I completely agree with the reviewer Johnny Bacardi that this is an amazing work of art and like Johnny, is, along with Layla, my all-time favorite album. There is no album I've ever encountered that has more of an ability to transport me to wherever the music wants to take me. It is music as art, music as meditation, music as prayer, music as transcendent revelation. And unbelievably, ecstatically enjoyable. Go get it, now.

This is one of the best albums Van Morrison ever recorded. I rank it right up there in the top 3. For whatever reason (probably because there are no "hits" on it) it has remained somewhat unknown, and in my opinion, underrated and underappreciated. If you love Astral Weeks, and the slower, more soulful music by Van Morrison, then this one's for you.

I think that there are ultimately two types of Van Morrison fans - those who prefer Astral Weeks and those who prefer Moondance. I think both are great, but I give the edge to Moondance; I can appreciate the arguments for Astral Weeks, but it's completely a matter of taste. If you like Van Morrison, you're all right in my book. Veedon Fleece is definitely more like Astral Weeks - contemplative, the whole almbum conveying a mood more than an importance on individual songs. I really love the albums Into the Music and His Band and Street Choir. But if you prefer Astral Weeks, Veedon Fleece in many ways is a continuation of that. Still very good.

My God, could his (Van Morrison) music get any better? I never thought so, but it did. I absolutly loved the first song I listened to, kinda bluesey but easy listening and fresh and leaves you wanting more. I would most assuredly buy this one, if the 1st(first) song is any indication to how the rest of the album is. Can't wait to hear all of this one(Album, that is).

Veedon Fleece was one of the Van Morrison recordings I missed in the mid-70s, but when it was remastered and reissued on CD, I picked it up as I wanted to fill in the holes in my Van Morrison collection. Along with Astral Weeks, Veedon Fleece is generally held to be one of the most inaccessible and mystical works in the Morrison canon. But despite the similarities and the near reverence with which the earlier Astral Weeks is regarded, I think that Veedon Fleece is a much better album. While Astral Weeks can be rambling and flaccid, Veedon Fleece is tighter and more focused.
My favorites here are the lilting Fair Play, the evocative Streets of Arklow, the grail-like romance of You Don't Pull No Punches, But You Don't Push the River, the upbeat Bulbs, and the jazzy Cul de Sac.
Despite its otherworldly beauty, Veedon Fleece, like Astral Weeks, may not appeal to the casual Van Morrison fan. But if you are one like me who likes Morrison in his most lyrically opaque and instrumentally spare moments (though I do not really care for the inscrutable Astral Weeks), then Veedon Fleece should be right up your alley. My only regret is that it took me thirty years to discover it!

An amazing showcase of The Man's genius: a fusion of many elements- jazz, R/B, folk, Celtic elements, new age, just plain gorgeous original ideas all over the place, blended with haunting, toe tappin' influences of other music we love: r/b soul greats, those cool, gutsy growls in the CCWR inspired "Bulb", echos of Queen in "Cul de Sac." and on and on.....I listen to this over and over again and it always amazes and inspires.

The piano (thank you Jeff Labes), guitar arrangements, the entire orchestration is tight, imaginative, beautiful.

Thank you Van Morrison. As Sinead O'Connor has suggested, the man should be friggin' canonized.

This is a great CD. I've been a Van fan for decades and it took me forever to pick this one up. It's mellow like "Tupelo Honey", but with more depth and soul. Critics make a big deal over "Into the Music", but I think that album is a bit on the pat and predictable side. "Veedon Fleece" is Van at his best.

This is my favorite from Van. I find it to be soulful, haunting and powerful, but tranquil all at the same time.
A classic for all those fans of his out there.
This is beautiful music.
Anne

Very mellow. Very nice. An essential for van Morrison Fans and great music collectors.

It's too bad so many Van Morrison fans seem to enjoy giving all of his CDs five star reviews. We know that Morrison is a great musician and alot of his CDs are brilliant, but I feel rating anything that has his voice on it with the highest marks doesn't help differentiate the varying levels of accomplishment he's reached for the more casual listener.
I think Veedon Fleece is an amazing CD. I enjoy Morrison's more folky excursions I think. This CD is very much in the family of 'Astral Weeks','Magic Time' and 'No Guru, No Method, No Teacher', but I actually am inclined to think it's better than both. There's something just weirdly beautiful about it from the album art to the first amazing track all the way down to the closer. I love the way Morrison uses instrumentation, and of course his voice is always wonderfully expressive. His lyrics are sincere and the melodies construct a very unique ambience. I would reccomend this CD for fans of Nick Drake and Iron and Wine.

Van Morrison has created some beautiful and exciting music over the years but Veedon Fleece is his highlight. Every track is a story unto itself but each song is a continuing chapture from the one before. An inspiring storybook. A wonderful effort.

