Band of the Day (11.16.09): PAUL SIMON
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Artist:
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Who?
Whether it's the music near-perfect folk he made with partner Art Garfunkel or the afropop-infused music he's made since turning solo, Paul Simon is destined to go down as one of the greatest songwriters to ever grace the United States.
And I Care Because?
- Ever heard of Vampire Weekend? Well, they might as well be a Paul Simon cover band, as the preppy gents steal most of the indie-afropop sound that Simon originally popularized on his classic Graceland.
- He's still evolving. Even at the age of 68, Simon is still flexing his creative muscles, twisting and turning. Enlisting recent Band of the Day honoree Brian Eno, Simon's 2006 album, Surprise, received the high praise usually reserved for an up-and-comer.
- Seriously, revisit those classics. Not only does Simon know how to craft great folk and pop songs, but they're capable of being listened to over and over again as if it's your first time, which is usually what separates a great song from a good song.
Stream Graceland below, buy his albums, and watch his hilarious video for "You Can Call Me Al," featuring Chevy Chase.
Comments (4)
There's a Classic Album DVD/TV programme on the making of Graceland which is riveting. He was at a career low with Columbia and they didn't care what he did - that's how he got to go to South Africa. He video'd everything, so there's some really interesting footage of him in the studio over there. The best bit is him playing back what he thinks is one of his best songs and analysing the lyrics, including the bits where he thinks he failed.
I'm not a big fan, so I got 'Surprise' on the strength of Eno. Fantastic record - adventurous, playful, engaging.
I agree that Vamp Weekend is channelling Paul, but I felt it was more Rhythm of the Saints vs Graceland.
American Tune is one of my all time favorite songs. I wish they taught that in my kid's schools as a patriotic song instead of that "I'm proud to be an American, 'cause at least that means I'm free" crap.
such a great album, I make a point to listen to it as much as I possibly can
Oh, a HUGE thank you for selecting Paul Simon's (Graceland) band of the day (I guess yesterday...).
He's a musical, literary genius to me ~ such poetry and emotion-evoking phrases. I love the Graceland album and DVD and never tire of listening to and watching him perform, whether solo or with Art Garfunkel, but especially live. If his music wasn't available to me, I don't know how I'd be able to express some very difficult and hard to reach emotional nerves.
Leaves of Green is on constant "repeat" way back in my mind.