Van’s ostensible debut solo album (depending on interpretation), pressed out of obligation to Bang Records is a miscellany of his earliest writing as well as a couple of serviceable covers. While it might feel largely inessential owing to the artist’s own consternation about the contractual nature of the release as well as the uncharacteristic cover art, it also happens to contain Van’s most commercially popular song, “Brown Eyed Girl”, which has found its way into constant rotation on classic rock radio as well as being a perennial favorite at most sorority formals and sweet sixteens. Love it or hate it (and it’s pretty fair to assume Van hated it) Blowin’ Your Mind! is a solid indication of a young songwriter capable of vaulting heights and the mark of the greatness that was right around the corner. Next up: Astral Weeks and a whole new ballgame.