Astral Weeks

The music gods were smiling this morning as they gave me Astral Weeks for album of the day on the morning my daughter was born and this album is perfect for holding your newborn baby...

A man chats over boring music. Occasionally he sings and it's somehow worse. Boring shite and too long

They always say to try and separate the art from the artist but as someone from Northern Ireland who has had to listen to the drivel coming out of "Van the man" in the last year and a half and having friends who have had the misfortune of trying to serve him in the various cafes and restaurants he frequents it is hard to appreciate the music when the man behind it is just such a massive ballbag.

A list of vans in my order of preference: 5. Van Halen 4. Van Morrison 3. Van Gogh 2. The A Team van 1. The van in which SHACK picks up the kids.

Vantastic

My fav Van Morrison album, it flits and dances around like a butterfly on a sunny spring day. Although he sings like he's got a mouthful of cotton balls, it works with the soulful music and it still holds up really well considering its over 50 years old. The only miss is Slim Slow Slider which sounds like an afterthought to the 7 brilliant songs that preceded it, so I give it a 4.5 and round it up to a 5 because its a sunny Spring day.

I always confuse Jim Morrison and Van Morrison and Morrissey. Van Morrison is the Brown Eyed Girl guy... and the guy who did this. Astral Weeks - Sort of light fluffy folksy stuff here. Inoffensive. If not for the length, I could hear this being played at a diner. Beside You - A bit more jazzy. A bit more dissonant. A bit better! Sweet Thing - I feel like all three of these tracks so far are kind of like the folksy acoustic songs that Zeppelin did, but that Zeppelin did them better. Cyprus Avenue - Okay this album is just the music that all the boomers lost their virginity to, isn't it? The Way Young Lovers Do - I feel like Quentin Tarantino likes this one. Jazzy and brassy. So far this is the best song to me. Madame George - Okay this is the best song on the album. Indelibly sad. Possibly about a transvestite. This was worth the price of admission. Ballerina - Fine. Slim Slow Slider - The only track that's not really over produced. Sad, slow. Great! I don't think I liked this one very much. Sorry, Ivan.

An almost perfect folk rock album with jazz and blues influence. Each song flows into the next, forming into one continuous musical experience rather than a conceptual album. The instrumentals backing Van Morrison's stream-of-conscious vocals and varying tone paint an image with each lyric. From start to finish, the album takes you through an emotional journey and the depth of it gets greater with each subsequent listen. Favorite tracks: Astral Weeks, Beside You, Madame George, Ballerina.

I like this much better than his more recent anti-lockdown stuff. Rolling Stone listed this as one of the top 20 albums of all time, and while that may be too generous, it's still a flawless album in my opinion. Classic.

these don't seem like songs, more like drafts of songs. I can't see how this in an important album. Every song felt like a draft or through away.

If memory serves me correctly, this is one of those albums, like Starsailor by Tim Buckley, where a folk artist pays hommage to improvised jazz and the critics love it. In some songs Van's voice seems like a long, free-form saxophone solo. For me, his voice, in the absence of song structure or melody doesn't stand that well on its own. The instrumentation is great, especially the violin & bass. I liked The Way That Young Lovers Do, and wish it wasn't the shortest song on the album.

This album is a classic and it is evident why. Everything about it is gorgeous. Van's soulful vocals and heartwrenching lyrics. Rich strings and brass sections. Fantastic production. Just a completely beautiful album.

I've never sat down and listened to this in full before. I'm aware its bang up there on most all time great list, so am looking forward to this.... This doesn't sound like an album from 1968. Clean, crisp production held together by a soaring soulful voice. Each song take you to a different place but fit together perfectly. There is no standout song as such, but the whole thing (its a proper album) is magnificent as a whole piece of work. This is going to get played to death by me from now on. Comfortably the best album we've heard so far in JLAC. 5/5

Van Morrison is best when Brown Eyed Girl is not involved. Very much enjoyed this album and a full listening gave me a new appreciation for the group. 10/10.

