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Focus — Hocus Pocus
Album: Moving Waves
Avg rating:
7.2

Your rating:
Total ratings: 4234









Released: 1972
Length: 6:37
Plays (last 30 days): 2
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(Instrumental -- well, except for the yodeling...)
Comments (589)add comment
Following Fur Elise?!  
Posted 3 weeks ago by BWGunner    [ Reply ]
Epicly bad. Thank RP for PSD.
Posted 3 weeks ago by jukes1    [ Reply ]
I always want to hear Edgar Winter's Frankenstein after this...
Posted 3 weeks ago by kcatalina    [ Reply ]
Yup....1972. Any questions?
Posted 3 weeks ago by aspicer    [ Reply ]
They played this at a Mates funeral a few years ago. There were some puzzled looks going around.





Posted 3 weeks ago by lovelyhelicopter    [ Reply ]
yodeling in a rock song +1
Posted 3 weeks ago by smartn1    [ Reply ]
These go to 11.
Posted 3 weeks ago by Zep    [ Reply ]
Haven't heard this in years.
Posted 2 months ago by bob0301    [ Reply ]
 crisssi wrote:
I hated this when it came out, and today I hate it even more. A solid 1.



Bummer, your loss! 
Posted 3 months ago by romangaslan    [ Reply ]
an old light in the new darkness of rock
Posted 4 months ago by mittagskind1    [ Reply ]
Co**ine is a h*ll of a drug.
-Rick James
Posted 5 months ago by wiegandshawn    [ Reply ]
I hated this when it came out, and today I hate it even more. A solid 1.
Posted 5 months ago by crisssi    [ Reply ]
love Popeyes guest vocalist spot..
Posted 6 months ago by neotrogg    [ Reply ]
speedskating at Stretham ice skating rink in the seventies
Posted 7 months ago by Moleta_Woman    [ Reply ]
 Steely_D wrote:

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.
Posted 7 months ago by jpfueler    [ Reply ]
Audio migraine...no thanks.
Posted 7 months ago by nikmilligan    [ Reply ]
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. 
Posted 8 months ago by exjunkie    [ Reply ]


That was worth the loss of a few inner ear hairs.
Posted 8 months ago by bruceandjenna    [ Reply ]
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!
Posted 8 months ago by tripp1    [ Reply ]
 thewiseking wrote:

sounds like a man explaining away his lack of an erection


Funniest comment I will read today.  Likely tomorrow as well. 
Posted 8 months ago by bruceandjenna    [ Reply ]
 LikesEarCandy wrote:

Was that Popeye? 


popeye




Posted 9 months ago by renegade_X    [ Reply ]
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).
Posted 9 months ago by Talus1    [ Reply ]
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!
Posted 9 months ago by ScottD    [ Reply ]
Was that Popeye? 


popeye
Posted 9 months ago by LikesEarCandy    [ Reply ]
Shit Hot..
Posted 9 months ago by GingerandMe    [ Reply ]
Check out their live version on the old Midnight Special" tv show. 
Posted 9 months ago by idiot_wind    [ Reply ]
Drums are cool on this song , the speed :)
Posted 1 year ago by rghetu283    [ Reply ]
I Never get tired of this song.
Posted 1 year ago by garrid    [ Reply ]
I'm guessing lots of drugs were involved in the making of this.  
Posted 1 year ago by jjbchansen159    [ Reply ]
Epic!
Posted 1 year ago by photonstorm    [ Reply ]
And I love the "Popeye" rap!!!!!
Posted 1 year ago by keenevision    [ Reply ]
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
Posted 1 year ago by keenevision    [ Reply ]
Greatest rock tune with yodeling ever!
Posted 1 year ago by dgeagon    [ Reply ]
 Ralgert wrote:

The Muppet Animal in Real :-)
Great, great, great.



Years ago, I rated this song at 9.  Still applies.
Posted 1 year ago by unclehud    [ Reply ]
On the album cover, the guy on the right, reminds me of Bill Murray!   
Posted 1 year ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
 nelsonha wrote:

This song makes me a fan of yodeling!




