Paul Simon

The "Simon" of Simon and Garfunkel. You can call him Al.

Information: Paul Simon
Suggested first purchase/album: Graceland.
Suggested first best of: Negotiations and Love Songs--1971-1986.

Paul Simon (1972) -- Very different from the Simon and Garfunkel stuff, in a cool way. Features "Mother and Child Reunion" and "Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard." B

There Goes Rhymin' Simon (1973) -- Not as good as the first one, but still has good stuff like "Loves Me Like a Rock." B

Still Crazy After All These Years (1975) -- Feels like an album from a quiet guy pushing middle-age who wants to be all earthy and singer-songwritery. Something like that. Not a bad thing, but not as fun as some other stuff. Features "50 Ways To Leave Your Lover." B

One Trick Pony (1980) -- I need to hear this some more, but I like it. B

Hearts and Bones (1983) -- Maybe the best album Paul Simon's done solo so far. B

Graceland (1986) -- There comes a time in every white man's life when he gets interested in music that isn't part of his culture. Either old blues or hillbilly music or, in this case, African music and zydeco. You might think that would be a bad thing, but usually it's actually a good thing. Heck, most of the music I listen to is white guys who translate other cultures' music for other white guys' ears. Anyway, Graceland proves once again that South African music is really really fun and joyous, and even better when it's got some good Paul Simon songwriting layered on top of it. The crazy accordians of the zydeco and other styles present on this album only add to the big fun mix. None of the songs are taken too seriously, and yet they sound very serious... the song "Graceland" being a perfect example of going to Graceland in Memphis as a sort of religious pilgrimage (see the Canterbury Tales looking cover), mixed with some relationshippy stuff, a mixture of goofiness, everydaynesss, and spirituality. This kind of thing happens a bit on the record. The album also features "I Know What I Know," "You Can Call Me Al," and other great songs. B

Rhythm of the Saints (1990) -- I need to hear it some more, but it feels like a not-as-great sequel to Graceland.

Songs from the Capeman (1997) -- A weird musical about a weird subject. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. B

You're the One (2000) -- Need to hear this one more. Seems more dull than most. B