Latest news with #AstralWeeks
Extra.ie
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
30 years ago this week: Van Morrison released Days Like This
In 1995, Britpop was in full flow thanks to the Blur-Oasis feud, as well as Supergrass's memorable hit 'Alright' and Pulp's classic album Different Class. Meanwhile, following on from Massive Attack's international success, the Bristol trip-hop scene threw up another genius in the shape of Tricky, whose debut Maxinquaye was an innovative and daring masterwork. In Ireland, one of our greatest ever artists offered a stunning reminder of his enduring brilliance. Van Morrison's place in the rock pantheon had long been assured thanks to the Them classic 'Gloria' and his '60s opus Astral Weeks, the lyrical depth of which drew comparisons to Bob Dylan. With the title track of his 1995 LP Days Like This, Van hit another creative high point: a sublime soul effort underpinned by a moving sense of hard-earned celebration. Adopted as an anthem of the peace movement in Northern Ireland, in a symbolic moment Van would perform the track before a massive Belfast audience during Bill Clinton's Presidential visit in November '95. – Paul Nolan Praying to his higher self, mentioning Belfast and the town called Paradise. Another meditation in the line that stretches from as far back as 'T.B. Sheets' up through Astral Weeks, 'Listen To The Lion', side one of Veedon Fleece, 'In The Garden', and all his other hymns to enlightenment. Morrison Moment: When Van goes beyond language for the last minute, growling, then singing at the top of his range, then blowing into the harmonica, then stabbing at the Hammond organ, all at the same time. Probably. – Pat Carthy Back in 2020, Hot Press celebrated Van Morrison's 75th birthday with a special YouTube series 'Rave On, Van Morrison' – featuring some of Ireland's most acclaimed artists performing songs from across Van's career. Watch Eleanor McEvoy perform 'Songwriter' from Days Like This: And watch Brian Kennedy, who contributed backing vocals to the original recording, performing 'Days Like This':
The Age
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Age
More than jazz: Secret Northbridge restaurant shares same adventurous spirit as one of the genre's greats
Fittingly, Ah Um – the sophomore venue opened in September by the crew behind Northbridge listening bar Astral Weeks – is another creative work that defies pigeonholing. The clandestine nature of this austere, dim room – you enter via an unmarked sliding door at the back of Astral Weeks – and its finely honed sound system makes it feel like a private art gallery or illicit rave: if only all those tables and banquettes weren't everywhere! A handsome four-seat counter feels perfect for guests keen to explore a thrilling drinks inventory running from wines and classic cocktails to artisan sakes. Yet, a bar-top for bar flies this ain't. Instead, here's a place to go when you're hungry. All that furniture might be dancefloor-unfriendly, but diners dig it. They waltz in and out of this cool 25-person den, enthralled by and dressed for a restaurant that feels (and plays music that is) unique and adventurous. Nab a bar stool and enjoy bonus facetime with Ah Um ambassadors such as Jae Woods, Dan Ambrose and Sean O'Neill – restaurant manager, bar guy and co-owner, respectively – plus glimpses of the semi-open kitchen where chef Branden Scott holds court. For readers familiar with Scott from his Wines of While stints, you'll know that his cooking leans heavily on his black book of farmers and suppliers. At his former workplace, this thinking anchored fluid menus casting pristine ingredients as the protagonists of seasonal salads, fortifying pastas and other, predominantly European pleasures. This time around, Scott's focus has shifted to Japan as well as where its cuisine intersects with wine bar-style small plates.
Sydney Morning Herald
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Sydney Morning Herald
More than jazz: Secret Northbridge restaurant shares same adventurous spirit as one of the genre's greats
Fittingly, Ah Um – the sophomore venue opened in September by the crew behind Northbridge listening bar Astral Weeks – is another creative work that defies pigeonholing. The clandestine nature of this austere, dim room – you enter via an unmarked sliding door at the back of Astral Weeks – and its finely honed sound system makes it feel like a private art gallery or illicit rave: if only all those tables and banquettes weren't everywhere! A handsome four-seat counter feels perfect for guests keen to explore a thrilling drinks inventory running from wines and classic cocktails to artisan sakes. Yet, a bar-top for bar flies this ain't. Instead, here's a place to go when you're hungry. All that furniture might be dancefloor-unfriendly, but diners dig it. They waltz in and out of this cool 25-person den, enthralled by and dressed for a restaurant that feels (and plays music that is) unique and adventurous. Nab a bar stool and enjoy bonus facetime with Ah Um ambassadors such as Jae Woods, Dan Ambrose and Sean O'Neill – restaurant manager, bar guy and co-owner, respectively – plus glimpses of the semi-open kitchen where chef Branden Scott holds court. For readers familiar with Scott from his Wines of While stints, you'll know that his cooking leans heavily on his black book of farmers and suppliers. At his former workplace, this thinking anchored fluid menus casting pristine ingredients as the protagonists of seasonal salads, fortifying pastas and other, predominantly European pleasures. This time around, Scott's focus has shifted to Japan as well as where its cuisine intersects with wine bar-style small plates.
