Search - Paul Simon :: Paul Simon

Funky, folky, fun, and formative

kennedy19 | wakefield, ma USA | 05/17/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Paul Simon began his exciting and daring seventies career with this, his most pared-down effort. Perhaps the transition comes as a surprise after the lushness of Simon and Garfunkel's "Bridge Over Troubled Water" (though there are some links between this album and that one, including the use of a bass harmonica, Jamaican rhythm, and Incan pipes.) Nevertheless, this album carries with it the thrill of a newly liberated solo artist. It immediately delves into funky territory with the memorable "Mother and Child Reunion," an excellent electric reggae number with fine female backing vocals. It proceeds to "Duncan," a song about lost innocence, and "Everthing Put Together Falls Apart," a mellow and unusual folk number (how many songs begin with the word 'Parafanalia'?). Both songs may possibly be seen as subtle comments on Simon's departure from his former duo, but each works well on its own merits. We then get to some songs that prove once again what an excellent guitar player and singer Simon is. "Run that Body Down" is simple but catchy as all get out, and "Armistice Day" is a superb performance, and a very moving one in its very understatement. "Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard" is another playfully simple classic with excellent lyrics, and it adds a sense of upbeat fun to the proceedings. "Peace Like a River" is a haunting number that anyone who has ever been up late worrying can relate to. "Papa Hobo" is a distinctly American song of sorry resignation, told from the point of view of a down-and-out fellow who somehow makes do. I love it. "Hobo Blues" is an unexpected guitar/fiddle instrumental, beautiful. "Paranoia Blues" continues the theme of worry and slight bitterness, and then we come to "Congradulations," an excellent weary song that is musically brilliant in its syncopation, pauses, and construction. On this melancholy note, we end. The entire experience has been rich in its honesty, cleverness, and tunefulness. Simon would revisit his emotional aches again on other records, but never with the same directness."

Fantastically Awesome (though underrated) Solo Album

Emily | MA | 07/13/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"After the breakup of Simon and Garfunkel, Paul Simon really showed his individual style and talent. This first solo album is amazing, showing the same lyrical intelligence as his earlier S&G work but even more innovation and originality. I love most of his work, but this and "Graceland" are my absolute favorite albums.
It starts off with "Mother and Child Reunion," a great song which shows intriguingly authentic reggae influences. "Duncan" is a beautifully simple song, with a unique use of South American-sounding flutes and an interesting story. The way he sings it really perfects the song; it is understated and indescribably distinctive. "Everything Put Together Falls Apart" is another interesting one, laid back but powerful. It goes nicely with "Run that Body Down," a song in which he blatantly and meaningfully uses the characters of himself and his (then) wife to deliver a similar anti-drug statement (but not in a self-righteous way). (At least that's what I have gotten out of these songs.) However, even without the message these songs both sound great, and show a new individualism outside of S&G. "Armistice Day" is one of my favorite songs on the album, starting off fairly low-key but with very interesting chords. It progresses well, and by the second half other instruments are added and the result is a fascinating fusion of folk, rock, country, and totally original elements. I love the lyrics in the second half, too--they're that distinct blend of social commentary and poetry, but with humor so that it doesn't become pretentious in any way. "Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard is my absolute favorite on this album, a classic, I think. It has upbeat, almost thrilling instrumentals and, this time, words that are really mostly for fun. They're fun to say, to hear, but are intelligent at the same time. "When the radical priest comes to get me released we is all on the cover of Newsweek." And there's something about the name "Julio" in a song that sounds just right; trust me on this one. "Peace Like a River" is a song that truly me chills, which I really mean. It's a hard song to describe, but it's desperate and confident and surrendered at the same time. The verse that gets me: "You can beat us with wires, you can beat us with chains, you can run out your ruled but you can't outrun the history train." The guitar interludes and underlying drum current are subtly powerful as well. "Papa Hobo" is another great song--there's not a one I haven't liked so far! Sometimes critical but never mean-spirited, this song is like an interesting little side comment. But it also sounds great, at the same time sweet and hard, gritty and innocent. The next song seems to be a nice follow-up--the purely instrumental "Papa Hobo's Blues." It's a guitar and fiddle duet, short and sweet and moving along good-naturedly. It's a nice addition to the album, lightening it up with the great melody. "Paranoia Blues" is my other favorite on this album. The grungy sound works outstandingly, and the words at once make you laugh and think. The chorus is superb, as is the Chinese food verse: "Once is was down in China Town, eatin' some Lin's Chow Fon, I happen to turn around, and when I looked I see my Chow Fon's gone, oh no no..." Well I suppose you've got to hear it sung--it's quite tragic. Finally, the album rounds out with "Congratulations," a poignant song that gives a nice feeling of completion to the album, but is not one of my personal favorites. Don't get me wrong, I don't dislike it in any way, but it's probably the only one on here that I might skip over occasionally.
All in all, this is a wonderful album, one on which Paul Simon truly showed his early solo potential. There's something on here for everyone, and yet the album feels unified and complete, with strong and entertaining instrumentals, lyrics, and vocals. It's fun to listen to, quite simply, and at the same time it also makes the listener do some interesting thinking about meaning in most of these extraordinary songs. IN SHORT: IT RULES."

A Quintessential Album

shuturpieh0le | Miami, FL | 01/19/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a great album, my father bought this record when it first came out in the 70's, he loved it and now so do I. Everybody who I played this album for like it also, I played the song Me and Julio Down By The Schoolyard for a friend, she loved it bought the album, and now listens to it all the time :o)"