However..Warner Brothers has shown themselves the fool..again. First by negecting Veedon Fleece on its original release with little fanfare or promotion, then on its poor transfer to cd (muddy sound, tape hiss)in the late eighties. So when I saw the remastered cd I thought I'd finally get to hear a truely great album with pristine sound. Wrong. The sound is a bit criper but I hear even more background hiss. The song cul de sac is even cut short at the end. C'mon WB, the tecnology is there, use it! Older recordings have gotten better quality transfers. What's with you guys? The 8 bucks I paid for the cd is reasonable, but still...very disapointing 'remaster'.

I am probably the most biased person to write a review on this record. Morrison, and this record in particular, have given me far too much for my opinions to be objective enough for newcomers. But, this record is gorgeous, no other adjective could really do the job; the list would be enormous. From the opening cords of "Fair Play" to the lasting breaths of the sitar on "Country Fair", this album seems to exude patience, reflection and release, I know it has for me for almost 6 years now. If you have any interest in adding more Morrison into your archive, or if you stumbled upon this by accident, truly take advantage of the 7.99 price, I know I might, if my well-worn tape decides to take a fall.

This album rips through time and space. I am very very very grateful for it.

I think a case can be made that this is Van Morrison's third greatest album. While that might not be eye-opening praise for most artists, it is for the man who released Astral Weeks and Moondance, two of the greatest albums in popular music history. Of the other five I consider essential, I place this above Tupelo Honey and St. Dominic's Preview, each of which reflect a schizophrenic approach to album-making that forced Van to juxtapose his sprawling lengthy compositions with three-minute, radio-friendly songs. Jackie Wilson Said and Wild Night are fine singles but some of the other shorter tunes on these albums have the feel of filler. Veedon Fleece is on the level of His Band and The Streetchoir and Into the Music, but the first lacks any Van epics and the second has a few songs I rarely listen to.

As for this album, I'll admit to not "getting it" at first. It sounded weird to me despite my love of Van and I put it aside for a long time. Once I finally got into it, though, I was blown away. The first five songs represent a beautiful mini-album that would probably be more confusing to the unfamiliar listener thatn even Astral Weeks, which itself sounds like no other rock album. Bulbs is probably the most accessible track on the album, but it is not in the leadoff spot like Domino, Jackie Wilson Said and Wild Night, a fact which seems to demonstrate the anti-commercial approach of this album. It falls off a bit after that for me, but remains a great album on the strength of its first six tracks. I think if you combined the first half of this with the second half of Into the Music, you would have an album to rival Astral Weeks. As it is, this is probably the best of the second-tier Van albums, which is still a lofty place to be.

Make no mistake about it - I love the music of Van Morrison. But if I had to choose a single "desert island" album of Van's, it would have to be Veedon Fleece.

If you like Astral Weeks, get this album.

Veedon Fleece changed my life. It shows the true soul of this amazing Irishman. It will move you, make you move, and touch your soul. Definitely the best album he has ever made.

This is one Van Morrison record that seems to have gotten better with age. When it first came out, and for many years after, it seemed that Veedon Fleece did not get its due as a great record. I recall reading one review (I don't recall where - it was a long time ago) that suggested Veedon Fleece was part of Van Morrison's downward slide in the mid to late seventies. Thankfully, the years have actually been good to this recording. The objectivity of hindsight reveals that Veedon Fleece certainly belongs with Astral Weeks, Moondance, His Band and Streetchoir, Tupelo Honey and St. Dominic's Preview as Van's greatest work. In my opinion it is almost as great as the first two. Van's singing here is as passionate as you will ever hear it; the music lays the groundwork for everything that comes after in the Van canon; and is as elastic, jazzy and soulful as any music he made. It is interesting that of his great 1970's recordings, only this and Astral Weeks do not have a song meant to be a possible "single" to be marketed on the radio. The music's the thing here, and if his fans want to come along they'll be rewarded; but the casual radio listener probably wouldn't have the patience or introspective nature to get into this music. If you love Van Morrison get Veedon Fleece if you don't already have it.

This is one Van Morrison record that seems to have gotten better with age. When it first came out, and for many years after, it seemed that Veedon Fleece did not get its due as a great record. I recall reading one review (I don't recall where - it was a long time ago) that suggested Veedon Fleece was part of Van Morrison's downward slide in the mid to late seventies. Thankfully, the years have actually been good to this recording. The objectivity of hindsight reveals that Veedon Fleece certainly belongs with Astral Weeks, Moondance, His Band and Streetchoir, Tupelo Honey and St. Dominic's Preview as Van's greatest work. In my opinion it is almost as great as the first two. Van's singing here is as passionate as you will ever hear it; the music lays the groundwork for everything that comes after in the Van canon; and is as elastic, jazzy and soulful as any music he made. It is interesting that of his great 1970's recordings, only this and Astral Weeks do not have a song meant to be a possible "single" to be marketed on the radio. The music's the thing here, and if his fans want to come along they'll be rewarded; but the casual radio listener probably wouldn't have the patience or introspective nature to get into this music. If you love Van Morrison get Veedon Fleece if you don't already have it.

