50 Ways to Leave your Lover - Paul Simon | College Students' FIRST TIME REACTION!

[@surlechapeau]

A&A, Paul's "Kodachrome", "Late In The Evening" and "Loves Me Like A Rock" are great and next for you!!!! This album won the Grammy for Album of the Year for 1975. When he won the Grammy in1975, Paul thanked Stevie Wonder for not releasing an album that year!! Stevie had won for 1973 and 1974!! (and 1976)

[@sparklemotion1164]

and Cecilia

[@jameskirschling7887]

Great song choices.

[@alrivers2297]

I'll also add Still Crazy After All These Years, Me and Julio Down By the School Yard and Slip Slidin Away

[@surlechapeau]

@@jameskirschling7887 thank you!

[@flnthrn2]

ONE TRICK PONY. Sorry to shout, but you missed his best song. Peace. (8K]_/

[@mattshaw6180]

"Me and Julio Down By the Schoolyard" is an essential Paul Simon song from the 70s with a very funky rhythm; it belongs on your playlists as soon as possible.

[@descendantoffools9767]

Great song!

[@MrBaiter65]

Matt Shaw is correct!!

[@lisakaz35]

Love that as well as "Kodachrome."

[@jeffk2526]

IMO, definitely better than 50 Ways.

[@NoCanDu]

The video is hilarious!

[@Nonniewantsmore]

The album Graceland is awesome. I especially love his song “Diamonds on the soles of her shoes”.

[@loosilu]

That's the one!

[@aileenturrietta7553]

Most definitely!!! 😊😎

[@JCPJCPJCP]

Great song. Could be his best.

[@XenoSmyth]

Agree. Graceland is an amazing album.

[@vincentschmitt7597]

Rythm of the Saints and Allergies are excellent as well.

[@GaryHalacan]

For Simon and Garfunkel, you want "I Am A Rock" "Homeward Bound" and "Cecilia." Cecilia has really unique rhythm. For Simon solo, you want "Kodachrome" and "Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard"

[@richardnanian2446]

They already responded to "Cecilia."

[@jml-rj5re]

Also Mother and Child Reunion.

[@Joshuadgog]

kodachrome is overatted

[@TheCosmicGenius]

Paul Simon's an incredible song writer - most everything is worth listening to, whether solo or with Art Garfunkel.

[@xavvi]

Paul Simon was such a sarcastic, almost satirical writer and it made things feel so perfectly and plainly stated. He's a Vonnegut, he's a Salinger.

[@catbutte4770]

@X That's an excellent way to describe Paul Simon's writing. 👍

[@richardnanian2446]

Sometimes he's sarcastic, but he has amazing range. A song like "American Tune" is utterly sincere. Anyone who can write "A Simple Desultory Philippic," "Bridge Over Troubled Water," "Patterns," "Mother and Child Reunion," "Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard," and "St. Judy's Comet" is impossible to pigeonhole.

[@Live2swim]

Well put.

[@vermontmoocow]

And one of the best rhythms guitarists of all time

[@chandlerbryan3448]

"Kodachrome" is an essential Paul Simon track. As upbeat as can be.

[@DaverJ]

That sweet melody gets locked in my head for days!

[@Bekka_Noyb]

agreed!

[@mookie7688]

Paul Simon solo is a deep and rewarding dive. Still Crazy After All These Years is a personal favorite.

[@EdwardGregoryNYC]

Still Crazy on SNL was a classic moment.

[@barrywerdell2614]

@@EdwardGregoryNYC I thought it was a poultry try at humor

[@RussellCardwell]

My all-time favorite drummer, Steve Gadd, raised the song from “great” to “masterpiece”. Just as he did with Simon’s “Late in the Evening” and Steely Dan’s “Aja”. He’s been the drummer every time I’ve been to see Paul Simon live (and also Eric Clapton).

[@albertbrown7941]

Great to see this mention of Steve Gadd. He plays with James Taylor as well. Saw him in concert with Taylor. A stellar support role of course.

[@joeday4293]

I've seen Paul Simon live once, at the 2006 Jazzfest in New Orleans, the first one after Hurricane Katrina. Not only can I die a happy man having seen Master Gadd play "50 Ways" and "Late In The Evening" live with Paul Simon, but oh my God, the concert closer was "Bridge Over Troubled Water" as a duet with Irma Thomas, with special guest Allen Toussaint on piano.

[@joeday4293]

@@albertbrown7941 I saw James Taylor a few years ago, and I was psyched that Gadd was touring with him. We get to the show, and after the opener, Bonnie Raitt (who was AMAZEBALLS), they set up for Taylor's band, and wait a minute - dammit, those aren't Gadd's drums! So I looked up the tour on his website, and it turns out that Gadd was only with the band for the first leg of the tour, and the second leg of the tour featured Chad Wackerman. Suddenly I was vastly less disappointed. He did a terrific job.

[@RussellCardwell]

@@albertbrown7941 Yes, he was playing for James Taylor when I saw him in the mid-nineties.

