Jul 26 2021
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5
Frances McDormand used the album cover as a visual aid for young William Miller to suggest all rock stars were on dope, something obvious by simply looking at their eyes. Frankly, I don't see it. Paul is trying a little too hard for a look that a young David Schwimmer would perfect some 30 years later, and Artie was likely just caught in a moment scratching the back of his head, or maybe he was trying harder to hear out of his left ear. Second Simon and Garfunkel album I've had from the list so far. There are four solid classics on this album that alone could warrant a 5. The final rating comes down to your desire to be transformed into a Kellogg's Corn Flake, or your feelings on poor Artie being tasked with going out and recording voices of old folks just to get a song writing credit. The loud Moog/Clockwork Orange sound at the start of "Save The Life Of My Child" suggests maybe Frances McDormand was on to something. There are some folks who suggest the Bangles cover of "A Hazy Shade of Winter" is better than the original. Others offer a similar opinion about the Lemonheads cover of "Mrs. Robinson". Both camps are wrong, but the popularity of those covers helps underscore how Paul Simon is one of our greatest songwriters. This is the album when Paul really took perfectionistic control of things, as if to leave no doubt as to who was Tom and who was Jerry. Somehow the closing song "At The Zoo" works for me. The only thing I ever want to see at the zoo is the exit sign. What I'm saying is I don't like the zoo, but I really like this album.
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Sep 27 2021
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2
First off, I've no idea why I started this idiotic project when I've already got more things on the go than I have time for, but it was an impulsive click on a link from Popbitch that brought me here and before I knew what I was doing I'd signed up, so here we are.
Right, first of 1,001 albums, hope it's something attention grabbing. Oh.
A quick bit of background reading on Wikipedia confirms my worst fears: a Simon & Garfunkel concept album. Brilliant. Three hours of acoustic noodling about herbs and bridges. Better fire up Spotify and get on with it.
Let's start with the positives: it's only half an hour long and the "concept" only stretches across side one, so it's a concept album in the same way that "Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" is a concept album, ie only because people keep saying it is. The supposed concept is the human lifespan, so presumably the 30 seconds of "Bookends Theme" are supposed to represent conception or birth. All it conjures up in my mind is a "Schools programmes follow shortly" countdown clock.
30 seconds in and already we're tackling the subject of suicide. "Save the Life of My Child" is the most arresting track on the album, all honking Moogs, sinister choirs and snatches of "The Sound of Silence". Still unclear how suicide fits in with the life cycle concept, but still.
Unfortunately it's all downhill from there. Acoustic strum-along follows acoustic strum-along, punctuated by "Voices of Old People" which is literally just that, some old people talking for two minutes, completely derailing the listening experience. Then more acoustic strumming augmented by easy listening orchestra, another bit of the "Bookends Theme" and that's your concept over and done with.
Side two deals with an entirely different concept: that of how to pad out an album by the hottest act on your label when they've only delivered quarter of an hour of music. It's a mish-mash of non-album singles and unused tracks from the previous year's soundtrack album for "The Graduate", including, bafflingly, "Mrs Robinson" which wasn't on the soundtrack album - at least, bits of it were but not its familiar single version. So we're on slightly more familiar ground here with "A Hazy Shade of Winter" and "Fakin' It" raising the album above mediocrity.
So, not a great start. Like "Sgt Pepper", you probably had to be there at the time. At least "Sgt Pepper" had came with cut-out medals.
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May 20 2021
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5
“Bookends” by Simon & Garfunkel (1968)
Exhibit A in the art of album making, “Bookends” is a prototype of the ‘concept album’.
Here we’re treated to a truly poetic treatment of life’s polarities, with images straining to burst through the bonds of beautifully unyielding metric structure.
Paul Simon is a storytelling poetic genius (even if he’s a bit of a showoff).
It’s too easy to love this album for the striking beauty of “Mrs. Robinson”, “Old Friends”, and “America” (which still makes me weep). But listen to the album from start to finish, and you’ll appreciate it as so much more than a collection of ‘tracks’.
Simon’s performance on acoustic guitar is genre-defining, and Art Garfunkel’s tenor harmonies are angelic. Prepare yourself for shocks as you walk through this garden of delights, ending “At the Zoo”. This isn’t just a folk duo anymore. On this album, the excellence of S & G’s transition beyond their initial folk success surpasses Dylan’s. Those of you who know my love for Bob Dylan are welcome to pick yourselves up off the floor.
