After chores, and an early Dr. appointment, I had lost my calm, easy demeanor. 2 coffee's and I still could not concentrate! I turn on my sound system and laptop, hoping to find respite, and Mr. Reliable comes through.Thank you sir you have returned my 'Focus'! Peace.
Thanks for this as all we ever get is funny reactions to the live Hocus Pocus...They were such a talented group and Focus 3 remains one of my favourite albums from the 70's
Thank you, thank you JP! I'm so frustrated that so many reaction channels listen to Hocus Pocus and maybe Sylvia and finish there! I'm so glad you are taking the Focus journey. This is a very good starting point. I would also suggest as kkoz recommends to then explore Focus III and Hamburger Concerto. This band has a unique sound as you are starting to discover. You won't be disappointed with the rest of the album.
Proof positive that music does have charms to soothe the savage breast. Especially after the horrors of the the blue nile. Two lovely Focus tracks off a fantastic album. Not overly complex, just beautiful tunes, beautifully played. That classical guitar, the excellent flute, this's magic stuff. I've seen them live, but not all at once! Focus, just after Akkerman left, and then Akkerman as a solo act at a jazz festival. Superb musicians.
I also saw the band just after Jan left, replaced by the much jazzier Philip Catherine. Much more recently I saw them last November (on the Isle of Wight!), with Thijs and drummer Pierre van der Linden from this era, and an impressive new guitarist Menno Gootjes.
A little bit of background for you: Focus was basically driven by two musical geniuses, both classically trained: van Leer on flute, keyboards (mainly Hammond) and vocal extravaganzas, and Akkerman on guitar and lute (I believe it's what we hear in Le Clochard). The rhythm section changed from album to album, but there's nothing to complain there either. Later Akkerman left for a solo career which is something worth checking out too. Their best albums are arguably Focus 3 and Hamburger Concerto, so if you enjoy this one, you would get even better stuff on the next two. After that, you may want to check out a debut by their sister act, another Dutch band Trace.
Always wondered what the Focus 3 drummer Pierre Van Der Linden would have done on Hamburger Concerto. I have always liked his style and sound. Nothing against Collin Allen who played on Hamburger Concerto, but an interesting thought experiment nonetheless :)
Nice that you are going to do the next 2 songs. The title track is one of the strangest songs in a rock album but a good one still. And Focus II is one of their best tracks with Akkerman playing the guitar superbly. And after those two it's time for their epic track Eruption. Can't wait!
You're the first one that I have listened to, reacting to anything but Hocus Pocus. So that's very well done! I'm convinced you will enjoy the rest of the album as well. After that I suggest covering their next 2 albums: Focus 3 and Hamburger Concerto, which are equally great. By the way, Le Clochard is the French word for Beggar (begging for bread, in this case). I ran into Pierre van der Linden (drummer) and Thijs van Leer at the airport of Reykjavik (Iceland), waiting for my flight to Amsterdam, and they are some of the nicest and down-to-earth people you ever would want to meet...
Jan Akkerman is the world's greatest living guitarist, and there is nothing we can do about it... In my opinion, Hamburger Concerto was their peak album, and the title track their peak piece. Other great ones include: Birth, Carnival Fugue, Eruption, Answers?Questions!Questions?Answers, Focus ...etc.etc.
I remember playing this album to death as a young man. I remember how wonderful it was to have these songs come in as a palate cleanser after Hocus Pocus. One reason that I actually got my parents to listen to some of this album.
The classical guitar and mellotron on 'Le Clochard' complement each other perfectly. Possibly my favourite Focus track, though 'Sylvia' from their next album runs it close.
Brilliant Justin, I laughed when you said you'd look up the lyrics to 'Le Clochard'. You mentioned Hocus Pocus, and it is all that we seem to hear from reviewers in the US, basically because it's completely bonkers and all that seems to known. Focus are better known in the UK and Europe for the song 'Sylvia' from the album Focus III. That song got to #4 in the UK top 20, in February 1973 - 49 years ago. Hocus Pocus was also in the top 20 at the same time, making Focus the first band since The Beatles to have two singles in the UK top 20 in the same week. I'm sure that record has been beaten many times since, but not in 1973. The next track after Janis, 'Moving Waves' does have a few lyrics in English, but based on a poem by Inayat Khan. The second side of the original album - recorded in 1971, is a prog masterpiece, 23+ minutes of brilliance - perhaps one for a long song Saturday? Jan Akkerman is still my favourite guitarist and is the reason why I took up playing the guitar. I actually played 'Le Clochard' as one of my audition pieces for Music College, I got in, but never took up the place, deciding to pursue a degree in Science instead. Hmm, I always wondered, what if? 😀
Another one of my favourite albums :-) Seems I've been listening to this for ever but actually just 45 years or so! Can't wait for you to do the rest of the album.
