6th grade. A time where my favorite music selection was Weird Al, and I struggled with the right and wrong moral fiber between Def Leppard and Guns N' Roses. A time when I put little faith in the music of my parents. Thankfully, they forced me to listen to good music that I appreciate now, but at the time I gave little thought towards. Then, my good friend had me listen to an album that his dad owned. It was good. Really good. So much so, that I went home and happily discovered that it was in my dad's collection. It was Simon and Garfunkel's Greatest Hits. The next week, we went on vacation and I had my new Discman. My dad allowed me to borrow that album, and I brought my And Justice for All and Persistence of Time. I also began to put a little faith into other albums my dad owned and brought along Willie Nelson's Always on My Mind. This began the real era of listening to my father's collection. On the other hand, this also started the era of me 'borrowing' my dad's CD's to a point of returning them after they were scratched to no end. However, I then started to explore his large vinyl collection. Suddenly, my parents were a little less not cool.
There is a real connection when you are hanging out with someone and they break out Rhythm of the Saints, Graceland, or the like. Paul Simons work has really been a treat to listen to through the years. If you have not taken the time to listen to his work, you should. If you have, but not today, you should. Why? Because it's his birthday and it's really good music.
From my True Start Music Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/TrueStartMusic) Post:
Born on This Day: In 1941, the great Paul Simon, singer, songwriter.
http://youtu.be/ULjCSK0oOlI
Credit:
http://www.thisdayinmusic.com
http://www.youtube.com/user/JohnParrr
I did this completely backward. When I was in 7th grade, Paul Simon was my favorite musician. When I was 45 (45!) I discovered Weird Al. I am now a diehard fan of both of them. Truth is, they do share a sense of taking their work seriously; they're both meticulous about what they do. This may explain why they are both still around, artistically speaking. Raw talent is one thing, but you have to have the work ethic and the drive to keep getting better at what you do, too. Have you heard "So Beautiful or So What?" If so, what did you think of it?
ReplyDeleteThat's great! I imagine finding Weird Al now as akin to discovering "What's My Line?" or some classic comedy routine. The man is genius. I showed him to my boys the other day. Hours on YouTube (easy to do).
Delete"So Beautiful or So What?"
I just listened to this song, upon your recommendation. Such makes me think there is probably a good deal of newer Paul Simon out there for me to listen to. I love the groove of this tune. Just like Paul to put deep meaning into his lyrics, too. Sort of an American History Buddhist Zen view. Or at least that's kind of what I got.
I liked this live version.
http://youtu.be/aEci6ryFamo
Credit:
http://www.youtube.com/user/OtterFreak