What A Start? A New York Fave!
Eli Josephs | New York | 09/06/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"To me, Simon and Garfunkel will always epitomize the ultimate New York group. After all, they're both New Yorkers by birth--unlike other great New York acts to follow such as Bob Dylan, The Echoes, etc.
This debut album gives hints of even greater things to come, and of course we all know the story of how S&G were going their own ways before a DJ added electric instrumentation to "Sounds Of Silence" which would lead to both a glorious folk-rock career and even better follow-up LP!
Only with acts such as The Everly Brothers, Gram Parsons and Emmylou Harris, and Teresa and Mark of The Echoes have I heard such a beautiful blending of voices. (okay... Peter, Paul, and Mary were great, too, but I'm thinking more along slightly harder-edged lines here!)
Paul's writing is very strong and moving in his early, albeit more politically-oriented folk years. The title track would be revamped on the follow-up album, too, under another name, but I still prefer the moving quality of this LP, its sincerity, and its honesty.
A great welcome to the world of Simon and Garfunkel!"
"From dust were ye made and dust ye shall be."
Laura | Seattle | 07/10/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Some of the reviews for this album have been rather harsh, and frankly a tad ridiculous. Basically, if you are looking for the most radio played, "best of", popular music-esque songs from simon & garfunkel, you probably won't like this album. But, if you enjoy their poetry and amazing harmonies and get past the initial surprise of how different this album is...you may come to appreciate it. Two songs in particular: Bleecker Street and Sparrow. Sparrow is incredible...totally worth it. Try something new..."