Focus — Hocus Pocus
Album: Moving WavesAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 4154
Length: 6:37
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(Instrumental -- well, except for the yodeling...)
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Haven't heard this in years.
crisssi wrote:
Bummer, your loss!
I hated this when it came out, and today I hate it even more. A solid 1.
Bummer, your loss!
an old light in the new darkness of rock
Co**ine is a h*ll of a drug.
-Rick James
-Rick James
I hated this when it came out, and today I hate it even more. A solid 1.
love Popeyes guest vocalist spot..
speedskating at Stretham ice skating rink in the seventies
Steely_D wrote:
We don't shorten our song, we just play it faster!
That is one frantic version.
Why is this recording a 9?
Because this live performance is the 10.
It is the greatest thing you will see all day.
We don't shorten our song, we just play it faster!
That is one frantic version.
Audio migraine...no thanks.
Such a mean flash back. No rhyme nor reason and that’s why it works so well, Try finding something like this on radio today.
Now get off my lawn.
Now get off my lawn.
That was worth the loss of a few inner ear hairs.
My first concert ever. And I have seen hundreds of them. I took the train into NYC with my sister and walked to Avery Fisher Hall in Lincoln Center. Eric
Weissberg and Deliverance opened up, from Dueling Banjos fame, followed by Focus. We were like 12 rows back. GREAT SHOW. Jan Akkerman on his black Les Paul blew me away. I had never seen anything like it. Smokin' those strings. And YES, they were even smoking weed in such a prestigious venue. But I mean it was 1973. So no surprise! I already started smoking it, but didn't partake at that one. And oh, where else could you hear this song again in 2024? Radioparadise only!
Weissberg and Deliverance opened up, from Dueling Banjos fame, followed by Focus. We were like 12 rows back. GREAT SHOW. Jan Akkerman on his black Les Paul blew me away. I had never seen anything like it. Smokin' those strings. And YES, they were even smoking weed in such a prestigious venue. But I mean it was 1973. So no surprise! I already started smoking it, but didn't partake at that one. And oh, where else could you hear this song again in 2024? Radioparadise only!
thewiseking wrote:
sounds like a man explaining away his lack of an erection
Funniest comment I will read today. Likely tomorrow as well.
sounds like a man explaining away his lack of an erection
Funniest comment I will read today. Likely tomorrow as well.
A Focus cover band played a dance in my high school gym in circa 1977. And yes, they covered Hocus Pocus. I remember it being hard to dance to, with the girl I was crushing on at the time (on our first date).
Back in the early '70's there was a very progressive radio station in Norfolk, VA that played all the weird and wonderful stuff you wouldn't hear on top ten radio, much like RP today. It was called, apropos for the '70's, WOWI! They would occasionally play this, I suppose just to make a point. Loved WOWI then and love Radio Paradise now. Thanks Bill!
Shit Hot..
Check out their live version on the old Midnight Special" tv show.
Drums are cool on this song , the speed :)
I Never get tired of this song.
I'm guessing lots of drugs were involved in the making of this.
Epic!
And I love the "Popeye" rap!!!!!
I was an awkward 16 year old when this came out! I loved it!
Now I'm an awkward 66 year old, still love it! LOL
Now I'm an awkward 66 year old, still love it! LOL
Greatest rock tune with yodeling ever!
Ralgert wrote:
Years ago, I rated this song at 9. Still applies.
The Muppet Animal in Real :-)
Great, great, great.
Years ago, I rated this song at 9. Still applies.
On the album cover, the guy on the right, reminds me of Bill Murray!
nelsonha wrote:
Me too! ...Great yodeling! GREAT TUNE!!
This song makes me a fan of yodeling!
Me too! ...Great yodeling! GREAT TUNE!!
Another awesome contribution to civilization from the Dutch!
This is why I LOVE RP. Takes me back to a song I haven't heard in, maybe, 50 years. Or more. What a weird song. But defines, in a way, those crazy times. Anything goes.
This song makes me a fan of yodeling!
The Muppet Animal in Real :-)
Great, great, great.
Great, great, great.
8
Sheer musical exuberance!
Great drum sound! They probably used Sennheiser MD-421 mics on the drums. Very popular in Europe at the time, but not in the USA. PS:Also great drumming!!
