This rendition of the Surfer Girl song is epic. Paul understood that he couldn't possibly improve upon perfection by trying to compose something similar to the original Surfer Girl song, so he added his own special tweak to it. Absolutely genius.
The pure clarity of his voice, its intonation, embellishment of original line and harmony, and his clean guitar accompaniment elevates lyric, melody, and song. Grateful. So beautiful.
I watched this amazing performance when it first aired on July 4th, 2001 and was stunned by Paul Simon's awesome re-imagining of this Brian Wilson classic love song. This show was recorded in New York City's Radio City Music Hall on March 29th, 2001. I have watched Paul's brilliant work on this song maybe 30 times... and it still knocks me out - every time. He comes out by himself... and plays every note perfectly - and sings this new updated creation perfectly as well. He hits every note and takes this song to an entirely new vocal wonderland. Everyone always heaps praise on Art Garfunkel's wonderful vocal work on Simon & Garfunkel's songs (and rightfully so)... but Paul gives us a glimpse of just what an outstanding vocalist he is - with this breathtaking performance. The guy is a master musician/performer.
Brian "reimagined" Gershwin and Disney - genius. Another musical genius honors Brian by reimagining one of his iconic songs. genius. and to further honor Brian, Paul wears a ball hat and sweatshirt from Brian's high school. Hawthorne High.
Weird, but Simon actually tops the original! His rendering is so gentle and sweet (which was I'm sure BW's intent when writing) and his interpretation really shows off his mastery of the guitar, voice and his ability to translate a song in a way that everyone (folk) can appreciate. A stellar performance!
This is the ideal of what a cover can be. Take the original as if it was just an idea, and compose it your way, show us what direction you’d have taken it.
Whew! That made every hair on my arms stand up. I saw the show when it aired, but had forgotten this gem. Absolutely mesmerizing. If you get a chance to see Paul Simon in concert, go! He makes his old songs sound new and fresh with new arrangements. For my money, one of the best singer-songwriters EVER.
I cant get enough of this. His tenderness and gentleness make it seem almost like a lullaby. If he hasn't put out a record of lullabies, maybe he should!
This rendition of the Surfer Girl song is epic. Paul understood that he couldn't possibly improve upon perfection by trying to compose something similar to the original Surfer Girl song, so he added his own special tweak to it. Absolutely genius.
This was not for Willie Nelson, but for Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys.
It´s a wonderful performance.
The pure clarity of his voice, its intonation, embellishment of original line and harmony, and his clean guitar accompaniment elevates lyric, melody, and song. Grateful. So beautiful.
I watched this amazing performance when it first aired on July 4th, 2001 and was stunned by Paul Simon's awesome re-imagining of this Brian Wilson classic love song. This show was recorded in New York City's Radio City Music Hall on March 29th, 2001. I have watched Paul's brilliant work on this song maybe 30 times... and it still knocks me out - every time. He comes out by himself... and plays every note perfectly - and sings this new updated creation perfectly as well. He hits every note and takes this song to an entirely new vocal wonderland. Everyone always heaps praise on Art Garfunkel's wonderful vocal work on Simon & Garfunkel's songs (and rightfully so)... but Paul gives us a glimpse of just what an outstanding vocalist he is - with this breathtaking performance. The guy is a master musician/performer.
Brian "reimagined" Gershwin and Disney - genius. Another musical genius honors Brian by reimagining one of his iconic songs. genius. and to further honor Brian, Paul wears a ball hat and sweatshirt from Brian's high school. Hawthorne High.
Obviously when you mix Paul Simon with Brian Wilson you're gonna perfection.
Greatest cover of all time.
Who's here because Kevin Nealon accidentally added this to an unrelated playlist on his CZcams channel? Unite!
That was absolutely brilliant. Paul made that song his own.
Weird, but Simon actually tops the original! His rendering is so gentle and sweet (which was I'm sure BW's intent when writing) and his interpretation really shows off his mastery of the guitar, voice and his ability to translate a song in a way that everyone (folk) can appreciate. A stellar performance!
Paul Simon proves again what a master guitar he is.
I say this is the greatest cover of all time, astonishing.
The simplicity of the song leaves room for the magic to happen. Brilliant tribute from Paul Simon.
This is the ideal of what a cover can be. Take the original as if it was just an idea, and compose it your way, show us what direction you’d have taken it.
Astonishing. Transcending. Almost impossible to believe if I wasn't hearing it.
The Grand Master , it doesn't get better than this, very advanced musicianship. loved it
Whew! That made every hair on my arms stand up. I saw the show when it aired, but had forgotten this gem. Absolutely mesmerizing. If you get a chance to see Paul Simon in concert, go! He makes his old songs sound new and fresh with new arrangements. For my money, one of the best singer-songwriters EVER.
I cant get enough of this. His tenderness and gentleness make it seem almost like a lullaby. If he hasn't put out a record of lullabies, maybe he should!
So beautiful!
This is so beautiful, heard it for the first time, today. Paul is such an exrtraordinary artist, I can only marvel at.