Van Morrison — Astral Weeks
Album: Astral WeeksAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 3207
Length: 6:57
Plays (last 30 days): 4
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If I ventured in the slipstream
Between the viaducts of your dream
Where immobile steel rims crack
And the ditch in the back roads stop
Could you find me?
Would you kiss-a my eyes?
To lay me down
In silence easy
To be born again
To be born again
From the far side of the ocean
If I put the wheels in motion
And I stand with my arms behind me
And I'm pushin' on the door
Could you find me?
Would you kiss-a my eyes?
To lay me down
In silence easy
To be born again
To be born again
There you go
Standin' with the look of avarice
Talkin' to Huddie Ledbetter
Showin' pictures on the wall
Whisperin' in the hall
And pointin' a finger at me
There you go, there you go
Standin' in the sun darlin'
With your arms behind you
And your eyes before
There you go
Takin' good care of your boy
Seein' that he's got clean clothes
Puttin' on his little red shoes
I see you know he's got clean clothes
A-puttin' on his little red shoes
A-pointin' a finger at me
And here I am
Standing in your sad arrest
Trying to do my very best
Lookin' straight at you
Comin' through, darlin'
Yeah, yeah, yeah
If I ventured in the slipstream
Between the viaducts of your dreams
Where immobile steel rims crack
And the ditch in the back roads stop
Could you find me
Would you kiss-a my eyes
Lay me down
In silence easy
To be born again
To be born again
To be born again
To be born again
In another world, darlin'
In another world
In another time
Got a home on high
Ain't nothing but a stranger in this world
I'm nothing but a stranger in this world
I got a home on high
In another land
So far away
So far away
Way up in the heaven
Way up in the heaven
Way up in the heaven
Way up in the heaven
In another time
In another place
In another time
In another place
Uuh, yeah, mmh
In a time
In another place
In a time
In another place
In another face
Mmh, mmh, mmh
Between the viaducts of your dream
Where immobile steel rims crack
And the ditch in the back roads stop
Could you find me?
Would you kiss-a my eyes?
To lay me down
In silence easy
To be born again
To be born again
From the far side of the ocean
If I put the wheels in motion
And I stand with my arms behind me
And I'm pushin' on the door
Could you find me?
Would you kiss-a my eyes?
To lay me down
In silence easy
To be born again
To be born again
There you go
Standin' with the look of avarice
Talkin' to Huddie Ledbetter
Showin' pictures on the wall
Whisperin' in the hall
And pointin' a finger at me
There you go, there you go
Standin' in the sun darlin'
With your arms behind you
And your eyes before
There you go
Takin' good care of your boy
Seein' that he's got clean clothes
Puttin' on his little red shoes
I see you know he's got clean clothes
A-puttin' on his little red shoes
A-pointin' a finger at me
And here I am
Standing in your sad arrest
Trying to do my very best
Lookin' straight at you
Comin' through, darlin'
Yeah, yeah, yeah
If I ventured in the slipstream
Between the viaducts of your dreams
Where immobile steel rims crack
And the ditch in the back roads stop
Could you find me
Would you kiss-a my eyes
Lay me down
In silence easy
To be born again
To be born again
To be born again
To be born again
In another world, darlin'
In another world
In another time
Got a home on high
Ain't nothing but a stranger in this world
I'm nothing but a stranger in this world
I got a home on high
In another land
So far away
So far away
Way up in the heaven
Way up in the heaven
Way up in the heaven
Way up in the heaven
In another time
In another place
In another time
In another place
Uuh, yeah, mmh
In a time
In another place
In a time
In another place
In another face
Mmh, mmh, mmh
Comments (191)add comment
As I move ungracefully from middle age into my seniors years, I find myself striving to live in the same headspace that Van was in when he wrote the amazing songs on Astral Weeks and Moondance. This song never fails to lift me out of my doldrums. I'm so grateful to have his music to carry me through my years.
Nah, this has always passed me by!
Just back from Ireland. Walked into a pub in Cork, fire going , a pint and Van the Man on the sound system. What more can you ask for!
9 to 10 - Just because of Richard Davis' incredible bass!
Play this at my funeral.
transcendent song from a transcendental album
I got a hormone high?
Edweirdo wrote:
I have the same reaction when a Clapton song comes on - also Stone Roses and Verve. I can't separate the art from the fuckwit.
Or Tom Cruise or John Travolta. What gets in to their heads?
I have the same reaction when a Clapton song comes on - also Stone Roses and Verve. I can't separate the art from the fuckwit.
Or Tom Cruise or John Travolta. What gets in to their heads?
