A Mark In Time

General Discussion => General Discussion => Topic started by: ustas on April 06, 2011, 11:03:29 AM

Title: Paul Simon - So Beautiful or So What
Post by: ustas on April 06, 2011, 11:03:29 AM
Listen to So Beautiful or So What, new album from Paul Simon.
http://www.stream.sobeautifulorsowhat.com

Release is planned for April. Vinyl and hi-res 24/96 digital download will be available.
Title: Re: Paul Simon - So Beautiful or So What
Post by: goldenheart96 on April 06, 2011, 06:12:59 PM
Can't effin' wait! Paul Simon is my all-time favourite songwriter (sorry MK). Going to see him live this summer, too!
Title: Re: Paul Simon - So Beautiful or So What
Post by: Jackal on April 13, 2011, 11:23:55 PM
Great! He's got some really great stuff. Love his Rhythm of the Saints album.

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E652VTb2ubI&feature=related

Wish Mark would make something that sounds like this. So fresh! Fingers crossed.
Title: Re: Paul Simon - So Beautiful or So What
Post by: Fletch on April 14, 2011, 08:26:45 AM
I love how the opening groove reminds of Mark playing with Bill Odiie!! :)

Paul is always over analytical, but this vid is exciting, it does sound fresh.
Title: Re: Paul Simon - So Beautiful or So What
Post by: Jackal on April 14, 2011, 09:51:13 AM
Here's another one. Love it. The black guitar player seems to play the MK Strat.

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVTlueB-ReI&feature=player_embedded
Title: Re: Paul Simon - So Beautiful or So What
Post by: Love Expresso on April 14, 2011, 11:32:38 AM
Wish Mark would make something that sounds like this. So fresh! Fingers crossed.

Exactly what i thought, Jakal.
I sometimes think that MK should maybe try to work with others than always Chuck Ainlay and .... may I dare to say.... Guy..... just to get another SOUND.
But that could kick off another Sound discussion which I do not want to start here. It is just my opinion that MK sounds sometimes too polished...
The material is still great and awesome, of course, it is just about sound of the album itself. Good examples from MK's work for what I like are: Secondary Waltz, The Fish and the Bird, Before Gas & TV, Sucker Row, Donegan's Gone...

LE
Title: Re: Paul Simon - So Beautiful or So What
Post by: dustyvalentino on April 14, 2011, 11:56:44 AM
You can also stream here:

http://music.aol.com/new-releases-full-cds#/1

Looks like an MK strat sort of, but isn't the headstock too big? Too small to see in that video.

I've also been listening to the new Steve Earle album produced by T-Bone Burnett. After a series of albums produced by Earle himself it's a refreshing change. I agree that it would be interesting to hear MK produced by someone who could bring somethin different to the table, T-Bone, Rick Rubin, Daniel Lanois etc.
Title: Re: Paul Simon - So Beautiful or So What
Post by: Jackal on April 14, 2011, 12:10:37 PM

You can also stream here:

http://music.aol.com/new-releases-full-cds#/1

Thanks! Love this stuff.

Quote
Looks like an MK strat sort of, but isn't the headstock too big? Too small to see in that video.

Yeah, looks like a 70s style headstock. Hm ... Wonder what that is.

Quote
I've also been listening to the new Steve Earle album produced by T-Bone Burnett. After a series of albums produced by Earle himself it's a refreshing change. I agree that it would be interesting to hear MK produced by someone who could bring somethin different to the table, T-Bone, Rick Rubin, Daniel Lanois etc.

I sometimes think that MK should maybe try to work with others than always Chuck Ainlay and .... may I dare to say.... Guy..... just to get another SOUND.
But that could kick off another Sound discussion which I do not want to start here. It is just my opinion that MK sounds sometimes too polished...
The material is still great and awesome, of course, it is just about sound of the album itself.

Couldn't agree more wit both of you. Chances are rather slim, I think, that Mark would let someone else give him directions regarding his own songs and albums. I also agre about Guy. As much as I like the fellow, he is very smooth.
Title: Re: Paul Simon - So Beautiful or So What
Post by: Jackal on April 14, 2011, 01:06:12 PM
I just keep listening to this stream over and over. I'm absolutely mesmerized. Gotta buy it. It's a bit short, only 40 minutes or so. But in a way that's nice, because it makes it easier to listen to the whole album in one go.
Title: Re: Paul Simon - So Beautiful or So What
Post by: Rollergirl on April 14, 2011, 01:30:20 PM
Wish Mark would make something that sounds like this. So fresh! Fingers crossed.

Exactly what i thought, Jakal.
I sometimes think that MK should maybe try to work with others than always Chuck Ainlay and .... may I dare to say.... Guy..... just to get another SOUND.
But that could kick off another Sound discussion which I do not want to start here. It is just my opinion that MK sounds sometimes too polished...
The material is still great and awesome, of course, it is just about sound of the album itself. Good examples from MK's work for what I like are: Secondary Waltz, The Fish and the Bird, Before Gas & TV, Sucker Row, Donegan's Gone...
Well, at the risk of losing  my title of President, I must say that I agree
Title: Re: Paul Simon - So Beautiful or So What
Post by: Jackal on April 14, 2011, 02:12:51 PM
[...] MK knows what he wants.

And herein lies the problem. Ever since the early days, Mark has always been strong-willed and had a strong sense of what he wanted. This has of course to a large extent been very successful. I mean, he is a world-class artist still going strong after all these years! But I would dare to argue that by following only his own vision has also limited him. And the long-term close cooperation with Guy, who's more synth and pop oriented, I'm not so sure has been such a good idea.
Title: Re: Paul Simon - So Beautiful or So What
Post by: dustyvalentino on April 14, 2011, 03:20:38 PM
I really like the Paul Simon album overall. A good return to form after the lacklustre Surprise.

