Written By Joa Morelli
I often playback this specific memory I have of buying my first ever record. It was mid-May, I was a rather annoying but curious twelve year old, and I had just discovered a record store opening up right down the street from my house. My best friend and I would get up and run as fast as we possibly could to the quaint joint, spending hours combing through crates and crates of records. It was there I was entranced by Bookends, written by American folk duo Simon & Garfunkel.
Before I get into this review, I must shout out Morgan and Blair from Mojo’s Records in Eureka Springs. I give credit where credit is due; they ignited my affinity for record collecting and always encouraged my curiosity. I am so unbelievably proud of the work they put into this Eurekan institution. If you ever get the chance to venture up to my neck of the woods, I highly suggest you visit. I promise you, it doesn’t disappoint. Tell them Joa sent you.
Bookends is the fourth studio album by Simon and Garfunkel. Released in 1968, after Simon & Garfunkel had encapsulated America with the releases of their albums Sounds of Silence, and Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme. Bookends is a concept album, exploring the cycle of life from the summer of childhood to the winter of dotage. Bookends is a poignant euphony that encapsulates what it means to be human, and what exactly goes on in the minds of Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel. The lyrics are thought provoking, and flow into a narrative that shines incredibly bright. The album is practically a film, excluding the visuals.
During my first year of college, I would lay Bookends down on my portable record player, close my eyes, and cry. Which makes sense, this is a rather emotional album. The themes of uncertainty and pain loom over your head, making it quite easy to bawl your eyes out. Specifically with the song Overs, my favorite song by far. Loss and love echoes through the lyrics, making me ever so sentimental. When I listen to America (arguably Bookends most popular song), vivid pictures dance in the forefront of my mind, and I am able to escape from the world. However, this record is not completely filled with gloom. Punky’s Dilemma, for instance, is upbeat, almost breezy, and will instantly improve your mood. With a lyric like “I wish I was an English muffin, about to make the most out of a toaster” how can you not flash a grin and embrace your childlike wonder?
Then comes Mrs. Robinson, the classic and instantly recognizable ditty that practically defines a generation. The harmonic foundations of the “dee-dees” and “doo-doos” curate a rhythm that is enticing and delectable. Followed by A Hazy Shade Of Winter, which maintains the conventions of a typical rock groove. Seconds after the song begins, you cannot help but rise and dance. If you’re just now getting into Simon & Garfunkel, I would highly suggest you choose Bookends as your inaugural listening album. The moods of love, disillusionment, relationships, ring so true and transcend its original era. I hope you listen, I hope you laugh, I hope you cry, and I hope you become just as obsessed as I have.
Rating: 10/10