Reviews (page 8 of 14)
2.0/5.0: Disappointing
i was hopeful going in because i like some of paul simons solo work and the other s&g album we had was ok but this one just bored me. mrs robinson was the only track i actually enjoyed and that was probably just nostalgia. everything else ranged from forgettable to outright bad. if i had to say something nice, ill give it credit for being concise and wrapping up in under 30 minutes
Was not expecting the synth on "Save the Life of My Child". Overall it's alright despite some classic songs. Favorites: America, Mrs. Robinson Would I listen to it again: Probably not
I literally have lyrics from this album tattooed on my chest
Beautiful music and harmonized singing but, frankly, a bit boring.
Really bums me out that these guys are as good as their reputation because wimpy acoustic guitar music pisses me off in theory - but not here. The fuzz on track 2 took me pleasantly by surprise. The experimentation doesn't always pay off, but they don't seem particularly cynical about some of their earnest cynicism/saudade so I mostly give it a pass. Punky's dilemma, however, is everything I hate about this kind of stuff - it feels like one of those bubblegum songs from Scooby Doo, but uses its cutesy facade for an adult theme. Dogshit. But Mrs. Robinson is an all-timer.
I like pretty much everything this duo does, but this was a pretty weak album for me. Nothing offensive or hard to listen to (except maybe old people talking), but just not as high quality as I think other albums of theirs are. This was headed towards a 5 star rating until I got to the second half ⭐⭐⭐
Not really my vibe but cool I guess.
Strange album very strange not bad though
Thank god this is only 30 minutes long. Musically some of the psychedelic elements are cool but main Gott the lyrics are either boring as shit or depressing af.
Definitely an above average album. Paul Simon is one of the greats. The harmonization does sound a bit dated/silly but you have to respect it for what it is. 7.75/10 (3.875/5)
America
Høres ut akkurat som forventa, det e fint og æ likte det og æ kommer neppe til å høre på det igjen, for det va ingenting som satt sæ fast i øran mine.
Great Album, great songs and songwriting. There’s not much more that can or needs to be said.
This was weird. Thankfully, unlike 1968, Wikipedia was there to explain why. Without that, I would have been left wondering what the point of the first side was, and why it clashed so much with the second. Even with an explanation, however, it's still weird. I'm not completely convinced that the first side has a cohesive concept, and the second side feels like padded cheating. I do like the singles, though, so I guess I won't completely fail this meager effort.
I can never remember. Was it Simon or Garfunkel that was attacked by their tiger?
Nothing special
Can't say I was really impressed. Hollywood at large must want us to remember Simon & Garfunkle, because their songs show up endlessly in movies (particularly one's about the 60's/70's, of course). However, despite their best efforts, "Mrs. Robinson" is the only songs worth remembering. Simon and Garfunkle's brand of sober, wistful folk is draining. Not to say they aren't good songwriters, musicians, or singers, but I imagine you would have to have a certain personality type in order to enjoy it with any frequency. Sadly, I am not that type, so while listening to it again was nice, I imagine it will be a few years before I do it again.
I like Simon and Garfunkel in a surface level way. Whatever has been offered I’ve liked. One time I karaoke’d me and Julio at rays happy birthday bar in Philly and it’s the best I’ve ever karaoke’d anything ever. At 29 minutes I can afford to give this the recommended 2-3 listens. First listen through I only heard the songs I knew. America. Ms. Robinson. Good stuff. Next listen I’m only doing the ones I don’t know. Opening of child is rad. Thought it might be something different. Is Paul Simon a theatre guy? Musicals? I like it alright. Kind of interesting now that I’m paying attention. No idea what he’s singing about and the orchestration is all over the place. 4th listen and it’s really growing on me. It’s a reallly dark song with some haunting stuff in the background but a catchy chorus. Never noticed that humming at the beginning of America. Skipped because the point is to hear the other ones. Overs - what a snooze of a song. I’m struck by the utter lack of sympathy this song inspires in me. I’m just an irritated friend tired of his complaining. Fucking break up already. old people talking. Sets up old friends. That orchestration again. Strings. So sentimental. It’s hard to listen to. Am I going to find out this was a soundtrack? Or maybe there’s some conflict in the songwriting I’ll learn about later? Paul Simon wanted to write pop songs and Arbuckle Garfunkel wanted to make music from the previous decade? Bookends reprise was cool but not really a song. What is the concept that I’m missing on this album. Fakin it is good. I’ll listen to this again. Pinky’s dilemma makes me think of The Beach Boys. Intentional? Hazy shade of winter sounds like the Zombies. I like it Zoo makes me realize that Paul Simon s musical gift is writing what sounds like narratively driven songs that don’t have a clear narrative structure when you listen to them too closely. I think zoo might grow on me. It’s so weird. Going back to Punky again to see if there’s something there too. Some good songs. A couple new ones I liked. Some snoozers. I don’t know that I would tell anyone this was an album that they had to listen to before they die. Just read the wiki. It is a concept album and I’m just dense. Not sure that it rehabilitates the snoozers. I don’t understand what made this such a breakthrough album. Wonder what else I’m missing. This one is really hard to rate. I think 4 because every song grew on me the more I listened to it. Even overs.
Two solid jump scares in this album, it it’s almost comical. First track is all whimsical here we go again, and then all of a sudden bam hitting the face with his low ass synth. Pretty cool way to set the tone for the album definitely took me off guard. I was almost about to skip this one. Glad I didn’t very experimental which is cool. I thought I’ve heard all the Simon & Garfunkel songs but I guess I’ve only heard a handful of these on this album or maybe I’ve skipped through it Being a captive audience to it. I can definitely appreciate the artistry. Voices of old people was so lovely that’s cool that they are carving out little moments like that in the album. I think it’s hilarious. Also, that after the other book end reprise they smack you in the face again with the loud noise like the album just kind of repeats itself. Both of their voices are heavenly. I’ve always been a fan sometimes I’m just not in the mood to be lulled and rocked. Miss Robinson is definitely a stand out. Radio hit here. The rest of the songs are just kind of pretty compositions and interesting takes on what you would expect from a Simon & Garfunkel song. Their instrumentation has always been so interesting. Save the life of my child. Does a similar thing that they do in the boxer. Using a lower register instrument and exploring the deep bottom so unique to them on this song it’s a lower active synthesizer, but on the boxer they’re using a bass harmonica which never even knew existed but it rattles your chest keeps you wondering what’s around the next turn? Overall solid album I don’t know if I put it on often but certain moods for sure.
look at these sweet boys. feral. likely cut their own hair while mommy and daddy were distracted! its nice of them to sit so still for this photo. my theme of "i like this musical act but ive never really sat down and listened to their ablums continues". I have a soft spot for S&G. Their music relaxes me. this album is an infinite repeat for me. its very easy to listen to. It's beautiful. It's run time is a relief after Stevie. its a 5. RIP lee lee
Really interesting folkish/older pop with a mix of electronic. Sounds dylabush but with its own twist
Not for me.
