Dude, the whole album is like this. Many artists quote this album as most influential on their lives. Without doubt it is one of the best albums in history. Try "Sweet Thing" off this album.
On a personal level, Astral Weeks is one of my top 5 albums of all time. I raised my 2 sons on this record. We all love it. In 2008 my younger son , who lives in LA , called me to let me know that Van Morrison was going to do a concert at the Greek Theater To do the entire album with all the original musicians. My son said there was no one he would rather share the concert with than me. So, I got a plane from Florida and joined him. We had a great experience together. Check out Madame George, my favorite track.
The whole Astral Weeks album is stunning; transports you; washes over you like a river; like the tide; into another time and place. For me, Madame George (also on the album) is even better than this. So, so much in his music.
James, Madam George -- such a powerfully sad tune. All these years I can't figure it out. All I know is that I come out on the other side with a profound sense of loss...
My compliments to you on covering the song. I believe it's one of the most prolific albums ever produced, lyrically and instrumentally. A production of all acoustic instruments. I bought this album at its release in 68. Still have the album to this day , it's got many miles on its grooves. The album is a must listen too, if one loves poetic, deep lyrics. Well done my man on your analysis, reaction. Enjoyed your vibes.
Jumping right into the deep end, I see. For what it’s worth, I think the songs on Moondance (with its horn arrangements) are generally more accessible for newcomers to Van. Having said that... Astral Weeks was the first song of his I ever heard and I instantly became a lifelong fan. As a lyricist, composer, arranger, and performer, he’s got to be near the top of the pantheon.
Right there with you, bro. I had never heard anything remotely like the song Astral Weeks. I think I've now listened to it maybe 2,000-3,000 times, and it never gets old. I sometimes just concentrate on one instrument in the song (flute, marracas, guitar, cellos, violins, or bass) and trace that instrument's journey through the song.
@@kylelooper2156 Never heard anything like before or since. Even his later albums don't approach Astral Weeks, in my opinion. Though Moondance is another masterpiece from start to finish.
@@jayhegener3028 Moondance is more melodic and accessible, and Into the Mystic is maybe my favorite song of all time. Still, Astral Weeks is my favorite album. If you want something just as great and experimental, I've really been digging Kate Bush lately. Her album, The Dreaming, is every bit as experimental as Astral Weeks, and another underappreciated masterpiece. You can listen to it in full on TH-cam "The Dreaming album."
It's a great album to just sit back and listen to, letting the lyrics flit in and out of your consciousness. It's impressionistic--after decades of listening to it, I still have only a vague idea of what some of the lyrics actually mean, and that's okay.
As you no doubt already know, you can just lie down at around dusk, turn the lights off, close your eyes and be transported by this song. Your experience of it will be profound each time, and will keep changing.
Mojo, Chicago Ray (65 y o)here. You don't hear Van, you feel him. Next up HAS to be TB Sheets blues. You must google TB Sheets and info describes the scene in the song. Its important as its hard to understand lyric. You might want to view lyrics as song plays. Its an 11 minute wild groove like nothing u ever heard. Cheers
The most put together, most free, most transcend album in history. No album has come close to this completeness. The lack of studio manipulation, sounds love yet perfect.
i first heard this song in 1968 0n a local fm underground rock station.I was eighteen and I remember that I thought to myself that it would take years for me to fully appreciate this.I was right,but in the right way,because it was worth the wait.Van Morrison ,as an artist is on the same level as Dylan,or even the beatles in that his artistic vision is as strong and valid as the best were.
This song and the album are phenomenal! The gorgeous, impassioned vocals, the brilliant impressionistic lyrics, the driving acoustic guitar and Richard Davis' stellar bass work all over it. And to think the backing musicians were never really given charts or full arrangements to play, nor had any real discussion with Morrison over what or how to play each tune. He was in a separate booth with his guitar doing vocals while the other musicians essentially set a groove over what he was doing, then it was edited down to this singular work of musical genius.
Great song and great reaction! Van has a deep catalog of great, spiritual songs. You are in for a great ride. Try almost anything from the album, No Guru, No Method, No Teacher.
