Pitchfork

Van Morrison is getting ready to release Astral Weeks: Live at the Hollywood Bowl, which was recorded during a couple shows last November in which the classic rocker played his 1968 LP front-to-back for the first time ever. The record comes out February 10 on Morrison's EMI imprint, Listen to the Lion. By most accounts, the shows were a satisfying experience (he's reprising the bit at New York's Theater at Madison Square Garden February 27 and 28).

But Van, that cover? Come on.

The original Astral Weeks sleeve is an all-time great; the gauzy circle-meets-square imagery with Van's boyish face looking down, subtly pondering the big questions. Fast-forward to 2009. We know Morrison isn't 23 anymore, but that hat, the sub-Neil Diamond shades, and the fake-looking teeth are sorta depressing. Plus: botched Photoshop background, a multitude of horrendous font choices, a photo with the mic stand piercing the frame. Ugh. Is Dylan the (ahem) only old dude left who knows a decent cover when he sees it?