 Saint Dominic's Preview (1972) [ larger cover art ] |
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Shammy [chamois] cleaning all the windows,
Singing songs about Edith Piaf's soul.
And I hear blue strains of "no regredior"
Across the street from Cathedral Notre Dame.
Meanwhile back in San Francisco
We're trying hard to make this whole thing blend,
As we sit upon this jagged
Storey block, with you my friend.
And it's a long way to Buffalo.
It's a long way to Belfast city too.
And I'm hoping the joist won't blow the hoist
'cos this time, they bit off more than they can chew.
As we gaze out on, as we gaze out on
As we gaze out on, as we gaze out on
Saint Dominic's Preview
Saint Dominic's Preview
Saint Dominic's Preview
All the orange boxes are scattered.
Against the Safeway's supermarket in the rain.
And everybody feels so determined
Not to feel anyone else's pain.
(You know that) No one's making no commitments
To anybody but themselves,
Hidin' behind closed doorways,
Tryin' to get outside, outside of empty shells
And for every cross-cuttin' country corner,
For every Hank Williams railroad train that cried,
And all the chains, badges, flags and emblems
And every strain on every brain and every eye (?)
As we gaze out on, as we gaze out on
As we gaze out on, as we gaze out on
Saint Dominic's Preview
Saint Dominic's Preview
Saint Dominic's Preview.
And the restaurant tables are completely covered.
The record company has paid out for the wine.
You got everything in the world you ever wanted
Right about now your face should wear a smile.
That's the way it all should happen
When you're in, when you're in the state you're in;
You've got your pen and notebook ready,
I think it's about time, time for us to begin.
And we're over in a 52nd Street apartment,
Socializing with the white hope few,
Just to be hip and get wet with the jet set.
But they're flying too high to see my point of view.
As we gaze out on, as we gaze out on
As we gaze out on, as we gaze out on
Saint Dominic's Preview
Saint Dominic's Preview
Saint Dominic's Preview.
See them freedom marching,
Out on the street, freedom marching.
Saint Dominic's Preview.
| WonderLizard (2,755.46 mi. due east of Paradise) | Posted: Jan 29, 2012 - 16:52 scraig wrote: Wow, Amazon is going to charge me $60 for this album! What's the story here? There are as many stories as there are masterings and pressings of the vinyl album or CD. If you'll look at all the Amazon options, you'll see that there a number of masters—from the original to a couple in the '90s. Then there's where the CD was manufactured. Japanese imports, with their allegedly more stringent manufacturing standards, generally command higher prices. Finally, there's whatever the seller perceives the market's straining point—"This is the most I'll get for this product" because demand is relatively high and supply is relatively (perhaps artificially) low. If I think the price is too high, I wait. Most of the time my patience is rewarded with something that sounds good at a fraction of the price asked before. Most of the time. I see the prices for St. Dominic's Preview are still fairly steep, but there are options around $30. That would still be too rich for my blood, and I'd wait longer. |
| HazzeSwede (Vinyl Land) | Posted: Jul 24, 2011 - 04:16 scraig wrote: Wow, Amazon is going to charge me $60 for this album! What's the story here? It's just that GOOD !  |
| bachbeet | Posted: Mar 19, 2011 - 20:46 I really like Van a lot. Not this one so much. It's pretty good but not up to his other works. |
| jim1964 (british columbia, but use to ride the IRT to work) | Posted: Feb 16, 2011 - 12:03 scraig wrote: Wow, Amazon is going to charge me $60 for this album! What's the story here? Now it's $96, must be supply and demand. |
| scraig (Santa Barbara, CA) | Posted: Oct 13, 2010 - 09:34 Wow, Amazon is going to charge me $60 for this album! What's the story here? |
| BowTieDad (Stockholm, Sweden) | Posted: Oct 13, 2010 - 09:32  Van Morrison |
| apd (Toronto, On) | Posted: Jul 09, 2010 - 17:46 ...and again with the follow to Counting Crows... |
