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From the book 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die.

It's Too Late to Stop Now

Van Morrison

1974

Buy At Rough Trade
It's Too Late to Stop Now
Album Summary

It's Too Late to Stop Now is a 1974 live double album by Northern Irish singer-songwriter Van Morrison. It features performances that were recorded in concerts at the Troubadour in Los Angeles, California, the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, and the Rainbow in London, during Morrison's three-month tour with his eleven-piece band, the Caledonia Soul Orchestra, from May to July 1973. Frequently named as one of the best live albums ever, It's Too Late to Stop Now was recorded during what has often been said to be the singer's greatest phase as a live performer. Volumes II, III and IV of the album were released as a box-set in 2016, also including a DVD. According to Elmore Magazine's Mike Jurkovic, when It's Too Late to Stop Now was first released in 1974, "everyone—and I do mean everyone—tripped over themselves to hail the two-LP set as one of the greatest live renderings of the rock era." Reviewing the album in Creem, Robert Christgau hailed it as Morrison's best since Moondance (1970) while writing, "Songs that wore poorly or were just lame in the first place have more force and tightness here than in their studio versions".

Wikipedia

Rating

3.28

Votes

11830

Genres

  • Rock
  • Folk
  • Singer Songwriter
  • Soul

Reviews

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Jun 11 2023
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1

This album sucks!!!!! Van morrrisin more like van BORRISON,,!!!!! bitch

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Aug 13 2023
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2

It seems truly impossible that this could be one of the 1001 most important albums of all time.

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Jun 22 2023
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5

I am very glad to know this exists. Always a fan of Van's performance of "Caravan" at the Last Waltz alongside the Band, I am surprised I never sought out a full live album of his. And too because I really needed this evidence of Van's continued brilliance even after Astral Weeks and through his more pop-inclined, single-focused 1970s. This is an opus. I didn't get to give a deep listen last night. But I had on in the background while hosting a few friends and was truly saddened when the end was reached. A good time was had by all and I look forward to revisiting many, many times. This is immediately my 2nd favorite Van album and up there for best live albums.

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Oct 07 2023
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1

I have precisely no interest in this, whatsoever. Even if it wasn't a double album (boo!) of live tracks (double boo!) I would have zero interest in it. Van Morrison is of utterly no consequence to me, and I genuinely find it hard to believe that he is to anyone else, either.

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Jun 17 2023
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3

For a live album from the 70s, this was recorded remarkably well. The band is tight and the arrangements are solid. I appreciated the fact that while there was a certain looseness to the songs, they were still clearly meant to be largely played as written. There wasn't excessive noodling or extended improvisational sections which does plague live albums of this era. The music itself was nice and bluesy with some soul/jazz elements. Because of its live format, Van Morrison was unable to lean into some of his more experimental stuff and the songs come off as very straightforward. While enjoyable, this album was too long as well. However, due to the tightness of the music I feel like this is one of the best live albums of the 70s.

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Jul 24 2023
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4

Ooh, double live album? Seems like a recipe for disaster to me, especially with how disappointed I’ve been with previous Van Morrison albums on here. But wait, Jazzy, Funky, Soulful. Well recorded, tightly performed and with extra spirit and life. A little shorter (trim the covers) and that’s a 5.

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Jun 22 2023
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5

Wow, totally in agreement with Charlie on this one! A great find. Van Morrison is in top form for this album which is RARE, as so much of his discography seems like a mixed bag, never quite reaching the heights of what you know he’s capable of. Here it’s him in top form, and his band is INSANELY tight! It just works! He’s got that one note he loves to wail on over and over, but when he does, I’m like yeah, that’s why I like Van Morrison. Should have known that he would be terrific live, as Astral Weeks sounds like it was essentially a lot of pseudo-live compositions. I’m a big fan of this sound. I will definitely keep it around. 5/5

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Oct 06 2023
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1

This is too long. The band are tight, but I find VMs voice a bit monotonous after a while: not enough variety in his delivery. Well- rehearsed, but a little too obvious for me. The clapping along though Gloria just made me think of those terrible tv 'talent' shows. You know from one song to the next where this is going. One of those albums that is technically great but I found it a bit lacking in actual soul.

