There Goes Rhymin’ Simon

By Paul Simon

If an album is a patchwork of songs, There Goes Rhymin’ Simon is the perfect family quilt. I want to wrap myself in it and have someone read bedtime stories to me. Each perfect and unique song is immaculately sewn to one another, providing personality to each patch and yet this album-blanket is seamless in its execution. Forced Metaphors aside, Paul Simon draws from rock, pop, gospel and dixieland to sew this genre-defying masterpiece. 

Off the bat, Kodachrome is a certified banger by Paul Simon standards and will continue to get the people going for decades to come (much unlike its namesake!) Take Me To The Mardi Gras manages to take a chill Jimmy Buffett beat, Billie Holiday style vocals, and turn it into a French Quarter parade by the end. Magnificent. American Tune’s lyrics could give Bruce a run for his money for commentary on Americana in decline. St. Judy’s Comet will be sung (poorly) as my childrens’ lullaby. Loves Me Like a Rock polishes off the set with a fun call and response that can turn any down day into a dance party by yourself.

As Simon’s third solo album and second since Bridge Over Troubled Water (break up with Art Garfunkel, 1970), Rhymin’ Simon cements Paul Simon’s position on the song writers’ Mount Rushmore. If only Stevie Wonder didn’t act as the Michael Jordan to Simon’s Ewing and he’d have two Grammys for best album and pop vocals to match. Regardless, this album is some of Simon’s best vocals and lyrics, and set the stage for his leaning *all the way* into world sounds (see Graceland).

You can hear Paul Simon isn’t in New York like he was for Me and Julio. That’s because most of these tracks were recorded in Muscle Schoals  in Alabama, and we are all better for it.

Ultimately, Rhymin’ Simon can be heard in any context and please the ears. Curl up in a blanket, get cozy, and listen.

Best Song: Kodachrome

Tom’s Favorite: Mardi Gras and St. Judy’s Comet