Wow!...just...Wow! Nearly 100 albums in and this project has just handed me the best new discovery yet. Having instilled in me an appreciation of Bob Dylan, an artist whom I once despised, and who I can now listen to and enjoy, it has now revealed to me what kind of an album Dylan could deliver if he could actually sing. Van Morrison's voice is soulful, distinctive, and a delight to listen to. I don't typically enjoy songs with overly abstract or cryptic lyrics, but I was enthralled by every track on this album, to the point where I kept stopping what I was doing just to take the music in. I've not had a great experience with the 60's albums received over the weeks I've been participating in this project, but this one breaks the mold. If I didn't know better, and was told that this was first released in 2024, I think I would believe it without question. It's timeless, and simply awesome - definitely an addition to my Tidal library, and definitely getting five stars from me.

The movement from pop hits like “Brown Eyed Girl” to a soundscape like this is what the 60s is all about. This album been called “folk jazz” or folk/blues/classical/jazz. In other words it defies easy categorization. It’s been called “stream of consciousness” at least in its lyrical presentation, but that seems true of the music as well. It just sounds like musicians finding their groove. It’s been called a “song cycle” versus a concept album. Either way, you can drop the needle anywhere and have the same experience. It’s going to defy genre and you can love it or hate it. I for one love it. I think you should give this a listen before you die.

Astral Weeks I went through a big Van Morrsion phase about 15 years ago and I absolutely love this album. It’s astonishing that something this delicate, moving and beautiful could be made by someone who’s such a cunt. Sometimes it's hard to separate the art and artist, and this is extra tricky with his extra cuntiness over the last few years, but Van Morrison has always been a cunt, so I’m well enough practised to ignore much of that. Even though, of course, I’m inconsistent enough to not be so forgiving of other objectionable people’s music. Anyhow, that aside, I love the flows and movement of this album, the songs, instrumentation, melodies and atmospheres, sometimes skipping around like butterflies, sometimes babbling like a stream, sometimes flitting like a breeze. The stream of consciousness words give the whole thing a dreamy feel, where some things make sense and feel concrete and real and others feel abstract and out of reach. The first side from Astral Weeks to Cypress Avenue is almost perfect in that regard, each of the four songs having a commonality of sound and style, but working as a brilliant cycle of songs, hazy and ephemeral yet simultaneously tactile and dynamic. Cypress Avenue is the cornerstone of these, but I do also love Sweet Thing’s bucolic feel. The Way Young Lovers Do is possibly the least strong track, and feels a little out of sync with the rest of the album, although I get why it starts the 2nd side, as a bit of an end point to side 1 and before heading back into the ethereal and impressionistic soundscapes of the absolutely fantastic Madame George. What a song, like the first side’s tracks, the double bass giving it a sense of being rooted in something real, the circular guitars give it a sense of rhythm and movement, the strings freely skipping around give it an untethered sense, while the dream-like imagery of the lyrics tie the whole thing together. It’s kind of hard to follow that but Ballerina, while maintaining a similar atmosphere, has a tangibility and density to it, with a great, soulful vocal. Slim Slow Slider’s jazzy sax, double bass, percussion and mentions of Ladbroke Grove, locate it more in a big city at night, in contrast to the more vaguely pastoral and less lonely settings of the other songs, ends the album brilliantly, as a kind of step into reality after the mystic dreaminess of the rest of the album. It’s been great rediscovering how much I love this album today, after not hearing it for a good few years. It’s an easy 5, right up there with my favourite albums. 🚐🚐🚐🚐🚐 Playlist submission: I’d like the whole first side really, but I’ll go for Madame George.

Great album. I switched to headphones about halfway through and it really makes the listening experience better (at least with high quality ones). My favorite song is ‘The Way Young Lovers Do’; I really like the horns on that one. Acoustic instrumentation is high quality all around as well.

Makes me want to live at that time and in that place.