Hi JP. Dave from Across The Ocean. For a while in the early 70s, Focus were probably my favourite band, ahead of the likes of Yes and Genesis. Great variety, beautiful and virtuosic playing, and what I like most is that they are so melodic. Love this album but maybe my fave is their next, Focus 3. Jan's madrigal playing is showcased brilliantly on his first solo album Profile. And it's great to see Thijs's eccentricity live (as I did last November); not many can yodel and play flute and organ at the same time!
This album has been on my desert island list for decades, it's spectacular. Looking forward to seeing you react to more. Akkerman's guitar work is sublime...
Two tracks that are more representative of this group and their sound are House Of The King and Round Goes The Gossip, as well as their smash hit Hocus Pocus (hang on to something when you listen to it.) These two tracks are very nice, but not very typical of their overall musical product.
I’d heard Focus a bit, Akkerman some, mostly read album reviews or articles in guitar mags. That’s probably where I finally put the two together. This was beautiful music. Pre New Age which could get a bit sterile. This was not. Really enjoyed that. Makes you want to dig out the old acoustic. Keep going. Peace and not vagrant scatting Music
Apart from Focus there were a few European bands, who composed and sang in English, but didn't get the recognition they deserved. Kayak's first four albums are good, they then became a bit bland for a while, but came back with a great album Periscope Life in 1980.
The first prog LP I ever bought - and there was a groove where it got stuck! Had to get a replacement but always have had a soft spot for it. A serious band of musicians with a quirky sense of humour and there aren't many like that.
Love Janis it’s just great chill music for a Sunday morning. Focus 2 is similar but moving for me so emotive guitar from Ackerman can’t wait for your reaction
I’ve always had this in my collection - on vinyl and cassette , so why don’t i know it Off by heart and heartily recommend it to everyone? Musically it ’s as good as Genesis or Hackett’s solo stuff, herein lies a possible answer, does it lack a cohesive identity? Camel you say. Spot on Justin. Focus don’t need a gimmick it seems. A fabulous sound. Almost as good as the unique, nuanced wavelengths of The Blue Nile, Jfergs! 🤙😁 Diolch, Justin.
I once owned the first 3 Focus albums (iirc) but lost them over the years. Maybe it is time to replace them. I had forgotten how excellent they were. I look forward to the next two songs. On another note, I am amazed at how much music an engineering student can produce on their four month break every year. edited to add that apparently context is for the weak but I think I will stay in my rabbit hole and skip the explanation.
I've got about 1/2 doz Focus albums on vinyl. I've had them since the 70s. They are one of my top bands. Having said that, when it comes to this album, I usually slap the b side on and skip these tracks. Nice to hear them again though. Most of Focus is instrumental, though the next one, Moving Waves, does have some (odd) lyrics. Can't wait for you to get to Eruption! Hamburger Concerto is constructed in a similar format. The long title track forms the b side, while on the A there are about 5 shorter pieces. Unlike with this album though, I often play the shorter ones from that one. They offer more.
Thank you! I've known the first track for ages, but always forget who it is by (I usually think it's someone like Greenslade - another prog band worth checking out). Beautiful mellotron and guitar combination. The second track, with the flute, reminds me of some of King Crimson's quieter early pieces.
Thanks for picking some jewels from Focus! Thijs and Jan went their own seperate musical ways, and I would suggest you to check out Tommys Anniversary, by Jan Akkerman, and Pedalpoint / Dona Nobis Pacem, an album from Thijs van Leer. You will be surprised by some musical jewels in there, listening to it!
I can see where Camel got their sound. Sounds like something that could have come off of Snow Goose. Man, I soooo miss my vinyl. I sold this and all my records years ago. I miss this album now 😅
Maybe it’s a good idea to explore some of Jan Akkerman’s early work. His first two album’s Profile and Tabernakel are amazing and you can hear a lot of his influence in Focus’s style of music.
