The song whisks you away to another time, another place, where birds chirp from the heavens and everything moves like a dream. The mic drop at the end is *chef's kiss. Another Astral Weeks single. Those sniffles in between verses aren't an act; that's really Morrison crying in the studio. Since then, it's been labeled one of the best pop songs of all time, and helped establish Morrison's cool, jazzy vibe. And for good reason: it's always a wonderful night for a Moondance. Note that a CD collection of some of the Van Morrison songs used in movies is to be released in February 2007. But true Van fans love this one for its horn section: a callback to the work of Pee Wee Ellis on James Brown records. The theme song for An American Werewolf in London, this Morrison classic also charted #226 on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs. The title track on Morrison's sophomore solo effort, Astral Weeks is his greatest success to date. You can practically hear Morrison smiling as he sings Crazy Love.
It's hard to think of a better live performance in the history of live performances: Morrison brings the house down with karate kicks and GIF-worthy moves. The essential Van Morrison playlist. It's a party every time it comes on. Give Morrison five minutes, and he'll give you a lifetime of therapy. Recorded in 1967, Gloria is one of Morrison's most innovative tunes, fusing together jazz, punk and pop. Morrison didn't have the kind of commercial success with Astral Weeks as he'd seen with previous records, but that doesn't mean the album doesn't have some great tunes. Speaking of crossover appeal, most know this 1995 single for its placement in the Oscar-winning film As Good as it Gets.
Title is Van Morrison At The Movies: The Soundtrack Hits). It's like having two of your favorite sports players join teams. Songs Used in Movies. Summertime in England. Either way, it's a balm. This 15-minute adventure makes any trip to Brighton or Suffolk that much better. Pretty much every song on 1979's Into the Music makes you want to dance, and Bright Side of the Road is no exception. Sweet Thing is one of Morrison's best: a hike through misty gardens, empty fields and open skies that washes over you like a breeze. It's one of the most popular/ covered/riffed on songs of all time. It's right up there with Roma and Sugar Mountain as one of the great recollections of youth. Tupelo Honey reminds me of the old Prince quote, "music is healing, music holds things together. "
To call it an out-of-body experience is an understatement; it's an out-of-body, out-of-this-world masterpiece. Originally written for Lulu and recorded by Them in 1965, Here Comes the Night brings together two of rock's greatest icons: Morrison on vocals, Jimmy Paige on guitar. Yes, I said punk AND pop. Fans of The Last Waltz know this one by heart. Released in 1972, Jackie Wilson Said is what many Morrison fans consider to be his signature song. Here Comes the Night.
Even if you don't know Morrison, you know Brown Eyed Girl. Bright Side of the Road. As Morrison sobs for his friend, trapped in a small room and dying of tuberculosis, you can feel his pain. With its catchy beat and bouncy trumpet, it remains a staple in pubs from Dublin to Dubai, New York to New Guinea. Arguably the most recognizable song written by Morrison, Wild Night was a huge hit in 1971.
Have you ever listened to Summertime in England in the summertime in England? In 1974, Morrison proved he could still write music that sounded like his early stuff with Streets of Arklow, a folk tale that features seven instruments. This one, about the time he and his friend were offered spiked-water, is a trip you won't soon forget. Madam George is a dreamlike evocation of Belfast that brings his hometown, his childhood, his streets, games and friends, back to life in one of the most visionary songs ever made.
Appearing on his first solo record, TB Sheets is really the best of Morrison.