It is truly amazing that an artist who created masterpieces like Astral Weeks could also become such a grumpy old fart who has also peddled destructive conspracy theories. But I still love him:) Last time I saw him live was in Bilbao about 5 years ago, playing to a small audience in the pouring rain. Best live perforance I've ever witnessed. Transcendent.
Typesbad wrote:
Van Morrison is obviously a very talented vocalist with very good musicians accompanying him. There is a lot to appreciate, but for whatever reason I have a never been able to. I don't dislike his work but I do tend to just wait through it and I have never felt compelled to listen to him voluntarily. I'm glad so many of you like him. This is clearly my problem. But at least when someone else is indifferent to some artist I am convinced is absolutely brilliant, I have a means of understanding.
Reading this, I had to double check that I hadn’t posted it.
Van Morrison is obviously a very talented vocalist with very good musicians accompanying him. There is a lot to appreciate, but for whatever reason I have a never been able to. I don't dislike his work but I do tend to just wait through it and I have never felt compelled to listen to him voluntarily. I'm glad so many of you like him. This is clearly my problem. But at least when someone else is indifferent to some artist I am convinced is absolutely brilliant, I have a means of understanding.
Reading this, I had to double check that I hadn’t posted it.
Forever in my heart, very difficult to explain how much this song moves me, it's the 70's, its my childhood, it's my brother's little room in the 7 th floor in Paris, a winter morning.
Such great music sung by such an unrelenting bellend. I do love this music.
Early morning in the dark ….Had to move this up to 9…..thank you Rp
chimaross61 wrote:
"In the Garden" from the mentioned album is one of my Van's favourites.
This song is pure magic to me- it takes me to another, almost spiritual, place. Thank you, Van. I have a Van album that I really love that you don’t hear too much about “Poetic Champion’s Compose”. You may enjoy
"In the Garden" from the mentioned album is one of my Van's favourites.
jcleworth wrote:
I saw him there too just before COVID and he was brilliant!
I saw Mr. Morrison in Las Vegas this past year and he seemed embarrassed to be playing at Caesars Palace, like he had sold out or something. But I'll tell you I was thrilled to see him perform. It was a fantastic experience.
I saw him there too just before COVID and he was brilliant!
Stephen_Phillips wrote:
Sir George Ivan Morrison OBE was born British by Nationality - not Irish. This is not a political comment - just a clarification from me who grew up and went to school only a couple of miles away from Van Morrison's home and school.
This is very definitely a political comment! I also grew up in Northern Ireland and, like anyone else from there, I could chose to be either Irish or British, being eligible for either passport. So for you to imply that everyone born there is British by nationality is just wrong.
Sir George Ivan Morrison OBE was born British by Nationality - not Irish. This is not a political comment - just a clarification from me who grew up and went to school only a couple of miles away from Van Morrison's home and school.
This is very definitely a political comment! I also grew up in Northern Ireland and, like anyone else from there, I could chose to be either Irish or British, being eligible for either passport. So for you to imply that everyone born there is British by nationality is just wrong.
Johnny-smooth wrote:
thats because Bill is smart
Bill sure likes his Van Morrison. As for myself, I tire of it quickly. next
thats because Bill is smart
Ain't nothing but a stranger in this world
I'm nothing but a stranger in this world
ugh, I'm so suck of his wailing
This does not sound like 1968. It's timeless.
What a musical career - from Gloria (and Them) to this!
Just moved this from a 9 to 10. What was I thinking? I don't conceptually understand how an album like this gets birthed out of the ether, but thank the gods for this edifying album, and congrats to Van and the band of course. Magnificent
chimaross61 wrote:
Yes, PCC is a great album as were many of his albums from the 80's, my favorite decade of his, especially "Enlightenment." Not liking his music of late, though, sorry to say. I wish he would get back to writing and performing his original material like this instead of performing tribute music from past jazz and blues artists that I personally have never heard of. Long live Van!
This song is pure magic to me- it takes me to another, almost spiritual, place. Thank you, Van. I have a Van album that I really love that you don’t hear too much about “Poetic Champion’s Compose”. You may enjoy
Yes, PCC is a great album as were many of his albums from the 80's, my favorite decade of his, especially "Enlightenment." Not liking his music of late, though, sorry to say. I wish he would get back to writing and performing his original material like this instead of performing tribute music from past jazz and blues artists that I personally have never heard of. Long live Van!
Goosebumps !
chimaross61 wrote:
Poetic Champions Compose was gifted to me long ago and I've always counted it among my favorite albums. - Alan Watts Blues and Queen of the Slipstream among my favorites. I got to hear him sing the latter live at MSG in 2009 - a surprise addition to the entire Astral Weeks performance.
