Domino

The Zoo Crew is spinning the infectious "Domino" by Van Morrison, the opening track from his 1970 album His Band and the Street Choir, and the Zoo Freaks are surely digging its funky R&B vibe. This song, a tribute to New Orleans legend Fats Domino, was written by Morrison in 1968 but held back until 1970, possibly to avoid a contractual clause with Web IV that would have given the publisher half the copyright if released earlier. Recorded in multiple sessions, including autumn 1968 at Warners Publishing Studio and spring 1970 at A&R Recording Studios in New York City, "Domino" became Morrison’s highest-charting single, peaking at #9 on the Billboard Hot 100. Music critic Robert Christgau called it a “superb example of Morrison’s loose, allusive white R&B,” while biographer Brian Hinton noted its “toughly joyful” energy, with lyrics that hint at Morrison’s discomfort with fame. The song’s lively ad-libs, like Morrison shouting “Dig it!” and “And the band… one more time!”, amplify its raw, celebratory feel, as noted by Peter Mills in his book Hymns to the Silence. It’s no wonder Van Morrison’s Facebook fans still rave about its enduring groove.

Another tidbit for the Zoo Freaks: "Domino" was shaped by Morrison’s response to Warner Bros.’ push for radio-friendly hits after the success of Moondance. Engineer Elliot Scheiner, who mixed the track, recalled using minimal effects—just echo chambers and delays—to capture its live energy, with horn overdubs adding punch. The song’s infectious guitar intro, praised by Rolling Stone’s Jon Landau, set the tone for the album’s upbeat soul. Fans on Van Morrison’s Instagram often share clips of live performances, like the 1973 version from It’s Too Late to Stop Now, where Morrison’s tight band and horn section make it a standout. A demo from 1969, found on bootlegs like Unplugged in the Studio, reveals a rawer take with different lyrics explicitly referencing Fats Domino, showing how Morrison refined the song over years. The track’s gospel-tinged call for “rhythm and blues music on the radio” resonates with the Zoo Crew’s vinyl-spinning ethos.

Van Morrison began his musical journey in Belfast, Northern Ireland, born George Ivan Morrison on August 31, 1945. Growing up in a working-class family, he was exposed to music through his father’s extensive record collection, which included blues, jazz, and R&B artists like Lead Belly and Ray Charles. By age 13, Morrison was playing guitar and saxophone in local skiffle and rock bands. In 1964, he formed the band Them, blending R&B with Celtic influences, and their hit “Gloria” became a garage rock staple. After leaving Them in 1966, Morrison went solo, signing with Bang Records, where he recorded his first hit, “Brown Eyed Girl,” in 1967. His move to Warner Bros. in 1968 marked a creative leap with the seminal album Astral Weeks, establishing him as a singular voice in music. Follow his ongoing career on Van Morrison’s X account, where updates about tours and new releases, like the 2024 single “Down to Joy,” keep fans engaged.

For Zoo Freaks wanting to dive deeper, Van Morrison’s official website offers tour dates, discography, and fan stories, while his Facebook page buzzes with fan posts about classics like “Domino.” On Instagram, Morrison shares vintage photos and performance clips, connecting with newer generations. The X account provides real-time updates, though Morrison has noted he avoids direct social media presence due to past online harassment, as reported by Morrissey Central. Fan communities thrive on sites like Van Morrison’s fan page, where devotees share concert memories, and Facebook groups like Van Morrison Fans foster discussions about his 40+ albums. These platforms keep the spirit of Morrison’s music alive, much like the Zoo Crew’s dedication to spinning his records for the Zoo Freaks.