We all make mistakes sometimes and on my previous post regarding the debut of Jimmy Fallon's late night talk show, I apparently struck a nerve with reader Miles and my thoughts on Van Morrison's performance that night. You can view the comments and subsequent posts here. In an effort to make amends, I give you the performance I based my crap comments on:
More after the jump....
So I'm leaving the decision up to you....Van Morrison...the man or not?
Here are a few videos to help your decision....
Have I Told You Lately?
Brown Eyed Girl
With John Lee Hooker (for Johnny Wright)
Stumble This
Reddit!
BD, I've gotta say after watching the clip, I'm with Miles here. Van Morrison sounded really, really good. I wouldn't go so far as to say I'm a fan, but I enjoy his music.. My only complaint is that the song may have gone on a tad too long and some of the runs felt a little unnecessary (I feel like Randy Jackson with this review!). But he sounded *really* good! Thanks for posting this..
Thats what happens when you get old as a musician; You think that you are untouchable. He was pretty nonchalant. That can be good and bad. At least when musicians make little errors, or take excessive liberty you know they are really up there playing. Unlike the picture perfect performances of the more poppy "artists" (Ashlee Simpson comes to mind) who do nothing other than show up to a dead mic.
Glad you enjoyed it Cindy. After reading your comments, maybe I really don't know the man himself. I will admit that I'm not too familiar with his body of work (other than the hits) but if he's usually like that in concert, then I'm really confused on how to take him now.....
And Jimbo, I definitely have to agree with you on that one. Regarding the poppy artists (term used very loosely), I really hate people who show up, plow through their set (complete with pre-scripted crowd interactions) and then say goodnight. When you sound too much like the CD live (by that I mean, vocals clean and crisp, all music nice and bright and not live sounding, etc. as I'm sure all of you have been to a show like that once before) then really you're not an artist but just a HUGE cog in the music machine and thus have no artistic merit at all and are just fodder for the paparazzi. Wow! I've found what irks me about the music industry today. NOFX said it best about the music industry in their song "Dinosaurs Will Die".
Right on BD for continuing the discussion. I guess if I was in your position (not having a history with his music) I might be able to see where you are coming from. He definitely has his own style which isn't for everyone. Morrison's drawl is sort of a love it or hate it thing. For me, as I mentioned, the guy is classic, sentimental, and as an artist, he has still got it. His history and successes, while seemingly staying true to himself, make him an overall badass in my opinion. And as Jimbo touches on, he is a true musician, from the old-school, who actually writes his own songs and plays his own instruments. I didn't mean to attack you; just felt the need to defend the guy.
Cheers
I totally have to back up Miles on this one. I grew up with great music in my household to amazing artists such as Van Morrison and John Lee Hooker. It's sad that there are fewer and fewer true artists out there these days. I would love the opportunity to see Mr. Morrison in concert one day as he definitely is "The Man"
It's all good Miles and I understand where you're coming from. I didn't take offense to it, hell if I took offense to any of the folks around here, I wouldn't be continuing posting here. I might going on a limb by saying this but there really isn't any bad music out there. You can just consider it music that doesn't appeal to everyone. I'm sure there are things you like that I wouldn't and vice-versa. He definetly has his own style though, I will give you that. And also, welcome aboard Mrs.Mc!