Simon & Shaker: Dual [Import] [Limited Edition]

Disc: 1

1. Dancin'

2. Delicioso

3. Pony Club [Hess & Nick Dem Q Remix] - Saucy

4. Fiebre

5. Get Up!

6. Here Comes That Sound - Eric Entrena

7. Lola's Theme [Victor Calderone Remix]

8. Cead Mil Fálite

9. Tunes of Nirvana - Dimas,

10. Shakedown [Angel Moraes Remix]

See all 13 tracks on this disc

Disc: 2

1. Tribal Sequences (Intro) - David Ferrero

2. Work Together [D-Formation Mix] - Riva

3. Move Yo! - Matthew Dekay,

4. Sundown

5. Destiny Dancing

6. Capture at Mind [Advanced Mix]

7. Tribal Sequences - David Ferrero

8. Noche [D-Formation Remix] - Villa

9. Join Us [Original Mix]

10. Starstuff [Simon & Shaker Bladerunning Mix]

See all 13 tracks on this disc

Simon & Shaker: Dual,Various Artists,Beat Freak UK,Dance,Pop,Rock,V/a Compilations

Average customer rating: Feelin Groovy Great CD The Season of Change Wonderful! simon and garfunkel

The Best of Simon & Garfunkel Simon & Garfunkel Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Folk | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Classic Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Mamas & the Papas - Greatest Hits The Very Best of Peter, Paul & Mary The Best of James Taylor The Very Best of Cat Stevens Tapestry ASIN: B00002MZ41 Release Date: 1999-11-16

Tracks:

1. The Sound Of Silence
2. Homeward Bound
3. I Am A Rock
4. The Dangling Conversation
5. Scarborough Fair/Canticle
6. The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin' Groovy)
7. A Hazy Shade Of Winter
8. At The Zoo
9. Fakin' It
10. Mrs. Robinson
11. Old Friends/Bookends
12. The Boxer
13. Bridge Over Troubled Water
14. Cecilia
15. The Only Living Boy In New York
16. Song For The Asking
17. El Condor Pasa (If I Could)
18. For Emily, Wherever I May Find Her (Live)
19. America
20. My Little Town

Amazon.com

Augmenting 1972's Greatest Hits with additional tracks, Best of... now stands as the preeminent one-disc introduction to the music of Simon & Garfunkel. Containing everything Greatest Hits offered except for the live version of "59th Street Bridge Song" (the original studio hit resurfaces here) and the incandescent "Kathy's Song," the updated retrospective boasts 20 tracks, in contrast to its predecessor's 14 selections. Added to the mix are the likes of "Hazy Shade of Winter," "The Only Living Boy in New York," "Song for the Asking," and "My Little Town," a one-off the twosome did five years after they ended their phenomenally successful partnership. Remastered from the original source tapes, Best of... also boasts far superior sound to the earlier hits collection. --Steven Stolder

Customer Reviews:

Feelin Groovy.......2007-07-26

Excellent Simon and Garfunkel compilation. Great showcase of the folk/rock duo. I'm not a big acoustic music fan, but I've got to say Simon and Garfunkel do it so well, specifically the guitar bits, that I really like their stuff. There's a whole bunch of good songs in this disc of 20 songs. Good value for fans. This CD is evocative of an era, the middle and late 60s, but most definitely enjoyable by those of us from generations after the Baby Boom.

Great CD.......2007-06-16

I enjoyed every song and would highly recommend this CD to anyone who likes Simon & Garfunkel

The Season of Change.......2007-05-26

Simon & Garfunkel was an Icon of 1960's.Their music was a voice of the sixties. It was a voice that has never faced the sound of silence

This collection is a best of the duo's singles. this stuff is classics of the rock era. These 20 tracks have been remastered foir modern CD players and it sounds better than before

So is it GROOVY? You Betcha

Bennet Pomerantz AUDIOWORLD

Wonderful!.......2007-02-20

This is wonderful. Has most of their best songs, and is good quality. I have been listening to it since it arrived. :)

simon and garfunkel.......2007-01-17

The cd and case are in great condition and were delivered quickly.

Average customer rating: Well done great compilation - particularly for a car trip Sweet and Simple Paul Simon Redux

The Essential Paul Simon (2 CD/DVD) Paul Simon Manufacturer: Warner Bros / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Soft Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: The Best of Van Morrison Volume 3 The Police (2CD Anthology) Traveling Wilburys (2 CD / 1 DVD) Live In Dublin Instant Karma: The Amnesty International Campaign to Save Darfur ASIN: B000Q677EA Release Date: 2007-06-26

Tracks:

1. Mother And Child Reunion
2. Loves Me Like A Rock
3. Me And Julio Down By The School Yard
4. Duncan
5. Kodachrome
6. 50 Ways To Leave Your Lover
7. Slip Slidin' Away
8. Gone At Last
9. Something So Right
10. Late In The Evening
11. Hearts And Bones
12. Take Me To The Mardi Gras
13. That Was Your Mother
14. American Tune
15. Peace Like A River
16. Stranded In A Limousine
17. Train In The Distance
18. The Late Great Johnny Ace
19. Still Crazy After All These Years

Tracks:

1. Graceland
2. Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Shoes
3. The Boy In The Bubble
4. You Can Call Me Al
5. Under African Skies
6. The Obvious Child
7. Born At The Right Time
8. The Coo, Cool River
9. Spirit Voices
10. Adios Hermanos
11. Born In Puerto Rico
12. Quality
13. Darling Lorraine
14. Hurricane Eye
15. Father And Daughter
16. Outrageous
17. Wartime Prayers

Album Description

In celebration of Paul Simon's Gershwin Prize for Popular Song from the Library of Congress, The Essential Paul Simon brings together all of his hits and favorite tracks in the most expansive, solo career-spanning compilation issued for the two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Famer.

Customer Reviews:

Well done.......2007-07-30

I purchased this two-CD album as a gift for a friend who is very much into music, particularly the music of Paul Simon's era. I have not listened to it personally, but the recipient called me to say he was enjoying it immensely.

great compilation - particularly for a car trip.......2007-07-14

I have a lot of Paul Simon CD's so you could say I didn't really need this two CD set. However, I make a 3 hour car trip a couple of times a year and when I saw this I immediately thought how great it would be to have these two CD's in the changer in the trunk for my next road trip. Its sort of a "greatest hits" but with some songs I've never heard before as well. It covers a long span of years and my only complaint is that it does not include the incredible song "Homeless".

Sweet and Simple.......2007-07-03

When it comes to music right now, there just really isn't anything that is actually exciting. While there are so many acts that just seem to get by on gloss like Beyonce', Britney Spears, and Usher, there just really isn'y anything anymore about songs and artists that just comes from the simplistic words themselves. There have been acts that have made great records, they just missed the cut when it comes to sales last year from Elton John, Rod Stewart, and Paul Simon. Although Paul has been recognized with great acheivements in music on his own, as a member of Simon & Garfunkel, he has truly made the music of our times, and this collection shows it.

