Van Morrison 1970

His Band and Street Choir

Van Morrison released two classic albums in 1970, Moondance, and His Band and Street Choir. Moondance is generally more highly regarded among the critics, but I actually prefer His Band and Street Choir. It's a little looser, more R & B influenced, plus it has "Crazy Face",  a strange little masterpiece of a song that only Van Morrison could write. In any case these are both brilliant albums which I have listened to dozens if not hundreds of times since the vinyl came out way back when. They both make my top ten for 1970.

Moondance back cover.

Favorite 45s - Brandy (You're A Fine Girl) by Looking Glass (1972)

Brandy (You're A Fine Girl) by Looking Glass was a number one hit single in 1972 and was consistently played on the radio for many years. It also got a ton of play in our house as we had the 45, so it always takes me way back in time whenever I hear it. It's a super catchy tune, expertly produced and arranged, with a great lead vocal by composer and guitarist Elliot Lurie. Timeless and classic, it's one of the great hit songs from the 1970s. The b-side, One By One, written by the other singer-composer in the band, Piet Sweval, isn't half bad either. Though not a catchy tune like Brandy, it's got a nice forlorn feeling and more of a country vibe.