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MUSIC BOX: Solo flight
Paul Simon is a masterful artisan with quite a knack for writing brilliant, catchy songs with a hint of impish mischief. Along with many influences that range from folk, to world music, to soul, to spiritual introspection, Simon can write one hell of a pop song. And he’s been doing it since the late 1950s.
As a member of the folk rock duo, Simon and Garfunkel, Simon scored some major chart success with such songs as Mrs. Robinson, The Sound of Silence and Bridge Over Troubled Water. When he split with partner Art Garfunkel in 1970, he continued to write and Shining like a national guitar spotlights the musical adventures of his solo career exclusively.
You Can Call Me Al is a stellar example of how Simon synergizes his very American lyrical imagery with musical influences from around the world, with the greatest of ease. The eccentric lyrics are supported by a South African vocal group, saxophone and even a synthesizer. Mother and Child Reunion is another example of Simon’s infatuation with black music. The stab at Reggae is surprisingly good, with soul sisters offering sweet back up vocals. The Cool, Cool River takes Simon and the listener to the jungles of Brazil. The soothing image created by the title is faithfully recreated by the fluid bass and guitar work. Simon’s words flow like water, with subtlety, political lyrics turning spiritual. A great tempo shift at the end introduces horns and Brazilian percussion.
Fifty Ways to Leave Your Lover is pure Simon all the way, with no adornments to speak of. This is one of those numbers where the instruments take backseat and Simon’s marvellous lyrics centerstage. The Boy in the Bubble is a great example of white soul. A funky musical mixture of accordion, hearty drums and bass serves as a real lifter. The off-kilter drumming and amazing storytelling of Late in the Evening, serves up an anecdote that may well be autobiographical. Kodachrome is a stroke of pure genius. About taking a photograph, the perfect synthesis of superb lyrics, infectious hooks and Simon’s even-steven personality make the song the absolute greatest three and a half minutes of pop joy you might have ever experienced.
With an arsenal of 19 standout tracks, this collection has a song for almost every taste. With only a couple of snoozers, it’s well worth it for serious music aficionados to shell out payola for this bit of evergreen musical history.—QAM
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