Advantages: Timeless classic.
Disadvantages: None.

...I have for many years been a fan of Van Morrison. For me, his music epitomizes the rawness of the sixties, and although he has made many albums since this one, I still believe this to be one of the best that Van Morrison ever created. This album, although something of an experimental one at the time, was the foundation of a career that would span decades, and as I listen to newer works by Van Morrison, the roots that he created with Astral Weeks still come out in the harmonies and mood of his present work, although of course, like with all good artists, his work has evolved into newness. One of the most impressive images that this album produces in my mind is how new and experimental the sixties were, and how artists were encouraged to be inventive, and not merely copiers of earlier styles. The sheer professionalism of this album... Read review

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Advantages: some brilliant songs
Disadvantages: that Cliff duet

...The shops are awash with "Best of" compilations which turn out to contain one top twenty single and a heap of instantly forgettable fillers. It is very rare to find one which is packed full of quality music. The Best of Van Morrison is one of the later. Make no mistake, this is the genuine article. This CD contains twenty mainly outstanding tracks from Ireland's hero. If you think you don't know any Van songs then this recording may surprise you. It certainly surprised me. The majority of these tracks are commonplace on the likes of Virgin and Radio 2's Johnny Walker show. (and no doubt on other decent radio stations I don't get in deepest Aberdeenshire) While a little young for Van at his peak I was aware of his music although I had never bought any. A couple of weeks of listening to a Napster download of "Brown Eyed Girl... Read review

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Advantages: The best van album ever
Disadvantages: None.

...As i have said before i am totally addicted to Van Morrison. The guy is a genious. This is vans first solo album Van released when he finally escaped the clutches of Bert Berns and the Bang label. I think that this album is special because it was the first album that Van could do his own thing on and really lose him self. They recorded each song as live rather than each musician individually so there is a real atmosphere to the album. In some songs the guitars seem to be a little out of tune, but that really just adds to the whole magic of the album. And its all accoustic. The album is very spiritual, philosophical and poetic which i guess is typical Van the man, but this is the album where he does it best. Each song sweeps you into the next. Some sweeping faster than others, some making you want to hear them just once... Read review

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Advantages: A return to his deserved pedestal of Music God
Disadvantages: See opinion

...Just when you think he can't reproduce the good stuff, he goes and does it again. "Perfect Fit" jump starts you into the album, real finger-snapping-toe-tapping-light-on-the-horns-and-heavy-on-the-catchy-beat stuff. Some very nice, but cleverly simple, guitar playing by Ronnie Johnson. It sets you up for the delights that are to follow. Slow down to a stroll with "Russian Roulette" and then enjoy a little jazzy jiggle to "Raincheck". Tremendously cool and an immediate personal favourite. The tempo drops straight back down with some classy piano and sax playing, in the bluesy "You don't know me" - duetted with Shana Morrison. Very pleasing on the ear, surprise surprise. "No Religion", "Underlying Depression" and "Songwriter" are reminiscent of the Moondance album, plenty of warm fuzzy feelings as you dip your toes... Read review

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Advantages: Mysticism
Disadvantages: Moaning

...Long before I'd ever heard a Van Morrison song, a friend told me about seeing him in concert. Thus was forever planted in my mind the picture of a portly old bloke in corduroys neurotically pacing the stage, looking for all the world as if he'd rather be anywhere else. A few years ago, I finally got to see the man myself, and there was my mental image brought to life. Except he was wearing a suit. That, of course, is doing George Ivan Morrison a gross disservice. Notoriously scornful of the media (he says it all through his music, man), prone to stage fright, and looking considerably older than his 58 years, he does not have the greatest public image. However, to show just how wrong an image can be, the contrary old sod consistently produces music which approaches, and often touches, the sublime. So which Van to choose, because I... Read review

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Advantages: Most of his best songs
Disadvantages: Cliff does not belong here.

...I thought it was about time I did a music review, but being an "oldie", I prefer tried and tested favourites and don't expect many comments on this review. Still, one Ciao memeber said to write with passion and this guy is an all-time favourite. Van Morrison has been around a long time, he may be an aquired taste, but most people only know of him because of "Brown-eyed girl". He is a rariety nowadays, someone who wrires his own songs. You cannot put him into a catergory, he experiments with all types of music, the nearest I can get, is Jazz with an attitude!. To those not familiar with him, he is a great guy, I met him once. Whenever he is in the UK, he often appears spontaniously, drifting into a local club and jamming with the local bands, this is no publicity stunt, he disappears into the night! I bought this cd from MCV... Read review

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Advantages: Brilliant for Morrison fans and newcomers to this Legend
Disadvantages: Not everyone's taste but you may grow into it

...There are very few people that have either never heard of or listened to a Van Morrison song and enjoyed it in one way or another. From the soundtracks of countless films to pubs and bars world-wide,' Van the Man' is a Legend there is no doubt. Myself being a late comer to his music in the late 70's I've followed and idolised this man ever since. Born in Belfast, the singer/songwriter has a following The Beatles would be proud of. He sang with a group called 'Them' which gave him hits like 'Gloria.'and 'Baby please don't go'. This was his very first solo album brought out in 1967. The copy I have is a digital re mastered version from the original and has bonus alternate takes on five songs and was released in 1998. The album ----------- BLOWIN' YOUR MIND Bang Records / Sony music... Read review

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Advantages: A welcome return to the Old Van
Disadvantages: Some tracks are are a little short

...on this easy listening return from Van. This album being his 33rd if you include Bang Masters material. Making a return on the Saxophone after a ten year absence comes Pee Wee Ellis and this has a strong Horn arrangement going back to early Morrison. DAYS LIKE THIS --------------- Polydor/Exile production 1. Perfect Fit. Right away you know this is Van on form. Perfect Fit or a Perfect match, is a light catchy song running for 4 minutes and 33 seconds.'They say no-one is perfect, some people may take the piss.'Would I? 2. Russian Roulette. 'All this spring fever's just way over my head, taking up all of my time, stop playing Russian Roulette with my mind.'Anyone suffering from writer's block may blame it on things getting on top of them and people playing with their minds. Another catchy song 3 minutes and 56 seconds... Read review

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