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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars
Paul Simon: Live in New York City (blu ray)…Still ‘Rocking’ After All These Years!
Sep 22 2012
Format:Blu-ray|Amazon Verified Purchase
VIDEO:
Paul Simon’s Live in New York arrives at blu ray with MPEG-4 AVC 1080p 1.78:1 encode on a single BD-25 disc. This concert was captured during the first leg of Paul Simon's 2011 U.S. tour, when he played a special club performance for hometown fans at New York City's Webster Hall. The picture was quite sharp with lots of details, especially during close-up, filmed in the intimate environment of Webster Hall. While a lot of the concert is rather dark, resulting in minimal shadow detail at best, perhaps because of the progressive presentation, posterizing is really at a minimum despite the penchant for bathing the stage in cobalt blue lighting. (4/5)
AUDIO:
Perhaps surprisingly, Paul Simon Live in New York City features only an uncompressed LPCM 2.0 stereo mix, with no lossless surround mix on tap. What's especially odd is that the legendary Phil Ramone, a frequent Simon producer - collaborator, aided in the mix. And I just can't imagine he wouldn't have preferred a DTS surround mix for the concert. Nevertheless, the LPCM track here offers excellent fidelity which, while narrow, manages to ably present all of the percussion instruments with ease while never sacrificing Simon's sometimes gentle vocalizing or the rhythm section. All frequency ranges are reproduced with clarity and precision, and while many no doubt will be desirous of a surround mix, the stereo mix is fine within its own limited sonic space. Remember, this is not a Katy Perry concert (reviewed elsewhere) (4/5)
SONG LISTING (with source, chart position, year):
01 The Obvious Child (US 92/1990)(from The Rhythm of the Saints album)fr
02 Dazzling Blue (from So Beautiful or So What album - #4/2011 on Billboard 200)
03 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover (US 1(3)/1975)(from Still Crazy After All These Years)
04 So Beautiful or So What (from So Beautiful or So What album, 2011)
05 Mother and Child Reunion (US 4/1972)(from Paul Simon album)
06 That Was Your Mother (1986)(from Graceland album)
07 Hearts And Bones (b-side to Graceland)*I wish he sang Graceland instead
08 Crazy Love, Vol. II (1986)(from Graceland album)
09 Slip Slidin’ Away (US 5/1977)(from Greatest Hits, etc)
10 Rewrite (from So Beautiful or So What album, 2011)
11 The Boy in the Bubble (US 86/1987)(from Graceland album)
12 The Only Living Boy in New York (US 1970)
13 The Afterlife (from So Beautiful or So What Album, 2011)
14 Diamonds on the Soles Of Her Shoes (US 1987)(from Graceland album)
15 Gumboots (b-side to You Can Call Me Al, 1986)(from Graceland album)
Encore
16 The Sound of Silence (US 1974)(from Paul Simon in Concert)
17 Kodachrome (US 2/1973)(from There Goes Rhymin’ Simon album)
18 Gone at Last (US 23/1975)(from Still Crazy After All These Years album)
19 Lat in the Evening (US 6/1980)(from One Trick Pony album)
20 Still Crazy After All These Years (US 40/1976)( from Still Crazy After All These Years album)
NEGATIVE POINTS:
01 No DTS-HD Master Audio track
02 This concert supposedly was longer, with many other treasured tracks done in the concert, but not included here: Here Comes The Sun, Mystery Train, Wheels, Peace Like a River, plus his latest single Getting Ready for Christmas Day from his latest album. I feel a little short-changed.
The above omissions reminded me of the recent Bette Midler blu ray concert. (review elsewhere) We again were short-changed quite a few songs, and Bette Midler was the Producer. That means that she had the control as to the contents of the disc.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
Paul Simon released his latest album So Beautiful or So What in 2011 on Hear Music, under the Concord Music Group. This 2011 tour was partially to support this latest release. It is semi-greatest hits tour. Paul Simon has 22 charted singles on Billboard Hot 100. The only Top 10 song not performed was Love Me Like A Rock. I was hoping that he would have performed Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard and You Can Call Me Al (instead of the b-sides). The entire concert lasted 95 minutes and was quite enjoyable. It can be forgiven that lossless track was noted included, considering the concert was within a small cozy environment. I feel that the percussion sound will be improved with a DTS-HD soundtrack. The inclusion of the missing songs as Special Features will make this set even more valuable!