And as an aside, the backing musicians, arrangements, engineering, and production on this album provide evidence for my reluctant acknowledgment that New York is indeed the greatest city in the world. Ever.
Kleenex.
5/5
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Aug 13 2021
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2
i lost all melinin after listening to this
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Jun 20 2021
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4
Really solid sound from these two assholes again. I hate myself more.
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Feb 04 2021
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2
Fuck Simon and Garfunkel. A couple of low talent hacks. “Old people talking”!? Get the fuck out of here.
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Jan 28 2021
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1
random documentary in the middle?????
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Aug 12 2021
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5
Look at them! They are high on pot! Great album!
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Feb 25 2021
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5
Prob would be a desert island album, what a unique brand these two had. Before all the fluff and fireworks of pop
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Jun 06 2021
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5
A great surprise of an album. If "A Day In The Life" was an entire album, it would be Bookends. The instrumentation, lyrics, and songwriting on this album are phenomenal. All the songs here are highlights and I would highly recommend this album to anyone who hasn't heard it. I love the experimental nature that is incorporated into this album as well. What a pleasant surprise! Highlights: 2, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12.
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Jun 02 2023
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3
A surprising forgettable album from Simon & Garfunkel. The concept of side A sounded interesting but is rushed and underdeveloped. 15 minutes worth of music cover an entire life cycle, with only one stand out track ("America") and 2 full minutes of no music at all. It might have been better if they'd fleshed out a full album for this idea.
Side B is much stronger. "Mrs Robinson" and "A Hazy Shade of Winter" are the best two songs on the album. Unfortunately, there's really nothing new here, aside from one leftover track from The Graduate. The rest of side B are previously released singles. There's nothing wrong with that, but we're supposed to be rating the best albums ever made. A short concept for side A and a singles collection for side B is too low effort for artists of this level. It's fine for what it is, but hardly their best release in my opinion.
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Jul 04 2021
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5
Perhaps their best album. Like both sides of it. The side A song suite and the side B collection of looser and poppier material. Some incredibly iconic songs here. Grew up on this stuff.
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Jun 10 2021
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5
Easiest 5 star so far. Continues to be a formative album for every generation. The longevity alone is incredible, all together the album is one of the greatest pieces of American culture ever. Perhaps most impressive of all is that this isn't even their best album!
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May 02 2024
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4
Always been a fan of Simon & Garfunkle, and there is definitely alot of goodness on this album… Not entirely sure about the whole “concept album” thing that a number of people have commented on… Perhaps it was an attempt – but certainly not what I think of when I think about concept albums, as TRUE concept albums run start to finish, so classic albums that would fit that bill, would be –
“Tommy” – The Who
“The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway” – Genesis
“The Wall” – Pink Floyd
Even if it was an attempt at a concept album, it seems like they only did one side – so what’s that??? I prefer to think of this a collection of individual songs – much like The Who’s album – “Who’s Next” that started off as a concept, but was abandoned somewhere along the way – but a stunningly good album regardless…
Love the harmonies, and the unique sound on this album, and the best songs IMO are –
“America” – 6-stars out of 7…
“Fakin’ It” – 4-stars out of 7…
“Mrs. Robinson” – 7-stars out of 7…
“Hazy Shade Of Winter” – 5-stars out of 7…
“At The Zoo” – 4-stars out of 7…
Given how loaded Side 2 is, plus the fact that this album contains a couple of their most iconic songs in – “America” & “Mrs. Robinson” – this album clocks in at a solid 4 for me – and I would probably give it a 4.25 if I could…
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Jul 03 2023
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4
Simon and Garfunkel is usually a little too twee, a little too choir-boy for me. This album avoids that, for the most part, for me. The arrangements are interesting without being bogged down with too much, and the songwriting is, as always, solid. Probably my favorite S&G, both solo and as a duo. Favorite tracks: "Overs", "Mrs. Robinson", "A Hazy Shade of Winter"
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Apr 01 2024
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3
Honestly, I thought this album was overwrought. Too much instrumentation, too many odd sound effects, and so on. The couple of classic tunes on this record are tunes that don't have these distractions. Simon & Garfunkel are best when they are singer songwriters, not trying to be the next Jefferson Airplane acid freakout.
