Really nice to know so many people appreciate the latest Simon's albums! They are absolutely great and deeply touching if you pay attention to the lyrics. Love your point about Paul's freedom from "hit-making", thanks a lot!
Yeah I guess it did. That meeting was very special. At 18 meeting someone who's music I had been a big fan of. Spending some hours simply chatting.It was a story I felt fit in with this video of Simon's discography and the audio book conversations I had just listed to. Thanks for watching and commenting.
Excellent overview of an extraordinary body of work. I agree Surprise, So Beautiful and Stranger are all brilliant albums. Jury is still out for me on Blue Light but you’ve inspired me to give it another spin.
Hey Mazzy, this was a wonderful overview of Paul Simon's solo work. It made me particularly happy when you lauded "Hearts And Bones" so much. It's my favourite Paul Simon solo album but to me it's a sadly underrated LP. I remember buying the "Allergies" 45 and immediately recognising the amazing guitar style of Al Dimeola. I also prefer this album over "Graceland". However Linda Ronstadt's harmony vocal on "Under African Skies" is sublime. I own most of Paul's solo albums missing only "Songs From 'Capeman'" and "Surprise". Thanks again for making this particular video. I would revisit his back catalogue now but my LP & CD's are packed away for an impending and sadly necessary house move. I was also taken by your Art Garfunke story. That was quite an experience for you. Take care mate. Love your work. Cheers 😎👍
Norman, Great retro on Paul Simon' Career!! "You're The One", "Suprise" and "So Beautiful So What" are all so wonderful albums. All the songs are Gems!! Your story of Meeting Artie G. is also Great!! I am a big Paul Simon/S&G Fan! I grew up in NY, and on several occasions I by "happenstance" bumped into Paul in places. I was tongue-tied I was unable to speak. To this day I regret it!! :-(. Thanks for your insight, I will look for your youtube Reviews.
Thanks for this ... the Surprise album is my "go to" Paul Simon album ... just wonderful. Saw this tour in Glasgow in 2006 ... great show, awesome band. I have all of his catalogue and he has written so many fabulous songs. Also went to another show in Glasgow in 2018 on his farewell tour ... simply sensational ... covered all eras and band formats - solo artist with guitar, with string ensemble, rock band, zydeco Mardi-gras ... everything ... it was an awesome night ... 2 hours plus ... hopefully a DVD / BluRay appears some day ... I also really enjoy his later albums after Surprise ... always interesting and something to discover over time ... an amazing catalogue over 6 decades...
Have to say, I prefer Hearts and Bones over Graceland personally, Rene and Georgette Magritte....is one of my all time favorite songs, I like the mood of the production. St.Judy's Comet also, such a beautiful moody song and performance. Don't care what people say, love Paul, always will. I'll be buying the audiobook, thanks for the heads up.
thanks Mazzy. . . great video . . been a fan of S&G, then their solo careers from the beginning . . pleased to say that I have their Tom and Jerry “little schoolgirl” 45 . . . in the FWIW department, my first concert at 14 years old, was S&G in October 1966 at Bushnell Auditorium hartford CT (with the Blues Project opening act). . . those “first concerts” are always the great memories. thanks again.
Hello Mazzy, thanks for sharing the Art Garfunkel story. Fantastic. I met a singer songwriter in my Mum's kitchen in the 1980s but he is so famous (he made records though - not my cup of tea) that it took me more than 6 months to remember his name... By the way, as everyone, I came here for Paul Simon. I bought "The Rhythm Of The Saints" in Italy last summer. I have all the records I want from him except "There Goes Rhymin' Simon". I know it perfectly as I owned it (still have it) on Cassette I recorded myself. And, I preordered the book. So thank you for my garden : I listen to audiobook when gardening. Take care. Bruno
Hey mazzy !! Just discovered your channel. Just seeing your vinyls on the background is a fine pleasure. And what a delight being in awe for the same musical subjects that you are. It Was great hearing you speaking about Paul's discography. I'm in it for decades and it's part of my life. Sorry you didn't speak more about one trick poney music wich is , according to me, a hidden jewel ,true masterpiece , as well as hearts and bones is. Cheers from Israel
Best conversational songwriter I ever heard, makes any phrasing sound spontaneous and any meter fluent - - only Paul Simon could make Rene and Georgia Magritte with their dog after the war sound like something you might say over coffee. I imagine Paul McCartney hearing that first time and thinking what he thought when he heard 'Pet Sounds,' but lyrically: someone just raised the bar. Paul Simon is a duo by himself - - always sounds to me like an East Coast/West Coast blend of urban mellow, as if those coasts were close. No wonder Woody cast him as a mellow producer luring Annie Hall out of NYC to California. He's both, and he's been brilliant for 6 decades. I'd like to see his audiobook conversation printed, see those rhythms written down.
@@keithwalker8090 Yes, at the Gil Scott-Heron end of town, before rap railroaded itself into one cathartic express rant at one monotone pace talking AT listeners. Gil Scott-Heron's conversational rap, talking to us, with all the gears and all the tones of a great singer, yes.
Perfect description. Paul is a wonderful writer and performer and although he is popular, he seems to be passed by in a way by some younger fans and hipsters.Except maybe for Graceland. Too bad as he is really an American treasure
Great video. I've responded once before to Bookends being your favorite Simon & Garfunkel album because its mine too. This was perfect timing for me because I recently gave all my Paul Simon albums a listen and youve made me want to delve into his later work. Thanks for posting and the "boost" to go pick up his later works. Peace
Hey Mazzy! Great video! One of my personal favorites from all Simon's discography is "The Rhythm of the saints." It's a very under appreciated and underrated album that deserves a new listen for those that not have heard it before. One note around that time, David Byrne from the Talking heads formed the Luke bop label. That level course focused on Brazilian and other forms of Latin music. Also include a lot of African music as well as Asian music.Terrific label. Paul Simons contribution in bringing and crossing over African and Brazilian music is very important .
