Parsley, Sage, Rosemary And Thyme

Simon & Garfunkel, pour moi, ça longtemps été les quelques tubes entendus à la radio, la BO du "Lauréat", et cette image un peu proprette, très éloignée des groupes qui squattent ma platine. Mais voilà, le projet 1001 Albums, c'est aussi ça : revenir sur des classiques, parfois avec des a priori, et se laisser surprendre et "Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme" mérite qu'on s'y attarde. Nous sommes en 1966, en plein boom du folk-rock. Dylan vient de brancher sa guitare, les Byrds électrifient "Mr. Tambourine Man"… C'est une époque d'effervescence, où les frontières entre folk contestataire et rock'n'roll s'estompent. Simon & Garfunkel ne se contentent pas de suivre le mouvement ; ils le façonnent à leur manière, avec une sophistication et une attention aux détails qui leur sont propres. Ce qui frappe d'abord, c'est la richesse des arrangements. Oui, la guitare acoustique de Paul Simon est la colonne vertébrale, mais l'album ne se limite pas à ça… Clavecin, carillons, contrebasse, bongos… C'est une palette sonore étonnamment variée pour un disque catalogué "folk". On sent une volonté d'aller au-delà des conventions, d'expérimenter avec les textures. L'intro de "Scarborough Fair/Canticle", avec ses arpèges cristallins et ses harmonies vocales qui s'entrelacent comme une brume matinale, est juste sublime. Et puis, il y a LES voix. LA signature Simon & Garfunkel. Ce mélange quasi surnaturel entre le timbre plus terre-à-terre, narratif de Simon et la pureté angélique, éthérée de Garfunkel. Sur cet album, leur complémentarité atteint des sommets. Les harmonies sont ciselées, millimétrées, elles planent, elles caressent, elles te transportent. C'est sans doute ça, le cœur du réacteur S&G, et ici, il tourne à plein régime. C'est beau, c'est indéniablement beau. Putain, oui, et il faut reconnaître quand c'est beau. Thématiquement, l'album ratisse large : l'amour, bien sûr ("For Emily, Whenever I May Find Her"), mais aussi l'aliénation ("The Dangling Conversation"), le mal du pays ("Homeward Bound"), et des commentaires sociaux plus ou moins voilés, reflet de cette Amérique des sixties en pleine mutation, tiraillée entre idéalisme et désillusion, guerre du Vietnam en fond sonore ("7 O'Clock News/Silent Night", quelle idée géniale et glaçante !). C'est moins frontal que Dylan, plus poétique, plus impressionniste, mais ça capture bien l'air du temps. Alors, c'est un 4 sur 5 car c'est un album d'une cohérence et d'une finesse remarquables. La production de Bob Johnston (qui avait bossé avec Dylan, tiens donc) et l'ingénierie sonore de Roy Halee sont exemplaires. Chaque son est à sa place, chaque arrangement sert la chanson, c'est le genre de disque où tu sens que rien n'a été laissé au hasard. Est-ce que ça a révolutionné ma playlist ? Non. Est-ce que ça va remplacer "Disintegration" ou "Spiderland" dans mon panthéon personnel ? Certainement pas… C'est propre, c'est léché, parfois un peu trop "sage" pour mes goûts les plus rugueux. Mais il faut reconnaître le talent d'écriture de Simon, la beauté quasi irréelle des harmonies, et la qualité de la production. C'est un album qui a admirablement bien vieilli, justement parce qu'il ne cherchait pas à être "rock" à tout prix, mais visait une forme d'élégance intemporelle. L'influence sur des générations de songwriters folk-pop est indéniable. C'est peut-être ça, la force de "Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme" : être à la fois un témoin de son époque et une œuvre qui la dépasse. Une sorte de classicisme pop, si ça a un sens. Adolescent, j'aurais sans doute trouvé ça chiant mais aujourd'hui, avec quelques kilomètres au compteur, j'apprécie la maîtrise, la mélancolie subtile qui infuse même les titres les plus légers, et cette perfection formelle qui force le respect. Donc, oui, 4 sur 5, c'est juste car c'est un album essentiel pour comprendre une facette importante de la musique des années 60, et un jalon dans la discographie d'un duo iconique. Pas le genre de truc qui va me faire pogoter dans mon salon, mais une pièce maîtresse à écouter au calme, pour en savourer toutes les nuances.

Such a chill album.

When I was 18 I went on a weeklong backpacking trip right after my first real relationship had ended. It was a 15 hour drive to the state where we would be hiking, and the only album in the car was Simon and Garfunkel’s greatest hits. I didn’t mind this, I was already a fan of Simon & Garfunkel. Thanks to that, I knew many of the songs on this album. I like these songs, but I don’t think the album as a whole is quite as much of an emotional gut punch as Bookends was. The songs have those lush harmonies that make them great, but they sometimes feel shallow with little emotion attached. I’d still recommend this album, and I think it’s worthy of this list, just to hear how their songwriting changed and influenced others. Oh, and that girlfriend who ended things was Emily. So everyone on the trip got a chuckle out of every play of For Emily.

Very good!

I don't normally love folk, but this is nice.

Vibessss

Sometimes I think I was born into the wrong generation. I love my post-punk music, but there is something about 60's folk music that pulls at my being. I love the harmonies and wonderful melodies from these two talented individuals. For Emily, Whenever I May Find Her is an absolutely beautiful song and 7 O'clock News / Silent Night is brilliant.

Super fun folk. Lots of great songs on this

I enjoyed, it probably deserves another listen. 3.5 stars.

they have a very special one-of-a-kind comforting atmosphere, what else is truly like them the first few songs are especially pretty

Very nice sound. Great vocal moments and quite the verity of song styles. Finished the album with no big complaints.

Lots of acoustic guitar, beautiful vocals.

liked it

Would have loved to listen to this with good headphones while lying in a field on a nice warm day. I love how many layers there are to each song, both literally with the vocals & instrumentals and figuratively with the lyrics. I really enjoyed this album all the way through, I too am looking for fun and feeling groovy, 4/5

I expected this to be kinda lame because Simon and Garfunkel are lame. Maybe not though, this was pretty good white bread music. Silent night must’ve blown the nips off people in the mid 60s but the current events rapid fire over a hymn doesn’t hit so hard 60 years later. Overall I did really like this album, I like Graceland more though. Between a strong 3 and light 4, but going with a 4 because Artie deserves it. Paul Simon sounds like a dick - Art kinda does too idk

"But all my words come back to me, in shades of mediocrity. Like emptiness in harmony I need someone to comfort me." Call it what you will, mawkish, overly sentimental, whatever. S&G's lyrics and harmonies have a way of pulling at my emotions that almost no other music does. Here's another of their albums full of incredibly well-written, meticulously performed classics.

Still brilliant like sun shine on a rippled lake.

8/10

Great voice with a fitting background sound. I think the first part of the album was the strongest, which is why I can only give et 4 stars.

7/10

Some really fantastic acoustic guitar work and finger picking. Also, some great harmonies and lyrics. You can totally hear how this album and S&G in general influenced so much of the modern stuff I listen to. It was a quick and easy listen and I would definitely listen again

I joked about this being as short as Out of Step but this really does feel like an EP of collected songs more than a true album, although it’s still pretty fucking great. Simon & Garfunkel are at their best exploring melodies and occasionally rocking out - as amazing as songs like “Scarborough Faire” and “For Emily…” are, there’s full out rockers like “The Big Bright Green Pleasure Machine” and pure pop greatness like “Homeward Bound” to remind you these two could kinda do anything. There’s really only two missteps: the pure goof of “A Simple Desultory Philippic” and the way too on the nose “Silent Night”. But the rest of this is stone cold bangers, even if it doesn’t all fit together.

No denying the beauty of Simon and Garfunkel. No matter what they come after it is always a nice breath of fresh air, and given the past couple horrible weeks this was even better. Their harmonies and voices fit so perfectly together and their music is perfectly placed.

Good album with some great songs

Like a counterpoint to the obfuscation of Dylan - S&G dive right into deep emotions and don't shy away from beauty. Starting off with a song that feels musically more akin to Good Vibrations than a couple of young folkies. Not sure if fresh is the right word but these songs have a vibrancy that is undiminished. The productions is exquisite. And the songs. No wonder Paul remained a relevant songwriter for the almost 50 years of peaks and valleys.

Such a great album. Whole thing is pretty awesome

Tyhmähän sitä olisi jos ei tästä pitäisi. Herkkyyttä löytyy! 4/5

Ukkoutuminen jatkuu, mutta kyllä S&G tippuu nykyään. Kauniisti tehtyä kitarointia. 4/5

Pretty enjoyable, some of it even feels like it could have come out closer to the modern day.

Never listened to this before I thought they’d all be like Scarborough fair. I dug the dynamics

I loved how whimsical the song "Scarborough Fair/Canticle" was. It reminds me of forest creatures and fairytales. It was very instrumentally and vocally soft. This album was very folksy.

Excellent. A range of politics, humour, relaxation, and immaculate music.

another smash from the lads

Bra skit är det.

I have a couple vinyl copies of this album since I first heard it upon its release in 1966. I found this album to be a mix of their earlier work, Scarborough Fair, combined with a more progressive sound with Dangling Conversation and Patterns. Simon’s sweet melodies shine on Flowers Never Bend and For Emily, my personal favorites which are a precursor to future albums Bookends and Bridge Over Troubled Waters. As a side note, Feelin’ Groovy, was a favorite of my Mother’s and it could be heard most mornings as I ate my Cheerios.