Mix of jazz, folk, soul, rhythm and blues to create something unique and beautiful. With delightful poetry. Top marks

One of my favorite folk albums. Previously only known for pop hits "Brown-eyed girl" and "Moondance," I was pleasantly surprised by how perfect these tracks are. The music is often described as impressionistic, which means emotions are conveyed through characteristics of the music rather than the melody or lyrics themselves: The dissonance in "Beside You," the raunchy vocals in "Ballerina," or the dreamlike imagery of "Madame George." Often I hate long tracks, but there is so much variation in each track that it keeps you engaged, especially as the tracks become increasingly emotional as they go on. The opening title track is the best example of what this album is about. Masterful crafty lyrics with a higher spiritual sound, often using experimental instruments or techniques, and a highly emotional voice to reflect on the deep lyrical content. Looking at "Beside You," I notice the instruments purposely clash to create a pleasant experience. I'm no art analyst so I can't explain how it works, but I believe the lighter instruments create a busy atmosphere for the vocals to break through gasping for a platform to let out his troubles, hopes, or frustration. Segments like "you breath in, you breath out..." demonstrate the latter. Then we have the most popular song, "Sweet Thing." Unlike the others, this one is optimistic, full of aspirations of the future. My favorite instrumentation, and I love that heavy string arrangement sound bit that interrupts the lyrics. I also really like the trend of the instruments and vocals getting increasingly intense as the song goes on, only to often get a avant near the end. "Cyprus Avenue" also has pretty instrumentation work between the double bass, harpsichord, and flute. How often do you see these guys working as team players? It's like a classical arrangement but also jazzy and also blues-like. Next song is an out-of-place but still excellent short jazz arrangement. Sure it doesn't fit, but I think it's inclusion helps break up two deeply emotional and pretty tracks that reminds me of Sufjan Stevens. The next track, "Madame George," is another favorite of mine due to its nostalgic yet often distracted lyrical content. The next song "Ballerina" has my favorite vocals, changing emotions so much in those 7 minutes. Last track doesn't do anything special the others haven't already, but I do love the solemn, abrupt ending. Those last few seconds almost sounded like Velvet Underground, which indicates to me drug addiction, but then again I'm not sure VU was influential at that time. Anyway, love this album from start to finish, with something interesting about each of them. Mostly coherent (that heavy jazz track). This is something I'd only play to pay attention to, as a pleasant way to pass the time or take inspiration from.

Ethereal and improvisational; this is the work that world forecast Morrison's depth and innovation as an artist as he headed into the 1970s. Fans looking for "Brown Eyed Girl" on repeat will be disappointed but this is a pinnacle of the blossoming singer-songwriter movement and it's the other side of the cultural coin.

i love this album. Can't tell me shit about it.

What a pleasant album! Astral Weeks is a great track to start this off. Very easy to listen to.

It took 4 listens to figure out my thoughts on this album… First, I love Van Morrison’s voice. I feel genuine emotion throughout. I can feel it in my gut when he lets loose. One minor complaint is that he mumbles at times. I have no idea what most of the lyrics mean on a comprehensive level. They are “conceptual.” Whatever, it doesn’t bother me. The musicians were damn good given that Van gave them no direction on what to play. They essentially jammed to figure out the music. Considering that, Van’s lyrical delivery has a bit of an improvisational feel at times that fits. The blown out brass section on The Way That Young Lovers Do is another minor complaint. 🙏🏼 1001 albums list. Thanks, never would have listened to this and I’m happy to continue listen.

Perfect for car rides and night vibes.

The tracks on Astral Weeks kind of end up coalescing into one giant song, giving the record a contemplative or meditative feel. When it comes to Van Morrison, though, I prefer Veedon Fleece.

Nice album, quite emotional, and relaxing

he do be shouting

1,001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die eh? Well death didn't come quick enough to save me from this. No stars.

By all accounts, Van Morrison is a deeply unpleasant person and he sings (as a review I once read put it) like a man trying to attract your attention across a crowded pub. But music works in mysterious ways and this album is a thing of beauty.

5* Perfection

Van Morrison is VERY dandergous 5*s

Amazin as always

An absolute ghoul today but this album is still incredible.