How great to meet Art Garfunkel and spend time with him, WOW! S&G’s music is a big part of growing up as are The Beatles. Paul Simon’s first solo lp is very personal and special to me because of the timing and what I was experiencing at that moment. I now have some more PS later solo lps because I won The S&G bundle from The Coleman Collection, I cleaned them now I’m playing catch-up to those records. Great Video…☮️✌️☮️
hey mazzy...love paul simon and simon and garfunkel...saw their reunion show in '81 in central park...brilliant....love his solo work...my favorite albums of his are 'hearts and bones'....'there goes rhymin' simon'...'and ironically, 'one trick pony'....forget the movie, the album is great ('jonah' is a classic)....i am in agreement that he needs to put his entire catalog on vinyl... i'm also thankful that i have both 'stranger to stranger' and 'so beautiful or so what' on vinyl....great video...shout out to queens, ny (my hometown)....peace out...rocky
Mazzy, may I suggest you write up your meeting with Artie, including every detail of the conversation before you forget 'em. Fascinating stuff and needs to be put on record.
First time I've heard you, what I nice talk. Paul Simon was my first crush in 1969 and his new album moves me as much as ever it did back then. Thanks for the album rundown, there are a couple I do not have that I see I should get. Looking forward to Randy Newman, and I'll check out your other talks as well, thank you so much.
Thanks for the video. Brought my attention back to In The Blue Light. Gave it a spin this morning. Well I streamed it. I have the CD. Enjoyable album. Had not listened to it all the way through. It’s one of those records you need to listen to at a certain time. Like a Saturday morning in late October up here in the Vancouver area. With my coffee.
Great video! After So Beautiful So What I lost track and went on to other things. Your video is a reminder of the genius of Paul Simon and now I’m compelled to revisit his catalogue. My wife actually has the CD of In The Blue Light and honestly it’s because of her passion for Paul Simon’s music that I began taking an interest. I love your story of meeting Art Garfunkel. Wow, that is amazing and you’ll always cherish that memory! As always I get so much out of watching your videos and look forward to your thoughts on the new Let It Be boxset. I personally love it! ✌🏼
Great message Mazzy! I had the pleasure of interviewing "Miracle and Wonder" co-author, Bruce Headlam on my podcast. Oh, the stories! Particularly interesting: how the unique project came about. An audiobook without a book, music within the narrative, and on and on. Malcolm and Bruce rocked it! Thx for all you do, Mazzy.
Great video Mazzy. Nice pace with just enough nerdy details to provide some flavor. I need to acquaint myself with some of his later albums; starting with that Eno collaboration. Looking forward to the Randy Newman video. And turning a chance encounter with Art Garfunkel into dinner. Man, what a life!
I made the right decision to subscribe to your channel... (Thank you for your vlogs, Man...) Reading the comments, I'm rather amazed that so many cite 'Rene And Georgette Magritte...' as their favourite PS song... (It's mine too but I thought it an odd choice by myself!!!) I love that song so much, its romance, its transience, its simplicity, its music and its lyrical images... (I mis-heard the lyrics for YEARS, until I found out that "The Penguins, the Moonglows The Orioles and the Five Satins..." were all bands in the 50's/60s...) I heard, "The pale moon, as moons glow, the orioles, the fire side..." (STILL WORKED FOR ME!!!) xx SF
Nice overview! Although I’m a huge Paul Simon fan, I admit that my familiarity with his music after Rhythm of the Saints is spotty. I appreciated your suggestions. Although this video focuses on Paul Simon solo, since you mentioned Bookends and BOTW, I figured I’d add a plug for Parsley Sage Rosemary & Thyme. This is S&G’s first fully realized album IMO. While lacking the S&G classics like Mrs Robinson or The Boxer, I think it’s filled with excellent songs like Flowers Never Bend in the Rainfall, A Poem on an Underground Wall, The Dangling Conversation, Homeward Bound & Scarborough Fair. Loved the story about Art. I recall reading in a Paul Simon bio that Art would sometimes hitchhike to gigs. He’s a bit reminiscent of Paul McCartney, who even today enjoys taking public transit.
Hi there, Norman. I have recently discovered your channel and I have been enjoying it quite a bit. Paul Simon is a wonderful songwriter, a great singer and a great guitar player. Randy Newman I find amazing as well. What melodists these guys are. But the best for me when it comes to American songwriters is Bob Dylan.
I am a first generation S and G fan as well. Bookends has always been my favorite S and G album. I remember listening to it over and over when it came out. (I was 14). I love Paul Simon solo as well - my favorite period (by far) was from his first album (my favorite solo) through Hearts and Bones. I was disappointed in Graceland - only liked 3 songs on it. I have purchased all the Simon records since then (with the exception of the last two), but have not been bowled over by any of them except for a few songs on each record. I only listened to Surprise a couple of times after I bought it. I will listen to it a couple more times to see if it sparks something in me. I saw Paul 3 times in concert - 1973, sometime in the 80s (or early 90s) and on his tour for So Beautiful.
@@mazzysmusic Yes - I wish they had done many more albums. I love them as much now as I did then. Listening to those albums now sure brings back memories. By the way, today I listened to the Surprise album - it does sound pretty good!