Very fun and easygoing folky album. I love the songwriting of the boys very much.

Prachtig! Ik kende dit album nog niet, maar damn, die twee konden toch muziek maken. Toch een zestal nummers opgeslagen. 4.2

Do you want to listen to some music that has a lot of guitar? Well in Scarborough fair you can! I rate this song a ⭐⭐⭐⭐. I recommend this song. Do you want to listen to some music that has a lot of drums? Well in homeward bound you can! I rate it a ⭐⭐⭐⭐. Do you want to listen to some music that has a lot of piano? well in 7 o'clock news lyrics you can! I rate it a ⭐⭐⭐⭐.

Really enjoyed it. I loved how haunting even the pretty songs felt. I also like the way this album was mixed; it’s like they were playing the songs in an empty train station or something. The random Bob Dylan diss track was crazy

Some classic songs here, but doesn't rise as a whole to greatness.

This is the first time i listen to folk music and I really liked the experience. The calming guitar paired with harmonized poem-like lyrics that tell a story in each of the songs made me really enjoy the album, and I see myself listening to it again in the future. Some highlights are: "Homeward Bound", "The Dangling Conversation" and "For Emily, Whenever I May Find Her". "Flowers Never Bend with the Rainfall" and "A Poem on the Underground Wall" are also very nice songs.

its a really pretty sounding album love the songwriting love the folk-rock sound.. def will have to relisten to it so it can leave more of an impact on me, but it's a really great album

- It feels like any album by Simon and Garfunkel is at least a 4 star effort, largely because the lyrics are so piercing and evocative. - "The Dangling Conversation" was a new, thought-provoking discovery. I also found "Patterns," "Homeward Bound," and "A Poem on the Underground Wall" to be great additions (even if the lattermost song is silly in retrospect). - Putting the 1966 news over the final track was a gut punch. Feels very true to now (i.e. March 2025).

Very good

Homeward bound...what a song!!!!

Random thoughts: * There was a few songs that sounded like Peter, Paul, and Mary. * There was 1 or 2 songs that sounded like Dylan. * I never really thought of Simon and Garfunkel sounding like those artists before. * So cool, that they could take a several hundred year old song and make it popular in the 1960s. That is some musical genius. * This is still pretty early Simon and Garfunkel and you can tell they are still honing their sound. * I didn't love the Silent Night closer. Clearly the 7 o'clock news was added after the album's original release. Ws it used in a movie or something? It was familiar but didn't love it here.

[4.5*]

It is amazing how much meaning and pathos are crammed into the lyrics of these beautiful two minute long songs. I really enjoyed actively listening to this.

Yesterday I was listening to System Of A Down, thinking to myself how one-in-a-million their sound is. I wondered what other musicians I could bring to mind that were known for such a unique, instantly-recognizable sound. Simon & Garfunkel’s harmonies came to mind. “Scarborough Fair / Canticle” took all of 20 seconds to open up this album and confirm that exact thought I had. While simple harmonies over some folksy instrumentals were commonplace in the mid/late 60’s, a song like “Cloudy” is a good example of how S&G just did it with so much more character and spunk. I think “Homeward Bound” is the popular song from this record, but honestly it fits right into the track listing, it doesn’t stick out like a sore thumb. “59th Street Bridge Song” might be the most pleasant Sunday morning go for a walk song ever - it’s very homely and peaceful. Then comes “The Dangling Conversation” which is one of the most arresting and pretty songs I’ve heard in a long time. I cannot believe that these two were operating on such a perfect level even in the 60’s, that song is incredible. There’s a bit of Bob Dylan influence on here, as is the case for most 60’s white dudes, I’m learning. “A Simply Desultory Philippic” however, isn’t just a little artistic influence, it’s an outright parody of Bobby. Does it take me out of the immersion of the record? Maybe a little, but it’s still strikingly accurate. “A Poem On The Underground Wall” is a forceful, colorful rambler that continues to keep the quality of the record super high. The closing “7 O’clock News/Silent Night” was a strangely calming experience for me. It helped me realize that the craziness we are experiencing in the country today gave a similar feeling of unease that is conveyed in the news monologue on this song. Really cool way to end the album. One of my biggest takeaways from this entire list so far (about 370 album in) is that Simon & Garfunkel are worth all the hype and more. I thought about how this list could get annoying to someone who doesn’t have a taste for S&G, but then I thought how that could even be possible! The duo is undeniable. My only giant ding on this album is that some of the songs were so good I wish they went longer and had more time to evolve and develop. Strong 4/5 stars

This was an exciting one to get after a few clunkers and I enjoyed it ever more than I expected. A bit more folk-y than the Simon and Garfunkel albums I prefer, it was a great listen. The song where Paul is clearly doing an homage (or mocking?) Bob Dylan was among the more interesting on the album.

Very cozy

Loved this. It had a good balance between slow/folksy numbers and more upbeat ones. The opening track is definitely the highlight of the album—incredible production and vocals on that one. The Bob Dylan diss moment took me by surprise, it was not bad. I think I might need check out their entire discography 'cause it's a second album of theirs that I really enjoyed. Best song: Scarborough Fair/Canticle Other highlights: Homeward Bound, Cloudy, Pattern, A simple desultory philippic 4 stars

I liked this one quite a lot

Loved it. Big fan of Homeward Bound and Big Green Pleasure Machine, oh and the Bob Dylan impression

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️— 4[.4] of 5 stars. Listening to this felt really refreshing, especially compared to what we got before. It’s a classic, again, old-timey in the greatest way possible. There’s a reason I always end up teaching “Scarborough Fair” to each one of my piano students (it’s in like every beginner piano book lol). Overall, it’s a really calming listen. I enjoyed it a lot. The opener “Scarborough Fair / Canticle” is absolutely iconic, and I absolutely adore their rendition of “Silent Night” as the closer of the album. I loved the mellow, subdued instruments throughout, and their vocals fit it extremely well. Overall, It’s a really easy, not too demanding listen; short, but, amazing. Favourites: Scarborough Fair, Silent Night⭐️, Homeward Bound. Dislikes: absolutely none at all :)

Beautiful sound and harmonies. I love Simon & Garfunkel. A great album.

Such a great album with the harmony between Simon and Garfunkel. Scarborough Fair is an incredible song with the countermelody and intricate details. Silent Night 7 o’clock news is also striking.

It's got a folkish vibe to it, been meaning to get into songs from the 60s. This Album was released in 1966. It was alright, i don't want to biased by saying i'm not into folk music but I have been getting into some 60s. It's a nice album

3.5

I had only heard one song from this album before, the very funny Dylan Pastiche "A Simple Desultory Philippic" which really did get a good laugh out of me and I still think about as one of the highlights here, but that's more because I get the joke now and it's so different from everything else in the album which is obviously what I imagined it would be, very lush and pretty "folk rock", the melodies alone just make it such a great listen while not wasting any time in its songs. I think what struck me the most was that sonic but I feel like I'll have to return to this one for the lyrics. Either way I really enjoyed it

Parsley, Sage, Rosemary And Thyme is not my favorite Simon & Garfunkel album, but it's up there. The Dylan diss track precedes Drake and Kendrick Lamar by some time but the level of vitriol feels contemporary. A petty Paul Simon can be a wonderful thing and obviously Garfunkel was a good counter-balance. Helping the album be more than just Paul, Paul, Paul. And let's be real, it would've been. One shameful thing about this album people often talk about is the lack of song writing credits here and there. Relatedly, from the searches I've done, I need to know if Bob Cato is only the photographer of the cover or did he also do the graphic design? Because it's a crime if there's an uncredited genius out there who drew and/or typeset the artist and album name. 🔥

Sooo pretty

I've lost my harmonica, Albert.

It might not be their best but it is still really good

I mean they sound really nice but honesty that's kinda the reason they aren't gonna get a 5 from me. They sound too perfect too good to be true. It kinda irritates me. Also most of the songs sound very, very similar. Very folksy. Nice harmonies of course but the whole album was just very folksy which isn't a bad thing just not really my cup of tea for a whole album.

Easy to listen

This is a really good album. Scarborough Fair/Canticle is probably the best known track, but there is a nice mix of electric/acoustic and fast/slow tracks on here. This album shows the direction they are moving and their following albums would be even better.

Good listen, never had

Beautiful melodies. Great album. I was surprised, I thought it might be more boring, but I wasn't bored.

Classic Simon & Garfunkel.

It's a classic. Some of these songs are timeless. Love Scarborough Fair/Canticle as the opener. Homeward Bound is great. I prefer the live versions of Feelin' Groovy and For Emily, Whenever I May Find Her from the greatest hits records, but they are two of my favorite songs. There were some other cool tracks that I'm not super familiar with. The song A Simple Desultory Philippic was an interesting invocation of Bob Dylan and folk rock in general and the 7 O'Clock News/Silent Night tune was pretty haunting and poignant in light of current events. Great record.

