The Complete Discography thread Van Morrison

[Son of JayJamJah]

Continuing his quest to fill the uncertainly of his Spiritual side Morrison goes to work on his most devout and mystical effort to date.



Avalon Sunset (1989)

A major commercial and critical success, it features a major hit, a major standard composition and my least favorite and most confusing Morrison track ever. An album better then I remembered but not as good as others remember…

1. Whenever God Shines His Light – Like most atheists I just love a good God heavy song and this sure is one. It’s as pretentious and as adoring as its title suggests, but that is not to diminish the music which is if not unique certainly well executed and enjoyable. The vocal duet with Cliff Richard and the playful peppy beat are a winning combination despite there more then a little cheesy nature. A solid choice for the opening number on the album. 7.5\10

2. Contacting My Angel – Smooth Jazz walk at a slow and steady gait through the Celtic roots Morrison continued to embrace. Never gains much stem, as Morrison sort of builds the mood of the album too come without giving away too much in foreshadowing. It’s just not what you’re looking for as a long time Morrison fan, but it certainly found it’s audience and I’m as guilty as anyone my age for enjoying it a bit too much in the sentimental department. 6\10

3. I’d Love to Write Another Song – An up-tempo romp with an ensemble arrangement featuring full band, horn section, piano and back-up vocals. The Black Sheep of the album that seems to be a bit of inspiration for Morrison work of the late 2000’s decade. It’s Morrison lamenting the inability to just “write another song” This is one that would work better on a different album then it does here amongst the ethereal mist. 6.5\10

4. Have I Told you Lately – One of Morrison’s many adult contemporary standards written in the 80’s and 90’s. This number was made a huge hit five years later by Rod Stewart. A lot of the thoughts I have about “Contacting my Angel” fit for this song, yes it’s a bit tacky a loaded with cliché but lyrically and musically, but it’s still beautiful when the right voice and the right arrangement belt it out. 7.5\10

5. Coney Island – Morrison starts in poetic narrative monologue and for two minutes that an almost humorous Irish\Scottish accent is all you get. I still haven’t let this one slide. 3.5\10

6. I’m Tired Joey Boy – This is what Coney Island should have been; there is a nice progression here and a subtly delightful melody complete with perfectly anticipated and executed fills. Opening up the second side with new reason for optimism in both the message and the music: It’s a traditional number with a modern twist and at under three minutes it’s the perfect length. 7.5\10

7. When Will I ever Learn to Live in God – Morrison at his most anxious and involved on this album as he breaks cadence to set the mood even more mystical then the music can reveal. The chorus is a reminder of his finest moments of the decade finding the right notes and the right words to relate the desperation of his uncertainty. It’s Gospel undertones are another theme prevalent on the album. “Avalon Sunset” is often considered Morrison’s most spiritual album. 8\10

8. Orangefield – Orangefield is a song of hope and belief of faith really and one that I instantly liked. It has the distinct sound of 1989 allover it and yet overcomes that to persist as a touching number. The song builds very well and the subtle adjustments in arrangement including the more preeminent use of the strings in the final verse and chorus set this composition apart from the rest of the album. 8.5\10

9. Daring Night – The most sensual track on the album, “Daring Night” was actually intended as an Instrumental for an album earlier in the decade, but Morrison’s impromptu lyrics in one studio session led to a lightly scripted arrangement that eventually became this track. With the acute attention paid to the musical cadence the combination with Morrison’s powerful growl and desperate anxiety elevate this number above its base merits. Morrison even slows it down and turns instruction into lyrics in-between chorus lines. The drawn out ending is a highlight of the album. 8\10

10. These are the Days – The final track is another inspirational celebration of the present despite the futures uncertainty. A far cry from the Morrison of 15 and 20 years prior, but yet still a musical giant with a great voice he’s still displaying at anytime his message needs it. A restful, seductive rhythm and the hopeful lyrics melt into a mystical menagerie of all the albums elements and a fitting closing chapter. Morrison feels this music as sincerely as any he has in quite sometime and this in my opinion is what drove the success of this album, the second biggest seller of the decade.. 8\10

…Christagu is accurate in describing Van’s experimentation in various genres to be a bit boring despite the quality often times. Overall however I am not as kind to the album as he is. It is boring overall, again it fails to consistently capture me the way Morrison always had, not then and still not now. There is no doubt that it is a strong finish, but at this point that’s more the expectation then the exclamation for Morrison.



