Van Morrison — The Way Young Lovers Do
Album: Astral WeeksAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 1308
Length: 3:07
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We strolled through fields all wet with rain
And back along the lane again
There in the sunshine
In the sweet summertime
The way that young lovers do
I kissed you on the lips once more
And we said goodbye just adoring the nighttime
Yeah, thats the right time
To feel the way that young lovers do
Then we sat on our own star and dreamed of the way that we were
And the way that we were meant to be
Then we sat on our own star and dreamed of the way that I was for you
And you were for me
And then we danced the night away
And turned to each other, say, i love you, I love you
The way that young lovers do
Do, do, do, do...
Then we sat on our star and dreamed of the way that we were and the way
That we wanted to be
Then we sat on our own star and dreamed of the way that I was for you
And you were for me
I went on to dance the night away
And turned to each other, say, i love you, baby, I love you
The way that young lovers do, lovers do, lovers do
Do, do, do, do....
And back along the lane again
There in the sunshine
In the sweet summertime
The way that young lovers do
I kissed you on the lips once more
And we said goodbye just adoring the nighttime
Yeah, thats the right time
To feel the way that young lovers do
Then we sat on our own star and dreamed of the way that we were
And the way that we were meant to be
Then we sat on our own star and dreamed of the way that I was for you
And you were for me
And then we danced the night away
And turned to each other, say, i love you, I love you
The way that young lovers do
Do, do, do, do...
Then we sat on our star and dreamed of the way that we were and the way
That we wanted to be
Then we sat on our own star and dreamed of the way that I was for you
And you were for me
I went on to dance the night away
And turned to each other, say, i love you, baby, I love you
The way that young lovers do, lovers do, lovers do
Do, do, do, do....
Comments (128)add comment
I don’t like it. Sorry 🙈
8, just for the trombone! Love a good trombone solo.
I was fortunate enough to see Mr Morrison's performace of Astral Weeks at the Royal Albert Hall. In the presence of greatness. It gets my vote as one of the gretest albums ever made.
This song feels like it might unravel at any moment but it holds together in a gloriously punchy , brassy, raucous fashion. Love it. I don't think Astral Weeks will ever drop out of my top 10 albums of all time. It's that bloody good.
alanthecowboy wrote:
As a bass player myself, I can assure you that there's no way I could pull off the timing in this song with any mind altering substances in my system. Whether you like it or not, it's an amazing bass performance! Also, I agree on the 9 for the song itself...
YOU might not be able to, but I'm also a musician who has performed under all sorts of influences, and I have known many, many superb musicians who can play anything when stoned off their gourds. For example, the astounding John Ogdon regularly performed while as drunk as a skunk, not to mention jazz greats such as Charlie Parker, John Coltrane et al.
As a bass player myself, I can assure you that there's no way I could pull off the timing in this song with any mind altering substances in my system. Whether you like it or not, it's an amazing bass performance! Also, I agree on the 9 for the song itself...
YOU might not be able to, but I'm also a musician who has performed under all sorts of influences, and I have known many, many superb musicians who can play anything when stoned off their gourds. For example, the astounding John Ogdon regularly performed while as drunk as a skunk, not to mention jazz greats such as Charlie Parker, John Coltrane et al.
Wow. 1959. The Soviets dominated space. Height of the Cold War. US had been in Vietnam four years. And this… which strikes me as very… thoughtful; each note played with very deliberate intent.
Theotis wrote:
Actually, it's quite pleasurable. Guess you haven't had the right partner.
Wow, quite the witty burn
Kudos
Actually, it's quite pleasurable. Guess you haven't had the right partner.
Wow, quite the witty burn
Kudos
Yer spiralin' brother
keep this record next to to your favourite/s of Love.
they grow if played altogether.
tested by research.
they grow if played altogether.
tested by research.
As to carry my lobbying efforts in to 2021, please play soemthing from St Dominics, Hardnose Highway, or Veedon Fleece!!!
They are mighty fine albums!!!
But alas...my efforts may be futile! Woe is me!
Is it hopeless and forelorn?
Come here, she said...I'll give you shelter from the storm.
They are mighty fine albums!!!
But alas...my efforts may be futile! Woe is me!
Is it hopeless and forelorn?