My kind of album, love the harmonies and the juxtaposition of Silent Night with a news broadcast at the end was really unique. I would have appreciated a bit more variety though. Favourite track: Scarborough Faire

As a kid, I sang "The 59th Street Bridge Song (Felling Groovy)". I feel like I still have PTSD from that. Most of the songs do not feel as dated as you imagine, although "7 o'Clock News / Silent Night" seems a bit on the nose. The only other song that I was a bit iffy on was "Cloudy," I felt the lyrics were interesting, but the music was kinda meh. Otherwise, I liked the other songs. Short album, though. Top tracks: "Scarborough Fair / Canticle," "Patterns," "Homeward Bound," "The Dangling Conversation," "Flowers Never Bend With The Rainfall," "For Emily, Wherever I May Find Her"

Wow. This album is almost 60 years old, and yet it feels timeless. I'm not saying that it sounds like modern music or that it doesn't have some feel of vintage. But the way they harmonize will never go out of style. Scarborough Fair is no rocker, it's slow and you might even say plodding if the vocals weren't so incredible and perfectly arranged with the soft guitar and harpsichord. I'm not saying this is a perfect album (side two isn't as good as side one) but it is captivating. Still, the big singles are better than the lesser knowns. Homeward Bound and Feelin Groovy are classics and while I don't really know The Dangling Conversation I quite enjoyed it (reminded me of Leonard Cohen). Patterns, Cloudy, and Flowers Never Bend with the Rainfall are solid, but at times great and at times ho-hum. I do like Simon's satirical songs on this album, which I didn't know before. The Big Bright Green Pleasure Machine is biting and set to a great poppy beat. A Simple Desultory Philippic is an interesting ode to Dylan - clearly written in his style, Simon does a good job with the word play and sounding like Dylan but it annoys me a little how much it sounds like Dylan. 7 O'Clock News/Silent News is really well done - the mix of Simon and Garfunkel harmonizing a sweet carol with despairing news overtop is poignant. I don't know I can quite give this album a 5, though I thought about it.

First, are we not going to talk about the shirt Paul Simon is wearing on the album cover? I think it was the model for Seinfeld's puffy shirt. Meanwhile Art is just sitting there in an everyday shirt. Paul just came from the Renaissance Faire and Art just got back from a stroll in Central Park. Moving on, I'm a HUGE Paul Simon fan, but even I have to admit this is an uneven album. It's got some absolute classics on it: Scarborough Fair (the guitar part and vocal harmonies are iconic, a true classic), Homeward Bound (such a great song), and The 59th Street Bridge Song (sure, it's a little cheesy, but again great guitar lines and a great vibe). A lot of the other tracks, though, are cheesy and/or seriously dated. Patterns sounds like it needs an old Western whip crack (wih-CHEW!). Almost the entire second side is dated (especially the Bob Dylan parody). I do like the 7 O'Clock News / Silent Night combo. The album is certainly a milestone album for Simon & Garfunkel, and a classic worth listening to (and I will definitely listen again), but it's a dated classic. Despite my love for Paul Simon's music, I gotta go with the 4 on this one.

It's Simon and Garfunkel. You know what you're getting into when you put them on. It's a couple of singer songwriters, singing calm songs from the late 60's and early 70's. It might be a little protest, but it's not outrageous. "Scarborough Fair" is a little nod to the past.

Mostly outside my wheelhouse but I do think it's quite good. I'm going to round up to a 4. One or two of the songs on here feel slightly familiar but I'm not sure I've actually heard them before. "I been Phil Spectored, resurrected" maybe evokes something slightly different now than it did back in 1965. I do like the jangly, rambling "A Simple Desultory Philippic;" apparently it's a parody of Dylan's style and, now that I read that, I feel it. The album ends on "7 O'Clock News / Silent Night," juxtaposing a bleak nightly news report with a Christmas Carol about peace. I think this one's effective, especially hearing it filtered through the lens of the current moment's non-stop parade of news nightmares (it's late January 2025).

I read a book called "Impossible" when I was in middle/high school that was based on Scarborough Fair, so that song I'm partial to. The whimsical/folk music does more for me than the lyrics do.

I enjoyed, it probably deserves another listen. 3.5 stars.

Could I listen to most of this album while playing Skyrim and it not break the immersion? Yes. 4 star album

Fínasta Folk frá flottu Folki.

Fínasta plata hjá þeim félögum, ljúf og þægilegt. Verður þó pínu leiðigjarn til lengdar, 2 hlustanir alveg nóg.

Simon & Garfunkel sing together in beautiful harmony whether Simon is the lead or Garfunkel is the lead. Thoughtful, peaceful album to listen to.

Lovely rich album that certainly showcases the dichotomy of songwriting styles between Simon and Garfunkel. The two of them together are incredibly gifted and wrote songs that will stand the test of time.

I liked it, it has a very “timeless” feel where it could be from the 40s or the 20s, it also feels very similar to Vampire Weekend but more stripped back. Not sure I’d listen to it regularly as it's not really my thing but it was an enjoyable experience

i don’t got much to say this is just a very pretty album

To put ir simply: beautiful

The Sound of Silence becoming a surprise hit was a mixed blessing for Simon & Garfunkel. On the one hand, it brought them back together. On the other, they'd never asked for the remix and it tied their second album to sounding like early Electric Dylan. Well, that wasn't going to happen this time. Paul and Art (along with Roy Halee) were in the producers seat, and they could make the album they wanted to. And what they wanted was atmosphere. Whether it's the more serious material (the haze of the opening Scarborough Fair/Canticle, the earnestness of Homeward Bound or Poem on the Underground Wall) or the more fun stuff (the Dylan-spoofing A Simple Desultory Philippic, the satirical 'Big Bright Green Pleasure Machine' you can see the care and hard work put into it. The two halves fit together well. Of course, the songwriting had been there ever since Paul had gone off to write his Songbook material in England but now everything was in place to cement their legacy. It was only up from here. Tangent: Speaking of the Paul Simon Songbook, it's interesting to see how differently the material from it was used in both the previous album, and this one. It's like night and day, despite the songs being written at the same time. Fave: Flowers Never Bend With The Rainfall Least Fave: A Simple Desultory Phillippic Strong Bad Demerit Count: 0

Nice folk album. +1 for poking fun at Dylan

I definitely know this duo. Truly respect what they deliver. So good. Just a bit too mellow for me.

It is certainly of the time, it shows a bit of its age, but it has a lot of big tunes on it. Silent night scared the crap out of me as a child, the voice-over part…

Really noce

This album (and Simon & Garfunkel) remind me of my mom which is a good thing and deserves high rating! Aside from nostalgia, its just a pleasant album to listen to. I like their vocals and the acoustic vibe.

Classic 60’s flower power era folksy, gentle songs.

Awesome, harmonic

Short and sweet. Loved it!

First listen. Pretty good.

Patterns is a bop. Music you listen to on a journey and feels like you have a sack slung over your shoulder off on an adventure. Had me in the first half of big bright green pleasure machine but then it started to annoy me and I had to skip. 59th street brought me back with the soft guitar sounds and whispery vocals with the upbeat tone. Liked the vocals in for emily, almost sounded like Bowie at points. Good album, would listen again and have put a couple of songs on my "sunday" Spotify playlist.

i thought i might just miss today cuz Ive Got The Flu Baby and tbh even typing this feels like its taking energy that i dont have. but this seemed nice and undemanding so i threw it on and it ended up being p much perfect....aside from a couple "rockier" cuts that i tbh dont rly know what to make of, the mood is fairly constant in its combination of pastoral escapism and counterculture protest ...tbh kind of ideal for me being stuck in my suburban house and/or the sterile halls of the urgent care center. im not sure how Undemanding it ended up being tho,,,a couple places r so beautiful they rend me a little bit. idk why i didnt expect that tbh!

4.5

Really pristine and beautiful album. Wonderful listen. 4.5 stars

3.5/5

love these fellas

Good Album!

Loved it. It was so beautiful. My four favorite songs were Scaraborough Fair/canticle, the dangling conversation, a poem on the underground wall, and the classic silent night

3.5 - It's always gonna be good, but found this to be a lot weaker than their other stuff

Good stuff, these boys sure can right a beautiful number. Fave Tracks: Scarborough Fair, Homeward Bound, The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin' Groovy), 7 O'Clock News / Silent Night 4.3/5

This must be their best album - full of classic hits from this duo. Mellow, not super dynamic but perfectly encapsulates their style.

Patterns, homework bound were bops. Big bright green is a fast paced Beatles song.. 59th street.. feeling groovy.. and sounding groovy too Simple dulsatory sounds like a damn Dylan song. This is crazy how many genres are in this album Poem on the underground wall feels powerful.. need to listen to words to this bad boy Powerful finish Damn good influential album that doesn’t overstay its welcome

Did not l

Generally acoustic music on this album. Several big hits and some that I never heard. Hearing the 7 pm news makes me think not much has changed in sixty years. A very good album.

It was good.

7/10 I'll never understand why I like Paul Simon so much. The music is just seems shifted from another universe that closely resembles ours. the songs seem like they've existed since the days of bards. Good fucking stuff 12-30-2024

This album was all over the place, and there is a version of the 59th St Bridge Song out there that I like better than the one on this album. But Homeward Bound is so good and the whole thing kept me paying attention.

I liked this. I think I liked individual songs more than the whole package together though, but still quite a bit on the second or third listen. It's a slow burner for me.

