This gave me a big shock! PAUL SIMON Mother and child reunion REACTION - First time hearing

[@jameswiglesworth5004]

Why are you shocked by anything Paul Simon can do, the man is a genius.

[@wendyryder2708]

TOTALLY agree!

[@karenyoung7133]

i was JUST saying { as though harri could hear me}"why are you shocked by anything that Paul Simon does!".I am not surprised that i am not the only one who thought that!

[@browntabproductions]

The song was recorded at Dynamic Sounds Studios at Torrington Bridge in Kingston, Jamaica, with Jimmy Cliff's backing group. Paul LOVED Reggae and wanted to Record this song where Jimmy Cliff Recorded his song Vietnam.

[@HarriBestReactions]

Thank you!!!!! Makes absolute sense now

[@filaw6458]

@@HarriBestReactions He always worked that way... If he wanted a South African sound, he'd play with the best South African musicians he could find. If he wanted a Brazilian sound ? Same thing . What I particularly like about him is that he always gave the collaborators full respect and acknowledgement.

[@fan123casual8]

It seems to me that Simon had the attitude: “That looks fun! Can I do that, too?” There’s nothing wrong with that, to me. Paul had a way to do that without seeming inauthentic.

[@browntabproductions]

@@HarriBestReactions if you haven’t already may I suggest the 1970 Jimmy Cliff Song “Vietnam”. Bob Dylan called "Vietnam" the best protest song he had ever heard. Also, Jimmy’s Song Reggae Music from his Album Rebirth is lyrically an Autobiography of his Life in Reggae Music from beginning to current. It was produced by Tim Armstrong of Rancid, and featured backing band The Engine Room. The Grammy Winning Album also features a very cool Reggae version of the Clash song “Guns of Brixton”, which lyrically mentions “Ivan” from the 1972 Film “The Harder The Come”, starring Jimmy Cliff. Historical Song. ✌️

[@VincentAgostino-gy6hr]

Paul Simon was always a student and aficionado of world music… He was a seeker of rhythm… He was so much more than just rhymin’ Simon…

[@destinyreelly2974]

I’ve been listening to him since I was in the womb and I’ll continue to listen to him until I die. He is, beyond debate, one of America’s best songwriters.

[@rickmts]

Paul Simon has created some of the most incredible music over his lifetime, especially in his solo career!! A great artist

[@davidhanson8681]

"I know they say let it be, but it just don't work out that way" was a subtle response to the Beatles "Let It Be".

[@theivory1]

I haven’t heard this one in a few years. It’s so good. The bass line is hypnotizing.

[@dalemcmillan7231]

Paul's first Big hit as a solo artist ❤❤❤

[@giuliogrifi7739]

Yeah...I remember !.

[@289hipo]

Thought Me and Julio Down By The School Yard was his first

[@289hipo]

I stand corrected, you're right

[@CherylHughes-ts9jz]

Simon is brilliant...a musical genius. He never did a bad somg. Eclectic and so diverse🌹💃🌹

[@lynlucas5573]

Oh Harri..I've told u before that Simon is a chameleon..u can't look at him in the same way ..he changes his colors all the time..pure genius ❤❤

[@karlintucson]

Wonderful song from my childhood! Thanks, Harry!

[@2869may]

"Late In The Evening" is a Good Time....!

[@LetItBeSummer-1]

Agree! Another banger Harri you must listen to it! I know you’ll love it. Very upbeat

[@2869may]

@@LetItBeSummer-1 And great story telling..!

[@americanaforever6725]

Paul Simon drew inspiration and paid respect to many forms of music that he was drawn w

[@John_Chu]

The title of the song refers to a chicken and egg dish that may have come from The Moon Palace, a Chinese restaurant that was across the street from Columbia University. Art Garfunkel was going for his master's degree in mathematics at Columbia. Paul and Art may very well have had more than a few dinners together there back in the day. I attended Columbia myself and I do remember photos of Art and Paul on the walls of the restaurant. Never had the Mother and Child Reunion though. Fun fact: Paul says the song is inspired by thoughts of his childhood pet dog's death...and how he would feel if his first wife Peggy unexpectedly passed away. Funner fact: The song was recorded at Dynamic Sounds Studios at Torrington Bridge in Kingston, Jamaica, with Jimmy Cliff's backing group. You have great ears, Harri! Thanks Brandon for the pick.

