Reply #66: I never much liked S&G but I love Paul Simon

[Laurab]

but I quite agree they were not "pop-movie soundtrack singers. Paul Simon's writing has always been up there with the best IMO. From his first solo, to "There Goes Rhymin Simon", which is filled with great songs, and yes "Hearts and Bones" I love, too. I love "Graceland". He's missed on a few of his cd's I think, because he experiments a bit, but I do think he's up there with the best. American Tune still can bring a tear to my eye.

My guess is the people who don't like him haven't really listened to him. He is (according to my little brother who's a fairly successful songwriter), a songwriter's songwriter.

I dunno - I don't expect every musician I like to become political, although many of them have. I also don't believe they're speaking out now because it's "safe". I think it's more that it's difficult to ignore what's going on in the world, so of course, it's going to inform their writing.


At any rate, I just wanted to pop in and join the Paul Simon fan club because I think he's brilliant!