Defining Track(s): “Whenever God Shines His Light”, “Have I told You Lately” they are the biggest hits and speak directly to Morrison’s most prevalent theme and most prolific style of songwriting.
Line in my head: “One Four, One Four” (calling for the chord pattern in the ending of Daring Night)
Christagu’s Take: A- Like it or not, Morrison's genre exercises are kind of boring. Having long since sold his soul to his Muse, he's her slave for life, and though he keeps importuning various gods to loose his chains, the best they can offer is extra inspiration once in a while--now, for instance. Cliff Richard's support on his liveliest tune since "Cleaning Windows" suggests that Christ the Redeemer is lending a hand, but on the first side Van prefers to find the divine in the blessed present--folk lyric, poem about birdwatching, song called "I'd Like To Write Another Song." Side two comes out more today-is-the-first-day-of-the-rest-of-Van's-life--that is, his own genre exercise. And for a side he gets away with it.

Star rating: (1-5) (from my personal catalog) ***1\2
How it made me feel today: (1-10): 7.5
Overall Ranking: TBD


Next up: Enlightenment- 1990

[Ghostrider]

Nice to see you back JJJ and updating your magnum opus. I'll put Van back in my rotation now.

[Son of JayJamJah]

Originally Posted by Ghostrider

Nice to see you back JJJ and updating your magnum opus. I'll put Van back in my rotation now.

Thanks for all your support all along, it's nice to have time to devout to something I so thoroughly enjoy once again. These albums are not his best, but I'll still take them over 90% of the music I hear on the radio and in general in public.

[Son of JayJamJah]

So now we've traveled through three decades of Van Morrison music and still have two more to go, however before I continue I have a few things I'd like to do. First and foremost I'd like to ask anyone here who has been following or is currently reading this thread to share their thoughts as many or few as you have on Morrison; Obviously my viewpoint is biased, but the MB community has always been one to have an open and thoughtful mind and your contributions could greatly strengthen this thread and it's value to those who are interested enough in the subject manner to read it.

To sum it up:

What are your thoughts on Van Morrison, his career to date and his place in music history?

Thanks,

Jack, Jackie, 3J, Jayjamjah

[Bulldog]

I'll be honest and say I don't really have an opinion on Van Morrison - I've just never come across any of his music before. That said, this is a really well-written thread (and one I took a few cues from for my own discography thread), so I'll get a few albums based on your reviews soon, give this thread a good read and get back to you on that question a bit later in the week.

[S. Flavious Mercurius]

Originally Posted by JayJamJah

So now we've traveled through three decades of Van Morrison music and still have two more to go, however before I continue I have a few things I'd like to do. First and foremost I'd like to ask anyone here who has been following or is currently reading this thread to share their thoughts as many or few as you have on Morrison; Obviously my viewpoint is biased, but the MB community has always been one to have an open and thoughtful mind and your contributions could greatly strengthen this thread and it's value to those who are interested enough in the subject manner to read it.

To sum it up:

What are your thoughts on Van Morrison, his career to date and his place in music history?

Thanks,

Jack, Jackie, 3J, Jayjamjah

I like Van Morrison, I got the Moondance album when I was in high school becuase my friend said I'd like it. I really like the horns and the vocals, I never got into most of there albums on this thread, but it is an amzazing thread and I think I should. Is there anywhere to download them or sample them for free.

