"Van Morrison has issued so much good music over the years, but this one remains my favorite and most played. "Avalon Sunset" revived his commercial fortunes after a period of dwindling sales. He's in a reflective mood here, and the songs are pastoral and almost Zen-like. There's some upbeat numbers, but it's the quiet ones that steal the show.
The best part is when the now classic "Have I Told You Lately That I Love You?" segues into the spoken-word "Coney Island", then climaxes with "I'm Tired Joey Boy". Taken together, they comprise the most powerful and affecting song suite I've ever heard from him. Absolutely beautiful.
British r&b star Georgie Fame plays Hammond organ on a few tracks, and became an integral part of the band for the next 8 years. Cliff Richard (the "British Elvis") is enlisted as co-vocalist on "Whenever God Shines His Light", one of 2 songs that name-check The Deity. A couple others pull the old George Harrison trick of blurring the lines, so you can't tell if they're a paean to a Higher Being or a woman. In every case, Van is conducting an interior dialogue with himself. This isn't "old-time religion". A key lyric (from "I'm Tired Joey Boy"): "Love of the simple is all that I need". That sentiment genuinely seems to be at the heart of his personal philosophy. There's a reason his newest CD is called "Keep It Simple".
Other great Van Morrison records in the same vein as "Avalon Sunset": "Enlightenment" and "Hymns To The Silence". But this is the one that got the ball rolling again."
Van Morrison sings to your soul
David A. Delarosa | Hendersonville, NC USA | 08/21/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The songs are well crafted, the music is beautiful, and the sound quality is superb. I bought this album for one song in particular, but have enjoyed listening to the whole album over and over."
LOVE IT!!!
L. Francis | Seattle, WA | 09/15/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"What a great CD - perfect for any occassion. We listen to it all of the time!"
Must have for Van fans
S. C. Travis | TN | 04/17/2010
(4 out of 5 stars)
"While this is not my very favorite Van CD, it is much played. Great example of his spiritual side. Good CD for people who appreciate the depth of his lyrics."
A fine CD
S. bowen | west haven, CONNECTICUT, US | 04/22/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"A lovely CD, I am so glad I purchased it, all these years after it was first released, timeless and classic Van Morrison."