Let's talk about classic music.
During my teens, I was awash in all things 'prog', as in progressive rock,
as in Yes, Genesis, King Crimson, ELP, PFM etc., and I welcomed any
great new band or artist into my brain, via my parents' console stereo.
I first heard Focus on the radio, when "Hocus Pocus" became a breakout hit.
Now, just think about that for a moment or two. Progressive rock music... playing
prominently on Top 40 radio! From Yes' "Roundabout" to ELP's "Lucky Man"
I happily veered, in my search for true prog Top 40 greatness.
When my brother Rod bought Focus' first album, I commandeered it from him
and listened to it until I knew every audio nook and cranny of the record. Over
time (and during school lunch or study breaks) I dove into every record they
released, including Hamburger Concerto in '74.
"La Cathedrale de Strasbourg", for me, is a more focussed Focus,
and marked their return to shorter, more concise songs, at a time
when Yes was riding their four-sided Toby's Graphic Go-kart
to the top of the charts.
As much as I was still a complete Yes freak, something about Focus'
approach to music drew my teenage attention away from Yes, and
toward the awesome Akkerman and van Leer.
Have a look at a wonderful, ancient castle in Ireland,'
then check out "La Cathedrale de Strasbourg".
Mozz the Elder
www.vapormusic.com
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