Come here, she said...I'll give you shelter from the storm.
bluedot wrote:
here
This performance has a lot of interesting things going on, but the mix is crappy and the parts just aren't fitted together very well. The result is a jarring mess. It would be interesting to hear it remixed on modern equipment.
here
Astral Weeks has been in my personal top ten for decades.
My love for his music has even survived his recent comments linking fascism & covid restrictions.
My love for his music has even survived his recent comments linking fascism & covid restrictions.
KalleB wrote:
As a bass player myself, I can assure you that there's no way I could pull off the timing in this song with any mind altering substances in my system. Whether you like it or not, it's an amazing bass performance! Also, I agree on the 9 for the song itself...
bassplayer stoned? a solid 9 for me.
As a bass player myself, I can assure you that there's no way I could pull off the timing in this song with any mind altering substances in my system. Whether you like it or not, it's an amazing bass performance! Also, I agree on the 9 for the song itself...
bassplayer stoned? a solid 9 for me.
idiot_wind wrote:
I'm completely with you - Veedon & St Dom are among my favorite Van albums. I'd also add No Method No Guru No Teacher and The Healing Game.
I will do naked cart wheels down the street, if you will play something from:
- St Dominic's Preview (prefer title cut)
- Veedon Fleece (Bulbs)
- Hard Nose the Highway
These are really good albums! But thew don't get much attention
- St Dominic's Preview (prefer title cut)
- Veedon Fleece (Bulbs)
- Hard Nose the Highway
These are really good albums! But thew don't get much attention
I'm completely with you - Veedon & St Dom are among my favorite Van albums. I'd also add No Method No Guru No Teacher and The Healing Game.
dynamaniak wrote:
Nice try, but no horns and no strings.
Sorry, I prefer the original.
It's been said before, but I will say it again - the Jeff Buckley version of this track will blow your mind.
Nice try, but no horns and no strings.
Sorry, I prefer the original.
harmaton wrote:
Actually, it's quite pleasurable. Guess you haven't had the right partner.
fucking sucks
Actually, it's quite pleasurable. Guess you haven't had the right partner.
Proclivities wrote:
Another superfluity of redundancy.
You can say that again! (And I must not like this as much as other VM tracks...only a 7 to me....still....Long Live RP!!)
Another superfluity of redundancy.
You can say that again! (And I must not like this as much as other VM tracks...only a 7 to me....still....Long Live RP!!)
jamesshoemark wrote:
Another superfluity of redundancy.
Another cacophany of discordance 》》》》》
Another superfluity of redundancy.
idiot_wind wrote:
Don't forget Listen to the Lion from St Dominic's Preview.
I will do naked cart wheels down the street, if you will play something from:
- St Dominic's Preview (prefer title cut)
- Veedon Fleece (Bulbs)
- Hard Nose the Highway
These are really good albums! But thew don't get much attention
- St Dominic's Preview (prefer title cut)
- Veedon Fleece (Bulbs)
- Hard Nose the Highway
These are really good albums! But thew don't get much attention
Don't forget Listen to the Lion from St Dominic's Preview.
Another cacophany of discordance 》》》》》
I will do naked cart wheels down the street, if you will play something from:
- St Dominic's Preview (prefer title cut)
- Veedon Fleece (Bulbs)
- Hard Nose the Highway
These are really good albums! But thew don't get much attention
- St Dominic's Preview (prefer title cut)
- Veedon Fleece (Bulbs)
- Hard Nose the Highway
These are really good albums! But thew don't get much attention
sublime.....
Love the music, but yes it could do with re recording on todays equipment, but it swap the voice, who ever it is shouldnt have been given a mic. lets try Sivert Hoyem, or maybe that Woodkid bloke.
Lots of hate here. I love it.
bluedot wrote:
Well said, although you shouldn't have restrained yourself so much. I have a bunch of browser windows open right now and thought that some cheesy ad was playing at the same time as Van. No such luck: this is a dated, wandering mess with lousy singing—and I like VM. I've always heard that Astral Weeks is a classic, but most of the songs I've heard from it are just bad.
(RegEx? RegEx sucks!)
This performance has a lot of interesting things going on, but the mix is crappy and the parts just aren't fitted together very well. The result is a jarring mess. It would be interesting to hear it remixed on modern equipment.