The 2007 Essential Paul Simon is a double album reflection of what made Paul Simon's solo career so dynamic and universal. This was made in honor of his recent inagural Gershwin Award for Song, as well as his 35th anniverasry as a acclaimed solo artist. This collection follows in suit very nicely, and expands the effort delightfully that was made so well on his last solo hits package, 2002's On My Way. The songs here flow very nicely, and have all been remastered very well. All of his classics are highlighted here including the guilty pleasures 50 Ways To Leave Your Lover, You Can Call Me Al, The Boy In The Bubble, as well as down to Earth gems like Mother and Child Reunion, and his Oscar-nominated Father and Daughter from the Nickelodeon animated film The Wild Thornberries Movie, and his recently overlooked track Outrageous from his overshadowed 2006 album Surprise. This version also add in on the fun, by including some great music videos of his work and craftsmanship in songwriting like Diamonds On The Souls Of Her Shoes, and a rendidtion of the Simon & Garfunkel gem, Mrs. Robinson from the classic 70's The Dick Cavett Show.

All in all, The Essential Paul Simon really captures a delightful reflection on a career that has acclaimed for so many years, and also does a wonderful job at reintroducing one of the most legendary artists of the past five decades. If you haven't heard any of Paul Simon's music, than you really don't know what you've missed from a great icon like Paul. I absolutely recommend this hits collection a whole lot. You can still call him Al, but just call him a legend.

Album Cover: B+

Songs: A-

Price: A-

Remastering: A-

DVD: B 1/2+

Overall: B+

Paul Simon Redux.......2007-06-29

This is Paul simon cut right to the bone with no filler whatsoever! I enjoy everything on this collection and The Capeman stuff is good to finally have on cd! I compare this to the Traveling Wilbury's Collection that was recently released also w/ a DVD!! It's all very familiar but worth revisiting over and over again!

Average customer rating: The best Album so far Shining like a national guitar! Has there ever been a finer album? How do you make a good CD better? Paul Simon and the world make beautiful music together.....

Graceland Paul Simon Manufacturer: Rhino / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Soft Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Rhino Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Alternative Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music International | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Rhythm of the Saints Surprise Still Crazy After All These Years There Goes Rhymin' Simon The Best of Simon & Garfunkel ASIN: B0002EQ7E2 Release Date: 2004-07-27

Tracks:

1. The Boy In The Bubble
2. Graceland
3. I Know What I Know
4. Gumboots
5. Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Shoes
6. You Can Call Me Al
7. Under African Skies
8. Homeless
9. Crazy Love Vol. II
10. That Was Your Mother
11. All Around The World Or The Myth Of Fingerprints
12. Homeless (Demo)
13. Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Shoes
14. All Around The World Or The Myth Of Fingerprints

Amazon.com essential recording

The melding of South African styles and Simon's trademark sensibility made for one of the most intriguing albums--not to mention commercial hits--of the '80s. At once lively, thoughtful, gorgeous, and tough, Graceland acknowledges splits both in South Africa's social fabric and in Simon's personal life (the title track is a clear descendant of the earlier "Hearts and Bones," a song about the singer-songwriter's brief marriage to Carrie Fisher). Humor is hardly absent from the mix, though; witness the addled "I Know What I Know" and the fable-like "You Can Call Me Al." --Rickey Wright

Customer Reviews:

The best Album so far.......2007-07-29

Several years ago I purchased Graceland as a Cassette Tape and have since lost it. It was after Simon's induction in the Gershwin hall of fame program on TV that I realized how great the music of Graceland was. We have "Surprise" and, although I love the lyrics, the melodies don't stay with me as much as Graceland. I then purchased the CD of Graceland. When I want to be in a good mood, I play it.

Shining like a national guitar!.......2007-07-21

Graceland is probably Paul Simon's last largely received work amid a truly prolific, terrific musical career. Although his most recent album "Surprise" is deservedly garnering much attention, "Graceland" will remain timeless forever. Its difficult to say difinitively which is Paul Simon's best solo album, afterall there are so many great ones. I am partial to "Hearts and Bones" and "You're the One" myself. Its like trying to pick the top five most magnificent crown jewels from the Tower of London! But this one must find it's way to a comfortable spot in anyone's top 5 of Simon.

Opening with "The Boy In the Bubble", I must confess not one of my favorite tracks, however a good song and universally well liked; it begins with a drumming of accordion unusual for Simon but well used throughout Graceland. This, morphed with a core beat that can't help but remind one of something strangely disco create a sound that, at the time, must have been cutting edge for Paul. Its unusual to me, but it works. Following is the title track, perhapse the best one in Simon's illustrious career, "Graceland". This is a fine song and if you haven't heard it in it's entirety, you should. These sample tracks are good, but you can only descern so much from them. "Graceland" deserves for everyone to hear it once, afterall when you mention Paul Simon to someone they will ultimitely say something like "Oh yeah, Graceland right?" His last, best song. "I Know What I Know" is humorous, entertaining Simon's more comical side as we all know he has one. Great fun, and slightly African sounding. "Gumboots" is perhapse even more fun, one of my favorites here. The lyrics, the reappearing, wheezing accordion in the background. It's just one of those fun songs. In the next track Simon puts on a slightly straighter face for "Diamonds On the Soles of Her Shoes". It openes slow and vocal, just Simon and the appearing Zulu singing group Ladysmith Black Mambazo with which he collaborated in this album for the slight African feel. A really cool song, and if you're lucky enough to purchase this album version with extra tracks, the demo with dominant base guitar is better. Many people will say that "You Can Call Me Al" is a 'weird' song. Maybe so, but you have to agree that it's also good. Like so many of these songs it is once again fun. "Under African Skies" and "Homeless" are the two predominately African style songs, both calm and enjoyable. "Homeless" is particularly good where we get the best view of Ladysmith Black Mambazo. "Crazy Love vol. 2" is graceful with it's guitar chords, and lyrics are as good as usual. "That Was Your Mother" skims the surface of cajun zydago influences of Simon and his version is also quite good, the same with "All Around the World".

And that's it save for the bonus songs, which are all demos and all enjoyable. This album piloted the group of foreign sounding musical themes that ensued, followed by "The Rhythm of the Saints" (South American), and "Songs From The Capeman" (Puerto Rican). I recommend checking them both out if you like Graceland. With a great artist like Paul Simon, you aren't bound to come across too many rotten apples!

Enjoy.

Has there ever been a finer album?.......2007-07-17

Paul Simon peaked with this masterwork. He will never return to this form.

"Graceland" is without equal. "Diamonds On the Soles of Her Shoes" is an idiosyncratic tour-de-force. "You Can Call Me Al" -- well, you already know that one.

If I had to rate all the CDs in my collection, this would be in the top three or four. It's so far beyond Simon's prior works, and so much better than today's dreck, it's difficult to explain.

How do you make a good CD better?.......2007-07-12

Just let Paul Simon remaster it and add a few new redone tracks just for kicks! This is, perhaps, one of the top 100 greatest CDs of all time. Many times when artists(or "record companies") go back and "re-issue" good albums, they make them worse. Most times it's better to leave well enough alone. This is the exception. The remastering brings forward all the great and varied sounds of this album and the extra tracks are just a treat! Highly recommended!

Paul Simon and the world make beautiful music together............2007-06-08

GRACELAND was such a great concept, and it made an even better album! I am so glad that Paul Simon pursued the beautiful idea to meld his songwriting abilities, vocals and distinctive sound with the sounds of other great musicians like Lady Smith Black Mambaza (from South Africa) and Los Lobos (a Mexican-American band, melding Mexican flavor with soul/rock and roll). It sounds terrific.

All of the songs are beautiful for different reasons, but I will give you a few good reasons to skip around on your copy of the CD. "Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes" (featuring LadySmith Black Mambaza) is a cross between calypso, rock and South African high life, "You Can Call Me Al" is straight up, one of the most enjoyable bits of storytelling and Caribbean flavored tunes I have ever heard, "Homeless" has a killer introduction by Lady Smith, once again, and "All Around The World" warmly adds Los Lobos into the mix, for a great album closer. The only sad note is that the music is over way too soon.