[Guybrush]

Wow, interesting .. I hadn't noticed that this thread had been revived I have a few Van Morrison albums (Astral Weeks, Moondance, Saint Dominic's preview, His Band and the Street Choir, a "best of" if that counts), but I don't have any kind of clear opinions on any of them. Still, I just wanted to make a post and say that it's nice to have you back and I'll see if I can read some of your reviews while I listen to him tomorrow. Maybe I can contribute with with some viewpoints later on.

[Son of JayJamJah]

Here's a quick look back at the albums we've covered so far from the 1960's, 70's and 80's.





Blowin’ Your Mind (1967) – Solo debut complete with all-time fan favorite “Brown Eyed Girl” and the silky smooth “TB Sheets”; not the best place to start if you’re a new fan, but one you’ll really appreciate after you get through most of the 1970’s stuff. Total Score: 10.5\15

Astral Weeks (1968) – The precipitous powerhouse and mystical classic, the album Van had been making in his mind since he started to perform. Nine near perfect songs that transcend any album like it ever moving seamlessly together in poignant poetic motion. A must for all music fans and you won’t hear that from me much. If you’re familiar with his radio singles and greatest hits albums this is the next step. You’ll love it. Total Score: 15\15

Moondance (1970) – Popular rock music perfection; every song on the album is capable of being a hit single. Songs like “Moondance”, “Into the Mystic” and “Crazy Love” that are Morrison classics and lesser known but equally exceptional numbers like “Glad Tiding” and “These Dreams of You”. The most accessible and relatable album he’s made and one of the very best. Total Score: 14.5\15

His Band and the Street Choir (1970) – A sort of B-sides follow-up to Moondance and another very listener friendly album. First album to display the common Morrison bookends pattern with the first single as the opening track (“Domino” on here) and a stirring epic as its finale (“Street Choir”).I recommend this to anyone who liked Moondance. Total Score: 12.5\15

Tupelo Honey (1971) – Commercial success with a slower softer country side to it. Known casually for its popular singles “Warm Love” and the title track but I’ll take the bookends again “Wild, Wild Night” and “Moonshine Whiskey”. Mass appeal is a strength of this album, worth picking up for sure. Total Score: 12\15

St. Dominic’s Preview (1972) – A hidden gem in the Morrison catalogue, diverse assortment of songs all featuring a banner effort from Van the Man. Each side ends with an epic free lance improvisational arrangement and the first time he hinted at another song cycle album similar to Astral Weeks. If you like any Morrison you’ll really like this album. Total Score: 14.5\15

Hard Nose the Highway (1973) – The first Morrison album to really fall short, at least commercially and critically. I still love it and think it has a number of very good tracks. “Snow in San Anselmo”, “Hard Nose the Highway” and “Purple Heather”. An album of agony in many ways for a recently divorced Van. Make your own opinion, I think it’s one of his better albums overall. Total Score: 11.5\15



Veedon Fleece (1974) – A return to the song cycle album and though it draws mixed reviews it’s unquestionably a unique album in the Morrison catalogue. Some vehemently emotional songs again moving together seamlessly if it has a flaw it’s that it sort of peters out rather then finding a grandiose finale. The final album of the first era of Morrison’s music; a little off kilter but very enjoyable. Total Score: 13.5\15

A Period of Transition (1977) – Apropos titled album after a three year hiatus Morrison starts to trend towards Jazz more then ever. There are still elements of the R&B\Soul roots of course particularly in “Heavy Connection” a standout on the seven song revival. Probably not many people’s favorite Morrison albums, but a necessary one. Total Score: 11\15

Wavelength (1978) – A more electric and electronic album showing Van changing with the times rather then going it alone down the old familiar road. A collection of retrospective pop songs highlighted by loaded second side including the fantastic finale “Take it Where You Find it” one of the best Morrison closers there’s been. Total Score: 11.25\15