Well said, although you shouldn't have restrained yourself so much. I have a bunch of browser windows open right now and thought that some cheesy ad was playing at the same time as Van. No such luck: this is a dated, wandering mess with lousy singing—and I like VM. I've always heard that Astral Weeks is a classic, but most of the songs I've heard from it are just bad.
(RegEx? RegEx sucks!)
TerryS wrote:
As Ralph Richardson reputedly said of Sir Lawrence Olivier, " a fine fellow, but oh, all that shouting just wears me out".
FluorideFreeMN wrote:
I am not a fan of VM and usually hit the PSD button upon first hearing his voice...
But in the words of C Montgomery Burns, "I know what I hate...and I don't hate this."
Perhaps only on Radio Paradise could you find Sir Ralph Richardson and C. Montgomery Burns cited in consecutive comments.
As Ralph Richardson reputedly said of Sir Lawrence Olivier, " a fine fellow, but oh, all that shouting just wears me out".
FluorideFreeMN wrote:
I am not a fan of VM and usually hit the PSD button upon first hearing his voice...
But in the words of C Montgomery Burns, "I know what I hate...and I don't hate this."
Perhaps only on Radio Paradise could you find Sir Ralph Richardson and C. Montgomery Burns cited in consecutive comments.
pinem wrote:
As Ralph Richardson reputedly said of Sir Lawrence Olivier, " a fine fellow, but oh, all that shouting just wears me out".
One of the worst voices in all of music-1, and has been for 40 years
As Ralph Richardson reputedly said of Sir Lawrence Olivier, " a fine fellow, but oh, all that shouting just wears me out".
pinem wrote:
I am not a fan of VM and usually hit the PSD button upon first hearing his voice...
But in the words of C Montgomery Burns, "I know what I hate...and I don't hate this."
One of the worst voices in all of music-1, and has been for 40 years
I am not a fan of VM and usually hit the PSD button upon first hearing his voice...
But in the words of C Montgomery Burns, "I know what I hate...and I don't hate this."
Proclivities wrote:
Others not sharing your music tastes does not make them "ignorant", and it probably shouldn't dumbfound you either. Personally, I find this song to be disjointed and shrill: a cacophony. To each his own
A cumulative 6.7 as of today -- still outrageous. I'll admit that ignorant may have been over-the-top. I'm going to chalk this 6.7 up to jazz-rock fusion being an almost non-existent genre (The Bad Plus are the closest to this album since its release) and therefore there are no comparators. Nonetheless, here's just one of the many reviews that identify the place that this album falls in the history of music: "The album wasn't a hit, the way Moondance would be in 1970, but it was instantly recognized as one of the rare albums for which the word timeless is not only appropriate but inescapable." (https://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/astral-weeks-19870827#ixzz2rj038kKz)
Others not sharing your music tastes does not make them "ignorant", and it probably shouldn't dumbfound you either. Personally, I find this song to be disjointed and shrill: a cacophony. To each his own
A cumulative 6.7 as of today -- still outrageous. I'll admit that ignorant may have been over-the-top. I'm going to chalk this 6.7 up to jazz-rock fusion being an almost non-existent genre (The Bad Plus are the closest to this album since its release) and therefore there are no comparators. Nonetheless, here's just one of the many reviews that identify the place that this album falls in the history of music: "The album wasn't a hit, the way Moondance would be in 1970, but it was instantly recognized as one of the rare albums for which the word timeless is not only appropriate but inescapable." (https://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/astral-weeks-19870827#ixzz2rj038kKz)
joelbb wrote:
Van "the Man" Morrison is THE signal pop vocalist of my Boomer Generation, our Mel Torme' and Frank Sinatra rolled into one. This is perhaps the most passionate song from an album even his critics believe to be one of the most sublime artistic efforts of all time in an art form full of phony practitioners. And he's STILL got chops. He's got his flaws, but not on this cut. You are not just wrong, you are soooooo wrong one wonders what planet you're from. Gave it a 9, Bill.
Amen
Van "the Man" Morrison is THE signal pop vocalist of my Boomer Generation, our Mel Torme' and Frank Sinatra rolled into one. This is perhaps the most passionate song from an album even his critics believe to be one of the most sublime artistic efforts of all time in an art form full of phony practitioners. And he's STILL got chops. He's got his flaws, but not on this cut. You are not just wrong, you are soooooo wrong one wonders what planet you're from. Gave it a 9, Bill.