## In-Depth Review of *Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme* by Simon & Garfunkel *Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme*, released in 1966, marks a pivotal moment in the career of Simon & Garfunkel. This album not only showcases their musical evolution but also reflects the socio-political climate of the 1960s. The duo's blend of folk and rock elements, coupled with profound lyrical content, solidified their status as leading voices of their generation. This review delves into the album's lyrics, music, production, themes, and influence while highlighting its pros and cons. ### Lyrics The lyrical content of *Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme* is rich with imagery and emotional depth. Paul Simon's songwriting shines throughout the album, characterized by: - **Poetic Imagery**: Songs like "Scarborough Fair/Canticle" intertwine traditional folk elements with contemporary themes. The lyrics evoke a sense of nostalgia while addressing deeper issues such as love and loss. - **Social Commentary**: Tracks such as "7 O'Clock News/Silent Night" juxtapose the serene melody of a Christmas carol with a chilling news report, creating a stark contrast that critiques societal apathy towards violence and unrest during the Vietnam War era. - **Personal Reflection**: Songs like "Homeward Bound" express feelings of loneliness and yearning for home, resonating with listeners who share similar sentiments. The introspective nature of these lyrics allows for a personal connection with the audience. Overall, Simon's ability to weave complex narratives into his lyrics sets this album apart from its contemporaries. ### Music Musically, *Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme* showcases a blend of folk rock that was innovative for its time: - **Harmonies**: Art Garfunkel's soaring vocals complement Simon's more grounded singing style, creating harmonies that are both intricate and emotionally impactful. Their vocal interplay is particularly evident in tracks like "For Emily, Whenever I May Find Her." - **Instrumentation**: The album features a diverse array of instruments beyond traditional folk guitars. Strings, percussion, and even unconventional sounds are used to enhance the emotional weight of the songs. For instance, "The Dangling Conversation" employs orchestral arrangements that elevate the song's themes of disconnection. - **Production Quality**: Produced by Bob Johnston and engineered by Roy Halee, the album benefits from meticulous production techniques. The extended recording period allowed for thoughtful arrangement choices that contributed to the album's polished sound. ### Themes Thematically, *Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme* explores various aspects of human experience: - **Love and Relationships**: Many songs reflect on romantic relationships' complexities and challenges. "The Dangling Conversation" captures the emotional distance between partners through clever wordplay and poignant imagery. - **Social Issues**: The album addresses pressing social concerns of the 1960s. The anti-war sentiment is subtly woven throughout many tracks, reflecting the duo's engagement with contemporary political issues without overtly confrontational rhetoric. - **Existential Reflection**: Simon's lyrics often delve into philosophical musings about life’s patterns and struggles. Songs like "Patterns" explore the cyclical nature of existence and personal growth. These themes resonate deeply with listeners from various backgrounds, making the album timeless in its relevance. ### Influence The influence of *Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme* extends beyond its initial release: - **Cultural Impact**: As part of the folk rock movement alongside artists like Bob Dylan and The Byrds, Simon & Garfunkel helped shape a new sound that combined traditional folk music with contemporary rock elements. Their lyrical sophistication set a precedent for future singer-songwriters. - **Legacy**: The album remains significant in music history for its artistic ambition and social commentary. It has been cited as an inspiration by numerous artists across genres who admire its blend of poetic lyrics and melodic complexity. - **Continued Relevance**: Themes addressed in the album continue to resonate today. Issues such as war, social justice, and personal introspection are still pertinent in modern discourse. ### Pros and Cons #### Pros - **Lyrical Depth**: Paul Simon’s songwriting showcases exceptional literary quality that engages listeners intellectually. - **Vocal Harmony**: The combination of Simon’s baritone with Garfunkel’s angelic tenor creates a unique sound that is both soothing and powerful. - **Production Excellence**: The meticulous attention to detail in production results in a cohesive listening experience that enhances each track’s emotional impact. #### Cons - **Pacing Issues**: Some critics argue that certain tracks may feel slow or overly contemplative compared to more upbeat contemporaries from the same era. - **Accessibility**: While many appreciate the lyrical complexity, some listeners may find it pretentious or difficult to relate to without a background in literature or poetry. - **Dated Elements**: Certain songs may feel dated due to their specific references to 1960s culture or events; however, this can also be viewed as a historical snapshot reflective of its time. ### Conclusion In summary, *Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme* stands as a landmark achievement in both Simon & Garfunkel's discography and 1960s music history. Its blend of poignant lyrics, harmonious melodies, and thoughtful production encapsulates the spirit of an era marked by social upheaval and artistic experimentation. While it has its drawbacks—such as pacing issues and occasional accessibility concerns—the album’s strengths far outweigh these shortcomings. It remains a timeless work that continues to inspire listeners with its depth and relevance.

Simon & Garfunkel are definitely my comfort band. Half of the album feels like you're lying on a field somewhere in the Welsh or Irish countryside unbothered by the world (Scarborough Fair, Cloudy, Homeward Bound, The Dangling Conversation, Flowers, For Emily, Poem on the Underground Wall, 7 O'Clock News), and the other half feels very whimsical and fun, which is not necessary bad (Patterns, Big Bright Green, 59th, A Simple Desultory Philippic). As you can see, they often intertwine, which, I don't even know if it's good for the album's overall narrative or not. The opener and closer tracks are divine, and I'll love them to death. Homeward Bound is also quite nice, Big Bright Green and A Simple Desultory Philippic are definitely very fun to listen to. Other tracks might be a bit forgettable tho. Solid 4.

Generally I've noticed quite a lot of hard panning... not sure how i feel about it. The album I like the vibe of, definitely nostalgic and distinctive sound, couple of standouts. Scarborough Fair - I liked this and the overlapping harmonies. Felt gentle and intricate. Quite repetitive but didn't feel boring. Patterns - instrumentation is quite reflective of the lyrics/messaging. Ending is a bit odd. Can't see myself listening to this a lot. Homeward bound - could be nice for a car journey vibing. Flowers never bend - I like the tambourine. Silent Night - it's nice but maybe I don't get it.

7.5/10. I'm not going to Scarborough fair, but thank you for asking me!!! :) It's a really pleasant and melancholic album!!! :)

Decent album, nice song writing. Folky like Dylan

Feelin' groovy...

Paul Simon's guitar playing (and songwriting) really shines here. Liked Songs Added: Scarborough Fair/Canticle Homeward Bound The 59th Street Bridge Song For Emily, Whenever I May Find Her

A classic with a lot of favourite tunes.

Gentle harmonies, pretty songs. The lone (bad) outlier was A Simple Desultory Philippic--I thought my player had switched to Bob Dylan, but apparently this was written/performed to mock the man's style. LOL.

Going between gorgeous folk and upbeat hippie, the album is a pick me up and full of the most gorgeous lyrics. Until the final song, which is a deadly, almost frightening, recognition of reality. 4.5/5

I always like Simon and Garfunkel more than I think I will. First I think they’ll bore me with traditionalism - then they find bongo grooves, lampoon Bob Dylan, and dive headlong into social commentary. And obviously the flawless harmonizing doesn’t hurt. The album has some awesome tracks like “patterns” and some real hoke like “The 59th Street Bridge Song”. All in 28 minutes.

Still so good. Almost 5.

Classic album, enjoyed listening to it again.

A lot more interesting than I was expecting. A lot more genre hopping than I would have thought. One of those groups where you just kind of forget how good they were. 4/5

When you commit to listening to an album a day for 1001+ days, a runtime under 30 minutes feels like a gift. For *Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme*, that brevity enhances its brilliance. Like many of their 60s and 70s peers, Simon & Garfunkel are often reduced to a “Greatest Hits” act—a perception cemented by their nine official compilations and box sets. While their iconic sound is universally recognized, this was my first dive into this album from start to finish, and it was a delightful surprise. The album showcases Paul Simon’s evolution into a masterful lyricist and composer, blending poetic imagery with introspection, sharp social critique, and inventive musical structures. Simon’s lyrics are vivid and layered: "The Dangling Conversation" captures emotional distance through literary metaphors, while "Scarborough Fair/Canticle" merges a traditional folk ballad with an anti-war counter-melody. Themes of longing ("Homeward Bound"), satire ("The Big Bright Green Pleasure Machine"), and existential musings ("Patterns") reveal Simon’s ambition and range. Musically, he pushes beyond folk's limits with polyphony, unconventional arrangements, and shifting meters, paving the way for the conceptual richness of *Bookends* and the grandeur of *Bridge Over Troubled Water*. Vocally, Simon & Garfunkel are at their finest. Art Garfunkel’s ethereal tenor and Paul Simon’s grounded warmth merge into harmonies that are both flawless and profoundly moving. Tracks like the opener highlight their intricate layering, while "For Emily, Whenever I May Find Her" captures pure, angelic tenderness. Their harmonies aren’t just beautiful—they’re the heart of the album, setting a benchmark for vocal duos to come, all without the help of computer trickery. *Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme* solidified S&G's place as defining voices of the 60s folk revival and laid the groundwork for their later triumphs. While it doesn’t quite match the cohesion of Bookends or the sweeping impact of Bridge Over Troubled Water, it remains a captivating listen. And truly, after hearing this, why waste time on bands like The Lumineers or Mumford & Sons? Simon & Garfunkel perfected this sound decades ago. Did/Do I own this release? No Does this release belong on the list? It depends on your criteria, but this album has stood the test of time. Would this release make my personal list? Originally I wanted to limit my list to one album per artist, but increasingly this is sounding impossible. Will I be listening to it again? For sure, this is a vibe.

This is a classic album. let's see what people think about it, especially myself. Sometimes you just wanna listen to old white dudes sing fairy music.

Liked it. Great album full of gentle songs, but there are some misses on it.