Average customer rating: GOOD MUSIC Superb! Carly Simon: Touched By The Sun.....Goddess If you're only getting ONE..... Carly's Best

Reflections: Carly Simon's Greatest Hits Carly Simon Manufacturer: Arista ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Soft Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Tapestry Into White The Best of James Taylor Moonlight Serenade The Best of Simon & Garfunkel ASIN: B0001XANAS Release Date: 2004-05-04

Tracks:

1. That's The Way I've Always Heard It Should Be
2. Legend In Your Own Time
3. Anticipation
4. The Right Thing To Do
5. You're So Vain
6. Mockingbird- with James Taylor
7. Haven't Got Time For The Pain
8. Nobody Does It Better
9. You Belong To Me
10. Jesse
11. Coming Around Again
12. Give Me All Night
13. The Stuff That Dreams Are Made Of
14. All I Want Is You
15. Let The River Run
16. Better Not Tell Her
17. Love Of My Life
18. Like A River
19. Touched By The Sun
20. Amity- with Sally Taylor

Album Description

This is the first career-spanning, multi-label single disc compilation of her career, including hits from Elektra, Arista, etc.

20 songs- every one of Carly's top Billboard charting hits Digitally Remastered directly from the master tapes.

First single disc multi-label compilation ever!

One of music's most influential and cherished singer/songwriters, Carly Simon has recorded and released over 25 albums and is internationally renowned as a versatile artist who is consistently breaking new ground.

Grammy and Oscar winner, her experiences in life, love and motherhood and her strive for success have translated into several of the most memorable hit songs ever recorded.

Various musicians such as Jennifer Lopez, Janet Jackson, Tori Amos, and Mandy Moore have recently covered some of Carly's songs.

Extensive CD booklet with introduction by Carly Simon!

Includes rare photos and complete essay by Stephen Davis on Carly's illustrious career.

Customer Reviews:

GOOD MUSIC.......2007-07-03

JUST ANOTHER GREAT BUY FROM AMAZON...BRINGS BACK LOTS OF OLD MEMORIES...DEFINITE PLUS TO MY MUSIC COLLECTION

Superb!.......2007-07-03

What a beautiful collection of songs. To have them remastered so they are crisp and clear is wonderful! I find it so enjoyable to listen to as I'm driving. You can't go wrong with this CD.

Carly Simon: Touched By The Sun.....Goddess.......2007-07-01

Wow, what a great talent she is. Has thirtysome years really slipped by since I first bought the Anticipation songbook? (which I still own in mint condition I'm proud to say). This CD collection is the holly grail of Carly's work and a must have for those who "dig" (thanks Murray The K) her sound. Most everything's here on the CD which includes some truely great pictures on Carly, some which I've never seen before. Man, did she have the sexist album covers or what? Carly TRUELY ENJOYS being a woman more than any woman I have met or seen. This fact comes through in her photos like a sledgehammer. We need more woman like her! All in all a great package and a real keeper. Please buy one.

If you're only getting ONE............2007-06-16

My wife has accused me of having a crush on Carly. At least I'm not fool enough to deny it. Carly has been called the voice of my generation, and she is [along with Carole King].

This album is an hour and nineteen minutes of a pure, joy-filled journey over about thirty years, delivered in pretty much chronological order. All, or at least most, of your favorites are here. No point in discussing individual tracks; if you're reading this, you probably have them memorized. It's a good thing that "Better Not Tell Her" is not about me.

I have all of Carly's records. Not everybody will care to. Sad. If you only want one, start here. You will probly get hooked, and want them all.[Unfortunately, a couple are tough to find]. Carly's voice has actually improved with time, and every girl should be lucky enough to have her looks at 60. Essential album.

Carly's Best.......2007-06-14

A second copy of my favorite Carly cd for the car!

Average customer rating: Patricia Like a bridge over troubled water... Take me back A Personal Favorite A 6-Star Greatest Hits Package

Simon & Garfunkel - Greatest Hits Simon & Garfunkel Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Folk | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music $8.99 and Under | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Classic Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Alternative Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music $8.99 and Under | Prices | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: James Taylor: Greatest Hits Cat Stevens - Greatest Hits Bridge Over Troubled Water The Best of Simon & Garfunkel Sounds of Silence ASIN: B0000024YL Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. Mrs. Robinson
2. For Emily, Whenever I May Find Her
3. Boxer
4. 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin' Groovy)
5. Sound of Silence
6. I Am a Rock
7. Scarborough Fair/Canticle
8. Homeward Bound
9. Bridge over Troubled Water
10. America
11. Kathy's Song
12. Condor Pasa (If I Could)
13. Bookends Theme
14. Cecilia

Amazon.com

Simon & Garfunkel have two 3-CD box sets collecting their entire career output, one with out-takes and live recordings, but the duo who were among the bestselling acts of the 1960s only recorded five studio albums throughout the entire 1960s! Their studio perfectionism is never better served than here. This greatest hits is simple and to the point, a perfect collection for anyone looking to get the basic idea (and hits) without committing to a more serious relationship. The harmonies, Paul Simon's masterful songwriting, Garfunkel's soaring choirboy voice, are all here. --Rob O'Connor

Customer Reviews:

Patricia .......2007-07-29

Thanks for always have the old music I grew up with. I can not find most of this music at Cat's Music, but you have everything I need.

Like a bridge over troubled water..........2006-12-04

When you're weary, feelin' small
When tears are in your eyes, I will dry them all.
I'm on your side, Oh, when times get rough
And friends just can't be found.
Like a bridge over troubled waters
I will lay me down.
Like a bridge over troubled waters
I will lay me down.

When you're down and out, when you're on the street
When evening falls so hard, I will comfort you.
I'll take your part, Oh when darkness comes
And pain is all around
Like a bridge over troubled waters
I will lay me down.
Like a bridge over troubled waters
I will lay me down.

Sail on children, sail on by
Your time has come to shine, all their dreams are on their way
See how they shine, Oh when you need a friend
I'm sailing right behind
Like a bridge over troubled waters
I will ease your mind
Like a bridge over troubled waters,
I will ease your mind.
I'll ease your mind.

The music of Simon and Garfunkel remains relevant, beautiful and poignant to this day. They sang well and when they sang you listened carefully because their music and their message were invariably important. This CD proves it.

The CD starts off with the classic "Mrs. Robinson;" this song was featured in the 1968 movie entitled The Graduate. The musical arrangement is very well done and their ability to harmonize to perfection makes this song a classic. The CD then switches gears for the slower paced love ballad "For Emily, Whenever I May Find Her."

Other classic songs on this CD include "The Boxer;" "The Sound Of Silence;" "Scarborough Fair/Canticle;" the song "Bridge Over Troubled Water" with its opulent orchestral musical arrangement; "America" and a very rockin' song entitled "Cecilia." "Cecilia" is a strong song; it offers an upbeat melody that does not match the story of frustration a man feels about his girlfriend. Nevertheless, this song shines and it is a fine choice to end the album.

"Bridge Over Troubled Water" deserves special note as one of the greatest ballads of all time. I can hardly think of another song that is so soothing. The singer promises comfort, unconditional love and support to his partner whenever it is necessary. It boasts a grand musical arrangement and Simon and Garfunkel perform this song with such sensitivity that you won't easily forget it.