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Oct 06 2023
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3
Yes, it's okay, I really don't see what the fuss is about
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Jan 13 2023
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5
Замечательный и чувственный альбом. Очень лёгкий, приятный и простой, но в то же время и глубоко трогательный и личный. Тексты воспринимаются вполне легко, а в купе с таким же лёгким, но детальным инструменталом всё сливается в одну цельную и красивую картину. (9)
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Mar 28 2021
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5
Really enjoyed it. S&G are very relaxing to listen to and at the same time I really enjoy the poetic and artsy quality of their music. I liked the first thematic half of the album (bookends), but liked the unthematic second half a bit better. For songs, Mrs. Robinson and Hazy Shade Of Winter are my clear favorites from this album. Great!
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Jan 21 2021
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5
A collection of some of the most notable songs within the Simon & Garfunkel collection. Bookends, Old Friends, Overs, Fakin' It, At The Zoo, Hazy Shade of Winter, and Mrs. Robinson.
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May 10 2024
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4
Can't lie, actually quite enjoyed this. Was far more varied and interesting than I expected and felt like it was over too soon. 29 mins seems a bit too short to be considered an album!
Actually, when you then consider that there's also 2 mins of old people talking it seems they are taking the mick a bit. But I'll gladly take quality over quantity and despite it not really being my thing I would listen again.
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May 16 2024
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4
Nr. 175/1001
Bookends Theme NR
Save The Life Of My Child 3/5
America 5/5
Overs 3/5
Voices of Old People 2/5
Old Friends 4/5
Bookends Themen - Reprise NR
Fakin' It 4/5
Punky's Dilemma 4/5
Mrs. Robinson 5/5
A Hazy Shade of Winter 3/5
At the Zoo 4/5
Average: 3,7
More experimental than I would have expected from a Simon & Garfunkel album. I prefer their regular stuff.
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May 14 2024
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4
Extremely modern sounding album for its time.
Had to do a triple take that I wasn't listening to music in another tab for Save the Life of my Child, I can't believe this song was recorded in the 1960s, feels like it's a modern remix of an old S&G song. Incredible stuff.
Voices of Old People is a skit that seems to set the template for contemplative skits on albums. I can't think of many skits from this era; I wouldn't be surprised if it was the first of its kind.
Beautiful orchestral production on Old Friends; maybe my favourite song here?
Second half lost me a bit despite the songs having more streams... interesting.
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Oct 13 2023
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4
Bookend’s theme - 7/10
Save the Life of my Child - 8/10
America - 9/10
Overs - 8/10
Voices of Old people - 7/10
Old Friends - 6/10
Bookend’s Theme Reprised - 8/10
Faking It - 8/10
Punky’s Dilemma - 8/10
Mrs Robinson - 9/10
A Hazy Shade of Winter - 9/10
At the Zoo - 8/10
TOTAL -105 /120
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May 14 2024
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4
While I can appreciate the historical importance of this album and a tremendous side 2, side 1 doesn't quite reach up to the same heights. It tackles a fairly straightforward concept – ageing – and while it captures that idea pretty well, it's at the expense of the music's quality. The tracks on side 1 aren't very catchy, and musically they're very simple, often consisting of finger-picked guitars and odd, repeating melodies. America and Old Friends are my two favourites on this side. The Bookends Theme and its reprise are very forgettable, and Voices of Old People is obviously unnecessary. I will acknowledge that this would've been a pretty big stepping stone in the development of concept album culture. At least it's a more well-defined concept than Sgt Pepper (as another commenter pointed out).
Side 2 is brilliant. Fakin' It, Punk's Dilemma, Mrs. Robinson, A Hazy Shade of Winter, At the Zoo... All of them put a huge smile on my face because of how goofy and fun-packed their melody and lyrics are. Mrs. Robinson, in particular, is pure 60s pop, and it's a masterpiece.