Why did Mateen have to tell me about Van Morrisons politics??? A perfect album.

Perfect album! Very nice songs and music. I lke it.

## In-Depth Review of *Astral Weeks* by Van Morrison Van Morrison's *Astral Weeks*, released in 1968, is often hailed as one of the greatest albums in music history. This review delves into its lyrics, music, production, themes, and influence, while also evaluating its pros and cons. ****Lyrics**** The lyrics of *Astral Weeks* are characterized by their *hallucinatory* quality, filled with vivid imagery and emotional depth. Morrison's writing reflects a deep sense of nostalgia and longing, often drawing on personal memories and experiences. The album opens with the title track, where Morrison sings about venturing into a dreamlike state: > "If I ventured in the slipstream, between the viaducts of your dream." This line encapsulates the album's exploration of memory and the subconscious. The lyrics are fragmented yet cohesive, creating a tapestry of emotions that resonate with listeners. For instance, in "Ballerina," Morrison captures a moment of intimacy with lines that convey both vulnerability and desire. His attention to detail—such as specifying the "light on the left side of your head"—adds a unique touch that elevates his storytelling. The recurring themes of love, loss, and existential reflection permeate the album. Songs like "Cypress Avenue" evoke a sense of place and time, while "Slim Slow Slider" confronts mortality with haunting sincerity. The lyrical content invites listeners to engage deeply with their own experiences, making it relatable across generations. ****Music**** Musically, *Astral Weeks* is a groundbreaking fusion of rock, jazz, folk, and classical elements. The arrangements are fluid and improvisational, featuring a diverse ensemble of talented musicians. Key contributors include bassist Richard Davis, flutist John Payne, and drummer Connie Kay. Their performances create an ethereal soundscape that complements Morrison's emotive vocals. The album's instrumentation is characterized by: - **Flute**: Adds a whimsical quality to tracks like "The Way Young Lovers Do." - **Strings**: Provide lush backgrounds that enhance the emotional weight of songs. - **Acoustic Guitar**: Grounds the music in folk traditions while allowing for jazz-inspired improvisation. The production by Lewis Merenstein plays a crucial role in shaping the album's sound. He opted for a live feel rather than heavily polished studio recordings, which allows the spontaneity of the performances to shine through. This decision contributes to the album's organic quality, making it feel like an intimate experience rather than a commercial product. ****Themes**** *Astral Weeks* explores several profound themes: - **Memory and Nostalgia**: The lyrics often reflect on past experiences and relationships, evoking a sense of longing for what once was. - **Transcendence**: Many songs grapple with spiritual themes and the search for meaning beyond earthly existence. - **Love**: The complexities of romantic relationships are portrayed with both tenderness and raw vulnerability. These themes resonate deeply with listeners, allowing them to connect personally with Morrison's reflections on life. ****Influence**** The influence of *Astral Weeks* extends far beyond its initial release. It has inspired countless artists across various genres, including folk, rock, jazz, and pop. Its innovative blend of styles paved the way for future musicians to experiment with genre boundaries. Critics have noted how the album’s emotional honesty has influenced singer-songwriters like Jeff Buckley and Norah Jones. Additionally, its lyrical depth has been compared to that of Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen, establishing Morrison as a peer among these iconic figures. The album continues to attract new audiences decades after its release. Its timeless quality speaks to universal human experiences—love, loss, and the quest for meaning—ensuring its place in musical canon. ## Pros and Cons ### Pros - **Innovative Sound**: The fusion of genres creates a unique listening experience. - **Emotional Depth**: The lyrics resonate on personal levels due to their introspective nature. - **Timeless Quality**: Continues to appeal to new generations of listeners. ### Cons - **Accessibility**: Some listeners may find the fragmented style challenging or less accessible compared to more straightforward songwriting. - **Production Choices**: The live feel may not appeal to those who prefer polished studio recordings. - **Pacing**: The album’s meditative quality might not suit all listening environments or moods. In conclusion, *Astral Weeks* stands as a monumental achievement in music history. Its intricate blend of lyrical depth and musical innovation continues to captivate audiences today. While it may not cater to every listener's taste due to its unique style and pacing, its influence and emotional resonance solidify its status as an enduring classic.

