Reviewer Dr. Wesley Britton: Dr. Britton is the author of four non-fiction books on espionage in literature and the media. Starting in fall 2015, his new six-book science fiction series, The Beta-Earth Chronicles, debuted via BearManor Media.
In 2018, Britton self-published the seventh book in the Chronicles, Alpha Tales 2044, a collection of short stories, many of which first appeared at a number of online venues.
For seven years, he was co-host of online radio’s Dave White Presents where he contributed interviews with a host of entertainment insiders. Before his retirement in 2016, Dr. Britton taught English at Harrisburg Area Community College. Learn more about Dr. Britton at his WEBSITE
Musician: Van Morrison
Label: Blue Note Records
ASIN: B008EZVNO0
Musician: Van Morrison
Label: Blue Note Records
ASIN: B008EZVNO0
How times have changed.
All those years ago, Van Morrison and Them were part of the first
British Invasion, singing such garage anthems as “Gloria” and
“Here Comes the Night.” Then came solo hits like “Brown Eyed
Girl,” “Domino,” and “Wild Night.” But Morrison’s formula
of fusing R&B, folk, and jazz influences became best displayed on
long playing albums beginning with Astral Weeks (1968) and Moondance
(1970). His subsequent work has been called “Celtic Soul” and has
earned him critical acclaim, consistently good album sales, and six
Grammy awards.
These days, Morrison’s experimental years are long behind him. With age and spiritual meditations, his vocals have long since lost the emotional cries of the young seeker. In the 21st Century, Van Morrison is now a comfortable elder statesman of Adult Contemporary releases who’s become predictably reliable musically and lyrically. In particular, Born to Sing: No Plan B is Morrison’s latest collection of 10 carefully crafted songs offering no surprises. That is, if you’re not surprised these very laid-back American grooves were recorded and produced by Van in his hometown of Belfast, Ireland.
On Born to Sing, there’s nothing Celtic about his soul. For example, “Open The Door (To Your Heart)” is pure Stax Memphis R&B. “Going Down To Monte Carlo,” a statement about needing release from folks who’d take everything away from the songwriter, sounds like a New York nightclub jazz jam with trombone, sax, and double-bass solos. “Born To Sing” merges very old rock n’ roll horns with New Orleans stylings. Smooth piano work is the foundation for “End Of The Rainbow” which comments on the ill effects of commercialism and materialism. He returns to this point in “If In Money We Trust” where he asks what do you have when God is dead an all you have is cash?
Speaking of jazz, the
happy “Close Enough For Jazz” is more than just close. “Pagan
Heart” is acoustic guitar Delta blues where Morrison’s heart and
soul is at the metaphorical crossroads. The final track, “Educating
Archie,” is the song that probably demands the closest listening.
With a melody that’s pure Sam Cooke (“Bring It On Home”),
Morrison advises a white conservative on the importance of
individuality.
Altogether, Born to sing
is a short, slow, thoughtful program suitable for rainy
afternoons or intimate evenings when you have a few friends over for
wine and cheese. Or for intimate evenings when you have only one
friend nearby. The lyrical messages are subtle but clear, delivered
with smooth arrangements and restrained instrumentation. This is no
comeback album but rather a new marker on a journey few other
compatriots of morrison’s generation can match. He doesn’t need a
“Plan B”—just more time to cook up some more of his very
distinctive brew.
