Van Morrison – Moondance (Rhino Reserve – Vinyl Review)

There is no better example of an album that sounds best on vinyl than Moondance, the 1970 LP from Van Morrison.  The laid back, sensual delivery coupled with the acoustic instrumentation, makes this a perfect fit for listening in analog.  Rhino Records has just reissued this classic in their Rhino Reserve, high-quality vinyl series.

We put it to the test – comparing it to our original, green-label Warner Brothers pressing.

First of all, this new release sounds fantastic.  The low end is quite a bit more pronounced than my original, really showcasing the excellent bass playing of John Klingberg.  All this is on display on the very first track, “And It Stoned Me.” The acoustic guitars and sax are bright, and the piano is warm and full.  

“Moondance” just jumps out of the speakers, and the bass just powers the song.  The 12-string guitar and vibes really shine on “Crazy Love” – Van feels like he’s in the room with you.  

There are actually two versions of “Into the Mystic,” and the one with a prominent tambourine is the original, which is included here.  Later vinyl pressings and early CDs all omitted it.

“Come Running” once again shows off the low end, and it’s even more prominent on “These Dreams of You.”  The harpsichord really jumps out on “Everyone,” while the horns taken center stage on “Glad Tidings.” 

The album is housed in a replica of the original, gatefold sleeve, with extensive liner notes inside.  

Where the new pressing comes up a little short?  It’s that hard to describe term, “head space.”  Putting on headphones, my 1970 copy just has a little more room, a little more air.  Yet, it lacks the low end of the Rhino Reserve copy – so it’s a trade off, for sure.

One of the all-time great albums, and a true showcase for the vinyl format – Moondance by Van Morrison sounds great in this new edition from Rhino Reserve.  —Tony Peters