| gratefulgator (San Francisco CA) | Posted: Jun 23, 2010 - 09:45 I'll give this song a 9 just because I love the name Dominic... |
| albatross | Posted: Apr 30, 2010 - 13:22 OmegaConcern wrote: And I'd rather hear Green Eyed Lady (Sugarloaf) than Brown Eyed Girl any day! Their one hit wonder. Agreed, BEG is overplayed, but then Van wouldn't play it for decades. It is a painful song for him I think because he didn't get any royalties or residuals. Is he moody? Sure, but his performances are always good to supreme. Unfortunately, he knows he only has a few years as entertainer left and his shows have become mostly unaffordable here in the us. |
| Hedwig (Somewhere between Portland, OR and NYC) | Posted: Mar 20, 2010 - 06:02 goosebumps...stellar |
| Geecheeboy (under a crescent moon and palmetto tree) | Posted: Feb 01, 2010 - 08:12 I hear a few licks of "Hate it Here" by Wilco in this old piece. |
| OmegaConcern (Sunrise, FL) | Posted: Feb 01, 2010 - 08:09 Used to dig VM. Have, over the years, become sick of him. Just seriously over him. I guess I respect him, I just don't like him, FWIW. And I'd rather hear Green Eyed Lady (Sugarloaf) than Brown Eyed Girl any day! |
| WonderLizard (2,755.46 mi. due east of Paradise) | Posted: Nov 30, 2009 - 12:57 siandbeth wrote: Can someone, anyone, upload the Sons Of Champlin? I have a hankering. Until someone does, you can find six live concerts (including one under the monicker Yogi Phlegm!) at Wolfgang's Vault: http://www.wolfgangsvault.com/the-sons-of-champlin/ I grew up in San Rafael a stone's throw from the Champlin abode on C Street. He, Dave Shallock, and "Hags" Haggerty were local heroes with a ferocious band. |
| RabbitEars | Posted: Nov 30, 2009 - 12:52 I've seen him a few times. Sometimes he blows the roof off, sometimes his mood consumes him. I saw a series of shows with Van, Joni & Dylan and he was by far the best of the three every night (and I was on a Joni high at the time). He can certainly be aloof, no doubt. StDP is a great album... |
| nate917 (2,815 miles from home) | Posted: Nov 30, 2009 - 12:51 joeychick wrote: I saw him two years ago at the Austin City Limits music festival. Do yourself a favor, and don't ever see him live. Not now. I love Van, too, and I'm sure he was fantastic back in the day, but he just doesn't have it anymore. I was so disappointed while we were watching him... I was looking forward to his performance all summer. I know it's just that he's getting old and can't do the things he used to be able to do so easily, but if you love Van, then I recommend you pass on seeing him live, and just be happy with the memories and images you have of him now, and save them from being tainted by his current performances. Don't be so sure he was fantastic back in the day. He was a prick then, too, and has always been willing to trade personal popularity for a vague reputation as a misunderstood artist, which I believe he wears as a badge to make up for a significant lack of vocal talent. |
| helgigermany (Germany) | Posted: Sep 28, 2009 - 13:49 This is a very nice tune! I saw him 1 year ago on TV in the LATER Show and he was great.But there he had only 2 songs so i cant say anything about his live shows. |
| jennything | Posted: Sep 28, 2009 - 13:48 I have no idea what it's about, but this could be my favorite all-time song. |
| On_The_Beach (Vancouver BC, Bud) | Posted: Aug 11, 2009 - 22:13 joeychick wrote: I saw him two years ago at the Austin City Limits music festival. Do yourself a favor, and don't ever see him live. Not now. I love Van, too, and I'm sure he was fantastic back in the day, but he just doesn't have it anymore. I was so disappointed while we were watching him... I was looking forward to his performance all summer. I know it's just that he's getting old and can't do the things he used to be able to do so easily, but if you love Van, then I recommend you pass on seeing him live, and just be happy with the memories and images you have of him now, and save them from being tainted by his current performances. Ditto. I saw him a few years ago and it was a major disappointment. He never looked at or addressed the audience; not so much as a thank you. After he mumbled his way through a listless 90-minute set he wandered off the stage never to return. Live and learn. That said, there is some great music on this album! |