Enjoyable listen with some classics

Silent night is so good

The influence of the English folk pop scene shows in this album, which for me personally is one of the weaker periods of pop music. However the huge hits like Scarborough Fair, 59th Street make it worth the listen. Bonus to the Dylan influenced flair to close out the album and the closing 7 O'Clock News / Silent Night offers a stark antiwar message that sadly does nothing to influence the US from remaining in a senseless war for many more years. 4/5

There are several tracks on this album that make me tear up. Minor keys, pure poetry, I have to be in the right mood, but when I am, nothing hits like this.

Relaxing listen guided by Mr Garfunkel’s soothing voice.

Fyrsta rennsli, fín en mistæk, og svo komu svona sautján rennsli til viðbótar. Elska þá og mörg lög hér, engin fullkomnun, en mjög rúmur fjarki.

If you get past Art Garfunkel's terrifying hair, this album is classic folk. I mean we have all heard Scarborough Fair more times than we can count. Stand out tracks: - Scarborough Fair - Homeward Bound - The Dangling Conversation - A Simple Desultory Philippic - A Poem on the Underground Wall

This is another 3.5 from me that I bumped up to a 4 due to impact and influence. I do like the album, and there are some classics, but, at this point (in 2024), I'd rather listen to other music by S&G or, better yet, other folk artists. However, there is no denying what this album did for so much music, especially modern folk and indie artists.

i lowkey love these guys i might be a fan tbh

Would listen to this as background music, Scarborough fair is an absolute banger, there were some other bangers in there as well. Definitely very talented so I'll give them the jump to 4, I also enjoyed it a lot more than other backgroundy albums

Short and sweet. Quite a variety on this S&G album. Scarborough Fair and Homeward Bound and Feelin' Groovy are best known songs. A surprise is Simon doing his best, and credible, Bob Dylan impression on a song i will never remember the name of.

Buen disco. Me gusto mucho la primer canción. Aunque creo que todavía no es el mejor de Simon & Garfunkel

I’m a live cut junkie so most of the classics on this I am familiar with the live versions on “The Concert in Central Park” album from ‘82. There are few artist duos or groups from the 60’s & 70’s that are in the same stratosphere as these two when comes to harmonizing and songwriting. 4.25/5

Short and sweet. Pretty good.

Awwwe Simon and Garfunkle. My mom loved these guys. I think she said one of her music teachers introduced her to them when learning about harmonizing. They do harmonize pretty fucking good. lol This album had a couple songs that perked my ears. Some darkness in one of them, no not the sound of silence. Something about rats. And then a naughty reference in A Simple Desultory Philippic.

Classic

Not what I would choose to listen to, but well written songs, each with a clearly carefully chosen character. And an epicly disturbing end to the album. What weird men

Psi & G-Funk go punk! Ha, not really, apart from ripping through twelve songs in 28 minutes. And they're not fast songs either, which is a bit of a two finger attitude. So, quite punk after all. I'm sure there's some sort of narrative to the album, from sipping barley wine at Scarborough Fair to tripping balls and taking to lampposts on 59th Street, meeting Bob Dylan along the way. An album my mother and I could listen to together, and that's not meant in a derogatory way.

Some good songwriting here. Very mellow, keeping in line with their (equally great) works before and after 1966 – but still some strikingly good melodies and excellent two-part vocal harmony. I guess I shouldn't expect any less. Some of these songs could do with extended cuts, because at the moment many of them sound like unfinished snippets that aren't developed enough within their two-minute runtimes. The album as a whole is under 30 minutes, which is short even for its time. I would've liked to see more of an exhibition. In terms of specific tracks: A Simple Desultory Phillippic is a strange tune that sees Simon and Garfunkel at their most aggressive, channelling a kind of angry Bob Dylan style, dropping many famous names of the time. It's suffers a lot from short runtime, but it's pretty fun, showing off their ability to emulate styles other than their classic acoustic singer-songwriter gig. Scarborough Fair / Canticle is a beautifully executed cover of the classic English folk tune. 7 O'clock News / Silent Night is haunting and sounds like it could easily be released today without the general populace so much as blinking. 4/5 Key tracks: Scarborough Fair / Canticle, Homeward Bound, The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin' Groovy)

Easy but very good listening. I appreciated the arrangments.

A beautiful and concise album, with enough energy in just the right spots to keep things fresh. Perhaps one or two skips. Favorite song: For Emily, Whenever I May Find Her.

Not one of theirs I'm come back to regularly, but better than I remembered! Even 7 o'clock news works for me when that type of sanctimoniousness doesn't usually. 4.5 stars

Soms heb je zo'n album die precies goed klikt in het moment, en dat was deze, in het zachte herfstzonnetje, terwijl de groenbruine blaadjes ritselen in de wind. Ik heb toch wel een soft spot voor het werk van Paul Simon, vooral in z'n tijd als duo met Garfunkel. Ik heb het best vaak afgedaan als zoetsappige, oude vrouwenmuziek, maar er zijn best momenten in hun discografie aan te wijzen die ronduit fabelachtig zijn. En daar is deze plaat er één van. Niet hun populairste, en wat dat betreft erg underrated. De poëzie van Paul Simon in z'n beste dagen (lees: 1966) is van het niveau Dylan, de variatie tussen boterzachte folk en up-tempo folk rock is on point, en de melodieën balanceren tussen hoop en wanhoop. Een voorbeeld van dat laatste is voor mij 'Flowers Never Bend With the Rainfall'. Een nummer dat ik pas recent ontdekte, en in één klap misschien wel m'n favoriete Simon werk is. Het heeft iets kils, en de lyrics zijn duister, maar tegelijkertijd heeft de muziek ook iets warms. Een 'warme hug', iets vertrouwds, wat toch wel de essence is van de muziek van het duo. Het is de ultieme huiselijke soundtrack, wat 'Homeward Bound' nog maar eens bevestigd. Dit is wel zo'n plaat die je de wintermaanden doorsleept. Andere piekmomenten uit hun carrière staan ook op deze plaat, waaronder 'For Emily, Whenever I May Find Her'. De importantie van z'n rol als rechterhand van Paul wordt wel eens - terecht denk ik - gebagatelliseerd, maar de lyrics van Art in deze song zijn echt hemels. En dan nog 'The Dangling Conversation' en 'Patterns', twee andere parels uit de pen van Paul Simon. Maar de kracht van dit album is de balans tussen die zwaardere poëzie en de grappige en vaak cynische teksten en muziek van bijvoorbeeld 'The 59th Street Bridge Song' en de Bob Dylan-tribute 'A Simple Desultory Philippic'. Een onwijs vermakelijk half uur, dat de zwaktes van het koppel minimaliseert en al hun krachten tentoonstelt. Een compagnon voor het najaar. 8,5/10 Highlights: Patterns The 59th Street Bridge Song Flowers Never Bend with the Rainfall For Emily, Whenever I May Find Her

Strong album

Some solid bangers, though it ends strangely?

Soothing. Classic songwriting.

Enchanting. Very laid back. Gentle, one to dream to. Just a lovely time.

Technically proficient but it’s so soft it doesn’t really get me going. I will give it a light 4 for Homeward Bound.

Really good album with a couple of great songs. Paul Simon's acoustic guitar parts sound great. Really like the political statement in the final song.

There are some really great songs on here, but it falls short of the 5 I gave to Bridge Over Troubles Waters. “Homeward Bound”, “patterns” and the title track are great but many of the others are forgettable. “A Simple Delsutory Phillipic” is clearly a Bob Dylan parody that I think would work better as a b-side than as part of an album. I didn’t love the final track, but I do respect that they had something to say about current events.

i tried listening to this on my commute on friday, listened for 30 seconds, and said oh hell no and changed it to reggeaton. it was giving girl picking flowers in a field & baking focaccia, when i needed city girl driving to USC that being said i obvi gave it a proper chance bc never listened to an album by them i think i love this... scarborough fair is giving renaissance fair patterns - paris,texas (1984) at the very beginning homeward bound - bet im listening to this melodramatically on my return flights from now on middle of the album has some punch that i wasn't expecting they capture the sounds of whimsy v well overall pretty good & i could see myself listening to it again

I love this album

I have never listened to this album in its entirety, but was familiar with a good chunk of it - it definitely made me more aware of Simon & Garfunkel's influence. Flowers Never Bend and the outtro to For Emily are the big standouts for me, the former sounding spot on to what the Beatles were doing at the time and the latter more on the Beach Boys end. Very cool to hear an album keeping pace with those two.

You know that moment in the party when the periphery friends leave and it’s just you and your forever bestie who you’ve known for a million years. You’ve had way more to drink than you care to admit and the energy mellows and the conversation wanders to the “old days.” You talk about who you were and how you got to be who you are now and how music has changed (or have YOU changed?) The playlist ends so you crawl over to the bookshelf and start riffling through the records. You find it. The one. You both sit on the carpet, directly in front of the speakers (it’s the only way to consume music properly) and you are primed to properly consume THIS album. The conversation fades to singing, because who can resist these goddamn harmonies. Some basic instinct kicks in and you let the vocals spring from you in a laughable attempt to harmonize at the loudest volume your diaphragm can handle. You Feel. Every. Word. Your bestie Feels. Every. Word. Your partners have long abandoned the two of you lest they feel left out of the singalong that only two old friends could truly participate in. You start softly rocking back and forth, holding hands, eyes closed, trying to harmonize after the many bottles of wine and only one of you really sounds like Simon. The other is off key and fucking up the words, but it doesn’t matter because this is poetry, man. Fucking poetry. 


