Tupelo Honey —

Van Morrison.

And everything is so complete,

When you're walking down the street...

But it's Van Morrison's voice that unfortunately puts this disc into the group of non-essential records. Hell, the backing and technical work are so complete but but but.. Mark Jordon plays a damn fine piano especially on You're a Woman almost rolling and funky. Almost, because he doesn't seem to let go. The brass and flute are very tight, well controlled and fit beautifully. The tunes too are varied and fine but it's Van Morrison's voice — harsh and shouting— which doesn't seem to posses the magical quality that great singers have. The whole atmosphere of this record is the 'back down home on the farm' bit - startin a new life (Woodstock, Woodstock).

From the woodland/grassy/woman/man/horse cover right down to the last track Moonshine Whiskey, we see Van Morrison singing the dreams of many people. That, is an escape from city life with its crowding and pollution to his farm deep in the green countryside. A parallel with this escapism is the singers concentration on the deep personal song:- Starting a new Life. You're my Woman, and Tupelo Honey. The whole thing is just too too grassy.

In all fairness to Tupelo Honey it is a fine L.P with great production and backing But I certainly wouldn't get out of bed at 12 o'clock just for the pure pleasure of hearing a guy who ranges somewhere between Elton John and Cat Stevens - 'hitten the notes'.

Doc White, xxxxxxxx