The slow solo songs were a bit boring but I enjoyed all the more upbeat ones. Wasn't really listening properly though so maybe the solo ones will grow on me.
Title: Re: Paul Simon - So Beautiful or So What
Post by: Love Expresso on April 14, 2011, 03:41:15 PM
I heard "Dazzling Blue" being played on at least three different radio stations here in Germany the last few days. It seems this new Paul Simon album is highly anticipated, not only by his fans. I am listening to the album right now, sounds great.

LE
Title: Re: Paul Simon - So Beautiful or So What
Post by: dustyvalentino on April 14, 2011, 04:31:41 PM
Dazzling Blue was definitely one of the best on the album.
Title: Re: Paul Simon - So Beautiful or So What
Post by: Jackal on April 14, 2011, 05:01:19 PM
Take away the African elements and the background vocals, and Dazzling Blue could have been something Mark could have written.
Title: Re: Paul Simon - So Beautiful or So What
Post by: goldenheart96 on April 14, 2011, 09:06:38 PM
I've been playing Paul's new album in the car for one week now, it's 38 something minutes long - that's almost exactly how long it takes me to get to work. What a fantastic piece of music! I just keep discovering new layers, lyric meanings and sounds. That's why I love Paul Simon. He has learned so much from these African/Brazilian musicians and combines it with his own ideas. And no album sounds like the previous one. For me, that's what musical development is about. The album has brilliant lyrics, too. The Afterlife is my fav, also "Question For The Angels", where the pilgrim suddenly spots a billboard with Jay-Z on it. Who needs Dylan if you have Paul Simon? Seriously, I don't. Never have, never will.

And yes, I agree... MK would profit from some new input.

By the way, did you notice the cigar box guitar in the EPK? How cool is that!
Title: Re: Paul Simon - So Beautiful or So What
Post by: Love Expresso on April 14, 2011, 09:36:42 PM
Who needs Dylan if you have Paul Simon? 

Ha ha good one!

LE
Title: Re: Paul Simon - So Beautiful or So What
Post by: Love Expresso on April 14, 2011, 10:27:16 PM
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8NZbIUCqD8E

LE
Title: Re: Paul Simon - So Beautiful or So What
Post by: dustyvalentino on April 14, 2011, 10:45:37 PM
Do I have to choose? I love them both.  :-\

And of course they both love each other. :)
Title: Re: Paul Simon - So Beautiful or So What
Post by: goldenheart96 on April 14, 2011, 11:35:08 PM
You're right Dusty. Am aware of that, and respect it. By the way, here's a great quote:
"We just made bad music. It was simple as that." - Paul Simon about touring with Bob Dylan and coping with his "unpredictability" as a performer (from "Uncut" magazine, April 2011). Posted it on FB a while ago.
Well, I don't want to go into it again (hm, I probably already have, sorry about that) but I think some of you know I have an aversion against Dylan. He simply gets on my nerves and I think he's overrated. He's my Phil Collins, so to speak  ;D
Title: Re: Paul Simon - So Beautiful or So What
Post by: Jackal on April 15, 2011, 07:42:00 AM
The song The Afterlife reminds me a bit of this excellent song by Paul Brady, starring none other than Mr John Illsley on bass:

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TypAzKe2kAs
Title: Re: Paul Simon - So Beautiful or So What
Post by: Pottel on April 15, 2011, 10:43:27 AM
paul simon will always be graceland to me, one of the best most coherent albums ever written....
Title: Re: Paul Simon - So Beautiful or So What
Post by: Pottel on April 15, 2011, 10:44:18 AM
Who needs Dylan if you have Paul Simon? 

Ha ha good one!

LE
i do.
Title: Re: Paul Simon - So Beautiful or So What
Post by: dustyvalentino on April 15, 2011, 11:51:54 AM
Dylan being mentioned in the same breath as Collins is just wrong on so many levels...

I've heard the boots of teh joint tour, seemed it was a good show except for the handful of songs they tried to play together. And that's not really a surprise, they are very similar so they are bound to clash. Not like MK or Clapton who could come in and solo over the top of somebody else's songs or whatever.
Title: Re: Paul Simon - So Beautiful or So What
Post by: Love Expresso on April 15, 2011, 12:22:51 PM
Who needs Dylan if you have Paul Simon? 

Ha ha good one!

LE
i do.

Oh, I prefer Zimmy anytime, too! (I was searching for the "sarcastic" emoticon but couldn't find it...)

LE
Title: Re: Paul Simon - So Beautiful or So What
Post by: superval99 on April 15, 2011, 12:31:47 PM
I prefer Bob's music too!  To be honest, I found the Paul Simon album rather dull and boring, apart from one or two songs, but maybe it needs more than three listens.  ;)
Title: Re: Paul Simon - So Beautiful or So What
Post by: Jackal on April 15, 2011, 12:37:31 PM
I prefer Bob's music too!  To be honest, I found the Paul Simon album rather dull and boring, apart from one or two songs, but maybe it needs more than three listens.  ;)

You found this dull and boring, but you like Before Gas and TV???  ::)

 ;D
Title: Re: Paul Simon - So Beautiful or So What
Post by: superval99 on April 15, 2011, 12:44:04 PM
Yes, I love Gas & TV and Monteleone, both of which you found a big yawn!    ;D
Title: Re: Paul Simon - So Beautiful or So What
Post by: Jackal on April 15, 2011, 01:04:06 PM
Guess we're just differently wired  ;D But that's cool.
Title: Re: Paul Simon - So Beautiful or So What
Post by: superval99 on April 15, 2011, 01:13:46 PM
It would be very boring if we all enjoyed the same things.  That's what makes this forum fun to be a member!    ;D   For the record, though, I do like Paul Simon's lyrics - just find his music makes my mind drift to other things, like what I will cook for dinner or plant in the garden!   :)
Title: Re: Paul Simon - So Beautiful or So What
Post by: Jackal on April 15, 2011, 01:29:24 PM
Well, not everything on it is a masterpiece, and it bears resemblance to Graceland and Rhythm of the Saints musically, but I just found there was something fresh about the whole thing.
Title: Re: Paul Simon - So Beautiful or So What
Post by: Love Expresso on April 15, 2011, 11:13:50 PM
I prefer Bob's music too!  To be honest, I found the Paul Simon album rather dull and boring, apart from one or two songs, but maybe it needs more than three listens.  ;)

You found this dull and boring, but you like Before Gas and TV???  ::)

 ;D

OH, Before Gas & TV: Masterpiece! One of MK's most soulful songs! You can hear the north sea waves literally breaking to the stony coast at "at the edge of the world"... It is recorded in one take and you can hear that from the very first note or second... And the lyrics are deeply honest and melancholic about "In the past, everything was better..." Oh, I could go off topic for ages only because of this masterpiece...

