Customer Reviews

Old Friends Live on Stage (Deluxe Edition) (2 CD/1 DVD)

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The DVD: This documents very nearly the entire set from last year's shows (the only omission being the Everly Brothers' performance of Let It Be Me.) If you saw any of those shows, you pretty much know what you'll see here. The only unpleasant surprises you'll get on viewing this are in the form of some questionable editing - dramatic musical moments when the view should be locked on Simon and Garfunkel, the view artlessly flits to a back-of-the-arena shot, or worse, an audience shot. This is by no means the most grievous recent example of attention-deficit editing (that honour goes to David Bowie's Reality DVD), but why oh why can't we just see the artists performing? Frequent angle switches don't make the show more fun to watch. They just remind us that we're watching a DVD and not actually at the show. The biggest disappointment regarding the video are the inclusion of embarassing (though mercifully momentary) audience-member "sing along" shots. I for one never want to see this. Never. It grossly cheapens the value of the visual document.

For those who didn't see the shows, there are some magnificent moments here, and a few of the performances do transcend the old recordings that we are familiar with. And some that don't.

Some highs points:

"Only Living Boy In New York". Yes, Simon does sometimes sing lazily or weirdly, forsaking a note that you want or expect for one from outer space. But this is a performance for posterity, and a fully realized arrangement. The mid-song entry of the harmonies, Pino Palladino (recently of The Who) masterfully nailing the bass, it adds up to four minutes of absolute grace.

"I Am A Rock" also comes alive, technicolor sound next to the original recording's black and white. The dramatic, electric arrangement is similar to that on Simon's "Live In Paris" DVD, but with the inclusion of the third verse, and of course harmony.

"My Little Town" is record-perfect.

"Bridge Over Troubled Water". It is refreshingly different to hear Simon take over the second verse of "Bridge", even if he doesn't sing it straight and has to do that weird thing with his arms.

The few songs where we get to hear the "naked" unadorned sound of the acoustic guitar and S&G's voices are definite highlights: "Leaves That Are Green", "Kathy's Song", "Scarborough Fair".

The songs which have "jazzy" arrangements inflicted on them tend to fare the worst... i.e. "Homeward Bound", "Cecilia". And as great as it is to see the dignity and musical power of performers who have a lifetime of music behind them, the youth, energy and elasticity of the duo's voices 30+ years ago are sometimes missed. There are a handful of clips from 1970 (in the DVD bonus features) featuring pieces of songs (not entire performances), and short interview bits.

As for commenting on the CDs, these are basically an abridged version of what's on the DVD. The only reason to own the CDs would be to be able to play them in a player that won't play DVDs.

After some time waiting to do another reunion, Simon and Garfunkel got together in the aftermath of September 11. I eagerly awaited the release of this CD/DVD set and I was not disappointed! There are two CDs and a DVD from Simon and Garfunkel's 2003 Old Friends Tour.

The DVD allows us not just to see this fantastic duo perform live--which is especially good if you couldn't be there for the concert--you also get a great two CD set! Yes, the DVD shows that they have aged and their voices did change a little because of the natural aging process, but it's a great way to see them if you couldn't afford tickets or get to one of their concerts!

I think my favorite song here would have to be "Bridge Over Troubled Water." It is a very moving, deep and touching song about one human being reaching out to another. But there's hardly a stinker here! They perform "Mrs. Robinson," "The Sound Of Silence," and "The Boxer." There's no question why these songs are so well known and gave such fame to Simon and Garfunkel! Don't forget the song, "Leaves That Are Green," either! The duo also performs a song from their very early days when they called themselves Tom and Jerry, the song "Hey, Schoolgirl."

As Amazon and another reviewer have noted, The Everly Brothers join Simon and Garfunkel for "Bye Bye Love." Very well done--a treat! GRIN "The Only Living Boy in New York" is especially wonderful as well.

As an added bonus there is the brand new song by Simon and Garfunkel, "Citizen Of The Planet." Terrific! I predict you will enjoy it.

All in all, this is a value packed set that is a pleasure to add to your collection of fine music from the last 40 years! It's hard to believe that's just about how much time it's actually been since Simon and Garfunkel got underway! The CD/DVD set shows a reflective, seasoned Simon and Garfunkel that fans will forever appreciate and enjoy.

Wanna capture time in a bottle? Start here. This is an absolutely brilliant set from a duo who were amongst a '60s '70s movement who brought brilliant song crafting and writing to a popular culture which had previously been practically devoid of it (the occasional Cole Porter or Gershwin being exceptions).

It's great to see that the guys give a great and proper shout out to the Everly's, who were their harmonizing inspirations. Just about every cut is either equal to or surpassing the originals most of us are familiar with. The greatest duo in Pop/Rock/Folk history? I think so, my friends. Hear them here in all their glory, with great back up musicians (as always) and pitch perfect recording! It's the state of the art, as it should be for two talents who are indeed "artists" as well as highly prolific tunesmiths. What a night of music!

BEK

I'm just a casual Simon and Garfunkel fan. I actually wanted to see them in concert, but ticket prices put an end to that thought.

The concert is wonderful. "American Tune" is worth the purchase price alone. Art's voice on this song is incredible. I always admired Paul's version, but wow, Art brings new life to it.

In fact after watching this concert, I have a whole new appreciation for Garfunkel's contribution. Paul is a great song-writer and decent singer, but it's Art's contrasting style that makes this whole thing click. Of course I'm probably not saying anything hard-core fans don't already know. But I was just astonished at how beautiful his voice is...even now at his age.

