The July 8 edition of Radio Kaos featured the second installation of an in-depth focus on the music of Van Morrison.
While only scraping the surface of Morrison’s career — he not only sings but is a multi-instrumentalist — the primary goal is to provide an aural account of the development and maturity of his writing and musical style over the course of nearly 60 years as well as the philosophical and artistic interests he had at different points in his life.
In retrospective style, the multi-part program is a chronological overview of the career of the Belfast Cowboy, tracing his studio and on-stage efforts following his departure from Them in 1966.
Based on the success of such Them singles as “Gloria” and “Mystic Eyes,” there was no questioning Morrison’s ability as a writer and singer, but the extent of his future chart success and longevity as a solo artist couldn’t be estimated based on his infamous combative personality and history of drink-fueled social misbehavior.
Since the first part of the spotlight covered Morrison from his 1967 solo debut, Blowin’ Your Mind through Into The Music in 1979, the second edition will pick up with his 1980 release, Common One and feature at least one track from each of his subsequent albums.