Graceland was no disapointment..it was great..what's not wonder full is the "last albums" of nearly everyone including clapton harrison simon dylan santana stones...etc...list is endless...the whole spirit of the 60's lost or gone...yet each has a song which is really good...usually just the one ... see gilmour ocean or simon 'daughter' ...i saw simon solo in 70 at Shea Stadium and allthough not memorable his part the event was amazingly good ... as always the first albums were usually the best and some only got one shot..paul took the one hit wonders to new levels in each incarnation, with sound of silence, parslay sage...troubled water...and america..to graceland... .. see star rock legend story by HEY PANEAGLESONG the solrocker blogspot
Fascinating Art G story… evocatively told! Perceptive observations as usual. In many ways Paul Simon and I separated at “Still Crazy.” I like the later material on Graceland and Saints but prefer There Goes Rhyming. Graceland has one of the greatest lines in popular music history - to my mind at least - “ The Mississippi Delta it was shining like a national guitar.” Nailed a whole social and musical tradition there! Very nice piece Mazzy!
I just wanted to add that the band Ladysmith Black Mambazzo who was recording several releases prior to "GraceLand" Like Urubama(very good self titled release) the group was signed to a major label(Warner) through the support of Simon. Their were very successful and achieving international acclaim. Very important album indeed.
A great overview of Paul Simons work. I’m a fan of his too. I just found his “Still Crazy After All Theses Years” at a flea market. However you stole a little of my thunder. I was planning to show the Art Garfunkel’s debut album Angel Clair as debut album you don’t usually see. But that’s ok Btw who would have thought in 1971 Art Garfunkel would be in the movie, Carnal Knowledge. As usual well done.
No!..Really once again someone just breezes over Paul Simon's 1972 solo Masterpiece. The guitar playing alone on that record is by itself enough to have any guitar player worth his salt just drool over in admiration !! The Songs and playing on this are simply Great.
Hey Maz, I was never much into S & G, more into Tower of Power, Sons, Cold Blood. But, I learned a bunch, as usual from your vid. Thanks for that. Speaking of those SF funk bands, it would be great U if did a vid on them since you were in area as they were in their prime.
I have all of Simon's core albums on vinyl, but I've never even heard of the titles you otherwise tout. "So Beautiful, So What" and a Simon/Eno collaboration. Who knew? Both Simon and Garfunkel, like the Beatles, were great singers. Simon's got a kind of hepcat soul in his preternaturally calm voice, and he knows classic hook-writing inside and out.
There's a trio of late career albums: Surprise (2006), So Beautiful or So What (2011) and Stranger to Stranger (2016). All were top 10 hits (in the UK album charts), all are worth a spin and contain great songs and all begin with the letter 'S'.
Bookends is my favorite of theirs as well, but I always felt a bit like that was cheating...like saying Yesterday and Today or Flowers were favorites. Really enjoyed this.
That’s an amazing Art Garfunkel story. I also like that record. And You’re the One and Surprise are rewarding for sure. What did you think of Seven Psalms?
Another great video Norman. Quick question for you. I'm 54 and stated to recently collecting vinyl. I do not have a turntable yet. As a collector, is it okay to leave the single and gatefold albums in the original "shrink" with hype stickers etc. (to keep its value) or should I remove the shrink to prevent warpage over time? Your opinion would be appreciated. (also would you cut the side to release pressure or just leave it perfectly sealed?
My favorite artist and songwriter.. My personal favorite album is Still Crazy but I do agree that the first two are more listenable over time (Armistice Day is also great for checking your system). One Trick Pony has some great songs - Oh Marion and How the Heart Approaches What it Yearns. The Stranger to Stranger album is very much worth listening and shouldn’t be ignored (Proof of Love is a wise song)… Rhythm of the Saints is also amazing with Further to Fly and She Moves On. Great video.
Graceland was no disapointment..it was great..what's not wonder full is the "last albums" of nearly everyone including clapton harrison simon dylan santana stones...etc...list is endless...the whole spirit of the 60's lost or gone...yet each has a song which is really good...usually just the one ... see gilmour ocean or simon 'daughter' ...i saw simon solo in 70 at Shea Stadium and although not memorable his part the event was amazingly good ... as always the first albums were usually the best and some only got one shot..paul took the one hit wonders to new levels in each incarnation, with sound of silence, parslay sage...troubled water...and america..to graceland... truly the "lost disciple" of the STAR ROCK LEGENDS...(jimi hendrocks/mic jagged,Linda Rockstand and our hero Flava Volcana) of the stoned souls Parable of the great rock painters in the first stoned age who survived the great rock (meteor extinction event ) that took out the stoners but brought the living water to Earth which began the first NU YUGA of the Orange people who have now reincarnated from Atlantis to Now as the 12 lost Apostles including Jimi John 'imagine' Pete (who love) Brian Nathaniel (Cole or Young)'after the gold rush (dave) Matthew Michael "human nature" Buddy H Sam (Cooke) Robert (Marley) Arthur (Lee) and who Paul the last disciple who spoke in the sound of silence as so as we lived through the Rock Apocalypse (star rock II) and the LA Geffen Fires of Hell...we can see this now leads to the NU AEGIS after the WILDSTOCK Rock Armegeddon (vinyl classic analog and recordings of human history )... AS the old Aegis died including all past religions arts science or law world ideas principles and beliefs and we build the NU MUSIC of Tru Life on the NU URTH in the Real UNIVERSIS with the living Soul STARS and the living ONES who are always LIVE but .....in the beginning was the word and the word was NU Rock Enever on... story by HEY PANEAGLESONG the solrocker blogspot
related or not related Blue Rodeo recorded a rendition of "Getting Ready for Christmas Day", which IMHO is how it should've sounded in the first place.
