Saint Dominic's Preview (song)
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| “Saint Dominic's Preview” | ||
|---|---|---|
| Song by Van Morrison | ||
| Album | Saint Dominic's Preview | |
| Released | July 1972 | |
| Genre | Folk rock, R&B | |
| Length | 6:30 | |
| Label | Warner Bros. Records | |
| Writer | Van Morrison | |
| Composer | Van Morrison | |
| Producer | Ted Templeman, Van Morrison | |
| Saint Dominic's Preview track listing | ||
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"Saint Dominic's Preview" is the title song on the 1972 sixth album of Northern Irish singer-songwriter Van Morrison. This song was also included on Morrison's acclaimed live album, It's Too Late To Stop Now, released in 1974.
Morrison has said the song came to him in a stream of consciousness and that he later picked up a newspaper and read an announcement of a mass that was being held in a St. Dominic's church in San Francisco for peace in Belfast.[1]
It is said to contain his most Dylanesque lyrics. The words form images but not a complete story as they are mixed with a variety of subjects such as cleaning windows, Edith Piaf's soul, Yeats and Hank Williams. Touching on the Belfast situation at that time (The Troubles), there are references to "orange" boxes, "flags and emblems" and people determined "not to feel anyone else's pain."[2]
Perhaps referring to his personal life and successful career at this time in his life are the lines:
- All the restaurant tables are completely covered
- And the record company has paid out for the wine
- You got ev'rything in the world you ever wanted
- And right about now your face should wear a smile
Gary Mallaber (from the Moondance album) plays drums on this song and Morrison's then wife, Janet Planet, is one of the back-up vocalists.
A re-mastered version of this song is included on the 2007 compilation album, Still on Top - The Greatest Hits.
Contents |
[edit] Appearance on other albums and videos
- It was one of the live performances recorded and included on Morrison's 1974 acclaimed live album, It's Too Late To Stop Now.
- "Saint Dominic's Preview" has been re-mastered in 2007 and included on the compilation album, Still on Top - The Greatest Hits.
- "Saint Dominic's Preview" is also one of the songs performed in 1979, on Morrison's first video Van Morrison in Ireland, released in 1981.
[edit] Personnel on original release
- Van Morrison: Guitar, Vocal
- Jules Broussard: Tenor Saxophone
- Bill Church: Bass
- Gary Mallaber: Drums
- John McFee: Steel Guitar
- Doug Messenger: Guitar
- Pat O'Hara: Trombone
- Janet Planet: Backing Vocals
- Tom Salisbury: Piano, Organ
- Ellen Schroer: Backing Vocals
- Jack Schroer: Alto, Baritone Saxophones
- Mark Springer: Backing Vocals
[edit] Notes
[edit] References
- Hinton, Brian (2000). Celtic Crossroads: The Art of Van Morrison, Sanctuary, ISBN 1-86074169X
- Rogan, Johnny (2006). Van Morrison: No Surrender, London: Vintage Books ISBN 9780099431831
[edit] External links
- RS Review: album/songs: "Saint Dominic's Preview"
- Lyrics and Audio Sample1970s, Saint Dominic's Preview