This could reach a 5 depending on the mood I think. Really clean folk singer/songwriter guitar with gorgeous lyrics. Old friends is one of the most contemplative songs I've heard. Simon and Garfunkel don't really miss
Classic! Superb.
I have listened to plenty of S&G over the years. That said, this album was new to me, except for a couple of songs, and to say it was a disappointment would be an understatement. Side one is a "concept" album? The concept of putting out garbage and collecting money for it?
With America and Mrs Robinson on there, I have to give it a 5, even though half the album is filler.
4/5
So many of the songs you know are on this album. The opening song was an pleasant surprise.
Very very interesting album - but short.
girls i expected better than this..
7.5/10. This is a pleasant folk album.
Smooth FMs pin up boys.
Save the Life of My Child is way more experimental than anything I thought Simon and Garfunkel would ever do, that synth blast in the beginning is like a jump scare. Besides some interesting moments every now and then, this is just some more Simon and Garfunkel. I have never been a huge fan of them, but it is fine, short and sweet. High 3.
Meh, not for me. Somehow both too weird and too simplistic at the same time. Mrs Robinson and Hazy Shade of Winter aside, there wasn't anything I could really get on board with.
Side one is a masterpiece of memory and mortality; side two trades the concept for a hit parade. The brilliance never fully fades, and when it lands, it’s timeless.
Loved it
This album feels like a coming of age film or something where many facets of life are represented. Kinda Forrest Gumpy. Fun, complex, a range of perspectives, and of course well arranged executed. Another album with an undeniable crown jewel (Mrs Robinson) but so many great supporting gems giving an easy 5 star overall effect.
It's OK
I enjoyed the large production on this album, but Simon’s voice is so hit or miss. He devalues some good songs with his talking and droning voice.
Yawn. Side B (everything after second Bookends theme) was alright though
It was super chill and it was real when he was feeling like cereal floating in a bowl
Beginning scared the shit out of me. Great listen. Mrs. Robinson
I didn’t feel the whole “concept” of this album. “Side 2”…or the second half I enjoyed better than the first. “Hazy Shade of Winter” is the only one I’ll add to my playlist. It’s the star of this album. Mrs Robinson is pretty good. “Voices of old people” was pointless and annoying. 1001 album worthy: yes - 72/134
Insulting to elephants but more people should write songs about going to the zoo
Such a beautiful album.
old friends ❤️
Classic LP.
I was expecting a straight forward folk album but this blew my expectations away. A really enjoyable listen.
Interesting
Super fucking garbage
good but i expected more
This is just very lame. The reason this doesn’t get a 1, is the fact that mrs Robinson, the only good Simon and Garfunkel song, is on this thing. The rest is just nasal, boring stuff
A tough one to rate. It contains three of the all-time S&G tracks - (America, Mrs. Robinson, and Hazy Shade of Winter). Some of the material is OK - some is just plain awful. Pretty adventurous for the time so I am going to bump it to a 4. But, BTW, the Bangles follow-on version of Hazy Shade beats the original hands down....
It’s like half a concept and one that’s with little depth. I was surprised how I reacted to it
Very solid album. I do like Simon & Garfunkel's style of music.
I kind of hated this album and I really expected to love it. I thought I liked S&G but I guess I only know the hits. Mrs. Robinson is obviously in the pantheon of great American songs, but most of the other stuff left me flat. I don't think it's the song writing, I think it's the arranging and production. Hazy Shade of Winter is an amazing song but I just kept thinking how much I'd like someone else covering it. 1 for the album as presented, 2 for Mrs Robinson and the songwriting.
I expected to give this a 3 but it’s just not doing much for me. The songwriting isn’t bad, but the presentation and execution for lack of better words just falls flat for me.
The Lemonheads did a better job with their version Mrs Robinson. And The Bangles did a better job with Hazy Shade of Winter too. I’m just not a fan of singer songwriter stuff.
I have PTSD from my parents listening to, in my mind, waaaaay too much S&G while I was growing up. I grew to loathe Feelin' Groovy in particular (I know that particular song isn't on this album -- but still). After listening -- I found "Save the life of my child" to be the most interesting song on the album. I also know remember that I loathe "A hazy shade of winter" and continue to be neutral about "Mrs. Robinson". I absolutely will not return to this album.
Bookends a very nice album. It’s definitely a mortality album, every song on Side A is like a snapshot of a time period in life. It’s sad but nice. That’s about all you can saw about it, until Mrs Robinson which is an all time greatest hit but anyone, anywhere, ever. A Hazy Shade of Winter is also great, also about aging. It’s a nice, sad album 6.4/10
Primer álbum que me toca escuchar del dúo folk-rock sesentero por excelencia. Un álbum dividido en dos mitades bien diferenciadas: La cara A es un álbum conceptual sobre la vida (sobre todo el hacerse mayor), con composiciones sencillas y letras muy poéticas. Las letras me han gustado especialmente, los temas van pasando sin darte cuenta. Los arreglos son simples, muy relajantes. La cara B es algo más animada, a veces rozando el rock psicodélico de su época, sin ceñirse a un tema en particular. Además, contiene la archiconocida "Mrs. Robinson". En general, no me ha gustado tanto como la primera mitad, quizá porque los temas no son tan conmovedores, aunque musicalmente es buenísima. Un álbum icónico y muy interesante.
I wasn't expecting S & G to be quite as experimental as they can be on this record, but here they are quoting 'The Sound of Silence' on the second track and creating an audio collage of old home conversations on 'Voices of Old People.' Instrumentally too, this is far more than strumming a guitar. But the star of the show is Simon, who is simultaneously at his most playful and his most heartfelt, producing a stunning meditation on old age thruout: 'There's no times at all / Just the New York Times'; 'How terribly strange to be seventy'; 'Orangutans are skeptical / Of changes in their cages.' Mixed into the whole thing is the perennial 'Mrs. Robinson.' When encountered here, it's an iconic blast.
Great
Druže, kakve su ovo droge. Eksperimentalna muzika kao u plemenima, pred kraj par melodičnih pjesmica sa Mrs.Robinson među njima, ali ne izvlači prosjek nikako. Osjećaj tjeskobe dok se sluša. Loše.
Starts off weird (great) and just continually gets better. Need this on vinyl so I can throw it on during a sunny spring day with the windows open.
Very soothing
Paul Simon is a musical genius. He can do no wrong. This is a masterpiece. 500billion/5
Ok mais pas mon style
I like most songs on this album though its not perfect. Moreover, some of them have real cultural significance, which is more than you can say about much of the garbage on this list. But I’m giving it a 5 just to counter the jerk reviewer who described Simon and Garfunkel as ‘low-talent hacks’ - and then rates Fiona Apple as one of his top albums. Seriously?