4/5
Key tracks: Fakin' It, Punk's Dilemma, Mrs. Robinson, A Hazy Shade of Winter
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Jul 16 2024
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4
4.5*, but I can't quite round up to 5. America and Mrs. Robinson are, of course, excellent. Great cover of Hazy Shade, too. Maybe my favorite version. Several other songs I hadn't heard before that were quite good, too. But Voices of Old People, while it might be poignant, isn't something I want to listen to very often. Punky's Dilemma seems a bit silly, too.
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May 14 2024
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4
The sounds of a generation.
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Oct 10 2023
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4
Great songwriting and very beautiful voices. Mrs. Robinson is a classic. I didn't like the interludes that much, but overall a very nice album.
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Oct 10 2023
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4
I enjoyed this more than I expected to, especially the A side. They were more experimental than I think I gave them credit for.
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Mar 30 2024
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3
Wholesome.
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May 23 2022
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3
Alvin, Simon, GARFUNKEL! Do, do, do, do, do, do
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Mar 12 2024
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3
A side was hot garbage. B side pretty good. 2.5
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Jun 22 2023
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3
Side A suite is excellent but the back half is hampered by its odds and ends nature. Simon had yet to find a lyrical voice that wasn’t bad college poetry (he wouldn’t get there until “Hearts and Bones”) and it really shows in those castoffs. Sometimes you have to kill your babies, even if it only leaves you with an EP’s worth of material.
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Apr 29 2024
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2
A pretentious mash of a half-baked concept record and leftovers from their score for The Graduate, not even the modular Moog on “Save the Life of My Child” can save Bookends from being ponderous and slothful throughout its 30 minutes.
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Apr 23 2024
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2
Kind of boring, not bad voices, just hardly even noticed it was playing
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Apr 22 2024
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2
Every time I get a S&G album on here, I think "this is the one that will get me into this band." I've come to the conclusion that I just don't like them. The first and second side of the album don't mesh at all. Other than "Mrs, Robinson," this album was a big miss.
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Apr 18 2024
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2
The album mostly passed my by in a blur of nothingness
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Mar 18 2024
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2
Given the subject matter of many of these songs, how does it still manage to feel so white and wimpy? I found this one a bit boring, they've gotta have better albums than this because they have a handful of good songs and they aren't on here. A Hazy Shade of Winter is good but is cancelled out by At the Zoo (elephants aren't even dumb). Not enough good ones to justify a higher rating or a relisten.
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Jan 17 2024
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2
Definitely an album in the 60s.
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Jan 09 2024
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2
I do not wish I was a Kellogg's cornflake floating in my bowl. nor do I wish I was an English muffin.
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Apr 23 2024
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1
Mrs Robinson was okay and the rest was incredibly boring
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Mar 18 2024
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1
I'm glad this was short. The duo tries to explore some weirdness here like on the track old people talking...which quite literally is just that. Didn't get it. Seems like the studio threw on Mrs. Robinson, which is the only good song, after the fact to get people to buy it.
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Feb 02 2021
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5
Fantastic album, can't fault
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Jul 09 2021
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5
What a classic! So pretty, such good music, harmonies, lyrics, everything.
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May 17 2021
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5
iconic
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Sep 06 2022
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5
Another case of being familiar with compilation/best of albums, but not much more. Happy to be expanding my horizons . I really enjoyed this one!
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Sep 21 2022
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5
First off, let me just say wow! I saw this one come up and felt so triumphant because FINALLY I'm being served a real heavy-hitter worthy of a critical listen that actually meets the key MUST HEAR criteria that is the reason for this list's existence. This is magnum opus stuff right here. This is the album that pushed Simon over the top creatively into musical genius and icon territory. I know he struggled with writer's block a lot throughout the recording, but he persevered and the end result is something truly spectacular. Voices of Old People is a track that can go suck an egg, and we're stuck with it to support the whole album concept, but otherwise, this is a flawless record from one of the greatest singer-songwriters to ever do the damn thing.
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Sep 06 2022
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5
Well, this album contains one of my favorite songs (America) with some of my favorite lyrics ("Kathy, I'm lost," I said, though I knew she was sleeping. "I'm empty and aching and I don't know why."). So already that's a 5.
But then there's also Mrs. Robinson, Save the Life of My Child, Old Friends, Hazy Shade, and At the Zoo. And more.
So good. So very good.
