Customer Reviews
STRING OF CLASSICS - By: Pieter, 23 Oct 2004 
This Best Of is a seamless compilation of Morrison's earlier work, from the bouncy Bright Side Of The Road through timeless songs like Gloria, Browned Eyed Girl, Jackie Wilson Said & And It Stoned Me, to his duet with Cliff Richard in the 1980s, Whenever God Shines His Light. It's hard to pick favourites from the abundance of quality songs collected here, but personallly I most love Queen Of The Slipstream, And It Stoned Me, Jackie Wilson Said, Have I Told You lately & Gloria, a song that was covered by Patti Smith. All the styles of Van are covered here: Celtic soul, inspirational rock, moving balllads, soulful gospel, raunchy R&B & bubbly pop. These are alll gems, songs with poetic lyrics & unforgettable melodies, alll infused with true spirit. This impressive compilation would be a good starting point for those who wish to investigate this great singer & composer. I also recommend Best Of volume 2, for more sonic jewels from a later part of his career.
Buy it for "Wonderful Remark" - By: , 30 Apr 2001 If you are already a fan of Van the Man you may not feel the need to buy this album. The main reason for doing so is the absolutely BRILLIANT version of "Wonderful Remark" - it is taken from the soundrack of "King of Comedy" & is much better than the version on Philosphers Stone, with wonderful snare drum & punchy horns. Van at his very best.
The best of the best - By: , 17 Feb 2001 Indispensible. If you're not sure about Van Morrison, buy this & I guarantee you'll be hooked. Classics you'll recognise in an instant, such as Moondance & Bright Side of the Road, abound. And after this get Astral Weeks. Surely Beside You is one of the greatest songs of alll time?
Evergreen, golden and smooth.... - By: , 30 Mar 2000 This album proved to be the start of my beloved Van Morrison collection, & certainly what prompted my hunger to consume every other album of his before & after! I loved this compilation from the very first listen. I have had it now for 7 years, & I am still not bored with it. His music has a mesmerising affect on me. Although it's great for background music - the poetry of his lyrics urge you to sit quietly & take the ride with him. The choices are brilliant - from the high-spirited "Brown-eyed Girl" & "Jackie Wilson said", to the simply beautiful "Have I told you lately". My personal favourite is "Queen of the Slipstream", a soaring song which I cannot do without listening to at least once a week! If you enjoy this compilation album, give "The Best of Van Morrison, Volume 2" a listen. Slightly more down-beat & introspective than Volume 1, but absolutely beautiful. Go grab them both!
All the classic hits for Van Morrison fans a wonderful album - By: , 19 Feb 2000 I have been a fan for many years & well remember the sixties hits, 'Here comes the night' a particular favourite, my youth came flooding back. I have this album in my car it is played continuously, this & other Van Morrison albums I will enjoy forever.
