‘Astral Weeks: Live at the Hollywood Bowl’

February 15, 2009 at 12:00a.m.

Van Morrison (Manhattan)

Grade: B

Released in 1968, Van Morrison’s “Astral Weeks” is a masterpiece. Backed by a small combo of jazz musicians and fleshed out with strings, Morrison meditates deeply and soulfully on spirituality (the title track), love (”Sweet Thing”) and transvestites (”Madame George”).

Four decades later, Morrison revisited the album for a live performance at the Hollywood Bowl. Morrison seemed like an old soul when he recorded the original at 23, but songs like “The Way That Young Lovers Do” that sounded wistful then sound even more so now. Backed by a large band that includes strings, horns and original “Astral Weeks” guitarist Jay Berliner, Morrison growls, murmurs and utters incantations (like the famous line from “Madame George”: “the love that loves to love the love that loves to love”).

This album can’t compete with the original, but it’s still a treat to experience.

— Steve Klinge, Philadelphia Inquirer

‘The Rebirth’

Bobby Valentino

(Blu Kolla Dreams/EMI)

Grade: B

R&B singer Bobby Valentino knows all too well how to revive a career.

The Atlanta-based crooner has done it once before: After his group Mista had short-lived stint in the mid-1990s, he surged almost 10 years later with his platinum-selling, self-titled solo debut “Bobby Valentino” under Ludacris’ Disturbing tha Peace label.

But Valentino’s following disc, “Special Occasion” put up subpar numbers, leaving him to part ways with DTP and start his own imprint, Blu Kolla Dreams, through the distribution of EMI.

Now, Valentino is looking for another comeback with his new CD “The Rebirth.” Thriving off his cameo appearance on Lil Wayne’s “Mrs. Officer,” he followed up with his first single “BEEP” — a catchy, party starter that features rapper Yung Joc.

Unlike “Beep,” most of the tracks keep a slow-paced tempo, as Valentino strides successfully on most of them.

— Jonathan Landrum Jr., Associated Press

‘It’s Not Me, It’s You’

Lily Allen (EMI)

Grade: B-

Two years ago, Lily Allen was a pixie-faced singer whose saucy, reggae-ish pop debut album “Alright, Still” nabbed her fame, fortune and competition with fellow U.K. rebel Amy Winehouse.

Now, after a clothing line, TV show and tabloid fodder (from drunken episodes to a publicized miscarriage) the 23-year-old Allen is back. She’s still all sharp-tongued wit, but with an adult edge.

Written and recorded by Allen and producer-keyboardist Greg Kurstin (The Bird and the Bee), “It’s Not Me, It’s You” is a blend of beat and piano-based dance-pop and darker lyrics. The album may not have the straight zing of her cheeky hit “Smile,” but its 12 tunes radiate clubby catchiness.

“The Fear,” an electro single about ravenous media attention, showcases Allen at her best: sassy, funny, descriptive and a bit naughty.

— Solvej Schou, Associated Press