Support truly
independent journalism
Our mission is to deliver unbiased, fact-based reporting that holds power to account and exposes the truth.
Whether $5 or $50, every contribution counts.
Support us to deliver journalism without an agenda.
![Louise Thomas](https://static.independent.co.uk/static-assets/support-us/louise-thomas.png)
Louise Thomas
Editor
If we’re talking baroque pop, Van Morrison’s folk-jazz classic, originally released in 1968, is the landmark work, an album so timeless it re-casts its spell each time you hear it.
It’s been sustained in this position partly through his reluctance to issue session material – concerns overridden for this remastered reissue, whose four outtakes reveal how precisely the songs were designed, despite their extemporised feel (some were improvised on the first take by jazz players who’d never met Morrison).
The most interesting outtake is an earlier version of “Madame George” yet to be given angelic wings by overdubbed strings; but although they offer a glimpse into works in progress, all lack the thrilling intrigue of the final takes.
None of which diminishes the original album, in which romantic reminiscence and spiritual yearning combine for one of music’s cornerstone works.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments