2 LP FOCUS FOCUS 3 1972 SIRE SAS-3901 ORIG DIE-CUT PRESS PROG ROCK NM NEAR MINT
  $   35

 


$ 35 Sold For
Mar 31, 2026 Sold Date
Feb 24, 2026 Start Date
1 Number Of Bids
  USA Country Of Seller
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Description

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The Artist: Focus

  • Origin: Amsterdam, Netherlands (Formed 1969).

  • Core Duo: The band was built around the interplay between Thijs van Leer (classical organ, flute, and "yodeling" vocals) and Jan Akkerman (vocal-like guitar work, later voted "Best Guitarist in the World" by Melody Maker).

  • The Sound: While they had a quirky side (seen in hits like "Hocus Pocus"), their core sound was a sophisticated blend of Baroque classical music, Jazz fusion, and Hard rock. They are the most successful Dutch rock export of the 1970s.

The Music: Focus 3 (1972)

This double LP (2-LP) is where the band fully embraced their "extended jam" tendencies, featuring some of their most technical and beautiful work.

  • Key Tracks:

    • "Sylvia": The album's hit single. It features one of the most recognizable guitar melodies in prog history.

    • "Anonymus II": Taking up nearly two full sides of the record (approx. 26 minutes), this is an epic showcase of instrumental improvisation.

    • "Elspeth of Nottingham": A stunning Renaissance-style piece featuring Akkerman on the lute.

    • "House of the King": Originally their first hit, included on the US version of Focus 3 as a bonus.

The Pressing: SAS-3901 (Sire Records)

The US Sire pressing is unique and highly collectible for its packaging:

  • The Die-Cut Sleeve: Unlike the European gatefold, the US version features a die-cut cover with squares cut out of the front, revealing the band members' faces from the inner panel.

  • Lenticular Text: This album does not contain the lenticular text on "Focus 3" Some early US pressings featured a "lenticular" (3D/color-changing) "Focus 3" logo on the front.

  • Mastering: This version was mastered at Sterling Sound by the legendary Bob Ludwig (look for "RL" or "Sterling" in the dead wax/runout). It is known for having much more "punch" than later reissues.

TRACKLIST 

LP 1

Side Track Title Length Side A 1 Round Goes The Gossip 5:16 2 Love Remembered 2:49 3 Sylvia 3:32 4 Carnival Fugue 6:02 Side B 1 Focus III 6:07 2 Answers? Questions! Questions? Answers! 14:03

LP 2

Side Track Title Length Side C 1 Anonymus II (Part 1) 19:28 Side D 1 Anonymus II (Conclusion) 7:30 2 Elspeth Of Nottingham 3:15 3 House Of The King 2:23


LISTEN  “Sylvia”


 

  • 1972 2-LP Die-cut Gatefold Album Released on Sire Records # SAS-3901 (Stereo).
  • Jacket has slight ring & corner wear. Slight corner crease on lower right. Drilled hole by lower left corner.

     
  • Record is in NM Condition and will Perform with Brilliant Sound Reproduction.
  • Record is professionally cleaned for your listening pleasure.
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