My favorite group. A poet and his one man band. But bridge over troubled water, and Cecilia took me into two opposing directions where I just didn't wanna go.😊
Years ago I saw a documentary about the JFK White House years, They were showing a film of him playing with his children in the Oval office with Bridge Over Troubled Water as background music. It was something I will never forget.
I ove that song I listen to original version 1st then live with just Garfunkel singing at central park. Hands in pockets and voice comes out like an angel 😇😊 LV it
One of the best songs ever written! I grew up listening to Simon & Garfunkel & had a lot of their records. Absolutely loved them & their harmonies. You won't find a bad song. They have had so many hits such as "Bridge Over Troubled Water", "The Boxer", "Mrs. Robinson", "The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin' Groovy)", "Kathy's Song", "Scarborough Fair", "At The Zoo", "Cecilia", "America", "I Am A Rock", "El Condor Pasa" etc. Paul Simon went on to have a huge solo career with lots of great songs.
The Dangling Conversation was my favorite on the Parsley, Sage, Rosemary, and Thyme album. Earlier, as far as radio play, it was "I Am A Rock'. But then I was always bipolar. Popular but introspective, nerdy but thought to be cool by classmates, the life of the party and a recluse. I only found out I was truly bipolar many years later.
I remember when this classic song was released. The listening public loved the song, but many music critics were offended by it, saying things like "How dare these two young punks critique our entire way of life!" The song was taken to heart by young people, however, who saw the song as a wake-up call. It's one of the best, most important songs ever produced. ❤✌
That was because a lot of the listening public enjoyed the beautiful atmospheric sound, and maybe connected to the universal message of communication...but didn't glean the more subversive and critical undertones. And to be honest, as amazing as this song is, the deleterious effects stemming from its ' hidden message' are worse than anything S&G were criticizing. In fact, we are eating the rotten fruit of the moral degradation that started and followed the inane 'counter-culture' to this very day.
@@gershman23 I was a kid at the time and knew what they were talking about, and also knew they were correct in their evaluation of society. I don't want to get into the politics of the song, and wish you hadn't brought it up, but the social unrest of the '60s and '70s was needed to wake society up, but it fell on many deaf ears and the business world squashed the movement as the participants became disillusioned with the pace of progress, so they sold-out and joined the professional workforce, turning from hippies to yuppies in the '80s. The '60s movement failed, and that's why it's lasting effects are so deleterious. Had it succeeded, the world would be a much better place.
Thanks for bringing that concert up. I can recall the broadcast of it being played for years by the local PBS station during its "pledge drives." As a big Simon & Garfunkel fan, I remember how excited my father was the first time it aired. While there have certainly been gaps in the duo working together and it may have been due to some animosities, Simon & Garfunkel have reunited at least 7 different times (or time periods) to work together (according to Wikipedia) again since they split in 1970.
Simon one of the greatest songwriters of the second half of the 20th century, he was the creative force. But Garfunkel’s soaring vocals were a big factor in propelling them to stardom. When I was growing up in the 60s and early 70s they were absolutely huge. Listen to their “Bridge over troubled water” and “America”.
As a 70 something old hippie, I do love this song, but I have to admit that I really also have much respect for the cover done by Disturbed. It delivers a totally different message, it seems. The emotion and anger is just chilling! React and compare! Would love to hear your opinions. Thanks guys for this one!
I was in junior high when this song hit the airwaves, we were in a carpool and my mom's friend was dropping us off. This song came on the radio and Mrs. Feinstein told us to stay in the car and listen. My life was changed.
Diamonds on the Souls of Her Shoes by Paul Simon is a fantastic song. If you can find a live version with Ladysmith Black Mambazo as the backing group it's well worth it. They're in the music video too.
Splitting sounds up L v R was big in the 70s. Also, I love seeing you guys jammin to the songs of my childhood. I made wure my kids had at least an awareness if not an appreciation for classic rock and pop.
I was there. All of their popularity and the *great* music they made was before the internet when we heard it on the radio and then went out and bought the record. And all of us who were around then can **still** sing every word of these lyrics - and a gigantic number of song lyrics that got airplay back then, as well. Facts: Simon & Garfunkel won seven Grammy Awards-plus four Grammy Hall of Fame Awards-and in 1990 were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. They have been described as "the most successful folk-rock duo of the 1960s" and one of the most popular artists from the decade. They are among music's best-selling artists, having sold more than 100 million records worldwide. They were ranked 40th on Rolling Stone's 2010 list of the "100 Greatest Artists of All Time" and third on its list of the greatest duos.
"America" and "American Tune" are both great. "Kathy's Song" has some of the prettiest lyrics I've ever heard. "Mrs Robinson" was a great movie song from "The Graduate". But "Bridge Over Troubled Water" is a must.
Nice reaction. This was the 1964 version that didn’t do as well as they hoped. So the producer brought in Joe South (Games People Play) to add electric guitar and it was re-released in1965. That little addition pushes the single to #1. RIP Joe.