This song is pure magic to me- it takes me to another, almost spiritual, place. Thank you, Van. I have a Van album that I really love that you don’t hear too much about “Poetic Champion’s Compose”. You may enjoy
Poetic Champions Compose was gifted to me long ago and I've always counted it among my favorite albums. - Alan Watts Blues and Queen of the Slipstream among my favorites. I got to hear him sing the latter live at MSG in 2009 - a surprise addition to the entire Astral Weeks performance.
Typesbad wrote:
Van Morrison is obviously a very talented vocalist with very good musicians accompanying him. There is a lot to appreciate, but for whatever reason I have a never been able to. I don't dislike his work but I do tend to just wait through it and I have never felt compelled to listen to him voluntarily. I'm glad so many of you like him. This is clearly my problem. But at least when someone else is indifferent to some artist I am convinced is absolutely brilliant, I have a means of understanding.
to each his own.Just because you don't like Van doesn't male you inferior. Hell, I don't think Elvis is all he's jacked up to be.
Van Morrison is obviously a very talented vocalist with very good musicians accompanying him. There is a lot to appreciate, but for whatever reason I have a never been able to. I don't dislike his work but I do tend to just wait through it and I have never felt compelled to listen to him voluntarily. I'm glad so many of you like him. This is clearly my problem. But at least when someone else is indifferent to some artist I am convinced is absolutely brilliant, I have a means of understanding.
to each his own.Just because you don't like Van doesn't male you inferior. Hell, I don't think Elvis is all he's jacked up to be.
Bill sure likes his Van Morrison.
As for myself, I tire of it quickly.
next
GTT wrote:
For me, this is one of the high points of all the music I have ever heard; whatever the stress or negativity I happen to be feeling, this song fills me with peace and relief.
penn07 wrote:
Well, you spelled one word correctly.
Keep it up and maybe one day you'll graduate from the first grade.
whineing winging garbage
Well, you spelled one word correctly.
Keep it up and maybe one day you'll graduate from the first grade.
Think about his first 6 alums.
Dylan's first six albums.
Same for Beatles, Joni, and Steely Dan.
And that's ...that.
Dylan's first six albums.
Same for Beatles, Joni, and Steely Dan.
And that's ...that.
Bleyfusz wrote:
He's not even rational anymore.
https://www.medpagetoday.com/p...
I'll never forgive the man pissing me off with his attitude toward Covid-19. I'd thought him smarter.
He's not even rational anymore.
https://www.medpagetoday.com/p...
I'll never forgive the man pissing me off with his attitude toward Covid-19. I'd thought him smarter.
Van the Man! Long live!!
idiot_wind wrote:
We are currently living in America's Fourth Great Awakening. The other three were accompanied by a war just as this one is. The Civil War accompanied the Second Awakening. The Culture War of the Fourth is well underway.
Start below at Wikipedia. Links to 2nd, 3rd & 4th at bottom of the page but I disagree with the page for the 4th. #4 describes a purely religious awakening. I think there is a secular awakening that began the recognition of the rights of both women and racial/ethnic minorities and, currently, the rights of gender minorities. And none of the wiki pages, unfortunately, discuss the resulting wars so I'll list them all here:
1st - American Revolution
2nd- American Civil War
3rd- The series of small wars of Imperialism/Manifest Destiny beginning with the Native Americans and culminating with the Spanish American War
4th- The Culture War
America's First Great Awakening
Ya see, I'm working on an essay comparing the 1860 - 1865 Civil War to today's "Great Divide".
I'm sitting at the computer with the lava lamp lighting the path forward, as I look out the window into the gray December morning.
And this song...this song provides the kick in the ass forward for writing.
Crank it.
We are currently living in America's Fourth Great Awakening. The other three were accompanied by a war just as this one is. The Civil War accompanied the Second Awakening. The Culture War of the Fourth is well underway.
Start below at Wikipedia. Links to 2nd, 3rd & 4th at bottom of the page but I disagree with the page for the 4th. #4 describes a purely religious awakening. I think there is a secular awakening that began the recognition of the rights of both women and racial/ethnic minorities and, currently, the rights of gender minorities. And none of the wiki pages, unfortunately, discuss the resulting wars so I'll list them all here:
1st - American Revolution
2nd- American Civil War
3rd- The series of small wars of Imperialism/Manifest Destiny beginning with the Native Americans and culminating with the Spanish American War
4th- The Culture War
America's First Great Awakening
so imagine if your a musician, sitting in the studio, readying to record an album.
and this crazy cat comes in starts describing this song
yuor brain would just explode
and this crazy cat comes in starts describing this song
yuor brain would just explode
whineing winging garbage
A magnificent LP.
ScottishWillie wrote:
He's not Irish, he British. I'm not trying to be pedantic but these distinctions are very important to people from Northan Ireland.