MAZZT PLEASE LOOK AT MY COMMENT PLEASE Okay so I always did know bookends as that album with mrs Robinson. But since you gushed about it I quickly went on Spotify and skimmed through it (as I’ve never heard it through) I stopped when I came to VOICES OF OLD PEOPLE (btw not psychedelic in any sonic sense but the idea of a 2 minute conversation right smack between an album of this sort seems pretty fucking psychy artsy and mordern, weird I just wanted to point out) around the 1:25 time mark the women character says “ARE YOU HAPPY HERE HONEY”. Album is released 1968. The Beatles release the white album 1968. The white albums song CRY BABY CRY ends with a dark jangly folk tune CAN YOU TAKE ME BACK sung by macca (though acoustic like some parts of cry baby cry kind of an of beat choice which fits with the modern and psychy feel of voices of old people) 2018 THE WHITE ALBUM gets the Giles Martin treatment along with new mixes demos and unreleased material comes. The end bit of CRY BABY CRY is expanded on. At the 30 second mark you can hear John say “ARE YOU HAPPY HERE” where macca being macca, he runs with it. The phrasing and phrase sound to similar to each other for it just to be coincidental and I wonder what caused John to think of it. As a songwriter he was scatterbrained and that’s just leakage from the actual person he was I just think this is pretty funny. Anyway mazzy you the fucking shit, Much love from the heart of the valley.
Larry Knechtel from Bread played piano on bridge over troubled water …nobody’s talking about Bread …i love them …beautiful guitars and vocals…their « baby i m a want you « and « guitar man « albums are splendid …i love Paul Simon and i have all his solo and with Art records…particurlaly his first album and there goes rhymin Simon with beautiful songs and guitars
He just isn’t cool enough for the hipsters. Well more fool them. He was considered good enough for Eno to get involved . Simon is QUALITY. Do yourself a favour and check out his later albums. In the Blue Light is an overlooked gem. Another top video Mazzy.
Nice discussion of Simon with some Garfunkel sprinkled in. The Who,e discussion of white artists using music from other countries to take advantage of them is something I feel strongly about. I am with you, I have gotten into so much music because some pop artist uses music from another country or some obscure artist. Now if that artist or group is not given credit then I have a problem. For many groups they were given a huge lift in popularity and visibility when someone like Simon comes out with Graceland. That album had Clifton Chenier, I became a huge fan due to that album. My world music collection is fairly large because of what other artist have done to introduce me to new music and styles. Okay, off my soap box. Great stuff Mazzy.
(Sounds like bragging but it's not).. I was in the music business for 25 years, once I flew on a private jet with the former president of Paramount who told me the story of using S&G in The Graduate. First time pop music (which wasn't taken very seriously then) was used in this way in a major film. Very hard to get the studio to agree, it was big risk. It absolutely made the film. The rest is history.
Yeah I thought about discussing Mrs Robinson and how different that was using in a film in 1967. That was a turning point in cinema and S&Gs career. ✌🏽
Love the video, fabulous stories, this is why your channel kicks ass. Now, why the shave? Keep the facial hair, you look much better and younger! Hope you are well
@@mazzysmusic You're Welcome. I wasn't trying to be a jerk....because, well....I love you Mazzy. Coincidentally, I was listening to Hearts and Bones coming home in my car tonight. I met Paul Simon after a show he did in Vancouver I think in 2006? I told him how much I liked Hearts and Bones. I told him that because I had read somewhere that he was disappointed by in lack of sales, and it is a favorite of mine. I remember buying it at Tower with Paul McCartney's then new record Pipes of Peace. He thanked me and asked me what was on the record? I'm not sure if it was a test, but I had no problem telling him. He struck me as being a really nice guy.
Excellent overview of an extraordinary body of work. I agree Surprise, So Beautiful and Stranger are all brilliant albums. Jury is still out for me on Blue Light but you’ve inspired me to give it another spin.
Really nice to know so many people appreciate the latest Simon's albums! They are absolutely great and deeply touching if you pay attention to the lyrics. Love your point about Paul's freedom from "hit-making", thanks a lot!
Mazzy, your face lit up as you relived and passed along that amazing memory of hanging out with Art Garfunkel! Many thanks for sharing it!
Yeah I guess it did. That meeting was very special. At 18 meeting someone who's music I had been a big fan of. Spending some hours simply chatting.It was a story I felt fit in with this video of Simon's discography and the audio book conversations I had just listed to. Thanks for watching and commenting.
Excellent overview of an extraordinary body of work. I agree Surprise, So Beautiful and Stranger are all brilliant albums. Jury is still out for me on Blue Light but you’ve inspired me to give it another spin.
Hey Mazzy, this was a wonderful overview of Paul Simon's solo work. It made me particularly happy when you lauded "Hearts And Bones" so much. It's my favourite Paul Simon solo album but to me it's a sadly underrated LP. I remember buying the "Allergies" 45 and immediately recognising the amazing guitar style of Al Dimeola. I also prefer this album over "Graceland". However Linda Ronstadt's harmony vocal on "Under African Skies" is sublime. I own most of Paul's solo albums missing only "Songs From 'Capeman'" and "Surprise". Thanks again for making this particular video. I would revisit his back catalogue now but my LP & CD's are packed away for an impending and sadly necessary house move. I was also taken by your Art Garfunke story. That was quite an experience for you. Take care mate. Love your work. Cheers 😎👍
Thank you Peter, I enjoy sharing my collection of music. The stories help me too. Yes Hearts & Bones is beautiful sleeper.
Norman, Great retro on Paul Simon' Career!! "You're The One", "Suprise" and "So Beautiful So What" are all so wonderful albums. All the songs are Gems!! Your story of Meeting Artie G. is also Great!! I am a big Paul Simon/S&G Fan! I grew up in NY, and on several occasions I by "happenstance" bumped into Paul in places. I was tongue-tied I was unable to speak. To this day I regret it!! :-(.
Thanks for your insight, I will look for your youtube Reviews.
