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Track Listings
| 1. How Can You Live In The Northeast |
| 2. Everything About It Is A Love Song |
| 3. Outrageous |
| 4. Sure Don't Feel Like Love |
| 5. Wartime Prayers |
| 6. Beautiful |
| 7. I Don't Believe |
| 8. Another Galaxy |
| 9. Once Upon A Time There Was An Ocean |
| 10. That's Me |
| 11. Father and Daughter |
Product Description
Amazon.co.uk
Since severing his epochal partnership with Art Garfunkel, Paul Simon's solo career been characterized by restless reinvention. But while it's easy to see such disparate, cross-cultural collaborations as Graceland and Rhythm of the Saints as Simon's quest for new creative partnerships, beneath them lies a more crucial willingness to continually challenge the very assumptions and craft of his own songwriting. Six years after his sublime, underappreciated You're the One Simon has pushed that sensibility into a rewarding, if equally unlikely, partnership with Brian Eno. Yet the former Roxy Music texturalist cum contemporary producer/sound conjurer supreme (aided by such stellar sidemen as Bill Frisell, Herbie Hancock and Steve Gadd) offers barely half the "surprises" here.
The playful "Sure Don't Feel Like Love" argues Simon can still beckon his more traditional pop muse at will. Yet some of his best work here turns as much on hypnotic, if no less politically pointed, quasi-spoken word pieces (like "Wartime Prayers" and the gripping, post 9/11 rumination "How Can You Live in the Northeast?") as traditional songcraft. Eno is credited with providing "Sonic Landscape" to Simon's production, but also co-wrote three tracks, infusing "Another Galaxy" with contrasting doses of bracing energy and ethereal elegance, while seasoning the more traditional folk musings of "Once Upon a Time There Was An Ocean" with infectious electro-funk rhythms. "Outrageous," their best full collaboration, suggests that while Eno and Simon may approach world music - and indeed most pop forms - from polar extremes, the common ground they find is truly elevated. In an era when many of his peers are content to craft mere artistic comebacks, Simon's re-emergence here is a bold, compelling step forward. --Jerry McCulley
The playful "Sure Don't Feel Like Love" argues Simon can still beckon his more traditional pop muse at will. Yet some of his best work here turns as much on hypnotic, if no less politically pointed, quasi-spoken word pieces (like "Wartime Prayers" and the gripping, post 9/11 rumination "How Can You Live in the Northeast?") as traditional songcraft. Eno is credited with providing "Sonic Landscape" to Simon's production, but also co-wrote three tracks, infusing "Another Galaxy" with contrasting doses of bracing energy and ethereal elegance, while seasoning the more traditional folk musings of "Once Upon a Time There Was An Ocean" with infectious electro-funk rhythms. "Outrageous," their best full collaboration, suggests that while Eno and Simon may approach world music - and indeed most pop forms - from polar extremes, the common ground they find is truly elevated. In an era when many of his peers are content to craft mere artistic comebacks, Simon's re-emergence here is a bold, compelling step forward. --Jerry McCulley
Review
The surprises on Paul Simon's new album are small, but still worthwhile. Teaming up with everyone's favourite boffin, Brian Eno, may seem slightly odd. That is until you remember that Simon made his name with songs that were shot through with intellectual detachment and displayed a mind preoccupied with far more than the standard 60s folkie fare (songs about Frank Lloyd Wright anyone?). And indeed, it seems as though the pairing is an easy match, with Eno's 'sonic landscapes' tweaking Simon's muse up with sublime ambiences and 21st century rhythms as well as their obvious shared love of an Afrocentric vibe.
Belying his voice - which sounds as fresh and angelic as it did in 1965 - the songs concern themselves withage, family and beauty; all set in the socio-political landscape of a post-Bush USA (naturally). While it takes a little time to get used to the sound of the man who wrote "The Boxer" singing over a drum and bass beat, the end results (bolstered with guest spots from luminaries such as Herbie Hancock and Bill Frisell) are both beautiful and credible.
