Elly Roberts reviews
Paul Simon: The Essential Paul Simon
Distributed by
Warner Bros.
2-CD: 
2-CD + DVD:
- Released: April 2008
- Rating: 10/10++
- Vote and comment on this album:
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 1980's 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 Bubble, 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 50's-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.
There are 36 tracks including Mother And Child Reunion, Duncan, Me And
Julio Down By The School Yard, Gone At Last, Born At The Right Time and
a full track listing is available at the Amazon links above.
File under: Essential? Too right!
Review & concert pics copyright © Elly Roberts, 2004-2010.
