Monday, September 5, 2011

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.

17 comments:

Brian Miller said...

he is a great song writer...not this one but read another on similar topics...his song writing as i am def a student....

Amy said...

Aw, Kathy's Song is one of my favorites, as well! I LOVE Paul Simon. I agree with every word you wrote here. He is a musical genius. Unfortunately, I don't know much of his newer work, but I have no doubt it is as magical and touching as his earlier work. Though I have to say, I am sort of a sucker for harmony, so when he sings with Art Garfunkel, well, that is where my loyalties will always lie.

Grandma Honey said...

So is it true that Simon and Garfunkel are no longer speaking to each other? I heard that a few days ago.

karen said...

Paul Simon is one of my favorite song writers, too. His lyrics are alternately beautiful, clever, and quirky, and the way he puts phrases together is nothing short of genius. And don't even get me started on the rhythms. I don't know if I could pick a favorite - it would depend on my mood.

anitamombanita said...

another fave. thanks for reminding me. :)

Pondside said...

Talent - pure talent - and it puts all the wannabe's to shame.

CB said...

He is definately on my awesome list!!

Unknown said...

I have always love the talent of Paul Simon although I'm not familiar with his most recent stuff. I guess I better look into that! Thanks for the suggestion!

Connie said...

He is a musical genius. I have always liked his style. Since my youngest daughter just got married to a guy named Julio, we've been listening to THAT song. What a beat!

Stacy said...

We like Simon and Garfunkel here. Even my teens sing along because my husband plays their cd so much. Our favorite is The Boxer. There is something about the "li, la, li's" we enjoy....

yaya said...

I love Paul Simon...I have his (and Garfunkel's) albums from many moons ago..I've always loved Kathy's Song...always wished it was about me! I was Kathy way before YaYa!

BECKY said...

I agree, Sue. (How's that for short and sweet?!)

Darlene said...

I think this man in a true genius. I am so glad to know that he is still out there composing. I really do love Kathy's song too. His music is so very soothing and I used to love listening to Jayne play his music. How I do wish we could all get together again and sing along with Jayne. It used to be SO much fun. I hope she is enjoying his new stuff too.

Myrna Foster said...

He's one of my favorites, too. Thanks for the link.

People Who Know Me Would Say: said...

I've 'crushed' hard on Paul and Art since I was 8 years old and first heard 'The Sounds of Silence' at the home of one of my favorite day camp counselors. Good lyrics, smooth harmony.....swooooooooooon!

Jenny said...

He's cool. I actually got to meet him and hang out with him about 100 years ago. Very cool fella.

Caroline said...

My mom has always loved Paul Simon and growing up I would sneak away in my parent's bedroom and play her Simon and Garfunkel records!

I think it's great that he's been able to reinvent himself over and over. That is a sign of real talent! I am going to check your playlist out later this evening once I get the kiddos in bed!