Van Morrison: Streets of Arklow

Continuing my list of the Top 20 albums of 1974, coming in at #3 is Veedon Fleece by Van Morrison. I discovered this album during my first year of college, and spent the next several years obsessed with his music. As with most people, my introduction to Morrison started with the singles “Brown Eyed Girl,” “Wild Night,” and “Domino.” I then discovered the albums Astral Weeks and Moondance. However, it wasn’t until I bought Veedon Fleece that I fully realized the genius, depth, and breadth of Morrison’s songwriting. For about the next twenty years, my belief that this was the best album of 1974 never wavered. I have since made a few changes to the top of this list, but I still believe this to be an incredible album and highlight of Morrison’s career. I’ve selected my favorite song on the album, “Streets of Arklow,” but any track on this record represents it well. I’m not alone in thinking this is one of his best albums. Although there are no well-known songs on it, die-hard Van fans have obsessed over this album for 50 years. Side one builds from the gorgeous “Fair Play” into his meditational masterpiece, “You Don’t Pull No Punches, But You Don’t Push The River.” Side Two then reverses the flow, starting with the upbeat single “Bulbs” and ending with four quiet songs. The finale, “Country Fair,” is a perfect close to the songwriting style of his early period. Overall, the album is a contemplative masterpiece and rivals Astral Weeks as his most thoughtful, personal record.

To learn more about Van Morrison, check out his website.

To check out all of the old Faux Show Best of the Year Shows, visit The Year In Review Series page.

To listen to all of the songs of the day, check out the Radio Faux Show Song of the Day playlist.

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