Paul Simon – Still Crazy After All These Years

Review

Get ready to dive into "Still Crazy After All These Years," a 1975 marvel by Paul Simon that’s as delightfully dappled as a midtown mural. In this tuneful jaunt, Simon weaves his poised, painterly approach to melodies with harmonies that twirl around like a waltz on moonlit Saturdays. The title track is an enigmatic gem, transporting the listener from wistful musings to introspective ruminations with the ease of a dream suddenly interrupted. Simon doesn't just pen songs; he builds lyrical bridges that caress your senses, constantly shifting and reimagining their landscapes through strategic key changes and cunning chord progressions.

But hold onto your beaded cloche hats, because that’s not all! This album dishes out one sizzling collaboration after another, like "My Little Town" which rekindles the magic shared with Art Garfunkel. The charming "Gone at Last" enlists Phoebe Snow, adding another layer to Simon's dazzling sound quilt. And of course, the mischievous "50 Ways to Leave Your Lover" will have you tapping time with a cheeky grin. All these merry numbers are peppered with a jazz-pop finesse courtesy of co-producer Phil Ramone and the always-smooth Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section. It's a shimmering showcase of Simon’s flair for weaving irony with optimism in a way that tickles just the right spots. - Clementine