Van Morrison “Saint Dominic’s Preview” (1972) <i> Warner Brothers</i>

Among the finest of the early LPs by this singing poet from Northern Ireland, “Saint Dominic’s Preview,” isn’t jazzy like his earlier, more popular “Moondance” (though one cut here, “Gypsy,” would fit onto “Moondance” quite nicely). This is a more acoustic-oriented affair, and the inimitable Van vocals somehow hauntingly assume the timber of the tasty strumming throughout.

From the Motown-y opener--a brassy tribute to his late voicesake, Jackie Wilson--through the 10-minute-plus closer, “Almost Independence Day,” Morrison exhibits his rare ability to turn every song into a story, and his velvety voice into a unique instrument.

While each of the seven tracks is outstanding in its own way, the hypnotic “Listen to the Lion” is worthy of extra special mention: “I shall search my very soul,” Van whispers/growls, and for the next 10 minutes of musical magic, you’ll find yourself searching yours, too.