First time I heard this song I cried, a tough Welshman sobbing my bloody eyes out at the age of 20. Seems like that response hasn't changed much, just brought me closer to the divine.
Astral Weeks is a spiritual experience! The album is a unique mix of Jazz, Soul, Folk, and Rock. Please do a reaction to "TB Sheets" from his first solo album, "Blowing Your Mind".
This album is the one of the best and listening to it brings back sweet memories! I love all of his songs especially Sweet thing. My favorite songs are Into the Mystic, Tupelo Honey & In the Garden. Thank you for sharing!
I think at least in part it is stream of consciousness between a set chorus. How was it recorded. I think it was sung over a rhythm motif, with violin, flute, cello etc added later. There is no way they could anticipate the meaning of individual words as they came to nim.
I simply think, as he is Christian, we are not from this world, as must be born again. He is Gnostic, meaning he believes in the magic of Jesus. I have watched him perform at his church. It's all about positive vibes.
One of the best albums ever recorded. Was made with a bunch of jazz musicians in one room with Van singing in the other. He gave them the basic outlines of the songs and they just improvised around what he gave them. The band & Van never even spoke.
there was a story I'm not entirely sure if it's 100% true but everything that I've read points to it being so which is that this was the first and only take that they did for this song and not only that but it was the first time the flute player had ever heard the arrangement and that is why the flute player sounds so cautious and shy when it first enters the song.
You're right he was broke. He was with Bang records then and the owner had just died. He did owe them one album which turned out to be Astral Weeks, which he wrote in a few sittings. The record itself was also produced in a few sessions. He was 22/23 yrs. old then. The scale and originality of his music up to present day is astonishing. He at 75 still writes and produces albums and does sell out concerts. Frankly I think he's a genius. Go Well!
The surging pace in the playing of the great jazz bassist Richard Davis is a big part of this piece's moving groove. And it's there through out the album.
This album...this song..unbelievable! The last phrase on this song..."In another Face" just kinda sets the tone for this masterpiece...Alot, and I mean alot of Pro Musicians say this is one of(if not the best) albums ever recorded...and they threw this album together in days. If you look at alot of these huge mind songs and albums they come like that, instantaneously, and some even say its almost magic. Well to me yes, the moment I heard it as a 15yr old...magic!!
There was a set of the Europeans that lived by two pieces of music , 1, was Astral Weekes the whole album, Not just the first song, 2 was anything by the Dead
Van plans some stuff and it's awesome, and some of it is like a jam session....I think the LP Astral Weeks in one of those jam sessions type thing. Whatever he does ..it comes out like gold....dude just jams.
I bought his album Hard Nose The Highway in 1973 because of the title song. I was 18. Just after and continuously kept hearing about Astral Weeks about being the best album ever produced musically. This went on until I bought it late '70's. Still people in the music industry kept using it as a bench mark in comparison to their critiques. I have seen him in Southampton, At the FLeadh in Finsbury Park with Sting and the Corrs. Also saw him play at Hyde Park with the Who, Bob Dylan and Eric Clapton.
At that time,around 1969 and 70,many rock artists were writing songs about dropping out and abandoning straight society.This was one of them.,with the added twist of his interest in mysticism .Other songs on this subject were up around the bend by creedence,share the land by the guess who,and even baba o'reilly by the who.,and out in the country by three dog night.I was nineteen at the time.sometimes it seemed as if the center would not hold.,that everything was coming unglued.This crazy nightmare of a ride,the 60s,to me really began in 1962 when we almost brought about world war iii.The rest of the 60s is easy to understand if you start with this global near death experience.
ive been able to read this song one of two ways, being about reincarnation or about becoming a parent and the tonal shift of life that comes with it and how you become reincarnated through the new meaning found in your child
with the idea of going to heaving and another place being the history your children carry on and their future. the full realization of what their future could be
McCartney, although one of the key rock pioneers, is not in the class of Van Morrison. Astral Weeks is as good an album that has ever been made, at least in my view.
![🗿AI🗿[Instrumental] blues guitar playing that you listen to during a relaxing break #bluesguitar](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/BBaV1haAtF8/mqdefault.jpg)
Dude, the whole album is like this. Many artists quote this album as most influential on their lives. Without doubt it is one of the best albums in history. Try "Sweet Thing" off this album.
