Saturday, May 23, 2009

VAN MORRISON: ASTRAL WEEKS LIVE



Heres another album so so very good,that it warrants a show all to its own.Like my previous review of the Black Crowes live version of the Warpaint album,this review too,shall be a tad one sided.This album was the soundtrack to my childhood and is one of my first musical memories.From my moms friends to aunts and uncles gathering at the house,it seemed almost automatic and Pavlovian to have this album played in the background.As I listen to an updated version,and a lively one at that,I cant help but picture all those people in my house and the blue jeans and facial hair on the dudes and the long flowing hair of the women.Every one seemed so at ease and I cant for the life of me remember any raised voices or mean faces.I guess we kept good company back then.
The fact that the original album came out in 1968 and I wasn't around until 1974 really says something as well.The staying power is undeniable.Also when you take into account the fact that there wasn't one hit on the album at the time.Odd that many consider it his best when you think about it.But it is.From the fanciful lyrics and vividly descriptive stories to the overall score,Astral Weeks is honestly in a league of its own.
Now take all of this and put it in a live show 40 years later.40???Wow.The audience is pretty much on stage with the band and plays an important part in this production.The hoots and hollers tell the story plainly enough as they seem to be reliving the same great memories as myself.Who can do that?Theres a reason they call him Van the man.
Being that the original album featured some rather lengthy songs,you can imagine how long they are live when Van and the band get into their grooves on stage.Never mind the fact that he takes great liberties with the original lyrics and typically never performs the same song the same way twice.That's part of his appeal.He is the biggest five foot five showman you'll ever see or hear.
If this album ever meant anything to you,then I implore you to find the updated version.I never imagined hearing a crowd respond so joyously to songs like Ballerina and Beside you,but the band that travels with him is simply awesome and a wonderful accompaniment to the man as they play a perfect yin and yang to each other.
The album is also priced nicely for around 13 to 16 bucks depending where you shop and I cant think of better a purchase for the price.Van isnt a poor man but hes not quite burnin up the charts either.Support the arts and the real musicians that work for YOU and not for themselves.
I like to listen to the albums I review as I write them up and this one has taken me a while,I keep pausing and find myself swaying at my desk and much like the afor mentioned Black Crowes live album,here to,with eyes closed I can smile and smell the funny cigarettes.Good company indeed.
Rating 4 dark sunglasses out of 5

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