I don't even have to say anything 8.5/10

I give it a solid four point five out of five Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme.

I guess I’m getting old cause S&G is finally starting to hit just right. Beautiful harmonies. Complex and thoughtful lyrics. Sublime acoustic arrangements. 4/5 Highlights: Scarborough Fair / Canticle Patterns A Simple Desultory Philippic A Poem on the Underground Wall

Homeward Bound is one of my all time favourite songs. This is a great album with great songs.

Slower and not what I would usually listen to (for the most part), but still very refreshing, catchy, and melodic.

Just shy of perfection, loved it

Probably the best duo to ever exist in any genre anywhere? It doesn't matter if they're singing upbeat tunes satirizing folk rock, or slow ballads about life and love. It's all great. That being said, the closing track somewhat confuses the message of the album to me. Perhaps I missed the point, but it didn't seem to be an album about the issues of modern America until the final track.

Chill listening

a true gem

Talent 4.5

Scarborough Fair is such a perfect song, this is all such great morning music. The deep cuts on here are pretty good, but man the hits really stand out, just such great writing, and their voices blend so incredibly well.

Relaksujące. Jak miód na uszy. 4/5

these two.. what a touch, love these songs and words

Several enjoyable and memorable songs in here. A few duds, but nothing is perfect.

What can I say, I like Simon & Garfunkel. The headphones picked up some strange almost ASMR effects on Scarborough Fair - with the clavichord in the right ear, some vocals coming in the left and another in the center. They could reproduce this to be very ASMR and it would appeal to the Gen Z crowd! I was surprised by their Dillon satire on A Simple Desultory Philippic (or How I Was Robert McNamara'd into Submission) and also the weird heartbeat pulse in A Poem on the Underground Wall.

Truly a great pair of songmasters.

Great collection of songs. I recall "Scarborough Fair" being one of the songs I had to play for my piano lessons...probably around 1975 or so.

A collection of short, catchy tunes, on a sub-30 minute album. Wonderful harmonies, as always.

Led me to a podcast about Simon and Garfunkel. Great stuff. From "Patterns" to "Flowers Never Bend With The Rainfall."

Famose e belle, ma un po' castigate.

Nice calm album. The older I get, the more I enjoy these types of records

lovely and i love the title

Con Simon & Garfunkel la música folk alcanzó en norteamérica un nuevo nivel gracias al sentido pop que incorporaron a una buena parte de su repertorio así como a sus estupendas armonías vocales. En este su tercer álbum destacaron algunas de las canciones que siguen formando parte imprescindible de la memoria musical de los años 60. Me gustan especialmente la muy folk "Scarborough Fair/Canticle" y la maravillosa canción de amor "For Emily, Whenever I May Find Her". Pero qué decir de la melancólica "Homeward Bound" y su canto a la nostalgia de los tiempo pasados (que como dijo el poeta, siempre son mejores, al menos para nuestro recuerdos), o la suavemente alegre "The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin' Groovy)" sobre vivir la vida con optimismo. Para mi gusto también destaca "The Dangling Conversation", con una hermosa letra sobre la relación en crisis de una pareja. En definitiva un disco repleto de emoción envuelta en grandes melodías.

S&G are so comforting. I just love their harmonies and guitars. I was trying to imagine what this combination of spices would taste like, and it seemed overwhelming. Highlights: scarborough fair, homeward bound, 59th street

incredible harmonies. 4,3/5

8/10 Odlican album koji se cesto vrtio u autu i stanu kad sam bio klinac. Lijepo ga je ponovno poslusat u komadu i prisjetit se nekih stvari koje sam zaboravio, kao npr. Homeward Bound i The 59th Bridge Song koje su mi lijepo sjele na ovaj umorni ponedjeljak. Album za sva vremena, ne samo 60e i vjecna inspiracija za mnogo izvodjaca i danas (Kings Of Convenience i Iron&Wine su samo neki od novijih koje sam do pred koju godinu bas cesto slusao). Nesto teze podnosim ovako mirne albume ovih dana, valjda mi je takva trenutna faza u slusanju glazbe i nije me jos ova hladnoca vani lupila po usima, ali ovdje ima svega i drago mi je da nije sve na Sound Of Silence foru, vec je bas saroliko. Zasluzuje i vise ali prijatna osmica ce biti dovoljna ovaj put. Zanimaju me i solo albumi njih dvojice na ovom popisu, tako da - till next time!

Interesting songs and ideas. Not cool about Simon taking credit for borrowed songs and such.

Love the bass on patterns. Reminds me of‘white rabbit’ Jefferson airplane

very good! Maybe not their best, but an excellent album.

Another classic

I know this is a classic. White people love Simon and Garfunkel. Started listening to the album with an open mind. In conclusion, I can see why it’s influential and there are a few tracks I enjoyed. The other ones are good but not my taste. Still solid album overall.

Really lovely. Very comforting on a grey day. 4.5

Some choice hippie music here. Side A has more known singles, side B is a little more out there. Lots of juxtapositions between sweet-sounding vocal harmonies and anti-war rhetoric. Good times.

The parody of Bob Dylan made me laugh

A very solid S&G album, probably only bested by Bookends and Bridge Over Troubled Water in their catalog. Scarborough Fair / Canticle, Homeward Bound, and The 59th Street Bridge Song are among their best tunes.

Abwechslungsreiches, höhrenswertes Album.

Very nostalgic feel and incredibly melodic. I find the harmonies incredibly interesting. They are very well done harmonies, but Simon and Garfunkel aren't as polished and perfect at holding pitches as modern day singers, so it feels much more authentic and intimate. It's like a little glimpse into life in 1966. Perhaps a bit too optimistic, like a lot of hippie music was, but that makes it all the more interesting. A nice look at the times, one that feels very different from modern day, staring down a kind of bleak future. The exact kind of thing a gen Z person like myself finds very comforting.

listened to again an absolute classic

Day 44 - September 16th, 2024 Slow, earthy, and overall good shit. 4/5

Two of my favorite Simon & Garfunkel songs are on this album: Scarborough Fair/Canticle and For Emily, Whenever I May Find Her are both gorgeous, haunting songs. I prefer the live versions of other two songs I love (The 59th Street Bridge Song and Homeward Bound). The Bob Dylan parody is genius. The rest of the album is nice, too. It's a great album by the duo, in their Top 3 overall.

Lovely, relaxing and cozy. ( Except pleasure machine & feeling groovy which don't fit well on this album ) 4

Though the twee feeling of a English Lit major is rampant through this album, Paul Simon's guitar playing and melodies help do a lot of heavy lifting. The vocals are sweet but all have an air of melancholy seeping through them. The problem is Simon loses his way when he tries to be Dylan and fails. The best bits are always when he is just being Paul and Art is backing him up. Best Tracks: Homeward Bound; The 59th Bridge Street Song; Flowers Never Bend With The Rainfall

Good album - not the best by S&G but an enjoyable listen

Some of my favourite S&G songs on this but overall not quite as good as Troubled Water. I'd give it 4.5/5 if I could.

Favorite Track: Homeward Bound

Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme showcases Simon & Garfunkel's signature gorgeous harmonies and thoughtful songwriting. The lush arrangements create an immersive listening experience that beautifully complements their vocal interplay. While it may not be my favourite album from the duo, it still delivers memorable moments, such as Homeward Bound and The 59th Street Bridge Song. The lyrical depth reflects the social issues of the time, adding a layer of resonance to the music. The overall production is polished and evocative, making it a joy to listen to. The album's themes of love and introspection resonate throughout, showcasing their talent for storytelling. Overall, Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme is a wonderful album that highlights Simon & Garfunkel's artistry, even if it doesn't quite reach the heights of their best efforts. NUMBER OF BANGERS - 4 STAND OUT TRACK - Homeward Bound

Kan aldrig være helt dårligt når det er de to, god sangskrivning, afslappende

Фолк-рок, бардовская музыка... В целом, ощущение от альбома целиком очень приятное. Вокал волшебный. Особенно, лиричные композиции.

Second S&G spin from this list and another one that I very much enjoyed. Extra point for having a short and snappy album.

Great folk album. Amazing vocals as you would expect! Overall a great album, as can be very slow (in a good way) and then mix it up with quick up beat song, so the album does never sound the same. The lyrics are amazing, each song tells a story

большую часть знаю и подустала от них. красиво и приятно, но на хоре красивее)

You really can't go wrong with most of Simon & Garfunkel's discography and the same sentiment holds true for this album. Blissful harmonies, a variety of instrumentation and meaningful lyricism. Simple, yet beautiful.

This is one of those albums that you hear people recommend, but you kinda put it off until one day you listen to it and you realize how good it is. It starts off strong, and it keeps going. The harmonies are great, the guitar playing is solid, the lyrics have more going on than you really expect them to if you don't know who Simon and Garfunkel are. Solid album.

Am I the only one that thinks the last song is beautifully scary? Favourite Songs: Scarborough Fair / Canticle, Homeward Bound, The Dangling Conversation, 7 O'Clock News / Silent Night. Least Favourite Songs: The Big Bright Green Pleasure Machine, A Simple Desultory Philippic (Or How I Was Robert McNamara'd Into Submission).

