@simongarfunkel / simongarfunkel.tumblr.com
Tweet posted by Chris Crockett on Twitter.
Posted in celebration of the 50th anniversary of Simon & Garfunkel’s album release of Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme, which peaked at #4 on the US Billboards.
The Bangles' recording of "A Hazy Shade Of Winter" concludes this year's music series centered around Simon & Garfunkel cover songs. The poppy fuzz-rock song was recorded specifically for the film soundtrack, Less Than Zero (1987); although the song was performed live in the band's early days. The soundtrack to the film adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis’ novel is "a classic artifact and case study of the [excessive 1980s]" – with its mélange of genres strewn together from heavy metal and pop rock to hip hop.
Because of pressure from the Bangles' record label (Def Jam), this recording truncates the end rhyming verses from "At any convenient time" through "Drinking my vodka and lime" – to perhaps align better with the story and its characters' disparate addictions. The title of the single was also trimmed to "Hazy Shade Of Winter". The 1980s cover by the all-female band topped the Billboard Hot 100 at #2 (in 1987), whilst the duo's original version charted only at #13.
In 1966, Simon & Garfunkel had recorded (September 7) and released (October 22) the song during their Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme recording sessions. Its B-side was "For Emily, Whenever I May Find Her". Eventually, "A Hazy Shade Of Winter" surfaced up on their 1968 Bookends album. The Bangles' version eventually appeared on their Greatest Hits (1990) release.
"Seasons change with their scenery Weaving time in a tapestry Won't you stop and remember me Look around Leaves are brown And the sky Is a hazy shade of winter"
What are your thoughts of The Bangles' cover? Which version do you prefer?
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About the Uncovering Covers series.
Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, such that this music series aims to spotlight musical gems as well as new and familiar artists. Cover songs will draw from the grand discographies of Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel, including both the duo’s and their solo works.
This year’s series will focus on the Simon & Garfunkel catalogue.
Marc Cohn delivers a sombre cover of Simon & Garfunkel's "The Only Living Boy In New York". The hushed, bass-heavy song paired with Cohn's deeper and slower vocalization reflect a maturation of that only living boy who has now grown up, realizing that "half of the time we're gone but we don't know where." The song was one of a handful songs featured on Cohn's 2010 release of Listening Booth: 1970, a collection of his favorite songs from 1970 – when he was 11 years old. Other songs include Cat Stevens' "Wild World", Van Morrison's "Into The Mystic" as well as Smokey Robinson and The Miracles' "The Tears of a Clown".
Originally recorded in November 1968 and November 1969, this Simon & Garfunkel tune spotlighted Simon's loneliness while an angelic Garfunkel chimed in the background with "Here I am…". At the time, Simon and Garfunkel were at odds and distanced, like much of the Bridge Over Troubled Water recording sessions. In reference to their former pseudonym (Tom and Jerry): Tom, or Art Garfunkel, was in Mexico filming his minor part in Mike Nichols' Catch-22. Jerry, or Paul Simon, had also been cast but written out in the last minute. "The Only Living Boy In New York" was released as a B-side to their 1970 "Cecilia" single.
"Tom, get your plane right on time I know that you’ve been eager to fly now Hey, let your honesty shine, shine, shine Like it shines on me The only living boy in New York The only living boy in New York"
What are your thoughts of Marc Cohn's cover? Which version do you prefer?
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About the Uncovering Covers series.
Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, such that this music series aims to spotlight musical gems as well as new and familiar artists. Cover songs will draw from the grand discographies of Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel, including both the duo's and their solo works.
This year's series will focus on the Simon & Garfunkel catalogue.
In a phone interview with WAMC news director Ian Pickus, Art Garfunkel speaks about his upcoming (at the time) performances in the Hudson Valley (of Pennsylvania, USA). Garfunkel begins reflecting on his childhood and his father's past and respect for singing and music then returns full circle with his and his sons' appreciation for singing these days.
Pickus also probes Garfunkel about his God-given singing career; teaching math; his sons' aspirations of being a singer; why fatherhood trumps "Bridge Over Troubled Water"; and of course, the current nature of his friendship with Paul Simon and whether he would reunite with Simon for any future work.
