Paul Simon | A Lesson In minimalism

[@joehebert789]

This was outstanding. I don't think that you should field requests from us on the subject matter in this series. You guys pick whatever moves you enough to take the deep dive required to drive you there. Thanks for an amazing share.

[@skroy8671]

Agreed! You chose this without any input from us whatsoever, and did a bang-up job! I will never view this song the same again! It's your road, drive it anywhere you like.

[@darrengrebe2253]

Also agree. This is a labor of love - theirs, not ours.

[@troilusand]

I also agree that tons of input from us fans would not be as good as "whatever moves you".

[@daveking9393]

@@troilusand big time!

[@jameswalls4172]

A real home run,guys.Follow your muse.

[@texashookem22]

Ok, I’m impressed. This was damn well done, we want more!! And y’all definitely need to hit the Album Graceland next!

[@Meandmymirror]

Graceland 5-sure!!

[@peggyhill8539]

Yes! Graceland is amazing. Loved Rhythm of the Saints as well.❤

[@abbiewilliams975]

It was great absolutely great

[@kenperkins7921]

The late great Roger Hawkins was Paul Simon's secret weapon on drums when he needed the best, Roger was ALWAYS READY!

[@lindab1945]

This was terrific. What excellent research! You chose Paul Simon because the song intrigued you. Rather than us listeners dictating where you go next with this style, I think you need to continue following what intrigues you. Follow your curiosity. Look back over past S tier tracks and examine what more you want to know. Congrats A&A on finding yet another compelling way for you two to be you.

[@georgeramey647]

I've been following you guys for over a year now, and this is the most mature, and I'm sure, most challenging undertaking to date. As a 76 year old geezer ex-rocker (Overwhelming Odds, 1965-1969) I grew up and played many of the songs you have reviewed. I have sometimes been p'od at your naivete because of lack of research, but all in all been impressed with your comments as unbiased voices. Keep up what you're doing. hope to see more of these insightful videos. Guitar George

[@XCaliKev]

👍😎 Guitar George he knows all the cords

[@actuariallurker9650]

I just checked out your band's 50 year reunion on your college website- great sound!

[@6falconsue]

George, I think a great part of the guys' charm is that they generally don't do any research on the songs they review--they just listen to them for the first time like we all once did (I'm 74, btw). And their reviews are always thoughtful and enhanced by the fact that they're both musicians. Having said that, I thought Alex did a fine job of delving deeper into 50 Ways and I agree with you and other commenters that A&A should do more of this type of video when the spirit moves them. Cheers!

[@andynaundorf8343]

A&A has taken things to the Next Level! Thoughtful, inspiring, and carefully crafted. We definitely want more like this. Well done.

[@loosilu]

Who wants A&A to do Graceland on Patreon?

[@cerisewilson4428]

YES!!!!

[@fredhall6525]

And about 20 singles on KZbin.

[@serasmile6026]

I do

[@waynecox3958]

I’d much rather There Goes Rhymin’ Simon……...

[@Beatles4Sale.]

They need to do every S&G song. ❤️❤️❤️

[@kevinfitzgerald8706]

Dude! Have you been doing these kind of in depth essays right along? Have I missed them? Phenomenal. The line about literally starting on the wrong foot was an incredible observation expressed perfectly. I'd say do more of the same, but that would be hard. Coming close would be an accomplishment.

[@gryphonvert]

For real! I wonder if he's produced some things like this in the past, maybe for school? This is a very well-done, "mature" take (in the sense that the way it's put together and narrated, and the observations, don't feel like a first-time). If this is how they're starting off, I can't wait to see where they go!

[@terrylucaspoetrycoach4489]

For context, I'm a poet and teacher of poetry--MFA, 5-published books, numerous articles about the genre and reviews of poetry collections. I've followed your channel for a couple of years now. I enjoy your reactions. But now this review--it is what I strive for when I write a review. You allowed Paul Simon's lyrics, chord selections, rhythms, and their combined effect speak for themselves--loved the "On-Off" visual of the drum beats, e.g.--AND you explored behind those elements by bringing in material outside of the genre of music, thus creating a fresh, compelling, informative review of one of our national treasures. And, like Paul Simon, you took the time to make it brief enough to be concise, precise, and poetic, without sacrificing any important material or getting off-base. A truly remarkable, fresh analysis of "50 Ways to Leave your Lover." You just made me a fan for life! Terry Lucas, Poet Laureate Emeritus of Marin County California.

[@fredhall6525]

Very professional. Alex should get an agent for voice-over work.

[@Cheshirecat-nx9zn]

I really enjoyed this forum. I think anyone who loves music will appreciate the back story of the songs.