I've heard this side of Focus before, but not these songs (and nothing as laid down in pastures green). I enjoyed coming along for the ride. It's fun seeing how you react to bits of a song I already knew were on the way, but it's also good also hearing stuff for the first time. (Your channel is becoming a pretty good source of just listening music for anyone who chances along this way.) Thijs is a name I would pronounce wrong (because I "know" how it's pronounced - since one of my best mates ever is called Matthys - or Matthew - and we've always called him "Tace" - because that's how it sounds in Afrikaans - which has Dutch origins.) I think the correct Dutch would be like "Tice", with the "i" drawn out a bit. I think you got the "Fun Leer" right, though, so well done. For a moment I thought Jan ("Yun") was playing a nylon string guitar, but on your replay I heard a bit of steel, so it's just finger style steel string acoustic - but in a very classical way. Here's some nice "English guitar" (as the Portuguese call it - but we'd call it the Portuguese guitar or fado guitar) music accompanying a Japanese "fadishta" in Paris. ua-cam.com/video/pLwBQIqUiKk/v-deo.html
Here's a more famous fado song: *Coimbra - by Amalia Rodriguez* ua-cam.com/video/QY0fOvRg7KQ/v-deo.html (It's where "April in Portugal" comes from, but you probably wouldn't know that song. Never mind, they made a bit of a mess of Coimbra in "translation".)
Oh, and you might be interested to know that Bill Bruford is giving UA-cam a go at the moment (if you're not already subscribed). ua-cam.com/video/qn2BclRjAdY/v-deo.html (interview with him and Adrian Belew).
Hi JP ! Speaking of Camel 🐪 your overdue for some sooo ... If you would like something also beautiful i HIGHLY Recommend the track " ICE " from I can almost see your house from here .Just a classic Camel track with fantastic Latimer guitar 🎸 work . p.s. more Flower kings ! If you like more beautiful guitar tracks try FKs " Poor Mr Rains ordinary Guitar / The man who walked with kings " Excellent !!!!! 😎👍
Le Clochard is a french word for “the homeless”. Not very used anymore today. It has a depreciative meaning in it. Maybe the tramp would be a better translation…
Clochard is French and means something like; hobo. Great band, good to hear something Dutch. In this range, try Alquin, maybe with their hit “ wheelchair groupie”. Makes you wonder doesn’t it?
Now that you have touched down on the Netherlands, why not react to another great band there, Golden Earring. Nomad from the "to the hilt" album, Vanilla queen and Eight miles high both from their landmark live album, LIVE (1977) are progressive gems. Guitarist George Kooymans and drummer Cesar Zuiderwijk were both top tens in my book.
Ah, Focus. There are the lollipops of Focus - Hocus Pocus, Sylvia, and House of the King - all very good, I am not denigrating them by calling them lollipops! - and there stuff like Round Goes The Gossip and Answers? Questions! Questions? Answers! Which are great, and deserve to be better known. Then you have Carnival Fugue.... Oh my gosh, do you have Carnival Fugue! EVERYONE must hear Carnival Fugue at least once! I have a theory about it, but I won't tell you until you listen to it.
Yes, everyone MUST hear Carnival Fugue at least once in their life. Then again, I must admit that it is a good feeling to keep it as my little secret diamond when all my friends go "but, but Close to edge, but 2112, but supper's ready, but, but" to which I silently go, "f.. off I have Carnival fugue"
Carnival Fugue is brilliant, an amazing tune that follows all the ‘rules’ of a classical fugue. The only other piece by a rock band (that I know of) that does that, is ‘On Reflection’ by Gentle Giant.
Justin I would like to recommend the following albums. From Brazil : Antes do fim - Bacamarte Velha Gravura - Quaterna Réquiem As crianças da nova floresta II - Recordando o vale das maçãs Dawn After The Storm - Tempus Fugit From Italy: Forse lucciole non si amano piu From Ireland : Shadow of Time - Nightnoise
French grammar and pronunciation is weird. There are three different words for "the". If the noun is masculine (which is never consistent, nor does it make any sense why) then "the" is "le" and is pronouced "li", like little. It's "la" if the noun is feminine and it's "les", pronounced "lay". And then they throw away letters and just don't bother pronouncing them, so there's no D sounded at the end of clochard. I think they just make it up as they go along.
Oh dear...I think I saw these in the early seventies & thought they were the most boring band I'd ever seen, I might have left before the end. Afraid my opinion hasn't been changed, sorry 😐
After chores, and an early Dr. appointment, I had lost my calm, easy demeanor. 2 coffee's and I still could not concentrate! I turn on my sound system and laptop, hoping to find respite, and Mr. Reliable comes through.Thank you sir you have returned my 'Focus'! Peace.
