Search - Van Morrison :: Astral Weeks

Jeff V. (ElJefe) from DIXON, IL
Reviewed on 5/9/2015...

Classic, not much to add to what's already been said over the last 40 years.

0 of 2 member(s) found this review helpful.

Van really is the man

B. E Jackson | Pennsylvania | 03/20/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Before hearing Astral Weeks, I pretty much spent my whole life not really caring for Van Morrison's vocal style one way or the other. Yeah, "Moondance" and "Brown-Eyed Girl" are both wonderful songs, but other than that, I *easily* could have lived without hearing anymore Van Morrison songs.



With Astral Weeks now firmly in my possession, and with an evergrowing desire to hear as many classic albums as possible, I went in expecting to hear a Van Morrison album probably just a *tad* better than usual, and nothing more.



BOY was I wrong. I certainly didn't expect to be completely won over.



Astral Weeks is absolutely incredible the way the entire album builds and builds thanks to the tasty choice of instruments and vocal melodies. Each song really IS an epic and spiritual journey.



The flutes, the piano playing, the saxophone, the acoustic guitar... all these wonderful instruments are constantly appearing throughout the album, and more specifically, constantly appearing between Van's vocal lines. I mean it when I say CONSTANTLY! It never ends! I love it!! This stuff is probably quite melodic and my mind just can't realize it yet. Each musical instrument is included in *just* the right place.



And what about Van's vocal style? I've *never* heard his voice reach to such perfectly emotional heights, as opposed to screechy and somewhat annoying heights on other albums and songs. Nope, his voice feels really comfortable on here, and as a result, it's easier to appreciate his style, and see why everyone makes such a big deal about his singing voice.



Trust me, I'm usually a pretty stubborn person when it comes to joining in with the majority in declaring such and such is a classic album (usually I *strongly* disagree with most of the supposed classics out there).



But in this particular case, I can't imagine Van Morrison capable of producing another album anywhere near as brilliant as Astral Weeks. Maybe he can and I'm simply underestimating the guy, but the other Morrison albums I've heard weren't able to move me *anywhere* as much as this one.



Please tell me I'm not just imagining such a perfect album. The BIG question of the day is this- why in the HECK aren't radio stations playing anything from this album? I mean really- classic rock FM radio stations play absolutely NONE of these songs. Never did, never will. What's up with that??? Are they not aware how mega-popular and critically acclaimed this album is?



Perhaps the album wasn't considered such a big deal back in 1968 and it's simply an example where time has allowed Astral Weeks to reach legendary status. Who knows.



Anyway, yeah, if you're like me and never particularly cared for Van Morrison (mainly because of his screechy voice) Astral Weeks is quite possibly the album that will completely change your mind and finally show you why the guy's been so popular the last 40 years. Incredible!"

The only album that matters

George W. Davis | 06/19/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"You either get it when you listen to it, or you're never going to get it. The only album that matters."