Still On Top - The Greatest Hits

Great cd .. arrived on time.. why can I not see this on my purchased orders on my amazon music app

Brilliant music

I have always wanted to get into Van Morrison, but I have always found that I just didn't get his music. Maybe it was watching his embarrassing performance all those years ago on The Band's Last Waltz that tainted my perceptions of the man and his music. However, over the years I have delved into some of his back catalogue and have been both surprised and disappointed in equal measure. Until recently my only real exposure was two releases, TB Sheets and a compilation entitled Brown Eyed Girl, both reasonably good. More recently I decided to sample his most famous release (Astral Weeks) and was bitterly disappointed. It just didn't cut it with me. Determined not to be totally put of by this I had decided to have another look at the man, and found this superb collection of the best of his back catalogue, and what a best of this turned out to be. The vast majority of the songs contained within were unfamiliar to me, although some relativly recent offerings I had been aware of. The pick of the bunch are those recordings dating back mainly to the early 1970s, (tracks such as St Dominic's Preview; Into The Mystic; Moondance; Dweller On The Threshold; Little Village; And It Stoned Me; and the absolutly wonderful Cleaning Windows). I have read some of the other reviews of this this release and wonder why one review has bemoaned the fact that nothing from Astral Weeks has been included. In the light of my experience of that album, I would have to say that this is no great loss. Another review slates this release for including the duet with Cliff Richard. Why? This is not that bad a track. It is certainly head and shoulders above the opening track 'Jackie Wilson Said', which I first heard covered by the terrible Dexies Midnight Runners, and which has forever tainted my perception of that song.All in all I have to say that if you are looking for a good introduction to Van The Man, this release is as good as it gets, There are very few poor tracks and those that to my mind are, are not un-redeemable. If like me you know very little about Van's music, but are curious then this collection is as good an introduction as any. The best of his very early work with 'Them' is included along with a good cross section of his solo work from the late 1960s through the 21st century. Having listened to this release, I am tempted to go for 'St Dominic's Preview'. If it is only half as good as its title track it will be worth every penny! (I can now see what the great modern day Belfast singer songwriter, Brian Houston' has been harping on about in his song 'These Days', released on his 2006 album Sugar Queen, where he mentions going to 'Hector's House' in Belfast to purchase St Doninic's Preview)

It never fails to amaze me that while facile, formulaic pop has so much commercial success, the really talented people who can actually create great music and write meaningful lyrics do not get the accolades they so obviously deserve. So if you you want facile, formulaic, instantly disposable, X-Factor manufactured drivel do not buy this CD. If on the other hand you want something that requires a little more listening to appreciate Van Morrison's plentiful talents this is the one for you. VM has been around for a long time but he still sounds fresh. This is a great introduction for those unfamiliar with VM's music. Not really a bad track, though personally I never liked the track where he duets with Cliff RIchard - too mawkish by far - but the rest is an excellent representation of his back catalogue.

Excellent CD, Received swiftly

Van has been such a prolific artist over so many years that it's very hard to compile any meaningful collection that comes close to capturing his enormous talent. In terms of consistency over the decades I don't think there's anyone to touch him; but that's not to say that there hasn't been the odd lapse from time to time. I do feel though that whilst his greatest work has been accorded the respect and acclaim it richly deserves, he hasn't always had the credit for albums which are much better than 'received wisdom' would have us believe. This critical bias or lacunae has always clouded any really informed assessment of his career. He was always a stunning live performer too, quite breathtaking; and even now, with his best years behind him, he is still capable of showing a flash of the old genius - when he's in the mood.All that said, this compilation has something for everyone and it touches most of the bases. I like the random order of the selections too and the treasures come at you thick and fast. It's probably not the 3CD's many fans would put together, but it's a pretty fair stab at an impossible task. There is no Astral Weeks but his masterpiece stands on its own and is strangely not missed. No Summertime in England either, but how do you fit them all in ? This release works for me because I don't believe you can collect all of the man's genius in one bottle. You can't do it with Dylan, and you can't do it with Van either.Van can be notoriously difficult, but in another time he'd already be considered a secular saint. Perhaps we sometimes ask just too much of our heroes. As with that other Irish genius, the lad who was handy at kicking the leather; maybe we should be a little bit more forgiving of greatness when on occasion it is attended by the lesser angels.

I have listened to every one of Van’s albums. I have seen him in concert so many times – although now he’s very expensive to watch.The obvious thing to say here is just how good the production is on this album – tickling piano, pumping sax, restrained drums – it’s very jazz - orientated in places but still hits all the high spots when it needs to. So many great songs, and yes, there’s a few I wish he’d put on here, but so many of the old favourites have been given a ‘clean’ that it’s an absolute delight to listen to.I could eulogise about many tracks on here and many of those missing, but all in all, this is as close as you’ll get to perfection.For me this is 10/10.

Personally I prefer Van's later - 1990s onwards - albums. This contains the greatest hits from all eras. If you get addicted to Van though you'll likely want to sample the lot. Van-addiction is a great thing by the way, if addicted he will transport you to great enjoyment and an almost spiritual experience: it is wonderful.