Van Morrison - 1982 - Beautiful Vision + Outtakes

 

Van Morrison - 1982 -  Beautiful Vision + Outtakes

Van Morrison's 13th album dates from 1982 and arguably shows the singer at his most contented. It's got a jazz feel rather than the R&B one he made his name with and includes fan favourite Cleaning Windows, harking back to Van's pre-music career. Uilleann bagpipes dominate opener Celtic Ray, which sees Van at his most mystical and spiritual. Dweller On The Threshold is a moderately-tempoed toe tapper with deep, spiritual lyrics that could be interpreted several ways. Closer Scandinavia is a relaxing instrumental, featuring Morrison on piano. In fact the whole album's mood is predominantly laid back and relaxing, helped in part by the presence of Mark Knopfler on two of the tracks, which echo the more relaxed work from Dire Straits. Definitely a change of pace from Van compared to his classic 1970's run, the whole flows well as a complete work, well-produced by Morrison. Great late night listening. (Amazon)

Album outtakes from the recording session of the album "Beautiful Vision" announced in 1982. Early versions of "Cleaning Window" and "Celtic Ray" that would later be re-recorded, with later lyrics, were recorded at the Record Plant in Sausalito, California on July 27, 1981. The recording session that was shelved at this time, such as the instrumental tune that was the basis of the recording, was recorded on a high-quality sound board that was leaked.

01. Scandinavia - 8.36

02. Daring Night - 14.01

03. Daring Night II - 8.31

04. Cleaning Windows - 5.41

05. Down The Road I Go - 3.26

06. Celtic Ray - 5.34

07. All Saints Day - 3.37

08. Instrumental - 8.09

09. Cleaning Windows [Dirty Old Man Version] - 4.34

ANDY