Paul Simon Writes, Sings, and Soars

I ran across an interview with Paul Simon on the subject of songwriting last week. The man is no less than a genius with words and melodies, so needless to say, I was fascinated reading these insights into his unique and remarkably fruitful creative process.

When it comes to reinventing himself as an artist, no one does it better than our old friend, Paul. He is definitely Still Crazy After All These Years, and he just seems to get crazier as the years go by. (I mean that in the very best way, of course, musically speaking.) How many songwriters have the complexity of style to go from I Am a Rock and Scarborough Fair to Bridge Over Troubled Water and Cecilia to 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover, Graceland, The Rhythm of the Saints, Father and Daughter, and back again to his newest offering, So Beautiful or So What? (Check out this cut: Love and Hard Times.) Just one look at his website speaks to his prolific nature, and he doesn't even claim the Simon and Garfunkel stuff there.

This always cool, so-smart-that-it's-sexy man is definitely one of my favorites ever, with Kathy's Song being the one that speaks to me the most clearly of all and America standing a close second. I do love the newer work, too, including every song on the Graceland album, most of Still Crazy After All These Years, the very tender and whimsical Father and Daughter, and more. Apparently, Rolling Stone agrees with me, because they have written about Paul Simon no less than 3228 times since his amazing career began.

Need I say more? (If you turn up the volume on my playlist, Kathy's Song will serenade you.) Enjoy!

=)

PS. Happy Labor Day to all, y'all.