The sound quality is excellent and the pictures of Simon and Garfunkel are nicely done. Art's choirboy voice actually has a fairly good range to it and Paul Simon's voice is strong and vibrant.

One reviewer comments that they didn't care for the applause at the end of two songs. There are live tracks on this album. "For Emily, Whenever I May Find Her," "The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin' Groovy)" and "Homeward Bound" are live tracks. In addition, "Kathy's Song" has applause at the beginning of the song but not at the end--was the ending applause edited out of this track? It's a small point, however, as the quality of their work never diminishes because of the sporadic applause on this CD. I personally like the way they chose some live tracks along with some studio tracks for this CD.

The liner notes don't offer much; then again, Simon and Garfunkel sing so clearly that you hardly need the lyrics written down for you. A brief essay about their work together would have been helpful but again this is a small point.

I highly recommend this CD as an excellent single CD retrospective of Simon and Garfunkel's best work when they performed together. It is also a wonderful CD for Paul Simon fans, Art Garfunkel fans, and fans of folk rock.

Take me back.......2006-11-04

True lyrical meaning and BEAUTIFUL vocal harmony sum up the core of this album. The guitar is strummed with intention and ease, and the songs are all classics that you have surely heard one time or another. I could listen to it over and over again. I wish these guys were still making music together.

A Personal Favorite.......2006-11-03

Simon & Garfunkel were a ground-breaking duo! This album is LOADED with super songs and has been at the top of my favorite albums for over a quarter century.

A 6-Star Greatest Hits Package.......2006-07-15

This is one of the soundtracks to my life. This great compilation has been with me since I first heard it coming from my parents speakers 30+ years ago. I wore out my LP copy in my late twenties and snatched up a CD copy shortly thereafter...it remains close to me and my player to this day. Melancholy, somber, jubilant, hopeful, happy...these are just a few words to describe this album and the emotions it evokes while listening to it. Many great reviews have been posted on this wonderful Hits package and its obvious that it has almost "universal" appeal. Most of the reviews here resonate with the same tone---"this album is so much a part of my life". Without going into individual songs, I'll say that I enjoy every song from start to finish. This is really timeless music that will continue to reach new generations of listeners and will remain very special to me for decades to come....enjoy this(your not likely to find the 'Magic' these two gentlemen had in today's artists).

Average customer rating: A thoroughly enjoyable CD Every song is real in this new creation Genius! I'll write a PROPER review later... If good lyrics means repeating the same line over and over, then yes, Paul Simon's new album is genius.

Surprise Paul Simon Manufacturer: Warner Bros / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: All the Roadrunning We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions Taking The Long Way Living With War Modern Times ASIN: B000F0UV1S Release Date: 2006-05-09

Tracks:

1. How Can You Live In the Northeast
2. Everything About It Is A Love Song
3. Outrageous
4. Sure Don't Feel Like Love
5. Wartime Prayers
6. Beautiful
7. I Don't Believe
8. Another Galaxy
9. Once Upon A Time There Was An Ocean
10. That's Me
11. Father And Daughter

Amazon.com

Since severing his epochal partnership with Art Garfunkel, Paul Simon's solo career been characterized by restless reinvention. But while it's easy to see such disparate, cross-cultural collaborations as Graceland and Rhythm of the Saints as Simon's quest for new creative partnerships, beneath them lies a more crucial willingness to continually challenge the very assumptions and craft of his own songwriting. Six years after his sublime, underappreciated You're the One Simon has pushed that sensibility into a rewarding, if equally unlikely, partnership with Brian Eno. Yet the former Roxy Music texturalist cum contemporary producer/sound conjurer supreme (aided by such stellar sidemen as Bill Frisell, Herbie Hancock and Steve Gadd) offers barely half the "surprises" here.

The playful "Sure Don't Feel Like Love" argues Simon can still beckon his more traditional pop muse at will. Yet some of his best work here turns as much on hypnotic, if no less politically pointed, quasi-spoken word pieces (like "Wartime Prayers" and the gripping, post 9/11 rumination "How Can You Live in the Northeast?") as traditional songcraft. Eno is credited with providing "Sonic Landscape" to Simon's production, but also co-wrote three tracks, infusing "Another Galaxy" with contrasting doses of bracing energy and ethereal elegance, while seasoning the more traditional folk musings of "Once Upon a Time There Was An Ocean" with infectious electro-funk rhythms. "Outrageous," their best full collaboration, suggests that while Eno and Simon may approach world music - and indeed most pop forms - from polar extremes, the common ground they find is truly elevated. In an era when many of his peers are content to craft mere artistic comebacks, Simon's re-emergence here is a bold, compelling step forward. --Jerry McCulley

Recommended Paul Simon

The Studio Recordings 1972-2000 [BOX SET]	The Rhythm of the Saints	There Goes Rhymin' Simon
Graceland	Negotiations and Love Songs 1971-1986	Still Crazy After All These Years

Album Description

Among the most popular artists and greatest songwriters of our time, Paul Simon returns with his first album in six years—and the album titled Surprise is exactly that. First, three songs were co-written with electronic music guru Brian Eno; second, the other songs are straightforward, wonderfully American pop. Surprise is a pleasant surprise for Simon fans.

Customer Reviews:

A thoroughly enjoyable CD.......2007-07-18

I am 55 years old, and have enjoyed Paul Simon since I can remember. This album is some of his finest work. It demonstrates his great poetic skills as well as strong composition and vocals that are powerful, understated, evocative and poignant all at once.

Opening with How Can You Live in the Northeast, you immediately are involved in the profound thought process this man brings to his music. It asks rhetorical questions of all, and answers (to the degree allowed), with "names and religion come just after date of birth." The real puzzle to me is the last line about wearing his father's old coat. I suspect this is a metaphor, which leaves me guessing as I expect was his intent.

Everything About it is a Lovesong is a beautiful melody which seems to be a bit of an introspect of Paul himself. "Make a wish and close your eyes: surprise, surprise, surprise."

Outrageous is a rant that becomes a touching redemption.

Sure Don't Feel Like Love is interesting, but I'm not sure of the overall meaning. The part about "wrong again", though, will certainly ring a bell with most of us.

Wartime Prayers is a deeply moving hymn-like piece. In it, there is a line that has moved me like perhaps no other line in my experience. "Because you cannot walk with the holy if you're just a halfway decent man." Oh my, that's one to remember!

Beautiful is, well, beautiful. It really showcases Paul's voice and humor, and his love of family.

I Don't Believe is another very powerful number suggesting that we should follow the Golden Rule in our everyday lives.

Another Galaxy examines the difficulty of changing roads in life. It reminds me of the sentiment of the Beatle's "She's Leaving Home".

Once Upon a Time There Was an Ocean is interesting and well done. The overiding theme seems to be that no matter how much things change, it's still all the same.

That's Me might have been the finale (as it seems to be a personal summary), but I believe Paul saved one other song for that honor:

Father and Daughter is a touching tribute to the special love therin. There is some beautiful backup vocal on this song listed as Adrian Simon (my guess is this would be Paul's lovely daughter)

Notice in the booklet of lyrics that every word which has to do with water is bold.

Every time I listen to this CD, I am moved. Very well done piece indeed.

