‘The Best Covers Ever’ series counts down our favorite covers of great artists.
I do not consciously aim to take the listener anywhere. If anything, I aim to take myself there in my music. If the listener catches the wavelength of what I am saying or singing, or gets whatever point whatever line means to them, then I guess as a writer I may have done a day’s work. – Van Morrison
When I wrote my first post for Cover Me, it was in celebration of Van Morrison’s 66th birthday. In it, I called him “perhaps the most incantatory singer in rock history; the words tumble from his mouth so fast they become never-quite-meaningless sounds, or they emerge bound and struggling themselves raw, or they flow out like brook water. Truly, he’s mastered what he calls ‘the inarticulate speech of the heart.’”
Fourteen years later (my gosh, has it been that long?), as Morrison reaches his four score, that still holds true. He is rock’s most spiritual curmudgeon, inscrutable and evocative, grouchily but magnificently folding into the mystic. His songs tap into their listeners in ways that would be eerie if they weren’t so universal. You don’t listen to Van Morrison’s music – you respond to it.
Today we’re looking at thirty responses, in the form of cover songs. These artists felt the hand of Van and responded accordingly. We think you’ll find them to be worthy rejoinders, what with their acuity and grace. They will make you feel good, and they will make you feel whole, when their spirit moves you and fills you through and through.
—Patrick Robbins, Features Editor
Allow me to add an important missing version: “The Way Young Lovers Do” by Maria McKee.
Evening, I may be the only one but the embedded videos seem to playing just last second of many videos. Thanks
Chris, thank you for letting us know. I’m not sure how, but putting in a code to start #24 five and a half minutes in somehow affected most of the songs that followed. It’s fixed now – thanks again.
Buckley’s version of TWYLD was absolutely stunning!!! What a way to close a set —- and a Top 30 list!
My email link to Spotify doesn’t work it goes to Mediafire… can you please forward a link… thanks
I love the Waterboys version of “Sweet Thing,” but unfortunately it was omitted.
Look again, Luis – it’s here, and in the top ten, no less!
There was a link to 75 Irish artist’s sing Van Morrison on here 5 years ago with a number of covers that are better than anything on here. I have to go dig it up now!
In case you didn’t find it…
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLecvPpx7imd5Hxs-x35kJ16-os9XqNSAU