“Paul Simon” was born Pinchas Saltzman 64 years ago today. His near-perfect album Graceland turns 20 next year, but he’s done some great stuff since then, too. Even his last album, You’re The One is really nice. Pleasant and meditative more than rockin’, but he’s definitely earned the status of being able to do whatever he wants artistically. Even The Capeman, flop that it was, was nominated for a Tony Award.
This is a fairly obvious choice from The Rhythm Of The Saints.
Paul Simon – “Born At The Right Time” (MP3)
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You’re the One is just nice? Hot damn it’s a good record…
Uh, Graceland is near-perfect? C’mon, we’ve got to maintain some indie rock standards here, sir. I mean what’s next, Enya as indie rock visionary?
Who are you, the Grinch? Graceland is near-perfect. Motion seconded, all in favor say aye.
Props to Paul! Hurrah!
More importantly, today is JOHN PEEL DAY.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/johnpeel/johnpeelday/2005/
Pinchas Saltzman? I did not know this. Thanks, stereogum for making me |< --this much-->| smarter! yeah!
Aye
Paul Simon is so gay for Moleman.
Why must you propagate lies?
Before this gets out of hand, I will clarify and say that “Pinchas Saltzman” is a joke, and not Paul Simon’s real name. His real name is Paul Simon.
and a damn fine joke, too, I might add
You’re The One is a great album. The first record I ever bought was Negotiations and Lovesongs, still one of my all-time favorites. Happy birthday Paul!
I was raised on four albums, played on the tape deck in the family van on long m-f’in vacation road trips. They are:
Paul Simon – Graceland
Bob Marley – Legend
Neil Young – Havest
Jethro Tull – Aqualung
And besides Augus and Everything After in 6th grade, they are all the first four CDs I ever bought for myself by myself.
Paul Simonon?
I too was raised on Graceland. and my parents were cool enough to take me with them when they saw this tour. I don’t remmeber any of it but I had the tour t-shirt for years.
Although it was lyrically a failed gamble (various ethnic groups didn’t think he had the right to use offensive terms, even if they were couched in a historical context), Capeman was musically a solid album. It basically was a love letter to mid-50′s pop music, especially doo-wop.
When’s the last time you heard doo-wop treated as anything but music to sell cars or hamburgers?
I too was raised on Paul Simon. My parents also were cool enough to take me to his Rhythm of the Saints Tour when they stopped in Bonner Springs, KS. My first concert ever, and it was grand.
“You’re The One” is monumentally, mind-numbingly awful – especially to a diehard Simon fan such as myself.
holy hell when does SCOTT get back?!?!?! this thing is going down the tubes faster than i can believe! 14 minutes and 59 seconds, for sure.
Paul Simon – incredible songwriter. ‘Graceland’ is easily one of my favorite albums….
I *so* want to spread the “Pinchas” myth. Its on.
Whoa, I am still reeling, I -along with a sell out crowd – celebrated Paul’s 64th birthday with him last night here at the Minneapolis concert. I eyes are still watering! It was awesome 2 and more full hours of classic Paul. The audience sang happy birthday to him. Me- I’m an old fart hippie brought up on “Bridge Over Troubled Waters” and “Cecilia” and lived in Africa during Graceland era. He’s the saint in my book. If you read these blogs “Happy birthday Paul… I was the one who snuck in the concert hall to watch you rehearse.”