Moondance - Van Morrison

Moondance - Van Morrison (1970) Every now and then, I get the need to dig out a long lost CD and listen to something that, despite it's greatness, has been collecting dust for years. Ironically, this Van Morrison offering predates the CD by nearly two decades, but has stood the test of time and greatness. Instrumentally, the album relies on just about every type of saxophone there is, flutes, keyboards, guitars, drums to produce a mellow but strangely catchy feel. Lyrically, every track is credited to the man himself. One of my favourite tracks opens, "And It Stoned Me", followed by the title track itself. ...  Read the complete review

This album came after "Astral Weeks", regarded by many as Van the Man's best, but I find "Moondance" every bit as good, in fact more enjoyable to listen to. It has a timeless quality about, and it really doesn't sound like it's 30 years old. Overall, it has an American feel to it - the first song, "And it stoned me", reminds me a lot of The Band, and the brass, which is used throughout, sounds a lot like Springsteen / Southside Johnny / The Blues Brothers. The album has a very soulful vibe. On a couple of the songs there's even a gospel flavour. ("Come running" and "Crazy love") Then ...  Read the complete review