One of my few complaints about the performance is how/why Paul felt the need to absolutely destroy "Bridge over troubled water" by taking over the lead on the 2nd verse. His nasal voice destroyed any and all musical momentum Art built up in the first verse. I was crushed.

Other than that. It's a great cd/dvd. Many wonderful songs bring goosebumps like Cecilia, America, The Boxer, Feelin Groovy etc.

I'm a new S&G fan. Ever since I watched their Concert in Central Park DVD months ago, S&G is almost the only music I listen to. I buy their solo albums and like them as well, but it's the S&G works I love the most. I pre-ordered this Old Frend DVD/CD package and couldn't wait to watch it when it eventually came. Man, what a great show! It even exceeded my expectation! I never heard Art sing Kathy's Song before, and it's phenomenal. It's the first time I saw S&G sing Bridge Over Troubled Water together, it was a great performance and it was very touching to see they received a standing ovation after that song. Hey Schoolgirl and Baby Driver were so much fun, and all their other classics were fabulous as well. I love every song they did and all their fun talks in the concert. This is a show that I'm going to enjoy for a really long time. I highly recommend this to anyone who like S&G music.

Also the special features of the DVD include movie clips (20 minutes or so) from their performances and rehearsals in the 60's. How exciting it is see their charming images when they were in their twenties! This is something you can't miss.

My mommy and dad took me to the concert and we stayed in a big hotel. It was the most fun I ever had! I love Simon and Garfunkel and they sang my favorite Mrs. Robinson song two times. The cd movie of the concert just came in the mail and I watched it two times and I love it. I like it because you can see the funny instruments they played in some songs and I can see the singing better than when we went to the real concert because our seats weren't up too close. I think everyone should get a Simon and Garfunkel movie in the mail because they are the best singers but they only sing Mrs. Robinson one time on the cd. But it's still really good and it's my favorite thing to watch on tv. I am 6 years old and my mommy is helping me type my words.

If like me, you couldn't afford the $100 per person fee to see Simon and Garfunkel in concert this year, you will be delighted to know this CD is the next best thing to being there. And if you could go, the CD will bring back some wonderful memories.

Simon and Garfunkel are back! Their voices blend just as beautifully as ever, but we're also seeing their solo work come into play in an effective blend of talents.

All your favorites are here, from the raunchy and fun "Baby Driver" to the Everly Brothers stepping in to help on "Bye Bye Love." You hear timeless lyrics that call to mind today's situations.

Tucked in at the end is "Citizen of the Planet" a totally new studio release by Simon and Garfunkel that speaks of our rights to the gifts of the earth. This evocative and lovely song is going to be one of the leaders in the new folk tradition.

I only hope that Simon and Garfunkel will return to the studio for more!

Hello again people. I really have to stop handing out 5 star reviews this season like they were candy canes. However, if something is worthy of it - as this c.d./dvd set is - then I am justified. Simon and Garfunkel are just classic. I remember "The Sound of Silence" when it came out having such a big impact at the time. That was the season of alienation, and S & G really had their hand on the pulse.
A quick story. It was either late '66 or early '67, and I'm in school and this girl in front of me turns around and asks if anyone wanted tickets to see Simon and Garfunkel at Carnegie Hall? She had two. Gave them away "free" to me and someone else. I was way too young to go into New York City by myself. But I did anyway. Guess how much the tickets were? A whopping FIVE DOLLARS!!!! And that was alot for a concert at that time. Anyway... the concert was pure magic. Only Paul on guitar and harmonies. It was rich, lush and angelic. What can you say about a blend of vocals like this except that it is as near to perfection you can get. I have always remembered that concert as one of the best I've ever seen. I believe the c.d. "Simon and Garfunkel Live 1967" is as close to the concert that I saw.
Anyway..... when I heard they were reuniting for a concert tour, I just had to go. And, believe me, this time around the tickets were nowhere near as cheap. Still, I went to see them at The Continental Arena in N.J. on the night of December 8th, 2003 and was excited to find that they used part of that very night for the DVD. The evening was as excellent as the DVD shows, however, you viewers have the advantage of seeing them up close. It's hard to get a view like that 100 rows out or so.
This package is worth it - ten times over believe me. It is a retrospect of their career with excellent side musicians who recreate all the particulars of the original recordings and then some. S & G's mock feud bantering puts the audience in a great mood. The evening sails smoothly and the introduction of The Everly Brothers adds icing to the cake. Paying homage to their influences - S & G provide a genuine warmth to the concert.
I do want to point out one song inparticular. When they did "Bridge Over Troubled Water", Paul took the second verse. An interesting variation, but it works fine. Also, near the end, the piano goes into a strange key variation...... most noticably. I am assuming it was done to accomodate Garfunkel's ending to the song. In any event, the song was a mainpoint in a fine evening.
I could go song by song in this review but it would be a big yawn. Suffice to say - S & G are professionals and they definitely do not disappoint in this offering!!
If you are looking for classic pop music with alot of grace - an EXTREMELY HIGH recommendation for this one. Whew....that was hard. Being totally serious for a change is a difficult challenge. But Simon and Garfunkel are worth it! Goodbye for now people!

This is a must have. The music is fantastic. A great concert as
they have "tweaked and/or given new arrangements" to some of the songs to make them better than original in most cases. Homeward Bound being a great example of this.

What a remarkable and honest performance! The genius of Paul Simon is so evident throughout this most welcome reunion. And Simon said it best when he declared that his songs were enhanced by Garfunkel's singing. Regardless of the rift that has existed between these two men, it is undeniable that all of our lives are much better for their having shared their lives in the past and again for the performance recorded on these discs.