Hurricane
May-20-2016, 17:37 GMT
United Kingdom
 | Well, Jay...
It's an interesting take on the body of work. I don't think it represents my own thoughts on the subject but I think the arguments and reasoning represent a perfectly valid viewpoint. (And... Actually - 'Capeman' didn't have to make the list, so I don't think it's being derided at all - more highlighted as worth a further listening - just possibly - listen to the others first...)
I'd be completely stuck trying to rank the output of the greatest popular musician and poet of our time. I mean - how does one separate BOTW and Graceland? Both 'once in a lifetime if you're lucky' albums with some of the most marvellous compositions of all time included on both. Then, if you exclude them from one's thinking there's still a plethora of ground-breaking, barrier-breaking music that could quite easily still end up in the 'once in a lifetime if you're lucky' category.
For me, Paul Simon speaks directly to me through sound and rhythm in everything he's ever produced. He hasn't ever just thought,"Well I'm done exploring, I'll stay here for a while." No. He's more a,"Well that was lovely, I've learned a lot and I've managed to express myself in a new and exciting way. Where shall I go next?!" Or, probably more likely,"I wonder where I'll end up next."
He is forever looking for new sounds, rhythms and textures and to make them work when merged with the concept of a popular song.
He'd be number one all the time. Everywhere. If only people would allow themselves to listen more deeply and just absorb the vibe.
Oh - how I'd love to be a musician in his band. Even just tinkling on a triangle. That's my wish in life!!! And you know what? If it did ever happen and all I had to play was the triangle and not a guitar or blowy instrument, I know that, in the concert, my 'ting' would be important to the music and heard across the whole audience. Nobody plays pop music like that. Nobody. Except Paul Simon. He is an unique talent. And I can't wait to hear and see him in concert and recording again. |
mog
May-20-2016, 19:35 GMT
Canada
 | Well, this ranking hurts us because we think that his solo work is so much better and richer than the S&G stuff.
But if you place youself in the shoes of a common man and are looking for the hits, the known songs, the commercial successes, then the ranking kind of make sense (except maybe for Hearts and Bones!). |
