It’s become one of today’s fads but in the case of Dutch proggers FOCUS a re-recording of their past repertoire, including the post-comeback material from “Focus 8” and “Focus 9 / New Skin,” actually makes sense. Thijs van Leer’s voice can’t handle yodels of yore now but his organ and flute are as fierce as ever, so for a listener the “Golden Oldies” album, out now, can be an honest preparation for the band’s show. Yet there’s more to it, as the ensemble’s profile is on the rise again thanks to their evergreen “Hocus Pocus” having made it into the recent, new version of “Robocop” after soundtracking a Nike ad for the World Cup. Perhaps, not the follow-up to 2012’s "X" that the fans have been waiting for but an interesting effort anyway.
Today, alongside van Leer, FOCUS include the classic line-up’s drummer Pierre van der Linden as well as younger players: bassist Bobby Jacobs and Menno Gootjes on guitar. And here’s the tracklisting of the band’s new record (read the review):
1. Hocus Pocus
2. Tommy
3. House Of The King
4. Focus 1
5. Sylvia
6. Focus 3 & 2
7. Aya-Yuppie-Hippie-Yee
8. Neurotika
9. Brother
