Greatest Hits : Shining Like A National Guitar
November 20th, 2005
Greatest Hits : Shining Like A National Guitar
Artist: Paul Simon
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Nothing he has released since has matched the sales heights of Bridge Over Troubled Water, but the quality of Paul Simon’s solo work is undeniable–indeed it could be argued that the songwriter’s work post-Simon & Garfunkel has been even more rewarding aesthetically. Shining Like A National Guitar–the fourth compilation to be drawn from Simon’s eight solo albums–offers another welcome opportunity to appreciate this extraordinary career arc: tracing Simon’s fascinating musical odyssey from Jamaica’s “Mother & Child Reunion” and South Africa’s “Boy In The Bubble”, to Latin America’s “The Obvious Child”. Along the way, marvel at the articulate precision of Simon’s music–”Graceland”, “Hearts & Bones”, “Still Crazy After All These Years”, right up to the recent undervalued album of Capeman. He may not have been particularly prolific, but it’s possible to be dazzled afresh by the sheer brilliance of Paul Simon’s music. –Patrick Humphries
A PERFECT INTRO TO AN ARRAY OF TALENTAn excellent beginning for those buyers “just wondering” about adding Paul Simon to their c.d. collections. The age of the purchaser will determine as to whether they actually remember any of the “hits” on this collection, but this c.d.can serve as a perfect introduction, not only to the work of Mr. Simon but also to the fantastic musicians he has worked with over the years. Take note of the superb contributions by the African and Brazilian musicians involved, but do not overlook the brilliant contributions from Simon’s homeland. Ralph MacDonald, Anthony Jackson, Tony Levin, Mchael Brecker, Dean Parks,the late and much missed Richard Tee and Eric Gale, and, of course the legendary drum work of Steve Gadd.Best Tracks: Late In The Evening, Hearts and Bones, Graceland, Trailways Bus.BUY THIS ALBUM, BUY MORE PAUL SIMON,PICK A MUSICAN AT RANDOM…BUY THEIR SOLO C’D’s
A quality collection from a quality singer/songwriter.
This long overdue compilation of Paul Simon’s solo career, containing over 77 minutes of his very best music, has much to commend it. An interesting feature is the imaginative rather than chronological ordering of tracks which provides a sense of unity seldom apparent in ‘best of’ albums and sadly lacking in the earlier ‘Antholgy’. Good sleeve notes and the complete lyrics compliment an impressive package. The fact that no room has been found for the magnificent ‘Something So Right’ is a pity but no easy omissions could have been made from what is an outstanding collection. If you are already a fan this is still worth buying, especially if there are gaps in your Paul Simon CD collection. If you are new to Paul Simon’s work this is a real must. A quality compilation of the work of an outstanding talent.
The Misssisssipi Delta Still Gleaming After All These Years
This is a very acceptable compilation of Paul Simon’s solo career spanning both his years with Columbia Records and Warner Brothers who now have the rights to all his back catalogue.From the early days we have Me And Julio… up to the more recent Bernadette.Most fans will have these tracks on several albums already so it is difficult to see who this album is aimed at.Paul Simon solo and with Simon & Garfunkel has so many compilation albums available that they vastly outnmber his albums of original material.With the addition of digital remastering, few could fault this collection though the inclusion of Rene And Georgette Magritte And Their Dog is strange.I know few people who like this track which finds Paul at his most pretentious and dull.However, the rest of the album is great and a fine inroduction to the music of Paul Simon.Magic moment- Steve Gadd’s drumming on Fifty Ways To Leave Your Lover.
Good… But should have been great
Eclectic and indifferent
