I find with most people who have heard Van’s work (I’m referring to his solo albums and not his Brown Eyed Girl pop), that they look at music slightly differently. But you know you wouldn’t want it any other way. A sad and slow way to finish an album with improvised guitar provided by “The Man”. It reminds me of “Slim Slow Slider” from ‘Week’s. It has a Celtic element to it which I love. The final track, “Almost Independence Day”, is similar to “Listen to the Lion”, in that it boasts a strangely long running time (10 minutes). Drenched in soul it seems to uplift you further than the heights “Saint Dominic’s Preview” took you. You’d have to follow that track up with something very special. It’s hard to listen to “Redwood Tree” in the same vein as “Saint Dominic’s Preview”. Its is definitely the best song on the album. “As we gaze out on, as we gaze out on Saint Dominic’s Preview.” I always feel uplifted after listening to this song.
Piano driven it evokes lot of imagery and has a very catchy chorus. “Saint Dominic’s Preview” is something to behold. You will definitely wonder what he is doing but don’t let that deter you.Īnd now to the album’s centerpiece. There is one point in the song which is slightly odd as well. Tender and gorgeous give this song a chance because you won’t regret. It is definitely a highlight of the album. “Listen to the Lion” boasts a strangely long running time for this sort of genre (being just over 11minutes), but if you’ve heard Astral Weeks you’ll have an inkling of what sort of song you’ll be listening to. It reminds me of those songs they play at decent restaurants that you didn’t particularly want to be at. “I Will Be There” is more jazz /pop, which is nice but not ultimately appealing. I particularly like how Van slows the song down then quickens it up again, horns blazing, with many a “la la la la”. (and yes she more than likely is a Gypsy!). “Gypsy” is a lovely little jazz inspired pop song, about a woman.
It starts with Van scat/singing the intro, and then leads to a gorgeous pop/soul song that is sure to leave you grinning. It draws from Morrison’s soul and R’N’B influences, as hinted at in title with the reference soul legend, Jackie Wilson. “Jackie Wilson Said (I’m In Heaven When You Smile)” is the first song off of the album and also a popular single. It is not as deep as ‘Weeks or charming as Moondance but for any Morrison fan I would definitely recommend it. Saint Dominic’s Preview (being his 5th notable studio album) gives off the etherealness of Astral Weeks and the pop/soul of Moondance. Astral Weeks is a gorgeous and deeply emotional album, unlike anything heard to that date (or heard since) Moondance being slightly more popular, in its music appeal and the high sales it achieved. Anyone who has heard Van’s first two solo albums will know what a delight they were. Saint Dominic’s Preview is an often overlooked album in a rich Van Morrison back-catalogue. Review Summary: Not Astral Weeks or Moondance, but somewhere in between.
0 kommentar(er)
