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Van
Morrison- Down The Road
May 14, 2002
Original Release Date: 2002
1.
Down
the Road (Morrison) - 4:19
2. Meet Me in the Indian Summer (Morrison) - 4:00
3. Steal My Heart Away (Morrison) - 4:23
4. Hey Mr. DJ (Morrison) - 3:49
5. Talk Is Cheap (Morrison) - 4:23
6. Choppin' Wood (Morrison) - 3:30
7. What Makes the Irish Heart Beat (Morrison) - 3:49
8. All Work and No Play (Morrison) - 4:55
9. Whatever Happened to PJ Proby? (Morrison) - 3:16
10. The Beauty of the Days Gone By (Morrison) - 5:50
11. Georgia on My Mind (Carmichael/Gorrell) - 5:37
12. Only a Dream (Morrison) - 5:00
13. Man Has to Struggle (Morrison) - 5:10
14. Evening Shadows (Bilk/Morrison) - 4:04
15. Fast Train (Morrison) - 5:04 |
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Review
Van is undoubtedly the most prolific rock star in the past
decade. He almost releases an album every year, and he never
fails to disappoint. Two years ago, Van the man released Back
On Top with a title suggesting that he was really
back on top. But needless to say, he was never below the surface.
Even when everyone was messing up in the 80's, Van came out
with No Guru, No Method, No Teacher, blending
jazzy pop with Zen-like healing material. Now in Down
The Road, he pays tribute to his roots, i.e. peole
who have influenced him in his musical journey. These people
are, namely, Hank Williams, Chet Baker, Ray Charles, Sam
Cooke, Mose Allison, John Lee Hooker, James Brown, Muddy Waters,
Blind Lemon Jefferson, Louis Armstrong, Carl Perkins, B.B.
King, Lightnin' Hopkins, Ike Turner, Jelly Roll Morton,
etc.
In this album,
Van pays tribute to the blues, rockability classics, and the
lost era of 50's and 60's. Hit song "Hey Mr. DJ" pays
homage to old-time radio DJs, the long gone days of rock n'roll,
with classics done by Carl Perkins and Eddie Cochran. The
song reminds us of his classic song "Jackie Wilson Said."
There are also blues songs, reminiscent of Van's Them days,
such as "Choppin' Wood," "Talk is Cheap," "All Work and
No Play," etc. "Evening Shadows" blends pop with
jazz, like "Moondance," featuring British sax legend
Acker Bilk on the composition. All songs are written
by Van the Man himself, except "Georgia On My Mind,"
a legendary Ray Charles song. (No need to compare Van and
Ray since this is a mere tribute.)
If you haven't
heard Van Morrison, this CD is a sample and a starting point,
and more. Because Van's soul and healing power are adequately
shown here. Also, interesting to compare this album with Van's
first Them album. See how he's grown musically thru
the years, but also how much he has stayed true to his roots.
A sentimenal
album. Crying is required.
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