On a personal level, Astral Weeks is one of my top 5 albums of all time. I raised my 2 sons on this record. We all love it. In 2008 my younger son , who lives in LA , called me to let me know that Van Morrison was going to do a concert at the Greek Theater To do the entire album with all the original musicians. My son said there was no one he would rather share the concert with than me. So, I got a plane from Florida and joined him. We had a great experience together. Check out Madame George, my favorite track.
The whole Astral Weeks album is stunning; transports you; washes over you like a river; like the tide; into another time and place. For me, Madame George (also on the album) is even better than this. So, so much in his music.
Here here!!! With you 100% brother. Takes me way back to my youth and an old friend. Summers of wine and martinis. Chokes me up when i hear it.
right
One of my all time favs !
James, Madam George -- such a powerfully sad tune. All these years I can't figure it out. All I know is that I come out on the other side with a profound sense of loss...
"Slim Slow Slider".
There aren't many songs that transport me every single time I listen to them, but there are several on this album.
Astral weeks is the title track of an incredible album. Good place to start.
This is my favorite song ever. It is truly majestic and inspiring. Thank you for your review.
My compliments to you on covering the song. I believe it's one of the most prolific albums ever produced, lyrically and instrumentally. A production of all acoustic instruments.
I bought this album at its release in 68. Still have the album to this day , it's got many miles on its grooves. The album is a must listen too, if one loves poetic, deep lyrics. Well done my man on your analysis, reaction. Enjoyed your vibes.
this record was the first recording of jazz rock fusion...check the bass...recorded in new york city off the cuff, over 48 hrs with session players
Really doesn't get better than Van the Man! There's pretty much a song for whatever mood you're in.
Jumping right into the deep end, I see. For what it’s worth, I think the songs on Moondance (with its horn arrangements) are generally more accessible for newcomers to Van. Having said that... Astral Weeks was the first song of his I ever heard and I instantly became a lifelong fan. As a lyricist, composer, arranger, and performer, he’s got to be near the top of the pantheon.
Right there with you, bro. I had never heard anything remotely like the song Astral Weeks. I think I've now listened to it maybe 2,000-3,000 times, and it never gets old.
I sometimes just concentrate on one instrument in the song (flute, marracas, guitar, cellos, violins, or bass) and trace that instrument's journey through the song.
@@kylelooper2156 Never heard anything like before or since. Even his later albums don't approach Astral Weeks, in my opinion. Though Moondance is another masterpiece from start to finish.
@@jayhegener3028 Moondance is more melodic and accessible, and Into the Mystic is maybe my favorite song of all time. Still, Astral Weeks is my favorite album.
If you want something just as great and experimental, I've really been digging Kate Bush lately. Her album, The Dreaming, is every bit as experimental as Astral Weeks, and another underappreciated masterpiece. You can listen to it in full on TH-cam "The Dreaming album."
@@kylelooper2156 Kate is one of those artists I've always meant to explore but never got around to it. I'll see if I can make the time now. :)
I concur
You really have to listen to listen to this album from start to finish
You really have to listen to loves to loves to loves the album
@@zachblakemore3567 right on...to love the love that loves the love to love the love that loves this album...
It's a great album to just sit back and listen to, letting the lyrics flit in and out of your consciousness. It's impressionistic--after decades of listening to it, I still have only a vague idea of what some of the lyrics actually mean, and that's okay.
As you no doubt already know, you can just lie down at around dusk, turn the lights off, close your eyes and be transported by this song. Your experience of it will be profound each time, and will keep changing.
Mojo, Chicago Ray (65 y o)here. You don't hear Van, you feel him. Next up HAS to be TB Sheets blues. You must google TB Sheets and info describes the scene in the song. Its important as its hard to understand lyric. You might want to view lyrics as song plays. Its an 11 minute wild groove like nothing u ever heard. Cheers
Thanks for the video, brother. Astral Weeks is an achingly beautiful album. Madam George is a particular fave of mine.
