New album from the enigmatic singer, and quite a bluesy affair too.

Opener "How Can A Poor Boy" is reminiscent of Sun era Presley, slowed down somewhat, while "School Of Hard Knocks" is kind of heavy yet whimsical blues/pop. Van Morrison's vocals always seem to add a downbeat mood.

"That's Entertainment" is just classic VM pop. "Don't Go To Nightclubs Anymore" is back to the blues, featuring the kind of almost cheesy keyboard chords you find in bar bands. Slow and easy blues, yes Nightclubs is the right angle on this one.

VM produces a good, if MOR, sound here. Very inoffensive, with VM's distinctive voice, a nod at coffee table blues. A modern production make for some very easy listening.

Not bad, but not startling either.

***

Review by Joe Geesin

www.joegeesin.com