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Apr 08 2024
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5

On one listen this felt like a clear 4. It's regarded as one of the greatest live albums of all time and I agree it's very good. But is it worth a 5? Well, I had it on all weekend and it definitely gets better with multiple listens. Van Morrison is clearly enjoying himself on stage and at times you can hear how much the audience is too. Side one take a bit to build because the performer-audience connection is less audible. Morrison and his band (until the songs end) still bring it on Warm Love and Into the Mystic and you can hear the audience energy more on These Dreams of You (piano really starts to shine) and you can hear the band and Morrison improvise too. But the covers really shine and keep taking the performance to another level. Morrison and the band really lean in on the Ray Charles cover I Believe to My Soul as side one ends and then they are electric on Help Me (song two of side two). But it’s as the album pivots from side two to three that the album absolutely takes off, as they transition from the incredible Muddy Waters and Sam Cooke covers (I Just Want to Make Love to You and Bring in on Home To Me) and Domino right before. The energy grabs you and you can feel like you're there. And Morrison turns into the greatest showman with a band that matches. The sax and faux siren on Take Your Hand out of My Pocket, the tender piano and strings and passionate singing on St. Dominic’s Preview and Listen to the Lion (minus those silly accents). And then side four blows the roof off. It sounds like all of it was encore, but man oh man. The crowd goes wild for the two Them hits (Here Comes the Night and G-L-O-R-I-A) and rightly so – Morrison owns the stage at this point, yowling, prowling, and improvising. But his vocal play and his and the band’s connection with the audience on Caravan and Cyprus Avenue, wow. They’re just eating out of the palm of his/their hand as he does call and answer, instrument solos, or stops and starts. The repeated “so you know it’s got soul” in Caravan, the fan call out of “turn it on” and sultry Morrison reply of “it’s turned on already” on Cyprus Avenue before he launches into “it’s too late to stop now”. It makes you wish you were there. So all that to say, yeah, it’s worth a 5.

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Dec 28 2023
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5

Van Morrison is blessed with the kind of voice whereby he could sing the phone book and give it the beauty and authenticity of a hymn. This, however, is not the phone book. And it is a long way from being it. Close your eyes and you are there. The classics are here and , as said, he can make the not so classic sound classic. A journalist once said there are two types of people. Those that like Van Morrison and those that have met Van Morrison. Quite. Hence why you have to close your eyes to let his music take you to a different plane because, by all accounts, it is so superior to the man himself.

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Jul 07 2024
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1

There is no version of "my life" that *MUST* include this double live album.

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Jan 26 2024
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1

thought it was a 70s cop show, then baby making music. Van doesn't know what he's doing. Little bitch.

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May 02 2024
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5

In my humble opinion, the best way to judge the greatness of a musician is how they perform live. No studio editing, no best take. Just one shot to leave it all out there. And this album is the best way to show someone that Van Morrison is an incredible musician and performer. Leave alone the songs, I love his interaction with the audience, and credits to is performing musicians. One of the best live pieces of music I think I've ever heard

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Mar 29 2024
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5

This 1001 album journey is the first time I’ve really listened to Van Morrison and I have to say, his stuff from this era is some of my favorite music of all time.

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Mar 20 2024
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5

I fully expected to find this double live album a chore, having been so so on Morrison's other albums on the list but was thrilled at how energetic and enjoyable this record turned out to be. Morrison is charismatic and lively and in fine voice and the soul band, notably horns and string, are amazing. Clearly, Van decided that if he was to take a soul band on tour he'd take advantage and sing some soul covers and who can blame him when it sounds this good? His own compositions are excellent, too, and I may need to dig further into his back catalogue. Perhaps that was the missing piece of the puzzle? Move him out of the studio and onto the stage and Morrison comes to life with this vivid, powerhouse of a performance.

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Feb 27 2024
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5

I'm normally against double albums, and there is certainly a question raised about a live album (especially if you can cherry pick your own tracks and your favorite covers). Still, this is a pretty amazing backstory and the fact that it is reported that Moondance was thrown off this release list because there was one wrong note played. It is very cool to think that every night of the tour was a different riff on these tracks. Van Morrison is definitely in hit soulful passionate prime and it shows here. There are lots of home runs here. Great album. Its a really powerful set.