Very easy listening folk music

Van Morrison might be one of the artists where I prefer some of his lesser known tracks (to me) than his big hits. I really liked this album. Tim has played me another album of him that I loved too, 'Common One' google has informed me. Nice sunday vibes.

Amazing that someone so miserable can make something so magical. Blissful experience in the winter sun. Music is great.

So good

I've known this album for more than 40 years. Superb. 5/5.

amazing

I really like his music. Too bad he turned into a grumpy right wing asshole.

I always loved Van Morrison but overlooked this album, I liked the high energy songs especially some of his live recordings (It's Too Late To Stop Now and his songs on The Last Waltz are my favorites). The stripped down style of this album highlighted Van Morrison's creative and unique voice. His phrasing and rhythms while singing are one of my favorite things about him and they are front and center on this album. These songs show that it doesn't have to be loud and fast to have a lot of emotion and energy.

One finds it nearly impossible to fathom that this was a record made by a 23-year-old. Not the easiest-listening Van, but the deepest and most expansive. This is music at its most mystical and a high-water mark for the decade, or for all time. These are more like ragas + spoken word performances than songs or jazz improvisations. "Sweet Thing" is an all-tme song. Only criticism might be that it sprawls at times, but such indulgence is easily forgiven for all its other blandishments. And that Springsteen claimed that this record opened him up to the divine, the wide-open possiblites from even the simplest structures and that this is the record Greil Marcus says he's listened to most down the years speaks volumes. Don't sleep on the live version from Hollywood Bowl (available on YouTube) or the excellent 500 Songs podcast. And maybe Van is better served by not getting the full creative control he has long craved, given his later comments that he was unhappy with how the record landed (something about too many strings). That he followed this with Moondance is nearly as hard to fathom as the miracle of this work; again, Greil – AW "went out to the limits of what this form could do" and it's the inexplicability of so many great works that makes them great.

Van Morrisson rules

Incredible album. I don't have a problem separating the art from the artist so as much as Van Morrison sucks, this album is about as good as it gets. I could put this album on repeat all day every day.

I love this album so much. The freeforminess of it all and how Van’s wails dance around the beats like a leaf flapping in the wind. This album has been out for almost 60 years, yet no one has been able to replicate the magic on it unlike other pieces from its era. Madame George is firmly in my top 100 songs of all time. Just a beautiful album even if the guy who made it is an all time asshole nowadays

LOVE

All time fav

I don’t love it as much as Moondance but he’s a great songwriter and that magnificent voice! Sweet Thing on its own deserves a 5.

This is one of my all-time favorites. Listening to it is almost a spiritual experience, which is saying something since I am decidedly unspiritual. On paper, I should hate this. Most of the songs are maddeningly simple—extended repetitions of three chords with no choruses or bridges to break things up—and the lyrics are often obtuse. But the ecstasy is in the details. The performances are understated yet bold. One could just listen to the bassist and be perfectly captivated for 40 minutes. The strings never fail to thrill. And damn, but my boy can sing. I don't know if he ever stretched himself out like this again. This is a lightning-in-a-bottle kind of album. There is quite simply nothing else like it, and every time I hear it I marvel that humans are capable of such beauty. Too bad he's such a knob.

Classic

Incredible album from start to finish.

4.5

favourite song - ballerina favourite lyric - "we strolled through fields all wet with rain / and back along the lane again / there in the sunshine / in the sweet summertime / the way that young lovers do cover - 2/10 album overall - 5/5 wow

Just beautiful.

Better than Moondance. I'm realizing that I really like Van Morrison's music but I don't really like his voice outside of Into the Mystic. But that's not his fault. He's doing his best.

That voice is just peerless. There is something about Van Morrison that demands your attention. I am not sure how to describe it in terms of genre, but the album exudes soul. After listening, I was exhausted in the best sense of the word. Great album!