Every song is real in this new creation.......2007-06-18

Meet the new Paul Simon of the new millenium. This is the man's best work since "You're The One". Yes, that was his last studio release, but he's just that good. Like Midas, everything he touches turns to gold. But this time its a different layer of Paul Simon, a totally new, unexpected sound completely different from anything he has ever done. For a long time I avoided this album because of that new sound. It just wasn't the good old Paul Simon that I knew so well. What actually got me into this CD was my Dad, a fellow Paul Simon listener. He checked it out a couple of times from our library, and after I heard the music in the background a few times, I began to really like it and found myself wanting to hear it as soon as it was over. One of those CDs that sticks around in your head until you buy it. So buy it I did, and I've had a lot of good listening from it since. Its just all in how you look at it. If you're searching for the old Paul Simon you won't appreciate it at first listen. But if you can embrace it for being something new and give it a chance, it will rapidly grow on you.

Beginning with "How Can You Live In the Northeast?", Simon sets the new tone. If you look close enough you can see that the underlying note here is 9/11. Simon claims in an interview a year ago that he was profoundly affected by those tragic events, as were we all, and found it difficult to write anything 'real' as he described since. This explains his long absence since "You're the One". So he decided to write what he deemed as 'the truth', and certainly these song communicate as more heartfelt. In this song Simon simply poses the question, "How can you live in the Northeast?". Next is one of the best songs on the entire album. "Everything About It Is a Love Song" begins with two simple guitar chordes and builds to a very nice beat, with even better lyrics, which is this songs biggest strength. "We don't mean to mess things up but mess them up we do" Simon lyricises truthfully. Continuing with the trend, the songs get even better here with "Outrageous", the particular song that really hooked me onto this album. And believe me when I say that this is one of Paul Simon's all time best songs ever. Like a shock of cold water this song immediately grabs your attention, and again Simon writes it so truthfully, the theme being "Who's gonna love you when your looks are gone?". I saw the live version of this one that he sang on The David Letterman Show which was absolutely great. Check it out. "Sure Don't Feel Like Love" and "Beautiful" stand out as the best of the next four tracks, and then we come to "Another Galaxy". Brian Eno saves his best magic for this one as the sound is amazing. Throw in Simon's stellar guitar chordes and you've got yourself another masterpiece. The second best song on here.
To end on a really wonderful note, this last song continues with the pledge of genuinity where Simon crones about his love for his daughter, while his son sings backup vocals in this one. Unlike corny versions of father-child tracks sung by lesser artists, this one is sophisticated. It doesn't try to be something it's not. It is simply honest. Refreshing and very well written. I think Adrian might have inherited Simon's singing qualities too.

So there you have it. A fresh new coat of Paul Simon called "Surprise". One of the best albums of the year. Be sure to check it out more than I did. You just might be surprised.

Its good to have you back Paul!

Genius!.......2007-06-07

Fabulous! Paul Simon has done it again. His ability to create NEW music while maintaining his compelling style (lyrics and sound combinations). This guy is 'the-bomb'! I would never hesitate to buy his music. I like the way he thinks (his perspective), then in turn, how he makes me think.

I'm sittng here enjoying this disc and just had to share how much I'm loving it!

I'll write a PROPER review later..........2007-06-05

I haven't "lived with" this one long enough to give this an absolute star ranking but I found it to be "edgier" than Simon's been in years musically and it was probably the most exciting thing from him since The Rhythm of the Saints. (I thought YOU'RE THE ONE was kind of bland)

As such, I'll give an unqualified recommendation that you borrow this one from a friend or your local library if you have any Simon in your library outside of anthologies. It's certainly worth hearing and I'm likely to be adding it to my own collection.

If good lyrics means repeating the same line over and over, then yes, Paul Simon's new album is genius........2007-05-27

There are a few nice little melodies here and there, but overall this cd stinks. It's like a more watered down version of Nickleback. They sing a verse and then basically just repeat it for two or three minutes until they get tired of singing the same verse over and over again. Paul Simon, he makes it seem not as random as Nickleback does, but it's still pretty bad. It sounds better then Nickleback, but that's still not good.

How do you live in the Northeast is a horribe song. I understood what it was trying to say, I don't think anyone wouldn't get it if they listened to it. It was a pointless, political song that just kept asking the same questions over and over again. "Outrageous" was a good song. It was funny, but it was plagued with the same repetition that most of the tracks seem to suffer from.

It's nice and smooth and it goes down easy, but old Paul Simon beats this new stuff anyday.

Average customer rating: Carly, we love you........ As Jim Morrison might have said, "strange...beautiful..." An eclectic gem One of the songs "I'll Just Remember You" is an absolute favorite of mine! Hmm, a little disappointed??

Into White Carly Simon Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Soft Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Not Too Late Reflections: Carly Simon's Greatest Hits From This Moment On A Hundred Miles or More: A Collection West ASIN: B000HEZF6I Release Date: 2007-01-02

Tracks:

1. Into White
2. Oh! Susanna
3. Blackbird
4. You Can Close Your Eyes (Carly Simon,Ben Taylor & Sally Taylor)
5. Quiet Evenin'
6. Manha De Carnaval (Theme from "Black Orpheus")
7. Jamaica Farewell
8. You Are My Sunshine
9. Devoted To You / All I Have To Do Is Dream
10. Scarborough Fair
11. I Gave My Love A Cherry (The Riddle Song)
12. Over The Rainbow
13. Love Of My Life
14. I'll Just Remember You

Amazon.com

For a CD with a lot of soft songs on it--"Scarborough Fair," "Over the Rainbow," "You Are My Sunshine"--Into White sends a loud message, that being: when you're as important an artist as Carly Simon, you can pretty much sing what you want, which accounts for this disc's genre confusion. Part kids' record, part under-the-covers project, Into White feels a little like it went for a toss in the Simon residence's salad spinner; "Oh! Susanna," which has rarely sounded sweeter, is followed by a beautiful reading of the Beatles' poetic "Blackbird," which segues into a family sing-along to ex-husband James Taylor's classic "You Can Close Your Eyes" (son and daughter Ben and Sally Taylor pitch in on harmonies). Deciding whether to play it on the way to morning kindergarten or during brunch for your mellow sweetheart, then, can be brutal. But the choice to buy it or bypass it shouldn't be. Simon, vocally sure-footed as ever, wicks the warmth out of every last track and directs it with pinpoint precision to her listeners--nobody does music as comfort food better. Perhaps nobody knows how to pluck from her own catalog better, either: closing this artful jumble of a late-career disc is the abominably under-appreciated but gorgeous "Love of My Life," from the largely forgotten 1992 film This is My Life. --Tammy La Gorce

Into Green with Carly

More from Carly Simon

No Secrets	Carly Simon	Moonlight Serenade
Anticipation	Clouds in My Coffee 1965-1995 (Box Set)	Reflections: Carly Simon's Greatest Hits

Album Description

"Into White" is the incredible follow-up album to Grammy and Oscar award-winner Carly Simon's 2005 best-selling "Moonlight Serenade." The record showcases 14 classic songs performed by Carly Simon, the voice of a generation. Tracks included were originally made famous by Cat Stevens ("Into White"), Judy Garland ("Over the Rainbow"), the Everly Brothers ("All I have to Do Is Dream/Devoted To You"), and James Taylor ("You Can Close Your Eyes" featuring Carly's daughter Sally Taylor and son Ben Taylor). Carly Simon fans will also be pleased to discover three brand new songs on Into White: in stores and online January 2, 2007.

Customer Reviews:

Carly, we love you...............2007-07-24

......and always will. Over the years we've loved Carly the Rocker, Carly the Great American Songstress, and, thru it all, Carly the Confessional singer. She's shared her pain and joys, and we haven't minded a bit. We've laughed, and cried, with her, worried about her, and prayed for her. For 35 years, she's been our voice.