Thanks for this ... the Surprise album is my "go to" Paul Simon album ... just wonderful. Saw this tour in Glasgow in 2006 ... great show, awesome band. I have all of his catalogue and he has written so many fabulous songs. Also went to another show in Glasgow in 2018 on his farewell tour ... simply sensational ... covered all eras and band formats - solo artist with guitar, with string ensemble, rock band, zydeco Mardi-gras ... everything ... it was an awesome night ... 2 hours plus ... hopefully a DVD / BluRay appears some day ... I also really enjoy his later albums after Surprise ... always interesting and something to discover over time ... an amazing catalogue over 6 decades...
Cool you aw him recently It's been about twenty years since I've seen him tour. He always has a great band.
Came for the Paul Simon overview, was moved by your Art Garfunkel story. Thanks for sharing, Mazzy. Your passion and earnestness is infectious.
Thank you Garett. That meet up 49 years ago is still so vivid. There are many mire bits to the story but I felt I chose the right one for now.
Have to say, I prefer Hearts and Bones over Graceland personally, Rene and Georgette Magritte....is one of my all time favorite songs, I like the mood of the production. St.Judy's Comet also, such a beautiful moody song and performance. Don't care what people say, love Paul, always will. I'll be buying the audiobook, thanks for the heads up.
Rene and G Magritte is a fantastic song. It's one of my favorites (among many) of his.
I completly agree. "Hearts And Bones" is my favourite Paul Simon album.
thanks Mazzy. . . great video . . been a fan of S&G, then their solo careers from the beginning . . pleased to say that I have their Tom and Jerry “little schoolgirl” 45 . . . in the FWIW department, my first concert at 14 years old, was S&G in October 1966 at Bushnell Auditorium hartford CT (with the Blues Project opening act). . . those “first concerts” are always the great memories. thanks again.
Hello Mazzy, thanks for sharing the Art Garfunkel story. Fantastic. I met a singer songwriter in my Mum's kitchen in the 1980s but he is so famous (he made records though - not my cup of tea) that it took me more than 6 months to remember his name... By the way, as everyone, I came here for Paul Simon. I bought "The Rhythm Of The Saints" in Italy last summer. I have all the records I want from him except "There Goes Rhymin' Simon". I know it perfectly as I owned it (still have it) on Cassette I recorded myself. And, I preordered the book. So thank you for my garden : I listen to audiobook when gardening. Take care. Bruno
Good story and yes Rhythm of the Sts is fantastic ✌🏽
Hey mazzy !! Just discovered your channel. Just seeing your vinyls on the background is a fine pleasure.
And what a delight being in awe for the same musical subjects that you are. It Was great hearing you speaking about Paul's discography.
I'm in it for decades and it's part of my life.
Sorry you didn't speak more about one trick poney music wich is , according to me, a hidden jewel ,true masterpiece , as well as hearts and bones is.
Cheers from Israel
Best conversational songwriter I ever heard, makes any phrasing sound spontaneous and any meter fluent - - only Paul Simon could make Rene and Georgia Magritte with their dog after the war sound like something you might say over coffee. I imagine Paul McCartney hearing that first time and thinking what he thought when he heard 'Pet Sounds,' but lyrically: someone just raised the bar. Paul Simon is a duo by himself - - always sounds to me like an East Coast/West Coast blend of urban mellow, as if those coasts were close. No wonder Woody cast him as a mellow producer luring Annie Hall out of NYC to California. He's both, and he's been brilliant for 6 decades. I'd like to see his audiobook conversation printed, see those rhythms written down.
What you said about his phrasing is on target, I sometimes refer to him as the greatest rapper for that very reason.
@@keithwalker8090 Yes, at the Gil Scott-Heron end of town, before rap railroaded itself into one cathartic express rant at one monotone pace talking AT listeners. Gil Scott-Heron's conversational rap, talking to us, with all the gears and all the tones of a great singer, yes.
Perfect description. Paul is a wonderful writer and performer and although he is popular, he seems to be passed by in a way by some younger fans and hipsters.Except maybe for Graceland. Too bad as he is really an American treasure
I loved hearing your Arty story, thanks for sharing
Great video. I've responded once before to Bookends being your favorite Simon & Garfunkel album because its mine too. This was perfect timing for me because I recently gave all my Paul Simon albums a listen and youve made me want to delve into his later work. Thanks for posting and the "boost" to go pick up his later works. Peace
Hey Mazzy! Great video! One of my personal favorites from all Simon's discography is "The Rhythm of the saints." It's a very under appreciated and underrated album that deserves a new listen for those that not have heard it before. One note around that time, David Byrne from the Talking heads formed the Luke bop label. That level course focused on Brazilian and other forms of Latin music. Also include a lot of African music as well as Asian music.Terrific label. Paul Simons contribution in bringing and crossing over African and Brazilian music is very important .
How great to meet Art Garfunkel and spend time with him, WOW! S&G’s music is a big part of growing up as are The Beatles. Paul Simon’s first solo lp is very personal and special to me because of the timing and what I was experiencing at that moment. I now have some more PS later solo lps because I won The S&G bundle from The Coleman Collection, I cleaned them now I’m playing catch-up to those records. Great Video…☮️✌️☮️
Catch up if you can!!
hey mazzy...love paul simon and simon and garfunkel...saw their reunion show in '81 in central park...brilliant....love his solo work...my favorite albums of his are 'hearts and bones'....'there goes rhymin' simon'...'and ironically, 'one trick pony'....forget the movie, the album is great ('jonah' is a classic)....i am in agreement that he needs to put his entire catalog on vinyl... i'm also thankful that i have both 'stranger to stranger' and 'so beautiful or so what' on vinyl....great video...shout out to queens, ny (my hometown)....peace out...rocky
Thanks for a great and personal angle on Simon (and Garfunkel - incredible story) - I'll have to catch up on some of the later stuff :-)
I missed this video when it was new. It’s, as always with your videos, very well done and interesting.