It's Simon & Garfunkel, where you'll find classic compositions constructed to intrigue your ear and invite your contemplation. For me it's America, Old Friends, Mrs. Robinson, and Hazy Shade of Winter that stand tall amongst the Bookends. But like every Simon & Garfunkel album I've ever listened to, there will be songs less satisfying and choices I puzzle over. Great but not perfect, maybe that's where they'd rather be.
Packs a ton into 29 minutes. Part musical, part folk rock. "Mrs. Robinson" will always, to some extent, explain the 60s. Worth a listen. And always funny to remember its cameo in "Almost Famous".
Nice easy listen.
Not a fan. Only decent tracks were Mrs Robinson and At the Zoo
Is there a better "greatest hits" band than Simon & Garfunkel? The best songs are incredible. The worst songs -- or "songs," if you include recording a bunch of retirees in a rest home -- are atrocious. It feels almost sacrilegious, but I can't give this more than three stars.
Kind of a mixed bag. Did not particularly enjoy the concept album comprising “side 1” of the album. But the mishmash of singles on “side 2” were solid, including “Mrs. Robinson” and “Hazy Shade of Winter”
Dope
Excellent.
Beautiful album filled with some of their best work. Outside of Garfunkel's stupid sound collage
I like Simon's solo stuff. This doesn't hit as hard.
Grating. Both slow and too much going on at the same time. Recognize "Mrs. Robinson," but that doesn't mean I like it.
he called elephants dumb.....
4.5
Half of these are dumb songs and the other half are Chad. 3.5
The balance between the vocals and instrumentals so interesting, makes the vocals kind of ambient which I love
I thought for sure I’d heard this before. Glad I finally took a listen.
Not bad. Similar to the Jay Z album, I was hoping for more recognizable stuff to me.
Great album
Meh
ljúfur söngur og lög. ekkert mjög samhangandi en ekki leiðinlegt eða pirrandi. gefa annan, 3.5.
Still very easily recognizable with their sometimes sudden use of sample hits. This sounds like a soundtrack, which I'm going to assume it is.
Also Much better than Coldplay
I was blown away surprised with this album. Obviously I have heard all the classic songs from this duo before, but never did I really give much thought to their full albums. That was clearly a mistake. This is a fantastic blend of experimental sound with classic 60's pop structure. I will be revisiting again in the future.
This is not as exciting as The Sound of Silence, but I guess Mrs Robinson is a really popular song as well. The rest of the songs in the album are a bit meh and nothing exciting really happens but it's overall alright, especially as a background listen.
Why does Paul Simon get angry at me when I request Voices of Old People at his concerts?
Immediately, my fav songs were fakin' it and a hazy shade of winter. the only song i knew was mrs robinson. i was def expecting hello darkness my old friend to be on this album but i guess they have multiple albums that have permeated pop culture even half a century later.
Never really went down the Simon & Garfunkel rabbit hole. After listening to this, I think I'm okay sticking with just the hits.
America is an amazing song. Mrs. Robinson is a classic— the rest are not inspiring
Art Garfunkel might just be the Yoko Ono to Paul Simon’s John Lennon. It’s not bad but doesn’t do that much for me, although Mrs. Robinson was one of my favorite songs when I was a wee lad
Bookend themes and Hazy shade are awesome songs. Some interesting things going on in this, not what I expected.
Not a big fan of filler on albums. Some classics here, but who wants to hear old people talking? At least talk about something interesting.
More misses than hits... But the hits are soooooo good.
Послушал два раза. Аккуратный, приглушенный, минималистичный альбом.
Side one is perfect, side two is pretty good.
Well. I just don't like the troubadour music. First I got Bob Dylan, then Leonardo cohen and now this. I really don't hate this as much as the other albums I got before. I think the music arrangements and the vocals are very pretty. Sounds very Beatles inspired. I guess it was the sound of pop music from that era. But I just don't enjoy this kind of thing based on the lyrics more than the music.
Great hits plus hidden gems. Good album
Wow very interesting
1. book - 1.5 2. child - 1 3. america - 1.5 4. overz - 2 5. people - 0 6.friendz - 2 7. theme - 1 8. fakin - 1 9. punkyz - 1.5 10. robinzon - 2 11. zhade - 1 12. zoo - 1.5
Bookends is the fourth studio album from Simon & Garfunkel. It was created as a concept album, exploring the journey from youth to old age. Bookends was released during the same year as the duo's soundtrack to the movie the Graduate; together, the releases made Simon & Garfunkel among the most popular acts in the world. The album includes some of their biggest hits, like "America," "Mrs. Robinson," and "At the Zoo." Some of the "concept album additions" - like "Voices of Old People" - are not as strong as the singles.
Back half of the album is better. The real intro song sounds too much like a bowie wannabe A hazy shade of winter is great
So many outstanding songs on this classic. So ahead of its time. I was raised on their greatest hits, so much of this is on my DNA.
Definitely a classic!
I really enjoyed this and was pleasantly surprised by the songs I had not previously heard. The two standouts were Save The Life of My Child and Punky's Dilemma, in addition to the much loved songs America, Bookends Theme (Reprise), Mrs. Robinson, and A Hazy Shade of Winter.
Simon and G-Funk for the win!
Enjoyed it more than I thought I would, reminded me of the Beatles. Genuinely quite good but probably wouldn't go back to it.
-this is interesting.. I have only been familiar with Paul Simon’s solo stuff up until now. he and Garfunkel go hard together -I was very intrigued by the direction some of this went… synths on that first song in 1968, wow. some songs were a bit underwhelming and we could’ve done without the old people talking interlude ig, but overall I did enjoy it. Hazy Shade Of Winter is soooo fucking good ugh -Favorites are Save The Life of My Child and A Hazy Shade of Winter
These guys are the best.
Harmonizing dudes Play tunes sad and peppy as Folk rock poetry
Mrs Robinson is a banger
So fucking amazing. Voices of old people gives me absolute chills. Wow. They r one of the goat American acts ever Paul Simon is such a good fucking songwriter
WOW. can't believe i've never heard this before today.
Some terrifically beautiful moments here!
A little surprising. Some classic acoustic harmony stuff I associate with them but also some discordant and electronic elements I didn’t expect.
Last 3 songs. Really good
Excellent!
Fantastic album. Simon and Garfunkel can go from this slow and whispering almost haunting vibe in songs like Old Friends to explosive sing-alongs in mrs. Robinson. Lots to explore here. Notable song: Fakin’ it
This was solid, though not quite my cup of tea. Good instrumentals and decent vocal work. 'Mrs. Robinson' was my fave and hard carries this album for me.