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Nov 02 2023
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5

Say what you want about the man, he's said some stupid things in the past few years and there are too many stories about what a dick he is to have any serious doubts as to whether or not they're true (some of the are actually so hilarious that I'd be disappointed if they weren't) but that being said this is Van at the height of his powers with an amazing backing band. Just incredible, I wish I could have been there but since I wasn't I'm glad someone recorded these shows, this is about as it gets.

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Aug 03 2023
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5

I have said before that I had never been a huge fan of Van Morrison, but this sort of thing might change my mind. If you can keep me engaged in a 90-minute live album, you've got me. These were stellar performances with a band that absolutely rocked. The songs were jazzy and rockin' and bluesy all the way through. Gotta give it up for this one.

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Jun 22 2023
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5

Before today I was only familiar with Van Morrison's popular songs (Brown Eyed Girl, Moondance), so I looked forward to getting to listen to more of his catalog. I don't know why I never delved any further into his stuff, because I really like the songs I know. This is the definition of a perfect live record. The band (Caledonia Soul Orchestra) is super tight, and you would swear that they had been playing with Van for years. The chemistry between them all was amazing. This album has no overdubs at all on it. Moondance was supposed to be on this record, but there was 1 bad guitar note on the recording, so Van threw it out. He wanted perfection for his live album, and that is what he got! Van dips his toes in folk, blues, soul, and jazz on this record, and is masterful at each! Overall, an epic live album. This is how a live album should be! Everything is perfect. The only critique I could make is that it kind of overstays its welcome with the last two songs (which account for almost 20 mins of run time between them). Both songs consist mostly of increasing volume and tempo, then lulls again while the band canoodles around. It just made the end of the album fall flat for me. I will, however, absolutely listen again!! Favourite songs: Domino, Gloria, Help Me, Ain't Nothin' You Can Do, I've Been Working, These Dreams of You, I Believe to My Soul, Saint Dominic's Preview, Bring It On Home To Me, Here Comes The Night Least favourite songs: Cyprus Avenue, Caravan 5/5

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Nov 11 2024
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4