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May 19 2021
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5
Tres bon album. J’ador S&G. Paul Simin est pour moi un des plus grand auteur-compositeur-interprete du 20e siecle. 5*
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Aug 23 2022
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5
Another classic!
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Aug 21 2022
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5
If anyone gets close to peak McCartney, is it Paul Simon in this period. Such a strange but wonderful album with some of the best songs they ever produced, and some very unusual other elements
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Aug 14 2022
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5
14/08/2022 Simon and Garfunkel – Bookends 5/5
I’m starting to become a fan of Simon and Garfunkel. I already listened to Sounds of Silence, with a more classical and even “old” music, this is a total step up in the quality of their sound and song writing. I love indie and pop folk, so there were no doubts I was going to love this album. Masterful acoustic guitar skills, and lovely vocal harmonies, accompanied by genius lyrics. However, I’m a bit more of a fan of the A side of the album (slower, more emotional) than the B side (upbeat, more pop).
Bookends Theme / Save the Life of My Child --> 4/5 Great “experimental” song, very original for being from the 60’s-70’s. Love the bit with the “The Sound of Silence” sample.
America --> 5/5 I firstly discovered this song thanks to the First Aid Kid cover, and I love it. I really like it both musically and its lyrics and rhyme, they create a very nostalgic and sentimental song. And it’s a great example of how Paul and Art voices complement each other and create wonderful melodies.
Overs --> 5/5 Very simple slow and acoustic song, but its brilliance comes from that in my opinion. I’m a very simple man that loves simple guitar folky mawkish ballads.
Voices of Old People --> ?/5 Voices of old people, just that.
Old Friend/Bookends Theme (Reprise) --> 5/5 How can I not love this album with these songs? Very emotional, connecting with the theme of Voices of Old People. Great string arrangement that gives even more chills at the end.
Fakin’ It --> 4/5 Here the B side of the album starts, with a more “upbeat” sound. Good song, with a more 60’s pop sound, maybe more commercial too. It lacks something, I don’t know what, for me to like it completely.
Punky’s Dilemma --> 5/5 A very cheerful song, with some funny lyrics. Very catchy, and again, very simple, but no more is needed.
Mrs. Robinson --> 5/5 Probably the most famous Simon and Garfunkel song (with permission of The Sound of Silence and the memes). Very catchy, and good.
A Hazy Shade of Winter --> 4.5/5 Here comes the most rock-tinged song of the album. A surprise, but very well executed.
At the Zoo --> 4/5 Again, a cheerful and original song, perfectly composed for the children's book they would later publish.
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Sep 16 2020
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5
Genuinely amazing calming vibes
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Sep 06 2022
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5
Interesting album for sure! Nice conceptual theme on side one, and packed with great songs throughout. Mrs. Robinson is one of my favorite Simon & Garfunkel songs, and I love Hazy Share of Winter. Not to mention America. Save the Life of My Child is a great album opener too! Excellent!
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Jul 25 2022
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5
Wonderful album, listened in full several times over the weekend. Favorite song: America
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Jun 10 2021
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5
Excellent and incidentally my husband’s favourite album of all time.
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Jan 13 2021
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5
Nice and chill
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Jun 23 2021
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5
Wonderful album
5/5
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Jun 03 2022
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5
Folk’in good.
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Sep 26 2022
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5
Album essenziale. Bookends contiene alcuni tra i pezzi più belli di Simon and Garfunkel: America, Fakin’ It, A Hazy Shade of Winter e, ovviamente, Mrs. Robinson.
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May 23 2022
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5
Garfunkel used to fuck my wife behind my back. She paid him $400 an hour for his huge pipe. That daily hot beef injection from young Art cost me a lot of money in the divorce. She had such a massive bucket cunt by then though. It was like throwing a hotdog down an alleyway, but with more genital warts.
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Mar 12 2021
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5
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
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Sep 06 2022
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5
As much as I have always enjoyed Simon & Garfunkel, I have never listened to their albums. This one is great! So glad to listen to it several times today.
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Sep 08 2022
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5
5 star
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May 07 2021
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5
Surprisingly unorthodox for S&G but still a great album with beautiful songwriting
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Sep 26 2022
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5
Unfortunately this is the only of Simon & Garfunkel's studio albums I don't own on vinyl and it's the first of the three on this list that I have gotten. The second I see it in a record store I will certainly be buying it. This is not my favorite of their album, but it is still a 5 star album.