Amen
Proclivities wrote:
Others not sharing your music tastes does not make them "ignorant", and it probably shouldn't dumbfound you either. Personally, I find this song to be disjointed and shrill: a cacophony. To each his own
Same to you, Mr. P. One might ask exactly what your proclivities are?
Others not sharing your music tastes does not make them "ignorant", and it probably shouldn't dumbfound you either. Personally, I find this song to be disjointed and shrill: a cacophony. To each his own
Same to you, Mr. P. One might ask exactly what your proclivities are?
pinem wrote:
Van "the Man" Morrison is THE signal pop vocalist of my Boomer Generation, our Mel Torme' and Frank Sinatra rolled into one. This is perhaps the most passionate song from an album even his critics believe to be one of the most sublime artistic efforts of all time in an art form full of phony practitioners. And he's STILL got chops. He's got his flaws, but not on this cut. You are not just wrong, you are soooooo wrong one wonders what planet you're from. Gave it a 9, Bill.
One of the worst voices in all of music-1, and has been for 40 years
Van "the Man" Morrison is THE signal pop vocalist of my Boomer Generation, our Mel Torme' and Frank Sinatra rolled into one. This is perhaps the most passionate song from an album even his critics believe to be one of the most sublime artistic efforts of all time in an art form full of phony practitioners. And he's STILL got chops. He's got his flaws, but not on this cut. You are not just wrong, you are soooooo wrong one wonders what planet you're from. Gave it a 9, Bill.
HearsayDave wrote:
Just moving this to the top merely to reiterate it. RP listeners are almost always thoughtful, but the ignorant rejection here is dumbfounding.
Others not sharing your music tastes does not make them "ignorant", and it probably shouldn't dumbfound you either. Personally, I find this song to be disjointed and shrill: a cacophony. To each his own
Just moving this to the top merely to reiterate it. RP listeners are almost always thoughtful, but the ignorant rejection here is dumbfounding.
Others not sharing your music tastes does not make them "ignorant", and it probably shouldn't dumbfound you either. Personally, I find this song to be disjointed and shrill: a cacophony. To each his own
One of the worst voices in all of music-1, and has been for 40 years
Simply put: Wow!
alanthecowboy wrote:
It does sound odd, but like it or not, the bass player has to have incredible timing to pull this off...
As much as I've enjoyed this album over the years I'm not sure the bass player (or anyone else in the mix) really managed to pull this off.
It does sound odd, but like it or not, the bass player has to have incredible timing to pull this off...
As much as I've enjoyed this album over the years I'm not sure the bass player (or anyone else in the mix) really managed to pull this off.
surprised to see this brilliant classic with such a low rating here. solid 10 from me.
You All Should Wiki How This album Came To Be. IT Would Explain Most Of The Complaints, And Grow Your Appreciation Of A Legend.
bluedot wrote:
...because then it would only be a modern mix of a jarring mess. Mess being the operative word.
This performance has a lot of interesting things going on, but the mix is crappy and the parts just aren't fitted together very well. The result is a jarring mess. It would be interesting to hear it remixed on modern equipment.
...because then it would only be a modern mix of a jarring mess. Mess being the operative word.
Bizarre, trippy, beautful song. The whole album is this way. Makes the listener say: "WTF was that?" and then replay the album.
It all came together in a simple moment of time and then poof....it's gone.
It all came together in a simple moment of time and then poof....it's gone.
Brilliant phrasing by Van...LOVE it.
awesome bass & drum combo w/ this. really makes this song.
Everybody in my church loves this song...
Delicious intentional cacophony, masterfully executed. One of those songs that I never get tired of hearing.
This performance has a lot of interesting things going on, but the mix is crappy and the parts just aren't fitted together very well. The result is a jarring mess. It would be interesting to hear it remixed on modern equipment.
HearsayDave wrote:
Just moving this to the top merely to reiterate it. RP listeners are almost always thoughtful, but the ignorant rejection here is dumbfounding.
Agreed. This is a fantastic song.
Just moving this to the top merely to reiterate it. RP listeners are almost always thoughtful, but the ignorant rejection here is dumbfounding.
Agreed. This is a fantastic song.
HearsayDave wrote:
Just moving this to the top merely to reiterate it. RP listeners are almost always thoughtful, but the ignorant rejection here is dumbfounding.
