Tuesday 8 September 2009

It's Too Late to Stop Now


Well. I said it yesterday, is this recording by Van Morrison the best live lp ever? Maybe in my collection although I may put up another for consideration.
Rolling Stone had reservations about the mix on this but it is a 1973 recording, and although I can understand where they are coming from, they are being a bit churlish. However its not the mixing that really makes this record, its Van's singing, which for a male runs probably the full gamut of emotions from a 'rock' singer that you are likely to hear.
So highlights? Its the contents of the what was disc 2, 'Saint Dominic's Preview' 'Listen to the Lion', 'Caravan' and 'Cyprus Avenue'.
8/10
The year after this recording, a guy at college who was a huge fan and cajolled us to watch the stereo broadcast that the BBC put out of the Rainbow concert. Sound coming out in stereo from the radio and vision from BBC2. I has bitten but only slightly but later during the summer holidays I went and saw Van the man at the one day Knebworth Festival.
Was this the greatest one day line up ever in the UK? Full sets from everybody, not 20 minute cameos.
In order of appearance.

Tim Buckley
The Sensational Alex Harvey Band
John McLaughlin
's Mahavishnu Orchestra
Van Morrison
Doobie Brothers
Allman Brothers

Not everybody is still around from that line up, Alex H' has gone so has Tim B' along with his son, Jeff. Allman's lost 2, Duane and Berry Oakley.

I am somewhere near the back of this lot, although I do recall wandering down to the front when Tim Buckley was playing. This photo is taken from his set.

1 comment:

  1. WEB SHERIFF
    Protecting Your Rights on the Internet
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    Hi 2202 / Free Man in Oxford,

    On behalf of Exile Productions, Exile Publishing, Exile Films and Lion Records, many thanks for plugging Van Morrison and, if you / your readers would like good quality, non-pirated previews from Van's latest album and DVD - "Astral Weeks Live at the Hollywood Bowl" - then footage of “Sweet Thing” from the Hollywood Bowl is available for fans to view and link to (ONLY please – not for embedding) at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4BYvoH2_XuA. Up-to-the-minute news on the “Astral Weeks Live” album and film releases and Van’s 2009 shows is, of course, available on www.vanmorrison.com and www.myspace.com/vanmorrison. An increasing archive of exclusive film footage of Van Morrison performances is also available for fans and YouTubers on Exile’s official channel at http://uk.youtube.com/user/OfficialExileFilms ... .. and keep an eye on these official sources for details of further preview material and on-line promotions.

    Thanks again for your plug.

    Regards,

    WEB SHERIFF

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