[@tonycasey3183]

What KZbin is sorely lacking is stuff like this - intelligent and insightful content. More of this, Alex. I really, REALLY enjoyed your analysis, perspective and, indeed, the production. More, please.

[@mscommerce]

This is first rate. Absolutely top notch. You guys have been at this for three years, and you should just follow your interests and instincts. You don't need us anymore to give you a road map to songs and artists. But I do appreciate your doing the polls, and finding out what we'd like to view you reacting to. Short answer-more of these, please.

[@tedcole9936]

Yes, Please make this type of analysis a common thing. I’ve always wanted you to delve into lyrics more, and how the music works with the lyrics- this was excellent and insightful. More, please!!!

[@maryann1252]

I think you guys should do this with songs that really hit you differently than others. Especially ones where the lyrics are more profound to you than others. Some songs just deserve more attention than others because of the lyrics and story behind them. Great job

[@bobgorman3874]

Been telling you for a while to do Graceland on Patreon. SO glad you have delved into the greatness of Steve Gadd. Drumming genius. My hero as I play. Watch him do jazz. Seen Paul & Clapton live several times. Steve was always on drums.

[@loosilu]

As someone who literally knows nothing about drumming, that was enlightening!

[@jasonremy1627]

This was BRILLIANT! I would love to see videos like this in the regular rotation. I love what you guys normally do, but this little foray into Nerdwriter/Polyphonic style videos was really well done. I'd like to see more like this once in a while. I'm sure a LOT of work went into this, I know how hard it is to put a well-crafted video essay together. Would love to see this become a regular part of the channel.

[@taun856]

An excellent insight into the song. Well done! Paul Simon, Bob Dylan, Gordon Lightfoot and Al Stewart are all Master lyric writers and would be excellent choices to have one or more of their songs given this treatment.

[@John-ux8zj]

Definitely, it would be awesome. Some Leonard Cohen as well, would be great. Don’t think they’ve hit him yet.

[@tkengathegrateful4844]

And Stan Rogers and John Prine. Joni Mitchell, Judy Collins, Carol King, and Carly Simon.

[@Bacchus69]

​@@tkengathegrateful4844 Stan Rogers would be great.

[@saucefc]

Where tf have you been hiding this approach?? This is golden. Keep it up! Thank you. I really appreciate this.

[@joonzville]

Absolutely loved this. A different kind of deep dive. More, please.

[@Meandmymirror]

I also love this because I don’t always want to watch a 2 hour documentary about a songwriter or a band. This was short and to the point.

[@KandKs_GG]

Excellent assessment of this song! Alex, you've done a remarkable job of breaking this down into an easily digestable assessment utilizing some of the more technical aspects, while not going so deep into the weeds that you lose those with limited musical experience who haven't delved into the realms of formal music theory education. The use of the artist and subject matter expert footage was a nice bonus to your own insightful observations. Yes! We want more of this type of content!

[@heidigrezel2596]

ALWAYS LOVED THIS SONG. It was big! The breakdown was interesting. Melancholy, contemplative. I was 11, when this song was a hit. I actually remember, talking about it in Core class with classmates. That's what we did, talk about music, movies, sports. Music 1st, always. That's what's so great about you guys. Honest Music talk. 🎶

[@emmelleperry9956]

Well done! Thanks. Paul Simon is a national treasure.

[@OuterGalaxyLounge]

Good timing, as I've been listening to all of his great albums lately, after kind of ignoring them for many years. Also watched One Trick Pony, which I think is a better film than people give it credit for. The man deserves every lifetime achievement award that can be given.

[@lindab1945]

Loved the album, but the film is buried on some long abandoned “to be watched” list. Thank you for the reminder!

[@ptjww9455]

I think OTP is actually his best album. On it, Paul brings music to untouched heights. That I think he never touched again later on. Not to mention the sheer perfection of the record. Perfect production and every single note exactly where it should be. Pure unadulterated genius.

[@chanceotter8121]

Well done! Paul Simon is the master of complex simplicity. In songs like this one, Still Crazy After All These Years, Slip Slidin Away, Graceland, and compositions made during his S&G years: America, Mrs. Robinson, he creates characters with so much depth, with compassion and understanding, that they could be lead characters in a novel or film. But Simon's artistry is in his perfect and concise word choices, merged with memorable melodies, and most importantly knowing what not to say about these people, and what notes not to play, that move the listener to feel deeply about the characters, to fill in the spaces between the lines, to recognize themselves and their loved ones or former loved ones in them, and in that way, like all great art, helps us to see the beauty in every broken heart and the hope in every dashed dream. Paul Simon has made my life richer. Thank you for choosing to highlight his work.

