Astral Weeks - Van Morrison

Astral Weeks (1968) was Van the Man's first 'real' album, and deserves its place in musical history for its accomplishment, innovation, fusion of styles, resonant storytelling lyrics and Van's unique, emotive voice. Though sometimes referred to as a 'rock' album, Astral Weeks contains none of the grinding guitars and pounding drumbeats one would expect from such a description. Instead the songs are rich in strings, horns and acoustic guitars, creating a real melting-pot of jazz, blues, folk, soul and Celticism. And all topped off with Van's amazing emotive voice, which veers from angel to devil to throaty growl to sweet, melodic ...  Read the complete review

I have for many years been a fan of Van Morrison. For me, his music epitomizes the rawness of the sixties, and although he has made many albums since this one, I still believe this to be one of the best that Van Morrison ever created. This album, although something of an experimental one at the time, was the foundation of a career that would span decades, and as I listen to newer works by Van Morrison, the roots that he created with Astral Weeks still come out in the harmonies and mood of his present work, although of course, like with all good artists, his work has evolved into newness. One of the most impressive images that this album produces in my mind is how new and ...  Read the complete review

Many Van Morrison fans enshrine Astral Weeks as being his best album, and that is quite a feat for a "first", especially as Van is one of the UK's most prolific singer/songwriters. I am a die-hard Van Morrison fan, and am unable to pick a personal favourite album as they are all so diverse, but Astral Weeks for me certainly comes very close to the top. This is an astonishingly deep album, with some complex songs, some of which are not exactly surreal in nature, but have a touch of spirituality about them. I also think it is well worth mentioning that Van was only 22 when this masterpiece was released, and the songs contained therein have ...  Read the complete review

This is considered to be Van Morrison's seminal album. Released in 1968, these were the days of flowing locks and troubadors, and Van quickly carved his own niche in the market. His passionate voice not afraid to half-scream out his lyrics - not for him the quiet solemnity of the Leonard Cohen's of this world. "Astral Weeks" is a winding song relying on rhythm guitaring to keep it on track. Not an immediate 60's song, although the flute playing is evocative of those paisely-shirted times. Spanish-style strummings and we're off into "Beside You". And then "Sweet Thing", "Cyprus Avenue", The ...  Read the complete review

Recorded over two brief sessions in New York during Autumn 1968, Astral Weeks mythical reputation has ripened with age - its musical daring, mantra-like incarnations and kaleidoscopic use of language still beyond cosy categorisation. With it, rock suddenly ascended to a higher plane. The album also signalled the artistic rebirth of 23 year old Morrison, then barely remembered (if at all) as the lusty voiced shouter from Them, the Belfast band who had scored a couple of 1965 hits with Baby Please Don't Go and Here Comes The Night. That's an astonishing three year progression, especially when you compare it with a modern scale of stylistic growth - say ...  Read the complete review