The pure clarity of his voice, its intonation, embellishment of original line and harmony, and his clean guitar accompaniment elevates lyric, melody, and song. Grateful. So beautiful.
This is the ideal of what a cover can be. Take the original as if it was just an idea, and compose it your way, show us what direction you’d have taken it.
I watched this amazing performance when it first aired on July 4th, 2001 and was stunned by Paul Simon's awesome re-imagining of this Brian Wilson classic love song. This show was recorded in New York City's Radio City Music Hall on March 29th, 2001. I have watched Paul's brilliant work on this song maybe 30 times... and it still knocks me out - every time. He comes out by himself... and plays every note perfectly - and sings this new updated creation perfectly as well. He hits every note and takes this song to an entirely new vocal wonderland. Everyone always heaps praise on Art Garfunkel's wonderful vocal work on Simon & Garfunkel's songs (and rightfully so)... but Paul gives us a glimpse of just what an outstanding vocalist he is - with this breathtaking performance. The guy is a master musician/performer.
I'm somehow just hearing this for the first time in my life, despite being a Paul Simon fanatic and great lover of many Brian Wilson masterpieces, and I have to say you're absolutely spot-on. This is such an amazingly creative approach to this song.
This rendition of the Surfer Girl song is epic. Paul understood that he couldn't possibly improve upon perfection by trying to compose something similar to the original Surfer Girl song, so he added his own special tweak to it. Absolutely genius.
Whew! That made every hair on my arms stand up. I saw the show when it aired, but had forgotten this gem. Absolutely mesmerizing. If you get a chance to see Paul Simon in concert, go! He makes his old songs sound new and fresh with new arrangements. For my money, one of the best singer-songwriters EVER.
Brian "reimagined" Gershwin and Disney - genius. Another musical genius honors Brian by reimagining one of his iconic songs. genius. and to further honor Brian, Paul wears a ball hat and sweatshirt from Brian's high school. Hawthorne High.
I cant get enough of this. His tenderness and gentleness make it seem almost like a lullaby. If he hasn't put out a record of lullabies, maybe he should!
Long live the legacy of Brian Wilson and The Beach Boys, so glad I got to see them in the 90s and Brian Wilson doing all of Pet Sounds live once many years later for its 50th anniversary.
This was so cool and creative. Paul was one of the best to ever do it, and probably THE best when it came to lyrics. This made me tear up. He was such of my part of my memories growing up.
A pre-eminnent poet/philosopher/composer singing a favorite song and playing his very favorite guitar. Exquisite! I don't know how turnnig art into a competitive sport by ranking or assigning scores to it helps anyone experience the pure pelasure of something this good. Fine arrangement well payed on a first-quality vintage instuemt, sung expressively with great love by a superb and highly experienced performer. What's not to like?
This was the third best performance of the Brian Wilson tribute, behind Vince Gill's stunning "The Warmth of the Sun" and Vince Gill, Jimmy Webb, and Gary Crosby's magnificent rendition of "Surf's Up." Paul Simon gave a beautifully subtle, gentle improvisation on this tune and really made it his own. Quite a gem of a performance.
Lol you’re saying the three greatest performances in music history are three covers at a Brian Wilson tribute? Also this one smokes both of those other tunes that night, just listened and it’s honestly not even close.
I wish one day Paul Simon would put together a double album with songs of the 50's and 60's. He would be terrific hand picking around 30 suited for his style. If you want to get rich, just find out what I want and bet against it ever happening.
A true master of music and lyrics...covering the ultimate master of the same! This is done with Paul's own flair....very touching. Would like to hear Paul's views on Brian...would be very interesting.
Weird, but Simon actually tops the original! His rendering is so gentle and sweet (which was I'm sure BW's intent when writing) and his interpretation really shows off his mastery of the guitar, voice and his ability to translate a song in a way that everyone (folk) can appreciate. A stellar performance!
I truly loved the original all these decades .. but now Paul’s version harkens the sadness of my youth now long lost .. in my advancing age this rendition fits my nostalgia so well .. Paul’s rendition is humble and totally amazing. I’ve heard nothing like it before, except in Paul’s own arrangements. He is an amazingly gifted artist and has filled my life for the past 70 years .. ✨thanks for sharing his genius
Minha conexão com este Divino cantor é de 360º. É mais além do que às palavras possam decifrar. E tudo se resume em “amor.” É o que desejo para ele e por ele.❤️❤️
Beautiful, but very strange that after all these years they haven't changed 'Willie Nelson' for 'Brian Wilson' in the opening title credit - very strange indeed?!
Wotta Force the two "Paul's" have been, i.e. Paul Simon and Paul M'Cartney. Just spelled M'Cartney wrong again (you know you're well known when you're corrected on a celeb and by SPELL check). Have looked for the correct spelling of Paul Mac's name a million times - why can't it just be easy like SIMON. M'Cartney needs to look into this! (example, change spelling of last name to much-easier "Paul Cart.") -is this a lot to ask?
