If you listen to the radio, you've surely heard "Brown Eyed Girl," his most popular song, and frankly one I don't really care for. The fortunate might be near a station that plays a few tracks from the Moondance album, and if you're really lucky, Tupelo Honey.
It's just ridiculous that out of the forty-plus albums the he's recorded, the only song among them consistently worthy of the "FM honour" is his first solo hit. Do they really think he's been all downhill since then?
I was nothing less than shocked when my coworker played this song on his computer a few days ago. It's pretty unusual to find someone whose knowledge of Van the Man extends beyond 1967. For that reason, this track from the album "Poetic Champions Compose" seemed appropriate to profile tonight.
It's uplifting, with harmonious female backing vocals, saxophone (which Van himself plays), and piano. It's a good song to wake up to. Sadly, the CD is out of print, but iTunes has finally expanded the VM library. His work from 1979 to 1991 is the best. If you want to dig a little deeper, you've got a 12-year sweet spot to hit.
Especially recommended if you like:
- Mark Knopfler
- Rickie Lee Jones
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