Here is Carly the Folk Singer, and she's glorious. All the songs are wonderful; "Jamaica Farewell" and the "Scarborough Fair" are especial joys. And how about the lyric adjustment from the earlier version of "You Are the Love of My Life"? Listen carefully.

Carly is 61, and her voice, and beauty, are as great as ever. There's a reason we love her. Once again, Carly, FABULOUS...keep it coming.

As Jim Morrison might have said, "strange...beautiful...".......2007-07-14

Once you get past Amazon's highly cynical "official" review from Tammy La Gorce..."genre confusion?"...and into the album itself, you'll find a 50 minute suite of songs that summons up the glory days of David Crosby, Windham Hill (the prime, early Ackerman-Hedges years), John Hartford and Richard Thompson.

If you want genres that are not "confused," where everything is linear and vanilla and predictable, pull up Bon Jovi's catalog. For the rest of us, I made it through the entire album without a trace of "confusion."

Nothing you've heard from Carly before will prepare you for this album. It's stark, sometimes disturbing...especially when she sings the lines "I can't sing the blues anymore; But I can sing this song; And you can sing this song, When I'm gone" in a duet with her son from her marriage to James Taylor, who sounds like...you guessed it...a young James Taylor.

Elsewhere...Carly singing "You make me happy when skies are grey" in "You Are My Sunshine," dripping with irony as her voice is full of bittersweet sorrow. A version of "Scarbourough Fair" that shimmers.

Sorry, Tammy, I haven;t gotten to the point where I'm "confused" yet.

The album is not "You're So Vain Part XXXVVVMMMCVIII."

You'll either appreciate Carly in the current day or you won't.

I did. For those who didn't, there's Bon Jovi. Or maybe Poison. Brett Michaels RAWKS, dude. Or maybe that "Cherry Pie" song by Warrant...

An eclectic gem.......2007-07-04

This is not for people who want everything stuck into categories. It is for people who want to explore. The voice has deepen and improved. She still has what it takes to be among the best. I recomment it for its range and depth and some light hearted moments, not something Simon is known for.

One of the songs "I'll Just Remember You" is an absolute favorite of mine! .......2007-06-15

I love this album even though most of the songs are classic standards, already heard over and over. Some aren't even my favorite versions of those songs but each is interpeted uniquely and lovingly by Simon and the showpiece of this CD, for me, is "I'll Just Remember You" which ought to have soared to top of the music charts and stayed there for weeks and weeks and weeks....a wonderful love ballad, poignant and touching.

For more of Simon's work, check these out:

Moonlight Serenade

An All-Star Tribute to Brian Wilson

Reflections: Carly Simon's Greatest Hits

Hmm, a little disappointed??.......2007-06-14

Carly's new CD is, to put it generously, listenable! However, I was expecting a little more from her latest CD. I loved listening to Moonlight Serenade, her previous CD, which is a collection of classic love songs. I must have worn out that DVD/CD for I played it non-stop since February of last year.

This CD is OK but it's not great. At least, from me. I wish I could have been more generous with my review because Carly Simon is one of the great singers of our time. However, I have listened to the CD 3 times and it never got better!

Average customer rating: Paul Simon - King of Recycling The Definitive Collection Nearly flawless Call Him A Legend, Don't Just Call Him Al

The Essential Paul Simon Paul Simon Manufacturer: Warner Bros / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Soft Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: The Best of Van Morrison Volume 3 Memory Almost Full The Best of Simon & Garfunkel The Essential Paul Simon (2 CD/DVD) The Essential Simon & Garfunkel ASIN: B000Q677E0 Release Date: 2007-06-26

Tracks:

1. Mother And Child Reunion
2. Loves Me Like a Rock
3. Me And Julio Down By The School Yard
4. Duncan
5. Kodachrome
6. 50 Ways To Leave Your Lover
7. Slip Slidin' Away
8. Gone At Last
9. Something So Right
10. Late In the Evening
11. Hearts And Bones
12. Take Me To the Mardi Gras
13. That Was Your Mother
14. American Tune
15. Peace Like a River
16. Stranded In a Limousine
17. Train In the Distance
18. The Late Great Johnny Ace
19. Still Crazy After All These Years

Tracks:

1. Graceland
2. Diamonds On the Soles Of Her Shoes
3. The Boy In the Bubble
4. You Can Call Me Al
5. Under African Skies
6. The Obvious Child
7. Born At the Right Time
8. The Coo, Cool River
9. Spirit Voices
10. Adios Hermanos
11. Born In Puerto Rico
12. Quality
13. Darling Lorraine
14. Hurricane Eye
15. Father And Daughter
16. Outrageous
17. Wartime Prayers

Album Description

In celebration of Paul Simon's Gershwin Prize for Popular Song from the Library of Congress, The Essential Paul Simon brings together all of his hits and favorite tracks in the most expansive, solo career-spanning compilation issued for the two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Famer.

Customer Reviews:

Paul Simon - King of Recycling.......2007-07-03

The quoted section of this review was originally written by me about Simon's previous greatest hits compilation ("The Paul Simon Collection: On My Way, Don't Know Where I'm Goin'") in 2003:

"Since going solo about 1970, Paul Simon has released (maybe) 7 albums of new material.

"And about a dozen greatest hits or live packages.

"(Live Rhymin', Greatest Hits Etc, Negotiations & Love Songs, Concert in Central Park, Shining Like a National Guitar, + a box set & at least 5 Simon & Garfunkel repackages, for those who doubt me.)

"Listen, I love Paul's music, but Graceland was recorded before Avril Lavigne was born, and only the die-hard Simon fans can rhyme off anything significant he has released since then."

"If they were going to release yet another GH package, why didn't Columbia follow the recent tradition of the 2-CD "The Essential" series, and at least "Keep The Customer Satisfied". That way they could have filled 1.5 CDs with tracks from his first album, Still Crazy, Rhymin' Simon, and Graceland, and still had 40 minutes for more recent works that, frankly, fewer people care for."

"Or maybe that's in the works for his 13th repackage. In about 2 years, at the current rate.
-- End of old review quote.

Other than my timing being off by 2 years, that's exactly what has happened. Columbia seems to have listened to me.

The 13th reshuffling of Paul Simon hits is, thankfully, the best. Add in the Simon & Garfunkel Old Friends boxset and you've got his career nicely covered.

The Definitive Collection.......2007-06-28

Maybe the Essential Paul Simon Collection should hve been titled, The Definitive Paul Simon since it is the most definitive collection of all his single and double C.D. collections. All previous collections either completely omit the songs, Duncan and American Tune (both radio hits) or else substitute them for live versions. In fact, this collection presents these two songs (and all others) in their original, album-length, studio versions. Also included here are the minor hits, Gone At Last (with Phoebe Snow) and Stranded In A Limosine, both largely ignored songs on other P.S. compilations. It is interesting that one of the P.S. "fan favorites." Take Me To The Mardi Gras, was released as a U.K. single, simultaneously with the U.S. single, Kodachrome. Both became top ten hits in their respective countries. It is nice to see all the single A-sides from the seventies included here.

