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. ~ Jason Ankeny, All Music Guide