In the middle of a review of Paul Simon’s okay nothing great Christmas song, I stopped typing “This is a return to form???” to ponder a return to form from what?
Simon is the only 60’s (or 70’s or even 80’s) icon who has never gone through an artistic drought. Paul might not be prolific but when he releases an album it is ALWAYS pretty good.
Here is a quick guide
Paul Simon – Not as shallow as it pretends to be, the quintessential New Yorkers great New york album. And so was Julio ihs gay lover or not? Grade: A+
There Goes Rhymin’ Simon – Not as deep as it pretends to be and still holds a wealth of songs anybody would kill for. Conor Oberst covered “Kodachrome”, the Roches are on “On A Sunny Day”. Grade: A
Still Crazy After All These Years – Sure “My Little Town” sucked. How about “50 Ways To Lose Your Lover”? Grade: B+
One Trick Pony – Now this is a dog. Soundtrack to the unwatchable movie, it did have “Late In The Evening” Grade: B-
Hearts And Bones – The great lost Paul Simon album. Everybody thinks this is a dog as well because they were pissed at the movie but it is really, really good. It would be a good album if all it did was write the song Lennon’s death deserved. Grade: B+
Graceland – Seen as Simon’s resurrection, lest we forget he ripped off everybody from Los Lobos to the Boyoyo Boys. Worth it but. Grade: A+
The Rhythm Of The Saints – Part II and not as tight but still, “Born At The Right Time”??? Grade: B+
Songs From The Capeman – The only people who don’t think this is a flawed masterpiece of doo wop and Latin American rhythms married to 50s rock married a Broadway musical married to Paul’s own idiomatic idiosyncratic genius, haven’t heard it. Grade: A
You’re The One – I have no idea what people don’t love about this superb set of fair to middling Plus the best Buddy Holly sample ever. Grade: B+
Surprise – Show me an album with a song as great as “Father And Daughter” and I’ll show you You’re The One. Grade: B+
So where is the falter? Where’s the How To Make An Atomic Bomb or The Juliet Letters? It ain’t there. Simon may not be prolific but he is on the money.