My very young self was into Black Sabbath, Rolling Stones Alice Cooper etc. I saw a girl for a bit and she turned me on to Van Morrison. Into the Mystic opened my mind to music......thank you Sally!!
The entire album is incredible. The final mix was done by a very young Elliot Scheiner, who went on to engineer Steely Dan’s classic albums as well as other landmark records for other artists. The band on the album were guys from the Woodstock area in NY where Van was living at the time. Oddly enough, most of the guys never heard of him before working with him. BTW, John Klingberg, the bassist, died at the young age of 40 in 1985.
Moon dance is one of my favorite songs of all time! The arrangement blows me away, all these years later. even my kids know it’s My Song! 🤣 can’t wait for your reaction. P.S. no pressure for you to feel the same way ~ 🤣🤣
"It's Too Late to Stop Now" is the 1974 live album recorded during the LA and London shows of Van's 1973 tour with his eleven-piece band, the Caledonia Soul Orchestra. The title was inspired by the last line of "Into the Mystic". It's up there with one of the greatest live albums. In 2016 a box set and DVD were released with additional performances from that tour.
We had this album in our hippy apartment in the early 70’s. Always liked it. Learned later Van the Man would share the stage with Jim Morrison in Venice Beach clubs USA.
This is Van The Man at his Best. I mean the opening line: "We were born before the wind" IS Pure Poetry. LYRICS: We were born before the wind Also, younger than the sun 'Ere the bonnie boat was won As we sailed into the mystic Hark now, hear the sailors cry Smell the sea and feel the sky Let your soul and spirit fly Into the mystic Yeah, when that fog horn blows I will be coming home Yeah, when that fog horn blows I wanna hear it I don't have to fear it And I wanna rock your gypsy soul Just like way back in the days of old Then magnificently we will float Into the mystic When that fog horn blows You know I will be coming home Yeah, when that fog horn whistle blows I gotta hear it I don't have to fear it And I wanna rock your gypsy soul Just like way back in the days of old And together we will float Into the mystic Come on, girl Too late to stop now By Van Morrison.
Van Morrison was a staple of the San Francisco music scene in the 70s. I saw him several times including at Filmore West, Winterland and The Lion's Share. The latter is a small club in San Anselmo, just north of the city, with a real intimate setting. I also bought most of his early records and still have the vinyl LPs. He never disappointed and always had first rate musicians playing with him.
Just 5 short years after doing "Gloria" and "Here Comes The Night" he was doing this stuff and still just 23-24. Only two years earlier he was doing "Brown Eyed Girl" which was catchy and fun but never hinted at the level of genius he was capable of. Remarkble growth. Plus, Van wrote and recorded Moondance in 1969-70 after already cutting a masterpiece right before it that you should definitely check out called Astral Weeks (1968). That LP and Moondance have to be listened to in full to be appreciated. He did some amazing work off and on for years afterward but those two albums are his magnum opuses for sure. Basically, almost every album he made in the 70s is a must (aside from maybe A Period of Transition) and even less-than-essential releases like Wavelength and Hard Nose The Highway are full of hidden gems. Even his shortchanged 80s period is worth exploring but not until after you've checked out his 1970-79 work.
Van (The Man) Morrison - a singer poet, and philosopher of lyrics and rhythm. Songs like LISTON TO THE LION, CYPRESS AVENEAU, WAVELENGTH, GET YOUR HAND OUT OF MHY POCKET, QUEEN OF THE SLIPSTREAM, FULL FORCE GAIL, T.B. SHEETS, SOMEONE LIKE YOU. It's a deep rabbit hole to dive into.
And the later live recording, "A Night in San Francisco" double CD, is also superb. Phenomenal backing band, including Candy Dulfer on that one. From rock, to jazz, to gospel, to the blues and back again - sometimes in the same song.
The whole first side of the album "Moondance" is one classic after another. The second half of the album is great too, but the first half is almost unreal.
