The Story Of Them Featuring Van Morrison
Them
(This review originally appeared on the Classic Rock
channel of about.com, Fall 1998)
During their first, tumultuous two years of existence, Them entered the pop rock
mainstream with all the graciousness of an Irish Bulldog. Their gruff appearance and
wrathful R & B stance was right in line with British counterparts like the Rolling
Stones and the Animals.
But unlike Mick Jagger and Eric Burdon, Them lead singer / chief songwriter Van
Morrison didn't exactly embrace the role of pop prince. He was short, temperamental and
seemingly difficult to work with. This resulted in a constant shift in personnel that most
likely prevented Them from joining the big league ranks of the Stones, the Kinks, the Who
and the Beatles -- perennial icons of the 60s British Invasion.
Still, much of the music Them churned out from 1964 to 1966 has stood the test of the
time. Them was no-nonsense, unpretentious and angry on one hand; subtle, magical and
winsome on the other. Their music undoubtedly set the stage for Morrison, whose solo work
has spanned over the course of almost four decades.
The Story of Them Featuring Van Morrison
pretty much covers it -- rough edges and all. From their beginnings as a developing
R&B force in Belfast, Ireland to their imminent move to England in 1964 after landing
a deal with Decca Records, Them became a band with a unique sound -- accentuated
by rollicking organ riffs, crispy guitars, and the immeasurable vocalizations of a young
Van Morrison.
Morrison was dually responsible for writing a bulk of the original Them material,
including Mystic Eyes and Gloria, a barnstorming anthem for years to come.
Producer Bert Berns -- who would continue to work with Morrison during his solo career --
also contributed immensely to Them's catalogue. Aside from I
Gave My Love A Diamond and Go On Home Baby,
Berns penned Here Comes the Night, which,
along with Mystic Eyes, dented the Top 40
chart in the U.S. and gave Them (!) the required push they needed to conquer America. The
band would eventually tour the states, appearing alongside the Association, the Grassroots
and the Doors -- their hands heartily full with the other Morrison.
To understand Van Morrison's roots, one has to consider his affinity for R & B
standards. This collection offers a vast selection of choice rhythm and blues covered by
Them. There's the steadiness of T. Bone Walker's Stormy
Monday; a soulful, heart- wrenching performance of Ray Charles' I Got A Woman; and Joe Williams' Baby Please Don't Go, another big single that
included Jimmy Page on lead guitar.
Dissatisfied with becoming strictly a hit factory (and much to chagrin of their
management), Them started to delve into whimsical territory with mixed results. While
Morrison's original reading of Paul Simon's Richard Cory
evokes a sort of Stonesy/C & W feel, the alternate version here is much more serene
with its rich acoustic underbelly and placid harmonica lines at the end of each refrain.
Much of their later recordings reflect the changes and growth the band -- especially
Morrison -- was experiencing.
Van Morrison and Them released only two albums -- most of which is on this 2-CD,
50-song anthology. The package is barren of extensive liner notes detailing the history
behind the band or specific track dates. It might have been nice to know a little more
about some of the other members who contributed their talents to Them.
Morrison, of course, has gone on to become a world-renowned stylist. Word has it, he'd
just as soon forget about his days with Them. After listening to this compilation, it's
hard to imagine that anyone would want to forget about Them.
Shawn Perry
For submissions, comments, suggestions and offers of sponsorship
Send E-mail to stperry@inetworld.net
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