Beautiful album. I haven’t albums so much with simon and Garfunkel, I’ve more songed with Simon with these in the mix. Fantastic album with such a feeling of the time and place and evolving style and harmonies (if that was Garfunkel doing harmonies on the last bit of ‘America’ I can more fully understand why Simon kept him around for as long as he did). People, including me, often refer to duos as the ‘current/next S&G’ (presently I’ve used that for the Milk Carton Kids’) but there Will never be another S&G.
How can you’ve ate an album that has America and hazy shade of winter anything but a 5? This must have been massive when it was released. And book ends theme is still one of my favourites, despite its length (that’s what she said). What a time it was.
Concept albums are funny to me and that's probably the only thing that drags this one down from a 5 to a 4. Giving it a theme and having that weird Voices of Old People track. Otherwise, enjoyed listening to Simon and Garfunkel at the height of their powers.
Very nice
Good in parts
I mean... Of course 5 Stars
Meh
Paul Simon is a vampire
This stinks. I don’t know what else to say about it. It’s like a 1.1. I’m rounding it way up to differentiate from Simon solo, which is worse, but I’m not happy about it.
3 years quaint little album that says a lot about aging, but like most s&g, lacks more than one or two standout songs
7/10.
Awesome folk/pop album! Short and sweet with no filler.
Up there with Bridge Over Troubled Water
Pretty dreary stuff.
Perfectly fine folk rock, would be good music to listen to while sitting in a cabin on a lake (which makes sense as I hear it's influence on Bon Iver's For Emma, Forever Ago all over this record). Mrs. Robinson and Hazy Shade of Winter being the standouts. But overall, I'm just not a huge S&G fan. It's got its time and place to listen to for me, but not something I'd go back to regularly.
America and Mrs. Robinson the obvious highlights. Actually surprised the album mostly dragged otherwise. 60s...
Shockingly good
4 - pretty good album. Side a was good but side b wasn’t as strong
so so
pleased to hear it again. Sounds very modern
Okay, I like an ocasional S&G song, but…not really on this album. I didn’t hate it though?
Best lyrics on this album: "Kathy, I'm lost, I said, though I knew she was sleeping. Im empty and aching and I don't know why." this really got me Bookends Reprise is the best 1.50 minute song I can think of. "Time it was and what a time it was, it was." ugh love. I can't help but still love Mrs. Robinson. What's not to love about this song?
It’s sooooo close to a 5, but the “song” with old people talking holds me back.
Simon and Garfunkel are great. Brings back fond memories. Some songs I didn't enjoy, so it gets a 4.
Good music with a few bangers
Listenable.
This made me SO SAD Beaut tho Favs: America Old friends Fakin it Mrs Robinson
It didn’t hit the spot! I’m disappointed Standout track: - Mrs. Robinson
As much as I love Simon & Garfunkel, they’re definitely a “best of” group. Every full album I’ve listened to in this project has just had a couple major stinkers.
I actually like reading on the weekend.
I really enjoyed this album. So grateful for the generator for introducing me to Simon & Garfunkel!
Simon & Garfunkel are storytellers. America is a great song. Popular folk music hit its peak right around this album's release in 1968. Paul Simon does breakup songs better than anyone. Come on Simon & Garfunkel, found sound? Voices of Old People has no business on this record. It's the lead in to Old Friends, but it brings the album to a screeching halt. Bookends Theme starts the album and ended the first side of the album....clever. Punky's Dilemma feels like the song that launched Flight of The Conchords. That, or Paul Simon was bored during breakfast one morning. Mrs. Robinson in its original context. It's hard not to picture Dustin Hoffman doing The Graduate things this song is so tied to the movie. The first side of the album is generally better but Mrs. Robinson is a great song and anchors the second side.
I was disappointed in this album in comparison to "Parsley, Sage, Rosemary, and Thyme". While there are some stand out tracks on here, overall I couldn't get into it. "Mrs. Robinson" feels like such a cultural touchstone that the album might be worth listening to just for that.
The early tracks are mostly unpleasant noise, but there are some real bangers on here.
fine
interesting, decent quality for the time, some good dynamical parts
This album was way too overproduced. These songs were better performed live or acoustically. “Hazy Shade Of Winter” was really good, though.
Despite absolutely loving Simon & Garfunkel, I'm not sure I've ever listened to the full album of Bookends before. Just... wow. This album is completely ahead of it's time. "Save The Life Of My Child" sounds like something Paul Simon would have done in the 80s, but this came out in 1968. "Voices Of Old People" is just talking? In the middle of a pop record? Definitely something you don't hear everyday, but fits in perfectly with "Old Friends" right afterwards. The first half of the album tells its own unique story, and the second half is filled with great pop hits. "Punky's Dilemma" is such an interesting song to unpack. At first it seems like a pleasant ditty about breakfast food but then becomes a commentary on military service (all during the Vietnam War era). And "Mrs. Robinson" is just an absolutely perfect song, though in some ways I do prefer the version on The Graduate soundtrack, and "America" is one of the best Simon & Garfunkel songs of all time. On the outside this album is a nice pop record from Simon & Garfunkel, but when you really listen to the lyrics, take the production into account, the time period, and the varied themes, it becomes so much more than that and becomes a perfect commentary on the late 60s. I feel so privileged to have been able to see them in concert when they reunited when I was a teen. It makes me appreciate their music even more.
I simply don't care for it
Not the most exciting album by Simon and Garfunkel. We have Mrs. Robinson in here, but every other song is average at best, just not pulling its weight. Boring release, I definitely prefer other albums by the duo.
I haven’t heard much Simon & Garfunkel before but I really enjoyed this album. This was really pleasant to listen to
Surprised at how much I liked this. I really enjoyed the concept on the front side of the album, it was really easy to follow but you still felt the emotions captured by each song in each “stage” of life depicted (also America is just such a beautiful tune). Voices of old people probably cost it a 5. The rest of the album was pretty good too, with a bunch of previously unreleased singles that were mostly pretty catchy, especially Mrs Robinson. Overall, 4.1/5. Fav song: America
Mrs. Robinson 5 stars, voices of old people 1
Good album. Was a little underwhelmed by the first couple, but I thought it finished really strong. 3.6/5
1968. Folk Rock. 8.5/10 Save the Life of My Child / America / Overs / Voices of Old People / Old Friends / Bookends Theme / Fakin' It /Punky's Dilemma / Mrs. Robinson / A Hazy Shade of Winter / At the Zoo"
I liked it heard it before nice folk warm acoustic tones.
Fun and charming, but didn’t feel like I needed to listen again
That was boring.
Great album and great storytelling! Loved it!
