The Essential Paul Simon - Paul Simon Album Review

The Essential Paul Simon - Paul Simon Album Review

Photo:Rober Clark

Album Review

One of America’s greatest. Hits galore…and more.

For many people (of a certain generation), 66 year-old Paul Frederic Simon has provided a soundtrack to their lives. His extraordinary four decade career has seen many highs and occasional lows either partnering Art Garfunkel or as a solo artist. To celebrate this achievement Warner’s release a top drawer selection of the usual fodder, but this time accompanied by less well know songs. The Grammy award wining singer-songwriter was cited by Time magazine as one of the 100 “people who shaped our world.”

After splitting with Garfunkel in 1971, he embarked on a solo career writing material which included one of his first experiments with ‘world music’ beginning with the Jamaican inspired Mother And Child Reunion. On ‘73’s There Goes Rhymin’ Simon he included gorgeous ballad Something So Right a tribute to first wife Peggy. Also on the album were Kodachrome, American Tune, Loves Me Like A Rock . The latter two were oblique references about the Watergate scandal. There was also personal favourite Take Me To The Mardi Gras.

Album Still Crazy After All These Years (1975) is still considered a high water mark in his illustrious career featuring massive hit 50 Ways To Leave Your Lover. Over the next few years his writing waned until Slip Sliding Away and 1980s One Trick Pony, which included yet another hit – Late in the Evening – restored his credibility and popularity, though another slump happened with Hearts And Bones album in 1983, hitting a lowly #34 in the UK. Again, the title track was about a relationship, but this time with Carrie Fisher after his divorce to Peggy. One of the album’s highlights was the celebratory lament The Late Great Johnny Ace about R&B singer Johnny Ace and references to John Lennon. Apart from the hits, Train In The Distance proves to be a cool and lush gem.

Then came his biggie – multi-platinum Graceland and second UK #1, winning him a Grammy in 1986. The album was inspired by all things, a cassette tape, of the Boyoyo instrumental Gumboots. On it were classics such as Graceland (inspired by a visit to Elvis’ place) and the next four songs of disc 2, Diamonds On The Soles…Boy In The Buble, You Can Call Me Al and Under African Skies. Much of the remainder of disc 2 dips into albums Songs From The Capeman (1997) considered his most unsatisfying album, featuring the sensational a capella Adios Hermanos and Hispanic flavoured Born In Puerto Rico and punchy 50s styled Quality. The final three songs are from what is considered his ‘comeback’ – Surprise, which I thought disappointing, though Father And Daughter was a return to form.

File under: Essential? Too right!

Elly Roberts

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