For years Van Morrison was the most hardworking songwriter in the business. This is the best record ever released.

I was looking for more van morrison songs that sounded like moondance because i love then flutes on it, so i found Veedon fleece and I am soooo happy this absolutely rocks my wolg these days, the song veedon fleece and the song before it on the album, number 4 and 5, are supurbly intense! and give me the chills just hinking about it. literally!!

I've been a Van Fan since Them...I remember making out to 'Brown-Eyed Girl'...and of course, 'Astral Weeks' is one of my Top Ten. But, 'Veedon Fleece' is a hidden treasure with jewels galore, and spiritual insights in great abundance, as well. Other reviewers have noted many of the songs, but to me, the closer, 'Country Fair'is "The One". I've been listening to this album/CD for thirty years, and though older and wiser, the track still brings tears to my eyes (and chills to my skin as I write this and think of the song). It is a timeless tune, dreamy, haunting--the music we all will hear when we enter into God's Kingdom. If only for 'Fair', you should get this! Trust me.

This is a great companion album to Astral Weeks. Another Amazon reviewer mentioned that AW is more Jazz & Blues while Veedon Fleece is Folk & Country based. Both have more than ample Van Morrison soul.

Whenever I liston to Veedon Fleece I'm carried along a gentle pathway beyond the day's troubles. It's luscious sound is like angels ministering to me. I'm partially deaf and can't hear lyrics without turning the volume up to an objectionable level so I don't concern myself with the verbal message. The mood of this album is magnificent, the artistry transcendent, the effect ethereal.

Although not amongst his best or most popular works, Veedon Fleece is another in Van Morrison's string of sonic pearls. This 1974 album explores his familiar metaphysical themes in mostly mellow, reflective songs. There's more of the singer/songwriter type of composition than the intense R&B or Celtic spirituals found on most of his other albums. Fair Play is a poetic mid tempo ballad whilst Linden Arden Stole The Highlights is a story song with a soulful feel. Who Was That Masked Man? is soulful too, with a tortured vocal. A lovely flute or whisle introduces Streets Of Arklow and adds a melancholy mood to this song, a bucolic excursion with lovely orchestral flourishes. The weirdly titled You Don't Pull No Punches But You Don't Push The River has a jagged tempo, jazzy rhythm, quirky lyrical twists and moody instrumental passages. It even mentions William Blake and refers to the search for the Veedon Fleece. Not all the tracks are up to his high melodic standards but the aforementioned songs make this a worthwhile purchase for Van fans and persuaded me to award the album four stars.

I won't say much, just add to the other voices in praise of this album. One more crowning achievement among many crowning achievements of this sensitive, soulful, poetic flame. When you listen to this, you wonder, was this guy really this talented? Did he really write, arrange, and sing this album? What sort of angel inspired this guy, and what could it possibly be like to have burned so brightly? Where can I get some of that? The answer is right here. Just listen.

Just listen to this beyond masterpiece. Van was in a different world when he made this.

It seems Van is at his absolute best when he just creates from the heart and doesnt worry a bit about sales and hits and promotions. VEEDON FLEECE is like a great painting by a master, you can go to the museum and enjoy it hundreds of times and still find something new to appreciate it even more. Too bad more artists can't just do what they want and be artistically free.(but hey they gotta eat too, not to mention mansions and ferraris). This is the closest Van will ever come to revisiting the feel of ASTRAL WEEKS and yet its very different. Thank you Mr Morrison for choosing art over the hundreds of millions you could have piled up writing more hits over the years. This music is priceless as well as timeless. I think i'll listen to it again right now while gazing at one of my Monet prints . . . . .

While Astral Weeks will always be my favorite Van Morrison album (out of the thousands in my collection, maybe favorite record of all time), the largely overlooked Veedon Fleece is a close second. I am a little ashamed to admit that, after decades of checking out Van's deep discography, I only discovered this gem a few years ago. Man, was I missing out.

Veedon Fleece is to Celtic folk and country music what Astral Weeks was for more jazz and blue; where Astral Weeks is the brilliant, mysterious improvised statement of a wide-eyed, conflicted young man looking at the world in both fear and rapture, Veedon Fleece is the same passionate but older and wiser man looking back with heartful longing and resignation (but not yet bitter, like recent works).

"Fair Play," "Street Of Arklow, "Bulbs" "You Don't Pull No Punches" and "Cul De Sac" rank among his best compositions but have unfortunately been ignored on Best ofs. But like "Astral Weeks," its probably best to hear them is their original form anyway. Veedon Fleece also represents the end of an era (Van's return to Ireland from the States).
It's also his last essential album.

