Van Morrison - The Philosopher's Stone
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Free Music Notes for The Philosopher's Stone
Free Music Review: The next step up from his Greatest Hits Album
Hit: 4 Stars
If you've heard Van Morrison's Greatest Hits album and was left wondering what was next this is it. It is almost as if the two albums were one that was cut in half. He is simply the most soulful white singer I've ever heard. Keep on keepin on, Van.Free Music Review: Morrison could sing the phone book--it would please me.
Hit: 5 Stars
I have often wondered what would happen if Steve Winwood and Morrison worked on a project together. Morrison's personality might sabotage the project but if we got one or two cuts out of the project the world could benefit from it.Free Music Review: "Philosopher's Stone," not only for established "Van fans."
Hit: 5 Stars
Unlike other artists' compilations of previously unreleased material, this collection that spans almost 20 years of Morrison's career is not only for established fans. Much of the material is as good as any from Morrison's numerous albums over the years, with the advantage that many tracks seem to possess the freshness and spontaneity of "live, in studio" recordings. At the same time, those more deeply familiar with Morrison's work will enjoy linking what they hear with the different albums and stylistic phases from throughout the early and middle periods of his solo career (unfortunately, there is no information that explains which specific album sessions the various tracks are from -- but recording dates and session personnel information will assist devoted fans in making the connections). Although on first listen, it is the harder edged, "blusier" numbers that stand out, on repeated listenings, one hears more of the meld of Celtic, jazz, and R&B influences (especially on some of the ballads) that make Van Morrison such a unique talent and song stylist.
Just as Morrison's classic live album, "It's Too Late to Stop Now," stood on its own as an important work (not just a rehashing of his hits), "The Philosopher's Stone," is a significant work in its own right, and it merits a place in any Van Morrison collection -- large or small. Indeed, it would even serve as a fine introduction (or reintroduction) to his music for those few out there who never got past his early top-40 hits.
The fact that the words "Volume I" appear on the booklet for this 2 CD set, only whets the appetite for what Volume II might provide.