OK, let's get one thing straight from the start: for a live album recorded in the mid-seventies, the sound of this double-LP is just INCREDIBLE, actually twice better than most of the studio versions of those songs. You can hear the tiniest details and flourishes here, from each guitar lick, each piano embellishments, each brass blast, and each layering of that wonderful string section. And minus one specific moment (more on that later), the performance is absolutely pitch-perfect. If only for this, I can see why Van Morrison die-hard fans would want to include *It's Too Late To Stop Now (vol 1)* in this list. The tracklist is a huge selling point as well. It mostly draws from key studio albums *Moondance*, *Saint Dominic's Preview* and *His Band And The Street Choirs*, plus two pivotal Them staple songs (including a version of the legendary "Gloria" exploring some surprising *funky* territories), not to mention a handful of rhythm'n blues covers dear to VM's heart. To be honest, I think I would have enjoyed the album more if the covers had been left on the cutting room's floor. Van Morrison can be a wonderful performer, but his music is already a little too derivative and "by the book" on a harmonic level sometimes--especially through the man's very similar vocal lines from one track to the next--and those covers only enhance that minor flaw... Worse, more often than not, they are not the punchier cuts here anyway, and they take away some much needed energy before you reach the stellar last leg of this record (more on that later as well). The length of vinyl records and VM's personal tastes required to add those tracks that I consider as "filler", I imagine. And since it was impossible to sum up the project in one single LP, this is the choice that was made here. Makes sense on a subjective level, I guess. It's just that my own subjectivity would have favored a different choice. 'Vol 1' is added to the title, by the way... Under that light, I'm pretty sure other selections of terrific live performances of omitted songs in VM's repertoire could have been added instead. But that boat has sailed a long time ago now... Another point of contention: a couple of songs for the much maligned *Hardnose The Highway* could have been left aside as well, especially the very hackneyed "Warm Love", where, inexplicably, Van Morrison's vocal performance is even *worse* than on the studio version. It's like he's chopping wood instead of singing. Very 'forced' and awkward. Normally, one single bad moment for an album this length shouldn't really influence my overall appreciation of it... But since it's the second track we're talking about here (and the first Van Morrison original song to appear), that dud *does* take its toll, I would lie if I didn't say so. The rest is wonderful, fortunately. I could take so many examples of the many memorable moments in this record, but I'm just gonna mention a couple of them found at the end of the fourth side, like the meditative conclusion of "Listen To The Lion", which keeps you on your toes until the very last second, or the fantastic rendition of *Moondance*'s "Caravan", which builds up to a terrific finish. And when the record ends its long run with a very adventurous version of *Astral Weeks*'s "Cyprus Avenue", it really feels like you've made an incredible journey into Van Morrison's universe. A little like Thin Lizzy's *Live And Dangerous*, this album could serve as a kind of "best of", even if essential tracks are missing from it ("Brown-Eyed Girl", "Jackie Wilson Said"...). And yet it's still one cohesive thing. The best of both worlds, really. So I will surely add this record to my own list, right? Well... It might come off as a surprise after what I've just said, but I'm not so sure I will. First there are the little flaws I have spotted up there, adding to the album's perceived length. And then, there's that nagging doubt in my mind that using a slot for this live album sort of wastes an opportunity to praise other artists. As stellar as the sound and most of the performances are on *It's Too Late To Stop Now*, it feels like welcoming it in my list already including *Astral Weeks*, *Moondance*, and also probably *Saint Dominic's Preview*, is overkill to an extent. Yes, the renditions of the important songs from these albums are probably all better than their studio counterparts. Yet do we need to use an extra slot for the *same songs*? Besides, one specific moment in this album perfectly encapsulates another sort of hesitation I have here. It's towards the end of "Caravan"... At that point, just as the rest of the band jams hard, the string section surges and performs one of the most beautiful orchestral arrangements in a record already filled to the brim with the latter. Van Morrison harmonizes with the strings for a few seconds. This truly feels like music heaven at this point. The whole is gorgeous, cinematic, evocative, what have you... But then, out of the blue, and *as the orchestral arrangements are not over yet*, the Irish singer introduces the names of each string player, before then naming everyone else in the band. And I have to say, my heart broke a little when I suddenly heard that. I was truly entranced before, I didn't care I was listening to a live version and I just wanted to immerse in the music. But Van Morrison ruined that a little for me. Of course, if you were there in the audience that night, it makes total sense that every player's name should be mentioned just as the show nearly reaches its end. But it's just not how I envision the experience of listening to albums at home. I don't need to be reminded that someone is playing. I need the playing to take me to another world. And under that light, I'm not so sure I need this record in my list. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad I had the opportunity to listen to it, and I will probably listen to it again in the future. But even if it were the greatest live record of all time (some say it is), it feels like it's not the most convenient and natural entry point into Van Morrison's body of work. It's "too much" in a way. And I'm not only talking about the album's length here. Because in some other sense, it's also "not enough". Without the context given by the studio albums, it's sort of hard to understand why those live performances are so important for Van Morrison's fans. So, let's say that as of now, I'd rather err on the side of caution, and wait to see if really I feel the urge to return to this live album one day. After all, it's never too late to open your heart to a pivotal artist such as Van Morrison. You just need a little time sometimes, that's all. 3.5/5 for the purposes of this list of essential albums, rounded up to 4. 8.5/10 for more general purposes (5 + 8.5) Number of albums left to review: 12 (plus the 80-ish extra LPs listed on this app, included because different past versions of the book have mentioned albums that have since been dropped in subsequent editions) Number of albums from the list I find relevant enough to be mandatory listens: 425 Albums from the list I *might* include in mine later on: 254 (including this one) Albums from the list I won't include in mine: 313

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Jun 10 2023
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4

Un dels grans discos en directe dels '70. Van Morrison en el seu millor moment creatiu (que no personal), després d'una sèrie d'àlbums imprescindibles, recluta una banda de primeríssim nivell amb músics clàssics, de jazz i de rock i s'embarca en una sèrie de concerts que el contemplen en la cúspide de la seva carrera. Versions de clàssics del soul i r&b, i poderoses lectures d'alguns dels seus millors moments en solitari i Them (tot i que no recull l'execució de 'Brown-Eyed Girl')

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Jul 07 2024
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2

Live albums are rarely good, and this is not an exception though for different reasons than usual! this actually sounds really good for a live album from a production and recording standpoint, and then it’s just a terrible performance. Why is he like that live? Why were the horns so bad? Why was he yelling instead of singing? If I’d gone to that concert it would be to hear him singing! Reluctant extra star because it really is an impressive live recording

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Jul 07 2024
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2

Shockingly well-recorded for a live album from the 1970s, but I just really did not care for the music or his voice. On the Wikipedia page for this album, it said that this captured one of his best vocal performances... really?! THAT was a good vocal performance?! And people claim that singers nowadays can't sing....

