Paul Simon - Paul Simon in Concert Live Rhymin (12 tracks) +Album Reviews

Sing An American Tune

Margaret L. McQuaid | Anchorage, Alaska United States | 12/02/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I bought this album in LP form back in 1975, and dug it out and listened to it today for probably the first time in 20 years. Although the record hasn't held up well, the music still astounds with its freshness and originality. Paul's collaboration here with the Incan group Urubamba shows he was playing "World Music" decades before it became the cool thing to do. His songs with the Jessy Dixon group similarly show him pioneering so-called "American Roots". And when he takes the stage alone with just his guitar, his presence and musicianship are breathtaking. "American Tune", written on the wreckage of Watergate, takes on a shattering new meaning in the wake of September 11th. I am amazed at how prescient these songs are. He recorded this album live in 1974, and by some strange trick of imagination and talent, the songs are still live and rhymin' today."

An excellent live recording

Margaret L. McQuaid | 10/01/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is vintage 1970's folk-rock. Paul is accompanied on a couple of the cuts by an South American Indian band on hand-made pipes. They lend a distinctive touch to El Condor Pasa, and Lincoln Duncan. Paul also does a couple of gospel songs accompanied by a choir, this too comes off very well. The quality of the recording is excellent, although his narrative between the songs is sometimes a little faint. There is that "real life" feel you get from a live recording, but the quality is so good, you forget everything but the music once the songs begin."

Inspiration

Nikki | London, UK | 09/03/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have always found this album an inspiration and a true delight, which moves me every time (after hundreds and hundreds of times) I hear it. The additional words to The Boxer, and the instrumental finale, are things that have literally pulled me through some dreadful nights in my life ("after changes upon changes we are more or less the same"). Thank you Paul. I literally love this album. Amyone who has not heard it, please please spend an evening with it. You will not be sorry."

One of the best albums ever...and SO underrated!

j. | 10/07/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This has got be be one of the single most underappreciated albums ever. It's paul simon at the peak of his pre-Graceland success, and he never sounded better. The live album (from 1975) is split between paul simon singing his classic tunes with just his acoustic guitar (beautiful renditions of "America" and "Me and Julio) and other tunes done with either the South American pipes band "Urubamba," or the Jesse Dixon's gospel choir on backing vocals. You can begin to see the roots of Paul Simon's 1980s world music period in this album. And this album is particularly noteworthy because many classic songs such as "Duncan" and "The Boxer" sound even better and unique when redone with pipes in the background.

On a side note, there are two disappointing things on this album (although neither has to do with the songs or musicianship, which are flawless). First, there are virtually no liner notes that accompany this album. Photos, an essay, or even info about where the concert was recorded would be nice. And secondly, for whatever reason, Paul Simon seems rather unpersonable with the crowd. At one point near the end of the show, a fan even shouts out "Say a few words," because Paul has not said one thing to the crowd yet (other than introducing the backup band). A simple "It's nice to be here," or "This song was written when..." would have been nice. Oh well."

Simon Live

Thomas Magnum | NJ, USA | 05/31/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Live Rhymin' is a very good live record from Paul Simon. He perfectly mixes songs from his first two solo album with songs from his Simon & Garfunkel days. The songs are done in mostly the folk-rock vein, but he does sprinkle in some nice instrumentation on the sweeping "El Condor Pasa (If I Could)" and the touching "Duncan" as well as gospel singers on "Love Me Like A Rock" & "Bridge Over Troubled Water". The latter song is quite interesting to hear as the original is a showcase for Art Garfunkel, but Mr. Simon's interpretation is strong. Other strong songs include "The Boxer", "America", "Mother & Child Reunion" & "American Tune"."

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