S&G had so many wonderful songs - "Bridge Over Troubled Water" and "The Boxer" are two of the biggest though there are a lot of others, such as "America" and "I am a Rock", but there are deep cuts that are just as great = "The Only Living Boy in New York" for instance (which IS about the band!) A lot of their arguments have been because Simon wrote the songs but Garfunkel had THAT voice. Lots of "these songs wouldn't have been hits without me" stuff.
The version off Wed. morn 3AM is different from the "hit" version. Definitely check that one out. Folk rock from this era is top tier. There's not a bad song on any of their lp's. Go down that rabbit hole, please! ❤
Everything they did was perfection, one of the best duos of all time. I grew up with them and they shaped my teenage years, it was a specific time in our history. Sad to see how far we have come from that time, when young people actually got involved with what was going on in the world.
Songs from the 60's and older were short for a reason...If they were too long ( such as songs today recorded ) the radio stations would not air them as they themselves had limited air time and they had to play as many records as possible to stay on the air. The radio was the only way new songs were introduced to the world. The singers only appeared on tv after their music achieved number one hits on the billboard charts. Bands with no singers were not even heard of unless it was an orchestra. So all songs back then had to stay at that 3 min or less recording time to have their music heard and for them to be discovered. Just a little known fact most people today are not aware of...I am almost 80 so it is like yesterday.
One of the very first protest songs and very profound in its time, encouraging people to speak out against injustices. One of the greatest lines: The words of the prophets are written on the subway walls, and tenement halls. Simon is the writer and guitar player, and the lower singer. He has a long and illustrious solo career, and is considered one of the true musical geniuses of his generation.
Interestingly, when Simon and Garfunkel originally split, Paul Simon moved to London for a time and lived in an apartment, and his next door neighbor was a young Scottish songwriter you have heard before... Al Stewart. Al said in a n interview, that listening to Paul writing songs in the next apartment was how he learned to write songs. Always thought it was a shame the two never collaborated for an album.
This song did feature on the Graduate soundtrack (1968), alongside my favourite song from this duo - Scarborough Fair/Canticle. Scarborough fair originally came from the Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme album (1966). Similar themes were explored in songs like Homeward Bound (1966), I Am a Rock (1966) and America (1972).
I like both versions of this by S & G, but the version by Disturbed blew me away. You guys should check that out. After Paul heard that version, he told him that "he owned it." And that's saying something.
It has been a while since I’ve been back on the channel since I went back to work full-time I don’t have much time. This was always one of my favorite songs growing up actually had to sing it in junior high in the choir. I’m surprised you haven’t heard this because the Disturb covered this song recently. About a year ago just saying good to see you guys again.
As always, great review. You're right about Garfunkle's voice--truly angelic. "Bridge Over Troubled Water" shows that off really well, and "El Condor Pasa", is really special with it's Peruvian/Incan flutes, and Simon singing the verse and Garfunkle doing the chours. Very beautiful and ethereal sounding.
Not a fan of Simon and Garfunkel’s music genre in general but I have mad respect for their talent. I have seen the movie The Graduate, which has a S&G soundtrack. And Bridge Over Troubled Water is one of the most beautiful and emotional songs ever written. This was a nice song to review. Nice change of pace. Good choice, Nick.
Same, their songs for me were just ok. This song just has barely any emotion in it and the tempo was kind of fast. I love disturbed version and Elvis’ Bridge Over Troubled Water.
Another song of theirs that is on the same basic theme of "lack of communication" is the deep dive song "The Dangling Conversation". Which is one of my favorite songs of theirs. "Scarborough Fair/Canticle" is another fantastic song of theirs and a total vibe.
This song was used in the film "The Graduate" (starring Dusting Hoffman) to great effect, in several scenes. Including a famous fantasy/dream sequence which begins with Dustin Hoffman's character (Benjamin) lounging in his parents' pool.
Hey guy's, yea, this is the acoustical version. If you check out the electric version of this song the drums and electric guitar are more prominent. Many people also don't know that they initially released a great hit song named "Fakin' It" on July 7/'67. It was later placed on their '68 LP Bookends.
You said it sounded like they recorded the song in the hallway. That reminds me of a story about them recording the song, The Boxer. The chorus goes “la la la” then there is a huge crash sound (Repeat). They made that crash sound by hitting a drum in front of the open door of an empty elevator shaft.
Such a wonderful song, as are so many Simon & Garfunkel songs. (This song had absolutely nothing to do with Simon & Garfunkel breaking up as musical duo, which happened years later.) Absolutely no disrespect to Art Garfunkel's talent but Steve Martin's intro to Paul Simon's tribute concert as a Kennedy Center Honoree in 2002 is pretty hilarious: ua-cam.com/video/oxFq8dnATbs/v-deo.htmlsi=0Dd0Ovzqwn5Frjbi *Chita Rivera, who played Anita in the original Broadway production of "West Side Story", just passed away. She was also one of the Kennedy Center Honorees in 2002. Here is her tribute: ua-cam.com/video/ApULu9f4vaU/v-deo.htmlsi=m_mU0JmNeTEmaCIk
Paul Simon use to write songs that suited Art's smooth voice. When they broke up, Paul started writing more rhythmic songs, like Me and Julio Down By The School Yard or Late In The Evening. Art Garfunkel stuck with ballads or light pop songs. I guess his most successful song was Bright Eyes, the theme song from the movie Watership Down.