One caveat is that Paul Simon songs from the early eighties are sparsely represented here. Only one of the three singles from One Trick Pony is represented (Late In The Evening, of course). And strangely, NO singles from the 1983 album, Hearts And Bones were included, despite the fact that Allergies was a moderate, radio hit. Hearts And Bones was originally intended to be a Simon and Garfunkel reunion album but that conception of the album never materialized. However, three key tracks from H & B are included: Train In A Distance (one of my favorite P.S. songs and is still played in malls across America), the title track (another favorite) and The Late Great Johnny Ace (a tribute to rock and roll legends with a coda performed by Philip Glass). There was ample room on disc one to have included another song, perhaps One Trick Pony, Think Too Much (b) or Rene and Georgette Magritte....

On the other hand, songs from the albums Graceland and Rhythm Of The Saints are well represented in the collection. And of course, it was the Graceland album that drew attention to the African musical group, Ladysmith Black Mambazo (their Shaka Zulu album is very fine, especially if you like Graceland).

Paul Simon's diverse, musical influences are very apparent in the song selections. These musical styles range from reggae (Mother And Child Reunion),to Gospel ( Loves Me Like A Rock), to Latin-American (Me And Julio Down By The Schoolyard and Late In The Evening), to zydeco (That Was Your Mother) to South African (Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Shoes), ro rockabilly (Graceland). Even with all his diversity of musical styles, my preference leans toward his pop ballads, especially from the seventies and early eighties.

While the sound quality of this C.D. is not crisp in its detail, it does have a warm, clean and natural sound. This C.D. was released in celebration of Paul Simon's acceptance of the First-ever Gershwin Prize for Popular Song, from the Library of Congress. I highly recommend this collection!

Nearly flawless.......2007-06-26

The Essential Paul Simon contains nearly every Paul Simon track you could ever want, but it does omit the minor hits "Allergies" and "(What A) Wonderful World". This is truly a fitting collection to one of popular music's greatest songwriters.

Call Him A Legend, Don't Just Call Him Al.......2007-06-26

WIth the past few years, we really haven't seen much in the way of great sales from older acts like Elton John, Rod Stewart and Ozzy Osbourne. Although they've made great albums, people would rather seem more interested in acts that are more about hype like Kelly Clarkson, Britney Spears, Usher, and the sleezy socialite who really has no career, Paris Hilton. That hasn't left much in the way of great performers like Paul Simon. Spanning nearly 6 decades of great music, Paul's music is more meaningful, and still remains straight from the heart. Recently, he celebrated his 35th anniversary as a solo act, and won the honorable 1st ever Gershwin Prize for Song for his melodic style, we are often forgetful about his real talent of songwriting and craftsmanship, and this hits record shows that trail well.

The 2007 Essential Paul Simon, is a double album that expands very well from his previous single disc album On My Way, and brilliantly shows his era as one of the best songwriters of our times. The collection includes tracks from his first hits from the 1970's, all the way to his recent record, Surprise. The songs in the collection are remastered very well, and reflect on his career nicely. The album includes great classics including Me & Julio Down By The School Yard, his guilty pleasure gem You Can Call Me Al, the driven-styled Graceland, Slip Slidin' Away, as well as recent tunes like Outrageous, and his Oscar-nominated surprise hit Father And Daughter from the 2004 animated Nickelodeon film The Wild Thornberries Movie. The collection really does feel like a walk down memory lane, and reminds people of true songwriting that isn't about looks or selling yourself out in endorsements, it is about heart.

Although the album doesn't at all reflect on any memories as part of the duo Simon & Garfunkel, it is all about Paul and his solo efforts on this album, and it works very nicely. If you haven't heard any of his albums like Graceland, or Still Crazy After All These Years, you missed a really wonderful era of great music. The Essential Paul Simon is a must buy for nostalgia buffs, and new listeners alike to Paul Simon's genius. I absolutely recommend this greatest hits album as it is one of the best records released this year.

Album Cover: B

Songs: B+

Price: B 1/2-

Remastering: A-

Overall: B 1/2+

Average customer rating: Simon & Garfunkel at their finest..... Bridge culmination of their evolution into pop music artists great music 4.5 stars: Good album that falls apart at the end

Bridge Over Troubled Water Simon & Garfunkel Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Folk | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Soft Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music $7.99 and Under | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Classic Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music $7.99 and Under | Prices | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Sounds of Silence Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme Bookends Wednesday Morning, 3 AM Simon & Garfunkel - Greatest Hits ASIN: B00005NKKZ Release Date: 2001-08-21

Tracks:

1. Bridge Over Troubled Water
2. El Condor Pasa (If I Could)
3. Cecilia
4. Keep The Customer Satisfied
5. So Long, Frank Lloyd Wright
6. The Boxer
7. Baby Driver
8. The Only Living Boy In New York
9. Why Don't You Write Me
10. Bye Bye Love
11. Song For The Asking
12. Feuilles-O
13. Bridge Over Troubled Water

Amazon.com essential recording

No one can say Simon & Garfunkel went out with a whimper. The popular duo's 1970 swan song produced four hit singles and won six Grammy awards, including Record, Album, and Song of the Year. An involving mix of sweeping epics ("The Boxer," the title track) and breezy throwaways (a live cover of the Everly Brothers' "Bye Bye Love," the rock & roll trifle "Baby Driver"), Bridge was one of the most popular albums of its era. What's particularly striking about this collection is how brightly lesser-acclaimed songs like "So Long Frank Lloyd Wright" and the gorgeous "The Only Living Boy in New York" shine. (The 2001 reissue adds a pair of demos to the original work, including the traditional "Feuilles-O.")--Steven Stolder

Customer Reviews:

Simon & Garfunkel at their finest............2007-06-08

BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED WATER was my introduction to Simon & Garfunkel, as a young child. We owned the original vinyl edition, and I am (honestly) surprised that I didn't wear a hole through it! That's how often I lstened to it. Quickly, I memorized most of the songs and was constantly singing along to Art Garfunkel's light falsetto, that blended so well with Paul Simon's steadfast, slightly lower voice, in their singing duo. This album is filled with classic S&G songs that still remain very well known today. The title song is gorgeous and haunting, "El Condor Pasa" is their English language take on a traditional Incan melody rich with powerful lyrics, "Cecilia" is upbeat and syncopated, "The Boxer" can still bring tears to my eyes, and the rest of the songs are equally compelling (for different reasons). There are layers of brilliance, on BRIDGE, in the arrangements, delivery, and melody that carry the body of work with power and grace. I am sure you will agree and that is why I can't reccomend this masterpiece more.

Bridge.......2007-05-12

this album reminds me of my childhood. It is the ultimate Simon and Garfunkle album.

culmination of their evolution into pop music artists.......2007-03-07

As my title states, I believe this album is the culmination of S&G's evolution from a message-driven anti-war folk duo to phenomenal pop music artists. Some may find that evolution distasteful, even a betrayal of what their previous work accomplished. For me, what overcomes such thoughts is the simple beauty of the music. Yes, the title track sounds a bit overproduced, but the message and feeling still come through loud and clear, and no other performer of this song has come close to conveying what S&G were able to in their original recording.
El Condor Pasa brought Peruvian music to the pop world, an inkling of Paul Simon's later penchant for integrating world music into his work. My mother will forever quote the second line of that song when she wants to motivate me to do something ("I'd rather be a hammer than a nail"), and I guarantee that that song, as well as almost every other one on the album, will be remembered long after we are all gone.
One of the much criticized tracks in this forum has been "So Long, Frank Lloyd Wright". It happens to be one of my all time favorite recordings. Mr Wright was and is a hero to me, standing for American originality, defiance of the status quo; the song is a fitting tribute. It is stunning in its simplicity, and Garfunkel's vocals are unmatched in their angelic tenor. And what pop or rock guitarist today could play the lovely guitar part in this song?
The rest are memorable, except for their live cover of "bye bye love", which, I will agree with others here, was a mistake to throw in. Certainly in my top 10 albums of all time.

great music.......2007-03-04

What a *fantastic* emotional album Bridge Over Troubled Water is. It's almost funny to me that this album was released almost on the same date as Black Sabbath's debut! This just goes to show how diverse and interesting the rock scene was back in the late 60's and 70's.