Beautiful,story with Judy and the Art Garfunkel connection …saw his youtube announcement for next soon concerts …always his angel voice
Bookends is my favorite as well. Was lucky enough to see Paul at the Showbox in Seattle.
Mazzy, may I suggest you write up your meeting with Artie, including every detail of the conversation before you forget 'em. Fascinating stuff and needs to be put on record.
First time I've heard you, what I nice talk. Paul Simon was my first crush in 1969 and his new album moves me as much as ever it did back then. Thanks for the album rundown, there are a couple I do not have that I see I should get. Looking forward to Randy Newman, and I'll check out your other talks as well, thank you so much.
Thanks for the video. Brought my attention back to In The Blue Light. Gave it a spin this morning. Well I streamed it. I have the CD. Enjoyable album. Had not listened to it all the way through. It’s one of those records you need to listen to at a certain time. Like a Saturday morning in late October up here in the Vancouver area. With my coffee.
Great video! After So Beautiful So What I lost track and went on to other things. Your video is a reminder of the genius of Paul Simon and now I’m compelled to revisit his catalogue. My wife actually has the CD of In The Blue Light and honestly it’s because of her passion for Paul Simon’s music that I began taking an interest. I love your story of meeting Art Garfunkel. Wow, that is amazing and you’ll always cherish that memory! As always I get so much out of watching your videos and look forward to your thoughts on the new Let It Be boxset. I personally love it! ✌🏼
Great message Mazzy! I had the pleasure of interviewing "Miracle and Wonder" co-author, Bruce Headlam on my podcast. Oh, the stories! Particularly interesting: how the unique project came about. An audiobook without a book, music within the narrative, and on and on. Malcolm and Bruce rocked it!
Thx for all you do, Mazzy.
First time listener....but you have me! Can't wait for more...great job
Well there so much more around here. Educational or time suck 😘🤠😎
Great overview, I really enjoyed it and your wonderful tale of meeting Art Garfunkel.
I really like S&G and Paul as a solo artist. He never disappoints. I appreciate your thoughts and input. Thanks for shariing Take care
Great video Mazzy. Nice pace with just enough nerdy details to provide some flavor. I need to acquaint myself with some of his later albums; starting with that Eno collaboration.
Looking forward to the Randy Newman video.
And turning a chance encounter with Art Garfunkel into dinner. Man, what a life!
I made the right decision to subscribe to your channel... (Thank you for your vlogs, Man...) Reading the comments, I'm rather amazed that so many cite 'Rene And Georgette Magritte...' as their favourite PS song... (It's mine too but I thought it an odd choice by myself!!!) I love that song so much, its romance, its transience, its simplicity, its music and its lyrical images... (I mis-heard the lyrics for YEARS, until I found out that "The Penguins, the Moonglows
The Orioles and the Five Satins..." were all bands in the 50's/60s...) I heard, "The pale moon, as moons glow, the orioles, the fire side..." (STILL WORKED FOR ME!!!) xx SF
Nice overview! Although I’m a huge Paul Simon fan, I admit that my familiarity with his music after Rhythm of the Saints is spotty. I appreciated your suggestions. Although this video focuses on Paul Simon solo, since you mentioned Bookends and BOTW, I figured I’d add a plug for Parsley Sage Rosemary & Thyme. This is S&G’s first fully realized album IMO. While lacking the S&G classics like Mrs Robinson or The Boxer, I think it’s filled with excellent songs like Flowers Never Bend in the Rainfall, A Poem on an Underground Wall, The Dangling Conversation, Homeward Bound & Scarborough Fair. Loved the story about Art. I recall reading in a Paul Simon bio that Art would sometimes hitchhike to gigs. He’s a bit reminiscent of Paul McCartney, who even today enjoys taking public transit.
Hi there, Norman. I have recently discovered your channel and I have been enjoying it quite a bit. Paul Simon is a wonderful songwriter, a great singer and a great guitar player. Randy Newman I find amazing as well. What melodists these guys are. But the best for me when it comes to American songwriters is Bob Dylan.
I am a first generation S and G fan as well. Bookends has always been my favorite S and G album. I remember listening to it over and over when it came out. (I was 14). I love Paul Simon solo as well - my favorite period (by far) was from his first album (my favorite solo) through Hearts and Bones. I was disappointed in Graceland - only liked 3 songs on it. I have purchased all the Simon records since then (with the exception of the last two), but have not been bowled over by any of them except for a few songs on each record. I only listened to Surprise a couple of times after I bought it. I will listen to it a couple more times to see if it sparks something in me. I saw Paul 3 times in concert - 1973, sometime in the 80s (or early 90s) and on his tour for So Beautiful.
Bookends is special as is Bridge. It is too bad they didn't squeak out a few more albums. A pretty small discography together.
@@mazzysmusic Yes - I wish they had done many more albums. I love them as much now as I did then. Listening to those albums now sure brings back memories. By the way, today I listened to the Surprise album - it does sound pretty good!
Graceland was no disapointment..it was great..what's not wonder full is the "last albums" of nearly everyone including clapton harrison simon dylan santana stones...etc...list is endless...the whole spirit of the 60's lost or gone...yet each has a song which is really good...usually just the one ... see gilmour ocean or simon 'daughter' ...i saw simon solo in 70 at Shea Stadium and allthough not memorable his part the event was amazingly good ... as always the first albums were usually the best and some only got one shot..paul took the one hit wonders to new levels in each incarnation, with sound of silence, parslay sage...troubled water...and america..to graceland... .. see star rock legend story by HEY PANEAGLESONG the solrocker blogspot
Fascinating Art G story… evocatively told! Perceptive observations as usual. In many ways Paul Simon and I separated at “Still Crazy.” I like the later material on Graceland and Saints but prefer There Goes Rhyming. Graceland has one of the greatest lines in popular music history - to my mind at least - “ The Mississippi Delta it was shining like a national guitar.” Nailed a whole social and musical tradition there! Very nice piece Mazzy!