I'm ancient, but this version is a new one on me. I've only ever heard the hit version of the song, which was used as the theme song to the hit movie "The Graduate" back in the day.
Paul Simon wrote all of the songs for S&G plus his own amazing solo career. That's Garfunkle hitting the high notes. He has a beautiful voice but doesnt write. There may have been a bit of a jealousy issue with them because all that Artie did was sing with the voice of an angel. I consider Simon one of the greatest songwriters and poets of all time. They got a huge boost when this song and others by them were used in the movie "The Graduate" starring a very young Dustin Hoffman in his first movie.
This song was a radio staple. From about 65-75. Then of course Bridge over troubled water. Was there masterpiece. And Elvis Presley did a great cover of Bridge over troubled water,live vesion. Great choice Simon and Garfunkel needed to on your program 😊. Theres a lot of meanings behind Sound of Silence. But with the changing times and the fast pass of life in the sixties it maybe more about how people were not communicating enough with one another an thus life was passing them by
I agree with your comments on Art Garfunkel's voice, Nick. It is airy and ethereal. One song that really shows this off is For Emily, Wherever I May Find Her. Just beautiful, but probably a little too short for a reaction on the channel. Btw, there is a clip out there of John Frusciante from RHCP covering For Emily, and it isn't half bad! So many great songs which have been mentioned already. America is superb.
I grew up listening to them! As Tom & Jerry they had the hit Feelin’ Groovy- check it out. Also if you want, the movie The Graduate includes this and others like Mrs. Robinson. A young Dustin Hoffman and Mrs. Mel Brooks aka Anne Bancroft. A classic
By the way - they WERE friends at first. Great friends. That's how they started anyway. From what I've heard in interviews, as they gained fame, they started to have problems with each other. This was especially true for Paul Simon, who felt that as the creative force behind the duo, that Art Garfunkel sort of owed his new fame to his association with Simon, and when Garfunkel started getting movie film and other offers (which he did pursue), it really pissed off Simon (who took this as a personal betrayal).
Hi, guys. Great job with the reactions. It's great to see the channel branching out into even more genres (example: 1960s folk). Should this be a path that you choose to head down further in the future, you may want to check out "Mr. Tambourine Man" by Bob Dylan. Of all the great lyrical songs in popular music since the 1950s, it may be one of the most interesting to follow along the lyrics and try to interpret/react as you listen to it. If you do another Simon & Garfunkel song in the future, you might want to consider "A Hazy Shade of Winter." Not that it is better than "The Sounds of Silence," but it might be one of the most uptempo hits that the duo put out and it has an interesting mix of instruments. The Bangles, an all female group from the 1980s, did a rock cover version of "A Hazy Shade of Winter," which is also really worth giving a shot (a rarity for most cover versions). Hope it might help and keep up the great work!
Hey guy's, I saw your reaction to Dennis Edwards and thought you would also enjoy checking out one of The Temptations big hits, if interested. "The Temptations (1998) Papa Was A Rolling Stone Audio HQ)" (by the channel: Les Gens Music) --This song was originally recorded by the group "The Undisputed Truth" a 1972 Motown recording group. However, The Temptations took it and made it one of their all-time classics and won a grammy with this song.
WOW 😳 I had no idea that there was an earlier version done of this song, and this - at age 56(1/2) - is my very first time hearing it!!!! 😳 I actually agree with Ryan here: To me this is clearer and better than the electrified version. The harmonies are tighter and more beautiful in this version. I love it!! Thank you!! Now please find and react to "Mrs. Robinson," "The Boxer," "Cecilia," "Bridge Over Troubled Water" AND their mid-70s comeback song "My Little Town." Also please find and react to "All I Know" by Art Garfunkel and "Mother And Child Reunion," "Kodachrome," "Me And Julio Down By The Schoolyard," "50 Ways To Leave Your Lover" and "Late In The Evening" by Paul Simon. You will not regret any of these!!
They sound so good together but they had some differences over the years, as expected. You should do Art Garfunkel’s, “All I Know” - it will give you goosebumps!! Thanks for the reaction, guys! 😊
Very interesting reaction, guys. Younger folks might recognize the song played as a clip in the movie "Old School" when Will Ferrell ends up getting accidentally shot in the neck with an animal tranquilizer gun during a kid's birthday party. He falls into a pool and the song plays, as if something realIy bad is going to happen to him. As for the song's meaning, it can be argued that it is universal and timeless (as Nick mentioned), but also during the time it was recorded. The American Civil Rights movement was a serious social effort and a growing dissatisfaction, especially from younger Americans, was starting to build about the government's military involvement in Vietnam. As Nick pointed out, it can be argued that a critical theme in the song is to not be a part of "the sound of silence," but to speak out on issues important to you and those around you. For me of all the great lines, the phrase "The words of the prophets are written on the subway walls and tenement halls" is especially powerful because Simon and Garfunkel are making a point that something as mundane as graffiti can pass along important messages from those that may not have a traditional "voice at the table" of society. I found it interesting that Nick prefers the original version (which might be considered "folk pop"). I'm more partial to the second version (which might be considered "folk rock") because it feels like the song's urgency and message comes through stronger. Again, interesting reaction, gentlemen!