When Jfk. Jr died in a plane crash in 1999, Fox news were showing video's of happier times at Hyannis with lots of Kennedy cousin's and they played this song. Have always loved Van Morrison, and especially these 2 songs. Moondance have special and very personal memories for me.
Astral Weeks was at one time considering by Rolling Stone the best album ever recorded. It should really be listed to in it's entirety. Madam George and Cyprrus Avenue are my favorites.
Love these songs so much, I can remember moments in my life hearing them on the car radio as I was driving and how they made the ride so much better. Thanks!! ❤😊
I remember hearing Van Morrison on the radio but I didn't know anyone who listened to him. I'm gonna have to dig a little deeper now, thanks! It is about you too. Take care!
Van played saxaphone starting age 14/ His father had big jazz record collection. Van 's first rock band started when he was about 23. He played jazz in local clubs before rock.
That tune we played a lot with my band Rowen (whose singer has passed 14 years ago sadly). We often said that's one of those tunes we covered as good as the original. It was always good to play it live. Lindsay had the perfect voice to cover it.
Consider that he and his band were all in their 20's. Most were part of his New Caledonia Soul Orchestra IT'S TOO LATE TO STOP NOW, one of the greatest live albums ever.
Thanks, L33.. Van was amazing.. "un-classify-able".. he fought that.. never said he was "rock, jazz, blues, or whatever"... mostly he's been called "R&B"... Into the Mystic is probably my favorite, but he also has a great song called "Jackie Wilson Said".. you might enjoy if you have time & inclination.. appreciate your reactions...
I love these song and have covered them both - such a cool vibe and Van's vocals are so smooth. Two of my favorites of his tunes. As a bass player I have to say that I really love this bass line.
I'll make a comment about other than the videos; I am a former musician, and I enjoy your reactions; I am proud of this contribution my generation made to music. On another note, you seem like a nice guy who's had some rough road. We don't mind listening, we were a rowdy group ourselves, and had our rough roads as well. Be well, friend.
Van was 24 years old when this came out and he had already been in a band with international hits. Moondance brought him widespread fame on his own. A remarkable artist. thanks for the thoughtful reaction to both songs.
Van has always been about the intersection of blues, soul and jazz. Jack Schroer, Jeff Labes and John Platania played with him on and off for most of the 70s.
Two of my faves from Van the Man. TUPELO HONEY , WILD NIGHT, BROWN-EYED GIRL, and JACKIE WILSON SAID are some early Vans you should know. MOONDANCE is sixties West Coast Jazz, and never heard Irish in there (that's West Coast USA, like Brubeck and Guaraldi). The flute became a staple in West Coast Jazz once the Beat generation explored that subgenre. They never heard anything like MOONDANCE arrangement in the twenties or thirties. INTO THE MYSTIC is about passing into Eternity/Death, or 'moving on'.
Van had own sound. Wild Nights had steel guitar. The horns are signature swing. Springsteen early songs had Van influence ( check “Kittys Back” performance on Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien).
I love this album. Not only lyrically and musically, but the artistry in recording and crafting this album is right up there with "Aja" in my opinion. I've never heard another album that has such clear and precise separation of the instruments. You can hear each individual voice. Genius.
The audio was excellent. Have lyrics for any VM song, he's always soulful & healing. Your next one should be Listen to the Lion from St. Dominc's Preview, a deep cut.
I had read years and years ago that Van Morrison was so painfully shy of being in front of people that when he would do live shows he would turn around backwards and sing towards his band instead of the audience
My favorites normally tend to run to hard rock and the blues (and the Dead), but this album has to be one of the best ever made. It brings to life the phrase, "they don't write 'em like that anymore." Peace
Great reaction. Taped ( we did that ) moondance Lp from a friend’s big sister, years ago. Wasn’t supposed to be cool, but it was, is, and will always be. Van is an amazing musician and songwriter. Another Northern Ireland singer song writer worth checking is Paul Brady. The island or crazy dreams are both great. Agree with your Dead comment too. Was late to them / they aren’t well known in Europe, but got into American Beauty on a trip to Boston ( and what a long strange trip. ) Subscribed 👍
This album was the debut of the core of his backing band (the Caledonia Soul Orchestra) for the next few years: Jack Schroer on saxes, John Platania (pla-tahn-ya) on guitar, and Jef Labes (laybis) on keyboards. Don't miss the opening track, "And It Stoned Me," where young Van and his best bud get high on life and a glass of water.