Objectively so great but just really not my kinda thing. Great harmonies great production great all around but not really moving for me

7 o’clock news is iconic. Solid album but I don’t need to listen again.

after a 4-day bender this was exactly what my brain needed. nice

3.5/5

It was peak comedy to listen to "A Simple Desultory Philippic" after Bob Dylan's Blonde on Blonde

For some reason I really liked this album a lot more than their first album. Not sure why

Another act that never did anything that wasn't good. This was the third of their five albums, and every one was better than its predecessor, so they were getting there at this point.

nogle af mine yndlingsnumre fra S&G på den her, jeg har haft Homeward Boud på hjernen on/off siden 2008. De lyder så godt. Sidste nummer var corny dog, trak meget ned!

Turtleneck era Paul Simon.. and Garfunkel too! This music is as soft and warm as the morning sun beaming through lace curtains, gentle as a butterfly landing on your shoulder, fuzzy as the fur on the bridge of a kitten's nose. Everything is mellow and sunny and clear. The poetic sensitivity is evident in lyrics and music. This is pretty music, pretty voices, harmonies, guitar. I'm feelin' so groovy, I'm feeling like the mayor of Drugachusetts. Then, what's this? Has the album already ended and another band begun to play on Spotify? Oh, it's Bob Dylan? Wait a minute, he just sang about Dylan...Dylan Thomas...? Let me check my phone to see what's going on. Oh, it's still Simon and Garfunkel! Too funny. Okay, the last track with the news about Vietnam sung against (a quite beautiful) Silent Night is a little heavy-handed for me. But Scarborough Fair, Homeward Bound, and Feelin' Groovy are all still crazy good after all these years.

This one is great. I grew up with Simon and Garfunkel playing in my house. My mom would sing their songs. In fact some of them I became familiar with by her singing them before I'd ever heard a recording. Simon and Garfunkel have a real knack for taking acoustic guitar music and making it so interesting. It's never just strumming campfire style and singing. They manage to usually put cool little riffs and intricacies into what they are doing. They don't use a ton of effects and so on, just a lot of acoustic and percussion. They are extremely good storytellers also and manage to paint really good images with their lyrics. I've always liked Homeward Bound. Patterns and The Big Bright Green Pleasure Machine are jamming. Their harmonies are something that music theory nerds could analyze and their vocal tones sound great. The 6/8 switch in the second verse of 59th Street Bridge Song followed by layered rounds to finish off the song are absolutely killer.

4/5

This album evokes a time in history. The arrangements and production is top notch. Its filled with very good and familiar songs sung in their trademark elegant style. The few I was not familiar with are mostly good too. I love the amusing Dillon parody. Scarborough Fair puts a modern classic stamp on an ancient folk song. Homeward Bound is a near modern standard. And "The 59th St Bridge Song" is a deep excavation into the archeology of my musical memory. It conjures vivid images of 'speeding' down the street on my tricycle. When I heard the lines "slow down, your mov'in too fast" nothing was faster than me on my tricycle. The 7 O'clock News is admittedly a bit to obvious in its juxtaposition. But whether it was their intention or not, as this album ages, it provides palpable context for this time capsule. 4.4

4.5

Enjoyable to listen to, they’re very talented

Some obvious skips (pleasure machine, McNamara), but enough solid short songs to be very worthwhile

Finally one from this amazing duo. I've already had 2 solo Simon recommendations, now I can really appreciate how well Garfunkel complements him. Gorgeous sound, nigh ethereal.

Cool as shit

probably a 4 or 5 out of 5. Pretty good album

I have to admit I too find Paul Simon's lyrics at times to be overblown & it can be annoying. However, this is some very well-written music, great production & nice harmonies. 3.75.

Entspannte Musik, kurze Songs. Viel Akustik + Gitarre. 4/5

Folksy, ethereal, a great listen. Not a big fan of 7 o clock news

beautiful, better than BUTW

Interesting… I think I liked this one better.

Pretty classic Simon and Garfunkel. It has it's place and I always find myself enjoying it more than I expect I will. You'd think I'd learn. Enjoyable listen this morning.

I enjoyed this a lot. I am learning from this 1001 albums thing that I quite like wistful / melancholy 60s folky stuff: this, Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen have all been pleasantly surprising! Or surprisingly pleasant. Or both.

Great album. Angel voices singing in harmony is definitely my scene. The 60’s were such an eclectic time, musically. It makes no sense that Scarborough Fair would appeal to the masses, yet it did. I find it amusing that the one song Art sings lead on has no harmonies. Paul would rather not participate than sing harmony! Desultory Philippic was new to me. Cute! I wonder what Dylan had to say about that. 4.2

vey good, relaxing music

Such an iconic album. So easy to parody. So easy to enjoy.

Oh I do love these guys. Maybe a tad too much twangy guitar and warbling falsetto but still great.

I enjoyed this. Simon and Garfunkel always seem powerful and yet understated for me, in their lyrics and the music itself.

I think I'm becoming a S&G fan. This record was awesome. The harmonies are perfect. The guitar is beautiful. The melodies are fantastic. There is a random Bob Dylan style song on here that sounds like a better Bob Dylan than Bob Dylan sounds. The final song was interesting. Silent Night with evening news played over top. The news is about anti war, and murders. This being played, while S&G sing Silent Night over top, which is usually a Christmas song, makes this song sound super depressing and sad. It was brilliant. Great album. Short. But great.

Some nice folk music

Surprisingly good. Always found S&G a bit bland in the past but I relatively enjoyed this. Nice 60s folk, short run time, plenty of variety. What's not to (really) like!

Overall, really enjoyed this album. Just had a beautiful sound to it, and the lyrics were interesting. A few of the songs lyrically had more edge to them than I was expecting. I mean they are not especially edgy, just more than I was expecting (which was none edgy). I think that's because I only knew "Bridge Over Troubled Water" by them which I associate as "Jesus music". I would say there are a couple weak songs, and I though I enjoy it a lot it's not a love which is why it stays at 4 stars. It's definitely a mood I will reach for sometime though.

very nice to listen to + short

A great album. I have heard the hits from this one a ton of times and still enjoy them. The harmony between the two is excellent.

15/06/2024 -- Computer Speakers First Simon and Garfunkle album. I have heard a couple of songs. Sound of Silence. Scarborough Fair. Mrs. Robinson. Most from my watching of the Graduate. I heard Mrs. Robinson somewhere before that though. I love Mrs. Robinson but the other two songs not so much. Scarborough Fair. A bit too renaissance choral for my liking. Don't quite like the vocals. The guitar arrangement is something though. Patterns. Rhythm track is interesting. Not sure i like the atmosphere. The instrumental is nice. Like the intros into them. Cloudy. Love how the guitar and glockenspiel blend. I like the atmosphere the vocals gives. Homeward Bound. Voice is really emotional. Bass compliments well. I didnt quite like the upbeat change in the chorus. But i think that's because i expected something else. Still, it seems that weakens the song into something run of the mill. BBGPM. Like parts of the melody. I think I might like this better with earphones. Rhythm riff is nice but the lead riff isnt much for it. The chorus pales in comparison with the bridge. 59th Street. Great rhythm. Its real groovy. The drums work amazingly with the guitar riff. Like the vocal style. Dangling Conversation. Starts off as a typical easy listening song. The melody is nice. The strings and xylophone (I'm not sure) adds to it. I think at times the vocals, strings overindulge. Flowers. Nothing particularly interesting. Like it though. Like the break in strumming and the quick start after. Phillipic. Out of this world for the album. Fuzz guitar. Singing almost like Dylan. Decent but doesnt call out. Havent deeply analysed the lyrics yet. But it says a lot less than it meant to I think. Emily. I much prefer whats done with the aethereal character of voice here than in the opening track. Underground Wall. Normal Simon and Garfunkle song with mellotron or organ or something. 7 O'clock. Interesting concept. --- Overall, Varied while remaining quite firmly rooted in their style of folk rock. Some interesting but I feel many aren't doing much to really be considered genre breaking in my opinion. The songwriting is catchy enough but im not particularly stunned. Thematically, there's this quaint almost sad hopefulness like in the Graduate. I think it captures the youth of the time well. But i am hardly any expert. I don't like it all that much. But I can see why it is great. (for culture and theme) Still not too convinced it deserves the title of masterpiece musically.

Classic Simon & Garfunkel. LOVE, but deserves more listens.

A hauntingly beautiful capsule that portrays the wild decade that was the 1960s Joe fuckin Morello on "The 59th St Bridge Song"! Wish that tune was longer. Those jazz brushes are so tasty and iconic.

Don't recall ever listening to this album before...amazing collection of songs. I recall "Scarborough Fair" being one of the songs I had to play for my piano lessons...probably around 1975 or so.

Top notch folk album from the '60s. Great harmonies and great songs.

Very beautiful album with many famous songs. The others I didn’t know weren’t really my scene but no doubt it is a classic.

This album isn't Bridge Over Troubled Water but it is beautiful. Not every song is at the same level but Scarborough Fair is stunning. The vocals and harmonies always defined Simon & Garfunkel but the instrumental choices blend so well. Great album. I also always liked Patterns.

