Yes, indeed, a "Desert Island Album".  All of the times when I have seen VM in concert and the two times I have personally met him, I've remarked that this is the 'Ur-Album" ("Ur" meaning the absolute basic, founding father, primordial, etc etc" album of his career. )  VM's work on this album is seminal .. seminal meaning that he gives life to so many kinds of marvelous melodies and verses.  As you all know, VM is a very private and shy man; his sole comment to me when I waxed poetic about this album (whilst on a photo shoot in Malta many years ago) he said, "aye, that twas a work of art to be sure"  — I replied "Van, you mean a Work of Morrison, right?"  He just laughed and turned away while I snapped more frames.  Do I love this album?  Oh hell yes.  As our Former Member, Rometuna would have said "We are all rocking in our hotel room" or something like that.....

Moondance is a seminal album ... a 'desert island' album.  Powerful - start to finish.

 

 fredriley wrote:  This makes no sense to me. Strangling a whippet would clearly lead to a severely higher pitch than what we observe. I suggest a more robust dog for the job. Not sure which one though. Of course, John Anderson live was nowhere close to hitting the notes we all thought were due. Not bankrupt but surely strained.

 tompoll wrote: 
It would probably be better to address Jon Anderson's irritating, eunuch-like screeching.  I guess that's technically different than "bad singing", "officially".

I've always thought his voice has a distinct "Porky Pig" quality to it, which is readily apparent to me in this song.

 goo wrote:
I like rants.  Rant away.  But I have a counter rant.  Here goes.  The Internet rocks.    Van needs his head examined.

My second favorite horn section, right behind James Brown's Fabulous Flames.

based on the date of the last comment, seems like ages since this song was on the playlist!!!!

oh van the man!!! 

 tompoll wrote: 
Jon Anderson'll be t' Yorkshire tyke that sang wi' Yes, aye? In which case he's got voice like strangled whippet, 'appen as like .

(Translation notes for non-Yorkshire folk on Wikipedia)

A long time ago, in the mid 70s my other half was working backstage at a Van gig and was rubbing shoulders with the man himself. He sank two bottles of red wine before the gig and apparently it was standard fare for him to get into shape to sing. . . which accounts for much of his style I guess.  

Dump "Van the Bore"!

 westslope wrote: 
Wow. Officially the first time I've ever seen anyone accuse Jon Anderson of bad singing. Confusing quality with pitch?

 Van the sleeping pill...

I do believe I have a see through copy of this vinyl some where !

 fredriley wrote: 

Yeah, the voice can annoy.

He almost sings as badly as Jon Anderson, Leonard Cohen or Neil Young.

 

That said, some of his songs are real gems.   Amazing for such a full-speed ahead alcoholic.

 fredriley wrote: 
Me, too. I'm actually usually grateful with VM comes on because it helps be break away from RP to do something else.

fredriley wrote:
Plus he's had an amazing life no doubt...and he's still a bitter little ball of anger...now what's that about?

Reminds me of the Blues Brothers...

This last hour of music has been amazing. I guess Bill's decided to go for broke and give everybody a great Friday night! Thank you Bill!

 goo wrote:
  I'm sorry...what was that you said?

 lmic wrote: 
Sounds like that "Everything I need to know I learned in kindergarten" book. (or whatever it was ...)

Who decreed that Van Morrison is commercial, anyway?

Moondance is a great album.  Most of Van's stuff from this period was (Astral Weeks, His band and street Choir, etc.).

Wow! Moondance is so damn righteous

Chumbawamba-1984 wrote:
On RP, I've learned that the Kinks are underrated and Van Morrison is commercial. Where have I been hiding?

...8--->9...

renlat wrote:Hi! Let's make it three! Though I have to admit I love "Brown-eyed Girl," but mainly because I did...

Bleyfusz wrote:

"Egolatrism"??? Is that one of those new-fangled internet words?

renlat wrote:

Van Moribond again ?? Sh.. !! Does RP turn commercial to serve us this smart (pet) food ?

rulebritannia wrote:

Hi There! I'm standing on the corner right next to yours !!!...

rulebritannia wrote:

Yep. Van on, mute on.