The most put together, most free, most transcend album in history. No album has come close to this completeness. The lack of studio manipulation, sounds love yet perfect.
i first heard this song in 1968 0n a local fm underground rock station.I was eighteen and I remember that I thought to myself that it would take years for me to fully appreciate this.I was right,but in the right way,because it was worth the wait.Van Morrison ,as an artist is on the same level as Dylan,or even the beatles in that his artistic vision is as strong and valid as the best were.
This song and the album are phenomenal! The gorgeous, impassioned vocals, the brilliant impressionistic lyrics, the driving acoustic guitar and Richard Davis' stellar bass work all over it. And to think the backing musicians were never really given charts or full arrangements to play, nor had any real discussion with Morrison over what or how to play each tune. He was in a separate booth with his guitar doing vocals while the other musicians essentially set a groove over what he was doing, then it was edited down to this singular work of musical genius.
Thanks for this. Very good respectful review. My favourite song of all time from my favourite album of all time.
This album literally saved my life. Next, try "Cypress Avenue."
Amazing record, every tune is great , jazz players backing Van, his great poetic imagery. Bet Ted knows this one haaa cheers
Great song and great reaction! Van has a deep catalog of great, spiritual songs. You are in for a great ride. Try almost anything from the album, No Guru, No Method, No Teacher.
I recommend Into The Mystic its one of my all time faves speaking as an oldie who has been a Van fan for nigh on 50 years
This song. This album the closest I've found to proof of God.
Even closer to god with some shrooms
First time I heard this song I cried, a tough Welshman sobbing my bloody eyes out at the age of 20. Seems like that response hasn't changed much, just brought me closer to the divine.
It can't be proven there's a "God," regardless interpretations of subjectivity.
That's all man's work, Mikey.
My favorite album of all time, stands alone . Infinitely beautiful. Van at his best
Cures my depression for the hour listening to the album, and maybe three days after.
Better than a pill from the doctors
Quite possibly the most complete badass in 20th century music!
Astral Weeks is a spiritual experience! The album is a unique mix of Jazz, Soul, Folk, and Rock. Please do a reaction to "TB Sheets" from his first solo album, "Blowing Your Mind".
This album is the one of the best and listening to it brings back sweet memories! I love all of his songs especially Sweet thing. My favorite songs are Into the Mystic, Tupelo Honey & In the Garden. Thank you for sharing!
“The way young lovers do” is one of my faves, and “haunts of ancient peace” and common one, …. I could go on…😂
Best album ever written.
I think at least in part it is stream of consciousness between a set chorus. How was it recorded. I think it was sung over a rhythm motif, with violin, flute, cello etc added later. There is no way they could anticipate the meaning of individual words as they came to nim.
The ads in "Rolling Stone" for this LP had a picture of Morrison with black tape over his eyes, under it printed:
"This Man Scored Last Night".
"To be born again": this is immediately after he lays down with the girl.
It was actually recored in very rough form for "Bang" records during 1967.
The song "Gloria" was by Van Morrison's group "Them". A semi-hit by them was "Here Comes the Night," with a killer guitar riff.
VAN an amazing being, he caught me with Into the Mystic.
Thank you love Van!
I simply think, as he is Christian, we are not from this world, as must be born again. He is Gnostic, meaning he believes in the magic of Jesus. I have watched him perform at his church. It's all about positive vibes.
A top 3 album for me. Young lovers do, ballerina, just fantastic. Chur!
One of the best albums ever recorded. Was made with a bunch of jazz musicians in one room with Van singing in the other. He gave them the basic outlines of the songs and they just improvised around what he gave them. The band & Van never even spoke.
You will dig Moondance, Wild Nights, Caravan, And It Stoned Me,....so many more. Very jazzy and subdued.
there was a story I'm not entirely sure if it's 100% true but everything that I've read points to it being so which is that this was the first and only take that they did for this song and not only that but it was the first time the flute player had ever heard the arrangement and that is why the flute player sounds so cautious and shy when it first enters the song.