[@RussellCardwell]

@@joeday4293 I've also seen him touring with Taylor, and again with Clapton in 2001 (with David Sanctious and Billy Preston!)

[@geoffreybonham3802]

“America” by Simon & Garfunkel is another perfect song; just incredible

[@drabbyvideos]

Casually crafted perfection. Sung it a million times in life’s wistful moments. I’m not sure if it’s the balm or the wound. That’s S&G.

[@geoffreybonham3802]

@@drabbyvideos “the balm or the wound” well stated and I wholeheartedly agree

[@debrabeck9630]

I LOVE that song! Yes!

[@Yanxnix]

Great song however the version by Yes is better.

[@davidcohen821]

@@Yanxnix Perhaps they could do a cover vs original comparison.

[@1tishhead]

Just heard Mother And Child Reunion yesterday and was reminded how good his solo stuff was.

[@brentfreeland5834]

Mother and Child Reunion: Another name for a chicken omelette 😛

[@tomcoyle7676]

Genius song, definitely one to hit next.

[@davidserlin8097]

@@brentfreeland5834 Exactly. I understand PS saw this on a menu at a Chinese restaurant and thought it was a great title for a song.

[@AmalgaMem]

Guys, don't ever worry about running out of songs from the '60s and '70s. I grew up in this era and I'm STILL discovering great songs I've never heard before. You've got a long way to go!

[@kjmorley]

The entire Rhymin’ Simon album would be a good one for Patreon.

[@dennisloveland498]

A VERY long way to go!! I was born in 1960 and I've heard a lot of the hits from the 60s and 70s and I'm STILL discovering new bands and artists that I've never heard before. Bands like Wishbone Ash, Budgie and Camel...just to name a few. As well as hearing songs I've never heard from bands I grew up with!!

[@simonhudson2031]

@@dennisloveland498 I could fill up this channel for the next 2 years just with Stones/Who stuff plus iconic live sessions from late 60's early 70's.

[@dennisloveland498]

@@simonhudson2031 No doubt. I love the Stones and the Who and I'm still not familiar with their whole catalog of work.

[@mattjohn4731]

I agree about 60's and 70's. Though I prefer the punk/underground 70's music, over the stadium rock. In my opinion the record Industry learned how to steer "the youth" away from free expression, and into cliches. With lyrics that support materialism, conformity etc. But they were letting the Artists have more creative control in the 60's. Because the corporations were not Hip, they were older than the hippies etc. But yes I visit the 60's and 70's every day :P

[@johnseverson6604]

Never been a fan of this one but it’s all about personal taste. Can’t argue the S rating for much of anything he’s done. Such a genius songwriter. As many others have mentioned, Kodachrome, Mother & Child Reunion, & Late In The Evening are my faves.

[@pokeysd3886]

Late in the Evening is so rich in description, he totally puts you on location. I love songs that are word pictures.

[@jayburdification]

To me this is just another typical Paul Simon song. Cloying and too clever by half. But hey, if it gets your rocks off who am I to judge.

[@cr16219]

Glad I'm not the only one who found this song nothing special. To me, it's cheesy, wonky, and pretentious. So many other songs by Paul Simon himself, and with Garfunkel, so much better. I was 19 when it came out in' 75, and it did absolutely nothing for me.

[@LadyIarConnacht]

@@cr16219 I don't like it either, and it's still stuck in my head from hearing it too many times on the school bus.

[@mariannec6825]

couldn't agree with you more

[@traceymcintire7754]

Paul Simon is a genius. My favorite of his solo songs is “Me and Julio Down By the Schoolyard.” And for his songs with Garfunkel, I have to go with “I Am A Rock.”

[@jonniiinferno9098]

i like i am a rock - but i prefer "sounds of silence" - the imagery is other-worldly

[@debrabeck9630]

Paul Simon does I Am a Rock solo, too, on an album with just him and his guitar. Now, I need to go look for it, because it’s great.

[@theodoreritola7641]

The 70s MAJIC

[@davemorford5662]

Slip Sliding Away is my favorite of his solo work. Iconic, thought provoking, and may bring a tear to your eye. My Little Town is a bit of a sleeper but simply awesome.

[@chrisd7047]

You know, the nearer your destination...

[@davidstevenson6817]

The man has a way with words.

[@jacksonmorganfroghin4815]

Punkys Dilemma at the zoo

[@Robert-mq5jx]

1977

[@thatrobguy]

Glad you hit Paul Simon solo. Another banger is Late in the Evening. And Graceland should be a full album review. It's phenomenal.

[@mtnvalley9298]

100%.

[@Meandmymirror]

Yes!!

[@ceeceerider]

Yep yep yep!

[@sallybannister6224]

An American Tune, by the perfectly sublime Mr Simon . And all of the Graceland album.

[@choos6919]

Absolutely Late in the Evening ... my favourite Paul Simon song, and I love all of them.

