Comments for Van Morrison, Veedon Fleece

A stunning album in a quieter minor mode. I think this one has been overlooked and underrated. It is a return to the tone of Astral Weeks after his marvelous string of pop albums. "Streets of Arklow" is among the best of Van's songs.

This album is indeed a "coming full circle"--a return to the acoustic jazzy exuberance of Astral Weeks, but with the percision and personal symbolism that the artist advanced in albums such as Moondance and St. Dominic's Preview. Veedon Fleece is the culmination of Van Morrison's musical explorations to that point (1974); in that respect, his three year hiatus which followed makes some sense. And while "Streets of Arklow" is certainly a great song, both "Fair Play" and "Comfort You" are to my ears even more powerful. Veedon Fleece ranks, with the other albums mentioned here-- and with "Into the Music" and "Tupelo Honey" --as VM's contribution to the what is the essential music of these past 40 years. (my supercilious (sorry!] opinion, anyway.]--Steven Kruh

Veedon Fleece This album is indeed a "coming full circle"--a return to the acoustic jazzy exuberance of Astral Weeks, but with the percision and personal symbolism that the artist subsequently advanced in albums such as Moondance and St. Dominic''s Preview. Veedon Fleece is the culmination of Van Morrison''s musical explorations to that point (1974); in that respect, his three year hiatus which followed makes some sense. And while "Streets of Arklow" is certainly a great song, both "Fair Play" and "Comfort You" are to my ears even more powerful. Veedon Fleece ranks with the other albums mentioned here-- and with Into the Music and Tupelo Honey --as VM''s contribution to the what is the essential music of these past 40 years. (my supercilious (sorry!] opinion, anyway.] --Steven Kruh

Don't pull no punches and you don't push the river... Really words to live by. I first heard this album during a real bummer of a time in my life. The song really gave me what I needed to pick up the pieces and go on. I still try to live that way... Thanks Van.