Paul Simon / Four classic albums reissued / June 13th

Sony are set to reissue four classic Paul Simon albums on June 13th. Paul Simon, There Goes Rhymin’ Simon, Paul Simon In Concert: Live Rhymin’ and Still Crazy After All These Years mark the start of a major reissue campaign and these editions will see the bonus tracks that were available on previous CD issues of the albums reinstated. The albums will also be remastered, although it is not clear at this stage which mastering will be used.

Originally released in 1972, Paul Simon, the artist’s first solo studio album without Art Garfunkel, peaked at no.1 in the UK while generating the signature hits “Mother and Child Reunion” (no.5 UK Singles Chart) and “Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard” (no.15) and other classic tracks.  CD bonus cuts include demos of “Duncan” and “Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard” and an unreleased “Paranoia Blues.”

There Goes Rhymin’ Simon, released in 1973, showcased a pair of timeless summer car radio anthems – “Kodachrome” and “Loves Me Like a Rock” – and peaked at no.2 on the Billboard 200 and no.4 in the UK. The CD features non-album bonus tracks including work-in-progress “Let Me Live in Your City,” acoustic demos of “Take Me to the Mardi Gras” and “Loves Me Like a Rock,” topped off by an unfinished demo of “American Tune.”

Live Rhymin’ includes two previously unavailable live tracks – “Kodachrome” and “Something So Right” – which have never appeared on the vinyl or CD editions of the album.

1975’s Grammy-winning Album of the Year, Still Crazy After All These Years rocketed to no.1 in the US and no.6 in the UK with a hit-packed tracklist that included “My Little Town” (a one-track “reunion” with Art Garfunkel) and the no.1 US smash “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover.”  Bonus cuts on the CD include demos of “Slip Slidin’ Away” and “Gone At Last” (with The Jessy Dixon Singers).

Full review of these releases coming soon.

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