The critical superlatives have always gone to the admittedly ground-breaking Astral Weeks, which explored Van’s spiritual side via-a conceptual song-cycle rooted in his native Belfast. But it was the follow-up which offered a tighter, more soulful and radio-friendly sound. Forty-three years after its release, Moondance remains The Man’s best-known and most popular record.
Coming in both a two-disc Expanded edition and a whopping five-disc Deluxe version, this apparently non-Morrison approved re-issue features the original album along with demos, studio sessions, outtakes, alternative versions, mono mixes and revealing studio chatter.
The re-mastered original LP has never sounded better on CD. Audiophiles will be glad to know that, unlike many re-issues, it hasn’t fallen victim to the “loudness wars”. Instead it retains the dynamics of the original with added clarity, depth, sound-staging and a particularly punchy bass. From the opening notes of ‘And It Stoned Me’, the cymbals of which have a 3-D quality, you know you’re in for a sonic treat. The title-track, in particular, swings like never before, while the aching ‘Crazy Love’ holds up as a gorgeous Curtis Mayfield-influenced soul ballad.
Arguably the best track is ‘Caravan’. Featuring a sumptuous brass arrangement and Van’s now legendary “turn it up” refrain, it’s surely one of the most memorable moments in rock history, still fresh and vital after all these years.
More contemplative is the gorgeously loping ‘Into The Mystic’, the closing number on the original A-side which, here, has a long missing tambourine restored. Lesser-known tracks include the bluesy ‘These Dreams of You’ and the gospel-tinged ‘Brand New Day’, as well as the quirky ‘Come Running’ and the hopeful ‘Glad Tidings’, all sounding better than ever.
Of the extras, the five disc version contains multiple takes of many of the songs, including ‘Caravan’, ‘Into The Mystic’ and ‘Brand New Day’. It’s fascinating to hear the material develop in the studio, building from bare-boned versions to full arrangements. Morrison’s focus and concentration on getting it right is palpable.
Also included from the sessions is a long-time favourite ‘I Shall Sing’ and a loose jam on the blues standard ‘Nobody Knows You When You’re Down And Out’. Other highlights include the mono mix of ‘Crazy Love’, two alternative takes on the title-track and a much slower version of ‘Caravan’. The icing on the cake of the Deluxe version is a Blu-ray audio disc, featuring high-resolution stereo and surround-sound mix.
A must for fans – either version will make you fall in love with this great album all over again.

Key Track: 'Caravan'