Cecilia/ The Only Living Boy In New York

This was the duo's second big hit from their best and, sadly, final album, Bridge Over Troubled Water. It comes in the release's rarely seen picture sleeve. What the heck is that rhythm section doing, by the way? Anybody ever figure it out (without looking at the session notes)? By the way, it's not your imagination — the 45 rpm version of "Cecilia" is speeded up from the LP version, which probably explains why the track is only 2:40 on the 45 but 2:55 on the LP. (!) I actually measured it by recording a snippet of the 45 (have a listen!). That segment is 2 seconds shorter from the 45 (1:43:66) than from the LP (1:45:713). Another reason why collecting 45s is so rewarding. Maybe you wondered if the LP version of "Cecilia" sounded slow all these years, but couldn't figure out why. Now you know... and you weren't imagining it!

It's also worth noting that "Cecilia" was really the first recording that showed how much in love with complex rhythms Paul Simon had become. (And what a master producer as well!) Many of his solo releases demonstrate that passion, starting with his first single, "Mother And Child Reunion," which was one of the first hits with a reggae/ska rhythm by someone not from Jamaica. But in particular I think of his great single Late In The Evening (from the failed album/movie, One Trick Pony), and his entire Graceland and Rhythm of the Saints albums.

Note: This beautiful copy grades very close to Mint across the board (Labels, Vinyl, Audio). The picture sleeve has a touch of ringwear (see scan), grading a strong EX.