Shocked that this song has such a low rating, esp. on RP. This is one of the gems on one of the best (and most unique) rock albums ever (IMHO). How can you argue with the MJQ's drummer (Connie Kay) among other great jazz sidemen backing a great vocalist and songwriter?
Just moving this to the top merely to reiterate it. RP listeners are almost always thoughtful, but the ignorant rejection here is dumbfounding.
sucks out loud. A solid 2, and that's only because I'm feeling charitable
Astral weeks has got to be Vans best ever LP
RKeaton wrote:
Ha! I came here to wonder if Maria would be played next.
I don't see how Maria McKee's great version of this song (and every other upload of hers) could have been rejected. Another glaring RP omission if you ask me.
Ha! I came here to wonder if Maria would be played next.
I don't see how Maria McKee's great version of this song (and every other upload of hers) could have been rejected. Another glaring RP omission if you ask me.
I think the bass player, Richard Davis, knew exactly how to play this. He and Ron Carter are recognized as 2 of the best jazz bassists ever. I understand Davis also teaches bass and plays classical music too.
alanthecowboy wrote:
It does sound odd, but like it or not, the bass player has to have incredible timing to pull this off...
I laugh thinking that the bass player grabbed the wrong sheet music...and after realizing it was the wrong song...he just went with it and just prayed for the end of the song. It may be sort of innovative, but it certainly isn't real pleasant to say the least.
It does sound odd, but like it or not, the bass player has to have incredible timing to pull this off...
I laugh thinking that the bass player grabbed the wrong sheet music...and after realizing it was the wrong song...he just went with it and just prayed for the end of the song. It may be sort of innovative, but it certainly isn't real pleasant to say the least.
terrapin52 wrote:
It does sound odd, but like it or not, the bass player has to have incredible timing to pull this off...
The bass player is playing the wrong song. God awful.
It does sound odd, but like it or not, the bass player has to have incredible timing to pull this off...
johnjconn wrote:
no such thing as 'too much'. Fantastic song
Bill plays way to much Morrison
no such thing as 'too much'. Fantastic song
The bass player is playing the wrong song. God awful.
This is the first time I have heard this original! I am more familiar with the Jeff Buckley version, which is AMAZGING! They are both pretty great actually. Thanks RP for expanding my musical horizons once again!!
HearsayDave wrote:
Agreed!
Shocked that this song has such a low rating, esp. on RP. This is one of the gems on one of the best (and most unique) rock albums ever (IMHO). How can you argue with the MJQ's drummer (Connie Kay) among other great jazz sidemen backing a great vocalist and songwriter?
Agreed!
Shocked that this song has such a low rating, esp. on RP. This is one of the gems on one of the best (and most unique) rock albums ever (IMHO). How can you argue with the MJQ's drummer (Connie Kay) among other great jazz sidemen backing a great vocalist and songwriter?
ick wrote:
The bass player is Richard Davis, one of the more accomplished at the time. One gets tired of the standard "is on crack" triteness. For what it's worth, there was no such thing when this was recorded. What you apparently mean is that you don't like it. I really like the looseness of the playing.
Sounds like two different bands playing two different tunes to me... the bass player's on crack too.
The bass player is Richard Davis, one of the more accomplished at the time. One gets tired of the standard "is on crack" triteness. For what it's worth, there was no such thing when this was recorded. What you apparently mean is that you don't like it. I really like the looseness of the playing.
The word is thrown around a lot - but this was truly a unique record by a "pop-rock" artist.
TriskyJen wrote:
And that in itself is pretty amazing. Even a "least-appreciated" song is this amazing. I don't have this album... maybe I should get it.
Believe me: you have to!
And that in itself is pretty amazing. Even a "least-appreciated" song is this amazing. I don't have this album... maybe I should get it.
Believe me: you have to!
The real deal.
pousso wrote:
Totally agree! His voice is like an instrument....
Yes, but it's being played by someone who hasn't been practicing...
Totally agree! His voice is like an instrument....
Yes, but it's being played by someone who hasn't been practicing...
handyrae wrote:
That would then be the BEST messy drunk Karaoke performance EVER!!!
As I listened to this an image formed in my mind of a messy drunk singing karaoke.
That would then be the BEST messy drunk Karaoke performance EVER!!!