[@Nite37]

Yup, the Chinese was translated to English and the dish was named "Mother & Child Reunion", which makes perfect sense to me.

[@debbiechang5781]

Paul Simon is right up there with a handful of musical geniuses! I love the reggae beat and the lyrics. Fantastic choice and review. Thanks Harri and Brandon 🌺✌️

[@jimmeltonbradley1497]

It's that Kingston Sound! I have my very own Trojan tripple CD. Simon really does do it justice. The same way he captured those South African sounds on the Graceland album

[@sharkmedia5969]

Great great song!

[@micheled6111]

One song I’ve played a thousand times. My grandmother was a Simon from Hungary just like Paul’s family. I imagine we are related!!!! Lol

[@allisonlopez5089]

My first 45 was Paul Simon with Kodachrom and Love Me Like a Rock

[@chab1rd155]

Love this song! Cecelia is a catchy one too!❤❤ And yes, the background vocals adds a whole wonderful level to this one!🙌

[@chab1rd155]

​@@AgingDrummerBoy-ly1js😂 me too! 🙌😊

[@debjorgo]

Cecilia was Simon and Garfunkel, but I always site it as their song that sounded the most like Paul's solo songs.

[@Dee-JayW]

@@AgingDrummerBoy-ly1jsI have an aunt Cecelia, and wondered about her life at the time…was she racy? 😂😂

[@chab1rd155]

@@AgingDrummerBoy-ly1js lol! 🤭

[@garfieldlewis3181]

The background vocal is done by the sweet inspiration

[@mikecaetano]

"Mother and Child Reunion" dropped when I was five. I remember hearing it on the radio station my mother listened to. Paul Simon - lead vocals, Hux Brown - lead guitar, Wallace Wilson - rhythm guitar, Jackie Jackson - bass guitar, Larry Knechtel - piano, Neville Hinds - organ, Winston Grennan - drums, Denzil Laing - percussion, Cissy Houston, Von Eva Sims, Renelle Stafford, Deirdre Tuck - backing vocals. "Hux" Brown and Jackie Jackson were in the backing band for Jimmy Cliff and Toots & The Maytals. I saw Toots & The Maytals play live twice in the eighties in Southern California.

[@jacqueline4514]

One of the most beautiful upbeat tempo songs ever written ❤

[@enzopalumbo2164]

You are probably right. Paul Simon seems to do that a lot. He takes sounds, beats and musical feel from other cultures and incorporates it into his music.

[@bkm2797]

Exactly, remember his trip to Africa, it was incredible and he created amazing music from that journey.

[@enzopalumbo2164]

@@bkm2797 yes

[@289hipo]

Word has it he got the inspiration from a restaurant menu with a chicken and egg dish named "Mother & Child Reunion"

[@grbenny]

That’s hilarious! 😂

[@MajorDenisBloodnok]

You knew that Paul Simon was already interested by this sound when he wrote Why don't you write me? for the Simon and Garfunkel's album Bridge over troubled water.

[@garfieldlewis3181]

Nice work by Paul Simon and the incredible Cissy Houston and the Sweet Inspiration working them background

[@bkm2797]

Love this tune by Paul Simon, I remember it well! Thanks Harri and Brandon, excellent choice.❤️👍

[@Cynthia...]

Fantastic song. Thank you, Brandon and Harri.

[@rnik012-v4f]

Often times it's the backing vocals that really make the song, including Bob Marley (especially No Woman No Cry and One Love).

