[2019-09-27] Various Artists "American Tunes: Songs By Paul Simon" (Ace UK)

Linda · **Posted:** Thu Aug 08, 2019 1:17 am

Description
Ace’s Songwriters series continues to be one of our most popular, with plenty of worthy candidates for inclusion waiting in the wings to join those we have already featured.

This month we spotlight the work of a man whose songs and records have been enjoyed across seven decades. Paul Simon’s compelling songs have been subject to covers since the mid-60s, when he and his singing partner Art Garfunkel made their own big breakthrough as artists with “Sounds Of Silence”. When the duo each went solo in the early 70s, Paul’s albums continued to be plundered by his peers, and things have remained that way well into the 21st century.

“American Tunes” features almost two dozen of Paul’s prime compositions, reinterpreted in all manner of styles from rock to reggae to acapella to adult contemporary. All have been chosen to represent the diversity in Paul’s writing, and also chosen because of the high quality of each individual reinterpretation.

Some tracks may be less familiar than others, but all are guaranteed to appeal to fans of Simon songs everywhere. Some of the biggest names in popular music from the past 70 years are among those singing said songs – a true indication of the high regard in which his words and music are held in his peer group.

Approved by the songwriter himself, Ace is delighted to say that “American Tunes” has been assembled with the co-operation of and with significant input from Paul Simon. As always, extensive annotation and copious photographs and ephemera make the booklet almost as appealing as the music.

Tracklist
1. I Am A Rock - The Hollies
2. Homeward Bound - Cher
3. The Fifty Ninth Street Bridge Song - Harpers Bizarre
4. You Don't Know Where Your Interest Lies - Dana Valery
5. Leaves That Are Green - Dorris Henderson/John Renbourn
6. Blessed - The Tremeloes
7. The Boxer - Emmylou Harris
8. Keep The Customer Satisfied - Marsha Hunt
9. A Hazy Shade Of Winter - The Bangles
10. Bridge Over Troubled Water (Single Version) - Aretha Franklin
11. The Sound Of Silence - Peaches & Herb
12. The Only Living Boy In New York (Weather Report) - The Tennors
13. 50 Ways To Leave Your Lover - Rosemary Clooney
14. Mother And Child Reunion - The Intruders
15. Cecilia - Smokey Robinson & The Miracles
16. Richard Cory - The Heptones
17. Something So Right - Annie Lennox (featuring Paul Simon)
18. Loves Me Like A Rock - The Persuasions
19. Take Me To The Mardi Gras - Johnnie & Floyd Taylor
20. The Boy In The Bubble - Patti Smith
21. Long, Long Day - Rumer
22. Graceland - Willie Nelson
23. American Tune - Shawn Colvin

Amazon USA
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07W3RV8XR/?tag=imwan-20

Amazon UK
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07W3RV8XR/?tag=imwan-21

tideshea · **Joined:** 27 Mar 2014 **Posts:** 225

Excited about this one too. I collect Paul Simon covers and there are a lot of unique ones here. Ace may also want to consider a Van Morrison collection in their Songwriter Series.

Actorman · **Joined:** 30 Jun 2010 **Posts:** 192

So pleased to see Rumer included here. She's an amazing artist that more people need to know about. Spectacular voice!

Neal Alhadeff · 07 Jan 2007

This looks great. The Amazon US link is live now. I just ordered it.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07W3RV8XR/?tag=imwan-20

Alan Feldman · **Joined:** 20 Jul 2006 **Posts:** 3

Red Rubber Ball by the Cyrkle would have been a good addition to this set.

tideshea · **Joined:** 27 Mar 2014 **Posts:** 225

Alan Feldman wrote:

Red Rubber Ball by the Cyrkle would have been a good addition to this set.

The Ace Songwriter Series collections tend to be more collector-oriented so they try not to load them up with the same old same old.

Alan Feldman · **Joined:** 20 Jul 2006 **Posts:** 3

Actually the song has historical significance as one of Paul Simon's most commercially successful singles and one of the earliest example of a group covering one of his songs to great acclaim. It was actually in Billboard's Top Ten at the same time as Simon & Garfunkel's "I Am a Rock" in the summer of 1966 and that was probably an unusual occurrence back then If it's said that he himself has found fault with the song, I don't believe he is necessarily a good judge of his early work. Its bittersweet lyrics belie its bubbly melody. For collector's interest the 45 mono version might have been used. I think it's a dedicated mono mix:

tideshea · **Joined:** 27 Mar 2014 **Posts:** 225

Alan Feldman wrote:

Actually the song has historical significance as one of Paul Simon's most commercially successful singles and one of the earliest example of a group covering one of his songs to great acclaim. It was actually in Billboard's Top Ten at the same time as Simon & Garfunkel's "I Am a Rock" in the summer of 1966 and that was probably an unusual occurrence back then If it's said that he himself has found fault with the song, I don't believe he is necessarily a good judge of his early work. Its bittersweet lyrics belie its bubbly melody. For collector's interest the 45 mono version might have been used. I think it's a dedicated mono mix:

It seems Paul judges a lot of the songs he wrote with Bruce Woodley harshly. I seem to recall reading that in the Peter Ames Carlin biography, but I'm not sure. I think those are some of his most enjoyable works.

Most of the tracks on this set look intriguing and I don't own many of them. I wish they would've included Joan Baez's version of The Dangling Conversation instead of Cher's take on Homeward Bound. She sings it so beautifully and I actually enjoy it more than Simon & Garfunkel's.

Rokin Robin of Locksley · 20 Oct 2007

In addition to Red Rubber Ball, Paul Simon wrote at least 2 other songs with The Seekers' Bruce Woodley, I Wish You Could Be Here, and Cloudy. And The Seekers recorded all 3 of them. Too bad this song isn't on this CD:

Rokin Robin of Locksley · 20 Oct 2007

Cloudy by The Seekers, sublime:

[2019-09-27] Various Artists "American Tunes: Songs By Paul Simon" (Ace UK)

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