Record Reviews

VAN MORRISON ~ ASTRAL WEEKS (EXPANDED EDITION) WARNER BROS. 081227952310 (Barcode: 081227952310) ~ IRELAND ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1968 Released: 2015 This is the remastered and expanded reissue of the iconic debut (see Side Note below) album by the celebrated Northern Irish singer / songwriter Van MorrisonFind albums by this artist. Recorded in a relaxed atmosphere and accompanied by a bunch of superb Jazz musicians: bassist Richard DavisFind albums by this artist, guitarist Jay BerlinerFind albums by this artist, percussionist / vibraphonist Warren Smith, Jr.Find albums by this artist, drummer Connie KeyFind albums by this artist and flautist / saxophonist John PayneFind albums by this artist, Morrison delivers his heartbreaking vocals full of poetic imaginary, becoming an instant superstar. Although the album did not chart and produced no singles, in time it became one of the most revered singer / songwriter albums of all times. The album includes a couple of older songs Morrison wrote earlier on and recorded demos of (see Side Note again), but most of the material was fresh and of course absolutely brilliant. The albums producer Lewis MerensteinFind albums by this artist later added orchestral arrangements by Larry FallonFind albums by this artist, but did not hurt the intimate atmosphere of the studio dates. The approach, that utilizes brass and a Jazzy rhythm section, which is present here, will in time become Morrison´s trademark, and which will continue for decades. Morrison´s vocal performances are, as usual, completely unique and incomparable to any other vocalist active at the time or since. Morrison stunned the music word with his unique combination of musical and poetic qualities, which happens only very rarely. Similarly to Bob Dylan, he always has a message and the massage was delivered on the wings of beautiful, moving and sophisticated musical chariot. The remastered sound and the bonus tracks are a very good reason to make this album a part of everybody´s music collection, as usual better late than never. Do not hesitate! Side Note: Following his departure from the celebrated ThemFind albums by this artist group, Morrison´s first musical outfit, in 1966 he moved to New York and signed with BangFind albums on this label Records, prompted by his manager and co-owner of the label. Morrison recorded eight song demos for the label, one of which called "Brown Eyed Girl" became a hit single. Consequently the label released all the songs as an LP album in 1967, in complete violation of the contract with Morrison and without his knowledge. The album, called "Blowin` Your Mind!Find albums with this title" is often counted as Morrison´s debut album, although he always completely disassociated himself from it. Here you have another pathetic story about the "Music Industry".

Updated: 09/02/2016Posted: 08/02/2016

CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend