LIVE AT THE RAINBOW

Recording quality notwithstanding, the offerings on this live production are not all that different from the studio recordings that gave them breath. This is not surprising given that FOCUS generally seems unimpressed with studio gimmickry and prefers their own technical flash.

The choice of material is nothing if not predictable, and it is rather telling that even abridged versions overstay their welcome, a testament to the superficiality of the compositions themselves. I do hear more Emersonian influence on "Eruption" than I remember, ELP having followed a far steeper commercial trajectory during the previous three years. "Hocus Pocus" lacks the immediate punch that was dealt in the studio, while the "Focus 2", Focus 3" and "Sylvia" are versions up to par with their antecedents.

If you are a fan, you probably already have this and are not regretting the investment if not singing its achievements from your veranda. If you are new to Focus, you'll do better than to chase this rainbow. Try a compilation or "Moving Waves".