Jon Gibson – on the run-LP – 1986

I have been listening to Jon Gibson for ages. He’s a white Stevie Wonder. He is not an impersonator; he has his God-given voice that happens to sound like a black soul singer.

Jimmie Dale Gilmore – Fair and Square – LP – 1988

With Joe Ely and Butch Hancock, Gilmore founded The Flatlanders, who perform together occasionally. Fair and Square is a good listen.

Beck – Odelay – CD – 1996 

I have a Beck splurge now and then. I do enjoy listening to him now and then.

Beck – Guero – CD – 2005

John Lennon – The John Lennon Collection – CD – 1989

John Lennon probably ranks as one of the top-selling dead musicians. This CD is a best of, and I like it marginally; I generally don’t care much for the ‘best of’ collections, but I will make an exception for this album. It isn’t the strongest of Lennon’s catalogue, but this would be a good candidate if you want some noise in your car on a drive in the country.

Joy Division – 1977-1980 – CD – 1988

I am very fond of Joy Division, and although this is a best-of collection, it should be reasonable considering the quality of the songs. It should. It doesn’t. It doesn’t stand alone as a collection of outstanding songs by an excellent band. Maybe it’s because I like albums over singles, original albums over best-of collections. Whatever… For an introduction to Joy Division by a person unfamiliar with Joy Division, tell them to listen to Unknown Pleasures.

Julian Lage – Love Hurts – Stream – 2023

Put on your cans, lay back on your most comfortable furniture, and let Julian Lage take you to a peaceful place, which may be smooth meditation or sleep—Julian Lage’s music is my go-to for falling asleep or having a chill time.

Van Morrison –Accentuate The Positive – Stream – 2023

A friend once told me that if you listened to one Van Morrison song, you have heard them all. I understand what he means, but I’m afraid I have to disagree with him. His voice is part of what makes him Van Morrison, which has remained much the same throughout his career, including this new offering from Van Morrison. He also knows how to use that voice with the music and use the music to make the best of his vocal abilities.

Here we are in 2023, and Van Morrison has a new album for us to enjoy. 

Van Morrison has been a prolific musician over the years. Accentuate The Positive is his 45th studio album. It is a cover album of Morrison’s favourite rock and roll, R&B and country songs. There are some great covers here, and it is interesting to know what Morrison has had on his turntable over the years.

Backed by top-shelf musicians, including electric guitar from the late Jeff Beck and vocals from Chris Farlowe on ‘Lonesome Train,’ plus guitar from Taj Mahal on, ‘Lucille’ and, ‘Shake, Rattle and Roll.’  How much better can it get than to have Taj Mahal as a guest musician on your album? I highly respect and enjoy listening to this album and give it an 8 out of 10.

By Stevie Connor