| lmic (Narrow Minded Couch Potato) | Posted: Jul 27, 2009 - 12:07 I know that Safeway!  |
| peter_james_bond (Lunenburg, NS) | Posted: Jun 25, 2009 - 17:20 MojoJojo wrote: Nicely done. Remember, keep your stick on the ice. Bridieboo wrote:  In my wildest imaginings I never would have pictured Steve Smith (aka Red Green) showing up on this comment board in relation to any song whatsoever LOL |
| apd (Toronto, On) | Posted: Jun 09, 2009 - 11:50 CamLwalk wrote: Lovely song...but what exactly is Saint Dominic's Preview? And where is this Vanlose Stairway anyways? I don't think either are in Belfast - the album cover shoot certainly wasn't: http://www.michaelmagic.com/pageTogether14.html |
| (former member) (hotel in Las Vegas) | Posted: Jun 09, 2009 - 11:22 This song is good for the ears... |
| macadavy (Cascadia's attic, eh?) | Posted: May 24, 2009 - 22:56 CamLwalk wrote: Lovely song...but what exactly is Saint Dominic's Preview? And where is this Vanlose Stairway anyways? You'll have fun here (see comments esp.): http://www.songmeanings.net/songs/view/35513/  |
| jbtidwell (Atlanta, GA) | Posted: Apr 23, 2009 - 06:50 And we're over in a 52nd Street apartment, Socializing with the whino few, Just to be hip and get wet with the jet set. But they're flying too high to see my point of view. Lyrics like these are what draw me to Van Morrison. |
| FrankMc | Posted: Apr 23, 2009 - 06:50 If I died today, I'd like to come back as a member of Van's horn section. I understand he's a slave driver, but that sure sounds like fun to be part of that. |
| toterola (Further) | Posted: Mar 22, 2009 - 18:06 PeterRigg wrote: Musicianship, voice, feeling, bluesy-ness, phrasing, voice, musicianship. Good, good music. All that, and Irish,too? Begorrah!  |
| MojoJojo (Indianapolis, IN USA) | Posted: Mar 22, 2009 - 17:56 Nicely done. Remember, keep your stick on the ice. Bridieboo wrote: |
| Bridieboo (Halifax, NS) | Posted: Jan 18, 2009 - 11:47 apd wrote: The opening notes of that Counting Crows song is now permanently duct-taped to the ending of this, in my head. |
| PeterRigg (Lancashire, England) | Posted: Jan 18, 2009 - 11:33 Musicianship, voice, feeling, bluesy-ness, phrasing, voice, musicianship. Good, good music. |
| apd (Toronto, On) | Posted: Jan 02, 2009 - 11:25 Mary_Read wrote: Arg! Counting Crows after this song again!! ..and again today... |
| Excelsior | Posted: Oct 15, 2008 - 19:56 apd wrote: ...and again.... The opening notes of that Counting Crows song is now permanently duct-taped to the ending of this, in my head. Thanks Bill. Duct taped? On RP, the two songs are welded together. |
| westslope (BC coast) | Posted: Oct 15, 2008 - 19:48 sharkey wrote: jktravl wrote: ..... I have seen Van from 1964 in a coffee house Ottawa Ontario.... Le hibou? Le Hibou on "cactus". An experience never forgotten. In a good way. I'll bet! I caught up to "cactus" in Lynn Lake, northern Manitoba in the summer of 1976. "Cactus" was even better in alti-plano NW of Laz Paz. All in a good way. |
| laroue (Tennessee) | Posted: Sep 29, 2008 - 19:47 YAY!!!!!! Van Rocks!  |
| apd (Toronto, On) | Posted: Aug 13, 2008 - 13:46 Pharlap wrote: saw Van give a free concert at the University of Bridgeport, a couple of days after Kent State happened. He must've been bummed (as we all were) cause he kept his back to the audience virtually the whole concert. Actually, that's how he performs in most of his shows. He's always bummed about something. |
| apd (Toronto, On) | Posted: Aug 13, 2008 - 13:43 apd wrote: ...and again... ...and again.... The opening notes of that Counting Crows song is now permanently duct-taped to the ending of this, in my head. Thanks Bill. |
| MinMan (Bay Area, CA) | Posted: Jul 28, 2008 - 14:42 CamLwalk wrote: Lovely song... And where is this Vanlose Stairway anyways?
