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At that time I found it intoxicating, deep, and inspiring. 'Cul de Sac' is one of my favourites, not to mention 'You don't pull punches.', and 'Linden Arden Stole the Highlights'. I love most of Van Morrison's music, especially his 'Celtic Blues' style which is what he did a lot of after he completed these two albums. I was surprised by the addition of 'Twilight Zone' and, typically took a while to warm up to it, but it really grows on you. Time went by and I forgot about both these albums. When I recently rediscovered them, it was like unlocking the key to some of my dreams that had got forgotten along the way. I came of age through Van Morrison, and, in particular 'Veedon Fleece' when it first came out. Really, there isn't one track I don't love.
It is a first-rate credit to the blush and genius of youthful enthusiasm, that so many true poets reveal. I feel Van Morrison is quite an introspective type of performer and in this collection he performs some of his best. If you have never heard this and you have a penchant for poetry, you will not regret it. It was after I heard it many times that I realized a few things: it is an important part of me that went missing, it made me feel complete, and it is superb music in every way. This album and 'Astral Weeks' were on the top of my list of favourites. Try listening to it lying in bed on a rainy night - it is magic and deep.
While I have grown to appreciate many genres of music, 'Veedon Fleece' rediscovered filled a deep hole in my soul that needed filling. The vocals are amazing and the softer songs like 'Country Fair' are incomparably poetic and soothing. All in all, I do not see how anyone who appreciates Van Morrison could be disappointed by this jewel of an album. It's a keeper.
If you are looking for the mainstream Van then this is not the album. This is more of the early days were pop hits are not here but amazing music is here. If you want pop Van then look to Brown Eyed Girl, but if you want real van then this is the album.
I feel this is van morrison`s finest work,I can listen to this over and over.
Van's voice is often echoing, sustained, never coming down. At his best there is no other that can convey the spirit within. Haunting ballads. Never disappointing.
It will take some time but Veedon Fleece will make it to the top ten albums of all time. This is Van's peak, no wonder he took a 3 years hiatus from recording after he finished this album.Ths new sound is better indeed than the previous remaster, but Van has lost a lot in the transfer from vinyl to digital. The more time passes from its release and the more it seems relevant and timeless. I have been listening to Van all my adult life since I was 15 in 1975, and finally if I needed to choose one Van album I wouldnt hesitate to choose this one.It won't get you inmediate pleasure , this cd needs many repeated listening until you get it, but once you get into it you'll find new insights each time you listen to it again. The best thing is to listen to the vinyl, but this release is worth buying and it sounds better. The bonus tracks are fine too.
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