The Band

It's been a long haul for both the Band and Van Morrison; they have made their livings as
rock & rollers for close to 20 years now. To judge solely by their new albums (Morrison's is
his first release since 1974) time is catching up with them, though whether they will again
outdistance it remains an open question. Morrison made better music in '64 and '65 with
Them, the first (and last?) great Irish rock & roll band; as the Hawks, the Band mad... More >

Even true believers admit that this sounds like a listless farewell to old habits--recording as a group on Capitol, for instance. The best song is about the baby Jesus and almost made me gag first time I heard it; the second best is about a traveling evangelist and strikes a familiar note; and the third best is a remake that sounds like one. (Grade: C+)