Thanks for this as all we ever get is funny reactions to the live Hocus Pocus...They were such a talented group and Focus 3 remains one of my favourite albums from the 70's
They really did get typecast into Hocus Pocus when it hit big and ever since and many probably didn't look any further. I definitely did!
Thank you, thank you JP! I'm so frustrated that so many reaction channels listen to Hocus Pocus and maybe Sylvia and finish there! I'm so glad you are taking the Focus journey. This is a very good starting point. I would also suggest as kkoz recommends to then explore Focus III and Hamburger Concerto. This band has a unique sound as you are starting to discover. You won't be disappointed with the rest of the album.
I bought this album when it first came out and I still listen to it regularly.
The albums usually have a ‘title track’: Focus 2, Focus 3, Focus 4 and so on. They are all marvellous.
Moving Waves and Focus 3 get a lot of love, but I really enjoy the album Hamburger Concerto. The opener "Birth" might be my favourite Focus track.
Birth is a favourite of mine too - some brilliant soloing by Jan and Thijs.
Birth and 'La Cathedrale de Strasbourg' are my favourites from 'Hamburger Concerto. Some amazing guitar and keyboard work from Jan and Thijs.
Proof positive that music does have charms to soothe the savage breast. Especially after the horrors of the the blue nile. Two lovely Focus tracks off a fantastic album. Not overly complex, just beautiful tunes, beautifully played. That classical guitar, the excellent flute, this's magic stuff. I've seen them live, but not all at once! Focus, just after Akkerman left, and then Akkerman as a solo act at a jazz festival. Superb musicians.
I also saw the band just after Jan left, replaced by the much jazzier Philip Catherine. Much more recently I saw them last November (on the Isle of Wight!), with Thijs and drummer Pierre van der Linden from this era, and an impressive new guitarist Menno Gootjes.
A little bit of background for you: Focus was basically driven by two musical geniuses, both classically trained: van Leer on flute, keyboards (mainly Hammond) and vocal extravaganzas, and Akkerman on guitar and lute (I believe it's what we hear in Le Clochard). The rhythm section changed from album to album, but there's nothing to complain there either. Later Akkerman left for a solo career which is something worth checking out too. Their best albums are arguably Focus 3 and Hamburger Concerto, so if you enjoy this one, you would get even better stuff on the next two. After that, you may want to check out a debut by their sister act, another Dutch band Trace.
Or even better Dutch band... SOLUTION.
@@TONE11111 Brainbox- Sea of delight (with Kaz Lux, Jan Akkerman and Pierre van der Linden)
Always wondered what the Focus 3 drummer Pierre Van Der Linden would have done on Hamburger Concerto. I have always liked his style and sound. Nothing against Collin Allen who played on Hamburger Concerto, but an interesting thought experiment nonetheless :)
@@cecilkeebler4254 I've mentioned Trace debut album above, as that's where Pierre van der Linden moved after leaving Focus :)
@@TONE11111 Well worth a review!
Nice that you are going to do the next 2 songs. The title track is one of the strangest songs in a rock album but a good one still. And Focus II is one of their best tracks with Akkerman playing the guitar superbly. And after those two it's time for their epic track Eruption. Can't wait!
You're the first one that I have listened to, reacting to anything but Hocus Pocus. So that's very well done! I'm convinced you will enjoy the rest of the album as well. After that I suggest covering their next 2 albums: Focus 3 and Hamburger Concerto, which are equally great. By the way, Le Clochard is the French word for Beggar (begging for bread, in this case). I ran into Pierre van der Linden (drummer) and Thijs van Leer at the airport of Reykjavik (Iceland), waiting for my flight to Amsterdam, and they are some of the nicest and down-to-earth people you ever would want to meet...
Brilliant album Much overlooked band. I’m glad you are discovering them Enjoy!!!
I am so happy you discuss Focus! I think they are fantastic. Focus 2/Moving Waves, Focus 3 and Hamburger Concerto are their peak.
Jan Akkerman is the world's greatest living guitarist, and there is nothing we can do about it... In my opinion, Hamburger Concerto was their peak album, and the title track their peak piece. Other great ones include: Birth, Carnival Fugue, Eruption, Answers?Questions!Questions?Answers, Focus ...etc.etc.