[@WiseGuy5674]

You guys definitely need to delve into Graceland. That album is pure genius and a complete masterpiece. I’m stunned that you guys haven’t gone there yet.

[@loosilu]

I honestly want to tell them to ditch whatever album is next on Patreon and do Graceland.

[@RoseNunezSmith]

Seconded. I played that vinyl album until it melted.

[@photographerjonathan]

Steve Gadd is one of the best drummers ever. His feel is second to none. He is a studio drummer who has played for many great artist including Steely Dan on the Aja album.

[@ronclunie8546]

I concur, but I recently (re)stumbled onto America's Homecoming album, and Hal Blaine did some amazing work on almost all the tracks. Keltner and Gordon also shone through with many artists during this period.

[@TheDivayenta]

Those solos on Aja are iconic.

[@Frankincensedjb123]

Pretty simple drumming, to be honest

[@rollomaughfling380]

@@Frankincensedjb123 Let's hear your amazing, better-than-Steve-Gadd drum work, then. Just link it down below. Can't wait to hear it.

[@revo1336]

Cool to watch Gadd play this on the Live in Central Park version

[@dragon-ed1hz]

Best Paul Simon song ever? "The Sound of Silence" with "Graceland," "The Boxer," "Homeward Bound," and "America" rounding out the top five. Best rock song ever? It's hard to do better than Stairway to Heaven.

[@jacksonmorganfroghin4815]

Heartbreak Hotel?

[@kentclark6420]

Nights in White Satin, A Day in the Life.

[@jacksonmorganfroghin4815]

@@kentclark6420 Bohemian Rhapsody, Great Balls of Fire, I Am The Walrus?

[@kentclark6420]

@@jacksonmorganfroghin4815 You are? So the mystery has finally been settled!

[@jacksonmorganfroghin4815]

@@kentclark6420 You are correct, sir! The mystery has been solved. No more calls, please. We a have a winner. We are all together now!!

[@robert2salley894]

Paul Simon never wrote a song I dislike. He is definitely one of true artists with words.

[@blanewilliams5960]

"Mother and Child Reunion" "Kodachrome" "Loves Me Like A Rock' and "Me and Julio Down By the Schoolyard" are all excellent.

[@aweinblatt6]

You literally named all the songs I was gonna recommend 😂

[@Bekka_Noyb]

I 2nd Kodachrome!

[@kjmorley]

Are there really any bad Paul Simon songs?

[@thetannaree]

Omg I forgot Loves Me Like A Rock! Recorded in Muscle Shoals!

[@blanewilliams5960]

@@kjmorley Not really but these ones are excellent imo.

[@paulschirf9259]

I always took it as an encounter where the singer is thinking about leaving his lover, and talking to an old friend about it. She says she doesn't want to intrude, but basically proposes a night together to help him on his way since the guy has, in a sense, already left his girl and just hasn't resolved it.

[@marieparsons9908]

I concur!

[@loumunga]

That’s the way I take it

[@robinreiley1828]

Exactly!

[@sharipetkovsek5502]

Agreed. I always thought she was devil's advocate

[@gregsager2062]

There's a little bit more to it. She's not simply some "old friend" trying to help him resolve his ambivalence towards his girlfriend, she's an interested party. She wants to be his next lover, and this is her sly way of getting rid of the old girlfriend in order to make way for her. How can you tell? "She said, 'It's really not my habit to intrude / Furthermore, I hope my meaning won't be lost or misconstrued / But I'll repeat myself, at the risk of being crude / There must be fifty ways to leave your lover." This verse tells us that: a) She's intruding (explaining that she usually doesn't do so is a dead giveaway that's she's lying, given the cold way that she's telling him in the chorus to put his current squeeze in the rear-view mirror without so much as a goodbye); b) she *wants* her meaning to be misconstrued (note the "but" that begins the next line), because she's actively trying to sabotage his current relationship; and c) she says "I'll repeat myself," indicating that she's being persistent in trying to persuade him down this path, rather than simply giving him advice and then saying he can take it or leave it (which is what any normal and objective confidante would say). Then, in the final verse, she states that they should "both just sleep on it" (i.e., have sex -- it's implied in the "something" in the second verse as "I wish there was something I could do to make you smile again"), and that in the morning he'll "begin to see the light." The "light" isn't that he should go his own way after he gets himself free; the "light" is that he should be with her (in other words, not be free at all), since she's just rocked his world doing the horizontal mambo. This is a window into the genius of Paul Simon, lyricist -- he's the only male songwriter I can recall offhand who has ever fully captured the nuances of a femme fatale at work.

[@peterquinones3522]

Steve Gadd also played the drums on Steely Dan song Aja. Legend in every possible sense of the word, one of the most recorded drummers of all time. Up there with the REAL drumming legends like Hal Blaine and Jeff Porcaro.

[@zebra3stripes]

I suggest "Late in the Evening" for the guys. Gadd plays on that too, and there are some excellent live versions on KZbin with Gadd playing.