Was soll man sagen? Es dauerte eine Weile bis ich mich an seinem Gesang gewöhnte. Es beginnt sehr folkig, Flöten, akustische Gitarre. Aber je mehr man hört von Astral Weeks, umso mehr bin ich gefesselt von seinen Arrangements und Gesang. Noch einmal anhören. Jetzt bin ich begeistert

Astral Weeks Beside You Sweet Thing Cyprus Avenue The Way Young Lovers Do Madame George Ballerina

Genial!

I really dig Van Morrison. The passion! And for the most part it outweighs his voice. But jeepers, haha. There are moments here and there, and I feel bad saying this, but his voice just sounds ridiculous. Anyway, that's nothin. Dude's a top tier song writer and makes due with the vocal cards he was dealt. Love that he just goes for it anyway. Like Dylan. The songs on this album are beautiful. Often so so simple with no obvious or traditional structure. Most seem less like songs and more like freestyles, or just stream of conscious. We know he can make radio hits but these are just his raw spirit. Like opening a cosmic door into Van Morrison land. I listened to this one like 6 times today. Enjoyed it more each time. Thanks for sharing yourself with us, Van 🙂 ❤️ 🙏

An artist that I have always enjoyed but never picked up an album from. I should remedy that and then do a deep dive. Poetry and Beauty.

Beautiful album. Very lush instrumentation with some intricate playing scattered throughout as well. It's such an easy album to immerse yourself into and watch time fly by. Gets more beautiful with every listen.

This is like a piece of my heart. I’m not sure there’s another album that gives me the emotional response this does. Makes me feel so much. Can’t think of an album that makes me want to smile and cry at the same time. It’s nostaligic, it’s effortlessly beautiful! 5.0

5/5. This is purely ethereal and beautiful. Hard to describe exactly the feeling but each time I listen to it, I tear up with at least one song. This time it was Madame George. Van Morrison as a person, pretty bad, as a singer and songwriter, hard to beat. I wouldn't even say he has a great voice, but it is unique and he knows how to expertly control and manipulate it to create an otherworldly sound. It's not the most accessible but letting yourself go while listening is the best approach. Best Song: Cyprus Avenue, Madame George, Astral Weeks

A masterwork

Astral Weeks is a fantastic album. I had never listened to it start to finish. He sings with lots of emotion, it’s more intense than I expected. Maybe the best mix of acoustic folk, blues, jazz ever recorded. Astral is a fitting adjective. 9.1/10

"Astral Weeks" by Van Morrison is a timeless masterpiece that floats somewhere between folk, jazz, and soul. The classics like "Sweet Thing," "Astral Weeks," and my personal favorite, "Cyprus Avenue," are just out of this world. There’s a raw, unfiltered emotion in these tracks that feels like it’s speaking right to your soul. Although I absolutely adore the album, some of the songs do feel a tad long. They’re the kind of tracks that would blow your mind in a live setting, but on record, they can leave you a bit adrift. Despite that, there’s no denying the pedigree here. It’s got that desert island quality—Lester Bangs wasn't wrong about this one. It's almost perfect, a real gem that gets richer with every listen. Rate 4.5/5

All-time album. This is one of my favorite albums of all time. It's a perfected folk rock brilliantly infused with jazz-y and blues-y elements. Vocals are powerful and balanced with great, impressionistic and evocative lyrics. The songs come together in a sort of song cycle of spring (for me at least). This is a rainy day in May. *****

Perfect vibe

Big fat five for Van the Man! Just perfect from start to finish. I may have listened to this album more than any other, I’d love to see the stats on that. Sweet Thing is certainly in and around the top spot every year for most listened to song. Banger. Simpsons: No

Great record. Nice and mellow with the signature Morrison style and voice. Very cool.

Should’ve been credited to Morrison and Richard Davis, given the latter’s bass work made the album a true classic.

Always loved him but especially love how bluesy the early work is

Almost a perfect album.