I have Focus’s albums. They’ve been consistently underrated in the annals of prog, but they’re not forgotten. I love their melodic sensibilities!
Hey! Focus are unbelievably good. Would like you to hear more of their songs for sure!
Love "Le Clochard," so beautiful. This is a fine album. The lovely melody to the all-too-brief "Eurydice" on the second side is one of my favorites.
Can't believe. I listened the whole Moving Waves album yesterday and now you'v made reaction to 2nd and 3rd songs from it. Bravo
Perfect timing :)
Absolutely nothing wrong with this Thank you so much Enjoyed it a lot
Anything right with it?
One of the most underrated albums.
Always so beautiful, Thijs van Leer is a Genius.
Un clochard is a tramp or vagrant in English. Focus II or Moving Waves is a great album, maybe their best.
It is French not English.
@@maraboo72 Good job you pointed that out, I've been speaking French to English people all this time, no wonder they looked at me in a funny way!
Glad to see you have started your Focus Journey.
I remember playing this album to death as a young man. I remember how wonderful it was to have these songs come in as a palate cleanser after Hocus Pocus. One reason that I actually got my parents to listen to some of this album.
The classical guitar and mellotron on 'Le Clochard' complement each other perfectly. Possibly my favourite Focus track, though 'Sylvia' from their next album runs it close.
Brilliant Justin, I laughed when you said you'd look up the lyrics to 'Le Clochard'. You mentioned Hocus Pocus, and it is all that we seem to hear from reviewers in the US, basically because it's completely bonkers and all that seems to known. Focus are better known in the UK and Europe for the song 'Sylvia' from the album Focus III. That song got to #4 in the UK top 20, in February 1973 - 49 years ago. Hocus Pocus was also in the top 20 at the same time, making Focus the first band since The Beatles to have two singles in the UK top 20 in the same week. I'm sure that record has been beaten many times since, but not in 1973.
The next track after Janis, 'Moving Waves' does have a few lyrics in English, but based on a poem by Inayat Khan. The second side of the original album - recorded in 1971, is a prog masterpiece, 23+ minutes of brilliance - perhaps one for a long song Saturday? Jan Akkerman is still my favourite guitarist and is the reason why I took up playing the guitar. I actually played 'Le Clochard' as one of my audition pieces for Music College, I got in, but never took up the place, deciding to pursue a degree in Science instead. Hmm, I always wondered, what if? 😀
Another one of my favourite albums :-) Seems I've been listening to this for ever but actually just 45 years or so! Can't wait for you to do the rest of the album.
Another great band only you are willing to do more than a Hocus Pocus skim of the surface dive into. Thanks Justin!
Hi JP. Dave from Across The Ocean. For a while in the early 70s, Focus were probably my favourite band, ahead of the likes of Yes and Genesis. Great variety, beautiful and virtuosic playing, and what I like most is that they are so melodic. Love this album but maybe my fave is their next, Focus 3. Jan's madrigal playing is showcased brilliantly on his first solo album Profile. And it's great to see Thijs's eccentricity live (as I did last November); not many can yodel and play flute and organ at the same time!
Very relaxing and journey like. Diggin' it!
This album has been on my desert island list for decades, it's spectacular.
Looking forward to seeing you react to more. Akkerman's guitar work is sublime...
Two tracks that are more representative of this group and their sound are House Of The King and Round Goes The Gossip, as well as their smash hit Hocus Pocus (hang on to something when you listen to it.) These two tracks are very nice, but not very typical of their overall musical product.
Very nice, hope you'll get to "Eruption" on this album soon. Would also be great for a long song Saturday 🙂
Agreed!
Their hits "Sylvia" and "Tommy" made me want to pick up a guitar myself. I've never looked back.
Steve Hackett included a cover of 'Tommy' on his 2011 album 'Beyond the Shrouded Horizon'
@@paulc745 it is excellent
Great choice of songs once again! Might I also suggest 'Focus 2'? The last track on the first side of this album :)
This is where Focus and early Camel intersect. A great period for good progressive music.
I’d heard Focus a bit, Akkerman some, mostly read album reviews or articles in guitar mags. That’s probably where I finally put the two together.
This was beautiful music. Pre New Age which could get a bit sterile. This was not.
Really enjoyed that.
Makes you want to dig out the old acoustic. Keep going.