Legal
Meh. There was a brief period in high school where I tried to get into Simon and Garfunkel. They’re all right, but kinda drab and boring to me. The opening track and Voices of Old People were unnecessary. The only song I can still stand is “Mrs. Robinson.” Bangles’ version of “Hazy Shade of Winter” has all the drama and drive I want out of that song-lacking in the original. Some boring Beatles/Dylan wannabe songs.
Not really for me. Nothing g bad and enjoyable just not for me.
I didn't love it all, but the bangers are great. Mrs Robinson is a classic. Other highlights were Save the life of my Child, America , A hazy Shade of winter and At the zoo. Thought the second half was the stronger side. 4 stars.
Not bad but this didn't click with me as much as their other albums. I liked the more rock-influenced tracks on the second half more than the folk on the first half
Eh not my type
I’m such a sucker for Simon & Garfunkel. To me they ARE folk music, and this album is no exception. A wonderful listen all the way through. There’s some poppy ear worms like Mrs. Robinson, some contemplative songs like America, and some truly emotional work like Old Friends. This album builds you up and tears you down again and again. It’s magnificent, and I can’t recommend it enough.
legal
at times not what you would expect of S&G, in a good way
I used to have a personal tradition where I would listen to this album on the first day of the year that felt like autumn. It's a bit out of season for me to listen to this, although I guess late February falls into the "hazy shade of winter" category. I love this album. It's one of my all-time favorites. It feels like a Beatles album in the way that every song has a unique style and character. The songs are playful and inventive. That opening synth on "Save the Life of My Child" is such a great surprise after the acoustic intro "Bookends Theme." The whole song has cool production details -- voices and effects! It's a quirky collection of tunes, with the classic "Mrs. Robinson" sitting alongside the airy "Punky's Dilemma" and the rocking "Hazy Shade of Winter." There's also the memorable and heartbreaking sound collage, "Voices of Old People." The closer, "At the Zoo," is one of my favorites. I love that they end the album on that note, and I love how you can hear Paul Simon laugh a bit at 1:04. It's such a joyful song. At just under 30 minutes, "Bookends" is a short album but it's rich with emotion and full of character. Simon & Garfunkel made a lot of incredible music, but this will always be the album of theirs that I hold closest to my heart.
The sound of Simon & Garfunkel is so inherently iconic, memorable, and nostalgic for me. I love all of their work and this album is no outlier. Mrs. Robinson is my favorite song of theirs, and here's my anecdote about it: Anyone who knows me knows that I'm a big baseball fan, and I love the odd random mixes of baseball and music that tend to pop up more than one would think- like the Strokes song "Ode to the Mets", Bruce Springsteen's "Glory Days" having a verse about an old baseball teammate, "Centerfield" by John Fogerty, Mike Piazza (famous Mets catcher) shouting some growls on a Black Label Society song, etc. "Mrs. Robinson" on this album of course has a great ode to Joe DiMaggio and it's one of the better instances of these two things intersecting; even if it's not the big topic of the song. When Joe DiMaggio died shortly before the 1999 baseball season, the Yankees honored him by creating "DiMaggio Day", and had Paul Simon perform this song in the stadium outfield. When he got to the part "Where have you gone, Joe DiMaggio, our nation turns its lonely eyes to you, what's that you say, Mrs. Robinson, Joltin' Joe has left and gone away", something hit me in the chest and I sobbed hard. There's a beautiful slowing down rubato by Paul Simon, with some extra time spent on these lyrics and the crowd goes wild. I'm not a Yankees fan, and DiMaggio was way before my time, but this moment felt so special and important for me. This might be one of the earlier moments in my life where a piece of music made me feel really strong emotions.
Overall: 8/10 This is a good little dose of folk rock. Simon and Garfunkel obviously have incredible harmonies and their music can range from fun to calming for me. I think I prefer Graceland (I know its only Paul but still), but it's still a great, short album with songs worth adding to your life. Fav Song: Fakin' It Least Fav Song: Old Friends
Never heard a full S&G album before, but really enjoyed this, especially everything after Bookends Reprise. The unexpected synth bit in track 2 made me double check what I was listening to
Some massive highlights but only OK overall.
I enjoyed this more than I expected to, just a really nice album and I appreciate that it wasn't unnecessarily long
Really enjoyed this. I don’t think I’ve ever listened to one of their albums in full. The lyrics are really nice, standouts are Save the Life of my Child, America, Fakin It & Mrs Robinson
Bit boring
4.5 if I could give it. So many great tracks on this album including some of my favourite S&G (and all time) songs. Yet as a whole it's not my favourite of theirs - but damn it's good.
"I love this warm hug of a folk-duo" were my first thoughts when I clicked play on this, only to be greeted, after a nice music-box opening, with the cacophony that is 'Save The Life of My Child'. A song that just doesn't sound like a '60s song at all, let alone a Simon and Garfunkel song. From the strange brightened up samples to those striking vocal swells in the chorus, to the blaring saw, to the tragic lyrics - it was all just too much, but in a good way. Luckily, everything else here falls in line with exactly what I wanted, and sort of needed, out of a good ol' S&G album. 'America' was an early highlight, and the baroque aging-anthem 'Old Friends' paired with its vocal-sample predecessor provided some nice cohesion to this record - I mean from the child about to kill himself to the sorrows of the old and aging, this idea of the "Bookends" to life comes together nicely here - I'd say these ideas of fast-living also come through with the song 'A Hazy Shade of Winter'. Not saying this is a concept album or anything, but that's just my 2 cents. Either way, the songs here are all incredible, especially 'Mrs. Robinson' - it was my first time hearing this incredibly popular song, and it didn't disappoint. I guess I just really love the music these guys make.
It's Simon and Garfunkel!
A few classics on here. I really enjoyed the production and the nice layers they have in their songs. Hazy shade of winter was a new pick up from this listen
They’re on pot…. Wish we got more of that synth in save the life of a child. Fucking love S&G. Also, props to Patrick for giving SY a shot. My frustration is misguided, I just wish the algorithm would space those out.
Another half concept album. Still works
Wow, first time through this cover to cover. My thoughts: This album doesnt have a clear arc — although most songs build into each other quite nicely. Bookends Theme being a major piece of glue. It feels like S & G tried to have their Sargent Pepper moment and go truly psychedelic with orchestral arrangements that are all over the place at times. Emotionally speaking, I felt the general theme of aging in the first half. The second half was sort of all over the place, but fun (like sargent pepper, the theme disappeared) I loved this. Incredibly spacey/vibey and easy listening without being boring. Psychedelic. Fun.
A bit of a weird album, but always love the harmonies and songwriting
Very nice album, just not quite as strong as Bridge.
Super brown.
Fabulous
Really good.
