Live in New York City [2 CD / DVD] [CD+DVD]

Paul Simon | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 18, 2012)
• Original Release Date: 2012
• Number of Discs: 3
• Format: CD+DVD
• Label: Hear Music
• ASIN: B008UTV6S8
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Music
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (63 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,898 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

Disc: 1

1. The Obvious Child

2. Dazzling Blue

3. 50 Ways To Leave Your Lover

4. So Beautiful or So What

5. Mother & Child Reunion

6. That Was Your Mother

See all 10 tracks on this disc

Disc: 2

1. The Boy In The Bubble

2. The Only Living Boy In New York

3. The Afterlife

4. Diamonds On the Soles of Her Shoes

5. Gumboots

6. The Sound of Silence

See all 10 tracks on this disc

Disc: 3

1. The Obvious Child

2. Dazzling Blue

3. 50 Ways To Leave Your Lover

4. So Beautiful or So What

5. Mother & Child Reunion

6. That Was Your Mother

See all 20 tracks on this disc

Editorial Reviews

A stunning live performance by the legendary Paul Simon featuring performances of some of his most beloved and classic songs as well as newer selections from his critically acclaimed 2011 release, So Beautiful or So What. This 3 disc package features a DVD of the show, which was filmed at NYC s Webster Hall, as well as 2 audio-only CD discs containing all the music from the incredible concert event.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 31 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Mystery Train September 20, 2012

By Lefty

Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase

Paul Simon is the consummate artist/musician; a guy that still cranks out fantastic new music after 50+ years in the business. For me, it was a no-brainer to pick up this new CD/DVD combo package. I've been a Paul Simon fan since I was a kid, and I've been to more than a few of his concerts, including the opening show for this tour (Seattle, April 15, 2011). The music from the Webster Hall concert does not disappoint. The band is tight, Simon is in excellent voice, and the song set is outstanding! My only regret is that some major tunes performed that night were cut for this release: Vietnam (a song by Jimmy Cliff), Mystery Train, Wheels, Peace Like a River, Questions for the Angels, Road to Nowhere (with David Byrne) and You Can Call Me Al(with David Byrne). The saddest deletion for me is Mystery Train. I heard Simon say on "Center Stage" (talk show in NY) that Mystery Train is his favorite Rock N' Roll song, and in another interview, he said that 60% of his music is based on Mystery Train. Amazing! No wonder there are so many Elvis references in his movie "One Trick Pony". Anyway, it would have been great for Paul to make all the songs from this wonderful Webster Hall concert available on this release. Nevertheless, what is released is exceptional and well worth buying.

15 of 17 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A CAREER CAPSTONE; MAGNIFICENT! September 19, 2012

By Gengler VINE™ VOICE

Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase

Paul Simon's music has been a part of my generation's life for so long that it's possible that he's taken for granted by some. This magnificent collection of songs, none from what I consider his lovely, though musically immature, S&G period - save for an obligatory Sounds Of Silence and the resurrected Only Living Boy From New York - stands as a testetament to Simon as songwriter. There is a reason why he was awarded the Gershwin Prize for American Popular Music my friends. And that reason is that his singular muse, his distinctive style, his constant and continual pursuit of new musical vistas has made him the country's greatest composer of popular song. Yes - above Bob Dylan, and on equal footing with Stephen Sondheim.

The songs included in this concert rank with Simon's best, particularly those from So Beautiful or So What. Dazzling Blue is an exquisite gem, and The Afterlife retains its vitality and witty rhythmic wordplay ("hey, what you say, it's a glorious day - by the way how long you been dead? Maybe you maybe me maybe baby makes three but she just shook her head")

The Obvious Child starts things off with a slower tempo than the original - bringing a sense of majesty to its powerful rhythmic foundation. No slowdown for That Was Your Mother - it remains joyful, and its shufflin' Cajun rhythm will still make you jump up and dance. And its during this song - the sixth on the CDs - that the band gels into a groove and really comes alive. Slip Slidin' Away has more poignancy now that our generation is in its fifth or sixth decade. I could go on and on.

That said, it should be noted that Simon himself seems to be thoroughly enjoying himself - something not to be taken for granted. Never a dynamic performer who seeks to ingratiate himself with his audience (i.e., the You're The One DVD) Simon relies on the music itself to do that. In this show SImon seems happy and more than comfortable on stage. As well he should be - his band remains an extraordinary ensemble who do justice to the quality of the music they are presenting.

If you are an old fan you will love hearing the Graceland songs, Kodachrome, and Still Crazy After all These Years - songs that have retained their beauty and have gained "classic" status. If you are relative new to Simon's recent work you are in for a treat. This is mature popular music in the finest sense of the word. Simon's craftsmanship never quite leads your ear to expected places, and his lyrics are smart, witty, and meaningful.

Reading this over, I realize that this sounds awfully serious and somber, where I really meant to be respectful. So let me just end by saying that this set is a lot of fun. It contains joyful music that will bring back memories of your youth, and give you pause to celebrate the moments of today.

If this is how terribly strange it is to be 70, well, I'm looking forward to it.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Delightful - and after all those years! September 20, 2012

By Stafford Steve

Format:Audio CD

If you were fortunate enough to see the PBS/BBC broadcasts from Webster Hall then you are in for a returning treat. I last saw Paul Simon live on the main stage at Glastonbury, and though I enjoyed it, being out doors, bright and open I felt he was at times singing to the wind, necessarily on autopilot. Once indoors at Webster Hall the material becomes less iconic and yet more wonderful. The band (as ever) is fantastic, particularly the array of percussion which I enjoyed rather than merely tolerated. As usual the guitarists were more than just first class, and, like Paul Simon himself, were clearly enjoying themselves. If you are still unsure about the legacy of the 1960s and hesitate to venture into Paul Simon's material then this is a fine place to take the plunge. If you are merely an aging folkie, like me, then this will enthrall. It is too bright to be nostalgic, too exiting merely to recall better times. I really did think of the old Cajun cry: Laissez les bons temps rouler!