Anyone who loves taking an emotional roller-coaster ride will get a HUGE amount of satisfaction out of this album. Simply put- a must have. You will love this album now, and probably for the rest of your life. Buy it right now.

4.5 stars: Good album that falls apart at the end.......2006-10-05

A lot to like here, the very best songs being the legendary title track, the Boxer and The Only Living Boy in New York - Cecilia, El Condor Pasa, Baby Driver and Try to Keep the Customer Satisfied are also good songs. But some of these songs fall apart, particularly the last three: Song for the Asking feels incomplete; Why Don't You Write Me is a throwaway; the live cover of Bye Bye Love doesn't add much. Probably their best, though Bookends is also quite good.

Average customer rating: Awesome Worthy Purchase Enjoyable Excellent collection marred only by some missing tracks still a great single disc collection of Simon's best Yet Another Paul Simon Anthology

The Paul Simon Collection: On My Way, Don't Know Where I'm Goin' Paul Simon Manufacturer: Warner Brothers ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Soft Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music $8.99 and Under | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Classic Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music International | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music $8.99 and Under | Prices | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Best of Simon & Garfunkel Surprise Graceland The Essential Simon & Garfunkel The Rhythm of the Saints ASIN: B00006LI2R Release Date: 2002-11-05

Tracks:

1. Mother And Child Reunion
2. Me And Julio Down By The Schoolyard
3. Kodachrome
4. Something So Right
5. Loves Me Like A Rock
6. 50 Ways To Leave Your Lover
7. Still Crazy After All These Years
8. Late In The Evening
9. Slip Slidin' Away
10. Hearts And Bones
11. Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Shoes (Single Version)
12. The Boy In The Bubble (Single Version)
13. Graceland
14. You Can Call Me Al
15. Spirit Voices
16. The Cool, Cool, River
17. Adios Hermanos
18. Love
19. Hurricane Eye

Customer Reviews:

Awesome.......2007-01-09

If you are a Paul Simon fan this is the collection to have!! It has all of the great hits. I am very happy with this purchase. My husband & I trade it back & forth. Everytime I look for it it is in his car CD player. I highly recommend it.

Worthy Purchase.......2006-11-25

I think Paul Simon is an underrated artist. This ensemble is reflective of his ability to create music of different flavors such as Reggae ("Mother and Child Reunion" that could easily be a Bob Marley song) and A capella ("Adios Hermanos").

I got this CD because of "You can call me Al", heard the other tracks and was blown away. Notable tracks include "Mother And Child Reunion", "Adios Hermanos" - (that is based on the true story of the Capeman Murders. For more on the Capeman Murders, google "Salvador Agron"), "Spirit Voices" and "Late in the Evening".

Worthy purchase

Enjoyable.......2006-08-22

Paul Simon has a great range of styles. Sure he is labeled folk music but in his many travels he has picked up different styles of music and infused them with his own style and you get a taste of this in the CD "The Paul Simon Collection: On My Way, Don't Know Where I'm Goin.'"

Excellent collection marred only by some missing tracks still a great single disc collection of Simon's best.......2006-08-15

There's no way a "Best of" can be perfect. Fans are always going to disagree about what's missing or what great song didn't make the album. Overall this collection gets it right more often than wrong unlike the two previous "Best of" collections that Simon has put together.

We get two of the strongest tracks from Simon's first album and they were singles as well. "Mother and Child Reunion" and "Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard" both demonstrate that Simon was making World Music long before the term was created. "Kodachrome" and "Loves Me Like a Rock" were strong singles from Simon's second album and they are aided by a wistful ballad "Something So Right" covered by Annie Lennox which is probably why it was included. "50 Ways To Leave Your Lover" and "Still Crazy After All These Years" were highlights from Simon's third solo album. Missing in action is "My Little Town" a Simon & Garfunkel "reunion" single that both men put on their respective albums. It still should be here as it's a great song.

Although "One Trick Pony" isn't Simon's best album is one or two omissions ("How the Heart Approaches What It Yearns", "Oh Marion") that should have been included from that album besides the brilliant "Late in the Evening". "Slip Slidin' Away" is from Simon's first collection "Greatest Hits, Etc". What's missing here is the brilliant "Stranded in a Limousine" (which incidently DOES show up as a bonus track on "One Trick Pony"). All definitely deserve to be here. Really this should have been a full two disc set with the live tracks thrown on to the second CD with these other tracks.

We get the powerful "Hearts and Bones" the title track from Simon's fourth solo album (fifth if you count the Paul Simon Songbook a collection of S&G songs he recorded before the duo broke through)but I miss "Allergies" which, from what I recall, was a single. The brilliant "Graceland" is well represented with "Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes", "The Boy in the Bubble", "Graceland" and "You Can Call Me Al" all strong songs that got considerable airplay. The selections from "Rhythm of the Saints" is perfect except for the single "The Obvious Child" which seemed like an obvious inclusion on this set.

We close out the album with "Adios Hermanos" from "Songs from the Caveman" and two tunes from Simon's "The One". Both are solid selections overall. Early editions of this terrific album come with a second disc with live tracks featuring "American Tune", "Duncan","The Coast", "Mrs. Robinson" and "Bridge Over Troubled Water" live.

"Shining Like a National Guitar" features "The Obvious Child" if you want that track as well as "Bernadette", "Take Me To the Madrdi Gras", "Trailways Bus", "Rene and Georgette Magritte with Their God After the War" all of which aren't collected here. That album is missing some great material that's included here so, again, between those tracks the ones I mentioned and the live tracks we could have had a perfect "Best of". There is also a two disc "Best of" available as an important which I'd recommend. It digs into the Simon & Garfunkel catalog as well making it, aside from the boxed set, the single set with the most depth (although it lacks anything from Simon's last two albums).

Despite these minor flaws this is probably the best single collection of Simon's best songs available and very generous at that. Definitely worth picking up particularly if you want an album that has the bulk of his best album tracks and single all together in one spot.

Yet Another Paul Simon Anthology.......2006-07-15

Since I already own the (overpriced but good) Paul Simon CD box set--and most of his solo recordings prior to Graceland, in their recently reissued form--I'm not sure if there's any point in getting this.

I wonder, though, about that five-track bonus disc. Is the live version of "American Tune" the same one which appeared on a briefly-available "best of" collection from Simon called "Greatest Hits etc.", which was primarily noteworthy for its inclusion of the track (not available elsewhere, so far as I know) "Stranded In a Limousine"? I always liked that version of "American Tune" better than either the studio version, or the live version from "Live Rhymin'".

But the (even more briefly-available) CD of "Greatest Hits etc." sounds terrible--as do most CDs from the early digital era. (Nothing especially bad about this release in particular: producers, engineers and presssing plants just didn't know how to make good CDs yet.)

If it IS that version, in a better-mastered form: that alone would likely be reason enough for me to buy yet another Simon collection. In the meantime, I'm more likely to spend my money on something new like Surprise.

Five stars because any collection of Paul Simon songs is bound to be good, even though I personally might not need it.

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