Thanks for bringing this album back into my life! Had over-listening fatigue from my high school years (this album was a staple), so hadn’t listened to it in a very long time and had forgotten it’s full of fantastic songs. Every single one. It might be a perfect album?
As to your remark about listening to music with eyes closed, I also find that to be the best way. Back in the 70s and before, there were no music videos to bee seen. I find videos to be a distraction for the most part. Sure, some may add something but I like the first listen to be absorbed unencumbered.
All-time favourites in the crowd I hung around with decades ago. For something completely different, try Baby's On Fire by Eno. For something easier on the ears - For Mom by Buckethead from the album Colma. Also, since you gave the Dregs a spin - Natural Flow by Steve Morse. peace
My very young self was into Black Sabbath, Rolling Stones Alice Cooper etc. I saw a girl for a bit and she turned me on to Van Morrison. Into the Mystic opened my mind to music......thank you Sally!!
Every time I play into the mystic, my hubs lets me know he can hear it through my headphones ❤ beautiful beautiful song.
Into the Mystic. All day, any day. Let it calm your soul.
I played “Into The Mystic” at my late husband’s funeral. Beautiful song but always makes me cry
Yes, Noelle.. my favorite by Van.. my sympathies.. lost my guy a couple of years ago.. everything reminds me of him...
Every time I hear Van Morrison I wonder why I don't listen to him more.
He has about a dozen really great albums.
I’d say many more than that - he’s a one of - never to be repeated - genius
Slipped through the cracks for me too.
The man is 78 and has never stopped touring or writing...he even wrote songs about being pissed at not being able to tour during the pandemic ..
MY GENERATION HAD THE BEST MUSIC AND I'M 73 YRS.
Same age, the shows I went to these youngins would freak. I'm floored when they realize, it's not computers 💙✌️😎
One of my favorite albums of all time!
Arguably the best two Van Morrison songs! Definitely my faves
Into the Mystic will be played at my funeral.Life is a mystery and so is death.We don’t have to fear it.
I consider Van to be a world treasure. He sings with truth. Amazing songs!
The entire album is incredible. The final mix was done by a very young Elliot Scheiner, who went on to engineer Steely Dan’s classic albums as well as other landmark records for other artists. The band on the album were guys from the Woodstock area in NY where Van was living at the time. Oddly enough, most of the guys never heard of him before working with him. BTW, John Klingberg, the bassist, died at the young age of 40 in 1985.
Saw him once in concert, talent off the scale and famously grumpy
Moon dance is one of my favorite songs of all time! The arrangement blows me away, all these years later. even my kids know it’s My Song! 🤣 can’t wait for your reaction. P.S. no pressure for you to feel the same way ~ 🤣🤣
"It's Too Late to Stop Now" is the 1974 live album recorded during the LA and London shows of Van's 1973 tour with his eleven-piece band, the Caledonia Soul Orchestra. The title was inspired by the last line of "Into the Mystic". It's up there with one of the greatest live albums. In 2016 a box set and DVD were released with additional performances from that tour.
Well stated. I completely agree. I think it's my favorite live album after only The Band's sendoff "The Last Waltz" which also featured Van.
Van's song "Jackie Wilson Said (I'm in Heaven when You Smile)" from the album "Saint Dominic's Preview" should hopefully lighten your mood. 🙂
Yes! Jackie Wilson Said - a favorite of mine.. "it was reet peteet" lol.. (this was covered by Scottish group "the Proclaimers".. it was just okay...
