Rhino Entertainment releases a 3-LP re-mastered vinyl of Van Morrison’s epochal 1970 album.
Van Morrison – Moondance – Warner Records (1970)/Rhino Entertainment Company (2023) Deluxe Expanded 3-LP Set, ****1/2:
(Van Morrison – guitar, tambourine, vocals; Jack Shroer – alto saxophone, soprano saxophone; Collin Tilton – tenor saxophone, flute; Jeff Labes – piano, organ, clavinette; John Platania – guitar; John Klingberg – bass; Gary Mallaber – drums, vibes; Guy Masson – conga; Emily Houston – backup vocals; Judy Clay – backup vocals; Jackie Verde – backup vocals)
Northern Irish singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Van Morrison has been recording and performing for nearly seven decades. His unique mixture of folk, Celtic, jazz, blues rock and r & b resulted in unforgettable songs like “Brown Eyed Girl”, “Caravan”, “Jackie Wilson Said”, “St Dominic’s Preview” and “Wavelength”, all staples in modern rock. But in 1970, Morrison was under pressure to deliver for Warner Records. His prior release “Astral Weeks” was considered to be a commercial failure, albeit popular with critics. Morrison eschewed the ethereal folk motifs for a more blues-based, accessible sound. Moondance, consisting of 10 original compositions elevated him to stardom (and FM renown) with an album that both fans and critics admired.
Rhino Entertainment has released a re-mastered 3-LP vinyl set of Moondance. The album is a perfect mixture of various genres with meticulous arrangements. The new stereo remix is by Steven Wilson. Side One opens with the folk imagery and “down-home” aesthetics of “And It Stoned Me”. A simple narrative about fishing, gallon jugs and swimming holes is timeless. Morrison’s vocal delivery is excellent and the inclusion of saxophones adds muscle to the jam. The title track exudes a jazzy countenance with flute and piano. His vocals have rhythm and “in-the-moment” resonance. “Crazy Love” is a tender ballad with gospel-like backup vocals. A certain highlight is the soulful “Caravan”. With its magnetic chorus, a full-bodied soul jam unfolds with precision and dense texture. Concluding a near-perfect side, “Into The Mystic” is timeless with its slow grooves, Memphis horns and soulful performance. Side Two does not disappoint. “Come Running” is freewheeling with Morrison executing a call & response with the band. Drawing on blues roots, “These Dreams Of You” has a gritty harmonica, and is a perfect fit between Morrison and the band. Slowing things down, “Brand New Day” embodies the spiritual context of this music. It is like gospel testimony. With a skipping country vibe, “Everyone” has odd touches like harpsichord, flute and is framed by an earnest vocal delivery. The finale, “Glad Tidings” is another tour-de-force with a thick bass line, funky guitar hooks, brass and a compelling vocalese chorus.
The remaining two albums consist of various alternate versions and mixes. Side Three has a stripped-down (no horns/reeds) reassuring version of “Into The Mystic” that is appealing. These tracks are low-keyed but effective. “Caravan (Take 4)” has the punch of the album, but the vocals are relaxed. This laid-back jaunty feel is present on “Glad Tidings (Remix 2)” and “Come Running (Take 2)”. Morrison’s organic musical vision and heartfelt emotion is showcased on “Crazy Love (Alternative Mix)”. Even in developmental stages, the listener can appreciate the depth of sentiment. Whether there is a document of the recording process (“Caravan Redo Take 3)” or a much funkier “Moondance (Take 22)”, it is clear that Van and the studio players are in the pocket. The final album side has three songs (“I Shall Sing/Take 7”; “Nobody Knows You When You’re Down And Out/Outtake 7” and “I’ve Been Working/Early Version Take 5”) that were not included on the final album.
This triple gatefold re-mastered vinyl of Moondance is worth the price. The studio re-mix by Steven Wilson is sonically vibrant with excellent separation.The pressings (Kevin Gray/Optimal) are top-notch with no discernible surface noise, hisses or pops. The re-mastered album is available in other vinyl and hi-res digital formats.
—Robbie Gerson
Van Morrison – Moondance
TrackList:
Side One (The Original Album Remixed): And It Stoned Me; Moondance; Crazy Love; Caravan; Into The Mystic
Side Two: (The Original Album Remixed): Come Running; These Dreams Of You; Brand New Day; Everyone; Glad Tidings
Side Three (Sessions, Alternates & Mixes): Into The Mystic (Take 11); Caravan (Take 4); Glad Tidings (Remix 2); These Dreams Of You (Remix)
Side Four (Sessions, Alternates & Mixes): Come Running (Take 2); Brand New Day (Take 3); Glad Tidings (Alt. Version); Crazy Love (Alternative Mix)
Side Five (Sessions, Alternates & Mixes): Caravan (Redo. Take 3); These Dreams Of You (Alt. Version); Moondance (Take 22); Glad Tidings (Take 9)
Side Six (Sessions, Alternates & Mixes): I Shall Sing (Take 7); Nobody Knows You When You’re Down And Out (Outtake); I’ve Been Working (Early Version, Take 5).
More Information available through Rhino