As Garfunkel words eloquently,
"We were always different type of people. He's a Libra and I'm a Scorpio.
So I don't speak to him that much. I continue always to think of him as a dear friend who has enriched my life enormously…
[Pickus asks, "Would you work together again?"]
"… I don't know if I would work with him again. (mumbles) I don't know. The answer to that question is an answer that I rather tell him if he should call me before I tell you. The press gets to know these things after Paul Simon gets to know these things."
Posted in celebration of Art Garfunkel’s 73rd birthday (b. November 5, 1941).
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Additional links
Released in April 1968, Simon and Garfunkel's "Mrs. Robinson" shot straight to #1. Early 'draft' versions of the song surfaced on The Graduate soundtrack and film a year before. The pop song was the duo's second chart-topping hit since 1966's "The Sound of Silence."
A year later in May 1969, Booker T. & The M.G.'s released their instrumental rendition of "Mrs. Robinson" on The Booker T. Set. Originators of the unique Stax sound, this southern soul band covered contemporary songs of their time on the album including The Beatles' "Michelle" and "Lady Madonna", The Doors' "Light My Fire", and of course, Simon and Garfunkel's Billboard hit. Booker T. & The M.G.'s shaped the Memphis soul music scene, as they played on hundreds of recordings by artists such as Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett, Bill Withers and many more.
"And here’s to you, Mrs. Robinson Jesus loves you more than you will know, wo wo wo God bless you please, Mrs. Robinson Heaven holds a place for those who pray, hey hey hey Hey hey hey"
What are your thoughts of Booker T. & The M.G.'s cover? Which version do you prefer?
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About the Uncovering Covers series.
Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, such that this music series aims to spotlight musical gems as well as new and familiar artists. Cover songs will draw from the grand discographies of Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel, including both the duo's and their solo works.
This year's series will focus on the Simon & Garfunkel catalogue.
Paul Simon New York City 1986
Perhaps you recognize a similar photo of pensive Simon from The Paul Simon Anthology album, a two-CD abridged version of the three-CD box set Paul Simon 1964-1993.
Posted in celebration of Paul Simon's 73rd birthday (b. October 13, 1941).
Originally photographed and posted by deborahfeingoldphoto:
© deborah feingold photography
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Additional links
Fictional playboy Richard Cory first came to life (and death) in Edwin Arlington Robinson's 1897 poem, then was forever immortalized in Simon & Garfunkel's musical interpretation. Recorded in December 1965 and released the following month, "Richard Cory" glimmers on Simon & Garfunkel's 1966 Sounds of Silence album. Both Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel share lead vocals duties on this non-single tune.
That same year in April, Them, a Belfast garage rock band fronted by Van Morrison, recorded two different versions of "Richard Cory". Version 1 was similar to the style and pace of Simon & Garfunkel's original but with a garage rock flair. Version 2, featured in this post, was arranged with a slower pace but just as rocky. This cover was Them's last official single and unfortunately did not see much chart success. To further exacerbate the matter, its release irritated Morrison, who wanted his penned song "Mighty Like A Rose" to be the prospective single. By September 1966, Them disbanded and splintered into their own musical paths – with Morrison achieving a successful solo career.
"But I, I, work in his factory And I don't dig the life I'm livin' I curse my poverty And I wish that I could be And I wish that I could be Well, I wish that I could be, Richard Cory
Yeah, I wish that I could be Lord, I wish that I could be Yeah, I wish that I could be Yes, oh I wish that I could be Just like Richard Cory"
What are your thoughts of Them's cover (featuring Van Morrison)? Which version do you prefer?
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About the Uncovering Covers series.
Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, such that this music series aims to spotlight musical gems as well as new and familiar artists. Cover songs will draw from the grand discographies of Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel, including both the duo's and their solo works.
This year's series will focus on the Simon & Garfunkel catalogue.
Cecilia lives on – in a new song! Borrowing the back beat and chorus from Simon & Garfunkel's 1970 original "Cecilia", The Vamps give a new dimension and additional personality to Cecilia as she continues breaking more hearts. Just like Ace of Base's 1998 re-imagining, the infamous lover will "live forever" in many more song re-incarnations and covers.