Strictly speaking, like anyone else from Northern Ireland, he can chose to be Irish or British. He would be eligible for either passport, although if I had to guess which one he travels under I'd say British. Unless he also has American citizenship!
He's not Irish, he British. I'm not trying to be pedantic but these distinctions are very important to people from Northan Ireland.
Strictly speaking, like anyone else from Northern Ireland, he can chose to be Irish or British. He would be eligible for either passport, although if I had to guess which one he travels under I'd say British. Unless he also has American citizenship!
Waaiers wrote:
Because other than the Beatles, Bob Dylan, and Joni Mitchell ...no other rnr performer had six superb albums, back to back in about a 9 year period.
Why is one in ten songs on RP from Van Morrison? 
#voiceallergy
#voiceallergy
Because other than the Beatles, Bob Dylan, and Joni Mitchell ...no other rnr performer had six superb albums, back to back in about a 9 year period.
This is one of those songs that, no matter whether it's lounging by a sunny, breezy window with a view over the rice fields of coastal Nanao to Tateyama in the distant Hida-sanmyaku or blaring over my killer soundsystem in the Chevy coming down Hwy 119 from Ned, ALWAYS BLOWS ME AWAY...
Why is one in ten songs on RP from Van Morrison?
#voiceallergy
#voiceallergy
Ya see, I'm working on an essay comparing the 1860 - 1865 Civil War to today's "Great Divide".
I'm sitting at the computer with the lava lamp lighting the path forward, as I look out the window into the gray December morning.
And this song...this song provides the kick in the ass forward for writing.
Crank it.
I'm sitting at the computer with the lava lamp lighting the path forward, as I look out the window into the gray December morning.
And this song...this song provides the kick in the ass forward for writing.
Crank it.
See if that noise came out of me I wouldn't have thought I was an important artist. My problem I guess.
Am I really the only one who thinks this man is a terrible whiner? This is not singing; this is whining, howling or whatever you want to name it, but not singing. Horrendous.
I love Radio Paradise and am very grateful for all this lovely music I otherwise would never have discovered, but there simply is too much of "Van I can't stand the man".
I hope Bill and Rebecca can keep the extraordinary job they are doing with RP for all eternity.
I love Radio Paradise and am very grateful for all this lovely music I otherwise would never have discovered, but there simply is too much of "Van I can't stand the man".
I hope Bill and Rebecca can keep the extraordinary job they are doing with RP for all eternity.
kevinpobrien wrote:
I have the same reaction when a Clapton song comes on - also Stone Roses and Verve. I can't separate the art from the fuckwit.
I would never want Bill to stop playing Van because of his stance on COVID but I am happy that I can hit skip whenever one of his songs comes on. Van Morrison has been one of my desert island artists since the first time I heard him. I have tried hard to separate the music from the man and his positions but sadly I cannot and it makes me sad. Oddly I don't have the same visceral reaction when a Eric Clapton song come on.
I have the same reaction when a Clapton song comes on - also Stone Roses and Verve. I can't separate the art from the fuckwit.
I just saw Van at the Greek Theater in Berkeley, CA (Sept. 30, 2021). He was great, with a great band. In true Van fashion, he never said a word to the audience but just sang and with so much power I was truly astonished. What a solid voice still at the age of 76. He played a nice selection of old and new songs, mixing up the styles in an interesting way -- played for over 2 hours straight, and then came out for one encore. Excellent, excellent show.
I think RP should add an option to rank a song as "my favorite song of all times" that you can give only to 1 song as a user.
This song will definitely be a serious candidate
This song will definitely be a serious candidate
I would never want Bill to stop playing Van because of his stance on COVID but I am happy that I can hit skip whenever one of his songs comes on. Van Morrison has been one of my desert island artists since the first time I heard him. I have tried hard to separate the music from the man and his positions but sadly I cannot and it makes me sad. Oddly I don't have the same visceral reaction when a Eric Clapton song come on.
OK.
Compare his first five solo albums to Dylan's.
Wow!
Compare his first five solo albums to Dylan's.
Wow!
Typesbad wrote:
Van Morrison is obviously a very talented vocalist with very good musicians accompanying him. There is a lot to appreciate, but for whatever reason I have a never been able to. I don't dislike his work but I do tend to just wait through it and I have never felt compelled to listen to him voluntarily. I'm glad so many of you like him. This is clearly my problem. But at least when someone else is indifferent to some artist I am convinced is absolutely brilliant, I have a means of understanding.
This sounds quite a bit like some of my comments on other outstanding bands that I just don't "get." Van Morrison, and this song in particular, is profoundly spiritual, and that's just not some people's thing. It's healthy to have different people prefer different things.