We had this album in our hippy apartment in the early 70’s. Always liked it. Learned later Van the Man would share the stage with Jim Morrison in Venice Beach clubs USA.
This man live is unreal.My best friend from highschool has played bass for him for over 40 years.David Hayes.
This whole album, Moondance, is awesome!
This is Van The Man at his Best. I mean the opening line: "We were born before the wind" IS Pure Poetry. LYRICS:
We were born before the wind
Also, younger than the sun
'Ere the bonnie boat was won
As we sailed into the mystic
Hark now, hear the sailors cry
Smell the sea and feel the sky
Let your soul and spirit fly
Into the mystic
Yeah, when that fog horn blows
I will be coming home
Yeah, when that fog horn blows
I wanna hear it
I don't have to fear it
And I wanna rock your gypsy soul
Just like way back in the days of old
Then magnificently we will float
Into the mystic
When that fog horn blows
You know I will be coming home
Yeah, when that fog horn whistle blows
I gotta hear it
I don't have to fear it
And I wanna rock your gypsy soul
Just like way back in the days of old
And together we will float
Into the mystic
Come on, girl
Too late to stop now
By Van Morrison.
Van Morrison was a staple of the San Francisco music scene in the 70s. I saw him several times including at Filmore West, Winterland and The Lion's Share. The latter is a small club in San Anselmo, just north of the city, with a real intimate setting. I also bought most of his early records and still have the vinyl LPs. He never disappointed and always had first rate musicians playing with him.
Into the Mystic... best opening line of any song ever.
Yeah, he is truly a poet. I love his music so much...
Two of his greatest songs, and he has a LOT of them!
Just 5 short years after doing "Gloria" and "Here Comes The Night" he was doing this stuff and still just 23-24. Only two years earlier he was doing "Brown Eyed Girl" which was catchy and fun but never hinted at the level of genius he was capable of. Remarkble growth. Plus, Van wrote and recorded Moondance in 1969-70 after already cutting a masterpiece right before it that you should definitely check out called Astral Weeks (1968). That LP and Moondance have to be listened to in full to be appreciated. He did some amazing work off and on for years afterward but those two albums are his magnum opuses for sure. Basically, almost every album he made in the 70s is a must (aside from maybe A Period of Transition) and even less-than-essential releases like Wavelength and Hard Nose The Highway are full of hidden gems. Even his shortchanged 80s period is worth exploring but not until after you've checked out his 1970-79 work.
Other than Brown-Eyed Girl, Moondance is probably his most famous song. Tupelo Honey is great too.
Astral Weeks is an amazing album too.
Here comes the night by Them is very well known too
you just experienced the third best artist humanity has produced
This entire album is a classic. There isn’t a bad song or an “album filler” anywhere.
I’m a big Van fan and this is my favorite of his many albums.
Into the Mystic is just... *epic* 👍😁
Moondance is the jazziest non jazz song ever
Van (The Man) Morrison - a singer poet, and philosopher of lyrics and rhythm. Songs like LISTON TO THE LION, CYPRESS AVENEAU, WAVELENGTH, GET YOUR HAND OUT OF MHY POCKET,
QUEEN OF THE SLIPSTREAM, FULL FORCE GAIL, T.B. SHEETS, SOMEONE LIKE YOU. It's a deep rabbit hole to dive into.
Deep, varied and totally magical!
When I was growing up most album covers had the lyrics to all the songs printed inside. You could learn the songs quickly reading while listening.
His live double album called Its Too Late to Stop Now is an absolute must. One of the best live albums of all time. I guarantee it will knock you out.
And the later live recording, "A Night in San Francisco" double CD, is also superb. Phenomenal backing band, including Candy Dulfer on that one. From rock, to jazz, to gospel, to the blues and back again - sometimes in the same song.
The whole first side of the album "Moondance" is one classic after another. The second half of the album is great too, but the first half is almost unreal.
Two of my favorite songs. Love Van Morrison.
