I've just recently realized how badly I've underrated Van Morrison for many, many years. Deep catalogue, amazing singer and amazing songs.

Posted by Classic Rock on Thursday, 12/31/2015 @ 09:31am

In the last week I've had an epiphany. I've discovered Van Morrison. For years, he has been just another rock and roll guy that I liked a few songs by but didn't pay much attention to. Sure, I knew Brown Eyed Girl, Domino, Wild Night, Have I Told You Lately, Moondance, Gloria. I'd heard Tupelo Honey, Into the Mystic, I'm Not Felling It Anymore. But I had no idea how deep and incredible his music was. A few of his songs that have knocked me on my ass and left me wondering where I've been for the last several decades:
Contemplation Rose
In The Garden
Ancient Highway
I Forgot That Love Existed
Oh the Warm Feeling
Real Real Gone
Days Like This
Queen of the Slipstream
When The Leaves Come Falling Down
Sweet Thing
Someone Like You
Beside You
One Irish Rover

And with 50 years of music to discover, I'm only cracking the surface. I love it when this happens - discovering an artist and then digging into their back catalog for gems. I'm floored.

Maybe my new favorite singer ever. His phrasing is amazing and he always lands on his feet, no matter wherever he goes with it.

Posted by Classic Rock on Saturday, 01/2/2016 @ 23:28pm

Very unique talent in music history! Van Morrison made music according to instincts, not record sales; though some songs of his are more memorable than others, everything he's put out is interesting in its own way.

Posted by Luke Madigan on Monday, 05/8/2017 @ 16:15pm

Happy Birthday to the wonderful and legendary Van Morrison!!

Posted by Nick on Thursday, 08/31/2017 @ 21:05pm

Van is a legend. And I don't believe the Vince McConaghy rumour. Vince McConaghy did not replace Van in the 70s. It's just an urban myth.

Posted by Rick Steele on Wednesday, 01/12/2022 @ 07:38am

I know Van pulled that off long ago and until his death in 2020 kept writing songs for Vince McConaghy to perform. There are now only 7 of us left who were there and know the true story - Rory, Steve W, Steve B, Micah ("Formicah"), Peter W, and Thomas ("Tom Tom"). I can't say anymore at this time .....

Posted by Quade Johansson on Sunday, 04/3/2022 @ 06:00am

Vince McConaghy isn't something the general public should know about and Quade and Rick know what I'm talking about. This discussion doesn't exist and never existed and stops from this moment.

Posted by Truth Crusade on Friday, 06/9/2023 @ 04:18am

I had a student on summer term ask me about "Vince McConaghy" and rock stars who faked their own disappearance like Elvis. Elvis had the money to do it but maybe Van Morrison. It's a fascinating story if Van was able to feed songs to Vince. Did Van hate the spotlight that much? It may be true but I'm going to set a team of students onto it. He's not as popular as the Beatles so maybe the superstar myth won't interfere with getting to the facts. Let's take a deep dive.

Posted by TheProf76 on Sunday, 06/29/2025 @ 03:35am