• Released: 2009
• Recommended: Beside You, Ballerina, Madame George

The production on this album is perfect, because there is essentially none. Van Morrison wanted the listeners to hear it like everyone at the Hollywood Bowl had heard it. He had almost complete control over every aspect of this album, especially the performing of it. He controls his songs with its improvised riffs and enhanced lyrics while he played with some of the musicians that were also a part of the original LP.

The concert opens with “Astral Weeks,” which is about the only similarity between this concert and the album. The songs are paired together and arranged in such a way that you don’t doubt Van for a second, you just listen. Van Morrison’s bluesy, raspy voice takes center stage throughout the album and you’re drawn into his ‘stream of consciousness’ lyrics that are caressed by string accompaniments and harmonicas.

This isn’t the original Astral Weeks and no performance will ever be as great as the original, however it’s pretty damn close. It’s full of honesty and power and commands just as much attention as if you were an audience member. The songs don’t sound 40 years old, a feat that only a true musician can conquer.

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