Songbook

I don't think I would go as far as some other reviewers have in suggesting these recordings are better than the Simon and Garfunkel versions of the same songs, but it's definitely an interesting change hearing them in a more stripped down and intimate style. And that said, some of these renditions are better than the more famous ones. "A Church Is Burning," with its by-turns angry and joyous lyrics, is a perfect match for the low-fi style found here. "Kathy's Song" and "Patterns" (admittedly two of my all time favorite Simon songs to begin with) also sound great with just a guitar for a change, and "I Am A Rock" manages to sound even more angst-ridden here than elsewhere.

On the other hand, this album's "Sounds of Silence" is a bit weaker than the more famous version (he hits a couple of wrong notes, and more than most of his songs, this one really is best performed as a duet). But for the most part, even the more familiar titles sound great in these early renditions. There are also a couple of songs not to be found elsewhere: "The Side of A Hill" sounds a lot like an outtake from the first S&G album, and has arguably held up better than quite a few of the songs found there. Also, this album's "A Simple Desultory Philippic" is very different lyrically from the more famous version (some of the people he slams in the later recording weren't famous yet, after all).

All in all, whether you're in search of buried treasure or just curious about the heretofore-rare title, it's well worth picking up.

Although a fan of S&G, it is nice to hear Paul Simon singing then-unknown S&G songs WITHOUT Garfunkel high-pitched choir boy voice. I find that Paul's gentle voice paired with his guitar brings these songs to life in the best way possible. The lyrics are poetic and raw, and you can tell he means every word, although the self-conscious liner notes from the original 1965 release (included on this album!) make comments from Paul himself like "I know the songs I write today will not be mine tomorrow" and says that of songs, "I don't believe in them as I once did." Well, Paul, I DO believe in them, and they are stunning!

Best tracks? I'm not an expert, but I love "Kathy's Song", "Most Peculiar Man" "Leaves That Are Green" and "The Sound Of Silence" best. I listen to all the tracks, but I'm not that fond of "Patterns". But it's still my favourite album.

And trust me, to all those S&G and Paul Simon Solo fans out there, you haven't truly heard "The Sound Of Silence" until you hear the version of it on this album. It is more meaningful for me, and perhaps for you, to hear the song in such a raw form which allows the lyrics to take centre stage, without electric guitars and drums.

Well done. Thanks Paul, for giving it to your fans at last!