Van's return trip

Says a spokesperson: "The agreement will not only see the release of future Van Morrison work, but also includes the rights to a back catalogue of 30 titles, a body of work which includes what are universally agreed to be some of the best records ever made."

The first fruits of the liaison are Down The Road, Van's new studio album which emerges on May 13th and, in addition to the title-cut, includes 'Meet Me In The Indian Summer', 'Steal My Heart Away', 'Talk Is Cheap', 'Choppin' Wood', 'What Makes The Irish Heart Beat', 'All Work And No Play', 'Whatever Happened To PJ Proby?', 'The Beauty Of The Days Gone By', 'Georgia', 'Only A Dream', 'Evening Shadows', 'Fast Train' and 'Hey Mr. DJ'.