Vol. 3, No. 5, May 2006
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Pay the Devil
Van Morrison, Lost Highway
Van Morrison is one of the few artists left who has maintained a strong connection with the heart of music in a constantly changing industry. For over 40 years, Morrison has rocked the music scene with performances ranging from classic rock to jazz to country. Born in Belfast in 1945, Morrison was the Irish son of a blues fan, and he grew up playing guitar, saxophone and harmonica.
Morrison began his recording career on Bert Berns' Bang record label with his 1967 LP Blowin' Your Mind, including his signature hit "Brown-Eyed Girl." Since then, Morrison has released a continuous stream of records—including mega-hits such as "Moondance," "Domino" and "Tupelo Honey"—and has toured all over the world.
Pay the Devil is Morrison's follow-up to last year's exceptional Magic Time release, and continues his string since 2000 of some of the strongest material of his long career. This one has a ring of old-fashioned country music. The 15-track album contains many slower, more melodic songs such as "There Stands the Glass" and "Big Blue Diamonds" that include some great blues lyrics.
Pay the Devil also contains some quicker, more upbeat riffs in songs such as "Playhouse" and the title track. Taken together, Morrison's new effort is a perfect mix of smooth blues and upbeat country music. After listening to the whole album, you're sure to feel like you are relaxing on your front porch.
Van's newest album is yet another testament to his immortality in music. And with the millions of fans of all ages, you would think Van would see himself as a great man changing the world. Instead, he often describes his music as, simply, the way he makes a living.
Either way, with this great new CD and a new world tour under way, there is no excuse not to go jam with Van the Man.
