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Music Monday: Van Day

by Scott Lydon


Happy Music Monday! Say, where would we be without vans? Vans are very talented at making music, you know. Today Scott's gathered five famous Vans in honor of Van Morrison's birthday. We'll run into him at the end. But first...

Townes Van Zandt - If I Needed You

 

You probably noticed my love of Townes Van Zandt last week. Normally I try not to do the same artist back to back, but this time I made a little exception. He's just so good at being sad, isn't he? Don't worry, Vans aren't always melancholy. It's gonna get happier after the jump.

Four more Vans comin' up inside! Join us, why don't you.

Van Halen - Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love

 

Van Halen is forever tied to a very specific time of rock and excess. Today they probably would never be able to reach their current heights. But even now they still have that "driving in a Trans Am after school" sound that many rock bands just can't find. If that's what you're in the mood for, there ain't nothin' better.

Vanessa Williams - Dreamin'

 

Yes, she's as much a Van as anyone else on this list! And anyway, Vanessa Williams kinda did the impossible by surviving a scandal on nothing but talent. How many other Miss America winners can you think of that did, well, anything at all?

Luther Vandross - Here & Now

 

Did you know that Luther Vandross started out working with David Bowie? It's true! Some of that Young Americas sound is due to this later-famous Van. And, to be fair, Luther Vandross probably learned a few things from Bowie as well.

Van Morrison - Astral Weeks

 

And, finally, the birthday boy himself. I actually do not really enjoy his hits (I know, it's classic rock blasphemy) but I love THIS Van Morrison so much. And also this one too.

Let us just remind you: some images come from the corresponding Wikipedia page and are here under fair use. See you next week.