RARE ORIG 1971 PROMO FOCUS IN & OUT OF PROG PSYCH

$

129

               RARE 1971 PROG PSYCH GEM!

     ADVANCE RELEASE PROMOTIONAL IN MINT!

                  FOCUS

      In And Out Of Focus 

\                                       USA - SIRE/LONDON RECORDS - SES 97027  

TOP CLEAN!!!

Rare 1971 original advance release PROMOTIONAL first pressing in op-art designed gatefold cover ... overall the item is way superior to the UK issue with this tripped-out psychedelic photo cover...this is the one...

...and the first, very first FOCUS album, an award winning sound, at this point totally unknown, then one listen puts you "there"...the melody enriched works coupled with tight rhythms & overlayed by stunning majestic guitar, gushing organ makes for a real under-estimated often overlooked album...a real tour-de-force in the progressive scene back in 1971.... yes, yes, quite the marvelous debut Lp. And it contains the formula which would put Focus on the world music map for the next 5 years. Guitarist Jan Akkerman had just given up his previous post in the psych band Brainbox in order to embark on a musical journey which would lead him into more complex territory. He found this in Focus which was a 3 piece house band for the Dutch stage production of the musical "Hair". There is a lot to be said here starting off with the introductory first track simply entitled Focus. The buildup in this precious work defies the immagination and nothing like it had ever been heard at the time (1970). This is the Akkerman guitar meets the flute and keyboards of Thijs van Leer at it's finest. Akkerman's fine guitar lines set the stage for this dynamic musical demonstration which culminates into a flute freakout which established by an incredible Hammond riff. It almost seems that Van Leer did the riff on the organ and picked up his flute and just started going crazy! Akkerman recedes into the background, doing some unbelievable rhythms to complement Van Leer's frantic flutism. (Ian Anderson eat your heart out!) The other showpiece on the album is Anonymous which was done in a more extensive form on Focus III. All four players are permitted to show off on this one. A classical theme is stated and the individual musicians successfully acquit themselves in the form of solos. A display of the talent pssessed by this remarkable band. Marjtin Dresden's bass slot is one of the most impressive prog bass solos ever committed to record. He can certainly be compared to the likes of Squire and Wetton! House of the King shows off guitarist Akkerman's compositional abilities. He allows Van Leer to create the theme on his flute while maintaining a solid rythm harmony on guitar. Sugar Island is another example of this simply incredible acoustic guitar/flute interaction only with vocals from Thijs. Other tracks contain thoughtful lyrics and vocals from Van Leer. The combination of short vocal tracks and rather long instrumental passages work very well. Definitely go for this, the first Focus lineup. A great record which one may never tire of.

Side one

1. "Focus"– 9:45
2. "House of the King"  – 2:20
3. "Why Dream"  – 3:57
4. "Happy Nightmare (Mescaline)"  – 3:56

Side two

1. "Anonymus"  – 7:00
2. "Black Beauty"  – 3:05
3. "Sugar Island" – 3:03
4. "Focus"– 2:44

CONDITION: The cover: solid and strong M- with promotional sticker = looks great with no seam splits, no bends, no writing ...will provide as solid keeper collectible

The vinyl : all glossy both sides M- plays enjoyable -- one that we would put in our own collection if we didn't already have it.

      A cool addition to anyone's music library!

SEE: SELLERS OTher items for similar cool sounds for "head" people...

EFFICIENT/CAREFUL GRADING

All imperfections are noted both cover & record