[@hazelanglin5907]

I've always loved this song

[@jadalan1047]

You might be surprised at how many of us in the States have been exposed to classic Rock Steady reggae from the '60s and '70s (mostly through independent and college radio stations). I got my first exposure via a radio show here in the Midwest during my high school years (I'm now 62), and my record collection is filled with Trojan, Studio One, Tuff Gong, etc... I was a punk rock kid, but would have to say that classic Rock Steady reggae remains my favorite musical genre to this day. As you yourself might say: Wonderful stuff. Keep up the fun reactions. Cheers.

[@tedcole9936]

First track on the first LP I ever purchased. Lives fully rent-free in my mind. Gold. American here, never heard of Trojan Records, but Desmond Decker did make a showing on the legendary Stiff Box Set, which I bought on CD in the 90’s. Great stuff.

[@27thangel23]

Greetings from Canada. Hi Harri- did not know the name of the company, but DID know their stuff esp. loved Desmond Dekker and The Aces. Toronto has always been a hotbed for Caribbean music (local bands Ska Face and Ska-tellites, Snow). Peace, love and bellbottoms.

[@Dee-JayW]

Absolutely ❤❤❤ 🇨🇦

[@MikeOstrowski-iq8wf]

……big , big, AM radio hit from the 70’s ! Paul Simon was the sound of my childhood ❤️

[@beeseewill2407]

Paul Simon is a great versatile artist.I live his music,Check out "She Lives me like a rock","Still crazy after all these years".

[@celticdollface]

I adored this song when it was released when i was a teen, and I still love it to this day.... 🥰 I also remember Tojan records very well I stil have a few 45's from back in the day with that label, including Dandy Livingstone. I'm just loving your channel

[@SandyMcMasters]

Such a great song - brilliant songwriter. Great choice, Brandon and reaction, Harri❤‍🔥

[@brandonious7732]

Thank you. I'm thinking of submitting "slip sliding away" next month

[@SandyMcMasters]

@@brandonious7732 Ooh, that's a good one. And Boy in the Bubble!

[@Dee-JayW]

@@brandonious7732 50 ways to leave your lover is some storytelling ❤ My favourite writing from Paul is still Kathy’s Song ❤ yes, I’m 61 😂

[@walterpanovs]

Paul Simon's first solo hit (#4 USA and #5 UK in 1972) which was followed memorably by "Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard" (#22 USA and #15 UK),

[@sumnerhayes3411]

Not only was the backing band Jimmy Cliff's, but a couple of them also worked regularly with Toots and the Maytalls. Paul collaborates with the best.

[@hazelanglin5907]

I know Trojan label. As a child growing i listened to them all the time

[@agnetesorensenelbom5085]

Do know and love this song ❤ Not the first time Paul Simon used influence by other songs, like in El Condor Passa, by Simon & Garfunkel. Great review Harri, loved Jimmy Cliff and Bob Marley, had albums, Thank you

[@ptournas]

Another song he did with a Caribbean feel to it was "Was a Sunny Day", from the same album, "There Goes Rhymin' Simon". Not a bad song on that album in my opinion!

[@futuregenerationz]

I asked you to listen to this song a long time ago. I'm glad you liked it. This song features Hux Brown on guitar and Jimmy Cliff's band IIRC.

[@Alan-lv9rw]

This was popular around my 10th birthday. NYC radio stations played it a lot.

[@davebzen795]

Brandon, This was a superb submission that I have enjoyed ever since it was released. Harri, your connection with Trojan Records 'sound was spot-on. Bravo to both of you!

[@LetItBeSummer-1]

Love love love it!! And anything Paul Simon has ever done 🎶

[@riggermorpus]

Remember this song as a kid 50 years ago. Probably my favourite from him. The song keeps me wanting more, short and sweet. I would compare it to Johnny Nash’ “I can see clearly now”. Just uptempo good feeling song.

[@cog4life]

How I love this one from Paul! Takes me way back! 😊❤

[@Dee-JayW]

Thank you @Harri and Brandon, one of my faves of Paul’s ❤❤ 🇨🇦 wish you played it twice 😂😂😂

[@lgwappo]

This song triggered some of my friends in the 70s. They said "I hate that song! It's stupid!" I don't know why it got that reaction. This is one of my favorite songs by Paul Simon.

