Astral Weeks 50th Anniversary & Guest Desert Island Jukebox

Astral

Jim and Greg conduct an Album Dissection of Van Morrison's 1968 classic Astral Weeks. The landmark release celebrates its 50th anniversary this month. Then, we hear from recent Sound Opinions guests about their Desert Island Jukebox picks... Tracks they can't live without.

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Astral Weeks

Astral Weeks (Expanded Edition)

Van Morrison's 1968 album Astral Weeks didn't produce huge hits, but as Jim and Greg explain, this record is unique from any other in Van Morrison's collection, and in fact, in rock history. Astral Weeks melds rock, blues, folk and jazz in such a way that makes it hard to define. For the recording sessions, Morrison was backed by a jazz trio made up of guitarist Jay Berliner, drummer Connie Kay and bassist Richard Davis. And while the music sets the mood, Jim and Greg both marvel at the emotions conveyed by the song writing on Astral Weeks. You hear Van Morrison struggle with the search for home and the impermanence of life. It's as much a poem as it is an album, making it a classic in the Sound Opinions' book. So, as the album turns 50, Jim and Greg conduct a Sound Opinions Classic Album Dissection.

Guest Desert Island Jukebox

Most weeks, either Jim or Greg take a trip to the desert island and play a song they can't live without. This week, we're sharing picks from recent Sound Opinions guests like Ted Leo and Jason Isbell! Find out what these artists selected as the albums and songs they would bring with them if stranded on a desert island.

  • PJ Morton: Prince And The Revolution, "Take Me with U"
  • Brian Koppelman: Lou Reed, New York
  • Lydia Night of The Regrettes: Big Star, #1 Record
  • Jason Isbell: Ben Howard, "I Forget Where We Were"
  • Don Was: Wayne Shorter, Speak No Evil
  • Carlotta Cosials of Hinds: Bob Dylan, "Mama, You Been on My Mind"
  • Ana Perrote of Hinds: Dead Ghosts, "When It Comes To You"
  • Ted Leo: Michel Pagliaro, "Lovin’ Ain’t Easy"

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