[@peterquinones3522]

@@zebra3stripes The boys definitely need some exposure to real drummers that's for sure. The first Gadd Gang album is a must BTW.

[@frankbarnwell____]

Shhh. Peart.

[@tommathews3964]

And Purdie! Don't forget Bernard! When you get your own riff named after you......"Purdie Shuffle"!

[@peterquinones3522]

@@frankbarnwell____ Yeah, not quite. More like Tony Williams. Peart, Bonham, Moon, Ginger Baker - yawn.

[@geoffreybonham3802]

Carole King’s “So Far Away” may not be the best song ever (I don’t think there is such a thing) but it’s a perfect song.

[@kingcassius2586]

You.. ain't.. lying!

[@mikefrank115]

Absolutely! It is the one song that always makes me stop whatever I am doing to close my eyes and just listen.

[@funkster007]

One of those tunes I never get tired of hearing. Can't go wrong when you have a rhythm master like Steve Gadd in the mix either.

[@HeatherErin]

Number one S & G song is AMERICA! Best lyrics period. Still holding out for you guys to hit that one ❤

[@michaelkorsten1066]

A great one for sure!

[@Reclining_Spuds]

I'll second that. 👍

[@zebjohnson5580]

I've always took it that the woman was a 3rd party who sees he's in a toxic relationship and she gives him some sex sexual healing and guides him to end his bad experience!!! Slip Sliding Away has always been one of my favorite Paul Simon songs ✌♥️

[@MissAstorDancer]

Stunning song!

[@susanhoward531]

I always thought the same as you.

[@spicy321]

That's what I always heard it as too.

[@dwc1964]

As several others have said, my only issue with calling this the "best song ever" is that it's not even my favorite Paul Simon song. That's not to argue against the "S" rating - not at all. It's simply that Paul Simon is an S-tier artist. He's just that consistently brilliant. With or without Art Garfunkel's soaring harmonies, you just can't go wrong picking anything Paul Simon.

[@jgoldwhite]

I don't think there's a bad song on "There Goes Rhymin' Simon", that said the transcendent ear-candy of "Kodachrome" is pure pop genius and the gospel sauce that is all over "Love Me Like a Rock" is so tasty that it could bring a sinner to the church.

[@chelseastephens2990]

I’ve been to quite a few concerts in my life and Paul Simon is still my favorite. You need to listen to the whole Graceland album but definitely listen to “Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes.”

[@tkbourne53]

No guys, he’s sleeping with his “Dirty Work” lover, who is seducing him into just pullin’ the plug on his regular. The verse chord progression and melody PERFECTLY express his indecision, and she is more than happy to cure his uncertainty with the contrast of that super catchy and direct chorus. As you say, just Perfect songwriting! Love those mischievous guitar fills in the chorus too!

[@carolynschmidt7672]

That's what I think.

[@rickmeagher9049]

I’m thinking PS was intimately familiar with professionals ref ‘the boxer’

[@jimarmstrong2630]

Sometimes Alex and Andy are the Dumas Brothers, the female dialogue belongs to a third party, who is giving advice to the first party on how to leave the second party, who is not present. Not complicated.

[@PhoenixRisen63]

Yup, the female side of the dialogue is from a side.

[@hedcandy]

That has always been my take on this song also. She's his "mistress" telling him about the 50 ways he could leave his lover.

[@scotts6702]

"The Only Living Boy in New York", haunting incredible harmonies recorded near an old elevator shaft. You HAVE to hear this song....

[@jamesdignanmusic2765]

My all time favourite S&G song and in my ten top songs ever. Astonishing.

[@foxandscout]

@@jamesdignanmusic2765 same

[@foxandscout]

That and America: my 2 favorites. However when I look at these 3 albums (each just under 30 minutes!) I think the entire albums should be listened to in one sitting. Sounds of Silence; Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme; Bookends. I was 14 when Bookends, 1968, was released. What a year of music for folk rock and classic rock! Bring up anyone’s top 15 or top 50(!) of that year (really of 1967 and each year through the early 70s)and be prepared to be bowled over by what “new” music we were gifted with. We were a very fortunate generation.

[@jamesdignanmusic2765]

@@foxandscout Good point - Bookends in particular is meant to be heard in one sitting. And yes, America is also an astonishing track.

[@brettv5967]

Is it a perfect song? Perhaps. Yet it’s not even one of my top 5 favorites from Paul Simon. His catalogue is so, so good.

[@laurawalkerJD]

Cannot wait for you to hear "Late in the Evening" - and I recommend the remastered version because it is gorgeous.

[@Fool3SufferingFools]

A thousand times this.

[@johnbarton562]

Good call, Laura.

[@williamtoliver5959]

How do we get them to react to this?

[@laurawalkerJD]

@@williamtoliver5959 Pretty sure we just wait. They will get around to it eventually. Hopefully, with as much love as they have for Paul Simon now, they will circle back sooner rather than later.