Yeah what a great line. Thanks for reminding me.
No argue at all. Graceland it's a definitive masterpiece!!!
Great video! Thumbs up! Trish
I just wanted to add that the band Ladysmith Black Mambazzo who was recording several releases prior to "GraceLand" Like Urubama(very good self titled release) the group was signed to a major label(Warner) through the support of Simon. Their were very successful and achieving international acclaim. Very important album indeed.
Good episode. Recommended.
Always appreciate your insight into the music we all love. I do wonder did your first love have as good of a life as you did? I hope so.
A great overview of Paul Simons work. I’m a fan of his too. I just found his “Still Crazy After All Theses Years” at a flea market. However you stole a little of my thunder. I was planning to show the Art Garfunkel’s debut album Angel Clair as debut album you don’t usually see. But that’s ok Btw who would have thought in 1971 Art Garfunkel would be in the movie, Carnal Knowledge. As usual well done.
I love that Art Garfunkel album
No!..Really once again someone just breezes over Paul Simon's 1972 solo Masterpiece. The guitar playing alone on that record is by itself enough to have any guitar player worth his salt just drool over in admiration !! The Songs and playing on this are simply Great.
Hey Maz, I was never much into S & G, more into Tower of Power, Sons, Cold Blood. But, I learned a bunch, as usual from your vid. Thanks for that. Speaking of those SF funk bands, it would be great U if did a vid on them since you were in area as they were in their prime.
Always learn a ton from Good Ole Mazzy Super Star..
"Hearts And Bones" is a gorgeous record.
Bookends is my favorite S&G album, too. Awesome Artie story! Nowadays try to find a celeb out on the street without an entourage. . .
Awesome video
Great job brother
I have all of Simon's core albums on vinyl, but I've never even heard of the titles you otherwise tout. "So Beautiful, So What" and a Simon/Eno collaboration. Who knew? Both Simon and Garfunkel, like the Beatles, were great singers. Simon's got a kind of hepcat soul in his preternaturally calm voice, and he knows classic hook-writing inside and out.
"I said, 'I-I-I appreciate that. And would you please explain about the 50 wa-a-ays'."
Yeah there is so much more music than just the core hits records.
There's a trio of late career albums: Surprise (2006), So Beautiful or So What (2011) and Stranger to Stranger (2016). All were top 10 hits (in the UK album charts), all are worth a spin and contain great songs and all begin with the letter 'S'.
Love you Mazzy. You are such an inspiration…and you cost me a lot of money😄
We are kindred…
Bookends is my favorite of theirs as well, but I always felt a bit like that was cheating...like saying Yesterday and Today or Flowers were favorites. Really enjoyed this.
That’s an amazing Art Garfunkel story. I also like that record. And You’re the One and Surprise are rewarding for sure. What did you think of Seven Psalms?
Randy Newman and Paul Simon! You have my attention 100%
Another great video Norman. Quick question for you. I'm 54 and stated to recently collecting vinyl. I do not have a turntable yet. As a collector, is it okay to leave the single and gatefold albums in the original "shrink" with hype stickers etc. (to keep its value) or should I remove the shrink to prevent warpage over time? Your opinion would be appreciated. (also would you cut the side to release pressure or just leave it perfectly sealed?
My favorite artist and songwriter.. My personal favorite album is Still Crazy but I do agree that the first two are more listenable over time (Armistice Day is also great for checking your system). One Trick Pony has some great songs - Oh Marion and How the Heart Approaches What it Yearns. The Stranger to Stranger album is very much worth listening and shouldn’t be ignored (Proof of Love is a wise song)… Rhythm of the Saints is also amazing with Further to Fly and She Moves On.
Great video.
Yeah there's so many albums to dive into beyond the hits.
Malcolm Gladwell is a wonderful writer!!
From 65 to 75 , a decade of near perfect albums
Graceland was no disapointment..it was great..what's not wonder full is the "last albums" of nearly everyone including clapton harrison simon dylan santana stones...etc...list is endless...the whole spirit of the 60's lost or gone...yet each has a song which is really good...usually just the one ... see gilmour ocean or simon 'daughter' ...i saw simon solo in 70 at Shea Stadium and although not memorable his part the event was amazingly good ... as always the first albums were usually the best and some only got one shot..paul took the one hit wonders to new levels in each incarnation, with sound of silence, parslay sage...troubled water...and america..to graceland... truly the "lost disciple" of the STAR ROCK LEGENDS...(jimi hendrocks/mic jagged,Linda Rockstand and our hero Flava Volcana) of the stoned souls Parable of the great rock painters in the first stoned age who survived the great rock (meteor extinction event ) that took out the stoners but brought the living water to Earth which began the first NU YUGA of the Orange people who have now reincarnated from Atlantis to Now as the 12 lost Apostles including Jimi John 'imagine' Pete (who love) Brian Nathaniel (Cole or Young)'after the gold rush (dave) Matthew Michael "human nature" Buddy H Sam (Cooke) Robert (Marley) Arthur (Lee) and who Paul the last disciple who spoke in the sound of silence as so as we lived through the Rock Apocalypse (star rock II) and the LA Geffen Fires of Hell...we can see this now leads to the NU AEGIS after the WILDSTOCK Rock Armegeddon (vinyl classic analog and recordings of human history )... AS the old Aegis died including all past religions arts science or law world ideas principles and beliefs and we build the NU MUSIC of Tru Life on the NU URTH in the Real UNIVERSIS with the living Soul STARS and the living ONES who are always LIVE but .....in the beginning was the word and the word was NU Rock Enever on... story by HEY PANEAGLESONG the solrocker blogspot
40 minutes on Paul Simon? Give me Graham Parker any day :) But Graceland is a masterpiece and a stunning collection of songs. LOVE the channel.
