St. Dominic's Preview, Van Morrison, 1972, :41
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
A sort of Astral Weeks light, meditative and somewhat abstruse, a personal journey in song. From the immediately catchy opener that pays homage to soul to the freewheeling jazz of the closer, these songs tell where Van is musically. Strongly influenced by jazz and soul and blues, leaning into the mystical power of music. The songs rise and fall like waves, and at times Van seems to be possessed by them rather than recording them. "Listen to the Lion" would be an all-time classic, meditative and defiant, but for me is marred a bit in the middle by the somewhat goofy sound of Van growling and roaring. Favorite tracks: "Jackie Wilson Said (I’m in Heaven When You Smile)," "Redwood Tree."
