Van Morrison – Astral Weeks (Limited Olive Green 180g Vinyl Reissue)
Format: LP Vinyl (180g Heavyweight, Olive Green, Limited Edition)
Catalogue Number: R1 1768
Released: 15 September 2023 (EU Reissue of 1968 Original)
Genre: Folk Rock / Jazz / Psychedelic
Label: Rhino US / Warner Records
Description
Astral Weeks is Van Morrison’s transcendent second album — a poetic, stream-of-consciousness journey through memory, mysticism, and emotional vulnerability. This limited edition olive green vinyl reissue is part of the Rocktober 2023 series, pressed on 180g heavyweight vinyl and housed in a single-pocket sleeve with restored artwork and hype sticker. Originally released in 1968, the album blends folk, jazz, and soul into a genre-defying masterpiece, featuring ethereal arrangements and Morrison’s impassioned vocals.
With contributions from jazz luminaries like Richard Davis (bass), Jay Berliner (guitar), and Connie Kay (drums), the album was recorded live in the studio with minimal overdubs, capturing an intimate and improvisational spirit. Tracks like “Sweet Thing,” “Cyprus Avenue,” and “Madame George” unfold like sonic poems, rich in imagery and emotional depth.
Artist Overview
Van Morrison’s Astral Weeks is widely regarded as one of the greatest albums of all time — a bold departure from pop conventions into spiritual and musical exploration. Its influence spans decades, inspiring artists from Nick Drake and Jeff Buckley to Bon Iver and Joanna Newsom. This reissue offers audiophiles a chance to experience its analog warmth in a collectible format.
Track Listing
Side A – Part One: In The Beginning
A1. Astral Weeks – 7:00
A2. Beside You – 5:10
A3. Sweet Thing – 4:10
A4. Cyprus Avenue – 6:50
Side B – Part Two: Afterwards
B1. The Way Young Lovers Do – 3:10
B2. Madame George – 9:25
B3. Ballerina – 7:00
B4. Slim Slow Slider – 3:20