"Bookends Theme" - A intro that is short and simple and sounds like a S&G instrumental track. (Reprise) - The way the note from the last song fades in. This is the instrumental at the start with the lyrics you'd expect to be there. Great way to do a reprise.
"Save the Life of My Child" - This sounds like somebody covering a S&G song. By that I mean it feels like a S&G song in the lyrics and rhythm, but after that it sounds like a psych band got their hands on it. I like it but it throws me off every time how little it feels like it belongs.
"America" - One of my favorite all time S&G tracks. Truly an all time classic and a example of perfect lyrical storytelling. I could write an essay on this song alone, but I will leave it simple and call it one of the most beautiful songs that has ever been written.
"Overs" - Definitely a deep cut in the S&G discography, a good chill out song. The guitar drives the track in the most beautifully subtle way.
"Voices of Old People" - Yeah....could have done without this one if I'm being honest. Just disconcerting. I could see this one being the reason it drops a star for some people.
"Old Friends" - Wow! I don't know that I have listened to this song with as much focus before. The strings tell a story within a story. They start more elegant and in tune with the story and lyrics and as the song goes on they become more chaotic. I also love how that last high note fades into the Theme Reprise.
"Fakin' It" - Another somewhat disconcerting start of a song. A bridge into the psychedelic folk world. It's a genre I as a folk head should like more than I do. I like psych music too which is why that confuses me even more. That aside it is still a good song.
"Punky's Dilemma" - I too wish I was Kellogg's Cornflake Paul. Not sure about the English Muffin though. I love the bass on this track. A different type of deepcut still a good one.
"Mrs. Robinson" - This song speaks for itself and is one of the greatest songs of all time. The guitar on this song is fantastic and I love trying to dissect it. Lyrically fantastic as well of course, no surprise there.
"A Hazy Shade of Winter" - The one S&G song that I think you can argue the cover version is better. The Bangles made this song their own. This is still a great version of it and yes the original, but it belongs to The Bangles.
"At the Zoo" - The walking bass line does a great job of driving the song from the background. There is so much going on that grabs your attention. The bass pokes through that haze but doesn't overpower any of it.
An immaculate album indeed. Not their best, but contains some of their best songs. An all time classic and certainly a must hear.
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May 07 2021
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5
I love them so much.
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Aug 25 2022
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5
Hard not to love this album
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Aug 17 2022
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5
Classic
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Aug 25 2022
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5
5, very nice experience
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May 08 2021
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5
❤️❤️Simon and Garfunkel
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Jul 25 2022
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5
I was excited to see this album pop up. I love Simon and Garfunkel.
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Sep 30 2022
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5
Very good album, with a subtle and striking sound. Some absolute classic songs.
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Apr 19 2022
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5
Such a good album! Obviously a precursor to Bridge but Bookends holds its own.
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Jun 30 2022
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5
I had no clue that ‘Hazy Shade of Winter’ was written and originally performed by S&G. Mind blown.
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Feb 06 2021
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5
A hippie record, with such great songs and concept. A true classic.
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Jun 30 2022
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5
epic
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Apr 13 2021
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5
Amazing
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Apr 14 2022
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5
Je suis jaloux des talents de compositeur de Paul Simon.
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Apr 12 2021
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5
Absolutely beautiful, dynamic and nice overall.
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May 04 2022
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5
Really good. 9/10
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Jul 02 2022
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5
Fantastic record! Simon and Garfunkel at their finest.
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Mar 25 2021
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5
*i love them and this album
*a few short interludes of talking/everyday noises
*love folklike sound
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Mar 24 2022
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5
I love how this album is split into two parts. There's the first side which gives a loose chronicle of life from childhood/adolescence, 20s love, middle-aged divorce, and the autumn years all bookended ;) by the title track. Then there's the second side which is a loose selection of quality singles and deep cuts dating back a year or two.
I also like the emotional music balance of melancholy/despair (Old Friends/Bookends, Fakin It) and genuine feel good/happy too (Mrs Robinson, At The Zoo) throughout the album. Guess it helps having a talented songwriter like Paul Simon and having the angelic vocal talents of Art Garfunkel.
