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Simon & Garfunkel - The Concert In The Central Park 1981 (2004)

Posted By: robi62

Date: 16 Oct 2014 11:21:02

When Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel first teamed up in the ‘50s under the somewhat nondescript name of Tom and Jerry, few could have predicted what was to come. When the pair finally split in 1970 after a much publicised falling out, most fans would have given up on any notion of a reunion. Apart from one track in the ‘70s, My Little Town, that appeared on one of each of the pair’s solo albums of the time, there was no combined musical output. So when it was announced in 1981 that the pair had buried the hatchet (and not in each other for a change), it took most fans by surprise.
The last few years have proved to be the time for reunions and just about everyone is doing it, even Simon and Garfunkel have announced a 2004 tour for heaven’s sake. It will be their first after almost 20 years, since the small tour that followed the Central Park concert where they played, free, to an estimated 500 000 people on a balmy September evening. The show was broadcast on television, and I can still recall sitting in my parents’ lounge room, at the age of, cough-cough mumble – something or other, mumble, little aware of what a great act they were. As soon as it was released on record (a real record made of vinyl – ask your parents, kids) I handed over the dollars, and almost wore the thing out. I then managed to snaffle a bootleg VHS tape of the show when in Hong Kong a few years later, and I have watched the thing so many times that there is almost no tape left for the video head to read.
Now, in 2003, comes the full show in our beloved DVD format, and while it is not the best thing I have ever seen, it shites all over my worn, stretched and faded VHS tape. They really can sing up a storm, be it their own hits, solo hits or the few cover versions thrown in for good measure. Everything sounds sweet, the musicians were some of the best session musos that money could buy, and the songs were carefully chosen. All were either massive hits or very well known Simon and Garfunkel tracks. Considering they only made a handful of studio albums together, there are still some hot numbers left out.
Simon and Garfunkel were pushing 40 at the time of the show, and while both occasionally look a little bored, don’t be fooled. When Paul Simon smiles on stage, and cracks the odd joke here and there, you know he’s having a good time. Art Garfunkel's "hands in the pockets" look is just the way he stands and his few comments to the large hometown crowd give away the fact that was vibed that night and loving every minute of it.
Anyone who remembers the show will know that musically, the band was mostly spot on save for a few slightly miscued lyrics - a bit rusty perhaps? This just emphasises the human element and that these guys are the real deal. This is not just a DVD for ex-hippies and flower children. Anyone who loves a great tune sung with beautifully crafted melodies and harmonies is going to love it.

Tracklist:
01. Mrs Robinson
02. Homeward Bound
03. America
04. Me And Julio Down By The Schoolyard
05. Scarborough Fair
06. April Come She Will
07. Wake Up Little Susie
08. Still Crazy After All These Years
09. American Tune
10. Late In The Evening
11. Slip Slidin' Away
12. A Heart In New York
13. The Late Great Johnny Ace
14. Kodachrome / Maybellene
15. Bridge Over Troubled Water
16. 50 Ways To Leave Your Lover
17. The Boxer
18. Old Friends
19. Bookends
20. The 59th Street Bridge (Feelin Groovy)
21. The Sound Of Silence
22. Late In The Evening

Features:
- Direct Scene Access
- Interactive Menu