Me too! ...Great yodeling!   GREAT TUNE!!  
Posted 1 year ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
Another awesome contribution to civilization from the Dutch!
Posted 1 year ago by BillE    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 1 year ago by kmartin    [ Reply ]
This song makes me a fan of yodeling!
Posted 1 year ago by nelsonha    [ Reply ]
The Muppet Animal in Real :-)
Great, great, great.
Posted 2 years ago by Ralgert    [ Reply ]
8
Posted 2 years ago by patsachajuno    [ Reply ]
Sheer musical exuberance!
Posted 2 years ago by rhiangalthie    [ Reply ]
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!!
Posted 2 years ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
 Usul83 wrote:

would much prefer without the singer 




Nope! I love the vocalist AND the yodeling!  Everybody has different tastes!
Posted 2 years ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
would much prefer without the singer 
Posted 2 years ago by Usul83    [ Reply ]
 syberconch wrote:

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!
Posted 2 years ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
 chrisnotlob wrote:


True but some music is timeless regardless of context



I agree! Completely!
Posted 2 years ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
 syberconch wrote:

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
Posted 2 years ago by chrisnotlob    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 2 years ago by syberconch    [ Reply ]
 bseib wrote:

That song is even more interesting when watching it performed live:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g4ouPGGLI6Q


Now this version seems slow.  
Posted 2 years ago by 1jerry    [ Reply ]
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!!
Posted 2 years ago by bruceandjenna    [ Reply ]
 jsd52756 wrote:

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!  

When I'm 64.
1967 album Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band.
Posted 2 years ago by bruceandjenna    [ Reply ]
 Kaisersosay wrote:

Always got this one confused with Frankenstein by Edgar Winter group




Oh man.  Thanks for the flashback! 
Posted 2 years ago by bruceandjenna    [ Reply ]
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!!!!!
Posted 2 years ago by bruceandjenna    [ Reply ]
Aw crap...
You'd a haf ta bin there.
What a time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(sooo sorry ya missed it........)
Posted 2 years ago by shhhh777    [ Reply ]
 nonesuch wrote:

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
Posted 2 years ago by thesafarihut    [ Reply ]
 nonesuch wrote:

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!  
Posted 2 years ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
The best song i have heard in years!
Posted 2 years ago by stephanwarpig    [ Reply ]
 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.
Posted 2 years ago by Edweirdo    [ Reply ]
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. 
Posted 2 years ago by nonesuch    [ Reply ]
this rocks for a Friday nite...man
Posted 2 years ago by idiot_wind    [ Reply ]
 Steely_D wrote:

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
Posted 2 years ago by paloeguevo    [ Reply ]
Posted 2 years ago by Luumu    [ Reply ]
 Edweirdo wrote:

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!!!
Posted 2 years ago by Lindo525    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 2 years ago by talexb    [ Reply ]
Very well recorded!! Great drum sound!! ...Probably using Sennheiser MD-421 mics on the drums!!
Posted 2 years ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
The video always makes me think of animal from the Muppet Show.
Posted 2 years ago by Ralgert    [ Reply ]
 joejennings wrote:



GREAT TUNE!!!  Can somebody please translate the yodeling from Dutch to English? 


No chance. https://genius.com/Focus-band-...
Posted 2 years ago by super88dan    [ Reply ]
Ah back when yodeling and flute solos were cool.
Posted 2 years ago by super88dan    [ Reply ]
when i was 16,,,, this was the thing!
Posted 2 years ago by enkomao    [ Reply ]
I love the bombast AND YODELING!!! 
Posted 2 years ago by Laurelai    [ Reply ]


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.  
Posted 2 years ago by vandal    [ Reply ]
Whenever I hear this on RP, it makes me a very proud Dutchman. Brilliant musicians! 
Posted 2 years ago by edwinsluis    [ Reply ]
My rating for this is largely due to the YouTube clip recommended further down. Guitar work is more insane than the yodelling.
Posted 2 years ago by Jakethemuss    [ Reply ]
 EmmaD wrote:
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!!



GREAT TUNE!!!  Can somebody please translate the yodeling from Dutch to English? 
Posted 2 years ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
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.
 
Posted 3 years ago by timmus    [ Reply ]
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!!
Posted 3 years ago by EmmaD    [ Reply ]
Just attended a Focus Gig in the UK, absolutely brilliant - drummer Pierre van der Linden was awesome, especially considering he's now 75!
Posted 3 years ago by TCP    [ Reply ]
 idiot_wind wrote:

Go, cat daddy, go!!! 



