Post by MartinT on Nov 15, 2021 18:29:29 GMT
Van Morrison - Common One
I can't believe I haven't chosen a Van Morrison album yet as he is one of my all-time favourite artists through a long and somewhat varied career. However, his highs have been very high indeed, up there at Leonard Cohen level, and I have chosen an album I like very much but chances are that many of you will not have listened to. I was first introduced to Van the Man by a friend during my Uni years, who played me Moondance, and I was soon captivated. It's all in the songs and his quite unique singing style. He has a gift for a memorable tune and his voice is one of his strengths, used very much as an instrument. It isn't pretty, but from sensual to talking to outright shouting, he always imparts emotion not just in his words or sounds but in the manner of their delivery.
Common One is not a well known or even particularly highly rated album, but Qobuz says it better than me: "Van Morrison was working through one of his greatest -- yet least appreciated -- creative periods when he made this album, one that burrows deeply into an introspective jazz-rooted spiritual groove". Exactly so, and I find all the songs of a high standard, exceptionally well performed and recorded. The opening 'side' (still thinking in LP terms) is really special with Haunts of Ancient Peace preceding Summertime in England, an extended jam. Satisfied is the stand-out track in the whole album. Featuring Hammond organ and a brass section 'competing' for attention, it never fails to please.
Make sure to listen to Satisfied. Even if you don't like it, it will test your system's midrange clarity to its limit, as well as how it boogies to the rhythm.
open.qobuz.com/track/44530501
I can't believe I haven't chosen a Van Morrison album yet as he is one of my all-time favourite artists through a long and somewhat varied career. However, his highs have been very high indeed, up there at Leonard Cohen level, and I have chosen an album I like very much but chances are that many of you will not have listened to. I was first introduced to Van the Man by a friend during my Uni years, who played me Moondance, and I was soon captivated. It's all in the songs and his quite unique singing style. He has a gift for a memorable tune and his voice is one of his strengths, used very much as an instrument. It isn't pretty, but from sensual to talking to outright shouting, he always imparts emotion not just in his words or sounds but in the manner of their delivery.
Common One is not a well known or even particularly highly rated album, but Qobuz says it better than me: "Van Morrison was working through one of his greatest -- yet least appreciated -- creative periods when he made this album, one that burrows deeply into an introspective jazz-rooted spiritual groove". Exactly so, and I find all the songs of a high standard, exceptionally well performed and recorded. The opening 'side' (still thinking in LP terms) is really special with Haunts of Ancient Peace preceding Summertime in England, an extended jam. Satisfied is the stand-out track in the whole album. Featuring Hammond organ and a brass section 'competing' for attention, it never fails to please.
Make sure to listen to Satisfied. Even if you don't like it, it will test your system's midrange clarity to its limit, as well as how it boogies to the rhythm.
open.qobuz.com/track/44530501
, so Van the Man you nearly got me on a good day but in the end I escaped . 2/5