Search - Simon & Garfunkel :: Old Friends Live on Stage (Deluxe Edition) (2 CD/1 DVD)

Timeless

Bruce Kendall | Southern Pines, NC | 03/12/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Wanna capture time in a bottle? Start here. This is an absolutely brilliant set from a duo who were amongst a '60s '70s movement who brought brilliant song crafting and writing to a popular culture which had previously been practically devoid of it (the occasional Cole Porter or Gershwin being exceptions).



It's great to see that the guys give a great and proper shout out to the Everly's, who were their harmonizing inspirations. Just about every cut is either equal to or surpassing the originals most of us are familiar with. The greatest duo in Pop/Rock/Folk history? I think so, my friends. Hear them here in all their glory, with great back up musicians (as always) and pitch perfect recording! It's the state of the art, as it should be for two talents who are indeed "artists" as well as highly prolific tunesmiths. What a night of music!



BEK"

Like Drinking Vodka and Lime

! Metamorpho ;) | Castle in Scotland | 12/23/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Hello again people. I really have to stop handing out 5 star reviews this season like they were candy canes. However, if something is worthy of it - as this c.d./dvd set is - then I am justified. Simon and Garfunkel are just classic. I remember "The Sound of Silence" when it came out having such a big impact at the time. That was the season of alienation, and S & G really had their hand on the pulse.

A quick story. It was either late '66 or early '67, and I'm in school and this girl in front of me turns around and asks if anyone wanted tickets to see Simon and Garfunkel at Carnegie Hall? She had two. Gave them away "free" to me and someone else. I was way too young to go into New York City by myself. But I did anyway. Guess how much the tickets were? A whopping FIVE DOLLARS!!!! And that was alot for a concert at that time. Anyway... the concert was pure magic. Only Paul on guitar and harmonies. It was rich, lush and angelic. What can you say about a blend of vocals like this except that it is as near to perfection you can get. I have always remembered that concert as one of the best I've ever seen. I believe the c.d. "Simon and Garfunkel Live 1967" is as close to the concert that I saw.

Anyway..... when I heard they were reuniting for a concert tour, I just had to go. And, believe me, this time around the tickets were nowhere near as cheap. Still, I went to see them at The Continental Arena in N.J. on the night of December 8th, 2003 and was excited to find that they used part of that very night for the DVD. The evening was as excellent as the DVD shows, however, you viewers have the advantage of seeing them up close. It's hard to get a view like that 100 rows out or so.

This package is worth it - ten times over believe me. It is a retrospect of their career with excellent side musicians who recreate all the particulars of the original recordings and then some. S & G's mock feud bantering puts the audience in a great mood. The evening sails smoothly and the introduction of The Everly Brothers adds icing to the cake. Paying homage to their influences - S & G provide a genuine warmth to the concert.

I do want to point out one song inparticular. When they did "Bridge Over Troubled Water", Paul took the second verse. An interesting variation, but it works fine. Also, near the end, the piano goes into a strange key variation...... most noticably. I am assuming it was done to accomodate Garfunkel's ending to the song. In any event, the song was a mainpoint in a fine evening.

I could go song by song in this review but it would be a big yawn. Suffice to say - S & G are professionals and they definitely do not disappoint in this offering!!

If you are looking for classic pop music with alot of grace - an EXTREMELY HIGH recommendation for this one. Whew....that was hard. Being totally serious for a change is a difficult challenge. But Simon and Garfunkel are worth it! Goodbye for now people!

"

I love these guys!

Maryanne Sims | 03/11/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I was at the concert in Dallas and I must say, some of the songs were better on stage here. But, that doesn't take away from these CDs at all. It doesn't matter to me whether they are still friends (as some have commented) what matters to me is the music. It was wonderful to see how they teamed up on tunes like "Bridge Over Troubled Water". Garfunkel obviously could not hit those notes anymore, but Simon stepped in with his version and it was great. It was Simon & Garfunkel -- new and improved. I loved the show and I love the CDs --"