[@davesigmon8144]

I've loved this tune since first hearing it on AM radio in January 1972. It opens up my favorite album Paul Simon ever did which is self-titled. Simon was already involved in World Music here. You should react to Duncan from the same album. Very Peruvian in nature.

[@miserableoldgit1411]

wowwwwwww bro what a cha you have this songs takes me back to the 70s in my teens loved first time and still do never sounds old heard paul simon went to jamaica to do thi song and me and julio down at the old school yard and trojan wow thet was a great lable so many great songs keep doing it bud all the best steve with respect

[@meni8015]

Great song! Love everything Paul Simon has released as a solo artist ❤

[@tinakinzett8479]

Trojan is one of my favourite record labels. My teenage years.... West London, late 60s early 70s! There was a small record shop in our town which sold all the Jamaican records and they were played in all the dance venues, pubs, clubs discos.

[@wearinganapron]

Trojan? My very favorite is Rudy, a Message to You by Dandy Livingston. I also like Curly locks by Junior Byles, and Night Nurse by Gregory Isaacs. And, my goodness, i have loved Poor Israelite by Desmond Decker since junior high.

[@dubsnapper4787]

some legendary musicians in action there including Winston Grennan on drums, Simon came to do it as a ska rhythm but group changed his mind.

[@dannysandwell1555]

Hey Harry Trojan label is my favourite era and sound/feel for reggae. Toots and the Maytals were a staple in Toronto back then

[@jockmanning9462]

Great song from a Trojan fan, and great reaction as always❤

[@supasoulproductions]

If you love Trojan Records, you should do some Desmond Dekker on the channel...Israelites or maybe Hippopotamus!

[@asteverino8569]

I must say, I didn't know this was Paul Simon back when it was on top 40 radio.

[@rogerdodger6025]

"Me and Julio Down By the School Yard" was the follow-up hit this. It has more of a Latin feel. I think you'll like. Please do the audio version only and not the lame video that ruins the song that came out decades later.

[@josephcrowe927]

Bass played by Jackie Jackson one of Jamaica’s best ever from the 60,s onwards many famous bass lines created by him including this one

[@TracyfromNC]

Love that you educated us, I'll check out Trojan records. Paul Simon incorporated much world music in his solo works.

[@carolisakallas3054]

I love your reviews, Harri! ❤

[@HarriBestReactions]

Yay, thank you!

[@ccrodrigues8594]

Great review of the song, I will definitely check out Trojan Records!

[@johnharding7650]

There goes rhymin' Simon

[@BobSperber]

So glad to hear your reaction. I’m looking to do a guitar cover of this - maybe just acoustic and electric guitar, maybe I’ll add a little Cajon for drums - but want to retain some of this authentic feel. It might be a little too much to ask to get a band together for it but someday…

[@thomaswilliams2273]

Did he really sing little darling of mine? I've always thought he was singing daughter, and the song was a goodbye he was expecting when the judge issued the divorce decree.

[@Alan-lv9rw]

I think this is his best post-Garfunkel song.

[@brandonious7732]

Gotta love the face Harri made when the song started

[@Imadrummin]

Brandon, I have had this one on my list for months. 😀 So glad you got this great song up on the channel. 👍

[@cog4life]

Try some Billy Joel -River of Dreams-GREAT SONG-GREAT SOUND! 😊

[@brandonious7732]

He has. Check it out

[@cog4life]

@@brandonious7732 TY! I will!

[@woodiicycad]

Imagine if you will hearing this song for the first time…his first solo record coming off his split with Art Garfunkel and their pairing on Bridge Over Troubled Water. Could have knocked me over with a feather. Paul? Reggae? This was before reggae had gotten a foothold in the United States Singing a song about death? Yikes? I read that he was eating breakfast at a restaurant in New York that had chicken and eggs and the title Mother And Child Reunion came to him. His always interesting creativity has never waned. His has been a great career to follow.

