FDF Volume 2 Issue 119 : Paul Simon - There Goes Rhymin' Simon

Album - There Goes Rhymin' Simon
Artist - Paul Simon
Key Players - Paul Simon - vocals/guitar. See the Wiki entry for all the other performers.
Produced By - Paul Simon

Release Date - May 5, 1973

What caused me to blow off the dust? - This cd is owned by my wife and I was looking for something I haven't listened to in ages, as well as something a little out of the norm for this site. Trying to be diverse and compliment each album where appropriate.

Overview - This was the second solo album from Paul Simon (an earlier one was recorded but not released until 2004). Paul was in fine form on this record recording a breakneck speed and releasing the record quickly. The album would fuse acoustic/folk with R+B and flashes of gospel music. Simon would secure his place as a prominent singer/songwriter with his early solo releases. He'd be busy until the mid 70's then take a few years off before coming back in 1980 with another studio record,. This album would be re-issued in July of 2004 with some demo versions included. Rolling Stone chose this as the 267 Greatest Album of all time in December of 2003.

FDF Comments (aka the songs) - (this review is on the 10 tracks from the original record) - The album opens with a "colorful" song to say the least in "Kodachrome". In reading about this, the song was named after the Kodak film of the same name, thus making Kodak require the liner notes to list this as a trademark. It would not be released in the UK as a single because of the trademarked name. Anyhow, the song is an acoustic guitar driven, slightly laid back track. There are some great moments of piano work and the song slowly grows as it progresses. "Tenderness" a pretty song with a really nice horn section that seems to sneak up on you. "Take Me to the Mardi Gras" is a surprisingly mellow song at the outset with a title as such, but it quickly will find you tapping your feet and the closing portion of the Dixeland style music from the Onward Brass Band really strikes a chord. "Something So Right" is a song about his first wife Peggy and Simon really puts his heart out there. He is sort of a wishy washy guy when you look at him but his profession of love oozes from the track. Strong piano work once more opens "One Man's Ceiling Is Another Man's Floor" before the song gets almost a mellow rockabilly feel. Sort of hard to explain in a laid back setting but you'd probably agree. The track "American Tune" is a pretty song which really showcases Paul's voice and its later enhanced with the string section. Another fun uptempo sing along is found in "Was a Sunny Day" has a very similar feel to the album opener. "Learn How to Fall" is an uptempo track with a great organ section. "St. Judy's Comet" comes across as a song, almost a bedtime song, to child about waiting in the night to see a comet. The album closes with "Loves Me Like a Rock" and it closes out the record on a high note. Simon uses the backing singers (Dixie Hummingbirds) that sing along in response to Simon.


Where are they now? - Paul is still active both in the studio and live. He is passionate about music education for children, has written for Broadway, acted in film and supported many causes. He has married to singer Edie Brickell since 1992 and has three children with her. His song "Father and Daughter" was nominated for an Academy Award in 2000. His last studio album was called "Surprise" and it was released in 2006.


FDF Personal Comments (aka the Live experience) - I have never seen Paul Simon in concert.

FDF Overall Take - Coming off the heels of his days with Art Garfunkel he was quick to record and release solo records of radio friendly music. Paul would release many solo records and continue to tour. In 1986 he hit paydirt once more with the release of "Graceland" making his name even more widely known. Paul Simon might not be for everyone, but toss any of his cds on at any time and you are sure to garner a few smiles and not a lot of fuss from guests.

Links

The Official Paul Simon site here and on myspace.


Curious? Check out some MUSIC!

mp3s have been taken down

Kodachrome
Was a Sunny Day
Loves Me Like A Rock

Tracks taken from "There Goes Rhymin' Simon" which you can buy here. This is the extended version.

Disclaimer - For the most part songs listed you can find on iTunes or your local cd shop. The idea is to give you a little taste of the music. Please support the artist buy purchasing some of their work. Songs are posted for about 1 week but can and will be removed at the request of the artist, band, band management etc. If you are one of those persons contact me via the email link in the profile and they will be removed as soon as we are made aware of the request.