csberry

Ah, a good compilation that isn't just a collection of singles. Released in 1972, Simon & Garfunkel's Greatest Hits has songs such as "Mrs. Robinson," "Scarborough Fair," and "The Boxer." But in addition to those hits, there are live versions of 6 songs on this 14 song collection. The live tracks are interspersed through the song listing and help to give some texture to the album.

I'm more of a fan of Paul's solo work and was a bit surprised with how much I enjoyed this album. Frequently when an album ends when I'm reviewing, I tend to enjoy the silence for a while before restarting the album. This greatest hits collection had me immediately repeating the tracks once I reached the final fading note of "Cecilia." The songwriting, the blending of their voices, the pictures brought to mind from the lyrics, and the excellent instrumentation are a great asset. What wasn't an asset is this album's horrible sound quality. This should be prime pickings for a remastered release. The highs often sound like they were played through a can. You can hear pops of sound during some tracks. But if you want to have an album of S&G's music that you WILL listen to, this should go to the top of the list.

Songs I knew I liked: (not counting the live versions of songs I only knew the studio version) "Mrs. Robinson," "The Boxer," "The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin' Groovy)," "I Am A Rock," "Homeward Bound," "America," and "Cecilia"

Songs I didn't know but now like: "For Emily, Whenever I May Find Her" and "El Condor Pasa (If I Could)"

Songs I can go the rest of my life without hearing again: None