The Mellotron Group

Mike Dickson wrote:
> 
> 
> I've just started listening to Focus (at long last beyond their 
> eponymous track and 'Sylvia') and I have to say I'm really quite
> pleased so far. The only one I've given any real attention to is
> 'Moving Waves' (which features the stellar 'Le Clochard'). What
> else is recommended?
> 
> Incidentally, I find the Mellotron about the least interesting
> thing about 'Le Clochard', despite its high rating among lovers of
> the instrument. The guitar phrasing is breathtaking.

I have all the Focus albums. After "Moving Waves" you want to try
"Focus III" which is where the single "Sylvia" came from, and
"Hamburger Concerto". Unless you find yourself wanting to dig further
that's all you'll need. The self-titled is OK but not essential.
You'll probably find "III" to be a bit long (double LP). "Hamburger
Concerto" is my favourite Focus record, FWIW.

I quite like the 21st century version of the band that has released
"Focus 8" and "Focus 9", but since it's not a "classic" lineup (no Jan
Akkerman) many Focus purists don't think it's really Focus at all.
It has van Leer and the material is good and it sounds like Focus
mainly due to the flute, Hammond and a rather good impersonation of
Akkerman by the guitarist. YMMV.
-- 
Cheers, SDM -- a 21st Century Schizoid Man
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