antoniodeste

@Stronko: That’s quite a harsh judgment, isn’t it?! And then, please, which "man" are we currently referring to?! I wouldn't want there to be some sort of misunderstanding. Tks.

@Gabbox: I really hope that Simon's, considering the "goodness" of his "surprise," isn't a "Career End" that you unpleasantly predicted. One (of the many possible) "subjective" sides of the review was already evident from the review itself; otherwise, it wouldn't bear my signature, honestly. It should have been enough. I suppose the fact of "dancing at one in the morning, in bed" may well not be shareable by someone who perhaps wouldn’t buy an album for a cover that, frankly, doesn’t really change much, essentially. The fact is that you care little about the current Paul Simon, and everything could support this opinion of yours, masked, I fear, by pretentious demands for completeness or emotionality in the review.

@ Gabbox: I find your way of skirting around things quite curious; I believe I'm familiar with your very diplomatic style... but I would like to know what musical comments have piqued your curiosity in this context, assuming we are indeed talking about music, which is what matters to me. I point out that the album has been listened to 3 ( !!! ) times here (one of which is "double"). Having to deduce that the judgment should depend on listening, I would kindly like to identify which plausible comments you are referring to, for the sake of clarity. Thank you.

@Symbad: First of all: Heartfelt congratulations!! @Punisher@: to answer your question: yes, it could be.

I must say that a "conscientious course correction," and I hope, in good faith, from Punisher was unexpected for me, but as Symbad rightly says, it does him (great) honor, and I acknowledge that. Regarding the apologies, I would like to see them in action in future writings unequivocally, but as unnecessary as they may be, I cannot help but appreciate them, and I extend my apologies as well for the bitterness of some passages. I do note, however, that it is thanks to everyone who participated in this heated exchange that it has been possible (at least until now) to bring the thread back to something still sensible and worthy of discussion, and this is a very positive sign. To get "back" to the topic, Paul Simon is quite old and probably tired. Many will know about his strong uncertainties and depressions about how to continue without proposing something trivial or even pointless, to paraphrase his words. He was on the verge of giving up, from what I understand, and instead, thanks to his meetings with Eno, this work was born. I know Simon too well not to at least respect what Hal has termed, I believe, an attempt at renewal. To dismiss him superficially would be like having martyrized Miles Davis for ultimately playing "Time after Time" by Cyndi Lauper or "Human Nature" by Michael Jackson. Yet live, he made them splendid. But he was already quite old. As old as a musician who, with music, had seen it all in 40 years. Simon, too, and I respect him because his songs have made me dream, has aged quite a bit. "Surprise" was indeed a surprise. The surprise of seeing someone like him trying to renew himself in an exemplary way, and despite the ifs and buts, he succeeds. And he makes me dance while I’m in bed at one in the morning. Perhaps this is what Gabbox wanted to know? Is this the "pepper"? But of course..... everyone can live it, if they want, in their own way. Emotions are strictly personal things with which I do not want, and do not permit myself to, bore anyone. In an album description, I prefer to stick, even if coldly, to the most "objective" elements possible. The "subjective" is up to each of us. After all, as Hal pointed out, the review is just a beginning, a trace that should somehow try to invite or discourage someone from a work. If I succeed, great, otherwise, I’m sorry; I’ll try to do better next time. The rest should come naturally. Often I read reviews written so "strongly" in the emotional wave that a record has generated, that frankly, in the end, I haven’t understood a thing, and I have no slightest idea where to place, even ideally, a work; so unfortunately, this remains an end in itself. Thank you, Symbad, for the things you referred to me. You are beginning to "worryingly" know me well.

Well... it's safe to say that Eno hasn't always gone in a "specific direction"..... and maybe that's been for the best.... :)

@Hal: once again, I appreciate the common sense of what you're writing to try to bring back onto the tracks of a possible dialogue an issue that unfortunately has focused more on the reviewer than on Paul Simon. This bothers me only when it refers to the authentic lack of judgment on this album expressed by "contributors" who, first of all, I believe should know what they are talking about (in fact, I see very few opinions on the record); if the work is merely an instrumental means to reach the reviewer, (despite the fact that this is disgraceful) so be it. But when it is done with rudeness or provocative arrogance, it becomes much harder to accept. Often, the positions taken are fueled by a vengeful spirit for some reason x... and then... hell breaks loose. The artist, the record, the meaning, the topic, the discussion, and the forum are all sent to hell. I have often found myself caught up in such unpleasant situations and unfortunately know that it can happen again, even though it does not leave me indifferent at all. But I feel compelled to reiterate (without discovering anything new) that without education, respect for rules, a minimum of competence (and relevance), and a genuine desire to engage in a specific topic, it will always be impossible to avoid contortions and distortions that often lead to unwanted grievances. I hope that the tone, which may seem moralistic and professor-like, does not lead those who read these lines to believe in my ambitions in this regard, as it seems that misunderstandings are the order of the day here. It is (or seems) clear that it would be my intent to first adhere to the "principles" mentioned earlier, as long as there is a reasonable possibility. A rather childish invitation, if you like, but please: Let’s talk about Music. I hope once in a while not to be misunderstood.

@Gabbox: if you want a less "academic" take on this album, I refer you to the other one on this forum. You’ll see, according to your standards of judgment, it should be spicy enough... I reiterate, I merely pointed out my simple personal enjoyment of the work of a great (and no longer young) musician. I do believe, however, that despite this, unfortunately the "horrible cover" will still prevent you from making the purchase... (oh my!).

I would like to clarify to those reading that what I personally consider a repeated (and unfortunately not isolated) "provocation," and, in my way of conceiving a critical relationship, even rude, is the entire other "review" of this album that appeared on De.baser.

Album that I consider historically significant, while also understanding the reasons of the reviewer, which I largely share. I too would have some doubts about the final "closure" (as Enea called it), but it seems to me that as the comments progressed, the matter has been explained better.