This track and the Get Lucky track alone are worth the buy of the album!

 ;)

LE
Title: Re: Paul Simon - So Beautiful or So What
Post by: Jackal on April 16, 2011, 03:40:51 AM
I prefer Bob's music too!  To be honest, I found the Paul Simon album rather dull and boring, apart from one or two songs, but maybe it needs more than three listens.  ;)

You found this dull and boring, but you like Before Gas and TV???  ::)

 ;D

OH, Before Gas & TV: Masterpiece! One of MK's most soulful songs! You can hear the north sea waves literally breaking to the stony coast at "at the edge of the world"... It is recorded in one take and you can hear that from the very first note or second... And the lyrics are deeply honest and melancholic about "In the past, everything was better..." Oh, I could go off topic for ages only because of this masterpiece...

This track and the Get Lucky track alone are worth the buy of the album!

 ;)

LE

OK, the song itself isn't too terrible, it's just boring. But Mark's singing - it's horrible on this one. I know he has improved since the muddy and muffled days of Golden Heart, but he just doesn't have the voice to produce those long, high and haunting Celtic tones. He tries so hard, but he sounds like he's eaten something that's causing him severe pain in the bowels.
Title: Re: Paul Simon - So Beautiful or So What
Post by: superval99 on April 16, 2011, 09:17:49 AM
I think his singing is perfect for this song, it really fits the atmosphere of the place. 
Title: Re: Paul Simon - So Beautiful or So What
Post by: Jackal on April 16, 2011, 09:29:49 AM
NO!!!  >:(

 ;D
Title: Re: Paul Simon - So Beautiful or So What
Post by: Love Expresso on April 16, 2011, 05:09:31 PM
Funny how opinions can differ.. Everytime he starts singing that song I really get the shivers.. in a positive way of course... And I think everytime I hear it
"Wow, how great his singing is, compared to the Golden Heart days..."

LE
Title: Re: Paul Simon - So Beautiful or So What
Post by: superval99 on April 16, 2011, 05:17:26 PM
Funny how opinions can differ.. Everytime he starts singing that song I really get the shivers.. in a positive way of course... And I think everytime I hear it
"Wow, how great his singing is, compared to the Golden Heart days..."

LE

Me too!   I get goosebumps!    :)   
Title: Re: Paul Simon - So Beautiful or So What
Post by: goldenheart96 on April 16, 2011, 05:43:10 PM
I honestly can't understand why someone would call Paul's melodies dull and boring, and think Dylan is a musical genius!! For me, Bob's melodies are the ones that are dull and boring and put me to sleep. His stuff all sounds the same to me. He has some very interesting lyrics but I prefer to read them in a book rather than listening to his dreadful voice. Sorry. And sorry Dusty but Bob is annoying for me. And what's even more annoying is all that "OMG Bob is a GENIUS" talk. Give me a break  >:( Oh well, people have different musical standards... If Bob's melodies OR a dull MK song like "Before Gas and TV" (there are quite a few others btw.. I had a kind of cultural shock when I first listened to the STP album because the song structures all felt too simple for someone who's been listening to Paul Simon all her life) are enough to keep you excited, fine  :P
And yes, I personally put Paul Simon over MK.

As for Pauls newer songs, you really should listen more closely. There are so many layers and textures in his songs. All the stuff he has learned from those foreign cultures. His songs must be listened to with headphones, and not during gardening...

So, can we get back to "So Beautiful Or So What" in here?  ::)
Title: Re: Paul Simon - So Beautiful or So What
Post by: goldenheart96 on April 16, 2011, 06:07:48 PM
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVTlueB-ReI
Title: Re: Paul Simon - So Beautiful or So What
Post by: superval99 on April 16, 2011, 06:23:27 PM
I wasn't gardening at the time I was listening to the album!    I was listening very carefully, but my mind eventually wandered to the garden, due to extreme boredom!  It was a very long 38 minutes!   ::)

I didn't say Dylan is a musical genius, just that I prefer his music to Paul Simon's.   I feel about Paul Simon's music, exactly as you feel about Dylan, soporific!    To me there is far more variety in Dylan's music and I never tire of listening to his songs, whereas Paul Simon's music is pretty samey to me!   I'm not too keen on the African vibes, to be honest, but you obviously do, so that's fine!  You are entitled to your opinion, just the same as I am!   I did say, however, that I like his lyrics!   :)

This is a forum and we all have our different views - that's what forums are for! If we all felt the same, there wouldn't be much to discuss!  ;)  

Maybe you are just too sophisticated for MK's simple songs!   ;)   
Title: Re: Paul Simon - So Beautiful or So What
Post by: goldenheart96 on April 16, 2011, 06:48:44 PM
Superval, I didn't mean to get personal, sorry if I did. I get annoyed very easily when it comes to Bob. If you like his stuff that's fine of course!
Just sometimes I think that some people - not all - who listen to him only do because he is THE genius and it's intellectually cool to listen to Bob. I certainly don't claim to be sophisticated but I just can't see why Bob is superior and his melodies and writing is THE greatest. I have given him quite a few chances so I know what I'm talking about - just to prevent some replies a la "Oh you have NO idea"  ;D

As for MK vs. Paul, I do think Paul is more versatile. Shangri-La is soo boring compared to "Rhythm Of The Saints" - but then, I like them both, in different ways  :)

So, I have just read Paul's setlist - he started his tour in Seattle last night. Very exciting to see "The Obvious Child" back in the setlist after almost 20 years!  :o
Title: Re: Paul Simon - So Beautiful or So What
Post by: Jackal on April 16, 2011, 06:55:04 PM
Goldenheart, if I wasn't married, I'd propose to you ;D
Title: Re: Paul Simon - So Beautiful or So What
Post by: superval99 on April 16, 2011, 06:56:11 PM
That's OK, Goldenheart!   :)    Just one thing, though - why compare, in particular "Shangri-La" to  "Rhythm of the Saints"?   MK has written so many beautiful albums, as you are well aware, so why that one?  