The first time I hear a song, I would rather listen to the lyrics than read them. It's a better experience. ❤
Two of his greatest hits
When Jfk. Jr died in a plane crash in 1999, Fox news were showing video's of happier times at Hyannis with lots of Kennedy cousin's and they played this song. Have always loved Van Morrison, and especially these 2 songs. Moondance have special and very personal memories for me.
Tupelo Honey is my favorite Van Morrison song and Sense of Wonder is my favorite album. He has a VAST catalog.
Me too/100%/I also love days like this and Glad Tidings/ Wild Nights etc/ I,ve been a fan since the fantabolous 70,s! Lol😊😊
Can't go wrong with anything Van. When Tupelo Honey came out I fell in love with it, still am. ❤
Van the man's music is just cool AF!!!!!
Yeah, that bass in Into the Mystic... you got it.
I used to make a point of listening to Moondance on my way home from work late at night in October. Lol
There's nobody quite like Van the Man.
WOW - TWO of my FAV VAN SONGS: TOGETHER!! AWESOME!! Great Reaction!! Thanks!!
Glad you enjoyed!! Thank you for watching 😁
Astral Weeks was at one time considering by Rolling Stone the best album ever recorded. It should really be listed to in it's entirety. Madam George and Cyprrus Avenue are my favorites.
Love these songs so much, I can remember moments in my life hearing them on the car radio as I was driving and how they made the ride so much better. Thanks!! ❤😊
Into the Mystic is his best song for me! Thanks for reacting.
I remember hearing Van Morrison on the radio but I didn't know anyone who listened to him. I'm gonna have to dig a little deeper now, thanks!
It is about you too. Take care!
Van played saxaphone starting age 14/ His father had big jazz record collection. Van 's first rock band started when he was about 23. He played jazz in local clubs before rock.
That tune we played a lot with my band Rowen (whose singer has passed 14 years ago sadly). We often said that's one of those tunes we covered as good as the original. It was always good to play it live. Lindsay had the perfect voice to cover it.
One of the greatest albums.
One of the very best singer-songwriters ever!
Good vibes!
I bought the Moondance album back when it first came out. It became and still is one of my all time favorite albums.
Moondance is one of my favorite albums of all time. Still listen to it quit often. Thanks for the reaction Lee.
Van is the Man
Consider that he and his band were all in their 20's. Most were part of his New Caledonia Soul Orchestra IT'S TOO LATE TO STOP NOW, one of the greatest live albums ever.
Van the man
Great "walking bass lline".
You sure choose great stuff to listen to!
2 of my favorite songs by Van the Man! Big time popular love song back in the day of Moondance!
I had the pleasure of seeing him in a small venue many years ago. Please listen to Tupelo Honey.
Definitely one of my "need to think" artists! Love the Van!
Thanks, L33.. Van was amazing.. "un-classify-able".. he fought that.. never said he was "rock, jazz, blues, or whatever"... mostly he's been called "R&B"... Into the Mystic is probably my favorite, but he also has a great song called "Jackie Wilson Said".. you might enjoy if you have time & inclination.. appreciate your reactions...
Love Van...
Great choice L33 but l want to know, who else is singing along to these two fabulous songs 👍🏼🥰🎶
Two of the best.
It feels like we get two for one, the music and the drama of life...rock on.
I love these song and have covered them both - such a cool vibe and Van's vocals are so smooth. Two of my favorites of his tunes. As a bass player I have to say that I really love this bass line.
“Days like This” by Van is an upper. Feel good song.
I'll make a comment about other than the videos; I am a former musician, and I enjoy your reactions; I am proud of this contribution my generation made to music.
On another note, you seem like a nice guy who's had some rough road. We don't mind listening, we were a rowdy group ourselves, and had our rough roads as well.
Be well, friend.
Van was 24 years old when this came out and he had already been in a band with international hits. Moondance brought him widespread fame on his own. A remarkable artist. thanks for the thoughtful reaction to both songs.
Frazetta!!!! Excellent taste, my man. And a Van two-fer as well, for a bonus! 😂
Love these two!
