About the trials of lost love, the tune is embellished with a dominant sax line coupled with a smoky organ interlude, which when set next to Morrison's controlled vocals produces a truly lonely effect. "Bigtime Operator" is a straight 12-bar blues gem about the difficulties a performer often has with those sleazy operators in the music business. Like the classic "Moody's Mood For Love," the Steely Dan inspired instrumental "Close Enough for Jazz," and the gorgeous "Before the World Was Made," Morrison moves the listener towards a style that is seldom heard in pop music any longer - the cabaret singer. The jazz/blues tinged "Lonesome Road" is a jewel. Morrison's scat singing showcases the jazz underpinnings of much of the music on this album. The beautiful jazz-flavored "In the Forest" comes closest to Morisson's great early 70s works like "Into the Mystic." In this new cut he combines oboe, organ and his signature vocal elisions. The stronger songs on this recording are either blues or jazz inspired. Too Long In Exile" makes great strides in overcoming these difficulties. Lyrics and vocals aside, Morrison's music - his greatest strength - seemed stale. In the years since, his songs have generally lacked energy and his lyrics have often addressed hackneyed issues associated with someone more interested in the self-absorbed trap of middle age than an artist trying to maintain a diverse audience.
Then Morrison's music was strong on lyricism and vocal gymnastics and endearing enough to catch radio air play. This newest release brings us back to the quality of music we grew to expect from him in the late 60s and early 70s.
0 kommentar(er)