As I listened to this an image formed in my mind of a messy drunk singing karaoke.
saw him at the University of Bridgeport in a free concert in May of 1970 right after the National Guard shot up the Kent State students. Never said a word to the audience the whole show. Course, it might've had to do with the recent circumstances.
fredriley wrote:
Van on, mute on - eat your heart out, Pavlov. My GF reckons Morrison's the bee's knees and the dog's bollocks, but I've never been able to get his music, sadly, and he's one miserable metalfitter on stage I'm told.
nalle wrote:
Totally agree! His voice is like an instrument....
Love him and his music. 
Totally agree! His voice is like an instrument....
Love him and his music.
Sounds like two different bands playing two different tunes to me... the bass player's on crack too.
It's been said before, but I will say it again - the Jeff Buckley version of this track will blow your mind.
Van Morrison seems like he wrote 7 or 8 songs with 500 different titles, but that's okay. It could be said about many songwriters, especially ones who've been at it for so long.
linden wrote:
Hmmmm... a very intriguing idea....
I like your thinking!
He should be very careful to not make this into a happy party tune though.
Because it isn't.
I could hear Tom Jones doing a version of this.
Hmmmm... a very intriguing idea....
I like your thinking!
He should be very careful to not make this into a happy party tune though.
Because it isn't.
I could hear Tom Jones doing a version of this.
Death_to_Clear_Channel wrote:
Answer: Available in any record store. This is on one of the great, classic LPs of all time.
Wow! Where has this song been all my life?
Answer: Available in any record store. This is on one of the great, classic LPs of all time.
Some of the stuff on Astral Weeks sounds like the band is playing two, or three different songs at the same time—and none of them are the one that Van's singing. And yet, I'm still intirgued.
lily34 wrote:
yep. still like it. but...buckley's version blows this away, imo.
yep. still like it. but...buckley's version blows this away, imo.
lily34 wrote:
yep. still like it. but...buckley's version blows this away, imo.
but i like it...and other versions of this song. others better, but it's good.
yep. still like it. but...buckley's version blows this away, imo.
but i like it...and other versions of this song. others better, but it's good.
ambliance wrote:
Waitress, can we be moved to a table away from the band, please?
actually, we weren't gonna say anything, but the band requested that you get your things and leave. by the way, we will be charging you for those drinks.
8 for the track, plus a Bonus Mark for the memories.
p.s. Harmaton: "fucking sucks" ? Maybe you'll like it when you get a bit older - don't give up on it!
harmaton wrote:
fucking sucks
But what do you really think of it?
Bleyfusz wrote:
Probably the song I less appreciate of my favourite album of Van's.
And that in itself is pretty amazing. Even a "least-appreciated" song is this amazing. I don't have this album... maybe I should get it.
On_The_Beach wrote:
Sorry to hear you don't enjoy sex.
Waitress, can we be moved to a table away from the band, please?
harmaton wrote:
fucking sucks
Sorry to hear you don't enjoy sex.
On_The_Beach wrote:
His first (Warner Bros.) album remains his best, although this song is atypical of the moody, mystical feel of the rest of the album.
Astral Weeks is a true classic!
Yepp! exactly what I meant mate!
Probably the song I less appreciate of my favourite album of Van's.
cattgirl813 wrote:
I realize I'm repeating myself when I say this, but how I wish someone else was singing his songs. I love the music to his pieces and the lyrics, but his voice drives me crazy - and not in a good way. 
As eamo mentioned, check out the Jeff Buckley version(s) of this song, either on Grace or especially Live at Sin-e. They are great.
fucking sucks
love Van .. keep it up..!
His first (Warner Bros.) album remains his best, although this song is atypical of the moody, mystical feel of the rest of the album.
Astral Weeks is a true classic!
This is a really good Van Morrison tune but morphs to 'great' when taken within the context of that amazingly rich and layered album. It is different for sure but that is Van. He can swing from R&B to country to jazz to pop, etc. etc. and still be Van on the most basic level. Get this album and be patient.
This album became transcendental (sp) for me after many listens. It didn't hook me in the usual poppy way that some songs/albums do, but created a unique world/mood for me. Sounds a little artsy but Van is one of those few artists that can appeal to the masses without dumbing down his inspiration or pandering to short-term thinking music execs. He's one of a kind and it's always been reflected in his creations.
