with all lyrics...
    The Best of Focus: Hocus Pocus
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      The Best of Focus: Hocus Pocus
      Focus
      Manufacturer: Red Bullet
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

      NetherlandsNetherlands | Continental Europe | Europe | International | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
      Progressive RockProgressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music
      Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
      ASIN: B000A2GA48
      Release Date: 2004-03-09

      Tracks:

      1. Hocus Pocus
      2. Anonymus
      3. House of the King
      4. Focus [Instrumental]
      5. Janis
      6. Focus II
      7. Tommy (Eruption)
      8. Sylvia
      9. Focus III
      10. Harem Scarem
      11. Mother Focus
      12. Focus IV
      13. Bennie Helder
      14. Glider
      15. Red Sky at Night
      16. Hocus Pocus [US Single Version]
      Java Jems: 5 minute inspirations for busy people
      Average customer rating: Not rated
        Java Jems: 5 minute inspirations for busy people
        Cindi R. Maciolek
        Manufacturer: Grand Arbor Press
        ProductGroup: Music
        Binding: Audio CD

        GeneralGeneral | New Age | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music
        ASIN: B0001WALV0
        Release Date: 2004-07-01

        Tracks:

        1. Self-Confidence
        2. Strength
        3. Goals and Path
        4. Personal Growth
        5. Self-Love
        6. Security
        7. Creativity
        8. Change
        9. Leadership
        10. Accomplishment

        Album Description

        This spoken word album is meanto to help you find a few minutes in each day to focus on you. the soothing music sets the tone for relaxation, and the inspiring words are meant to help you focus and motivate you to clarifying and improving your life. The CD is great to play one track at a time or in its entirety, in the car or on the computer while you work.
        Focus Your Thoughts I
        Average customer rating: Not rated
          Focus Your Thoughts I
          Dionysios Skaliotis
          Manufacturer: Dionysios Skaliotis
          ProductGroup: Music
          Binding: Audio CD

          GeneralGeneral | Poetry, Spoken Word & Interviews | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
          Spoken WordSpoken Word | Poetry, Spoken Word & Interviews | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
          GeneralGeneral | New Age | Styles | Music
          GeneralGeneral | New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music
          ASIN: B00005LIMZ
          Release Date: 2000-01-01

          Tracks:

          1. Focus Your Thoughts I - Spoken Word

          Album Description

          This self-help healing process begins the moment you close your eyes. After you focus your thoughts on the specific source of your anxiety, follow the guided audio instructions.
          The Best of Focus: Hocus Pocus
          Average customer rating: Not rated
            The Best of Focus: Hocus Pocus
            Focus
            Manufacturer: Jvc Victor
            ProductGroup: Music
            Binding: Audio CD

            NetherlandsNetherlands | Continental Europe | Europe | International | Styles | Music
            GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
            Progressive RockProgressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music
            Album-Oriented Rock (AOR)Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music
            Classic RockClassic Rock | Imports | Stores | Music
            RockRock | Imports | Stores | Music
            ASIN: B000060NMW
            Release Date: 2002-03-21

            Tracks:

            1. Hocus Pocus
            2. Anonymus
            3. House of the King
            4. Focus [Instrumental]
            5. Janis
            6. Focus II
            7. Tommy (Eruption)
            8. Sylvia
            9. Focus III
            10. Harem Scarem
            11. Mother Focus
            12. Focus IV
            13. Bennie Helder
            14. Glider
            15. Red Sky at Night
            16. Hocus Pocus [US Single Version]
            Droste Presents the Best of Holland
            Average customer rating: Not rated
              Droste Presents the Best of Holland
              Various Artists , and The Prodigal Sons, Hocus Pocus -- Focus, Margriet Eshuijs, Shocking Blue, Herman Brood, Golden Earring, Het Goede Doel 2 Unlimited
              ProductGroup: Music
              Binding: Audio CD

              GeneralGeneral | Classic Rock | Styles | Music
              ASIN: B000N76874

              Product Description

              Various Artists / Droste Presents The best of Holland Track Title 1. You -- Ten Sharp 2. When the lady smiles -- Golden Earring 3. Belgie -- Het Goede Doel 4. Saturday Night -- Herman Brood 5. Venus -- Shocking Blue 6. Bloedend Hart -- De Dijk 7. House for Sale -- Margriet Eshuijs 8. Hocus Pocus -- Focus 9. You still think -- The Prodigal Sons 10. No Limits -- 2 Unlimited

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