Van Morrison – Too Long In Exile

Description

Too Long In Exile is an album by the Northern Irish singer and songwriter Van Morrison, released on Polydor Records in June 1993. The album was recorded by Mick Glossop and Richard Manwaring at The Wool Hall Studios in Bath, England; and at The Plant Recording Studios in Sausalito, USA; with Van Morrison producing for Exile Productions. Mixed by Glossop at The Wool Hall Studios and at The Plant Recording Studios.

In one of those classic interview moments, B.B. King at 60 responded to a question about his possible retirement with winning words: “The Blues do not retire.” Expletives deleted, I’m sure. The only other living person that comes to mind totally hip enough for those words to apply is Van the Man.

Since 1990, Van Morrison has been so prolific, so productive, so amazingly forth-coming with product that is, rich with his soulful musical excursions, that its hard to remember that he’s a recluse. Along with releasing the two volumes of ‘The Best of Van Morrison’, he’s produced ‘Enlightenment’, the massive two disc ‘Hymns to the Silence’ and now this fifteen song collection of mostly new songs, which is masterfully written and beautifully played. It’s if he’s single-handedly rediscovered the Protestant work ethic, and is out to prove that most of the pop stars who claim him as mentor and inspiration are merely slackers compared to what he’s still capable of creating.

Gone are the aspirations to current trends in pop, that crept into past efforts. Morrison seems content, to lay back in luxurious music, soulful and rich in substance. Jazzy at times, bluesy at others, offen extended into a trance like state, Morrison allows these songs to play themselves out; as in the 8 minutes plus of «Till We Get the Healing Done» where he sings “Oh we’re living for the grace of the Lord/ Baby feel so good about it all/ Oh give thanks every day.” It’s going to take a while, he suggests, to reach our goal, and he’s willing to stretch out the groove and live with it with us for a while if that’ll help. And it does.

Two John Lee Hooker duets add to the special feel of ‘Too Long in Exile’ – a fabulous remake of «Gloria» and the even more spectacular «Wasted Years». Plus classics turned out with respect for the tradition, yet embodied by that healing touch that Van seems to instinctively incarnate. Listen to Doc Pomus’ «Lonely Avenue» and you’ll feel the sacredness of sadness like never before. Hear «Good Morning Little Schoolgirl (Sonny Boy Williamson)», «Lonesome Road (Shilkret/Austin)», or «Moody’s Mood for Love» and it’s fine enough to lighten any load. The gentle prodding of light in Morrison’s adaptation of Yeats’ «Before the World Was Made», with the sweet sax of Candy Dulfer and vibes of Teena Lyle.

No, Van, no. Whatever it is you got, I don’t think its going to need to retire. [Brian Q. Newcomb, Syndicate Magazine, September/October 1993, Vol. 8, Issue 5]

> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/too-long-in-exile/1828987467)

CD tracklist:

01. Too Long In Exile – 6:18
02. Big Time Operators – 6:03
03. Lonely Avenue – 6:23
04. Ball & Chain – 5:36
05. In The Forest – 4:37
06. Till We Get The Healing Done – 8:21
07. Gloria – 5:18
08. Good Morning Little Schoolgirl – 4:05
09. Wasted Years – 3:56
10. The Lonesome Road – 3:14
11. Moody’s Mood For Love – 2:51
12. Close Enough For Jazz – 2:38
13. Before The World Was Made – 4:22
14. I’ll Take Care Of You – 5:19
15. Instrumental / Tell Me What You Want – 8:09

Note: Simultaneously released on cassette, 12-inch vinyl double LP, and CD by Polydor Records.