If the channel is looking to dive deeper into more songs like "The Sound of Silence" in the future, a "starter list" might include (in no particular order): "What's Going On" by Marvin Gaye, Marvin Gaye's "Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)," "Living For The City" by Stevie Wonder, Stevie Wonder's "Higher Ground," "Strange Fruit" by Billie Holliday, Bob Marley's "Redemption Song," "No Woman, No Cry" by Bob Marley and the Wailers, Joni Mitchell's "Big Yellow Taxi," "Born in the U.S.A." by Bruce Springsteen, Joan Baez's "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down," "We Shall Overcome" by Joan Baez, Public Enemy's "Fight the Power," and Gil Scott-Heron's "The Revolution Will Not Be Televised" (perhaps one of the first true "rap" songs released in America).
ua-cam.com/video/wEBlaMOmKV4/v-deo.htmlsi=zDRIcHxYHVgAXCsu ua-cam.com/video/r099LB3mQXM/v-deo.htmlsi=1tJfast3_8_hGCiy The first link above is to Sam Cooke's legendary protest/social commentary song "A Change Is Gonna Come." In reflecting on the above list and how often Cooke is referred to by posters on the channel when communicating about legendary singers (and rightly so), it is likely that not enough emphasis is given to the gravity, emotion, and message in the song. The urban (musical) legend was that Cooke heard Bob Dylan's "'Blowin' in the Wind" and as Cooke reportedly told others, the only thing that he didn't like about Dylan's song was that Cooke, himself, didn't write it. To further push Cooke, he heard the version of Dylan's song recorded by the folk group, Peter, Paul, and Mary as it got massive radio airplay. Along with the continued open discrimination against African Americans and the success of Dylan's tune, Cooke resolved to write his own epic song, resulting in "A Change Is Gonna Come." The song has had such a lasting legacy that Bob Dylan, himself, has performed it in concert. The second link above is Dylan's performance at the world famous Apollo Theater's 70 year annversary show. One may not necessarily connect the "smooth" and effortless vocals of Sam Cooke being connected to the "rough around the edges" vocals of Bob Dylan, but the two certainly had a mutual respect for each other's ability to articulate, through music, social issues that remain highly prevalent in America.
Got,to listen/watch the Disturbed version of this classic. The different tempo and video enhancements make the real meaning of this song much more relevant to today. It’s one of the most moving videos I’ve ever seen.
"You can't pause this song" The man from Kentuck does not lie!
One of my favorites!
“bridge over troubled water” is the masterpiece. “I am a rock” outstanding as well
Art Garfunkel's live performance of "Bridge Over Troubled Water" will take your breath away.......❤❤❤❤
Agree, it takes you on such an emotional journey then turns it up a notch in all aspects towards the end.
My favorite group. A poet and his one man band. But bridge over troubled water, and Cecilia took me into two opposing directions where I just didn't wanna go.😊
Years ago I saw a documentary about the JFK White House years, They were showing a film of him playing with his children in the Oval office with Bridge Over Troubled Water as background music. It was something I will never forget.
The first time I heard Bridge Over Troubled Water, I was moved to tears. I was about 12 years old. Powerful song. This one is too.
I ove that song I listen to original version 1st then live with just Garfunkel singing at central park. Hands in pockets and voice comes out like an angel 😇😊 LV it
One of the best songs ever written! I grew up listening to Simon & Garfunkel & had a lot of their records. Absolutely loved them & their harmonies. You won't find a bad song. They have had so many hits such as "Bridge Over Troubled Water", "The Boxer", "Mrs. Robinson", "The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin' Groovy)", "Kathy's Song", "Scarborough Fair", "At The Zoo", "Cecilia", "America", "I Am A Rock", "El Condor Pasa" etc. Paul Simon went on to have a huge solo career with lots of great songs.
The Dangling Conversation was my favorite on the Parsley, Sage, Rosemary, and Thyme album. Earlier, as far as radio play, it was "I Am A Rock'. But then I was always bipolar. Popular but introspective, nerdy but thought to be cool by classmates, the life of the party and a recluse. I only found out I was truly bipolar many years later.
I remember when this classic song was released. The listening public loved the song, but many music critics were offended by it, saying things like "How dare these two young punks critique our entire way of life!" The song was taken to heart by young people, however, who saw the song as a wake-up call. It's one of the best, most important songs ever produced. ❤✌
That was because a lot of the listening public enjoyed the beautiful atmospheric sound, and maybe connected to the universal message of communication...but didn't glean the more subversive and critical undertones.
And to be honest, as amazing as this song is, the deleterious effects stemming from its ' hidden message' are worse than anything S&G were criticizing. In fact, we are eating the rotten fruit of the moral degradation that started and followed the inane 'counter-culture' to this very day.
