Astral Weeks Live at the Hollywood Bowl
Van Morrison · 2009
71 min · 10 tracks · jazz fusion
A vibrant tapestry of jazz, folk, and rock, infused with Van Morrison's soulful vocals and poetic lyricism.
Top tracks — play these first
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Astral Weeks / I Believe I've Transcended Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Sweet Thing — This track exemplifies the ethereal quality of Morrison's songwriting, blending heartfelt lyrics with a lush instrumental backdrop that captures the essence of love and longing.
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Madame George — With its intricate narrative and emotional depth, this song showcases Morrison's ability to weave personal storytelling into a broader cultural context, making it a standout moment in the live set.
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Ballerina — The soaring melodies and complex arrangements bring to life the whimsical yet poignant themes of youth and beauty, demonstrating Morrison's unique blend of jazz and rock influences.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album revitalizes classic material with extended improvisation and rich vocal harmonies, showcasing Morrison's artistry.
What we noticed
- The album features extended instrumental sections, with several tracks exceeding six minutes, allowing for improvisation and exploration.
- Morrison's vocals are often layered with harmonies from the band, creating a rich texture that complements the jazz-infused arrangements.
- The live setting captures audience interaction, with moments of applause and Morrison's spontaneous remarks adding to the performance's authenticity.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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8/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- long, immersive listening sessions
- dynamic emotional journeys
- contemplative late-night vibes
- gradual builds and payoffs
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Revitalizes a classic work, showcasing Morrison's enduring artistry in his later years.
- Themes
- Hollywood Bowl nostalgia· ethereal storytelling· jazz-infused reverie
- Career context
- Released in 2009, 'Astral Weeks Live at the Hollywood Bowl' captures Van Morrison revisiting his seminal 1968 album during a period of artistic resurgence. At this point, he was celebrated for his contributions to music but had not performed 'Astral Weeks' live until this concert, which marked a significant moment in his career.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Leonard Cohen· Bob Dylan· John Hiatt
Tracklist
- 1 Astral Weeks / I Believe I've Transcended Start here 9:55
- 2 Beside You 5:59
- 3 Slim Slow Slider / I Start Breaking Down 7:44
- 4 Sweet Thing 5:37
- 5 The Way Young Lovers Do 3:18
- 6 Cyprus Avenue / You Came Walking Down 5:59
- 7 Ballerina / Move On Up 9:45
- 8 Madame George 8:43
- 9 Listen to the Lion / The Lion Speaks 7:44
- 10 Common One 6:39
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Pink Moon
Nick Drake
Shares a similar ethereal storytelling and introspective folk vibe, infused with jazz-like nuances.
Blue
Joni Mitchell
Both albums evoke deep emotional landscapes through intricate melodies and personal narratives.
Songs of Leonard Cohen
Leonard Cohen
Features a blend of poetic lyrics and jazz-infused arrangements, creating a reflective atmosphere.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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