The songs I know are great. The others, NSM — WTF is Voices of Old People? Maybe a 2, but America pushes it to a 3. You should listen to the Yes version of America. 11 minute version https://open.spotify.com/track/2PPRgRlrD2ZuDLCAL7yvNN?si=5d5IZ-6CTKSuFNRF6ws4FA&context=spotify%3Aalbum%3A78tN6vBPHHyNk4sZYnS5X4 4 minute edit https://open.spotify.com/track/4krdwCrPRSTv1c44060izq?si=nDllko0lQNi4uinGP9p7bA&context=spotify%3Aalbum%3A1WWIQYhFqD2IVbG2WLVaO1
America is great, Mrs. Robinson is great, and I thought the rest was meh. “At the zoo” maybe meh-plus. I had to restrain myself from throwing my phone across the room while Paul Simon was singing about being a boysenberry jam fan. He’s just the worst.
Quite an odd record really. Rather bitty and unsatisfying in a lot of ways but even the worst SImon and Garfunkel record beats a lot of people's best work. And it does have America and Hazy Shade of Winter, which are both glorious.
"Bookends" I like it. But I can't really do much with those two guys. Garfunkel and his statements completely discredit him and he sounds like a complete asshole. And all that with his voice. I never understood Simon and his Africa thing, but I also lack the context. After the duo split up, I was no longer interested in either of them solo. But the film and the songs used in it are fantastic. There's also "America", "A Hazy Schade Of Winter" and maybe also "At The Zoo" for the rest you have to be very strong, otherwise you won't get through 3 or 4 stars. Mrs. Robinson is the deciding factor - 4 stars!
4/5. This is a great album, even if Bridge is objectively better. If they committed to a full concept album all songs were interconnected, I think this would be considered one of the greatest albums of all time. The writing chops are there, but the second half feels like B-sides even if they were the hits. It's not perfect and some songs on both sides bring it down in my opinion. But it's still a folk rock classic. Best Song: America, Mrs. Robinson, Old Friends
It was weirder than I expected at the beginning… I liked it though. Good story telling throughout.
If you eliminate the two very short bookend themes and voices of old people, you’re left with nine songs and a really short album. However, of the nine songs four were played all the time on the radio. So I guess that means this was a good album, but it’s not my favorite Simon & Garfunkel album. It would rate 7 on a 0-10 scale, but alas only 3 stars here.
I haven't even rated 100 albums yet and I'm still thinking "wait, didn't we have this one already?". But I sure feel like I had this one already. Classic sweater cover. I was too tired to really focus on it, but this was pleasant. I liked the song about being a jam fan. And the hazy shade of winter one (don't tell me the title...). The zoo one is potentially good. Yep: pleasant.
Some pleasant songs
Great album
Calm, chill and easy to listen to. Very familiar with this name, but can’t say I’ve ever listened to a Simon & Garfunkel record before now. A pleasant one.
Classy
Mrs. Robinson is a classic but I found the rest forgettable
❤️ Simon & Garfunkel aka Tom & Jerry. Mrs. Robinson war der erste Popsong der als Filmmusik verwendet wurde - und zwar bei the graduate mit Dustin Hoffman
No es witzigs Album vom Garon & Simfunkel, mit paar Lieder woni sehr gern glosst han, denn aber au einigi dezwüsche wo wahrschindli meh spasseshalber dete gsi sind. Aber "voices of old people" isch en Abriss Track wo uf kleinere Party fehle dörf!! Us strängfunkel doch nur zwei Punktunkel vom Timon & Goetschfunkel
Jaja, mrs robinson album hed natüli erwartuge usglösst. Es isch leider doch zu oft zu simon & garfunklig gsi, sprich too low. Gege schluss hends na bitz erhöht, aber muss bim ne 3er bliebe. Ha alles biz negativ formuliert, finde sie generel scho cool. 3 god bless you an superschönr miss robinson song
3 lieder glost aber denn schnell gmerkt, dass das keis album isch für de fritigs-noah, tschau simon und tschau garfunkel vilicht gsehds mer sich ja am mentig sali simon, sali garfunkel da isch de mentigs-noah, hetti ez wüki nöd dänkt aber schön gsehd mer sich wiedermal, hee cheibe cools album hender da us‘m ärmel gschüttlet, hebed en schöne und bis bald
I wish this actually was a finished concept album as they say, however it’s half a concept album and then a bunch of filler in the second half. Tracks like Overs and Old Friends really had me excited with fantastic production and instrumentation, but then the rest was way too poppy and bland. Good thing we still got Bridge Over Trouble Water out of them after this, but this one could have been a little more consistent with the “concept”.
Not really my style overall.
Felt like listening to a musical. Mostly intriguing, sometimes weird. The Beatles vibes. Great storytelling. Love the folk instrumentals and harmonies. Also the album cover looks like Ben Platt and Jonathan Groff lol.
Despite including three of my all time favourites (America, Mrs Robinson, Hazy Shade of Winter) and other familiar songs, as an album this is less than the sum of its parts.
2+ Stars (6/15)
Bookends on weekends! The album is soothing, and feels like a big warm blanket. Favorite Song: "Mrs. Robinson".
Sounds like what being a butterfly flying through a field on a sunny day must feel like.
i love a good concept album, it paired up well with my people watching at the park hour🙂↕️ 3.5/5
Too many certified bangers to not be perfect.
I prefer more modern folk music, but this wasn't bad - America sounded very familiar, Mrs. Robinson is famous, and A Hazy Shade of Winter is an absolute classic. The rest of the album ranged from mediocre to decent, but since most of the songs were relatively short, nothing dragged on enough to bother me.
Punky's Dillemma is an old fave, but overall album is not
Listening notes: Sonically this album is really nice, it’s not over produced and the vocals sit nicely in the mix. The instrumentation is sweet and most of the songs are well written and arranged. As far as the first half being a mini concept album, I didn’t really get that on a first listen but I don’t think it takes away anything from the listening experience. At a crisp 29 minutes this album doesn’t overstay its welcome and the songs themselves are well constructed, not feeling unfinished. Some of the tracks are really great with the stand outs being: America with its excellent lyrics and delivery , Old Friends has some beautiful strings and accompanying instruments and Mrs. Robinson being the best song on the album and is pretty much a perfect song. However in some places the songs are a bit underwhelming such as Save the Life of my Child which has this weird inserted sample of Hello Darkness my Old Friend which really takes you out of the experience and sticks out like a sore thumb. Overall it’s pretty nice, I’m not getting the concept yet but it has some really strong moments with some pretty boring moments to go alongside it. 3/5
Perfect…
Good album. Some classic S&G songs. Very enjoyable.
Watching the Blue Jean Committee episode of Documentary Now has ruined 60s folk for me. This is just too corny for me.
Brilliant
For the most part, I really liked this album and thought it was really good. I believe it would be even better with some of the weirdness removed…all of the excess noise in Save the Life of my Child, and completely removing Voices of Old People come to mind. But even so, I think this album is deserving of four stars.