@@gershman23 I was a kid at the time and knew what they were talking about, and also knew they were correct in their evaluation of society. I don't want to get into the politics of the song, and wish you hadn't brought it up, but the social unrest of the '60s and '70s was needed to wake society up, but it fell on many deaf ears and the business world squashed the movement as the participants became disillusioned with the pace of progress, so they sold-out and joined the professional workforce, turning from hippies to yuppies in the '80s. The '60s movement failed, and that's why it's lasting effects are so deleterious. Had it succeeded, the world would be a much better place.
@j.jennings1722 I disagree, respectfully or not, but regardless, since this might not be the right forum, I'll leave it be.
Good perspective.
The original and the BEST
I saw these guys in Central Park, people as far as you could see. I'll never forget that night.
SO ENVIOUS!!! I'll bet it was one of the MOST MEMORABLE concerts / moments!! LOVE THEM!
Thanks for bringing that concert up. I can recall the broadcast of it being played for years by the local PBS station during its "pledge drives." As a big Simon & Garfunkel fan, I remember how excited my father was the first time it aired. While there have certainly been gaps in the duo working together and it may have been due to some animosities, Simon & Garfunkel have reunited at least 7 different times (or time periods) to work together (according to Wikipedia) again since they split in 1970.
I remember that broadcast live. I think it was on Showtime or HBO at the time.
I was there too. Fantastic concert.
Me either. I was 14 years old there and it was quite the eye-opener!!!!
This is the best version. No one does it better. Love your reactions!
Their "The Boxer" is another great ballad that was a big radio hit.
“Bridge Over Troubled Water” Simon and Garfunkel masterpiece
Simon one of the greatest songwriters of the second half of the 20th century, he was the creative force. But Garfunkel’s soaring vocals were a big factor in propelling them to stardom. When I was growing up in the 60s and early 70s they were absolutely huge. Listen to their “Bridge over troubled water” and “America”.
As an old guy who heard this my whole life, I never heard this orginal version, great
Such a sublime song.
My absolute favorite version of this song. It is so pure and their voices are so beautiful.
Have you heard "Only Living Boy in New York" by them? Ethereal and one of most beautiful songs ever written!
this is from 1964 ... the song was re-released in 1965 with added bass, electric guitar and drums
People used to record songs to maximize STEREO sound. Something we have lost along with great song writing.
Saw them in concert in 1969, the Bridge of Trouble Water tour. They were amazing and Garfunkel’s voice was angelic.
As a 70 something old hippie, I do love this song, but I have to admit that I really also have much respect for the cover done by Disturbed. It delivers a totally different message, it seems. The emotion and anger is just chilling! React and compare! Would love to hear your opinions. Thanks guys for this one!
Oh, definitely. The Simon & Garfunkel original was a warning. The Disturbed version was anger over the warning having not been heeded.
@@bobthebear1246 Well said!
Loved them both
their hit ( Scarborough Fair ) is one of my favorites....treat your senses...
I have never heard this acoustic only version Like an unplugged version Cool stuff
Paul Simon sang this song at the 9/11 memorial fountain. Really fit. Brought me to tears.
I was in junior high when this song hit the airwaves, we were in a carpool and my mom's friend was dropping us off. This song came on the radio and Mrs. Feinstein told us to stay in the car and listen. My life was changed.
Great song!
My favorite from them is a deep cut called "So Long, Frank Lloyd Wright," a thinly veiled goodbye from Paul to Art. It is poignant and very beautiful.
Bridge over Troubled Water and The Boxer are also great examples of these two.
Diamonds on the Souls of Her Shoes by Paul Simon is a fantastic song. If you can find a live version with Ladysmith Black Mambazo as the backing group it's well worth it. They're in the music video too.
Splitting sounds up L v R was big in the 70s. Also, I love seeing you guys jammin to the songs of my childhood. I made wure my kids had at least an awareness if not an appreciation for classic rock and pop.
Ahhhh Simon & Garfunkel!! 🥰🥰😍😍❤️❤️ “Here’s to me, Mrs Robinson!” 😍😍
On Paul Simon's album Live Rhymin he does my favorite version with a gospel group The Jesse Dixon Singers
Without a doubt, the best version!!!!
This is such a fine composition and it really speaks to the communication of current day. Very, very beautiful
I was there. All of their popularity and the *great* music they made was before the internet when we heard it on the radio and then went out and bought the record. And all of us who were around then can **still** sing every word of these lyrics - and a gigantic number of song lyrics that got airplay back then, as well.
Facts:
Simon & Garfunkel won seven Grammy Awards-plus four Grammy Hall of Fame Awards-and in 1990 were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
They have been described as "the most successful folk-rock duo of the 1960s" and one of the most popular artists from the decade.
They are among music's best-selling artists, having sold more than 100 million records worldwide.
They were ranked 40th on Rolling Stone's 2010 list of the "100 Greatest Artists of All Time" and third on its list of the greatest duos.
Iconic legends…..beloved world wide it easy to get lost in their music.
"America" and "American Tune" are both great. "Kathy's Song" has some of the prettiest lyrics I've ever heard. "Mrs Robinson" was a great movie song from "The Graduate". But "Bridge Over Troubled Water" is a must.
