The one hundred thirty-second album: #132 Van Morrison - Astral Weeks
I always hold my breath when it comes to folk rock, as it feels like it has a higher hurdle to clear - the lyrics matter more, as the music feels like it doesn't hold up as well. Astral Weeks leaves a good taste behind in that sense, as the music sounds good, not just setting a mood but feeling well enough put together. This seems to be in part because Van Morrison trusted the musicians to come up with something good, and it feels like it adds a lot here. The lyrics aren't tight, but the loose impressions it leaves work far better in setting the scene. Even The Way That Young Lovers Do, not liked by all, tells a lot by having a swingy music set to lyrics that suggest a more gentle setting. It makes for an album that sets up the emotions well - joy at times, but often wistfulness from looking back at the past and moving forward.