Idealogian

Old Friends

Let me start by saying: Wow! Simon and Garfunkel last night were absolutely incredible! The slow songs were filled with emotion, and the fast ones were packed with energy. Much of the time the audience (typically about twice my age) was on its feet, dancing in the seats or the aisles. (Nothing quite like seeing a 50-year-old man get down to "Mrs. Robinson.")

The set was well selected - all the well known favorites, plus some more. Fortunately, I'd started training a month beforehand with my purchase of "The Essential Simon & Garfunkel." They performed 21 songs from that album, as well as "Slip Slidin' Away," American Tune," and "Hey Schoolgirl." The Everly Brothers came on stage to play their hits "Wake Up Little Susie," "Dream," "Let It Be Me" and, together with Simon and Garfunkel, "Bye Bye Love."

The instrumentation was incredible, especially an improvisational interlude towards the end of "Homeward Bound," and the harmonies were heavenly (though there were times they didn't quite hit the high notes they used to be able to hit - particularly Garfunkel, whose notes have always been higher than Simon's). They made some changes to some songs - I liked the new beat and harmony for "I Am A Rock," the train-like rhythm of "Homeward Bound" and the jazzed-up "Mrs. Robinson," but I didn't like the way they short-changed "At The Zoo," cutting it in half and joining it with "Baby Driver." Some other songs were changed as well, for better or worse, but mostly for better. Overall, the songs were as great as they've ever been.

As for reports that the duo don't hit it off as well as they used to, well, they weren't staring longingly into each other's eyes, but they seemed to be getting along just fine, even joking a few times about their famed arguments. At one point Garfunkel joked, "In truth we only had one real argument that caused all the other troubles and it goes way back to the very beginning of this group. When we first formed, I wanted to call us, 'Garfunkel and Simon.'" Later, after a cute comeback by Garfunkel, Simon noted, "Now we're in full Smothers Brothers mode." (Of course he said it without the link.) And that was the mood that pervaded their banter - trading some little insults here and there, but all of it in good fun. And all of that was overshadowed by their sincere compliments of each other's talents, and certainly by the display of those tremendous talents.

Overall, it was truly an amazing night. Simon and Garfunkel were really giving it their all, and they had the audience clapping, singing, dancing, and at times crying, along. Two thumbs way up. And if I had more thumbs, they'd be up too.

If I could offer one suggestion, though, it would be this: Garfunkel has too much hair and Simon doesn't seem to have quite enough. Maybe they could work out some kind of a deal.

And finally, I'd be remiss if I didn't thank my parents, who bought me the tickets for my impending birthday (only 14 shopping days left, for those of you who are counting, or should be). Thanks, Mom and Dad! It was really one of the best presents I've ever gotten.