You MUST hear their original "The Boxer" off the studio album.
Nice reaction. This was the 1964 version that didn’t do as well as they hoped. So the producer brought in Joe South (Games People Play) to add electric guitar and it was re-released in1965. That little addition pushes the single to #1. RIP Joe.
S&G had so many wonderful songs - "Bridge Over Troubled Water" and "The Boxer" are two of the biggest though there are a lot of others, such as "America" and "I am a Rock", but there are deep cuts that are just as great = "The Only Living Boy in New York" for instance (which IS about the band!) A lot of their arguments have been because Simon wrote the songs but Garfunkel had THAT voice. Lots of "these songs wouldn't have been hits without me" stuff.
The version off Wed. morn 3AM is different from the "hit" version. Definitely check that one out.
Folk rock from this era is top tier. There's not a bad song on any of their lp's. Go down that rabbit hole, please!
❤
Everything they did was perfection, one of the best duos of all time. I grew up with them and they shaped my teenage years, it was a specific time in our history. Sad to see how far we have come from that time, when young people actually got involved with what was going on in the world.
The smile on your face during the entire song says it all.
Songs from the 60's and older were short for a reason...If they were too long ( such as songs today recorded ) the radio stations would not air them as they themselves had limited air time and they had to play as many records as possible to stay on the air. The radio was the only way new songs were introduced to the world. The singers only appeared on tv after their music achieved number one hits on the billboard charts. Bands with no singers were not even heard of unless it was an orchestra. So all songs back then had to stay at that 3 min or less recording time to have their music heard and for them to be discovered. Just a little known fact most people today are not aware of...I am almost 80 so it is like yesterday.
One of the very first protest songs and very profound in its time, encouraging people to speak out against injustices. One of the greatest lines: The words of the prophets are written on the subway walls, and tenement halls. Simon is the writer and guitar player, and the lower singer. He has a long and illustrious solo career, and is considered one of the true musical geniuses of his generation.
I've never heard this version. I've only heard the version with drums
Interestingly, when Simon and Garfunkel originally split, Paul Simon moved to London for a time and lived in an apartment, and his next door neighbor was a young Scottish songwriter you have heard before... Al Stewart. Al said in a n interview, that listening to Paul writing songs in the next apartment was how he learned to write songs. Always thought it was a shame the two never collaborated for an album.
There music was used in the movie,,,the graduate with Dustin Hofmann,,,,the live at Central Park was amazing
Bridge Over Troubled Water next. Blows your mind. So many great hits by them.
MASTERPIECE !
This song did feature on the Graduate soundtrack (1968), alongside my favourite song from this duo - Scarborough Fair/Canticle. Scarborough fair originally came from the Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme album (1966).
Similar themes were explored in songs like Homeward Bound (1966), I Am a Rock (1966) and America (1972).
I like both versions of this by S & G, but the version by Disturbed blew me away. You guys should check that out. After Paul heard that version, he told him that "he owned it." And that's saying something.
It has been a while since I’ve been back on the channel since I went back to work full-time I don’t have much time. This was always one of my favorite songs growing up actually had to sing it in junior high in the choir. I’m surprised you haven’t heard this because the Disturb covered this song recently. About a year ago just saying good to see you guys again.
As always, great review. You're right about Garfunkle's voice--truly angelic. "Bridge Over Troubled Water" shows that off really well, and "El Condor Pasa", is really special with it's Peruvian/Incan flutes, and Simon singing the verse and Garfunkle doing the chours. Very beautiful and ethereal sounding.
Great song with a message just as relevant today as ever. Beautiful vocals. Thanks so much guys for this reaction!🧡
When they split, Paul Simon, one of the greatest songwriters of all time, had an incredible solo career...
This group will *always* trigger memories of my father. I always kick myself for missing your premiers!
You two are very cute. Don't get nervous I'm a married woman but love you guys
Not a fan of Simon and Garfunkel’s music genre in general but I have mad respect for their talent. I have seen the movie The Graduate, which has a S&G soundtrack. And Bridge Over Troubled Water is one of the most beautiful and emotional songs ever written. This was a nice song to review. Nice change of pace. Good choice, Nick.
Same, their songs for me were just ok. This song just has barely any emotion in it and the tempo was kind of fast. I love disturbed version and Elvis’ Bridge Over Troubled Water.
This is great. Most of their songs are great, but "The Boxer" is at the top of my list.
Another song of theirs that is on the same basic theme of "lack of communication" is the deep dive song "The Dangling Conversation". Which is one of my favorite songs of theirs. "Scarborough Fair/Canticle" is another fantastic song of theirs and a total vibe.
Wow. Thanks. Didn't know that version existed!
The acoustic version of this is wonderful but the orchestrated is ethereal
The very first time I heard this, I was in grade school, 5th or 6th grade in the early 70's.
This song was used in the film "The Graduate" (starring Dusting Hoffman) to great effect, in several scenes. Including a famous fantasy/dream sequence which begins with Dustin Hoffman's character (Benjamin) lounging in his parents' pool.
❤Love the original but I love covers by Disturbed and Pentatonics.
