Inarticulate Speech of the Heart is the only Van Morrison album I own, and the reason I like it is probably also the reason you don't: - because it does not sound like Van. :D

Sorry, but I never liked his bluesy vocal delivery style at all, and that cloese the door to most of his albums for me. It's less off-putting on his more bouncy poppy songs like brown Eyed Girl, Come Running to Me, and Domino... and of course half of Inarticulate Speech is Instrumental, so no problem there.

I'm particularly jolted by your putdown of Celtic Swing, which I love and consider the centrepiece of the album, a track whose title describes itself perfectly. Oh well, different strokes as they say.

Check out "Poetic Champions Compose"

Haven't heard that one. Looking at this thread I realise that applies to 90% of his catalogue. Veedon Fleece is my favourite out of those I have heard. Never been a huge Van fan but that album hit the spot for me.

Wonderful thread. I'm sorry I have only just joined the forum as I would have enjoyed sharing my thoughts and feelings. It is always interesting hearing other opinions on albums which you absolutely love. Unless they only give Troubadours 8/10. Then it is just distressing.