Usul83 wrote:
Nope! I love the vocalist AND the yodeling! Everybody has different tastes!
would much prefer without the singer
Nope! I love the vocalist AND the yodeling! Everybody has different tastes!
would much prefer without the singer
syberconch wrote:
I agree, I was 17 when this came out! But there is a LOT of great music these days. A lot of other old farts (not all) tend to miss this. RP is a great place to discover music that will be considered "Iconic" in 50yrs! Thanx RP!
Most people, young and old alike, don't realize how "time contextual" music is. Sometimes, what's great to older people is more a reminder of a great time in their life. People who think something sucks are just missing the context.
I agree, I was 17 when this came out! But there is a LOT of great music these days. A lot of other old farts (not all) tend to miss this. RP is a great place to discover music that will be considered "Iconic" in 50yrs! Thanx RP!
chrisnotlob wrote:
True but some music is timeless regardless of context
I agree! Completely!
True but some music is timeless regardless of context
I agree! Completely!
syberconch wrote:
True but some music is timeless regardless of context
Most people, young and old alike, don't realize how "time contextual" music is. Sometimes, what's great to older people is more a reminder of a great time in their life. People who think something sucks are just missing the context.
True but some music is timeless regardless of context
Most people, young and old alike, don't realize how "time contextual" music is. Sometimes, what's great to older people is more a reminder of a great time in their life. People who think something sucks are just missing the context.
bseib wrote:
Now this version seems slow.
That song is even more interesting when watching it performed live:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g4ouPGGLI6Q
Now this version seems slow.
Fortunately, I didn't have the missus in the car when this arrived on my scene. She would have pursed her lips when I TURNED IT UP!!
Followed by Sofi Tukker Deja Vu. No reason to lower the volume!!
Followed by Sofi Tukker Deja Vu. No reason to lower the volume!!
jsd52756 wrote:
When I'm 64.
1967 album Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band.
I'm 64. When they send me down the road, myself and the other 80-somethings are gonna do this song in the old folks home and kick some geriatric arse!
1967 album Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band.
Kaisersosay wrote:
Oh man. Thanks for the flashback!
Always got this one confused with Frankenstein by Edgar Winter group
Oh man. Thanks for the flashback!
Fortunately, the missus wasn't riding in the car with me today when this took over the moment. She purses her lips when I CRANK IT UP!!!!!
Aw crap...
You'd a haf ta bin there.
What a time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(sooo sorry ya missed it........)
You'd a haf ta bin there.
What a time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(sooo sorry ya missed it........)
nonesuch wrote:
I don't think that the sheer mathematical average is fair. At the moment i write this, 2506 (out of 3312) RP listeners rated 7 or higher but the avg. is just 7.1
Over 400 rated 3 or below - which makes no sense at all - destroying the avg
As bad as a song can be, as much as you may not like it, the effort is always worth at least a 4
I understand the negative comments. Focus, and Hocus Pocus, is not for everyone, but it is so outrageously inventive and fun to listen to! Thanks, as always, to RP for keeping obscure music alive.
I don't think that the sheer mathematical average is fair. At the moment i write this, 2506 (out of 3312) RP listeners rated 7 or higher but the avg. is just 7.1
Over 400 rated 3 or below - which makes no sense at all - destroying the avg
As bad as a song can be, as much as you may not like it, the effort is always worth at least a 4
nonesuch wrote:
I Agree! ...But it IS for me!! Thanx RP! ...Even better NOW in FLAC w/ great studio phones, amp & DAC!
I understand the negative comments. Focus, and Hocus Pocus, is not for everyone, but it is so outrageously inventive and fun to listen to! Thanks, as always, to RP for keeping obscure music alive.
I Agree! ...But it IS for me!! Thanx RP! ...Even better NOW in FLAC w/ great studio phones, amp & DAC!
The best song i have heard in years!
Lindo525 wrote:
Pet Peeve Rant Alert:
He did not get electrocuted. There would have been paramedics, an ambulance, a trip to the hospital, followed by a probable trip to the morgue involved if he had been electrocuted. He could not have carried on without resuscitation.
Electrocution, much like execution is usually fatal.
