Astral Weeks

Sealed - Brand new 180 gram vinyl.

Astral Weeks is the second studio album by Northern Irish singer-songwriter Van Morrison. Recording took place at Century Sound Studios in New York City during three sessions in September and October 1968, although most participants and biographers agree that the eight songs were culled from the first and last early evening sessions. Except for John Payne, Morrison and the assembled jazz musicians had never played together before and the recordings commenced without rehearsals or lead sheets handed out.

The cover art, music and lyrics of the album portray the symbolism equating earthly love and heaven that would often feature in Morrison's work. With a blending of folk, blues, jazz, and classical music, it was a complete departure from his previous pop hit, "Brown Eyed Girl" (1967). Astral Weeks is often referred to as a song cycle or concept album with lyrics described as impressionistic, hypnotic, and stream-of-consciousness.

When Astral Weeks was released by Warner Bros. Records in November 1968, it did not receive promotion from the label and was not an immediate success with consumers or critics. Its critical standing eventually improved and the album has since been viewed as one of rock's greatest and most important records, a reputation Morrison himself has dismissed. It was placed on numerous widely circulated lists of the best albums of all time and had an enduring impact on both listeners and musicians. Forty years after its release, Morrison performed the album's songs live for the first time during two concerts at the Hollywood Bowl in November 2008.