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26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Seriously impressive from the short songwriter., 23 May 2006
I have read some derogatory reviews about SURPRISE but disagree
as this is a superbly entertaining listen. The melodies are strong,
and not cloaked beneath the surface,
and Simon's lyrics are more accessible than in a long time.
Pardon my French, but this album dumps dung from a great height on " You're the one. "
Brian Eno's involvement is a bonus, and his embellishments very
welcome as it steers the artist in a quite different direction.
The musicianship is exemplary and even Simon's fretwork ( he is
THE main guitarist )although not mind-boggling, is not half bad.
Only the final track "Father and Daughter" does not involve Eno,
ann this makes it slightly more commercially appealing and an
obvious choice for a single. I don't think there is a weak track in sight,
and if you were put off by sleights you encountered, don't be,
but just be open-minded as to Eno's electronic involvement.
Paul Simon's voice, as usual, is as pure and clear as freshly blown glass;
who needs a frizzy haired partner to harmonize with ?!!
Surprise is the title , and will probably be your reaction too.
Coming from someone who actually KEPT the Capeman album,this
release is actually up there with his best work.
Purchase without trepidation, cheers.
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24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
He Moves On..., 21 May 2006
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.
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20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Surprise Indeed, 20 Jul 2006
This album is the most satisfying Paul Simon solo album for me since Graceland 20 years ago! Not that there haven't been moments of genius since, on all the subsequent albums but whereas Rhythm Of The Saints, Capeman and especially the last album You're The One" were for the most part disappointing, this album is actually more in the style of his classic 70s output culminating the gentle but underrated 'One Trick Pony' from 1980. There are hints of Gracelandish guitar and Brian Eno produces some interesting soundscapes but the melody and Simon's thoughtful inciteful lyrics are mostly to the fore. Who but Paul Simon can continue to offer such astute observations about Life and its mysteries after more than 30 years? His voice also is still perfect. Quite remarkable, as David Coleman might have said.
And whereas the electronic production was slightly ill-fitting to some of the Hearts And Bones tracks (eg Cars Are Cars) but worked triumphantly on other cuts ('Allergies', 'Think Too Much Part 2) here it mostly works too. No amount of production on any album can disguise the melodic and lyrical genius of the man. He is simply more consistent overall in this respect than anyone. Including Paul McCartney.
Did I, possibly the biggest Beatles solo fan on the planet, really say that? Well Yes I did. This album is a pretty triumphant return to form, sadly unlike Paul's last rather lacklustre effort. So Go On Paul, top your mate next time please.
Highlights here are the first song 'How Can You Live In The North East?' The witty 'Outrageous' is superb. 'Wartime Prayers' is fine, although not the classic it is made out to be in some quarters. 'Beautiful' is nice and infectious as is 'Sure Don't Feel Like Love' and 'I Don' t Believe You'. 'Another Galaxy' is Paul Simon's answer to The Beatles 'She's Leaving Home' best part of 30 years later. It works wonderfully. The other tracks all have something to commend them and then comes 'Father And Daughter', an absolute Paul Simon classic, where simply awesome melody and delivery come about as naturally as naturally as a cool mountain stream. Sublime end to a fine album. Thank you Paul.
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