Van Morrison - Keep Me Singing - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

Throughout his Vanguard, Fantasy and Rag Baby years, Joe created the same kinds of song on different themes as he had while part of Country Joe and The Fish. Politics, sexism, war, veterans, the environment, loneliness, love found and lost, the list goes on. His recording are like an audio newspaper - pick a daily topic and somehow or another it turns up on an album. His current collection of songs is, in a sense, a contemporary survey of current topics - some right from the headlines of your local newspaper. 50 is a collection that speaks to today and yesterday, of a future promise, and a past fondly remembered.

Like this year's acclaimed 'Moving On Skiffle', 'Accentuate The Positive' sees Van Morrison returning to one of his childhood passions this time rock 'n' roll. Growing up in Belfast shortly after World War II, he was immensely inspired by the heady sounds of 20th century blues and rock 'n' roll. Listening to artists such as Fats Domino, Chuck Berry and The Everly Brothers, it wasn't long until Van was intuitively reinterpreting these sounds with his own band in local hometown venues. Several decades later, Van Morrison now revisits the genre by reimagining some of his personal favourites for 'Accentuate The Positive', and infusing those timeless songs with an energy that constantly challenges and expands upon it's traditions. Van's inimitable voice combined with superb arrangements and highly accomplished brings a fresh zeal to such great songs as The Johnny Burnette Trio's 'Lonesome Train', Johnny Kidd & The Pirates Shakin' All Over' and Big Joe Turner's pioneering rock 'n' roll hit 'Fl-ip, Flop and Fly'. Contributors to the album include electric guitar from the late Jeff Beck and vocals from Chris Farlowe on 'Lonesome Train', plus guitar from Taj Mahal on 'Lucille' and 'Shake, Rattle and Roll'.

A classic Morrison blending R&B, soul, gospel, and folk influences with effortless musical spirit. Arriving two years after ASTRAL WEEKS, HIS BAND & THE STREET CHOIR delivered the infectious Top 10 smash, InchDomino.Inch With Morrison producing, the album embraces a tight-knit R&B sound laced with buoyant horn lines, smooth harmonies, and upbeat rhythms. That soulful style shines on InchBlue Money,Inch InchI've Been Working,Inch and InchCrazy FaceInch-a song that began in the Astral Weeks sessions. The result is a remarkably focused collection that trades abstract mysticism for sharp, celebratory rhythm and blues.