Paul Simon

As a seasoned musician of over 40 years, there are not many "lost gems" out there. This is no doubt one of them. While always considered a pop classic, upon listening with fresh ears, I was shocked at how sophisticated and influential this album has become. Many decidedly modern artists clearly owe a debt of gratitude to this album. Beautifully recorded and produced, much of the production style portends to the now fairly common elements of production as exemplified by the Mitchell Froom/Tchad Blake style of recording. Some of the instrumental tracks in the songs are extremely atmospheric, while others are very intimate and up close. Instead of full band arrangements, the rhythmic elements are often sketched out with few parts, another stylistic strategy that is commonly employed now, but in retrospect was so ahead of its time.The guitar playing is stunning, the arrangements are unique and have clearly influenced everyone from Richard Thompson (Run That Body Down) to Los Lobos (Peace Like a River). The rhythm section work is perfect, and the writing and variety make this a true "album" as opposed to a collection of tunes. Oh yeah, and Mr Simon's vocals are right up front and dry as a bone, with a "in your living room" feel. This album actually sounds like real musicians playing together in real time; these are performances, not assembled tracks. Without a doubt, listening to this will take you back, but it will also take you forward, with a unhurried pace and sound that many are just catching up to.If you only know Mr. Simon for his world-influenced hits, this album is quite a departure and will open your eyes to his roots. However if your tastes run to the jazzy and modern styles of folk/pop, you will hear where many of today's artists got some of their sound, from Norah Jones to the aforementioned Thompson and Los Lobos. A timeless classic for sure, but also something for the critical listener and the sophisticated music fan who wants to be challenged in her/his listening. You will not be disappointed.

I was familiar with a few of these tracks from various greatest hits collection, but the rest of the tracks are priceless. This album is so much better than its hits. Even the subtle songs that don't seem that significant at first end up being the ones I'm whistling in the shower. I'm surprised that Peace Like A River didn't get more airplay back in the day, because it is phenomenal. It was a good hit for him and you can find some great live versions on Youtube.I usually just play an album end to end and then move on, but quite a few of these tracks really beg to be replayed a couple of times before moving on to the next one.One other nice surprise from this album is the Amazon pricing with AutoRip. I usually don't buy CDs anymore and just buy the MP3 album from Amazon, but this CD was cheaper than the MP3 album and it included AutoRip. So I was able to instantly add it to my Amazon Cloud account and then the CD came in the mail a few days later. Nice!

Arrived on time and as desribed

I had not realized that this was Paul Simon’s first recording after breaking with Art Garfunkel. One can wonder what his voice might had added to the sound. That said, Paul carries on in what is beginning to end a beautiful disk. Cut after cut presents soft rock at its finest. No head banging but complex mixes of county guitar and fiddle, a taste of the Latin and international sound that will come later. Do not let the term soft rock fool you. Paul Simon is a message kinda man and if you dare to listen your brain will be engaged.Peace Like a River come close to being a classic 70’s radical protest song. (You can beat us with wire you can beat us with chains but you just can’t out run the History Train) But it is not angry and it is unclear who is being challenged. Paranoia Blues is almost whimsical, but there is a challenge that you if are to be the singer’s friend you have to know he expects his friends to take his side. Papa Hobo, begins with a complaint about pollution and become an appeal for the working poor:Sweep upI been sweeping up the tips I've madeI been living on GatoradePlanning my getawayDetroit, DetroitGot a **l of a hockey teamGot a left-handed wayOf making a man sign up on thatAutomotive dream, oh yeah, oh yeahOf the all-time Paul Simon standards, Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard shines on this disk and Duncan is among my most favorite and Run that Body Down is wicked fun.My summation: The clean, complex sound beautifully underwrites some great thinking person’s lyrics. You do not have a Paul Simon collection without the Paul Simon CD.

This is a blast from the past - listened to this when I was in 9th grade. Love the songs. I think this is one of the best post-Simon and Garfunkel albums that Paul Simon made.

When it comes to vinyl records, this one is a must own. Every track on it reminds you why music on vinyl is so special. Paul Simon's self-titled album belongs in everyones record collection. Easy to listen to and really showcases his abilities. I own the first press as well and can happily vouch that this repress is very good quality. They did a great job mastering this album and the quality shows when listening. If you don't own the original vinyl then have no fears about picking this one up.

Long a personal favorite, I was pleased to pick up this remastered and expanded version of the album. No need to dwell on the record itself, per se, but must note that the demos of "Duncan" and "Me and Julio" are revelations - in the case of "Duncan" it is virtually a different song and provides a fascinating look behind one of my favorite Simon songs. You can hear it evolving right before your ears - and it started off pretty good to begin with. The demo of "Julio" is less startling, but the "old" lyrics are a kick and the solo acoustic version is bouncy and intimate. In all, this is a solid purchase for Simon fans and for anyone new to him, through the new album, perhaps, will soon cherish this first solo release.