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Dec 11 2024
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5

I often wonder about spending more money on a concert ticket than it would take to buy the band’s entire repertoire; Van the Man’s album shows us why. Each song is taken in a perfectly new direction, creating a new experience. His understanding of jazz makes his blues truly unique. The first record and the last couple of songs are masterpieces. And no overdubbing!!

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Dec 11 2024
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5

When a 90 minute double album is this easy to listen to 2 times through, I guess that makes the rating pretty clear. While Van Morrison is great live, it's the accompaniment of the Soul Orchestra that puts this over the top for me.

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Nov 21 2024
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5

It is absolutely remarkable how similar his studio and live voices are as somebody with such a unique singing voice

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Nov 19 2024
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5

I was going to give this a more critical review but it’s too late to…

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Nov 08 2024
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5

I'm a little surprised by the number of negative and outright harsh reviews. Maybe there is something I'm not tapped into. It's probably the scientology connection. He seems like a weirdo for sure, but this performance is a total jam.

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Oct 31 2024
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5

Didn't actually listen to all of this but I really enjoyed it!

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Oct 09 2024
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5

My fondest memories with my dad is driving down the California coast singing Van Morrison. **chefs kiss**

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Sep 30 2024
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5

Incredible presence, unstoppable energy

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Sep 06 2024
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5

holy carp it is long but it is a jam session the whole way through. best song is caravan in my opinion

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Aug 30 2024
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5

I am not usually a big fan of live albums but this is an exception to that. 5 stars or A-.

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Aug 30 2024
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5

Best live album we've had in 200+ albums. Sound is impeccable Vocals spot on Band is funky What a treat this was. 4.6

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Aug 09 2024
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5

All around great performance, so..yeah...5...why not.

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Jul 24 2024
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5

Easiest 5. Incredible performance.

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Jul 01 2024
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5

Just a great live album for the summer

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Jun 25 2024
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5

Wow!!!! One of the best live albums ive ever heard!! I was blown away, wish i was there!!

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Jun 20 2024
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5

Jag älskar, älskar, ÄLSKAR Van The Man. Varje låt är ett mästerverk. Men det här är en liveskiva. Varför då? Skit samma. Den är bra ändå.

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Jun 20 2024
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5

Även om jag inte är någon konnässör så har jag lyssnat en del på Van Morrison till och från och jag gillar honom, även om han ibland är lite ojämn. Hade dock inte stött på denna. Men HELVETE vad bra den var. Brukar inte lyssna så mycket på liveskivor så det kanske inte säger så mycket, men det här var det bästa livelyssningen jag någonsin upplevt. Karln är ju helt enastående bra live. Han är verkligen den bästa versionen av sig själv genom hela skivan (även om det såklart har med urvalet av låtar att göra också) och det är ren glädje att lyssna från start till mål, trots att den är lång. Otroligt bra band han spelar med också. Solklar femma och den bästa/mest överraskande lyssningsupplevelsen så här långt här.

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Jun 17 2024
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5

Stellar keys work in this album. And who doesn't like Van Morrison?

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Jun 16 2024
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5

I like a few Van Morrison or Them songs, but this album is all about the band. His voice helps of course. It's not even really about the songs, few of which really stand out for me, but largely because the quality is consistently very high. It's just a really good time. What a live performance. Basically a blueprint for the 70s blues soul live experience. With a really strong finish.

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Jun 13 2024
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5

Van Morrison is a musical genius, but attending live performances can be frustrating. Here's this amazing concert, and he doesn't say one single word to the crowd. With all due respect, that's wrong. I saw him once and said that was enough. I will always listen to his music, I don't need to see him live.

