The Essential Paul Simon (2 CD/DVD)

Paul Simon | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 26, 2007)
• Original Release Date: 2007
• Number of Discs: 3
• Label: Warner Bros / Wea
• ASIN: B000Q677EA
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #102,408 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

Disc: 1

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

See all 19 tracks on this disc

Disc: 2

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 Cool, Cool River

9. Spirit Voices

10. Adios Hermanos

See all 17 tracks on this disc

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Sweet and Simple, July 3, 2007

By 

Michael Kerner "Michael Kerner" (Brooklyn, New York U.S.A.) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: The Essential Paul Simon (2 CD/DVD) (Audio CD)

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+

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars got this for the DVD, August 9, 2007

By 

Jan Strojil (Olomouc, Czech Republic) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Essential Paul Simon (2 CD/DVD) (Audio CD)

I am a huge Paul Simon fan and I own all his CDs and DVDs. So there was really no reason to get this set for the songs (already have them). I got it for the DVD, since this is the first time those videos have been officially released (AFAIK). One of the videos shows Paul Simon talk about how he wrote Mrs. Robinson - it clearly shows the genius he is.

This set is a great addition to any Simon fan's collection, it also makes a great gift for people who maybe know Simon&Garfunkel but are less familiar with Simon's solo work. Highly recommended.

16 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Paul Simon Redux, June 28, 2007

By 

P. ROGAN (Lynbrook, New York United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Essential Paul Simon (2 CD/DVD) (Audio CD)

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!