Into the Music (1979) – A steady start and finish sandwich a wonderful eclectic mix of songs in the middle of one of Morrison’s most critically acclaimed post-Veedon Fleece albums. Playful songs like “Rolling Hills” and dynamo’s like “And the Healing has Begun” demonstrate the variance of styles on the record. This is the album where Morrison started to have fun again, a worthwhile album for the casual fan and a gem for the ardent follower. Total Score: 12\15



Common One (1980) – The third and final album to closely follow the Astral Weeks song cycle pattern was by far the most critically disdained and a crucial point in Morrison’s career. It would take Van years to get over the scorn that hurt him so much in response to this very personal, much underrated album. Poetic and literally influences abound throughout a favorite of mine amongst Van’s 1980’s works including great songs like “Summertime in England” and “Spirit”. Total Score: 12.5\15

Beautiful Vision (1982) – A much safer and simpler album more in line with the three prior to Common One. Following the trends of the times and mixing it with some vintage Morrison soul, it’s a hit and miss compilation that’s mostly enjoyable throughout and wholly listenable even at its worst. Total Score: 11.5\15

Inarticulate Speech of the Heart (1983) – The first real stinker of an album in my opinion, there are a few good tracks but mostly stuff that I never need to hear again. Soulless covers is what it feels like, not very Van at all. Total Score: 9.5\15

A Sense of Wonder (1984) – An inconsistent album but one that again showed a lsightly more daring Morrison willing to try the new and varied styles he familiarized himself with. Some great R&B tracks and improvisational Jazz and some really boring overly ethereal garbage on this lot. Total Score: 11\15




No Guru, No Method, No Teacher (1986) – This one was so close to being a masterpiece, but there was a part of Morrison that was just a little too grizzled to pull it off. Still a real memorable album and vital peace of the puzzle, it’s like “Into the Music” but far enough removed that it doesn’t have to be compared to Moondance and St. Dominic’s Preview. A really great album. Total Score: 13\15

Poetic Champions Compose (1987) – The critics say it’s just a little better then it’s predecessor, I say it’s a little bit too scripted, to refined to stand up as strong. There are some fantastic songs that give you chills, but then moments that make you cringe with how predictable, polished and superfluous they can be. “Mystery” however is a near perfect track and along with a few solid counterparts the album does hold up very well. Total Score: 12\15

Irish Heartbeat (1988) – Marked the first time Morrison brought in an established outside band to record with. And while the album sold very well and was very accessible it’s an overall bland mix of traditional and Morrison originals done stereotypically Irish style, the way the Chieftains prefer it. I barely consider it a Van album. Total Score: 9.5\15

Avalon Sunset (1989) – He lays the God stuff on pretty thick here and though he’s still non-committal it seems like he’s found religion and this album is the most direct with the topic to this point. Shades of Wavelength after a nearly disastrous start turns into a strong side two finish including the fan favorite and album’s best “Orangefield” Total Score: 11.5\15

More to come...

[Bulldog]

Dammit, why I didn't I think of doing one of these for my thread!

I haven't had a proper dig around his discography, but I've had Astral Weeks for about a week. Just giving it a listen now - incredible album. To me he's got this very unique way of combining kinda soulful vocals with a folk backdrop, which makes things all the more intriguing for a first-time listener like me.

[Son of JayJamJah]

Finally granting the rights to release an official best of, Morrison also begins touring more and making himself available for interviews again. His albums are commercially and critically successful for awhile and his first effort of the decade does not fail to live up to expectations…



Enlightenment (1990)

Ironically named album and probably the last album to contain direct and obvious links to the 1970’s side of Morrison’s music, one song was a leftover from Common One and several songs pay lyrical homage to the likes of Astral Weeks and St. Dominic’s preview. Still moving with the times largely, the influence of the era is all over this album for better or worse…