When I first pre-ordered this set, the price was $17.99. Then, it was lowered to $14.99, the same price as the standard DVD set. This set is the only Paul Simon concert on blu ray, and even with the negative points above, it is still recommended.
Paul Simon’s Live in New York arrives at blu ray with MPEG-4 AVC 1080p 1.78:1 encode on a single BD-25 disc. This concert was captured during the first leg of Paul Simon's 2011 U.S. tour, when he played a special club performance for hometown fans at New York City's Webster Hall. The picture was quite sharp with lots of details, especially during close-up, filmed in the intimate environment of Webster Hall. While a lot of the concert is rather dark, resulting in minimal shadow detail at best, perhaps because of the progressive presentation, posterizing is really at a minimum despite the penchant for bathing the stage in cobalt blue lighting. (4/5)
AUDIO:
Perhaps surprisingly, Paul Simon Live in New York City features only an uncompressed LPCM 2.0 stereo mix, with no lossless surround mix on tap. What's especially odd is that the legendary Phil Ramone, a frequent Simon producer - collaborator, aided in the mix. And I just can't imagine he wouldn't have preferred a DTS surround mix for the concert. Nevertheless, the LPCM track here offers excellent fidelity which, while narrow, manages to ably present all of the percussion instruments with ease while never sacrificing Simon's sometimes gentle vocalizing or the rhythm section. All frequency ranges are reproduced with clarity and precision, and while many no doubt will be desirous of a surround mix, the stereo mix is fine within its own limited sonic space. Remember, this is not a Katy Perry concert (reviewed elsewhere) (4/5)
SONG LISTING (with source, chart position, year):
01 The Obvious Child (US 92/1990)(from The Rhythm of the Saints album)fr
02 Dazzling Blue (from So Beautiful or So What album - #4/2011 on Billboard 200)
03 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover (US 1(3)/1975)(from Still Crazy After All These Years)
04 So Beautiful or So What (from So Beautiful or So What album, 2011)
05 Mother and Child Reunion (US 4/1972)(from Paul Simon album)
06 That Was Your Mother (1986)(from Graceland album)
07 Hearts And Bones (b-side to Graceland)*I wish he sang Graceland instead
08 Crazy Love, Vol. II (1986)(from Graceland album)
09 Slip Slidin’ Away (US 5/1977)(from Greatest Hits, etc)
10 Rewrite (from So Beautiful or So What album, 2011)
11 The Boy in the Bubble (US 86/1987)(from Graceland album)
12 The Only Living Boy in New York (US 1970)
13 The Afterlife (from So Beautiful or So What Album, 2011)
14 Diamonds on the Soles Of Her Shoes (US 1987)(from Graceland album)
15 Gumboots (b-side to You Can Call Me Al, 1986)(from Graceland album)
Encore
16 The Sound of Silence (US 1974)(from Paul Simon in Concert)
17 Kodachrome (US 2/1973)(from There Goes Rhymin’ Simon album)
18 Gone at Last (US 23/1975)(from Still Crazy After All These Years album)
19 Lat in the Evening (US 6/1980)(from One Trick Pony album)
20 Still Crazy After All These Years (US 40/1976)( from Still Crazy After All These Years album)
NEGATIVE POINTS:
01 No DTS-HD Master Audio track
02 This concert supposedly was longer, with many other treasured tracks done in the concert, but not included here: Here Comes The Sun, Mystery Train, Wheels, Peace Like a River, plus his latest single Getting Ready for Christmas Day from his latest album. I feel a little short-changed.
