If you're already familiar with Van Morrison's classic album Astral Weeks, to re-encounter it is to have your faith restored. As happens with all works of art that have been enshrined, you think you know it because its stature isn't in dispute. Virtually since its release in 1968, the album has been a fixture on "Best of All Time" lists. What's stunning, however, is the ease with which these eight songs don't so much exceed expectations as render all preconceptions utterly beside the point. On the strength of its aural beauty alone, Astral Weeks effortlessly reclaims its place in your heart.

Of course, if you've never heard it before, quite honestly, I envy you. How often in life are we fortunate enough to experience revelation? For first-time listeners, this will be one of them.

In the days of vinyl, each side of Astral Weeks had a title: "In the Beginning" for the first four songs, "Afterwards" for the next four. This contrast of innocence and experience is clearly inspired by William Blake, one of Morrison's poetic forebears. But, as in Blake, neither side is truly pure. The joys of innocence ("Astral Weeks") are shadowed by the inevitable descent into experience ("Cyprus Avenue").… read more »