Is there any doubt that Paul Simon is an American treasure? Even if you disregard his classic songs as half of Simon and Garfunkel, his solo catalog alone would cement his place in popular music history. Even as recently as last year’s Stranger To Stranger, he continues to write and record vibrant, essential new albums.
So if there’s any disappointment to be had at the announcement of a new Paul Simon live album, it is only that it was recorded four years prior to the release of his most recent (and excellent) album. Alas, The Concert In Hyde Park won’t include new Simon classics like “Wristband” or “The Werewolf.” But reading through the track list, it is hard to find fault in the song selection:
01. Kodachrome
02. Gone at Last
03. Dazzling Blue
04. 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover
05. Vietnam (with Jimmy Cliff)
06. Mother and Child Reunion (with Jimmy Cliff)
07. That Was Your Mother
08. Hearts and Bones / Mystery Train / Wheels
09.Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard
10. Slip Slidin’ Away
11. The Obvious Child
12. Homeless (with Ladysmith Black Mambazo)
13. Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes (with Ladysmith Black Mambazo)
14. I Know What I Know
15. The Boy in the Bubble
16. Crazy Love, Vol. II
17. Gumboots
18. Under African Skies (with Thandiswa Mazwai)
19. Graceland
20. You Can Call Me Al
21. The Sound of Silence
22. The Boxer (with Jerry Douglas)
23. Late in the Evening
24. Still Crazy After All These Years
The Concert In Hyde Park was recorded on July 15, 2012 at the Hard Rock Calling Festival. Guest performers include Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Jimmy Cliff. The concert will be released on June 9 as either a 2 CD/1 DVD or 2 CD/1 Bluray set. The DVD and Bluray will also include two songs not on the CDs, “The Harder They Come” and “Many Rivers to Cross,” both featuring Jimmy Cliff.