The above omissions reminded me of the recent Bette Midler blu ray concert. (review elsewhere) We again were short-changed quite a few songs, and Bette Midler was the Producer. That means that she had the control as to the contents of the disc.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
Paul Simon released his latest album So Beautiful or So What in 2011 on Hear Music, under the Concord Music Group. This 2011 tour was partially to support this latest release. It is semi-greatest hits tour. Paul Simon has 22 charted singles on Billboard Hot 100. The only Top 10 song not performed was Love Me Like A Rock. I was hoping that he would have performed Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard and You Can Call Me Al (instead of the b-sides). The entire concert lasted 95 minutes and was quite enjoyable. It can be forgiven that lossless track was noted included, considering the concert was within a small cozy environment. I feel that the percussion sound will be improved with a DTS-HD soundtrack. The inclusion of the missing songs as Special Features will make this set even more valuable!
When I first pre-ordered this set, the price was $17.99. Then, it was lowered to $14.99, the same price as the standard DVD set. This set is the only Paul Simon concert on blu ray, and even with the negative points above, it is still recommended.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By SonoPicto
TOP 500 REVIEWER
Format:DVD
First I`ve never followed the career of simon and Garfunkel very much. But I`m always open minded on music so why not give it a new try with Paul Simon. The venue of Youtube gave me a chance to listen to bits of concert.
My first impression is the voice is not there but the band with him seems fantastic. The orchetration of songs is excellent. So this said I might buy it for the band more than for Paul Simon. Be curious and give Youtube a try you`ll see what I mean.
My first impression is the voice is not there but the band with him seems fantastic. The orchetration of songs is excellent. So this said I might buy it for the band more than for Paul Simon. Be curious and give Youtube a try you`ll see what I mean.
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
3.9 out of 5 stars
25 reviews
21 of 24 people found the following review helpful
2.0 out of 5 stars
NO DTS HD MA 5.1 AUDIO OPTION!
Sep 18 2012
By Lou
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Blu-ray|Amazon Verified Purchase
Here's the blurb directly from Paul Simon's official site;
"recorded in superb high-definition by director Martyn Atkins along with sterling audio mixed by Phil Ramone and Andy Smith, will be available in three formats: 2-CD/1-DVD special package, Blu-ray and Standard DVD"
If it is so sterling then why cheat Blu Ray fans out of a lossless surround option? - a terribly wasted opportunity - great performances, great band, great songs - the stereo only PCM 2.0 24/48 stream belongs on DVD - NOT Blu Ray. A very disappointed Simon fan - what coulda' been...
"recorded in superb high-definition by director Martyn Atkins along with sterling audio mixed by Phil Ramone and Andy Smith, will be available in three formats: 2-CD/1-DVD special package, Blu-ray and Standard DVD"
If it is so sterling then why cheat Blu Ray fans out of a lossless surround option? - a terribly wasted opportunity - great performances, great band, great songs - the stereo only PCM 2.0 24/48 stream belongs on DVD - NOT Blu Ray. A very disappointed Simon fan - what coulda' been...
15 of 18 people found the following review helpful
2.0 out of 5 stars
Hope this helps
Sep 18 2012
By Long Time Home Theater Guy
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Blu-ray|Amazon Verified Purchase
From my personal pre-ordering experience along with the postings on this title, apparently not much content information available. Just received Blu-ray and have scanned both the front and rear of the cover. They are 2 of the 4 current images for this title on Amazon's order page. Please click on the images to enlarge the song titles listings on the back cover.
From just a quick view of a couple of the different songs, the video is 1080/24P MPEG-4 AVC encoded but appears slightly oversaturated in color, with an overall "soft" image and a fair amount of black level clipping (Panasonic 65" 3D Plasma properly adjusted) particularly in the backgrounds most likely from the low light levels the concert was recorded in. Most surprising for a Blu-ray title though, it appears the only audio choice is 2 Channel (stereo) LPCM! No 5.1 lossless codecs in either DTS Master Audio or Dolby True HD. Has to be a first in my entire collection of concert Blu-rays. Sounds fine but...
Hope this helps others like myself who may have questions concerning whether to add this title to your own collection.