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Jun 11 2024
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5

"It's Too Late to Stop Now" is a live double album by Northern Irish singer-songwriter Van Morrison. The songs were taken from performances in LA, Santa Monica and London during a three-month tour with an 11-piece band, the Caledonia Soul Orchestra, which included a horn and string section. It was recorded at what's said to be his best phase as live performer. The album is considered among the best live albums ever. It did reach #53 in the US. The album begins with a cover of Bobby Bland's "Ain't Nothin' You Can Do." Hanndclapping, piano and a big sound with the horns. Van just belted it out. The strings, guitar and horns combine for a great version of "Into the Mystic." I love the horn sound when Van sings "When the fog horn blows. A top notch performance by Van too. "I've Been Working" showcases how funky this band can be. A wah wah guitar adds to an album highlight. One of my favorite songs on the album is "St. Dominic's Preview." All sections of the band are rollin.' Guitar, horns and piano. The album ends strong with side four. Van really gets the crowd going with two Them songs , "Here Comes the Night" and "Gloria." The band picks up the pace in the first song. The violin really shines. In the second song, there's hand clapping as Van leads a rousing version. "Caravan" is one song which combines the jazz, soul and blues of Van's music. He does a great job of playing off the strings and the strings off him. The album closer is a 10-minute version of "Astral Weeks'" Cypress Avenue." It's another song with Van improvising with the musicians as he builds and slows down the song and gets the audience involved. It's his most jazzy song on the album. An absolutely majestic ending with the horns. This is a great album with the music being both loose with the improvising and tight with band and instruments. Both Van and the musicians give each other space to improvise and perform and play off each other. It reminded me of Frank Sinatra and his band on "Songs for Swingin' Lover!." That is rare to come across. The musical styles included blues, soul, funk and jazz. The song selection is varied with covers, songs from Them and songs from all of Van's solo album excluding "Tupelo Honey" and "Blowin' Your Mind!" Yeah, I would say this up there with the best live albums I've heard.

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Jun 05 2024
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5

This guy's voice has power and I think the backing band is tight

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Jun 05 2024
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5

-love -great album for background music/dorm music

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May 30 2024
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5

Look, I know Van Morrison is a shitty person, but this music reminds me so much of my childhood -- I love his voice, the piano, the horns, the strings, all of it.

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May 28 2024
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5

The people who saw these shows got a treat. I would've been stoked to see these gigs. The band is on fire. I had a good friend who was into Van and I listened to a lot Van's catalog on road trips. A whole concert filled with bangers. Easiest 5 star album on the list.

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May 28 2024
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5

This is an exceptional live album capturing Van Morrison at the peak of his powers. A fine selection of his best songs backed by an immaculate band, plus brass and strings. The recording quality is top notch too

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May 20 2024
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5

Van at his best, backed by the transcendent Caledonia Soul Orchestra. What a shame that such a great artist is such an awful human being.

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Apr 12 2024
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5

This is a live album? God damn...

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Apr 06 2024
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5

can’t believe this mf is irish 10/10

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Mar 29 2024
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5

tolles album, tolle musik zum hinhören!

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Mar 22 2024
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5

Goddamn if this ornery Irishman didn't release one of the quintessential live albums of my lifetime. That's not over praise. That's just fact. Most songs sound better live than they do in their original recorded versions. This is simply a marvel. One of the more pleasant late surprises this list has offered.

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Mar 20 2024
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5

kinda think most of his music is too samey but he's got a lot of energy so it's fun to hear him perform anyway

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Mar 14 2024
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5

Awesome album! Van is a maestro!

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Mar 08 2024
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5

I was dreading a 90-minute live album, but I was in for a pleasant surprise. So many emotions and different musical genres played here! This would have been great to see.

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Mar 06 2024
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5

This was fantastic. Very long but fantastic. Looking it up on wiki I think the original was just a double album and we've got a 3 volume set on spotify which I think is waaaaay longer but it's hard to tell so I just listened to the whole thing. It's great. I love Van. His songs are energic but also calming and nice, some really cool rock and roll but then nice folky stuff. Just cool.

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Feb 16 2024
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5

Van the Man! Awesome live album. Great mix of soul and rock.

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Feb 15 2024
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5

Van The Man in his full glory with several tracks from Moondance. This might be the tightest band ever captured on a live record, and the entertainment value is through the roof for the entire 90+ minutes duration.