Peace and not vagrant scatting Music
Apart from Focus there were a few European bands, who composed and sang in English, but didn't get the recognition they deserved. Kayak's first four albums are good, they then became a bit bland for a while, but came back with a great album Periscope Life in 1980.
Solution is a great band too!
The first prog LP I ever bought - and there was a groove where it got stuck! Had to get a replacement but always have had a soft spot for it. A serious band of musicians with a quirky sense of humour and there aren't many like that.
The comparison with Camel is quite spot on. I have often thought that myself. Keep on Rocking.
Very nice Justin. I Love this.
Ty MV :)
House of the king and erupiton are fantastic
Love Janis it’s just great chill music for a Sunday morning. Focus 2 is similar but moving for me so emotive guitar from Ackerman can’t wait for your reaction
I’ve always had this in my collection - on vinyl and cassette , so why don’t i know it
Off by heart and heartily recommend it to everyone? Musically it ’s as good as Genesis or Hackett’s solo stuff, herein lies a possible answer, does it lack a cohesive identity?
Camel you say. Spot on Justin.
Focus don’t need a gimmick it seems. A fabulous sound. Almost as good as the unique, nuanced wavelengths of The Blue Nile, Jfergs! 🤙😁
Diolch, Justin.
Much deeper band than you would think.
I once owned the first 3 Focus albums (iirc) but lost them over the years. Maybe it is time to replace them. I had forgotten how excellent they were. I look forward to the next two songs.
On another note, I am amazed at how much music an engineering student can produce on their four month break every year. edited to add that apparently context is for the weak but I think I will stay in my rabbit hole and skip the explanation.
Good idea!
Definitely time to replace them! This, Focus 3, and Hamburger Concerto occupy a place of distinction in my record collection 🙂
I've got about 1/2 doz Focus albums on vinyl. I've had them since the 70s. They are one of my top bands. Having said that, when it comes to this album, I usually slap the b side on and skip these tracks. Nice to hear them again though. Most of Focus is instrumental, though the next one, Moving Waves, does have some (odd) lyrics. Can't wait for you to get to Eruption!
Hamburger Concerto is constructed in a similar format. The long title track forms the b side, while on the A there are about 5 shorter pieces. Unlike with this album though, I often play the shorter ones from that one. They offer more.
Love these guys! Thank you 🙂 Google Translate tells me that "Le Clochard" means "the homeless man".
No resemblance to Hocus Pocus. Another exciting rabbit hole to mine.
Hi Justin ; thank you for your interest in that fabulous band .
Try : " La Cathedrale De Strasbourg " and of course " Hamburger Concerto "
The "D" in "Clochard" is like the "D" in "Django". It is silent.
Justin you need to listen to the album Spartacus by the German progressive trio Triunvirat. It is simply SPECTACULAR!!!
Great album.
Thank you! I've known the first track for ages, but always forget who it is by (I usually think it's someone like Greenslade - another prog band worth checking out). Beautiful mellotron and guitar combination. The second track, with the flute, reminds me of some of King Crimson's quieter early pieces.
Thanks for picking some jewels from Focus! Thijs and Jan went their own seperate musical ways, and I would suggest you to check out Tommys Anniversary, by Jan Akkerman, and Pedalpoint / Dona Nobis Pacem, an album from Thijs van Leer. You will be surprised by some musical jewels in there, listening to it!
Le Clochard also means "Bum" like a homeless vagrant in french. I adore this album
I can see where Camel got their sound. Sounds like something that could have come off of Snow Goose. Man, I soooo miss my vinyl. I sold this and all my records years ago. I miss this album now 😅
Maybe it’s a good idea to explore some of Jan Akkerman’s early work. His first two album’s Profile and Tabernakel are amazing and you can hear a lot of his influence in Focus’s style of music.
Side 2 Justin Eruption might just be the high point of progressive music for all time. A MUST!
I've heard this side of Focus before, but not these songs (and nothing as laid down in pastures green). I enjoyed coming along for the ride. It's fun seeing how you react to bits of a song I already knew were on the way, but it's also good also hearing stuff for the first time. (Your channel is becoming a pretty good source of just listening music for anyone who chances along this way.)
Thijs is a name I would pronounce wrong (because I "know" how it's pronounced - since one of my best mates ever is called Matthys - or Matthew - and we've always called him "Tace" - because that's how it sounds in Afrikaans - which has Dutch origins.) I think the correct Dutch would be like "Tice", with the "i" drawn out a bit.
I think you got the "Fun Leer" right, though, so well done.