Mr Wind, i don't always agree on your postings but we find common ground here!  Dutch Rock!
Posted 3 years ago by Wisconsinrob    [ Reply ]
Go, cat daddy, go!!! 
Posted 3 years ago by idiot_wind    [ Reply ]
 NoisyMiner wrote:

False!


...etto
Posted 3 years ago by jbroome    [ Reply ]
 joejennings wrote:
Great tune! It brings back memories!



Same here! I agree!
Posted 3 years ago by eileenomurphy    [ Reply ]
'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
Posted 3 years ago by john_m_hopkins    [ Reply ]
Great tune! It brings back memories!
Posted 3 years ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
 cosmiclint wrote:

This is literally the only song RP plays that I would consider hitting PSD on




Well, hit the button and shut up, skippy!
Posted 3 years ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
 jjbchansen159 wrote:

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?
Posted 3 years ago by HomeTuner    [ Reply ]
This is literally the only song RP plays that I would consider hitting PSD on
Posted 3 years ago by cosmiclint    [ Reply ]
Love this.  Takes me back to listening to this while playing snooker.  Always an interesting combination.
Posted 3 years ago by kiwilistener    [ Reply ]
 SchoepTone wrote:

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.
Posted 3 years ago by Wisconsinrob    [ Reply ]
Turn it up!  Awesome guitar jamming!
Posted 3 years ago by Wisconsinrob    [ Reply ]
The music is OK, but the yodeling and wacky vocals kill it. 
Posted 3 years ago by jjbchansen159    [ Reply ]
This was my favourite track for a while when it first came out..! It has to be played LOUD..!!
Posted 3 years ago by paulbrun55    [ Reply ]
Great Tune!   Can somebody translate the yodeling from Dutch into English? LOL!!!
Posted 3 years ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
Just watched the YouTube video from Midnight Special performance. It's awesome! The comments are absolutely hysterical. 
Posted 3 years ago by SchoepTone    [ Reply ]
 baylees wrote:

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. 
Posted 3 years ago by Laptopdog    [ Reply ]
 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
Posted 3 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
 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").
Posted 3 years ago by Greyerwrit    [ Reply ]
9 (extra point for a great girlfriend who liked it a lot)
Posted 3 years ago by Greyerwrit    [ Reply ]
Cut out the yodeling and it could be good. 
Posted 3 years ago by jjbchansen159    [ Reply ]
 geavis wrote:

Hey I like the yodelling. Besides, they are Dutch.



Dutch peoples greatest contribution to human civilization (1) Rembrandt (2) Focus. Prove me wrong! 
Posted 3 years ago by BillE    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 3 years ago by fredriley    [ Reply ]
HEEEL GEK!
Posted 3 years ago by snowcone    [ Reply ]
 Hey_Porter wrote:

Who says yodeling has no home at Radio Paradise?


Somewhere Jewel is doing a happy dance right now. 
Posted 3 years ago by TLynneHenry    [ Reply ]
 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. 
Posted 3 years ago by TLynneHenry    [ Reply ]
 easmann wrote:

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. 
Posted 3 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
If this isn't fun, I don't know what is. Makes me smile ever time I hear it.
Posted 3 years ago by kazoo    [ Reply ]
Who says yodeling has no home at Radio Paradise?
Posted 3 years ago by Hey_Porter    [ Reply ]
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!
Posted 3 years ago by RoaringMouse    [ Reply ]
 Steely_D wrote:

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!!
Posted 3 years ago by Citizen225    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 3 years ago by DrLex    [ Reply ]
Not for a quiet morning. Otherwise fun   
Posted 3 years ago by geonuine    [ Reply ]
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!
Posted 3 years ago by Wisconsinrob    [ Reply ]
 newbolddrive wrote:
Oh yeah, I remember this one!

K-tel 1973

Image result for ktel fantastic


Had album and plenty more K_Tel finds
Posted 3 years ago by slaskey    [ Reply ]
I listened to this every day when it came out..! Love it still.
Posted 3 years ago by paulbrun55    [ Reply ]
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
Posted 3 years ago by MattRudely    [ Reply ]
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. 
Posted 3 years ago by xtree247    [ Reply ]
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..."
Posted 3 years ago by alltherightnotes    [ Reply ]
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


Posted 3 years ago by kcar    [ Reply ]
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...
Posted 3 years ago by bigbobbybubba    [ Reply ]
not musics finest 6:38 mins of "music"
Posted 3 years ago by Stetsonman    [ Reply ]