Episode 30: Van Morrison's Moondance - Classic Rock Album Olympics

In this episode (#30) of Classic Rock Album Olympics music historians Gary Wenstrup and Robert Rodriguez turn their attention to Moondance by Van Morrison and award their gold, silver and bronze medals for the strongest tracks.

Released in January 1970, it was Morrison’s third solo album and transformed him from a critically admired cult artist into a major commercial success. While his previous album, Astral Weeks, had been
celebrated for its poetic ambition and jazz-influenced experimentation, Moondance struck a perfect balance between artistic sophistication and accessibility. Blending rock, soul, jazz, folk, blues, rhythm and blues, and Celtic influences, the album showcased Morrison’s extraordinary songwriting while introducing a warmer, more up-tempo sound.

Medal Winners

Remarkably Gary and Robert picked the exact same 3 songs in the exact same order – a first and probably a last…

Moondance

Into The Mystic

Caravan

Dissatisfied with having limited creative control during the making of Astral Weeks, Morrison assumed responsibility for producing Moondance, carefully shaping the arrangements and performances. The result was a polished yet organic recording that featured tight ensembles, memorable horn arrangements, and an effortless blend of jazz improvisation and pop
craftsmanship. The album marked the beginning of Morrison’s long career as a self-directed recording artist and established the musical style that would define much of his greatest work.

Van Morrison and John Platania played guitar with Jack Schroer and Collin Tilton on horns, Jef Labes on keyboards, John Klingberg on bass and Gary Mallaber on drums. The musicians created an intimate, swinging sound that perfectly complemented Morrison’s soulful voice songwriting.

Commercially, Moondance became Van Morrison’s breakthrough album. It reached #29 on the Billboard 200 in the U.S., #32 on the UK Albums Chart while remaining a steady seller for decades. Come Running was the only single released from the album and reached #39 on the charts. Over time, however, “Moondance,” “Into the Mystic,” “Caravan,” and “And It Stoned Me” became FM radio staples.

Moondance has influenced generations of musicians across rock, folk, jazz, Americana, and soul, including Bruce Springsteen, Bonnie Raitt and Elvis Costello. More than fifty years after its release, Moondance remains a beloved album, celebrated for its effortless musicianship and timeless melodies. It is consistently ranked among the greatest albums ever and stands as the defining work in Van Morrison’s remarkable career.

Bonus Tracks

Moondance – Michael Buble

East Of The Sun (And West Of The Moon) – Frank Sinatra

Autumn Leaves – Nat King Cole

Brown Eyed Girl

Domino

Gloria – Them

Chuck E’s In Love – Rickie Lee Jones

Midnight At The Osis – Maria Muldar

Caravan from The Last Waltz

Punky’s Dilemma – Simon & Garfunkel

I Shall Be Released – The Band

I Shall Be Released – Joe Cocker

I Shall Be Released – Nina Simone

I Shall Be Released from The Last Waltz

Rainy Day Women #12 & 35 – Bob Dylan

Doo Doo Doo Doo (Heartbreaker) – Rolling Stones

Track Listing

Side One