For a moment I thought Jan ("Yun") was playing a nylon string guitar, but on your replay I heard a bit of steel, so it's just finger style steel string acoustic - but in a very classical way.
Here's some nice "English guitar" (as the Portuguese call it - but we'd call it the Portuguese guitar or fado guitar) music accompanying a Japanese "fadishta" in Paris. ua-cam.com/video/pLwBQIqUiKk/v-deo.html
Here's a more famous fado song: *Coimbra - by Amalia Rodriguez* ua-cam.com/video/QY0fOvRg7KQ/v-deo.html
(It's where "April in Portugal" comes from, but you probably wouldn't know that song. Never mind, they made a bit of a mess of Coimbra in "translation".)
Oh, and you might be interested to know that Bill Bruford is giving UA-cam a go at the moment (if you're not already subscribed). ua-cam.com/video/qn2BclRjAdY/v-deo.html (interview with him and Adrian Belew).
AFocus review again 🙂
Thijs van Leer played flute on a few Ayreon albums and in the second live concert: The electric castle live and other tales.
Can't wait till you get to Eruption 😁
🌋
Hi JP ! Speaking of Camel 🐪 your overdue for some sooo ... If you would like something also beautiful i HIGHLY Recommend the track " ICE " from I can almost see your house from here .Just a classic Camel track with fantastic Latimer guitar 🎸 work . p.s. more Flower kings ! If you like more beautiful guitar tracks try FKs " Poor Mr Rains ordinary Guitar / The man who walked with kings " Excellent !!!!! 😎👍
Le Clochard is a french word for “the homeless”. Not very used anymore today. It has a depreciative meaning in it. Maybe the tramp would be a better translation…
Clochard is French and means something like; hobo. Great band, good to hear something Dutch. In this range, try Alquin, maybe with their hit “ wheelchair groupie”. Makes you wonder doesn’t it?
If you like the prog,i can suggest to listen the PFM,an italian prog band,better the first 4/5 albums 😊
Speaking of Camel, weren't you going through their 'Mirage' album?
Now that you have touched down on the Netherlands, why not react to another great band there, Golden Earring. Nomad from the "to the hilt" album, Vanilla queen and Eight miles high both from their landmark live album, LIVE (1977) are progressive gems. Guitarist George Kooymans and drummer Cesar Zuiderwijk were both top tens in my book.
Ah, Focus. There are the lollipops of Focus - Hocus Pocus, Sylvia, and House of the King - all very good, I am not denigrating them by calling them lollipops! - and there stuff like Round Goes The Gossip and Answers? Questions! Questions? Answers! Which are great, and deserve to be better known. Then you have Carnival Fugue.... Oh my gosh, do you have Carnival Fugue! EVERYONE must hear Carnival Fugue at least once! I have a theory about it, but I won't tell you until you listen to it.
Yes, everyone MUST hear Carnival Fugue at least once in their life. Then again, I must admit that it is a good feeling to keep it as my little secret diamond when all my friends go "but, but Close to edge, but 2112, but supper's ready, but, but" to which I silently go, "f.. off I have Carnival fugue"
Carnival Fugue is brilliant, an amazing tune that follows all the ‘rules’ of a classical fugue. The only other piece by a rock band (that I know of) that does that, is ‘On Reflection’ by Gentle Giant.
Justin I would like to recommend the following albums.
From Brazil : Antes do fim - Bacamarte
Velha Gravura - Quaterna Réquiem
As crianças da nova floresta II - Recordando o vale das maçãs
Dawn After The Storm - Tempus Fugit
From Italy: Forse lucciole non si amano piu
From Ireland : Shadow of Time - Nightnoise
''a blast of scats'' Justin - 2022
🤣🤣🤣
Ahh thank God, a focus reaction that isn't that abomination Hocus Pocus! Faultless music.
Nice contrast. Could use some yodeling tho. Jk.
French grammar and pronunciation is weird. There are three different words for "the". If the noun is masculine (which is never consistent, nor does it make any sense why) then "the" is "le" and is pronouced "li", like little. It's "la" if the noun is feminine and it's "les", pronounced "lay". And then they throw away letters and just don't bother pronouncing them, so there's no D sounded at the end of clochard. I think they just make it up as they go along.
First
and you were second as well.
Oh dear...I think I saw these in the early seventies & thought they were the most boring band I'd ever seen, I might have left before the end. Afraid my opinion hasn't been changed, sorry 😐