BTW You say you have been listening to Paul Simon all of your life.   I have been listening to Bob for most of my life too, it began when I was 19 yrs - that's nearly 50 years of listening, so I do know quite a lot about his music!   ;)
Title: Re: Paul Simon - So Beautiful or So What
Post by: Love Expresso on April 16, 2011, 07:07:54 PM
And what's even more annoying is all that "OMG Bob is a GENIUS" talk. Give me a break   

But Bob IS a GENIUS!!
And yes, I personally put Paul Simon over MK.
 

Btw, is there a nice Paul Simon Fan Forum, comparable to this one? Just thinkin'...   ::)

LE

Title: Re: Paul Simon - So Beautiful or So What
Post by: goldenheart96 on April 17, 2011, 12:12:08 AM
Yes LE, there is a nice Paul Simon forum. Sorry for criticising your divine Bob here, heading over to paul-simon.info where people understand me  ::)

I thought this was a pro-Paul Simon thread???

And Superval, I see. I understand why Bob has a special meaning to you. Oh, I didn't know why I picked Shangri-La and ROTS... I know MK has made lots of great albums and I love them but when it comes to musical textures, I think Paul is more versatile.. I think it was mentioned earlier that MK could also need some new input. It would be very interesting to hear his unique playing with some African rhythms!
Title: Re: Paul Simon - So Beautiful or So What
Post by: goldenheart96 on April 17, 2011, 12:23:24 AM
One thing I need to know: What exactly makes Bob a "Genius"? There are plenty of great songwriters on this planet! They just didn't happen to be around at the right time around Vietnam to record some cute protest songs and stuff. There are fantastic lyricists on earth, too, except they don't sing. There are a lot of fantastic composers around. So WTF makes Bob so special? I need to know!
Title: Re: Paul Simon - So Beautiful or So What
Post by: Jackal on April 17, 2011, 04:09:29 AM
[The original 450-word post was written about 4 AM and was at that time considered by the author as insightful and well-written.

Upon rereading it at 9:40 AM, the author discovered it was utter trash and thus decided to delete it.]

 
Title: Re: Paul Simon - So Beautiful or So What
Post by: Jackal on April 17, 2011, 06:16:21 AM
Just found this fantastic interview with Paul Simon http://www.charlierose.com/view/interview/8569 . The interviewer is the terribly irritating Charlie Rose,  but this time he let's the interviewee speak. What a great and interesting person Simon is.
Title: Re: Paul Simon - So Beautiful or So What
Post by: superval99 on April 17, 2011, 10:58:24 AM
And Superval, I see. I understand why Bob has a special meaning to you.

Actually, it has nothing very much to do with the many years I have listened to Bob's music.  It is more about the songs, eg "Blind Willie McTell". Whenever I listen to this song, once is not enough - it has to be about 6 times and every time I listen, I get the shivers!  His voice is essential to the atmosphere of this song. Of course, there are many more examples - too many to mention!  That is something Paul Simon could never do for me and never has done, except in connection with Art Garfunkel, but we are not talking about that connection are we!   MK can do it, though, with a multitude of his songs!   BTW I am not one of those who call Bob Dylan a genius - I just enjoy his work!   :)

Regarding Paul v Mark.    You say Paul is more versatile than Mark.  I don't think so!   Mark has written hundreds of wonderful songs in a great variety of genres - lyrics and music!   He sings them all and personally I love his voice.  Then, of course, his wonderful guitar playing and this is where he gains the most points over Paul Simon, because although Paul plays very well,  he is not in the same street as Mark and never will be!  

Another thing I am curious about is why you stayed a "fan" of MK and his music for so many years, after the cultural shock of hearing STP's simple song structures!    

I respect the fact that you are a greater fan of Paul than Mark, but I will always remember you for your drooling posts about Mark and I wonder, does Paul do those things for you too, or does Mark gain a point or two in that department?     ;D








Title: Re: Paul Simon - So Beautiful or So What
Post by: Fletch on April 17, 2011, 12:12:44 PM
"WTF makes Bob so special?"

You're bound to enjoy Bobs, Slow Train Coming and Infidels albums. Great, great songs and lyrics and of course, Mr Knopflers tasteful guitar all over them. And you might learn more about the mystery of Bobs "genius". Well, you did ask! :)

Blood On The Tracks is probably his most accomplished work, and not a hit single in sight! You gotta love it.

I really dig Pauls first solo album, it has beautiful guitar work and songs. After that, up to Graceland, I only had his 'Negotiations & Love Songs' collection. Can you recommend any other PS solo records from that era?
Title: Re: Paul Simon - So Beautiful or So What
Post by: goldenheart96 on April 17, 2011, 12:22:32 PM
Quote

 BTW I am not one of those who call Bob Dylan a genius - I just enjoy his work!   :)

Good to hear that!  :)
I always think it's presumtuous to say that. I also wouldn't say Paul is a "genius". He is a fantastic songwriter and I *personally* think he's better than Dylan musically, but I wouldn't generalise and put him over the top of everybody else just because he is the legend  :)

Quote
Regarding Paul v Mark.    You say Paul is more versatile than Mark.  I don't think so!   Mark has written hundreds of wonderful songs in a great variety of genres - lyrics and music!   He sings them all and personally I love his voice.  Then, of course, his wonderful guitar playing and this is where he gains the most points over Paul Simon, because although Paul plays very well,  he is not in the same street as Mark and never will be!
 

