Search - Paul Simon :: The Paul Simon Collection: On My Way, Don't Know Where I'm Goin'

Something So Right

Mike King | Taunton, MA United States | 11/11/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This latest Paul Simon collection provides a very good overview of his career, including songs from his first solo album released in 1972, up to 2000's "You're The One." As evidenced on this collection, Paul Simon's musical offerings include many genres of music. The reggae influenced "Mother And Child Reunion" starts this compilation off on a strong note. It's thirty years later, and the topical "Me And Julio Down By The Schoolyard" still sounds as relevant today as when it was first released. "Loves Me Like A Rock," featuring the Dixie Hummingbirds, sounds like a traditional gospel standard, even though it was written by the prolific Paul Simon. The virtuoso drumming of Steve Gadd gives "50 Ways To Leave Your Lover" its distinctive sound, while the verse displays Paul Simon at his rhymin' best. The Latin flavored "Late In The Evening" combines semi-autobiographical lyrics with a propulsive beat, making it an irresistible dance number.1986 saw the release of the classic album "Graceland." It was the perfect blend of Paul's songwriting genius with South African music, including a few Zydeco songs thrown in for good measure. The title cut describes Paul's pilgrimage through the cradle of the Civil War to Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee. His traveling companions may be the ghosts of lost loves, but the goosebumps are provided by the sound of the shimmering pedal steel guitar. "Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Shoes" features Ladysmith Black Mambazo to best effect, and is the perfect song to help the listener lose the walking blues. "Spirit Voices" and "The Cool, Cool River" display the Brazilian influences showcased in his 1990 album "Rhythm Of The Saints." Both "Love" and "Hurricane Eye," two outstanding cuts from the underrated "You're The One" album, close out the first disc of this collection.What makes this collection even more desirable is the bonus disc of five, previously unreleased live songs. Both "American Tune" and "Duncan" date back to 1973, but the sound is as crisp and clear as the studio songs on the first disc. "My Little Town," Paul's top ten duet with Art Garfunkel from 1975, is tellingly left off this collection. However, the ghost of Simon and Garfunkel reappears in the last two songs. The arrangement of "Mrs. Robinson" has a country music feel to it. "Bridge Over Troubled Water" is a duet between Paul Simon and Aaron Neville, and almost sounds as good as the original version. Even if you have all of Paul Simon's previous compilations, the bonus disc makes this an essential purchase."

Collection for newcomers and collectors

02/17/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Given the contraint of 19 tracks on CD 1 (78 minutes), the track selection is nearly perfect, and gives a very good overview of Simon's solo years. This is a good offer for newcomers to PS's music. The main problem with the selection is that 19 tracks is too little to include all essential songs. CD 1 is not for the fan, though: I own most official CDs (S + S&G), and CD 1 contains no news.CD 2 contains 5 live tracks. The sound is very good. Personally, I have a preference for the American Tune version on Greatest hits, etc. (with the cello) - one of the few omissions in my collection (the beautiful melody of AT (except the bridge) is found 3-4 times in the Matthew Passion (?) of Bach, as well as in several of Bach's cantatas; it is common to credit Hans Leo Hassler as the originator of this melody, in ca. 1600). I always loved the lyrics of Duncan, and this is a fine live recording. The Coast also differs somewhat from other recordings, in particularly in the guitar playing. Mrs. Robinson is almost country, and is interesting. And Bridge with Aaron Neville is beautiful/different.Since my own collection is nearly complete, I naturally miss the live track of American Tune from Greatest Hits, etc. Also missing is Thelma (from one of the collections), and Simon's contribution on a Philip Glass CD. (As well as the Paul Simon Songbook). Thus, CD 2 could preferably contain more tracks than the 5 tracks/25 minutes included.Apart from this, the information about a new Paul Simon record during the spring of 2003 is welcome (p. 15 of the CD booklet). The purpose of the collection is probably also to work as advertising for the new album.In sum: my rating is for a newcomer. A medium fan probably owns most tracks of CD 1, and perhaps doesn't care about live tracks and variations. A die-hard fan will enjoy the live tracks."

Good (But Not Definitive) Overview of Paul Simon

Paul Allaer | Cincinnati | 04/26/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is the third (US-issued) compilation of Paul Simon, following 1977's "Greatest Hits, Etc." and 1988's "Love Songs and Negotiations". Did they get it right this time?"The Paul Simon Collection: On My Way, Don't Know Where I'm Goin'" starts of with CD1 (19 tracks, 79 min.) that gives a pretty good overview of the singles and best known tracks. One place they really missed the mark is with the 2 songs from "The Rythm of the Saints": where is "The Obvious Child", the lead-off single and a genuine hit? There is also one song from the Broadway disaster "Songs from the Capeman", and the last 2 tracks are from the under-appreciated "comeback" album "You're The One". The (limited edition) CD2 (5 tracks, 25 min.) is the hidden gem on this compilation: 5 previously unavailable live tracks: from 1973 comes a crisp-sounding "American Tune" and an absolute outstanding "Duncan"; also included is "The Coast", and in a tip of the ol' hat, the last 2 acknowledge the Simon & Garfunkel legacy, with nice albeit very different sounding versions of "Mrs. Robinson" (somewhat country-like) and "Bridge Over Troubled Water" (the latter a duet with Aaron Neville).In all, not a bad collection at all. The bonus live CD is really what will attract most Paul Simon fans. For an even better collection of his career, check out the 1993 European-issued compilation called "The Paul Simon Anthology", a generous 2 CD collection that rightfully gives 15 tracks to the "Graceland" and "The Rythm of the Saints" albums. Simply outstanding."