“The 59th Street Bridge Song” — Nana Mouskouri
Certain Simon and Garfunkel songs occasion careful listening and thoughtful reflection. The moving poetry of the lyrics! The sublime beauty of vocal harmony! Others, well, not so much. This author was never fond of “Feelin’ Groovy” (credit traumatic memories of a mandatory second grade singalong), but this 1968 performance by franco-hellénique superstar Nana Mouskouri feels just right, in a “Foux du Fafa” sort of way. Plus, what is a Tumblr blog without at least one pretty girl in glasses?
[Flash 9 is required to listen to audio.]
“American Tune” — Allen Toussaint & Elvis Costello
“American Tune” is itself a cover: Paul Simon borrowed the melody from Bach’s St. Matthew Passion. New Orleans legend Allen Toussaint and counting expert Elvis Costello performed this version at the 2006 Montreal Jazz Festival.
ArtistAllen Toussaint & Elvis Costello
TitleAmerican Tune
AlbumTribute to Paul Simon