[@SuperLocrian]

Just absolutley one of my all-time favorites!

[@kevinhampton6986]

Never really thought of this song as a contender for best ever, but it was really cool to listen closely to it for the first time. Nice drum choices, vocals are great and lyrics are top notch. I'd go A+

[@dreamweaver1603]

Me neither. I liked it as a kid, but it was just one of many great songs. This didn’t stand out that much except I still remember the lyrics after all these years, even if I hadn’t heard it in years.

[@mjprec]

Title track is actually my favorite!! Much less radio play… still crazy after all these years…

[@waterdonkey]

I agree. One of his finest songs.

[@stephanieo2509]

Paul had lots of great solo hits--my favorite is "Kodachrome"--just absolutely bright and fun. But I also love "Mother and Child Reunion", "Me and Julio Down By the Schoolyard" and "Graceland."

[@rosariccardo3529]

Love love love all of them

[@jeffreyjohnson7359]

All of those! My favorite is probably Mother and Child Reunion. Although the origin story almost ruined it for me 😄

[@jannsmart7005]

My favorite is "Diamonds On the Soles of Her Shoes". Oowah Oowah...

[@johnharding7650]

Kodachrome sucks

[@nickywhiteside4633]

So many great songs to choose from…You Can Call Me Al, from the Graceland album is top-notch lyrically & musically in my opinion. Kodachrome is another classic. Let’s face it…Paul hasn’t produced a dud yet….

[@douginny]

KODACHROME from Paul Simon's 3rd studio album gives this song a solid run for its money.

[@richardnanian2446]

Third, but most people think of "There Goes Rhymin' Simon" as his second. It was only the second released in the U.S. and the second after Simon & Garfunkel broke up. "The Paul Simon Songbook" was just an English release, and I think 9 of the 12 tracks are better known as Simon & Garfunkel songs. They were either on "Wednesday Morning, 3:00 am." or ended up on later S & G albums. "There Goes Rhymin' Simon" is such a strong album. In addition to "Kodachrome" and "Loves Me Like a Rock," it has "American Tune," which I think is one of his best. And I think like most parents of young boys, I have a special place in my heart for "St. Judy's Comet."

[@douginny]

@@richardnanian2446 Did not know that. Thanks.

[@shawnmccorkle5059]

Much better actually imo

[@williamhenderson1521]

The title track from this album, "Still Crazy After All These Years" is also seriously great!

[@theodoreritola7641]

Hold the line By Toto 1978,,

[@happymethehappyone8300]

This First Classic By Them Will Hit You Different In The Best Of Ways..Simon & Garfunkel "Scarborough Fair/Canticle",, "A Hazy Shade Of Winter" & "I Am A Rock"...MUST HEAR Classics.

[@reednewell2164]

The ONLY problem in making this a S Tier song is there are a couple dozen more Paul Simon songs that are just as good or better. I could name them, but it’s easier to just take a dart and throw it at the Paul Simon catalogue and you’ll hit a great song. The man is a living treasure.

[@allisonreed7682]

There truly are too many great songs from his solo catalog to list them all! But Graceland should be a full-album reaction, in my opinion.

[@reednewell2164]

@@allisonreed7682 I agree. Every song on Graceland is excellent.

[@WDRhine]

I made a similar point above. "50 Ways" is clever and catchy but nowhere near Paul Simon's best.

[@jasonremy1627]

Paul Simon can have as many S tier songs as he deserves. No problem with that rating.

[@robertreichle1]

@@allisonreed7682 I'd argue that there are a few S tier from him but way more as part of Simon and Garfunkel.

[@LearningDrummerSam]

Steve Gadd on the drums, legendary rhythym

[@jacjr6193]

Also played the drums on the track Aja for Steely Dan

[@sweetpea1445]

The drums are so good in this song because it was played by Mr. Groove himself, Steve Gadd. Another great Paul Simon tune featuring Gadd is Late in the Evening, incredible drums! Steve Gadd is also the drummer thst played the iconic drum solo on Aja by Steely Dan.

[@David-iv6je]

And tony Levin on bass.

[@stix7662]

Beat me to it, Liz…Steve Gadd!

[@Mark_McC]

…and Chuck E’s in Love, and tons of Chick Corea stuff, etc. Gadd’s discography is insane. There is an old axiom that Neil Peart is your favorite drummer’s favorite drummer. Now, don’t get me wrong, I love The Professor but I think that probably belongs to Steve Gadd (or maybe Bernard Purdie).

[@odd-looking-dude]

It’s the vocals that blow me away here. The delicate delivery and phrasing. I just melt.

[@deelawson4551]

Paul has so many great hits! My favorites by him is Love Me Like A Rock and Kodachrome..Keep On Rockin'

[@DannyD714]

the title song from the album "50 ways..." comes from is excellent too, "still crazy after all these years".

[@DerekDominoes]

Honestly, I vastly prefer "Still Crazy After All These Years."