Hmm, then Paul and Mark are probably versatile in different ways. I also enjoy the way Mark has woven all those celtic, folk, blues and rock elements into his songs. And of course you're right - his guitar playing is unsurpassed. Paul has probably found more interesting ways to combine all that stuff he has learned from foreign cultures, especially rhythm. For example those powerful drums on "The Obvious Child", or that 7/8 beat in "The Cool Cool River". He mixes the best of both worlds: His sense of melody which he probably developed in his folk past, pop, rock, jazz.. And he has always had plenty of fantastic musicians around him. Michael Brecker, Steve Gadd etc. As for Paul's guitar playing, he sure is no MK, but I do think he is quite underrated... Listen to his acoustic guitar work on his first solo album for example. "Peace Like A River" is awesome.

Quote
Another thing I am curious about is why you stayed a "fan" of MK and his music for so many years, after the cultural shock of hearing STP's simple song structures!

Very interesting question! Probably because of his guitar playing which makes the songs special.

Quote
I respect the fact that you are a greater fan of Paul than Mark, but I will always remember you for your drooling posts about Mark and I wonder, does Paul do those things for you too, or does Mark gain a point or two in that department?     ;D

Hehehe! Believe it or not, I had a Paul Simon drooling phase, too... But now I think MK is more handsome  ;D
The thing that puts Paul over Mark for me is that Paul was the first "real" songwriter I listened to. He opened my ears for good music. If it hadn't been for Paul, I probably would never have discovered MK, who knows!
Title: Re: Paul Simon - So Beautiful or So What
Post by: superval99 on April 17, 2011, 12:27:44 PM
Thanks for answering my queries, Goldenheart!    ;D
Title: Re: Paul Simon - So Beautiful or So What
Post by: goldenheart96 on April 17, 2011, 12:38:33 PM
"WTF makes Bob so special?"

You're bound to enjoy Bobs, Slow Train Coming and Infidels albums. Great, great songs and lyrics and of course, Mr Knopflers tasteful guitar all over them. And you might learn more about the mystery of Bobs "genius". Well, you did ask! :)

Blood On The Tracks is probably his most accomplished work, and not a hit single in sight! You gotta love it.

I really dig Pauls first solo album, it has beautiful guitar work and songs. After that, up to Graceland, I only had his 'Negotiations & Love Songs' collection. Can you recommend any other PS solo records from that era?

Okay, let's see... "There Goes Rhymin' Simon" features The Dixie Hummingbirds; you probably know songs like "Loves Me Like A Rock" or the famous "Kodachrome". The whole album has a great bluesy, gospel-y New Orleans kind of feeling, if you like that.

I don't listen to "Still Crazy After All These Years" that much but it has some nice gems like the title track of course, and "My Little Town", the duet with Garfunkel. Oh, and "50 Ways To Leave Your Lover" of course!

"One Trick Pony" is the album that goes with the movie of the same title Simon produced AND acted in  :o in 1980. The movie is probably bad from the perspective of a non-fan  ;D but "Jonah" is a fantastic song. Also features "Late In The Evening" of course. What a horn section!

Then there is "Hearts and Bones" which was supposed to the the highly anticipated Simon and Garfunkel comeback album. There is a bootleg with Garfunkel's vocals on it but then Paul decided to erase Art's vocals. The album was a huge flop... It has a strong 80's sound (synthesizers, arrrgh!) but I wouldn't want to miss the title track and "Train in the Distance."

So, I don't know which description sounds most appealing to you but I'd probably start with "There Goes Rhymin' Simon"  :)
Title: Re: Paul Simon - So Beautiful or So What
Post by: Love Expresso on April 17, 2011, 12:44:00 PM
Yes LE, there is a nice Paul Simon forum. Sorry for criticising your divine Bob here, heading over to paul-simon.info where people understand me  ::)

I thought this was a pro-Paul Simon thread???
 

I had a very similar "450 words" post ready to post, but I preferred not to post it and deleted it. Yes, this is a thread about Paul Simon's new album, and it is part of the General Discussion Thread of the A Mark In Time Mark Knopfler forum.

Btw, Bob is not "my divine", probably just as little as Paul Simon is "your divine". But comparing the artistic power of Bob Dylan and Paul Simon is absurd, that's all.
 
So long,

LE
Title: Re: Paul Simon - So Beautiful or So What
Post by: goldenheart96 on April 18, 2011, 12:13:25 AM

Btw, Bob is not "my divine", probably just as little as Paul Simon is "your divine". But comparing the artistic power of Bob Dylan and Paul Simon is absurd, that's all.
 
So long,

LE

No, it's not. To state that you cannot compare their artistic power is presumptuous.
Besides, they are the same generation, they have the same profession, so of course you can compare them, unless you think Bob is a genius who can't be compared to other songwriters... Which is presumptuous. And silly. But that's just my POV  ;)

Pity you deleted that 450 words post, I'm sure it contained the explanation why my tiny brain can't process Dylan's oevre, and first and foremost, the explanation WTF makes him a genius and superior to other songwriters  ;D
Title: Re: Paul Simon - So Beautiful or So What
Post by: goldenheart96 on April 18, 2011, 12:36:03 AM
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WpvklDPRlhg

"I've lost my harmonica, Albert..."  ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Paul Simon - So Beautiful or So What
Post by: Jackal on April 18, 2011, 12:46:47 AM
Dum-dee-dee-dum-dum-day ... ::)

Anyone for tennis?
Title: Re: Paul Simon - So Beautiful or So What
Post by: Love Expresso on April 18, 2011, 07:53:41 AM
Dum-dee-dee-dum-dum-day ... ::)

Anyone for tennis?

 :lol

I could be Roger then, will you be Rafa? Of course, you can't compare two geniuses, but... anyway...

that guitar part on Dizzling Blue is the best thing on the album.

LE
Title: Re: Paul Simon - So Beautiful or So What
Post by: Jackal on April 18, 2011, 08:38:25 AM
Yeah, it's great. My favorite song so far is rewrite. Just love the lyrics and the FUN way he delivers the song. 'Rewrite, that's right' and 'Thaaaank you'. Just love it. 
Title: Re: Paul Simon - So Beautiful or So What
Post by: dustyvalentino on April 22, 2011, 11:23:22 AM
I got obsessed with Paul Simon around the same time I got obsessed with MK, about aged 13/14.

