Focus

Overview of Ship Of Memories

Focus, the Dutch progressive rock band, released the archival compilation album Ship Of Memories in 1976. This collection came out on EMI-Bovema in the Netherlands and was distributed internationally via Harvest/Sire. The catalog number for the Dutch release is 5C 062-25494. This album features a selection of previously unreleased studio recordings that span from 1970 to 1975.

Compilation Details

Ship Of Memories was assembled during a period of hiatus for the band, with longtime producer Mike Vernon taking the helm. The first four tracks consist of material from the abandoned May 1973 sessions recorded at Chipping Norton Recording Studios in Oxfordshire. These tracks include "P's March," "Can't Believe My Eyes," "Focus V," and "Out of Vesuvius." The lineup during these sessions featured band members Thijs van Leer, Jan Akkerman, Bert Ruiter, and Pierre van der Linden, who represent the classic quartet of Focus.

Additional Tracks and Experiments

The album also includes "Spoke the Lord Creator," which was recorded in January 1970. This track reflects the band's early sound. Mid-70s experimental pieces like "Glider" and "Crackers" are also part of this compilation. These tracks illustrate the band's evolving musical style and experimentation during their career.

Artistic Presentation

The cover art and design for Ship Of Memories were crafted by the band Cream. This collaboration reflects the artistic connections within the music industry during that era. The visual presentation complements the auditory experience provided by the music contained within the album.

Release Format

This compilation was released in vinyl LP format, typical for albums during the mid-1970s. The choice of vinyl as a format allows for a tangible experience that many audiophiles appreciate. Fans of the band and collectors of progressive rock albums often seek out this release to complete their collections.

Ship Of Memories was released in 1976.