Van Morrison is obviously a very talented vocalist with very good musicians accompanying him. There is a lot to appreciate, but for whatever reason I have a never been able to. I don't dislike his work but I do tend to just wait through it and I have never felt compelled to listen to him voluntarily. I'm glad so many of you like him. This is clearly my problem. But at least when someone else is indifferent to some artist I am convinced is absolutely brilliant, I have a means of understanding.
This sounds quite a bit like some of my comments on other outstanding bands that I just don't "get." Van Morrison, and this song in particular, is profoundly spiritual, and that's just not some people's thing. It's healthy to have different people prefer different things.
“I want to enjoy this song but also make sure I don't help Van make another penny. It's hard when a great artist goes so bad.”
Perhaps you could could rank all artists throughout history so I know which artists it’s ok to like? Or maybe separate their art from the person (or your opinion about the person)?
A great opener to a great album. One of my favorites of all time. However, I am so conflicted about Van, it's like enjoying an old Woody Allen movie or a Bill Cosby routine. The art hasn't changed, but it's impossible to like the artist.
I want to enjoy this song but also make sure I don't help Van make another penny. It's hard when a great artist goes so bad.
I want to enjoy this song but also make sure I don't help Van make another penny. It's hard when a great artist goes so bad.
If not for the vocals I would be fine with it, oh well. At least a lot of people seem to be into it.
Actually the song that turned me into a Van Morrison fan!
On_The_Beach wrote:
11?
His best album IMHO. Magical.
This song is pure magic to me- it takes me to another, almost spiritual, place. Thank you, Van. I have a Van album that I really love that you don’t hear too much about “Poetic Champion’s Compose”. You may enjoy
ScottishWillie wrote:
He's not Irish, he British. I'm not trying to be pedantic but these distinctions are very important to people from Northan Ireland.
They don't seem to be to Van, whose music is almost completely apolitical and just about without religiosity. Some of his best work is with the Chieftains, formed in Dublin in 1962. His ancestry runs through Ulster Scots. I wouldn't call him British.
He's not Irish, he British. I'm not trying to be pedantic but these distinctions are very important to people from Northan Ireland.
They don't seem to be to Van, whose music is almost completely apolitical and just about without religiosity. Some of his best work is with the Chieftains, formed in Dublin in 1962. His ancestry runs through Ulster Scots. I wouldn't call him British.
Typesbad wrote:
Van Morrison is obviously a very talented vocalist with very good musicians accompanying him. There is a lot to appreciate, but for whatever reason I have a never been able to. I don't dislike his work but I do tend to just wait through it and I have never felt compelled to listen to him voluntarily. I'm glad so many of you like him. This is clearly my problem. But at least when someone else is indifferent to some artist I am convinced is absolutely brilliant, I have a means of understanding.
This is not a "...problem." Either you like an artist or a song or you don't. I don't understand this impulse to rate everything and establish some consensus as to what is best and what is worst. It is all so subjective. You can have it all and you can choose whatever you like.
Van Morrison is obviously a very talented vocalist with very good musicians accompanying him. There is a lot to appreciate, but for whatever reason I have a never been able to. I don't dislike his work but I do tend to just wait through it and I have never felt compelled to listen to him voluntarily. I'm glad so many of you like him. This is clearly my problem. But at least when someone else is indifferent to some artist I am convinced is absolutely brilliant, I have a means of understanding.
This is not a "...problem." Either you like an artist or a song or you don't. I don't understand this impulse to rate everything and establish some consensus as to what is best and what is worst. It is all so subjective. You can have it all and you can choose whatever you like.
This is one of the many reasons why i love RP and non commercial radio, deep album dives
RabbitEars wrote:
Yeah...but what about: St Dominic's Preview, Hardnose the Highway, and Veedon Fleece?
I would do naked cart wheels down the street, if RP would ever play songs from these albums.
If you love this album, it's worth checking out No Guru No Method No Teacher, a largely ignored gem of a record, in ways a companion to Astral Weeks.
Yeah...but what about: St Dominic's Preview, Hardnose the Highway, and Veedon Fleece?
I would do naked cart wheels down the street, if RP would ever play songs from these albums.
Fun fact: in Wikipedia, you could switch Van Morrison's main photo with Elvis Costello's, and few people would notice
To each their own. I'm just not a fan of his voice.
If you love this album, it's worth checking out No Guru No Method No Teacher, a largely ignored gem of a record, in ways a companion to Astral Weeks.
Pjesnik wrote:
Welcome to the human condition. But connect with family and friends. You are no longer alone. You have community.
We are all strangers in this world. Many pretend thay are not.
Welcome to the human condition. But connect with family and friends. You are no longer alone. You have community.