[@stantheman9072]

Especially if you are singing it while wearing a turkey suit while opening NBC Saturday Night! Hope you remember that Paul Simon blast from the past. Remember that early on, the show wasn’t called Saturday Night Live because another show on ABC debuted with that title first. Lorne Michaels eventually took it for his show after the other was cancelled.

[@DannyD714]

@@stantheman9072 yeah i remember. it was saturday night live with howard cosell. the turkey suit opening is classic.

[@stantheman9072]

@@DannyD714 “I can’t fit through the door!!”

[@DannyD714]

@@stantheman9072 lol

[@bws1971]

Glad you guys loved this tune. She's his side chick, the one telling him about the 50 ways. When she says, "Let's sleep on it," she's banking on the sex with her being so great that night, that he'll definitely see and understand and act on one of the 50 ways the next day to break up with his current LTR girlfriend

[@barryshapiro3349]

Love Paul’s early 70’s solo stuff the best. “Mother and Child Reunion” my favorite.

[@MissAstorDancer]

Beautiful song! Paul really knew his way around a melody and a lyric!

[@richardnanian2446]

One of the first white reggae songs. When people were stunned by Graceland and Simon's adaptation of isicathamiya music, all I could think of was that he been adapting world music since "El Condor Pasa," if not before.

[@v.2080]

That first solo album was my fave....💝

[@gordonduke8812]

I was 8 years old when this song came out. Now I have been singing "slip out the back, Jack" ever since. Great reaction

[@ninja_tony]

I don't understand how there are so many negative comments about this song, it's a masterpiece. It's always been one of my favorite songs of Simon's. Yes, he's had an incredible career and robust catalog, but that shouldn't take away from how great this song is.

[@pga2xs]

I’m real old school, but, I consider Simon and Garfunkel’s “Bookends” to be about as perfect an album as there is. Many great songs highlighted by the transcendent “America”. Do yourself a favor and listen to the whole album!

[@originalambival]

A fellow old schooler agrees with you.

[@chrisdelisle3954]

In regards to Paul Simon...."The Obvious Child" is a favorite of mine from his "Rhythm of the Saints" album, the one after "Graceland" that I prefer. Maybe "Still Crazy After All These Years," which is on the same album as "50 Ways To Leave Your Lover." "Kodachrome" is fun. "Loves Me Like A Rock" is really good. One of my favorites by Simon and Garfunkel is "For Emily, Whenever I May Find Her."

[@scottmarleneking6298]

The whole Graceland album is must-listen material for 3 reasons: 1) aesthetically, it has some of the catchiest music ever, 2) culturally, it virtually created the market for "World Music", and 3) politically, it played a role in the abolishment of Apartheid in South Africa by very publically defying the prohibition against black and white musicians collaborating. Simon was a master of collaboration-- either he got the perfect collaborators to fulfill his artistic vision, or else he created the perfect music to fully showcase his collaborators.

[@kayelle8005]

I feel simultaneously sorry for you that you’ve lived so much of your life without more of Paul Simon’s music in it, and excited for you that there an amazing catalogue to discover and enjoy.

[@jacksonmorganfroghin4815]

One of the best songs of all time came out in one of the best years of Pop music 1966. You might not have heard of it but once you hear it you won't forget it. MR DIEINGLY SAD by the Critters.

[@allisonreed7682]

S-tier all day long!!! Next has to be “Late in the Evening” from the album “One-Trick Pony!” Steve Gadd (same drummer from this track) plays with two sticks in each hand! And there are horns!!! Great reaction. Loved this so much!

[@loosilu]

And it's about Carrie Fisher!

[@allisonreed7682]

@@loosilu I didn’t realize that! Their relationship was so tumultuous. I remember him being absolutely heartbroken when she passed.

[@Shadowrider1872]

😁

[@allisonreed7682]

Hey, @@Shadowrider1872! Happy Monday! ☺️

[@garywilson5103]

So much Paul Simon to hear...Loves Me Like A Rock, Me and Julio Down By the School Yard, Kodachrome, anything from the Graceland album.

[@rexvisitor44]

Let me put it this way, Graceland the album is to music what the Mona Lisa is to art. Genius. There are louder, more colorful works, to be sure. But, when you break down the elements that make a work of art, it's all there in perfect beautiful balance.

[@davidsommerville2213]

Mid 70s Paul Simon is great Paul Simon. Keep on keepin on young bloods.

