Van goes rock!

We track Morrison’s forays into the Big Beat

DOMINO (1970 SINGLE)

It sounds nothing like the New Orleans don’s bouncy proto-rock’n’roll, but this soulful tribute to Fats Domino (“I just wanna hear/ Some rhythm and blues music!”) certainly summons his joyful spirit. Domino reached No.9 on the US Billboard Hot 100, becoming Morrison’s highest-charting single ever – surpassing even Brown Eyed Girl.

IN THE DAYS BEFORE ROCK ‘N’ ROLL (1990 SINGLE)

In which our visionary songwriter pays homage to the formative influence of Fats Domino (again), Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, Little

Richard and – his favourite – Ray Charles, with Irish poet Paul Durcan on vocal duties.

WHAT AM I LIVING FOR? (APPEARS ON 2006 ALBUM PAY THE DEVIL)

Morrison tipped his cowboy hat to Chuck Willis on this countrified cover of the so-called King Of The Stroll’s hit. The original tune is a woozily tongue-incheek lament; Van’s an outright heartbreaker. “That was worth it,” he exclaims at the end, knowing that he’s smashed the take.

EARLY DAYS (APPEARS ON 2019 ALBUM THREE CHORDS & THE TRUTH)

That boogie-woogie piano intro; the buoyant bassline and skronking sax; the way the keys shimmer like white gold – Morrison is in his element here. This heartfelt ode to rock’n’roll’s golden era anticipates Accentuate The Positive in all its nostalgic glory.

I’M SO LONESOME I COULD CRY (APPEARS ON 2023 ALBUM MOVING ON SKIFFLE)

Van came full circle with this year’s Moving On Ski e. Asked about the curious inclusion of a track by the bard of country, he protested: “Well, skiffe groups were playing Hank Williams as well.” He’s in good company, given that Elvis and Jerry Lee rocked up the tune, too.