The only exception is the Oscar-nominated final track, "Father And Daughter", which pre-dates the Eno sessions (coming from the soundtrack of The Wild Thornberrys Movie) which, while lovely, jars with the sleeker textures of the rest of the album. But the fact is that Surprise is Simon's best work for aeons. --Chris Jones
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
34 of 34 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Well into his sixties and with considerable success behind him, Paul Simon could easily rest on his laurels. Instead he continues to produce innovative, exciting, thoughtful music. After the valedictory air of 'You're The One', the title is undoubtedly a Simon witticism, 'Surprise' being a masterly collection of 11 perfect songs, full of poignancy, wit and warmth. Songs that really are about something too, with beautiful, delicate vocals. Brian Eno's 'sonic landscape' hightens the purity of Simon's voice (and having seen him perform a couple of times relatively recently, I can vouch for the fact that even after all these years his voice really does sound this good) and gives each song a new dimension. In some cases, 'Who Wants to Live in the Northeast?' for example, it lends them an edge and a new, exciting edginess too. 'Father And Daughter' has even been remixed and had overdubs added to bring its sound more into line with the rest of the album. My favourites tracks are currently 'Another Galaxy' and 'That's Me' but I'm sure each of these lovely songs will become a favourite in turn. Paul Simon fan or not, do yourself a favour and buy this terrific album.
18 of 18 people found the following review helpful
By Amanda Richards
VINE™ VOICE
Format:Audio CD
This album is Paul Simon's first in the last six years, and although it may not win him many new fans, his existing fan base will be pleased to find out that the man can still write lyrics with the best of them.
As usual, the songs can be compared to short stories, told in his unique style with minimal backing arrangements, just there to perfectly frame the storyteller's art.
"How Can You Live in the Northeast" asks simple questions about the meaning of life, while "Everything About It Is a Love Song" is an introspective on a life past. "Outrageous" is a rant about bothersome things, while "Sure Don't Feel Like Love" is more political. "Beautiful" is a track that takes you back to the old Simon & Garfunkel days, as does "Once Upon a Time There Was an Ocean", two of the better songs on the album. The excellent "Father and Daughter" brings the album to a close with a moving tribute to the love that a man reserves for that special little girl in his life.
"There could never be a father who loved his daughter more than I love you"
And so it goes, eleven tracks from the master, each longer than 3 minutes, about love, war, politics, and whatever else he chooses. A great album for any Simon fan.
As usual, the songs can be compared to short stories, told in his unique style with minimal backing arrangements, just there to perfectly frame the storyteller's art.
"How Can You Live in the Northeast" asks simple questions about the meaning of life, while "Everything About It Is a Love Song" is an introspective on a life past. "Outrageous" is a rant about bothersome things, while "Sure Don't Feel Like Love" is more political. "Beautiful" is a track that takes you back to the old Simon & Garfunkel days, as does "Once Upon a Time There Was an Ocean", two of the better songs on the album. The excellent "Father and Daughter" brings the album to a close with a moving tribute to the love that a man reserves for that special little girl in his life.
"There could never be a father who loved his daughter more than I love you"
And so it goes, eleven tracks from the master, each longer than 3 minutes, about love, war, politics, and whatever else he chooses. A great album for any Simon fan.
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
I have been a Paul Simon fan for as long as I can remember. I have wonderful memories of my sister and I playing 'Bridge...' and the Simon & Garfunkel greatest hits album. And my fist listening to the alien sounds of Graceland that now seem so familiar to me.
I had no great expectations for Paul latest venture, I have always trusted in him to transport me to somewhere new and to somehow link his songs to my own past experiences. But frankly nothing could prepare me for this....
So much has happened in this little world of ours since 9/11 and much of it is reflected in the pool of lyrical beauty. Wartimes Prayers moved me to tears on first listening and how the words echo how many of us feel at this time...
"I'm trying to tap into some wisdom. Even a little drop will do. I want to rid my heart of envy, and cleanse my soul of rage before I'm through."
I find myself listening to this album almost everyday, and even when I'm not physically listening to it, the songs are playing in my mind...And that ain't no bad thing I feel. So much for someone saying it had no melody and no hook...how wrong they were. It's hard to sit here a break the album down, song from song as they are all so incredible. And I'm warm with summer and can't think straight!