Over the years my interest has waned, partly because of a lack of productivity, partly because of the diminishing quality of his work IMO.

I've always generally preferred his solo work and would rank his solo albums like this:

Still Crazy After All These Years (an absolute classic and one of my favourite albums ever)
Graceland
There Goes Rhymin' Simon
Hearts and Bones
One Trick Pony
You're The One
The Rhythm Of The Saints
Paul Simon
Surprise

I've only listened to the new one once so not sure where it would go.

One thing I would say about Simon is that he is one of my favourite guitarists ever. He's not far behind MK IMO (seriously). If you go and listen to the intricate and imaginative fingerpicking parts from his early career, well, they are spectacular. Just my opinion, but I would rate him as a better guitarist than Clapton, who I get bored of easily, playing the same blues licks all the time.

For Simon and Garfunkel albums I would go:

Bridge Over Troubled Water (another stone cold classic)
Bookends
Sounds of Silence
Parsley, Sage Rosemary and Thyme
Wednesday Morning 3AM

With Dylan, I liked him as a kid but as I have got older I have come to appreciate him more and more.

I think it is absolutely fair to compare the two - they are both two of the greatest songwriters of their generation.

Simon has always been more "pop" orientated with more of an emphasis on melodies.

Dylan is more about the lyrics.

The production of Paul Simon's records have been consistently excellent throughout his career. Dylan records are all over the place, although I will concede that it can add charm. Some of his greatest records have mistakes all over them - listen to the organ part on Like a Rolling Stone. Al Kooper was a guitar player really and either he didn't know the chords or was hesitant about playing them because he is a few beats behind on the verses. Vision of Joanna, which may be my favourite record ever, towards the end the band play wrong notes all over the place as they don't know Dylan is extending the verses. A big difference to the intricate production on, say, Bookends.

But as I say, I lean towards Dylan more these days, not least because of the truly excellent Theme Time Radio Hour series. I'm still trying to work through them all but they are truly brilliant. Dylan is hilarious on them.

PS Seen Simon live 3 times (once with S&G) and Dylan once, Simon is better live, if more predictable.
Title: Re: Paul Simon - So Beautiful or So What
Post by: Love Expresso on April 22, 2011, 11:49:50 AM
I saw im live open air back in 1995 and the first impression I got from him was spitting on the green in front of the stage right after entering the stage ... It was his way of saying hello obviously.. I didn't say a word to the audience of course during the whole show and didn't bother taking of his sun glasses... But the show was great nevertheless. It was one or two days after he played in front of the Wrapped Reichstag in Berlin. He was in good shape musically. The funniest thing about a Dylan concert however is in my opinion that there are really all those Dylanologists, holding up banners, proclaiming things outside the venue and stuff. Really funny these days, was also funny back in the 90's... Thinking of them makes me understand why Dylan never talks to his audience anymore. Or it is only because he is just cool!  8)

LE
Title: Re: Paul Simon - So Beautiful or So What
Post by: Pottel on April 22, 2011, 10:36:21 PM
theme time radio hour was BRILLIANT. the music iu got to know there (all those songs the hillbillies used to play were played here in their original obsucre, but awesome versions)
my favorite Dylan songs are:
Things have Changed
Series of Dreams
I Want You
Blind Willie McTell (obviously)
Tell Ol Bill
and many more
but i cannot stand the folkish stuff from his early days, i prefer albums like his last 4 or 5 and stuff like Under a Red Sky, Infidels and Slow Train Coming.

Title: Re: Paul Simon - So Beautiful or So What
Post by: Best Brown Baggies on April 22, 2011, 10:41:16 PM
Slow Train Coming :) :) :) :) :) :)

Droooooolllllll 8)

What a cool album. Contains my fave BD song (Precious Angel) with sublime guitar playing from Mr K. ;)

Cheers   BBB
Title: Re: Paul Simon - So Beautiful or So What
Post by: Pottel on April 22, 2011, 10:59:26 PM
just started reading some 756 bob dlyan monster encyclopedia, and what do i stumble upon, mr. Clarke:
Clark, Alan [1952 - ] Alan Clark was born in Dur-
ham, north-east England, on March 5, 1952, lived
in nearby Birtley and then the equally nearby
Great Lumley, which overlooks Durham County
Cricket ground and the River Wear. He learnt
piano from age six but outplayed the manager of
a local Hammond Organs shop on organ when
hardly able to reach the pedals, and was earning
money in clubs by age 13. He rejected a place at
the Guildhall School of Music in London and spent
1971 playing on a cruise ship between Miami,
Haiti and Jamaica, where he encountered reggae
music and lived a clubbing high life. From here
he became a session musician whose trademark
sound is
Title: Re: Paul Simon - So Beautiful or So What
Post by: Pottel on April 22, 2011, 11:03:26 PM
omg, i want the tapes they're talking about!!

In September or October 1980, when Dire Straits
were playing some dates at the Roxy just after the
release of their album Making Movies, Dylan was
among those present at the Sunset Marquis hotel
n Los Angeles, along with TIM DRUMMOND, MARK
KNOPFLER, two members of BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN
Title: Re: Paul Simon - So Beautiful or So What
Post by: Pottel on April 22, 2011, 11:05:31 PM
then on the man himself:
Knop?er, Mark [1949 - ] Mark Knop?er was
born in Glasgow, Scotland, on August 12, 1949 but
from age seven lived in Newcastle-upon-Tyne in
north-east England, learnt guitar and at 16 ap-
peared on local TV in a harmony duo with a Sue
Hercombe. After a year studying journalism in
Harlow, Essex, and a junior reporter
Title: Re: Paul Simon - So Beautiful or So What
Post by: Pottel on April 22, 2011, 11:06:03 PM
part 2
Knop?er had no involvement in the rest of
Dylan
Title: Re: Paul Simon - So Beautiful or So What
Post by: Pottel on April 22, 2011, 11:06:33 PM
part 3
Back in the spring of 1984, when a?cionados
learnt more or less simultaneously of Dylan
Title: Re: Paul Simon - So Beautiful or So What
Post by: Jackal on April 23, 2011, 11:20:01 AM
"Oh kno, knot Knopfler!"  ;D

Pottel, I know we discussed Dylan in here, but I think your posts might deserve a seperate thread?
Title: Re: Paul Simon - So Beautiful or So What
Post by: Jackal on April 23, 2011, 11:23:50 AM
I think it is absolutely fair to compare the two - they are both two of the greatest songwriters of their generation.