"Oh Cecilia (Breaking My Heart)", a fan favorite tune, was written by the UK music group, The Vamps, and features a Canadian YouTube star, Shawn Mendes. The single is from their 2014 album, Meet The Vamps. Slated for an October 12, 2014 release, "Oh Cecilia" will be The Vamps fifth UK single, following Top 5 hits "Can We Dance", "Wild Heart", "Last Night" and "Somebody To You" (with Demi Lovato).
Here’s a lyrical excerpt from the song:
"Had the girl of my dreams, _ And now she's all gone._ _ Thought that we could last forever,_ _ I was all wrong._ _ Said that talking was cheap,_ _ But now I'm flat broke._ _ She don't even wanna_ _ See my face anymore._
She don't wanna say, _ When she's gone away._ _ Cause she's on replay in my, in my brain._ _ I know what it takes,_ _ Name a time and place._ _ We can turn a break-up,_ _ Into an out break!"_
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Additional links
One of Paul Simon's finest ballads, "Kathy's Song", still echoes throughout the hearts of many fans and recording studios. Eva Cassidy's interpretation beautifully opens her 2000 posthumously-released album, Time After Time. At such a young age, Cassidy passed away on November 2, 1996 from melanoma -- never seeing the worldwide acclaim her singing (and guitar-playing) brought her. This taped recording was a demo version (for music producer, Chris Biondo), in which she abbreviated the lyrics. In her live performances, she sang all the verses in full.
Recorded in 1965, the Simon & Garfunkel version appeared on their Sounds of Silence album, with Paul Simon taking the lead solo. The song had previously been featured earlier in the year on The Paul Simon Songbook, which he had recorded and released over in England. Eva Cassidy's legacy continues living on through her recordings and emotive interpretations of songs.
"And as I watch the drops of rain Weave their weary paths and die I know that I am like the rain There before the grace of you go I"
What are your thoughts of Cassidy's cover? Which version do you prefer?
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About the Uncovering Covers series.
Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, such that this music series aims to spotlight musical gems as well as new and familiar artists. Cover songs will draw from the grand discographies of Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel, including both the duo's and their solo works.
This year's series will focus on the Simon & Garfunkel catalogue.
Legendary progressive rock band, Yes, create and cover a musical landscape in their version of Simon & Garfunkel's "America". With Jon Anderson leading the vocals, this rock cover "showcases the talent of this band and notably the bass of Chris Squire, the guitar of Steve Howe, and the keyboards of Rick Wakeman". Originally released in 1972, "America" was a non-album single clocking in at 10 minutes, 32 seconds. This post features the single edit, which finally appeared on the 2003 remastering of Close To The Edge.
Also in 1972, Simon & Garfunkel released their Greatest Hits album, with "America" spun as a promoting radio single. The song did not chart as well but remains a fan favorite years later. In comparison to Yes's versions, the original song describes a changing America (at that time) in just under 4 minutes.
""Kathy, I'm lost," I said, thought I knew she was sleeping. "I'm empty and aching and I don't know why." Counting the cars on the New Jersey Turnpike They've all come to look for America!"
What are your thoughts of Yes's cover? Which version do you prefer?
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About the Uncovering Covers series.
Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, such that this music series aims to spotlight musical gems as well as new and familiar artists. Cover songs will draw from the grand discographies of Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel, including both the duo's and their solo works.
This year's series will focus on the Simon & Garfunkel catalogue.
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Video of Art Garfunkel singing "God Bless America" at the Philadelphia Phillies game (on Sunday, June 15, 2014); with Tab Laven playing guitar.
Stumbled across on rattling-the-teacups, originally posted by i-love-artie.
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Additional links
From the jazz singers line-up comes Carmen McRae and her fiery cover of Simon & Garfunkel's 1965 breakthrough hit, "The Sound of Silence". McRae was well-known for being an insightful interpreter of lyrics: "Every word is very important to me. Lyrics come first, then the melody." Releasing her rendition in 1968, she sings soulfully with the full backing of a jazz band until the very end.
