Since 1965, when Paul Simon released his first solo album, we have been the beneficial recipients of his strong lyrics and musical prowess. That album showcased his “I Am A Rock”, which was later re-recorded to help heighten the impact of the duo of Simon & Garfunkel in their collection of generating hits. Although, the folk duo of Simon & Garfunkel lasted only until their final recorded studio album, Bridge Over Troubled Water (1970), Paul Simon ventured on as a solo artist, eventually releasing many classic sets with a wide range of hits.
Paul Simon’s lyrics have always been insightful, mournful, nostalgic, humorous, and deeply filled with disillusionment and uncertainty. They were poetically charged and timeless. Even today, many of those songs still hold a music-listening public in thrall. As proof of that, listen to the stunning and moving cover of “The Sound Of Silence” recently released by Disturbed (here).
From the release of his popular 1972 self-titled solo album, with three hits that included “Me and Julio Down By the Schoolyard” and “Mother and Child Reunion” to the huge charting successes of Graceland (1986), and The Rhythm Of The Saints (1990), on through to his last album from 2011, So Beautiful, So What, Paul Simon has challenged musical boundaries and lyrics with his own legacy of brilliance.
On June 3, Concord Records will release the next Paul Simon album, Stranger To Stranger. This new album will feature a continuation of his love for rhythmic styles, first enjoyed in Graceland. The new album will feature a strong three-song collaboration with popular Italian electronic dance artist, Clap! Clap! The standard intended release of Strange To Stranger will be a CD with eleven New Paul Simon songs. There will be an expanded Deluxe Edition with five bonus tracks as well as the expected DD of the album. In addition, there will be a 180g-weight vinyl LP version of the eleven track set.
The album is preceded by a song from it called “Wristband” (enjoyed below).
Paul Simon will undertake a supportive tour for the album beginning April 29 in New Orleans, and finishing on July 1 at Forest Hills in New York (two nights).