VAN MORRISON THE BEST OF

An enjoyable early Best Of Van Morrison. I particularly like this edition.

[@bobby666666]

Unfortunately, apart from some of the hits on this compilation, I've never been able to get into him. One of those things. Steven Wilson and Tim Bowness mention his albums from time to time and state he is still producing great music. Three of the tracks on the disc are by the group The.

[@deliafreeman146]

Great stuff Jim. Awful about you loosing your records. Dee.

[@Gary-fk9pu]

I have most of Van's records on CD up to the Healing Game in 1997, apart from Wavelength, but I've never picked up a best of compilation, probably because as a fan I don't feel I really need the obvious popular cuts in one place. I must admit I am not overly keen on his newer material. I feel like the jazzy, bluesy side of Van has completely taken over and it's not really for me. It's hard to pick a favourite Van album. Astral Weeks I've always found a little bit esoteric, although Sweet Thing might be my favourite Van song of all time. Moondance is obviously brilliant and I have a particular soft spot for the St. Dominic's Preview album. He did some great live albums- It's Too Late To Stop Now is a classic and I have a huge love for the underrated Live at Belfast City Hall. A few years ago all of his CDs went out of print and they were never reissued, apart from his Warners Albums, Astral Weeks and Moondance, which got the remastering treatment. Albums like Veedon Fleece are not easy to track down at a decent price used. As there is something of a vinyl comeback I don't know whether his back catalogue have had vinyl reissues, probably only Astral Weeks and Moondance. So hang on to your Van Morrison CDs, because I don't see a lot of the back catalogue ever being reissued on CD again (One exception I know of is The Healing Game, a relatively recent album to my mind, with extra material etc). Maybe there is some kind of issue with Polydor. Anyway, enough of my rambling. Good luck with the Channel.

[@jimwood1968CDcollectorCAVE]

Very interesting comments. Yes I think you are right about the reissue situation. I used to have all the albums on vinyl he is an acquired taste and the latter albums take a bit of listening too. Thanks again Gary.