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Feb 15 2024
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5

Backed by an unbelievably tight band, Van the Man does what he does best. For 90 minutes straight. What a treat.

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Feb 09 2024
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5

I wish Morrison wasn't such a lame troll. I really enjoy his music.

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Jan 25 2024
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5

Me encantó el directo y su música un verdadero descubrimiento.

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Jan 19 2024
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5

Didn’t fancy it this when it came up but it’s brilliant.

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Jan 02 2024
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5

Un titán Van Morrison en directo. Vinilo.

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Dec 01 2023
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5

A fantastic album!! Like the Wiki article said, the performance is so good that even some mediocre studio tracks come to life in this concert recording! This will 100% be in my regular rotation.

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Dec 01 2023
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5

One of the best live albums and for good reason. Distinct and powerful vocals throughout, great covers as well as originals. Guitar and keys on point throughout the album. Not much else to say.

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Nov 26 2023
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5

Super groovy live album. Swingt heerlijk.

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Nov 13 2023
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5

Genius! If you don’t appreciate how good this gig must have been. Listen to more Van Morrison and appreciate how much he changed and orchestrated every track to make it unique. Education in live performance

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Nov 10 2023
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5

I listened to this music during a corporate meeting at work today. Pretty good jam, made the meeting pretty enjoyable overall

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Nov 06 2023
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5

Long but beautiful, I'll keep going back to it to absorbe it

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Oct 06 2023
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5

I've never heard a singer's voice sound so similar between their studio and live performances. The live performances of his songs are so much jazzier than his studio work too. This is a really awesome album that I'm glad I found through this book. Favorite tracks: I Just Want to Make Love to You, Caravan, Cyprus Avenue

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Oct 02 2023
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5

Fantastic live album, really accurate to his studio recordings but feels much more full, alive, and energetic, expressing unique flairs to make everyone stand out. It turned me on to so many deep cuts whose studio versions I had overlooked for too long. Hardly any weak points. Personally, I'd still prefer to listen to Astral Weeks and Moondance for the coherent album experience. But this is about as good as I'd expect a live album from Morrison, or for that matter anyone in his vein of baroque-folky pop music.

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Aug 24 2023
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5

Admittedly I only know of Van Morrison by his most famous song, “brown eyed girl”, and nothing else. I instantly became a fan of his listening to this live album and I will be seeking out more of his discography. This was an amazing recording. I generally dislike live albums due to poor quality, but this exceeded my expectations.

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Aug 19 2023
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5

Can't believe this is nearly 50 yrs old.

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Aug 08 2023
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5

I'm always kinda lukewarm on Van Morrison but this one is different - my favourite Van record by a longshot; probably the only one (maybe aside from Moondance) that I'd seek out and/or recommend. Just a fantastic (perfect??) live recording - upbeat and engaging, and the tracks are actually *better* live with the full band. Love it, even at the length - if anything the 2nd half is better. Personal highlight: "St Dominic's Preview" 9/10 5 stars. (oh and p.s. fk Van Morrison for what he's become)

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Aug 07 2023
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5

Un titán Van Morrison en directo. Vinilo.

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Jul 20 2023
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5

Incredibly tight band and a great performer

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Jul 05 2023
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5

I’ve been listen’ so hard! What a nice live! Want to listen more albums to understand if it is the best album of Van. Let’s take the Van and ride to nowhere.

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Jun 28 2023
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5

IMO one of the best live albums.

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Jun 12 2023
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5

9th June 2023 Listened during the day on Friday while getting the house ready for Godparent weekend 1 w Sav and Sally and Seb and Justo. Loved this, made me want to listen to more of him. Played him all weekend! Now see where Nathaniel came from.

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Dec 17 2024
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4

Really good for a live album. A little ling but very strong overall.

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Dec 16 2024
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4

Previously rated: Moondance (4/5) Astral Weeks (2/5) ********************* Thankfully not much crossover with the boring (imho) Astral Weeks. Too bad no Moondance or Brown Eyed Girl. What is here is nice for the most part. The band is great, he sounds good with that distinctive voice. Some of the longer tracks dragged a little. I didn’t like the repeated “inside of me” that sounded like “sodomy” over and over. I will add it to the list to listen to again.

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Dec 12 2024
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4

very good live album, enjoyed the sound and the band instruments.

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