We are all strangers in this world. Many pretend thay are not.
ybsen wrote:
Ah, points of facts friends - if you were born in England, you're English. If you were born in Ireland, you're Irish. Wales - Welsh. Scotland - Scottish. All nations my friends, in the wonderful British (one t) Isles. I have friends that are 'Oirish' on St Patricks Day, Scottish on Burn's Night and English the rest of the year.
At the end of the day does it REALLY matter? Black, white, yellow, brown or even green. Love and peace brothers and sisters
So, ScottishWillie, this implies the Scottish are Brittish too... Did you ever try to tell this to a real scottsman?
At the end of the day does it REALLY matter? Black, white, yellow, brown or even green. Love and peace brothers and sisters
So, ScottishWillie, this implies the Scottish are Brittish too... Did you ever try to tell this to a real scottsman?
A ten.
9 ---->10
Ecstasy
Ecstasy
ybsen wrote:
So, ScottishWillie, this implies the Scottish are Brittish too... Did you ever try to tell this to a real scottsman?
Unless you have a good knowledge of Irish history, I really do recommend that you don't go there ..
So, ScottishWillie, this implies the Scottish are Brittish too... Did you ever try to tell this to a real scottsman?
Unless you have a good knowledge of Irish history, I really do recommend that you don't go there ..
ScottishWillie wrote:
He's not Irish, he British. I'm not trying to be pedantic but these distinctions are very important to people from Northan Ireland.
So, ScottishWillie, this implies the Scottish are Brittish too... Did you ever try to tell this to a real scottsman?
He's not Irish, he British. I'm not trying to be pedantic but these distinctions are very important to people from Northan Ireland.
So, ScottishWillie, this implies the Scottish are Brittish too... Did you ever try to tell this to a real scottsman?
Canadese wrote:
He's not Irish, he British. I'm not trying to be pedantic but these distinctions are very important to people from Northan Ireland.
Another great Irish poet
He's not Irish, he British. I'm not trying to be pedantic but these distinctions are very important to people from Northan Ireland.
8 --> 9 
Godlike. That is all.
Another great Irish poet
Whoa 50 years old!
I can't even say what it is about this song, but it is stunning. Stunning.
khardog145 wrote:
The whole Moondance album
But this is too.
Hey k,
But equally good: Veedon Fleece, St. Dominic, Hard nose the Highway, Tuelpo Honey.
I don't think any artist comes close to this run of albums. Unbelievable.
Other than Miles Davis and John Coltrane.
The whole Moondance album
But this is too.Hey k,
But equally good: Veedon Fleece, St. Dominic, Hard nose the Highway, Tuelpo Honey.
I don't think any artist comes close to this run of albums. Unbelievable.
Other than Miles Davis and John Coltrane.
mach-hog wrote:
what
an artist
Amen to that
what
an artist
Amen to that
what
an artist
Typesbad wrote:
lovely comment!
Van Morrison is obviously a very talented vocalist with very good musicians accompanying him. There is a lot to appreciate, but for whatever reason I have a never been able to. I don't dislike his work but I do tend to just wait through it and I have never felt compelled to listen to him voluntarily. I'm glad so many of you like him. This is clearly my problem. But at least when someone else is indifferent to some artist I am convinced is absolutely brilliant, I have a means of understanding.
Van Morrison is obviously a very talented vocalist with very good musicians accompanying him. There is a lot to appreciate, but for whatever reason I have a never been able to. I don't dislike his work but I do tend to just wait through it and I have never felt compelled to listen to him voluntarily. I'm glad so many of you like him. This is clearly my problem. But at least when someone else is indifferent to some artist I am convinced is absolutely brilliant, I have a means of understanding.
slickdh wrote:
5 for beginners, 8 for experts and 10 for the few selected ones. So 5 for you and 10 for me.
Wait... Wait.... We get '8' desert island disks!!? I always thought it was 5....
5 for beginners, 8 for experts and 10 for the few selected ones. So 5 for you and 10 for me.
Van
Love It all All so cool
good god I love this thom.
timpafromoz wrote:
Wait... Wait.... We get '8' desert island disks!!? I always thought it was 5....
The Hollywood Bowl live version of Astral Weeks is worth a listen. To my ears he mumbles his words on the live version - a shame - as it's otherwise musically very good. This original is gorgeous - Astral Weeks is one of my eight 'desert island disks'.
Wait... Wait.... We get '8' desert island disks!!? I always thought it was 5....
avikatz wrote:
The whole Moondance album But this is too.
If this isn't a ten what is?
The whole Moondance album
But this is too. scrubbrush wrote:
Oh it exists! One cannot visualize it in a conventional sense. Have Faith!
Holy God Almighty. This is just about my favorite song of all times. Chills, goosebumps, nostalgia, hope. One of the rare, rare songs that i would rank well above a 10, if such a scale existed here.
Oh it exists! One cannot visualize it in a conventional sense. Have Faith!
