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Product Description
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Never mind that Van Morrison is one of the most indelible songwriters of the 20th century--take each album on its own terms. On 1968's seminal Astral Weeks, a twentysomething Van Morrison can be found belting his gospelly, bluesy vocals in just as fine a form as he would be 20 years hence. In the sociopolitical context of the times, the album cried out about such ubiquitous 1960s themes as cultural oppression and social upheaval. But it is Morrison's vocal dexterity and passion that maintains such timeless appeal. Take tracks like "Madame George" or "Cyprus Avenue" and you'll find such beautiful mourning, it'll be clear why Sinéad O'Connor once publicly exclaimed: "Van Morrison should be friggin' canonized". --Nick Heil
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
21 of 21 people found the following review helpful
By M. E. Parker
Format:Audio CD
Astral Weeks...
Well I certainly wouldn't be elaborating upon my feelings for this album by saying that I think it is quite simply one of the best musical creations of our generation. This album transcends its successors in both its musical atmosphere, which in itself captures a lost idealism of the late sixties, and in its lyricism. Morrison has never been questioned with regards to his ability to infuse a song with the most beautiful and poetic lyrics, but what is sometimes in question is his ability to contain such powerful lyrics within his music - in Astral Weeks I believe he succeeds in both to such an extent that we never again here the vocal, lyrical, and musical intensity achieved in Astral Weeks, apart from a brief retrospection in 'Veedon Fleece'.
This album provides the greatest insight into what I deem to be the frustrated genius of Van Morrison, in my opinion the greatest singer-songwriter of our time, and I urge anyone remotely interested in experiencing a rare musical treat to get it.
Well I certainly wouldn't be elaborating upon my feelings for this album by saying that I think it is quite simply one of the best musical creations of our generation. This album transcends its successors in both its musical atmosphere, which in itself captures a lost idealism of the late sixties, and in its lyricism. Morrison has never been questioned with regards to his ability to infuse a song with the most beautiful and poetic lyrics, but what is sometimes in question is his ability to contain such powerful lyrics within his music - in Astral Weeks I believe he succeeds in both to such an extent that we never again here the vocal, lyrical, and musical intensity achieved in Astral Weeks, apart from a brief retrospection in 'Veedon Fleece'.
This album provides the greatest insight into what I deem to be the frustrated genius of Van Morrison, in my opinion the greatest singer-songwriter of our time, and I urge anyone remotely interested in experiencing a rare musical treat to get it.
13 of 13 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
I've been listening to this record (my favourite of all time) for 40 years. It's always sounded this good in my head, but now with this Japanese-made re-master it sounds superb coming out of the speakers.
I even realise I've been mis-hearing a few of the lyrics.
If you love this record and have a good audio set-up, this could let you hear it properly for the first time.
I even realise I've been mis-hearing a few of the lyrics.
If you love this record and have a good audio set-up, this could let you hear it properly for the first time.
13 of 13 people found the following review helpful
By Thinderchild
Format:Audio CD
Perhaps it was because of musical tastes too similar to my peers or maybe just sheer bloody-mindedness. But it was with this album and artist that I chose to stand apart.
At 14 it was easy dismiss Van Morrison's uncompromising voice and Folk/Jazz backing as un-melodic and boring.
I resisted it's pull for nigh on ten years. But we all grow up and the first time I listened to it with an open mind I found myself captivated.
To describe Astral Weeks (as I sit here listening to it) is a task beyond my humble abilities except to say that it is as involving and rewarding a piece of music as anything else I have heard.
If you derive anything more than a beat and a dance groove from your music then you really should try it.
At 14 it was easy dismiss Van Morrison's uncompromising voice and Folk/Jazz backing as un-melodic and boring.
I resisted it's pull for nigh on ten years. But we all grow up and the first time I listened to it with an open mind I found myself captivated.
To describe Astral Weeks (as I sit here listening to it) is a task beyond my humble abilities except to say that it is as involving and rewarding a piece of music as anything else I have heard.
If you derive anything more than a beat and a dance groove from your music then you really should try it.
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4.7 out of 5 stars
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Classic!
I first heard it in the '60's, it stayed with me and it's still as fresh as hearing it for the first time. Read more
Published 7 days ago by ALAN F
5.0 out of 5 stars
a genuine classic
This is one of the very few albums that live up to the hype. I have bought this 4 times in different formats. Excellent.
Published 16 days ago by gordimhor
5.0 out of 5 stars
Another world
One of the truly great albums. Van's made quite a few classic albums in his time and this right up there with his best. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Snow
5.0 out of 5 stars
Incomparable
The album is just a masterpiece, and this remastered version just underlines that fact gloriously. A work of art that for many could not be improved has just been given that final... Read more
Published 2 months ago by andyb
5.0 out of 5 stars
truly great
This is one of the great albums of the last century, full of brilliant songs from the grumpy old geezer that is van.
Published 4 months ago by Mr. Martin S. Boileau
5.0 out of 5 stars
Van Fan
I'm a fan of Van the Man and if you are reading this as a fan of Van too then you won't need me to tell you about this album. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Tudor
4.0 out of 5 stars
Astral Weeks
As with the Moondance album the songs are good but the quality of the recording of Vans voice was too sharp. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Liz
4.0 out of 5 stars
Most Definitely, An Essential Listen
Van Morrison with his second solo effort, 'Astral Weeks'. I had been interested in picking up this record for some time, but had put it off for even longer. Read more
Published 8 months ago by Fox in the Box
3.0 out of 5 stars
Astral weeks
Could be renamed Astral Weak. Not heard a lot of his work. was told this was his best. Not sure I agree.
Published 10 months ago by postmanpatsbetterhalf
5.0 out of 5 stars
Last Night A Record Changed My Life
Retro music magazine Mojo runs a regular feature entitled 'Last Night A Record Changed My Life', in which cultural icons pontificate on a piece of music which had a profound impact... Read more
Published 12 months ago by S. Bailey
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