The sound quality for live albums is either great or awful - seldom is there middle ground. These 2 guys are such absolute perfectionists, you would guess that the sound would be excellent - and it is. But the choice of songs, the world-class back up band and the tight Simon and Garfunkel vocals are the real draw for me. I really like the fact that they don't do note-for-note copies of their album takes on these well-known songs. There are enough twists here and there to keep the songs fresh and interesting. Also, the fact that this disk perfectly captures an event that could have only happened in NYC doesn't hurt. I find it hard to believe that this all happened over 20 years ago. If you like these guys even a little bit, have a listen, you might just like what you hear.

Simon and Garfunkel were one of popular music's finest acts; their sixties canon is as impressive as any, thanks to Paul Simon's incredible songwriting talent and Art Garfunkel's evocative tenor harmonies. In the seventies, Simon showed himself to be a solo artist of great distinction. Then in 1981, Simon had plans to do a solo concert in Central Park and somehow it turned into a S&G reunion: one which never went any further than this concert, as no new duo projects were forthcoming. Thus, what we get is a curious mix of a Simon solo concert with Garfunkel contributing, and a S&G nostalgia walk down memory lane. The large band that plays behind them in this extravaganza is top notch, but it is evident from the filmed footage of the concert (with terrible makeup jobs on the stars) that Paul and Art aren't really relating to each other; they chat with the band or the audience but barely look at each other in between the numbers, and seem ill at ease sharing the stage. Still, they turn in professional performances of most of their big hits, along with many of Simon's seventies tunes. I guess the overall feeling I get from this album is that it might have been fun to be in the audience at this show, but if I want to hear Simon and Garfunkel I would much rather listen to their original recordings. The live versions contribute nothing to the songs that isn't on their original records (except maybe the live energy of Simon's 70s rocker "Late in the Evening" and the extra harmony Garfunkel adds to "Slip Sliding Away"; this is also a good place to hear Art's beautiful solo song "A Heart in New York.") Instead of this ephemeral product, I suggest you get a copy of their box set "Old Friends" which showcases their growth, both live and in the studio, through the period of their true collaboration. (The box set also has superb sound quality.)

This whole CD is breathtaking. I have never heard such a powerful collection of words and chords before and i dont believe i ever will. Paul Simon has a voice that was meant to sooth and empathize. Art Garfunkel almost seems like he isnt there. Thats how good he is. The harmony is brilliant. I still listen to this album every day and wish I could find America...This is an album to own. This is something you will cherish and keep.

Simon and Garfunkel's `An American Tune' is, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful songs they ever made together. Though it is not their most famous song, its meaning is timeless, and it is softly and consistently revealed as the song rolls on. The comforting sound of the guitar and their two harmonizing voices is so classic, so peaceful.

I came across their music through my parents, who were both at the Simon and Garfunkel concert in 1981 at Central Park. They introduced me to Simon and Garfunkel's music in about my tenth grade year of high school and I have been a devout fan ever since. The sound of their music, especially their live album, has always been able to transport me to another place, almost make me feel like I was there in 1963 with my parents cheering and applauding with them.

Regardless of the time it was created, anyone who has ever felt confused, made mistakes, and can accept life as it is and as it will come can relate to the song. It is a song Paul Simon wrote about the two men's journey and their career in music, but also about life in general - an understanding that everyone suffers and learns and grows at different points in time, and that in the big scheme of life, we've "lived so well for so long." It was also written in the midst of America's most historically split time period; many in the country were for Vietnam, and many, including Simon and Garfunkel, were against it. The meaning of the song also reaches a bigger picture that the twosome believes: things will get better, and this is still America, their country, regardless of the current stress of the war. Even though many of Simon and Garfunkel's original listeners were predominantly doves, the song was meant to bring peace to those so angry and to take an introspective look on what was happening in the country.

In essence, it is almost inevitable to be taken in by the song. It begins with Garfunkel's soft voice and then he is joined in the second verse by a harmonizing Paul Simon, the acoustic guitar and very few instruments in the background playing ever so lightly. It is a simple song, but its meaning is profound, and almost everyone will find some meaning in it.

I have mixed feelings about this recording. Certainly, the prospect of a S&G reunion in their native New York in Central Park was an exciting proposition, and they are supported by crack New York session musicians. The performances are fine, but.....something's just not right. The psuedo-jazz late seventies arrangements seem out of place in some of the S&G 60s classics, particularly the watery electric piano. Makes the performances sound dated...in the wrong era. The most enjoyable songs are the ones where the arrangements are sparsest - Scarborough Fair segues nicely into April Come She Will.

Furthermore, in ways, this is a Paul Simon concert with special guest Art Gunfunkel. There are many Paul Simon songs from his solo years up until that time. Some of the Simon's solo songs don't adopt well to suddenly becoming S&G vehicles, though Garfunkel's reading of American Tune is beautiful. Anyway, this reunion smacks a bit of opportunism on the part of Simon, but I guess he's entitled.

S&G's saga parallels that of the Beatles - they took that particular sound as far as they could, and then it was time to move on. At the time of breakup, I lamented it (I had to deal with the breakup of my two favorite groups within six months of each other). But, like the Beatles, it was the right thing to happen.

That doesn't mean there can't be "reunion" concerts or projects like this one, but it is true that you can never really "go back." I am happy that S&G reconciled sufficiently to make an event like this possible - the Beatles never did - and I am happy that it has been preserved for posterity. But, if you really want to hear what S&G were all about, you really need to hear the original recordings. This is merely a very nice gift to all their fans, and for that we should be grateful.