I believe this is true
The whole album is amazing. One of the best. And Jeff buckleys live at sin e had 2 songs from this album on it. That says it all
I read somewhere that he was broke and had to get astral weeks recorded in one session
You're right he was broke. He was with Bang records then and the owner had just died. He did owe them one album which turned out to be Astral Weeks, which he wrote in a few sittings. The record itself was also produced in a few sessions. He was 22/23 yrs. old then. The scale and originality of his music up to present day is astonishing. He at 75 still writes and produces albums and does sell out concerts. Frankly I think he's a genius. Go Well!
Desert island album. Period. End of story. As you were. ✌️
The road Van brings you down will change over the decades 50 yrs for me
Albums of all albums ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Van Morrison was in "Them" in 1966.
The surging pace in the playing of the great jazz bassist Richard Davis is a big part of this piece's moving groove. And it's there through out the album.
Lots of songs that haven’t had reactions to on TH-cam - Try “Domino!” Or “Blue Money!” - both great early songs.
Absolute masterpiece!
This album is the closest you will come to seeing human perfection.
that stand up bass. That flute.
Van - great great artist!
This album...this song..unbelievable! The last phrase on this song..."In another Face" just kinda sets the tone for this masterpiece...Alot, and I mean alot of Pro Musicians say this is one of(if not the best) albums ever recorded...and they threw this album together in days. If you look at alot of these huge mind songs and albums they come like that, instantaneously, and some even say its almost magic. Well to me yes, the moment I heard it as a 15yr old...magic!!
There was a set of the Europeans that lived by two pieces of music , 1, was Astral Weekes the whole album, Not just the first song, 2 was anything by the Dead
Van plans some stuff and it's awesome, and some of it is like a jam session....I think the LP Astral Weeks in one of those jam sessions type thing. Whatever he does ..it comes out like gold....dude just jams.
It's a "concept" LP, so one should listen to the whole of it.
I bought his album Hard Nose The Highway in 1973 because of the title song. I was 18. Just after and continuously kept hearing about Astral Weeks about being the best album ever produced musically. This went on until I bought it late '70's. Still people in the music industry kept using it as a bench mark in comparison to their critiques. I have seen him in Southampton, At the FLeadh in Finsbury Park with Sting and the Corrs. Also saw him play at Hyde Park with the Who, Bob Dylan and Eric Clapton.
Thanks for the bio. Almost no reactors do this. But check out how to pronounce "whims." :-)
One of the greatest albums around
At that time,around 1969 and 70,many rock artists were writing songs about dropping out and abandoning straight society.This was one of them.,with the added twist of his interest in mysticism .Other songs on this subject were up around the bend by creedence,share the land by the guess who,and even baba o'reilly by the who.,and out in the country by three dog night.I was nineteen at the time.sometimes it seemed as if the center would not hold.,that everything was coming unglued.This crazy nightmare of a ride,the 60s,to me really began in 1962 when we almost brought about world war iii.The rest of the 60s is easy to understand if you start with this global near death experience.
Time stopped when I first heard this album.
wavelength is my favorite song by him
He did this Album LIVE Hollywood Bowl 2008
ive been able to read this song one of two ways, being about reincarnation or about becoming a parent and the tonal shift of life that comes with it and how you become reincarnated through the new meaning found in your child
with the idea of going to heaving and another place being the history your children carry on and their future. the full realization of what their future could be
He had to start being animated or he would have cried like the rest of us. Lol
...try going step by step (for viewers) through the rest of the album - you won't be disappointed...
Love the shirt.
Van Morrison's main idol was Ray Charles.
And Muddy Waters
Who knew? An Irish rapper in "67..., learn something new every day, if you're not careful.
van the gaelic mystic.
Wild Nights
The Doors 🚪 nothing better.
Beside You
Van Morrison is excellent, but this guy can't even read. Ill just listen to the album on my own. One of the greatest albums ever made.
Start with him in the group Them. His big break.
its a bit sad that you have some difficulty to read his bio
McCartney, although one of the key rock pioneers, is not in the class of Van Morrison. Astral Weeks is as good an album that has ever been made, at least in my view.
What is your point?
van>dylan
Is it to be BORN again or to be BORED again ?
...try going step by step (for viewers) through the rest of the album - you won't be disappointed...