[@Jeff_Lichtman]

The reggae sound was a thing in American popular music for a while. Other songs with reggae influence include: I Can See Clearly Now by Johnny Nash The Tide Is High by Blondie So Lonely by The Police Can't Stand Losing You by The Police D'Yer Mak'er by Led Zeppelin Dreadlock Holiday by 10cc There were also straight covers of reggae songs, like Eric Clapton's version of I Shot the Sheriff.

[@beverlybrown2673]

Not the first time Paul flirted with the reggae sound - check out Cecilia from Simon and Garfunkel. Probably the first reggae song most white Americans ever heard.

[@lcassamas]

I’ve been holding on to a collection of links to songs by Mr Simon from each of his post-S&G solo albums. You could pick blindly from any of these albums and be rewarded with the choice. Paul Simon (1972) Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard kzbin.info/www/bejne/gIfHnaOQabJgftk Mother and Child Reunion kzbin.info/www/bejne/gmGlhqZ6m5WXrrs Duncan kzbin.info/www/bejne/kKPQgoSYj7yphKc There Goes Rhymin’ Simon (1973) American Tune kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZoCoiHWnlM-tq6M Kodachrome kzbin.info/www/bejne/bqPPdYeBa7Z8Y9k Something So Right kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y6abXp6AqZZmgZI Still Crazy After All These Years (1975) Still Crazy After All These Years kzbin.info/www/bejne/h2aooJSua65ghZY Gone at Last kzbin.info/www/bejne/rYXCq4mldpugj6c My Little Town kzbin.info/www/bejne/lZC1oGabfNqtpKs Greatest Hits, Etc. Slip Slidin’ Away kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y6Oqda2Yi5xoe6s Stranded in a Limosine kzbin.info/www/bejne/hGnQfad9aq1ml8k One Trick Pony (1980) One Trick Pony kzbin.info/www/bejne/sHXcnZqmfK2Wn8U Late in the Evening kzbin.info/www/bejne/n53dp6ifmpx1odU Ace in the Hole kzbin.info/www/bejne/eZjHpmR_drljoc0 Hearts and Bones (1983) Hearts and Bones kzbin.info/www/bejne/a5fKpntjoM-em6M Think Too Much (a) kzbin.info/www/bejne/npyliZSbfdWnY7M Rene and Georgette Magritte with Their Dog After the War kzbin.info/www/bejne/pIKapH9vp8mfa5o Graceland (1986) Graceland kzbin.info/www/bejne/fmqwZYuAjdN2mdk Homeless (with Ladysmith Black Mambazo) kzbin.info/www/bejne/eZOTZYOBlNSHoq8 The Boy in the Bubble kzbin.info/www/bejne/i6qYhWmpZ5qLgZY The Rhythm of the Saints (1989) The Obvious Child kzbin.info/www/bejne/b3muf3Sedt2Ad80 Further to Fly kzbin.info/www/bejne/i4aWanmiha2Bf68 Cool, Cool River kzbin.info/www/bejne/kJrSk2munM5_oMU Songs from the Capeman (1997) Bernadette kzbin.info/www/bejne/lZanlKaXiJ1op5I Can I Forgive Him kzbin.info/www/bejne/i4DUknWca916jM0 I Was Born inPuerto Rico kzbin.info/www/bejne/fX6amqCKrNmKldE You’re the One (2000) Old kzbin.info/www/bejne/nYDHZnhmfbWBidU Darling Lorraine kzbin.info/www/bejne/jYC1loOZr7qel6s Hurricane Eye kzbin.info/www/bejne/iZvImomvjpeXhqs Surprise (2006) Outrageous kzbin.info/www/bejne/naPLeHaQfKx4pMU Beautiful kzbin.info/www/bejne/n3KQpoegbbp-Z8k Father and Daughter kzbin.info/www/bejne/eYC0gYalh6uXrck So Beautiful or So What (2011) Getting Ready for Christmas Day kzbin.info/www/bejne/oIuufJ1mipKHaM0 The Afterlife kzbin.info/www/bejne/fILdhICsg7KpeLs Rewrite kzbin.info/www/bejne/r6DQaamQbNF4pLM Stranger to Stranger (2016) Street Angel kzbin.info/www/bejne/maK3mqWNo7loppo In a Parade kzbin.info/www/bejne/pGO2mmqsmNhkhZo The Riverbank kzbin.info/www/bejne/jJvInZWQqapgpZY Seven Psalms (2023) This is a 33-minute song cycle. kzbin.info/www/bejne/d3_Xn6eredifpM0si=RmdcjLemyJDrprdZ

