Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 31-35 of 64
 Grown-up music! April 7, 2008
Southern Boy (Atlanta, GA USA)
6 out of 11 found this review helpful
Yeah, this is grown-up music... not aimed at iPod-shuffling kids. Unless of course you are a very hip iPod-shuffling kid!
Not to get sidetracked, but speaking of iPods, I recommend this album on vinyl. Partly because the music suits listening to it all the way through with no skip button at hand. And partly because the vinyl version contains three songs not on the CD. This is an amazing thing for Van fanatics like me, and a testament to the growing and unexpected allure of vinyl in 2008. The three bonus cuts are live versions recorded in 2008 of the songs "Blue And Green," "Little Village" and "And The Healing Has Begun." The latter is one of my favorite songs ever. This live version, as with the other two, is autumnal and stately in a way that fits his mid-60s age and his musical predilections (i.e., the title of this album). I like the version of "A.T.H.H.B." but it's a slow-burner live version so it won't bowl you over. Mostly I was drawn to the other two live cuts, which I wasn't very familiar with previously. Very nice stuff, and for Van fanatics, they definitely justify getting this on vinyl instead of CD.
Sorry to get ahead of myself though! The album itself is just what the name implies and what I referenced earlier -- an autumnal, stately and rather modest album of ballads. By modest I mean that, in this age of 'American Idol' over-emoting vocally, Van lets his vocals serve the song, gently pushing them along like a canoe on a lazy river. He could belt out melismatic undulations of noise like the misguided folks on that show but now, more than ever, he does not. He serves each song here with dignity and finesse.
Van is known for putting out so many albums that quality control isn't always there, and for some of us long-time Van fans, the question becomes, "OK, bottom line... is it worth getting this new one when I mostly like to listen to his older albums anyway?" The answer, first of all, is listen more closely to some of his recent albums because there are moments of brilliance in all of them (I think "The Meaning Of Loneliness" from 2003's "What's Wrong With This Picture?" album might be one of the best 5 songs he's ever written). Secondly, in terms of this particular album, the answer is yes. It's not the equal of his best albums from decades ago, no, and it gets a little samey-slow by the end, but my wife and four-year-old son seem to love it every time I put it on, and with a glass of wine in hand and an ear to listen to a slow-burner like this one, I like it too.
Bottom line: midway through the first song, you'll be smiling and glad you bought it. Especially if you take my advice and get the vinyl version. And if you don't have a turntable, good lord, get you one! Vinyl is the most fun way to listen to music still.
 Old School Cool! April 8, 2008
T. GROMEK (Minneapolis, MN)
6 out of 9 found this review helpful
I liked this record the first time I listened to it. Songs are cool and pleasant. "School of Hard Knocks" and "Soul" standout for me. Van retained the country band from "Pay the Devil" and they are great. I also like the organ throughout as it adds nice color to the songs. Good storytelling and great music. Another fine Van Morrison album. Also, I bought the vinyl version which has a few extra songs not on the CD. Good listen while driving to and from work.
Another good album!! April 19, 2008
Gerald A. Sinclair (Wenonah, NJ, USA)
6 out of 8 found this review helpful
I have to confess that I own all of Van's CDs. I look forward to each new release. This one did not disappoint. I always appreciate new songs from Van, and enjoy listening to them on a regular basis, as a variety from past CDs. This new CD has more than satisfied my 'jones' for his music (at least until his next release)!!
better with age April 20, 2008
Stephen Roxborough (Anacortes, Washington USA)
6 out of 9 found this review helpful
van is back (again) with not only many of his most heartfelt songs
in years but with a deeper edge.
(or is that age?)
although some of his lyrics are recycled,
some are extraordinarily original
and the magic soulful voice has aged wonderfully.
the more i listen, the more i like.
keep chopping wood
and carrying water, man. inspirational
bluesy belfast zen. pared down
for the long haul.
it feels right for van. most likely, it'll look
good on you too. make the effortless effort
to spin this timeless
classic disc as you drift
into a deeper mystic.
 Warmed Over May 12, 2008
S. P. Brattain (Corvallis, Oregon USA)
6 out of 11 found this review helpful
I've been a Van fan for many years and was excited that he was coming out with a new CD of new material. The material is new, but the themes are (unfortunately) recycled, warmed over, re-runs. The material may be new but it is far from fresh. I would have guessed/hoped that The Man would have been far beyond the (School of Hard Knocks) self-pity and "crucification" of years gone by, but he is evidently stuck there forevermore I suppose. Get over it Van.
His voice is still as good as ever and the tunes are easy listening, but best suited as background music. Listening to the lyrics is painful. He takes the "Keep it Simple" theme to an extreme. Lyrics like "You take my breath away...even on a cloudy day" and "alcohol was too big a price, that's why I said 'no dice'."
There are few bright spots on this CD. I don't recommend it if you are a Van fan.
|
