Mr Van Morrison

[Colinx]

Has any one tried the van morrison re issues, part 2 is about due for release, and I thoroughly enjoyed the first batch, so it's time for me to get the wallet out again.

[Filterlab]

I have to say I'm completely in the dark as far as Van Morrison goes, never heard anything by them/him?

What's the musical style?

[Alex D]

I have to say I'm completely in the dark as far as Van Morrison goes, never heard anything by them/him?

What's the musical style?

Just to respond to this thread... I don't know which reissues you're talking about!
In regards to what to hear by The Van, I guess you couldn't go wrong with Moondance. Astral Weeks can be a bit meandering for the tastes of some, although it's definitely my favorite. Moondance is by far the most accesible of the great The Van albums. Another album that could be a good introduction (without recommending the greatest hits) is the live album It's Too Late To Stop Now from the early 70's.... some of the versions there are the definitive.
Ok, so what's the musical style? Heeeeee....
It's a mixture of (Old) R&B, Soul and Jazz, all held up by a voice that's soulful as it is nasal and freewheelin'... but if you get it it's great! That's why I recommend you get his more 'structured' albums first, like Moondance.
Anyway, that's my 2 cents...

[Alex D]

Oh, and it's Him, people like me, when they try to be cool (yeah, really sad, I know) call him The Van. But he used to be in a band called Them (no, really!) which had timeless hits like Gloria and Here Comes The Night.

[Colinx]

Van Morrison is not any style, if you get what he does he is the style, very eclectic mix of music, as was said above some albums are structured, others are a melange of music.

these are the re masters I was referring to http://www.recordstore.co.uk/vanmorrison/

[Ali Tait]

They look good! Will have a punt I think.

[Mike]

Astral Weeks can be a bit meandering for the tastes of some, although it's definitely my favourite.

Mine too!..... somewhat strangely, the man himself cannot abide the thing!!!

[Alex D]

Mine too!..... somewhat strangely, the man himself cannot abide the thing!!!

... first, from the perspective of an artist that doesn't want to be pigeonholed, which I guess is the underlining thread of his whole career.
But secondly, and I guess more importantly, it is you could argue, a very juvenile album. Does this make it less important or compelling? I think not. But I can understand why he couldn't stand it.

[Mike]

Don't expect a remastered version of Astral Weeks. Apparently Mr Morrison made off with the original master tape's muttering something along the lines of "over my dead body".

Allegedly!

[Alex D]

while wasting the royalties buying garden gnomes as gifts for Jools Holland! (true story)