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Mar 21 2022
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5
This album steps away from the folk revival aesthetic while sounding unmistakably like Simon & Garfunkel. Bookends centers thematically around a cycle of life exploring themes such as youth, old age, and insecurity. The album is grounded thematically by the Bookend Theme which quite literally bookends side one. The sound montages further set this album apart as a conceptual work, but it is still undergirded by Paul Simon's distinctive lyrics and the lush vocal harmonies for which Simon & Garfunkel became famous.
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Mar 01 2022
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5
næsten ik set bedre
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Mar 25 2022
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5
Another classic 5 star album from Simon & Garfunkel except for "America", but that song is easily compensated by the other tracks.
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Mar 19 2022
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5
They did it again.
5
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Feb 10 2022
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5
Amazing!
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Jan 21 2022
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5
❤️
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Jan 24 2022
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5
Classic emo shit.
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Feb 08 2021
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5
Timeless classic! Brings me back to early childhood and my parents listening to this! So good
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May 04 2021
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5
An absolutely gorgeous album. Sensitive, beautiful, unique, it's everything!
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Oct 03 2022
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5
references to their own songs is always fun for me. I love America dearly, feels so nostalgic and grand and sad and informative. I've already had a simon and garfunkel album come up on this journey and mentioned that it reminds me of my mom and my childhood. maybe america is important due to the whole american dream correlation and association that i have with it. the transitions into each song are so great. albums don't sound as pure as this anymore. the lick in a hazy shade of winter goes hard. a great listen, short and sweet and magical
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Jul 04 2022
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5
My day 1 was simon and Garfunkel…
The album opens with the bookends theme It’s not great but brilliant for a short opener.
After there is save the life of my child, an amazing song really ahead of it’s time ( sounds at lest late 70’s) also the throwback to the sound of silence works perfectly!
America is more of what I imagined from this album it’s an amazingly written acoustic song yeah this could’ve went perfectly on bridge over troubled water with no problem which is what I love!
Overs is alright, I don’t think that Simon and Garfunkel can write a bad song but this isn’t as good as the others.
Voices of old people= self explanatory
I like old friends it’s an innocent enough slow yet sad sounding folk tune; is it worth having the last track to introduce it ( no) but is it good ( yes).
A longer reprise of bookends theme ends side one, literally what I said last time round but the lyrics are nice.
Side two starts with faking it it’s one of the more typical s and g songs so far but it’s still great I love the exploding chorus also when the orchestral sounding bits come in it just fits perfectly.
Punky’s dilemma is nice, breezy and childish, the lyrics are hilariously stupid but I like it still.
If I were to take all of this group’s big hits ( Cecilia, the boxer, the sound of silence etc…) mrs Robinson would probably be my least favourite I mean I don’t hate it but I just don’t think it’s of that epic quality that even some random album tracks can beat.
The album’s penultimate track a hazy shade of winter is short and more epic sounding, this is honestly the song I will take from this first listen!
The album closes with the song at the zoo, ,I much prefer it to the something of nothing song for the asking, it’s slow but long and has this gravitas that can lack in this duo’s weaker songs, still great here!
This makes me really wanna change my bridge over troubled water score to a 5, as this is definitely a 5 and I view them as very similar quality!!!
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Mar 29 2022
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5
Paul Simon is one of the all time greats and he really shines on this album.
Beautiful poetic lyrics, wonderful acoustic guitar licks and picks with a nice mixture of experimentation - moog/horns/strings.
It feels as accomplished as the best Beatles’ albums but pretty much all written by one genius.
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Jan 25 2022
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5
Love S&G, such a peaceful and beautiful album
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Jan 17 2022
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5
THis LP is interwoven into the tapestry of my sou. It was a hand me down. It was always there. This LP introduced me to o much. I mean 'Fakin It', did that sound collage pre date Strawberry Fields, or the drum solo fade out? An ESSENTIAL LP that should demonstrate quality n songwriting, production, modrnism and protest. A artefact of 1966 but one that resonantes, classically.
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Apr 03 2021
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5
The melodies are amazing, love this combination between rock and folk. I can feel really identified with some lyrics, which makes me love this album even more
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Nov 18 2021
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5
Such a classic! 5/5
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