Van Morrison: It's Too Late to Stop Now (Warner Brothers)

IT'S TOO Late is the perfect album if you're going to have only one by Van Morrison. Everything you'll need to know about the Belfast Blues Boy is in these grooves, from early beginnings and inspirations through creative peak — though on which of his previous albums that occurs seems to be a matter of personal opinion (mine says Moondance), and food for a good amount of after-dinner conversation.