Someone said that if you were a fan of Tom & Jerry, S&G, or pre-Graceland, you'd probably hate this album, well, I love all the above and I love this. I love Paul's music because it's never the same, he evolves and will continue to do so, so long as breath passes is lips...Did I just say that..gosh!
I love everything about Paul, his guitar playing, his melody and ever beautiful lyrics and his wonderful voice that is warm and gentle and has no hatred or sharpness and not even venom.
Yep it's true, I'm still crazy, for Paul and his music, after all these years....
I had no great expectations for Paul latest venture, I have always trusted in him to transport me to somewhere new and to somehow link his songs to my own past experiences. But frankly nothing could prepare me for this....
So much has happened in this little world of ours since 9/11 and much of it is reflected in the pool of lyrical beauty. Wartimes Prayers moved me to tears on first listening and how the words echo how many of us feel at this time...
"I'm trying to tap into some wisdom. Even a little drop will do. I want to rid my heart of envy, and cleanse my soul of rage before I'm through."
I find myself listening to this album almost everyday, and even when I'm not physically listening to it, the songs are playing in my mind...And that ain't no bad thing I feel. So much for someone saying it had no melody and no hook...how wrong they were. It's hard to sit here a break the album down, song from song as they are all so incredible. And I'm warm with summer and can't think straight!
Someone said that if you were a fan of Tom & Jerry, S&G, or pre-Graceland, you'd probably hate this album, well, I love all the above and I love this. I love Paul's music because it's never the same, he evolves and will continue to do so, so long as breath passes is lips...Did I just say that..gosh!
I love everything about Paul, his guitar playing, his melody and ever beautiful lyrics and his wonderful voice that is warm and gentle and has no hatred or sharpness and not even venom.
Yep it's true, I'm still crazy, for Paul and his music, after all these years....
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Good old Paul.
Paul is one of my must haves. This album atracks me also for the 'Father and Daughter' track. Well I can state that the old man is still one to enjoy and to keep on following.
Published 17 months ago by tofmac
1.0 out of 5 stars
tunes?
I have every album by Paul and Art and every album Paul has recorded since their initial break up in 1970. Read more
Published on 17 Mar 2011 by PHIL ALLITT
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Triumph!!!
The midas touch of Brian Eno presses the create button on Paul Simon's head and out pops his best work since Still Crazy After All These Years. Read more
Published on 15 Mar 2010 by Mr. S. Gale
5.0 out of 5 stars
Songwriting at its very best.
I am guilty of waiting for others to review a product sometimes and not going for what is really quality!. Read more
Published on 26 Jan 2009 by Philip lewis -williams
2.0 out of 5 stars
Is it me?
I see lots of good reviews so it must be me. Paul Simon with edge some say, why? i liked Paul Simon as he was. Read more
Published on 31 Oct 2008 by John Williams
5.0 out of 5 stars
Beautiful Indeed
Lots of deservedly good reviews but I don't think anyone has yet mentioned how staggeringly beautiful this collection is. Read more
Published on 23 Jun 2008 by Timothy Hooper
5.0 out of 5 stars
A genuine surprise!
Best album since Graceland? Without a doubt in my mind (although 'Rhythm Of The Saints' comes close)! Read more
Published on 21 Jun 2008 by A. Sweeney
5.0 out of 5 stars
You Can Call Me Paul!
After all the negative reviews of this album I have only just got around to buying a copy, and on first listen, I ask what is all the fuss about? Read more
Published on 24 Jan 2008 by Vinyl Junkie
2.0 out of 5 stars
not what I hoped
Maybe I set the bar to high, but after such a long time I hoped for a really innovative or original album. Read more
Published on 17 Aug 2007 by Neil Carmichael
5.0 out of 5 stars
Brilliant
I reckon this is the best thing Paul Simon has ever done, and I incldue Graceland and Bridge. Like the last reviewer, I'm a bit of a traditionalist and sometimes hanker after the... Read more
Published on 3 Feb 2007 by Martynrb
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