Hey guy's, yea, this is the acoustical version. If you check out the electric version of this song the drums and electric guitar are more prominent. Many people
also don't know that they initially released a great hit song named "Fakin' It" on July 7/'67. It was later placed on their '68 LP Bookends.
A live version of Scarborough Fair with S&G and Andy Williams is sublime.
Great song. The band "Disturbed" does a good cover of this song. 😁
Perhaps the best continued pop culture references for Simon & Garfunkel are on a British comedy program called "Detectorists." Brilliant!
One of the definitive songs of the 1960s
Paul Simon wrote a ton of great songs, you should listen to "America" and "The Boxer" among others.
You said it sounded like they recorded the song in the hallway. That reminds me of a story about them recording the song, The Boxer. The chorus goes “la la la” then there is a huge crash sound (Repeat). They made that crash sound by hitting a drum in front of the open door of an empty elevator shaft.
Such a wonderful song, as are so many Simon & Garfunkel songs. (This song had absolutely nothing to do with Simon & Garfunkel breaking up as musical duo, which happened years later.)
Absolutely no disrespect to Art Garfunkel's talent but Steve Martin's intro to Paul Simon's tribute concert as a Kennedy Center Honoree in 2002 is pretty hilarious:
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*Chita Rivera, who played Anita in the original Broadway production of "West Side Story", just passed away. She was also one of the Kennedy Center Honorees in 2002. Here is her tribute:
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Paul Simon use to write songs that suited Art's smooth voice. When they broke up, Paul started writing more rhythmic songs, like Me and Julio Down By The School Yard or Late In The Evening.
Art Garfunkel stuck with ballads or light pop songs. I guess his most successful song was Bright Eyes, the theme song from the movie Watership Down.
Was on the animated movie Trolls. It's good! Y'all have a lot insight to the song. Things I haven't thought about.
I'm ancient, but this version is a new one on me. I've only ever heard the hit version of the song, which was used as the theme song to the hit movie "The Graduate" back in the day.
Paul Simon wrote all of the songs for S&G plus his own amazing solo career. That's Garfunkle hitting the high notes. He has a beautiful voice but doesnt write. There may have been a bit of a jealousy issue with them because all that Artie did was sing with the voice of an angel. I consider Simon one of the greatest songwriters and poets of all time. They got a huge boost when this song and others by them were used in the movie "The Graduate" starring a very young Dustin Hoffman in his first movie.
Paul Simon is one of the greatest songwriters and lyricists of the modern age.
Nice gentlemen. A classic worldwide. You haven't done YES in a while, so South Side Of The Sky is a must. 🙏🎶
This song was a radio staple. From about 65-75. Then of course Bridge over troubled water. Was there masterpiece. And Elvis Presley did a great cover of Bridge over troubled water,live vesion. Great choice Simon and Garfunkel needed to on your program 😊. Theres a lot of meanings behind Sound of Silence. But with the changing times and the fast pass of life in the sixties it maybe more about how people were not communicating enough with one another an thus life was passing them by
Pearl Jam did a version of this song that was incredible.
I'm more familiar with the other version. I kept expecting the drums to kick in! But this was a really nice nice "un-plugged" version.
Their 2 greatest songs: The Boxer and Bridge Over Troubled Water.
Top ten songs of this style.
You should do "LOVE ALIVE" and "Cook with Fire" by Heart. Have fun!!!
I agree with your comments on Art Garfunkel's voice, Nick. It is airy and ethereal. One song that really shows this off is For Emily, Wherever I May Find Her. Just beautiful, but probably a little too short for a reaction on the channel. Btw, there is a clip out there of John Frusciante from RHCP covering For Emily, and it isn't half bad! So many great songs which have been mentioned already. America is superb.
I grew up listening to them! As Tom & Jerry they had the hit Feelin’ Groovy- check it out. Also if you want, the movie The Graduate includes this and others like Mrs. Robinson. A young Dustin Hoffman and Mrs. Mel Brooks aka Anne Bancroft. A classic
By the way - they WERE friends at first. Great friends. That's how they started anyway. From what I've heard in interviews, as they gained fame, they started to have problems with each other. This was especially true for Paul Simon, who felt that as the creative force behind the duo, that Art Garfunkel sort of owed his new fame to his association with Simon, and when Garfunkel started getting movie film and other offers (which he did pursue), it really pissed off Simon (who took this as a personal betrayal).
The only song I like by Disturbed is a cover of this. Sound of silence
Hi, guys. Great job with the reactions. It's great to see the channel branching out into even more genres (example: 1960s folk). Should this be a path that you choose to head down further in the future, you may want to check out "Mr. Tambourine Man" by Bob Dylan. Of all the great lyrical songs in popular music since the 1950s, it may be one of the most interesting to follow along the lyrics and try to interpret/react as you listen to it. If you do another Simon & Garfunkel song in the future, you might want to consider "A Hazy Shade of Winter." Not that it is better than "The Sounds of Silence," but it might be one of the most uptempo hits that the duo put out and it has an interesting mix of instruments. The Bangles, an all female group from the 1980s, did a rock cover version of "A Hazy Shade of Winter," which is also really worth giving a shot (a rarity for most cover versions). Hope it might help and keep up the great work!
