rock Music – issue #1
Rock music’s history is glorious. But who are it’s greatest rock bands and artists?
Over the years Many Disparate rock music sub-genres have emerged. hybrids like blues rock, folk rock, country rock, Progressive Rock, Psychedelic Rock, Glam Rock, Heavy Metal, Punk, Electronic, Etc. Have their Fans and Critics. From the ’90s alternative Rock achieves dominance. New genres, like grunge, Britpop, Hip Hop and indie Rock enter the mainstream. each with their own Unique Characteristics, Style, and Cultural Significance. Rock music has long been linked with political activism. Together with changes in social attitudes to race, sex, and drug use. Rock Music has assimilated cultural and social Movements – mods, rockers, Punks and the hippie movement for Example. the music both reflects society and influences society.
The evolution of Rock Music has been inextricably linked to technological advancements. from the invention of the electric guitar to the rise of digital streaming platforms. Thus Music became ubiquitous, whether in public places or in the home. Music is a form of human conversation
Music Remains deeply personal, We hope to Highlight albums that evoke images, memories, and emotions to spark debate and
Broaden your Horizons, step out of Your comfort zone and expand your music taste and experiences.
Join the Conversation!!!
we will Feature Up to 3 Albums from Artists representative of a range of the Many sub-genres. We Hope to encourage Listeners of all tastes and passions. So Get your Headphones on and Consider discussing the musical Offering and sharing your views with like-minded peers.
In Issue #1, we feature van Morrison
Astral Weeks has gone from a cult album to an acknowledged classic. Folk/Jazz Compositions Built on introspective themes of nostalgia, love, and alienation. a band of jazz players led by bassist Richard Davis were recruited. the group simply followed the lead of Morrison, who was playing the songs while sequestered in his separate booth. Notable songs include Cyprus Avenue, Madame George and Sweet Thing.
Moondance, was a commercial and Critical Success. written and produced by Van Morrison. It has the lively rhythm and blues/rock music style for which he is most revered . In place of jazz-influenced musicians there were a horn section and chorus. Robert Christgau wrote in his review “Forget Astral Weeks—this is a brilliant, catchy, poetic, and completely successful LP” .Notable songs Include Moondance, Caravan and Into the mystic.
saint Dominic’s preview is known for blending soul, folk, and blues. creating Cathartic music to process and release emotions. Rolling Stone declared it “the best-produced, most ambitious Van Morrison record yet released.” Many Critics See the Album reflecting A satisfactory Convergence of Van’s folk and R&B leanings. highlights include Almost Independence Day: An epic and atmospheric track, jackie Wilson Said : A popular, infectious, and high-energy opener. Gypsy: A horn-driven track, listen to the Lion: An eleven-minute opus
Astral Weeks
moondance
Saint Dominic’s preview
George Ivan Morrison was born to working class Protestants in the Bloomfield suburb of Belfast, Northern Ireland. His Father was an avid fan of American music. Van was Brought up listening to his Father’s Large Record Collection. A collection which included the Likes of Ray Charles and Solomon Burke. Van told Rolling Stone Magazine, “Those guys were the inspiration that got me going. If it wasn’t for that kind of music, I couldn’t do what I’m doing now.” He developed at an early age as a musician. from the age of 13 he began singing, playing guitar and sax, in several bands. Morrison left Belfast in 1964, when he moved to London with the rock group Them. Them soon established Van Morrison as a major force in the British R&B scene. the much covered classic ‘Gloria’ was a Van Morrison contribution from that period. Three years later, he moved to New York after signing with Bang Records. His first solo single in 1967 was ‘Brown Eyed Girl’. His marriage to his American girlfriend Janet (Planet) Rigsbee solved a visa problem . The couple had one daughter in 1970, Shana Morrison, who was to become a singer-songwriter. Morrison became involved in a contract dispute that prevented him from Live performance or recording in the New York area. during this period He moved to Boston, Massachusetts, and faced personal and financial problems.
Astral Weeks was born out of that time of stress and chaos in his life. Morrison’s third solo album, Moondance, released in 1970, became his first million selling album. Over the Decades, Morrison’s albums have performed well. in the UK and Ireland, as well as internationally. More than 40 have entered the UK Top 40. In the USA, Eighteen of his albums have reached the top 40 , twelve of them between 1997 and 2017. After his divorce He moved back to the UK in the late 1970s, first settling in London. Later, he moved to Bath. He also has homes in his native Belfast and in the Irish seaside village of Dalkey near Dublin. His Accolades include A knighthood, a Brit Award, an OBE, Ivor Novello Awards and Grammys. Together with Honorary doctorates from Queen’s University Belfast and the University of Ulster. His entry into The Rock n Roll Hall of Fame attested to the international reach of Van’s musical art. Morrison’s influence can readily be heard in the music of a diverse array of major artists. His powerful vocals and poetic lyrics have earned him a dedicated fanbase. His Music continues to Inspire and resonate with audiences Around the World, Establishing his place as a musical icon.
Sound quality is important and the better online Streaming services will offer superior sound quality. As always, We do encourage you to purchase Favoured albums from good online or High street record stores. Van Morrison’s more recent albums have been released by Exile Productions through Virgin Music
Artists in upcoming issues: Bruce Springsteen, Radiohead, Swans, elvis Costello......Keep Listening!!
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