Oh yeah, I have loved this song since it was brand new. 2nd 45 I ever bought!!!
Apologies - as a pedant myself I appreciate being corrected. He was shocked, rather than electrocuted.
Pet Peeve Rant Alert:
He did not get electrocuted. There would have been paramedics, an ambulance, a trip to the hospital, followed by a probable trip to the morgue involved if he had been electrocuted. He could not have carried on without resuscitation.
Electrocution, much like execution is usually fatal.
Oh yeah, I have loved this song since it was brand new. 2nd 45 I ever bought!!!
Apologies - as a pedant myself I appreciate being corrected. He was shocked, rather than electrocuted.
I understand the negative comments. Focus, and Hocus Pocus, is not for everyone, but it is so outrageously inventive and fun to listen to! Thanks, as always, to RP for keeping obscure music alive.
this rocks for a Friday nite...man
Steely_D wrote:
puta madre. Is one of the greatest things I have ever seen, period
Why is this recording a 9?
Because this live performance is the 10.
It is the greatest thing you will see all day.
puta madre. Is one of the greatest things I have ever seen, period
Edweirdo wrote:
Pet Peeve Rant Alert:
He did not get electrocuted. There would have been paramedics, an ambulance, a trip to the hospital, followed by a probable trip to the morgue involved if he had been electrocuted. He could not have carried on without resuscitation.
Electrocution, much like execution is usually fatal.
Oh yeah, I have loved this song since it was brand new. 2nd 45 I ever bought!!!
I saw Focus at the Reading Festival in 1974 - it was raining A LOT and Jan Akkerman kept getting electrocuted when he touched the mic. It didn't faze him - he just carried on. That's proper old school.
Pet Peeve Rant Alert:
He did not get electrocuted. There would have been paramedics, an ambulance, a trip to the hospital, followed by a probable trip to the morgue involved if he had been electrocuted. He could not have carried on without resuscitation.
Electrocution, much like execution is usually fatal.
Oh yeah, I have loved this song since it was brand new. 2nd 45 I ever bought!!!
This was one of the LPs I checked out from the town library, probably a year after it was released. It blew my mind, because it was so different -- an instrumental that really holds your attention. It was pretty mind-altering music for a fifteen year-old. A ten from the Toronto panel.
Very well recorded!! Great drum sound!! ...Probably using Sennheiser MD-421 mics on the drums!!
The video always makes me think of animal from the Muppet Show.
joejennings wrote:
GREAT TUNE!!! Can somebody please translate the yodeling from Dutch to English?
No chance. https://genius.com/Focus-band-...
GREAT TUNE!!! Can somebody please translate the yodeling from Dutch to English?
No chance. https://genius.com/Focus-band-...
Ah back when yodeling and flute solos were cool.
when i was 16,,,, this was the thing!
I love the bombast AND YODELING!!!
Alastair wrote:
Dad Rock.
Absolutely, and we're proud of it. And some day if you're lucky enough your generation gets to explain the virtues of autotune to your kids.
Whenever I hear this on RP, it makes me a very proud Dutchman. Brilliant musicians!
My rating for this is largely due to the YouTube clip recommended further down. Guitar work is more insane than the yodelling.
EmmaD wrote:
GREAT TUNE!!! Can somebody please translate the yodeling from Dutch to English?
One of the many reasons I listen to RP (and have for many years!). Eclectic at its best.
Love the notes in the "lyrics section":
(Instrumental -- well, except for the yodeling...)
Thanks RP!!
Love the notes in the "lyrics section":
(Instrumental -- well, except for the yodeling...)
Thanks RP!!
GREAT TUNE!!! Can somebody please translate the yodeling from Dutch to English?
If you enjoy this you must go to YouTube and see the video of them performing in Denmark in 1975. Some even crazier vocal breaks and some good fun.
One of the many reasons I listen to RP (and have for many years!). Eclectic at its best.
Love the notes in the "lyrics section":
(Instrumental -- well, except for the yodeling...)
Thanks RP!!
Love the notes in the "lyrics section":
(Instrumental -- well, except for the yodeling...)
Thanks RP!!
