However magnificent and landmark ‘Astral Weeks’ is considered today, the album failed at the charts and made very little money, when it was released in 1968 (isn’t that always the case with any masterpiece that is ahead of its time?). Determined to create a success next, Van Morrison came up with ‘Moondance’ in 1970 and a huge success it was, both critically and commercially. Van the Man, got what he wanted while maintaining the high standards of his musical ideas. It also helped him become a major name in the recording industry.

Morrison deserted the abstract and fluid compositions of ‘Astral Weeks’ in favour of a rhythm and blues sound, distinct arrangements and formally composed songs with a horn section and chorus. And these fundamentals give a lovely tightness to the work.

The album kicks off with the sweet nostalgia of And It Stoned Me where the boys are standing in the rain with eyes and mouths open. Then comes the title track, a seminal Jazz song composed and sung by a rock musician. In fact he has sung it with his quintessential quiver, something that became his trademark and something that none else has ever been able to replicate. There was Satchmo with his Scat and there is Van with his quiver.

This is followed by the gentle balm-like ballad, Crazy Love. Then comes Caravan, the staple item of live concerts, most notable and remarkable performance was at The Band’s farewell concert, The Last Waltz. The next track, also the last track of Side 1, Into the Mystic is the majestic centre of this album. It’s perhaps the most complete songs of all time and definitely the most calming one. Little wonder that it’s the most popular songs for surgeons to listen to while performing operations.

Side 2 begins with the light and chirpy Come Running, followed by the R&B style hummable song These Dreams Of You, about the dream Morrison had about the death of Ray Charles, one of his major influences. Next up is yet another classic Van composition, Brand New Day. In fact, this album paves the way for the trademark Van sound that was to evolve later. The next groove has the happy and hopeful Everyone and its charming Clavinet intro. The last track is the upbeat Glad Tidings with its very catchy chorus.

In many ways, the two albums (‘Astral Weeks’ and ‘Moondance’) share a conjugal relationship. If ‘Astral Weeks’ is the shy one needing more time to unravel, Moondance’s immediacy attracts you instantly. If Astral is nostalgic, Moondance is about relishing the now. If Astral is the flow, Moondance captures the moments in that flow. And together, they created Van Morrison.

And, why am I writing this review? Well, the LP arrived at my doorstep, a few days ago. And it’s Van the Man after all.

Year: 1970

Genre: R&B, Soul, Jazz, Pop, Folk

Duration: 38:14

Label: Warner Bros.

Producer: Lewis Merenstein, Van Morrison

Rating: *****

Meraj Hasan is a Mumbai based communication professional (and an amateur poet/musician) with a passion for listening to music the vinyl way. His 25 year old Technics turntable along with a humble collection of LPs across genres like Classic rock, Classical, Blues and Jazz (amongst others) are his prized possessions.

He can be reached at +91 9833410791 or email: meraj.hasan@gmail.com .