I was given this album my first Christmas out of undergraduate school in 1969 by a very special friend, and literally wore the album out before replacing it a few years later. Finally I went to the CD format in the 80s and still love listening to this treasure trove of wonderfully written, masterfully arranged, and brilliantly executed songs by two of the best folk singers to come out of the fabled sixties. Everything here is original, and is produced with a simple and straightforward artistic style that belies its genius. This duo has a way of evoking an atmosphere with a timeless quality in their songs, and that is especially true here with "Scarborough Fair/Canticle", "The 59th Street Bridge Song", and "The Dangling Conversation". Paul Simon writes with a singular sensivity and poignancy here about the alienation and futility of much of contemporary urban life, and in such breath-taking efforts as "7 O'clock News/Silent Night", this is evoked with such beauty and artfulness that one is simply moved by the genius involved here. Quite simply put, this is one of the best albums ever produced, and one that is essential for anyone calling himself a folkie. I highly recommend it, and know that for anyone who is experiencing it for the first time, a special pleasure awaits you. Enjoy!

This album is magnificant. Many people may say it's "pretentious" or "outdated", but the fact is, it's damn good tunes. I don't think there will be another band quite like S&G. They mixed harmony, melody, and powerfull lyrics to produce some of the all time greatest albums and songs ever. In particular, on PSRT, "The Dangling Conversation", and "Patterns" began to show Paul Simon's outstanding writing ability. He would go on to write many songs using the same type of atmosphere as "Patterns", such as "Duncan" on Simon's first solo effort.

This is an album you can pop in, sit back, and dream to. Every song paints a remarkable picture that was never duplicated by any other band, not even S&G themselves. For all it's critics, I say, forget about the "Psychoanalytical" aspects of this album, and just listen. Just listen to the music. I know that you will view it in the same manner as I do, perfect.

BUY THIS ALBUM AT ALL COSTS, and then go out and by some Simon albums (I recomend "Hearts and Bones"), and The White album, cause those are the only albums that can stand up to PSRT.

This collection is another gem in the cannon of Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel. The vocal harmonies are at an all time high. Everyone loves the title track and the 59th Street Bridge Song but Flowers Never Bend In The Rainfall and Cloudy are hidden gems. Heck almost every song has a beautiful melody. The Poem On The Underground Wall is a possible exception but the lyrics are somewhat captivating. And the Seven O Clock News/Silent Night rings so true with the violence and controvesy of the sixties. With some of the recent issues in the Middle East, it echoes to our troubles today.

Anyway, this music has heart, soul, and feeling with a gentle acoustic flair. The second one to get after Bridge Over Troubled Waters.

I have all of the records released by Simon and Garfunkel. This particular one has to be my second favorite. The opening piece is truly amazing. The way they mixed two songs together is genious. Every track on this record is awsome, I like all of them. If you're looking to get into Simon and Garfunkel then you should definetly start with this one or Bridge Over Troubled Water. If you're a music lover definetly buy this CD. You'll regret it if you don't.

Lyrical Magnificence

Paul Simon is one of the greatest lyricists of the last fifty years, in any musical genre. His words are sheer poetry and this art is exemplified on this magnificent album. Some people curiously dismiss Simon and Garfunkle as "passe" or "dated," but they obviously haven't listened to this record.

What's interesting is that the hit songs from this disc (Scarborough Fair, Feelin' Groovy and Homeward Bound) are not as good as some of the sleepers. Listen to the simple poetic beauty of "Flowers Never Bend with the Rainfall" and "The Dangling Conversation." Another incredibly catchy tune is "Cloudy," which never got any airplay but which is classy as any song Simon ever wrote.

Paul Simon is unmatched as a lyricist, nothing Dylan or Lennon and McCartney (not even "Eleanor Rigby") can compete with the poetic majesty of this man. Listen to this record and find out for yourself or confirm what you already knew. A magnificent album!