Camden New Journal - Music: Van Morrison

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The Review - MUSIC - grooves with CHARLOTTE CHAMBERS
Published: 3 May 2007

Van the Man is back in town

PREVIEW: VAN MORRISON
Roundhouse

A FAMOUSLY grouchy, grumpy performer, Mr Ivan Morrison, as his mum knows him, is showcasing his new album at the Roundhouse next Friday.
Good news for Van fans and good news for Camden.
He’s a big star who was recently recognised by none-less than Al Pacino at an awards bash for Irish writers in film.
He’s a prolific artist who has been inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame as well as the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, been given an OBE and been ranked in the top 50 Immortal Artists by Rolling Stone magazine.
Last month he came in at 22 in the 100 greatest singers count down by Q magazine.
Basically, he’s up there.
If I had any gripes about what looks set to be a scorching night, it would be that the album he’s promoting – released in February – is a collection of his greatest hits as featured in blockbuster movies.
In other words, at a board meeting, his record company thought ‘how can we wring a few more pennies from his back catalogue?’ and came up with this: At The Movies – Soundtrack Hits.
Not the world’s snappiest title, you can’t deny the pedigree of songs on it. Gloria, with his former band Them, Brown Eyed Girl, Bright Side of the Road, and Have I Told You Lately?
The first time I heard ‘Van the Man’ was at home, but his popularity was confirmed when, as a teenager, a dodgy cover-band used to save him for the last dance at our local Friday night hangout. And musicians from all genres rate him – just the other week an MC told me one of his favourite records was the definitive Van album Astral Weeks.
They better roll out the red carpet.
May 11

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