0010. Van Morrison
Astral Weeks

The year after Brown Eyed Girl and two years before Moondance were released Van Morrison released his sophomore album Astral Weeks. an album that's jazzy, folk, experimental and (for the most part) perfectly timed.

I'd say that half of Morrison's vocal talent lies in his timing - avoiding the obvious placing of the words in favour for letting the pause become a part of the magic.

The other half is, of course, his voice. Full of gravel and soul and as far from what I associate with traditional irish singers as could be. Sometimes, however, his special style of singing goes to extremes. Like in the 5:10 long Beside You, when he goes off into some sort of screamed mumbles at times. I know he's a legend and all, but that bothers me (dämnit! articulate, man!!).

One thing I on the other hand enjoy immensely is the fact that the majority of the songs are allowed to take their time - he just doesn't fire away a string of 3-minute pop tracks, but takes the time to let the music build and do its thing. Lyricwise it's also very enjoyable... In the research into Van I did while listening I came across the description "stream of conciousness" for this album and I agree, even before I read it I had penned those exact words in this review. It's a stream that carries you with it from the moment you press play (or, some day hopefully, drop the needle on the record) til it gently sets you down some 46 minutes later.

The worst part is that the little bastard was only 23 years old and cut the album in under two days.