The Essential Paul Simon (2 CD/DVD)

Paul Simon

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 26, 2007)
• Original Release Date: June 26, 2007
• Number of Discs: 3
• Label: Warner Bros / Wea
• ASIN: B000Q677EA
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #2,750 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
While the restless artisanship of Paul Simon's music has been previously anthologized more than once, this double-disc-plus-DVD set instantly takes its place as the most comprehensive yet musically insightful overview of his solo career. Six tracks from the singer's Grammy-winning triumph Graceland, the 1986 collection that both reinvented Simon's career and pushed world music into a well-deserved spotlight, serve as the collection's focal point. They bridge the more traditional '70s singer-songwriter fare Simon pursued after his split with partner Art Garfunkel and the often openly experimental avenues that more recently led to his rewarding 2006 collaboration with Brian Eno, Surprise. Simon's innate artistic curiosity is further underscored by the album's creative sequencing, which eschews strict chronology for a tack that weaves the songs into a more musically and thematically cohesive tapestry. The bonus DVD culls together visual materials that range from the expected videos (including a turn with Mickey Mantle in the early "Me and Julio," the signature, Chevy Chase-starring "You Can Call Me Al," "The Boy in the Bubble," and "Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes" from Graceland) and TV performances that include a plaintive "Mrs. Robinson" from a 1970 Dick Cavett show and three era-spanning appearances on Saturday Night Live, including a warm 1976 duet with George Harrison on "Homeward Bound" that legend says was nearly the catalyst for a full onstage Beatles reunion. --Jerry McCulley

Product 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

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 23 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 (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

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)

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.

14 of 18 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 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!