Paul Simon just released, SO BEAUTIFUL OR SO WHAT, April 11, 2011, his 11th Solo studio album. He has recorded: Compilations (9), Live (3), and Singles (15). The count does not include his association with Garfunkel, or recordings by other names. He is a success, no doubt, and not normally a person that needs to be introduced because his reputation supersedes the music. This is his first album in 5 years, and he did it right.
If you are familiar with his music of the past, you will be impressed with the quality of this album. It is as good as GRACELAND, with a similar message throughout.
First: The musicality of this album is amazing. The musicians give us their best sound, and their level of performance is one you can’t help but notice.
Second: The roots influenced writing is somewhat melancholy, and the message throughout is of mortality, in the tradition that Mr. Simon is known for.
Third: Paul Simon’s voice sounds like he did in his younger days. He will be 70 in October, 2011, and you would never guess it from the quality of his voice. It will blow you away.
The only complaint: He includes as the lead track “Getting Ready For Christmas Day”, which was released as a single in December 2010. Not a song I want to listen to every time the CD plays. The song is a sample of a 1941 sermon given by Rev. J.M. Gates. Just one of those songs you would rather hear at Christmas time.
“Afterlife” contains amazing guitar work, released as a single. He sang this song on Opera live and he didn’t sound as good as it does on the album.
“Dazzling Blue”, “Rewrite”, “Love and Hardtimes” and “Love and Blessings”, with foot stomping beats, “So Beautiful, So What”, another upbeat track.
If you were a fan, you will love the vintage poetic Paul Simon songwriting and the excellent musicians that make this album a success.
http://www.paulsimon.com/
Tunedin4U.blogspot.com
No comments:
Post a Comment