Van has always been about the intersection of blues, soul and jazz. Jack Schroer, Jeff Labes and John Platania played with him on and off for most of the 70s.
classic and smooth
Celtic soul. Van the Man!
This man is so good
He’s a true poet.
Along with being the great poet and singer, Van Morrison plays, guitars, keyboards and saxophone
It's the voice.
I bought the live double album Too Late To Stop Now In 1974. My prized possession.
♥ these 2 songs are best played late at nite 😎
Definitely!!😆😅
Two of my faves from Van the Man. TUPELO HONEY , WILD NIGHT, BROWN-EYED GIRL, and JACKIE WILSON SAID are some early Vans you should know. MOONDANCE is sixties West Coast Jazz, and never heard Irish in there (that's West Coast USA, like Brubeck and Guaraldi). The flute became a staple in West Coast Jazz once the Beat generation explored that subgenre. They never heard anything like MOONDANCE arrangement in the twenties or thirties. INTO THE MYSTIC is about passing into Eternity/Death, or 'moving on'.
Great, great entire album.❤
Brilliant!
Van had own sound. Wild Nights had steel guitar. The horns are signature swing. Springsteen early songs had Van influence ( check “Kittys Back” performance on Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien).
Moondance video is a must❤😂😊😮🎉
I love this album. Not only lyrically and musically, but the artistry in recording and crafting this album is right up there with "Aja" in my opinion. I've never heard another album that has such clear and precise separation of the instruments. You can hear each individual voice. Genius.
The audio was excellent. Have lyrics for any VM song, he's always soulful & healing. Your next one should be Listen to the Lion from St. Dominc's Preview, a deep cut.
I had read years and years ago that Van Morrison was so painfully shy of being in front of people that when he would do live shows he would turn around backwards and sing towards his band instead of the audience
My favorites normally tend to run to hard rock and the blues (and the Dead), but this album has to be one of the best ever made. It brings to life the phrase, "they don't write 'em like that anymore." Peace
Great reaction. Taped ( we did that ) moondance Lp from a friend’s big sister, years ago. Wasn’t supposed to be cool, but it was, is, and will always be. Van is an amazing musician and songwriter.
Another Northern Ireland singer song writer worth checking is Paul Brady.
The island or crazy dreams are both great.
Agree with your Dead comment too. Was late to them / they aren’t well known in Europe, but got into American Beauty on a trip to Boston ( and what a long strange trip. )
Subscribed 👍
Top ten favorite songs. One of THE sexiest songs. Pure, sexy as hell jazz!
This album was the debut of the core of his backing band (the Caledonia Soul Orchestra) for the next few years: Jack Schroer on saxes, John Platania (pla-tahn-ya) on guitar, and Jef Labes (laybis) on keyboards. Don't miss the opening track, "And It Stoned Me," where young Van and his best bud get high on life and a glass of water.
Great choices!!!
For sure. My patrons never lead me wrong:)
I’m only a $3/month but I’d love to suggest a song/artist that YOU will love. Robin Trower and the song “Too Rolling Stoned” Off of Bridge of Sighs.
Nice reaction, Best version of Into the Mystic is from a guitar player you like, Warren Haynes. Live of course
Van is allways even when he does not
Thanks for bringing this album back into my life! Had over-listening fatigue from my high school years (this album was a staple), so hadn’t listened to it in a very long time and had forgotten it’s full of fantastic songs. Every single one. It might be a perfect album?
As to your remark about listening to music with eyes closed, I also find that to be the best way. Back in the 70s and before, there were no music videos to bee seen. I find videos to be a distraction for the most part. Sure, some may add something but I like the first listen to be absorbed unencumbered.
All-time favourites in the crowd I hung around with decades ago. For something completely different, try Baby's On Fire by Eno. For something easier on the ears - For Mom by Buckethead from the album Colma. Also, since you gave the Dregs a spin - Natural Flow by Steve Morse. peace