Why so little discussion of Van Morrison’s Still on Top?

Thanks to Jerry Crew:

“I’ve been waiting to see someone’s take on Van’s Still on Top compilation, but have seen precious little discussion of it, either here or on various Van-related lists.

“No doubt, this is due at least in some part to this having been the third compilation album of the year. However, I think it is worth noting, that, at least to this Van fan, this compilation holds together and flows start to finish better than any of the three Best-of compilations or the At the Movies compilation.

“Why? The total and complete absence of Van’s various and frequent dabbling in what I consider to be side projects. No blues or jazz covers, no country, no skiffle – just the ‘Celtic Soul’ that initially drew me to Van and has kept me a fan through thick (‘70s to early ‘90s) and thin (most everything since).

“The only tracks that really sound out of place alongside the larger body of work are the early Them numbers – Gloria, Baby Please Don’t Go, and Here Comes the Night. I don’t recall having read if Van had anything to do with the track selection on this album as he did on Best of Volumes 2 and 3, but it appears that with this collection, either Van or Polydor get what many, if not most, fans are about.”



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Rockpop for grown-ups: a vintage year for best-of CDs

If you’re wondering about buying rockpop for grown-ups best-of CDs as Xmas presents, you’re spoilt for choice this year. A pile of exciting new releases has made 2007 a vintage year for this oft-derided but very popular form of release.

Stunning best-ofs praised here this year (you can find them via the Archive) include:
* Doors – Very Best Of The Doors (2CD/DVD/booklet version preferred)
* Dylan – DYLAN (3CD version preferred)
* Van Morrison – Still On Top (3CD version preferred)
* Mick Jagger – Very Best Of
* Rolling Stones – Rolled Gold+
* Led Zeppelin – Mothership (2CD/DVD version preferred)
* Ella – Forever Ella
* The Very Best Of Miles Davis: the Warner Bros Sessions 1985-1991.

Mamma mia! Any one of them would bring a broad smile to my face on Xmas morning. Supermarkets and online suppliers (eg play.com) generally undercut the music megastores on such product – so you can save lots by shopping around.



Gerry Smith