Van Morrison Details New Double-LP ‘Latest Record Project: Volume 1,’ Shares Meta Title Track (Listen)

Van Morrison is releasing new music soon, his first since a series of rather blunt “anti-lockdown” songs pushing back against COVID-19 restrictions put in place by the U.K. government.

On May 7, the legendary and outspoken singer/songwriter will release a new double-album titled Latest Record Project: Volume 1. Announced on Wednesday, the news came with the premiere of the title track, which lyrically refers to itself in a rather meta fashion:

Have you got my latest songs I’m singing? You got my latest songs I’m singing? Not something from so long ago:

Said Van Morrison of this new project and its straightforward title, in a statement:

“I’m getting away from the perceived same songs, same albums all the time. This guy’s done 500 songs, maybe more, so hello? Why do you keep promoting the same 10? I’m trying to get out of the box.”

Click here to pre-order Latest Record Project: Volume 1 on Deluxe CD from our Rock Cellar Store
Click here to pre-order Latest Record Project: Volume 1 on 3-LP from our Rock Cellar Store

Per a news release, the expansive Latest Record Project: Volume 1 is the result of our enforced period of isolation. Unable to tour, Morrison remained busy with constant songwriting, starting ideas on piano, guitar or saxophone. What emerged is a wealth of new material, which shimmers with a directness and vibrancy that comes from working with a rhythm section with whom he shares an immediate, spontaneous connection.

Here’s the tracklisting — make note of titles such as “Stop Bitching, Do Something,” “They Own the Media” and “Why Are You On Facebook?” — as it sure looks like Van Morrison is keeping himself concerned with contemporary issues this time around:

1. Latest Record Project
2. Where Have All the Rebels Gone?
3. Psychoanalysts’ Ball
4. No Good Deed Goes Unpunished
5. Tried to Do the Right Thing
6. The Long Con
7. Thank God for the Blues
8. Big Lie
9. A Few Bars Early

1. It Hurts Me Too
2. Only a Song
3. Diabolic Pressure
4. Deadbeat Saturday Night
5. Blue Funk
6. Double Agent
7. Double Bind
8. Love Should Come With A Warning
9. Breaking The Spell
10. Up County Down

1. Duper’s Delight
2. My Time After a While
3. He’s Not the Kingpin
4. Mistaken Identity
5. Stop Bitching, Do Something
6. Western Man
7. They Own the Media
8. Why Are You on Facebook?
9. Jealousy