Paul Simon in Concert: Live Rhymin', originally recorded in 1974, and recently released as a remaster, includes many great songs by Paul Simon, but the presentation leaves just a little something to be desired.
“Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard” kicks off the concert in a lively, upbeat fashion. The element that makes this concert album stand out from others is Simon’s collaboration with the South American group Urubamba and the Jessy Dixon Choir. Listeners first get a taste of Simon’s friends Urubamba on “El Condor Pasa (If I Could).” The hand pipes add a very nice touch to this and the following two songs; in addition it complements the arrangements.
Next up, there is the Jessy Dixon Choir on “Mother and Child Reunion.” They add some nice depth to the sound. That’s also because there are notably more instruments on this track than the previous songs had. The choir adds something to this song, but on “The Sound of Silence,” it is the opposite. The choir has a pleasing sound, but it’s overpowering. It’s almost as if the choir is singing it exclusively, although Simon is in there somewhere. The speed is almost lethargic. The next song, “Jesus Is the Answer” shares the same qualities.
The pace is picked up on “Loves Me Like a Rock” before Simon brings out the Simon & Garfunkel hit “America,” famous for being written in an unrhymed lyric. The remastered version of the album includes two bonus songs, “Kodachrome” and “Something So Right.” They’re both just Simon and his guitar, the former with a little more energy than the concert closer.
Overall, some of the songs seem to lack energy and some (with the choir) overpower Simon, yet at the same time, all songs are Paul Simon, and in the folk genre, there are few, if any, people who can surpass such an icon. While an enjoyable experience as a whole, unless you’re an avid collector, the remastered version of the live album with the two extra songs probably isn’t worth purchasing.
Key Tracks- Me and Julio Down By The Schoolyard, El Condor Pasa (If I Could), The Boxer
Christen LaFond – Assistant Editor/Staff Development
June 29, 2011
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