Hey guy's, I saw your reaction to Dennis Edwards and thought you would also enjoy checking out one of The Temptations big hits, if interested. "The Temptations (1998) Papa Was A Rolling Stone Audio HQ)" (by the channel: Les Gens Music) --This song was originally recorded by the group "The Undisputed Truth" a 1972 Motown recording group. However, The Temptations took it and made it one of their all-time classics and won a grammy with this song.
This song is melancholy, but I think Scarborough Fair is more so. You need to watch the graduate!
You both make some great points!!
I think the reason it went by so quickly was because it was so engaging and unique.
If you want short Simon and Garfunkel, listen to "Bookends (Reprise)." It's a beautiful, haunting piece and all of 1:16.
WOW 😳 I had no idea that there was an earlier version done of this song, and this - at age 56(1/2) - is my very first time hearing it!!!! 😳 I actually agree with Ryan here: To me this is clearer and better than the electrified version. The harmonies are tighter and more beautiful in this version. I love it!! Thank you!!
Now please find and react to "Mrs. Robinson," "The Boxer," "Cecilia," "Bridge Over Troubled Water" AND their mid-70s comeback song "My Little Town." Also please find and react to "All I Know" by Art Garfunkel and "Mother And Child Reunion," "Kodachrome," "Me And Julio Down By The Schoolyard," "50 Ways To Leave Your Lover" and "Late In The Evening" by Paul Simon. You will not regret any of these!!
Simon Says was the shiznit in the 80s.
They sound so good together but they had some differences over the years, as expected. You should do Art Garfunkel’s, “All I Know” - it will give you goosebumps!! Thanks for the reaction, guys! 😊
Very interesting reaction, guys. Younger folks might recognize the song played as a clip in the movie "Old School" when Will Ferrell ends up getting accidentally shot in the neck with an animal tranquilizer gun during a kid's birthday party. He falls into a pool and the song plays, as if something realIy bad is going to happen to him. As for the song's meaning, it can be argued that it is universal and timeless (as Nick mentioned), but also during the time it was recorded. The American Civil Rights movement was a serious social effort and a growing dissatisfaction, especially from younger Americans, was starting to build about the government's military involvement in Vietnam. As Nick pointed out, it can be argued that a critical theme in the song is to not be a part of "the sound of silence," but to speak out on issues important to you and those around you. For me of all the great lines, the phrase "The words of the prophets are written on the subway walls and tenement halls" is especially powerful because Simon and Garfunkel are making a point that something as mundane as graffiti can pass along important messages from those that may not have a traditional "voice at the table" of society. I found it interesting that Nick prefers the original version (which might be considered "folk pop"). I'm more partial to the second version (which might be considered "folk rock") because it feels like the song's urgency and message comes through stronger. Again, interesting reaction, gentlemen!
If the channel is looking to dive deeper into more songs like "The Sound of Silence" in the future, a "starter list" might include (in no particular order): "What's Going On" by Marvin Gaye, Marvin Gaye's "Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)," "Living For The City" by Stevie Wonder, Stevie Wonder's "Higher Ground," "Strange Fruit" by Billie Holliday, Bob Marley's "Redemption Song," "No Woman, No Cry" by Bob Marley and the Wailers, Joni Mitchell's "Big Yellow Taxi," "Born in the U.S.A." by Bruce Springsteen, Joan Baez's "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down," "We Shall Overcome" by Joan Baez, Public Enemy's "Fight the Power," and Gil Scott-Heron's "The Revolution Will Not Be Televised" (perhaps one of the first true "rap" songs released in America).
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The first link above is to Sam Cooke's legendary protest/social commentary song "A Change Is Gonna Come." In reflecting on the above list and how often Cooke is referred to by posters on the channel when communicating about legendary singers (and rightly so), it is likely that not enough emphasis is given to the gravity, emotion, and message in the song. The urban (musical) legend was that Cooke heard Bob Dylan's "'Blowin' in the Wind" and as Cooke reportedly told others, the only thing that he didn't like about Dylan's song was that Cooke, himself, didn't write it. To further push Cooke, he heard the version of Dylan's song recorded by the folk group, Peter, Paul, and Mary as it got massive radio airplay. Along with the continued open discrimination against African Americans and the success of Dylan's tune, Cooke resolved to write his own epic song, resulting in "A Change Is Gonna Come." The song has had such a lasting legacy that Bob Dylan, himself, has performed it in concert. The second link above is Dylan's performance at the world famous Apollo Theater's 70 year annversary show. One may not necessarily connect the "smooth" and effortless vocals of Sam Cooke being connected to the "rough around the edges" vocals of Bob Dylan, but the two certainly had a mutual respect for each other's ability to articulate, through music, social issues that remain highly prevalent in America.
Got,to listen/watch the Disturbed version of this classic. The different tempo and video enhancements make the real meaning of this song much more relevant to today. It’s one of the most moving videos I’ve ever seen.
You need to listen to the version by the group Disturbed