Collection - Michel Simone

Advantages: Great songs from three decades on two CDs
Disadvantages: Not enough room for everything!

...bought me this CD a couple of years ago, I had been a fan of Paul Simon's for some years, and had even been to see his Graceland concert at the NEC in Birmingham. I owned most of the Simon & Garfunkel records, and quite a few Paul Simon solo ones too, but there were still excellent songs on this Anthology that I had not come across before, such as "Gone At Last" from the album "Still Crazy After All These Years". It was nice that the editors/producers picked some less well known songs as well as the more poular ones. This CD was so well put together that it made me go out and buy all the missing CDs from my collection! When I'm feeling in a mellow mood, and just want to put some music on to sit and listen to (or more often then not, sing along with:-)), this is the album I choose. There really isn't a dud song on this CD. THE TALENT Every... Read review

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Advantages: The Western world's introduction to African music on a commerical scale
Disadvantages: Probably not generally recieved at the time for what it was really worth..

...it as a strong political moment in time, the fact remains that 'Graceland' was a wake up call. It denoted a moment when everything was fine. We didn't need Michael Jackson telling us about the earth is dying and news reports about the gathering troubles in the Middle East, we had been given our own Graceland within this album… Like Little Red Hiding Hood, collecting a bunch of wild flowers for her grandmother, Simon gathered in his arms all the music genres he had been touched by through his life to that point. He affectionately collected rock and roll, do wop, reggae, salsa , jazz and gospel blues, put them in a large black hat and tossed them across the studio floor. Each track on this album is a unique piece of art work in itself. We find mastery and perfection in each lyric and careful arranging of each song. His diversity and courage... Read review

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Advantages: An all-time classic album
Disadvantages: None whatsoever

...If ever there was a singer/songwriter duo who could make beautiful music together, it has to be Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel.I well remember buying the single of “Bridge Over Troubled Water” and playing it ad infinitum. It is the last track on this outstanding album, which has many more of Simon and Garfunkel’s finest songs. The album kicks off with the thoughtful “I Am A Rock” (listen to the lyrics…haven’t we all felt that way at one time or another?) and “Homeward Bound”, which I’ve always found rather sad. Who can forget “The 59th Street Bridge Song” (Feelin’Groovy)? Also the classic,”The Boxer”. One of my all-time favourites is “The Sound Of Silence” (such heartfelt lyrics). The tempo is lifted with “Mrs Robinson” and “Keep The Customer Satisfied.” Both of which get the foot tapping, as does “Cecilia.” Things slow down once again... Read review

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