Undoubtedly Ulster. ...and discount those crows. |
| CamLwalk (Albany NY) | Posted: Jun 11, 2008 - 10:20 Lovely song...but what exactly is Saint Dominic's Preview? And where is this Vanlose Stairway anyways? |
| apd (Toronto, On) | Posted: May 26, 2008 - 14:57 apd wrote: Bill, I love you like a brother but do you have to follow this track with Counting Crows? Every. Single. Time.
...and again... |
| justin_thyme (Windward O`ahu, Hawai`i) | Posted: May 26, 2008 - 14:56 siandbeth wrote: Can someone, anyone, upload the Sons Of Champlin? I have a hankering.
Wow, I haven't heard any Sons in decades. Used to really enjoy their albums in the early '70s. |
| Mary_Read (The Pirate Ship Revenge) | Posted: Apr 09, 2008 - 11:47 Arg! Counting Crows after this song again!! I saw Van live only once - 1989 at an outdoor concert in Toronto. Van was excellent and all other concerts since have yet to match the magic of that day. |
| Egrey (WASH, DC) | Posted: Apr 09, 2008 - 11:45 Feelin' It!  |
| siandbeth (Santa Cruz California) | Posted: Apr 09, 2008 - 11:44 Can someone, anyone, upload the Sons Of Champlin? I have a hankering. |
| siandbeth (Santa Cruz California) | Posted: Apr 09, 2008 - 11:41 Pharlap wrote: saw Van give a free concert at the University of Bridgeport, a couple of days after Kent State happened. He must've been bummed (as we all were) cause he kept his back to the audience virtually the whole concert.
I saw Public Image years ago and Johnny Lydon hid behind an amp the whole time. That was somewhat disappointing. |
| RobK | Posted: Mar 24, 2008 - 14:37 How rude! Actually I'm not that surprised (or mad) to read a comment like that. I know his performances can be spotty. Van has commented on that himself. And it's not just a recent years phenomenon...he's always been that way. Personally, I'd roll the dice and go to a show if I had the chance. You never know, he could be in good form and it could make for a magical evening that you'll never forget. I did in fact see him a few years ago at the Olympia Theater in Dublin. He put on a great show. Van is a real person with all the good and bad traits that come with that. I don't think he has much desire to be fake, put on a happy face, suck it up, etc just to put on a "good" show for the people. I can hardly fault the guy for not being fake. I'd hate to see a truly disappointing performance, but in a way I would understand knowing what type of artist he is. joeychick wrote: I saw him two years ago at the Austin City Limits music festival. Do yourself a favor, and don't ever see him live. Not now.
I love Van, too, and I'm sure he was fantastic back in the day, but he just doesn't have it anymore. I was so disappointed while we were watching him... I was looking forward to his performance all summer. I know it's just that he's getting old and can't do the things he used to be able to do so easily, but if you love Van, then I recommend you pass on seeing him live, and just be happy with the memories and images you have of him now, and save them from being tainted by his current performances. |
| apd (Toronto, On) | Posted: Mar 24, 2008 - 14:32 Bill, I love you like a brother but do you have to follow this track with Counting Crows? Every. Single. Time. |
| Pharlap (Bahama, NC) | Posted: Mar 24, 2008 - 14:26 saw Van give a free concert at the University of Bridgeport, a couple of days after Kent State happened. He must've been bummed (as we all were) cause he kept his back to the audience virtually the whole concert. |
| LowPhreak (Earth (for now)) | Posted: Mar 24, 2008 - 14:25 Van the man! |
| pacificbeth | Posted: Mar 08, 2008 - 23:17 I'm rockin horizontal     must stop must sleep m u s t |
| sharkey (Toronto Canada) | Posted: Feb 07, 2008 - 15:14 jktravl wrote: ..... I have seen Van from 1964 in a coffee house Ottawa Ontario.... Le hibou? Le Hibou on "cactus". An experience never forgotten. In a good way. |
| westslope (BC coast) | Posted: Feb 06, 2008 - 13:26 sharkey wrote: jktravl wrote:
..... I have seen Van from 1964 in a coffee house Ottawa Ontario.... Le hibou? |