This is a favorite of mine. I think it's truly beautiful. This album puts me in mind of sitting outside, watching a sunset, and thinking of the good times spent with a friend you recently lost. Or perhaps you are dying and thinking of the happy moments in your life. It makes me reflective in a way that is beautiful and sad. I'm not sure what higher praise I can give to a piece of music.

5.0 + One of those rare records (see also "There's A Riot Goin' On") that immediately slinks into an effortless groove, gently taking your hand and ushering you on a beautiful little journey.

Album # 43 Can't go wrong with Van Morrison

One of the best albums from the 20th Century

Being unfamiliar with Morrison's wider body of work this LP was incredibly refreshing - rather than a "sung vocal" his voice here acts more as an additional instrument which influences the overall tone and mood of each track. For 1968 the production quality is absolutely fantastic: strings and light percussion bounce cleanly and effortlessly off of the ear. Everything drips in baroque sorrow as well as carefree arabesque reflective of the time in which it was made. Soft on the ears, and a joy to listen to.

Loved it!

changed my life

I often call this the most underrated album of all time. It might be my favorite album of all time. I would give this 6 stars if I could. Too bad Van Morrison has turned into a total douche pickle.

If you listen to one album by Van Morrison, this should be that album. It is a breezy folk based album at its core that incorporates elements of jazz, Americana, and even some baroque instrumentation. The albums has a meandering feel that doesn’t feel lazy or noodly but allows the album to simmer and build. It is incredibly lush and layered and grows more complex the more closely you listen. The praise is well deserved.

Astral Weeks is Van Morrison's second solo album, after starting his musical career with the band "Them. It's a beautiful collection of his version of soulful folk songs. His distinct, rich voice is the defining element of his work, and his expressive sound gives life to his thoughtful, engaging lyrics. Add skilled, complex orchestration, and Morrison is able to create a memorable set of tracks. This album met with near-universal critical success, but didn't catch the attention necessary for commercial success. Regardless, Astral Weeks may be Van Morrison's masterpiece, and marked the beginning of his long, successful solo career.

One of my all time favorites

I really like this album!

One of the best albums of all time. A truly singular work of art.

Sounds like Van Morrison...of course. Outstanding album.

Timeless

lovely

Musical dna. It’s an album that is that rare thing. A work of sonic art. I can’t just listen to it a song at a time, nor can I have it as background music. It’s an experience. Focussed, deep listening. It’s a religious experience. And to me like your best bottle of scotch. Brought out occasionally and savoured slowly and deeply. 15/5.

I was a Van fan going all the way back to Them. However his solo work after leaving Them in 1966, on the Bang label didn’t get much coverage in Australia. For example, his first single on Bang, Brown Eyed Girl (1967), a Top Ten hit in the U.S., was never released here. My copy of the first album he released on Bang, Blowin’ Your Mind (1967), is an Australian pressing on the World Record Club label, and pop/rock albums on that label had either stiffed badly on original release or had never been released here in the first place. Astral Weeks was the first album Van did for Warners, released late 1969. But I missed it, as I did the great follow-up album, Moondance. And, in fact, I didn’t hear Astral Weeks until 1973, while visiting a mate in Goulburn. When I returned home I bought that mother, &, as I thought, I’d never heard anything like it before. And that’s still true. Madame George was always the favourite. You are prepared to believe Morrison when he says the lyric was a stream-of-consciousness effort. It sure sounds like it. Morrison was always pissed off about the strings used on the album, but I notice that strings are there on the cd released in 2009 of Astral Weeks Live at The Hollywood Bowl (taken from 2008 concerts). I recommend it. His voice is still great. I won’t go on, except to mention how pleased I was when I bought a copy of Jeff Buckley’s EP Live at Sin-e in the late 90’s & heard his version of The Way Young Lovers Do. Astral Weeks is an extraordinarily great record. The flow is outstanding. Five big ones for me.

Van Morrison is a prick of biblical porportion... but this album is amazing

Fun tunes, nice singing, very upbeat

Iconic perfection. I’ve been going deep on Van’s later work (which is amazing) but this album still totally holds up.