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2020 Album Draft- Round 8- Pick 7- Run-Sew-Read selects-Simon and Garfunkel- Bridge Over Troubled Water.
This is my parents’ music; and it takes me back to the reign of the intellectual hippies in our university town. It makes me think of walking on campus in autumn, among the colorful trees and leaves. A few of my favorite songs from the album, in no particular order:
The Boxer–One of the reflective songs of the 60s that got me through late nights of studying in college in the 80s.
Baby Driver–Fun and catchy. Just sing along.
Only Living Boy in NY–The soft reflective sound of this song draws me in from the first line.
Cecilia–The beat is fast and catchy, and it’s an easy sing along.
El Condor Pasa–We played this in junior high band. I’m sure it didn’t sound as good as Paul and Art’s version.
Bridge Over Troubled Water–This song is too well known for me to comment on. What I might tell you, you already know. However, I will point out that it is yet another masterpiece from that musical era, that was created by combining two partial or unfinished songs.
Since everyone reading this probably knows the title song and The Boxer at least, I chose to sample a couple of the lesser known tracks that I love. To sum this album up, it’s the harmonies, reflection and beats for me. I’ve never looked up the back story on any of these songs, and don’t know the meaning or inspiration behind any of them when they were written. I think that might ruin it for me. I haven’t written any meaning I hear in them, because that might ruin it for you.
Love this selection- this past year I have listened to this album numerous times and it gets better with each listen.
Thank you. It has grown on me as well. I’ve always loved the album, but years ago I would skip over two or three of the songs. Now I want to hear all of them.
Great album (I was young, at the time…)
It certainly is one of the greats. I must get my copy out and give it a spin. Sadly it’s a little scratched, but isn’t that part of the charm of vinyl?
The scratches definitely add charm to this one,…hopefully not too scratched!
Super album, and I guess more super for you because of your memories of it. Pretty excellent start to finish…Paul simon’s first masterpiece. Only a little back I listened to some of it and was thinking “why did Paul even bother having Art around by this point”… but then I listened more and realized that Garfunkel had a great voice that was perfect for some songs like the title track and that alone made him an important part of that duo.
Interesting viewpoint. I do want to hear Art and Paul together, for the harmonies, and Art’s voice; although I love Paul’s solo voice too.
S&G broke up on top with this album. It is a true classic. It the album only had The Boxer and the title track it would be great…but I like most of the other songs as well…The Only Living Boy in New York I’ve really grown fond of over the years.
This was on my short list of albums…perfect choice.
Thanks!
It might be just me but I always thought Cecilia was a glimpse in the future for Paul Simon’s solo career…as far as the different rhythm feel of it.
That’s another thing I haven’t considered. It does seem like the direction Paul was heading.
I love Cecillia too.
“Dont know the meaning or inspiration behind any of them”. I have the same approach to most music i listen to. Kind of keeps it personal. But there are instances where the thoughts on the song are interesting.
Your first paragraph nails it for me as well. I grew up around similar environment. But…but…are you sure you don’t want to know the backstory of The Only Living Boy…?” It’s pretty interesting, but I’ll spare you.:) Great album from start to finish.
The Only Living Boy is such a good song – amazing it wasn’t a big single but the record also had a lot of other very strong pieces.
I agree, that could have been a hit. Your Round 1 S&G pick made my choice easier, btw. 🙂
Bookends is actually my favourite overall. Bridge has the best individual songs, and Parsley is my sentimental pick.
I love some of the songs on each of their albums, so you really did help me narrow down my choice a bit. With your selection taken, for me it came down to Bridge or Sounds of Silence.
A phenomenal album. I was a huge Simon & Garfunkel fan, and am so old, I bought this when it came out.
Simon & Garfunkel are a winning combination and I like just about anything done with them as a duo. Bookends is the only album I have of theirs but I’d be happy to have more. Excellent addition to the lineup Diana.
Great choice. The first Simon & Garfunkel record I ever heard in the late ’70s was their Greatest Hits compilation from ’72. I think it’s an excellent collection and it remains my favorite. If I had to pick one of their studio albums, I’d probably go with “Bridge Over Troubled Water” as well. I agree with Max the title track and “The Boxer” are outstanding tunes that already make it worthwhile.