[@stewartnewman6365]

Yep. A breakdown of what makes a great song great can always be interesting. I’ll be hoping for more. Nicely produced, intelligently presented, it comes across as a polished and respectable piece of journalism. Well done, Alex.

[@ninja_tony]

Wow. This was one of the best short essays on music Ive ever watched. This video easily rivals Middle 8, Polyphonic, etc. I can’t wait to see more.

[@hongchen2554]

Superb presentation, Alex! Deep, thoughtful words paired with great visuals. More please, whenever inspiration hits and you have the time!

[@mwflanagan1]

This was very well done, Alex. As others have expressed, Graceland would benefit everyone (you, us, the album itself) if you subjected it to similar treatment; if that’s too much, the entire album should be heard. Barring that, individual tunes from the album. I can say “Please” in 7 different languages, if you like.

[@loosilu]

DIAMONDS

[@JD_Cool]

A wonderfully nuanced songwriter like Paul Simon is the perfect subject for such a wonderfully nuanced deep dive. Thanks, Alex. Splendid.

[@m.gideonhoyle409]

Extremely well done... I'll take as many of these as you have time to make.

[@michaeldedalus1039]

Superb. This is a great piece of rock journalism.

[@evillemike2009]

That was good. Writing, showing some depth and research - plugging it all in at the right places, making sure it brings pertinent information and context, so it doesn't feel pretentious - together with solid unobtrusive production. That's some quality work right there. Well done.

[@korinamoss3581]

Love it. Paul Simon is great. I’d like to see you do one on Billy Joel - he’s a great storyteller and I’d love to hear more about his process.

[@donnagonatas3155]

I really enjoyed this. You still need to hear Me & Julio down by the schoolyard. Great song. ♥️♥️

[@MarcusWerner13]

Thanks for taking the time to make us a short video about something that clearly resonated with you. It was well done and very moving.

[@jbellinger99]

A great discussion/presentation. New depth to the channel. You appreciation of this song, in depth , is refreshing.

[@jbellinger99]

You have both come a long way in appreciating older music. Coupled with your growth as musicians, it has been an interesting and insightful lesson for everyone. I LISTEN better than i used to.

[@jjmalaprop9968]

I was going to congratulate you on not veering off into the unnecessary movie/meme/popular KZbin video reactions so many others have and delving deeper into the music and then … the narrator … I know that voice … no f***ing way! Researching on your own time to produce short docs … for us? Seriously, this is incredible for us not just to consume but to know where you are on the spectrum of your journey. Outstanding!

[@janetf23]

Good job, Alex. A personal favorite among Paul Simon's many strengths is his superiority in conveying a mood.👏

[@canadianstudmuffin]

Really enjoyed this. Hope there is more. Paul Simon is one of the true greats.

[@talltulip]

BRAVO! I absolutely LOVED this! Would love to see more like it, as well as reactions. This was just superb.

[@chrisrosberg3761]

Well constructed analysis of a uniquely gifted American songwriter. I look forward to more. Thanks very much, Alex.

[@cpearson7372]

One of most favorite songs, as a small child, the drum part, and acoustic guitar, grabbed me, and I was deeply ENAMORED. My mother had a few of his albums, and Paul Simon's music was on 70's AM radio 📻. My other favorite Paul S, at the time, was Loves Me Like A Rock !!!! ❤🪨

[@RockyMtnRebecca]

Excellent work Alex. I'm proud of you. You are expanding your talents and your audience. ♥♥♥

[@dusty52267]

Great content. Been a fan since the bedroom days and you just keep getting better. Congratulations on an awesome piece of work.

[@dustylane2898]

Very interesting, and very well done. I'd love to see you do more of these. Very polished segment! Thank you.

[@davidwilkins5932]

A fine presentation, and one that I’d like to see more of in the future. As much as I enjoy the reactions, this is a pleasing and unexpected break from the norm. And as a sidebar: I hope you guys will continue exploring Paul Simon trove of solo work, whether here or on Patreon.

[@G-Q67]

Art historian here: this video is excellent for tying visual to audio elements, well-explained. Thank you.

[@andyandalex]

That’s high praise 🙏🏼

[@andyandalex]

Thanks 😊

[@gregghelmberger]

This is a valuable exercise both for you and for the audience. For you, it helps you clarify your thoughts on a specific topic, and you bring that information to us. But you also bring to us a peek behind the scenes of how your mind works, what you look for, what impresses you and what doesn't. It's a double-shot espresso of goodness.