Just attended a Focus Gig in the UK, absolutely brilliant - drummer Pierre van der Linden was awesome, especially considering he's now 75!
idiot_wind wrote:
Mr Wind, i don't always agree on your postings but we find common ground here! Dutch Rock!
Go, cat daddy, go!!!
Mr Wind, i don't always agree on your postings but we find common ground here! Dutch Rock!
Go, cat daddy, go!!!
NoisyMiner wrote:
False!
...etto
False!
...etto
joejennings wrote:
Same here! I agree!
Great tune! It brings back memories!
Same here! I agree!
'rents are gone... 1957 Motorola Console stereo (tube type), 18" woofer in the center... cranked up... checkin' the living room window... before they show up
Great tune! It brings back memories!
cosmiclint wrote:
Well, hit the button and shut up, skippy!
This is literally the only song RP plays that I would consider hitting PSD on
Well, hit the button and shut up, skippy!
jjbchansen159 wrote:
So rock music can only take itself seriously to be count in your book? What if this was labeled "Satirical Rock?" and we all enjoyed the cajones of these guys to put it out?
The music is OK, but the yodeling and wacky vocals kill it.
So rock music can only take itself seriously to be count in your book? What if this was labeled "Satirical Rock?" and we all enjoyed the cajones of these guys to put it out?
This is literally the only song RP plays that I would consider hitting PSD on
Love this. Takes me back to listening to this while playing snooker. Always an interesting combination.
SchoepTone wrote:
that is one of the best live videos i've seen. the band just kills it live and they looks so relaxed doing it. i mean, all except for the organ-flutist-yodeler. he's pretty out there.
Just watched the YouTube video from Midnight Special performance. It's awesome! The comments are absolutely hysterical.
that is one of the best live videos i've seen. the band just kills it live and they looks so relaxed doing it. i mean, all except for the organ-flutist-yodeler. he's pretty out there.
Turn it up! Awesome guitar jamming!
The music is OK, but the yodeling and wacky vocals kill it.
This was my favourite track for a while when it first came out..! It has to be played LOUD..!!
Great Tune! Can somebody translate the yodeling from Dutch into English? LOL!!!
Just watched the YouTube video from Midnight Special performance. It's awesome! The comments are absolutely hysterical.
baylees wrote:
Sorry to hear about your bad back.
Bad back then. Bad Now. Please stop playing this. As for the record, tape, or memory chip, kill it kill it with fire.
Sorry to hear about your bad back.
gregorybowerman wrote:
pedestrian as ordinary, dull, plain (sorry if you were kidding. I just realized that anyone who knew how to use "alliteration" would also know more than one meaning of "pedestrian").
Yes, I put in that "spinning propeller" emoji to indicate I was just kidding.
- Cheers
pedestrian as ordinary, dull, plain (sorry if you were kidding. I just realized that anyone who knew how to use "alliteration" would also know more than one meaning of "pedestrian").
Yes, I put in that "spinning propeller" emoji to indicate I was just kidding.
- Cheers Proclivities wrote:
That's some sweet alliteration there but I'm not sure why one's perception or appreciation of this song would be affected by their walking instead of riding or driving.
pedestrian as ordinary, dull, plain (sorry if you were kidding. I just realized that anyone who knew how to use "alliteration" would also know more than one meaning of "pedestrian").
That's some sweet alliteration there but I'm not sure why one's perception or appreciation of this song would be affected by their walking instead of riding or driving.
pedestrian as ordinary, dull, plain (sorry if you were kidding. I just realized that anyone who knew how to use "alliteration" would also know more than one meaning of "pedestrian").
9 (extra point for a great girlfriend who liked it a lot)
Cut out the yodeling and it could be good.
geavis wrote:
Dutch peoples greatest contribution to human civilization (1) Rembrandt (2) Focus. Prove me wrong!
Hey I like the yodelling. Besides, they are Dutch.
Dutch peoples greatest contribution to human civilization (1) Rembrandt (2) Focus. Prove me wrong!
This seriously feckin ROCKS even 40 years on. It was super-popular in the UK in the 70s. The yodelling and flute really add to the song's character and distinguish it from any old rock number. Those crazy Dutch, eh? 9 from the Nottingham jury.
HEEEL GEK!