[@Johan23130]

I´m almost 100% sure he recorded this onion Kingston and that it´s at least ryhmsection and guitar Toots band the Maytals

[@TheJohnnywbred]

I put Simon only after Dylan in song writing.

[@stevenstyles7602]

The title is actually from a Chinese menu, chicken chow-mien. .

[@dustybrand]

There was a ska band on Trojan that covered this song in 1972.

[@frankiebowie6174]

I typed “Trojan“ into KZbin and 😂 now I have to erase my history. Gee, thanks, Hari.

[@pattymckitrick7436]

❤❤❤❤

[@keithjones7390]

Lovely album with some of his best songs, There Goes Rhymin' Simon slightly stronger IMO. Peace Like a River is probably my favourite track on this album.

[@judew8]

I think the song may of been recorded in Jamaica . I’m sure some of The Maytals played on it as well as Cissy Houston ( Whitney’s Mum) on those beautiful backing vocals. It is for all intents and purposes a bonafide reggae song , it’s just sung by a white dude from New York. His best in my opinion 👍🏻

[@tonydagostino6158]

If you'd like to hear a different version of this great song try Randy California's version from Kapt. Kopter and the Fabulous Twirlybirds kzbin.info/www/bejne/fIeyinaZjtaSh6M

[@sharonsnail2954]

Harri: Trojan were new kids on the block - formed in the late 1960s. In the UK, prior to that, everything seemed to be on Blue Beat or Island 🤪 When "Mother And Child Reunion" was released back in 1972, I thought this was recorded in New York and was impressed with the musicians'/recording engineers' ability to emulate the Jamaican sound. It wasn't until somewhat later (decades?) that I learnt the backing was by some of Kingston's finest. I think that the backing singers were overdubbed back in New York. Harri: For fun why not react to two versions of "Puppet On A String". The original by Sandie Shaw (1967, lip-synched) kzbin.info/www/bejne/fZKUnICaf6iWlbM and the cover by Ken Boothe (1967, vinyl rip) kzbin.info/www/bejne/rX-6kmCrfJ2HbrM Never has my rock been so steady 💯

[@agnetesorensenelbom5085]

Thank you for sharing, very interesting 👍

[@sharonsnail2954]

@@agnetesorensenelbom5085 👍

[@michaelc.6306]

Paul said..mother and child reunion was a chicken omelet at an Asian Restaurant 🍗🍳

[@snakelite61]

A friend makes a compelling case that this song is about a man's girlfriend having an abortion. Maybe? The lyrics fit.

[@matingeddes8151]

Witney's mother was on backing vocals ya knob?

[@tootz1950]

Paul went to London as a 17 year old, looking for someone to back him. Maybe he played this for someone at that time.

[@jimyoung6271]

Which came first?

[@jimyoung6271]

The chicken or the egg?

[@jimyoung6271]

Eggs or chicken eggs?

[@jimyoung6271]

In the same dish?

[@nosferatuboi]

Originally, he wanted to write it as a ska song until someone set him straight and pointed him towards Reggae. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nn3Ok415frd3qrMsi=a4rPhw6ocIfajdj0

[@nosferatuboi]

Paul Simon showed the world what culture appreciation can look like as opposed to cultural appropriation.

[@matingeddes8151]

U not heard this song, don't know music man!!!