Van Morrison – Astral Weeks

For many years, Astral Weeks just wasn’t on my radar. I didn’t even see it there. We were like a rabbit and a squirrel in the back yard. We were just each looking elsewhere.

Then, I knew Astral Weeks existed. But I wasn’t really moved either way. I was there. It was there. Nothing more, nothing less.

Then I forgot about Astral Weeks for a while.

Then I remembered it, and I tried it, and I kind of got into it. But then it didn’t take.

Then I tried again, and I got mad at it. I decided I especially disliked Richard Davis’ much-vaunted bass lines. The album made me mad.

Then, I got it. I got it, and I got into it. All the way into it. I forgave Richard Davis.

Then I crawled back out, and tried to make sense of my feelings.

I think I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s not AS great as many make it out to be, but that its great moments, ARE great. The Way Young Lovers Do. Madame George. Slim Slow Slider. Sweet Thing. And so forth. These are pretty remarkable artistic achievements.

Ultimately, it’s a must listen. It’s definitely an album you have to have fully engaged with somehow, in some way, at some time. You’ll have missed something critical otherwise.