A real mixed bag - Mrs Robinson remains one of my favorite songs ever - but other songs like Fakin it are very underwhelming.
Bookends This is on the same level BOTW as my favourite S&G album, even if it feels slightly more piecemeal than BOTW despite the concept, but it does have the imperiously magnificent America and the fantastic Save the Life of My Child, Overs, Fakin’ It, Mrs Robinson, A Hazy Shade of Winter and At the Zoo. The Moog on Save the Life of my Child is pretty interesting and must be one of the earliest examples on a major pop record? The song itself is great, and the Moog sounds more modern than other contemporaneous uses, I like the little Sound of Silence interpolations and the whole thing mixes melody and experimentalism in a fantastic way. And crossfades superbly into the majesty of America, brilliantly taking the specifics of the first song into the wider picture and open narrative of the latter. Overs is great, the bluesy folky intro building up to Art’s ethereal entrance at 1.16. Voices of Old People does it’s job in the context of the concept of the first side, and I like the ‘an old person without money is ‘ line, but it does slow down the momentum into the delicateness and melancholy of Old Friends and the plaintiveness of Bookends a little. I’ve always loved Fakin’ It, it has a little vibe of those S&G and Paul Simon uptempo acoustic songs like Baby Driver or Keep the Customer Satisfied or Me & Julio Down by the Schoolyard, but with a more folky structure. Punky’s Dilemma is not a bad song, but does feel a little throwaway in comparison to the songs around it especially as its followed by Mrs Robinson, A Hazy Shade of Winter and At the Zoo. It’s an easy 5, some of their best songs, a concept done brilliantly on the first side and an overall sense of personal wistfulness and introspection against wider musings on contemporary society and culture, all tied together with Paul Simon’s slightly off kilter melodic brilliance and Art’s graceful and otherworldly vocals. 📚📚📚📚📚 Playlist submission: America
I always expect to find hidden album gems with S&G, and I found them aplenty on 'Parsley, Sage...' - but there just aren't any here. Having said that, there is absolutely no way an album with Hazy Shade, America, Old Friends, Bookends, At the Zoo and Mrs Robinson, comes in below a five. Even if the rest of the album was the duo farting it's a five for those alone.
Great album, an all time classic
This album manages to keep things interesting enough despite the short length. I feel like the ending was a bit abrupt though.
Absolutely an incredible album that defined the 1960"s.
I can't see this album without thinking of "Almost Famous:" "It's not poetry... they're stoned." I, like I'm sure everyone else, has heard "Mrs. Robinson" thousands of times by now, and I was essentially expecting that for an entire album. What I got was a pleasant surprise! I think this album will make my future rotation. "A Hazy Shade of Winter" was the standout track for me.
Pretty good and a nice vibe. 4 stars. By no means as perfect as some people will say
cute
Didn’t care much for any of this.
Some really good songs. America. Some strange bits but they didn't overstay their welcome.
Like a distant memory that never happened, short, bittersweet, forgotten, only to be reminded of in a couple of years. There's a couple of bangers in the 2nd half though.
Good vintage stuff
listened to this the other day. masterpiece
Old friends, punkys dilemma, mrs robinson are favourite songs.
Yes I’ve heard the brilliance of Simon and Garfunkel. Those harmonies. The songs. Yes yes. It’s a good album. But I’ve heard the other albums. The singles are strong particularly Mrs Robinson. But one in such a list from Simon and Garfunkel is enough. Even better a greatest hits. 3 because it’s too many.
One of the surprising side-effects of this project has been my growing and active dislike of Paul Simon. Previously, I thought he was OK -- he wrote a bunch of pretty memorable songs both with S&G and solo (as showcased by his appearance on the Muppet Show), and Graceland was a great album, and he did occasional cameos in movies. But having sat through more than half a dozen of his records, I now find him an annoying and pretentious narcissist and unrepentant serial plagiarist. I am not inclined to give him a pass based on a few pretty tunes. Admittedly, there are some great tunes on this record (America, Mrs Robinson, Hazy Shade of Winter), but as a child of the 80s, I prefer the Lemonheads' version of Mrs Robinson and the Bangles' version of Hazy Shade. But there is also a lot of filler on this record, ranging from insipid and unmemorable songs through to Voices of Old People, which is the worst kind of time-wasting tape 'experiment'. Does anybody ever need to hear this more than once in their life? And the production choices on 'Save the Life of My Child' are not innovative and groundbreaking; they are just shitty. I would also like to discuss the ways in which _this specific album_ was a powerfully malign influence on the music industry. Simon & Garfunkel, realizing that their contract guaranteed that their record company would pick up all of their recording costs, disappeared into endless studio indulgence in the name of 'art'. Columbia Records, unhappy but reasonably confident of a big hit, indulged them. Not even the Beatles spent this amount of time and money recording their albums in 1967. But this high recording cost then justified increasing the album cost by $1 (over 20% of the usual retail price, to the equivalent of over $50 in today's money). For a 29 minute record! And they got away with it! It sold a bajillion copies while maintaining artistic cred, despite being artistic self-indulgence and a flagrant and merciless price gouge on the listening public. This price strategy was, unfortunately, successful and so helped establish the model of record companies screwing their customers at every opportunity, and for the ongoing indulgence of misguided artistic bloat. And I suggest that _this specific album_ is one of the first examples of record company greed being successfully leveraged against listeners. They happily did so for the next 35 years until file-sharing crashed the business model that delivered seemingly endless rivers of cash squeezed out of music fans. We all suffered as a result. Fuck you, Columbia Records, and fuck you, Simon & Garfunkel for being the record company's shills.
Super beautiful, beatles vibes
S Gsamtwerch vo ihne isch sehr zwürdige und Text gäbet eim Stoff zum Nahdänke. Die Songs sind abwächsigsrich und gspickt mit kreative Elemänt, und doch unverkännbar Simon & Garfunkel. America isch de Hammer.
bookends theme sehr cool, haha blah blah blah. america isch es meisterwerk vo storytwlling ind songwriting und d ufnahm isch de haaammmer ich lieb die beide. scheisse. kathy im lost i said though i knew she was sleepng. so guet so guuuet. und am garfunkel sini harmonies oh mein gooott. overs hani nonie ghört und isch au soooo schöön. sie mached de stop! mega geil. ultra schön am art sis engelsstimmli. voices of old people hahahah. cute. old friends so schöni choords su schöni strings, sie mached mega dynamik. uii und atonali passage. uuh wieder bookends theme immerno schön. fakin it mega groovy mega geile hall ufem schlagzüg uiii. und sie überrasched immer. wie han ich das album nie glost? punky's dilemma au wieder text so geil. und gloockenspiel mrs robinson perfekt iconic groovy no notes hammer. a hazy shade if winter isch etz meh afich a mir verbigange als die andere songs aber sobald mer biitz uf de text lost hittets eim. und s riff isch super. at the zio wieder meega feelgood meega schön.
soo jz hani nachli ziit bim heiweg vo klosters ohaa richtig geile hindergrundgsang bi save the life of my child hahahahega cools kontrollierts chaos! america kenni sogar, crazy voices of old people isch sehr en...passende titel? seeehr es atmosphärischs album bis jz! d lieder einzeln mussis sege schwebed chli ah mier verbii? mrs. robinson natürlich super lied! hazy shade of winter hani sehr gern hmm ich glaub ich muss es morn nomal lose, ich verstah d wichtigkeit vom album aber s hetmi nöd mega umghaue? alsooo dufchlauf numero due america isch echt soo schön und faking it isch mega beatles? hazy shade of winter findi NOCHLI besser ja alao ich nimm jz d lieder scho besser wahr. 4!