Hey_Porter wrote:
Somewhere Jewel is doing a happy dance right now.
Who says yodeling has no home at Radio Paradise?
Somewhere Jewel is doing a happy dance right now.
Citizen225 wrote:
Wow! Even if you don't like the song, it's a must see performance. 13,253,117 views!!
That was straight bonkers and I loved every second of it.
Wow! Even if you don't like the song, it's a must see performance. 13,253,117 views!!
That was straight bonkers and I loved every second of it.
easmann wrote:
That's some sweet alliteration there but I'm not sure why one's perception or appreciation of this song would be affected by their walking instead of riding or driving.
This is delightfully untethered to pedestrian planes of perception.
That's some sweet alliteration there but I'm not sure why one's perception or appreciation of this song would be affected by their walking instead of riding or driving.
If this isn't fun, I don't know what is. Makes me smile ever time I hear it.
Who says yodeling has no home at Radio Paradise?
Roguewarer wrote:
I don’t want to....
But I MUST hear this out every time.
it’s so rocky & funky & weird. As a musician, I wonder what the inspiration for this was?
Drugs. Really, really good drugs.
Posted 1 month ago by ufamsm from Austin, TX, USA
Hahahahaha and, yeah - most likely.
Glad I was born this year!
Steely_D wrote:
Wow! Even if you don't like the song, it's a must see performance. 13,253,117 views!!
Why is this recording a 9?
Because this live performance is the 10.
It is the greatest thing you will see all day.
Wow! Even if you don't like the song, it's a must see performance. 13,253,117 views!!
This feels related to Tubular Bells. Everything about it violates all standards of what the general public considers good taste, but in the end it just works and is unexpectedly enjoyable. The fact that it is all executed with incredible craftsmanship probably helps a lot. A true guilty pleasure.
Not for a quiet morning. Otherwise fun 
so epic. amazing guitar and drums. so much raw energy. agreed with another comment that the live version you see on YouTube is equally as epic. Dutch Rock!
newbolddrive wrote:
Had album and plenty more K_Tel finds
Oh yeah, I remember this one!
K-tel 1973
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K-tel 1973
Had album and plenty more K_Tel finds
I listened to this every day when it came out..! Love it still.
Great live / medley version on The Old Grey Whistle Test, see YouTube for details.
Oh go on then: www.youtube.com/watch?v=TV-X-5CcfYY
Oh go on then: www.youtube.com/watch?v=TV-X-5CcfYY
This is what raw rock should sound like - one of the most energetic pieces of music that I came across.. Masters of a build up, they are - a solid tenner for me.
I can just hear the late lamented John Peel: "And that was Hocus Pocus by Focus. I'm terribly sorry, I think I may have played that at the wrong speed. On the other hand it might sound better like that..."
SurfDoc wrote:
So horrible, I ONLY play RP in my office and when this song comes on I get the annoying comment, "what is this station we are listening to?" Then I have to go into a long explanation of how great RP normally is.
thewiseking wrote:
sounds like a man explaining away his lack of an erection
So horrible, I ONLY play RP in my office and when this song comes on I get the annoying comment, "what is this station we are listening to?" Then I have to go into a long explanation of how great RP normally is.
thewiseking wrote:
sounds like a man explaining away his lack of an erection
Many late Friday nights watching Don Kirshner's Rock Concert and most weeks this live performance had air time. Good fun, pass me the joint please...
not musics finest 6:38 mins of "music"
remarkable work / vocals / and instruments
an incredible jam back in the day.
an incredible jam back in the day.
Mike_Macdonell wrote:
That's some of Popeye's best work!
This tune could be great, a classic even, but for the yodelling. Just ruins it for me.
That's some of Popeye's best work!
Roguewarer wrote:
Drugs. Really, really good drugs.
I don’t want to....
But I MUST hear this out every time.
it’s so rocky & funky & weird. As a musician, I wonder what the inspiration for this was?
Drugs. Really, really good drugs.
I love that the lyrics say "Instrumental - well, except for the yodeling..."
was a great time, absolute crazy. A10
I'm 64. When they send me down the road, myself and the other 80-somethings are gonna do this song in the old folks home and kick some geriatric arse!
So what other songs did these guys do?