1. Real Real Gone – The horns and howls of Van’s early years stand out jumping on a bed of evolved adult contemporary rhythm from the grizzled vocalist. The downside of the song is that it’s simple and safe repetitive melody undercuts a passionate performance from Morrison dying to get out. Written 10 years prior to this album and its release. 7.5\10

2. Enlightenment – The mega mellow, self effacing title track is ambient jazz rock, with a mature Morrison on full display. The Harmonica instrumental break and Van’s occasionally forays into vintage vocal vestige. A likeable song from word one but without any sort of panache to make it stand out. 7\10

3. So Quiet in Here – Notable for being considered a continuation the legendary Moondance classic “Into the Mystic” the bellowing foghorns are where the musical comparisons end however and it’s more the feel that finds continuity then the actual notes. A casual charmer that I still enjoy almost 20 years out. 7.5\10

4. Avalon of the Heart – One of the absolute highlights of the album, a typical later years Morrison gospel tinged epic. Finding that same sense of urgency he’s always been able to conger, Morrison’s chant heavy lyrics make 8\10

5. See Me Through – A calm confidence and mystical jazz set a pleasant mood for a slow by satisfying walk down Morrison’s favorite musical avenue of the era. The somber romanticism with just enough optimism to keep you from apathy, it’s his forte these days and in a lot of ways has been throughout his career. 7\10

6. Youth of 1,000 Summers – Take em’ to church. This is that transcendental Morrison finding inspiration from all him and bottling it into a harmony and musical groove. It’s certainly not the most timeless piece of music, it like most of the album is very 1990, but that’s part of it’s charm, this song is about energy and expression and that’s where Morrison does some of his best work. 7\10

7. In The Days Before Rock’N’Roll – Paul Duncan provides spoken word vocals behind an orchestral R&B through the verses and Morrison provides a numinous and only semi-sensible vocal melody chorus. It almost sounds like a dream sequence from David Lynchs Twin Peaks at times, but behind it all it’s a fantastic, creative and outstanding way to pay homage to those who came before him. 8.5\10

8. Start All over Again – The gentle general vibe of the record continues very much in this one. With simple full sounding progression and transitions an a gentle jazzy build it’s just another musical piece of the puzzle this time around for Van Morrison. Take note of the Vibraphone. 7\10

9. She’s My Baby – No doubt about it from the first note. This is the evolution of “Warm Love”, “Tupelo Honey”, “Crazy Love” and all the other simple and sweet Morrison love songs. Violins emphasize the conviction of Morrison’s chorus chant. That same tender groove carries the melody throughout and more then any other instrument it’s Van’s voice which controls, escalates and resets the pace. 8\10

10. Memories – Maybe the most unique track on the album, and one that has as nice an opening as any. A little sappy and sentimental maybe, but that’s not always a bad thing. The contrasting musical elements make for an absorbing listen. The instrumental break is a little too much for me and sadly highlights the few elements of the direction of the album I do not enjoy. 7.5\10

…What it turns out to be is a collection of good, but certainly not great songs with a few relative high and low points and an overall enjoyable but uninspiring feel. There is some artistic foreshadowing as well it turns out. Morrison, never one to slight his predecessors, becomes more and more ardent in his affection for them with age. His later work will be largely inspired and adapted from the work of his idols.



Defining Track(s): In The Days Before Rock’N’Roll, Avalon of the Heart
Line in my head: “We let the Goldfish go”
Christagu’s Take: B+ Only a perverse mother****er would choose such a title for an album whose title refrain goes "Don't know what it is." What's he trying to do, fake out the satori market? Also: orchestras, the names of r&b singers, a weird recitative about the radio, and other tried-and-trues, all executed with faith, hope, and charity. Inspirational Verse: "In my soul, in my soul, in my soul."
Star rating: (1-5) (from my personal catalog) ****
How it made me feel today: (1-10): 7.5
Overall Ranking: TBD


Next up: Hymns to the Silence- 1991