Love Van Morrison.
Long, long ago, when there were records, I used to have Astral Weeks on vinyl. The first side was labelled 'In the beginning.." and the second side "Afterwards..'
I think the track is very poignant, with its sense of lost romance and the lyricism of strolling through streets all wet with rain will never leave me...
it took me a long time to get my head around this, I love it.
cattgirl813 wrote:
I realize I'm repeating myself when I say this, but how I wish someone else was singing his songs. I love the music to his pieces and the lyrics, but his voice drives me crazy - and not in a good way.
I agree for this song anyway. I normally quite like Van the Man, but this just doesnt suit his style or voice or anything. I give it 2œ
cattgirl813 wrote:
I realize I'm repeating myself when I say this, but how I wish someone else was singing his songs. I love the music to his pieces and the lyrics, but his voice drives me crazy - and not in a good way.
I just can't imagine. Van's voice has given me chills a million times...in a very good way.
This is one of my favourite VM songs ever, although it is not typical for his work.
I like the strange mix of styles: there's jazz drums, classic violins, big band horns, and the vocals, well he sounds drunk 
I like to figure out the beat (if that is the proper English word) of weird songs like this, but it took me a while for this one. 
Eventually I realized that, underneath all those styles, it is actually a walz!
SigmaBetaTooth wrote:
I like to figure out the beat (if that is the proper English word) of weird songs like this, but it took me a while for this one.
Eventually I realized that, underneath all those styles, it is actually a walz!
SigmaBetaTooth wrote:Having a painfully hard time keeping up with the rhythm. 
Try 3/4 (1-2-3, 1-2-3, 1-2-3). It fits!
Oh, I now see that LordBaltimore wrote: It's called 6/8. 
I don't actually know if/how that's different from 3/4
I realize I'm repeating myself when I say this, but how I wish someone else was singing his songs. I love the music to his pieces and the lyrics, but his voice drives me crazy - and not in a good way.
Stangely disjointed and unified at the same time. Takes a talent like Van to pull it off though.
Wow! Where has this song been all my life?
Yow... this is just so much stuff thrown together, going everywhere at once.
Sounds like two songs are playing at once. Is this right? It is not even coordinated, like a mash-up would be. It just sounds like two entirely different songs playing at the same time.
ObsidianInfinity wrote:
I usually dig Van Morrison .. but this is just plain ol' bad.
Yeah, not my favorite Van Morrison song either. Something amiss, but still ok to listen to.
I usually dig Van Morrison .. but this is just plain ol' bad.
top o the morning to ya - now let's have some Damien Rice and U2!
Darrooon wrote:
Thanks for that. From interview material I've read this recording was one of those mysterious things that just happened - Van wasn't all that familiar with the backing musicians (including Richard Davis on glorious string bass) - but they all pulled off something unique.
Yeah, the album is largely improvised.
Happy ST. Patrick's Day ya'll ! 
jah_blessed wrote:
Beck must've been an embryo when that picture was taken.
Close! This was 1968, Beck was born in July of 1970.
LordBaltimore wrote:
This is my first upload to make it thru the LRC alive! I'm happy to see that others in RP appreciate Astral Weeks.
Thanks for that. From interview material I've read this recording was one of those mysterious things that just happened - Van wasn't all that familiar with the backing musicians (including Richard Davis on glorious string bass) - but they all pulled off something unique.
sandpebble wrote:
He looks a little like Beck on the cover.
Beck must've been an embryo when that picture was taken.
This song was fabulous in the soundtrack to the 1997 film "Welcome to Sarajevo". Chaotic rythyms and vocals which went perfectly with the film setting....
He looks a little like Beck on the cover.
Jeff Buckley's version of this song on the "Live at Sin é" EP is particularly amazing.
This is a little odd. I like it though.
Van is the MAN! 9
LordBaltimore wrote:
It's called 6/8.
Do you know if the sheet music is available anywhere? I find the 6/8 time signature pretty demanding, but I just love that airy feel of it. Great song, my absolute favorite, along with "Beside you"
LordBaltimore wrote:
It's called 6/8.
It's not just the non-4/4ness of this tune that makes it tricky: Listen to that bass line.
Part of why it's a great album.
jah_blessed wrote:
Van's best album. Love all the songs, but the album really has to be listened to in its entirety.
Ditto that.