[@TheKarmicRepairCo]

Paul Simon solo: "American Tune" for pure songwriting brilliance "Me & Julio" for total rhythm "Still Crazy After All These Years" for sophisticated songwriting at its finest "Something So Right" melody writing as good as it gets "You Can Call Me Al" the most fun music video ever

[@junietunes2148]

I've been wanting you guys to do this for a long time!! Instant classic. Other amazing Paul Simon songs: Kodachrome, Slip Sliding Away, Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes and many more, PS is just a superb songwriter. Have a great week Gents and everyone in the A&A Fam! ☮💜🎶

[@Meandmymirror]

I hope they will do the entire Graceland album

[@Shadowrider1872]

❤

[@junietunes2148]

@@Shadowrider1872 Hi John! 💜

[@RadCenter]

Some Simon & Garfunkel classics you need to hit: "The Sound of Silence," "My Little Town," "Bookends," "Homeward Bound," ""The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin' Groovy)" From Paul Simon, you must listen to "Kodachrome," "American Tune," and the whole "Graceland" album, especially the title track and "Homeless"

[@tommathews3964]

Whoever told you about "Graceland" ain't kidding! It's an absolutely terrific album! Excellent choice for a full album review! Paul is a World Treasure! Just listen to it all, you'll be better men for it!

[@marksaldana6209]

One of the benefits of being young is discovering great music, movies and other art from the past.

[@coleneilsen337]

“You Can Call Me Al” is the pinnacle for me of not only Paul Simon but pop music in general

[@theivory1]

This drum track was the entrance test to the music program for drummers at SEMO for years.

[@adriennepender673]

This entire album, “still crazy after all these years”, is just brilliant! This is the album where, when Paul Simon won the Grammy for Album of the Year, he thanked Stevie Wonder for not releasing an album that year (Stevie had won Album of the Year the previous 2 years).

[@Thyrwyn]

The groove on the drums is sooooo good. So good. And Paul Simon is one of the most eloquent lyricists ever. Ever.

[@nicholasmckibbin1510]

Mother and child reunion is so sad and sweet. Cool reggae feel. Slip slidin' away is so... accurate. Great artist. As far as the "best song of all time question", impossible to answer.

[@megwilcox2878]

Legend has it that Paul Simon wrote this song while singing to his infant child, and noodling around with rhymes.

[@donnieinman8049]

This song has an iconic drum part by Steve Gadd. It's one of those songs that every drummer will learn at some point.

[@LouieLouie3]

True. Its one of the licks I find myself breaking into when I'm warming up.

[@brianoneil9662]

"Kodachrome" is another amazingly well written Paul Simon tune.

[@gregsager2062]

"Kodachrome" is loaded with enough hooks to keep the song in your head for hours afterwards. Such a shame that the lyrics are now a bit obscure, since Eastman Kodak discontinued Kodakchrome 13 years ago and most people now take pictures with their cell phones. I hope it doesn't damage the song's listenability for future generations.

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

You two have a different take on this tune than I've always had. I've never thought that the two people portrayed in this song were lovers. To me it sounded like he was talking to a lady who WASN'T his lover, and she was basically wanting him to dump his girl and get together with her. She's a very interested third party who is trying to work her way in. For sure he seems receptive, but we never get a resolution to the story.

[@gregsager2062]

You hit the nail on the head. Yours is the absolute correct interpretation. The more you look at the lyrics, it's the only real conclusion you can draw; the song is about a manipulative woman who found a guy who has some ambivalent feelings about his girlfriend, and she's trying to push him over the edge into leaving said girlfriend so that she can take her place, first by convincing him that leaving the old squeeze is the right move and then sealing the deal by rocking his world between the sheets once the conversation's over. Andy & Alex are intelligent young men, but sometimes they miss the mark regarding the meaning of lyrics. This is one song for which they definitely should've taken the time to look at the lyrics after listening to the song.

[@franklassek3132]

You said it, Iconic, and here we have Steve Gadd again, the Iconic drummer. I have always liked "One Man's Ceiling is Another Man's Floor.

[@GordonFadie]

I was a kid when this came out and it was kind of a novelty song. Everyone knew it. Seems like it was performed or parodied on every 70's variety show. They played it on the radio station that my parents listened to. Funny how it survived all this time and now it's taken more seriously.

[@Crytica.]

Paul Simon is one of the best music artists and lyricists in my opinion. This is one of many songs from his solo time where he just shows why he is so insanely good.

[@QueenFornis]

This song is one of the reasons why I believe Paul Simon to be one of the greatest lyricists of the 20th century! Anyone who can take the word "misconstrued", put it in a song and make it work, is brilliant! Great reaction!

[@gregsager2062]

Not only that, he puts the word into the mouth of one of the song's two main characters, the one who is deliberately trying to get the other main character -- the narrator -- to do exactly that, misconstrue her advice to him as being the dispassionate and objective analysis of a disinterested third party, when in reality getting him to misconstrue her intentions is the linchpin to her stealing the narrator away from his current girlfriend. It's genius-level songwriting, not just because he uses a sophisticated word like "misconstrued", but because he subtly makes that word the theme of the entire song.

[@bethkoch11]

What a great song. What a great album. I played it a lot, and when my daughter was about 3, she learned the song, on her own. She used to sing the chorus all the time, I mean constantly, and she never missed a word. I still remember that little kid running around the house singing "Hop on the bus Gus".

[@CC-fn4ch]

Every Paul Simon song is a work genius!!!