That’s a fucking fantastic Art Garfunkel story.
related or not related Blue Rodeo recorded a rendition of "Getting Ready for Christmas Day", which IMHO is how it should've sounded in the first place.
Not really a Simon fan, but always liked saints album, by the way great storytelling 👍
MAZZT PLEASE LOOK AT MY COMMENT PLEASE
Okay so I always did know bookends as that album with mrs Robinson. But since you gushed about it I quickly went on Spotify and skimmed through it (as I’ve never heard it through) I stopped when I came to VOICES OF OLD PEOPLE (btw not psychedelic in any sonic sense but the idea of a 2 minute conversation right smack between an album of this sort seems pretty fucking psychy artsy and mordern, weird I just wanted to point out) around the 1:25 time mark the women character says “ARE YOU HAPPY HERE HONEY”. Album is released 1968. The Beatles release the white album 1968. The white albums song CRY BABY CRY ends with a dark jangly folk tune CAN YOU TAKE ME BACK sung by macca (though acoustic like some parts of cry baby cry kind of an of beat choice which fits with the modern and psychy feel of voices of old people) 2018 THE WHITE ALBUM gets the Giles Martin treatment along with new mixes demos and unreleased material comes. The end bit of CRY BABY CRY is expanded on. At the 30 second mark you can hear John say “ARE YOU HAPPY HERE” where macca being macca, he runs with it. The phrasing and phrase sound to similar to each other for it just to be coincidental and I wonder what caused John to think of it. As a songwriter he was scatterbrained and that’s just leakage from the actual person he was I just think this is pretty funny.
Anyway mazzy you the fucking shit, Much love from the heart of the valley.
That was your mother really cheers me up.
Cool story about art Garfunkel
Larry Knechtel from Bread played piano on bridge over troubled water …nobody’s talking about Bread …i love them …beautiful guitars and vocals…their « baby i m a want you « and « guitar man « albums are splendid …i love Paul Simon and i have all his solo and with Art records…particurlaly his first album and there goes rhymin Simon with beautiful songs and guitars
He just isn’t cool enough for the hipsters. Well more fool them. He was considered good enough for Eno to get involved . Simon is QUALITY. Do yourself a favour and check out his later albums. In the Blue Light is an overlooked gem. Another top video Mazzy.
And it was Late in the Evening and all the music seeping thru.
Nice discussion of Simon with some Garfunkel sprinkled in. The Who,e discussion of white artists using music from other countries to take advantage of them is something I feel strongly about. I am with you, I have gotten into so much music because some pop artist uses music from another country or some obscure artist. Now if that artist or group is not given credit then I have a problem. For many groups they were given a huge lift in popularity and visibility when someone like Simon comes out with Graceland. That album had Clifton Chenier, I became a huge fan due to that album. My world music collection is fairly large because of what other artist have done to introduce me to new music and styles. Okay, off my soap box. Great stuff Mazzy.
You know I agree with you Steve. I’ve gotten turned in to lots of great artists from around the world this way. ✌🏽
(Sounds like bragging but it's not).. I was in the music business for 25 years, once I flew on a private jet with the former president of Paramount who told me the story of using S&G in The Graduate. First time pop music (which wasn't taken very seriously then) was used in this way in a major film. Very hard to get the studio to agree, it was big risk. It absolutely made the film. The rest is history.
Yeah I thought about discussing Mrs Robinson and how different that was using in a film in 1967. That was a turning point in cinema and S&Gs career. ✌🏽
I had one trick pony and loved it
I love one trick pony, great record.
Still,crazy one step mofi edition is awesome …i rediscover that album
Love the video, fabulous stories, this is why your channel kicks ass. Now, why the shave? Keep the facial hair, you look much better and younger! Hope you are well
Ha. I shave it off two or three times a year and then it grows back 🤠
Hi Mazzy, Do you have any Rod McKuen albums?
Two hits records
Musically incorrect, but I like the electric version of Sounds better.
It's Bridge Over Troubled Water.....not Waters.
Thank you 🤷🏻♂️🤠
@@mazzysmusic You're Welcome. I wasn't trying to be a jerk....because, well....I love you Mazzy. Coincidentally, I was listening to Hearts and Bones coming home in my car tonight. I met Paul Simon after a show he did in Vancouver I think in 2006? I told him how much I liked Hearts and Bones. I told him that because I had read somewhere that he was disappointed by in lack of sales, and it is a favorite of mine. I remember buying it at Tower with Paul McCartney's then new record Pipes of Peace. He thanked me and asked me what was on the record? I'm not sure if it was a test, but I had no problem telling him. He struck me as being a really nice guy.
Wristband is a funny song
P. S. Judy is beautiful
What about Lou Reed
What about him ? Love him
it was a turkey. and yes, it was hokie
Sone sort of poultry. 🦃🐓
Still Crazy . . . one of many records at the time that drove me to punk rock and new wave.
Ha. Sure I get it 🤠
That garfunkel story is a load of codswallop great album though ✌ 🇬🇧
Well it’s what actually happened. I think your comment is more codswallop ✌🏽
😂😂😂
Excellent overview of an extraordinary body of work. I agree Surprise, So Beautiful and Stranger are all brilliant albums. Jury is still out for me on Blue Light but you’ve inspired me to give it another spin.