Van’s second solo album after leaving Them is the highly regarded much talked about album Astral Weeks. Recorded in the fall of ’68 with some Jazz musicians its an amazing record. Forgoing the usual verse and chorus in most songwriting Morrison’s lyrics are almost a stream of consciousness especially in the two standout tracks “Cyprus Avenue ” and “Madam George”. The musicians playing stand up bass,drums,acoustic guitar,flute,and vibes seem to be improvising behind Van’s wonderful soulfill voice. Called a song cycle the songs all have a similar sound and an almost hypnotic feel. Although some of the lyrics are hard to understand what they are all about “Slim Slow Slider” ,one of my favorites, is about a young girl who is dying. The music in this song is quite beautiful despit the sad subject and the song ends abruptly with the words”Every Time I See You I Just Don’t Know What To Do.” Not the kind of record to have any singles or songs you might hum at work but an impressive work. I bought this used ,it still has the $3.99 price sticker on it,probably about 25 or 30 years ago. The cover seems to be from the early 70’s but the label on the record is the one Warner Brothers used in the 80’s. It has a couple of skips but otherwise sounds pretty good.