The Hollywood Bowl live version of Astral Weeks is worth a listen. To my ears he mumbles his words on the live version - a shame - as it's otherwise musically very good. This original is gorgeous - Astral Weeks is one of my eight 'desert island disks'.
i love the music of this man - i am an agnostic, and i listen to all kinds of music day per day - but the music of this man gives me somehow religious feelings (or at least what i think religious people feel while they are "on it" ;-)
but the man got way bette later on:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLIYiL-UOnA
but the man got way bette later on:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLIYiL-UOnA
westslope wrote:
Sir George Ivan Morrison OBE was born British by Nationality - not Irish. This is not a political comment - just a clarification from me who grew up and went to school only a couple of miles away from Van Morrison's home and school.
Irish Slam?
Sir George Ivan Morrison OBE was born British by Nationality - not Irish. This is not a political comment - just a clarification from me who grew up and went to school only a couple of miles away from Van Morrison's home and school.
I just realized U2's all I want is you has the same sound as this song.
I saw Mr. Morrison in Las Vegas this past year and he seemed embarrassed to be playing at Caesars Palace, like he had sold out or something. But I'll tell you I was thrilled to see him perform. It was a fantastic experience.
Sheer brilliance. A great song from a great album.
GTT wrote:
Thanks GTT, that says it all. I feel the same way about this timeless song
For me, this is one of the high points of all the music I have ever heard; whatever the stress or negativity I happen to be feeling, this song fills me with peace and relief.
Thanks GTT, that says it all. I feel the same way about this timeless song
I'm not sure if you had to be in the experience when this came out to have enjoyed it, but Van Morrison's music has not aged well.
No matter what is said, I'll always love this song, with all its instruments. So original. Flute, violin...
Irish Slam?
Is every song on the album in 6/8?
Just checked in to downvote this...was already a 1, lol.
Just cant stand his "art".
ziggytrix wrote:
I want to know how you know that.
occasionally Van makes noises like a goat having an aneurysm and it makes me giggle
I want to know how you know that.
One of the great albums! Framed hanging on the wall in the company of Exile On The Main Street, Manasssas, Hejira, The Freewheelin', Physical Graffiti, Aja, At Fillmore East... Pick one for yourself...
Smoking Hot today Sir!
Thank you.
Easy 10 by the way.
Thank you.
Easy 10 by the way.
A very moving piece of music.
Definetly one of my favorite music pieces
I always heard "puttin' on his leatherette shoes" which seems very Van Morrison.
Top marks to the arranger too. DIVINE.
I've seen Van M live, he didn't smile much, it was a wonderful night!
If this isn't a ten what is?
LizK wrote:
He has a job, for which he gets paid VERY well. Isn't part of it being pleasant to the people that come to his concerts, buy his music and purchase the paraphernalia? Does it hurt to be civil to the people who pay the astronomical prices to come to his concerts?
themusicroob wrote:
Dunno about this argument. Richard Branson has a job for which he gets paid VERY VERY well. Is part of it being pleasant to people who pay the astronomical prices to ride his trains?
Okay, I'm very bitter about the cost of train fares in the UK, and maybe this isn't a great example. But at what point does your success reach a point where you owe your fans something over and above what they've paid for?
Also, great song, great poetry.
Thanks for the 'similar-to-what-I-was-going-to-say' reply, roob! And for me, in a more general sense, folks can expect ANYTHING from ANY ONE - it's the expectation that ultimately lets the 'fan' down when the 'artist' doesn't deliver. So for instance, with Van the Man, it's his music that folks like, not his charming personality. A fan can attempt to reach out and connect and if/when that attempt fails, the fan shouldn't decide to throw away his albums to spite the musician. Who knows what that person is going through right then and there. I'm rambling incoherently now so I'll go back to doing my (boring) job and listening to RP on my phones.....Long Live RP!!
He has a job, for which he gets paid VERY well. Isn't part of it being pleasant to the people that come to his concerts, buy his music and purchase the paraphernalia? Does it hurt to be civil to the people who pay the astronomical prices to come to his concerts?
themusicroob wrote:
Dunno about this argument. Richard Branson has a job for which he gets paid VERY VERY well. Is part of it being pleasant to people who pay the astronomical prices to ride his trains?
Okay, I'm very bitter about the cost of train fares in the UK, and maybe this isn't a great example. But at what point does your success reach a point where you owe your fans something over and above what they've paid for?
Also, great song, great poetry.