Simon has always been more "pop" orientated with more of an emphasis on melodies.

Dylan is more about the lyrics.


That's basically the conclusion of my 450-word post I wrote but deleted.

Music: Simon +1

Lyrics: Dylan +1
Title: Re: Paul Simon - So Beautiful or So What
Post by: Pottel on April 23, 2011, 01:03:29 PM
"Oh kno, knot Knopfler!"  ;D

Pottel, I know we discussed Dylan in here, but I think your posts might deserve a seperate thread?
nope, coz my intention on this copy and paste action was the knopfler/clark angle.
Title: Re: Paul Simon - So Beautiful or So What
Post by: Jackal on April 23, 2011, 01:17:11 PM
"Oh kno, knot Knopfler!"  ;D

Pottel, I know we discussed Dylan in here, but I think your posts might deserve a seperate thread?
nope, coz my intention on this copy and paste action was the knopfler/clark angle.

Sorry if I missed it, but where was Knopfler/Clarke introduced in the discussion? It started with opinions about the new PS album, then Dylan vs. Simon was discussed.
Title: Re: Paul Simon - So Beautiful or So What
Post by: Pottel on April 23, 2011, 01:32:38 PM
ok you caught me.
will not do it again. ;)
Title: Re: Paul Simon - So Beautiful or So What
Post by: Jackal on April 23, 2011, 01:43:10 PM
Hehe I don't really care. I was just a bit confused since you posted so extensive comments. "Did I miss something?" :) Happy Easter.
Title: Re: Paul Simon - So Beautiful or So What
Post by: Pottel on April 23, 2011, 03:30:40 PM
easter eggs :-)
Title: Re: Paul Simon - So Beautiful or So What
Post by: Jackal on June 28, 2011, 01:16:33 PM
Dig it dig it dig it!

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_HId-8xzYSo
Title: Re: Paul Simon - So Beautiful or So What
Post by: Fletch on August 31, 2011, 11:05:12 AM


Okay, let's see... "There Goes Rhymin' Simon" features The Dixie Hummingbirds; you probably know songs like "Loves Me Like A Rock" or the famous "Kodachrome". The whole album has a great bluesy, gospel-y New Orleans kind of feeling, if you like that.

....

So, I don't know which description sounds most appealing to you but I'd probably start with "There Goes Rhymin' Simon"  :)

... So Amazon sent me Pauls first solo (which I already know and love) cd AND Rhymin' Simon! What an album! MK fans go for it.... Brilliant feel, and instrumentation, sublime lyrics. Loving, "One Mans Ceiling" and "American Tune" + the hits of course... "St Judys" has always been a fave....

"...well if I can't sing my boy to sleep, well it makes your famous daddy look so dumb..."
Title: Re: Paul Simon - So Beautiful or So What
Post by: Jackal on October 01, 2011, 10:20:07 PM
Some great recent PS videos:

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aEci6ryFamo&feature=relmfu

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qi2DypBHyUg&feature=relmfu

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nt4HKNsp_bU&feature=relmfu
Title: Re: Paul Simon - So Beautiful or So What
Post by: goldenheart96 on October 02, 2011, 12:09:18 AM
Love the vids, especially Paul's rendition of "Mystery Train" has been a real treat live! Also, glad you like "Rhymn' Simon", Fletch. Which album is next on your list? By the way, can you believe Paul will be 70 in two weeks!  :o
Title: Re: Paul Simon - So Beautiful or So What
Post by: Fletch on October 02, 2011, 12:20:35 AM
Graceland (rerelease Oct) - haven't had a copy since cassette players went out of fashion! A masterpiece everyone should own.

Thanks for recommending Rhymin, it pushed me over the edge to buy it and it's wonderful.
At my age I love discovering some lost forgotten classic album and thinking on the first listen, 'Man, that's wonderful' - just when you think you've heard them all!

Title: Re: Paul Simon - So Beautiful or So What
Post by: goldenheart96 on October 03, 2011, 02:06:30 PM
Graceland (rerelease Oct) - haven't had a copy since cassette players went out of fashion! A masterpiece everyone should own.

Thanks for recommending Rhymin, it pushed me over the edge to buy it and it's wonderful.
At my age I love discovering some lost forgotten classic album and thinking on the first listen, 'Man, that's wonderful' - just when you think you've heard them all!



Very happy to hear that! It is a lovely album indeed. Agree about Graceland of course. After you've listened to that one, you could get "The Rhythm Of The Saints" next, which I personally like even better than Graceland because it shows what Paul has learned from his collaborations with international musicians. "The Obvious Child" is fantastic, and "The Cool Cool River" is one of my favourite PS songs.
Title: Re: Paul Simon - So Beautiful or So What
Post by: Jackal on October 03, 2011, 02:33:09 PM
I got into Paul Simon via Rhythm of the saints. Great album. Maybe a little slick today, but when I first heard in the early 90s, I absolutely dug it. Cool, cool river was also my favorite.
Title: Re: Paul Simon - So Beautiful or So What
Post by: goldenheart96 on October 03, 2011, 02:52:23 PM
I got into Paul Simon via Rhythm of the saints. Great album. Maybe a little slick today, but when I first heard in the early 90s, I absolutely dug it. Cool, cool river was also my favorite.

