AMG Review of Bang Masters

Jason Ankeny
All Music Guide

During the period between his departure from Them and his masterpiece Astral Weeks, Van Morrison tenured with Bert Berns' Bang label, notching his biggest solo hit with the classic single "Brown Eyed Girl" and laying the groundwork for the transcendent material to follow. The Bang Masters compiles the best of his recordings for the label, and although a good part of it is negligible in comparison to Morrison's greatest work, it's still necessary listening for fans. The remarkable "T.B. Sheets" captures Morrison at his most emotionally shattering, while early attempts at "Beside You" and "Madame George" hint at the genius just around the corner.