From just a quick view of a couple of the different songs, the video is 1080/24P MPEG-4 AVC encoded but appears slightly oversaturated in color, with an overall "soft" image and a fair amount of black level clipping (Panasonic 65" 3D Plasma properly adjusted) particularly in the backgrounds most likely from the low light levels the concert was recorded in. Most surprising for a Blu-ray title though, it appears the only audio choice is 2 Channel (stereo) LPCM! No 5.1 lossless codecs in either DTS Master Audio or Dolby True HD. Has to be a first in my entire collection of concert Blu-rays. Sounds fine but...
Hope this helps others like myself who may have questions concerning whether to add this title to your own collection.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Nothin' but net!
Mar 3 2013
By Jim Dandy
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:DVD
Great program, great performances...and what a band! Be sure to notice all of the unusual instruments, and keep an eye out for the piano being played using mallets.
The program covers material from Paul's, Simon and Garfunkle days, right up to his latest album release. But, if you're expecting 'cookie cutter' arrangements of these old songs, you'll have to look elsewhere. The new instrumentation and aggangements here, make these great old songs brand new again, and better than ever.
It's difficult for me to believe that Paul Simon is in his 7th decade ( I recall his 'Old Friends' lyrics: '... how terribly strange to be seventy ...'), he's never performed better and the band is as tight as a drum. NOTHIN' BUT NET!
Others in this forum, complained about sound quality. Here's what I heard:
DVD sound is crisp and clean but imaging was only narrow stereo, almost monophonic. My video system still uses a Dolby Matrix surround system, circa 1980's. With this DVD, my rear channels produced low level ambient sounds, only. Normally, with stereo or 5.1 surround programs, the rear signals are strong and quite effective...I rather like the effect. However, that effect was almost non existent with this DVD. In fact, I actually thought the sound was monophonic... even with my usual 7 foot seperation between speakers.
CD sound was warmer and less detailed. I think CD sound engineering might have been hurried, however, the stereo sound stage and imaging was far better on the CD than on the DVD.
Overall, I'd give both the CD sound and the DVD sound 2 1/2 stars each, but for different reasons. Nevertheless, both get 5 stars for music, performance and enjoyment.
I listened to the CD's before I watched the DVD, That was a mistake. While I enjoyed the music only program, I look forward to listening again. Now that I watched the singer and the band perform, I'll truly appreciate what I'll be hearing!
The program covers material from Paul's, Simon and Garfunkle days, right up to his latest album release. But, if you're expecting 'cookie cutter' arrangements of these old songs, you'll have to look elsewhere. The new instrumentation and aggangements here, make these great old songs brand new again, and better than ever.
It's difficult for me to believe that Paul Simon is in his 7th decade ( I recall his 'Old Friends' lyrics: '... how terribly strange to be seventy ...'), he's never performed better and the band is as tight as a drum. NOTHIN' BUT NET!
Others in this forum, complained about sound quality. Here's what I heard:
DVD sound is crisp and clean but imaging was only narrow stereo, almost monophonic. My video system still uses a Dolby Matrix surround system, circa 1980's. With this DVD, my rear channels produced low level ambient sounds, only. Normally, with stereo or 5.1 surround programs, the rear signals are strong and quite effective...I rather like the effect. However, that effect was almost non existent with this DVD. In fact, I actually thought the sound was monophonic... even with my usual 7 foot seperation between speakers.
CD sound was warmer and less detailed. I think CD sound engineering might have been hurried, however, the stereo sound stage and imaging was far better on the CD than on the DVD.
Overall, I'd give both the CD sound and the DVD sound 2 1/2 stars each, but for different reasons. Nevertheless, both get 5 stars for music, performance and enjoyment.
I listened to the CD's before I watched the DVD, That was a mistake. While I enjoyed the music only program, I look forward to listening again. Now that I watched the singer and the band perform, I'll truly appreciate what I'll be hearing!
›
Go to Amazon.com to see all 25 reviews
3.9 out of 5 stars
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