Yes, I can understand the "slickness" thing - First I misunderstood it as "overproduced" but I suppose these are different things. I don't think it's overproduced, it has some "edginess" in it; the drums on "The Obvious Child" for example were recorded live somewhere on the streets of Brazil. But the slickness is probably because Paul is a perfectionist. Every rhythm, every melody line has to be perfect. Not everyone's cup of tea - and I must say I sometimes prefer the live versions more - but understandable, since the music is so complex.
Title: Re: Paul Simon - So Beautiful or So What
Post by: Jackal on October 03, 2011, 03:05:40 PM
Not overproduced, just slick as in "polished". Probably just a few remnants from the artificial 80s sound.
Title: Re: Paul Simon - So Beautiful or So What
Post by: goldenheart96 on October 13, 2011, 08:30:25 PM
A very happy 70th birthday to Paul Simon!!
Title: Re: Paul Simon - So Beautiful or So What
Post by: ds1984 on October 13, 2011, 11:20:34 PM
A very happy 70th birthday to Paul Simon!!

70? Really? He can't be that old!
Title: Re: Paul Simon - So Beautiful or So What
Post by: vgonis on October 14, 2011, 04:40:13 PM
A very happy 70th birthday to Paul Simon!!

70? Really? He can't be that old!
And then again he is! I have been listening to his work for over 20 years and he has been writing songs from the mid fifties with Art, as Tom & Jerry! But his music is so fresh that could fool everybody!
 I was just thinking that Bob had a 50 year birthday celebration with all sort of guests playing his songs and then singing with him. (Listen to the Willie Nelson rendition of "What was that you wanted" from that concert. It is a fantastic song made even better!) Paul Simon and MK gave us the slip on that. I was hoping for such a 50th birthday surprise, but it never came. Not so influential, not many friends or just  a felling that it has already been done? ;) Maybe a tribute when he is 80, like the one with B.B. King? But King had already recorded at least 2 such albums, without the celebratory reason.
Title: Re: Paul Simon - So Beautiful or So What
Post by: dustyvalentino on October 14, 2011, 07:47:07 PM
I thought he was 69...
Title: Re: Paul Simon - So Beautiful or So What
Post by: goldenheart96 on October 14, 2011, 07:57:48 PM
He is indeed 70 years old already... "Can you imagine us years from today/Sharing a parkbench quietly/How terribly strange to be seventy..."

And whereas Dylan gets dozens of birthday specials all the time, Simon never has. Not surpringly since he has always been Number Two.  >:(
Title: Re: Paul Simon - So Beautiful or So What
Post by: Love Expresso on October 14, 2011, 08:17:19 PM
Maybe he's too small.

LE
Title: Re: Paul Simon - So Beautiful or So What
Post by: goldenheart96 on October 14, 2011, 09:56:50 PM
That's a matter of perspective. One may need to climb down from the pedestal to see his true size.
Title: Re: Paul Simon - So Beautiful or So What
Post by: vgonis on October 14, 2011, 10:24:11 PM
I thought he was 69...
naughty dusty, your mind always on the candy ;)

That's a matter of perspective. One may need to climb down from the pedestal to see his true size.

At an interview some time ago, MK said (about BiA LP) that he was lucky to be there that time with these songs, and that there were many talented song smiths that they weren't as lucky. I like this kind of perspective because besides the obvious modesty on MK's behalf, it is the absolute truth. When we talk and consider the life and works of MK, PS or BD, we really have to take into account the luck factor. Someone may argue that the body of work of all three is of highest standards so the luck has little or nothing to do with them. But it is common knowledge that it was all down to luck for all three of them in the early stage of their career. John Hammond believed in BD and signed him even though his first record contained little of his genious. Paul Simon was broke in England and returned to the States to find himself with a no.1 hit, thanks to Mr. Bob Johnston, who had added drums, bass and electric guitar to the sounds of silence, without Paul even knowing it. (This producer  connection between BD and PS, can not be overlooked). And then it is the well known story of the Charlie Gillette tape.
Now why did I even began to write all these staff, really slipped my mind, but it must have something to do with modesty and ways of "communicating" it, birthday specials and sizes. You figure this out.
Title: Re: Paul Simon - So Beautiful or So What
Post by: Love Expresso on October 14, 2011, 10:26:02 PM
Size doesn't matter anyway.

LE
Title: Re: Paul Simon - So Beautiful or So What
Post by: vgonis on October 14, 2011, 10:33:25 PM
My wife works in the ice-cream business and believe me a big ice-cream is way better than a small one. (except if it sucks, so it'd better be tiny...)  ;D And no it is not in the way that you use it.  ;)
Title: Re: Paul Simon - So Beautiful or So What
Post by: goldenheart96 on October 14, 2011, 11:35:08 PM
Very interesting, haven't thought about the fact that a lot of HUGE careers started out of coincidence. Thanks for pointing out!
Still, isn't it unfair that someone gets a bigger birthday cake than others, even though they all started out the same?  :)
Title: Re: Paul Simon - So Beautiful or So What
Post by: vgonis on October 15, 2011, 12:13:58 AM
Very interesting, haven't thought about the fact that a lot of HUGE careers started out of coincidence. Thanks for pointing out!
Still, isn't it unfair that someone gets a bigger birthday cake than others, even though they all started out the same?  :)

GH96, I really don't know about actual cakes, but in this case all three of them are pretty fortunate, talent wise, fame and money wise and even lucky. They could all order cakes too big to eat! ;) After all we talk about them, so each one with his own special manner has captivated our attention and (even if it is rude to put it like this), in a way they manage-promote themselves perfectly. 
Title: Re: Paul Simon - So Beautiful or So What
Post by: MarkB on November 07, 2011, 08:55:08 PM
So Beautiful or So What is imo one of Paul Simon's greatest albums. Paul has been remarkably consistent over the years, he was brilliant when he started and I think he's actually got better with just about every album. The two albums before this one-Surprise & You're The One were both magnificent records as well. One of the greatest concerts I've ever been to was in London(at what I think was still called the Hammersmith Odeon in those days) when Paul was on his You're The One tour.