I recommended this CD to a friend who’s a Van Morrison fan and he asked why he should buy it when he already owned the original versions of these songs. I told him he still should because he wasn’t going to believe how great this CD was going to sound in his car. I guaranteed it would make him drive too fast.

I’ve been catching the Belfast Cowboys live since 2002 and I love this CD. It works, because where Van swings, they rock. Also, some of Van’s later albums sound like they were made with studio musicians. They’re good albums, but they lack the intangible communication a band develops after a couple hundred gigs. When you listen to the Cowboys blast through these thirteen tunes its obvious they’re a real, dues-paying band having a ball. 

My friend also asked why anyone in their right mind would try to compete with Van’s vocals. I told him I didn’t think that was the point. I’ve watched the crowds dance at the shows and I think the point of the Belfast Cowboys is just to try and help people enjoy their lives a little more. I will, however, make one blasphemous claim. The funky version of “Cleaning Windows” that opens this CD tops Van’s original from “Beautiful Vision.” Check it out.

I’ll tell you the truth about my friend. I think he’s feigning skepticism in the hope that I’ll burn the CD for him. I’m not going to. He can afford to buy a CD from a hard-working band, especially one this good.
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I LOVE this CD1 I got it for my husband and sister in law and they both Love IT! If your a fan of Vintage Van Morrison this is a treat. Vic's horns are great, Terry does an excellent job. If you live in the Twin Cities and haven't seen them go see the Belfast Cowboys! Love you Guys! jess in St Paul
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