Simon and Garfunkel pretty much always slaps. 4/5

beautiful

peaceful , downloaded 2,3,4,5,10

Two distinct grooves run in this album, whose songs are like "Couplets out of rhyme / In syncopated time", as one of the best tracks of the record phrases it. The most prevalent groove displays what Simon And Garfunkel are mostly known for, i.e. delicate folk-inspired ballads with hushed vocals, tastefully arranged, and with lyrics whose poetry can't fail to impress. In that group of generally short songs, a couple of cuts may sound a little quaint, stilted, or even somewhat half-baked and unconclusive ("Cloudy", the Art Garfunkel-led "For Emily, Whenever I May Find Her"). But the rest is actually an incredible collection of tunes. Of course, there's the opener "Scarborough Fair / Canticle", an original composition that has all the earmarks of a centuries-old traditional song, and probably one of the most famous tracks ever sung by S&G. Yet it's "The Dangling Conversation", about a couple of rich intellectuals slowly becoming out of sync with each other--they're the "Verses out of rhythm / Couplets out of rhymes" mentioned earlier--that crowns that group of folk ballads, both musically (Those incredible chord changes! That moving string arrangement!) and lyrically--the bite of Simon's words is so effective and subtly expressed here that they become a miniature literary masterpiece. Right after this gem, the existential and elegiac overtones of "Flowers Never Bend With The Rainfall" slap as well. And so does "A Poem On The Underground Wall", whose simple little story sums up the counter-cultural concerns of the sixties in such an elegant and evocative fashion. Which 'four-letter word' do you think was written on that wall? "Fuck"? "Shit"? "ACAB?" (lol). That cut also has a dreamy organ line in the background to convey the nightly atmosphere surrounding the events of the song, evidence enough that Simon rarely sacrificed musicality over narrative purposes in his tunes. As for the closer "7' o'clock News / Silent Night", it also serves as a historical document about the sixties, with its news bulletin heard above the Christmas song in the background. As such, it's nothing more than an "outro" of sorts. But it's in keeping with the contemporary concerns sprinkled throughout the record. That particular topical streak, navigating between a somewhat distanced and critical glance at the world of "hippies" and some sort of tenderness towards the latter, is actually even more represented in the second group of songs, smartly (and opportunistically) using what was hip in 1965 to add more "commercial" flavours throughout the record. One needs to remember that the world-famous version of Simon And Garfunkel's signature song "The Sound Of Silence", released the year before, was actually a "remix" made by Tom Wilson (Bob Dylan's producer), i.e. an "overdubbed" version using "rock" arrangements to liven up things a little. Just as they did for the *Sounds Of Silence* album, in *Parsley, Sage, Rosemary And Thyme*, the duo tagged along to follow Wilson's direction for the livelier tracks. "Homeward Bound" is undoubtedly the hit song in that latter group, but the patchouli-scenting "Patterns", the happy-go-lucky "The 59th Street Bridge Song", and the snarling "The Big Bright Green Pleasure Machine" (whose parody of advertising hasn't aged a day--you could swear Paul Simon refers to i-phones at times) are also worth the admittance price. Lastly, "A Simple Desultory Phillipic" is clearly intended as a lesser cut, but the fact that it's a both a homage and a parody of Bob Dylan (plus a sly dig at some of his most devoted fans) makes it a fun listen for anyone interested in that particular era. So yeah, it's a very good album. The thing is, it's one of thoses rare cases where the whole is actually *less* than the sum of its parts. Many 180-degree turns are a little jarring in this record, as if Simon and Garfunkel had not yet exactly found the way to balance the two ends of the spectrum they're exploring here. It's a minor grudge for sure, but given that the duo would then find a more satisfactory and effective way to organize the "flow" of their subsequent LPs *Bookends* and *Bridge Over Troubled Waters*, it's a grudge that can still work against *Parsley, Sage, Rosemary And Thyme*. Yet if a book about the 100 best *transitional* albums was ever written, you can bet your boots this record would find its place in the top ten list. After all, some of those "transitional" LPs are sometimes the most endearing to music fans. 4/5 for the purposes of this list of essential albums. 9/10 for more general purposes (5+4) Number of albums left to review: 168 Number of albums from the list I find relevant enough to be mandatory listens: 361 Albums from the list I *might* include in mine later on: 210 (including this one) Albums from the list I won't include in mine: 266

made me calm down a little bit :-)

Short but sweet. Pretty classic Simon & Garfunkel fare, sweet but melancholic lyrics and melodies. It's the soft, gentle side of folk. There isn't much about this album that seems exceptional among their work, but I suppose that speaks to the consistency of their quality.

Probably the weakest 4 I'm given out so far (~30 albums in). I feel like what they've got going on here sets itself apart from the typical folk I've heard from this era, and seems to have really inspired some modern day folk (it kinda reminds me of Joanna Newsom). Generally I found most songs quite great and interesting to listen to. Somehow, I'm not left totally satisfied with this album though, and I'm not sure how to put it. To a degree, I feel like this album feels more like a collection of songs than a carefully selected, thought out assembly. A few songs I felt were pretty forgettable, "For Emily..." I found to be a bit too whiny to enjoy. In the end, I think I'm interested in listening to this album more and putting it in my main rotation, so that's mainly why it's getting a four.

Lovely folk rock albums with soft voices.

Very pleasant music. Some lyrics make me cringe but overall I really like the writing style of both these nerdy boys.

Classic

I liked this, though it's not a strong as Bookends (and neither are at the heights of Bridge Over Troubled Water). A Simple Desultory Philippic is pretty funny; a good Dylan parody.

Pretty good collection of some of their best stuff.

simon ja pumba aina hyv'' kuunteleltavaa! kauniita laluluja alusta loppuun ja lailati lailati lailati lei ja hailati hailati hailati hei sekä jumalan armo oli läpini näin ja kauniita olivat neeeidooot.... (beauiful) TÄYNNÄ TYLKSÄÄ PASKAATYLSÄÄ TYYLSÄÄÄ nyyh nyyyh heti kun ei ole jarremaiset loitsut, futtuuriset saundit käynnissä niin heti tylsää kun ei elektroniikka bliip bloop haluaa avaruusääniä aina no mulla pari valittua sanaa sulle: asumme maan kamaralla hömelö, HÖMELÖ!! joten tule sieltä taivaista alas.... bob dylan paskin artisti ikinä, älä edes vittu mainitse häntä samassa paragraafissa kun SIMON JA VITTU GARFUNKKELIIIIII!!!!!! jumaalauta mikä duuo, mikä mestarillinen duo. ja lailati lailati lailati lei ja hailati hailati hailati hei..... patterns

Good, but not as good as Bridge.

This album could've been so much better if Paul Simon would've started his solo career sooner. "Hey Art, I'll write the songs. I'll compose and arrange the music and write the lyrics. I'll play one or maybe even a few of these 20 or so instruments I'm proficient at. You, uh, you can show up with your big hair and sing the harmonies, which I'll probably write also."

Folk rock, great vocal harmonies and fun instrumentation

Really surprisingly liked the record. The lenght of the songs , though one may argue is not enough time to fully develop a song's idea , was really good for me . Hope to hear from this duo more

Really really solid stuff, though not quite their best, though does help me understand why one of my old theology professors always talked about S&G as political folk singers. This album is inclined towards the poetic for most of its runtime, but is so deeply concerned with making an observation about the state of the world, which just runs counter to the prevailing curmudgeonly, asshole legacy someone like Paul Simon has today. The Bob Dylan parody pisses me off, though I imagine it was more prescient in its original context, but other than that one misstep this is just wall to wall hits. Beautiful songs, great melodies, impeccable harmonies, really happy to have a copy of this one now.

Muito legal, mas mt curto tb

3.6/5, listened 2x. solid album but short.

4.5

Another lovely time with Simon and Garfunkel. I think I am a fan. This was lovely for a sunny morning listen.

Quagmire: After all, what was Simon without Garfunkel? Peter: IDK, wildly successful?

Absolutely amazing. Would definitely listen to more folk rock.

Good stuff.

never have i ever heard a bad simon and garfunkel to charity

I hadn't listened to this album in a long time and, to be honest, really wasn't looking forward to it. However, once I got going, I enjoyed it reasonably well. There are some really amazing songs on it and the album has a nice overall feel to it.

(Lost original notes) I adore the GH album, looking forward to this Summary; these are all top tier. Not a bad song in the bunch, and loaded with hits. Ends with an impactful news reading over silent night. Short album, doesn’t overstay its welcome at all. Bravo

I think I prefer Bridge Over Troubled Water and Bookends, but this is still great. I always love their harmonies.

Sounds like Simon & Garfunkel gently tucking me into bed and giving me a kiss on the cheek before turning off the nightlight. Better than "Bridge Over Troubled Water", because this one has a really fucking funny song about Bob Dylan that was clearly written while Paul Simon was drunk as hell, with a pulsating red vein of pure unbridled rage on his forehead. 3.5/5!

Holds up well for being such an old album! Some tracks are much better than others

For them I prefer the hits, but they are great! 😍

Chill vibes, mellow tunes, lovely storytelling

A beautiful album.

An album that truly shows their mastery of song writing. Great album with sharp, witty lyrics that has something to say. Not their strongest album though. 4.4 stars

Have thos Album but always used to skip to the better known songs. I was today years old when I learned that this although the same tone all album is a masterpiece of songwriting and an amazing album and that its much better as a continous work of art. Their harmonies are really amazong amd the contrast in their voices and pitch are sublime. Easy listening really good album

For a lot of bands this would have been their magnum opus or Simon and Garfunkel it is just average. Some amazing songs overall really well put together album I was not expecting this album to sound like a proto '90s alternative but you can definitely hear where the influences it had on the Goo Dolls and Gin blossoms