I’m listening to an album by Paul Simon, and I’m thinking that besides the Beatles, he’s the most creative, inventive pop musician in the last 30 -35 years. I don’t include guys like Dylan in my thinking because as great a poet as some folks claim he was/is, his music isn’t as inventive or remarkable as Simon’s - or the Beatles, for that matter. Lyrically, the songs are wonderful, but musically, Simon’s rhythmic structure, almost Stravinskian in some songs, the harmonies, the variety of styles - he’s really amazing, and seems to be really underrated. At least when folks review the “great music” of the last few decades, his name doesn’t come up all that often. I’m voting for him as one of the true musical geniuses of popular music in the last third of the 20th century. What do you think?
I agree completely. I adore him. Graceland is probably one of the finest albums ever recorded, and Heart and Bones and Rhythm of the Saints are pretty damned awesome, too. I saw him live 7 years ago (this week actually, I was on my honeymoon in Vegas…) and it was literally one of the best shows I’ve ever seen (with Paul McCartney live setting the standard for best).
Why can’t you love me for who I am where I am?
Because that’s not the way the world is, baby
This is how I love you, baby…
I think he is incredible. I love so many of his songs and I agree, Graceland is an amazing album.
I saw him in Central Park just a few days before my 21st birthday and I will never forget it. His voice, the rhythms… just flawless, almost soothing. Definitely one of the best shows I’ve ever attended, and most certainly the best free one.
I was at that show too. Probably my favorite concert because of the incredible atmosphere (and the music, of course.) Graceland has to be one of the greatest “late career” albums by a legend. Also, *Late in the Evening * is one of my top 5 favorite songs ever.
I wouldn’t call myself a fan particularly, but I never turn the station when any of his songs come on. He’s an incredible talent, I probably ought to make a point to go see him.
Agree totally. I’d put Stevie Wonder in the same category.
For this twenty seven year old Irishman, Paul Simon is easily the greatest recording artist I have ever heard, particularly his work outside of “Simon and Garfunkel”.
Personally my favourite Paul Simon song is “The cool cool river”, a song that gives me goosebumps every time I hear it.
I was there too. Amazing concert by a gifted artist and a great crowd too. One of the few where I didn’t mind the crowd singing along, although it’s something I don usually do out loud.
He’s one of the best and might not be mentioned at the top because he is so distinctly pop, even though he is so accomplished lyrically and in so many styles, and such a beautiful composer to boot.
Paul Simon is my favorite songwriter. Simply amazing lyrics and compositions, particularly the rhythms. Late in the Evening, Graceland, Hearts and Bones, Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes, the list goes on and on.
Thanks for this thread, you just reminded me I wanted to go get a copy of Graceland.
My friends and I used to listen to this back in High School. That would have been 1994-1996 or so. I think he wasn’t a hugely popular artist with the kids back then, we just happened to like him.
I’m curious to know whether he’s on the radar of “kids these days” at all.
-FrL-
Last week I finally replaced my (2nd) worn out copy of Graceland. It wasn’t in the budget and I really shouldn’t have spent that money.
It was so totally worth it.
The best part was introducing my kid to the sounds. She can’t work out why she likes it so much when it’s like nothing else she’s into (Split Enz and Abba)
I had a “Damn! That dude’s still got it!” moment a couple years ago when I heard “How Can You Live in the Northeast?” from the album “Surprise!” Awesome song.
“Adios Hermanos”
oi.
Absolutely!
I’ve always held him up as one of the great American songwriters of the 20th century. He has a huge catalogue of material that’s all great. Even the songs that aren’t amazing have depth to them (lyrically, sonically, and harmonically) that most other other songs out there just don’t.
It’s funny you should start this thread today: I’ve had “Love Me Like a Rock” running through my head all dang day, and I can’t get it out. Help!
I’m not really a fan of his musical styles, but I know talent when I hear it, and he’s got it. And his guitar playing doesn’t get enough mention, IMO.
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Not much to add. I don’t know a lot of Paul’s solo stuff, but his years with Art are phee-phucking-nominal.
ETA: WTF are Mrs. Wagner Pies anyway? I could Google… but any direct knowledge is welcomed.
I’ve been a Paul Simon fan since he and Art Garfunkel first started out. In fact, the best concert of my life was seeing them at Carnegie Hall in about 1966. His solo work has been equally terrific, and he’s an absolutely brilliant songwriter.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go relive the memory of Art Garfunkel standing in a solo spotlight while Paul Simon sat at the back of the stage and, with solo guitar, accompanied Garfunkel on “For Emily, Wherever I May Find Her.” The single most beautiful live performance I have heard in all my 54 years.
One thing I’ve always been intrigued by is Paul’s first memories. Based on multiple songs he’s written, the same sort of thing comes up: the earliest memories are of music.
Baby Driver: “I was born one dark grey morn’ with music comin’ in my ear. In my ear.”
Under African Skies: “In early memory, mission music was ringing around my nursery door.”
Late In the Evening: “The first thing I remember, I was lying in my bed/ I couldn’t’ve been no more than one or two/ And I remember there’s a radio, coming from the room next door…”
Born At the Right Time: “Born at the instant/ the church bells chime…”
There’s probably more examples, too. It’s a running theme I’d love to know more about.
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and…
In looking for those examples I’m reminded of some more songs with incredible lyrics and music: “Satin Summer Nights” and “Trailways Bus” from Songs from The Capeman, “Leaves That Are Green,” Poam On The Underground Wall," and “American Tune.”
I’ll bet it was–hearing you describe it makes me wish I’d been there.
I classify him up there with the “greats” - Paul McCartney, etc.
I was just listening to Here Comes Rhymin’ Simon on the way to work today, and was three minutes late because I just couldn’t cut off the end of Mardi Gras.
Truly, his music stirs my soul (if I believed I had one 