Unfortunately, it's not everyday that I get a CD from an artist that I can just pop in and comfortably listen to from beginning to end. There is usually a song or two that I just can't force myself to get through. Not at all the case with Surprise. Every track is enjoyable and was pretty easy for me to listen to from start to finish.
Paul Simon has been a heavy hitter in the Rock genre for quite a while now and Surprise is an excellent illustration as to why. One of the nicer things about a CD like this is with this level of talent even if Rock isn't your favorite genre you still can't help but appreciate the greatness of the artist.
Rock music fans will recognize some of the well known guests that have been assembled to play along with Simon on several of the tracks. Artists like Bill Frisell and Herbie Hancock just to name a couple.
If you're a Paul Simon fan, or just a fan of Rock music this is a CD your collection simply should not be without as Surprise is a very solid release. Quite possibly Paul Simon's best to date. Really spectacular from beginning to end. If you're even mildly into Rock music you'll enjoy this CD.
While this entire CD is outstanding some of my favorites are track 1 - How Can You Live In The Northeast, track 2 - Everything About It Is A Love Song, and track 9 - Once Upon A Time There Was An Ocean
My SmoothLee Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 4 - Sure Don't Feel Like Love. Wow!
Surprise Release Notes:
Paul Simon originally released Surprise on May 9, 2006 on the Warner Bros. Records label.
CD Track List Follows:
1. How Can You Live In The Northeast 2. Everything About It Is A Love Song 3. Outrageous 4. Sure Don't Feel Like Love 5. Wartime Prayers 6. Beautiful 7. I Don't Believe 8. Another Galaxy 9. Once Upon A Time There Was An Ocean 10. That's Me 11. Father And Daughter
Personnel: Paul Simon (vocals, guitar); Adrian Simon, Jesse Dixon Singers (vocals); Vincent Nguini (acoustic guitar); Bill Frisell (electric guitar); Herbie Hancock (piano); Gil Goldstein (harmonium, keyboards); Alex Al (bass instrument); Abraham Laboriel, Pino Palladino (bass guitar); Leo Abrahams (fretless bass); Robin DiMaggio, Steve Gadd (drums); Jamey Haddad (percussion); Brian Eno (electronics).