This is one of the best 2AM I need a dream records ever made. Those of you who know what I mean will know what I mean.

So all your friends have the VM Greatest Hits and everyone always knows every song etc. You want to get more Van but like he has released a gajillion albums. This one is a safe bet. Very Van from front to back yet your friends won't know every line to every song. A great addition to any Van collection.

"Veedon Fleece" was never one of Van Morrison's best-known albums, probably because it's difficult to categorize among the rest of his work. It's got soul, no question. But that trademark R&B-influenced belting Van's known for is tempered here by a quiet pastoral elegance. It's much folkier than anything he's done before or since.

This album's natural companion in the Van Morrison catalog is definitely "Astral Weeks." The acoustic-based folk sound of that landmark album is in abundance here. But where "Astral Weeks" veered off into breathtaking impressionism, "Veedon Fleece" keeps things relatively grounded, albeit with a sense of aloofness. You can't quite figure out what exactly Van is singing about most of the time, but that's probably part of the mystique...and one of the things that makes this brilliant album so compelling.

I've only given it two or three complete listens so far, and my immediate impressions are strong. My favorite song so far is probably the most upbeat one, the country-flavored "Bulbs" (it sounds a lot like the Band). Elsewhere, the jazzy, soulful opener "Fair Play" and the gorgeous "Cul de Sac" are other highlights.

It's definitely not Van's most commercially savvy release, but that's never something he's cared about. Van Morrison has always taken chances and strived for beautiful music over sales figures.

On which Morrison is less Van the Man, the Celtic Soul Brother and more the ruminative Irish poet child of nature...it's difficult to describe this wonderful record in a few sentences. It's very much in the English Nick Drake/Pentangle tradition, which is not to say that it's traditional folk music. It's got strains of R & B, jazz, and even country running through it, and was a logical, if unexpected progression of Van's music at the time. It's closest in feel, in the Morrison catalog, to Astral Weeks; it shares the mostly acoustic, jazzy feel of his Warners debut but is a more mature and introspective work. Morrison had, after the relative aesthetic failure of his otherwise fine Hard Nose The Highway album, begun to get a bit restless artistically...if I recall correctly, he took a trip to Ireland to get back to his roots (so to speak) after spending many years here in the States, and when he returned this is where his muse led him. He recieves stellar backing from his road band on this album, especially the underrated pianist Jef Labes.

There isn't a bad track here. I love them all, but I especially love the moody "Streets of Arklow", with magnificent recorder accompaniment by Jim Rothermel; the breezy opener "Fair Play" in which he begins his penchant for name dropping his favorite writers, clever at first but eventually run into the ground later in his career... "You Don't Pull No Punches...", in which he sings about a quest for spiritual enlightenment, known here as the Veedon Fleece; the jazzy "Cul De Sac" with a fearless, amazing vocal, "Who Was That Masked Man", in which Van does his best Smokey Robinson impersonation, and the closer, the gorgeous "Country Fair" which evokes a late summer evening vividly. It's a haunting tune you won't soon forget.

I could go on and on and probably still not adequately describe my affection for this album. Ever since I picked this up off the rack at age 15 (because I liked the beautiful cover-I had never listened to Morrison before!), I have considered this my favorite album. Sadly, I was one of the few...its commercial failure led Morrison to attack Warners for not promoting it and caused him to spend three years struggling with writers block to finally issue its follow-up, the more conventional A Period of Transition-a lackluster LP light years away from its predecessor. Veedon Fleece is a once-in-a-lifetime work that sounded like nothing out there back then and still sounds unique today, even when compared to Van's own catalogue.

I hope, that if I convince you to take a chance on this album, that you come to love it as much as I. If it was possible I'd give it ten stars.

Not for those content with "Brown Eyed Girl" and other Van pop classics, this album goes deep as successfully as anything he's done. Warm, rich, earthy, bold, and challenging, this album finds Van stretching, lingering, emoting, and contemplating with a great, flexible band that follows him every step of the way. For those who want to not just listen passively but actually be taken "Into the Mystic", this one's for you. Put it on and wander a while.

Nice to see so much praise for this album, which is also my favorite by Van. Many point to Astral Weeks as the high point of his career, but for me it's Veedon Fleece. I've long been curious about the origins of "Linden Arden Stole the Highlights" and if in fact this is based on a real person. Have done some research but turned up nothing. (There was a play by the same name a few years back performed locally in San Francisco, but I think they just took it from the album.)

Anyway, this album never fails to chill. "Lord ain't it lonely, when you're livin' with a gun; you can't slow down and you can't turn around and you can't trust anyone." Van goes searching for the Sisters of Mercy and the Veedon Fleece and comes up with pure gold.