[@hecubot]

That was fantastic critical analysis. Thoughtful, well-written, researched, musical. You know you're digging deep when you can find how the music expresses tension and unresolved feelings, while the lyrics are working on a different level. Also, your breakdown of the verse vs. chorus on Steve Gadd's drum patterns was masterful! Great stuff! Please do more of this.

[@nicholaschristiani253]

Excellent analysis. More of this is would be welcomed by me. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame had an entire section dedicated to Paul when I visited. Graceland is one my all time favorite albums and should be a strong consideration for Patreon.

[@jimhalas4195]

I liked this! I’ve been listening to that song for close to 50 years, and thought I knew a lot about it, but you taught me a few things.😊

[@johnmavroudis2054]

This was epic.... great job, Alex! ... and this is only Paul Simon's 50th best song. ... so you KNOW how great he is.

[@kirkhall2099]

Very good. You should dive in even more of the history of his music. that would be a long video

[@tomroome4118]

Alex, I loved your analysis. More please, your choice.

[@OberonOZ]

Honestly, this is stellar!! Congrats Alex on some great work. Id love to see whatever you come up with. If following your own inspiration brings something of this quality then better that than us giving you a bunch of stuff we want. I mean its not like I wouldnt want to see you do something on some of my favourites - Queen, Elton, Billy etc etc - but if you really are interested and motivated by something, then that would be cooler.

[@patricklewis7636]

Great format. If you guys have the time to do it, it's a must watch!

[@csw0551]

Outstanding! I would like more please !!

[@surlechapeau]

Well done Alex!! Looking forward to more videos of a similar vein.

[@yalemiller719]

Well done! If you haven't heard I'm not in Love by 10cc you should. There is a documentary on KZbin on how the background vocals were made and other aspects of the production of the song. It was groundbreaking. I think you would find it fascinating and maybe something you could make a video about.

[@jerickson725]

Absolutely, the song production is considered history making in the world of music at that time. There are a few different documentaries on YT and I've watched them all. Queen and Billy Joel are two artists that later used the same production method in some of their songs.

[@richardhooser5096]

Alex, you have a career waiting for you as a documentarian. Excellent work.

[@SM-jg8fr]

Would love to see more of this type of analysis. I'm sure it was VERY time-consuming, but rewarding. Well done.

[@bjs301]

I really like this video. A "problem" I have with your channel is that you are both musicians, and sometimes focus on musical points that are beyond me, a music loving non-musician. This was actually done in a more educational way.

[@macfilms9904]

This was good content. Please do more video essays like this!

[@rundoetx]

Very well done. More of these would be fine by me.

[@Mitschfibre]

For a deeper understanding of music, context is a great place to go. Your own context, that of the artist - it all works together. Excellent piece, Alex. You know it means something if it feels natural to want to express it, and we're glad you did.

[@lumin3370]

S-tier, this is amazing work Alex! 🔥 👏🏻

[@kathytoy5055]

Excellent! Thank you. Yes please to more of these.

[@SpuzzyLargo]

Well done video on a master songwriter and fine song. More, please!

[@jimholt1888]

Excellent explication Alex!! (from an English teacher of decades). 🙂✌️

[@glass2467]

Excellent video and narration!

[@billsplanet]

Nice job, Alex. I appreciate the thought and analysis you put into this. More, please!

[@ontheroad5317]

Absolutely S tier work on this video! Definitely do more of these!

[@RickF-dw8cl]

Love your take on this song.

[@lizard6444]

This was fantastic. Well done Alex. Brilliant idea

[@antarcticorb9197]

Nice, objective path to explore. Love some historical references in the future. Getting behind what's in the artist's life at the moment of creation is always fascinating!

[@andyb7942]

Great job, Alex!❤ Would love to see more of these, but realize they take a lot of time, so I'll suggest you could do one for which there is already great public information to support a song analysis. There are 3 "Classic Album" documentaries that I really love that provide great interviews of the producers, songwriters, and performers of the songs on each album: "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road," "Rumours," and "Aja". Alex mentioned doing a similar video for "Bennie and Jets" so that might be one to consider.

[@w.geoffreyspaulding6588]

That’s a great idea! I personally love the mini-docs of several of the Zeppelin albums…

[@loosilu]

Really, any of the major bands. There are mini documentaries for many Who albums.

[@gryphonvert]

Absolutely love this. Really well done, and I very much would like to see you do more! As the top comment mentions, this felt to me like it was motivated by your strong reaction to this particular song. I'm not sure if viewer suggestions would help recreate that -- maybe just look at your S-tier songs and think about those? But, I can also see how viewer suggestions might cause you to do a deep dive that you wouldn't have thought of, and find something interesting along the way. Either way, will be glad to see whatever you do.

