Down On Cyprus Avenue... (Astral Weeks - Van Morrison)

Member Name: LevonH

Product:	Astral Weeks - Van Morrison
Date:	27/02/09 (23 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Bliss

Disadvantages: Van never topped it. Who could?

Astral Weeks is one of those albums that always seems to be in the 'Top 10 Greatest Albums of All Time' lists but never at number 1. So what the blinking flip is so good about it? Astral Weeks is one of those records that exists between the gaps in art. The lyrics are a stream of visions, the music is mostly improvisations on a theme, the vocals are either a bark or a whisper. There is little in the way of traditional 'great music' here, but it's all the better for that. Van Morrison has become something of a grumpy old geezer, happy to trot out bluesy pap, hiding behind his hat and sunglasses. Recently, he has begun to revist this amazing record at a series of concerts. I hope they have been worthy of the ticket price. This is the sound of a man expressing himself without prior consideration, existing as a funnel for the music; a great, fabulous, spellbinding record.

Summary: Van Morrison sets out his stall. What a stall.