Thanks for the 'similar-to-what-I-was-going-to-say' reply, roob! And for me, in a more general sense, folks can expect ANYTHING from ANY ONE - it's the expectation that ultimately lets the 'fan' down when the 'artist' doesn't deliver. So for instance, with Van the Man, it's his music that folks like, not his charming personality. A fan can attempt to reach out and connect and if/when that attempt fails, the fan shouldn't decide to throw away his albums to spite the musician. Who knows what that person is going through right then and there. I'm rambling incoherently now so I'll go back to doing my (boring) job and listening to RP on my phones.....Long Live RP!!
LizK wrote:
He has a job, for which he gets paid VERY well. Isn't part of it being pleasant to the people that come to his concerts, buy his music and purchase the paraphernalia? Does it hurt to be civil to the people who pay the astronomical prices to come to his concerts?
Dunno about this argument. Richard Branson has a job for which he gets paid VERY VERY well. Is part of it being pleasant to people who pay the astronomical prices to ride his trains?
Okay, I'm very bitter about the cost of train fares in the UK, and maybe this isn't a great example. But at what point does your success reach a point where you owe your fans something over and above what they've paid for?
Also, great song, great poetry.
He has a job, for which he gets paid VERY well. Isn't part of it being pleasant to the people that come to his concerts, buy his music and purchase the paraphernalia? Does it hurt to be civil to the people who pay the astronomical prices to come to his concerts?
Dunno about this argument. Richard Branson has a job for which he gets paid VERY VERY well. Is part of it being pleasant to people who pay the astronomical prices to ride his trains?
Okay, I'm very bitter about the cost of train fares in the UK, and maybe this isn't a great example. But at what point does your success reach a point where you owe your fans something over and above what they've paid for?
Also, great song, great poetry.
10
I dig Van, but not when he does stuff like this. The band plays wispy improv on a two chord progression while Van improvises (apparently) over top, until it all fades out. Doesn't do it for me. Boring.
lizardking wrote:
He has a job, for which he gets paid VERY well. Isn't part of it being pleasant to the people that come to his concerts, buy his music and purchase the paraphernalia? Does it hurt to be civil to the people who pay the astronomical prices to come to his concerts?
I remember a co-worker back in 1999 who was 1) a huge fan of attending concerts and 2) a huge VM fan and she FINALLY got her wish; to see him perform live (at the Gorge no less....a FANTASTIC venue worth the hours long drive, lines, etc.) and then happened to run into him having a drink sometime after the show. She was giddy, like a kid meeting a hero, and had the gall to ask for his autograph. Apparently he just grunted and turned his back to her, leaving her in shock and upset.
I learned two things from this anecdote; 1) take with a grain of salt any fan who says "so in so is such an asshole, he wouldn't even sign his autograph for me!" and 2) being a fan of a musician should be rooted in how they perform their craft and NOT related to how they interact with fans. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure most of us would like to have an opportunity to meet a "hero" and get a signature and have a great story for the grandkids, but come on now....think of something better than "SIGN THIS" and don't be offended if the response is not getting a signature.
Long Live RP!!
He has a job, for which he gets paid VERY well. Isn't part of it being pleasant to the people that come to his concerts, buy his music and purchase the paraphernalia? Does it hurt to be civil to the people who pay the astronomical prices to come to his concerts?
Hey it's Friday afternoon.
Is it time to be born again?
Such a trippy, cool album.
Is it time to be born again?
Such a trippy, cool album.
Released 1968, not 1970.
I remember a co-worker back in 1999 who was 1) a huge fan of attending concerts and 2) a huge VM fan and she FINALLY got her wish; to see him perform live (at the Gorge no less....a FANTASTIC venue worth the hours long drive, lines, etc.) and then happened to run into him having a drink sometime after the show. She was giddy, like a kid meeting a hero, and had the gall to ask for his autograph. Apparently he just grunted and turned his back to her, leaving her in shock and upset.
I learned two things from this anecdote; 1) take with a grain of salt any fan who says "so in so is such an asshole, he wouldn't even sign his autograph for me!" and 2) being a fan of a musician should be rooted in how they perform their craft and NOT related to how they interact with fans. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure most of us would like to have an opportunity to meet a "hero" and get a signature and have a great story for the grandkids, but come on now....think of something better than "SIGN THIS" and don't be offended if the response is not getting a signature.
Long Live RP!!
Yup!
On_The_Beach wrote:
On_The_Beach wrote:
Jelani wrote:
Yeah, I thought he was having a stroke...
Yah, the mumble-shriek just got more and more out of hand the older he got . . .
Yeah, I thought he was having a stroke...
Yah, the mumble-shriek just got more and more out of hand the older he got . . .
As I move ungracefully from middle age into my seniors years, I find myself striving to live in the same headspace that Van was in when he wrote the amazing songs on Astral Weeks and Moondance. This song never fails to lift me out of my doldrums. I'm so grateful to have his music to carry me through my years.
Cheers, Laptopdog!