Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 16-20 of 64
 Van is not a hobgoblin April 2, 2008
eurocrank (Ketchikan, Alaska)
12 out of 28 found this review helpful
I have almost all of Van's output--minus "The Skiffle Sessions" and the Mose Allison tribute--but I very much agree with Colin Spence's review. The album is not "simple," and the melodies aren't "gorgeous." Also, in the years since "Veedon Fleece" (1974), Van has been a regular whiner about the music business; his complaints were already old on "Hymns to the Silence" (1991).
Yet, as Van has said himself, he makes magic in the studio, so "Keep It Simple" is like every other VM album: damned fine to listen to.
I find Spence's perspective, based as it is on Van's now-early albums, very useful for this particular artist. Unlike Bob Dylan, Van hasn't changed so much as grown. There haven't been any surprises in voice or songwriting style since the "Astral Weeks" and "Moondance" diptych. He's been more of a conservative alchemist than a revolutionary, with a resulting consistency of sound.
That said, there have been albums since 1974 that mean as much to me or more than the ones Spence mentions. (Frankly, I've never been a fan of "Tupelo Honey" except for the title track.)
"It's Too Late to Stop Now" (1974)--the version of 'Wild Children,' especially. It's his best live album.
"Common One" (1980)--criminally underrated. 'Haunts of Ancient Peace' and 'Satisfied' are keynotes.
"Inarticulate Speech of the Heart" (1983)--a bit heavy on the keyboards, but the title track (both vocal and instrumental versions) and 'September Night' are exceptional, as are several other tracks.
"Irish Heartbeat" (1988)--routinely and appropriately acknowledged as one of his finest albums. 'Raglan Road' and 'My Lagan Love' rank with 'Madame George' and 'Comfort You' in the mood department. Not to mention 'She Moved Through the Fair.' (The title track first appeared on "Inarticulate Speech of the Heart.")
"Avalon Sunset" (1989)--This should by all accounts be a really great one (check out 'Coney Island' and 'I'm Tired Joey Boy'), but there's no pleasing everybody.
Many of the bootlegs deserve to be heard as well.
 Van The Man Is Back: unbelievable April 1, 2008
gary jones (mountain top, new hampshire)
11 out of 15 found this review helpful
I don't write reviews. I hate doing needless things that require effort unless I get something out of it, but I'm compelled to write a quick review of this album because it is so good.
Words I'd use to describe this work: purely entertaining, evocative, melodic, beautiful voice reminiscent of his kid years. Simple, like the title says. Buy this album it is worth the trip.
I'm not a music critic I'm just a bricklayer but this is a really nice album. Square and on the level.
Nice job Van!
Keep it simple stupid.
Unwind May 26, 2008
Lee Armstrong (Winterville, NC United States)
11 out of 15 found this review helpful
Van Morrison's What's Wrong With This Picture? put three songs in my personal top ten including my #1 "Evening In June" plus "Once in a Blue Moon" & "Whinin' Boy Moan." When Van is hot, the singer reaches blast furnace temperatures and is emotionally incendiary. He enjoys the unique position of being able to follow his muse and allow his audience to follow. In so doing, his artistry remains high in his best moments.
"Keep It Simple" has some excellent moments. "That's Entrainment" is a delightful track with the classic Morrison sway, part soul, part jazz, "You with your ballerina dance, well you put me back in a trance." I had to look up "entrain" which means "enter or put into railway train." I'm not sure I totally get the connection, but I love the sound. "Lover Come Back" is such a classically good song that I had to check to see that Van wasn't covering some standard that had escaped my attention. His voice bubbles over with emotion, "Since you went away, I'm a lonely, lonely one; Come on back to stay; you are the only one." "End of the Land" is exquisite with its sense of rejuvenation that comes from the oceanside. "Keep It Simple" has some classic Morrison tracks and is a delightful disc by which to unwind. Enjoy!
Van is constantly original April 5, 2008
Michael J. Seltzer (Franklin, MIchigan United States)
9 out of 14 found this review helpful
Nearly 40 years of writing, recording and touring and Van Morrison continues to craft original and elegant compositions that are certain to become new classics. Keep It Simple is hardly that. Lyrically magnificent, with great instrumentation, Van continues to create outstanding new music -- and this will be yet another triumph in a rich and long history of musical excellence.
Great Soul / Blues cd from Van the man May 2, 2008
Victor Flores (San Diego, CA)
9 out of 11 found this review helpful
I'm bias on this review because I love Van Morrison music to death, I know this cd it's been been getting bad reviews, but I think those critics need to listen to this cd a little more more, I think is great (remember, I'm bias regarding Van's music) but if you like Blues / music with soul and a little inspiration from above, you will like this cd.
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