Simon and Garfunkel recorded the song (the original and acoustic version) on March 10, 1964. Then on June 15, 1965, Tom Wilson recorded the electric overdub after a recording session of Bob Dylan's "Like a Rolling Stone". The electrified song, paired with "We Got A Groovey Thing", was released in September 1965; and the rest is history: climbing up the music charts and becoming an anthem to a nation in tumultuous times – even to this day.
“And the sign flashed out its warning In the words that it was forming And the sign said “The words of the prophets Are written on the subway walls And tenement halls And whispered in the sound of …"”
What are your thoughts of McRae's rendition? Which version do you prefer?
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About the Uncovering Covers series.
Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, such that this music series aims to spotlight musical gems as well as new and familiar artists. Cover songs will draw from the grand discographies of Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel, including both the duo's and their solo works.
This year's series will focus on the Simon & Garfunkel catalogue.
It's no surprise that Paul Simon selected Aretha Franklin's gospel cover of "Bridge Over Troubled Water" to be on his Songwriter compilation. Aretha carries the song from start to finish in true songstress manner, and honors its gospel roots. After all, the song title originated from a line in a Baptist church hymn.
Released on January 26, 1970, Simon & Garfunkel's "Bridge Over Troubled Water" shot up to #1 on the Billboards Hot 100 chart within a month. A year later in March 1971, Aretha's rendition was released, and also achieved the #1 and #6 spots on the US R&B and Pop music charts, respectively. Both versions earned their performers Grammys.
"(Don't trouble the water) I won't (leave it alone) (Why don't you, why don't you, let it be?) (Still water run deep... yes it do) I know that (Whoa-o-o-yeah) If you only believe… Just like a bridge over troubled water I will lay me down"
What are your thoughts of Aretha's cover? Which version do you prefer?
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About the Uncovering Covers series.
Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, such that this music series aims to spotlight musical gems as well as new and familiar artists. Cover songs will draw from the grand discographies of Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel, including both the duo's and their solo works.
This year's series will focus on the Simon & Garfunkel catalogue.
Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel smiling from the looking glass in a London boutique shop, circa October 1966.
Simon and Garfunkel were amonst the many artists photographed by Don Hunstein, who worked in various publicity roles at Columbia, most notably as the chief staff photographer.
Photos of Simon & Garfunkel, Miles Davis, Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan and many more artists are featured in his new photography book, Keeping Time: The Photographs of Don Hunstein, with a foreword by Art Garfunkel. The retrospective is published by Insight Editions.
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Photo credit: Don Hunstein
Additional links
Art Garfunkel's 1979 hit album, Fate For Breakfast, was released with six different album covers. Each snapshot shows Garfunkel (and the morning newspaper) in a different pose at the breakfast table. [Click the covers to enlarge.]
Fate For Breakfast was his fourth studio album that included a different version of "Bright Eyes" on the British release. The album featured songs interpreted by Garfunkel (such as "Since I Don't Have You" and "Miss You Nights") – that were penned by other songwriters (sans his frequent collaborator Jimmy Webb). Released on March 15, 1979, Fate For Breakfast charted favorably internationally. However, the album was his first to miss the US Billboard Top 40.
Which album cover is your favorite?
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Additional links
Progressive rockers Coheed and Cambria's delicate delivery of "April Come She Will" ushers in spring. With frontman Claudio Sanchez's lead vocals, this rare cover further reveals the musical depth and range of a band more known for their progressive rock, heavy metal, and post hardcore sounds.
In 1965, Paul Simon originally recorded and released the song on The Paul Simon Songbook. Simon and Garfunkel followed suite in December 1965 with their recording for their Sounds of Silence. Forty-six years later, for Christmas time of 2011, Coheed and Cambria debuted their cover version on YouTube.
"April, come she will When streams are ripe and swelled with rain"
What are your thoughts of this band's rendition? Which version do you prefer?
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About the Uncovering Covers series.
Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, such that this music series aims to spotlight musical gems as well as new and familiar artists. Cover songs will draw from the grand discographies of Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel, including both the duo's and their solo works.
This year's series will focus on the Simon & Garfunkel catalogue.
