Van Morrison - Astral Weeks
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Free Music Notes for Astral Weeks
Free Music Review: Great Album
Hit: 5 Stars
I highly recommend this album. Van Morrison appeals to me personally because his music can be very versatile. Like most everyone, before buying this CD I had known Brown Eyed Girl, Domino, and a few of Van's more widely-released songs. I was surprised to listen to Astral Weeks, though, because it is so much more intimate and personal.
Van Morrison's music reflects an interesting mix of rock and jazz, which accounts for much of the versatility of his released work. This early album especially has clear jazz influences and an improvisatory nature. As a music lover, I think it has a very unique and pleasant sound. The album's instrumentation includes flute, strings, guitar, acoustic bass, and drums, and combines with Van's unique vocal style to produce a variety of moods and emotions on the CD's eight tracks. I enjoy the whole set, especially the first five songs; in fact, "Sweet Thing" is probably one of my favorite songs ever.
Overall, this CD comes highly recommended. With downloading so integrated into our society, sometimes it is nice to buy and have a complete album in hand--Astral Weeks should be that album. Each song is great, and combines with the others to create an even better album. Van Morrison aficionados or amateurs can all appreciate this unique collection.
Free Music Review: Another World/Another Time...Ain't Nothing But a Stranger in This World
Hit: 5 Stars
This album remains an enigma because it's Van Morrison's most critically acclaimed album, yet it doesn't contain any "hits". Most people are familiar with Van Morrison, may have heard this is the best one from reading Rolling Stone or something, but are unfamiliar with all the tracks. So, here are some things you need to know...
1. This album is NOT for everybody. Normal people who take huge amounts of interest in mainstream tripe such as reality shows, tabloid magazines, American Idol, Nickelback, the Bush Adminstration, as well as those who do things like drive too slow in the fast lane, think ALL kids are cute, or annoy others in restaurants and theatres with senseless yapping about meaningless topics, should steer clear of this album. The lyrics of the first track, also entitled Astral Weeks, declares "I am nothing but a stranger in this world." This album is intended for those with similar beliefs and experience what society considers "abnormal" thought process. In fact, we kinda hate you people.
2. This is an EXPERIMENTAL PUNK album. Astral Weeks is in the same category as The Velvet Underground, Wire, Sonic Youth, The Jesus & Mary Chain, etc. The publications that rate this album the highest are also the same publications that rate albums like Daydream Nation and Marquee Moon so high. Visit fastnbulbous.com to see Astral Weeks at #3 right behind The Stooges & Talking Heads.
It belongs in this category because it does not conform to any uniform standard of music, is free of structure, choruses, and the same bland tunings that every other band uses. Furthermore, as mentioned before, its targeted audience is unique people with different thinking patterns, strangers in this world. It's a mixture of tones (instruments & vocals) harmoniously combined to create the perfect sound.
3. Contrary to some people's opinions who do not like the album, this is NOT hippy music, nor a product of 1968. There is no resemblance whatsoever to Donovan, The Youngbloods or anything psychadelic. While it may be good listening for drug-induced euphoric late-nights, there should be no comparisons to Uriah Heep.
It breaks down like this...if you're definition of brilliant is being unique and unconventional, you are considered a bit unique and brilliant yourself, buy the album right away and prepare to become seriously addicted within a few weeks.
If you have interest in Van Morrison b/c you heard Brown Eyed Girl at a wedding reception, or playing over the intercom at the grocery store while you were getting the latest on Brittney's new baby, I encourage you to check Van Morrison's greatest hits and skip this one.
If the other CD you own is a Shania Twain, if you're puzzled why Lindsey Lohan hasn't been nominated for any awards, or bummed because Joan of Arcadia is a re-run this week, not only skip the album, but also avoid dating any person who claims to be an all-time fave.
If you consider Blink-182 to be a legitimate punk band, shop at Hot Topic, and are eagerly anticipating going to The Warped Tour, you may dig this album, but not yet. Wait a few years for that all to pass. While this is very popular with the punk/alternative crowd, there's not one crunching guitar on the whole album. This is pretty advanced listening also. Next you'll hit Radiohead, then venture into more obscure territories, then this. Be patient.
Die-hard heavy metal fans who judge ALL music by the sheer heaviness of its guitar riffs should steer clear too.
Free Music Review: Astral Weak
Hit: 1 Stars
You'd have to be an absolute idiot to enjoy this. It doesn't even have Brown Eyed Girl which is the only half decent thing Mr Morrison ever did. And what sort of name is Van? Stick to Ronan Keating for that bit of Irish soul. Free Music Review: Wonderful Early Van
Hit: 5 Stars
If you are considering this album, by all means get it. It has some excellent music. Sure, it's a bit uneven, but you get a sense of the true power and imagination of the young Van Morrison in this incredible work. Great lyrics, interesting instrumentation, and of course, the powerful voice of Van.
I'm especially fond of the songs Astral Weeks and Sweet Thing. They have such wonderful passion and exuberance! They are tunes that are truly timeless. The rest of the album is fine, but have the flavor of the time. For anyone who wants to experience Van Morrison, this album is indispensable.
Free Music Review: timeless.
Hit: 5 Stars
i first heard this in 1978. at first i didn't get what all the fuss was about. one year later, maybe five listens later & i realized that i was stupid & that this really is a timeless classic. 26 years later it is one of my ten most listened to albums. you can't live without this. take my word for it. you really can't. if you don't have this & you think you're living, you're wrong. oh so wrong.