Customer Reviews

The Paul Simon Songbook [EXTRA TRACKS]

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

 

 

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.

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.

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

I purchased this album as an import LP decades ago and was charmed by its innocence. Spare, guitar versions of early Simon songs came to life without all of the backup instruments on later discs. Think of it as Simon "Unplugged," if you don't remember the folk era.

THE PAUL SIMON SONGBOOK is not for the casual Simon and Garfunkel fan. It is not well-recorded. The performances are not particularly inspired. It's not the kind of album one can simply sit back and enjoy pure musical joy.

What it is is interesting. We get a glimpse of Paul Simon, the songwriter, as he really comes of age. Simon and Garfunkel had been peforming together since school lads and finally in 1964 recorded their first big label album. Frustrated with the results, they spiit just as the British invasion conquered pop music. Paul Simon departed for England to immerse himself in the English music scene with a particular interest in their folk music. While doing so, he worked on sharpening his songwriting talent and this album is the result recorded in England, just Paul and his guitar.

Most of the songs on the album are instantly recognizable tunes that would be recorded by Simon and Garfunkel on SOUNDS OF SILENCE or PARSLEY, SAGE, ROSEMARY & THYME. One exception is "The Side of a Hill" which an astute listener will recognize as the "Canticle" undercurrent sung in "Scarborough Fair/Canticle." "A Church is Burning" did not make it on to their official albums, but they performed it in concert and it appears on live albums. "A Simple Desultory Phillippic" is much angrier and snarling on this album.

All the rest of the songs are familiar such as "I Am a Rock," "April Come She Will," and "Kathy's Song." Another thing that becomes obvious is how much the material benefits from adding Garfunkel's voice. At this stage in Paul Simon's career, he was still a limited singer who only succeeded well on certain numbers. He'd overcome that deficiency as he gained confidence through Simon and Garfunkel's superb run of albums so by the time Simon issued his next solo effort in 1971, PAUL SIMON, he was quite capable of being a brilliant soloist.

Listen to THE PAUL SIMON SONGBOOK and hear a work in progress.