The Paul Simon Songbook [EXTRA TRACKS]

Paul Simon | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (April 1, 2008)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: SonyBMG Special Markets
• ASIN: B0015XM77A
• Also Available in: Vinyl
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #48,891 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. I Am A Rock

2. Leaves That Are Green

3. A Church Is Burning

4. April Come She Will

5. The Sound Of Silence

6. A Most Peculiar Man

7. He Was My Brother

8. Kathy's Song

9. The Side Of A Hill

10. A Simple Desultory Philippic (Or How I Was Robert McNamara'd Into Submission)

11. Flowers Never Bend With The Rainfall

12. Patterns

13. I Am A Rock (alternate version)

14. A Church Is Burning (alternate version)

Editorial Reviews

Paul Simon, The Paul Simon Songbook

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My Favorite Album By Anyone, Ever--Period!, September 17, 2010

By 

Robert L. Smith (San Francisco, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Paul Simon Songbook [EXTRA TRACKS] (Audio CD)

There is a purity and an innocent optimism to this early Paul Simon solo album that--in many ways--surpasses the later work Simon has released, whether alone or with Art Garfunkel. Accompanied only by his acoustic guitar, a very young and still unknown Paul Simon offers up pasionate and tender versions of twelve songs that later became Simon and Garfunkel classics, often with subtle differences in lyrics. The never-again-released rarity "The Side Of A Hill" may sound a trifle naive nowadays, but--in an edited form--it went on to become the "Canticle" counter melody for "Scarborough Fair!" And yes, that is Kathy with Paul on the cover, kneeling on the damp London cobblestones. Perhaps because of its unadorned simplicity, this album--which I actually wore out several times on vinyl--has become my favorite album ever--by anyone--period. Even if you do not come to treasure it as I have, you will find it well worth a listen. It offers a glimpse of a budding genius on the verge of greatness, a sweetly unguarded moment, a harbinger of things to come.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Just a remarkable collection, March 2, 2010

By 

Statmonkey "Stat" (Thailand) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Paul Simon Songbook [EXTRA TRACKS] (Audio CD)

I have long been puzzled by the lack of critical acclaim that Paul Simon gets. This collection really shows an amazing artist in a broad range. It contains several alternate takes of some his best known early work (as well as many that you won't know unless you are a fan). Yes, overall it is mellow but like some of Joni Mitchell's early recordings you can enjoy great music while listening to the development of a pop genius. Perfect listening for a quiet Sunday afternoon or just something relaxing to have on while you work. Highly recommended.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Paul Simon is a god..., February 24, 2010

By 

J. C. Jordan (San Francisco, CA USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Paul Simon Songbook [EXTRA TRACKS] (Audio CD)

Lovely, wonderful songs and music. When will the world reconize Paul Simon as the gifted and senstive songwriter that he is?