Van Morrison’s “Listen to the Lion” remains one of the most striking long-form songs from his 1970s work, 54 years after its release.
The more than 11-minute track, recorded during sessions at Columbia Studios in San Francisco in 1971, became part of Morrison’s 1972 album Saint Dominic’s Preview.
The song stands out for its unusual length, repeated phrases, shifting vocals and slow-building musical arrangement. Instead of following a short verse-and-chorus format, Morrison allows the performance to grow over time, using his voice almost like another instrument…