The music arrangements are stripped back and soothing. Pleasant vocals. What you would expect from a Simon and Garfunkel album. Couple of tracks were moving but the majority of the album was nothing to talk about. Mrs Robinson is overplayed. The Zoo song was corny af. 6/10
Late 60s. Concept album. Life from childhood to old age. Breakthrough album. Folk but with electronic elements. Short and beautiful, gentle. Very touching and nostalgic. Some strange, experimental choices.
Although I haven't dug too deep into the albums message - I can at least appreciate a very different take on aging that this album seems to try to deal with. Folksie guitars, great singing. Two things you are guaranteed on a Simon & Garfunkle album.
The big breakout. So many great tunes on this one.
I am not looking for America anymore, but what a perfect album.
Obvs some good songs, but too much pretentious twaddle.
I'm maybe not enough of a lyrics guy to appreciate this, but the songs are well written and the harmonies are nice :)
I was reacquainted with a old friend Andy. He did a tv show based on me that the pilot got picked up and another friend did a painting of me sold for 12 million...then, I believe it may have been my sister, wanted me to ride with her in a go cart driven by a very flamboyant man dressed in a grocers uniform. I didn't want to ride in the go cart. I was insisting I walk. We weren't dropping off groceries though. It was two bags of chopped up bodies, to believe or not, Tony Soprano. Junior was there and some version of AJ. There was a lot of discussion on what to do with them because one was a friend. The flamboyant grocer was definitely the killer and Tony was mad bc he killed the friend. That's all I remember.
This morning I was debating whether America and Mrs Robinson alone could push this to 4 stars, but then the other songs hit too. 5
When this hits, it does really well. The issue here is that synth and the tracks that didn't go anywhere. It feels like a high school project.
A great folk rock album with great songwriting and beautiful harmonies
Some excellent songs
More than I expexted
Stunningly beautiful
A couple familiar but the rest I didn't care to become familiar with
More experimental than I realized. Love it big fan
Yep yep love Simon and Garfunkel love this album lovely. America is my faveee
Great album! Like quite a few Simon and Garfunkel tunes but never listened to this album, the bit in the middle with the old people nattering is weird?? Dunno what that's all about - if it even has any deeper meaning? Nothing really stood out for me a huge amount, all the tracks were just pretty good :) Fav song: at the zoo 🦔🐒🦍🐸🐼🦝🐷🐮🐗🐭🐹🐲🐔🦄🐎🦌🦛🐶🐵🦒🦊🐁🦡🦨🦔🐢🐳🦖🦆🐣🦞🐦🦩🐌
This has to be one of the shortest albums on the list. I really like Simon & Garfunkel, but this is one of my least listened albums of theirs. For such a short album there's quite a bit of filler content or barely songs, almost like a concept album that wasn't fully realized due to runtime constraints. However, there's some of the greatest Simon & Garfunkel songs on here. America, Mrs. Robinson and A Hazy Shade of Winter in particular. Overall 4 stars.
I think their best song on this album is hazy shade of winter, but the bangles version is better. This album is better than the herbs album, but they still sound like they want to be Dylan or the Beatles.
If the Beatles I fired george and used acoustic guitar
2 star
Ja war jetzt nicht schlecht oder langweilig Einfach mir nur bisschen egal
Mrs Robinson is so good Not my favourite genre but good album
Competently made album, but doesn’t make me feel anything
BEST SONGS: - Overs - Punky's Dilemma
Wasnt expecting moog honking on a S&G record. Two of my favorites of theirs on this though.
A lovely lilting trail through old tunes - a couple of classic tracks with hazy shade and mrs Robinson
I enjoy the 2nd half is better than the first but I still find it an underwhelming album from Simon and Garfunkel
Perfection. There are some albums of a beauty that mocks the sincerest efforts to explain it.
I like this one
Enjoyed this 😀
There's something about it that comes off Rankin & Bass-y. Perhaps the orchestra, the storytelling, or the collection of misfits that make up side two. It's full of the duo's unique character and really ascended them to stardom
SUCH A FIVE SUUUUUUUUUCCH A FIVE
Pre-listening thoughts: oh hell yeah. But also this is like the 6th album from the 1960s that we've gotten in a week. So yeah. Post/during listening thoughts: I'm definitely not getting the "concept album" of it all. But I mean, it's Simon and Garfunkel at their peak. Their harmonies are notoriously good and there are some fantastic songs on here. Instrumentation is genuinely beautiful. However I really disliked The Voices of Old People. To me, that just completely broke the flow of the album. This is good, I sadly thought it would be a 5 star album going in but it's just not quite there. 8.5/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: nope Fav tracks: America, Old Friends, Fakin' It, Mrs. Robinson, A Hazy Shade of Winter, At the Zoo Least fav tracks: Save the Life of My Child, Voices of Old People
Wow - rich textures
A few good songs
Is this the best Simon & Garfunkel album? I don't think I could gush about it enough. I love the soft acoustic intro that lulls you into a false sense of security and then jump scares you with that first synthesizer note on Save the Life of My Child. And how about the ghostly choir on that same track? It absolutely makes the song. And this is the album with America, which I believe is one of the greatest songs ever written. I wondered about how Voices of Old People was recorded, and loved what I found in the Wikipedia entry: "...this piece, which was taped at convalescent homes in Southern California, helps to underline the feeling of aging and the passage of time, themes that are indeed paramount." What a beautiful lead-in to the next song, Old Friends. This album has the feeling of being an old friend, really. Familiar and comforting, something you'll never grow tired of, but love and cherish forever. The latter part of the album has back to back bangers with Mrs. Robinson and A Hazy Shade of Winter, then closes with the lighthearted At the Zoo. Just one pleasant surprise after another. Bookends is such a masterful exhibit of beautiful songwriting. Ahh, I could go on and on. This is a perfect album.
Probably my least favourite of Simon and garfunkels do far but still not bad.
Still not a fan, despite the bangers