Classic Pop Icons

Van Morrison’s “Glad Tidings” is Song of the Week on Classic Pop Icons. “Glad Tidings” was first heard in February 1970 as the closing track on Morrison’s classic album “Moondance”.

Musically, “Glad Tidings” is like “Brown Eyed Girl” part two, with the chord structure, bass work, guitar licks and “la la la la” vocalisations all nodding to the earlier hit. That’s not to say that the song has nothing new to say musically. The fantastic, lively bass intro immediately engages the listener, the central melody is not derivative, and the powerful, highly infectious arrangement, with Stax-inspired punchy horns, has more edge than the earlier song. It’s just a great recording from start to finish, featuring one of Morrison’s most accomplished vocals.

In their contemporary review of the “Moondance” album in Rolling Stone (March 19, 1970), Greil Marcus and Lester Bangs said of “Glad Tidings”:

This feel-good sound produced by Morrison and his band is so infectious that the lyrics hardly matter. The “Glad Tidings” title and uplifting performance point to a positive message, but even under close scrutiny, Morrison’s intended meaning is open to interpretation. “And they’ll lay you down low and easy” could be romantic or threatening. The producers of the brilliant television show “The Sopranos” chose the latter meaning when they so memorably used “Glad Tidings” throughout their season five finale.

Van Morrison – “Glad Tidings”

Authorship

“Glad Tidings” was written by Van Morrison.

Recording date/location

“Glad Tidings” was recorded at the “Moondance” sessions which took place from September-November 1969 at A&R Recording Studios, New York City.

Musicians

The following musicians appeared on “Glad Tidings”:

• Van Morrison – vocals, guitar
• John Platania – guitar
• John Klingberg – bass guitar
• Jeff Labes – organ
• Gary Mallaber – drums
• Collin Tilton – tenor sax
• Jack Schroer – alto sax
• Emily Houston, Judy Clay and Jackie Vardell – backing vocals.

Executive producer, Lewis Merenstein, had originally selected many of the musicians who had appeared on Morrison’s previous album, “Astral Weeks,” but according to guitarist John Platania, Morrison manipulated the situation until he had removed them all in favour of the above players.

Chart performance

“Glad Tidings” was not released on single, but the album on which is appeared, “Moondance,” reached number 29 on the Billboard album chart in the US.

“Moondance” peaked at number 32 in the UK.

There will be a new Song of the Week on May 14.

“Glad Tidings” is available on the album “Moondance”.

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