[@crashcorrigan9733]

One of the best artists of the 20th century. Simply a modern musical genius. Won't be another one like him. Thanks, God.

[@JaneTheSeekerTarot]

You need to listen to Graceland. The whole album. Nuff said ✌

[@jefframsay8399]

"The Boy in the Bubble" in particular is amazing.

[@pl33]

absolute masterpiece

[@BelovedChatter]

That’s factual information

[@rickpaul4216]

The amazing Steve Gadd on drums. One of the best drummers in the Classic Rock era. Think "Aja."

[@elizabethfranco1284]

Paul Simon is there are no words to describe the man’s talent

[@walterkirk9210]

Of course when Steve Martin was intro'ing the Kennedy Centers Honors for Paul Simon, Steve said, "I don't use the word genius often. I just thought I'd mention that.".

[@ThistleAndSea]

Paul Simon is one of the all time greats. Thanks for sharing this one. 🙂

[@hog7203]

I remember when that song came out. In high school we changed it to 50 Ways to Bust a Rubber..... just stick it with a pin Lynn,...pop it with a tack Jack... and so on. 😄 .

[@leezabel181]

“Late in the Evening” next. You won’t regret it. And yes, “Graceland” is iconic. Anything you choose from that record would work next too.

[@catbutte4770]

Gents, I'm always happy when you two post a song reaction! 😺

[@joefinnegan2408]

Kodachrome, Slip Slidin Away, Love Me Like a Rock, Mother & Child Reunion, all great P Simon tracks. You'll love all of these.

[@strngenchantedgirl]

I think my jaw hit the ground when you said you’ve never listened to solo Paul Simon. I mean he’s top 3 greatest American singer songwriter IMO. Listen to the whole Graceland album but then add on the Obvious Child. That song just blesses my soul for some reason.

[@suehaden6103]

I LOVE Obvious Child.. OMG those drums at the start- best intro ever, and stunning lyrics that take you through a man’s whole life in a few lines,. Utter genius 😍

[@mdfreels]

Listening to this song brought back a lot of great memories from my childhood.

[@justineapril7922]

Even when this song was new, it was a bit controversial because of the use of the word "lover." Paul Simon had a phenomenal solo career after his outstanding duo with Art Garfunkel. So many hits. "50 Ways to Leave Your Lover" IS an iconic tune. So is the title track off the parent album, 'Still Crazy After All These Years.' If you react to "You Can Call Me Al," you HAVE to watch the official video! 😉✌😍

[@jasonremy1627]

Steve Gadd's drum groove on this is just perfect. He's the one who did the two drum solos on "Aja" by Steely Dan. He's a legend!

[@msuschadwick7]

“Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes” from Graceland- “Loves Me Like a Rock” solo- “Gone at Last”- “Kathy’s Song”- “El Condor Pasa” Simon and Garfunkel- “Still Crazy After All These Years”- “Scarborough Fair”- “America”- I literally love all of Paul Simon’s work so I’m super biased but these are some interesting choices out of the ones you haven’t covered yet.

[@drabbyvideos]

Just a shoutout for Kathy’s Song, a sweet gem. No one saying that specifically, so glad you mention it. Such quiet power in most of these songs.

[@billboyd9028]

Something I think that sets Paul Simon apart from many of the others out there is that he was not just a song writer, he was a composer and writer and he had the talent to not just write the words but to design the sound, direct it, and produce it. There were several composer/writers in that time and their music stands out from the pack. Good reaction and good analysis!

[@happymethehappyone8300]

Paul Simon "Kodachrome",, "Me And Julio Down By The Schoolyard",, "Mother And Child Reunion",, "Late In The Evening",, "Slip Slidin' Away",, "Still Crazy After All These Years",, "Graceland" & "Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Shoes"

[@homerunhomeshow7201]

"KODACHRO...O...OOOME! Give me the nice bright colors, give me the greens of summers, makes you think all the world's a sunny day - oh yeah" - This one is a BOP and so well played by The Swampers, well, as they all are.

[@alanhynd7886]

There's another track on the album called "So Kind" that includes the following lyrics: So goodbye, goodbye I'm gonna leave you now and here's the reason why I like to sleep with the window open and you keep the window closed So goodbye, goodbye, goodbye Always seemed like reason no 1 to me.

[@tonihammes33]

Duncan is my absolute favorite Paul Simon song. His lyrics are awesome…. “Couple in the next room bound to win a prize They've been going at it all night long Well, I'm trying to get some sleep But these motel walls are cheap Lincoln Duncan is my name and here's my song” great start to a song!

[@suehaden6103]

Love Duncan, one of my favourites 💕

[@SurvivorBri]

Yea this is as perfect as it gets. The chord progressions matcha the mood of the song. This is Simon at the top of his game.

[@MAGA-kv1nj]

The legendary Steve Gadd on drums. This song gets better every time you hear it. Loves Me Like a Rock, Late In The Evening, and Mother and Child Reunion are some other S-tier songs.