Simon and Garfunkel Bridge Over Troubled Water: 40th Anniversary Edition CD/DVD Set, March 8, 2011
March 2011 is the month of the singer/songwriter, and Simon and Garfunkel fans will rejoice. A new release of their iconic album Bridge Over Troubled Water brings back memories of the awesome harmonies that emerged from such an inharmonious era.
One of the most startling things about Bridge Over Troubled Water is its sophistication, evidenced in songs like “So Long, Frank Lloyd Wright” and the title song. Contrasts include the poignancy of “The Boxer” contrasting with the bubbly “Cecilia” and jubilant live recording of “Bye Bye Love.” This collection of songs showcases the versatility and talent of the iconic duo and illustrates why they were so popular.
A DVD accompanies the CD, featuring Songs of America, a controversial documentary that includes footage of Simon and Garfunkel’s 1969 tour and historic news footage (a montage of John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Robert Kennedy scored with Bridge Over Troubled Water is particularly affective; clips that catch the essence of being at Woodstock alternate with footage of Viet Nam and are shown as we hear “Scarborough Fair”).
Songs of America features songs from Parsley, Sage, Rosemary, and Thyme and Sounds of Silence, complementing brief glimpses of the 1969 political and social scene (inseparable as they seemed), and emphasizing Simon and Garfunkel’s socio-political views.
Also included with the 40th anniversary release is a documentary, The Harmony Game, comprised of new interviews with Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel, as well as others involved in the making of Bridge Over Troubled Water. The two videos capture the magic that was Simon and Garfunkel, and remind us why their music is timeless.
Bottom Line: Would I buy Bridge Over Troubled Water: 40th Anniversary Edition? Are you kidding—any collection that can revive that feeling of walking through the Village with a best friend, singing “At the Zoo” as if no one was listening, must have a place in my library. The fact that the music and videos are breathtaking only adds to its value.
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