Van Morrison

It's a testament to Van Morrison's prolific muse that a 21-track greatest hits compilation barely scratches the surface of the man's oeuvre. Nothing from Astral Weeks makes it on here; there's no "TB Sheets," no "Madame George," no "Tupelo Honey." But before you start howling in protest, prepare to meet again, as if for the first time, the searing, Howlin' Wolf-on-speed fury of "Gloria" (recorded with garage rockers Them) or the eternal joy of "Jackie Wilson Said." Morrison's shadow looms large over popular music, and these remastered hits only confirm -- and pay brief homage -- to that.