[@blitztim6416]

That was good. A lot of work put into your writing, the graphics, the interview, the narration. These should be in a different playlist than the reactions. You will find a new subject.

[@jameskirschling7887]

This was a well done and interesting video. A&A should be proud of this. Nice job narrating Alex. I would watch more of these videos.

[@troilusand]

Well done! You can tell a lot of effort went into this. I for one would just be happy to listen to any deep dives that YOU TWO deem worthy.

[@Meandmymirror]

That was excellent and very well executed. I would love to see more of these.

[@comickaraoke]

Great piece, Alex . Well written and narrated. I'm also impressed by your use of the word, "confliction" which also sounds like the name of a new up-and-coming prog metal group 🙂

[@Magravated]

Alex you're a very good narrator! I really enjoyed that. Keep it up man!

[@jeffreythaw3333]

Excellent!

[@quintinallen5937]

This video was absolutely excellent!!!! You should definitely do more. Very well researched and put together.

[@otisdylan9532]

I found this very interesting, and would enjoy seeing more videos like this.

[@mrsnookdeb]

I think more effort and analytical thought went into this video than the song deserves, a lot of times songs and artists can be over analized over work they themselves didn't put that much thought into, like this song

[@andyandalex]

I didn’t start out with that much time and effort but I just kept finding more as I researched it. I didn’t set out to make a video on it but it sort of came from the actual history of the song itself

[@kathy2122]

Great job, Alex!

[@denizinan6253]

I liked it. Good story telling and explanation too. 👍

[@no2all]

This video is as brilliant as the song is. Listening to music can be as simple or as complex as the listener wishes it to be. Just like in a great cartoon or animation, the flow is consistent whether the audience is a small child, a pre-teen or an adult of many years. That is what separates a work of art that can be appreciated by the masses. Well done, Alex...need I make a gesture that begs for more of this growth of content within the A&A channel? I am hoping that one day (and you guys would be a good choice for it), a content creator would begin a historical journey though the recorded music of America. From the beginnings with classical, blues, ragtime, Dixieland, R&B, swing, folk, bluegrass, zydeco, soul, rockabilly, bebop, fusion, rock, punk and all the other genres that have fed into the collective creativity of what the music has become today. In essence, you do this each time presently although the scope is limited to just a few genres and a few decades. Perhaps a side channel and done in progression? The tone and depth you took in the video of this one song indicates to me that you have the chops to do it. Job well done and look forward to some consideration about discussing the musical quilt of America.

[@harriotteworthington3147]

Fantastic video, definitely well crafted. Would love to see more rockumentaries like this- excellent research and delivery!

[@yoseffeigenbaum9639]

I really liked this. It worked very well as a concept. I'd like to see more of this regarding the works of more introspective artists like Zappa and Pete Townshend. Keep up the great work!

[@elainederosa9200]

Excellent! Your insights helped me enjoy this song and performer even more than I already did. Thanks so much!

[@1bigrowdy]

Great synopsis of an iconic song.Slip Sliding Away is another amazingly simple but encompassing song. Thanks..

[@davidstevenson6817]

One of my favourite songs ever by a wonderfully consistent and thoughtful artist … I enjoyed the deeper dive into a song that clearly impacted you personally. He is one of a very small band of people on the planet (Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young etc) who have the ability to distill complex emotions into one or two lines and make you think … “that’s exactly how I felt” … it’s no small thing.

[@HappyOne3]

This was perfectly artistic, flawless, to the point and simple, which made it flawless. This will end up being sent to Paul Simon, if not finding it himself. Hope he reaches out to you.

[@patriciagoodwin1922]

Alex, wow wow wow!!! I absolutely loved this, please do more. My artist friends that write have told me there's a little formula to writing, K.I.S. keep it simple. Write from feelings past and present, it's so personal and when the writing flow begins, you can barely keep up with all the stuff in your head. You've heard of artists writing a song in an hour, that's the amazing flow that just works. Thank you Alex, keep doing this. Studying the history behind the artists and their songs is so rewarding!

[@Manageode]

This was great! Well done ✔

[@brianalbee7195]

Alright A & A, you’ve taken us on a whole new journey. I concur with all the comments regarding how deep and well thought out this is, not to mention all the work that went into it. You discuss the simplicity of the song. I want to say what you do here has the same qualities. Along the lines of the oxymoron “deafening silence”, this presentation itself has a complex simplicity to it. Simply put, this is phenomenal. It is our turn for a countdown - 3, 2, 1 ... S Tier! And if I were to add a post script I would concur with others saying that any future productions of this nature should be of your own choosing. Job well done men!