Written by a radio presenter with Radio Merseyside who has interviewed Paul Simon in depth on several occasions, this biography covers in some detail his career with Art Garfunkel as well as the early stages of his solo career. Informative and demonstrating considerable knowledge of Simon's work, it has a details analasis of the solo album There Goes Rhymin' Simon and a detailed discography of his records up to 1972 which includes the rare, earlier efforts as Tom and Jerry. This is a sensitive little study by an author who understands not only the songs but also to some extent the complexities of the artist himself.

From "Popular Music since 1955 - A critical guide to the literature ( Paul Taylor 1985 )

Why did Simon and garfunkel split up at the height of their fame? Who is the mysterious silver girl who sails on the Bridge Over Troubled Water? What connection has Widnes with Homeward Bound? What did Frank Sinatra do to Mrs Robinson?

These questions and many more are answered in "Paul Simon - Now and Then", the first biography to be published about singer-songwriter Paul Simon. It starts by tracing his formative years as rock´n´roller in New York City and as a folk-singer in England, and goes on to discuss his memorable partnership with Art Garfunkel. The Book ends with a look at Paul Simon today including an in-depth review of There Goes Rhymin' Simon.

The author has thoroughly researched his subject and has produced a pungent mixture of fact and comment, peppering his text with quotations from Simon himself. In addition, the book is lavishly illustrated and contains a comprehensive appendix listing all Simon's records.

In every sense "Paul Simon - Now and Then" is a superstudy of a superstar. It also gives a fascinating glimpse behind the scenes and will be enjoyed by everyone, even those only remotely interested in today's music.

Spencer Leigh

Spencer Leigh was born in Liverpool in 1945. He has just completed a sucessful series of peotry broadcasts on radio Merseyside and a selection of his poems has been published by Raven Books.

Copyright © June 1973 Spencer Leigh

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