VAN MORRISON
Remembering Now VIRGIN MUSIC 8/10
The irascible maestro delves back into his illustrious past to spark up new soul fires.
By Graeme Thomson
Vivid reflections: Van Morrison
LET’S go back. Let’s go way, way, way back – to the mystic avenue and the ancient highway; to the days when the rains came and the days of blooming wonder; to Orangefield, Hyndford Street and the Church of Ireland where the Sunday six bells chime. To the days before dodgy anti-lockdown sermonising and endless albums of duets and re-recordings, skiffle, R&B and blues covers. To the time, one might argue, when Van Morrison took his unique and vaulting talents seriously.
Without wishing to oversell it, the best of Remembering Now – at least half of the 14 tracks – finds Morrison on his finest form since the late ’80s and early ’90s. The title refers not only to the recurring lyrical theme of a man in his 80th year simultaneously inhabiting both his past and present, but the rich sense of musical retrieval, too.